chicagosun-times--2020-03-25--Illinois AG urges crackdown on online price-gouging during pandemic (LIVE UPDATES)

Illinois AG calls for online sellers to police price-gouging during coronavirus Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Wednesday joined 32 other state attorneys general in calling for online platforms to eliminate the COVID-19 price-gouging that has gotten worse in recent days .
The bipartisan group sent letters to Amazon , Facebook , eBay , Walmart and Craigslist urging them to set and enforce price increase limits based on a 90-day average of the item ’ s price from before the coronavirus crisis began .
The group also wants online sellers to create systems to trigger price-gouging protections before the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health risks .
“ At a time when my office could be assisting people who are concerned about how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact their mortgage , rent and student loan debt payments , my office is devoting significant resources to investigating individuals who are attempting to benefit from the public health crisis by putting profits before people , ” Raoul said .
The attorneys general cited examples such as a 2-liter bottle of hand sanitizer listed for $ 250 on Craigslist , an 8-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer listed for $ 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks being priced at $ 40 and $ 50 on eBay .
5:35 p.m. United Center to become ‘ logistics hub ’ for food distribution , medical supply collection ust two weeks after hosting a Blackhawks game for the last time before the NHL season shutdown and nationwide intensification of the coronavirus outbreak , the United Center is radically shifting gears .
The Madison Street arena — typically used to host large crowds for Hawks and Bulls games — will soon instead host large supplies of medical equipment , food and other things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Chicago , according to a Wednesday announcement .
“ As Illinois goes through this together , the United Center ... is proud to be playing a critical role with our city , state and federal response to the pandemic , ” the statement said .
“ Our arena and outside campus will be transformed into a logistics hub where we will be assisting front line food distribution , first responder staging and the collection of critically needed medical supplies.
” A spokesman said the transition should be in full effect by next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available over the next few days .
5:07 p.m .
Residential street sweeping , tree trimming and tree removal could end until Chicago wins coronavirus war Tree trimming and removal , along with street sweeping , may be suspended until the city wins the war on the coronavirus — or at least turns the corner , a top mayoral aide said Wednesday .
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation could be forced to halt those key housekeeping services , which aldermen and their constituents hold dear , said Streets and Sanitation Commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential cutbacks with all 50 aldermen during a conference call on Friday .
He plans to tell the aldermen what he told the Sun-Times on Wednesday : that it ’ s virtually impossible to continue street sweeping and tree trimming when people are cooped up in their homes , some afraid to leave , and the city has issued orders to suspend ticketing , towing and booting of illegally parked vehicles except when it impacts public safety .
4:47 p.m. Medical examiner confirms five more COVID-19 deaths in Cook County The Cook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday announced five more deaths from COVID-19 , raising the county ’ s tally to 13 .
The most recent death was 72-year-old Patricia Ciametti of west suburban Burbank , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
Ciametti died March 24 at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn from respiratory failure due to a COVID-19 infection with hypertension as a contributing factor , an autopsy result released Wednesday found .
Interim Chicago Police Superintendent Charlie Beck on Wednesday made a series of changes to prevent even more officers from contracting the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nowhere near enough to satisfy the police union .
From now on , roll calls will be held in groups of “ below 10 ” and in “ areas that create a great opportunity for social distancing , ” instead of in cramped roll-call rooms at police stations , Beck said .
“ With the mayor ’ s help , we ’ ve put up stanchions in our lobbies to keep the public six feet back to provide social distancing for both the protection of the public and protection of the officers working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2:35 p.m. Three more die from coronavirus in Illinois — and Gov .
Pritzker moves state tax filing deadline Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday said he ’ s heeding the many calls from Illinois residents worried about paying their taxes amid job losses and instability caused by the coronavirus outbreak and will delay next month ’ s state tax deadline .
Illinois Republicans were also pressuring the Democratic governor for a delay .
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced on Saturday that the federal income tax filing due date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , to July 15 , 2020 .
Illinois officials also on Wednesday announced the deaths of three more people from the coronavirus .
So far , 19 people have died from the outbreak .
An additional 330 cases have been added to the state ’ s total , bringing the Illinois tally to 1,865 cases in 35 counties .
Ages of those afflicted range from an infant to 99 years .
Those cases include two correctional officers and one man incarcerated at Stateville Correctional Center , as well as a contractual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department said .
2:31 p.m. Lightfoot threatens to shut down parks and entire lakefront Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday made an extraordinary threat — to shut down Chicago parks and the entire lakefront — if residents and visitors continue to thumb their noses at Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus .
Lightfoot instructed Chicago Police officers to shut down large gatherings and threatened to use what she called “ every lever at my disposal ” to compel compliance .
She was moved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw along the lakefront , the crowds at Chicago playgrounds and basketball courts and the warm weather that is luring stir-crazy Chicagoans outside even though they ’ re supposed to be staying at home .
“ Way too many people gathering like it ’ s just another day .
This is not just another day .
And no day will be just another day until we are on the other side of this virus , which is weeks away , ” the mayor said .
2 p.m. Chicago mother and son stranded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forgotten by their government Sally Beach and her teenage son , Nick , who live in Old Town , embarked on a lush trip to the Amazon River last week to see pink dolphins and go piranha fishing .
Now , they say it ’ s starting to feel like a prison after the president of Peru closed the country ’ s borders in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
“ We never in our wildest guess thought that a country that didn ’ t have many [ coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Sally Beach , who works as an accountant in the Loop .
Her words tinged with anxiety , Beach said in a phone call Tuesday that she and her son fear they ’ ve been forgotten by a United States government more concerned with Americans trapped in Peru ’ s largest city , Lima .
Amid outcry from congressional leaders over the Peru situation , the State Department slammed Peru this week for turning back two repatriation flights for hundreds of U.S. tourists and said it was engaging the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the return of our citizens.
” For now , mother and son are staying on the ground floor of a small hotel in Iquitos , a city in the northeastern part of the country that ’ s a gateway to the Amazon .
They are sharing a queen-size bed in a room without a view .
They were supposed to leave for home Thursday , but Vizcarra ’ s order means that flight was canceled .
They ’ ve reached out to the U.S. Embassy and to the “ local governor in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far , they ’ ve been given no concrete offers of a way out .
1:25 p.m. Jussie Smollett returns to social media to sing about coronavirus lockdown For the first time in nearly a year , Smollett posted to his Instagram with a rendition of Stevie Wonder ’ s “ A Place In The Sun.
” “ Quarantine day 421 ... Hope y ’ all are staying safe .
Spread love and kindness ... not Rona , ” Smollett said in the caption .
The 421 days in quarantine seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troubles dating back to his alleged racist attack in Chicago , which happened 421 days ago .
Smollett awaits trial after being indicted by a special prosecutor earlier this year for allegedly faking the 2019 attack .
He pleaded not guilty in a Chicago courthouse last month .
12:57 p.m. Four more hotels agree to rent rooms to ease strain on Chicago hospitals during pandemic Four more Chicago hotels have agreed to rent rooms to isolate patients who test positive for the coronavirus or have been exposed to someone who has .
Hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Hotel Julian will join Hotel 166 in providing the network of hotel rooms tailor-made to ease the strain on overburdened hospitals .
All of those hotels are owned by Oxford Capital Group LLC .
Three meals a day will be provided to all guests .
Illinois Sens .
Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth on Wednesday bolstered Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s request for a federal disaster declaration in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
Illinois has requested assistance for all 102 counties in the state .
The federal declaration would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Democratic senators said in a letter to President Donald Trump , “ Pritzker has indicated that this pandemic is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and local governments .
The pandemic has required extreme response efforts from the State , and federal assistance will be necessary to ensure the well-being of Illinoisans .
This disaster has placed an unprecedented economic burden on not only communities across the State , but families and individuals.
” Trump has approved declarations for California , New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Hall receiving nearly 10x more price gouging complaints this month City Hall reports that the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has fielded 190 price gouging complaints this month , up from only two complaints during the same period last year .
Not surprisingly , most are for household or health items such as toilet paper , tissues and hand sanitizer .
Some are related to food and drink , presumably bottled water .
BACP evaluates each complaint based on relevant factors , such as prices prior to the Illinois Disaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will impose fines of up to $ 10,000 per offense .
Earlier this week , Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said price gouging complaints had also ballooned statewide in March .
Chicago residents have been using social media to warn their neighbors about price gouging and to call on the police to bust them .
One man complained of a North Side gas station selling one-ply toilet paper for $ 4.99 a roll and marking up hand sanitizer from $ 2.99 to $ 12.99 .
The Sun-Times visited the gas station Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that price , but the hand sanitizer was gone .
Other prices sounded more reasonable : $ 3.99 for Clorox wipes , for instance .
10:16 a.m. ‘ Virtual races ’ let runners compete in 5Ks , 10Ks and half marathons remotely Although orders to stay at home and self-quarantine have Chicagoans spending a majority of their time inside their homes , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker asserted when issuing the state ’ s “ shelter-in-place ” order that people “ can still go outside and enjoy the outdoors ” — and experts say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be essential for our mental health .
That ’ s good news for joggers : but Pritzker also urged Illinoisans to practice social distancing while outside , which rules out the competitive races that many runners train for .
Some race organizers are compromising with “ virtual runs.
” All Community Events , a Lake Zurich-based event company that organizes dozens of races each year in the Chicago area , has three “ virtual runs ” scheduled during Illinois ’ shelter-in-place order , including “ The Social Distancing Champion ’ s Running Challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of each registration fee to a food bank of the participant ’ s choosing .
Runners can register online for a 5K , 10K or half marathon race that they complete wherever they like within a set timeframe .
Then , they upload their results , which will be added to an online leaderboard .
T-shirts and medals will be mailed out to participants .
“ Our Virtual Runs give everyone an outlet to feel camaraderie , a sense of accomplishment , and to support charities .
It ’ s a great alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter Starykowicz , president of All Community Events .
They also help the events company keep its 12-person staff on the payroll , Starykowicz said .
The Senate agreed on a bipartisan coronavirus stimulus package early Wednesday morning .
There still has to be a vote on H.R .
748 , the legislative vehicle for the “ CARES Act – Coronavirus Phase III.
” A vote could be as early as this afternoon .
• The maximum unemployment benefit would be increased by $ 600 per week • Laid-off workers , on average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four months .
• All workers would be protected , including the self-employed and workers in the gig economy Lynn Sweet breaks down the highlights in the stimulus package .
Following recommendations to avoid large crowds and stay 6 feet away from strangers while in public can help reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission , but these guidelines can be difficult to follow on routine shopping trips .
To help provide at-risk seniors with a safer shopping option , grocery chains across Chicago are implementing senior shopping hours : during this time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are young and healthy , are not immunocompromised or don ’ t have preexisting conditions — to avoid their shops to keep aisles and checkout lines less crowded .
• Target , Wednesdays for the first hour • Dollar General , every day for the first hour • Whole Foods , every day , one hour before stores open 6:40 a.m .
Prince Charles tests positive for new coronavirus Prince Charles , the heir to the British throne , has tested positive for the new coronavirus , his office said Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 and is self-isolating at a royal estate in Scotland , his Clarence House office said .
It says his wife Camilla , 72 , has tested negative .
“ The Prince of Wales has tested positive for Coronavirus , ’ ’ Clarence House said .
“ He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual.
’ ’ Due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus , NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote a memo Tuesday telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least two weeks as of 6 p.m. Wednesday .
Teams can conduct normal business during that period , NFL Network reported .
Read the full report by Bears reporter Patrick Finley here .
• Britain ’ s Prince Charles has tested positive for the coronavirus .
The 71-year-old is showing mild symptoms of COVID-19 and is self-isolating at a royal estate in Scotland , his Clarence House office said .
• An additional 250 confirmed cases have been added to the state ’ s total , bringing the total number of cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties .
3:30 p.m .
Nature can help restore us as we deal with coronavirus As a society , we are experiencing a period of unprecedented stress and uncertainty .
But nature can be a guide to us at this time , providing a model of cooperation , a place to heal , and ways to connect , even at the recommended distance .
As author Peter Wohlleben , of “ The Hidden Life of Trees ” explored , “ [ trees ] send distress signals about drought and disease , for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trees alter their behavior when they receive these messages.
” While social distancing feels like a sacrifice now , the stay at home order has saved countless lives , from high-risk populations to medical and service professionals .
Altering our behavior at this critical time , just as nature does in the face of challenges , is community resilience in action .
Read the full commentary from Jerry Adelmann , president & CEO of Openlands , a conservation organization in the Chicago area .
As the COVID-19 virus spreads , we are worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angry at leaders stumbling to protect us during the crisis .
It ’ s healthy and important to convert emotion into action right now .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , his staff , Mayor Lori Lightfoot and legislative leaders have done a phenomenal job of leading us through this crisis in the vacuum of leadership at the federal executive branch .
They ’ ve been right to prioritize our health and safety .
As an individual , you can make a difference by staying home , washing your hands and not flushing wet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last thing we need right now is clogged sewer systems .
Call your friends , family and neighbors to make sure they are doing OK .
It is right to focus on these immediate steps .
We must also be vigilant as decision-makers look to dedicate trillions of public dollars to relief packages .
Environmental advocates must shift our priorities to make sure these plans are focused on helping the most vulnerable .
Read the full commentary from Jen Walling , executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council .
6:49 a.m .
Saving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a pandemic The coronavirus pandemic has pushed many issues state lawmakers are facing to the back burner .
The price of electricity shouldn ’ t be one of them .
That ’ s why we ’ re sounding this alarm that power bills for northern Illinois ratepayers will shoot up soon if the Legislature doesn ’ t act .
Last week , a company named PJM , which coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia , filed a so-called compliance plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The plan would have devastating consequences for Illinois consumers .
If nothing is done , power bills will soar for ratepayers , job opportunities will be lost and the environment will suffer enormous harm .
The Legislature can prevent that , though , by enacting legislation along the lines of the proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act .
But it has to get the job done before the end of the current legislative session , and this is a complicated bill that has a lot of working parts .

