chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--City war on coronavirus puts selection of Chicago’s new top cop on hold

So much for Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s plan to have a new Chicago police superintendent appointed and confirmed in plenty of time to draft a plan to combat the traditional summer surge of violence .
Like almost everything else in Chicago during these extraordinary times , the appointment of a permanent replacement for fired Supt .
Eddie Johnson is on hold as City Hall marshals all of its resources on the war against the coronavirus .
Until the pandemic , the Chicago Police Board had vowed to complete its nationwide search no later than the end of February and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Mayor Lori Lightfoot has promised to choose .
By most accounts , the search is over .
Sources say the three finalists have already been chosen from these four : former Dallas Police Chief David Brown ; Sean Malinowski , a former chief of detectives for the Los Angeles Police Department ; Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman ; and Chicago Police Department Deputy Chief Ernest Cato .
But the Police Board did not announce the names of the three finalists , and won ’ t any time soon .
That means Interim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fort — and lead the law enforcement response to the pandemic — when he had hoped to return to his family in Los Angeles by now .
“ Because of this unprecedented crisis that we ’ re dealing with , the Police Board has decided to hold off on formally submitting anything as it relates to the superintendent search so we can put all of our efforts across the city to focus on dealing with a crisis the likes of which none of us has ever seen , ” Police Board President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The superintendent search pales in comparison to what we are facing right now.
” Foreman served with Lightfoot on the Police Board and replaced her as president when she declared her candidacy for mayor .
He reacted angrily when asked how the indefinite hold would impact Lightfoot ’ s plan to have a new superintendent in place in time to craft an all-important summer plan at a time when homicides are already up by more than 50 percent over last year ’ s total .
“ I ’ ve got family members in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia .
And you want to focus on when we ’ re choosing a superintendent ?
Is that what you really are doing ?
Come on , ” he said .
“ After 9/11 , would you have called us and said what are we doing with the superintendent search ?
Come on .
You ’ re better than that.
” A mayor ’ s office statement said Lightfoot hopes to choose a new superintendent “ in the very near future ” and there would be no further comment “ to ensure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the search continues , Superintendent Beck will remain in his steadfast leadership ” of CPD .
The terms of Beck ’ s contract with the city were not known .
Also not clear : if there is an end date , as well as a balloon payment if his stay is extended .
Although Beck ’ s home state of California also is dealing with the coronavirus emergency , Police Department spokesman Tom Ahern said Beck is “ committed ” to remaining in Chicago for “ however long the mayor requests him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very hands-on and engaged.
” Beck is the retired L.A. police chief whose arrival in Chicago was hastened by Lightfoot ’ s decision to fire Johnson a month early .
She accused Johnson of lying about the circumstances surrounding an embarrassing drinking-and-driving incident in mid-October .
Beck ’ s family has remained in California during his Chicago tenure .
He was visiting police districts and checking on officers over the weekend .
He also is presiding over two meetings a day with his top aides , chiefs and deputy chiefs , Ahern said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the first floor of police headquarters with each person sitting about 10 feet part from the next to honor the social distancing mandate .
Microphones are available to the officials in the room .
Beck sits at the front of the room with his chief of staff and first deputy nearby .
Whenever the mayor makes her choice , the City Council ’ s Committee on Public Safety will need to hold confirmation hearings .
When Lightfoot abruptly cancelled the March 18 council meeting , it was recessed until April 15 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be held , either .
Public Safety Committee Chairman Chris Taliaferro ( 29th ) said a confirmation hearing for the new superintendent “ has to happen by statute.
” But , he said , “ The mayor probably will look into the possibility of video conferencing ” to allow aldermen to question the mayor ’ s choice .
A teleconference hearing would not allow members of the general public to weigh in — unless everyday Chicagoans eager to testify were somehow told to appear at designated Chicago public libraries , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read into the record .
Taliaferro acknowledged Beck “ didn ’ t expect to be here so long , ” but that he “ understands what ’ s going on across the country and how that has possibly slowed down the process of putting a new superintendent in place.
” Ald .
Matt O ’ Shea ( 19th ) , one of the mayor ’ s closest City Council allies , said the last time he and the mayor discussed the subject , “ She wanted to have somebody in place certainly by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever , we need to make sure we have continuity in the police department , ” said O ’ Shea , whose Southwest Side ward is home to scores of Chicago Police officers .
“ Hopefully , the bad guys out there are practicing social distancing.
” Early on , the frontrunners to replace Johnson appeared to be Brown and Malinowski .
But more recently , there have been signals that Malinowski may have fallen out of favor because he has been viewed as having campaigned for the job in a way some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Malinowski does not make the top three — despite his slick video and intimate knowledge of CPD as a consultant who helped create Strategic Decision Support Centers across the city — that could open the door for Lightfoot to choose a dark horse in Ziman .

So much for Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s plan to have a new Chicago police superintendent appointed and confirmed in plenty of time to draft a plan to combat the traditional summer surge of violence.
Like almost everything else in Chicago during these extraordinary times, the appointment of a permanent replacement for fired Supt. Eddie Johnson is on hold as City Hall marshals all of its resources on the war against the coronavirus.
Until the pandemic, the Chicago Police Board had vowed to complete its nationwide search no later than the end of February and announce the names of three finalists from which Mayor Lori Lightfoot has promised to choose.
By most accounts, the search is over.
Sources say the three finalists have already been chosen from these four: former Dallas Police Chief David Brown; Sean Malinowski, a former chief of detectives for the Los Angeles Police Department; Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman; and Chicago Police Department Deputy Chief Ernest Cato.
But the Police Board did not announce the names of the three finalists, and won’t any time soon.
That means Interim Supt. Charlie Beck will hold down the fort — and lead the law enforcement response to the pandemic — when he had hoped to return to his family in Los Angeles by now.
“Because of this unprecedented crisis that we’re dealing with, the Police Board has decided to hold off on formally submitting anything as it relates to the superintendent search so we can put all of our efforts across the city to focus on dealing with a crisis the likes of which none of us has ever seen,” Police Board President Ghian Foreman told the Sun-Times.
“The superintendent search pales in comparison to what we are facing right now.”
Foreman served with Lightfoot on the Police Board and replaced her as president when she declared her candidacy for mayor.
He reacted angrily when asked how the indefinite hold would impact Lightfoot’s plan to have a new superintendent in place in time to craft an all-important summer plan at a time when homicides are already up by more than 50 percent over last year’s total.
“I’ve got family members in New York right now with coronavirus and pneumonia. And you want to focus on when we’re choosing a superintendent? Is that what you really are doing? Come on,” he said.
“After 9/11, would you have called us and said what are we doing with the superintendent search? Come on. You’re better than that.”
A mayor’s office statement said Lightfoot hopes to choose a new superintendent “in the very near future” and there would be no further comment “to ensure the integrity of this process. ... While the search continues, Superintendent Beck will remain in his steadfast leadership” of CPD.
The terms of Beck’s contract with the city were not known. Also not clear: if there is an end date, as well as a balloon payment if his stay is extended.
Although Beck’s home state of California also is dealing with the coronavirus emergency, Police Department spokesman Tom Ahern said Beck is “committed” to remaining in Chicago for “however long the mayor requests him to stay.”
Ahern described Beck as “very hands-on and engaged.”
Beck is the retired L.A. police chief whose arrival in Chicago was hastened by Lightfoot’s decision to fire Johnson a month early. She accused Johnson of lying about the circumstances surrounding an embarrassing drinking-and-driving incident in mid-October.
Beck’s family has remained in California during his Chicago tenure. He was visiting police districts and checking on officers over the weekend. He also is presiding over two meetings a day with his top aides, chiefs and deputy chiefs, Ahern said.
They meet in a cavernous room on the first floor of police headquarters with each person sitting about 10 feet part from the next to honor the social distancing mandate. Microphones are available to the officials in the room. Beck sits at the front of the room with his chief of staff and first deputy nearby.
Whenever the mayor makes her choice, the City Council’s Committee on Public Safety will need to hold confirmation hearings.
When Lightfoot abruptly cancelled the March 18 council meeting, it was recessed until April 15. But nobody knows if that meeting will be held, either.
Public Safety Committee Chairman Chris Taliaferro (29th) said a confirmation hearing for the new superintendent “has to happen by statute.” But, he said, “The mayor probably will look into the possibility of video conferencing” to allow aldermen to question the mayor’s choice.
A teleconference hearing would not allow members of the general public to weigh in — unless everyday Chicagoans eager to testify were somehow told to appear at designated Chicago public libraries, for example, or to submit written comments to be read into the record.
Taliaferro acknowledged Beck “didn’t expect to be here so long,” but that he “understands what’s going on across the country and how that has possibly slowed down the process of putting a new superintendent in place.”
Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th), one of the mayor’s closest City Council allies, said the last time he and the mayor discussed the subject, “She wanted to have somebody in place certainly by April.”
“Now, more than ever, we need to make sure we have continuity in the police department,” said O’Shea, whose Southwest Side ward is home to scores of Chicago Police officers.
“Hopefully, the bad guys out there are practicing social distancing.”
Early on, the frontrunners to replace Johnson appeared to be Brown and Malinowski. But more recently, there have been signals that Malinowski may have fallen out of favor because he has been viewed as having campaigned for the job in a way some at City Hall see as heavy-handed.
If Malinowski does not make the top three — despite his slick video and intimate knowledge of CPD as a consultant who helped create Strategic Decision Support Centers across the city — that could open the door for Lightfoot to choose a dark horse in Ziman.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--Chicago fishing: Access updates, coho on the lakefront and inland fishing

