chicagosun-times--2020-05-18--With 6 inches of rain in 4 days, Chicago on pace for wettest May on record

Chicago is on pace to see its wettest May on record after more than six inches of rainfall soaked the area over a four-day span , leaving basements flooded and some roads impassable .
With nearly two weeks left until the end of the month , Chicago has already seen 8.2 inches of rainfall .
The record of 8.25 inches was set just last year .
With more rain in the forecast for Tuesday and possibly Saturday , it appears inevitable that May 2020 will be the wettest May on record in Chicago history .
More than 3.5 inches of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the National Weather Service , making it the single wettest May day in Chicago since 1871 .
While the area was still saturated , another 3.11 inches of rain fell Sunday , making it the 5th wettest May day .
Across the Chicago area , Sunday ’ s storms wreaked havoc that continued into Monday : submerging the popular downtown Riverwalk ; flooding highways , streets , parks and basements ; and causing power outages that knocked some radio and TV stations off the air and closed the city ’ s tallest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Willis Tower to be shut down to tenants and visitors Monday also darkened its famed antennas which can sometimes be seen from as far as Michigan .
The basement in the 110-story building also flooded .
Lower Wacker Drive in the Loop — where dozens of homeless people have lived for decades — was flooded .
The Chicago Fire Department said it had to deploy inflatable boats to rescue a half-dozen people from the subterranean roadway .
Lower Wacker remained closed due to flooding as of Monday afternoon .
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ River — to flow into Lake Michigan , the river ’ s original direction — at its pumping station in north suburban Wilmette and at the Chicago River Controlling Works downtown to minimize flooding along the river ’ s banks .
A MWRD spokeswoman said the reversal at the downtown facility had ended by 11:45 a.m. Monday , but the reversal at the Wilmette Pumping station was still in place as of mid-afternoon .
It was not known when the river ’ s flow would return to normal or how much river water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the spokeswoman said .
Monday afternoon , Bubbly Creek — the historically polluted southern fork of the river ’ s southern branch — could still be seen flowing north into the river .
In Boystown , the surge of water loosened a sewer covering .
A video taken by resident Jeff Shields show water cascading several feet into the air as rain pelted the North Side neighborhood .
Shields , who ’ s lived on the same block for eight years , said he experienced some flooding in his home after Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s maintenance crew gave him a sump pump before Sunday ’ s deluge .
“ All along [ the block ] , if you had a garden apartment , you got some sort of water , ” Shields said .
“ Luckily , I did not .
Again , because of the sump pump .
Without that , I would ’ ve been up a creek — literally.
” The Chicago Maritime Museum , which sits on the banks of the creek at 35th and Racine , said in a Facebook post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it left a foot of sewage water inside .
Media outlets also weren ’ t immune to the storms .
WVON-AM was kept off the air for several hours Monday .
The station said “ the building we broadcast from experienced severe flooding causing the power , internet , phone lines , and air conditioning to stop working.
” The station remained silent as of Monday evening .
WCIU said earlier Monday that flooding had knocked out service to several television stations , including MeTV , CW26 , The U , Heroes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flooding caused the CTA to suspend Blue Line service for about four hours between the Forest Park and Harlem stations on the Forest Park branch , according to the transit authority .
The Red Line was suspended between the Garfield and 95th Street stations for nearly half an hour due to “ debris on the tracks .
”

Chicago is on pace to see its wettest May on record after more than six inches of rainfall soaked the area over a four-day span, leaving basements flooded and some roads impassable.
With nearly two weeks left until the end of the month, Chicago has already seen 8.2 inches of rainfall. The record of 8.25 inches was set just last year. With more rain in the forecast for Tuesday and possibly Saturday, it appears inevitable that May 2020 will be the wettest May on record in Chicago history.
More than 3.5 inches of rainfall was recorded last Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, making it the single wettest May day in Chicago since 1871. While the area was still saturated, another 3.11 inches of rain fell Sunday, making it the 5th wettest May day.
Willis Tower loses lights
Across the Chicago area, Sunday’s storms wreaked havoc that continued into Monday: submerging the popular downtown Riverwalk; flooding highways, streets, parks and basements; and causing power outages that knocked some radio and TV stations off the air and closed the city’s tallest building.
The outage that prompted the Willis Tower to be shut down to tenants and visitors Monday also darkened its famed antennas which can sometimes be seen from as far as Michigan. The basement in the 110-story building also flooded.
Lower Wacker Drive in the Loop — where dozens of homeless people have lived for decades — was flooded. The Chicago Fire Department said it had to deploy inflatable boats to rescue a half-dozen people from the subterranean roadway. Lower Wacker is expected to remain closed between Randolph and Harrison Streets through Saturday night due to flooding, according to the Department of Transportation.
City workers remove water from Lower Wacker Drive near Randolph Street after overnight flooding, Monday morning, May 18, 2020. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
River reversed, again
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reversed the Chicago River — to flow into Lake Michigan, the river’s original direction — at its pumping station in north suburban Wilmette and at the Chicago River Controlling Works downtown to minimize flooding along the river’s banks.
A MWRD spokeswoman said the reversal at the downtown facility had ended by 11:45 a.m. Monday, but the reversal at the Wilmette Pumping station was still in place as of mid-afternoon.
It was not known when the river’s flow would return to normal or how much river water had made its way into the lake, the spokeswoman said. Monday afternoon, Bubbly Creek — the historically polluted southern fork of the river’s southern branch — could still be seen flowing north into the river.
In Boystown, the surge of water loosened a sewer covering. A video taken by resident Jeff Shields showed water cascading several feet into the air as rain pelted the North Side neighborhood.
Shields, who’s lived on the same block for eight years, said he experienced some flooding in his home after Thursday’s storms, and his building’s maintenance crew gave him a sump pump before Sunday’s deluge.
“All along [the block], if you had a garden apartment, you got some sort of water,” Shields said. “Luckily, I did not. Again, because of the sump pump. Without that, I would’ve been up a creek — literally.”
The Chicago Maritime Museum, which sits on the banks of the creek at 35th and Racine, said in a Facebook post that the water had swelled so much that it left a foot of sewage water inside.
TV, radio stations knocked off air
Media outlets also weren’t immune to the storms.
WVON-AM was kept off the air for several hours Monday. The station said “the building we broadcast from experienced severe flooding causing the power, internet, phone lines, and air conditioning to stop working.” The station remained silent as of Monday evening.
WCIU said earlier Monday that flooding had knocked out service to several television stations, including MeTV, CW26, The U, Heroes & Icons, Decades and Bounce.
Public transit was another casualty.
Flooding caused the CTA to suspend Blue Line service for about four hours between the Forest Park and Harlem stations on the Forest Park branch, according to the transit authority. The Red Line was suspended between the Garfield and 95th Street stations for nearly half an hour due to “debris on the tracks.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-18--‘The Last Dance’ finishes strong in viewership