As the coronavirus pandemic continues in Illinois, the Chicago Sun-Times has been documenting daily updates in our live blog.
Here’s what happened today in coronavirus-related news.
News
8:55 p.m. ‘Unsettling’ crowds along 606 Trail spark concern; lakefront brimming with people too
Hundreds could be seen enjoying warm weather on along Lake Michigan near Oak Street Beach, Wednesday. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Despite orders for everyone to stay home to slow the spread of coronavirus in Illinois, Chicago’s lakefront was overrun Wednesday by people looking to enjoy some spring weather.
Droves of people hit the lakefront as temperatures soared to the high 50s. They walked their dogs, went for a jog and even sat in small groups out in the sun.
But the large gatherings contradicted statewide orders to stay at home and practice social distancing to stop coronavirus, which reached 1,865 confirmed cases throughout Illinois on Wednesday. Nineteen people have now died from the COVID-19 outbreak in the state.
“I’ve been trying to go outside and get some exercise — alone — because I get antsy being inside all day,” said Sammy Garcia, of Logan Square. “But the number of people I saw outside today had me wondering if I was being safe.”
Garcia said she’d typically go to the nearby 606 Trail but was “unsettled” to see it crowded with other runners today.
Read Jake Wittich’s full report here.
Coronavirus newsletter sign up box Coronavirus Newsletter Everything you need to know about the novel coronavirus COVID-19, with a focus on its impact on Chicago and Illinois. Subscribe
8:07 p.m. CPS gets green light to spend $75 in coronavirus aid without board approval through June
Chicago Public Schools administrators got the OK to spend up to $75 million to address the coronavirus emergency through at least the end of June.
The city’s seven-member school board at its monthly meeting Wednesday unanimously approved the request by district officials, giving CPS the ability to use the money without prior board approval or immediate public notice.
“Authorizing $75 million does not mean we are going to spend $75 million,” board president Miguel del Valle said ahead of the vote. “It could be far less than that. It could be somewhere in the middle.”
Board member Lucino Sotelo said the pre-authorization gives CPS officials “flexibility and agility” and prevents a scenario where the district has to act quickly to solve a coronavirus-related problem but is first forced to go to the board for approval, as is usually mandated. He added that “it’s not like we have this $75 million slush fund sitting there. We still have to find a way to make this work.”
When board vice president Sendhil Revuluri asked about transparency and making sure the public knows how the money is being spent, schools chief Janice Jackson vowed to give the board regular memos about the spending, especially big single purchases.
The district has no shortage of expenses as it deals with the growing crisis. CPS has continued to pay all teachers and staff, both full- and part-time, and is paying extra wages to security guards and lunchroom staff who are working during the closures. The money will also be used for the district’s ongoing meal program and for purchasing electronic devices for students who don’t have them.
— Nader Issa
7:40 p.m. 17 detainees at Cook County Jail contract COVID-19
Seventeen detainees at the Cook County Jail have tested positive for COVID-19 amid calls to release as many detainees as possible to stem the spread of the deadly virus.
As of Wednesday evening, four correctional officers and 17 detainees have tested positive for the virus, according to Cook County sheriff’s office spokeswoman Sophia Ansari.
The first two cases of COVID-19 were announced Monday at the Southwest Side jail complex that currently houses about 5,400 detainees. The sheriff’s office on Tuesday had announced three confirmed cases, with tests pending for another two dozen inmates.
Get the full story from reporter David Struett.
7:02 p.m. Illinois AG urges crackdown on online price-gouging during pandemic
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Wednesday joined 32 other state attorneys general in calling for online platforms to eliminate the COVID-19 price-gouging that has gotten worse in recent days.
The bipartisan group sent letters to Amazon, Facebook, eBay, Walmart and Craigslist urging them to set and enforce price increase limits based on a 90-day average of the item’s price from before the coronavirus crisis began.
The group also wants online sellers to create systems to trigger price-gouging protections before the next emergency by monitoring weather events and potential health risks.
“At a time when my office could be assisting people who are concerned about how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact their mortgage, rent and student loan debt payments, my office is devoting significant resources to investigating individuals who are attempting to benefit from the public health crisis by putting profits before people,” Raoul said.
The attorneys general cited examples such as a 2-liter bottle of hand sanitizer listed for $250 on Craigslist, an 8-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer listed for $40 on Facebook Marketplace and packs of face masks being priced at $40 and $50 on eBay.
6:46 p.m. 3 more CPD officers diagnosed with COVID-19
Three additional Chicago police officers have been diagnosed with the coronavirus.
The new cases, one detective and two officers, bring the total number of CPD personnel infected with COVID-19 to nine, police said.
“Despite symptoms, they remain in good spirits,” department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi wrote in a tweet Wednesday afternoon.
Get the full update here.
6:08 p.m. Two Circuit Court of Cook County employees test positive for COVID-19
Two Circuit Court of Cook County employees tested positive for COVID-19, officials announced Wednesday.
The employees are: an adult probation department employee working on the lower level of the Leighton Criminal Court Building and an office of the chief judge employee working on the 23rd floor of the Daley Center, the chief judge’s office said in a statement.
Get the full story here.
5:35 p.m. United Center to become ‘logistics hub’ for food distribution, medical supply collection
ust two weeks after hosting a Blackhawks game for the last time before the NHL season shutdown and nationwide intensification of the coronavirus outbreak, the United Center is radically shifting gears.
The Madison Street arena — typically used to host large crowds for Hawks and Bulls games — will soon instead host large supplies of medical equipment, food and other things needed to help treat the coronavirus outbreak in Chicago, according to a Wednesday announcement.
“As Illinois goes through this together, the United Center...is proud to be playing a critical role with our city, state and federal response to the pandemic,” the statement said. “Our arena and outside campus will be transformed into a logistics hub where we will be assisting front line food distribution, first responder staging and the collection of critically needed medical supplies.”
A spokesman said the transition should be in full effect by next week, with more information and details available over the next few days.
Read the full story from reporter Ben Pope.
5:07 p.m. Residential street sweeping, tree trimming and tree removal could end until Chicago wins coronavirus war
Tree trimming and removal, along with street sweeping, may be suspended until the city wins the war on the coronavirus — or at least turns the corner, a top mayoral aide said Wednesday.
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation could be forced to halt those key housekeeping services, which aldermen and their constituents hold dear, said Streets and Sanitation Commissioner John Tully.
He plans to discuss the potential cutbacks with all 50 aldermen during a conference call on Friday.
He plans to tell the aldermen what he told the Sun-Times on Wednesday: that it’s virtually impossible to continue street sweeping and tree trimming when people are cooped up in their homes, some afraid to leave, and the city has issued orders to suspend ticketing, towing and booting of illegally parked vehicles except when it impacts public safety.
Read the full story from reporter Fran Spielman.
4:47 p.m. Medical examiner confirms five more COVID-19 deaths in Cook County
The Cook County medical examiner’s office on Wednesday announced five more deaths from COVID-19, raising the county’s tally to 13.
The most recent death was 72-year-old Patricia Ciametti of west suburban Burbank, the medical examiner’s office said. Ciametti died March 24 at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn from respiratory failure due to a COVID-19 infection with hypertension as a contributing factor, an autopsy result released Wednesday found.
Read the full story from reporter David Struett.
4:44 p.m. Beck orders new virus protections for Chicago Police officers
Interim Chicago Police Superintendent Charlie Beck on Wednesday made a series of changes to prevent even more officers from contracting the coronavirus, but the steps he took were nowhere near enough to satisfy the police union.
From now on, roll calls will be held in groups of “below 10” and in “areas that create a great opportunity for social distancing,” instead of in cramped roll-call rooms at police stations, Beck said.
“With the mayor’s help, we’ve put up stanchions in our lobbies to keep the public six feet back to provide social distancing for both the protection of the public and protection of the officers working the desk,” Beck said.
Read the full story from reporter Fran Spielman.
2:35 p.m. Three more die from coronavirus in Illinois — and Gov. Pritzker moves state tax filing deadline
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday said he’s heeding the many calls from Illinois residents worried about paying their taxes amid job losses and instability caused by the coronavirus outbreak and will delay next month’s state tax deadline.
Illinois Republicans were also pressuring the Democratic governor for a delay. The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced on Saturday that the federal income tax filing due date will be automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.
Illinois officials also on Wednesday announced the deaths of three more people from the coronavirus. So far, 19 people have died from the outbreak.
An additional 330 cases have been added to the state’s total, bringing the Illinois tally to 1,865 cases in 35 counties. Ages of those afflicted range from an infant to 99 years. Those cases include two correctional officers and one man incarcerated at Stateville Correctional Center, as well as a contractual worker at Sheridan Correctional Center, the department said.
Read the full story from reporter Tina Sfondeles.
2:31 p.m. Lightfoot threatens to shut down parks and entire lakefront
People hit the lakefront on Wednesday as temperatures climbed into the 50s. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday made an extraordinary threat — to shut down Chicago parks and the entire lakefront — if residents and visitors continue to thumb their noses at Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Lightfoot instructed Chicago Police officers to shut down large gatherings and threatened to use what she called “every lever at my disposal” to compel compliance.
She was moved to action by the large gatherings that she saw along the lakefront, the crowds at Chicago playgrounds and basketball courts and the warm weather that is luring stir-crazy Chicagoans outside even though they’re supposed to be staying at home.
“Way too many people gathering like it’s just another day. This is not just another day. And no day will be just another day until we are on the other side of this virus, which is weeks away,” the mayor said.
Read the full story from reporter Fran Spielman.
2 p.m. Chicago mother and son stranded in Peru wonder if they’ve been forgotten by their government
Sally Beach and her teenage son, Nick, who live in Old Town, embarked on a lush trip to the Amazon River last week to see pink dolphins and go piranha fishing. Now, they say it’s starting to feel like a prison after the president of Peru closed the country’s borders in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“We never in our wildest guess thought that a country that didn’t have many [coronavirus] cases would have closed its borders,” said Sally Beach, who works as an accountant in the Loop.
Her words tinged with anxiety, Beach said in a phone call Tuesday that she and her son fear they’ve been forgotten by a United States government more concerned with Americans trapped in Peru’s largest city, Lima.
Amid outcry from congressional leaders over the Peru situation, the State Department slammed Peru this week for turning back two repatriation flights for hundreds of U.S. tourists and said it was engaging the country’s government and “advocating vigorously for the return of our citizens.”
For now, mother and son are staying on the ground floor of a small hotel in Iquitos, a city in the northeastern part of the country that’s a gateway to the Amazon. They are sharing a queen-size bed in a room without a view. They were supposed to leave for home Thursday, but Vizcarra’s order means that flight was canceled. They’ve reached out to the U.S. Embassy and to the “local governor in Iquitos,” among others. But so far, they’ve been given no concrete offers of a way out.
Read the full story from reporter Stefano Esposito.
1:25 p.m. Jussie Smollett returns to social media to sing about coronavirus lockdown
For the first time in nearly a year, Smollett posted to his Instagram with a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “A Place In The Sun.”
“Quarantine day 421... Hope y’all are staying safe. Spread love and kindness... not Rona,” Smollett said in the caption. The 421 days in quarantine seems to be a reference to his ongoing legal troubles dating back to his alleged racist attack in Chicago, which happened 421 days ago.
Smollett awaits trial after being indicted by a special prosecutor earlier this year for allegedly faking the 2019 attack. He pleaded not guilty in a Chicago courthouse last month.
