chicagosun-times--2020-03-23--Lightfoot forges deals with hotels, shuttered hospital to provide space for quarantined COVID-19 pat

Lightfoot forges deals with hotels, shuttered hospital to provide space for quarantined COVID-19 patients

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday unveiled a plan she called a national model to ease the strain on overburdened hospitals : Rent thousands of rooms in empty downtown hotels and reopen a shuttered hospital to isolate patients who test positive for the coronavirus or have been exposed to someone who has .
In addition , the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago will provide 400 beds for homeless Chicagoans now living in close quarters in homeless encampments .
The hotel partnership is unprecedented and extraordinary .
To make it happen , City Hall first brokered an agreement to resolve an 18-month strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospitality , operator of Hotel One Sixty-Six downtown .
That will allow the union ’ s members to return to work to provide food and housekeeping services for patients in isolation at the hotel , formerly known as the Cambria Chicago Magnificent Mile .
In all , five hotels are set to provide 1,000 beds by Tuesday and 2,000 beds by the end of the week .
Only Hotel One Sixty-Six has signed on so far ; the city is in the process of finalizing deals with others .
“ The men and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparing meals and cleaning linens —they are a vital part of the fabric we are shoring up here , ” said Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara .
Karen Kent , president of UNITE HERE Local 1 , called the partnership “ bittersweet ” because so many of her members have lost their jobs during the pandemic .
“ At a time when people feel powerless , it is great to be able to feel like there is ... something important we can contribute , ” Kent said .
“ People want to do this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get healthy and get through this together .
While this is a terribly sad moment for many reasons , it ’ s a wonderful moment that we can work together.
” During a City Hall news conference , Lightfoot pegged the cost of just one of the hotels at $ 1 million “ for a 30-day burn rate.
” She did not identify the source of funding at a time when city revenues are plummeting .
The total potential cost of the program remains unclear , depending as it does on the length @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients will provide at least some measure of business for hotels that have either closed or seen their occupancy rates plummet during the pandemic .
“ These agreements are not just a big deal for our city .
In the absence of federal leadership , we have created a model and plan that could be followed by other cities and towns across the nation , ” the mayor said .
“ We have based our plan on what worked in other countries to respond to immediate medical needs , isolate and quarantine those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of this virus.
” Yet another agreement — with the operators of the shuttered Metro South Medical Center in Blue Island — will free up 200 more rooms in that hospital for quarantined COVID-19 patients .
Those rooms are expected to become available Thursday .
Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said the influx of thousands of additional beds will “ take the strain off ” Chicago-area hospitals and free up space for those patients most at risk .
And who exactly will the isolation and quarantine facilities serve ?
“ First , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for test results , but can ’ t return home because of their living situation , ” Arwady said .
“ Second , we may use them to quarantine high-risk , healthy individuals who can ’ t be at home because , for example , an ill person might be at home .
And thirdly , we will use them to isolate people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 , but who have a mild illness ” and can ’ t return home .
“ We don ’ t want to have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just because there isn ’ t somewhere safe for them to stay .
“ Arwady stressed that city employees , led by the Department of Public Health , will be “ on-site , using safe protocols ” to provide food and housekeeping services with guests “ remaining in their individuals rooms throughout the isolation or quarantine period.
” They will be properly trained and have “ no direct interaction ” with guests .
“ This is not a gathering of individuals within hotel settings , ” the commissioner said .
The agreement forged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create 400 additional shelter beds at shuttered Y ’ s so homeless Chicagoans can be housed at least six feet apart instead of on top of each other at homeless shelters .
It comes at a time when YMCA faces an uncertain future .
“ The response of community-based organizations has been amazing .
In the past 96 hours , we have essentially launched a second shelter network in order to allow for the recommended spacing , ” said Family and Support Services Commissioner Lisa Morrison-Butler .

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday unveiled a plan she called a national model to ease the strain on overburdened hospitals: Rent thousands of rooms in empty downtown hotels and reopen a shuttered hospital to isolate patients who test positive for the coronavirus or have been exposed to someone who has.
In addition, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago will provide 400 beds for homeless Chicagoans now living in close quarters in homeless encampments.
The hotel partnership is unprecedented and extraordinary. To make it happen, City Hall first brokered an agreement to resolve an 18-month strike by UNITE HERE Local 1 against Fillmore Hospitality, operator of Hotel One Sixty-Six downtown. That will allow the union’s members to return to work to provide food and housekeeping services for patients in isolation at the hotel, formerly known as the Cambria Chicago Magnificent Mile.
In all, five hotels are set to provide 1,000 beds by Tuesday and 2,000 beds by the end of the week. Only Hotel One Sixty-Six has signed on so far; the city is in the process of finalizing deals with others.
“The men and women who are coming back to work preparing meals and cleaning linens —they are a vital part of the fabric we are shoring up here,” said Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara.
Karen Kent, president of UNITE HERE Local 1, called the partnership “bittersweet” because so many of her members have lost their jobs during the pandemic.
“At a time when people feel powerless, it is great to be able to feel like there is ... something important we can contribute,” Kent said. “People want to do this to help save lives and help people get healthy and get through this together. While this is a terribly sad moment for many reasons, it’s a wonderful moment that we can work together.”
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday announced a new program to use city hotel rooms to quarantine some people who have been exposed to or tested positive for the coronavirus. Lightfoot made the announcement at a press conference at City Hall. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
During a City Hall news conference, Lightfoot pegged the cost of just one of the hotels at $1 million “for a 30-day burn rate.” She did not identify the source of funding at a time when city revenues are plummeting. The total potential cost of the program remains unclear, depending as it does on the length and scope of the crisis.
The patients will provide at least some measure of business for hotels that have either closed or seen their occupancy rates plummet during the pandemic.
“These agreements are not just a big deal for our city. In the absence of federal leadership, we have created a model and plan that could be followed by other cities and towns across the nation,” the mayor said. “We have based our plan on what worked in other countries to respond to immediate medical needs, isolate and quarantine those who are at risk and slow the spread of this virus.”
200 more rooms at shuttered hospital
Yet another agreement — with the operators of the shuttered Metro South Medical Center in Blue Island — will free up 200 more rooms in that hospital for quarantined COVID-19 patients. Those rooms are expected to become available Thursday.
Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said the influx of thousands of additional beds will “take the strain off” Chicago-area hospitals and free up space for those patients most at risk.
And who exactly will the isolation and quarantine facilities serve?
“First, to temporarily house people who are waiting for test results, but can’t return home because of their living situation,” Arwady said. “Second, we may use them to quarantine high-risk, healthy individuals who can’t be at home because, for example, an ill person might be at home. And thirdly, we will use them to isolate people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, but who have a mild illness” and can’t return home.
“We don’t want to have to admit them and use a hospital bed just because there isn’t somewhere safe for them to stay. “
Arwady stressed that city employees, led by the Department of Public Health, will be “on-site, using safe protocols” to provide food and housekeeping services with guests “remaining in their individuals rooms throughout the isolation or quarantine period.” They will be properly trained and have “no direct interaction” with guests.
“This is not a gathering of individuals within hotel settings,” the commissioner said.
YMCA taking in homeless
The agreement forged over the weekend with the YMCA will create 400 additional shelter beds at shuttered Y’s so homeless Chicagoans can be housed at least six feet apart instead of on top of each other at homeless shelters.
It comes at a time when YMCA faces an uncertain future.
“The response of community-based organizations has been amazing. In the past 96 hours, we have essentially launched a second shelter network in order to allow for the recommended spacing,” said Family and Support Services Commissioner Lisa Morrison-Butler.
Contributing: Lynn Sweet, David Roeder


chicagosun-times--2020-03-23--Influential alderman, leading FOP candidate want CPD stations closed to the public

