chicagosun-times--2020-06-09--Chicago’s estimated 2020 budget shortfall now $700 million, Lightfoot says (LIVE UPDATES)

Estimated 2020 budget shortfall is $ 700 million , says mayor , who won ’ t rule out property tax increase The stay-at-home shutdown of the Chicago economy triggered by the coronavirus has blown a $ 700 million hole in the city ’ s 2020 budget , Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday , refusing to rule out a property tax increase she wants desperately to avoid .
“ We are hurting as a city : landlords , renters and workers .
Our entire economy — the rug has been pulled out from under us because of the massive impact ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mayor said .
The $ 700 million figure is 40 percent higher than the $ 500 million figure Chief Financial Officer Jennie Huang Bennett told the City Council ’ s Finance Committee about just over three weeks ago .
It ’ s also “ conservative ” and could go even higher , the mayor said , depending on how long it takes for consumers to regain confidence and whether there is a second or third surge in coronavirus cases .
Read the full story from City Hall reporter Fran Spielman here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives ’ star Judi Evans nearly had legs amputated due to coronavirus “ Days of Our Lives ” star Judi Evans has been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
After a horseback riding accident in California on May 16 — which resulted in several broken ribs , fractured leg injuries , a broken collarbone and vertebrae in her lower back — Evans , 55 , has been in the hospital for weeks , her publicist Howie Simon told USA TODAY .
The soap opera star requested that doctors test her for COVID-19 after being in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the hospital .
“ She contracted COVID-19 while at the local hospital she was at , ” Simon said in a statement .
“ They did not have her wear masks while being near COVID patients when awaiting x rays and other tests.
” Illinois remained on an apparent downward trend from its coronavirus peak with the latest figures released by health officials Tuesday , even as the state passed a grim milestone of 6,000 deaths since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit .
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 797 newly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 95 more deaths attributed to it .
That raises the death toll to 6,018 from among the 129,212 people who have contracted the virus in the state overall since late January .
On top of that , state health officials this week began reporting “ probable ” cases and deaths under guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , meaning they fit medical and epidemiological criteria , but the person wasn ’ t tested .
As of Monday , the state reported 178 probable deaths and 724 probable cases since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hilton and other big hotel companies are used to competing on price or perks .
Now they are competing on cleanliness .
From masked clerks at the front desk to shuttered buffets , hotels are making visible changes in the wake of the pandemic .
Signage will tout new cleaning regimens : Red Roof Inns promise “ RediClean , ” while Hilton boasts of “ CleanStay with Lysol.
” Hotels are still mostly empty ; in the U.S. , occupancy stood at 37 % the week ending May 30 , down 43 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to STR , a data and consulting firm .
But leisure travel is starting to pick up , and hotels see cleaning standards as a way to soothe jittery guests — and possibly win back business from rivals like home-sharing companies like Airbnb .
“ I think , more than ever , customers are going to be looking for that seal of approval , ” said Phil Cordell , Hilton ’ s head of global new brand development , who is leading the group developing the company ’ s new cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stringent than others , says Larry Yu , a professor of hospitality management at George Washington University .
He notes that Accor Hotels , a French company , has developed accreditation standards that its hotels must meet in order to reopen .
But Yu said enhanced cleaning is happening everywhere .
1:14 p.m. Craving normalcy during the pandemic ?
You can still get ‘ charred ’ by The Wiener ’ s Circle — curbside or via FaceTime The Wiener ’ s Circle , the Chicago hot dog stand famous for its employees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is continuing its tradition of doing exactly that — even amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The iconic Lincoln Park spot is now inviting customers to order via FaceTime , so diners can get “ charred from a safe distance.
” That ’ s in addition to “ curbside abuse , ” which launched in the spring , when the shutdown first went into effect .
At the start of the pandemic , all sales were helping the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund .
Now , all sales also will support the Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People Eats .
The announcement came in the form of a video the restaurant posted Monday .
U.S. employers laid-off 7.7 million workers in April — a deep the economic hole that was created by the closure of thousands of offices , restaurants , stores and schools during the pandemic .
The Labor Department also said in a Tuesday report that job openings plummeted and hiring all but disappeared in April .
The number of available jobs fell 16 % from March , to 5 million .