Access updates lead this sprawling raw-fie Midwest Fishing Report , but there are also reports on coho on southern Lake Michigan and crappie and other fishing inland .
Fishing , provided you ’ re doing good social distancing , is considered a good option and Erik Brztowski made good use of his time recently .
He messaged the photo at the top and this report : I decided to include updates on access questions within individual reports .
But , remember overall , as of now , the Illinois DNR sites are closed .
Also I try to regularly update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ https : //chicago.suntimes.com/outdoors .
Click here for the statewide release and list of sites .
It is set to open April 4 and will be at sites then open .
Click here for an update on spring turkey hunting as well as spring trout .
Readers suggest SpotHero app downtown .
Montrose ( free parking ) ; DuSable Harbor ( fisherman ’ s lot ) ; Northerly Island/Burnham Harbor ( meters or fisherman ’ s lot ) ; Steelworkers Park ( free street parking at east end of 87th ) .
The $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fisherman ’ s lots ) are available at Henry ’ s Sports and Bait or Park Bait .
Most lakes , other than the closed IDNR sites , are open , as of now .
Rob Abouchar emailed the photo above and the report below : There has been surrealness to the past 10 days that will endure in memory for the rest of my life .
I too found that quote and found it stunningly apt .
Tim Adkins at Henry ’ s Sports and Bait in Bridgeport texted the report and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as the Chain O ’ Lakes State Park , are closed .
Proprietor Greg Dickson at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said , “ It is a drive-up situation , not really letting anybody in the shop .
People call us and I come out.
” He noted that you can not launch at the state park , but people can launch at other public facilities or where there is a fee launch .
“ The fish are biting pretty good and there are some nice walleye being caught .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distance out on the lake , ” Dickson noted .
Arden Katz said crappie , bluegill and perch are really going in the channels .
Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or ( 847 ) 587-8540 .
As of last word , the Daley Boat Launch was open and the Riverwalk is open to the public ( use proper social distancing ) .
Braidwood and LaSalle are closed , as are all IDNR sites .
Date of Heidecke reopening is uncertain .
Remember , IDNR sites are closed .
As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Engineers lakes—Shelbyville , Carlyle and Rend—are open for fishing and launching .
EMIQUON : Here is one update .
For the general regulations , go to http : //experienceemiquon.com/sites/default/files/LakeAccessRules.pdf .
SHELBYVILLE : Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service .
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS : Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing .
Lake of Egypt is open .
HENNEPIN-HOPPER : Closed for the season .
Fox River , Montello , WI - With virtually no ice left on area lakes I ’ ve spent the last few days storing ice gear , stringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new tackle purchases , and getting my boat ready for open water fishing .
Lake Puckaway , a shallow 5,000-acre lake located in Marquette County , is part of the Fox River system and is 95 % ice free .
As pre-spawn walleyes move upstream from the west end of Lake Puckaway into the Fox River , they will be vulnerable to boat anglers fishing the mouth of the Fox River with 1/8 oz jigs tipped with half a night crawler .
A warming trend is in the forecast and by week ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walleyes on Lake Puckaway from my boat .
Shore anglers fishing the Fox River below the Montello , WI dam are already harvesting 15-inch or better walleyes on jig and minnow combinations suspended from floats .
Other boat anglers are chasing Wisconsin River walleyes while fishing below the dams at the Dells and below the Prairie du Chien dam .
Fox River , De Pere , WI – A two-inch rainfall late last week muddied this popular river walleye destination , but the water is both clearing and warming up .
This should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the next week or so if the weather stays decent .
A variety of vertical boat presentations , including but not limited to Jigging Raps , bladed jigs , and a jig and minnow combination produces big walleyes this time of year on this catch and release fishery .
Try fishing the main channel during the day and cast up into the shallower shoreline areas early and late in the day .
Contact Mike Norris , Wacky Worm Guide Service , at 630-842-8199 for Big Green Lake and other south-central Wisconsin guided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin DNR weekly report .
Lance LaVine at Howie ’ s Tackle in Sturgeon Bay emailed this : As of right now , we still have fishable ice along some of the shorelines and bays and fishermen are out targeting big Walleyes , Pike and Whitefish .
With that said , there are boat launches open and a bunch of fishermen are out trolling and casting for an array of fish like Brown Trout , Pike and Walleyes .
And the first wave of Steelhead have pushed up in the Lake Michigan tributaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique time to be fishing here in Door County .
As for the fishing… Ice fishermen have been getting into some really big Walleyes as of late through the ice as they usually do this time of year .
Sawyer Harbor , Sherwood Point and Sand Bay , Riley ’ s Bay along with Riley ’ s Point all good options this time of year .
Jigging Raps , Rippin Raps , Slab Raps and Odd Ball jigs all great options for the ice fishermen .
Pike fishermen are still having some really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fish push closer to the spawn .
Set up in shallow back bays out in front of creek mouths with large sucker minnows under tip-ups and auto fishermen And the Whitefish are still going good for ice fishermen that are walking out in the near shore areas like the Sand bay are .
Howie ’ s Whitefish jigs tipped with plastics have been the best baits As for the open water scene… .
Boat and shore fishermen have been enjoying some pretty good Brown Trout action throughout the county as of late .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ like out in front of creek mouths and or marinas and troll a mixture of spoons and floating or suspending baits .
Shore fishermen will cast spoons like Cleos or Krokodiles along with suspending jerk baits in and around the marinas along with wader fishing from the Lake Michigan shoreline .
Another option is still fishing with spawn sacs which at times can be very effective and can be done while casting And like I said the first wave of Steelhead have moved into the Lake Michigan tributaries and that has been providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just continue to pick up as our temps warm and we get more rain and run off .
Drifting with spawn sacs and casting spinners generally the best method IDNR sites and launches are closed , but other launches , such as Barto Landing at Spring Valley , are open .
Guide Mike Hanson of Starved Rock Guide Service said they are just clobbering the sauger and the walleye .
And yes , he caught and released that big lake sturgeon .
Click here for my column on that .
Yes , Kankakee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are public accesses through park districts , forest preserves and other public lands up and down the river .
Click here for the Ohio DNR Report .
As of last word , the launch at 95th was open .
All the Chicago marinas and North Point Marina are closed through April 7 .
Shore fishing in Chicago is still a go , but please us proper social distancing .
Steve Palmisano at Henry ’ s Sports and Bait in Bridgeport said it is about the same as last week with coho “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Click here for the update from D & S Bait .
Late ice is upon us and some of the best pan fishing of the year is to be had .
Fishing has really been picking up this past week with good catches being reported area wide .
Time of day is the key , early morning and evening bites have been the most successful , while mid-day bites have been slow .
Crappies : Very Good – While Crappies aren ’ t showing up in the shallows yet to do their spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of success as of late .
18-24 ’ mud flats seem to be the location where people are having the most success .
This could change in the next few days though as warmer weather pushes in .
Tip-downs with rosies or small fatheads have had anglers running around catching fish .
Jigging has been very productive too , small jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head or waxies will do the trick .
Numerous reports of good size Crappies to 12-13 ” and even had one report of a 16½ ” fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few more Perch are showing up in peoples ’ buckets , still fishing isn ’ t on fire yet for this species .
Deep mud 18-28 ’ of water , red spikes , wigglers and minnows are all catching fish .
K-Rips , Z-Vibe and small Jigging Raps are also catching the more aggressive fish .
Bluegills : Very Good - Unlike the Crappie , the Gills are in shallow .
We ’ ve heard as shallow as 4 feet but try working the 4-8 ’ weeds .
Tungsten jigs with dark colored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a waxie has been productive .
Warmer weather for the next week will start to deteriorate ice conditions slightly .
As of now , ice is holding up well ( about 14-20 ” ) with little to no snow .
Saturday morning temps dropped to low single digits and froze up all that rain we had earlier in the week that was sitting on top of the ice .
As of Tuesday afternoon , Portage Public Marina is planning to remain open , unless ordered otherwise by Indiana Gov .
Eric Holcomb .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whether a launch or launches would be open .
As of Tuesday morning , the East Chicago Marina launch was open .
Hammond Marina launch is set to close Wednesday , March 25 .
The Hammond launch on Wolf Lake will remain open .
Capt .
Rich Sleziak at Slez ’ s Bait in Lake Station said that he is open and serving a lot of pet owners as well as quite a few anglers .
Coho are still good , though it slowed some from earlier in the year .
Put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most anglers longer to get to Gary Light than it does to catch their limits .
Crappie bite has started at Cedar Lake .
Guys are going and catching bluegill and crappie at Willow Slough , which has launches open .
`` I have everything from muskie suckers to Rosie Reds , and everything in between , ’ ’ Sleziak said .
Then shortly after we finished , he texted : Click here for the Wisconsin DNR ’ s report , usually on Tuesday or Wednesday .
Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Joseph and pier anglers are doing “ pretty decent ” on coho ; still some steelhead at Berrien Springs .
Launches are open .
Click here for the southern Lake Michigan reports from the Wisconsin DNR .

