chicagosun-times--2020-04-20--4 dead, 29 wounded in Chicago weekend shootings

Four people were killed and 29 others , including a 2-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl , have been injured by gunfire across Chicago so far this weekend .
Three of the fatal shootings happened with the span of a few hours Sunday , the latest of which left a 19-year-old man dead and a 17-year-old boy wounded in South Austin .
The pair were walking about 8:30 p.m. on Van Buren Street when someone fired shots , Chicago police said .
The man was struck in the face and chest while the teen was shot in the thigh .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sinai Hospital , and the teen was hospitalized in good condition .
About two hours earlier , a man was found shot to death in Jefferson Park on the Northwest Side .
Officers responding to a well-being check about 6:25 p.m. in the 6000 block of West Gunninson Street found the man unresponsive inside a home with multiple gunshot wounds to his body , police said .
He was pronounced dead at the scene .
Sunday afternoon , a woman was killed in a shooting in Grand Crossing .
The 20-year-old was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7500 block of South Blackstone Avenue when someone in a dark-colored sedan opened fire , police said .
She was shot in the head and pronounced dead on the scene .
The first fatal attack happened Saturday night in Englewood on the South Side .
Two men were sitting in a parked vehicle at 11:56 p.m. when someone walked up and fired shots in the 5700 block of South May Street , according to police .
A 22-year-old man was hit multiple times in the side and ran to a nearby alley .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead , police said .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified him as Alexis Perez of Edgewater on the North Side .
The other man , 39 , was hit in both shoulders and taken to the same hospital in fair condition , police said .
The 2-year-old and a 28-year-old man were hurt in the weekend ’ s first shooting Friday evening in Gresham on the South Side .
They were in a vehicle about 6 p.m. on West 84th Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired shots , hitting the man and the toddler , police said .
The man ’ s vehicle rammed into a porch and came to a rest in the 8400 block of South Damen Avenue .
The man was shot in the back of the head and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition , police said .
The boy was hit in the foot , and his condition was stabilized at Little Company of Mary Hospital .
A teenage girl was also injured Saturday night in Ashburn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a passenger in a vehicle at a stop sign at 11:01 p.m. on 79th Place when a white Ford Taurus with dark tinted windows pulled up , according to police .
Two males got out of the Taurus and fired multiple shots , hitting the girl in the leg .
The girl flagged down officers in Marquette Park and was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition .
Six people were hurt in a series of shootings lasting just over an hour early Sunday in Lawndale and Englewood .
The last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the West Side .
They were in a northbound vehicle at 1:16 a.m. when someone fired at them from a blue Infiniti in the 1100 block of South Laramie Avenue , police said .
A 26-year-old man was shot in the left foot , a 35-year-old man was shot in the left knee and a 33-year-old woman was hit in the left buttock .
They went to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park on their own and were all listed in good condition .
Less than half an hour before that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartment in Englewood .
The 25-year-old was in a second-floor unit with several other males at 12:49 a.m. in the 6500 block of South Bishop Street when someone fired shots , according to police .
He was hit in the buttocks and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition .
About 40 minutes earlier , another man was shot in the same neighborhood .
The 33-year-old was sitting in a parked vehicle at 12:10 a.m. when someone fired shots in the 6900 block of South May Street , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abdomen and an acquaintance drove him to St. Bernard Hospital .
He was transferred to Stroger Hospital in fair condition .
Minutes before that , a woman was wounded inside an apartment in Lawndale .
The 43-year-old was sitting on a couch with a man she knew at 12:01 a.m. in a second-floor apartment in the 3000 block of West Flournoy Street when he stood up and a gun went off , according to police .
The woman was hit in the left ankle and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting .
Eighteen other people were shot throughout Chicago between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday .
Last week , three people were killed and 19 others were injured in gun violence across the city over Easter weekend .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Five people were killed and at least 28 others, including a 2-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl, wounded by gunfire over the weekend in Chicago.
Four of the fatal shootings happened with the span of a few hours Sunday, the latest of which left a 19-year-old man dead and a 17-year-old boy wounded in South Austin.
The pair were walking about 8:30 p.m. on Van Buren Street when someone fired shots, Chicago police said. The man was struck in the face and chest while the teen was shot in the thigh. The 19-year-old was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital, and the teen was hospitalized in good condition.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified the man as Jahari Hill, who lived in South Austin.
About 8:25 p.m. Sunday, a man was shot and killed on the Bishop Ford Expressway near 103rd Street. The 46-year-old was in the northbound lanes when someone shot at him from another vehicle, Illinois State Police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
About two hours earlier, a man was found shot to death in Jefferson Park on the Northwest Side.
Officers responding to a well-being check about 6:25 p.m. in the 6000 block of West Gunnison Street found the man unresponsive inside a home with multiple gunshot wounds to his body, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The medical examiner’s office identified him as 39-year-old Peter Eguia of Jefferson Park.
Sunday afternoon, a woman was killed in a shooting in Grand Crossing.
The 20-year-old was in a Ford about 4:25 p.m. in the 7500 block of South Blackstone Avenue when someone in a dark-colored sedan opened fire, police said. She was shot in the head and pronounced dead on the scene.
The first fatal attack happened Saturday night in Englewood on the South Side.
Two men were sitting in a parked vehicle at 11:56 p.m. when someone walked up and fired shots in the 5700 block of South May Street, according to police. A 22-year-old man was hit multiple times in the side and ran to a nearby alley.
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The medical examiner’s office identified him as Alexis Perez of Edgewater on the North Side.
The other man, 39, was hit in both shoulders and taken to the same hospital in fair condition, police said.
The 2-year-old and a 28-year-old man were hurt in the weekend’s first shooting Friday evening in Gresham on the South Side.
They were in a vehicle about 6 p.m. on West 84th Street when another vehicle pulled up and someone fired shots, hitting the man and the toddler, police said. The man’s vehicle rammed into a porch and came to a rest in the 8400 block of South Damen Avenue.
The man was shot in the back of the head and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition, police said. The boy was hit in the foot, and his condition was stabilized at Little Company of Mary Hospital.
A teenage girl was also injured Saturday night in Ashburn on the Southwest Side.
The 17-year-old was a passenger in a vehicle at a stop sign at 11:01 p.m. on 79th Place when a white Ford Taurus with dark tinted windows pulled up, according to police. Two males got out of the Taurus and fired multiple shots, hitting the girl in the leg. The girl flagged down officers in Marquette Park and was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition.
Six people were hurt in a series of shootings lasting just over an hour early Sunday in Lawndale and Englewood.
The last attack left three people injured in Lawndale on the West Side.
They were in a northbound vehicle at 1:16 a.m. when someone fired at them from a blue Infiniti in the 1100 block of South Laramie Avenue, police said. A 26-year-old man was shot in the left foot, a 35-year-old man was shot in the left knee and a 33-year-old woman was hit in the left buttock. They went to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park on their own and were all listed in good condition.
Less than half an hour before that, a man was shot inside an apartment in Englewood.
The 25-year-old was in a second-floor unit with several other males at 12:49 a.m. in the 6500 block of South Bishop Street when someone fired shots, according to police. He was hit in the buttocks and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition.
About 40 minutes earlier, another man was shot in the same neighborhood.
The 33-year-old was sitting in a parked vehicle at 12:10 a.m. when someone fired shots in the 6900 block of South May Street, police said. He was hit in the abdomen and an acquaintance drove him to St. Bernard Hospital. He was transferred to Stroger Hospital in fair condition.
Minutes before that, a woman was wounded inside an apartment in Lawndale.
The 43-year-old was sitting on a couch with a man she knew at 12:01 a.m. in a second-floor apartment in the 3000 block of West Flournoy Street when he stood up and a gun went off, according to police. The woman was hit in the left ankle and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition. The man ran away after the shooting.
Eighteen other people were shot throughout Chicago between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.
Last week, three people were killed and 19 others were injured in gun violence across the city over Easter weekend.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-20--NFL draft 2020: A brief history of where the Bears are picking

Bears fans looking to calibrate their expectations for this week ’ s draft — in which the Bears are slated to make their first two picks at No .
43 and 50 overall in the second round — can take one of two tacks .
The optimist can look at the stars taken between No .
40 and 50 in the last decade .
Former Patriot Rob Gronkowski might be the best tight end ever .
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner is a future Pro Football Hall of Famer .
Saints receiver Michael Thomas caught 149 passes last year , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The pessimist , though , can look at the Bears ’ exact picks — No .
43 and 50 — and come away feeling less confident the team can land standouts .
Here ’ s a look at notable players drafted with Picks 43 and 50 : The Hall of Famers : QB Sonny Jurgensen and T Dan Dierdorf Drafted by the Eagles in 1957 , Jurgensen was best-known as a member of the Redskins , for whom he began playing in 1964 .
He won three passing titles , including in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dierdorf was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1971 and played all 13 seasons with the franchise .
Later generations known him best as a co-host on “ Monday Night Football.
” Taken by the Panthers in 1996 , Muhammad led the league with 102 catches in 2000 and 1,405 yards in 2004 .
Then he went to the Bears .
From 2005-07 , he struggled to match his lofty numbers with the Panthers , even telling Sports Illustrated that Chicago is where “ receivers go to die.
” He returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Standouts : Running back Corey Dillon ( Bengals 1997 ) is the only modern-era player , beside Dierdorf , to reach more than two Pro Bowls .
He still ranks in the top 22 in all-time attempts , rushing yards and rushing touchdowns .
Tight end Kyle Rudolph ( Vikings 2011 ) , safety Roman Harper ( Saints 2006 ) , running back Glyn Milburn ( Broncos 1993 ) receiver Webster Slaughter ( Browns 1986 ) and Muhammad made two Pro Bowls each .
The last five years The Hall of Famers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donovan Drafted by the Chiefs in 1967 , Lanier became the first African-American star at middle linebacker , helping to lead his team to a Super Bowl IV upset against the Chiefs .
Donovan was a nimble giant for the Baltimore Colts who became the first pure defensive tackle inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — and , later , a self-deprecating television star .
Selected by the Cardinals in 2008 , the defensive end ’ s career peaked relatively late in life .
The 33-year-old has made the Pro Bowl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and last season earned the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award .
The Jaguars signed Campbell to a four-year , $ 60 million contract in 2017 and traded him to the Ravens for a fifth-round pick in March .
He might be the best run-defending defensive lineman on the planet .
Standouts : Defensive tackle Michael Dean Perry — the Fridge ’ s brother — went to six Pro Bowls in a 10-year career that began when the Browns drafted him in 1988 .
Tackle Marcus McNeill ( Chargers , 2006 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1986 ) are the only others to make more than one Pro Bowl .
The last five years