— Satchel Price
12:57 p.m. Four more hotels agree to rent rooms to ease strain on Chicago hospitals during pandemic
Four more Chicago hotels have agreed to rent rooms to isolate patients who test positive for the coronavirus or have been exposed to someone who has.
Hotel Cass, Hotel Essex, Hotel Felix and Hotel Julian will join Hotel 166 in providing the network of hotel rooms tailor-made to ease the strain on overburdened hospitals. All of those hotels are owned by Oxford Capital Group LLC.
Three meals a day will be provided to all guests.
— Fran Spielman
12:34 p.m. Durbin, Duckworth join Pritzker in urging Trump issue Illinois coronavirus disaster declaration
U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth are bolstering Gov. J.B Pritzker’s request to President Trump for an Illinois disaster declaration. Sun-Times Media
Illinois Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth on Wednesday bolstered Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s request for a federal disaster declaration in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Illinois has requested assistance for all 102 counties in the state. The federal declaration would give Illinois access to more federal benefits.
The Democratic senators said in a letter to President Donald Trump, “Pritzker has indicated that this pandemic is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and local governments. The pandemic has required extreme response efforts from the State, and federal assistance will be necessary to ensure the well-being of Illinoisans. This disaster has placed an unprecedented economic burden on not only communities across the State, but families and individuals.”
Trump has approved declarations for California, New York and Washington state.
— Lynn Sweet
11:18 a.m. City Hall receiving nearly 10x more price gouging complaints this month
Andy Boyle / Sun-Times
City Hall reports that the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has fielded 190 price gouging complaints this month, up from only two complaints during the same period last year.
Not surprisingly, most are for household or health items such as toilet paper, tissues and hand sanitizer. Some are related to food and drink, presumably bottled water. BACP evaluates each complaint based on relevant factors, such as prices prior to the Illinois Disaster Declaration and prices at nearby stores, and will impose fines of up to $10,000 per offense.
Earlier this week, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said price gouging complaints had also ballooned statewide in March.
Chicago residents have been using social media to warn their neighbors about price gouging and to call on the police to bust them.
One man complained of a North Side gas station selling one-ply toilet paper for $4.99 a roll and marking up hand sanitizer from $2.99 to $12.99. The Sun-Times visited the gas station Sunday and found toilet paper on sale for that price, but the hand sanitizer was gone. Other prices sounded more reasonable: $3.99 for Clorox wipes, for instance.
— Fran Spielman
10:16 a.m. ‘Virtual races’ let runners compete in 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons remotely
Although orders to stay at home and self-quarantine have Chicagoans spending a majority of their time inside their homes, Gov. J.B. Pritzker asserted when issuing the state’s “shelter-in-place” order that people “can still go outside and enjoy the outdoors” — and experts say getting some fresh air and sunshine can be essential for our mental health.
Related Going for a quiet walk can help get us through coronavirus crisis
That’s good news for joggers: but Pritzker also urged Illinoisans to practice social distancing while outside, which rules out the competitive races that many runners train for.
Some race organizers are compromising with “virtual runs.”
All Community Events, a Lake Zurich-based event company that organizes dozens of races each year in the Chicago area, has three “virtual runs” scheduled during Illinois’ shelter-in-place order, including “The Social Distancing Champion’s Running Challenge,” which will donate 25% of each registration fee to a food bank of the participant’s choosing.
Runners can register online for a 5K, 10K or half marathon race that they complete wherever they like within a set timeframe. Then, they upload their results, which will be added to an online leaderboard. T-shirts and medals will be mailed out to participants.
“Our Virtual Runs give everyone an outlet to feel camaraderie, a sense of accomplishment, and to support charities. It’s a great alternative to being cooped up,” said Peter Starykowicz, president of All Community Events.
They also help the events company keep its 12-person staff on the payroll, Starykowicz said.
— Lizzie Schiffman Tufano
9:12 a.m. Good news for gig workers seeking unemployment benefits
The Senate agreed on a bipartisan coronavirus stimulus package early Wednesday morning. There still has to be a vote on H.R. 748, the legislative vehicle for the “CARES Act – Coronavirus Phase III.” A vote could be as early as this afternoon.
Key points:
The maximum unemployment benefit would be increased by $600 per week
Laid-off workers, on average, would receive their full pay for four months.
All workers would be protected, including the self-employed and workers in the gig economy
Lynn Sweet breaks down the highlights in the stimulus package.
7:22 a.m. Grocery stores schedule special shopping hours for seniors
Following recommendations to avoid large crowds and stay 6 feet away from strangers while in public can help reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission, but these guidelines can be difficult to follow on routine shopping trips.
To help provide at-risk seniors with a safer shopping option, grocery chains across Chicago are implementing senior shopping hours: during this time, stores are asking low-risk Chicagoans — people who are young and healthy, are not immunocompromised or don’t have preexisting conditions — to avoid their shops to keep aisles and checkout lines less crowded.
Senior shopping hours at Chicago chains include:
Cermak Produce, every day, 7-8 a.m.
every day, 7-8 a.m. Jewel Osco , Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7-9 a.m.
, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7-9 a.m. Mariano’s , every day, 6-8 a.m.
, every day, 6-8 a.m. Trader Joe’s , Mondays, 9-10 a.m.
, Mondays, 9-10 a.m. Walgreens , Tuesdays, 8-9 a.m.
, Tuesdays, 8-9 a.m. Target , Wednesdays for the first hour
, Wednesdays for the first hour Dollar General , every day for the first hour
, every day for the first hour Whole Foods , every day, one hour before stores open
, every day, one hour before stores open Costco , Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8-9 a.m.
, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8-9 a.m. Food 4 Less, Tuesdays & Fridays, 7:30-8 a.m.
Read the full story here.
6:40 a.m. Prince Charles tests positive for new coronavirus
Essential coronavirus content A message to our readers We’re keeping essential coronavirus news that you need to know accessible for free here at suntimes.com. This public service is yet another example of the importance of quality local journalism, so please consider supporting us through a digital subscription. Subscribe
Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, has tested positive for the new coronavirus, his office said Wednesday.
The 71-year-old is showing mild symptoms of COVID-19 and is self-isolating at a royal estate in Scotland, his Clarence House office said.
It says his wife Camilla, 72, has tested negative.
“The Prince of Wales has tested positive for Coronavirus,’’ Clarence House said. “He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual.’’
Read the full story here.
9:25 p.m. NFL tells team offices to close for 2 weeks
Due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote a memo Tuesday telling teams their facilities must close for at least two weeks as of 6 p.m. Wednesday. Teams can conduct normal business during that period, NFL Network reported.
Read the full report by Bears reporter Patrick Finley here.
New cases
Britain’s Prince Charles has tested positive for the coronavirus. The 71-year-old is showing mild symptoms of COVID-19 and is self-isolating at a royal estate in Scotland, his Clarence House office said.
An additional 250 confirmed cases have been added to the state’s total, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 1,535 cases in 32 counties.
Analysis & Commentary
8:32 p.m. Please, now more than ever, keep the lakefront and parks ‘forever open, clear and free’
Over the past two weeks of working from home, I’ve developed a routine of sorts.
As soon as I mentally clock out for the day, I change into some sweats, throw on a few extra layers and head to the park for some exercise.
I’m lucky enough to live along the lake near Montrose, so it’s just a few minutes out my door to Cricket Hill, the handy sledding hill at the entrance to Montrose Harbor and the beach.
I jog up the hill as many times as I can. Made it to 15 the other night. Then I take a solitary stroll along the beach and through the dunes before returning home. By the time I get back, I’m very mellow, especially on nights when that cold wind is whipping off the lake.
I’ve found it to be the perfect antidote to the stress and anxiety of the COVID-19 crisis.
So you can imagine my reaction to Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s threat Wednesday to close the city’s parks in response to the crowds that have started to return to the lakefront in the past two days — many of them ignoring the safe social distancing practices on which our health may depend.
Read more of Mark Brown’s column here.
5:38 p.m. Trump’s daily briefings prove he’s uniquely incompetent to handle coronavirus
During a recent spate of cynicism, I made a prediction to friends: Before this thing is over, Trumpists will be calling COVID-19 God’s will. So let’s get back to work, save the stock market and let the disease sort them out. There are more than 300 million individuals in the United States. Surely we can spare a few million old-timers who were going to die anyway.
But you almost can’t get cynical enough. Before the day was out, Boss Trump was hinting that maybe the time had come to kiss Grandpa goodbye: “America will again and soon be open for business — very soon,” he said during the daily performance of the Mighty Coronavirus Art Players. “We cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself.”
Interviewed on (where else?) Fox News, the lieutenant governor of Texas suggested that grandparents should be willing to die to protect the economy for their grandchildren.
Let their headstones read: “They gave their all for the GDP.”
Read the full commentary from Gene Lyons.
3:30 p.m. Nature can help restore us as we deal with coronavirus
As a society, we are experiencing a period of unprecedented stress and uncertainty. But nature can be a guide to us at this time, providing a model of cooperation, a place to heal, and ways to connect, even at the recommended distance.
In nature, cooperation abounds.
As author Peter Wohlleben, of “The Hidden Life of Trees” explored, “[trees] send distress signals about drought and disease, for example, or insect attacks, and other trees alter their behavior when they receive these messages.” While social distancing feels like a sacrifice now, the stay at home order has saved countless lives, from high-risk populations to medical and service professionals. Altering our behavior at this critical time, just as nature does in the face of challenges, is community resilience in action.
Even at a safe distance, nature heals.
Read the full commentary from Jerry Adelmann, president & CEO of Openlands, a conservation organization in the Chicago area.
2:48 p.m. Make the post-coronavirus world better
As the COVID-19 virus spreads, we are worried and anxious. Many of us are angry at leaders stumbling to protect us during the crisis. It’s healthy and important to convert emotion into action right now.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, his staff, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and legislative leaders have done a phenomenal job of leading us through this crisis in the vacuum of leadership at the federal executive branch. They’ve been right to prioritize our health and safety. As an individual, you can make a difference by staying home, washing your hands and not flushing wet wipes, which clog pipes — the last thing we need right now is clogged sewer systems. Call your friends, family and neighbors to make sure they are doing OK.
It is right to focus on these immediate steps. We must also be vigilant as decision-makers look to dedicate trillions of public dollars to relief packages. Environmental advocates must shift our priorities to make sure these plans are focused on helping the most vulnerable.
Read the full commentary from Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council.
6:49 a.m. Saving the economy is secondary to saving lives during a pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has pushed many issues state lawmakers are facing to the back burner. The price of electricity shouldn’t be one of them.
That’s why we’re sounding this alarm that power bills for northern Illinois ratepayers will shoot up soon if the Legislature doesn’t act.
Last week, a company named PJM, which coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia, filed a so-called compliance plan under a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission order. The plan would have devastating consequences for Illinois consumers.
If nothing is done, power bills will soar for ratepayers, job opportunities will be lost and the environment will suffer enormous harm.
The Legislature can prevent that, though, by enacting legislation along the lines of the proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act. But it has to get the job done before the end of the current legislative session, and this is a complicated bill that has a lot of working parts.
Read the full editorial here.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-25--Two Circuit Court of Cook County employees test positive for COVID-19