Much like the 1990s Bulls themselves , ESPN ’ s “ The Last Dance ” finished strong , averaging 5.6 @ @ @ @ @ last two episodes of the 10-part series .
It ’ s the network ’ s @ @ @ @ @ an average of 5.6 million viewers overall , according to Nielsen research .
Episode 9 @ @ @ @ @ million viewers , and the finale averaged 5.4 million , combining for a 10 % @ @ @ @ @ .
Episode 1 drew the most viewers in the series , averaging 6.3 million .
@ @ @ @ @ exceed 6 million was the third at 6.1 .
The series ’ viewership surpassed “ @ @ @ @ @ Bo ” ( 3.6 million overall ) , which aired in 2012 .
In Chicago @ @ @ @ @ earned a 12.5 rating , well ahead of Greensboro , North Carolina , which was @ @ @ @ @ was the No .
1 market for the entire series , averaging a 12.0 rating @

Much like the 1990s Bulls themselves, ESPN’s “The Last Dance” finished strong, averaging 5.6 million viewers Sunday for the last two episodes of the 10-part series. It’s the network’s most-watched documentary, also with an average of 5.6 million viewers overall, according to Nielsen research.
Episode 9 on Sunday night averaged 5.9 million viewers, and the finale averaged 5.4 million, combining for a 10% increase from the previous week. Episode 1 drew the most viewers in the series, averaging 6.3 million. The only other episode to exceed 6 million was the third at 6.1.
The series’ viewership surpassed “You Don’t Know Bo” (3.6 million overall), which aired in 2012.
In Chicago, the last two episodes earned a 12.5 rating, well ahead of Greensboro, North Carolina, which was at 5.5. Chicago also was the No. 1 market for the entire series, averaging a 12.0 rating.
Viewership numbers for original airings:
Episode 1: 6.3 million
Episode 2: 5.8 million
Episode 3: 6.1 million
Episode 4: 5.7 million
Episode 5: 5.8 million
Episode 6: 5.2 million
Episode 7: 5.3 million
Episode 8: 4.9 million
Episode 9: 5.9 million
Episode 10: 5.4 million


chicagosun-times--2020-05-18--Uber cuts more employees, closes offices

The CEO of Uber Technologies detailed a second wave of layoffs Monday at the ride-hailing and food delivery company , bringing its cuts this year to 25 % of its workforce , along with plans to close or consolidate 45 offices globally .
In an email to employees , CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company will focus on core operations and consider options for other divisions , such as job recruiting app Uber Works and Uber Freight , which deals in truck deliveries .
Uber was a chronic money-loser before the pandemic , but COVID-19 in April caused an 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income producer , the ride-hailing division , compared with the same month last year .
In Chicago , the news raised questions about the fate of Uber ’ s lease of 463,000 square feet at the Old Post Office , a market-defining deal announced in September .
Since then , Uber has delayed its move-in date to next year and offered about 15 % of the space for sublease .
It was intended as a home for Uber Freight .
The company did not respond to questions about its Chicago plans .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uber still will occupy the space .
“ They have other leases in Chicago and those are expiring , ” the source said , allowing staff to be consolidated at the Old Post Office , 433 W. Van Buren St .
The New York-based owner of the building , 601W , said through representative Trana Freedman , “ We are issuing a report in the next 48 hours .
In an effort to assist Uber through Covid , we agreed to give them an extra 60 days of free rent concessions.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported discusssions to acquire Chicago-based Grubhub to consolidate the delivery of restaurant meals .
Khosrowshahi did not address that deal in his message to employees .
The Wall Street Journal reported Grubhub rejected Uber ’ s latest offer of 1.9 shares for each Grubhub share .
Last year , Uber promised its post office lease would allow it to add 2,000 jobs to its Chicago employment base .
Khosrowshahi at the time was effusive , despite quarterly losses measured in the billions of dollars , saying , “ While we are investing aggressively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of that , we are very , very confident that the balance sheet that we have , that the cash we have on our books , and our business , are going to be around for a long time .
So I have no doubts in our ability to be here for the next five , 10 or the next 20 years.
” But Monday , Khosrowshahi was downcast .
He said Uber has to cut 3,000 workers .
Earlier this month , it laid off 3,700 people .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khosrowshahi said .
“ Our balance sheet is strong , Eats is doing great , Rides looks a little better , maybe we can wait this damn virus out ... .
I wanted there to be a different answer ... but there simply was no good news to hear.
” He said the company is closing its business for developing products and services for its platform and a unit working on artificial intelligence .
“ Ultimately , I realized that hoping the world would return to normal within any predictable time frame , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left off on our path to profitability , was not a viable option , ” he said .
Uber lost $ 2.9 billion in the first quarter as the coronavirus pandemic decimated its overseas investments .
Companies that rely on the sharing economy have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic , as people stay indoors and shy away from shared services to reduce the virus ’ spread .
Uber estimates it will incur between $ 175 million and $ 220 million in charges related to the restructuring , including severance , other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a federal filing .
Combined with the earlier layoffs , the changes are designed to save $ 1 billion annually .
“ We do not believe these cost-saving measures will impair our ability to conduct any of our key business functions , ” Uber said in the filing .
Uber ’ s drivers are considered freelance or contract workers , not full-fledged employees , so despite the sharp drop in their incomes from obliterated demand , they are not eligible for severance or benefits from the company .
California challenged this recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they misclassified their drivers as independent contractors under the state ’ s new labor law .
The suit seeks restitution for unpaid wages owed to drivers , among other things .
One silver lining to the pandemic is that Uber ’ s Eats business has become more important to people staying home and restaurants , and delivery is here to stay , Khosrowshahi said .
“ We no longer need to look far for the next enormous growth opportunity : we are sitting right on top of one , ” Khosrowshahi said .