Chicago Police stations should be temporarily closed to the public to protect police officers— who lack the protective gear and sanitizers they need — from being exposed to the coronavirus , an influential alderman and the frontrunner for police union president said Monday .
Chicago Police Officer John Catanzara and Ald .
Matt O ’ Shea ( 19th ) , whose Southwest Side ward is home to scores of policeolice officers , noted that four CPD officers have already tested positive for the coronavirus .
They fear that more will follow unless extraordinary measures are taken .
“ If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and parks , we should be closing police stations where people walk in off the street .
You can always get in touch with the Police Department .
You call 911 , ” said O ’ Shea , one of Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s closes City Council allies .
“ We also need to be working to make sure that we ’ re providing them with any additional equipment to help protect them : gloves , hand sanitizer [ and ] in some cases , some type of facial masks as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong and swift protective measures , O ’ Shea said he ’ s concerned the virus could spread rapidly , sidelining entire units or an entire district station .
“ The Blue Island Police Department … just a mile from the 19th Ward , they ’ ve essentially shut down the police department .
The Cook County Sheriff ’ s police and the Illinois State Police have taken over .
That ’ s a concern , ” O ’ Shea said .
Catanzara agreed the lobbies of Chicago ’ s 22 district police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s no other city agency lobbies that are open to the public .
If the lobbies are for non-emergency operations , then why are they even open at this time ?
It makes no sense whatsoever , ” Catanzara said .
“ What do you do by having 50 or 60 frickin ’ officers at a roll call or in a building ?
They ’ re not six feet apart .
It ’ s ridiculous .
You ’ re on top of each other .
All you ’ re doing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to self-distance , self-isolate , the department is not doing that with the manpower they need.
” Catanzara also accused the city of distributing expired hand sanitizer and “ generic ” personal protective equipment ( PPE ) kits to officers that are “ good for one use.
” He noted that the city shut down the police academy and transferred recruits to districts to clean squad cars without giving rookies the protective equipment they need to do the job .
“ IIf they possibly are contaminated and they need to be de-contaminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective ] suits to do the cleaning ?
They get a frickin ’ faceguard and some gloves ?
Big deal , ” Catanzara said .
“ You have symptoms or you came in close contact with somebody who tested positive .
But you are not given the ability to stay home and self-quarantine .
They want you to still come to work ... .We ’ re gon na have many more [ test positive ] .
They ’ re only making it worse.
” In addition to closing the lobbies of district stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ hazard pay ” for police officers .
And instead of canceling days off , he urged the city to drop down to “ skeleton crews … as little manpower as needed.
” “ I know of a district where an officer ’ s wife has tested positive .
And the people that were in close contact with him are very outraged that they are not being treated properly .
They should be able to self-quarantine , ” Catanzara said .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she is in “ daily contact ” with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whatever their needs are , the city is “ meeting those needs , ” the mayor said “ People feel like they ’ ve got to go out in full gowns with protective masks .
No .
We are meeting the needs .
We ’ re making sure that they have the supplies that they need .
We ’ re making sure they are trained and educated about how to interact with people in the public during these difficult times , ” Lightfoot said .
Ald .
Chris Taliaferro ( 29th ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now chairs the City Council ’ s Committee on Public Safety .
Taliaferro agreed police officers need protective gear .
But he ’ s strongly opposed to the idea of closing 22 district police stations to the public .
“ We have to make sure that we ’ re providing our citizens , our residents , an opportunity to report crime , ” he said .
“ Just like our trash is being picked up , it ’ s an essential function of the city .
We have to maintain those essential functions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stations [ to the public ] , I can only imagine what could be the possible outcome .
”

Chicago police stations should be temporarily closed to the public to protect police officers— who lack the protective gear and sanitizers they need — from being exposed to the coronavirus, an influential alderman and the frontrunner for police union president said Monday.
Chicago Police Officer John Catanzara and Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th), whose Southwest Side ward is home to scores of police officers, noted that four CPD officers have already tested positive for the coronavirus. They fear that more will follow unless extraordinary measures are taken.
“If we’re closing aldermanic offices and libraries and parks, we should be closing police stations where people walk in off the street. You can always get in touch with the Police Department. You call 911,” said O’Shea, one of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s closest City Council allies.
“We also need to be working to make sure that we’re providing them with any additional equipment to help protect them: gloves, hand sanitizer [and] in some cases, some type of facial masks as they enter into these confined spaces.”
Without strong and swift protective measures, O’Shea said he’s concerned the virus could spread rapidly, sidelining entire units or an entire district station.
“The Blue Island Police Department … just a mile from the 19th Ward, they’ve essentially shut down the police department. The Cook County Sheriff’s police and the Illinois State Police have taken over. That’s a concern,” O’Shea said.
Catanzara agreed the lobbies of Chicago’s 22 district police stations should be closed immediately.
“There’s no other city agency lobbies that are open to the public. If the lobbies are for non-emergency operations, then why are they even open at this time? It makes no sense whatsoever,” Catanzara said.
“What do you do by having 50 or 60 frickin’ officers at a roll call or in a building? They’re not six feet apart. It’s ridiculous. You’re on top of each other. All you’re doing is spreading germs. ... If you’re expected to self-distance, self-isolate, the department is not doing that with the manpower they need.”
Catanzara also accused the city of distributing expired hand sanitizer and “generic” personal protective equipment (PPE) kits to officers that are “good for one use.” He noted that the city shut down the police academy and transferred recruits to districts to clean squad cars without giving rookies the protective equipment they need to do the job.
“If they possibly are contaminated and they need to be decontaminated, why are they not given [protective] suits to do the cleaning? They get a frickin’ faceguard and some gloves? Big deal,” Catanzara said.
“You have symptoms or you came in close contact with somebody who tested positive. But you are not given the ability to stay home and self-quarantine. They want you to still come to work. ... We’re gonna have many more [test positive]. They’re only making it worse.”
In addition to closing the lobbies of district stations and distributing protective gear, Catanzara demanded “hazard pay” for police officers. And instead of canceling days off, he urged the city to drop down to “skeleton crews … as little manpower as needed.”
“I know of a district where an officer’s wife has tested positive. And the people that were in close contact with him are very outraged that they are not being treated properly. They should be able to self-quarantine,” Catanzara said.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she is in “daily contact” with all of the city’s first-responders. Whatever their needs are, the city is “meeting those needs,” the mayor said
“People feel like they’ve got to go out in full gowns with protective masks. No. We are meeting the needs. We’re making sure that they have the supplies that they need. We’re making sure they are trained and educated about how to interact with people in the public during these difficult times,” Lightfoot said.
Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th), a former Chicago police officer, now chairs the City Council’s Committee on Public Safety.
Taliaferro agreed police officers need protective gear. But he’s strongly opposed to the idea of closing 22 district police stations to the public.
“We have to make sure that we’re providing our citizens, our residents, an opportunity to report crime,” he said.
“Just like our trash is being picked up, it’s an essential function of the city. We have to maintain those essential functions. If we close down our police stations [to the public], I can only imagine what could be the possible outcome.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-23--Coronavirus affecting the two-legged who care for the four-legged: Doggy day care plummets with work

Coronavirus affecting the two-legged who care for the four-legged: Doggy day care plummets with workers at home

The coronavirus is affecting the two-legged who care for the four-legged .
With almost everybody working from home — or worse , laid-off — there ’ s little need for daily dog sitting .
Take Prentice Kidd , who owns Chicago Canine Company , which offers training , boarding and day care at 5750 N. Tripp .
On a typical day , he has about 30 dogs at his business .
“ Today , I have zero , ” he said Monday .
Across the country , the pandemic and canceled spring break trips are creating a perfect storm for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to Danielle Daidone , whose family operates Four Paws in Lombard .
She ’ s in touch with kennel and pet-service operators around the nation and she says many busy , bark-filled facilities have gone quiet .
Spring break “ is the biggest time of year , ” said Daidone .
But on Monday , she was down from a typical 35 dogs to about 10 .
“ All my [ customers ] that were going out of town — at least a dozen — canceled , ” said Kidd .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad.
” Chicago ’ s Urban Pooch was operating two locations before the downturn .
Its owners posted on Facebook that they ’ ve been forced into their “ most difficult decision since opening Urban Pooch in 2010 by laying off the majority of our hourly team members temporarily .
Due to recent legislation , our employees will have an immediate opportunity to apply for unemployment benefits.
” Urban Pooch Canine Life Center will remain open at 4501 N. Ravenswood , but Urban Pooch Training & Fitness Center at 5400 N. Ravenswood is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support the business by buying gift cards and shopping at the company store , which offers curbside pickup .
Owner Fabian Romo-Vargas said he ’ s had to lay off most of his staff — going from 22 employees to only four — at Found Boarding & Training , 4108 N. Rockwell .
He expects about 29 pooches Tuesday , down from about 100 daily canine charges .
Normally , the livecam is pretty lively at DoGone Fun , 1717 S. State .
Dog owners can log on and watch their pups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empty facility Monday .
Owner Beverly Petrunich , who ’ s been operating it since 2003 , is closing it for now .
“ It ’ s like a mausoleum , ” she said .
Petrunich used to care for 40 dogs a day .
But on March 16 , only 22 were dropped off , all belonging to health professionals from nearby hospitals .
By St. Patrick ’ s Day , her clientele plummeted to five dogs .
She speculates those health care workers are still doing shifts at hospitals but don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time being because their significant others have either been laid off or are working from home .
At Four Paws , “ It was our decision to remain open for day care for [ dogs of ] essential workers , ” Daidone said .
Essentially , “ We ’ re working for free and doing this for the dogs that need us and the families that need us.
” At the dog day care centers that remain open , intake procedures have changed .
“ We ’ re not allowing any clients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Hand-offs are done curbside .
Found is switching dog owners ’ leashes for Found leashes to try and minimize any germs being brought in , Romo-Vargas said .
“ The customers are meeting us outside , ” said Manny Escobedo , co-founder of Itty Bitty ’ s Doggy Day Care at 1040 W. 18th St. , where he was taking care of five dogs Monday instead of the usual 15 to 20 .
“ If we go out of business , and if it [ the economy ] does start to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be able to watch their dogs , ” Kidd said , “ because everybody ’ s going to be out of business .
”