Bears fans looking to calibrate their expectations for this week’s draft — in which the Bears are slated to make their first two picks at Nos. 43 and 50 overall in the second round — can take one of two tacks.
The optimist can look at the stars taken from No. 40 to No. 50 in the last decade. Former Patriot Rob Gronkowski might be the best tight end ever. Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner is a future Pro Football Hall of Famer. Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas caught 149 passes last year, the most in the history of the sport.
The pessimist, though, can look at the Bears’ exact picks — Nos. 43 and 50 — and come away feeling less confident the team can land standouts.
Here’s a look at notable players drafted with Picks 43 and 50:
No. 43
The Hall of Famers: QB Sonny Jurgensen and OT Dan Dierdorf.
Drafted by the Eagles in 1957, Jurgensen was best known as a member of the Redskins, for whom he began playing in 1964. He won three passing titles, including in his final season at 40.
Dierdorf was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1971 and played all 13 seasons with the franchise. Later generations know him best as a co-host on “Monday Night Football.”
The star: WR Muhsin Muhammad.
Taken by the Panthers in 1996, Muhammad led the league with 102 catches in 2000 and 1,405 yards in 2004. Then he went to the Bears. From 2005 to 2007, he struggled to match his lofty numbers with the Panthers, even telling Sports Illustrated that Chicago is where “receivers go to die.” He returned to Carolina for his last two years.
Standouts: Running back Corey Dillon (Bengals, 1997) is the only modern-era player, besides Dierdorf, to reach more than two Pro Bowls. He still ranks in the top 22 in all-time attempts, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Tight end Kyle Rudolph (Vikings, 2011), safety Roman Harper (Saints, 2006), running back Glyn Milburn (Broncos, 1993), wide receiver Webster Slaughter (Browns, 1986) and Muhammad made two Pro Bowls each.
The last five years: Linebacker Jahlani Tavai (Lions, 2019), running back Kerryon Johnson (Lions, 2018), cornerback Sidney Jones (Eagles, 2017), nose tackle Austin Johnson (Titans, 2016), linebacker Benardrick McKinney (Texans, 2015).
Bears in history: Billy Martin (1960), Mike Spivey (1977).
No. 50
The Hall of Famers: LB Willie Lanier and DT Art Donovan.
Drafted by the Chiefs in 1967, Lanier -became the first African American star at middle linebacker, helping to lead his team to a Super Bowl IV upset of the Vikings.
Donovan was a nimble giant for the Baltimore Colts who became the first pure -defensive tackle inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — and later a self-deprecating TV star.
The star: DE Calais Campbell.
Selected by the Cardinals in 2008, the defensive end’s career peaked relatively late in life. The 33-year-old has made the Pro Bowl the last three years and last season earned the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The Jaguars signed Campbell to a four-year, $60 million contract in 2017 and traded him to the Ravens for a fifth-round pick in March. He might be the best run-defending defensive lineman on the planet.
Standouts: Defensive tackle Michael Dean Perry — the Fridge’s brother — went to six Pro Bowls in a 10-year career that began when the Browns drafted him in 1988. Offensive tackle Marcus McNeill (Chargers, 2006) and guard Tom Newberry (Rams, 1986) are the only others to make more than one Pro Bowl.
The last five years: Tight end Irv Smith Jr. (Vikings, 2019), offensive tackle Connor Williams (Cowboys, 2018), safety Justin -Evans (Buccaneers, 2017), guard Nick Martin (Texans, 2016), safety Ronald Darby (Bills, 2015).
Bears in history: Ted Christofferson (1936), Bob Masterson (1938), Harry Burrus (1942), Wayne Shaw (1945), Dom Papaleo (1950), Jon Bostic (2013).


chicagosun-times--2020-04-20--TV thrown from window of Loop hotel

TV thrown from window of Loop hotel

Police are investigating after someone threw a television out the window of a high-rise hotel Monday in the Loop .
@ @ @ @ @ two lamps from an open 15th-floor window shortly before 3 a.m. at the hotel in @ @ @ @ @ LaSalle Street , according to Chicago police .
The Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop is located @ @ @ @ @ S. LaSalle .
No injuries were reported , according to police .
The suspect ran @ @ @ @ @ in custody as detectives conduct a property damage investigation .

Police are investigating after someone threw a television out the window of a high-rise hotel Monday in the Loop.
Someone threw the TV and two lamps from an open 15th-floor window shortly before 3 a.m. at the hotel in the first block of South LaSalle Street, according to Chicago police.
The Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop is located in that block at 11 S. LaSalle.
No injuries were reported, according to police. The suspect ran away and no one is in custody as detectives conduct a property damage investigation.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-20--Girl, 14, missing from Aurora

Girl, 14, missing from Aurora

Aurora police are looking for a 14-year-old girl missing from the west suburb .
Nataly Rose Flores-Reyes 5-foot-4 , 140 @ @ @ @ @ , police said in a Facebook post Friday .
She was last seen by her @ @ @ @ @ 30 and was driven from Bluff Street Park to an area near Rosewood Avenue by @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
She may be in the area of west suburban Oswego , @ @ @ @ @ information is asked to call police at 630-256-5900 .

Aurora police are looking for a 14-year-old girl missing from the west suburb.
Nataly Rose Flores-Reyes 5-foot-4, 140 pound and has black hair, police said in a Facebook post Friday.
She was last seen by her family about 7 a.m. March 30 and was driven from Bluff Street Park to an area near Rosewood Avenue by a friend on April 1, police said.
She may be in the area of west suburban Oswego, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 630-256-5900.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-20--Girl, 17, missing from North Center

Girl, 17, missing from North Center

A 17-year-old girl has been reported missing from North Center on the North Side .
Maria Byers was last seen @ @ @ @ @ of West Warner Avenue and frequents Devon and Hamilton Avenues , according to a missing @ @ @ @ @ .
Byers is 5 feet and 130 pounds with brown eyes , black hair and @ @ @ @ @ said .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area North detectives at 312-744-8266 .

A 17-year-old girl has been reported missing from North Center on the North Side.
Maria Byers was last seen Saturday in the 2000 block of West Warner Avenue and frequents Devon and Hamilton Avenues, according to a missing person alert from Chicago police.
Byers is 5 feet and 130 pounds with brown eyes, black hair and an olive complexion, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area North detectives at 312-744-8266.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-19--4th Cook County Jail detainee with coronavirus dies

A fourth inmate at Cook County Jail who tested positive for the coronavirus has died , the sheriff ’ s office announced Sunday .
The 64-year-old old man died Sunday at Stroger Hospital after being admitted April 14 , the sheriff ’ s office said .
Though he tested positive for COVID-19 , an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the official cause of death .
The man was being held without bail on a first-degree murder charge stemming from a January 2019 incident , the sheriff ’ s office said .
As of Sunday afternoon , 399 inmates at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus since the outbreak began , according to sheriff ’ s office data .
Twenty-one are currently being treated at local hospitals , while 180 have since recovered and are being monitored at a recovery facility in the jail .
Additionally , 304 staff members have tested positive , including 191 correctional officers and 34 other employees who still have the virus .
Nickolas Lee , 42 , was the third detainee to die from the virus .
He died April 12 , after his wife says she called the sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his transfer .
“ Everything Sheriff ’ s officers and county medical professionals have done since before the virus started spreading in the Chicago area was in an effort to prevent the loss of life to this deadly virus , ” the sheriff ’ s office said in a statement .
“ We will continue to work round-the-clock to aggressively combat the spread of COVID-19 .
”

A fourth inmate at Cook County Jail who tested positive for the coronavirus has died, the sheriff’s office announced Sunday.
The 64-year-old old man died Sunday at Stroger Hospital after being admitted April 14, the sheriff’s office said. Though he tested positive for COVID-19, an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the official cause of death.
The man was being held without bail on a first-degree murder charge stemming from a January 2019 incident, the sheriff’s office said.
As of Sunday afternoon, 399 inmates at Cook County Jail had tested positive for the coronavirus since the outbreak began, according to sheriff’s office data. Twenty-one are currently being treated at local hospitals, while 180 have since recovered and are being monitored at a recovery facility in the jail.
Additionally, 304 staff members have tested positive, including 191 correctional officers and 34 other employees who still have the virus.
Nickolas Lee, 42, was the third detainee to die from the virus. He died April 12, after his wife says she called the sheriff’s office 132 times to beg for his transfer.
“Everything Sheriff’s officers and county medical professionals have done since before the virus started spreading in the Chicago area was in an effort to prevent the loss of life to this deadly virus,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “We will continue to work round-the-clock to aggressively combat the spread of COVID-19.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-19--Horoscope for Sunday, April 19, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, April 19, 2020

