chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Coronavirus pandemic leads to drive-through wakes; ‘You have to have an opportunity to say goodbye’

Coronavirus pandemic leads to drive-through wakes ; ‘ You have to have an opportunity to say goodbye ’ Share All sharing options for : Coronavirus pandemic leads to drive-through wakes ; ‘ You have to have an opportunity to say goodbye ’ America ’ s love affair with the automobile has produced drive-through restaurants , dry cleaners , coffee shops , prayer services , weddings — and now , thanks to the coronavirus pandemic , drive-through wakes like the one held for Rosemarie Santilli .
On Wednesday , cars turned off of Milwaukee Avenue into the parking lot at Kolssak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through orange cones and lane-dividers to approach two of the funeral home ’ s rear windows .
Behind the first window was the viewing parlor .
Inside were chairs for Mrs. Santilli ’ s family and a microphone so they could communicate with the motorist-mourners .
Another mic was set up outside the window for drivers to have two-way communication with her relatives .
Then , visitors pulled up to a second window to view Mrs. Santilli , who died Sunday at 91 .
She was dressed in pink shades , matching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ribbon emblazoned : “ Loving Mom , Grandma.
” Some of her face-masked relatives ventured outside , standing a safe distance away while greeting those who drove up to pay respects .
The funeral home — open for nearly 90 years but doing drive-through visitations only in the past month because of COVID-19 — set up a canopy to protect them from the lightly falling rain .
About 35 mourners in 15 cars came through the parking lot .
“ It ’ s a great idea , ” said Kathleen Kondiles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For people who didn ’ t want to roll down their window , they ’ re talking to us on their cellphones.
” “ You can still get closure and reconnect with people , and it ’ s pretty impressive by the funeral home to kind of MacGyver it , ” said Mrs. Santilli ’ s grandson Nickolas Kondiles , 29 , a resident at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda , Maryland .
“ I know my mom would appreciate it , ” said Mrs. Santilli ’ s son Gene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nissan XTerra to express condolences .
“ You get a chance to say goodbye , ” said Campbell , a grand-niece of Mrs. Santilli from Clearing , their old neighborhood near Midway Airport .
“ To not have the ability to show the love and support during these times , it ’ s horrible , ” said Eric Noonan of Palatine , whose Ford Explorer also was part of the motorcade of mourners .
“ In a bad situation , it ’ s the best thing.
” “ We found it unusual but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Bull Valley in McHenry County , sitting beside his wife Georgia in their Toyota 4Runner .
Mrs. Santilli was born in 1928 , went to Lucy Flower High School and worked as a bookkeeper .
Her memorial prayer card bore the logos of her favorite teams — the Cubs and Blackhawks .
She was renowned for her cooking .
She ’ d process lots of tomatoes every year and store the jars of sauce in “ the tomato closet.
” Her husband Gino died in 2008 .
Mrs. Santilli is also survived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drive-through visitations like hers are one way for funeral homes to ride out a pandemic that has led to bans on big gatherings .
“ Creativity is the key to survival , ” said Jon Kolssak , a third-generation funeral director .
“ Every person is a celebrity to their family .
You have to have an opportunity to say goodbye.
’ ’ Kolssak said that , before offering drive-through wakes , he attended one at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory in McHenry to observe .
Justen ’ s had arranged the drive-through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was the fourth generation to operate the family funeral businesses and was McHenry County ’ s presumptive future coroner : He ’ d recently won the Republican primary for the post and had no Democratic opponent .
Mr. Justen ’ s casket was placed between inner and outer doors of the funeral home vestibule with black draping behind him .
Visitors drove up under the carport to pay their respects .
“ The people that knew my father said he was always doing something different , ” his son Rob Justen said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside the box one more time.
” In the late 1980s , Lafayette Gatling started offering drive-through visitations via TV screen at Gatling ’ s Chapels in Chicago and South Holland .
He thought it would allow mourners with disabilities to get to wake and also benefit people working in the building trades who didn ’ t have time to clean up before entering a funeral parlor .
Gatling ’ s lets people in Chicago drive up to a canopy and “ attend ” viewings in South Holland and vice-versa .
With the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest in the drive-through visitations , Gatling said , because people “ don ’ t have to be six feet apart.
” Drive-through wakes and similar innovations are expected to increase , according to John Wenig of the National Funeral Directors Association in Brookfield , Wisconsin .
“ This is a way to give people the opportunity to say their visual goodbyes , ” Wenig .
Mrs. Santilli ’ s visitation was Kolssak ’ s second drive-through wake .
The first , on April 17 , was for William Hein , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus on April 10 at 80 .
About 60 vehicles took part , according to his son William .
A celebration of Mr. Hein ’ s life will be held once the pandemic eases , his son said .
But in the meantime , he said , “ It gave the family closure , and it gave his friends closure .
”

America’s love affair with the automobile has produced drive-thru restaurants, dry-cleaners, coffee shops, prayer services, weddings — and now, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, drive-thru wakes like the one held for Rosemarie Santilli.
On Wednesday, cars turned off of Milwaukee Avenue into the parking lot at Kolssak Funeral Home in Wheeling. They threaded through orange cones and lane-dividers to approach two of the funeral home’s rear windows.
Behind the first window was the viewing parlor. Inside were chairs for Mrs. Santilli’s family and a microphone so they could communicate with the motorist-mourners. Another mic was set up outside the window for drivers to have two-way communication with her relatives.
Then, visitors pulled up to a second window to view Mrs. Santilli, who died Sunday at 91. She was dressed in pink shades, matching the spray of flowers on her casket with a ribbon emblazoned: “Loving Mom, Grandma.”
A mourner gets out of her vehicle to pay her respects at the drive-thru wake for Rosemarie Santilli, 91, at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times
Some of her face-masked relatives ventured outside, standing a safe distance away while greeting those who drove up to pay respects.
The funeral home — open for nearly 90 years but doing drive-thru visitations only in the past month because of COVID-19 — set up a canopy to protect them from the lightly falling rain.
About 35 mourners in 15 vehicles came through the parking lot.
“It’s a great idea,” said Kathleen Kondiles, Mrs. Santilli’s daughter. “For people who didn’t want to roll down their window, they’re talking to us on their cellphones.”
“You can still get closure and reconnect with people, and it’s pretty impressive by the funeral home to kind of MacGyver it,” said Mrs. Santilli’s grandson Nickolas Kondiles, 29, a resident at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
“I know my mom would appreciate it,” said Mrs. Santilli’s son Gene.
Jill Campbell drove up in her Nissan XTerra to express condolences.
“You get a chance to say goodbye,” said Campbell, a grand-niece of Mrs. Santilli from Clearing, their old neighborhood near Midway Airport.
“To not have the ability to show the love and support during these times, it’s horrible,” said Eric Noonan of Palatine, whose Ford Explorer also was part of the motorcade of mourners. “In a bad situation, it’s the best thing.”
Milton Kondiles and his two sons greet mourners at the drive-thru wake for his mother-in-law Rosemarie Santilli, at Kolssak Funeral Home in Wheeling Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times
“We found it unusual but very comforting,” said Russ Catt of Bull Valley in McHenry County, sitting beside his wife Georgia in their Toyota 4Runner.
Mrs. Santilli was born in 1928, went to Lucy Flower High School and worked as a bookkeeper. Her memorial prayer card bore the logos of her favorite teams — the Cubs and Blackhawks.
Rosemarie Santilli’s family organized a drive-thru wake as a way to hold onto the rituals of mourning during a pandemic that bans large gatherings. Provided
She was renowned for her cooking. She’d process lots of tomatoes every year and store the jars of sauce in “the tomato closet.”
Her husband Gino died in 2008. Mrs. Santilli is also survived by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Drive-thru visitations like hers are one way for funeral homes to ride out a pandemic that has led to bans on big gatherings.
“Creativity is the key to survival,” said Jon Kolssak, a third-generation funeral director. “Every person is a celebrity to their family. You have to have an opportunity to say goodbye.’’
Mourners drive through to pay their respects for Rosemarie Santilli. Drive-thru wakes and visitations are a way for funeral homes to provide the usual mourning rituals during a pandemic that’s led to bans on big gatherings. Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times
Kolssak said that, before offering drive-thru wakes, he attended one at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory in McHenry to observe.
Justen’s had arranged the drive-thru viewing for Mark Justen, 66, who was the fourth generation to operate the family funeral businesses and was McHenry County’s presumptive future coroner: He’d recently won the Republican primary for the post and had no Democratic opponent.
Mr. Justen’s casket was placed between inner and outer doors of the funeral home vestibule with black draping behind him. Visitors drove up under the carport to pay their respects.
“The people that knew my father said he was always doing something different,” his son Rob Justen said. “They said he was thinking outside the box one more time.”
In the late 1980s, Lafayette Gatling started offering drive-thru visitations via TV screen at Gatling’s Chapels in Chicago and South Holland. He thought it would allow mourners with disabilities to get to wakes and also benefit people working in the building trades who didn’t have time to clean up before entering a funeral parlor. Gatling’s lets people in Chicago drive up to a canopy and “attend” viewings in South Holland and vice-versa.
With the pandemic, there’s been renewed interest in the drive-thru visitations, Gatling said, because people “don’t have to be six feet apart.”
Drive-thru wakes and similar innovations are expected to increase, according to John Wenig of the National Funeral Directors Association in Brookfield, Wisconsin. “This is a way to give people the opportunity to say their visual goodbyes,” Wenig.
Mrs. Santilli’s visitation was Kolssak’s second drive-thru wake. The first, on April 17, was for William Hein, a former Wheeling village president who died of the coronavirus on April 10 at 80. About 60 vehicles took part, according to his son William.
A celebration of Mr. Hein’s life will be held once the pandemic eases, his son said. But in the meantime, he said, “It gave the family closure, and it gave his friends closure.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Wild birds: Let’s Talk Wild Tendons in “Braising the Wild”