The coronavirus is affecting the two-legged who care for the four-legged.
With almost everybody working from home — or worse, laid-off — there’s little need for daily dog sitting.
Dogs at Four Paws in Lombard, where services include boarding, training, day care and grooming. Provided photo
Take Prentice Kidd, who owns Chicago Canine Company, which offers training, boarding and day care at 5750 N. Tripp.
On a typical day, he has about 30 dogs at his business.
“Today, I have zero,” he said Monday.
Across the country, the pandemic and canceled spring break trips are creating a perfect storm for dog day care operators and their staffers, according to Danielle Daidone, whose family operates Four Paws in Lombard. She’s in touch with kennel and pet-service operators around the nation and she says many busy, bark-filled facilities have gone quiet.
Spring break “is the biggest time of year,” said Daidone. But on Monday, she was down from a typical 35 dogs to about 10.
Prentice Kidd, owner of Chicago Canine Company, at an obedience trial with a Belgian Malinois named Aaliyah. Provided photo
“All my [customers] that were going out of town — at least a dozen — canceled,” said Kidd. “It’s really, really bad.”
Chicago’s Urban Pooch was operating two locations before the downturn. Its owners posted on Facebook that they’ve been forced into their “most difficult decision since opening Urban Pooch in 2010 by laying off the majority of our hourly team members temporarily. Due to recent legislation, our employees will have an immediate opportunity to apply for unemployment benefits.”
Urban Pooch Canine Life Center will remain open at 4501 N. Ravenswood, but Urban Pooch Training & Fitness Center at 5400 N. Ravenswood is closing temporarily. Customers are being asked to support the business by buying gift cards and shopping at the company store, which offers curbside pickup.
Fabian Romo-Vargas, owner of Found Boarding & Training, with Lola the French bulldog.
Owner Fabian Romo-Vargas said he’s had to lay off most of his staff — going from 22 employees to only four — at Found Boarding & Training, 4108 N. Rockwell. He was expecting about 29 pooches Tuesday, down from about 100 daily canine charges.
Normally, the livecam is pretty lively at DoGone Fun, 1717 S. State. Dog owners can log on and watch their pups romping. But the cameras showed an empty facility Monday. Owner Beverly Petrunich, who’s been operating it since 2003, is closing it for now.
“It’s like a mausoleum,” she said.
Petrunich used to care for 40 dogs a day. But on March 16, only 22 were dropped off, all belonging to health professionals from nearby hospitals. By St. Patrick’s Day, her clientele plummeted to five dogs. She speculates those health care workers are still doing shifts at hospitals but don’t need doggy day care for the time being because their significant others have either been laid off or are working from home.
Danielle Daidone trains a foxhound mix named Charlee. Provided photo
At Four Paws, “It was our decision to remain open for day care for [dogs of] essential workers,” Daidone said. Essentially, “We’re working for free and doing this for the dogs that need us and the families that need us.”
At the dog day care centers that remain open, intake procedures have changed. “We’re not allowing any clients in the building anymore,” Daidone said. Hand-offs are done curbside. Found is switching dog owners’ leashes for Found leashes to try and minimize any germs being brought in, Romo-Vargas said.
“The customers are meeting us outside,” said Manny Escobedo, co-founder of Itty Bitty’s Doggy Day Care at 1040 W. 18th St., where he was taking care of five dogs Monday instead of the usual 15 to 20. His wife, Celia, said she’s been cheered by clients who’ve offered to pay more than a year in advance.
“If we go out of business, and if it [the economy] does start to come up again, nobody is going to be able to watch their dogs,” Kidd said, “because everybody’s going to be out of business.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-23--Pharmacies, groceries, gas stations are first responders, too

When I started a part-time job as an assistant cook at my neighborhood market last fall , I never dreamed that five months later the grocery store would be an outpost for social interaction in a worldwide health crisis .
People who work at pharmacies , grocery stores , gas stations and drive-thrus represent a new breed of first responders .
I make soups and salads .
Never has homemade soup been more urgently needed !
At the family-owned grocery where I work , County Fair Foods in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood , we feed hundreds of people every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers .
They know the head cook , Carmen , by name .
Some customers shop with their elderly parents to stock in meals for the week .
I derive great satisfaction from providing not only comfort food ( think turkey with stuffing , mashed potatoes and gravy , chicken pot pies , sausage with peppers ) but also interaction ( now from a respectful 6-foot distance ) with the customers , some of them my longtime neighbors .
Gathering around food sparks powerful connections .
Early last week I overheard a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Ma , do you want a rotisserie chicken ?
” “ OK , ” her mother replied in a tone that said “ ho hum.
” I was just that minute setting out fresh-from-the-oven packaged dinners of Cornish hens with homemade mashed potatoes , a great buy at $ 6.98 .
I pointed them out to the ladies .
Her mother ’ s face brightened .
“ Yes !
” she said .
“ Here ’ s a nice fat one , ” I said , handing her the plastic container @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , ” the daughter said , locking my eyes in deep gratitude .
She added two more to their basket .
I have walked in that daughter ’ s shoes .
Small kindnesses matter .
Later , a woman who knew me from my teaching days sought me out at the store .
Her family had a house fire and was moving into a rental , she said , and was there any chicken noodle soup ?
There was .
She left with two large containers of golden comfort .
As limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least we can still “ run to the store.
” People stuck at home are cooking like crazy , according to what I ’ m seeing on Facebook .
My daughter in Denver texted a photo of a beautiful round loaf of fresh-baked bread with rosemary .
I could smell it across the miles .
Her planned visit home this week was canceled .
Familiar places like grocery stores seem strange these days .
After the initial rush , crowds are thin indeed .
Products like bakery goods or salad bars that were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indefinitely .
Painter ’ s tape on store floors mark off social distancing for customers standing in line .
Shortages will continue .
Even the produce stockers and checkout clerks wear gloves .
In lockdown , our world feels very small right now , even as we are connected as never before for the common good of the world at large .
Small kindnesses and comfort matter more than ever .
Leslie Baldacci is a former Sun-Times writer and podcaster and retired Chicago Public Schools teacher .

When I started a part-time job as an assistant cook at my neighborhood market last fall, I never dreamed that five months later the grocery store would be an outpost for social interaction in a worldwide health crisis.
People who work at pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations and drive-thrus represent a new breed of first responders. I make soups and salads. Never has homemade soup been more urgently needed!
Opinion bug Opinion
At the family-owned grocery where I work, County Fair Foods in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood, we feed hundreds of people every day, including many elders and essential city workers. They know the head cook, Carmen, by name. Some customers shop with their elderly parents to stock in meals for the week.
I derive great satisfaction from providing not only comfort food (think turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, chicken pot pies, sausage with peppers) but also interaction (now from a respectful 6-foot distance) with the customers, some of them my longtime neighbors. Gathering around food sparks powerful connections.
Early last week I overheard a woman my age shopping with her mother ask, “Ma, do you want a rotisserie chicken?”
“OK,” her mother replied in a tone that said “ho hum.”
I was just that minute setting out fresh-from-the-oven packaged dinners of Cornish hens with homemade mashed potatoes, a great buy at $6.98. I pointed them out to the ladies.
“Mom, you love Cornish hen!” the daughter enthused.
Her mother’s face brightened. “Yes!” she said.
“Here’s a nice fat one,” I said, handing her the plastic container to see for herself.
“Thank you,” the daughter said, locking my eyes in deep gratitude. She added two more to their basket. I have walked in that daughter’s shoes. Small kindnesses matter.
Later, a woman who knew me from my teaching days sought me out at the store. Her family had a house fire and was moving into a rental, she said, and was there any chicken noodle soup? There was. She left with two large containers of golden comfort.
As limited as we are at present, at least we can still “run to the store.” People stuck at home are cooking like crazy, according to what I’m seeing on Facebook. My daughter in Denver texted a photo of a beautiful round loaf of fresh-baked bread with rosemary. I could smell it across the miles. Her planned visit home this week was canceled.
Familiar places like grocery stores seem strange these days. After the initial rush, crowds are thin indeed. Products like bakery goods or salad bars that were self-serve are now pre-packaged or on hold indefinitely. Painter’s tape on store floors mark off social distancing for customers standing in line. Shortages will continue. Even the produce stockers and checkout clerks wear gloves.
In lockdown, our world feels very small right now, even as we are connected as never before for the common good of the world at large. Small kindnesses and comfort matter more than ever.
Leslie Baldacci is a former Sun-Times writer and podcaster and retired Chicago Public Schools teacher.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-23--CPS seeks $75 million to deal with coronavirus crisis

