chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--3 charged with burglary at Portage Park car dealership

A man and two teenage boys have been charged with breaking into a car dealership Saturday in Portage Park on @ @ @ @ @ Alexander , 29 , and the two 17-year-old are each charged with one felony count @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police .
They broke a side window of the dealership at 2:13 a.m. in @ @ @ @ @ Irving Park Road , police said .
They rummaged through several offices inside before running @ @ @ @ @ Dodge , 5133 W. Irving Park Road , is the only car dealership in the @ @ @ @ @ them into custody after a short foot chase , police said .
Alexander , who @ @ @ @ @ in court for a bail hearing Sunday , according to Cook County court records .
@ @ @ @ @ monitoring and is due back in court May 1 .
The two teenagers ’ cases @ @ @ @ @ court , police said .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ @ @ @

A man and two teenage boys have been charged with breaking into a car dealership Saturday in Portage Park on the Northwest Side.
Dexter Alexander, 29, and the two 17-year-old are each charged with one felony count of burglary, according to Chicago police.
They broke a side window of the dealership at 2:13 a.m. in the 5100 block of West Irving Park Road, police said. They rummaged through several offices inside before running away.
Marino Chrysler Jeep Dodge, 5133 W. Irving Park Road, is the only car dealership in the block.
Responding officers took them into custody after a short foot chase, police said.
Alexander, who lives in Austin, appeared in court for a bail hearing Sunday, according to Cook County court records. He was released on electronic monitoring and is due back in court May 1.
The two teenagers’ cases will be handled in juvenile court, police said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--Report: Bulls hire new general manager

Report: Bulls hire new general manager

The current Bulls appear to have found a way to steal some coverage from the 1990s Bulls .
Executive vice @ @ @ @ @ Karnisovas hired 76ers assistant general manager Marc Eversley to be the Bulls ’ GM , @ @ @ @ @ Adrian Wojnarowski .
Eversley , who also has worked for the Wizards and Raptors , @ @ @ @ @ GM in team history .
Eversley was a candidate for the Hornets ’ GM job @ @ @ @ @ team hired Mitch Kupchak .
Before joining an NBA front office , Eversley worked for @ @ @ @ @ More to come later ...

The current Bulls appear to have found a way to steal some coverage from the 1990s Bulls.
Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas hired 76ers assistant general manager Marc Eversley to be the Bulls’ GM, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Eversley, who also has worked for the Wizards and Raptors, is the first African American GM in team history.
Eversley was a candidate for the Hornets’ GM job in 2018, but the team hired Mitch Kupchak. Before joining an NBA front office, Eversley worked for Nike for 10 years.
More to come later ...


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--Chicago Six-Times Episode 2: ‘The Last Dance’ tackles the backstory of Dennis Rodman & Phil Jackson

Sun-Times columnists Richard Roeper and Rick Telander dissect every episode of ESPN 's `` The Last Dance '' docuseries as @ @ @ @ @ experience covering the legendary 90 's Chicago Bulls .
Episodes three and four of ESPN @ @ @ @ @ Last Dance ” tackle the backstory of Dennis Rodman and coach Phil Jackson .
A @ @ @ @ @ Worm ’ s rebound stats in hand as he and Richard Roeper take a deep @ @ @ @ @ infamous Vegas vacation and director Jason Hehir ’ s interviewing techniques .

Episodes three and four of ESPN’s docuseries “The Last Dance” tackle the backstory of Dennis Rodman and coach Phil Jackson. A prepared Rick Telander has the Worm’s rebound stats in hand as he and Richard Roeper take a deep dive into Rodman’s infamous Vegas vacation and director Jason Hehir’s interviewing techniques.
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chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Horoscope for Monday, April 27, 2020

Horoscope for Monday, April 27, 2020

Avoid shopping or important decisions for 30 minutes from noon to 12:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Gemini into Cancer .
In the next four weeks , you will think more about whatever you value in life , philosophically or in terms of money and material assets .
You will make plans .
Some will shop more than usual and be involved with financial negotiations .
Mercury is in your sign for the next four weeks , which will prompt you to want to express your POV to others .
You will put a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say .
Your mind will be busy , jumping from issue to issue very rapidly .
Mercury is your ruler and it is hiding in your chart for the next four weeks , which means you will keep your opinions to yourself .
You will be more inclined to get in touch with hidden sides of your own personality .
Good time to go off by yourself to think or study .
You will think about your goals and expectations in life in the next four weeks .
( Are your goals your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else ’ s plans ? )
During this window of time , you will also examine your attitude toward certain groups .
For the next four weeks , Mercury is at the top of your chart making you ponder your professional life and whether things are working out the way you want .
This is a good time to tackle a new study or learn a new technique .
It ’ s also a good time to talk to bosses and superiors .
You ’ re entering a four-week window that is excellent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re eager to learn something new .
Anything related to other countries , the law , philosophy and higher knowledge will appeal .
Before COVID-19 , this influence would make you travel .
( Sigh . )
An interesting four-week window ahead !
Conversations with others and intellectual encounters will have a profound effect on you .
( You might influence someone else or they might influence you . )
Expect discussions about finances and shared property .
Mercury is opposite your sign for the next four weeks , which makes this an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You want fascinating conversation !
Oscar Wilde said , “ It is absurd to divide people into good and bad .
People are either charming or tedious.
” Good news !
The next four weeks are an excellent time for all kinds of mental work .
You ’ ll find you will be more attentive than usual .
You will also want everything to be as close to flawless as possible and will enjoy making plans .
Caution against criticizing others .
You will welcome opportunities to express your ideas to others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next four weeks .
You want to use your mind for amusement , which is why you ’ ll enjoy reading , writing and playing games that require mental agility .
( I ’ m so smart . )
In many ways , you might withdraw from others in the next four weeks , in part because you want to avoid confrontations , especially at home .
Nevertheless , family discussions will take place — oh yeah .
Events that occurred in the past bubble up in your mind now .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all kinds of intellectual activities .
It ’ s not the time to sit down and relax .
Instead , get active !
If you are in isolation , use this energy to explore new ideas and study and write .
If Your Birthday Is Today Imposter Frank Abagnale ( “ Catch Me If You Can ” ) ( 1948 ) shares your birthday .
You are patient and observant .
You are intelligent and ready to act instinctively .
You love the outdoors , especially the water .
This is your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will begin to reap the benefits of your efforts in the last decade .
You deserve this time of success .
Expect to enjoy an increased influence and leadership in your relationships .
Yes !

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or important decisions for 30 minutes from noon to 12:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Gemini into Cancer.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
In the next four weeks, you will think more about whatever you value in life, philosophically or in terms of money and material assets. You will make plans. Some will shop more than usual and be involved with financial negotiations.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Mercury is in your sign for the next four weeks, which will prompt you to want to express your POV to others. You will put a great deal of yourself into whatever you say. Your mind will be busy, jumping from issue to issue very rapidly.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Mercury is your ruler and it is hiding in your chart for the next four weeks, which means you will keep your opinions to yourself. You will be more inclined to get in touch with hidden sides of your own personality. Good time to go off by yourself to think or study.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You will think about your goals and expectations in life in the next four weeks. (Are your goals your goals or are they part of someone else’s plans?) During this window of time, you will also examine your attitude toward certain groups.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
For the next four weeks, Mercury is at the top of your chart making you ponder your professional life and whether things are working out the way you want. This is a good time to tackle a new study or learn a new technique. It’s also a good time to talk to bosses and superiors.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You’re entering a four-week window that is excellent for study and education because you’re eager to learn something new. Anything related to other countries, the law, philosophy and higher knowledge will appeal. Before COVID-19, this influence would make you travel. (Sigh.)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
An interesting four-week window ahead! Conversations with others and intellectual encounters will have a profound effect on you. (You might influence someone else or they might influence you.) Expect discussions about finances and shared property.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Mercury is opposite your sign for the next four weeks, which makes this an excellent time to clarify issues to others. You want fascinating conversation! Oscar Wilde said, “It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious.”
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Good news! The next four weeks are an excellent time for all kinds of mental work. You’ll find you will be more attentive than usual. You will also want everything to be as close to flawless as possible and will enjoy making plans. Caution against criticizing others.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You will welcome opportunities to express your ideas to others, especially creative, artistic ideas in the next four weeks. You want to use your mind for amusement, which is why you’ll enjoy reading, writing and playing games that require mental agility. (I’m so smart.)
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
In many ways, you might withdraw from others in the next four weeks, in part because you want to avoid confrontations, especially at home. Nevertheless, family discussions will take place — oh yeah. Events that occurred in the past bubble up in your mind now.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
The next four weeks are an excellent time for all kinds of intellectual activities. It’s not the time to sit down and relax. Instead, get active! If you are in isolation, use this energy to explore new ideas and study and write.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Imposter Frank Abagnale (“Catch Me If You Can”) (1948) shares your birthday. You are patient and observant. You are intelligent and ready to act instinctively. You love the outdoors, especially the water. This is your time of harvest! Yay! Now you will begin to reap the benefits of your efforts in the last decade. You deserve this time of success. Expect to enjoy an increased influence and leadership in your relationships. Yes!


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--Medical examiner confirms 61 more coronavirus deaths in Cook County

The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office confirmed Monday that 61 more people have died of causes related to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s death toll now stands at 1,442 , the medical examiner ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ up about 73 % of the 1,983 COVID-19 deaths in Illinois .
Earlier Monday , @ @ @ @ @ new cases of the coronavirus .