Access updates lead this sprawling raw-fie Midwest Fishing Report, but there are also reports on coho on southern Lake Michigan and crappie and other fishing inland.
Fishing, provided you’re doing good social distancing, is considered a good option and Erik Brztowski made good use of his time recently.
He messaged the photo at the top and this report:
Report from 3 oaks: 32-35 degree air temps. Water temps were 38-39 degrees. Caught this walleye on a spybait. Also got some bass on jerkbaits, darksleeper, and also a A-rig.
ACCESS UPDATES
I decided to include updates on access questions within individual reports. But, remember overall, as of now, the Illinois DNR sites are closed. Also I try to regularly update access news I gather by posting at https://chicago.suntimes.com/outdoors.
INLAND TROUT IN ILLINOIS
Click here for the statewide release and list of sites. It is set to open April 4 and will be at sites then open.
Via [fisheries chief] Mike McClelland: Trout will be stocked at all spring stocking locations as most of the stocking sites are not state park and recreational areas, but rather partnering city and county conservation and park districts. As you know, trout purchase for stocking is a result of inland trout stamp sales and the order of trout for spring season has already occurred, we want to be sure to get those trout to the water.
Click here for an update on spring turkey hunting as well as spring trout.
LAKEFRONT PARKING
Readers suggest SpotHero app downtown. Montrose (free parking); DuSable Harbor (fisherman’s lot); Northerly Island/Burnham Harbor (meters or fisherman’s lot); Steelworkers Park (free street parking at east end of 87th).
CHICAGO FISHING PARKING PASSES
The $10 parking passes (DuSable, Burnham fisherman’s lots) are available at Henry’s Sports and Bait or Park Bait.
AREA LAKES
Most lakes, other than the closed IDNR sites, are open, as of now.
Largemouth bass at Twin Lakes. Provided
Rob Abouchar emailed the photo above and the report below:
Hi Dale Last Tuesday was the last time I got out before the Shutdown. I hit Belleau lake and it was cold and crystal clear. I was the only angler and could not coax a bite so I headed over to Palatine Twin Lakes Area to try the in-line spinner bait bite. The water there was cold and stained and I was able to pull one Largemouth out of the catch and release lake. There were a lot of people walking, running, fishing and enjoying the sunny cool conditions. It was a bit surreal to me with what was on the near horizon. Tight Lines Rob
There has been surrealness to the past 10 days that will endure in memory for the rest of my life.
Pete Lamar emailed:
Hi Dale, First of all, many thanks for tracking down all the information about what is open or closed, access, etc. it’s been very helpful. I went after bass the other evening-last Thursday to be exact, on a relatively warm drizzly evening-and managed to land exactly one, after dark. This was on a retention pond in a nearby industrial park that usually produces good numbers of decent-sized fish. At least it’s a start; things should only get better. Allow: me to sign off with a quote from the Wisconsin DNR from their weekly report, in reference to their state parks and trails remaining open: we recognize that spending time outdoors benefits both physical and mental health... Stay safe and healthy. Pete
I too found that quote and found it stunningly apt.
Tim Adkins at Henry’s Sports and Bait in Bridgeport texted the report and photo below:
Covered water quickly on a few forest preserve lakes right before the Governor’s shelter-in-place order. Caught and released a few small largemouth bass and this spunky little pike
Tim Adkins with a northern pike from the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Provided
CHAIN O’LAKES AREA
Remember IDNR sites, such as the Chain O’Lakes State Park, are closed.
Proprietor Greg Dickson at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said, “It is a drive-up situation, not really letting anybody in the shop. People call us and I come out.”
The number is (847) 395-0813.
He noted that you cannot launch at the state park, but people can launch at other public facilities or where there is a fee launch. “The fish are biting pretty good and there are some nice walleye being caught. It’s pretty easy to keep the social distance out on the lake,” Dickson noted.
Arden Katz said crappie, bluegill and perch are really going in the channels.
Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or (847) 587-8540.
CHICAGO RIVER
As of last word, the Daley Boat Launch was open and the Riverwalk is open to the public (use proper social distancing).
COOLING LAKES
Braidwood and LaSalle are closed, as are all IDNR sites. Date of Heidecke reopening is uncertain.
DOWNSTATE
Remember, IDNR sites are closed. As of last word, the Army Corps of Engineers lakes—Shelbyville, Carlyle and Rend—are open for fishing and launching.
EMIQUON: Here is one update.
Due to the closure of Dickson Mounds Museum, boating and fishing permits are available at the small shed at the boat launch parking lot in the Emiquon Preserve’s Visitor Use Area.
For the general regulations, go to http://experienceemiquon.com/sites/default/files/LakeAccessRules.pdf.
SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing. Lake of Egypt is open. HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Closed for the season.
GREEN LAKE AREA (AND FOX RIVER), WISCONSIN
Guide Mike Norris emailed:
Fishing Report – 03/23/2020 Mike Norris Fox River, Montello, WI - With virtually no ice left on area lakes I’ve spent the last few days storing ice gear, stringing new line on reels, sorting through new tackle purchases, and getting my boat ready for open water fishing. Lake Puckaway, a shallow 5,000-acre lake located in Marquette County, is part of the Fox River system and is 95% ice free. As pre-spawn walleyes move upstream from the west end of Lake Puckaway into the Fox River, they will be vulnerable to boat anglers fishing the mouth of the Fox River with 1/8 oz jigs tipped with half a night crawler. A warming trend is in the forecast and by week’s end I hope to be targeting walleyes on Lake Puckaway from my boat. Shore anglers fishing the Fox River below the Montello, WI dam are already harvesting 15-inch or better walleyes on jig and minnow combinations suspended from floats. Other boat anglers are chasing Wisconsin River walleyes while fishing below the dams at the Dells and below the Prairie du Chien dam. Fox River, De Pere, WI – A two-inch rainfall late last week muddied this popular river walleye destination, but the water is both clearing and warming up. This should result in a torrid walleye bite there in the next week or so if the weather stays decent. A variety of vertical boat presentations, including but not limited to Jigging Raps, bladed jigs, and a jig and minnow combination produces big walleyes this time of year on this catch and release fishery. Try fishing the main channel during the day and cast up into the shallower shoreline areas early and late in the day. Contact Mike Norris, Wacky Worm Guide Service, at 630-842-8199 for Big Green Lake and other south-central Wisconsin guided fishing trips.
GREEN/STURGEON BAYS, WISCONSIN
Click here for the Wisconsin DNR weekly report.
Lance LaVine at Howie’s Tackle in Sturgeon Bay emailed this:
Good morning guys. Quick update on the fishing As of right now, we still have fishable ice along some of the shorelines and bays and fishermen are out targeting big Walleyes, Pike and Whitefish. With that said, there are boat launches open and a bunch of fishermen are out trolling and casting for an array of fish like Brown Trout, Pike and Walleyes. And the first wave of Steelhead have pushed up in the Lake Michigan tributaries. So it’s a pretty unique time to be fishing here in Door County. As for the fishing… Ice fishermen have been getting into some really big Walleyes as of late through the ice as they usually do this time of year. Sawyer Harbor, Sherwood Point and Sand Bay, Riley’s Bay along with Riley’s Point all good options this time of year. Jigging Raps, Rippin Raps, Slab Raps and Odd Ball jigs all great options for the ice fishermen. Pike fishermen are still having some really good action through the ice as those fish push closer to the spawn. Set up in shallow back bays out in front of creek mouths with large sucker minnows under tip-ups and auto fishermen And the Whitefish are still going good for ice fishermen that are walking out in the near shore areas like the Sand bay are. Howie’s Whitefish jigs tipped with plastics have been the best baits As for the open water scene…. Boat and shore fishermen have been enjoying some pretty good Brown Trout action throughout the county as of late. Trollers generally look for warmer water pockets like out in front of creek mouths and or marinas and troll a mixture of spoons and floating or suspending baits. Shore fishermen will cast spoons like Cleos or Krokodiles along with suspending jerk baits in and around the marinas along with wader fishing from the Lake Michigan shoreline. Another option is still fishing with spawn sacs which at times can be very effective and can be done while casting And like I said the first wave of Steelhead have moved into the Lake Michigan tributaries and that has been providing some good action. That fishing will just continue to pick up as our temps warm and we get more rain and run off. Drifting with spawn sacs and casting spinners generally the best method Thanks; Lance LaVine Howie’s Tackle 1309 Green Bay Rd Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 Ph: 920-746-9916
ILLINOIS RIVER
IDNR sites and launches are closed, but other launches, such as Barto Landing at Spring Valley, are open.
Guide Mike Hanson of Starved Rock Guide Service said they are just clobbering the sauger and the walleye. And yes, he caught and released that big lake sturgeon. Click here for my column on that.
KANKAKEE RIVER
Yes, Kankakee River State Park is closed, but there are public accesses through park districts, forest preserves and other public lands up and down the river.
LAKE ERIE
Click here for the Ohio DNR Report.
LAKEFRONT
As of last word, the launch at 95th was open. All the Chicago marinas and North Point Marina are closed through April 7. Shore fishing in Chicago is still a go, but please us proper social distancing.
Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports and Bait in Bridgeport said it is about the same as last week with coho “good up and down the lakefront.”
Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:
Still doing real well on the Coho. Powerliners of course have more numbers but rod and reel guys have been doing ok too. Yesterday one of my rod and reel guys was out a little further south and did very well. Its been a back and forth bite between large fat heads and nightcrawlers. I’m keeping my employees home right now so I’m running part time hours 6am to 2pm Monday through Friday Saturday and Sunday 6am to 4pm. Stay well.
MADISON LAKES, WISCONSIN
Click here for the update from D&S Bait.
NORTHERN WISCONSIN
Kurt Justice at Kurt’s Island Sport Shop emailed:
Late ice is upon us and some of the best pan fishing of the year is to be had. Fishing has really been picking up this past week with good catches being reported area wide. Time of day is the key, early morning and evening bites have been the most successful, while mid-day bites have been slow. Crappies: Very Good – While Crappies aren’t showing up in the shallows yet to do their spring migration, anglers are having a lot of success as of late. 18-24’ mud flats seem to be the location where people are having the most success. This could change in the next few days though as warmer weather pushes in. Tip-downs with rosies or small fatheads have had anglers running around catching fish. Jigging has been very productive too, small jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head or waxies will do the trick. Numerous reports of good size Crappies to 12-13 and even had one report of a 16½ fish. Yellow Perch: Good – A few more Perch are showing up in peoples’ buckets, still fishing isn’t on fire yet for this species. Deep mud 18-28’ of water, red spikes, wigglers and minnows are all catching fish. K-Rips, Z-Vibe and small Jigging Raps are also catching the more aggressive fish. Bluegills: Very Good - Unlike the Crappie, the Gills are in shallow. We’ve heard as shallow as 4 feet but try working the 4-8’ weeds. Tungsten jigs with dark colored plastics or a tungsten jig tipped with a waxie has been productive. Warmer weather for the next week will start to deteriorate ice conditions slightly. As of now, ice is holding up well (about 14-20) with little to no snow. Saturday morning temps dropped to low single digits and froze up all that rain we had earlier in the week that was sitting on top of the ice. Kurt Justice Kurt’s Island Sport Shop Like us on FaceBook
NORTHWEST INDIANA
As of Tuesday afternoon, Portage Public Marina is planning to remain open, unless ordered otherwise by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb. Michigan City Port Authority was in limbo on whether a launch or launches would be open. As of Tuesday morning, the East Chicago Marina launch was open. Hammond Marina launch is set to close Wednesday, March 25. The Hammond launch on Wolf Lake will remain open.
Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station said that he is open and serving a lot of pet owners as well as quite a few anglers. Coho are still good, though it slowed some from earlier in the year. Put it this way, it still takes most anglers longer to get to Gary Light than it does to catch their limits. Crappie bite has started at Cedar Lake. Guys are going and catching bluegill and crappie at Willow Slough, which has launches open. ``I have everything from muskie suckers to Rosie Reds, and everything in between,’’ Sleziak said.
Then shortly after we finished, he texted:
Bait guy loaded fridges and minnow tanks now
ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN
Click here for the Wisconsin DNR’s report, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday.
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said boaters are getting out at St. Joseph and pier anglers are doing “pretty decent” on coho; still some steelhead at Berrien Springs. Launches are open.
SHABBONA LAKE
As other IDNR sites, closed.
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN LAKEFRONT
Click here for the southern Lake Michigan reports from the Wisconsin DNR.
WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN
Guide Bill Stoeger in Fremont texted:


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--Will coronavirus delay July Democratic presidential convention in Milwaukee?

Democratic convention planners are working on contingency plans as the exploding coronavirus pandemic threatens the July presidential convention in Milwaukee , with some kind of “ virtual ” gathering or delay growing in possibility .
“ As we navigate the unprecedented challenge of responding to the coronavirus , we ’ re exploring a range of contingency options to ensure we can deliver a successful convention without unnecessary risk to public health , ” Katie Peters , the communications director for the convention said in a statement .
“ This is a very fluid situation — and the convention is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are committed to sharing updates with the public in the coming weeks and months as our plans continue to take shape , ” she said .
The Democratic convention is scheduled to take place July 13-16 at the Fiserv Forum .
Hotels in Rosemont and in Lake County had been contracted to house state delegations , so if there is a change — or if the gathering is trimmed a day — it will have an economic impact in the already hard hit Chicago area .
The potential for postponement is getting more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday to push back the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo , which had been set to kick off July 24 .
The Democrats decided it would be advantageous to hold their nominating convention far ahead of the Republicans .
The GOP convention is set for Aug 24-27 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte , N.C .

Democratic convention planners are working on contingency plans as the exploding coronavirus pandemic threatens the July presidential convention in Milwaukee, with some kind of “virtual” gathering or delay growing in possibility.
“As we navigate the unprecedented challenge of responding to the coronavirus, we’re exploring a range of contingency options to ensure we can deliver a successful convention without unnecessary risk to public health,” Katie Peters, the communications director for the convention said in a statement.
“This is a very fluid situation — and the convention is still more than three months away. We are committed to sharing updates with the public in the coming weeks and months as our plans continue to take shape,” she said.
The Democratic convention is scheduled to take place July 13-16 at the Fiserv Forum. Hotels in Rosemont and in Lake County had been contracted to house state delegations, so if there is a change — or if the gathering is trimmed a day — it will have an economic impact in the already hard hit Chicago area.
The potential for postponement is getting more attention in the wake of the decision Monday to push back the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which had been set to kick off July 24.
The Democrats decided it would be advantageous to hold their nominating convention far ahead of the Republicans. The GOP convention is set for Aug 24-27 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--Feds having trouble convening grand juries amid coronavirus outbreak, prosecutors say

Federal prosecutors in Chicago have acknowledged a struggle amid the coronavirus outbreak to convene grand juries — a secretive but crucial part of the justice system — as well as concern that the problem will continue in the near future .
The issue surfaced in a motion filed by prosecutors Monday that sought additional time to secure a grand jury indictment in a case involving nine defendants originally charged by criminal complaint with drug crimes March 2 .
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Dixon wrote that prosecutors faced various deadlines in early April to file indictments against seven of the defendants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing public emergency as a result of the Novel Coronavirus 2019 ( COVID-19 ) .
” “ During the week of March 13 , 2020 , while some grand jury meetings were canceled ahead of schedule in this district , other Special Grand Juries scheduled to meet in this district failed to have requisite quorums , ” Dixon wrote .
The prosecutor made note of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s executive order issued Friday , telling Illinoisans to stay at home unless they are participating in an “ essential ” activity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Although law enforcement activities , including the federal grand jury , is considered to be an essential activity exempt from the Executive Order , the government anticipates that the current events will continue to make it difficult to obtain a quorum of grand jurors before the various deadlines described above , ” Dixon wrote .
A spokeswoman for the U.S. District Court declined to comment on grand jury matters .
Joseph Fitzpatrick , a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney ’ s office , said , “ Our grand juries are continuing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court regarding reasonable accommodations for grand jury meetings .
All areas of our investigations and prosecutions remain active.
” Grand juries operate in secret and are typically made up of 23 members of the public who hear testimony , consider the credibility of witnesses and decide whether there is probable cause to file criminal charges in the form of an indictment .
Sixteen members of a grand jury are generally needed to reach a quorum .
Prosecutors must secure a grand jury indictment to take a defendant to trial on any federal felony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday to give prosecutors until May 3 to secure an indictment in the drug case , noting that “ the ongoing public emergency … would deny the government the reasonable time necessary to present the evidence to a quorum of grand jurors.
” Dixon wrote that defense attorneys for five of the defendants — Gustavo Avila , Aaron Adams , Adrian Curtis , Alvin Brown and Jorge Valdez — did not object to the delay .
Defense attorney Thomas Anthony Durkin , who represents David Palm , told the Chicago Sun-Times he also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andres Villegas did not immediately comment when reached .
U.S. Chief District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer issued an order last week that largely brought civil and criminal cases to a standstill at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse amid the coronavirus outbreak .
However , she wrote that “ grand juries shall continue to meet during the week of March 16 , 2020.
” “ The Court will impose reasonable limits on grand jury meetings thereafter in consultation with the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office , ” Pallmeyer wrote .
Potentially complicating matters was Pallmeyer ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who works at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse tested positive for COVID-19 .
In her announcement , Pallmeyer wrote that the person , who works on the building ’ s eighth floor , was last in the courthouse March 12 .
Pallmeyer wrote that the court would work with the Chicago Department of Public Health , and that the General Services Administration would hire a contractor “ experienced in performing microbial-related remediation to perform specialized cleaning of the eighth floor areas ” as well as other common parts of the building .

Federal prosecutors in Chicago have acknowledged a struggle amid the coronavirus outbreak to convene grand juries — a secretive but crucial part of the justice system — as well as concern that the problem will continue in the near future.
The issue surfaced in a motion filed by prosecutors Monday that sought additional time to secure a grand jury indictment in a case involving nine defendants originally charged by criminal complaint with drug crimes March 2.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Dixon wrote that prosecutors faced various deadlines in early April to file indictments against seven of the defendants, and he pointed to the “ongoing public emergency as a result of the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).”
“During the week of March 13, 2020, while some grand jury meetings were canceled ahead of schedule in this district, other Special Grand Juries scheduled to meet in this district failed to have requisite quorums,” Dixon wrote.
The prosecutor made note of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order issued Friday, telling Illinoisans to stay at home unless they are participating in an “essential” activity. The order lasts until April 7.
“Although law enforcement activities, including the federal grand jury, is considered to be an essential activity exempt from the Executive Order, the government anticipates that the current events will continue to make it difficult to obtain a quorum of grand jurors before the various deadlines described above,” Dixon wrote.
A spokeswoman for the U.S. District Court declined to comment on grand jury matters.
Joseph Fitzpatrick, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office, said, “Our grand juries are continuing to meet. We are working with the court regarding reasonable accommodations for grand jury meetings. All areas of our investigations and prosecutions remain active.”
Grand juries operate in secret and are typically made up of 23 members of the public who hear testimony, consider the credibility of witnesses and decide whether there is probable cause to file criminal charges in the form of an indictment. Sixteen members of a grand jury are generally needed to reach a quorum.
Prosecutors must secure a grand jury indictment to take a defendant to trial on any federal felony.
U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall agreed Monday to give prosecutors until May 3 to secure an indictment in the drug case, noting that “the ongoing public emergency … would deny the government the reasonable time necessary to present the evidence to a quorum of grand jurors.”
Dixon wrote that defense attorneys for five of the defendants — Gustavo Avila, Aaron Adams, Adrian Curtis, Alvin Brown and Jorge Valdez — did not object to the delay. Defense attorney Thomas Anthony Durkin, who represents David Palm, told the Chicago Sun-Times he also did not object. An attorney for Andres Villegas did not immediately comment when reached.
U.S. Chief District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer issued an order last week that largely brought civil and criminal cases to a standstill at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse amid the coronavirus outbreak. However, she wrote that “grand juries shall continue to meet during the week of March 16, 2020.”
“The Court will impose reasonable limits on grand jury meetings thereafter in consultation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Pallmeyer wrote.
Potentially complicating matters was Pallmeyer’s March 17 announcement that a person who works at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse tested positive for COVID-19. In her announcement, Pallmeyer wrote that the person, who works on the building’s eighth floor, was last in the courthouse March 12.
Pallmeyer wrote that the court would work with the Chicago Department of Public Health, and that the General Services Administration would hire a contractor “experienced in performing microbial-related remediation to perform specialized cleaning of the eighth floor areas” as well as other common parts of the building.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--‘It hurts’ — Food pantries shut down, shelters try to cope amid coronavirus crisis