Chicago Public Schools administrators are asking the city ’ s school board for $ 75 million to address the coronavirus emergency over the next several months .
The request , which would allow the district to decide how it wants to spend the money without prior board approval or immediate public notice , is part of the agenda for Wednesday ’ s monthly board meeting .
If approved by Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s seven-member school board , the resolution would immediately give district officials ultimate flexibility in addressing the crisis through the end of June , unless otherwise changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on coronavirus response since March 5 would also be approved under the measure .
The board resolution ’ s purpose is “ to empower the leadership of CPS to act quickly and effectively to obtain the necessary products , supplies , services and staff , expend funds and take all necessary measures and actions to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak , ” the agenda item says .
The district has no shortage of expenses as it deals with the growing crisis .
The funds could be used for paying for a vendor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school buildings , which CPS has already done , or for buying more cleaning supplies .
CPS has also continued to pay all teachers and staff , both full- and part-time , and is paying extra wages to security guards and lunchroom staff who are working during the closures .
CPS spokeswoman Emily Bolton said other expenses would include meal programs , additional products and maintenance and remote learning , including the “ implementation of a larger device equity strategy.
” Stacy Davis Gates , vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money to bridge the district ’ s equity gap during school closures .
“ Right now we have students that do not have access to the internet , that do not have access to a computer , ” Davis Gates said .
“ Making sure kids have hotspots and computers should be priority number one.
” The resolution would allow CPS to spend more than $ 75,000 on any single purchase , essentially eliminating the current threshold for actions that require board approval .
The district is also asking for the ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones without prior board approval .
CPS might not spend the whole $ 75 million over the next few months ; the measure simply allows CPS to spend up to that much .
Schools chief Janice Jackson would have to start presenting to the board all of the district ’ s coronavirus-related expenses in July .
CPS says on the agenda that it will collaborate with city and state public health officials to implement emergency plans such as environmental cleaning , communication with families , web-based educational instruction and other meal and social @ @

Chicago Public Schools administrators are asking the city’s school board for $75 million to address the coronavirus emergency over the next several months.
The request, which would allow the district to decide how it wants to spend the money without prior board approval or immediate public notice, is part of the agenda for Wednesday’s monthly board meeting.
If approved by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s seven-member school board, the resolution would immediately give district officials ultimate flexibility in addressing the crisis through the end of June, unless otherwise changed by the board. All money spent on coronavirus response since March 5 would also be approved under the measure.
The board resolution’s purpose is “to empower the leadership of CPS to act quickly and effectively to obtain the necessary products, supplies, services and staff, expend funds and take all necessary measures and actions to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak,” the agenda item says.
The district has no shortage of expenses as it deals with the growing crisis. The funds could be used for paying for a vendor to clean the district’s hundreds of school buildings, which CPS has already done, or for buying more cleaning supplies. CPS has also continued to pay all teachers and staff, both full- and part-time, and is paying extra wages to security guards and lunchroom staff who are working during the closures.
CPS spokeswoman Emily Bolton said other expenses would include meal programs, additional products and maintenance and remote learning, including the “implementation of a larger device equity strategy.”
Stacy Davis Gates, vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union, said CPS should focus on using the money to bridge the district’s equity gap during school closures.
“Right now we have students that do not have access to the internet, that do not have access to a computer,” Davis Gates said. “Making sure kids have hotspots and computers should be priority number one.”
The resolution would allow CPS to spend more than $75,000 on any single purchase, essentially eliminating the current threshold for actions that require board approval. The district is also asking for the ability to sign new vendor contracts or extend existing ones without prior board approval.
CPS might not spend the whole $75 million over the next few months; the measure simply allows CPS to spend up to that much. Schools chief Janice Jackson would have to start presenting to the board all of the district’s coronavirus-related expenses in July.
CPS says on the agenda that it will collaborate with city and state public health officials to implement emergency plans such as environmental cleaning, communication with families, web-based educational instruction and other meal and social services.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-23--Bail granted in Richard’s Bar murder case

After spending more than two weeks in jail , the Marine Corps veteran charged with fatally stabbing a man outside Richard ’ s Bar was set granted bail Monday .
Thomas Tansey , 31 , had been ordered held without bail earlier this month after he allegedly slashed 23-year-old Kenneth Paterimos with a boxcutter during a fight in front of the West Town tavern on Feb. 21 .
On Monday , Cook County Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke granted Tansey $ 250,000 bail after his attorney argued that witnesses said Paterimos had been on top of Tansey , pummeling the larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that no witness had seen the Tansey inflict the fatal wounds .
Witnesses told police Tansey had been drinking alone at the bar for several hours when he began arguing with Paterimos , a barista who had been at the bar with friends .
The two men scuffled inside the bar and had to be separated after coming to blows .
Tansey was thrown out , but was overheard making a threat to rip out Paterimos ’ nose ring , Assistant State ’ s Attorney James Murphy said .
After Tansey was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told his friends he was going after Tansey to “ kick [ Tansey ’ s ] ass.
” Without conceding that Tansey had inflicted the wounds that killed Paterimos , defense attorney Sam Amirante said the evidence cited by prosecutors showed Tansey , the veteran of two tours in Afghanistan , was defending himself .
“ [ Paterimos ] storms out of the bar with another person ... in tow , Mr. Tansey is walking down the street , minding his own business and this alleged victim [ Paterimos ] jumps him from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the judge .
Paterimos ’ friends and family members have said that Tansey had made homophobic remarks about Paterimos , but prosecutors have not mentioned any such slurs in evidence .
Tansey was held by police and questioned in February , but was released without being charged , Amirante said .
Days later , two witnesses who had seen the fistfight outside the bar came forward , prompting prosecutors to move forward with murder charges , Murphy said .
Employees from a nearby bar saw Paterimos standing over Tansey and pummeling him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paterimos ’ ] friend .
They then saw Paterimos running off with Tansey chasing him with a knife and Paterimos “ spurting ” blood from his arm as he ran back to Richard ’ s , Murphy said .
Paterimos suffered wounds to the back of his head , shoulder and back , and the brachial artery in his arm was slashed — a fatal wound , Murphy said .
The only witness who had been close enough to see how Paterimos was stabbed — the friend who pulled the two men apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the fight .
Surveillance video shows Tansey chasing after Paterimos along a path that was traced with Paterimos ’ blood , Murphy said , but not the brawl .
“ It ’ s unclear how he was stabbed , from what I ’ m hearing from both sides , ” Lyke said .
“ Based on everything I ’ ve heard , this court finds the proof is not evident ” to support holding Tansey without bail .
Tansey ’ s family would be able to come up with the $ 25,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