The CEO of Uber Technologies detailed a second wave of layoffs Monday at the ride-hailing and food delivery company, bringing its cuts this year to 25% of its workforce, along with plans to close or consolidate 45 offices globally.
In an email to employees, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company will focus on core operations and consider options for other divisions, such as job recruiting app Uber Works and Uber Freight, which deals in truck deliveries. Uber was a chronic money-loser before the pandemic, but COVID-19 in April caused an 80% drop in revenue for its principal income producer, the ride-hailing division, compared with the same month last year.
In Chicago, the news raised questions about the fate of Uber’s lease of 463,000 square feet at the Old Post Office, a market-defining deal announced in September. Since then, Uber has delayed its move-in date to next year and offered about 15% of the space for sublease. It was intended as a home for Uber Freight.
The company did not respond to questions about its Chicago plans. But a source familiar with the agreement said Uber still will occupy the space. “They have other leases in Chicago and those are expiring,” the source said, allowing staff to be consolidated at the Old Post Office, 433 W. Van Buren St.
The New York-based owner of the building, 601W, said through representative Trana Freedman, “We are issuing a report in the next 48 hours. In an effort to assist Uber through Covid, we agreed to give them an extra 60 days of free rent concessions.”
In addition, Uber has been in widely reported discusssions to acquire Chicago-based Grubhub to consolidate the delivery of restaurant meals. Khosrowshahi did not address that deal in his message to employees. The Wall Street Journal reported Grubhub rejected Uber’s latest offer of 1.9 shares for each Grubhub share.
Last year, Uber promised its post office lease would allow it to add 2,000 jobs to its Chicago employment base. Khosrowshahi at the time was effusive, despite quarterly losses measured in the billions of dollars, saying, “While we are investing aggressively in growth and this Chicago investment is part of that, we are very, very confident that the balance sheet that we have, that the cash we have on our books, and our business, are going to be around for a long time. So I have no doubts in our ability to be here for the next five, 10 or the next 20 years.”
But Monday, Khosrowshahi was downcast. He said Uber has to cut 3,000 workers. Earlier this month, it laid off 3,700 people.
“This is a decision I struggled with,” Khosrowshahi said. “Our balance sheet is strong, Eats is doing great, Rides looks a little better, maybe we can wait this damn virus out .... I wanted there to be a different answer ... but there simply was no good news to hear.”
He said the company is closing its business for developing products and services for its platform and a unit working on artificial intelligence.
“Ultimately, I realized that hoping the world would return to normal within any predictable time frame, so we could pick up where we left off on our path to profitability, was not a viable option,” he said.
Uber lost $2.9 billion in the first quarter as the coronavirus pandemic decimated its overseas investments. Companies that rely on the sharing economy have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, as people stay indoors and shy away from shared services to reduce the virus’ spread.
Uber estimates it will incur between $175 million and $220 million in charges related to the restructuring, including severance, other benefits and office closing costs, according to a federal filing. Combined with the earlier layoffs, the changes are designed to save $1 billion annually. “We do not believe these cost-saving measures will impair our ability to conduct any of our key business functions,” Uber said in the filing.
Uber’s drivers are considered freelance or contract workers, not full-fledged employees, so despite the sharp drop in their incomes from obliterated demand, they are not eligible for severance or benefits from the company. California challenged this recently, suing Uber and Lyft and alleging they misclassified their drivers as independent contractors under the state’s new labor law. The suit seeks restitution for unpaid wages owed to drivers, among other things.
One silver lining to the pandemic is that Uber’s Eats business has become more important to people staying home and restaurants, and delivery is here to stay, Khosrowshahi said.
“We no longer need to look far for the next enormous growth opportunity: we are sitting right on top of one,” Khosrowshahi said.
Contributing: AP


chicagosun-times--2020-05-18--Putting his message where his mouth is? Downstate Republican hopes to make a point by not wearing ma

Putting his message where his mouth is? Downstate Republican hopes to make a point by not wearing mask

SPRINGFIELD — For state Rep Darren Bailey , the decision to not wear a face covering when the General Assembly returns to Springfield this week is about making a point to “ Chicago legislators.
” One of those legislators is state House Speaker Mike Madigan , a Southwest Side Democrat who is asking every lawmaker who comes to Springfield to put on a face mask .
Madigan said that is one of the Illinois Department of Public Health ’ s recommendations to stop the spread of COVID-19 .
Bailey , a Republican from downstate Xenia , said he doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If I was concerned about my health — and if I firmly believed what the governor said about staying home — I would stay home , ” Bailey said .
“ So , some of these Democrat representatives are buying all in to staying home , so why on Earth are they coming to Springfield to put themselves in harm ’ s way ?
” Bailey said not wearing a mask is his way of making Democrats face facts .
“ These Chicago legislators are making more of a deal of wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you know , getting this $ 7.2 billion deficit that we ’ re staring at with our budget , ” he said .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has forecast a budget shortfall for the fiscal year that begins July 1 ranging anywhere from $ 4.6 billion to $ 7.4 billion .
But Bailey , who is suing Pritzker over the Democrat ’ s stay-at-home order , isn ’ t just bucking Madigan by not covering his face .
Republican House Leader Jim Durkin said he wants his caucus to “ comply ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Springs Republican also made it clear that any faceoff won ’ t be with him .
“ I ’ m encouraging my members to comply , but after that , it ’ s up to the speaker , ” Durkin said .
Whether Madigan will make legislators wear masks is still an open question .
Madigan spokesman Steve Brown declined to say whether the guidelines would be enforced , only saying that “ we remain very hopeful that all members respect their colleagues and staff.
” Bailey isn ’ t the only legislator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and numerous other health experts recommend wearing face coverings in “ public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain , ” at least two other downstate Republicans question that advice .
State representatives Chris Miller , R-Oakland , and Brad Halbrook , R-Shelbyville , said they doubt the face mask recommendations from state and federal public health experts and have yet to decide if they will wear a face covering during session this week .
For Halbrook , the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal choice.
” He said he wants to consult with his primary care doctor before he decides to put on a mask .
Miller , like Bailey , questions whether the masks really prevent the spread of coronavirus .
The Coles County farmer said wearing a mask might mean playing Madigan ’ s “ reindeer games ” , but he also is concerned that not wearing a mask might become a distraction .
“ On the other hand , I don ’ t want the story to be about a few downstate representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miller said .
“ I think that the bigger story is that we have a dictator governor who is weaponizing the department of health to make criminals out of business owners that are desperate and needing to get back to work.
” Masked-legislators and lobbyists won ’ t be the only change when the Legislature convenes Wednesday for the first time since March 5 .
While the state Senate will meet at the state Capitol , the House will convene at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center to give representatives more space for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to submit to temperature checks before they enter their chambers and to take a COVID-19 test before they arrive in Springfield .
Madigan , Durkin , Senate President Don Harmon and Senate GOP Bill Brady have all tested negative for COVID-19 , representatives for each said .
Durkin and Brady said they knew of no confirmed cases among Republicans yet .
So far , at least two Democratic legislators have said they will not be going to Springfield .
State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. posted on Facebook that he tested positive , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he tested negative last week , but came into contact Sunday with a person who tested positive .
Both said they would self-quarantine rather than make the trip to Springfield .
“ I was hoping to return to Springfield and work with my colleagues to provide relief for all of Illinois , ” Gonzalez wrote on his Facebook page .
“ I will not be attending the session and I have immediately begun to self-quarantine at home for the safety of my colleagues , my constituents , my family , and myself @ @