Hires declined 31 % to 3.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed an even bleaker March with 11.5 million layoffs — suggests that the economy could take time to recover nearly a decade ’ s worth of gains that vanished in about 60 days .
Hiring did rebound in May as 2.5 million jobs were added on net , the government said in a separate report Friday .
But those gains appeared to reflect temporarily laid-off employees returning to work and increases in people with part-time jobs , rather than an economy at full throttle .
10:47 a.m .
When can CPS athletes begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athletes are still waiting to see when they can begin summer workouts .
Athletic directors in CPS received an email on Sunday that made it seem as if the district would not allow schools to participate in the the IHSA ’ s first stage of return-to-play .
But Monday afternoon , CPS officials said that the email that was sent out isn ’ t the district ’ s official position .
“ The district has not yet released official guidance regarding return to play for sports but in light of new guidelines from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop guidance and protocols to ensure our students can safely begin training , ” said CPS spokesperson Emily Bolton .
Stage 1 of the IHSA ’ s plan mandates that temperatures be monitored at the start of the workouts and recommended that trainers be onsite .
Phillips football coach Troy McAllister says that CPS is probably destined to lag behind the rest of the state due to practicalities .
“ Those things are difficult for CPS to set up , ” McAllister said .
“ It is such a big district .
Who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smaller districts can get that done immediately and funding is probably better for the athletic departments.
” Read the full story from Michael O ’ Brien here .
9:40 a.m. Can tear gas and pepper spray increase virus spread ?
Police departments have used tear gas and pepper spray on protesters in recent weeks , raising concern that the chemical agents could increase the spread of the coronavirus .
The chemicals are designed to irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes , nose and throat .
They make people cough , sneeze and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to breathe .
Medical experts say those rushing to help people sprayed by tear gas could come into close contact with someone already infected with the virus who is coughing infectious particles .
Also , those not already infected could be in more danger of getting sick because of irritation to their respiratory tracts .
There ’ s no research on tear gas and COVID-19 specifically , because the virus is too new .
But a few years ago , Joseph Hout , then an active duty Army officer , conducted a study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riot control gas during basic training .
The study found a link between that exposure and doctors diagnosing acute respiratory illnesses .
Could tear gas lead to an increase in coronavirus infections ?
“ I think it ’ s plausible , yes , ” Hout said Monday .
7:43 a.m. McCormick Place loses biggest show of the year Bowing to the inevitable impact of COVID-19 , sponsors of the International Manufacturing Technology Show canceled the event Monday .
It was supposed to be the largest convention on McCormick Place ’ s calendar for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biennial affair was to have drawn more than 129,000 people to Chicago .
It also served as an unofficial kickoff to what ordinarily is a busy fall convention season in Chicago ; its cancellation could cause other organizations to drop or postpone their physical events set for later this year .
Under Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s plan for reopening the economy amid the pandemic , conventions could not happen until the state reaches Phase 5 of the recovery plan .
It ’ s currently in Phase 3 , and Phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a vaccine or effective treatment of COVID-19 and “ the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period , ” according to published guidelines .
7:05 a.m. Farm-to-table dining takes on new meaning amid pandemic The farm-to-table movement in the United States has grown in recent years , as consumers have increasingly demanded locally sourced food .
But in the past several weeks , the movement has grown out of necessity because some producers can ’ t rely on the complex web of processors , distributors and middlemen to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the challenges have turned into opportunities — and new customers .
“ When restaurants reopen , we ’ ll probably keep doing home delivery , because we ’ ve got a good base of customers , ” Pray said .
But it ’ s not good news for many of America ’ s food producers .
In late April and early May , U.S. beef and pork processing capacity was down 40 % from last year , according to Jayson Lusk , head of the department of agricultural economics at Purdue University .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at reduced capacity with beef and pork plants running about 10 % to 15 % below last year , he said .
• The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 797 newly confirmed cases of the disease Tuesday along with 95 more deaths attributed to it .
The state has now surpassed 6,000 total deaths .
• “ Days of Our Lives ” star Judi Evans has been diagnosed with COVID-19 , and nearly had her legs amputated due to the disease .
• Two more detainees , employee at Cook County Juvenile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Federal health authorities have received reports of nearly 26,000 nursing home residents dying from COVID-19 across the country .