Jack Hennessy is spot on from the first sentence today .
Tough tendons are real impediment to enjoying parts of wild birds .
And I enjoyed the wit of the overstatement in the second paragraph .
I ’ d be willing to speculate the reason so many hunters do not keep the legs from their wild birds is due to the crazy amount of tendons , and their hard texture when cooked , compared to domestic birds .
These tendons are so hard they are often mistaken for bones by some cooks .
Some tendons are so sharp , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shave could times get really tough ( okay , maybe I am exaggerating there ) .
Bottom line : Tendons are an unpleasant aspect of cooking wild legs .
Below are some tips on how to deal with them .
It is possible to remove some tendons , but not all .
This is harder to pull off at bigger birds with thicker legs , but the idea is this : You crack the leg below the spur and step on the foot while grasping the upper portion of leg with both hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the foot and what is left behind are several tendons attached to the foot .
You can find my short video on this on YouTube : “ Removing Tendons from Upland Birds.
” As I have discussed in several articles , the harder-working parts of our game will also be tougher and therefore require lower temps and longer times for cooking .
Legs are no different .
You can braise or simmer your wild turkey legs but the bottom line is this : make sure they are covered in liquids for a minimum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 325 degrees .
For small birds , like pheasants or grouse , you can likely get away with half that time , if not less .
I like to submerge my wild turkey legs in chicken stock and a dark beer or wine , then toss in some diced onions , celery , and black peppercorns and let those babies denature in the oven for several hours .
For bigger birds , like a very mature tom , you may want to go as long as 6 hours .
I like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over flames or a 220-degree smoke for a half hour .
I suggest carving off chunks and then hand-picking the meat off the tendons .
You ’ re just plain cruel if you serve that leg sans carving or picking , but that ’ s just my opinion .
Also , ALWAYS remind those eating game to “ CHEW SLOWLY , ” as shot , even for a turkey pelted in the head , can remain in leg meat .
It happened to my wife this past weekend ( and I know I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her bark is far fiercer than her bite .

LET’S TALK WILD TENDONS I’d be willing to speculate the reason so many hunters do not keep the legs from their wild birds is due to the crazy amount of tendons, and their hard texture when cooked, compared to domestic birds. These tendons are so hard they are often mistaken for bones by some cooks. Some tendons are so sharp, I almost think I could use them to shave could times get really tough (okay, maybe I am exaggerating there). Bottom line: Tendons are an unpleasant aspect of cooking wild legs. Below are some tips on how to deal with them. REMOVING TENDONS It is possible to remove some tendons, but not all. This is harder to pull off at bigger birds with thicker legs, but the idea is this: You crack the leg below the spur and step on the foot while grasping the upper portion of leg with both hands. You pull the bird apart from the foot and what is left behind are several tendons attached to the foot. You can find my short video on this on YouTube: Removing Tendons from Upland Birds. WHEN COOKING As I have discussed in several articles, the harder-working parts of our game will also be tougher and therefore require lower temps and longer times for cooking. Legs are no different. You can braise or simmer your wild turkey legs but the bottom line is this: make sure they are covered in liquids for a minimum of 4 hours at at no higher than 325 degrees. For small birds, like pheasants or grouse, you can likely get away with half that time, if not less. I like to submerge my wild turkey legs in chicken stock and a dark beer or wine, then toss in some diced onions, celery, and black peppercorns and let those babies denature in the oven for several hours. For bigger birds, like a very mature tom, you may want to go as long as 6 hours. I like to follow this process with a quick sear over flames or a 220-degree smoke for a half hour. WHEN SERVING I suggest carving off chunks and then hand-picking the meat off the tendons. You’re just plain cruel if you serve that leg sans carving or picking, but that’s just my opinion. Also, ALWAYS remind those eating game to CHEW SLOWLY, as shot, even for a turkey pelted in the head, can remain in leg meat. It happened to my wife this past weekend (and I know I headshot that bird). Thankfully, her bark is far fiercer than her bite.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--1 killed, 1 wounded Thursday in Chicago shootings

Two people were shot Thursday in Chicago , including a man who was killed in Altgeld Gardens on the Far @ @ @ @ @ to a ShotSpotter alert about 4:53 p.m. in the 13200 block of South Rhodes Avenue @ @ @ @ @ gunshot wounds to the head and chest , Chicago police said .
The man was @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ .
In the day ’ s other shooting , a 25-year-old man was critically wounded @ @ @ @ @ Side .
The attack happened about 11:45 a.m. in the 3200 block of West Lexington @ @ @ @ @ .
He was standing in his apartment when two gunmen walked through the garage area @ @ @ @ @ door before running off .
The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital for treatment @ @ @ @ @ arrests have been made .
Three people were wounded Wednesday in citywide shootings .
Read @ @ @ @ @ track the city ’ s homicides .

Two people were shot Thursday in Chicago, including a man who was killed in Altgeld Gardens on the Far South Side.
Officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert about 4:53 p.m. in the 13200 block of South Rhodes Avenue and found the 36-year-old with gunshot wounds to the head and chest, Chicago police said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office hasn’t released details on the death.
In the day’s other shooting, a 25-year-old man was critically wounded in Lawndale on the West Side.
The attack happened about 11:45 a.m. in the 3200 block of West Lexington Street, Chicago police said. He was standing in his apartment when two gunmen walked through the garage area and shot him through a door before running off.
The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital for treatment, police said. No arrests have been made.
Three people were wounded Wednesday in citywide shootings.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--NFL draft: Here’s whom the Bears should pick at No. 43

The Sun-Times ’ Bears experts make their pick for who the team should draft with their first of two second-round picks Friday : While the Bears will undoubtedly be tempted by a receiver or pass-catching tight end — and they should be —there ’ s no bigger hole in their two-deep than starting cornerback .
Six were drafted in the first round Thursday , and it ’ s a shock Diggs wasn ’ t one of them .
He ’ s not the most technically sound player on the board , but the 6-1 , 205-pounder would be a dynamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has pedigree : Stefon Diggs ’ kid brother played receiver as a freshman before becoming a starter at cornerback his last two seasons .
He comes from the college game ’ s most dominant defensive program — just ask safety Eddie Jackson .
( He worked out well . )
Higgins was widely thought to be a first-round pick , but several surprise picks bumped him out of the opening night .
He put up 2,103 yards and 25 touchdowns over his sophomore and junior seasons at Clemson .
The Bears have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiver is significant enough to justify pouncing on Higgins at No .
43 .
Hardly anyone expected him to be available this late — ESPN ’ s Mel Kiper had him in the top five at his position , and he has drawn comparisons to Bengals star A.J .
Green — and the Bears can ’ t bypass his talent .
He ’ s worth it even if they have to trade up a few spots to secure him .
The Bears might have to trade up to get Delpit — and probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holes to fill — but the instinctive , infectious Delpit has extreme value on a top-five defense with a star-laden front seven like the Bears .
His “ it ” factor is reminiscent of former Bears safety Mike Brown — a second-round pick ( 39th overall ) in 2000 after Brian Urlacher was taken ninth overall .
Wide receiver ( Notre Dame ’ s Chase Claypool ) , tackle ( Houston ’ s Josh Jones , a first-round quality talent ) , tight end ( Notre Dame ’ s Cole Kmet ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) are worthy targets if Delpit isn ’ t available .

The Sun-Times’ Bears experts make their pick for who the team should draft with their first of two second-round picks Friday:
Patrick Finley: Alabama CB Trevon Diggs
While the Bears will undoubtedly be tempted by a receiver or pass-catching tight end — and they should be —there’s no bigger hole in their two-deep than starting cornerback. Six were drafted in the first round Thursday, and it’s a shock Diggs wasn’t one of them. He’s not the most technically sound player on the board, but the 6-1, 205-pounder would be a dynamic fit opposite the oh-so-steady Kyle Fuller. He has pedigree: Stefon Diggs’ kid brother played receiver as a freshman before becoming a starter at cornerback his last two seasons. He comes from the college game’s most dominant defensive program — just ask safety Eddie Jackson. (He worked out well.)
Jason Lieser: Clemson WR Tee Higgins
Higgins was widely thought to be a first-round pick, but several surprise picks bumped him out of the opening night. He put up 2,103 yards and 25 touchdowns over his sophomore and junior seasons at Clemson. The Bears have a lot of needs, but wide receiver is significant enough to justify pouncing on Higgins at No. 43. Hardly anyone expected him to be available this late — ESPN’s Mel Kiper had him in the top five at his position, and he has drawn comparisons to Bengals star A.J. Green — and the Bears can’t bypass his talent. He’s worth it even if they have to trade up a few spots to secure him.
Mark Potash: LSU S Grant Delpit
The Bears might have to trade up to get Delpit — and probably won’t do that with many holes to fill — but the instinctive, infectious Delpit has extreme value on a top-five defense with a star-laden front seven like the Bears. His “it” factor is reminiscent of former Bears safety Mike Brown — a second-round pick (39th overall) in 2000 after Brian Urlacher was taken ninth overall. Wide receiver (Notre Dame’s Chase Claypool), tackle (Houston’s Josh Jones, a first-round quality talent), tight end (Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet) and quarterback (Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts) are worthy targets if Delpit isn’t available.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Kennedy, Edens lane closures planned for Montrose bridge removal

Lane and ramp closures are planned through the weekend on parts of the Kennedy and Edens expressways for the removal of the Montrose Avenue bridge on the Northwest Side .
The express lanes of I-90/94 were shut down at 7 p.m. Thursday and will remain closed until 3 p.m. Friday , according to a statement from the Illinois Department of Transportation .
The closures are part of a project to reconstruct the bridge carrying Montrose over the expressway and will allow crews to start removing the existing bridge , IDOT said .
The ramps to the inbound expressway from Montrose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noon on Friday , followed by the ramps from Lawrence and Cicero avenues at 7 p.m. , IDOT said .
Starting at 7 p.m. Friday , inbound traffic on the Kennedy and Edens expressways will be reduced to a single lane approaching Montrose , IDOT said .
Traffic will continue in the express lanes , but will be unable to exit until Armitage Avenue .
Additionally , pedestrians entering the CTA Blue Line station at Montrose should expect intermittent 15-minute sidewalk closures between 12:01 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday .
All lanes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 a.m. Monday , according to IDOT .
This weekend ’ s work will allow for the removal of the first of three sections of the bridge , which crosses over the inbound lanes , IDOT said .
The next segment of the bridge is scheduled be removed on the weekend of May 1 , with the final portion scheduled for later this spring .