Two Circuit Court of Cook County employees tested positive for COVID-19 , officials announced Wednesday .
The employees are : @ @ @ @ @ working on the lower level of the Leighton Criminal Court Building and an office of @ @ @ @ @ on the 23rd floor of the Daley Center , the chief judge ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ Both reported they were asymptomatic when they last reported for work March 13 , officials @ @ @ @ @ the two employees worked received a deep cleaning and anyone who came into contact with @ @ @ @ @ will be notified , officials said .
On Wednesday , health officials announced 330 new @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s total , bringing the Illinois tally to 1,865 cases .
So @ @ @ @ @ died from the outbreak in Illinois .

Two employees with the office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, and three Clerk of the Circuit Court employees tested positive for COVID-19, officials announced Wednesday.
The chief judge’s office employees are: an adult probation department employee working on the lower level of the Leighton Criminal Court Building and an office of the chief judge employee working on the 23rd floor of the Daley Center, the chief judge’s office said in a statement.
Both reported they were asymptomatic when they last reported for work March 13, officials said.
The clerk’s office employees are: one employee working at the Domestic Violence Courthouse, 555 W. Harrison St., and two traffic division employees working on the lower level of the Daley Center, the clerk’s office said in a statement. They did not come in contact with each other and appear to have contracted the virus outside of the clerk’s office locations.
The employees are in self-isolation, and last reported for work on March 19, the clerk’s office said.
The areas where the employees worked received a deep cleaning and anyone who came into contact with the pair while at work will be notified, officials said.
On Wednesday, health officials announced 330 new cases have been added to the state’s total, bringing the Illinois tally to 1,865 cases. So far, 19 people have died from the outbreak in Illinois.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-25--Chicago History Museum president Gary T. Johnson to retire