Until 6:15 p.m. Chicago time , we have the all clear to shop and do business .
The moon is in Pisces .
You feel encouraged today .
Thank gawd , that light at the end of the tunnel isn ’ t a train !
The funny thing is that very little might have changed in the last few days ; nevertheless , you have a better feeling in your tummy about everything .
Go figure .
Your ability to connect with a friend or a member of a group is excellent .
You might talk to someone who encourages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals .
You ’ re starting to see that fools rush in and get the best seats in the house !
You are high visibility today .
People notice you .
With this in mind , it might be wise to always act as if what you do will make a difference .
When you believe in yourself , others will believe in you as well .
People are followers .
Why not be the Pied Piper ?
No matter how challenging your situation is at home or on the front lines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You have the ability to see the forest for the trees .
This is good .
When the sun shineth , maketh hay !
It ’ s comforting to see you can count on some support down the line .
This might come from the government , your partner , or a friend , but definitely , the wealth and resources of others will ultimately benefit you .
( Plus , what goes around , comes around . )
Your relations with partners and close friends will improve .
This is because everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It might also be a quality of accepting what is .
After all , the definition of negativity is wanting things to be different from the way they are .
Today you are more encouraged about your health , your work or your job .
A pet might be a source of joy because there is certainly something that makes you feel calmer and more hopeful about everything in your life .
( Well , maybe “ everything ” is stretching it . )
This is a playful , fun-loving day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with kids because you will find it to be a rewarding experience .
Romance can also be more promising for many different reasons .
In fact , your general sense of well-being is happier — it ’ s that simple .
Family conversations are encouraging , especially if you can make some kind of group connection on Whatsapp , or a conference call or whatever works for you .
A sense of hope pervades things , which doesn ’ t mean problems have disappeared .
It means your confidence about addressing them has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a positive influence on someone .
This might happen with more than one person — siblings , relatives or neighbors ?
This will please you because you find it rewarding to socialize with others by working within the community .
Despite the bleak , economic forecasts for the world , you personally might see ways of improving your wealth , your earnings or even improving something that you own .
In some tiny way , you can increase your assets .
Maybe in a big way ?
The moon is in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost a guarantee that you will feel happier .
In particular , you will enjoy contact with old friends and will feel gratified if you have a chance to help someone else .
Working through a group is also favored .
If Your Birthday Is Today Comedian , actress Ali Wong ( 1982 ) shares your birthday .
You are a strong personality .
You are innovative , creative and super dynamic !
You can be successful in many fields .
This year you ’ re winding up many things you began nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no longer relevant and moving on to something new and different .
You are lightening your load to get ready for new beginnings !

Moon Alert
Until 6:15 p.m. Chicago time, we have the all clear to shop and do business. The moon is in Pisces.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
You feel encouraged today. Thank gawd, that light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a train! The funny thing is that very little might have changed in the last few days; nevertheless, you have a better feeling in your tummy about everything. Go figure.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Your ability to connect with a friend or a member of a group is excellent. You might talk to someone who encourages you, especially in terms of your goals. You’re starting to see that fools rush in and get the best seats in the house!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
You are high visibility today. People notice you. With this in mind, it might be wise to always act as if what you do will make a difference. When you believe in yourself, others will believe in you as well. People are followers. Why not be the Pied Piper?
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
No matter how challenging your situation is at home or on the front lines, today you are encouraged about something. You have the ability to see the forest for the trees. This is good. When the sun shineth, maketh hay!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
It’s comforting to see you can count on some support down the line. This might come from the government, your partner, or a friend, but definitely, the wealth and resources of others will ultimately benefit you. (Plus, what goes around, comes around.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Your relations with partners and close friends will improve. This is because everybody feels more upbeat and hopeful about things. It might also be a quality of accepting what is. After all, the definition of negativity is wanting things to be different from the way they are.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Today you are more encouraged about your health, your work or your job. A pet might be a source of joy because there is certainly something that makes you feel calmer and more hopeful about everything in your life. (Well, maybe “everything” is stretching it.)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
This is a playful, fun-loving day. Make a point to share fun activities with kids because you will find it to be a rewarding experience. Romance can also be more promising for many different reasons. In fact, your general sense of well-being is happier — it’s that simple.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Family conversations are encouraging, especially if you can make some kind of group connection on Whatsapp, or a conference call or whatever works for you. A sense of hope pervades things, which doesn’t mean problems have disappeared. It means your confidence about addressing them has increased.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You have the ability to be a positive influence on someone. This might happen with more than one person — siblings, relatives or neighbors? This will please you because you find it rewarding to socialize with others by working within the community.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Despite the bleak, economic forecasts for the world, you personally might see ways of improving your wealth, your earnings or even improving something that you own. In some tiny way, you can increase your assets. Maybe in a big way?
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
The moon is in your sign dancing with Jupiter. This is almost a guarantee that you will feel happier. In particular, you will enjoy contact with old friends and will feel gratified if you have a chance to help someone else. Working through a group is also favored.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Comedian, actress Ali Wong (1982) shares your birthday. You are a strong personality. You are innovative, creative and super dynamic! You can be successful in many fields. This year you’re winding up many things you began nine years ago by letting go of what is no longer relevant and moving on to something new and different. You are lightening your load to get ready for new beginnings!


chicagosun-times--2020-04-19--Horoscope for Monday, April 20, 2020

Horoscope for Monday, April 20, 2020

We have the all clear to shop and do business .
The moon is in Aries .
Today the moon is in your sign dancing with Saturn , which encourages you to be sensible .
Discussions with someone older , perhaps a friend or a boss , might go well .
However , as the day wears on , this person might raise some obstacles .
( Groan . )
Some behind-the-scenes research might pay off today .
You feel good about your results .
But as the day wears on , someone in a position of authority might challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of frustrations dealing with the government .
Initially , you want to explore something because you see a practical advantage .
However , later in the day ( or perhaps tomorrow ) , you will see that things aren ’ t working out as smoothly as you had hoped .
( If at first , you don ’ t succeed , hide all the evidence . )
You might impress a boss , parent or someone in a position of authority with your ideas .
These ideas could relate to shared property , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day , a friend might object to the same ideas .
( Whaaat ? )
You can ’ t win !
You will enjoy studying , especially if it has a practical use .
Or perhaps someone older has some advice for you ?
Ironically , later in the day , a boss , parent or someone in authority might throw cold water on your excellent ideas .
Bummer .
Today you might make headway dealing with taxes , debt , shared property or insurance issues .
You have a practical , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow you to accomplish something .
Nevertheless , by the end of the day , you might encounter unwelcome restrictions .
A discussion with a partner or close friend might yield some practical solutions for you today .
Or perhaps you will talk to someone older or more experienced ?
Nevertheless , as the day wears on , restrictions , especially financial restrictions from another source , might disappoint .
Do what you can to mentally gear up so that you can get things done .
Decide to be more organized in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be supportive in a practical way to your own health .
Don ’ t be discouraged if a discussion with a partner or close friend falls flat .
This is a good day to hone a technique or practice a skill so that you can get better and better at it .
Likewise , you might enjoy teaching children or young minds today .
Be patient late in the day if restrictions throw a wrench in things for you .
( Could be related to your job , your health or pet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well today because everyone wants practical results that will make life easier .
This especially applies to DIY projects or home repairs .
By evening , difficulties with kids or a romantic partner might take priority in your mind .
This is a good day to do some serious planning because you are in a practical frame of mind , which means you won ’ t overlook details .
Don ’ t be discouraged if a parent or someone older wants to put the kibosh on your plans .
Maybe this means a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will choose to buy long-lasting , practical items .
Some might have interesting ideas about how to earn money ?
If so , don ’ t let anyone rain on your parade later today , because this could happen .
Albert Einstein , your fellow Pisces , said , “ Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.
” If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Shemar Moore ( 1970 ) shares your birthday .
You are energetic , determined and enthusiastic about what you do .
You work hard on your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creature comforts .
It ’ s time to identify goals because you ’ re entering a year of exciting new beginnings !
What do you want for yourself in the next several years ?

Moon Alert
We have the all clear to shop and do business. The moon is in Aries.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today the moon is in your sign dancing with Saturn, which encourages you to be sensible. Discussions with someone older, perhaps a friend or a boss, might go well. However, as the day wears on, this person might raise some obstacles. (Groan.)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Some behind-the-scenes research might pay off today. You feel good about your results. But as the day wears on, someone in a position of authority might challenge your suggestions. This might be because of frustrations dealing with the government.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Initially, you want to explore something because you see a practical advantage. However, later in the day (or perhaps tomorrow), you will see that things aren’t working out as smoothly as you had hoped. (If at first, you don’t succeed, hide all the evidence.)
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You might impress a boss, parent or someone in a position of authority with your ideas. These ideas could relate to shared property, taxes and debt. But later in the day, a friend might object to the same ideas. (Whaaat?) You can’t win!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You will enjoy studying, especially if it has a practical use. Or perhaps someone older has some advice for you? Ironically, later in the day, a boss, parent or someone in authority might throw cold water on your excellent ideas. Bummer.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Today you might make headway dealing with taxes, debt, shared property or insurance issues. You have a practical, sensible take on things, which will allow you to accomplish something. Nevertheless, by the end of the day, you might encounter unwelcome restrictions.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
A discussion with a partner or close friend might yield some practical solutions for you today. Or perhaps you will talk to someone older or more experienced? Nevertheless, as the day wears on, restrictions, especially financial restrictions from another source, might disappoint.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Do what you can to mentally gear up so that you can get things done. Decide to be more organized in your approach to everything. Likewise, decide to be supportive in a practical way to your own health. Don’t be discouraged if a discussion with a partner or close friend falls flat.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
This is a good day to hone a technique or practice a skill so that you can get better and better at it. Likewise, you might enjoy teaching children or young minds today. Be patient late in the day if restrictions throw a wrench in things for you. (Could be related to your job, your health or pet.)
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
A family discussion will go well today because everyone wants practical results that will make life easier. This especially applies to DIY projects or home repairs. By evening, difficulties with kids or a romantic partner might take priority in your mind.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
This is a good day to do some serious planning because you are in a practical frame of mind, which means you won’t overlook details. Don’t be discouraged if a parent or someone older wants to put the kibosh on your plans. Maybe this means a delay?
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
If shopping today, you will choose to buy long-lasting, practical items. Some might have interesting ideas about how to earn money? If so, don’t let anyone rain on your parade later today, because this could happen. Albert Einstein, your fellow Pisces, said, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Shemar Moore (1970) shares your birthday. You are energetic, determined and enthusiastic about what you do. You work hard on your personal relationships, and you like your creature comforts. It’s time to identify goals because you’re entering a year of exciting new beginnings! What do you want for yourself in the next several years?