Lane and ramp closures are planned through the weekend on parts of the Kennedy and Edens expressways for the removal of the Montrose Avenue bridge on the Northwest Side.
The express lanes of I-90/94 were shut down at 7 p.m. Thursday and will remain closed until 3 p.m. Friday, according to a statement from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The closures are part of a project to reconstruct the bridge carrying Montrose over the expressway and will allow crews to start removing the existing bridge, IDOT said.
The ramps to the inbound expressway from Montrose and Wilson avenues will be closed at noon on Friday, followed by the ramps from Lawrence and Cicero avenues at 7 p.m., IDOT said.
Starting at 7 p.m. Friday, inbound traffic on the Kennedy and Edens expressways will be reduced to a single lane approaching Montrose, IDOT said. Traffic will continue in the express lanes, but will be unable to exit until Armitage Avenue.
Additionally, pedestrians entering the CTA Blue Line station at Montrose should expect intermittent 15-minute sidewalk closures between 12:01 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday.
All lanes and ramps are due to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, according to IDOT.
This weekend’s work will allow for the removal of the first of three sections of the bridge, which crosses over the inbound lanes, IDOT said. The next segment of the bridge is scheduled be removed on the weekend of May 1, with the final portion scheduled for later this spring.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Boy, 5, accidentally shoots self in Woodlawn

A man was arrested after his 5-year-old son accidentally shot himself Friday with a gun he found in his father @ @ @ @ @ on the South Side .
The boy found the gun in his father ’ s @ @ @ @ @ his parents slept in their home on Drexel Avenue , Chicago police said .
He @ @ @ @ @ bathroom , where it accidentally went off , striking him in the hand .
The @ @ @ @ @ Children ’ s Hospital in good condition , police said .
His father tried to @ @ @ @ @ arrested in the 6100 block of South State Street after officers noticed his vehicle .
@ @ @ @ @ the home “ in a panic to discard the weapon ” after officers found his @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
It was not immediately known if he has a valid FOID @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was arrested after his 5-year-old son accidentally shot himself Friday with a gun he found in his father’s pocket in Woodlawn on the South Side.
The boy found the gun in his father’s pocket just after midnight while his parents slept in their home, Chicago police said. He took the gun to the bathroom, where it accidentally went off, striking him in the hand.
The boy was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in good condition, police said. His father tried to flee the home but was arrested in the 6100 block of South State Street after officers noticed his vehicle.
The father admitted to leaving the home “in a panic to discard the weapon” after officers found his gun in nearby grass, police said. It was not immediately known if he has a valid FOID card or concealed-carry license.
Charges are pending, police said.
Area Central detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Cook County medical examiner confirms 74 more coronavirus deaths

The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office confirmed Thursday that 74 more residents have died of coronavirus-related causes , @ @ @ @ @ toll up to 1199 .
Cook County now accounts for about 71 % of the @ @ @ @ @ Among the newly confirmed deaths is a 36-year-old Chicago man who had no underlying health @ @ @ @ @ medical examiner ’ s office .
An autopsy ruled he died Wednesday of acute respiratory @ @ @ @ @ infection .
Earlier Thursday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced that 123 more people had @ @ @ @ @ the statewide total to 1,688 .

The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed Thursday that 74 more residents have died of coronavirus-related causes, bringing the county’s toll up to 1199.
Cook County now accounts for about 71% of the coronavirus deaths in Illinois.
Among the newly confirmed deaths is a 36-year-old Chicago man who had no underlying health issues, according to the medical examiner’s office. An autopsy ruled he died Wednesday of acute respiratory failure due to a COVID-19 infection.
Earlier Thursday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that 123 more people had died of COVID-19, raising the statewide total to 1,688.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Man charged with attempted robbery of off-duty cop in South Loop

A man has been charged with trying to rob an off-duty Chicago police officer Thursday in the South Loop .
@ @ @ @ @ is charged with a felony count of attempted aggravated robbery indicating he had a firearm @ @ @ @ @ from Chicago police .
The officer was about to get into his vehicle about 7 @ @ @ @ @ in the 700 block of South Wabash Avenue when Saucedo-Ugalde tapped him on the shoulder @ @ @ @ @ police said .
Saucedo-Ugalde kept a hand in his sweater and implied he had a @ @ @ @ @ was able to subdue and detain Saucedo-Ugalde until other officers arrived and arrested him , @ @ @ @ @ scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing on Friday .
No injuries were @ @ @ @ @ recovered , according to police .
Read more on crime , and track the city @ @ @ @

A man on parole for robbery allegedly robbed an off-duty Chicago police officer Thursday in a South Loop parking garage, but was tackled by the officer who threw his car keys to distract him, prosecutors say.
Isaias Saucedo-Ugalde, 21, allegedly followed the officer up an elevator to the third floor of a parking garage in the 700 block of South Wabash Avenue, Cook County prosectors said in a Friday bail hearing.
As the 22-year-old officer was about to enter his car at 7 p.m., the man tapped the officer’s shoulder and tucked his hand into his pocket to imply he was armed, prosecutors said.
“Give me your f—— keys; I have a gun; I will shoot you,” he allegedly told the officer, according to prosecutors.
The officer replied, “Are you serious?” prosecutors said.
The officer then threw his keys to the man, distracting him and made an emergency takedown, prosecutors said. The officer held the man at gunpoint on the ground until other officers arrived and arrested Saucedo-Ugalde.
Saucedo-Ugalde was not armed, but officers did find a 6-inch white tube in his pocket, Chicago police said.
The officer had been staying at the nearby Hotel Essex, which has been housing first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saucedo-Ugalde is charged with a felony count of aggravated robbery indicating he had a firearm.
Cook County Judge John Lyke Jr. set his bail to $250,000, with electronic home monitoring as a condition of release, prosecutors said. He is due in court again May 1.
At the time of the attack, he was on parole for two armed robbery convictions from 2018 and 2016, prosecutors said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Coronavirus deaths more than double at Illinois nursing homes, data shows

The state ’ s count of coronavirus cases and deaths in long-term care facilities has more than doubled , according to numbers published Friday after a major nursing-home operator ’ s CEO warned they would reflect a “ surge in new cases and more heartbreaking deaths.
” But the numbers , published weekly , appear to be a lagging indicator of what is actually happening around the state — meaning the actual count could be higher .
For example , one South Side nursing home has publicized far higher numbers than reported by the state Friday .
A spokeswoman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released earlier by the individual nursing homes are reliable .
The new numbers reflect 4,298 coronavirus cases and 625 deaths in nursing homes across the state , according to a count by the Chicago Sun-Times .
Pritzker ’ s office first released nursing home numbers last week , which showed 1,860 residents and staff members had tested positive .
Of those , 286 had died .
“ It should not come as a surprise to anyone , ” Citadel Healthcare CEO Jonathan Aaron said during an online press conference Friday .
“ Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some operators also partnered with hospitals to test every resident and every employee.
” Aaron warned the state ’ s new numbers would reflect a surge .
But he also called the state ’ s data “ a limited snapshot.
” “ This virus moves silently and more quickly than we can , making data outdated even at the time of posting , ” said Aaron , whose organization is also a member of the Health Care Council of Illinois .
The state says it is gathering data on long-term care facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ databases , with a slight lag in the numbers that hit its website .
Aaron also acknowledged “ reasonable delays in reporting , ” given the rapid spread of the virus .
But he said Citadel Healthcare is following the state ’ s reporting requirements .
Symphony Care Network spokeswoman Natalie Bauer Luce said earlier this week that 111 residents at Symphony South Shore had contracted the coronavirus , and 10 residents there had died from the disease .
But the state ’ s numbers released Friday only show that the facility had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luce said earlier this week that long-term care facilities are required to notify the state and local health departments upon the diagnosis of a resident or staff member .
Aaron said Citadel reports every case within 12 hours .
The numbers released Friday would indicate more than a third of COVID-19 deaths in Illinois are tied to senior facilities , up from a quarter of all deaths last week .
Though Aaron said the state ’ s testing at nursing homes is “ deeply appreciated , ” he called it belated and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We urge the state to shift to rapid-response , mobile laboratories operated by the National Guard , ” Aaron said , adding , “ our residents deserve coordinated widespread testing.
” Pritzker at his daily briefing Friday said testing residents and staff at nursing homes is a top priority for the state .