It isn ’ t just restaurants and bars , museums and stores .
Organizations that provide food to the poorest Illinoisans are shutting down in the face of the coronavirus pandemic .
Other social service agencies , like homeless shelters , also must adjust .
In the past two weeks , 112 Chicago-area food pantries have closed ; 82 in Cook County — almost a quarter of the 370 food pantries belonging to the Greater Chicago Food Depository .
“ The number is shocking ” said Greg Trotter , spokesman for depository .
“ It hurts and it has an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , another 30 food pantries closed in the past week , according to the Northern Illinois Food Bank , mostly because those who run them don ’ t want to risk exposure to COVID-19 .
“ Our pantries largely rely upon the help from volunteers , and a lot of our volunteers tend to be older folks , seniors who have time to spare , ” said Liz Gartman , communications manager for the food bank .
” Many of those same folks are taking health precautions very seriously , as they should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfortable coming in.
” The pantries that remain are scrambling to fill the gaps .
“ We serve from Devon to Lawrence and the Lake to Western , ” said Mustafa Abdul Maboud , operations manager of CareForReal in Edgewater .
Lately , he said , they ’ ve been “ helping people outside the boundaries ” because of the high number of pantries now shuttered .
Many of the closed pantries are small , run by a few volunteers out of a church .
But even large Chicago social service organizations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ re already making contingency plans in the event we can no longer keep our doors open , ” said Marc J. Swatez , executive director of The Ark , which provides relief services to 4,000 clients in Rogers Park .
The hope is to work remotely but that raises questions : “ What do I do ?
How can we get people pharmaceuticals ?
How can we get people food ?
How can we get people rent assistance ?
If I can ’ t staff the place , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then there is the problem of running shelters without crowding people close together .
“ Communal living is not a good situation at this time .
Staying in a basement is preferable to staying in a homeless shelter , ” said Swatez , who is trying to find apartments for people in The Ark ’ s Sarnoff Levin Transitional Residence .
“ I ’ m in the process .
I had 14 ; now I have seven .
If I can get everyone out , then I ’ ll close it.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelter , mainly for LBGTQ young adults , is in the basement of Lakeview Lutheran Church on Addison .
It has taken makeshift steps to separate its 21 guests .
“ Friday we put out a call to donors and social media ; we needed some sheets to put up as barriers at night between the mattresses to give each person a little more individual space , ” said Burke Patten , a spokesman for The Night Ministry , whose core mission is providing shelter and medical services to the homeless .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are trying to be creative with the limitations we have.
” Meanwhile , the need for help grows as jobs vanish and meager savings are exhausted .
“ Our demand was up 250 percent last week , ” said Swatez .
“ More and more people are calling in crisis .
People calling us , scared .
Really , really scared.
” The fear among social service agencies is that key personnel will get sick or the virus will be spread among clients .
On March 12 , the Greater Chicago Food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop sit-down meals .
“ With soup kitchens , we ’ ve been advising them to prepare meals to go , ” said Trotter .
“ People still have to eat , but the whole idea is to minimize risk.
” “ We ’ re doing curbside , ” said Lori Cannon , whose GroceryLand USA provides food for Chicagoans with HIV .
Before the crisis , clients would browse aisles , like a regular grocery store .
Now they ’ re handed bags through the door .
“ Our set up has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , executive director of Ravenswood Community Services .
” Usually we ’ re a community gathering place , serving family-style food that gets passed .
We obviously aren ’ t doing any of that .
Now we ’ re handing to-go meals and groceries out at the door , pre-packing bags , maintaining social distances , trying to keep our volunteers and our neighbors safe , and really limited the number of volunteers that can be on site and have them spread out .
If one of our volunteers gets sick , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us down .
That ’ s our biggest fear.
” Charities are trying to figure out what happens then .
“ Non-profits that do work with people are all thinking about contingency plans , ” said Ald .
Harry Osterman ( 48th ) .
“ All organizations are looking at staffing and volunteers , trying to figure out how to keep essential functions going.
” The Night Ministry ’ s medical bus , which brings a clinic to the homeless and indigent in neighborhoods across Chicago , cut 45 minutes from its usual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still providing health care , meals and supplies , ” said Patten .
“ But we don ’ t want to encourage people to congregate.
” That ’ s not easy for either clients or staff .
“ These people come to us seeking companionship , someone to listen to , someone to talk to , ” said Patten .
It can be hard to explain “ why we ’ re not giving out hugs right now.
” “ We can let you see the nurse .
We can get you a meal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respectfully to move on , ” he said .
“ That ’ s tough for us.
” “ It ’ s frustrating , ” said Maboud .
“ Some can not understand why we are doing it this way .
We have to take all these precautions to make sure our clients and volunteers are safe.
” The good news is that many lower-risk Chicagoans are overcoming anxiety about their own future by helping those facing hard times now .
The Night Ministry collected $ 47,000 in donations online in the first two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7,000 in the same period last year .
Closing is not an option .
“ We can ’ t close , we can ’ t close , ” said Paul Hamann , Night Ministry president and CEO .
“ I can not put 61 young people out on the streets .
It ’ s not going to happen .
Our shelters , our health care , they ’ re a front-line public health response to this situation ” Staffers from shuttered neighborhood clubs showing up at GroceryLand to help pack groceries .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ ve got people with nothing but time , part of the original AIDS epidemic , who clearly remember rising to the occasion and feel a compulsion to continue to be a lifeline , to continue to serve the LBGTQ community , ” said Cannon , who founded the organization in 1990 .
“ We ’ ve had leather boys come in , we ’ ve had actors .
Everyone wants to be part of something that is meaningful .
They all want to be part of something bigger than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very inspiring contingent of folks , ” said Gartman , of the Geneva-based Northern Illinois Food Bank .
“ Who say , ‘ I have a responsibility to serve my neighbors right now.
’ They feel very empowered , almost obligated .
They want to be here .
School-age kids finding something to do .
We just had a great group from a church in Elgin .
The pastor said , ‘ We ’ re here to help our community.
’ It ’ s been really inspiring to see folks who are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very passionate about this , that this is more important than ever.
” Since the early 1980s , the 70-year-old Cannon has been part of the battle in Chicago to get the government to recognize AIDS as a public health problem ; she provides perspective on the current health terror .
“ Everything has a beginning , a middle and an end , ” she said .
“ Right now this is the beginning .
People are panicking .
We are trying to stay the course and be smart .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it last time .
Once again , the LBGTQ community has arisen to take care of one another .
There is no reason to expect anything less.
” For those who need help : the Greater Chicago Food Depository has an online portal to connect with services at https : //www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food/ .
Also , the Northern Illinois Food Bank connects to services at https : //solvehungertoday.org/get-help/where-to-get-food/ For those who want to help : Give to The Ark at https : //arkchicago.org/ or The Night Ministry at https : //www.thenightministry.org/support-us .
Volunteer or donate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites above .