chicagosun-times--2020-04-20--Efforts outlined to bridge Chicago’s racial divide in coronavirus-related deaths (LIVE UPDATES)

Two weeks after declaring a “ public health red alarm , ” Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday outlined the immediate steps she has taken to prevent the coronavirus from continuing to kill African-Americans at a rate four times higher than whites .
The mayor ’ s “ hyper-local , data-informed ” strategy will be focused , at least initially , on three hard-hit neighborhoods : Austin , Auburn-Gresham and South Shore .
The unprecedented outreach by Lightfoot ’ s so-called “ racial equity rapid response teams ” includes expanded testing and free distribution of 60,000 masks , 80,000 door hangers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ pro-actively reach ” African-Americans at greatest risk of contracting the coronavirus because of their age , their underlying health conditions or the fact that they are “ essential ” employees who can not afford to stay safe at home .
7:35 p.m. MLB can cut pay , lay off managers and coaches beginning May 1 Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has made a move that allows teams to lay off or cut the pay of major and minor league managers , coaches , trainers and full-time scouts starting May 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that cover about 9,000 people , including general managers on some teams .
Manfred cited the inability to play games due to the national emergency caused by the new coronavirus pandemic .
“ Our clubs rely heavily on revenue from tickets/concessions , broadcasting/media , licensing and sponsorships to pay salaries , ” Manfred wrote in an email Monday , a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press .
“ In the absence of games , these revenue streams will be lost or substantially reduced , and clubs will not have sufficient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7:00 p.m. WHO chief says worst of outbreak yet to come The head of the World Health Organization has warned that “ the worst is yet ahead of us ” in the coronavirus outbreak , raising new alarm bells about the pandemic just as many countries are beginning to ease restrictive measures .
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus didn ’ t specify exactly why he believes that the outbreak that has infected nearly 2.5 million people and killed over 166,000 , according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University , could get worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed to the likely future spread of the illness through Africa , where health systems are far less developed .
Tedros alluded to the so-called Spanish flu in 1918 as a reference for the coronavirus outbreak .
“ It has a very dangerous combination and this is happening ... like the 1918 flu that killed up to 100 million people , ” he told reporters in Geneva .
“ But now we have technology , we can prevent that disaster , we can prevent that kind of crisis.
” Mental health therapists who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois are pressuring the insurer to cover their telehealth services beyond April 30 , the current end of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order .
In an email to Blue Cross executives , they said extending the coverage deadline would reduce stress for their small businesses needing cash flow and for clients concerned about payment .
They said the pandemic and its required isolation are exacerbating mental health issues .
“ We are seeing many more cases of depression because social support is such a huge part of dealing with it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the Cira Center for Behavioral Health in Chicago .
She said therapists are getting more cases involving suicidal thoughts , anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder , especially among health-care and other essential workers .
5:58 p.m. Ex-mayoral candidate Willie Wilson wants City Hall coronavirus deals ; Lori Lightfoot says no Former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson said Monday he unsuccessfully tried to get Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker to buy surgical masks and respirators from his medical supply company .
“ It ’ s a shame that they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state suffer like this when I ’ m right here , ” said Wilson , who says his Omar Medical Supplies had a stockpile of more than 30 million masks in Chicago at one point during the pandemic .
Lightfoot confirmed she that she spoke with Wilson weeks ago and referred his request to her top procurement official .
She said she learned the city ’ s stockpile already contained the items Wilson was pitching and that the lead time for Wilson to deliver was weeks longer than other companies ’ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor : Wilson was demanding money up front and in cash .
Reporters Fran Spielman and Frank Main have the full account .
5:04 p.m. Family of 2 Chicago firefighters who died of COVID-19 will receive line-of-duty benefits The families of two Chicago firefighters who died of COVID-19 will receive line-of-duty benefits , the Chicago Fire Department announced Monday .
The benefits will provide the families of Mario Araujo and Edward Singleton with one-year ’ s salary and funds for funeral expenses , CFD spokesman Larry Langford said in an emailed statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the history of our department and will be addressed accordingly , ” Fire Commissioner Richard Ford II said in the statement .
“ These two members made the ultimate sacrifice to protect those whom they swore an oath to serve .
We will not forget our obligation to their families in this time of crisis.
” 4:13 p.m. Watch : Second shipment of PPE from China arrives in Illinois The state of Illinois early Monday received a second shipment of personal protective equipment flown in from China to help the state battle the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Illinois contains “ lots of surgical masks , ” according to Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s office .
The first shipment from China arrived Thursday and contained gloves and masks .
The Sun-Times last week reported Pritzker was planning to obtain millions of masks and gloves from China but was keeping those details secret out of fear the Trump administration might seize the cargo for the federal stockpile .
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said last week the state had spent more than $ 174 million on purchases related to COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gloves , gowns , protective eyewear and hand sanitizer .
Among the list of expenditures : two invoices , each for $ 888,275 , to FedEx Trade Networks Transport for “ aircraft charter flight to Shanghai , China for COVID-19 response .
... Prepayment required.
” At his daily briefing Sunday , Pritzker announced the second airlift of PPE .
The protective equipment will be taken to state warehouses to be inspected before being shipped out to first responders and health care workers , Pritzker said .
SEATTLE — Boeing and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. geared up Monday to resume production amid pressure from President Donald Trump to reopen the economy and resistance from governors who warn there is not enough testing yet to keep the coronavirus from rebounding .
Boeing , one of the Pacific Northwest ’ s biggest employers , said it will put about 27,000 people back to work this week building passenger jets at its Seattle-area plants , with virus-slowing precautions in place , including face masks and staggered shifts .
Doosan Bobcat , a farm equipment maker and North Dakota ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 2,200 workers at three factories around the state .
Elsewhere around the world , step-by-step reopenings were underway in Europe , where the crisis has begun to ebb in places like Italy , Spain and Germany .
Parts of the continent are perhaps weeks ahead of the U.S. on the curve of the virus , which has killed over 160,000 people worldwide .
2:55 p.m. Another 59 people die of COVID-19 in Illinois ; hospitalizations remain flat during outbreak Illinois health officials on Monday said another 59 people have died from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalization levels remain relatively flat .
There are also 1,151 new cases , bringing the state ’ s total to 31,508 positive cases .
The state has lost 1,349 people to the outbreak , and the virus is now in 95 of the state ’ s 102 counties , officials said .
There were 5,040 tests conducted on Sunday , although private labs have not been reporting results on Sundays .
The percentage of ICU beds in Illinois used by COVID-19 patients has remained steady at 40 % , and the percentage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually declining slightly , now standing at 23 % , Pritzker said .
“ Our curve is bending the right way , ” Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said at his daily coronavirus briefing .
He added that without the drastic mitigation efforts that have been implemented , “ we would have required thousands more ventilators beyond our initial capacity.
” With the distinct possibility of pro sports resuming in empty venues , a recent poll suggests a majority of U.S. fans wouldn ’ t feel safe attending games anyway without a COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports Poll , 72 % of Americans said they would not feel safe attending games without a vaccine , though the number dropped to 61 % among people who identified themselves as sports fans .
Nearly half the respondents in the poll , which had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points , said they either didn ’ t follow sports closely or didn ’ t follow sports at all .
So even if fans are allowed back in stadiums or arenas , many may not come .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be significant without the revenue that comes from tickets , concessions and merchandise , among other things — even if money is flowing from lucrative media rights deals .
11:38 a.m .
Proposed rent relief ordinance would give hard-hit workers 1 year to make missed payments Chicagoans who have seen paychecks shrink or disappear during the coronavirus pandemic would have a year to pay rent that accumulates during the statewide stay-at-home order , under a relief package proposed Monday .
“ That several month period when folks are really at bottom in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little bit of breathing room knowing that they ’ re not gon na get evicted when the stay-at-home order [ expires ] .
That they ’ ll have a little bit of time within which to pay that money , ” said rookie Ald .
Matt Martin ( 47th ) .
“ If you ’ re in the service industry , if you ’ re in hospitality and you ’ ve seen your income go , maybe in some situations close to zero , we need to provide that relief to folks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ re providing it to landlords as well.
” Martin plans to introduce the rent relief ordinance — along with a companion resolution seeking mortgage relief at the state level — at Wednesday ’ s virtual City Council meeting .
He has already lined up 19 co-sponsors and support from the Progressive and Latino Caucuses .
Read the full story from Fran Spielman here .
10:45 a.m. Lockdowns ease worldwide , but political heat rises in US Over the past few days , President Donald Trump openly encouraged protesters who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home orders , and some states — mostly ones under Republican leaders — have taken steps to relax some restrictions .
But other governors have warned that they can ’ t move ahead without help from the federal government in expanding testing .
Around the globe , the game plan is to open up but maintain enough social distancing to prevent new flareups of the virus that has infected 2.4 million people worldwide , killed more than 165,000 and crippled the world economy .
The easing of the lockdowns “ is not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s just the beginning of the next phase , ″ the head of the World Health Organization , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , told G-20 health ministers in an online meeting .
He sternly warned governments not to rush to return to normal , saying , “ It is critical that these measures are a phased process.
” 9:09 a.m. Provident Hospital ER reopens — with a few changes in place Provident Hospital ’ s emergency room reopened Monday morning , two weeks after Cook County officials made the decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there tested positive for the coronavirus .
At the time , county officials also said they had been told the layout of the emergency room would hamper social distancing efforts .
During the past two weeks , crews have , among other things , re-configured seating inside the ER to meet social distancing guidelines , as well as creating a designated seating area for patients suspected of having the coronavirus , a spokeswoman for Cook County Health said in a statement .
8:28 a.m .