After spending more than two weeks in jail, the Marine Corps veteran charged with fatally stabbing a man outside Richard’s Bar was set granted bail Monday.
Thomas Tansey, 31, had been ordered held without bail earlier this month after he allegedly slashed 23-year-old Kenneth Paterimos with a boxcutter during a fight in front of the West Town tavern on Feb. 21.
On Monday, Cook County Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke granted Tansey $250,000 bail after his attorney argued that witnesses said Paterimos had been on top of Tansey, pummeling the larger man, before he was stabbed, and that no witness had seen the Tansey inflict the fatal wounds.
Witnesses told police Tansey had been drinking alone at the bar for several hours when he began arguing with Paterimos, a barista who had been at the bar with friends. The two men scuffled inside the bar and had to be separated after coming to blows. Tansey was thrown out, but was overheard making a threat to rip out Paterimos’ nose ring, Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy said. After Tansey was tossed out, Murphy said, Paterimos told his friends he was going after Tansey to “kick [Tansey’s] ass.”
Without conceding that Tansey had inflicted the wounds that killed Paterimos, defense attorney Sam Amirante said the evidence cited by prosecutors showed Tansey, the veteran of two tours in Afghanistan, was defending himself.
“[Paterimos] storms out of the bar with another person... in tow, Mr. Tansey is walking down the street, minding his own business and this alleged victim [Paterimos] jumps him from behind, tackles him,” Amirante told the judge.
Paterimos’ friends and family members have said that Tansey had made homophobic remarks about Paterimos, but prosecutors have not mentioned any such slurs in evidence. Tansey was held by police and questioned in February, but was released without being charged, Amirante said.
Days later, two witnesses who had seen the fistfight outside the bar came forward, prompting prosecutors to move forward with murder charges, Murphy said.
Employees from a nearby bar saw Paterimos standing over Tansey and pummeling him before being pulled away by his [Paterimos’] friend. They then saw Paterimos running off with Tansey chasing him with a knife and Paterimos “spurting” blood from his arm as he ran back to Richard’s, Murphy said. Paterimos suffered wounds to the back of his head, shoulder and back, and the brachial artery in his arm was slashed — a fatal wound, Murphy said.
The only witness who had been close enough to see how Paterimos was stabbed — the friend who pulled the two men apart — told investigators he had no memory of the fight. Surveillance video shows Tansey chasing after Paterimos along a path that was traced with Paterimos’ blood, Murphy said, but not the brawl.
“It’s unclear how he was stabbed, from what I’m hearing from both sides,” Lyke said. “Based on everything I’ve heard, this court finds the proof is not evident” to support holding Tansey without bail.
Tansey’s family would be able to come up with the $25,000 to post his bond, Amirante said.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-23--Malaria drugs’ promise for coronavirus spurs hope, shortages

Excitement about treating the new coronavirus with malaria drugs is raising hopes , including with President Donald Trump .
But the evidence that they may help is thin , and a run on the drugs is complicating access for people who need them for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus .
Chloroquine and a similar drug , hydroxychloroquine , showed encouraging signs in small , early tests against the coronavirus .
But the drugs have major side effects , one reason scientists don ’ t want to give them without evidence of their value , even in this emergency .
Yet those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted that hydroxychloroquine plus an antibiotic could be “ one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine ” and should “ be put in use immediately.
” He cited a French study that gave the combo to six patients .
Some French doctors and politicians also are pushing to expand hydroxychloroquine ’ s use .
The mayor of the French city of Nice , Christian Estrosi , said on television Monday that he was on his sixth day of treatment and has “ the sense I ’ ve been cured.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising false hopes and say major studies are needed to prove the drugs are safe and effective against coronavirus , and to show that people would not have recovered just as well on their own .
One such study starts Tuesday in New York .
” Right now , there is no drug that looks like it ’ s proven so overwhelming in early-stage clinical trials that we can say it ’ s highly promising , ” former Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said Sunday on CBS ’ “ Face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to treat malaria since the 1930s .
Hydroxychloroquine came along a decade later and has fewer side effects .
The latter is sold in generic form and under the brand name Plaquenil for use against several diseases .
The drugs can cause heart rhythm problems , severely low blood pressure and muscle or nerve damage .
Plaquenil ’ s label warns of possible damage to the retina , especially when used at higher doses , for longer times and with certain other medicines such as the breast cancer drug tamoxifen .
” Chloroquine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrible side effect profile .
Hydroxychloroquine is far safer , but its side effects are still significant , ” Meghan May , a microbiologist at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford , Maine , wrote in an email .
“ If it is not abundantly clear that it is beneficial , giving this drug to a critically ill patient feels risky.
” That ’ s where the evidence comes in — and , so far , there is not much .
Hydroxychloroquine curbed coronavirus ’ ability to enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week in the journal Nature Medicine .
That doesn ’ t mean it would do the same in people or that they could tolerate the doses tested in the lab .
A report from China claimed chloroquine helped more than 100 patients at 10 hospitals , but they had various degrees of illness and were treated with various doses for different lengths of time .
They also might have recovered without the drug — there was no comparison group .
The French study has attracted the most attention .
Doctors gave hydroxychloroquine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including some with no symptoms .
Six also were given the antibiotic azithromycin .
Some of the 26 were not counted in the final results because they didn ’ t complete the study — what ’ s known as “ lost to followup ” — but that included three who worsened and were sent to intensive care , one who died a day after later testing negative for the virus , and one who stopped treatment because of nausea .
After six days , no patients given hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin had virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nose , versus 57 % of those given the malaria drug alone and 12.5 % of some other patients who received neither drug .
That ’ s encouraging , but many things could have affected the outcome , such as how sick people were , when they were treated , what other treatments they received , as well as their age , gender and underlying health conditions .
” It is a very weak study ... leaving us in suspension of whether the combination strategy has any merit , ” said Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in San Diego .
Its biggest limitation : A drop in detected virus doesn ’ t mean the drugs will improve survival or shorten illness .
” It could very well be that the drug is reducing viral shedding but having no impact on the clinical course of those patients , ” Gottlieb said .
The supply already is pinched for patients who need the drugs for other reasons .
A University of Utah service that tracks shortages says four of the seven companies that make generic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generic drugmakers previously stopped making the tablets .
Five manufacturers have stopped making chloroquine , but three others still do .
Erin Fox , senior director of the Utah service , wrote in an email that the university ’ s health system has detected that some doctors are writing prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine “ for themselves and family friends to have on hand or hoard just in case.
” The university refuses to fill those prescriptions , and at least one state has banned hoarding : The Ohio Board of Pharmacy says pharmacists can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis or a confirmed COVID-19 case .
Patients already are feeling pinched .
Toni Grimes , 47 , has been taking hydroxychloroquine for 13 years for lupus and said Monday that , for the first time , her standard 90-day refill order is being delayed until March 30 .
Grimes , who runs a Phoenix-area Lupus Foundation support group , said another member also hasn ’ t received her refill .
“ This is our mainstay ” treatment , she said .
Among the studies underway is one led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. to see if hydroxychloroquine can prevent people exposed to the virus from getting sick or reduce the severity of illness if they do .
It ’ s aimed at health care workers and people with someone in their home who has tested positive .
People can email covid19 @ umn.edu if they think they ’ re eligible .

Excitement about treating the new coronavirus with malaria drugs is raising hopes, including with President Donald Trump. But the evidence that they may help is thin, and a run on the drugs is complicating access for people who need them for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Chloroquine and a similar drug, hydroxychloroquine, showed encouraging signs in small, early tests against the coronavirus. But the drugs have major side effects, one reason scientists don’t want to give them without evidence of their value, even in this emergency.
Yet those preliminary studies sparked intense interest after Trump tweeted that hydroxychloroquine plus an antibiotic could be “one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine” and should “be put in use immediately.” He cited a French study that gave the combo to six patients.
Some French doctors and politicians also are pushing to expand hydroxychloroquine’s use. The mayor of the French city of Nice, Christian Estrosi, said on television Monday that he was on his sixth day of treatment and has “the sense I’ve been cured.”
Scientists, however, warn about raising false hopes and say major studies are needed to prove the drugs are safe and effective against coronavirus, and to show that people would not have recovered just as well on their own. One such study starts Tuesday in New York.
”Right now, there is no drug that looks like it’s proven so overwhelming in early-stage clinical trials that we can say it’s highly promising,” former Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
THE DRUGS AND SIDE EFFECTS
Chloroquine has been used to treat malaria since the 1930s. Hydroxychloroquine came along a decade later and has fewer side effects. The latter is sold in generic form and under the brand name Plaquenil for use against several diseases.
The drugs can cause heart rhythm problems, severely low blood pressure and muscle or nerve damage. Plaquenil’s label warns of possible damage to the retina, especially when used at higher doses, for longer times and with certain other medicines such as the breast cancer drug tamoxifen.
”Chloroquine is an extremely toxic drug with a terrible side effect profile. Hydroxychloroquine is far safer, but its side effects are still significant,” Meghan May, a microbiologist at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine, wrote in an email. “If it is not abundantly clear that it is beneficial, giving this drug to a critically ill patient feels risky.”
THE EVIDENCE
That’s where the evidence comes in — and, so far, there is not much. Hydroxychloroquine curbed coronavirus’ ability to enter cells in lab tests, researchers reported last week in the journal Nature Medicine. That doesn’t mean it would do the same in people or that they could tolerate the doses tested in the lab.
A report from China claimed chloroquine helped more than 100 patients at 10 hospitals, but they had various degrees of illness and were treated with various doses for different lengths of time. They also might have recovered without the drug — there was no comparison group.
The French study has attracted the most attention. Doctors gave hydroxychloroquine to 26 people with confirmed coronavirus infections, including some with no symptoms. Six also were given the antibiotic azithromycin.
Some of the 26 were not counted in the final results because they didn’t complete the study — what’s known as “lost to followup” — but that included three who worsened and were sent to intensive care, one who died a day after later testing negative for the virus, and one who stopped treatment because of nausea.
After six days, no patients given hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin had virus detected in swabs from the back of the nose, versus 57% of those given the malaria drug alone and 12.5% of some other patients who received neither drug.
That’s encouraging, but many things could have affected the outcome, such as how sick people were, when they were treated, what other treatments they received, as well as their age, gender and underlying health conditions.
”It is a very weak study ... leaving us in suspension of whether the combination strategy has any merit,” said Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in San Diego.
Its biggest limitation: A drop in detected virus doesn’t mean the drugs will improve survival or shorten illness.
”It could very well be that the drug is reducing viral shedding but having no impact on the clinical course of those patients,” Gottlieb said.
A STRAINED SUPPLY
The supply already is pinched for patients who need the drugs for other reasons. A University of Utah service that tracks shortages says four of the seven companies that make generic hydroxychloroquine have reported them. Three other generic drugmakers previously stopped making the tablets.
Five manufacturers have stopped making chloroquine, but three others still do.
Erin Fox, senior director of the Utah service, wrote in an email that the university’s health system has detected that some doctors are writing prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine “for themselves and family friends to have on hand or hoard just in case.”
The university refuses to fill those prescriptions, and at least one state has banned hoarding: The Ohio Board of Pharmacy says pharmacists can’t dispense hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine unless for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis or a confirmed COVID-19 case.
Patients already are feeling pinched. Toni Grimes, 47, has been taking hydroxychloroquine for 13 years for lupus and said Monday that, for the first time, her standard 90-day refill order is being delayed until March 30. Grimes, who runs a Phoenix-area Lupus Foundation support group, said another member also hasn’t received her refill.
“This is our mainstay” treatment, she said.
STUDIES HAVE STARTED
Among the studies underway is one led by the University of Minnesota throughout the U.S. to see if hydroxychloroquine can prevent people exposed to the virus from getting sick or reduce the severity of illness if they do. It’s aimed at health care workers and people with someone in their home who has tested positive. People can email covid19@umn.edu if they think they’re eligible.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-23--Italy registers smaller day-to-day increase in new virus cases for second straight day