When Gary T. Johnson took over as Chicago History Museum president in 2005 , he considered himself “ lucky ” to lead one of the city ’ s best-known cultural institutions .
“ I had been the kind of lawyer who took an interest in nonprofits , especially civil rights organizations , ” Johnson said .
“ And so I had experience in the nonprofit community , a love of history and especially Chicago history , and so I was lucky enough to be hired from such an unusual background.
” Johnson , who notified the museum Wednesday of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reins by January 2021 , or whenever his successor is hired — a process that can take up to 10 months , he said .
Under Johnson ’ s watch , the museum rebranded , changing its name from the Chicago Historical Society to the Chicago History Museum .
“ We became the Chicago History Museum , because we thought that was a more welcoming name , whereas the Historical Society sounded like it was a private club , which isn ’ t a museum , ” Johnson said .
The museum , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lincoln Park neighborhood , preserves the city ’ s history through artifacts , documents and images .
Under his leadership , the museum greatly expanded its photo collection , and , in 2016 , it was honored with the National Medal for Museum and Library Service — the nation ’ s highest award for museums and libraries .
“ Gary tackled reinvention the day he took this position , ” Walter Carlson , chairman of the museum ’ s board of trustees , said in a statement .
“ The next president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Gary ’ s commitment to the community and to the idea that a museum must continually reinvent itself.
” Johnson says what he ’ ll miss most about being at the helm of the museum is the level of unpredictability his “ dream job ” brought him over the years , along with speaking to children about the city ’ s history .
“ When you have so many different activities and the subject is Chicago , you never know what you ’ re going to deal with in a given day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Board of Trustees has hired the executive search firm of Isaacson Miller to help identify candidates for Johnson ’ s successor .

When Gary T. Johnson took over as Chicago History Museum president in 2005, he considered himself “lucky” to lead one of the city’s best-known cultural institutions.
“I had been the kind of lawyer who took an interest in nonprofits, especially civil rights organizations,” Johnson said. “I had experience in the nonprofit community, a love of history — and especially Chicago history. And so I was lucky enough to be hired from such an unusual background.”
Johnson, who notified the museum Wednesday of his retirement, plans to hand over the reins by January 2021, or whenever his successor is hired — a process that can take up to 10 months, he said.
Under Johnson’s watch, the museum rebranded, changing its name from the Chicago Historical Society to the Chicago History Museum.
“We became the Chicago History Museum because we thought that was a more welcoming name, whereas the Historical Society sounded like it was a private club,” Johnson explained.
The museum, at 1601 N. Clark St. in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, preserves the city’s history through artifacts, documents and images.
The Chicago History Museum. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Under Johnson’s leadership, the museum greatly expanded its photo collection, and, in 2016, it was honored with the National Medal for Museum and Library Service — the nation’s highest award for museums and libraries.
“Gary tackled reinvention the day he took this position,” Walter Carlson, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees, said in a statement. “The next president will be a person who can build on Gary’s commitment to the community and to the idea that a museum must continually reinvent itself.”
Johnson said what he’ll miss most about being at the helm of the museum is the level of unpredictability his “dream job” brought him over the years, along with speaking to children about the city’s history.
“When you have so many different activities and the subject is Chicago, you never know what you’re going to deal with in a given day,” Johnson said.
The museum’s Board of Trustees has hired the executive search firm of Isaacson Miller to help identify candidates for Johnson’s successor.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-25--Residential street sweeping, tree trimming and tree removal could end until Chicago wins coronavirus

Residential street sweeping, tree trimming and tree removal could end until Chicago wins coronavirus war

Tree trimming and removal , along with street sweeping , may be suspended until the city wins the war on the coronavirus — or at least turns the corner , a top mayoral aide said Wednesday .
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation could be forced to halt those key housekeeping services , which aldermen and their constituents hold dear , said Streets and Sanitation Commissioner John Tully .
He plans to discuss the potential cutbacks with all 50 aldermen during a conference call on Friday .
He plans to tell the aldermen what he told the Sun-Times on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible to continue street sweeping and tree trimming when people are cooped up in their homes , some afraid to leave , and the city has issued orders to suspend ticketing , towing and booting of illegally parked vehicles except when it impacts public safety .
“ When we street sweep , we post the street and say , ` You need to not park on this side of the street .
You need to have your car not there.
’ Well , we ’ re not really towing unless there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The other thing is , with everyone home , you can ’ t expect people [ to move their cars ] .
Some people don ’ t even want to leave their house .
So I can ’ t expect them to go out and move their cars — if they could even find a location .
Some areas are so dense , it ’ s gon na be an impossibility.
” Tully noted arterial streets and other “ main thoroughfares ” are swept anyway .
It ’ s residential street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended .
“ I have to have that discussion .
I can ’ t make that decision unilaterally .
I hope to have clarification on that by Friday , ” the commissioner said .
Yet another potential target is tree trimming and tree removal .
“ We ’ ll continue to trim trees and remove trees on an emergency basis and where we can , we ’ ll do some [ routine ] trimming .
But I ’ m not gon na force people right now to move their vehicles or [ give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not pre-posting [ no-parking signs ] unless it ’ s an emergency situation , ” the commissioner said .
Even under the best of circumstances , it ’ s not easy running a city department whose other duties include snow removal , garbage collection , graffiti removal and rodent control .
Try doing it during a coronavirus pandemic that has confined most people to their homes , potentially impacting the sheer volume of refuse .
And let ’ s not forget taking the measures necessary to keep nearly 2,200 employees safe and healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long ago , had a double-digit absenteeism rate .
Normally , laborers assigned to refuse collection must sign in at the ward yard , ride vans to the start of their routes and ride those same vans back to the ward yard where they sign out after their shifts .
These are not normal times .
To protect his employees and maintain social distancing , Tully now allows laborers to drive their own vehicles from home to the start of refuse collection routes .
When their shifts are over , they are driven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers avoid congregating at the ward yard and riding in 10-seat vans .
The change is needed to prevent a spike in absenteeism in a department where it once was notorious .
Tully said he simply can ’ t afford it at a time when the city ’ s third-largest department is being “ asked to do things we don ’ t typically do.
” “ On Saturday , they rounded up laborers that typically wouldn ’ t be working or they were working somewhere else and we went and set up cots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tully said .
“ There ’ s different asks on different days and we try to accommodate and be mindful of anybody that ’ s showing symptoms .
If they don ’ t feel right , I ’ m advancing vacation and sick time where it ’ s requested .
If they don ’ t feel safe or they ’ ve got a family member , we ’ re advancing time to them .
As far as looking to penalize people for calling in [ sick ] , we ’ re not looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at , better safe than sorry.
” The stay-at-home order means more people are working from home and cooking at home or ordering carry-out instead of eating out .
Tully said that will mean more garbage .
“ I haven ’ t seen tonnage really increase that much , ” he said .
“ But I do expect that we ’ ll see that .
”