Protesters in Springfield want stay-at-home order lifted : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook County For some people , Illinois ’ stay-at-home order has gone on long enough .
On Sunday , about two dozen red , white and blue-clad protesters carrying Trump banners gathered near the steps of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield calling for Gov .
J.B. Pritzker to end his stay-at-home order , set to last until at least April 30 .
The protesters said the lockdown to slow the coronavirus pandemic is hurting local economies .
“ We ’ re protesting against the injustice of them closing down all the businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , ” said Tom , a protester from Springfield .
Read the full story from Neal Earley in Springfield here .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s early demographic snapshot found African Americans — 13 % of the U.S. population — represented 33 % of COVID-19 hospitalizations .
In several states , they are dying from the virus at a rate more than twice their population .
Illinois has had just over 30,000 cases , and 1290 deaths .
While only 15 % of the population , African Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Racial inequities actually exist not only for COVID-19 but for almost every disease .
And we know access to testing and treatment is a problem , ” Williams said , citing a 2003 report by the National Academy of Medicine , which found people of color receive lower-quality health care than whites , even when insurance , income , age and severity of conditions are comparable .
But Williams singled out Chicago ’ s entrenched segregation — “ a powerful driver of inequality in American society ” — as wielding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These inequities that have long-term effects on lifelong health are created early in life , at the neighborhood level , ” Williams said , citing a January report by Brandeis University , the Child Opportunity Index 2.0 , ranking nearly every U.S. neighborhood by 29 indicators .
Read more from Maudlyne Ihejirika here .
For weeks , Chicago ’ s downtown federal high-rise jail appeared to be keeping the coronavirus at bay .
Only a handful of staff members at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on West Van Buren had tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to official numbers .
And no reports emerged of detainees with the virus — until Tuesday .
Now , for the first time , the coronavirus appears to be spreading among the MCC ’ s more than 600 inmates .
Though the number of confirmed cases there remains low , the virus has been known to spread rapidly , and numbers tracked by the Chicago Sun-Times have risen quickly .
The numbers were gathered from court filings by prosecutors and local defense attorneys , as well as from an MCC union official .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement , and they have reported higher numbers of positive cases than the Federal Bureau of Prisons .
Read more from Jon Seidel here .
6:18 a.m. Illinois reports 33 more COVID-19 deaths as case total surpasses 30K Illinois health officials announced another 33 deaths and 1,197 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday , bringing the total number of cases in the state to 30,357 .
In total , 1,290 people have died of the coronavirus in Illinois since the pandemic first hit .
The virus has now been reported in 93 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois also ran at least 5,914 COVID-19 tests on Saturday , officials said .
In all , more than 142,000 have been tested for the virus .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker also announced that an airlift of PPE is scheduled to arrive in Illinois on Monday .
The protective equipment will be taken to state warehouses , where they ’ ll be inspected before being shipped out to first responders and health care professionals , Pritzker said .
“ That ’ s the landscape we ’ re operating in , ” Pritzker said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries and even the federal government for supplies.
” Read the full report from Jake Wittich here .
• A Cook County corrections officer has died after contracting COVID-19 , possibly the first jail guard to die from complications related to coronavirus , her relatives said .
Sheila Rivera , 47 , died Sunday at Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago .
• Tony Award-nominated actor Nick Cordero has had his his right leg amputated after suffering complications from the coronavirus , his wife says .
• A fourth inmate at Cook County Jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died , the sheriff ’ s office announced Sunday .
The 64-year-old old man died Sunday at Stroger Hospital after being admitted April 14 .
• Illinois health officials announced another 33 deaths and 1,197 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday , bringing the total number of cases in the state to 30,357 .
• During the 2020 WNBA draft , Sky center Stefanie Dolson revealed on ESPN that her family tested positive for the coronavirus last month .
• A man and three women who live at a Lincoln Park nursing home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesman for the facility said Friday .
This week , the New York Times featured the story of how the coronavirus savaged the Federal Correctional Complex in Oakdale , Louisiana .
On March 28 , Patrick Jones , 49 , serving a 27-year sentence for possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute , became the first federal inmate to die of the virus .
Barely three weeks later , seven inmates had died , at least 100 inmates and staff members had been infected , with more than 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The prisoners died , unreported , unknown , their bodies essentially owned by the federal government that imprisoned them .
According to corrections officers there , the warden was slow to act , saying that “ we live in the South and it ’ s warm here .
We won ’ t have any problems , ” a haunting illustration of the dangers of loose rhetoric and tall tales from the president , amplified on social media .
The horrors of the Andover , New Jersey nursing home — with at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive — has dramatized the vulnerability of the elderly in nursing homes , where over 7,000 have died .
Our grossly overpopulated prisons and jails are quickly becoming the next centers to be ravaged by the disease .
Cook County Jail , the largest in the country , is already one of the nation ’ s largest sources of infections , with more confirmed cases than the USS Theodore Roosevelt or the New Rochelle , New York cluster .
Four inmates are dead and 215 have tested positive , as have 191 correctional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office employees .
One employee just died .
1:40 p.m. GOP Illinois congressmen blister state Senate Democrats for using COVID-19 as excuse for pension bailout The five Illinois Republicans in Congress blistered Democratic Senate President Don Harmon on Monday for using the COVID-19 fiscal emergency as an excuse to seek $ 10 billion to bailout Illinois ’ already troubled pension funds .
The letter was signed by Republican Reps. Adam Kinzinger , John Shimkus , Rodney Davis , Mike Bost and Darin LaHood .
This uproar started when Harmon , from Oak Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , with a $ 41 billion list of items , including the pension cash , he wanted in the next round of emergency federal COVID-19 relief funding .
The request for the pension lifejacket touched a raw nerve with Illinois Republicans , because the state pension mess — to them — is emblematic of state of Illinois fiscal problems that predate the COVID-19 economic meltdown .
Congress is working on a fourth massive emergency federal assistance coronavirus pandemic financial package and a stalemate may break this week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I could not hug her or hold her hand .
But I will honor her memory with my vote on Nov. 3 My grandma was admitted to the hospital with atrial fibrillation and low potassium , and she was tested for COVID-19 .
Not allowed inside the hospital , my mom sat in the parking lot as rain poured down , staring at a single-wide trailer being used to process emergency room admissions as she texted updates to my siblings and me .
The next day , I learned that my grandma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked to her over the phone while she laid in bed without family by her side .
She told me how proud she was of me and to keep doing good in the world .
I told her how much I loved her and that I would continue to do my best to make the world a better place .
A feeling that this would be our last conversation hung over me as tears filled my eyes .
On April 2 , I learned that feeling was right .
My mom called to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .
I am so thankful that my mom was able , eventually , to physically be with grandma before she passed , and that members of the family near and far were able to speak with her over the phone .
I know my story is like so many others .
Loved ones suffering , families unable to physically be with one another .
We can ’ t hug the people we love , can ’ t hold their hand in silence , can ’ t kiss them on the cheek .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I love you ” over the phone ; others will never have that opportunity , never get to say goodbye .
10:56 a.m. Illinois should test 100K people per day before reopening economy : EDITORIAL Before Illinois can reopen its economy , it ideally should achieve the capacity to test up to 100,000 people a day for the coronavirus .
Only then can there be some kind of certainty about getting and keeping the virus under control .
But Gov .
J.B. Pritzker knows that ’ s a wistful dream for now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has failed miserably to supply states with sufficient testing materials , no matter what President Trump says to the contrary .
On Sunday evening , apparently responding to new complaints by several governors earlier in the day , Trump announced he is going to use his powers under the Defense Production Act to order companies to increase the production of test swabs by over 20 million a month .
“ You ’ ll have so many swabs you won ’ t know what to do with them , ” Trump said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see it .
Trump has been blowing smoke on testing since at least early February .
He has bragged repeatedly that the United States has done more testing than all other countries — though on a per capita basis this is blatantly untrue — and promised to ramp up more testing .
10:08 a.m. Letter from a Chicago doctor : How we can improve health for African Americans after COVID-19 Dr. Alan Jackson is an assistant professor of medicine and public voices fellow at Rush University .
In a letter to the Sun-Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take as a city to improve health outcomes in Chicago ’ s black community : Click to read Dr. Jackson ’ s letter : Nine ways to improve health for African Americans in Chicago after COVID-19 .
7:31 a.m. Second- and third-wave layoffs coming from COVID-19 The jobs impact first hit in the hotels , airlines , bars and restaurants .
It spread to department stores , boutiques , fitness clubs , movie theaters .
Then on to some manufacturers , or at least those whose products were not deemed essential for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to feel it because each shutdown takes out a customer .
Then come all the service industries and consultants that draw income from what ’ s shuttered .
Economist Amy Crews Cutts , who runs her own firm , staked out the edge of extreme pessimism by telling The Wall Street Journal she expects it ’ ll take labor markets five and a half years before they shed the pandemic ’ s effects .
In fairness , other economists believe the private sector was in such a happy mood that it ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus is under control .
Balance the negative with the determined sunny siders and you get , what — a recession that lasts into late 2021 or early 2022 ?
Read the full column from David Roeder here .
6:45 a.m. How COVID-19 is transforming our lives : What will change when the lockdown ends Until we have a COVID-19 vaccine and massive infection and antibody testing , I ’ m not sitting knee to knee in a movie theater , ballpark , concert or house of worship .
Or eating in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or using your pen .
Or dealing with paper money and coins .
Maybe one day I ’ ll be telling stories about living through this COVID-19 health and economic disaster .
I ’ ll be like my mother , of blessed memory , recalling how she grew up during the Great Depression .
As a kid she was selling newspapers at the corner of 16th Street and Wabash Avenue to help the family survive .
My grandfather , a Russian/Polish immigrant running a newsstand , did not read English .
My mom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Depression shaped the generation living through it , our reality is things will never go back to how they were .
COVID-19 is changing how we live , learn , work and communicate .