The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed Monday that 61 more people have died of causes related to the coronavirus.
The county’s death toll now stands at 1,442, the medical examiner’s office said.
Cook County makes up about 73% of the 1,983 COVID-19 deaths in Illinois. Earlier Monday, state officials announced nearly 2,000 new cases of the coronavirus.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--El Milagro closes tortilla factory for two weeks after employee dies from coronavirus (LIVE UPDATES)

El Milagro closes tortilla factory for two weeks after employee dies from coronavirus Midwest tortilla giant El Milagro has shut down one of its factories in Chicago for two weeks after a worker died from the coronavirus earlier this month .
In a letter to employees sent over the weekend and obtained by the Sun-Times , the company said it was “ deeply saddened to learn about the death of one of our longtime sanitation employees due to complications from COVID-19.
” El Milagro said the deceased worker — who was not named in the letter — had not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ave. since April 9 and that two additional employees have since tested positive for the virus while four others are showing symptoms .
The company said it is closing the plant for two weeks so that an outside cleaning company can sanitize the facility .
All employees scheduled to work at the facility “ will be paid ( 40 hours per week ) during this time off , ” El Milagro said .
7:09 p.m. No plans to reopen lakefront before end of May : Lightfoot During a City Hall news conference called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the pandemic , Mayor Lori Lightfoot was asked whether she has any intention of re-opening the lakefront as the governor ’ s stay-at-home order drags on through the month of May .
“ I don ’ t anticipate doing that , ” the mayor said .
She mentioned that on a recent drive through the city , she saw a significant improvement in adherence to social distancing guidelines in public spaces .
“ I ’ m not seeing overcrowding in interior parks that was a concern when we closed down the lakefront @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise , spring fever spreads and cabin fever intensifies , Lightfoot said it ’ s imperative for the city to stay engaged , keep listening , and remain “ physically out there and seeing what the needs of residents are.
” “ We ’ ll make adjustments where necessary , ” she said .
Read what Lightfoot had to say about the return of baseball , via Fran Spielman .
6:10 p.m. Downstate judge rules Pritzker out of line with stay-at-home – but governor calls suit ‘ dangerous , ’ ‘ insult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled in favor of a Downstate legislator who argued in a lawsuit that Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker lacks the legal authority to force the Republican to stay home for more than 30 days during the coronavirus pandemic .
It ’ s a decision the governor said will endanger Illinoisans — and open the door for others to file suit .
Pritzker was made aware of the Clay County Circuit Court ruling Monday afternoon during his live COVID-19 briefing .
“ Rep .
Darren Bailey ’ s decision to take to the courts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed to keep people safe is an insult to all Illinoisans that have been lost during this COVID-19 crisis , and it ’ s a danger to millions of people who may get ill because of his recklessness , ” Pritzker said .
“ At best , no one is better off because of this ruling , and at worst , people ’ s health and safety will suffer tremendously in Illinois.
” A group formed to improve outreach among Illinois Latinos on how to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 has identified four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
The Illinois Latino COVID-19 Initiative , a collection of public health experts and elected officials , has highlighted improved collection of coronavirus data , increased testing in the Latino community , equitable investment and increased Latino representation in health task forces as key issues .
The group met for the first time April 11 to discuss to discuss emerging COVID-19 data trends that suggested the virus was spreading faster in Latino communities .
A recent analysis by Chicago-based Enigma Forensics found Latinos make up 60 % of the population in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fastest-growing number of new COVID-19 cases .
However , the initiative believes the true impact of the virus in Latino communities is unclear 4:46 p.m. Police cite owner of Chicago townhome that was site of packed weekend party streamed live on Facebook Chicago Police have cited the owner of a townhome that was the site of a large house party over the weekend , according to a Northwest Side alderman .
Ald .
Gilbert Villegas ( 36th ) said he convened a Monday meeting between the building owner and the commander of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who issued the woman “ a couple citations for public nuisance and gave her strict warnings and we also have just put her on notice.
” Video footage over the weekend party in the 2000 block of North Narragansett quickly went viral .
Clips posted to Facebook showed dozens of people crammed into the home , with everyone standing in very close proximity and hardly anyone wearing protective masks .
Read the full story from reporters Fran Spielman and Sam Charles .
2:56 p.m. What Chicago is reading while staying at home The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usage during the first weeks of the Illinois stay-at-home order : between March 15 and April 22 , e-book use increased 51 % over the same period in 2019 .
So what are Chicagoans reading while staying at home ?
According to a list the Sun-Times obtained from the city library system , Harry Potter and the Sorcerer ’ s Stone reigns supreme : it was the number one e-book checked out from the public library in the past six weeks .
Readers can find links to multiple e-book suppliers on the library @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Library cardholder can check out an e-book by creating a free online account .
Just like regular library books , though , some e-books only have a finite amount of copies available for use .
The standard loan period for e-books is three weeks , but some titles can be renewed .
According to the library website , e-books are returned automatically and no late fees are charged .
To see the full list of books ( with links to the Chicago Public Library download ) , click here .
1:22 p.m. UChicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Here ’ s what they found When Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s new executive order takes effect Friday , masks will be required in all public places where people can ’ t maintain a 6-foot social distance .
With shortages of personal protective equipment continuing across the country , many Illinoisans will need to buy or make homemade face coverings to meet Pritzker ’ s guidelines .
Researchers at the University of Chicago have been testing the efficacy of various materials at filtering aerosol particles , which are believed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
The university issued a release highlighting the results of their study Monday .
Their research found that a combination of tightly woven cotton , layered with polyester-spandex chiffon , performed best .
When combined , these materials are nearly as effective as an N95 mask at filtering aerosol particles , according to a release from the university .
Substituting the chiffon with natural silk or flannel , or simply using a cotton quilt with cotton-polyester batting , produced similar results , the study found .
This combination of materials provides two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like cotton provide a mechanical barrier to particles , and fabrics like certain types of chiffon and natural silk , which can hold a static charge , provide a secondary electrostatic barrier .
But more than anything , the study ’ s authors noted , the overall effectiveness of any homemade mask hinges on its fit : even a 1 % gap in a mask of any material reduces its effectiveness by half or more .
The research was published in the American Chemical Society ’ s journal , ACS Nano .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
12:56 p.m. Biden ’ s virtual fundraiser in Chicago : what ’ s changed - and what hasn ’ t - because of COVID19 Joe Biden ’ s virtual campaign hits Chicago on Monday with a fundraiser aimed at high-dollar area donors moderated by former Obama Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker .
So far , a Biden source told me , the COVID-19 pandemic has not hurt the campaign of Biden , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee — it just changed it .
The Biden campaign was thrust into virtual campaigning on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the March 17 Illinois primary .
It was thrown together as the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. was growing and it became clear it would be impossible to continue with in-person events .
Now Biden telecasts from a professional-level studio put together in his Wilmington , Delaware , home with much improved technology .
Lynn Sweet has more details here .
11:11 a.m. Chicago creates app to pre-register for coronavirus vaccine Chicagoans can now pre-register for a coronavirus vaccine , get text messages “ tailored to their symptoms ” and also receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek medical care ” by downloading a new web-based app developed by City Hall .
The “ Chi COVID Coach ” app was developed with help from Google and MTX to help the Chicago Department of Public Health communicate with Chicagoans who have either tested positive for the virus or may be experiencing symptoms .
Those who register will get “ daily check-ins ” on their well-being , as well as advice about “ what they and other people in their households should do to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smartphone or desktop computer .
Read the full story from reporter Fran Spielman here .
The Chicago Loop Alliance , the group that organizes art installations and free events downtown each summer , announced the cancellation of its 2020 ACTIVATE series Monday , citing “ public health concerns.
” Chicago Loop Alliance President and CEO Michael Edwards said the group is exploring alternative programming that conforms to social distancing guidelines .
Past ACTIVATE events have included drag shows in downtown alleys , temporary art galleries in vacant storefronts and “ placemaking ” projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to unused corners in the Loop .
Read more about the cancellation here .
10:12 a.m. We ’ re stuck at home , bars are closed : homebrew industry is exploding While states imposed stay-at-home orders , brewpubs closed , and people lost jobs and tried to economize , homebrewing in America has exploded in popularity .
May 2 is National Homebrew Day .
Normally , homebrewers come together to make the same official recipes for side-by-side competition .
This year , it will be a “ virtual big brew , ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested recipe ( Pangea Proxima Polar IPA ) and do a toast on social media .
More than 1,700 people from around the world have pledged to join .
Northern Brewer , a major supplier of homebrewing and wine-making equipment in America , says business has shot up by 40 % to 50 % .
But not all shops are seeing an upturn .
Gina Fox ’ s Salem Brew Supply , in Salem , Oregon , has had a slight dip in sales since they moved from in-store sales to home deliveries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced last week that he plans to extend the state ’ s stay-at-home order until the end of May .
The governor plans to sign that executive order this week .
The extended order includes some loosening of regulations for state parks and golf courses , and will allow businesses not deemed “ essential ” to sell products online , for carryout or delivery .
Some elective surgeries will also be allowed .
It will also include a requirement for people to wear a face covering or a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t maintain a 6-foot social distance beginning May 1 .
Click here to read the full text of the order Pritzker plans to sign this week .
9:10 a.m. ‘ You ’ re literally putting everyone around you in danger ’ : Pritzker responds to viral house party video More than a million viewers have already watched the viral Facebook video of a house party gone wild Saturday night , reportedly in Chicago on the West Side .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , asked about the video at his Sunday news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard about it and explained how dangerous such behavior can be .
“ By doing that — by standing together , not social distancing , many people not wearing masks — you ’ re literally putting everyone around you in danger , ” Pritzker said .
“ They are putting you in danger , [ too ] .
And very importantly , all of those people are putting their families and their friends who are not there with them in danger.
” Chicago police spokesman Tom Ahern said a large gathering was broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of North Narraganset Avenue in Galewood , though he could not confirm that it was the same party recorded in the video .
No arrests or citations were made at that gathering .
“ It ’ s not anything punitive ; it ’ s about health and protection , ” Ahern said .
“ So they were able to disperse without taking action and making arrests.
” Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined Pritzker in admonishing the party attendees Sunday , tweeting that “ what was depicted on the video was reckless and utterly unacceptable.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pope and Sam Kelly here .
7:02 a.m .
Small-business loan program resumes Monday morning : Here ’ s what you should know At 9:30 a.m. Chicago time on Monday , the Small Business Administration restarts the wildly popular COVID-19 loan program , with lenders poised to submit a tidal wave of applications that could quickly use up the new round of funding .
The initial $ 349 billion in funding appropriated by Congress was exhausted in two weeks .
The SBA stopped accepting loan applications from lenders on April 16 .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with $ 310 billion for loans plus a little over $ 11 billion to cover lender fees .
Here are some things to know : Who is eligible for the PPP loans ?
The PPP program is aimed at small business and nonprofit employers with fewer than 500 workers .
The financial lifeline grants loans equal roughly to about 2.5 times monthly payroll costs .
Does the loan have to be repaid ?
No , not if the loan is used as intended , to keep workers on payrolls for eight weeks after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating costs .
For more things to know about the PPP loans , our Washington bureau chief Lynn Sweet has you covered .
Click here to read the full report as the program resumes Monday .
Organizers of Pride South Side are bringing Chicago ’ s first-ever South Side-based LGBTQ pride festival online this year amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The inaugural Pride South Side Festival in 2019 sought to create “ sustainable spaces for queer youth of color on the South Side ” with a series of events spanning five South Side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pivoting to an online celebration for its second year when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Chicago area .
Now , they ’ re launching an online hub for LGBTQ people of color to share artwork , as well as a two-month-long campaign encouraging LGBTQ South and West siders to complete the 2020 Census .
“ In the time of social distancing , so many folks who already exist at the margins can be pushed even further into isolation , putting the mental health and well-being of our community into jeopardy , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Pride South Side .
“ What our team set out to do is create a safe , affirming and entertaining online space that serves as a platform for black , queer or Latinx artists and content creators from the South and West sides of Chicago.
” Read the full report from Jake Wittich here .
• Illinois officials announced 2,126 new cases of coronavirus and 59 deaths .
The state surpassed 43,000 positive cases on Sunday .
• Chicago police announced Friday 13 more cases of COVID-19 , bringing the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7:09 p.m .
In fight against COVID-19 , house party is a slap in the face There ’ s no point in trying to shame the young people that took part in a crowded throw-down over the weekend .
It wouldn ’ t do much good .
But this incident shows how disconnected this demographic is from the rest of the city .
The house party , which allegedly took place in the Galewood community on the West Side , was captured on video and posted on the TMZ website .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home order is more than an embarrassing moment .
It is a slap in the face of a black mayor who is desperately trying to enforce social distancing without criminalizing normal behavior .
Read more on columnist Mary Mitchell ’ s perspective here .
It ’ s about paying paramedics , who are risking their lives for us .
It ’ s about paying firefighters and police officers , bus drivers and teachers , garbage collectors and prison guards .
Chicago and the state of Illinois , like every big city and state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance right now to weather the crisis of the coronavirus pandemic .
To refuse that aid , as Republicans in Washington threaten to do , is to play politics with the American economy and people ’ s lives .
Some states and cities were in better financial shape than others before the pandemic , but all 50 states and most big cities have been slammed hard since .
Expenses have soared while tax revenues have plummeted .
Without massive federal aid , states and cities soon will be unable to cover the costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers and prison guards — and our nation could be thrown into a depression rivaling that of the 1930s .
Read the full editorial from the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board here .
11:47 a.m. Trump tweets : why bail out ‘ poorly run states like Illinois ’ ?
President Donald Trump and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley are attacking Illinois Democrats for using the COVID-19 crisis to ask for a $ 10 billion state pension rescue and other federal aid .
The $ 10 billion was included in an April 14 letter Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sent to Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , asking for $ 41 billion in federal assistance for the state of Illinois in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic economic meltdown .
Fact checks : Harmon made a bid for $ 10 billion , not “ tens of billions ” for the pension bailout .
While Harmon said in his letter he was writing on “ behalf of the 40-member Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus , ” other Illinois Democrats kept a distance from Harmon ’ s request .
Harmon wrote to Durbin as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth coronavirus emergency legislation .
Congress passed that measure last week .
Congress has not yet moved on a fifth package .
Lynn Sweet has more : get the whole story here .
6:48 a.m. Civic boosters look at promoting a post-pandemic city Someday , if we allow ourselves to dream , we ’ ll again have a city to enjoy .
There will again be guilt-free strolls in the park , trips to the zoo , greeting friends at the neighborhood diner and hustling to make a Metra train .
Who would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miss the Metra hustle ?
We could use a dose of normalcy now , but its ETA is unknown .
So the question becomes when normalcy arrives in some fashion , how changed will we and our surroundings be ?
It ’ s the overriding subject on the minds of those tasked with helping the region ’ s economy get back on track .
Among them are Michael Fassnacht , the advertising executive designated three weeks ago by Mayor Lori Lightfoot as the city ’ s chief marketing officer , and Jack Lavin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commerce .
They will be at the center of efforts that unite local business , government and nonprofits to re-engage people with Chicago , first the locals and then everybody beyond .
How will they go about marketing a city currently with little to tout , except great takeout food and empty sidewalks if you want to gawk at the architecture ?
How do you grease commerce when its gears are locked ?
David Roeder explores these questions in his latest “ Chicago Enterprise ” column here .
6:11 a.m. A laugh amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than you think Our columnist Neil Steinberg didn ’ t find the jokes in our Sunday paper to be very funny .
But why not ?
Read what he has to say about comedy during the time of coronavirus .