8:04 a.m.
I ’ m a suburban teacher , and many of my students are losing out with remote learning In a letter to the Sun-Times editors , Tara Ehrenberg of Melrose Park writes : Thank you for covering the challenge of educating students during the pandemic .
I am a third grade teacher in Melrose Park .
Many of my students are among millions in the U.S. who aren ’ t getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they lack adequate digital access .
It ’ s been challenging to switch to e-learning .
I am missing 25 % of my class because not all of my students have access to technology .
They may have cell phones , but they don ’ t have internet access to the abundance of online resources available to schools right now .
That puts them at a disadvantage because their fellow classmates are able to watch educational videos or play educational games , while they ’ re just completing worksheets I give them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permission from the state government to allow teachers in schools to prepare learning packets for our students .
We are going to school every two weeks to provide work for our students who can ’ t complete their learning online .
Read this and more letters to the Sun-Times editors here .

The latest
Mayor Lori Lightfoot wears a face mask as she tours a new coronavirus drive-thru testing site at Dr. Jorge Prieto Math and Science Academy on May 18, 2020. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
The stay-at-home shutdown of the Chicago economy triggered by the coronavirus has blown a $700 million hole in the city’s 2020 budget, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday, refusing to rule out a property tax increase she wants desperately to avoid.
“We are hurting as a city: landlords, renters and workers. Our entire economy — the rug has been pulled out from under us because of the massive impact” that has affected every single business, the mayor said.
The $700 million figure is 40 percent higher than the $500 million figure Chief Financial Officer Jennie Huang Bennett told the City Council’s Finance Committee about just over three weeks ago.
It’s also “conservative” and could go even higher, the mayor said, depending on how long it takes for consumers to regain confidence and whether there is a second or third surge in coronavirus cases.
Read the full story from City Hall reporter Fran Spielman here.
News
7:55 p.m. Masks on, buffets off as Illinois gambling regulators set guidelines for casinos to reopen
Gamblers might be allowed back around the craps tables at Illinois casinos this summer for their shot at rolling a lucky seven — as long as they stay six feet apart.
But blowing on the dice for good luck? No dice, in the age of COVID-19.
And forget the buffet line.
A week after casinos beckoned gamblers back through their doors on the Las Vegas strip — and a week before they do likewise across the border in Indiana — Illinois gambling regulators issued a set of guidelines Tuesday for casinos to resume operations after the coronavirus forced them to fold for nearly three months and counting.
The Illinois Gaming Board’s plan doesn’t say exactly when the state’s 10 casinos will get the green light. Instead, each has to submit a plan outlining how operators will deep-clean their facilities, outfit employees with protective equipment and keep gamblers safely distanced, among other hurdles to get regulatory approval to reopen.
But a few customary industry perks are off the board from the get-go, per the Gaming Board.
Read the full report from Mitchell Armentrout here.
6:35 p.m. Hospitalized ‘Days of Our Lives’ star Judi Evans nearly had legs amputated due to coronavirus
“Days of Our Lives” star Judi Evans has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
After a horseback riding accident in California on May 16 — which resulted in several broken ribs, fractured leg injuries, a broken collarbone and vertebrae in her lower back — Evans, 55, has been in the hospital for weeks, her publicist Howie Simon told USA TODAY.
The soap opera star requested that doctors test her for COVID-19 after being in close contact with other positive patients while at the hospital.
“She contracted COVID-19 while at the local hospital she was at,” Simon said in a statement. “They did not have her wear masks while being near COVID patients when awaiting x rays and other tests.”
Read the full story here.
4:25 p.m. Illinois passes 6,000 coronavirus deaths
Illinois remained on an apparent downward trend from its coronavirus peak with the latest figures released by health officials Tuesday, even as the state passed a grim milestone of 6,000 deaths since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 797 newly confirmed cases of the disease along with 95 more deaths attributed to it.
That raises the death toll to 6,018 from among the 129,212 people who have contracted the virus in the state overall since late January.
On top of that, state health officials this week began reporting “probable” cases and deaths under guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meaning they fit medical and epidemiological criteria, but the person wasn’t tested. As of Monday, the state reported 178 probable deaths and 724 probable cases since the start of the pandemic.