ROME — Italy has recorded a smaller day-to-day increase in new coronavirus cases for the second straight day , officials said Monday while cautioning it was too soon to know if the worst is behind the country with the world ’ s second-biggest caseload .
Data released by Italy ’ s Civil Protection agency showed 4,789 new cases from a day earlier , nearly 700 fewer than the day-to-day increase of 5,560 new cases reported Sunday .
The number of deaths also did not rise by as much .
There were just over 600 more virus-related registered in Italy on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy has been anxious to see the day-to-day figures for new cases and deaths go down as it starts a third week under a nationwide lockdown and its health system struggles under the weight of the world ’ s largest COVID-19 outbreak outside of China .
As of Monday , Italy had a total of 59,138 virus cases compared to China ’ s 81,496 , and the country is on pace to soon have twice as many deaths .
It was only Saturday when Italian authorities said the country had again recorded new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northern Italy starting last month : 793 more dead and 6,557 new cases .
Health authorities have cautioned that it will be a few more days before they will know if Italy is at the beginning of a positive trend .
“ These are crucial days .
Woe to whoever lets down the guard , ’ ’ Health Minister Roberto Speranza about Monday ’ s numbers .
” Now more than ever , the commitment of everyone is needed.. ” A top national health official , Silvio Brusaferro , resisted being too optimistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were due to actions taken at the beginning of the month , not in recent days .
‘ ’ We need more consecutive results to confirm the trend , to be more certain that we are in a favorable situation.
, ” Brusaferro said .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever or coughing .
But for some older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
Over 100,000 people have recovered , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 7,000 in Italy .
A government decree that took effect March 10 prohibits people from leaving their homes except to go to work , to shop for food or other necessities , to exercise or walk dogs for brief periods , or to perform essential tasks like caring for an elderly relative .
In the Lombardy region , where the outbreak began , there are even more stringent restrictions .
In Milan , the capital of Lombardy .
which is by far Italy ’ s worst-hit region , regional health officials declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both positive test results and of hospitalizations of new patients with COVID-19 were smaller .
But they expressed renewed worry about the urgent need for additional intensive care beds .
Lombardy health commissioner Giulio Gallera said Monday that the number of cases grew to 29,761 , a day-to-day increase of 1,555 as opposed to the one-day jump of 3,200 recorded Saturday .
The cities of Bergamo and Milan both showed signs of improvement , but the number of cases jumped significantly in Brescia , another hard-hit Lombardy city which registered 588 new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first positive day of this very difficult month , ” Gallera said .
“ It is not time to relax .
We need to be even more coherent.
’ ’ The northern region requisitioned a hotel with 300 rooms for people who need to self-quarantine and are unable to properly distance themselves from family members at home .
Lombardy ’ s governor signed an ordinance on Saturday requiring all guests to leave hotels within 72 hours to free up the accommodations for possible use inpublic health emergency .

ROME — Italy has recorded a smaller day-to-day increase in new coronavirus cases for the second straight day, officials said Monday while cautioning it was too soon to know if the worst is behind the country with the world’s second-biggest caseload.
Data released by Italy’s Civil Protection agency showed 4,789 new cases from a day earlier, nearly 700 fewer than the day-to-day increase of 5,560 new cases reported Sunday.
The number of deaths also did not rise by as much. There were just over 600 more virus-related registered in Italy on Monday compared to 651 on Sunday.
Italy has been anxious to see the day-to-day figures for new cases and deaths go down as it starts a third week under a nationwide lockdown and its health system struggles under the weight of the world’s largest COVID-19 outbreak outside of China.
As of Monday, Italy had a total of 59,138 virus cases compared to China’s 81,496, and the country is on pace to soon have twice as many deaths.
It was only Saturday when Italian authorities said the country had again recorded new one-day highs from the epidemic that swept northern Italy starting last month: 793 more dead and 6,557 new cases.
Health authorities have cautioned that it will be a few more days before they will know if Italy is at the beginning of a positive trend.
“These are crucial days. Woe to whoever lets down the guard,’’ Health Minister Roberto Speranza about Monday’s numbers. ”Now more than ever, the commitment of everyone is needed..”
A top national health official, Silvio Brusaferro, resisted being too optimistic, saying that the improvements registered Monday were due to actions taken at the beginning of the month, not in recent days.
‘’We need more consecutive results to confirm the trend, to be more certain that we are in a favorable situation.,” Brusaferro said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever or coughing. But for some older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. Over 100,000 people have recovered, including nearly 60,000 in China and more than 7,000 in Italy.
A government decree that took effect March 10 prohibits people from leaving their homes except to go to work, to shop for food or other necessities, to exercise or walk dogs for brief periods, or to perform essential tasks like caring for an elderly relative. In the Lombardy region, where the outbreak began, there are even more stringent restrictions.
In Milan, the capital of Lombardy. which is by far Italy’s worst-hit region, regional health officials declared themselves moderately optimistic after day-to-day increases of both positive test results and of hospitalizations of new patients with COVID-19 were smaller. But they expressed renewed worry about the urgent need for additional intensive care beds.
Lombardy health commissioner Giulio Gallera said Monday that the number of cases grew to 29,761 , a day-to-day increase of 1,555 as opposed to the one-day jump of 3,200 recorded Saturday. The cities of Bergamo and Milan both showed signs of improvement, but the number of cases jumped significantly in Brescia, another hard-hit Lombardy city which registered 588 new cases Monday.
‘’Maybe this is the first positive day of this very difficult month,” Gallera said. “It is not time to relax. We need to be even more coherent.’’
The northern region requisitioned a hotel with 300 rooms for people who need to self-quarantine and are unable to properly distance themselves from family members at home. Lombardy’s governor signed an ordinance on Saturday requiring all guests to leave hotels within 72 hours to free up the accommodations for possible use inpublic health emergency.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--Dear Abby: Should I stay with a man who says he hates gay people?