A downstate judge on Monday agreed with a Republican legislator that Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker lacks the legal authority to force him to stay home past 30 days during the coronavirus pandemic.
It’s a decision that only applies to the Southern Illinois lawmaker – state Rep. Darren Bailey – but the governor said it will endanger all Illinoisans and open the door for others to file suit.
Meanwhile, officials said another 50 people have died in Illinois from the coronavirus as the state nears the loss of nearly 2,000 people to the pandemic.
Here’s what else happened in Chicago and around the state as the battle against the coronavirus continued.
News
8:57 p.m. El Milagro closes tortilla factory for two weeks after employee dies from coronavirus
People line up outside Tortilleria El Milagro, 3048 W. 26th St. in Little Village, to buy tortillas after it was rumored that one of the company’s factories would be closing for at least two weeks amid fears of the coronavirus pandemic, Monday, April 27, 2020. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Midwest tortilla giant El Milagro has shut down one of its factories in Chicago for two weeks after a worker died from the coronavirus earlier this month.
In a letter to employees sent over the weekend and obtained by the Sun-Times, the company said it was “deeply saddened to learn about the death of one of our longtime sanitation employees due to complications from COVID-19.”
El Milagro said the deceased worker — who was not named in the letter — had not been at the plant at 2919 S. Western Ave. since April 9 and that two additional employees have since tested positive for the virus while four others are showing symptoms.
The company said it is closing the plant for two weeks so that an outside cleaning company can sanitize the facility. All employees scheduled to work at the facility “will be paid (40 hours per week) during this time off,” El Milagro said.
Reporter Carlos Ballesteros has the full story.
8:16 p.m. Lakers return $4.6 million from coronavirus stimulus loan program
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers have repaid a loan of roughly $4.6 million from coronavirus business relief funds after learning the program had been depleted.
The Lakers applied for the loan under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program, a part of the federal government’s $2.2 trillion stimulus package. The Lakers’ request was granted in the first round of distribution, but after the fund ran out of money in less than two weeks, the team returned its loan, as did several wealthier business including Shake Shack and AutoNation.
The Lakers issued a statement Monday confirming what happened.
“The Lakers qualified for and received a loan under the Payroll Protection Program,” the statement read. “However, once we found out the funds from the program had been depleted, we repaid the loan so that financial support would be directed to those most in need. The Lakers remain completely committed to supporting both our employees and our community.”
Read the full report here.
7:37 p.m. 21 more COVID-19 cases in Chicago Police Department
Chicago police announced Monday 21 more cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the department to 414.
Of the confirmed cases, 394 are officers and 20 are civilian employees, police said.
A total of 419 employees have reported positive tests but the department’s medical section has yet to confirm five of those cases, police said.
Read the report from the Sun-Times wire here.
7:09 p.m. No plans to reopen lakefront before end of May: Lightfoot
Sun-Times file photo
During a City Hall news conference called to announce a new city app tied to the pandemic, Mayor Lori Lightfoot was asked whether she has any intention of re-opening the lakefront as the governor’s stay-at-home order drags on through the month of May.
“I don’t anticipate doing that,” the mayor said. She mentioned that on a recent drive through the city, she saw a significant improvement in adherence to social distancing guidelines in public spaces.
“I’m not seeing overcrowding in interior parks that was a concern when we closed down the lakefront,” she said.
As temperatures rise, spring fever spreads and cabin fever intensifies, Lightfoot said it’s imperative for the city to stay engaged, keep listening, and remain “physically out there and seeing what the needs of residents are.”
“We’ll make adjustments where necessary,” she said.
Read what Lightfoot had to say about the return of baseball, via Fran Spielman.
6:10 p.m. Downstate judge rules Pritzker out of line with stay-at-home – but governor calls suit ‘dangerous,’ ‘insult to all Illinoisans’
A judge on Monday ruled in favor of a Downstate legislator who argued in a lawsuit that Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker lacks the legal authority to force the Republican to stay home for more than 30 days during the coronavirus pandemic.
It’s a decision the governor said will endanger Illinoisans — and open the door for others to file suit. Pritzker was made aware of the Clay County Circuit Court ruling Monday afternoon during his live COVID-19 briefing.
“Rep. Darren Bailey’s decision to take to the courts to try and dismantle public health directives designed to keep people safe is an insult to all Illinoisans that have been lost during this COVID-19 crisis, and it’s a danger to millions of people who may get ill because of his recklessness,” Pritzker said. “At best, no one is better off because of this ruling, and at worst, people’s health and safety will suffer tremendously in Illinois.”
5:53 p.m. Initiative outlines priorities for fighting coronavirus spread in Latino communities
A group formed to improve outreach among Illinois Latinos on how to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 has identified four priorities to slow the outbreak in the community.
The Illinois Latino COVID-19 Initiative, a collection of public health experts and elected officials, has highlighted improved collection of coronavirus data, increased testing in the Latino community, equitable investment and increased Latino representation in health task forces as key issues.
The group met for the first time April 11 to discuss to discuss emerging COVID-19 data trends that suggested the virus was spreading faster in Latino communities. A recent analysis by Chicago-based Enigma Forensics found Latinos make up 60% of the population in the 10 ZIP codes in Illinois with the fastest-growing number of new COVID-19 cases.
However, the initiative believes the true impact of the virus in Latino communities is unclear
Reporter Emmanuel Camarillo has the full story.
4:46 p.m. Police cite owner of Chicago townhome that was site of packed weekend party streamed live on Facebook
Chicago Police have cited the owner of a townhome that was the site of a large house party over the weekend, according to a Northwest Side alderman.
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) said he convened a Monday meeting between the building owner and the commander of the CPD’s Grand Central District, who issued the woman “a couple citations for public nuisance and gave her strict warnings and we also have just put her on notice.”
Video footage over the weekend party in the 2000 block of North Narragansett quickly went viral. Clips posted to Facebook showed dozens of people crammed into the home, with everyone standing in very close proximity and hardly anyone wearing protective masks.
Read the full story from reporters Fran Spielman and Sam Charles.
2:56 p.m. What Chicago is reading while staying at home
The Chicago Public Library has seen record e-book usage during the first weeks of the Illinois stay-at-home order: between March 15 and April 22, e-book use increased 51% over the same period in 2019.
So what are Chicagoans reading while staying at home? According to a list the Sun-Times obtained from the city library system, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone reigns supreme: it was the number one e-book checked out from the public library in the past six weeks.
Readers can find links to multiple e-book suppliers on the library’s website. Any Chicago Public Library cardholder can check out an e-book by creating a free online account. Just like regular library books, though, some e-books only have a finite amount of copies available for use.
The standard loan period for e-books is three weeks, but some titles can be renewed. According to the library website, e-books are returned automatically and no late fees are charged.
To see the full list of books (with links to the Chicago Public Library download), click here.
1:22 p.m. UChicago researched the best materials for homemade masks: Here’s what they found
When Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new executive order takes effect Friday, masks will be required in all public places where people can’t maintain a 6-foot social distance. With shortages of personal protective equipment continuing across the country, many Illinoisans will need to buy or make homemade face coverings to meet Pritzker’s guidelines.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have been testing the efficacy of various materials at filtering aerosol particles, which are believed to be the primary vehicle for transmission of the virus. The university issued a release highlighting the results of their study Monday.
Their research found that a combination of tightly woven cotton, layered with polyester-spandex chiffon, performed best. When combined, these materials are nearly as effective as an N95 mask at filtering aerosol particles, according to a release from the university.
Substituting the chiffon with natural silk or flannel, or simply using a cotton quilt with cotton-polyester batting, produced similar results, the study found.
This combination of materials provides two layers of protection: tightly woven fabrics like cotton provide a mechanical barrier to particles, and fabrics like certain types of chiffon and natural silk, which can hold a static charge, provide a secondary electrostatic barrier.
But more than anything, the study’s authors noted, the overall effectiveness of any homemade mask hinges on its fit: even a 1% gap in a mask of any material reduces its effectiveness by half or more.
The research was published in the American Chemical Society’s journal, ACS Nano. The paper’s abstract is available here.
— Lizzie Schiffman Tufano
12:56 p.m. Biden’s virtual fundraiser in Chicago: what’s changed - and what hasn’t - because of COVID19
Joe Biden’s virtual campaign hits Chicago on Monday with a fundraiser aimed at high-dollar area donors moderated by former Obama Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker.
So far, a Biden source told me, the COVID-19 pandemic has not hurt the campaign of Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee — it just changed it.
The Biden campaign was thrust into virtual campaigning on March 13, with a technically shaky webcast before the March 17 Illinois primary. It was thrown together as the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. was growing and it became clear it would be impossible to continue with in-person events.
Now Biden telecasts from a professional-level studio put together in his Wilmington, Delaware, home with much improved technology.
Lynn Sweet has more details here.
11:11 a.m. Chicago creates app to pre-register for coronavirus vaccine
Chicagoans can now pre-register for a coronavirus vaccine, get text messages “tailored to their symptoms” and also receive guidance about “where and when to seek medical care” by downloading a new web-based app developed by City Hall.
The “Chi COVID Coach” app was developed with help from Google and MTX to help the Chicago Department of Public Health communicate with Chicagoans who have either tested positive for the virus or may be experiencing symptoms.
Those who register will get “daily check-ins” on their well-being, as well as advice about “what they and other people in their households should do to limit the spread of the coronavirus.”
The app can be accessed at www.Chicago.gov/covidcoach via smartphone or desktop computer.
Read the full story from reporter Fran Spielman here.
10:39 a.m. Chicago Loop Alliance cancels 2020 ACTIVATE season
The Chicago Loop Alliance, the group that organizes art installations and free events downtown each summer, announced the cancellation of its 2020 ACTIVATE series Monday, citing “public health concerns.”
Chicago Loop Alliance President and CEO Michael Edwards said the group is exploring alternative programming that conforms to social distancing guidelines.
Past ACTIVATE events have included drag shows in downtown alleys, temporary art galleries in vacant storefronts and “placemaking” projects that add tables, chairs and sculptures to unused corners in the Loop.
Read more about the cancellation here.
10:12 a.m. We’re stuck at home, bars are closed: homebrew industry is exploding
While states imposed stay-at-home orders, brewpubs closed, and people lost jobs and tried to economize, homebrewing in America has exploded in popularity.
May 2 is National Homebrew Day. Normally, homebrewers come together to make the same official recipes for side-by-side competition. This year, it will be a “virtual big brew,” in which people brew at home with a suggested recipe (Pangea Proxima Polar IPA) and do a toast on social media. More than 1,700 people from around the world have pledged to join.
Northern Brewer, a major supplier of homebrewing and wine-making equipment in America, says business has shot up by 40% to 50%. But not all shops are seeing an upturn. Gina Fox’s Salem Brew Supply, in Salem, Oregon, has had a slight dip in sales since they moved from in-store sales to home deliveries. But she’s optimistic.
Read the full story here.
9:48 Read Pritzker’s full extended stay-at-home order
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced last week that he plans to extend the state’s stay-at-home order until the end of May. The governor plans to sign that executive order this week.
The extended order includes some loosening of regulations for state parks and golf courses, and will allow businesses not deemed “essential” to sell products online, for carryout or delivery. Some elective surgeries will also be allowed.
It will also include a requirement for people to wear a face covering or a mask when in a public place where they can’t maintain a 6-foot social distance beginning May 1.
Click here to read the full text of the order Pritzker plans to sign this week.
9:10 a.m. ‘You’re literally putting everyone around you in danger’: Pritzker responds to viral house party video
More than a million viewers have already watched the viral Facebook video of a house party gone wild Saturday night, reportedly in Chicago on the West Side.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, asked about the video at his Sunday news conference, said he’d already heard about it and explained how dangerous such behavior can be.
“By doing that — by standing together, not social distancing, many people not wearing masks — you’re literally putting everyone around you in danger,” Pritzker said. “They are putting you in danger, [too]. And very importantly, all of those people are putting their families and their friends who are not there with them in danger.”
Chicago police spokesman Tom Ahern said a large gathering was broken up early Sunday in the 2000 block of North Narraganset Avenue in Galewood, though he could not confirm that it was the same party recorded in the video. No arrests or citations were made at that gathering.
“It’s not anything punitive; it’s about health and protection,” Ahern said. “So they were able to disperse without taking action and making arrests.”
Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined Pritzker in admonishing the party attendees Sunday, tweeting that “what was depicted on the video was reckless and utterly unacceptable.”
Read the full story by Ben Pope and Sam Kelly here.
7:02 a.m. Small-business loan program resumes Monday morning: Here’s what you should know
At 9:30 a.m. Chicago time on Monday, the Small Business Administration restarts the wildly popular COVID-19 loan program, with lenders poised to submit a tidal wave of applications that could quickly use up the new round of funding.
The initial $349 billion in funding appropriated by Congress was exhausted in two weeks. The SBA stopped accepting loan applications from lenders on April 16.
Last week, Congress replenished the PPP pot with $310 billion for loans plus a little over $11 billion to cover lender fees.
Here are some things to know:
Who is eligible for the PPP loans?
The PPP program is aimed at small business and nonprofit employers with fewer than 500 workers. The financial lifeline grants loans equal roughly to about 2.5 times monthly payroll costs.
Does the loan have to be repaid?
No, not if the loan is used as intended, to keep workers on payrolls for eight weeks after the loan is granted and pay some operating costs.
For more things to know about the PPP loans, our Washington bureau chief Lynn Sweet has you covered. Click here to read the full report as the program resumes Monday.
6:41 a.m. South Side LGBTQ pride festival moves online amid COVID-19 concerns
Organizers of Pride South Side are bringing Chicago’s first-ever South Side-based LGBTQ pride festival online this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The inaugural Pride South Side Festival in 2019 sought to create “sustainable spaces for queer youth of color on the South Side” with a series of events spanning five South Side neighborhoods, but organizers said they started pivoting to an online celebration for its second year when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Chicago area.
Now, they’re launching an online hub for LGBTQ people of color to share artwork, as well as a two-month-long campaign encouraging LGBTQ South and West siders to complete the 2020 Census.
“In the time of social distancing, so many folks who already exist at the margins can be pushed even further into isolation, putting the mental health and well-being of our community into jeopardy,” said Dio Aldridge, director of program development for Pride South Side. “What our team set out to do is create a safe, affirming and entertaining online space that serves as a platform for black, queer or Latinx artists and content creators from the South and West sides of Chicago.”
Read the full report from Jake Wittich here.
New cases
Illinois officials announced 2,126 new cases of coronavirus and 59 deaths. The state surpassed 43,000 positive cases on Sunday.
Chicago police announced Friday 13 more cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of cases in the department to 393.
Analysis & Commentary
7:09 p.m. In fight against COVID-19, house party is a slap in the face
There’s no point in trying to shame the young people that took part in a crowded throw-down over the weekend.
It wouldn’t do much good.
But this incident shows how disconnected this demographic is from the rest of the city.
The house party, which allegedly took place in the Galewood community on the West Side, was captured on video and posted on the TMZ website.
But the blatant disregard of the state’s stay-at-home order is more than an embarrassing moment. It is a slap in the face of a black mayor who is desperately trying to enforce social distancing without criminalizing normal behavior.
Read more on columnist Mary Mitchell’s perspective here.
6:32 p.m. The fiction of Mitch McConnell’s ‘blue state bailout’
It’s about paying paramedics, who are risking their lives for us.
It’s about paying firefighters and police officers, bus drivers and teachers, garbage collectors and prison guards.
Chicago and the state of Illinois, like every big city and state, need billions of dollars in federal assistance right now to weather the crisis of the coronavirus pandemic. To refuse that aid, as Republicans in Washington threaten to do, is to play politics with the American economy and people’s lives.
Some states and cities were in better financial shape than others before the pandemic, but all 50 states and most big cities have been slammed hard since. Expenses have soared while tax revenues have plummeted. Without massive federal aid, states and cities soon will be unable to cover the costs of essential services — those paramedics, teachers and prison guards — and our nation could be thrown into a depression rivaling that of the 1930s.
Read the full editorial from the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board here.
11:47 a.m. Trump tweets: why bail out ‘poorly run states like Illinois’?
President Donald Trump and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley are attacking Illinois Democrats for using the COVID-19 crisis to ask for a $10 billion state pension rescue and other federal aid.
The $10 billion was included in an April 14 letter Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, sent to Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., asking for $41 billion in federal assistance for the state of Illinois in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic economic meltdown.
Fact checks: Harmon made a bid for $10 billion, not “tens of billions” for the pension bailout. While Harmon said in his letter he was writing on “behalf of the 40-member Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus,” other Illinois Democrats kept a distance from Harmon’s request.
Harmon wrote to Durbin as Democrats were negotiating with Republicans over the fourth coronavirus emergency legislation. Congress passed that measure last week. Congress has not yet moved on a fifth package.
Lynn Sweet has more: get the whole story here.
6:48 a.m. Civic boosters look at promoting a post-pandemic city
Someday, if we allow ourselves to dream, we’ll again have a city to enjoy. There will again be guilt-free strolls in the park, trips to the zoo, greeting friends at the neighborhood diner and hustling to make a Metra train. Who would have thought it’s possible to miss the Metra hustle?
We could use a dose of normalcy now, but its ETA is unknown. So the question becomes when normalcy arrives in some fashion, how changed will we and our surroundings be?
It’s the overriding subject on the minds of those tasked with helping the region’s economy get back on track. Among them are Michael Fassnacht, the advertising executive designated three weeks ago by Mayor Lori Lightfoot as the city’s chief marketing officer, and Jack Lavin, CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
They will be at the center of efforts that unite local business, government and nonprofits to re-engage people with Chicago, first the locals and then everybody beyond. How will they go about marketing a city currently with little to tout, except great takeout food and empty sidewalks if you want to gawk at the architecture? How do you grease commerce when its gears are locked?
David Roeder explores these questions in his latest “Chicago Enterprise” column here.
6:11 a.m. A laugh amid the pandemic? It’s harder than you think
Our columnist Neil Steinberg didn’t find the jokes in our Sunday paper to be very funny.
But why not?
Read what he has to say about comedy during the time of coronavirus.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts to appear in global coronavirus relief livestream