SPRINGFIELD — For state Rep Darren Bailey, the decision to not wear a face covering when the General Assembly returns to Springfield this week is about making a point to “Chicago legislators.”
One of those legislators is state House Speaker Mike Madigan, a Southwest Side Democrat who is asking every lawmaker who comes to Springfield to put on a face mask. Madigan said that is one of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s recommendations to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Bailey, a Republican from downstate Xenia, said he doesn’t trust the health department.
“If I was concerned about my health — and if I firmly believed what the governor said about staying home — I would stay home,” Bailey said. “So, some of these Democrat representatives are buying all in to staying home, so why on Earth are they coming to Springfield to put themselves in harm’s way?”
Bailey said not wearing a mask is his way of making Democrats face facts.
“These Chicago legislators are making more of a deal of wearing a mask in Springfield than they are about, you know, getting this $7.2 billion deficit that we’re staring at with our budget,” he said.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has forecast a budget shortfall for the fiscal year that begins July 1 ranging anywhere from $4.6 billion to $7.4 billion.
But Bailey, who is suing Pritzker over the Democrat’s stay-at-home order, isn’t just bucking Madigan by not covering his face.
Republican House Leader Jim Durkin said he wants his caucus to “comply” with mask-wearing guidelines.
But the Western Springs Republican also made it clear that any faceoff won’t be with him.
“I’m encouraging my members to comply, but after that, it’s up to the speaker,” Durkin said.
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin Rich Hein/Sun-Times file
Whether Madigan will make legislators wear masks is still an open question. Madigan spokesman Steve Brown declined to say whether the guidelines would be enforced, only saying that “we remain very hopeful that all members respect their colleagues and staff.”
Bailey isn’t the only legislator who may show up in Springfield bare-faced.
While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and numerous other health experts recommend wearing face coverings in “public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain,” at least two other downstate Republicans question that advice.
State representatives Chris Miller, R-Oakland, and Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, said they doubt the face mask recommendations from state and federal public health experts and have yet to decide if they will wear a face covering during session this week.
For Halbrook, the decision comes down to “a matter of personal choice.” He said he wants to consult with his primary care doctor before he decides to put on a mask. Miller, like Bailey, questions whether the masks really prevent the spread of coronavirus.
State Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, left; state Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland, right. rephalbrook.com; Facebook.
The Coles County farmer said wearing a mask might mean playing Madigan’s “reindeer games,” but he also is concerned that not wearing a mask might become a distraction.
“On the other hand, I don’t want the story to be about a few downstate representatives who refuse to wear masks,” Miller said. “I think that the bigger story is that we have a dictator governor who is weaponizing the department of health to make criminals out of business owners that are desperate and needing to get back to work.”
Masked legislators and lobbyists won’t be the only change when the Legislature convenes Wednesday for the first time since March 5. While the state Senate will meet at the state Capitol, the House will convene at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center to give representatives more space for social distancing.
Legislators are being asked to submit to temperature checks before they enter their chambers and to take a COVID-19 test before they arrive in Springfield.
Madigan, Durkin, Senate President Don Harmon and Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady have all tested negative for COVID-19, representatives for each said.
Durkin and Brady said they knew of no confirmed cases among Republicans yet.
So far, at least two Democratic legislators have said they will not be going to Springfield. State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. posted on Facebook that he tested positive, and state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, said he tested negative last week, but came into contact Sunday with a person who tested positive.
Both said they would self-quarantine rather than make the trip to Springfield.
“I was hoping to return to Springfield and work with my colleagues to provide relief for all of Illinois,” Gonzalez wrote on his Facebook page. “I will not be attending the session and I have immediately begun to self-quarantine at home for the safety of my colleagues, my constituents, my family, and myself.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-18--Windy City Smokeout postponed to 2021 due to coronavirus

The smokeout ’ s been snuffed out , thanks to COVID-19 .
The Windy City Smokeout is officially postponed until 2021 , according to a statement on the festival organization ’ s website .
The smokeout has been pushed back to July 9-11 , 2021 , the statement said .
Headliners Darius Rucker , Dierks Bentley and Jon Pardi are still slated to play at the 2021 festival .
“ We love nothing more than enjoying a weekend of country music & BBQ with you , but the health and safety of you , our beloved artists , pitmasters & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the statement said .
” While this decision wasn ’ t easy , it is necessary to keep everyone safe.
” Tickets and festival passes already purchased will be honored at the 2021 festival with additional perks , the statement said .
General admission tickets will receive a $ 10 per day food-and-beverage credit for single-day and three-day tickets .
All VIP holders will receive a $ 30 per day credit for single-day tickets and a $ 100 credit on three-day tickets .
If they prefer , however , ticket holders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the statement said .
For every pass kept , the festival organizers will make a donation to Feed Chicago .
Want to see what other summer festivals have been postponed or canceled ?
Check out our list here .

The smokeout’s been snuffed out, thanks to COVID-19.
The Windy City Smokeout is officially postponed until 2021, according to a statement on the festival organization’s website.
The outdoor country music and barbecue festival has been pushed back to July 9-11, 2021, the statement said. Headliners Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley and Jon Pardi are still slated to play at the 2021 festival.
“We love nothing more than enjoying a weekend of country music & BBQ with you, but the health and safety of you, our beloved artists, pitmasters & employees has always been our top priority,” the statement said. ”While this decision wasn’t easy, it is necessary to keep everyone safe.”
Tickets and festival passes already purchased will be honored at the 2021 festival with additional perks, the statement said. General admission tickets will receive a $10 per day food-and-beverage credit for single-day and three-day tickets. All VIP holders will receive a $30 per day credit for single-day tickets and a $100 credit on three-day tickets.
If they prefer, however, ticket holders can request a refund until June 17, the statement said. For every pass kept, the festival organizers will make a donation to Feed Chicago.
Want to see what other summer festivals have been postponed or canceled? Check out our list here.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-18--Teen shot on Southeast Side

Teen shot on Southeast Side

A 15-year-old boy was shot Monday on the Southeast Side .
He was on the sidewalk about 4:25 p.m. on @ @ @ @ @ approached him and opened fire , Chicago police said .
The teen was struck in @ @ @ @ @ Comer Children ’ s Hospital in fair condition , police said .
Read more on @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s homicides .