The state’s count of coronavirus cases and deaths in long-term care facilities has more than doubled, according to numbers published Friday after a major nursing-home operator’s CEO warned they would reflect a “surge in new cases and more heartbreaking deaths.”
But the numbers, published weekly, appear to be a lagging indicator of what is actually happening around the state — meaning the actual count could be higher. For example, one South Side nursing home has publicized far higher numbers than reported by the state Friday. A spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the numbers released earlier by the individual nursing homes are reliable.
The new numbers reflect 4,298 coronavirus cases and 625 deaths in nursing homes across the state, according to a count by the Chicago Sun-Times. Pritzker’s office first released nursing home numbers last week, which showed 1,860 residents and staff members had tested positive. Of those, 286 had died.
“It should not come as a surprise to anyone,” Citadel Healthcare CEO Jonathan Aaron said during an online press conference Friday. “Because the state expanded testing this week, and some operators also partnered with hospitals to test every resident and every employee.”
Aaron warned the state’s new numbers would reflect a surge. But he also called the state’s data “a limited snapshot.”
“This virus moves silently and more quickly than we can, making data outdated even at the time of posting,” said Aaron, whose organization is also a member of the Health Care Council of Illinois.
The state says it is gathering data on long-term care facilities on a rolling basis from two national databases, with a slight lag in the numbers that hit its website. Aaron also acknowledged “reasonable delays in reporting,” given the rapid spread of the virus. But he said Citadel Healthcare is following the state’s reporting requirements.
Symphony Care Network spokeswoman Natalie Bauer Luce said earlier this week that 111 residents at Symphony South Shore had contracted the coronavirus, and 10 residents there had died from the disease. But the state’s numbers released Friday only show that the facility had 35 coronavirus cases and two deaths.
Luce said earlier this week that long-term care facilities are required to notify the state and local health departments upon the diagnosis of a resident or staff member. Aaron said Citadel reports every case within 12 hours.
The numbers released Friday would indicate more than a third of COVID-19 deaths in Illinois are tied to senior facilities, up from a quarter of all deaths last week. Though Aaron said the state’s testing at nursing homes is “deeply appreciated,” he called it belated and “off to a slow start.”
“We urge the state to shift to rapid-response, mobile laboratories operated by the National Guard,” Aaron said, adding, “our residents deserve coordinated widespread testing.”
Pritzker at his daily briefing Friday said testing residents and staff at nursing homes is a top priority for the state.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--2020 NFL Draft: Live updates for Rounds 2-3

The 2020 NFL Draft presses on Friday night with the second and third rounds held remotely .
Just like Thursday @ @ @ @ @ , GMs will make their picks from home while ESPN provides television coverage from its @ @ @ @ @ .
The first round largely started as expected with the Bengals taking LSU quarterback Joe @ @ @ @ @ State teammates Chase Young and Jeff Okudah went next to the Redskins and Lions , @ @ @ @ @ ( to the Giants ) and Tua Tagovailoa ( to the Dolphins ) rounding out @ @ @ @ @ first trade waited until the No .
13 pick , which had already been traded @ @ @ @ @ 49ers earlier this offseason .
San Francisco traded down one spot with Tampa Bay , @ @ @ @ @ take Iowa offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs .
One big surprise came when the Packers took @ @ @ @ @ with the No .
26 pick .
Results for the second day of this year @ @ @ @ @ .
This story will be updated .

The 2020 NFL Draft pressed on Friday night with the second and third rounds held remotely. Just like Thursday night for the first round, GMs will made their picks from home while ESPN provided television coverage from its studios in Bristol, Connecticut.
The run on wide receivers that started in the first round continued with the first two picks of Round 2. The Bengals nabbed Clemson’s Tee Higgins to partner with Joe Burrow, while the Colts added USC’s Michael Pittman Jr. to their passing game. In all, seven receivers went in the second round.
The Bears, armed with two second-round picks, addressed a pair of key needs with Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet and Utah cornerback Jaylon Jackson. Kmet was the only tight end selected in the top 90 picks.
Results for the second day of this year’s draft are below.
2020 NFL Draft results – Day 2
Round 2
33. Bengals – WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
34. Colts (via WSH) – WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC
35. Lions – RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia
36. Giants – S Xavier McKinney, Alabama
37. Patriots (via LAC) – S Kyle Dugger, Lenoir–Rhyne
38. Panthers – DE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
39. Dolphins – OL Robert Hunt, Louisiana-Lafayette
40. Texans (via ARI) – DT Ross Blacklock, TCU
41. Colts (via CLE) – RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
42. Jaguars – WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado
43. BEARS (via LV) – TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
44. Browns (via IND) – S Grant Delpit, LSU
45. Buccaneers – S Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota
46. Broncos – WR KJ Hamler, Penn State
47. Falcons – DE Marlon Davidson, Auburn
48. Seahawks (via NYJ) – DE Darrell Taylor, Tennessee
49. Steelers – WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
50. BEARS – CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah
51. Cowboys – CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama
52. Rams – RB Cam Akers, Florida State
53. Eagles – QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
54. Bills – DE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
55. Ravens (via NE/ATL) – RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
56. Dolphins (via NO) – DT Raekwon Davis, Alabama
57. Rams (via HOU) – WR Van Jefferson, Florida
58. Vikings – OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
59. Jets (via SEA) – WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
60. Patriots (via BAL) – OLB Josh Uche, Michigan
61. Titans – CB Kristian Fulton, LSU
62. Packers – RB A.J. Dillon, Boston College
63. Chiefs (via SF) – LB Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State
64. Panthers (via SEA/KC) – S Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois
Round 3
65. Bengals – LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming
66. Redskins – WR Antonio Gibson, Memphis
67. Lions – DE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
68. Jets (via NYG) – S Ashtyn Davis, California
69. Seahawks (via CAR) – OG Damien Lewis, LSU
70. Dolphins – S Brandon Jones, Texas
71. Ravens (via NE/LAC) – DT Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
72. Cardinals – OT Josh Jones, Houston
73. Jaguars – DT DaVon Hamilton, Ohio State
74. Saints (via CLE) – LB Zack Baun, Wisconsin
75. Lions (via IND) – OG Jonah Johnson, Ohio State
76. Buccaneers – RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt
77. Broncos – CB Michael Ojemudia, Iowa
78. Falcons – C Matt Hennessy, Temple
79. Jets – DE Jabari Zuniga, Florida
80. Raiders – WR Lynn Bowden, Kentucky
81. Raiders (via CHI) – WR Bryan Edwards, South Carolina
82. Cowboys – DT Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
83. Broncos (via PIT) – C Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU
84. Rams – LB Terrell Lewis, Alabama
85. Colts (via DET/PHI) – S Julian Blackmon, Utah
86. Bills – RB Zack Moss, Utah
87. Patriots – OLB Anfernee Jennings, Alabama
88. Browns (via NO) – DT Jordan Elliott, Missouri
89. Vikings – CB Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State
90. Texans – DE Jonathan Greenard, Florida
91. Patriots (via LV/HOU/SEA) – TE Devin Asiasi, UCLA
92. Ravens – WR Devin Duvernay, Texas
93. Titans – RB Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State
94. Packers – TE Josiah Deguara, Cincinnati
95. Broncos (via SF) – DT McTelvin Agim, Arkansas
96. Chiefs – OT Lucas Niang, TCU
97. Browns* (via HOU) – LB Jacob Phillips, LSU
98. Ravens* (via NE) – LB Malik Harrison, Ohio State
99. Giants* – OT Matt Peart, Connecticut
100. Raiders* (via NE) – S Tanner Muse, Clemson
101. Patriots* (via NYJ/SEA) – TE Dalton Keene, Virginia Tech
102. Steelers* – DE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
103. Eagles* – OLB Davion Taylor, Colorado
104. Rams* – S Terrell Burgess, Utah
105. Saints* (via MIN) – TE Adam Trautman, Dayton
106. Ravens* – OT Tyre Phillips, Mississippi State
*Compensatory picks from free agency


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--2020 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears pick Utah CB Jaylon Johnson in 2nd round at No. 50

With their second pick in the NFL Draft , the Bears chose Utah CB Jaylon Johnson in the second round @ @ @ @ @ .
Johnson likely will get an opportunity to win a starting job opposite Kyle Fuller @ @ @ @ @ Prince Amukamara this offseason , and the returning players competing to replace him are all @ @ @ @ @ at Utah , Johnson had seven interceptions , 21 passes defensed and 102 tackles .
@ @ @ @ @ with No .
43 on Friday by taking Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet .
@ @ @ @ @ at his position chosen .
He had 43 catches , 515 yards and six touchdowns @ @ @ @ @ season .
Barring a trade , the Bears ’ next pick is in the fifth @ @ @ @ @ overall Saturday .
They also have two sixth-rounders and two selections in the seventh .

