When the news IS the news, as when the Illinois Public Health Director broke down during her announcement of COVID deaths.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Illinois’ Public Health Director, on Friday first started sniffing loudly as she announced an extra 31 deaths, taking the state-wide total to 9,418 people who had succumbed to the pandemic.

“These are people who started with us in 2020 and won’t be with us at the Thanksgiving table,” Ezike said, struggling to also announce an extra 3,874 confirmed cases for a total of 36,433.

“Excuse me, please,” she finally said — wiping tears from her eyes as she turned her back to the camera during the live-streamed briefing.

She paused for almost 40 seconds as others brought out tissues to help her compose herself, finally turning back around, saying “I’m sorry” and taking a deep breath before continuing her remarks.