News
9:46 p.m. Trump to order temporary COVID-19 suspension of immigration to U.S.
President Donald Trump on Monday said he is ordering a temporary suspension of immigration to the U.S.
He said in a tweet, “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!”
Trump often refers to the coronavirus pandemic as the “invisible enemy.”
Trump did not mention this pending action during the White House briefing on Monday which focused on ramping up testing for COVID-19.
Read the report from Lynn Sweet here.
9:15 p.m. Efforts outlined to bridge Chicago’s racial divide in coronavirus-related deaths
File photo
Two weeks after declaring a “public health red alarm,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday outlined the immediate steps she has taken to prevent the coronavirus from continuing to kill African-Americans at a rate four times higher than whites.
The mayor’s “hyper-local, data-informed” strategy will be focused, at least initially, on three hard-hit neighborhoods: Austin, Auburn-Gresham and South Shore.
The unprecedented outreach by Lightfoot’s so-called “racial equity rapid response teams” includes expanded testing and free distribution of 60,000 masks, 80,000 door hangers and 150,000 postcards.
The goal is to “pro-actively reach” African-Americans at greatest risk of contracting the coronavirus because of their age, their underlying health conditions or the fact that they are “essential” employees who cannot afford to stay safe at home.
Reporter Fran Spielman has the full story.
9:07 p.m. Cook County medical examiner’s office confirms 67 more COVID-19 deaths
The Cook County medical examiner’s office Monday confirmed 67 additional COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total in the county to 968.
Cook County’s death toll makes up about 71% of statewide deaths.
Illinois health officials Monday announced 1,151 newly confirmed cases of the coronavirus, raising the statewide total to 31,508. So far, 1,349 people have died from the outbreak in the state.
Read the full report here.
8:27 p.m. Some US producers, states reopening amid political pressure
Boeing and at least one other U.S. heavy-equipment manufacturer resumed production and some states rolled out aggressive reopening plans Monday, despite nationwide concerns there is not enough testing yet to keep the coronavirus from rebounding.
The reopenings came amid economic gloom, as oil futures plunged below zero on Monday and stocks and Treasury yields also dropped on Wall Street. The cost to have a barrel of U.S. crude delivered in May plummeted to negative $37.63. It was at roughly $60 at the start of the year.
Boeing said it was putting about 27,000 people back to work this week building passenger jets at its Seattle-area plants, with virus-slowing precautions in place, including face masks and staggered shifts. Doosan Bobcat, a farm equipment maker and North Dakota’s largest manufacturer, announced the return of about 2,200 workers at three factories around the state.
Elsewhere around the world, step-by-step reopenings were underway in Europe, where the crisis has begun to ebb in places such as Italy, Spain and Germany. Parts of the continent are perhaps weeks ahead of the U.S. on the infection curve of the virus, which has killed about 170,000 people worldwide, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
Businesses that start operating again in the U.S. are likely to engender good will with the Trump administration at a time when it is doling out billions in relief to companies. But the reopenings being announced are a drop in the bucket compared with the more than 22 million Americans thrown out of work by the crisis.
7:35 p.m. MLB can cut pay, lay off managers and coaches beginning May 1
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has made a move that allows teams to lay off or cut the pay of major and minor league managers, coaches, trainers and full-time scouts starting May 1.
Manfred has suspended uniform employee contracts that cover about 9,000 people, including general managers on some teams. Manfred cited the inability to play games due to the national emergency caused by the new coronavirus pandemic.
“Our clubs rely heavily on revenue from tickets/concessions, broadcasting/media, licensing and sponsorships to pay salaries,” Manfred wrote in an email Monday, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press. “In the absence of games, these revenue streams will be lost or substantially reduced, and clubs will not have sufficient funds to meet their financial obligations.”
Read the full report here.
7:00 p.m. WHO chief says worst of outbreak yet to come
The head of the World Health Organization has warned that “the worst is yet ahead of us” in the coronavirus outbreak, raising new alarm bells about the pandemic just as many countries are beginning to ease restrictive measures.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus didn’t specify exactly why he believes that the outbreak that has infected nearly 2.5 million people and killed over 166,000, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University, could get worse. Some people, though, have pointed to the likely future spread of the illness through Africa, where health systems are far less developed.
Tedros alluded to the so-called Spanish flu in 1918 as a reference for the coronavirus outbreak.
“It has a very dangerous combination and this is happening ... like the 1918 flu that killed up to 100 million people,” he told reporters in Geneva.
“But now we have technology, we can prevent that disaster, we can prevent that kind of crisis.”
Read the full report here.
6:27 p.m. Mental health therapists seek help from Blue Cross
Mental health therapists who contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois are pressuring the insurer to cover their telehealth services beyond April 30, the current end of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order.
In an email to Blue Cross executives, they said extending the coverage deadline would reduce stress for their small businesses needing cash flow and for clients concerned about payment. They said the pandemic and its required isolation are exacerbating mental health issues.
“We are seeing many more cases of depression because social support is such a huge part of dealing with it,” said Colleen Cira, executive director of the Cira Center for Behavioral Health in Chicago. She said therapists are getting more cases involving suicidal thoughts, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, especially among health-care and other essential workers.
Reporter David Roeder has the full story.
5:58 p.m. Ex-mayoral candidate Willie Wilson wants City Hall coronavirus deals; Lori Lightfoot says no
Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson. Ashlee Rezin / Sun-Times
Former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson said Monday he unsuccessfully tried to get Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker to buy surgical masks and respirators from his medical supply company.
“It’s a shame that they have to let the city of Chicago and the state suffer like this when I’m right here,” said Wilson, who says his Omar Medical Supplies had a stockpile of more than 30 million masks in Chicago at one point during the pandemic.
Lightfoot confirmed she that she spoke with Wilson weeks ago and referred his request to her top procurement official.
She said she learned the city’s stockpile already contained the items Wilson was pitching and that the lead time for Wilson to deliver was weeks longer than other companies’.
One other problem, according to the mayor: Wilson was demanding money up front and in cash.
Reporters Fran Spielman and Frank Main have the full account.
5:04 p.m. Family of 2 Chicago firefighters who died of COVID-19 will receive line-of-duty benefits
The families of two Chicago firefighters who died of COVID-19 will receive line-of-duty benefits, the Chicago Fire Department announced Monday.
The benefits will provide the families of Mario Araujo and Edward Singleton with one-year’s salary and funds for funeral expenses, CFD spokesman Larry Langford said in an emailed statement.
“Our current situation is unprecedented in the history of our department and will be addressed accordingly,” Fire Commissioner Richard Ford II said in the statement. “These two members made the ultimate sacrifice to protect those whom they swore an oath to serve. We will not forget our obligation to their families in this time of crisis.”
Reporter David Struett has the full story.
4:13 p.m. Watch: Second shipment of PPE from China arrives in Illinois
The state of Illinois early Monday received a second shipment of personal protective equipment flown in from China to help the state battle the coronavirus outbreak.
The latest shipment purchased by Illinois contains “lots of surgical masks,” according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office. The first shipment from China arrived Thursday and contained gloves and masks.
The Sun-Times last week reported Pritzker was planning to obtain millions of masks and gloves from Chinabut was keeping those details secret out of fear the Trump administration might seize the cargo for the federal stockpile.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said last week the state had spent more than $174 million on purchases related to COVID-19, including supplies such as ventilators, masks, gloves, gowns, protective eyewear and hand sanitizer.
Among the list of expenditures: two invoices, each for $888,275, to FedEx Trade Networks Transport for “aircraft charter flight to Shanghai, China for COVID-19 response. ... Prepayment required.”
At his daily briefing Sunday, Pritzker announced the second airlift of PPE. The protective equipment will be taken to state warehouses to be inspected before being shipped out to first responders and health care workers, Pritzker said.
Read more from reporter Tina Sfondeles.
3:31 p.m. Some US manufacturers reopening amid fierce political heat
SEATTLE — Boeing and a small number of other manufacturers around the U.S. geared up Monday to resume production amid pressure from President Donald Trump to reopen the economy and resistance from governors who warn there is not enough testing yet to keep the coronavirus from rebounding.
Boeing, one of the Pacific Northwest’s biggest employers, said it will put about 27,000 people back to work this week building passenger jets at its Seattle-area plants, with virus-slowing precautions in place, including face masks and staggered shifts.
Doosan Bobcat, a farm equipment maker and North Dakota’s largest manufacturer, announced the return of about 2,200 workers at three factories around the state.
Elsewhere around the world, step-by-step reopenings were underway in Europe, where the crisis has begun to ebb in places like Italy, Spain and Germany. Parts of the continent are perhaps weeks ahead of the U.S. on the curve of the virus, which has killed over 160,000 people worldwide.
Read the full report here.
2:55 p.m. Another 59 people die of COVID-19 in Illinois; hospitalizations remain flat during outbreak
Illinois health officials on Monday said another 59 people have died from the coronavirus, while the state’s hospitalization levels remain relatively flat.
There are also 1,151 new cases, bringing the state’s total to 31,508 positive cases. The state has lost 1,349 people to the outbreak, and the virus is now in 95 of the state’s 102 counties, officials said. There were 5,040 tests conducted on Sunday, although private labs have not been reporting results on Sundays.
The percentage of ICU beds in Illinois used by COVID-19 patients has remained steady at 40%, and the percentage of ventilators being used by those patients is actually declining slightly, now standing at 23%, Pritzker said.
“Our curve is bending the right way,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at his daily coronavirus briefing. He added that without the drastic mitigation efforts that have been implemented, “we would have required thousands more ventilators beyond our initial capacity.”
Reporter Tina Sfondeles has the full story.
1:48 p.m. Without COVID-19 vaccine, fans don’t feel safe returning to sports venues
With the distinct possibility of pro sports resuming in empty venues, a recent poll suggests a majority of U.S. fans wouldn’t feel safe attending games anyway without a COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the Seton Hall Sports Poll, 72% of Americans said they would not feel safe attending games without a vaccine, though the number dropped to 61% among people who identified themselves as sports fans. Nearly half the respondents in the poll, which had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points, said they either didn’t follow sports closely or didn’t follow sports at all.
So even if fans are allowed back in stadiums or arenas, many may not come. And the financial losses in such a scenario will be significant without the revenue that comes from tickets, concessions and merchandise, among other things — even if money is flowing from lucrative media rights deals.
Read the full story here.
11:38 a.m. Proposed rent relief ordinance would give hard-hit workers 1 year to make missed payments
Chicagoans who have seen paychecks shrink or disappear during the coronavirus pandemic would have a year to pay rent that accumulates during the statewide stay-at-home order, under a relief package proposed Monday.
“That several month period when folks are really at bottom in terms of income — giving them a little bit of breathing room knowing that they’re not gonna get evicted when the stay-at-home order [expires]. That they’ll have a little bit of time within which to pay that money,” said rookie Ald. Matt Martin (47th).
“If you’re in the service industry, if you’re in hospitality and you’ve seen your income go, maybe in some situations close to zero, we need to provide that relief to folks. But we also need to make sure that we’re providing it to landlords as well.”
Martin plans to introduce the rent relief ordinance — along with a companion resolution seeking mortgage relief at the state level — at Wednesday’s virtual City Council meeting. He has already lined up 19 co-sponsors and support from the Progressive and Latino Caucuses.
Read the full story from Fran Spielman here.
10:45 a.m. Lockdowns ease worldwide, but political heat rises in US
Over the past few days, President Donald Trump openly encouraged protesters who have been demanding the lifting of the state-imposed stay-at-home orders, and some states — mostly ones under Republican leaders — have taken steps to relax some restrictions. But other governors have warned that they can’t move ahead without help from the federal government in expanding testing.