LOS ANGELES — Oprah Winfrey , Julia Roberts and former President George W. Bush will be among 200 star-studded participants in a 24-hour global livestream event this weekend .
“ The Call to Unite ” event will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday to offer performances and conversations about overcoming the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic .
Event organizers hope participants can help inspire people to “ emerge from this crisis better than when it began.
” The stream runs through 7 p.m. May 2 .
Quincy Jones , Jennifer Garner , Common , Maria Shriver , Questlove , Yo-Yo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , BeBe Winans , Andrew Bird , Amy Grant , Naomi Campbell , Maria Shriver , Mandy Moore and Alanis Morissette are among those scheduled to participate in the event .
Each participant will answer calls in their own way , whether through performing a song , sharing a story or offering a prayer .
Global leaders will join citizens of the world in sharing practices , lessons , songs , performances , reflections and more to help us turn the pain of this moment into possibility for tomorrow .
The event will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , YouTube , Twitter , Twitch , LinkedIn and SiriusXM Stars .
More information can be found at www.unite.us .

LOS ANGELES — Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts and former President George W. Bush will be among 200 star-studded participants in a 24-hour global livestream event this weekend.
“The Call to Unite” event will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday to offer performances and conversations about overcoming the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Event organizers hope participants can help inspire people to “emerge from this crisis better than when it began.” The stream runs through 7 p.m. May 2.
Quincy Jones, Jennifer Garner, Common, Maria Shriver, Questlove, Yo-Yo Ma, Aloe Blacc, Eva Longoria, BeBe Winans, Andrew Bird, Amy Grant, Naomi Campbell, Maria Shriver, Mandy Moore and Alanis Morissette are among those scheduled to participate in the event.
Each participant will answer calls in their own way, whether through performing a song, sharing a story or offering a prayer. Global leaders will join citizens of the world in sharing practices, lessons, songs, performances, reflections and more to help us turn the pain of this moment into possibility for tomorrow.
The event will be livestreamed at unite.us and on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, LinkedIn and SiriusXM Stars.
More information can be found at www.unite.us.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--Chicago theaters, dance troupes offering ‘virtual’ programming amid pandemic

