The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Vulnerable populations in Illinois struggle to gain access to COVID-19 treatments

Dana Cronin and Farrah Anderson
 
A pharmacist handles a bottle of Sotrovimab, an infusion treatment administered through an IV, at Rush University Medical Center on Feb. 9, 2022. The drug is one of many therapeutics to keep COVID-19 patients out of the hospital.

A pharmacist handles a bottle of Sotrovimab, an infusion treatment administered through an IV, at Rush University Medical Center on Feb. 9, 2022. The drug is one of many therapeutics to keep COVID-19 patients out of the hospital. Manuel Martinez / WBEZ

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Monday, Feb. 21, 2022

Today's headlines:

  • Rantoul High School is using federal COVID-19 relief to establish teacher office hours to help students who are struggling.

  • Even though John Deere’s first quarter earnings were down compared to a year ago, the Moline-based company still says they’re doing better than they expected despite higher material prices and last year's strike.

  • University of Missouri researchers are studying how music therapy for premature babies affects their long-term brain development.

In today's deep dive, we'll hear about how vulnerable populations in Illinois are struggling to gain access to COVID-19 treatments that could keep them out of the hospital.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Herb Trix, Shahla Farzan and Kristen Schorsch.