DEAR ABBY : After an abusive relationship ended 14 years ago , I stayed single and raised my small son to adulthood .
I dated here and there , but never found anyone I had serious feelings for who also felt the same way about me until seven months ago .
My feelings for my boyfriend are strong , and it ’ s mutual .
He is giving , kind , caring , hardworking and protective .
We are very much in love .
He tells me he feels like he can be himself around me , something he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never had anyone care so much about my well-being .
We talk about everything and differ on only one point so far .
I ’ m in education and an LGBTQ ally .
He feels strongly that nature dictates that only a man and a woman belong together , and he says he hates gay people .
( We both grew up in very small , conservative communities . )
Now that my son is older , I plan to use my experiences to be a stronger voice on education issues regarding tolerance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instilling conflict resolution principles in my educational practices .
I ’ m not changing my view on this , but I want to continue for us to love and support each other .
Should I tell my boyfriend I understand where he ’ s coming from based upon where and how we were raised ?
Do you think down the road our basic principles will drive us apart ?
We have been talking about buying a house in the country together , although neither of us has intentions of marriage anytime soon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ You should absolutely talk to your boyfriend about your plan to become an outspoken LGBTQ ally and more active in your profession .
When you become more visible , do you plan to separate your career and your personal life ?
It appears you are willing ( and able ) to respect him , and understand why he feels the way he does .
But is he willing to do the same for you , and will his conservative convictions negatively affect how you plan to live your life ?
It is VERY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investing in real estate with him — as well as any more precious time .
A professional mediator may be able to help with the conversation if you can ’ t do this by yourselves .
DEAR ABBY : My two grandchildren , 12 and 16 , used to spend a lot of time with my husband and me , staying overnight , going on trips , etc .
As they have gotten older , I recognize that they will naturally want to spend less time with us old folks .
My problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to invite them for lunch or out somewhere for the day , they don ’ t respond or just respond with an IDK ( I don ’ t know ) .
My question : Should I ask again to get an answer before the scheduled lunch or trip , or should I just forget it and assume they don ’ t want to be involved with us ?
— SAD MEMAW IN FLORIDA DEAR SAD : You have asked an intelligent question , but you are asking the wrong person .
The people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and when you do , it should be face-to-face .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person , order “ How to Be Popular.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Popularity Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: After an abusive relationship ended 14 years ago, I stayed single and raised my small son to adulthood. I dated here and there, but never found anyone I had serious feelings for who also felt the same way about me until seven months ago.
My feelings for my boyfriend are strong, and it’s mutual. He is giving, kind, caring, hardworking and protective. We are very much in love. He tells me he feels like he can be himself around me, something he has never had before. I’ve never had anyone care so much about my well-being.
We talk about everything and differ on only one point so far. I’m in education and an LGBTQ ally. He feels strongly that nature dictates that only a man and a woman belong together, and he says he hates gay people. (We both grew up in very small, conservative communities.)
Now that my son is older, I plan to use my experiences to be a stronger voice on education issues regarding tolerance and improving learning outcomes for all by instilling conflict resolution principles in my educational practices. I’m not changing my view on this, but I want to continue for us to love and support each other.
Should I tell my boyfriend I understand where he’s coming from based upon where and how we were raised? Do you think down the road our basic principles will drive us apart? We have been talking about buying a house in the country together, although neither of us has intentions of marriage anytime soon. — HESITATING IN ILLINOIS
DEAR HESITATING: You should absolutely talk to your boyfriend about your plan to become an outspoken LGBTQ ally and more active in your profession. When you become more visible, do you plan to separate your career and your personal life? It appears you are willing (and able) to respect him, and understand why he feels the way he does. But is he willing to do the same for you, and will his conservative convictions negatively affect how you plan to live your life?
It is VERY important that this issue be resolved BEFORE investing in real estate with him — as well as any more precious time. A professional mediator may be able to help with the conversation if you can’t do this by yourselves.
DEAR ABBY: My two grandchildren, 12 and 16, used to spend a lot of time with my husband and me, staying overnight, going on trips, etc. As they have gotten older, I recognize that they will naturally want to spend less time with us old folks.
My problem is, when I send them texts to invite them for lunch or out somewhere for the day, they don’t respond or just respond with an IDK (I don’t know). My question: Should I ask again to get an answer before the scheduled lunch or trip, or should I just forget it and assume they don’t want to be involved with us? — SAD MEMAW IN FLORIDA
DEAR SAD: You have asked an intelligent question, but you are asking the wrong person. The people you should be asking are your grandchildren, and when you do, it should be face-to-face.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--Menu planner: Your guests will want more servings of zesty shrimp with garlic and tomatoes

Heat oven to 450 degrees .
Pat pork dry with paper towels ; place in shallow roasting pan .
In small bowl , stir together garlic , salt , sage , rosemary , pepper and olive oil to make a paste .
Rub paste over all surfaces of pork loin ; place in oven and roast for 15 minutes .
Lower oven temperature to 300 degrees and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes or until internal temperature is 145 degrees .
Remove from oven , tent loosely with foil and let rest 10 minutes before slicing to serve .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ grams protein , 9 grams fat ( 49 percent calories from fat ) , 3.1 grams saturated fat , 1 gram carbohydrate , 51 milligrams cholesterol , 270 milligrams sodium , no fiber .
In a large bowl , combine chicken and seasoning mix ; toss to coat .
Arrange in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker .
Spoon salsa verde over chicken .
Cook 7 hours on low .
Garnish with cilantro and avocado .
Per serving : 227 calories , 25 grams protein , 9 grams fat ( 37 percent calories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fat , 8 grams carbohydrate , 141 milligrams cholesterol , 575 milligrams sodium , no fiber .
1 small acorn squash ( about 1 1/4 pounds ) , peeled , seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces Combine lentils and 3 cups water in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker .
In a large bowl , combine squash , marinara sauce , bell pepper , potato , onion and garlic ; mix well .
Add to slow cooker .
Cook on low 7 hours ; add green beans and oil .
If too thick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 more hour or until lentils and vegetables are done .
Per cup : 131 calories , 8 grams protein , 1 gram fat ( 9 percent calories from fat ) , no saturated fat , 24 grams carbohydrate , no cholesterol , 56 milligrams sodium , 5 grams fiber .
You ’ ll need 2 cups cooked diced chicken ( from a rotisserie chicken or other cooked chicken ) and 2 cups tabbouleh from the deli .
Toss them both with a ranch salad kit , using half the salad dressing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serve with whole-grain rolls .
Spread one side of 8 slices whole-grain bread with 1/2 teaspoon butter each .
Place 4 slices bread , buttered side down , on griddle .
Add 4 thin slices provolone cheese , 4 well-drained pineapple rings and 4 thin slices ham .
Add second slices of bread , buttered side up .
Cook at medium 3 to 4 minutes per side or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted .
Heat oven to 375 degrees .
In a 1 1/2-quart baking dish , combine 1 pound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 pint grape tomatoes ( halved lengthwise ) , 1 packet ( 3/4-ounce ) zesty Italian salad dressing mix , 1/4 cup dry white wine , 4 tablespoons melted butter , 1 tablespoon chopped garlic and 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt ; toss ingredients .
Bake 20 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through .
Serve over angel hair pasta .
Add sugar snap peas and baguette .

Garlic herb roast pork
Makes 8 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: about 30 minutes; standing time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds boneless pork loin center roast
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon minced fresh sage, or 2 teaspoons dried
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary, or 1 teaspoon dried
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Pat pork dry with paper towels; place in shallow roasting pan. In small bowl, stir together garlic, salt, sage, rosemary, pepper and olive oil to make a paste. Rub paste over all surfaces of pork loin; place in oven and roast for 15 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 300 degrees and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes or until internal temperature is 145 degrees. Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil and let rest 10 minutes before slicing to serve.
Per serving: 171 calories, 20 grams protein, 9 grams fat (49 percent calories from fat), 3.1 grams saturated fat, 1 gram carbohydrate, 51 milligrams cholesterol, 270 milligrams sodium, no fiber.
Carb choices: 0.
Salsa verde chicken
Makes 6 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 7 hours
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
1 (1-ounce) packet less-sodium taco seasoning mix
1 (16-ounce) jar salsa verde
Chopped cilantro and diced avocado for garnish
In a large bowl, combine chicken and seasoning mix; toss to coat. Arrange in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Spoon salsa verde over chicken. Cook 7 hours on low. Garnish with cilantro and avocado.
Per serving: 227 calories, 25 grams protein, 9 grams fat (37 percent calories from fat), 2.4 grams saturated fat, 8 grams carbohydrate, 141 milligrams cholesterol, 575 milligrams sodium, no fiber.
Carb choices: 0.5.
Lentil and vegetable stew
Makes 14 1-cup servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 8 to 9 hours on low
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups dried lentils
3 cups water, plus 1/2 cup if needed
1 small acorn squash (about 1 1/4 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups no-salt-added or regular marinara sauce
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium baking potato, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (10-ounce) package frozen cut green beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
Combine lentils and 3 cups water in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine squash, marinara sauce, bell pepper, potato, onion and garlic; mix well. Add to slow cooker. Cook on low 7 hours; add green beans and oil. If too thick, stir in additional water. Cook 1 more hour or until lentils and vegetables are done.
Per cup: 131 calories, 8 grams protein, 1 gram fat (9 percent calories from fat), no saturated fat, 24 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 56 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 1.5.
Chicken-tabbouleh toss
You’ll need 2 cups cooked diced chicken (from a rotisserie chicken or other cooked chicken) and 2 cups tabbouleh from the deli. Toss them both with a ranch salad kit, using half the salad dressing. Mix in some toasted chopped walnuts. Serve with whole-grain rolls.
Ham provolone and pineapple melt
Spread one side of 8 slices whole-grain bread with 1/2 teaspoon butter each. Place 4 slices bread, buttered side down, on griddle. Add 4 thin slices provolone cheese, 4 well-drained pineapple rings and 4 thin slices ham. Add second slices of bread, buttered side up. Cook at medium 3 to 4 minutes per side or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
Zesty shrimp with garlic and tomatoes
Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a 1 1/2-quart baking dish, combine 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp with tails, 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved lengthwise), 1 packet (3/4-ounce) zesty Italian salad dressing mix, 1/4 cup dry white wine, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon chopped garlic and 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt; toss ingredients. Bake 20 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Serve over angel hair pasta. Add sugar snap peas and baguette.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--Rebates on CTA passes, subsidies for Pace and Divvy rides offered to help residents cope with corona