As the Covid-19 crisis extends into the spring and possibly the summer , Chicago theaters and dance organizations are supplying a variety of online activities to stay connected to their audiences .
While some are saying “ there ’ s no going back ” — that the communal experience will never be the same — cultural arts organizations have faith that a new normal will emerge , one that ’ s perhaps not too unlike the live theater/dance experience we know .
“ We so look forward to when we can open our doors and invite the public in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” say Tara Mallen , artistic director at Rivendell Theatre , where the company continues to work on new plays .
So for now , online streaming is bringing theaters and audiences together in new ways .
While many of the offerings listed below are free , please consider , if you can , a donation to your favorite company in this unprecedented time of extinguished footlights and darkened marquees .
Victory Gardens Theater : Streaming its 2017 production of Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron ’ s acclaimed musical “ Fun Home.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ graphic memoir , the family drama unravels the many mysteries of her childhood from her coming out to her journey to acceptance .
From May 12-24 ; tickets are $ 20 .
Visit victorygardens.org .
Chicago Shakespeare Theater : A variety of free streaming videos are offered in the digital platform Shakes @ Home site , including education initiatives for teachers ; a Living Room Sonnet Series ; a look at recipes from the Bard ’ s plays and much more from artists and staff .
Check it out at chicagoshakes.com .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School Girls ; or , the African Mean Girls Play ” recently concluded , the Goodman continues its free stream of Robert Falls and Seth Bockley ’ s adaptation of Roberto Bolano ’ s novel “ 2666.
” It ’ s a compelling five-hour marathon perfect for home viewing from the comfort of your couch .
The theater also offers videos , art and articles to keep theatergoers connected while stages are dark .
Visit goodmantheatre.org .
Steppenwolf Theatre : The company replaces it ’ s annual gala with a free online event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at 6:30 p.m. May 9 .
Making appearances are ensemble members Joan Allen , Gary Cole , John Malkovich , Sandra Marquez and Laurie Metcalf as well as other celebrity guests .
The event concludes with a dance party with Grammy Award-winning DJ Tracy Young .
Also on the Steppenwolf website is a podcast featuring ensemble members and teen and educator workshops .
Visit steppenwolf.org .
Paramount Theatre : The Connection Social Media Concert has a new theme each week and features singers and dancers performing original works created while sheltering in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are welcome to submit songs .
For more information , visit paramountaurora.com .
Also at 5 p.m. Mondays , the Paramount School of the Arts has launched a free series of live , virtual Master Classes Mondays taught by the theater ’ s artists and staff and covering a variety of topics .
Visit , facebook.cm/paramountschoolofthearts .
Porchlight Music Theatre : Artistic director Michael Weber celebrates a legendary icon ’ s birthday with the free online series Sondheim @ 90 Roundtable .
Saturdays at 7 pm , Weber and a panel of guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his impact on the performing arts .
Upcoming works featured ( including performance clips ) are “ Sunday in the Park with George ” ( May 2 ) and “ Follies ” ( May 9 ) .
Visit porchlightmusictheatre.org .
The House Theatre of Chicago : Streaming its recent production of Jason Narducy and Brett Neveu ’ s musical “ Verböten.
” Based on Narducy ’ s own experiences , it ’ s the story of how punk rock saved the lives of four Evanston kids in 1983 .
Available through May 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 .
On May 2 , a special live streaming event features Tony Award-winning actor-musician Michael Cerveris joining artistic director Nathan Allen and the play ’ s creators to talk about blending rock ‘ n ’ roll and theatre .
Tickets are $ 99 and include access to the “ Verböten ” stream .
Visit thehousetheatre.com .
Chicago Children ’ s Theatre : Streaming a variety of classes designed to teach the art of theater while building new skills like creativity , resourcefulness , confidence and collaboration .
Ongoing , prices vary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ company takes its signature show online with “ The Infinite Wrench Goes Viral , ” a blast of 30 plays in 60 minutes .
There are five price points ranging from $ 3- $ 100 ; the higher you go the more you get culminating in an original play written about your subject of choice .
Ongoing .
Visit neofuturists.org .
The Second City : The comedy outlet has adapted its shows and classes to create online experiences .
The free weekly shows include “ Improv House Party , ” “ The Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family-friendly “ Really Awesome Improv Show.
” Visit secondcity.com .
Lookingglass Theatre : New digital content includes a weekly podcast featuring conversations with company artists about the creative process and how it intersects with life today .
Other content features a yoga class and exclusive performances .
Ongoing , free .
Visit lookingglass.org .
Theater Wit : Streaming its staging of “ Teenage Dick , ” Mike Lew ’ s comedy about perception , disability and the lengths we ’ re willing to go to rise above our station in life .
Through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( a Wednesday matinee is pay-what-you-can ) .
Visit theaterwit.org .
Northlight Theatre : The discussion series “ At Home with BJ ” features artistic director BJ Jones in conversation with artists from the company ’ s upcoming season .
“ Finish the Line , ” play along and attempt to complete the lines from a selection of Northlight ’ s favorite productions .
Visit northlight.org .
Collaboraction : The company has launched the Together Network a platform focused on bringing people together to explore important issues and stay connected .
The ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and special guests .
Visit collaboraction.org .
Rivendell Theatre : Digital content features at the development process look at four new one-woman plays : “ The Inside ” by Lydia A. Diamond , “ When Given the Choice , Bleed ” by Kimberly Dixon-Mays , “ Tidy ” by Kristin Idaszak and “ Aping Jane ” by Aurora Real de Asua .
Ongoing from April 29 , free .
Visit rivendelltheatre.org/solo-voices .
Theatre Y : “ My Body ’ s Image , Delayed ” is a retrospective of the work of Romanian playwright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ensemble members create a new video each week of a Visky excerpt focusing on introspection , self-interrogation and refracted identity .
Visit theatre-y.com .
The Passage Theatre : A staged reading of “ All-One !
The Dr. Bronner ’ s Play , ” a world premiere commission by Beth Hyland originally scheduled to open in April that tells the story of Dr. Emanuel Bronner , a man famous for his pure-castile liquid soap .
From May 1-10 , pay-what-you-can .
Visit thepassagetheatre.com .
Sideshow Theatre : Streaming its production of “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dawkins ’ play that retraces and explores the story of the women in his family .
Through May 31 , pay-what-you-can .
Visit sideshowtheatre.org .
Black Button Eyes Productions : Streaming the world premiere of Ed Rutherford ’ s “ Masque of the Red Coronavirus , ” inspired by Edgar Allen Poe ’ s “ The Masque of Red Death ” and current newspaper stories .
Ongoing , free .
Visit blackbuttoneyes.com .
Hell in a Handbag Productions : Streaming its 2012 production of “ Sexy Baby , ” a docu-musical that goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ongoing , free .
Visit https : //bit.ly/2KCKdow Prop Thtr : A free stream of its latest show , “ …And I Am Not Afraid , ” a work devised by the ensemble about resilience and tenacity in the face of violence .
Ongoing .
Visit propthtr.org .
Otherworld Theatre Company : The company focused on science fiction and fantasy streams a variety of shows including “ Super Richard World III , ” “ Medusa Undone ” and “ Improvised Dungeons and Dragons.
” Ongoing , free- $ 5 .
Visit otherworldtheatre.org @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its online presence ( this week it ’ s all about the company ’ s 2019 production of Ilya Demutsky ’ s “ Anna Karenina ” ) featuring interviews with dancers , performance excerpts and workouts that will make you appreciate a dancer ’ s training and ability .
Visit www.youtube.com/thejoffreyballet .
Also , every Thursday at 2 p.m. , Joffrey rehearsal director Adam Blyde hosts “ On Cue , ” a weekly video chat ( via @ joffreyballet Instagram LIVE ) with a Joffrey company member about fitness tips , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and favorite quarantine recipes .
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago : Fans can keep up with what the dancers are doing as they shelter at home ( www.facebook.com/hubbardstreetdance ) , take a class and find educational resources for teachers .
Plus coming soon , a resource for dance activities for families .
Visit hubbardstreetdance.com .
Lucky Plush Productions : The organization has launched a Virtual Dance Lab in collaboration with the University of Chicago ’ s dance program for beginners to veteran dance artists .
Included are all styles of dance , yoga , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theater and a wake-up dance jam and more .
Classes are free to students with a $ 5- $ 15 suggested donation for others .
Visit luckyplush.com .
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater has launched Beyond Dance , a free online initiative with a variety of classes for children and adults , plus The Continuum Process , a series of discussions about creativity and the artistic process .
Free .
Visit deeplyrooteddancetheater.org .
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater : Always a Chicago favorite during its winter run at the Auditorium Theatre , the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its work : Ailey ’ s “ Night Creature ” ( through April 30 ) and Jamar Roberts ’ “ Ode ” ( April 30-May 7 ) .
Visit alvinailey.org .
Chicago Symphony Orchestra : During this period , personal messages from musicians are being shared regularly on the CSO ’ s social media channels , with additional audio and video content available online at CSO Sounds & Stories and YouTube .
Visit cso.org .