Live shots of players’ in-home celebrations have been one of the best parts of the NFL holding an all-virtual draft, but there wasn’t much of a scene at Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson’s place when the Bears chose him in the second round.
He looked far from enthusiastic about going 50th overall — seventh among cornerbacks — after believing he was a clear-cut first-rounder. He had barely any reaction other than nonchalantly looking around. Didn’t even get up from the couch.
“Definitely as a competitor and the expectations I had for myself, of course I expected to go a lot higher,” Johnson said. “But . . . I’m definitely forever grateful for the Bears to be that first team to believe in me and give me an opportunity to be able to provide for my family.
“I didn’t expect to be around for that pick. I definitely had some internal things going on in terms of that aspect. But I’m forever grateful.”
He should quickly get his chance to stick it to everyone who overlooked him.
The Bears came into the draft with only two picks in the first four rounds and made wise use of them by taking a tight end and cornerback. Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet was their choice at No. 43 overall.
At corner, Johnson will get an opportunity to win a starting job opposite Kyle Fuller and eventually take over as the Bears’ top cover man. Fuller, 28, is likely to hit free agency after the 2021 season.
They cut veteran Prince Amukamara in February, leaving a crew of unproven reserves to vie for his spot. The leading candidate among the returning cornerbacks is Kevin Toliver, who made the team as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Toliver has two career starts and played 16 percent of the defensive snaps last season.
The Bears also picked up free agent Artie Burns from the Steelers. He fizzled in Pittsburgh after going No. 25 overall in 2016.
Johnson emerged as an NFL prospect his sophomore season, when he had four interceptions and 41 tackles. His production fell to two picks and 36 tackles while playing hurt as a junior.
He is 6-foot, 193 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. He is also oozing with confidence and when asked for a scouting report on himself, he began with, “Honestly, I’m a baller.”
The Bears chose Johnson over Alabama’s Trevon Diggs (No. 51 to the Cowboys) and LSU’s Kristian Fulton (No. 61 to the Titans) despite significant concerns about both shoulders.
Because of coronavirus-related restrictions, teams were limited in how much they could vet a player’s health or host prospects at their facilities.
Johnson said he spoke with the Bears “a couple times” leading up to the draft, including a videoconference a few days ago, and wasn’t sure how they went about analyzing his medical records. That’s of particular concern after he unknowingly played through a torn labrum in his right shoulder last season.
“Very comfortable,” general manager Ryan Pace said when asked how he felt about Johnson’s medical history. “He missed one game in two years. He played through the injury last year, which I think says a lot about him and who he is.
“This will be something that will limit him for some of the offseason program, but we feel really comfortable just with our doctors and trainers and the work we did on it. We expect him to be healthy when we need him.”
Johnson played through a torn labrum in his right shoulder — he didn’t know until after the season — as a junior and had surgery shortly after the combine. The typical five-month recovery time for that injury would put him in question for the scheduled start of training camp. Johnson also said he has had two surgeries on his left shoulder.
Nonetheless, he doesn’t think it’ll be an issue.
“My shoulder is fixed and I’m ready to go,” Johnson said.
But one thing he’s not ready to move on from is being snubbed. He might not ever get over it.
“I’m not going to forget about it,” Johnson said. “I’m going to go out and show who I am, what I could’ve been bringing and ... do all I can to make teams regret the decision.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Gifts from alumni at South Side Catholic high school become ‘a lifeline’  (LIVE UPDATES)

