The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Monday November 21, 2020

Olivia Butts
 
Patrons enjoying outdoor seating earlier this year at The Esquire in downtown Champaign.

Patrons enjoying outdoor seating earlier this year at The Esquire in downtown Champaign. Courtesy of The Esquire

Listen (Duration: 10:15)
Download

Monday December 21, 2020

Today's headlines:

  • Illinois public health officials reported more than 13,500 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend. An additional 187 deaths were also reported since Friday.

  • A 34th resident has died at the state-run LaSalle Veterans’ home after a coronavirus outbreak last month. The latest death comes as four families of the dead veterans have announced their intent to sue the state.

  • Despite lingering tariffs, a drought, a derecho and 9 months of pandemic, farm income is the highest it’s been since 2013.

  • The annual Community Christmas Dinner in Champaign will NOT be held this year, but it wasn’t the coronavirus that canceled it.

In today's deep dive, as a few area restaurants are fighting against COVID-19 restrictions against indoor dining despite the health risks, we’ll hear from one restaurant owner who’s doing his best to survive while following all the guidelines.

217 Today is produced by Olivia Butts and hosted by Brian Moline. Reporting today contributed by Hannah Meisel, Amy Mayer, and Jim Meadows.