As the Covid-19 crisis extends into the spring and possibly the summer, Chicago theaters and dance organizations are supplying a variety of online activities to stay connected to their audiences.
While some are saying “there’s no going back” — that the communal experience will never be the same — cultural arts organizations have faith that a new normal will emerge, one that’s perhaps not too unlike the live theater/dance experience we know.
“We so look forward to when we can open our doors and invite the public in to experience these projects as they were intended,” say Tara Mallen, artistic director at Rivendell Theatre, where the company continues to work on new plays.
So for now, online streaming is bringing theaters and audiences together in new ways. While many of the offerings listed below are free, please consider, if you can, a donation to your favorite company in this unprecedented time of extinguished footlights and darkened marquees.
THEATER
Victory Gardens Theater: Streaming its 2017 production of Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron’s acclaimed musical “Fun Home.” Based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir, the family drama unravels the many mysteries of her childhood from her coming out to her journey to acceptance. From May 12-24; tickets are $20. Visit victorygardens.org.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater:A variety of free streaming videos are offered in the digital platform Shakes@Home site, including education initiatives for teachers; a Living Room Sonnet Series; a look at recipes from the Bard’s plays and much more from artists and staff. Check it out at chicagoshakes.com.
The Goodman Theatre: While a stream “School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play” recently concluded, the Goodman continues its free stream of Robert Falls and Seth Bockley’s adaptation of Roberto Bolano’s novel “2666.” It’s a compelling five-hour marathon perfect for home viewing from the comfort of your couch. The theater also offers videos, art and articles to keep theatergoers connected while stages are dark. Visit goodmantheatre.org.
Steppenwolf Theatre: The company replaces it’s annual gala with a free online event, Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soiree, at 6:30 p.m. May 9. Making appearances are ensemble members Joan Allen, Gary Cole, John Malkovich, Sandra Marquez and Laurie Metcalf as well as other celebrity guests. The event concludes with a dance party with Grammy Award-winning DJ Tracy Young. Also on the Steppenwolf website is a podcast featuring ensemble members and teen and educator workshops. Visit steppenwolf.org.
Paramount Theatre: The Connection Social Media Concert has a new theme each week and features singers and dancers performing original works created while sheltering in place. All ages and experience levels are welcome to submit songs. For more information, visit paramountaurora.com. Also at 5 p.m. Mondays, the Paramount School of the Arts has launched a free series of live, virtual Master Classes Mondays taught by the theater’s artists and staff and covering a variety of topics. Visit, facebook.cm/paramountschoolofthearts.
Porchlight Music Theatre: Artistic director Michael Weber celebrates a legendary icon’s birthday with the free online series Sondheim @ 90 Roundtable. Saturdays at 7 pm, Weber and a panel of guests discuss a work by Stephen Sondheim and his impact on the performing arts. Upcoming works featured (including performance clips) are “Sunday in the Park with George” (May 2) and “Follies” (May 9). Visit porchlightmusictheatre.org.
Verböten, the teen band, plays their grown-up gig at the Cubby Bear in a scene from the musical “Verböten.” Michael Brosilow
The House Theatre of Chicago: Streaming its recent production of Jason Narducy and Brett Neveu’s musical “Verböten.” Based on Narducy’s own experiences, it’s the story of how punk rock saved the lives of four Evanston kids in 1983. Available through May 4; tickets are pay-what-you-can beginning at $15. On May 2, a special live streaming event features Tony Award-winning actor-musician Michael Cerveris joining artistic director Nathan Allen and the play’s creators to talk about blending rock ‘n’ roll and theatre. Tickets are $99 and include access to the “Verböten” stream. Visit thehousetheatre.com.
Chicago Children’s Theatre: Streaming a variety of classes designed to teach the art of theater while building new skills like creativity, resourcefulness, confidence and collaboration. Ongoing, prices vary. Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
The Neo-Futurists: The company takes its signature show online with “The Infinite Wrench Goes Viral,” a blast of 30 plays in 60 minutes. There are five price points ranging from $3-$100; the higher you go the more you get culminating in an original play written about your subject of choice. Ongoing. Visit neofuturists.org.
The Second City: The comedy outlet has adapted its shows and classes to create online experiences. The free weekly shows include “Improv House Party,” “The Last Show Left on Earth” and the family-friendly “Really Awesome Improv Show.” Visit secondcity.com.
Lookingglass Theatre: New digital content includes a weekly podcast featuring conversations with company artists about the creative process and how it intersects with life today. Other content features a yoga class and exclusive performances. Ongoing, free. Visit lookingglasstheatre.org
Theater Wit: Streaming its staging of “Teenage Dick,” Mike Lew’s comedy about perception, disability and the lengths we’re willing to go to rise above our station in life. Through May 17, $25-$50 (a Wednesday matinee is pay-what-you-can). Visit theaterwit.org.
Northlight Theatre: The discussion series “At Home with BJ” features artistic director BJ Jones in conversation with artists from the company’s upcoming season. “Finish the Line,” play along and attempt to complete the lines from a selection of Northlight’s favorite productions. Visit northlight.org.
Collaboraction: The company has launched the Together Network a platform focused on bringing people together to explore important issues and stay connected. The ongoing weekly streams feature a variety of topics and special guests. Visit collaboraction.org.
Rivendell Theatre: Digital content features at the development process look at four new one-woman plays: “The Inside” by Lydia A. Diamond, “When Given the Choice, Bleed” by Kimberly Dixon-Mays, “Tidy” by Kristin Idaszak and “Aping Jane” by Aurora Real de Asua. Ongoing from April 29, free. Visit rivendelltheatre.org/solo-voices.
Theatre Y: “My Body’s Image, Delayed” is a retrospective of the work of Romanian playwright Andras Visky in 15 episodes streaming weekly. Ensemble members create a new video each week of a Visky excerpt focusing on introspection, self-interrogation and refracted identity. Visit theatre-y.com.
The Passage Theatre: A staged reading of “All-One! The Dr. Bronner’s Play,” a world premiere commission by Beth Hyland originally scheduled to open in April that tells the story of Dr. Emanuel Bronner, a man famous for his pure-castile liquid soap. From May 1-10, pay-what-you-can. Visit thepassagetheatre.com.
Philip Dawkins in Sideshow Theatre Company and Greenhouse Theater Center’s 2016 world premiere of “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Michael Brosilow
Sideshow Theatre: Streaming its production of “The Happiest Place on Earth,” Philip Dawkins’ play that retraces and explores the story of the women in his family. Through May 31, pay-what-you-can. Visit sideshowtheatre.org.
Black Button Eyes Productions: Streaming the world premiere of Ed Rutherford’s “Masque of the Red Coronavirus,” inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Masque of Red Death” and current newspaper stories. Ongoing, free. Visit blackbuttoneyes.com.
Hell in a Handbag Productions: Streaming its 2012 production of “Sexy Baby,” a docu-musical that goes behind the scenes of child beauty pageants. Ongoing, free. Visit https://bit.ly/2KCKdow
Prop Thtr: A free stream of its latest show, “…And I Am Not Afraid,” a work devised by the ensemble about resilience and tenacity in the face of violence. Ongoing. Visit propthtr.org.
Otherworld Theatre Company: The company focused on science fiction and fantasy streams a variety of shows including “Super Richard World III,” “Medusa Undone” and “Improvised Dungeons and Dragons.” Ongoing, free-$5. Visit otherworldtheatre.org.
Victoria Jaiani and Alberto Velazquez are photographed at the Driehaus Museum for the Joffrey Ballet’s production of “Anna Karenina.” Cheryl Mann
DANCE
The Joffrey Ballet presents weekly additions to its online presence (this week it’s all about the company’s 2019 production of Yuri Possokhov’s “Anna Karenina”) featuring interviews with dancers, performance excerpts and workouts that will make you appreciate a dancer’s training and ability. Visit www.youtube.com/thejoffreyballet. Also, every Thursday at 2 p.m., Joffrey rehearsal director Adam Blyde hosts “On Cue,” a weekly video chat (via @joffreyballet Instagram LIVE) with a Joffrey company member about fitness tips, what they’re doing to stay sane and favorite quarantine recipes.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: Fans can keep up with what the dancers are doing as they shelter at home (www.facebook.com/hubbardstreetdance), take a class and find educational resources for teachers. Plus coming soon, a resource for dance activities for families. Visit hubbardstreetdance.com.
Lucky Plush Productions: The organization has launched a Virtual Dance Lab in collaboration with the University of Chicago’s dance program for beginners to veteran dance artists. Included are all styles of dance, yoga, improvisation, kids’ classes, physical theater and a wake-up dance jam and more. Classes are free to students with a $5-$15 suggested donation for others. Visit luckyplush.com.
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater has launched Beyond Dance, a free online initiative with a variety of classes for children and adults, plus The Continuum Process, a series of discussions about creativity and the artistic process. Free. Visit deeplyrooteddancetheater.org.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Always a Chicago favorite during its winter run at the Auditorium Theatre, the New York-based company is offering free streams of its work: Ailey’s “Night Creature” (through April 30) and Jamar Roberts’ “Ode” (April 30-May 7). Visit alvinailey.org.
MUSIC
Chicago Symphony Orchestra: During this period, personal messages from musicians are being shared regularly on the CSO’s social media channels, with additional audio and video content available online at CSO Sounds & Stories and YouTube. Visit cso.org.
Mary Houlihan is a local freelance writer.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--In fight against COVID-19, house party is a slap in the face