Gifts from alumni at South Side Catholic high school become ‘ a lifeline ’ A couple of weeks ago , Nikia Bell , a single mother of four , waited in a line that stretched for four blocks — holding onto a resume and the fragile hope of work .
Three hours later , nearing the front of the line , Bell was told that she ’ d have to come back another day to the job-finding service .
And now , the 42-year-old ’ s car is on the fritz .
Her increasingly dire situation brought Bell to tears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelmed because I was just thinking about what am I going to do when it ’ s all over , ” said Bell , referring to the coronavirus shutdown .
But Bell , who lives in the Woodlawn neighborhood , was thankful for at least one thing Friday — the folks at Leo Catholic High School on the South Side , where her son Kendale Anderson is a senior .
For the last three weeks , the school has been handing out boxed meals and gift cards [ for groceries and other necessities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is most of them .
The school has also been offering tuition deferments , meaning parents won ’ t have to pay while they ’ re out of work .
7:22 p.m. Record testing leads to record case count : 2,724 new Illinois coronavirus cases , 108 more deaths Officials on Friday said another 108 people have died from the coronavirus in Illinois , as the state recorded both the highest number of new cases and highest number of test results .
With 108 additional deaths , the state has lost 1,795 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus , but the state received 16,124 test results Thursday — a record high for the state ’ s testing capacity , according to Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s office .
In total , there have been 39,658 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Illinois , with more than 173,000 tests performed .
Pritzker has said his goal is to run 10,000 tests a day .
Pritzker ’ s office said hospitalization numbers remain level , a key indicator that the virus ’ spread may be slowing down .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state is experiencing its peak in terms of fatalities , officials said .
Read the full report from Tina Sfondeles here .
6:45 p.m. U. of I. still planning on-campus instruction this fall , asks new students to commit by May 1 The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is planning for students to return to its campus next fall , but is offering options for students who can ’ t return or would prefer to take online classes instead .
In a letter to current and potential students sent this week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the state ’ s largest public university , said the school is “ doing all we can to provide an on-campus learning experience for our students in the fall .
We are planning for in-person classes to begin as scheduled.
” But Borst also told students they will be allowed the option of taking courses online in the fall and switch to on-campus instruction for a subsequent semester .
Students were also given the option of delaying their start at the school by up to two semesters after they ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be allowed to take classes at other colleges during that time — including community colleges — if they defer .
Students have until August to decide .
Still , whether the state will even allow students to return to campuses in the fall is an open questions — and if they can , whether they should .
Read the full report from Matthew Hendrickson here .
A Melrose Park police officer died Friday from the coronavirus , officials said .
Officer Joseph Cappello died at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital from complications of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park Police Department said .
“ Always dependable and trustworthy , Officer Cappello worked hard to build relationships in the community , ” Melrose Park Director of Police Sam Pitassi said in a statement .
“ He served the people of Melrose Park with integrity and will be remembered as a dedicated public servant.
” 5:42 p.m. Minority- , women-owned firms may have lost out on Chicago ’ s coronavirus contracts Minority- and woman-owned and operated companies may have lost out on city business as Chicago waited weeks to learn whether enforcing its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for millions of dollars in COVID-19 spending .
In early April , city officials asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency whether Chicago was complying with federal contract rules about reimbursement .
“ We started sounding the alarm , ” the mayor ’ s office says .
Federal rules ban preferences for contractors being required to be from a particular place , which is intended to prevent corruption .
But Chicago ’ s MBE/WBE program , which stands for minority-business enterprises and women ’ s-business enterprises — has such a “ local preference.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Cook County or surrounding counties to qualify .
Read the full report from Frank Main and Lauren Fitzpatrick here .
By a roll call vote reminiscent of Council Wars , Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Friday got the expanded spending and contracting authority she says she needs to respond on a dime to the coronavirus pandemic .
Two days after a handful of aldermen called it a “ power grab ” and used a parliamentary maneuver to temporarily block it , the City Council easily approved the mayor ’ s ordinance by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the same roll call produced repeatedly during the 1980 ’ s power struggle known as Council Wars that saw 29 mostly white aldermen thwart then-Mayor Harold Washington ’ s every move .
Prior to the final vote , several aldermen pleaded with their colleagues not to relinquish their role as a co-equal branch of government charged with appropriating city funds .
They argued Lightfoot alone should not be allowed to decide how to spend the avalanche of federal stimulus money pouring into Chicago .
Read the full report from Fran Spielman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 200 million revenue gap from COVID-19 — and prepares for ‘ how bad this could get ’ The coronavirus pandemic has blown a hole in the Cook County budget , with preliminary outlooks projecting a shortfall of $ 200 million .
That hole is largely due to decreased revenue from the county ’ s sales tax and other home rule taxes , such as the hotel accommodations tax .
But no one knows the depth of that hole and how long it will take to fill it .
“ We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this until we have a vaccine , and that ’ s a minimum of 18 months away , ” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said .
For the county ’ s general fund , which covers the sheriff ’ s and state ’ s attorney offices and others , the revenue shortfall is around $ 200 million .
The shortfall was first reported by WBEZ .
Read the full report from Rachel Hinton here .
2:05 p.m. Rogers Park man battling coronavirus wakes up in hospital to learn that wife , son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tapiru II became one of the youngest casualties of COVID-19 in the Chicago area when he was found dead on the couch of his family ’ s Rogers Park condo on April 14 .
His parents , Josephine and Luis Sr. , already stricken with the disease , were fighting for their lives at AMITA Health St. Francis Hospital in Evanston when their son died at home alone .
Four days after her son ’ s death , Josephine , 56 , who worked as a nurse at a nursing home , died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Luis Sr. was informed of their deaths .
Doctors waited until he was off a ventilator before telling him .
“ He was in shock .
He was in tears .
He couldn ’ t believe it , ” said the family ’ s other son , Justin Tapiru , 28 , who helped deliver the news via FaceTime from Canada , where he lives .
COVID-19 has dealt a terrible blow to thousands of families around Chicago , but it has been particularly cruel to the Tapirus , a hardworking immigrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1:35 p.m. Federal budget deficit to reach $ 3.7 trillion in economic decline , CBO says A recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic and a government spending spree on testing , health care and aid to businesses and households will nearly quadruple the federal budget deficit to $ 3.7 trillion , the Congressional Budget Office said Friday .
Among the legacies of the outbreak , a CBO report says , is a pile of trillions of dollars of debt , amassed by a political system that has proved incapable of taking even small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 budget deficit will explode after four coronavirus response bills passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump promise to pile more than $ 2 trillion onto the $ 24.6 trillion national debt in just the remaining six months of the current fiscal year , according to the report .
That ’ s more than double the deficit record set during President Barack Obama ’ s first year in office .
1:03 p.m. Don ’ t let coronavirus relief check disappear into your debts Federal relief payments meant to help consumers during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But some consumers could be in for disappointment if they have outstanding debts .
Although the payments can ’ t be seized for taxes or federal student loan debt , they can be diverted if you ’ re facing a private debt collection action .
If you owe child support , the stimulus payment may be collected toward that debt .
Here ’ s how your relief money could be diverted , and how to prepare .
12:10 p.m. Michelle Obama urges African Americans to stay home to prevent the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African Americans to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in public service announcements released Friday .
“ Our communities are among the hardest hit by the coronavirus , ” Obama said in one of her two PSAs .
“ And we ’ ve got to do everything we can to keep each other safe .
“ And that means staying home , because even of we are not showing any symptoms we can still spread the virus to others .
Let ’ s keep each other safe by just staying home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bless.
” Listen to the 60-second and 30-second radio PSAs here .
President Donald Trump signed a $ 484 billion bill Friday to aid employers and hospitals under stress from the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 50,000 Americans and devastated broad swaths of the economy .
The bill is the latest effort by the federal government to help keep afloat businesses that have had to close or dramatically alter their operations as states try to slow the spread of the virus .
Over the past five weeks , roughly 26 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or about 1 in 6 U.S. workers .
11:23 a.m. FDA warns of risks of treating coronavirus with Trump-promoted malaria drug The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning doctors against prescribing a malaria drug widely touted by President Donald Trump for treating the new coronavirus outside of hospitals or research settings .
In an alert Friday , regulators flagged reports of serious side effects and death among patients taking hydroxychloroquine and the related drug chloroquine .
The drugs , also prescribed for lupus , can cause a number of side effects , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blood pressure and muscle or nerve damage .
In one such report , doctors at a New York hospital said that heart rhythm abnormalities developed in most of the 84 coronavirus patients treated with hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromycin , a combo Trump has promoted .
10:10 a.m .
Struggling entrepreneurs count losses as Pritzker extends stay-at-home order : ‘ It is doing a tremendous amount of damage to my business ’ As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to send shockwaves through the American economy , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some small business owners counting their losses and considering whether they will ultimately have to close for good .
Jorge Rios and his wife , Vanessa Diaz , a couple who own Chicago ’ s Best barbershop and beauty salon in Logan Square , have accrued roughly $ 30,000 in debt as they continue to pay for leases and utilities for the properties while earning nothing .
“ It is doing a tremendous amount of damage to my business , ” Rios said .
“ Something that I ’ ve worked hard for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours , many long sleepless nights — that has been successful over the years can be completely crumbled and taken away in a matter of a few months due to forcing me to be closed and the debt accumulating.
” The couple has applied for government loans but hasn ’ t received any money yet , Rios said .
Now , they ’ re left mulling whether to continue to sink money into their once promising dream .
“ If the debt continues to accumulate , at what point do you look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years is it going to take to pay this down ?
” said Rios .
Read the full story from Tom Schuba and Manny Ramos .
8:51 a.m. Lysol issues warning against injecting disinfectants after Trump raises the idea The parent company of Lysol and another disinfectant warned Friday that its products should not be used as an internal treatment for the coronavirus after President Donald Trump wondered about the prospect during a White House briefing .
Trump noted Thursday that researchers were looking at the effects of disinfectants on the virus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into people , saying the virus “ does a tremendous number on the lungs , so it would be interesting to check that.
” That prompted a strong warning from the maker of disinfectants Lysol and Dettol , which said it was issuing a statement to combat “ recent speculation.
” Researchers are testing the effect of disinfectants on virus-laden saliva and respiratory fluids in the laboratory , said William Bryan , of the Department of Homeland Security .
They kill the virus very quickly , he said .
“ And is there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , by injection inside or almost a cleaning , ” Trump said .
“ Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs .
So it would be interesting to check that .
So , that , you ’ re going to have to use medical doctors with .
But it sounds — it sounds interesting to me.
” Standing outside the Water Tower Thursday , Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a COVID-19 Recovery Task Force co-chaired by the mayor along with her longtime friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor has assembled is a virtual who ’ s-who of Chicago power brokers .
It will be divided into five working groups : Policy and Economic Stimulus ; Mental and Emotional Health ; Marketing and Business Development ; Regional Coordination ; and Economic Change Study .
The Regional Coordination group includes Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle , who was swamped by Lightfoot in the 2019 mayoral runoff and has had a frosty relationship with the mayor ever since .
Preckwinkle applauded Lightfoot for her “ strong leadership ” and said it makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ share labor markets and supply chains ” to work together .
She stressed the need for a recovery focused heavily on “ the devastating impact ” the virus has had on “ black and brown communities.
” Read the full report from Fran Spielman here .
6:58 a.m. Poland sending COVID-19 medical team to Chicago , White House says Poland is sending a nine-member medical team to Chicago as the city battles the COVID-19 pandemic , a White House official told the Chicago Sun-Times on Thursday .
The team is being provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is expected to arrive in Chicago on Thursday afternoon and remain until May 2 .
“ The primary goal of the team is to share and exchange experiences in fighting COVID-19 , ” the White House said .
The Polish medical team came to Chicago as part of the Illinois National Guard ’ s longstanding State Partnership Program with the Polish military .
“ The Polish military ’ s support to us here in Illinois during a global pandemic is a testament to the depth and commitment on both sides of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brig .
Gen. Richard R. Neely , the adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard in a statement .
Read more from reporter Lynn Sweet here .
6:21 a.m. Latest sign of the coronavirus times : drive-thru wakes In the late 1980s , Lafayette Gatling started offering drive-through visitations via TV screen at Gatling ’ s Chapels in Chicago and South Holland .
He thought it would allow mourners with disabilities to get to wake and also benefit people working in the building trades who didn ’ t have time to clean up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lets people in Chicago drive up to a canopy and “ attend ” viewings in South Holland and vice-versa .
With the pandemic , there ’ s been renewed interest in the drive-thru visitations , Gatling said , because people “ don ’ t have to be six feet apart.
” Drive-thru wakes and similar innovations are expected to increase , according to John Wenig of the National Funeral Directors Association in Brookfield , Wisconsin .
“ This is a way to give people the opportunity to say their visual goodbyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s visitation was the second drive-thru wake for Jon Kolssak , a third-generation funeral director .
The first , on April 17 , was for William Hein , a former Wheeling village president who died of the coronavirus on April 10 at 80 .
About 60 vehicles took part , according to his son William .
A celebration of Mr. Hein ’ s life will be held once the pandemic eases , his son said .
But in the meantime , he said , “ It gave the family closure , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full story from Maureen O ’ Donnell here .
• The Chicago Police Department now has 380 confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
Of those , 361 are officers and 19 are civilian employees .
• Illinois reported another 123 deaths due to the coronavirus Thursday , raising the state ’ s death toll to 1,688 since the COVID-19 outbreak began .
There are also 1,826 new cases , bringing the state ’ s total count of positive coronavirus cases to 36,934 , officials said .
• An associate at the Trump International Hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed case of COVID-19 .
• Another employee at the Cook County Circuit Court clerk ’ s office has tested positive for COVID-19 , bringing the overall total to 20 .
Across these states , doctors orders they are defyin ’ .
But it won ’ t be long .
Soon they will be cryin ’ .
Dyin ’ .
Sickness risin ’ .
Coronavirus lyin ’ in wait to claim ignorance that hisses at the lessons of history and science .
Arrogance defiantly spitting in the face of fact and truth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has claimed tens of thousands of lives .
Infecting millions worldwide .
Staking its deadly claim like the Grim Reaper .
Peace Breacher .
Invisible Angel of Death .
Irrespective of people — white or black .
Or yellow .
Or brown .
Hear the sound : Of a cresting river of mourning .
Amid this affliction .
Amid this hell storm of sickness that shall inevitably run its full course .
With such catastrophic force of which historians will someday write .
Read the column by John W. Fountain here .
12:39 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bike ride along the Chicago River Tired of being cooped up in the house for the pandemic , my wife and I put on our best train-robber masks and went for a bike ride along the Chicago River .
It was just what we needed .
If you ’ re thinking the coronavirus might mean the end of city living as we know it , an hour on the river will convince you : We ’ ll figure out a way to make this all work .
Our destination wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably wouldn ’ t have let us on that anyway .
Instead , we headed out along mostly deserted Belmont Avenue to the North Branch and rode north from there on the riverside trail for nearly a mile before having to detour back to city streets .
That might not seem like much of an achievement .
But it wouldn ’ t have been possible a year ago .
An important segment of the trail , the 1,000-foot-long Riverview Bridge connecting Clark Park at Addison Street to California Park at Grace Street , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
8:46 a.m. Chicago dance studio wants small business PPP loan : 100,000 are ahead in line Congress sent another $ 320 billion to a wildly popular , quickly depleted COVID-19 loan program Thursday , though it ’ s a long shot the Glenwood Dance Studio in East Rogers Park will get any of the cash .
Sandra Verthein , the dance center board president , submitted an application on April 9 , three days after Chase opened its PPP website , requesting a very small loan , $ 5,750 .
That represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part-time dance instructors .
She lost a few days because of difficulties applying online .
On April 19 , Verthein got an e-mail from Chase , which she shared with me .
Chase noted the PPP funding was exhausted .
Even if more came through , “ We want you to know there are more than 100,000 applications ahead of you at Chase , based on when you submitted your inquiry.
” Banks determine who gets help in swiftly completing and submitting an application .
That gives the lenders considerable sway over PPP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My feeling is if we are that far down the line for someplace we applied on April 9 , what ’ s the point of doing an application now with some other bank where we will be further down the line ?
” 6:18 a.m. Day 19,432 of the lockdown : Kidding , it only feels that way My mother and I talk every day .
Boulder , Colorado , which offered so much when my parents retired there , geez , more than 30 years ago , isn ’ t quite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-80s , they aren ’ t charging up the trail to Wonderland Lake anymore .
It can be a frustrating conversation .
Particularly when my mother is planning to go to the store .
“ Ma !
” I ’ ll say , “ don ’ t risk your life for coconut shrimp !
” Or , when that doesn ’ t work , “ Ma !
You ’ re going to die alone , surrounded by strangers in masks.
” My father is sometimes watching television when I phone — CNN , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my mother will mention something on the screen , the latest aftershock from our president ’ s daily twirl in the limelight , like some demented ballerina on the music box in an insecure girl ’ s nightmare .