Around the globe, the game plan is to open up but maintain enough social distancing to prevent new flareups of the virus that has infected 2.4 million people worldwide, killed more than 165,000 and crippled the world economy.
The easing of the lockdowns “is not the end of the epidemic in any country. It’s just the beginning of the next phase,″ the head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, told G-20 health ministers in an online meeting.
He sternly warned governments not to rush to return to normal, saying, “It is critical that these measures are a phased process.”
Read the full story here.
9:09 a.m. Provident Hospital ER reopens — with a few changes in place
Provident Hospital’s emergency room reopened Monday morning, two weeks after Cook County officials made the decision to temporarily close the facility when an employee there tested positive for the coronavirus.
At the time, county officials also said they had been told the layout of the emergency room would hamper social distancing efforts.
During the past two weeks, crews have, among other things, re-configured seating inside the ER to meet social distancing guidelines, as well as creating a designated seating area for patients suspected of having the coronavirus, a spokeswoman for Cook County Health said in a statement.
Read more from reporter Stefano Esposito.
8:28 a.m. Protesters in Springfield want stay-at-home order lifted: ‘Just build a wall’ around Cook County
For some people, Illinois’ stay-at-home order has gone on long enough.
On Sunday, about two dozen red, white and blue-clad protesters carrying Trump banners gathered near the steps of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield calling for Gov. J.B. Pritzker to end his stay-at-home order, set to last until at least April 30.
The protesters said the lockdown to slow the coronavirus pandemic is hurting local economies.
“We’re protesting against the injustice of them closing down all the businesses, trying to tell us what to do,” said Tom, a protester from Springfield.
Pritzker’s order banning large gatherings and closing “nonessential” businesses began March 21.
Read the full story from Neal Earley in Springfield here.
8:08 a.m. Public health expert: ‘Marshall Plan’ needed to redress coronavirus race disparities
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s early demographic snapshot found African Americans — 13% of the U.S. population — represented 33% of COVID-19 hospitalizations. In several states, they are dying from the virus at a rate more than twice their population. Illinois has had just over 30,000 cases, and 1290 deaths. While only 15% of the population, African Americans represent about 40% of those deaths.
“Racial inequities actually exist not only for COVID-19 but for almost every disease. And we know access to testing and treatment is a problem,” Williams said, citing a 2003 report by the National Academy of Medicine, which found people of color receive lower-quality health care than whites, even when insurance, income, age and severity of conditions are comparable.
But Williams singled out Chicago’s entrenched segregation — “a powerful driver of inequality in American society” — as wielding a major impact on health outcomes.
“These inequities that have long-term effects on lifelong health are created early in life, at the neighborhood level,” Williams said, citing a January report by Brandeis University, the Child Opportunity Index 2.0, ranking nearly every U.S. neighborhood by 29 indicators.
Read more from Maudlyne Ihejirika here.
7:33 a.m. Coronavirus cases rising at Chicago’s federal high-rise jail
For weeks, Chicago’s downtown federal high-rise jail appeared to be keeping the coronavirus at bay.
Only a handful of staff members at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on West Van Buren had tested positive for the coronavirus since the outbreak began, according to official numbers. And no reports emerged of detainees with the virus — until Tuesday.
Now, for the first time, the coronavirus appears to be spreading among the MCC’s more than 600 inmates. Though the number of confirmed cases there remains low, the virus has been known to spread rapidly, and numbers tracked by the Chicago Sun-Times have risen quickly.
The numbers were gathered from court filings by prosecutors and local defense attorneys, as well as from an MCC union official. Those on-the-ground sources have largely been in agreement, and they have reported higher numbers of positive cases than the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Read more from Jon Seidel here.
6:18 a.m. Illinois reports 33 more COVID-19 deaths as case total surpasses 30K
Illinois health officials announced another 33 deaths and 1,197 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 30,357.
In total, 1,290 people have died of the coronavirus in Illinois since the pandemic first hit. The virus has now been reported in 93 of the state’s 102 counties.
Illinois also ran at least 5,914 COVID-19 tests on Saturday, officials said. In all, more than 142,000 have been tested for the virus.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker also announced that an airlift of PPE is scheduled to arrive in Illinois on Monday.
The protective equipment will be taken to state warehouses, where they’ll be inspected before being shipped out to first responders and health care professionals, Pritzker said.
“That’s the landscape we’re operating in,” Pritzker said. “Competing with other states, countries and even the federal government for supplies.”
Read the full report from Jake Wittich here.
New Cases
Analysis & Commentary
5:25 p.m. Coronavirus has made incarceration a potential death sentence
This week, the New York Times featured the story of how the coronavirus savaged the Federal Correctional Complex in Oakdale, Louisiana. On March 28, Patrick Jones, 49, serving a 27-year sentence for possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, became the first federal inmate to die of the virus.
Barely three weeks later, seven inmates had died, at least 100 inmates and staff members had been infected, with more than 20 hospitalized — and an entire community terrorized. The prisoners died, unreported, unknown, their bodies essentially owned by the federal government that imprisoned them.
According to corrections officers there, the warden was slow to act, saying that “we live in the South and it’s warm here. We won’t have any problems,” a haunting illustration of the dangers of loose rhetoric and tall tales from the president, amplified on social media.
The horrors of the Andover, New Jersey nursing home — with at least 70 residents dead and dozens more testing positive — has dramatized the vulnerability of the elderly in nursing homes, where over 7,000 have died. Our grossly overpopulated prisons and jails are quickly becoming the next centers to be ravaged by the disease.
Cook County Jail, the largest in the country, is already one of the nation’s largest sources of infections, with more confirmed cases than the USS Theodore Roosevelt or the New Rochelle, New York cluster. Four inmates are dead and 215 have tested positive, as have 191 correctional officers and 34 other sheriff’s office employees. One employee just died.
1:40 p.m. GOP Illinois congressmen blister state Senate Democrats for using COVID-19 as excuse for pension bailout
The five Illinois Republicans in Congress blistered Democratic Senate President Don Harmon on Monday for using the COVID-19 fiscal emergency as an excuse to seek $10 billion to bailout Illinois’ already troubled pension funds.
The letter was signed by Republican Reps. Adam Kinzinger, John Shimkus, Rodney Davis, Mike Bost and Darin LaHood.
This uproar started when Harmon, from Oak Park, sent a letter April 14 to Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., with a $41 billion list of items, including the pension cash, he wanted in the next round of emergency federal COVID-19 relief funding.
The request for the pension lifejacket touched a raw nerve with Illinois Republicans, because the state pension mess — to them — is emblematic of state of Illinois fiscal problems that predate the COVID-19 economic meltdown.
Congress is working on a fourth massive emergency federal assistance coronavirus pandemic financial package and a stalemate may break this week.
12:37 p.m. As my grandma lay dying, I could not hug her or hold her hand. But I will honor her memory with my vote on Nov. 3
My grandma was admitted to the hospital with atrial fibrillation and low potassium, and she was tested for COVID-19. Not allowed inside the hospital, my mom sat in the parking lot as rain poured down, staring at a single-wide trailer being used to process emergency room admissions as she texted updates to my siblings and me.
The next day, I learned that my grandma had tested positive for COVID-19. I talked to her over the phone while she laid in bed without family by her side. She told me how proud she was of me and to keep doing good in the world. I told her how much I loved her and that I would continue to do my best to make the world a better place. A feeling that this would be our last conversation hung over me as tears filled my eyes.
On April 2, I learned that feeling was right. My mom called to tell me that my grandma had passed away. I am so thankful that my mom was able, eventually, to physically be with grandma before she passed, and that members of the family near and far were able to speak with her over the phone.
I know my story is like so many others. Loved ones suffering, families unable to physically be with one another. We can’t hug the people we love, can’t hold their hand in silence, can’t kiss them on the cheek.
The lucky among us get to say “I love you” over the phone; others will never have that opportunity, never get to say goodbye.
Read John H. Hageman’s story here.
10:56 a.m. Illinois should test 100K people per day before reopening economy: EDITORIAL
Before Illinois can reopen its economy, it ideally should achieve the capacity to test up to 100,000 people a day for the coronavirus. Only then can there be some kind of certainty about getting and keeping the virus under control.
But Gov. J.B. Pritzker knows that’s a wistful dream for now, in large part because the federal government has failed miserably to supply states with sufficient testing materials, no matter what President Trump says to the contrary.
On Sunday evening, apparently responding to new complaints by several governors earlier in the day, Trump announced he is going to use his powers under the Defense Production Act to order companies to increase the production of test swabs by over 20 million a month.
“You’ll have so many swabs you won’t know what to do with them,” Trump said.
We’ll believe it when we see it. Trump has been blowing smoke on testing since at least early February. He has bragged repeatedly that the United States has done more testing than all other countries — though on a per capita basis this is blatantly untrue — and promised to ramp up more testing.
Read the full editorial here.
10:08 a.m. Letter from a Chicago doctor: How we can improve health for African Americans after COVID-19
Dr. Alan Jackson is an assistant professor of medicine and public voices fellow at Rush University. In a letter to the Sun-Times, he outlined concrete steps we can take as a city to improve health outcomes in Chicago’s black community:
Chicago’s black community accounts for approximately 70% of all deaths related to COVID-19 in Chicago, though the community represents only 23% of the city’s population. The most obvious explanation for this is that people who suffer from underlying health issues such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and lung diseases are at the highest risk of dying from COVID-19 — and the black community disproportionately suffers from these conditions. The question for the future, then, is what’s to be done about this? How do we improve overall health for black Chicago? A 1986 World Health Organization agreement, the Ottawa Charter, provides a blueprint for promoting community health that could be helpful here. It enumerates nine areas that need to be addressed to develop healthy communities — peace, shelter, education, food, income, a stable eco-system, sustainable resources, social justice and equity.
Click to read Dr. Jackson’s letter: Nine ways to improve health for African Americans in Chicago after COVID-19.
7:31 a.m. Second- and third-wave layoffs coming from COVID-19
The jobs impact first hit in the hotels, airlines, bars and restaurants. It spread to department stores, boutiques, fitness clubs, movie theaters. Then on to some manufacturers, or at least those whose products were not deemed essential for the crisis. The logistics business is starting to feel it because each shutdown takes out a customer. Then come all the service industries and consultants that draw income from what’s shuttered.
Economist Amy Crews Cutts, who runs her own firm, staked out the edge of extreme pessimism by telling The Wall Street Journal she expects it’ll take labor markets five and a half years before they shed the pandemic’s effects.
In fairness, other economists believe the private sector was in such a happy mood that it’ll snap right back to hiring once the virus is under control. Balance the negative with the determined sunny siders and you get, what — a recession that lasts into late 2021 or early 2022?
Read the full column from David Roeder here.
6:45 a.m. How COVID-19 is transforming our lives: What will change when the lockdown ends
Until we have a COVID-19 vaccine and massive infection and antibody testing, I’m not sitting knee to knee in a movie theater, ballpark, concert or house of worship.
Or eating in a crowded restaurant. Or shaking hands. Or using your pen. Or dealing with paper money and coins.
Maybe one day I’ll be telling stories about living through this COVID-19 health and economic disaster. I’ll be like my mother, of blessed memory, recalling how she grew up during the Great Depression.
As a kid she was selling newspapers at the corner of 16th Street and Wabash Avenue to help the family survive. My grandfather, a Russian/Polish immigrant running a newsstand, did not read English. My mom told him the headlines.
Just as the Depression shaped the generation living through it, our reality is things will never go back to how they were. COVID-19 is changing how we live, learn, work and communicate.
Read the full column from Lynn Sweet.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-20--Man reported missing from Park Manor found safe