A 15-year-old boy was shot Monday on the Southeast Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 4:25 p.m. on East 97th Street when someone approached him and opened fire, Chicago police said.
The teen was struck in the hand and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in fair condition, police said.
Area Two detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-18--Church leaders outline plan for holding services again in Chicago

Several faith leaders laid out a vision for how churches should re-open as the state continues to tend to a public health crisis that has claimed over 4,000 lives in less than three months .
The faith leaders say they have no intention of defying state-issued orders like other churches in the city have recently done .
Instead , they are relying on “ science , doctors and the government ” to let them know when it is safe for them to reopen .
Still , they said in a press conference shown live on Facebook , the church is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced many people into isolation .
“ People need to have some hope in the midst of all of the things that they ’ re hearing , ” said Rev .
Floyd James of Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church .
“ This is our calling .
We were called into the work to be concerned for the least , the less and the lost.
” Rev .
Robin Hood of Redeemed Outreach Ministries said “ church is the household of God ” but in areas where COVID-19 is spreading the “ church has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting its congregation .
It ’ s unclear if every storefront church in the city would be capable of carrying out the plans , which include giving every congregant hand sanitizer , gloves and a mask upon entering the church .
Hood said they would also run two temperature tests at the door , using two different devices .
A hands-free thermal detector would be placed on the wall or on a tripod at the doors of churches ; the device ’ s sensor can take a person ’ s temperature from about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A person who shows a fever would be sent into isolation in the church where they would be tested for the novel coronavirus but it ’ s unclear how churches would obtain , conduct and examine the tests .
Those without a fever will be allowed into the sanctuary .
Temperature checks , however , don ’ t filter out asymptomatic people who can still transmit the virus to others .
Tyrone Muhammad is director of product placement of Yates Enterprise , which provided a device for a demonstration at Monday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is crucial to keeping people safe , but isn ’ t sure if every church can afford the $ 3,500 device .
“ This machine is hypercritical for monitoring the coming and goings of people that have temperatures , ” Muhammad said .
Social distancing will limit attendance , so church leaders will probably host multiple services throughout the day if needed .

Several faith leaders laid out a vision for how churches should re-open as the state continues to tend to a public health crisis that has claimed over 4,000 lives in less than three months.
The faith leaders say they have no intention of defying state-issued orders like other churches in the city have recently done. Instead, they are relying on “science, doctors and the government” to let them know when it is safe for them to reopen.
Still, they said in a press conference shown live on Facebook, the church is more important than ever as COVID-19 has forced many people into isolation.
“People need to have some hope in the midst of all of the things that they’re hearing,” said Rev. Floyd James of Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church. “This is our calling. We were called into the work to be concerned for the least, the less and the lost.”
Rev. Robin Hood of Redeemed Outreach Ministries said “church is the household of God” but in areas where COVID-19 is spreading the “church has to be smart and safe” in protecting its congregation.
It’s unclear if every storefront church in the city would be capable of carrying out the plans, which include giving every congregant hand sanitizer, gloves and a mask upon entering the church.
Hood said they would also run two temperature tests at the door, using two different devices.
A hands-free thermal detector would be placed on the wall or on a tripod at the doors of churches; the device’s sensor can take a person’s temperature from about 2 inches away from their forehead.
Pastor Robin Hood takes his temperature by pointing his forehead toward the sensor on a thermal detector during a press conference Monday at Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
A person who shows a fever would be sent into isolation in the church where they would be tested for the novel coronavirus but it’s unclear how churches would obtain, conduct and examine the tests.
Those without a fever will be allowed into the sanctuary.
Temperature checks, however, don’t filter out asymptomatic people who can still transmit the virus to others.
Tyrone Muhammad is director of product placement of Yates Enterprise, which provided a device for a demonstration at Monday’s press conference. He said their device is crucial to keeping people safe, but isn’t sure if every church can afford the $3,500 device.
“This machine is hypercritical for monitoring the coming and goings of people that have temperatures,” Muhammad said.
Social distancing will limit attendance, so church leaders will probably host multiple services throughout the day if needed.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-19--Steve Earle digs deep to tell coal miners’ stories on stage

Judging from his four decades of music , you ’ d never guess alt-country legend Steve Earle is a theater geek .
But he is and it goes way back to his roots growing up in Texas .
“ Theater has always been kind of a big deal to me because of my grandmother and my high school drama teacher , who was one of the only teachers who didn ’ t throw me out of class , ” Earle says with a laugh.
” After her husband died , Earle ’ s then 60-year-old grandmother , Jewel Earle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the theater department at the now-defunct Lon Morris College in Northeast Texas , where she worked for the next 20 years .
“ They did great stage work there and I saw all the shows , ” Earle , 65 , recalls in a phone conversation from Nashville , where he was sheltering in place with his young son John Henry .
“ I grew up thinking theater was important.
” That feeling never left , and 15 years ago he moved to New York , he says , “ specifically to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York theater scene grew the songs for his new album , “ Ghosts of West Virginia ” ( due out May 22 on New West Records ) .
It features music he wrote and performed earlier this year in “ Coal Country , ” Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen ’ s off-Broadway docu-play inspired by the Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion that killed 29 men in that state in 2010 .
“ It ’ s the story of what happened to these miners and what happened to their loved ones , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m really proud of the work we ’ ve done here.
” After making a couple of records that he says were “ pretty personal , ” Earle felt it was time to make another overtly political record but he asked himself , “ What kind of record would that be ?
” “ I ’ ve made the preaching-to-the-choir record twice [ ‘ Jerusalem , ’ ‘ The Revolution Starts Now ’ ] and my concern has become that the divisions in the country are so deep that we are in trouble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
So I thought , how do I make a record that speaks to — and maybe if I did it right , for — people who don ’ t think the way that I do.
” About this time Earle reconnected with Blank and Jensen , the playwriting team behind “ The Exonerated , ” which tells the stories of six wrongfully convicted inmates .
Earle had performed in the play in New York during its original run and later in a 2012 revival .
Now the couple wanted to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a play about the mine explosion .
He was and the result of the collaboration is “ Coal Country , ” featuring monologues drawn from interviews with the surviving West Virginia miners , along with the families of the miners who died .
Oskar Eustis , artistic director of New York ’ s Public Theater , commissioned the piece , and it opened to critical acclaim on March 3 before closing due to the Covid-19 crisis .
Earle ’ s country-folk-laced songwriting , the play ’ s lyrical thread , earned him a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a play .
The singer-songwriter ’ s politics are no secret : He ’ s a liberal and a socialist , a rarity in the small towns that dot coal country .
But Earle ’ s goal was to find common cause with the people of West Virginia .
He found that connection in a mutual embrace of trade unions .
“ This was the first non-union mine on this mountain and it blew up , and that ’ s a huge thing to these people because its a huge part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ And right there you have what I was looking for .
What do New Yorkers or people in California or Michigan have in common with people in West Virginia ?
At some point in their history , a belief in trade unions.
” Earle canceled a tour in support of the new album and during the stay in Nashville instead has been assisting with homeschooling his son , who is autistic .
“ It ’ s not just sitting him in front of a computer with the teachers , ” Earle says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how my little boy learns and how he ’ s taught than I ever did .
That ’ s the upside if there is one during this crisis.
” While Earle will continue making albums with his band The Dukes ( “ I have bills to pay ” ) , he ’ s also eager to return to New York and continue pursuing his theater dreams .
He ’ s got several projects in the works and his eye on an even bigger prize .
“ I ’ m working towards a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ ve hung up my shingle to be a theater composer .
That ’ s what I really want to do .
”