It isn’t just restaurants and bars, museums and stores.
Organizations that provide food to the poorest Illinoisans are shutting down in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Other social service agencies, like homeless shelters, are struggling to adjust.
In the past two weeks, 112 Chicago-area food pantries have closed, 82 in Cook County — almost a quarter of the 370 food pantries served by the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
“The number is shocking” said Greg Trotter, spokesman for depository. “It hurts and it has an impact.”
In the 13 collar counties, another 30 food pantries closed in the past week, according to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, mostly because those who run them don’t want to risk exposure to COVID-19.
“Our pantries largely rely upon the help from volunteers, and a lot of our volunteers tend to be older folks, seniors who have time to spare,” said Liz Gartman, communications manager for the food bank. ”Many of those same folks are taking health precautions very seriously, as they should, so they don’t feel comfortable coming in.”
There’s food to be distributed at the Greater Food Depository; the more immediate issue is people. Many older volunteers, who are more at risk from the coronavirus, don’t feel comfortable coming in to work during the pandemic. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
The pantries that remain are scrambling to fill the gaps.
“We serve from Devon to Lawrence and the Lake to Western,” said Mustafa Abdul Maboud, operations manager of CareForReal in Edgewater. Lately, he said, they’ve been “helping people outside the boundaries” because of the high number of pantries now shuttered.
Many of the closed pantries are small, run by a few volunteers out of a church. But even large Chicago social service organizations are contemplating having to abruptly close their facilities.
“We’re already making contingency plans in the event we can no longer keep our doors open,” said Marc J. Swatez, executive director of The Ark, which provides relief services to 4,000 clients in Rogers Park. The hope is to work remotely but that raises questions: “What do I do? How can we get people pharmaceuticals? How can we get people food? How can we get people rent assistance? If I can’t staff the place, I can’t staff the place.”
Shelters also exposed to complications
Then there is the problem of running shelters without crowding people close together.
“Communal living is not a good situation at this time. Staying in a basement is preferable to staying in a homeless shelter,” said Swatez, who is trying to find apartments for people in The Ark’s Sarnoff Levin Transitional Residence. “I’m in the process. I had 14; now I have seven. If I can get everyone out, then I’ll close it.”
The Crib, The Night Ministry’s shelter, mainly for LGBTQ young adults, is in the basement of Lakeview Lutheran Church on Addison. It has taken makeshift steps to separate its 21 guests.
The Crib, Night Ministry’s youth shelter program, is housed at Lake View Lutheran Church. Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
“Friday we put out a call to donors and social media; we needed some sheets to put up as barriers at night between the mattresses to give each person a little more individual space,” said Burke Patten, a spokesman for The Night Ministry, whose core mission is providing shelter and medical services to the homeless. The sheets were hung on clotheslines. “We are trying to be creative with the limitations we have.”
Meanwhile, the need for help grows as jobs vanish and meager savings are exhausted.
“Our demand was up 250% last week,” said Swatez. “More and more people are calling in crisis. People calling us, scared. Really, really scared.”
The fear among social service agencies is that key personnel will get sick or the virus will be spread among clients. On March 12, the Greater Chicago Food Depository sent an advisory encouraging members to stop sit-down meals.
“With soup kitchens, we’ve been advising them to prepare meals to go,” said Trotter. “People still have to eat, but the whole idea is to minimize risk.”
Chef Bill Kim, owner of Urban Belly, helps repackage food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository on Tuesday. Some volunteers are staying home, forcing dozens of food banks to close across the Chicago area. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
“We’re doing curbside,” said Lori Cannon, whose GroceryLand USA provides food for Chicagoans with HIV. Before the crisis, clients would browse aisles, like a regular grocery store. Now they’re handed bags through the door.
”It’s a ‘Hello.’ It’s a ‘Be careful.’ It’s a ‘Goodbye,’” said Cannon.
“Our setup has dramatically changed,” said Lori Gee, executive director of Ravenswood Community Services. ”Usually we’re a community gathering place, serving family-style food that gets passed. We obviously aren’t doing any of that. Now we’re handing to-go meals and groceries out at the door, pre-packing bags, maintaining social distances, trying to keep our volunteers and our neighbors safe, and really limited the number of volunteers that can be on site and have them spread out. If one of our volunteers gets sick, my expectation is the health department would shut us down. That’s our biggest fear.”
Charities are trying to figure out what happens then.
“Nonprofits that do work with people are all thinking about contingency plans,” said Ald. Harry Osterman (48th). “All organizations are looking at staffing and volunteers, trying to figure out how to keep essential functions going.”
The Night Ministry’s medical bus, which brings a clinic to the homeless and indigent in neighborhoods across Chicago, cut 45 minutes from its usual two-hour stops.
“We’re still providing health care, meals and supplies,” said Patten. “But we don’t want to encourage people to congregate.”
That’s not easy for either clients or staff.
“These people come to us seeking companionship, someone to listen to, someone to talk to,” said Patten. It can be hard to explain “why we’re not giving out hugs right now.”
“We can let you see the nurse. We can get you a meal. Then we’re asking people respectfully to move on,” he said. “That’s tough for us.”
The Night Ministry has shortened the time its medical bus stops at locations around Chicago, to reduce the kind of crowding seen here in 2007 in Humboldt Park. Sun-Times file
“It’s frustrating,” said Maboud. “Some cannot understand why we are doing it this way. We have to take all these precautions to make sure our clients and volunteers are safe.”
The good news is that many lower-risk Chicagoans are overcoming anxiety about their own future by helping those facing hard times now. The Night Ministry collected $47,000 in donations online in the first two weeks of March, compared to $7,000 in the same period last year. Closing is not an option.
“We can’t close, we can’t close,” said Paul Hamann, Night Ministry president and CEO. “I cannot put 61 young people out on the streets. It’s not going to happen. Our shelters, our health care, they’re a front-line public health response to this situation”
Staffers from shuttered neighborhood clubs showed up at GroceryLand to help pack groceries. A bartender brought bags of lemons and limes.
“We’ve got people with nothing but time, part of the original AIDS epidemic, who clearly remember rising to the occasion and feel a compulsion to continue to be a lifeline, to continue to serve the LGBTQ community,” said Cannon, who founded the organization in 1990. “We’ve had leather boys come in, we’ve had actors. Everyone wants to be part of something that is meaningful. They all want to be part of something bigger than themselves.”
“There is definitely a very inspiring contingent of folks,” said Gartman, of the Geneva-based Northern Illinois Food Bank. “Who say, ‘I have a responsibility to serve my neighbors right now.’ They feel very empowered, almost obligated. They want to be here. School-age kids finding something to do. We just had a great group from a church in Elgin. The pastor said, ‘We’re here to help our community.’ It’s been really inspiring to see folks who are still coming, who feel very, very, very passionate about this, that this is more important than ever.”
Since the early 1980s, the 70-year-old Cannon has been part of the battle in Chicago to get the government to recognize AIDS as a public health problem; she provides perspective on the current health terror.
“Everything has a beginning, a middle and an end,” she said. “Right now this is the beginning. People are panicking. We are trying to stay the course and be smart. We’ll get through this. We did it last time. Once again, the LGBTQ community has arisen to take care of one another. There is no reason to expect anything less.”
For those who need help: the Greater Chicago Food Depository has an online portal to connect with services at https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food/. Also, the Northern Illinois Food Bank connects to services at https://solvehungertoday.org/get-help/where-to-get-food/
For those who want to help: Give to The Ark at https://arkchicago.org/ or The Night Ministry at https://www.thenightministry.org/support-us. Volunteer or donate to the food depositories at their web sites above. Or donate to Care for Real at https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=ca4fe3b3-ae45-49ca-92f6-5dbc5b1159a9.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-25--Dear Abby: As I cared for husband’s mother in her dying days, he cheated on me

DEAR ABBY : My husband of 30-plus years cheated on me several years ago with one of his young private students .
In our state , she would have been underage , but she was living in an adjacent state with different laws .
I had just finished six months of nursing his mom to heaven .
She had Alzheimer ’ s , and he did very little to help .
We had one of the few fights in our marriage about his affair , but nothing was ever resolved .
I suspect he ’ s still in contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prove it .
He has never apologized for his behavior .
Otherwise , he has been a good husband .
He is sick himself now , and I don ’ t feel right about leaving him .
Any thoughts ?
— NOT RIGHT IN NORTH CAROLINA DEAR NOT RIGHT : Under the circumstances , you are a nicer woman than he deserves .
If you feel you should stay with him until death — or recovery — I respect you for it .
However , if you are one of those caring individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that doing it could hurt your own health , I think you ’ re entitled to spend as much time as you need taking care of YOURSELF .
DEAR ABBY : A friend blew me off after a 35-year friendship .
I ’ ve no idea why — just a very hurtful , nasty message .
Over the years , we had many ups and downs , but we always made up .
Now it has been almost two years since I heard from her .
Last week , for my birthday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have her blocked .
She contacted my sister and said she wants to bury the hatchet .
I said , “ WHERE ?
IN THE BACK OF MY HEAD ?
” I haven ’ t contacted her yet and am not sure I want to .
She hurt me badly .
I cried for so long .
She was my best friend .
I knew she wasn ’ t perfect .
She is the original Drama Queen , but we were still closer than most sisters .
I would at least like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart .
Should I contact her ?
My pastor gave a sermon on forgive and forget , but I don ’ t know if I can do either .
— FOE OR FRIEND IN ILLINOIS DEAR FOE OR FRIEND : Contact the woman and get your questions answered .
After that , you can decide whether the estrangement is healthier for you than her drama .
As to your pastor ’ s sermon , I believe that while people should forgive , they should never forget .
DEAR ABBY : We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 years .
My wife and I have a date night twice a week .
I feel our physical intimacy melds our spirits and souls together .
But lately my wife ’ s new rule is , “ Don ’ t bother me while my TV programs are on !
” When I told her I feel her programs are more important to her than I am , she got upset .
So did I.
Nothing ’ s been the same since .
What ’ s your take on this ?
— OLD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take is that you should reschedule your date nights to ones that don ’ t conflict with your wife ’ s favorite TV shows , or invest in a digital video recorder so your wife doesn ’ t miss her programs and you don ’ t miss a trick .
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 .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My husband of 30-plus years cheated on me several years ago with one of his young private students. In our state, she would have been underage, but she was living in an adjacent state with different laws. I had just finished six months of nursing his mom to heaven. She had Alzheimer’s, and he did very little to help.
We had one of the few fights in our marriage about his affair, but nothing was ever resolved. I suspect he’s still in contact with her, but I can’t prove it. He has never apologized for his behavior. Otherwise, he has been a good husband. He is sick himself now, and I don’t feel right about leaving him. Any thoughts? — NOT RIGHT IN NORTH CAROLINA
DEAR NOT RIGHT: Under the circumstances, you are a nicer woman than he deserves. If you feel you should stay with him until death — or recovery — I respect you for it. However, if you are one of those caring individuals who expends so much time and energy that doing it could hurt your own health, I think you’re entitled to spend as much time as you need taking care of YOURSELF.
DEAR ABBY: A friend blew me off after a 35-year friendship. I’ve no idea why — just a very hurtful, nasty message. Over the years, we had many ups and downs, but we always made up. Now it has been almost two years since I heard from her.
Last week, for my birthday, she tried to contact me, but I have her blocked. She contacted my sister and said she wants to bury the hatchet. I said, “WHERE? IN THE BACK OF MY HEAD?” I haven’t contacted her yet and am not sure I want to. She hurt me badly. I cried for so long. She was my best friend. I knew she wasn’t perfect. She is the original Drama Queen, but we were still closer than most sisters.
I would at least like to know what made her blow us apart. Should I contact her? My pastor gave a sermon on forgive and forget, but I don’t know if I can do either. — FOE OR FRIEND IN ILLINOIS
DEAR FOE OR FRIEND: Contact the woman and get your questions answered. After that, you can decide whether the estrangement is healthier for you than her drama.
As to your pastor’s sermon, I believe that while people should forgive, they should never forget.
DEAR ABBY: We’re a senior couple who have been together 20 years. My wife and I have a date night twice a week. I feel our physical intimacy melds our spirits and souls together. But lately my wife’s new rule is, “Don’t bother me while my TV programs are on!” When I told her I feel her programs are more important to her than I am, she got upset. So did I. Nothing’s been the same since. What’s your take on this? — OLD GULF COAST LOVER
DEAR LOVER: My take is that you should reschedule your date nights to ones that don’t conflict with your wife’s favorite TV shows, or invest in a digital video recorder so your wife doesn’t miss her programs and you don’t miss a trick.
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.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-03-25--2 shot Tuesday in Chicago

2 shot Tuesday in Chicago

Two people were wounded Tuesday in shootings in Chicago .
The man was standing on the porch of a home @ @ @ @ @ 4300 block of West Jackson Boulevard when someone approached and shot him in the leg @ @ @ @ @ He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where his condition was stabilized .
Hours earlier @ @ @ @ @ shot in Austin on the West Side .
He was walking on the street about @ @ @ @ @ block of West Fulton Street when someone in a vehicle fired shots , Chicago police @ @ @ @ @ to a hospital in good condition .
Four people were shot Monday in Chicago .
@ @ @ @ @ and track the city ’ s homicides .