Woman shoots man in face on West Side after saying , ‘ You ’ re not going to leave me @ @ @ @ @ kill you ’ : police He was listed in good condition at Stroger Hospital after @ @ @ @ @ , police said .

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


chicagosun-times--2020-04-20--Before pot was legalized, blacks were 7 times more likely to face weed arrests than whites in Illino

Before pot was legalized, blacks were 7 times more likely to face weed arrests than whites in Illinois, report finds

Even as total arrests for weed possession in Illinois plummeted over the past decade , black residents were seven times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana possession in 2018 , according to a new report released Monday .
The report from the American Civil Liberties Union , which examines nationwide cannabis arrests between 2010 and 2018 , found that Illinois had the third largest racial disparities in possession arrests in 2018 , the most recent recent year comparable data was available .
Illinois ’ rate trailed only Montana and Kentucky .
Five Illinois counties — Tazewell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — were ranked among the top 20 counties for racial disparities in marijuana possession arrests that year , the report shows .
In Tazewell County , near Peoria , black people were 43 times more likely to be taken into custody for simply having pot .
The report does not give specific details on Cook County .
“ The legacy of rank bias in how we enforced cannabis laws in Illinois is clear , ” said Ben Ruddell , criminal justice policy director for the ACLU of Illinois .
“ We should redouble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of racially disproportionate policing does not continue under the new state law , especially in those parts of the state where the track record is so abysmal.
” Overall , the number of blacks arrested for pot possession dropped from 448 per 1,000 people in 2010 to 138 per 1,000 in 2018 , a period in which marijuana was decriminalized and also legalized for medical use .
But the arrest rate for whites dropped even more , from 130 arrests per 1,000 people to 18 , leading the racial disparities to more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times higher to 7.5 times higher .
Earlier this year , Illinois ’ prohibition on recreational pot was ultimately lifted completely by legislation that aims to address the harms of the drug war by expunging marijuana convictions and giving people of color a leg-up in the application process for licenses , among other measures .
The ACLU urges states to pursue future legislation with similar considerations for racial and criminal justice .
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy , a Chicago Democrat who has helped lead the state ’ s marijuana reform effort , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ address racial disparities in the way cannabis laws were enforced.
” “ This data shows how badly we needed to take that step .
But our work is not done , ” Cassidy said .
“ We need to ensure that laws around cannabis or other drugs are not enforced with this same sort of bias.
” The ACLU said there were fewer weed arrests in states that have legalized or decriminalized the drug , though the impact varies based on the jurisdiction .
While there ’ s been a clear drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrests in California went unchanged or continued on an existing downward trend .
Data on marijuana arrests in Illinois since legalization Jan. 1 was not included in the ACLU report .

Even as total arrests for weed possession in Illinois plummeted over the past decade, black residents were seven times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana possession in 2018, according to a new report released Monday.
The report from the American Civil Liberties Union, which examines nationwide cannabis arrests between 2010 and 2018, found that Illinois had the third largest racial disparities in possession arrests in 2018, the most recent recent year comparable data was available. Illinois’ rate trailed only Montana and Kentucky.
Five Illinois counties — Tazewell, Ogle, Henry, Peoria and Adams — were ranked among the top 20 counties for racial disparities in marijuana possession arrests that year, the report shows. In Tazewell County, near Peoria, black people were 43 times more likely to be taken into custody for simply having pot. The report does not give specific details on Cook County.
“The legacy of rank bias in how we enforced cannabis laws in Illinois is clear,” said Ben Ruddell, criminal justice policy director for the ACLU of Illinois. “We should redouble our efforts to ensure that this sort of racially disproportionate policing does not continue under the new state law, especially in those parts of the state where the track record is so abysmal.”
ACLU
Overall, the number of blacks arrested for pot possession dropped from 448 per 1,000 people in 2010 to 138 per 1,000 in 2018, a period in which marijuana was decriminalized and also legalized for medical use.
But the arrest rate for whites dropped even more, from 130 arrests per 1,000 people to 18, leading the racial disparities to more than double in that time, from 3.4 times higher to 7.5 times higher.
Earlier this year, Illinois’ prohibition on recreational pot was ultimately lifted completely by legislation that aims to address the harms of the drug war by expunging marijuana convictions and giving people of color a leg-up in the application process for licenses, among other measures. The ACLU urges states to pursue future legislation with similar considerations for racial and criminal justice.
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat who has helped lead the state’s marijuana reform effort, said the legislation she co-sponsored specifically sought to “address racial disparities in the way cannabis laws were enforced.”
“This data shows how badly we needed to take that step. But our work is not done,” Cassidy said. “We need to ensure that laws around cannabis or other drugs are not enforced with this same sort of bias.”
The ACLU said there were fewer weed arrests in states that have legalized or decriminalized the drug, though the impact varies based on the jurisdiction. While there’s been a clear drop in arrests since Maine legalized cannabis, arrests in California went unchanged or continued on an existing downward trend.
Data on marijuana arrests in Illinois since legalization Jan. 1 was not included in the ACLU report.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-20--2 fatally shot in Markham

2 fatally shot in Markham

Two men were fatally shot Sunday in south suburban Markham .
Michael White , 32 , and another man of @ @ @ @ @ about 9:10 p.m. in the 15900 block of Oakley Avenue , according to the Cook @ @ @ @ @ office .
Autopsy results released Monday confirmed they died of their gunshots wounds , and @ @ @ @ @ , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
Markham police did not immediately provide @ @ @ @ @

Two men were fatally shot Sunday in south suburban Markham.
Michael White, 32, and another man of an unknown age were shot about 9:10 p.m. in the 15900 block of Oakley Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Autopsy results released Monday confirmed they died of their gunshots wounds, and ruled their deaths as homicides, the medical examiner’s office said.
Markham police did not immediately provide details on the shooting.