Read the full story here.
3:20 p.m. Hotels make key changes to encourage guest stays amid coronavirus fears
Marriott, Hilton and other big hotel companies are used to competing on price or perks. Now they are competing on cleanliness.
From masked clerks at the front desk to shuttered buffets, hotels are making visible changes in the wake of the pandemic. Signage will tout new cleaning regimens: Red Roof Inns promise “RediClean,” while Hilton boasts of “CleanStay with Lysol.”
Hotels are still mostly empty; in the U.S., occupancy stood at 37% the week ending May 30, down 43% from the same period a year ago, according to STR, a data and consulting firm. But leisure travel is starting to pick up, and hotels see cleaning standards as a way to soothe jittery guests — and possibly win back business from rivals like home-sharing companies like Airbnb.
“I think, more than ever, customers are going to be looking for that seal of approval,” said Phil Cordell, Hilton’s head of global new brand development, who is leading the group developing the company’s new cleaning standards.
Some hotel brands are more stringent than others, says Larry Yu, a professor of hospitality management at George Washington University. He notes that Accor Hotels, a French company, has developed accreditation standards that its hotels must meet in order to reopen.
But Yu said enhanced cleaning is happening everywhere.
Read the full story here.
1:14 p.m. Craving normalcy during the pandemic? You can still get ‘charred’ by The Wiener’s Circle — curbside or via FaceTime
The Wiener’s Circle, the Chicago hot dog stand famous for its employees, who hurl insults at customers for fun, is continuing its tradition of doing exactly that — even amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The iconic Lincoln Park spot is now inviting customers to order via FaceTime, so diners can get “charred from a safe distance.” That’s in addition to “curbside abuse,” which launched in the spring, when the shutdown first went into effect.
At the start of the pandemic, all sales were helping the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund. Now, all sales also will support the Chicago Black-Owned Restaurant Relief Fund started by Black People Eats.
The announcement came in the form of a video the restaurant posted Monday.
Read the full story here.
12:37 p.m. U.S. employers laid-off 7.7 million workers in April
U.S. employers laid-off 7.7 million workers in April — a deep the economic hole that was created by the closure of thousands of offices, restaurants, stores and schools during the pandemic.
The Labor Department also said in a Tuesday report that job openings plummeted and hiring all but disappeared in April. The number of available jobs fell 16% from March, to 5 million. Hires declined 31% to 3.5 million.
The grim April — which followed an even bleaker March with 11.5 million layoffs — suggests that the economy could take time to recover nearly a decade’s worth of gains that vanished in about 60 days. Hiring did rebound in May as 2.5 million jobs were added on net, the government said in a separate report Friday. But those gains appeared to reflect temporarily laid-off employees returning to work and increases in people with part-time jobs, rather than an economy at full throttle.
Read the full story here.
10:47 a.m. When can CPS athletes begin summer workouts? Unclear
Chicago Public Schools athletes are still waiting to see when they can begin summer workouts.
Athletic directors in CPS received an email on Sunday that made it seem as if the district would not allow schools to participate in the the IHSA’s first stage of return-to-play. But Monday afternoon, CPS officials said that the email that was sent out isn’t the district’s official position.
“The district has not yet released official guidance regarding return to play for sports but in light of new guidelines from IHSA, we are working diligently to develop guidance and protocols to ensure our students can safely begin training,” said CPS spokesperson Emily Bolton.
Stage 1 of the IHSA’s plan mandates that temperatures be monitored at the start of the workouts and recommended that trainers be onsite.
Phillips football coach Troy McAllister says that CPS is probably destined to lag behind the rest of the state due to practicalities.
“Those things are difficult for CPS to set up,” McAllister said. “It is such a big district. Who is going to provide temperature testing? Smaller districts can get that done immediately and funding is probably better for the athletic departments.”
Read the full story from Michael O’Brien here.
9:40 a.m. Can tear gas and pepper spray increase virus spread?
Police departments have used tear gas and pepper spray on protesters in recent weeks, raising concern that the chemical agents could increase the spread of the coronavirus.
The chemicals are designed to irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat. They make people cough, sneeze and pull off their masks as they try to breathe.
