The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Tuesday March 9, 2021

Brian Moline and Olivia Butts
 
After contracting COVID-19 and ending up on life support, Mayra Ramirez received a double-lung transplant on June 5, 2020, at the age of 28. She poses with her dog in this photo taken in January 2021.

After contracting COVID-19 and ending up on life support, Mayra Ramirez received a double-lung transplant on June 5, 2020, at the age of 28. She poses with her dog in this photo taken in January 2021. Provided by Mayra Ramirez

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Tuesday March 9, 2021

Today’s headlines:

  • A suburban congressman is pushing for a government crackdown on toxic heavy metals in baby food.

  • Governor JB Pritzker has signed a sweeping bill aimed at expanding access to education for low-income and minority Illinoisans.

  • The National Weather Service says efforts continue to get their weather radio station for Champaign and Piatt Counties back on the air --- more than a year after it went silent.

  • Champaign County reported 14 new and 236 active cases of COVID-19 Monday. Both numbers are at their lowest point in several months.

In today’s deep dive, the story of Mayra Ramirez, in her own words. The 28-year-old was the first U.S. COVID-19 patient to receive a double lung transplant.

217 Today is produced by Olivia Butts. Reporting today contributed by Dave McKinney, Hannah Meisel, Jim Meadows, and Christine Herman.