Judging from his four decades of music, you’d never guess alt-country legend Steve Earle is a theater geek. But he is and it goes way back to his roots growing up in Texas.
“Theater has always been kind of a big deal to me because of my grandmother and my high school drama teacher, who was one of the only teachers who didn’t throw me out of class,” Earle says with a laugh.
After her husband died, Earle’s then 60-year-old grandmother, Jewel Earle, began a new career sewing costumes for the theater department at the now-defunct Lon Morris College in Northeast Texas, where she worked for the next 20 years.
“They did great stage work there and I saw all the shows,” Earle, 65, recalls in a phone conversation from Nashville, where he was sheltering in place with his young son John Henry. “I grew up thinking theater was important.”
That feeling never left, and 15 years ago he moved to New York, he says, “specifically to make music for theater.”
Out of the New York theater scene grew the songs for his new album, “Ghosts of West Virginia” (due out May 22 on New West Records). It features music he wrote and performed earlier this year in “Coal Country,” Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s off-Broadway docu-play inspired by the Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion that killed 29 men in that state in 2010.
“It’s the story of what happened to these miners and what happened to their loved ones,” Earle says. “I’m really proud of the work we’ve done here.”
(“Coal Country” is not Earle’s off-Broadway debut. He also wrote the music for and acted in Richard Maxwell’s dystopian western “Samara,” which debuted in 2017 at Soho Rep.)
After making a couple of records that he says were “pretty personal,” Earle felt it was time to make another overtly political record but he asked himself, “What kind of record would that be?”
“I’ve made the preaching-to-the-choir record twice [‘Jerusalem,’ ‘The Revolution Starts Now’] and my concern has become that the divisions in the country are so deep that we are in trouble (he used a saltier expression here). So I thought, how do I make a record that speaks to — and maybe if I did it right, for — people who don’t think the way that I do.”
About this time Earle reconnected with Blank and Jensen, the playwriting team behind “The Exonerated,” which tells the stories of six wrongfully convicted inmates. Earle had performed in the play in New York during its original run and later in a 2012 revival. Now the couple wanted to know if he was interested in working on a play about the mine explosion.
He was and the result of the collaboration is “Coal Country,” featuring monologues drawn from interviews with the surviving West Virginia miners, along with the families of the miners who died.
(In a broader, all-encompassing gesture, the album’s cover art by Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick lists the names of towns where miners lost their lives in coal mine disasters or in the coal wars between 1912-1921.)
Steve Earle performs in “Coal Country” earlier this year at The Public Theater in New York. Joan Marcus
Oskar Eustis, artistic director of New York’s Public Theater, commissioned the piece, and it opened to critical acclaim on March 3 before closing due to the Covid-19 crisis. Earle’s country-folk-laced songwriting, the play’s lyrical thread, earned him a Drama Desk Award nomination for outstanding music in a play.
The singer-songwriter’s politics are no secret: He’s a liberal and a socialist, a rarity in the small towns that dot coal country. But Earle’s goal was to find common cause with the people of West Virginia. He found that connection in a mutual embrace of trade unions.
“This was the first non-union mine on this mountain and it blew up, and that’s a huge thing to these people because its a huge part of their story,” Earle says. “And right there you have what I was looking for. What do New Yorkers or people in California or Michigan have in common with people in West Virginia? At some point in their history, a belief in trade unions.”
Earle canceled a tour in support of the new album and during the stay in Nashville instead has been assisting with homeschooling his son, who is autistic.
“It’s not just sitting him in front of a computer with the teachers,” Earle says. “I now know way more about how my little boy learns and how he’s taught than I ever did. That’s the upside if there is one during this crisis.”
While Earle will continue making albums with his band The Dukes (“I have bills to pay”), he’s also eager to return to New York and continue pursuing his theater dreams. He’s got several projects in the works and his eye on an even bigger prize.
“I’m working towards a real Broadway musical,” he says. “I’ve hung up my shingle to be a theater composer. That’s what I really want to do.”
Mary Houlihan is a Chicago freelance writer.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-19--25th employee contracts COVID-19 at Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s office

Another employee at the Cook County Circuit Court clerk ’ s office has tested positive for COVID-19 , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ The latest employee to test positive was assigned to the accounting department , located in @ @ @ @ @ W. Washington St. , Room 1005 , and last reported for work on May 14th @ @ @ @ @ from the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County .
The @ @ @ @ @ The Clerk ’ s Office ’ s Department of Facilities Management and MB Real Estate @ @ @ @ @ clean and sanitize the area where the employee worked , the clerk ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ into close contact with the person have been asked to self-quarantine at home for 14 @ @ @ @ @ symptoms of coronavirus , the clerk ’ s office said .
The first cases of @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office were reported March 25 .

Another employee at the Cook County Circuit Court clerk’s office has tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the overall total to 25.
The latest employee to test positive was assigned to the accounting department, located in the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Room 1005, and last reported for work on May 14th, according to a statement from the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The person has been hospitalized.
The Clerk’s Office’s Department of Facilities Management and MB Real Estate have been notified to deep clean and sanitize the area where the employee worked, the clerk’s office said.
Employees who came into close contact with the person have been asked to self-quarantine at home for 14 days and look out for symptoms of coronavirus, the clerk’s office said.
The first cases of the coronavirus in the clerk’s office were reported March 25.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-19--9 shot Monday in Chicago