Rebates on CTA passes, subsidies for Pace and Divvy rides offered to help residents cope with coronavirus crisis

Chicago-area transit agencies are taking steps to help commuters through the COVID-19 crisis .
Through at least April 7 , Ventra riders will receive prorated credit for unused passes .
There also will be free bus rides on Pace for some customers , and prices of Divvy bike passes will be reduced significantly , according to a statement from the mayor ’ s office .
In a statement , Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she sought the subsidies to reduce the burden on workers , especially health professionals who can ’ t work from home .
“ During this unprecedented event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transportation relief to the dedicated individuals working on the front lines of this crisis , as well as ensure our city ’ s families and residents still have access to essential goods and supplies , ” Lightfoot said .
The Chicago Transit Authority will offer prorated credit for unused days on active 7- and 30-day Ventra passes , based on when the pass was last used , according to the mayor ’ s office .
Riders must apply for the credit on Ventra ’ s website .
It will then be added automatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its $ 3 fare for paratransit riders who show their TAP card when boarding , the mayor ’ s office said .
Riders must limit travel to “ essential activities , ” and the maximum fare covered is $ 30 ; riders pay any portion above that .
That policy is in effect until further notice .
Annual Divvy memberships will be slashed in half , from $ 99 to $ 49.50 , while single 30-minute rides will fall from $ 3 to $ 1 , the mayor ’ s office said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ride for free , starting next week ; they can register through their employer for unlimited 45-minute rides ; their employer should email herobikes @ lyft.com to determine eligibility .
The Divvy price cuts last through April 30 .
Meanwhile , the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is in talks with the taxi industry to subsidize Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle operators and taxis in the Taxi Access Program , which serves riders with disabilities , the mayor ’ s office said .
Collection of fines and fees for taxis and ride-share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of April .

Chicago-area transit agencies are taking steps to help commuters through the COVID-19 crisis.
Through at least April 7, Ventra riders will receive prorated credit for unused passes.
There also will be free bus rides on Pace for some customers, and prices of Divvy bike passes will be reduced significantly, according to a statement from the mayor’s office.
In a statement, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she sought the subsidies to reduce the burden on workers, especially health professionals who can’t work from home.
“During this unprecedented event, it is essential we provide needed transportation relief to the dedicated individuals working on the front lines of this crisis, as well as ensure our city’s families and residents still have access to essential goods and supplies,” Lightfoot said.
The Chicago Transit Authority will offer prorated credit for unused days on active 7- and 30-day Ventra passes, based on when the pass was last used, according to the mayor’s office.
Riders must apply for the credit on Ventra’s website. It will then be added automatically to Ventra accounts.
Pace is waiving its $3 fare for paratransit riders who show their TAP card when boarding, the mayor’s office said. Riders must limit travel to “essential activities,” and the maximum fare covered is $30; riders pay any portion above that. That policy is in effect until further notice.
Annual Divvy memberships will be slashed in half, from $99 to $49.50, while single 30-minute rides will fall from $3 to $1, the mayor’s office said. Some health care workers will be able to ride for free, starting next week; they can register through their employer for unlimited 45-minute rides; their employer should email herobikes@lyft.com to determine eligibility. The Divvy price cuts last through April 30.
Meanwhile, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is in talks with the taxi industry to subsidize Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle operators and taxis in the Taxi Access Program, which serves riders with disabilities, the mayor’s office said.
Collection of fines and fees for taxis and ride-share vehicles already has been suspended through the end of April.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--4 shot Monday in Chicago

4 shot Monday in Chicago

Four people were shot Monday in Chicago , including a teen who was wounded in a shooting in Belmont Central on the North Side .
The 15-year-old boy was walking in the 2800 block of North Austin Avenue about 8:45 p.m. when someone in a black sedan opened fire , Chicago police said .
He was grazed in the foot and a relative brought him to Community First Medical Center , police said .
He ’ s in good condition .
A man was wounded in a shooting in Hyde Park on the South Side .
He was on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block of South University Avenue when someone fired shots from a dark-colored van , police said .
The 21-year-old was hit in the chest and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition , police said .
About two hours prior , an 18-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Austin on the West Side .
He was on the sidewalk about 3 p.m. in the 600 block of North Leamington Avenue when he heard gunfire and felt pain , police said .
He was hit in the hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in good condition , police said .
A 25-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Gresham on the South Side .
He was about to get into a vehicle at 12:08 a.m. in the 9000 block of South Emerald Avenue when he heard gunshots and realized he was hit in the leg , according to police .
He told investigators he didn ’ t see the shooter or know where the shots came from .
He went to Roseland Community Hospital on his own and was listed in good condition , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine others hurt in shootings in Chicago last weekend .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Four people were shot Monday in Chicago, including a teen who was wounded in a shooting in Belmont Central on the North Side.
The 15-year-old boy was walking in the 2800 block of North Austin Avenue about 8:45 p.m. when someone in a black sedan opened fire, Chicago police said.
He was grazed in the foot and a relative brought him to Community First Medical Center, police said. He’s in good condition.
A man was wounded in a shooting in Hyde Park on the South Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 5:15 p.m. in the 5400 block of South University Avenue when someone fired shots from a dark-colored van, police said.
The 21-year-old was hit in the chest and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition, police said.
About two hours prior, an 18-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Austin on the West Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 3 p.m. in the 600 block of North Leamington Avenue when he heard gunfire and felt pain, police said.
He was hit in the hand and taken to West Suburban Medical Center in good condition, police said.
A 25-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Gresham on the South Side.
He was about to get into a vehicle at 12:08 a.m. in the 9000 block of South Emerald Avenue when he heard gunshots and realized he was hit in the leg, according to police. He told investigators he didn’t see the shooter or know where the shots came from.
He went to Roseland Community Hospital on his own and was listed in good condition, police said.
One person was killed and nine others hurt in shootings in Chicago last weekend.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--Catalytic converter thefts reported in Hyde Park

Chicago police are warning residents of a pair of catalytic converter thefts reported in February and March in Hyde Park @ @ @ @ @ In each incident someone stole catalytic converters from parked vehicles , according to a community @ @ @ @ @ • Between 12:30 a.m. and and 10:50 a.m. Feb. 21 in the 5400 block of @ @ @ @ @ • Between 6:15 p.m. March 3 and 8:45 a.m. March 4 in the 5100 block @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380 .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning residents of a pair of catalytic converter thefts reported in February and March in Hyde Park on the South Side.
In each incident someone stole catalytic converters from parked vehicles, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The thefts happened:
Between 12:30 a.m. and and 10:50 a.m. Feb. 21 in the 5400 block of South Dorchester Avenue; and
Between 6:15 p.m. March 3 and 8:45 a.m. March 4 in the 5100 block of South Dorchester Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-24--Girl, 13, missing from South Shore

Girl, 13, missing from South Shore

A 13-year-old girl has been reported missing from South Shore on the South Side .
Marshe Rogers was last seen @ @ @ @ @ block of South Paxton Avenue , according to a missing persons alert from Chicago police @ @ @ @ @ 140 pounds , with black hair , brown eyes and has a medium-brown complexion , @ @ @ @ @ information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380 .

A 13-year-old girl has been reported missing from South Shore on the South Side.
Marshe Rogers was last seen March 17 in the 6700 block of South Paxton Avenue, according to a missing persons alert from Chicago police.
Rogers is 5-foot-7, 140 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and has a medium-brown complexion, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.