There ’ s no point in trying to shame the young people that took part in a crowded throw-down over the weekend .
It wouldn ’ t do much good .
But this incident shows how disconnected this demographic is from the rest of the city .
The house party , which allegedly took place in the Galewood community on the West Side , was captured on video and posted on the TMZ website .
But the blatant disregard of the state ’ s stay-at-home order is more than an embarrassing moment .
It is a slap in the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to enforce social distancing without criminalizing normal behavior .
It also shows the city ’ s hands are pretty much tied .
There ’ s enough bad blood between the Chicago Police Department and young black men in poor communities that any attempt to lock up people for disobeying social distancing would be met with vehement resistance .
“ Reckless and irresponsible ” is how Mayor Lightfoot described the video showing young people “ cheek to jowl ” at a house party .
“ They put themselves at risk , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk .
That ’ s why for me that scene is so distressing , ” Lightfoot said in response to a question at her daily press briefing .
But as infuriating as it is to see these young African Americans acting like they are immune to a disease that has brought the world to a standstill , the mayor and the governor — or , for that matter , the police superintendent — can save their collective breath because these young folks aren ’ t listening to them .
Warm weather is coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house party , it will be a backyard barbecue or block party that brings out young people despite the stay-at-home order .
While the mayor ’ s PSAs , Zoom concerts and nightly news of heroes and survivors are uplifting , they aren ’ t the right messages for a generation that needs to play a big role in helping us survive .
They need to hear from the young brothers that led protests against the Chicago Police Department after the Laquan McDonald tape was released .
After all , their advocacy changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to hear from the sisters that stood toe to toe in the face of danger when warring gang factions threatened the lives of children in their South Side neighborhood .
They need to hear from the black celebrities , athletic stars and rappers who aren ’ t risking their lives or the lives of their loved ones by violating social distancing orders .
They need to hear from the pastors who have been successful in bringing millennials into the flock .
It is wonderful that many of these people are already donating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling families , but right now , youth like those partying in the video need a moral wake-up call .
Data show African Americans and Latinx are the groups most likely to die from this virus because of underlying conditions .
If young black and brown people don ’ t take precautions to protect themselves , the death toll in black and brown households will be staggering .
It is indeed disappointing that while these young people were partying , an army of exhausted nurses and doctors were trying to save lives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ house party played into the negative stereotypes about black youths .
Although a lot of effort will likely be spent trying to make sure that someone will be held accountable for the gathering , that isn ’ t my greatest concern .
Only people who don ’ t think they have a future would laugh in the face of a virus that has killed as many people as the coronavirus .
It is also distressing to know that this disrespect for authority is likely to result in someone ’ s untimely death .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and show their peers that there is a future worth fighting for .
It is your turn .
Help us save our community from the suffering that awaits us if the virus finds a welcome mat at our door .

There’s no point in trying to shame the young people that took part in a crowded throw-down over the weekend.
It wouldn’t do much good.
But this incident shows how disconnected this demographic is from the rest of the city.
The house party, which allegedly took place in the Galewood community on the West Side, was captured on video and posted on the TMZ website.
But the blatant disregard of the state’s stay-at-home order is more than an embarrassing moment. It is a slap in the face of a black mayor who is desperately trying to enforce social distancing without criminalizing normal behavior.
It also shows the city’s hands are pretty much tied.
There’s enough bad blood between the Chicago Police Department and young black men in poor communities that any attempt to lock up people for disobeying social distancing would be met with vehement resistance.
“Reckless and irresponsible” is how Mayor Lightfoot described the video showing young people “cheek to jowl” at a house party.
“They put themselves at risk, and they put every single person around them at risk. That’s why for me that scene is so distressing,” Lightfoot said in response to a question at her daily press briefing.
But as infuriating as it is to see these young African Americans acting like they are immune to a disease that has brought the world to a standstill, the mayor and the governor — or, for that matter, the police superintendent — can save their collective breath because these young folks aren’t listening to them.
Warm weather is coming. If it isn’t a house party, it will be a backyard barbecue or block party that brings out young people despite the stay-at-home order.
Then what?
While the mayor’s PSAs, Zoom concerts and nightly news of heroes and survivors are uplifting, they aren’t the right messages for a generation that needs to play a big role in helping us survive.
They need to hear from the young brothers that led protests against the Chicago Police Department after the Laquan McDonald tape was released. After all, their advocacy changed Chicago’s political landscape.
They need to hear from the sisters that stood toe to toe in the face of danger when warring gang factions threatened the lives of children in their South Side neighborhood.
They need to hear from the black celebrities, athletic stars and rappers who aren’t risking their lives or the lives of their loved ones by violating social distancing orders.
They need to hear from the pastors who have been successful in bringing millennials into the flock.
Don’t get me wrong.
It is wonderful that many of these people are already donating their money and their talents to feed struggling families, but right now, youth like those partying in the video need a moral wake-up call.
Data show African Americans and Latinx are the groups most likely to die from this virus because of underlying conditions.
If young black and brown people don’t take precautions to protect themselves, the death toll in black and brown households will be staggering.
It is indeed disappointing that while these young people were partying, an army of exhausted nurses and doctors were trying to save lives.
Worse yet, the video of the house party played into the negative stereotypes about black youths.
Although a lot of effort will likely be spent trying to make sure that someone will be held accountable for the gathering, that isn’t my greatest concern.
Only people who don’t think they have a future would laugh in the face of a virus that has killed as many people as the coronavirus.
It is also distressing to know that this disrespect for authority is likely to result in someone’s untimely death.
We need young black activists to stand up and show their peers that there is a future worth fighting for.
It is your turn.
Help us save our community from the suffering that awaits us if the virus finds a welcome mat at our door.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--The fiction of Mitch McConnell’s ‘blue state bailout’