9 shot Monday in Chicago

Nine people were shot Monday in Chicago , including a 35-year-old man who was wounded when he was shot in West Chesterfield on the South Side .
He was walking on the sidewalk about 10 p.m. in the 8800 block of South Michigan Avenue when someone in a white sedan unleashed gunfire , Chicago police said .
The man drove himself to 87th and South King Drive where authorities responded , police said .
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition .
About 20 minutes prior , a 19-year-old man was shot in West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About 9:40 p.m. he was standing on the sidewalk in the 2700 block of West Devon Avenue , when three males fired shots at him , striking him in the back , police said .
He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in fair condition , police said .
A 27-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was standing on the sidewalk about 6:22 p.m. in the 1300 block of South Lawndale Avenue when he heard gunfire and felt pain , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition , police said .
A 43-year-old man was shot multiple times in Austin on the West Side .
He was on the sidewalk about 4:50 p.m. in the 800 block of North Leamington Avenue when someone in a vehicle fired shots , police said .
The man was hit in the chest , elbow and armpit , police said .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition .
A 15-year-old boy was shot on the Southeast Side .
He was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 97th Street when someone approached him and opened fire , police said .
The teen was struck in the hand and taken to Comer Children ’ s Hospital in fair condition , police said .
About an hour prior , man was wounded in a shooting in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was on the sidewalk about 3:15 p.m. in the 4000 block of West Grenshaw Street when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire , Chicago police said .
He was struck in the leg and taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was stabilized , police said .
A 22-year-old man is in critical condition after being shot in West Town .
He was in a vehicle about 3:15 p.m. in the 100 block of North Oakley Boulevard when he heard gunfire and felt pain , police said .
The man was hit in the leg , buttocks and abdomen .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital for treatment , police said .
A man was wounded in a shooting in Park Manor on the South Side .
He was on the sidewalk about 2:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King Drive when he heard shots and felt pain , police said .
The 23-year-old was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition with a gunshot wound to the leg , police said .
The day ’ s first shooting wounded a man on the Near West Side .
The 22-year-old was shot in the left leg at 1:36 a.m. in the 2500 block of West Jackson Boulevard , according to police .
He went to Loretto Hospital on his own and was listed in good condition , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32 others wounded in shootings , last weekend in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Nine people were shot Monday in Chicago, including a 35-year-old man who was wounded when he was shot in West Chesterfield on the South Side.
He was walking on the sidewalk about 10 p.m. in the 8800 block of South Michigan Avenue when someone in a white sedan unleashed gunfire, Chicago police said.
The man drove himself to 87th and South King Drive where authorities responded, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition.
About 20 minutes prior, a 19-year-old man was shot in West Rogers Park on the Northwest Side.
About 9:40 p.m. he was standing on the sidewalk in the 2700 block of West Devon Avenue, when three males fired shots at him, striking him in the back, police said.
He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in fair condition, police said.
A 27-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Lawndale on the West Side.
He was standing on the sidewalk about 6:22 p.m. in the 1300 block of South Lawndale Avenue when he heard gunfire and felt pain, police said.
The man was struck in both arms and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said.
A 43-year-old man was shot multiple times in Austin on the West Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 4:50 p.m. in the 800 block of North Leamington Avenue when someone in a vehicle fired shots, police said.
The man was hit in the chest, elbow and armpit, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition.
A 15-year-old boy was shot on the Southeast Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 4:25 p.m. on East 97th Street when someone approached him and opened fire, police said.
The teen was struck in the hand and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in fair condition, police said.
About an hour prior, man was wounded in a shooting in Lawndale on the West Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 3:15 p.m. in the 4000 block of West Grenshaw Street when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire, Chicago police said.
He was struck in the leg and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.
A 22-year-old man is in critical condition after being shot in West Town.
He was in a vehicle about 3:15 p.m. in the 100 block of North Oakley Boulevard when he heard gunfire and felt pain, police said. The man was hit in the leg, buttocks and abdomen.
He was taken to Stroger Hospital for treatment, police said.
A man was wounded in a shooting in Park Manor on the South Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 2:30 p.m. in the 6800 block of South King Drive when he heard shots and felt pain, police said.
The 23-year-old was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition with a gunshot wound to the leg, police said.
The day’s first shooting wounded a man on the Near West Side.
The 22-year-old was shot in the left leg at 1:36 a.m. in the 2500 block of West Jackson Boulevard, according to police.
He went to Loretto Hospital on his own and was listed in good condition, police said.
Six people were killed and 32 others wounded in shootings, last weekend in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-19--Motorcycles and motor scooters stolen in Albany Park: police

Chicago police are warning residents of four vehicle thefts reported in recent months in Albany Park on the Northwest Side @ @ @ @ @ stole a motorcycle or motor scooter that was parked on the street , according to @ @ @ @ @ police .
• Between 11 p.m. April 28 and 9 a.m. April 29 in the @ @ @ @ @ Avenue , • About 4 p.m. May 6 and about 3:30 p.m. May 13 in @ @ @ @ @ Albany Avenue ; and • Between 10 p.m. May 16 and 9:30 a.m. May 17 @ @ @ @ @ West Pensacola Avenue .
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 312-744-8263 .
@ @ @ @ @ and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning residents of four vehicle thefts reported in recent months in Albany Park on the Northwest Side.
In each incident someone stole a motorcycle or motor scooter that was parked on the street, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The thefts happened:
Between 11 p.m. April 28 and 9 a.m. April 29 in the 3200 block of West Eastwood Avenue,
About 4 p.m. May 6 and about 3:30 p.m. May 13 in the 4400 block of North Albany Avenue; and
Between 10 p.m. May 16 and 9:30 a.m. May 17 in the 3300 block of West Pensacola Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 312-744-8263.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-18--President Trump taps Normal, Illinois, mayor to Amtrak board following Sen. Durbin’s recommendation

President Donald Trump on Monday tapped Chris Koos , the mayor of downstate Normal , for the Amtrak board of directors , with the move coming after Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , recommended him for the position .
Many other Trump nominations have stalled because of ongoing partisan warfare .
Having the support of Durbin and Sen. Tammy Duckworth , D-Ill. , means the Senate Democrats will not block his appointment once Trump formally sends his nomination to the Senate for confirmation .
Trump also picked Sarah Feinberg for the Amtrak Board .
When ex-Mayor Rahm Emanuel was White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama , Feinberg was his spokeswoman and adviser .
Feinberg is the interim president of New York City Transit .
Under Obama , Feinberg was the administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration .
Eight out of the 10 Amtrak board members are picked by the president , subject to confirmation by the Senate .
Koos is one of the Democratic picks .
The statute requires the president to consult with the Democratic and Republican House and Senate leaders on Amtrak board picks .
As a practical matter , the eight Amtrak board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Durbin said in a statement , “ I recommended Mayor Koos for this important position , and I ’ m glad the President nominated him today .
Mayor Koos understands the importance of passenger rail to communities in Illinois and across the country .
He will be an important voice for Illinois and the Midwest in support of growing and protecting Amtrak ’ s national network , and I look forward to supporting his nomination.
” Duckworth , the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety with jurisdiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ I applaud the decision to nominate Mayor Koos to join the Amtrak Board of Directors , ” Duckworth said .
“ Mayor Koos has long advocated for common sense transportation policies , and his views and experience as an Illinois municipal leader will be a welcome addition to this Board .
I look forward to supporting his nomination.
” Part of Normal is in Rep. Darin LaHood ’ s district , and the Republican in a statement backed the Koos pick .
“ President Trump has made a great selection in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amtrak Board .
Mayor Koos is a hardworking , thoughtful Mayor who always puts the best interests of Normal first .
Over the years , I have worked with Mayor Koos on a plethora of issues , such as securing federal funds for many transportation investment projects , including the Uptown Normal Underpass .
I look forward working with Mayor Koos in this new role to continue strengthening Illinois infrastructure .
”

