217 Today: Monday, August 16, 2021
In this June 11, 2021, file photo, healthcare workers administrate a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to students during a vaccination clinic hosted by Jewel Osco in Wheeling, Ill. The latest alarming coronavirus variant, the delta variant, is exploiting low global vaccination rates and a rush to ease pandemic restrictions, adding new urgency to the drive to get more shots in arms and slow its supercharged spread. Nam Y. Huh/AP (file)
Monday, August 16, 2021
Today's headlines:
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Governor JB Pritzker recently signed a series of measures that advocates say could take a sizable share of Illinoisans off the streets and into their own homes.
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Leaders in Illinois’ tourism and hospitality sector are asking state lawmakers to allocate more money from the most recent federal stimulus package to help their industries recover.
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Illinois schools have struggled with a teacher shortage for several years. The pandemic has only intensified it.
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Champaign County public health officials reported 140 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend. The number of active cases now sits at 801.
In today's deep dive, a conversation with Illinois' acting state epidemiologist about how COVID-19 variants have changed over time.
Reporting today contributed by Maureen McKinney, Hannah Meisel, Peter Medlin and Christine Herman.