The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Thursday December 10, 2020

Olivia Butts
 
Kirby Medical Center in Monticello

Kirby Medical Center in Monticello Courtesy of Kirby Medical Center

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Thursday December 10, 2020

Today’s headlines:

  • The state’s Department of Public Health reported more than 8,200 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday – and 179 additional deaths from the virus.

  • A huge increase in firearm purchases nationwide this year has exacerbated an already backlogged system for gun owners to register with the State of Illinois. 

  • Illinois health officials want people to be prepared for the possibility of mild and temporary side effects from the coronavirus vaccine.  

  • Just three Democrats will run for mayor of Urbana in the upcoming primary election. The city’s Electoral Board voted yesterday to remove former basketball player, Verdell Jones III, from the ballot. 

  • Two more people have died from COVID-19 in Champaign County, according to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. Since the pandemic began, 72 people have died from COVID-19 county-wide. 

In today’s deep dive, Kirby Medical Center in Piatt County is one of 53 "critical access hospitals" in Illinois. That's a federal designation for hospitals providing essential health services in rural areas. Christine Herman talks with their CEO.

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