The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Friday December 18, 2020

Olivia Butts
 
Trauma surgeon Uretz Oliphant was the first to receive the coronavirus vaccine at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana on Thursday, Dec. 17.

Trauma surgeon Uretz Oliphant was the first to receive the coronavirus vaccine at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana on Thursday, Dec. 17. Christine Herman/Illinois Newsroom

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Friday December 18, 2020

Today's headlines:

  • Illinois’ initial shipment of 43,000 Coronavirus vaccine doses have now all been distributed to hospitals throughout the state, with another 43,000 doses delivered to the state yesterday. 

  • Champaign County reported 108 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, as well as one additional death for a total of 78. There are currently 806 active cases in the county-- the lowest number since November.

  • Restoring wetlands near agricultural areas can help prevent pollutants from leaking into streams and rivers, according to a new report from the Illinois Nature Conservancy.

  • Democrat Cameron Raab was sworn in as a new Champaign County Board members last night. The county board voted unanimously to approve Rabb’s nomination by Chair Kyle Patterson to fill a vacant seat, but not without controversy.

  • A Champaign County judge has ordered an Urbana restaurant to close for operating without a valid health permit.

In today's deep dive, we’ll hear from the first frontline health worker at Carle Foundation Hospital to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Hear his conversation with Illinois Newsroom's health reporter, Christine Herman.

217 Today is produced by Olivia Butts and hosted by Brian Moline. Reporting today contributed by Hannah Meisel, Lecia Bushak, Jim Meadows, and Christine Herman.