Two people were wounded Tuesday in shootings in Chicago.
The day’s latest shooting hurt a 60-year-old man in West Garfield Park.
The man was standing on the porch of a home about 2:50 p.m. in the 4300 block of West Jackson Boulevard when someone approached and shot him in the leg, Chicago police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where his condition was stabilized.
Hours earlier, a 50-year-old man was shot in Austin on the West Side.
He was walking on the street about 10:11 a.m. in the 5700 block of West Fulton Street when someone in a vehicle fired shots, Chicago police said. He was taken to a hospital in good condition.
Four people were shot Monday in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-25--3 7-Eleven stores robbed at gunpoint

3 7-Eleven stores robbed at gunpoint

Three 7-Eleven convenience stores were robbed at gunpoint in less than 90 minutes Tuesday , according to Chicago police .
@ @ @ @ @ a 7-Eleven in Lincoln Park , 957 W. Armitage Ave. ; • About 11:15 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ Square , 2401 N. Milwaukee Ave. ; and • About 11:50 p.m. at a 7-Eleven @ @ @ @ @ W. Taylor St .
In each robbery , someone flashed a gun and demanded the @ @ @ @ @ before fleeing , police said .
No one was injured in any of the robberies @ @ @ @ @ made , police said .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ @ @ @

Three 7-Eleven convenience stores were robbed at gunpoint in less than 90 minutes Tuesday, according to Chicago police.
The robberies happened:
About 10:30 p.m. at a 7-Eleven in Lincoln Park, 957 W. Armitage Ave.;
About 11:15 p.m. at a 7-Eleven in Logan Square, 2401 N. Milwaukee Ave.; and
About 11:50 p.m. at a 7-Eleven in University Village, 1524 W. Taylor St.
In each robbery, someone flashed a gun and demanded the money in the cash register before fleeing, police said.
No one was injured in any of the robberies and no arrests have been made, police said.
Area North detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-25--Federal officials reach deal on $2 trillion aid package

WASHINGTON – The White House and Senate leaders of both parties struck an agreement late Tuesday on a sweeping $ 2 trillion measure to aid workers , businesses and a health care system strained by the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak .
The agreement came after days of often intense haggling and mounting pressure and still needed to be finalized in detailed legislative language .
Top White House aide Eric Ueland announced the agreement in a Capitol hallway shortly after midnight .
“ Ladies and gentlemen , we are done .
We have a deal , ” Ueland said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments to most Americans , expand unemployment benefits and provide a $ 367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home .
The final details had proved nettlesome .
One of the last issues to close concerned $ 500 billion for guaranteed , subsidized loans to larger industries , including a fight over how generous to be with the airlines .
Hospitals would get significant help as well .
The package was aimed to combat what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had called “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in over a century and quite likely the greatest risk to America ’ s jobs and prosperity that we ’ ve seen since the Great Depression.
” Yet even as the public-health crisis deepened , President Donald Trump expressed eagerness to nudge many people back to work in coming weeks and held out a prospect , based more on hope than science , that the country could be returning to normal in less than a month .
“ We have to go back to work , much sooner than people thought , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said he ’ d like to have the country “ opened up and just raring to go ” by Easter , April 12 .
But in a White House briefing later , Trump said “ our decision will be based on hard facts and data.
” Medical professionals say social distancing needs to be stepped up , not relaxed , to slow the spread of infections .
At the White House briefing , the public-health authorities said it was particularly important for people in the hard-hit New York City metropolitan area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for those who have recently left the city to do the same .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government ’ s top infectious disease expert , said pointedly at the briefing , “ No one is going to want to tone down anything when you see what is going on in a place like New York City.
” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and congressional leaders engaged in final negotiations Tuesday after a tumultuous but productive day Monday .
While the two sides had resolved many issues in the sweeping package , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re trying to finalize all the documents , going through a lot of complicated issues , and we ’ re making a lot of progress , ” Mnuchin said earlier Tuesday .
Ravaged in recent days , stocks rocketed as negotiators signaled a resolution was in sight .
At issue in the Capitol was an unprecedented economic rescue package .
A one-time payment of $ 1,200 per adult and $ 500 per child would go directly to the public .
A huge cash infusion for hospitals expecting a flood of COVID-19 patients grew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Chuck Schumer , the Democratic leader , while Republicans pressed for tens of billions of dollars for additional relief to be delivered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency , the lead federal disaster agency .
Democrats said the package would help replace the salary of furloughed workers for four months , rather than the three months first proposed .
Furloughed workers would get whatever amount a state usually provides for unemployment , plus a $ 600 per week add-on , with gig workers like Uber drivers covered for the first time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 6.2 % Social Security payroll tax .
Opening the Senate on Tuesday , McConnell combined optimism about the chances for a deal with frustration at the delays — and a sober view of the crisis at hand .
“ The urgency and the gravity of this moment can not be lost on anyone , ” he said .
On the negotiations , he said , “ It ’ s taken a lot of noise and a lot of rhetoric to get us here.
” Still , “ we are very close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that takes our bold Republican framework , integrates further ideas from both parties , and delivers huge progress.
” Earlier Tuesday , Trump urged swift action .
“ Congress must approve the deal , without all of the nonsense , today , ” he tweeted .
“ The longer it takes , the harder it will be to start up our economy.
” Democrats pointed to gains for hospitals , additional oversight of the huge industry stabilization fund , and money for cash-strapped states .
A companion appropriations package ballooned as well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House proposal to more than $ 300 billion , which dwarfs earlier disasters — including Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy combined .
To provide transparency , the package is expected to create a new inspector general and oversight board for the corporate dollars , much as was done during the 2008 Troubled Asset Relief Program bank rescue , officials said .
The sense of optimism extended to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , who told CNBC , “ I think there is real optimism that we could get something done in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi introduced a massive Democratic measure with liberal priorities , drawing scorn from Republicans .
Trump in recent days has sounded a note of frustration about the unprecedented modern-day effort to halt the virus ’ march by essentially shutting down public activities in ways that now threaten the U.S. economy .
Even though Trump ’ s administration recommended Americans curtail activities for 15 days , starting just over a week ago , the president saids he may soon allow parts of the economy , in regions so far less badly hit by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued on that theme Tuesday as he weighed a relaxation of social distancing guidelines after the 15-day period is up .
His suggestion that the pandemic could ease and allow a return to normalcy in a mere few weeks is not supported by public health officials or many others in government .
On Tuesday , top defense and military leaders warned department personnel that the virus problems could extend for eight to 10 weeks , or longer .
Army Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , said during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis could even extend into July .
The emerging rescue package is larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined .
Trump has balked at using his authority under the recently invoked Defense Protection Act to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators , even as he encourages them to spur production .
“ We are a country not based on nationalizing our business , ” said Trump , who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats .
For most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .

WASHINGTON – The White House and Senate leaders of both parties struck an agreement late Tuesday on a sweeping $2 trillion measure to aid workers, businesses and a health care system strained by the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak.
The agreement came after days of often intense haggling and mounting pressure and still needed to be finalized in detailed legislative language.
Top White House aide Eric Ueland announced the agreement in a Capitol hallway shortly after midnight. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are done. We have a deal,” Ueland said.
The unprecedented economic rescue package would give direct payments to most Americans, expand unemployment benefits and provide a $367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home.
The final details had proved nettlesome. One of the last issues to close concerned $500 billion for guaranteed, subsidized loans to larger industries, including a fight over how generous to be with the airlines. Hospitals would get significant help as well.
The package was aimed to combat what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had called “the most serous threat to Americans’ health in over a century and quite likely the greatest risk to America’s jobs and prosperity that we’ve seen since the Great Depression.”
Yet even as the public-health crisis deepened, President Donald Trump expressed eagerness to nudge many people back to work in coming weeks and held out a prospect, based more on hope than science, that the country could be returning to normal in less than a month.
“We have to go back to work, much sooner than people thought,” Trump told a Fox News town hall. He said he’d like to have the country “opened up and just raring to go” by Easter, April 12. But in a White House briefing later, Trump said “our decision will be based on hard facts and data.”
Medical professionals say social distancing needs to be stepped up, not relaxed, to slow the spread of infections. At the White House briefing, the public-health authorities said it was particularly important for people in the hard-hit New York City metropolitan area to quarantine themselves for 14 days, and for those who have recently left the city to do the same.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, said pointedly at the briefing, “No one is going to want to tone down anything when you see what is going on in a place like New York City.”
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and congressional leaders engaged in final negotiations Tuesday after a tumultuous but productive day Monday. While the two sides had resolved many issues in the sweeping package, some sticking points remained.
“We’re trying to finalize all the documents, going through a lot of complicated issues, and we’re making a lot of progress,” Mnuchin said earlier Tuesday.
Ravaged in recent days, stocks rocketed as negotiators signaled a resolution was in sight.
At issue in the Capitol was an unprecedented economic rescue package. A one-time payment of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child would go directly to the public. A huge cash infusion for hospitals expecting a flood of COVID-19 patients grew during the talks at the insistence of Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader, while Republicans pressed for tens of billions of dollars for additional relief to be delivered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal disaster agency.
Democrats said the package would help replace the salary of furloughed workers for four months, rather than the three months first proposed. Furloughed workers would get whatever amount a state usually provides for unemployment, plus a $600 per week add-on, with gig workers like Uber drivers covered for the first time. Companies would be able to defer payment of the 6.2% Social Security payroll tax.
Opening the Senate on Tuesday, McConnell combined optimism about the chances for a deal with frustration at the delays — and a sober view of the crisis at hand.
“The urgency and the gravity of this moment cannot be lost on anyone,” he said. On the negotiations, he said, “It’s taken a lot of noise and a lot of rhetoric to get us here.” Still, “we are very close. We are close to a bill that takes our bold Republican framework, integrates further ideas from both parties, and delivers huge progress.”
Earlier Tuesday, Trump urged swift action. “Congress must approve the deal, without all of the nonsense, today,” he tweeted. “The longer it takes, the harder it will be to start up our economy.”
Democrats pointed to gains for hospitals, additional oversight of the huge industry stabilization fund, and money for cash-strapped states. A companion appropriations package ballooned as well, growing from a $46 billion White House proposal to more than $300 billion, which dwarfs earlier disasters — including Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy combined.
To provide transparency, the package is expected to create a new inspector general and oversight board for the corporate dollars, much as was done during the 2008 Troubled Asset Relief Program bank rescue, officials said.
The sense of optimism extended to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who told CNBC, “I think there is real optimism that we could get something done in the next few hours.” Only Monday, Pelosi introduced a massive Democratic measure with liberal priorities, drawing scorn from Republicans.
Trump in recent days has sounded a note of frustration about the unprecedented modern-day effort to halt the virus’ march by essentially shutting down public activities in ways that now threaten the U.S. economy.
Even though Trump’s administration recommended Americans curtail activities for 15 days, starting just over a week ago, the president saids he may soon allow parts of the economy, in regions so far less badly hit by the virus, to begin reopening.
He continued on that theme Tuesday as he weighed a relaxation of social distancing guidelines after the 15-day period is up. His suggestion that the pandemic could ease and allow a return to normalcy in a mere few weeks is not supported by public health officials or many others in government.
On Tuesday, top defense and military leaders warned department personnel that the virus problems could extend for eight to 10 weeks, or longer. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a Defense Department town hall meeting that the crisis could even extend into July.
The emerging rescue package is larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined.
Trump has balked at using his authority under the recently invoked Defense Protection Act to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators, even as he encourages them to spur production. “We are a country not based on nationalizing our business,” said Trump, who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-25--CTA bus, train operators test positive for coronavirus

Two more CTA employees have tested positive for coronavirus , the transit authority confirmed Tuesday .
The employees , a @ @ @ @ @ , work out of the 77th Bus Garage and 95th Street Terminal , respectively , @ @ @ @ @ CTA said they have been in communication with the employees and those who may have @ @ @ @ @ .
The transit authority did not disclose the conditions of the two employees .
Both @ @ @ @ @ the CTA said .
“ CTA conducts regular , robust cleaning of railcars , buses @ @ @ @ @ stations are cleaned and disinfected daily , and vehicles also received regular deep cleanings , @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
City health officials have reviewed CTA ’ s cleaning plan and @ @ @ @ @ ; no changes are recommended at this point. ” On Saturday , the CTA confirmed @ @ @ @ @ of the Forest Glen bus garage at 5914 W. Armstrong Ave. also tested positive for @ @

Two more CTA employees have tested positive for coronavirus, the transit authority confirmed Tuesday.
The employees, a bus driver and train conductor, work out of the 77th Bus Garage and 95th Street Terminal, respectively, the CTA said.
The CTA said they have been in communication with the employees and those who may have had direct contact with them. The transit authority did not disclose the conditions of the two employees.
Both facilities will remain open, the CTA said.
“CTA conducts regular, robust cleaning of railcars, buses and stations. Vehicles and stations are cleaned and disinfected daily, and vehicles also received regular deep cleanings,” the transit authority said in a statement. City health officials have reviewed CTA’s cleaning plan and say current procedures are adequate; no changes are recommended at this point.”
On Saturday, the CTA confirmed a bus driver working out of the Forest Glen bus garage at 5914 W. Armstrong Ave. also tested positive for COVID-19.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--83-year-old woman missing from Uptown located

The unprecedented economic rescue package would give direct payments to most Americans , expand unemployment benefits and provide a $ @ @ @ @ @ businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home .

Pvt. Travis King entered the North while on a civilian tour of a Korean border village July 18, becoming the first American detained in the North in nearly five years.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--Horoscope for Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Horoscope for Wednesday, March 25, 2020

We have the all clear to shop and do business .
The moon is in Aries .
For the second day in a row , the moon is in your sign .
This can make you more emotional but it can also increase your good fortune because it tends to make things go your way .
Why not test this and ask the universe for a favor ?
It will please you to work behind the scenes .
You need some time to catch your breath and ground yourself .
Nevertheless , plans for travel are percolating in your mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go when you are finally able to do so ?
You will enjoy contacting others and they will be glad to hear from you .
Because interactions with friends , groups and clubs will be a plus for you , use social media and online options .
Someone might encourage you to be bolder with your goals .
Be on the lookout for ways to advance your career and your professional concerns because you can do this .
You have nothing to hide .
( In fact , you are rather public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know through your job or your own influence .
Somehow you want to explore more of your world .
How to do this with travel restrictions ?
Be an arm chair traveler .
You can also learn more through schooling and courses .
Many of you will explore opportunities in the media , publishing , the law and medicine .
Yes !
This is an excellent day to discuss how to divide or share something like an inheritance .
Whatever happens , you will likely come out smelling like a rose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit from the generosity of others .
This is a lovely day to schmooze with members of the general public as well as close friends and partners because you feel warm , expansive and charitable to others .
Explore Facebook and social media .
If you can help someone who is close to you , this will be gratifying for you as well .
You will also enjoy working with people from other countries and different cultures today .
Whatever you do today , especially in groups or meetings in person or online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself .
This is a good thing !
A playful day !
Normally you would party and enjoy sports events , fun activities with kids , the arts , musical performances and social outings .
However , you can still enjoy music , the arts and fun with kids .
Romance with someone “ different ” might begin .
This is an excellent day to focus on your domestic world because your exchanges with others will be upbeat and meaningful .
Work with someone to bring about benefits for others .
This will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
It ’ s a known fact that enthusiasm is contagious .
You will discover this today because your positive , upbeat attitude will attract others to you .
In turn , they will be happy to hear from you .
Your words will help them feel more enthused about life .
This makes you an influencer and someone in a position to help others .
Look for ways to promote financial negotiations or boost your earnings because this is an excellent day for business and commerce .
You might choose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will buy something “ big ” but it will please you in an exciting way .
Look for ways to be generous to others , as well .
If Your Birthday Is Today Singer , songwriter , pianist , composer Sir Elton John ( 1947 ) shares your birthday .
You have strong morals and an exploratory mind .
You make friends easily because you have impeccable social skills .
This is a year of change , new opportunities !
Expect to encounter adventure and stimulating situations .
Grab every chance to travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things .
Embrace change !
Let your personal freedom be your goal this year .

Moon Alert
We have the all clear to shop and do business. The moon is in Aries.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
For the second day in a row, the moon is in your sign. This can make you more emotional but it can also increase your good fortune because it tends to make things go your way. Why not test this and ask the universe for a favor?
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
It will please you to work behind the scenes. You need some time to catch your breath and ground yourself. Nevertheless, plans for travel are percolating in your mind. Where is it that you want to go when you are finally able to do so?
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
You will enjoy contacting others and they will be glad to hear from you. Because interactions with friends, groups and clubs will be a plus for you, use social media and online options. Someone might encourage you to be bolder with your goals.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Be on the lookout for ways to advance your career and your professional concerns because you can do this. You have nothing to hide. (In fact, you are rather public.) You might also help someone you know through your job or your own influence.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Somehow you want to explore more of your world. How to do this with travel restrictions? Be an arm chair traveler. You can also learn more through schooling and courses. Many of you will explore opportunities in the media, publishing, the law and medicine. Yes!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
This is an excellent day to discuss how to divide or share something like an inheritance. Whatever happens, you will likely come out smelling like a rose. Keep your pockets open because you can benefit from the generosity of others.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is a lovely day to schmooze with members of the general public as well as close friends and partners because you feel warm, expansive and charitable to others. Explore Facebook and social media. If you can help someone who is close to you, this will be gratifying for you as well.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You will also enjoy working with people from other countries and different cultures today. Whatever you do today, especially in groups or meetings in person or online, will benefit others as well as yourself. This is a good thing!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
A playful day! Normally you would party and enjoy sports events, fun activities with kids, the arts, musical performances and social outings. However, you can still enjoy music, the arts and fun with kids. Romance with someone “different” might begin.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
This is an excellent day to focus on your domestic world because your exchanges with others will be upbeat and meaningful. Work with someone to bring about benefits for others. This will be important to you (and them).
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
It’s a known fact that enthusiasm is contagious. You will discover this today because your positive, upbeat attitude will attract others to you. In turn, they will be happy to hear from you. Your words will help them feel more enthused about life. This makes you an influencer and someone in a position to help others.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Look for ways to promote financial negotiations or boost your earnings because this is an excellent day for business and commerce. You might choose to shop today. If so, you will buy something “big” but it will please you in an exciting way. Look for ways to be generous to others, as well.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Singer, songwriter, pianist, composer Sir Elton John (1947) shares your birthday. You have strong morals and an exploratory mind. You make friends easily because you have impeccable social skills. This is a year of change, new opportunities! Expect to encounter adventure and stimulating situations. Grab every chance to travel and expand your world through learning new things. Embrace change! Let your personal freedom be your goal this year.