Tree trimming and removal, along with street sweeping, may be suspended until the city wins the war on the coronavirus — or at least turns the corner, a top mayoral aide said Wednesday.
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation could be forced to halt those key housekeeping services, which aldermen and their constituents hold dear, said Streets and Sanitation Commissioner John Tully.
He plans to discuss the potential cutbacks with all 50 aldermen during a conference call on Friday.
He plans to tell the aldermen what he told the Sun-Times on Wednesday: that it’s virtually impossible to continue street sweeping and tree trimming when people are cooped up in their homes, some afraid to leave, and the city has issued orders to suspend ticketing, towing and booting of illegally parked vehicles except when it impacts public safety.
“When we street sweep, we post the street and say, `You need to not park on this side of the street. You need to have your car not there.’ Well, we’re not really towing unless there’s emergencies right now,” Tully said.
“The other thing is, with everyone home, you can’t expect people [to move their cars]. Some people don’t even want to leave their house. So I can’t expect them to go out and move their cars — if they could even find a location. Some areas are so dense, it’s gonna be an impossibility.”
Tully noted arterial streets and other “main thoroughfares” are swept anyway. It’s residential street sweeping that’s likely to be suspended.
“I have to have that discussion. I can’t make that decision unilaterally. I hope to have clarification on that by Friday,” the commissioner said.
Yet another potential target is tree trimming and tree removal.
“We’ll continue to trim trees and remove trees on an emergency basis and where we can, we’ll do some [routine] trimming. But I’m not gonna force people right now to move their vehicles or [give us] cooperation. We’re not pre-posting [no-parking signs] unless it’s an emergency situation,” the commissioner said.
Even under the best of circumstances, it’s not easy running a city department whose other duties include snow removal, garbage collection, graffiti removal and rodent control.
Try doing it during a coronavirus pandemic that has confined most people to their homes, potentially impacting the sheer volume of refuse.
And let’s not forget taking the measures necessary to keep nearly 2,200 employees safe and healthy in a department that, not too long ago, had a double-digit absenteeism rate.
Normally, laborers assigned to refuse collection must sign in at the ward yard, ride vans to the start of their routes and ride those same vans back to the ward yard where they sign out after their shifts.
These are not normal times.
To protect his employees and maintain social distancing, Tully now allows laborers to drive their own vehicles from home to the start of refuse collection routes. When their shifts are over, they are driven back to their vehicles. That means workers avoid congregating at the ward yard and riding in 10-seat vans.
The change is needed to prevent a spike in absenteeism in a department where it once was notorious.
Tully said he simply can’t afford it at a time when the city’s third-largest department is being “asked to do things we don’t typically do.”
“On Saturday, they rounded up laborers that typically wouldn’t be working or they were working somewhere else and we went and set up cots at shelters for the homeless,” Tully said.
“There’s different asks on different days and we try to accommodate and be mindful of anybody that’s showing symptoms. If they don’t feel right, I’m advancing vacation and sick time where it’s requested. If they don’t feel safe or they’ve got a family member, we’re advancing time to them. As far as looking to penalize people for calling in [sick], we’re not looking at that. We’re looking at, better safe than sorry.”
The stay-at-home order means more people are working from home and cooking at home or ordering carry-out instead of eating out. Tully said that will mean more garbage.
“I haven’t seen tonnage really increase that much,” he said. “But I do expect that we’ll see that.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-26--‘Kill Chain’: HBO documentary sounds an alarm about voting machine hacks

In the sobering and eye-opening HBO documentary “ Kill Chain : The Cyber War on America ’ s Elections , ” we see clips of various government officials and security specialists claiming America ’ s voting machines are too clunky and old-fashioned to be hacked .
“ From what we determined , no voting machines are connected to the Internet … “ Voting machines are not connected to the Internet … ” “ They are non-network pieces of hardware that are not connected to the Internet … ” “ Those things are not connected to the Internet … ” Cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , avuncular , legendary Finnish expert on hacking and voting security , who has just purchased three commonly used American voting machines for $ 75 apiece from an Ohio recycling vendor he found on eBay , I kid you not .
Hursti plugs in the machine , turns it on — and the first thing that pops up on the screen is an option to connect to a local area network .
So much for the protected-by-being-outdated argument .
As Hursti and other cyber security specialists explain , even when we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s always a thumb drive , or a USB memory stick — some kind of removable media device , which means there ’ s always the opportunity for someone to mess with the process .
From directors Simon Ardizzone , Russell Michaels and Sarah Teale , the same team behind HBO ’ s 2006 Emmy-nominated doc “ Hacking Democracy ” ( which also “ starred ” Hursti ) , “ Kill Chain ” is at times a bit dry and tough to track , what will all the techno-terms and cyber-chat , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective moments , it ’ s like something out of a dramatic/comedic feature film on the order of “ The Big Short.
” Our jaws drop as we learn stunning truths about America ’ s messy , outmoded and far too vulnerable voting system .
As author and journalist Sue Halpern explains , “ Our elections are run locally .
There ’ s no national election system .
It ’ s up to the counties and the election officials in those counties — they get to decide how we vote , what machines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ votes from ] electronic machines , touchscreen computers … all of the votes go to a central location.
” Three main vendors run the vast majority of election machinery in this country : Dominion Voting , Elections System & Software , and Hart .
They don ’ t reveal anything about how their systems work , because it ’ s all proprietary .
( All three companies declined to be interviewed for the doc . )
It would be an understatement to say “ Kill Chain ” makes the case these machines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the experts say when government officials proclaim “ there ’ s no evidence votes were changed ” in a particular election , they ’ re missing the point .
The goal of the bad actor is to cause chaos — often between cycles , not during the actual election .
“ Malware can infect machines between election cycles , ” says one expert .
“ It would be very easy to write a piece of software into [ an American voting machine ] that would silently change votes as they come in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it happening ] .
This is a relatively simple machine .
It wouldn ’ t be hard to remove traces it had been tampered with.
” Case in point : In an election in a heavily Democratic precinct in Georgia , there were seven machines .
Six machines showed easy wins for Democrats in every statewide race .
One showed Republicans winning every race by a large majority .
A study found that mathematically , there was less than a one in a million chance of that happening .
Sometimes the numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t add up .

In the sobering and eye-opening HBO documentary “Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections,” we see clips of various government officials and security specialists claiming America’s voting machines are too clunky and old-fashioned to be hacked.
The comments are remarkably similar:
“From what we determined, no voting machines are connected to the Internet …
“Voting machines are not connected to the Internet …”
‘Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections’
Untitled HBO presents a documentary directed by Simon Ardizzone, Russell Michaels and Sarah Teale. Debuts at 8 p.m. Thursday on HBO and streaming on HBO Now, HBO Go and HBO on Demand.
“They are non-network pieces of hardware that are not connected to the Internet …”
“Those things are not connected to the Internet …”
Cut to one Harri Hursti, the rotund, avuncular, legendary Finnish expert on hacking and voting security, who has just purchased three commonly used American voting machines for $75 apiece from an Ohio recycling vendor he found on eBay, I kid you not.
Hursti plugs in the machine, turns it on — and the first thing that pops up on the screen is an option to connect to a local area network. So much for the protected-by-being-outdated argument. As Hursti and other cyber security specialists explain, even when we’re voting with paper ballots, there’s always a thumb drive, or a USB memory stick — some kind of removable media device, which means there’s always the opportunity for someone to mess with the process.
From directors Simon Ardizzone, Russell Michaels and Sarah Teale, the same team behind HBO’s 2006 Emmy-nominated doc “Hacking Democracy” (which also “starred” Hursti), “Kill Chain” is at times a bit dry and tough to track, what will all the techno-terms and cyber-chat, so to speak. But in its most effective moments, it’s like something out of a dramatic/comedic feature film on the order of “The Big Short.” Our jaws drop as we learn stunning truths about America’s messy, outmoded and far too vulnerable voting system.
As author and journalist Sue Halpern explains, “Our elections are run locally. There’s no national election system. It’s up to the counties and the election officials in those counties — they get to decide how we vote, what machines we use. ... Paper ballots, [votes from] electronic machines, touchscreen computers … all of the votes go to a central location.”
Three main vendors run the vast majority of election machinery in this country: Dominion Voting, Elections System & Software, and Hart. They don’t reveal anything about how their systems work, because it’s all proprietary. (All three companies declined to be interviewed for the doc.) It would be an understatement to say “Kill Chain” makes the case these machines are hardly tamper-proof.
Time and again, the experts say when government officials proclaim “there’s no evidence votes were changed” in a particular election, they’re missing the point. The goal of the bad actor is to cause chaos — often between cycles, not during the actual election.
“Malware can infect machines between election cycles,” says one expert. “It would be very easy to write a piece of software into [an American voting machine] that would silently change votes as they come in and there would be no evidence [of it happening]. This is a relatively simple machine. It wouldn’t be hard to remove traces it had been tampered with.”
Case in point: In an election in a heavily Democratic precinct in Georgia, there were seven machines. Six machines showed easy wins for Democrats in every statewide race. One showed Republicans winning every race by a large majority. A study found that mathematically, there was less than a one in a million chance of that happening.
Sometimes the numbers add up in a way that doesn’t add up.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-26--Dear Abby: Lawn where husband restores Corvettes looks like a junkyard