Officials on Friday said another 108 people have died from the coronavirus in Illinois, as the state recorded both the highest number of new cases and highest number of test results.
Here’s what else happened around the state as the coronavirus pandemic continued.
News
8:57 p.m. Gifts from alumni at South Side Catholic high school become ‘a lifeline’
Darryl Tabernacki, father and spouse to faculty at Leo High School, gives food to a students parent outside Leo High School, Friday, April 24, 2020. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
A couple of weeks ago, Nikia Bell, a single mother of four, waited in a line that stretched for four blocks — holding onto a resume and the fragile hope of work.
Three hours later, nearing the front of the line, Bell was told that she’d have to come back another day to the job-finding service. And now, the 42-year-old’s car is on the fritz. Her increasingly dire situation brought Bell to tears Friday.
“I kind of got overwhelmed because I was just thinking about what am I going to do when it’s all over,” said Bell, referring to the coronavirus shutdown.
But Bell, who lives in the Woodlawn neighborhood, was thankful for at least one thing Friday — the folks at Leo Catholic High School on the South Side, where her son Kendale Anderson is a senior. For the last three weeks, the school has been handing out boxed meals and gift cards [for groceries and other necessities] to parents in need, which is most of them. The school has also been offering tuition deferments, meaning parents won’t have to pay while they’re out of work.
Reporter Stefano Esposito has the full story.
8:16 p.m. Chicago Police Department reports 13 more COVID-19 cases
Chicago police announced Friday 13 more cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of cases in the department to 393.
Of the confirmed cases, 374 are officers and 19 are civilian employees, police said.
A total of 394 employees have reported positive tests but the department’s medical section has yet to confirm one of those cases, police said.
7:49 p.m. Coronavirus deaths more than double at Illinois nursing homes, data shows
The state’s count of coronavirus cases and deaths in long-term care facilities has more than doubled, according to numbers published Friday after a major nursing-home operator’s CEO warned they would reflect a “surge in new cases and more heartbreaking deaths.”
But the numbers, published weekly, appear to be a lagging indicator of what is actually happening around the state — meaning the actual count could be higher. For example, one South Side nursing home has publicized far higher numbers than reported by the state Friday. A spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the numbers released earlier by the individual nursing homes are reliable.
The new numbers reflect 4,298 coronavirus cases and 625 deaths in nursing homes across the state, according to a count by the Chicago Sun-Times. Pritzker’s office first released nursing home numbers last week, which showed 1,860 residents and staff members had tested positive. Of those, 286 had died.
Reporter Jon Seidel has the full story.
7:22 p.m. Record testing leads to record case count: 2,724 new Illinois coronavirus cases, 108 more deaths
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday announced an extension of the state’s stay-at-home order until the end of May. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Officials on Friday said another 108 people have died from the coronavirus in Illinois, as the state recorded both the highest number of new cases and highest number of test results.
With 108 additional deaths, the state has lost 1,795 to COVID-19. Another 2,724 people tested positive for the virus, but the state received 16,124 test results Thursday — a record high for the state’s testing capacity, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office.
In total, there have been 39,658 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Illinois, with more than 173,000 tests performed. Pritzker has said his goal is to run 10,000 tests a day.
Pritzker’s office said hospitalization numbers remain level, a key indicator that the virus’ spread may be slowing down. The number of deaths, however, indicates the state is experiencing its peak in terms of fatalities, officials said.
Read the full report from Tina Sfondeles here.
6:45 p.m. U. of I. still planning on-campus instruction this fall, asks new students to commit by May 1
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is planning for students to return to its campus next fall, but is offering options for students who can’t return or would prefer to take online classes instead.
In a letter to current and potential students sent this week, Andy Borst, director of undergraduate admissions at the state’s largest public university, said the school is “doing all we can to provide an on-campus learning experience for our students in the fall. We are planning for in-person classes to begin as scheduled.”
But Borst also told students they will be allowed the option of taking courses online in the fall and switch to on-campus instruction for a subsequent semester.
Students were also given the option of delaying their start at the school by up to two semesters after they’ve been accepted, Borst said. But students will not be allowed to take classes at other colleges during that time — including community colleges — if they defer. Students have until August to decide.
Still, whether the state will even allow students to return to campuses in the fall is an open questions — and if they can, whether they should.
6:10 p.m. Melrose Park police officer dies from COVID-19
A Melrose Park police officer died Friday from the coronavirus, officials said.
Officer Joseph Cappello died at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital from complications of COVID-19, a spokesperson for the Melrose Park Police Department said.
“Always dependable and trustworthy, Officer Cappello worked hard to build relationships in the community,” Melrose Park Director of Police Sam Pitassi said in a statement. “He served the people of Melrose Park with integrity and will be remembered as a dedicated public servant.”
Read the full report here.
5:42 p.m. Minority-, women-owned firms may have lost out on Chicago’s coronavirus contracts
Minority- and woman-owned and operated companies may have lost out on city business as Chicago waited weeks to learn whether enforcing its affirmative-action contracts program would jeopardize federal reimbursements for millions of dollars in COVID-19 spending.
In early April, city officials asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency whether Chicago was complying with federal contract rules about reimbursement.
“We started sounding the alarm,” the mayor’s office says.
Federal rules ban preferences for contractors being required to be from a particular place, which is intended to prevent corruption.
But Chicago’s MBE/WBE program, which stands for minority-business enterprises and women’s-business enterprises — has such a “local preference.” That means those businesses must be based in Cook County or surrounding counties to qualify.
Read the full report from Frank Main and Lauren Fitzpatrick here.
3:31 p.m. City Council approves emergency powers ordinance
By a roll call vote reminiscent of Council Wars, Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Friday got the expanded spending and contracting authority she says she needs to respond on a dime to the coronavirus pandemic.
Two days after a handful of aldermen called it a “power grab” and used a parliamentary maneuver to temporarily block it, the City Council easily approved the mayor’s ordinance by a vote of 29 to 21. That’s the same roll call produced repeatedly during the 1980’s power struggle known as Council Wars that saw 29 mostly white aldermen thwart then-Mayor Harold Washington’s every move.
Prior to the final vote, several aldermen pleaded with their colleagues not to relinquish their role as a co-equal branch of government charged with appropriating city funds.
They argued Lightfoot alone should not be allowed to decide how to spend the avalanche of federal stimulus money pouring into Chicago.
2:37 p.m. County braces for $200 million revenue gap from COVID-19 — and prepares for ‘how bad this could get’
The coronavirus pandemic has blown a hole in the Cook County budget, with preliminary outlooks projecting a shortfall of $200 million.
That hole is largely due to decreased revenue from the county’s sales tax and other home rule taxes, such as the hotel accommodations tax.
But no one knows the depth of that hole and how long it will take to fill it.
“We’re not going to get a handle on this until we have a vaccine, and that’s a minimum of 18 months away,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said.
For the county’s general fund, which covers the sheriff’s and state’s attorney offices and others, the revenue shortfall is around $200 million. The shortfall was first reported by WBEZ.
Read the full report from Rachel Hinton here.
2:05 p.m. Rogers Park man battling coronavirus wakes up in hospital to learn that wife, son have died of the disease
Twenty-year-old Luis Tapiru II became one of the youngest casualties of COVID-19 in the Chicago area when he was found dead on the couch of his family’s Rogers Park condo on April 14.
His parents, Josephine and Luis Sr., already stricken with the disease, were fighting for their lives at AMITA Health St. Francis Hospital in Evanston when their son died at home alone.
Four days after her son’s death, Josephine, 56, who worked as a nurse at a nursing home, died.
It wasn’t until Thursday that Luis Sr. was informed of their deaths. Doctors waited until he was off a ventilator before telling him.
“He was in shock. He was in tears. He couldn’t believe it,” said the family’s other son, Justin Tapiru, 28, who helped deliver the news via FaceTime from Canada, where he lives.
COVID-19 has dealt a terrible blow to thousands of families around Chicago, but it has been particularly cruel to the Tapirus, a hardworking immigrant family deeply committed to their faith.
Read the full story from Mark Brown.
1:35 p.m. Federal budget deficit to reach $3.7 trillion in economic decline, CBO says
A recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic and a government spending spree on testing, health care and aid to businesses and households will nearly quadruple the federal budget deficit to $3.7 trillion, the Congressional Budget Office said Friday.
Among the legacies of the outbreak, a CBO report says, is a pile of trillions of dollars of debt, amassed by a political system that has proved incapable of taking even small steps to constrain this problem.
The 2020 budget deficit will explode after four coronavirus response bills passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump promise to pile more than $2 trillion onto the $24.6 trillion national debt in just the remaining six months of the current fiscal year, according to the report.
That’s more than double the deficit record set during President Barack Obama’s first year in office.
Read the full report here.
1:03 p.m. Don’t let coronavirus relief check disappear into your debts
Federal relief payments meant to help consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic are starting to arrive. But some consumers could be in for disappointment if they have outstanding debts.
Although the payments can’t be seized for taxes or federal student loan debt, they can be diverted if you’re facing a private debt collection action. If you owe child support, the stimulus payment may be collected toward that debt.
Here’s how your relief money could be diverted, and how to prepare.
12:10 p.m. Michelle Obama urges African Americans to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Former first lady Michelle Obama urged African Americans to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in public service announcements released Friday.
“Our communities are among the hardest hit by the coronavirus,” Obama said in one of her two PSAs. “And we’ve got to do everything we can to keep each other safe.
“And that means staying home, because even of we are not showing any symptoms we can still spread the virus to others. Let’s keep each other safe by just staying home. Thank you so much and God bless.”
Listen to the 60-second and 30-second radio PSAs here.