It ’ s about paying paramedics , who are risking their lives for us .
It ’ s about paying firefighters and police officers , bus drivers and teachers , garbage collectors and prison guards .
Chicago and the state of Illinois , like every big city and state , need billions of dollars in federal assistance right now to weather the crisis of the coronavirus pandemic .
To refuse that aid , as Republicans in Washington threaten to do , is to play politics with the American economy and people ’ s lives .
Some states and cities were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , but all 50 states and most big cities have been slammed hard since .
Expenses have soared while tax revenues have plummeted .
Without massive federal aid , states and cities soon will be unable to cover the costs of essential services — those paramedics , teachers and prison guards — and our nation could be thrown into a depression rivaling that of the 1930s .
Despite all this , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calls this a “ blue state bailout.
” And in the same dismissive way , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambassador Nikki Haley in the last few days have attacked Illinois Democrats for using the COVID-19 crisis to ask for a $ 10 billion state pension rescue .
Trump and Haley specifically are referring to an ill-thought-out proposal made two weeks ago by Illinois Senate President Don Harmon , D-Oak Park .
As we wrote in an editorial last week , Illinois ’ pension problems date back decades — long before the coronavirus — and Harmon ’ s proposal was politically tone-deaf and dangerous , inviting criticism of our state .
The hubbub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real truth : There ’ s nothing partisan about the economic devastation being wrought by COVID-19 .
Red states and blue states alike are being rocked , and every state will need a federal rescue .
Last week , the bipartisan National Governors Association — 26 Republicans and 24 Democrats — called on Congress to provide $ 500 billion in “ unrestricted fiscal support ” to avert “ significant reductions to critically important services all across the country.
” If McConnell , Trump or anybody else wants to prohibit federal aid from going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re right to do so .
But to exploit that issue — as well as the pre-pandemic financial troubles of other states — to deny the very real need for bipartisan federal support for state and local governments would be unconscionable .
McConnell ’ s other bright suggestion is that states declare bankruptcy .
In the midst of a fiscal crisis that threatens to slide into a second Great Depression , his solution would be for states to stiff creditors , fire or reduce the pay of hundreds of thousands of workers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cut back on services to the mentally ill , the disabled and the elderly .
How very Herbert Hoover of him .
The heart of the problem for states and cities is that they have a limited ability to raise revenue in times of crisis .
Unlike the federal government , they can ’ t print their own money .
Yet they are obligated to provide many of the most essential services of government , including police protection , mass transit , clean water , education and health care .
How Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can ’ t begin to imagine .
As a result of the pandemic , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker estimates , Illinois will suffer a $ 2.7 billion budget shortfall for the final two and a half months of the current fiscal year , and a $ 7.4 billion shortfall next fiscal year .
Underlying McConnell ’ s disdain for a federal assist to states and cities is the old notion , a given among rural and Southern Republicans , that blue states and northern cities already are sucking Washington dry while padding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To the first point , we would note that Illinois receives only 42 cents in federal funds for every dollar it sends to Washington .
Mitch McConnell ’ s Kentucky gets $ 1.49 back in federal funds for every $ 1 it sends .
Illinois gives while Kentucky takes .
To the second point , we would note that Illinois has done a credible job of reducing the size of government in the last decade .
In 2014 — the last year for which we could find comparable numbers — Illinois state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) per 10,000 residents , according to Governing magazine , while McConnell ’ s Kentucky employed 100 people per 10,000 residents .
So how about this ?
If a federal aid package to assist states and cities would be nothing but a “ blue state bailout , ” show us the Republican governor who says their state doesn ’ t need it , doesn ’ t deserve it and won ’ t take it .
Let ’ s quit the games , then , and save the country .

It’s about paying paramedics, who are risking their lives for us.
It’s about paying firefighters and police officers, bus drivers and teachers, garbage collectors and prison guards.
Chicago and the state of Illinois, like every big city and state, need billions of dollars in federal assistance right now to weather the crisis of the coronavirus pandemic. To refuse that aid, as Republicans in Washington threaten to do, is to play politics with the American economy and people’s lives.
Some states and cities were in better financial shape than others before the pandemic, but all 50 states and most big cities have been slammed hard since. Expenses have soared while tax revenues have plummeted. Without massive federal aid, states and cities soon will be unable to cover the costs of essential services — those paramedics, teachers and prison guards — and our nation could be thrown into a depression rivaling that of the 1930s.
Every state hammered
Despite all this, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calls this a “blue state bailout.” And in the same dismissive way, both President Donald Trump and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley in the last few days have attacked Illinois Democrats for using the COVID-19 crisis to ask for a $10 billion state pension rescue.
Trump and Haley specifically are referring to an ill-thought-out proposal made two weeks ago by Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park. As we wrote in an editorial last week, Illinois’ pension problems date back decades — long before the coronavirus — and Harmon’s proposal was politically tone-deaf and dangerous, inviting criticism of our state.
Why should the people and taxpayers of America be bailing out poorly run states (like Illinois, as example) and cities, in all cases Democrat run and managed, when most of the other states are not looking for bailout help? I am open to discussing anything, but just asking? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2020
The hubbub over what Harmon wrote distracts from the real truth: There’s nothing partisan about the economic devastation being wrought by COVID-19.
Red states and blue states alike are being rocked, and every state will need a federal rescue. Last week, the bipartisan National Governors Association — 26 Republicans and 24 Democrats — called on Congress to provide $500 billion in “unrestricted fiscal support” to avert “significant reductions to critically important services all across the country.”
If McConnell, Trump or anybody else wants to prohibit federal aid from going directly to pension funds, they’re right to do so. But to exploit that issue — as well as the pre-pandemic financial troubles of other states — to deny the very real need for bipartisan federal support for state and local governments would be unconscionable.
McConnell’s other bright suggestion is that states declare bankruptcy. In the midst of a fiscal crisis that threatens to slide into a second Great Depression, his solution would be for states to stiff creditors, fire or reduce the pay of hundreds of thousands of workers, slash health care and retirement benefits, and cut back on services to the mentally ill, the disabled and the elderly.
How very Herbert Hoover of him.
States can’t print money
The heart of the problem for states and cities is that they have a limited ability to raise revenue in times of crisis. Unlike the federal government, they can’t print their own money. Yet they are obligated to provide many of the most essential services of government, including police protection, mass transit, clean water, education and health care.
How Illinois will pull that off without federal assistance we can’t begin to imagine. As a result of the pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker estimates, Illinois will suffer a $2.7 billion budget shortfall for the final two and a half months of the current fiscal year, and a $7.4 billion shortfall next fiscal year.
Underlying McConnell’s disdain for a federal assist to states and cities is the old notion, a given among rural and Southern Republicans, that blue states and northern cities already are sucking Washington dry while padding payrolls with armies of Democratic patronage workers.
To the first point, we would note that Illinois receives only 42 cents in federal funds for every dollar it sends to Washington. Mitch McConnell’s Kentucky gets $1.49 back in federal funds for every $1 it sends. Illinois gives while Kentucky takes.
To the second point, we would note that Illinois has done a credible job of reducing the size of government in the last decade. In 2014 — the last year for which we could find comparable numbers — Illinois state government employed 49 people (full-time equivalents) per 10,000 residents, according to Governing magazine, while McConnell’s Kentucky employed 100 people per 10,000 residents.
Quit the games
So how about this?
If a federal aid package to assist states and cities would be nothing but a “blue state bailout,” show us the Republican governor who says their state doesn’t need it, doesn’t deserve it and won’t take it.
Any takers?
Let’s quit the games, then, and save the country.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--Troy Sneed, Grammy-nominated gospel singer, dies at 52 from coronavirus complications

LOS ANGELES — Grammy-nominated gospel singer Troy Sneed has died from complications with the coronavirus .
He was 52 .
Sneed ’ s publicist Bill Carpenter said the singer died early Monday at a hospital in Jacksonville , Florida .
Sneed earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the Youth For Christ ’ s 1999 album “ Higher.
” Sneed traveled throughout the United States early in his career to sing the gospel with the Georgia Mass Choir .
He arranged music on their albums and appeared with the choir in the 1996 film “ The Preacher ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denzel Washington .
Sneed helped form Youth For Christ , which was comprised of members between the ages of 12 and 18 from the Georgia Mass Choir .
He served as a producer on Youth For Christ ’ s “ The Struggle Is Over , ” which landed at No .
1 on Billboard ’ s gospel songs chart in 2006 .
As a solo artist , Sneed released seven albums and had several hit songs within the gospel realm including “ Work It Out ” and “ My Heart Says Yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 on Billboard ’ s gospel chart .
He ’ s also known for the upbeat “ Hallelujah.
” Sneed and his wife , Emily , started their own record label Emtro , which is a blend of their first names .
Their label became a success with a roster of artists from Alvin Darling & Celebration and Rev .
Rudolph McKissick .

LOS ANGELES — Grammy-nominated gospel singer Troy Sneed has died from complications with the coronavirus. He was 52.
Sneed’s publicist Bill Carpenter said the singer died early Monday at a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Sneed earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the Youth For Christ’s 1999 album “Higher.”
Sneed traveled throughout the United States early in his career to sing the gospel with the Georgia Mass Choir. He arranged music on their albums and appeared with the choir in the 1996 film “The Preacher’s Wife,” starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.
Sneed helped form Youth For Christ, which was comprised of members between the ages of 12 and 18 from the Georgia Mass Choir. He served as a producer on Youth For Christ’s “The Struggle Is Over,” which landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s gospel songs chart in 2006.
As a solo artist, Sneed released seven albums and had several hit songs within the gospel realm including “Work It Out” and “My Heart Says Yes,” which both peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s gospel chart. He’s also known for the upbeat “Hallelujah.”
Sneed and his wife, Emily, started their own record label Emtro, which is a blend of their first names. Their label became a success with a roster of artists from Alvin Darling & Celebration and Rev. Rudolph McKissick.