DEAR ABBY : My husband retired four years ago .
At first he seemed to enjoy not having to go to work .
Then he got bored and needed something to do .
For some reason , he bought an old Corvette to restore .
I was supportive , until I found out it ’ s an expensive hobby .
Finding and buying all the replacement parts costs money .
He has been working on that car for 3 1/2 years now .
As soon as he gets it ready to drive , something else breaks .
Meanwhile , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work on.
” Our backyard looks like a junkyard .
We haven ’ t had a vacation trip since he retired , not even a weekend to the mountains .
He argues that we can ’ t afford it , but he spends thousands on those old cars .
It has become an obsession for him , and it ’ s “ driving ” ME crazy .
Any suggestions ?
— CORVETTE WIDOW IN THE SOUTH DEAR WIDOW : Healthy couples discuss large purchases before making them .
What your husband is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It almost seems as though he is using his hobby as a way of avoiding spending time with you .
My suggestion is that you and your husband find the money to consult a marriage counselor because what ’ s going on is unfair to you .
And if you need a vacation , consider taking one by yourself or with a friend .
DEAR ABBY : I am an 83-year-old mother of four .
I have been living with my second husband now for 21 years .
Nineteen years ago , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her husband a large sum of money so they could buy a house and pay off bills and judgments .
All the necessary paperwork for the loan was signed at the time of the closing with a lawyer present , and it was agreed they would pay us back a certain amount every month .
After a few years of mostly regular repayments , the payments dwindled , although they continued to buy expensive electronics and other items .
Several years have passed now , and a few checks and cash payments have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our lawyer sent them a letter a few years ago telling them to pay up or we would sue them .
It resulted in their not seeing or talking to us for a couple of years .
We REALLY need the money now .
Maybe she ’ s hoping we will die .
What do you suggest we do at this point ?
Her brother and sisters don ’ t want to get involved .
— LOVING , GIVING MOM DEAR MOM : I am truly sorry .
But because your other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your deadbeat daughter and her husband to pay what they owe you , you have no other choice but to contact the lawyer who drafted the loan agreement and instruct him to follow through .
DEAR ABBY : I will be turning 50 soon .
How do I explain to my husband and parents that I just want to spend it alone ?
Is there something wrong with me for feeling this way ?
— BIRTHDAY WISH IN IOWA DEAR BIRTHDAY WISH : People react to their birthdays , especially milestone birthdays , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others feel depressed .
Not everyone wants a lot of “ hoopla.
” If you prefer spending your 50th birthday quietly , your wish should be respected , and you should not have to go into a long explanation about why .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
To order “ How to Write Letters for All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Letter Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: My husband retired four years ago. At first he seemed to enjoy not having to go to work. Then he got bored and needed something to do. For some reason, he bought an old Corvette to restore. I was supportive, until I found out it’s an expensive hobby. Finding and buying all the replacement parts costs money.
He has been working on that car for 3 1/2 years now. As soon as he gets it ready to drive, something else breaks. Meanwhile, he has bought four more old Corvettes “to work on.” Our backyard looks like a junkyard.
We haven’t had a vacation trip since he retired, not even a weekend to the mountains. He argues that we can’t afford it, but he spends thousands on those old cars. It has become an obsession for him, and it’s “driving” ME crazy. Any suggestions? — CORVETTE WIDOW IN THE SOUTH
DEAR WIDOW: Healthy couples discuss large purchases before making them. What your husband is doing is destructive to your relationship. It almost seems as though he is using his hobby as a way of avoiding spending time with you. My suggestion is that you and your husband find the money to consult a marriage counselor because what’s going on is unfair to you. And if you need a vacation, consider taking one by yourself or with a friend.
DEAR ABBY: I am an 83-year-old mother of four. I have been living with my second husband now for 21 years. Nineteen years ago, my husband loaned one of my daughters and her husband a large sum of money so they could buy a house and pay off bills and judgments. All the necessary paperwork for the loan was signed at the time of the closing with a lawyer present, and it was agreed they would pay us back a certain amount every month.
After a few years of mostly regular repayments, the payments dwindled, although they continued to buy expensive electronics and other items. Several years have passed now, and a few checks and cash payments have arrived, but only after much begging.
Our lawyer sent them a letter a few years ago telling them to pay up or we would sue them. It resulted in their not seeing or talking to us for a couple of years. We REALLY need the money now. Maybe she’s hoping we will die. What do you suggest we do at this point? Her brother and sisters don’t want to get involved. — LOVING, GIVING MOM
DEAR MOM: I am truly sorry. But because your other children refuse to become involved in convincing your deadbeat daughter and her husband to pay what they owe you, you have no other choice but to contact the lawyer who drafted the loan agreement and instruct him to follow through.
DEAR ABBY: I will be turning 50 soon. How do I explain to my husband and parents that I just want to spend it alone? Is there something wrong with me for feeling this way? — BIRTHDAY WISH IN IOWA
DEAR BIRTHDAY WISH: People react to their birthdays, especially milestone birthdays, differently. Some are elated, while others feel depressed. Not everyone wants a lot of “hoopla.” If you prefer spending your 50th birthday quietly, your wish should be respected, and you should not have to go into a long explanation about why.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-26--Police seeking to identify 2 men wanted for firing shots on Red Line train in Chatham

Chicago police are asking for help identifying two men wanted for allegedly exchanging gunfire on a Red Line train Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ Side .
The two males got into an argument about 3:50 p.m. and fired shots @ @ @ @ @ the first block of West 79th Street , Chicago police said .
The train stopped @ @ @ @ @ off , police said .
No injuries were reported .
One of the suspected shooters @ @ @ @ @ and tan pants , the other wore a black hooded sweatshirt , blue pants and @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area South detectives at 312-747-8271 .
Read @ @ @ @ @ track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are asking for help identifying two men wanted for allegedly exchanging gunfire on a Red Line train Tuesday in Chatham on the South Side.
The two males got into an argument about 3:50 p.m. and fired shots while the train was in the first block of West 79th Street, Chicago police said.
The train stopped and the two males ran off, police said. No injuries were reported.
Related Man charged in Red Line train shooting on South Side
Chicago police are looking to identify two men wanted for allegedly firing shots at each other March 24, 2020, on a Red Line train in Chatham. | Chicago police 1 of 4 Chicago police are looking to identify two men wanted for allegedly firing shots at each other March 24, 2020, on a Red Line train in Chatham. | Chicago police 2 of 4 Chicago police are looking to identify two men wanted for allegedly firing shots at each other March 24, 2020, on a Red Line train in Chatham. | Chicago police 3 of 4 Chicago police are looking to identify two men wanted for allegedly firing shots at each other March 24, 2020, on a Red Line train in Chatham. | Chicago police 4 of 4
One of the suspected shooters was wearing a black jacket and tan pants, the other wore a black hooded sweatshirt, blue pants and red shoes, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area South detectives at 312-747-8271.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-26--12 shot Wednesday in Chicago

12 shot Wednesday in Chicago

Twelve people were wounded Wednesday in shootings across Chicago .
The day ’ s latest shooting left a woman in critical condition in Little Village on the Southwest Side .
The woman , 24 , was in the back seat of a vehicle about 11:50 p.m. in the 3100 block of West 25th Street when someone in a white SUV fired shots , Chicago police said .
She was struck in the head and rushed to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in critical condition .
Earlier in the evening , a teenage boy was shot in Washington Park on the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was outside about 10:15 p.m. on Michigan Avenue when someone fired shots , striking him in the torso and leg , police said .
The boy ’ s friends took him to Comer Children ’ s Hospital in serious condition .
Three people were wounded in a drive-by in Englewood on the South Side .
They were standing in the 7400 block of South Stewart Avenue about 6:10 p.m. when a dark-colored SUV approached and someone inside fired shots , according to police .
A 42-year-old man was shot in the ankle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shot in the side and foot , police said .
They were both taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition .
A 43-year-old woman was hit in the leg and was taken to the same hospital in fair condition , police said .
Earlier in the afternoon , a 15-year-old boy was shot in Little Village on the Southwest Side .
He was on the sidewalk about 4:44 p.m. near South Komensky Avenue when someone opened fire and struck him in the leg , Chicago police said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in good condition .
A woman was shot in her hand Wednesday morning in East Garfield Park .
The 24-year-old was standing on a sidewalk with two others about 10 a.m. in the 500 block of North Trumbull Avenue when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside fired shots , Chicago police said .
She was taken in good condition to Norwegian American Hospital .
The day ’ s first reported shooting left a man wounded in West Garfield Park on the West Side .
The man , 29 , was walking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Harrison Street when someone in a gray sedan shot him in the leg , Chicago police said .
He was taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in good condition .
Four other people were hurt in shootings across the city Wednesday .
On Tuesday , two people were shot in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago saw a significant increase in gun violence Wednesday with 12 people shot, the most violent day since the city issued a stay-at-home order over the weekend to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The day’s last reported shooting left a 24-year-old woman in critical condition in Little Village on the Southwest Side. She was in the back seat of a vehicle about 11:50 p.m. in the 3100 block of West 25th Street when someone in a white SUV fired shots, Chicago police said. She was struck in the head and rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital.
Earlier in the evening, a 17-year-old boy was shot in Washington Park on the South Side. The boy was outside about 10:15 p.m. near the 5700 block of South Michigan Avenue when someone fired shots, striking him in the torso and leg, police said. The boy’s friends took him to Comer Children’s Hospital in serious condition.
Three people were wounded in a drive-by in Englewood on the South Side. They were standing in the 7400 block of South Stewart Avenue about 6:10 p.m. when a dark-colored SUV approached and someone inside fired shots, police said.
A man, 42, was shot in the ankle, calf and armpit while a 32-year-old man was shot in the side and foot, police said. They were both taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition. A woman, 43, was hit in the leg and was taken to the same hospital in fair condition.
In other shootings:
About 6:35 p.m., a 35-year-old was shot in Humboldt Park. He was on the sidewalk in the 1100 block of North Monticello Avenue when someone shot him in the arm, police said. He was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in fair condition.
A 15-year-old boy was shot about 4:45 p.m. in Little Village on the Southwest Side. He was on the sidewalk near the 2800 block of South Komensky Avenue when someone opened fire and struck him in the leg, Chicago police said. The teen was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
About 3:40 p.m., a 25-year-old man was shot in Austin on the West Side. He was outside in the 1700 block of North Long Street when two males walked up and opened fire, police said. The man was struck in the arm and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition.
Shortly after 11 a.m., a 21-year-old man was shot in Humboldt Park on the West Side. He was walking in the 1100 block of North Christiana Avenue when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside shot at him, police said. He was hit in the right arm and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
A 24-year-old woman was shot in her hand about 10 a.m. in East Garfield Park. She was standing on a sidewalk with two others in the 500 block of North Trumbull Avenue when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside fired shots, police said. She was taken in good condition to Norwegian American Hospital.
About 7:30 a.m., a 30-year-old man was shot in Burnside on the South Side. He was walking to a store in the 9100 block of South Dauphin Avenue when three people approached him and fired shots, police said. The man was struck in the legs and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
The day’s first reported shooting left a man wounded in West Garfield Park on the West Side. The man, 29, was walking about 12:10 a.m. in the 4700 block of West Harrison Street when someone in a gray car shot him in the leg, police said. He was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition.
On Tuesday, two people were shot in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-26--Teen wounded in Washington Park shooting