11:40 a.m. Trump signs $484B coronavirus relief bill designed to aid businesses, hospitals
President Donald Trump signed a $484 billion bill Friday to aid employers and hospitals under stress from the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 50,000 Americans and devastated broad swaths of the economy.
The bill is the latest effort by the federal government to help keep afloat businesses that have had to close or dramatically alter their operations as states try to slow the spread of the virus. Over the past five weeks, roughly 26 million people have filed for jobless aid, or about 1 in 6 U.S. workers.
Read the full story.
11:23 a.m. FDA warns of risks of treating coronavirus with Trump-promoted malaria drug
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning doctors against prescribing a malaria drug widely touted by President Donald Trump for treating the new coronavirus outside of hospitals or research settings.
In an alert Friday, regulators flagged reports of serious side effects and death among patients taking hydroxychloroquine and the related drug chloroquine. The drugs, also prescribed for lupus, can cause a number of side effects, including heart rhythm problems, severely low blood pressure and muscle or nerve damage.
In one such report, doctors at a New York hospital said that heart rhythm abnormalities developed in most of the 84 coronavirus patients treated with hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromycin, a combo Trump has promoted.
Read the full story.
10:10 a.m. Struggling entrepreneurs count losses as Pritzker extends stay-at-home order: ‘It is doing a tremendous amount of damage to my business’
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to send shockwaves through the American economy, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s decision to extend Illinois’ stay-at-home order has left some small business owners counting their losses and considering whether they will ultimately have to close for good.
Jorge Rios and his wife, Vanessa Diaz, a couple who own Chicago’s Best barbershop and beauty salon in Logan Square, have accrued roughly $30,000 in debt as they continue to pay for leases and utilities for the properties while earning nothing.
“It is doing a tremendous amount of damage to my business,” Rios said. “Something that I’ve worked hard for day in and day out — many hours, many long sleepless nights — that has been successful over the years can be completely crumbled and taken away in a matter of a few months due to forcing me to be closed and the debt accumulating.”
The couple has applied for government loans but hasn’t received any money yet, Rios said. Now, they’re left mulling whether to continue to sink money into their once promising dream.
“If the debt continues to accumulate, at what point do you look at it and say, well how many years is it going to take to pay this down?” said Rios.
Read the full story from Tom Schuba and Manny Ramos.
8:51 a.m. Lysol issues warning against injecting disinfectants after Trump raises the idea
The parent company of Lysol and another disinfectant warned Friday that its products should not be used as an internal treatment for the coronavirus after President Donald Trump wondered about the prospect during a White House briefing.
Trump noted Thursday that researchers were looking at the effects of disinfectants on the virus and wondered aloud if they could be injected into people, saying the virus “does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that.”
That prompted a strong warning from the maker of disinfectants Lysol and Dettol, which said it was issuing a statement to combat “recent speculation.”
Improper use of Disinfectants: Due to recent speculation and social media activity, [parent company Reckitt Benckiser Group] (the makers of Lysol and Dettol) has been asked whether internal administration of disinfectants may be appropriate for investigation or use as a treatment for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). As a global leader in health and hygiene products, we must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion, or any other route). As with all products, our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines. Please read the label and safety information.
Researchers are testing the effect of disinfectants on virus-laden saliva and respiratory fluids in the laboratory, said William Bryan, of the Department of Homeland Security. They kill the virus very quickly, he said.
“And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning,” Trump said. “Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs. So it would be interesting to check that. So, that, you’re going to have to use medical doctors with. But it sounds — it sounds interesting to me.”
Read the full story.
8:01 a.m. Lightfoot outlines plan for post-pandemic recovery
Standing outside the Water Tower Thursday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a COVID-19 Recovery Task Force co-chaired by the mayor along with her longtime friend Sam Skinner.
The task force the mayor has assembled is a virtual who’s-who of Chicago power brokers.
It will be divided into five working groups: Policy and Economic Stimulus; Mental and Emotional Health; Marketing and Business Development; Regional Coordination; and Economic Change Study.
The Regional Coordination group includes Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who was swamped by Lightfoot in the 2019 mayoral runoff and has had a frosty relationship with the mayor ever since.
Preckwinkle applauded Lightfoot for her “strong leadership” and said it makes sense for a city and county that “share labor markets and supply chains” to work together.
She stressed the need for a recovery focused heavily on “the devastating impact” the virus has had on “black and brown communities.”
Read the full report from Fran Spielman here.
6:58 a.m. Poland sending COVID-19 medical team to Chicago, White House says
Poland is sending a nine-member medical team to Chicago as the city battles the COVID-19 pandemic, a White House official told the Chicago Sun-Times on Thursday.
The team is being provided by the Polish Ministry of National Defense and is expected to arrive in Chicago on Thursday afternoon and remain until May 2.
“The primary goal of the team is to share and exchange experiences in fighting COVID-19,” the White House said.
The Polish medical team came to Chicago as part of the Illinois National Guard’s longstanding State Partnership Program with the Polish military.
“The Polish military’s support to us here in Illinois during a global pandemic is a testament to the depth and commitment on both sides of our State Partnership with Poland,” said Brig. Gen. Richard R. Neely, the adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard in a statement.
Read more from reporter Lynn Sweet here.
6:21 a.m. Latest sign of the coronavirus times: drive-thru wakes
In the late 1980s, Lafayette Gatling started offering drive-through visitations via TV screen at Gatling’s Chapels in Chicago and South Holland. He thought it would allow mourners with disabilities to get to wake and also benefit people working in the building trades who didn’t have time to clean up before entering a funeral parlor. Gatling’s lets people in Chicago drive up to a canopy and “attend” viewings in South Holland and vice-versa.
With the pandemic, there’s been renewed interest in the drive-thru visitations, Gatling said, because people “don’t have to be six feet apart.”
Drive-thru wakes and similar innovations are expected to increase, according to John Wenig of the National Funeral Directors Association in Brookfield, Wisconsin. “This is a way to give people the opportunity to say their visual goodbyes,” Wenig.
Rosemarie Santilli’s visitation was the second drive-thru wake for Jon Kolssak, a third-generation funeral director. The first, on April 17, was for William Hein, a former Wheeling village president who died of the coronavirus on April 10 at 80. About 60 vehicles took part, according to his son William.
A celebration of Mr. Hein’s life will be held once the pandemic eases, his son said. But in the meantime, he said, “It gave the family closure, and it gave his friends closure.”
Read the full story from Maureen O’Donnell here.
New Cases
Analysis & Commentary
5:51 p.m. Portraits of Corona
Grim Reaper —
Across these states, doctors orders they are defyin’. But it won’t be long. Soon they will be cryin’. Dyin’. Sickness risin’. Coronavirus lyin’ in wait to claim ignorance that hisses at the lessons of history and science.
Arrogance defiantly spitting in the face of fact and truth and irrefutable proof about this plague that already has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Infecting millions worldwide. Staking its deadly claim like the Grim Reaper. Peace Breacher. Invisible Angel of Death. Irrespective of people — white or black. Or yellow. Or brown.
Hear the sound: Of a cresting river of mourning. Amid this affliction. Amid this hell storm of sickness that shall inevitably run its full course. With such catastrophic force of which historians will someday write.
Read the column by John W. Fountain here.
12:39 p.m. Got the COVID-19 blues? Take a bike ride along the Chicago River
Tired of being cooped up in the house for the pandemic, my wife and I put on our best train-robber masks and went for a bike ride along the Chicago River. It was just what we needed.
If you’re thinking the coronavirus might mean the end of city living as we know it, an hour on the river will convince you: We’ll figure out a way to make this all work.
Our destination wasn’t downtown and the Riverwalk. Mayor Lightfoot probably wouldn’t have let us on that anyway.
Instead, we headed out along mostly deserted Belmont Avenue to the North Branch and rode north from there on the riverside trail for nearly a mile before having to detour back to city streets.
That might not seem like much of an achievement. But it wouldn’t have been possible a year ago. An important segment of the trail, the 1,000-foot-long Riverview Bridge connecting Clark Park at Addison Street to California Park at Grace Street, wasn’t completed till last fall.
Read Ed Zotti’s full column here.
8:46 a.m. Chicago dance studio wants small business PPP loan: 100,000 are ahead in line
Congress sent another $320 billion to a wildly popular, quickly depleted COVID-19 loan program Thursday, though it’s a long shot the Glenwood Dance Studio in East Rogers Park will get any of the cash.
Sandra Verthein, the dance center board president, submitted an application on April 9, three days after Chase opened its PPP website, requesting a very small loan, $5,750. That represents payments for 2.5 months to the 10 part-time dance instructors. She lost a few days because of difficulties applying online.
On April 19, Verthein got an e-mail from Chase, which she shared with me. Chase noted the PPP funding was exhausted. Even if more came through, “We want you to know there are more than 100,000 applications ahead of you at Chase, based on when you submitted your inquiry.”
Banks determine who gets help in swiftly completing and submitting an application. That gives the lenders considerable sway over PPP distribution.
Verthein told me, “My feeling is if we are that far down the line for someplace we applied on April 9, what’s the point of doing an application now with some other bank where we will be further down the line?”
Read Lynn Sweet’s full column here.
6:18 a.m. Day 19,432 of the lockdown: Kidding, it only feels that way
My mother and I talk every day. Boulder, Colorado, which offered so much when my parents retired there, geez, more than 30 years ago, isn’t quite the jubilee it was. Now in their mid-80s, they aren’t charging up the trail to Wonderland Lake anymore.
It can be a frustrating conversation. Particularly when my mother is planning to go to the store. “Ma!” I’ll say, “don’t risk your life for coconut shrimp!” Or, when that doesn’t work, “Ma! You’re going to die alone, surrounded by strangers in masks.”
My father is sometimes watching television when I phone — CNN, thank God, not Fox — and my mother will mention something on the screen, the latest aftershock from our president’s daily twirl in the limelight, like some demented ballerina on the music box in an insecure girl’s nightmare.
“Don’t watch TV news mom,” I’ll say. “I never do.”
Read Neil Steinberg’s full column here.