President Donald Trump on Monday tapped Chris Koos, the mayor of downstate Normal, for the Amtrak board of directors, with the move coming after Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., recommended him for the position.
Many other Trump nominations have stalled because of ongoing partisan warfare. Having the support of Durbin and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., means the Senate Democrats will not block his appointment once Trump formally sends his nomination to the Senate for confirmation.
Trump also picked Sarah Feinberg for the Amtrak Board. When ex-Mayor Rahm Emanuel was White House chief of staff for former President Barack Obama, Feinberg was his spokeswoman and adviser.
Feinberg is the interim president of New York City Transit. Under Obama, Feinberg was the administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.
Eight out of the 10 Amtrak board members are picked by the president, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Koos is one of the Democratic picks.
The statute requires the president to consult with the Democratic and Republican House and Senate leaders on Amtrak board picks. As a practical matter, the eight Amtrak board members are split evenly between the parties.
Durbin said in a statement, “I recommended Mayor Koos for this important position, and I’m glad the President nominated him today. Mayor Koos understands the importance of passenger rail to communities in Illinois and across the country. He will be an important voice for Illinois and the Midwest in support of growing and protecting Amtrak’s national network, and I look forward to supporting his nomination.”
Duckworth, the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety with jurisdiction over Amtrak, said in a statement, “I applaud the decision to nominate Mayor Koos to join the Amtrak Board of Directors,” Duckworth said. “Mayor Koos has long advocated for common sense transportation policies, and his views and experience as an Illinois municipal leader will be a welcome addition to this Board. I look forward to supporting his nomination.”
Part of Normal is in Rep. Darin LaHood’s district, and the Republican in a statement backed the Koos pick.
“President Trump has made a great selection in naming Normal Mayor Chis Koos to the Amtrak Board. Mayor Koos is a hardworking, thoughtful Mayor who always puts the best interests of Normal first. Over the years, I have worked with Mayor Koos on a plethora of issues, such as securing federal funds for many transportation investment projects, including the Uptown Normal Underpass. I look forward working with Mayor Koos in this new role to continue strengthening Illinois infrastructure.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-18--Horoscope for Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Horoscope for Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Avoid shopping or important decisions from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Aries into Taurus .
You are quick , impulsive , creative and let ’ s face it , sometimes you have a short fuse .
Therefore , resist the urge to be in conflict with a parent or boss today because this might happen .
You don ’ t need this .
They don ’ t need this .
Nobody needs this .
You get the picture .
Something going on behind the scenes is unsettling for you , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odds with someone from another culture .
Or you might want to argue with someone about politics , religion or racial issues .
Without even meaning to , you might find yourself in a situation where you have to defend yourself with a friend or a member of a group .
But do you really have to do this ?
Don ’ t take the bait .
Avoid this conflict .
You don ’ t need to defend yourself .
Relax .
This is a classic day to be in conflict with someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police person , you name it .
Be aware of the fact that if you do this , your confrontation will be noticed by others because you are high visitiliby today .
Think before you act or speak .
Today it ’ s easy to be caught up in a little drama about philosophical concepts or something to do with politics and religion .
People are very entrenched in their own views .
It ’ s hard to change their minds because there are none so deaf as those who are wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inheritances , insurance issues , or the cost of a social event or the cost of educating and taking care of kids — these are just some likely topics — will likely arise .
Steer clear of these disagreements because they will be power struggles .
The ironic thing about your sign is you are an excellent debater and yet , you want harmony in your surroundings .
Don ’ t take the bait today .
In other words , resist the urge to end up in a power struggle with a partner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter who is right ?
Relax .
Avoid nasty debates with coworkers , customers and supervisors because they could materialize and then someone might say something they will regret .
Hey , you have to work with these people or see these customers again .
Keep your shirt on .
Parents must be patient with kids today to avoid hissy fits and meltdowns .
Likewise , romantic partners might suddenly argue because they need to prove a point .
Basically , today is ripe for ego battles and power struggles .
You don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can to keep the peace at home today , especially with mom or with female family members .
People ’ s egos can be so tender .
Don ’ t hurt anyone ’ s feelings ; hopefully , someone will not hurt yours .
Don ’ t make a big deal about anything today — be accepting .
Today you are too keen to make your point .
If someone is in error , you will correct them .
If you think someone doesn ’ t grasp something , you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor day to do this because people are touchy .
Let it go .
Money disputes are classic today .
You might be upset about salary issues , cash flow , or perhaps about something you own ?
Whatever the case , arguments today will only make people feel resentful .
These discussions will become power struggles .
It ain ’ t worth it .
If Your Birthday Is Today Singer Grace Jones ( 1948 ) shares your birthday .
You are a warm loving person with humanitarian instincts .
You are confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
You ’ re entering a year of new beginnings !
This means it ’ s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years .
Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want .
Just do it !

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or important decisions from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Aries into Taurus.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
You are quick, impulsive, creative and let’s face it, sometimes you have a short fuse. Therefore, resist the urge to be in conflict with a parent or boss today because this might happen. You don’t need this. They don’t need this. Nobody needs this. You get the picture.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Something going on behind the scenes is unsettling for you, which is why you might find yourself at odds with someone from another culture. Or you might want to argue with someone about politics, religion or racial issues.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Without even meaning to, you might find yourself in a situation where you have to defend yourself with a friend or a member of a group. But do you really have to do this? Don’t take the bait. Avoid this conflict. You don’t need to defend yourself. Relax.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This is a classic day to be in conflict with someone in authority — a parent, boss, police person, you name it. Be aware of the fact that if you do this, your confrontation will be noticed by others because you are high visitiliby today. Think before you act or speak.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Today it’s easy to be caught up in a little drama about philosophical concepts or something to do with politics and religion. People are very entrenched in their own views. It’s hard to change their minds because there are none so deaf as those who are wearing headphones.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Disputes about shared property, inheritances, insurance issues, or the cost of a social event or the cost of educating and taking care of kids — these are just some likely topics — will likely arise. Steer clear of these disagreements because they will be power struggles.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
The ironic thing about your sign is you are an excellent debater and yet, you want harmony in your surroundings. Don’t take the bait today. In other words, resist the urge to end up in a power struggle with a partner or close friend. Does it really matter who is right? Relax.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Avoid nasty debates with coworkers, customers and supervisors because they could materialize and then someone might say something they will regret. Hey, you have to work with these people or see these customers again. Keep your shirt on.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Parents must be patient with kids today to avoid hissy fits and meltdowns. Likewise, romantic partners might suddenly argue because they need to prove a point. Basically, today is ripe for ego battles and power struggles. You don’t need this.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Do what you can to keep the peace at home today, especially with mom or with female family members. People’s egos can be so tender. Don’t hurt anyone’s feelings; hopefully, someone will not hurt yours. Don’t make a big deal about anything today — be accepting.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Today you are too keen to make your point. If someone is in error, you will correct them. If you think someone doesn’t grasp something, you want to educate them. This is actually a poor day to do this because people are touchy. Let it go.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Money disputes are classic today. You might be upset about salary issues, cash flow, or perhaps about something you own? Whatever the case, arguments today will only make people feel resentful. These discussions will become power struggles. It ain’t worth it.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Singer Grace Jones (1948) shares your birthday. You are a warm loving person with humanitarian instincts. You are confident, calm and strong. Exciting news! You’re entering a year of new beginnings! This means it’s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years. Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want. Just do it!