A teenage boy was shot Wednesday in Washington Park on the South Side .
The boy , 17 , was @ @ @ @ @ Michigan Avenue when someone fired shots , striking him in the torso and leg , @ @ @ @ @ boy ’ s friends took him to Comer Children ’ s Hospital in serious condition @ @ @ @ @ has since been stabilized .
No one is in custody as Area Central detectives investigate @

A teenage boy was shot Wednesday in Washington Park on the South Side.
The boy, 17, was outside about 10:15 p.m. on Michigan Avenue when someone fired shots, striking him in the torso and leg, Chicago police said.
The boy’s friends took him to Comer Children’s Hospital in serious condition, police said. He has since been stabilized.
No one is in custody as Area Central detectives investigate.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-25--Bailout might keep public transit from becoming a coronavirus casualty, but more help will be needed

Bailout might keep public transit from becoming a coronavirus casualty, but more help will be needed soon

As airlines , hotels and big industry line up for a massive share of the $ 2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package approved late Wednesday by the Senate , we ’ re glad to see the nation ’ s public transit systems — a key , but oft-overlooked economic player — are in line for $ 25 billion in emergency funds .
Don ’ t pop the champagne corks just yet .
At press time , the package is still awaiting approval in the House .
But even if passed into the law , the cash infusion is by no means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas would receive only $ 16 billion from the package .
Rural areas would get the remaining $ 4 billion .
“ Every transit system in this country has taken a hit .
But we don ’ t know how long the hits will keep coming.
” The country has nearly 1,000 transit systems — including the CTA , Metra and Pace suburban bus — each socked with steep COVID-19 related declines in ridership and revenue , along with increased maintenance and sanitation costs .
And the agencies are likely to hemorrhage millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They could be in need of another substantial cash infusion by summer if the virus lingers or ridership doesn ’ t bounce back soon .
“ Definitely , it ’ s going to be helping , ” said P.S .
Sriraj , director of the Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago .
“ Every transit system in this country has taken a hit .
But we don ’ t know how long the hits will keep coming.
” Mass transit is the lifeblood of big cities , moving millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the nation ’ s systems have been financially stricken for nearly a month due to the pandemic and the stay-at-home orders caused by it .
The CTA this week said it is losing more than $ 1 million a day as normally packed rush hour buses and trains roll around the city carrying little more than the operators behind the controls .
Ridership is down 70 % compared with this time last year , according to the agency .
Metra , meanwhile , is faring even worse .
Ridership is down 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run trains on less-frequent weekend schedules seven days a week .
CTA and Metra are also subsidized by revenue from taxes on gasoline , real estate transfers and public transit set-asides .
These sources are headed downward due to the pandemic .
Those lost funds , in addition to heightened maintenance costs , could be staggering .
“ We anticipate hundreds of millions of dollars lost over the course of this crisis , ” the CTA said in a statement .
“ We anticipate that the financial impact on our operations will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended.
” Chicago hasn ’ t yet figured out how much it needs of the $ 25 billion federal pot , but New York , suffering an 87 percent loss in public transportation ridership , has .
Big Apple transit officials are looking for a $ 4 billion bailout — a quarter of all funds set aside for urban areas under the package .
Meanwhile , New York ’ s MTA has cut back subway service by 25 percent .
Whenever it arrives , the $ 25 billion in federal funding is earmarked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue , personal protective equipment purchases , sanitation and reimbursement for operating costs .
The bill calls for agencies to adjust their operations to take into account that fewer people will be riding buses and trains .
but it doesn ’ t stipulate how they should do this .
Both Metra and the CTA say they don ’ t intend to lay off or scale back the number of transit workers .
Another transportation sector , the airline industry , is making off better in our view .
Air carriers would receive $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measure .
Though a larger industry than public transit agencies , privately owned airlines at least have access to credit and tremendous borrowing power .
Still , mass transit is a $ 76 billion concern that employs 420,000 people across the nation .
Lawmakers must continue working to make sure the industry gets its fair share , particularly if future coronavirus stimulus packages are needed .
If there is a bright note in all this , it ’ s that the emergency stresses the need to protect public transit in Chicago and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , the nation ’ s financially beleaguered bus and rail systems needed $ 230 billion “ to get up to snuff , ” said Sriraj .
In this region alone , about $ 90 billion is needed he said .
Sriraj hopes the stimulus package becomes one in series of infusions — perhaps a renewed commitment — to funding mass transit .
“ It ’ s a step in the right direction , ” he said of the package .
“ But it doesn ’ t get anywhere close to the need @ @

As airlines, hotels and big industry line up for a massive share of the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package approved late Wednesday by the Senate, we’re glad to see the nation’s public transit systems — a key, but oft-overlooked economic player — are in line for $25 billion in emergency funds.
Don’t pop the champagne corks just yet. At press time, the package is still awaiting approval in the House.
But even if passed into the law, the cash infusion is by no means a panacea for mass transit. Urban areas would receive only $16 billion from the package. Rural areas would get the remaining $4 billion.
“Every transit system in this country has taken a hit. But we don’t know how long the hits will keep coming.”
The country has nearly 1,000 transit systems — including the CTA, Metra and Pace suburban bus — each socked with steep COVID-19 related declines in ridership and revenue, along with increased maintenance and sanitation costs. And the agencies are likely to hemorrhage millions more over the next few months. They could be in need of another substantial cash infusion by summer if the virus lingers or ridership doesn’t bounce back soon.
“Definitely, it’s going to be helping,” said P.S. Sriraj, director of the Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago. “Every transit system in this country has taken a hit. But we don’t know how long the hits will keep coming.”
For Chicago: A massive need
Mass transit is the lifeblood of big cities, moving millions of people back and forth daily. But the nation’s systems have been financially stricken for nearly a month due to the pandemic and the stay-at-home orders caused by it.
The CTA this week said it is losing more than $1 million a day as normally packed rush hour buses and trains roll around the city carrying little more than the operators behind the controls. Ridership is down 70% compared with this time last year, according to the agency.
Metra, meanwhile, is faring even worse. Ridership is down 90%, prompting the commuter rail agency to run trains on less-frequent weekend schedules seven days a week.
CTA and Metra are also subsidized by revenue from taxes on gasoline, real estate transfers and public transit set-asides. These sources are headed downward due to the pandemic. Those lost funds, in addition to heightened maintenance costs, could be staggering.
“We anticipate hundreds of millions of dollars lost over the course of this crisis,” the CTA said in a statement. “We anticipate that the financial impact on our operations will continue after the immediate containment measures have ended.”
Chicago hasn’t yet figured out how much it needs of the $25 billion federal pot, but New York, suffering an 87 percent loss in public transportation ridership, has. Big Apple transit officials are looking for a $4 billion bailout — a quarter of all funds set aside for urban areas under the package. Meanwhile, New York’s MTA has cut back subway service by 25 percent.
When the money arrives
Whenever it arrives, the $25 billion in federal funding is earmarked to cover the transit agencies’ lost revenue, personal protective equipment purchases, sanitation and reimbursement for operating costs.
The bill calls for agencies to adjust their operations to take into account that fewer people will be riding buses and trains. but it doesn’t stipulate how they should do this. Both Metra and the CTA say they don’t intend to lay off or scale back the number of transit workers.
Another transportation sector, the airline industry, is making off better in our view. Air carriers would receive $25 billion in direct financial aid under the measure. Though a larger industry than public transit agencies, privately owned airlines at least have access to credit and tremendous borrowing power.
Still, mass transit is a $76 billion concern that employs 420,000 people across the nation. Lawmakers must continue working to make sure the industry gets its fair share, particularly if future coronavirus stimulus packages are needed.
A renewed commitment to public transit?
If there is a bright note in all this, it’s that the emergency stresses the need to protect public transit in Chicago and across the country. Even before the outbreak, the nation’s financially beleaguered bus and rail systems needed $230 billion “to get up to snuff,” said Sriraj. In this region alone, about $90 billion is needed he said.
Sriraj hopes the stimulus package becomes one in series of infusions — perhaps a renewed commitment — to funding mass transit.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” he said of the package. “But it doesn’t get anywhere close to the need.”