Medical experts say those rushing to help people sprayed by tear gas could come into close contact with someone already infected with the virus who is coughing infectious particles. Also, those not already infected could be in more danger of getting sick because of irritation to their respiratory tracts.
There’s no research on tear gas and COVID-19 specifically, because the virus is too new. But a few years ago, Joseph Hout, then an active duty Army officer, conducted a study of 6,723 Army recruits exposed to a riot control gas during basic training. The study found a link between that exposure and doctors diagnosing acute respiratory illnesses.
Could tear gas lead to an increase in coronavirus infections? “I think it’s plausible, yes,” Hout said Monday.
Read the full report here.
7:43 a.m. McCormick Place loses biggest show of the year
Bowing to the inevitable impact of COVID-19, sponsors of the International Manufacturing Technology Show canceled the event Monday. It was supposed to be the largest convention on McCormick Place’s calendar for 2020.
Scheduled for Sept. 14-19, the biennial affair was to have drawn more than 129,000 people to Chicago. It also served as an unofficial kickoff to what ordinarily is a busy fall convention season in Chicago; its cancellation could cause other organizations to drop or postpone their physical events set for later this year.
Under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s plan for reopening the economy amid the pandemic, conventions could not happen until the state reaches Phase 5 of the recovery plan. It’s currently in Phase 3, and Phase 5 can’t occur until there’s a vaccine or effective treatment of COVID-19 and “the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period,” according to published guidelines.
Reporter David Roeder has the full story.
7:05 a.m. Farm-to-table dining takes on new meaning amid pandemic
The farm-to-table movement in the United States has grown in recent years, as consumers have increasingly demanded locally sourced food. But in the past several weeks, the movement has grown out of necessity because some producers can’t rely on the complex web of processors, distributors and middlemen to get food to customers.
For some, the challenges have turned into opportunities — and new customers.
“When restaurants reopen, we’ll probably keep doing home delivery, because we’ve got a good base of customers,” Pray said.
But it’s not good news for many of America’s food producers. In late April and early May, U.S. beef and pork processing capacity was down 40% from last year, according to Jayson Lusk, head of the department of agricultural economics at Purdue University. Plants are now mainly back online but at reduced capacity with beef and pork plants running about 10% to 15% below last year, he said.
Read the full report here.
New cases
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 797 newly confirmed cases of the disease Tuesday along with 95 more deaths attributed to it. The state has now surpassed 6,000 total deaths.
“Days of Our Lives” star Judi Evans has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and nearly had her legs amputated due to the disease.
Two more detainees, employee at Cook County Juvenile detention center test positive for COVID-19.
Federal health authorities have received reports of nearly 26,000 nursing home residents dying from COVID-19 across the country.
Analysis & Commentary
9:20 p.m. Senators call for independent probe of ‘Project Air Bridge’ and role of Medline, other companies
Three Senate Democrats are turning up the investigative heat on the Trump administration’s “Project Air Bridge,” which flew in — at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — high demand medical gloves, gowns and masks plus other supplies distributed by six for-profit companies, including the Northfield-based Medline Industries.
Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal and Charles Schumer asked the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee to conduct an independent investigation in a Monday letter.
The senators said in their letter, “Project Air Bridge—like the broader Trump Administration response to the pandemic—has been marked by delays, incompetence, confusion, and secrecy involving multiple Federal agencies and actors.” They are trying to determine “the precise role” played by President Donald Trump and his son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner in Project Air Bridge.
An issue for the senators is finding out why Kushner went to his connections in the business world to create “Project Air Bridge” rather “than using procurement and logistics experts” within the federal government.
Taxpayers paid at least $91 million for the air flights and no one knows if the goods were in fact delivered to the areas with the most need.
Read the full column from Lynn Sweet here.
8:04 a.m. I’m a suburban teacher, and many of my students are losing out with remote learning
In a letter to the Sun-Times editors, Tara Ehrenberg of Melrose Park writes:
Thank you for covering the challenge of educating students during the pandemic. I am a third grade teacher in Melrose Park. Many of my students are among millions in the U.S. who aren’t getting the same educational opportunities as their peers because they lack adequate digital access.
It’s been challenging to switch to e-learning. I am missing 25% of my class because not all of my students have access to technology. They may have cell phones, but they don’t have internet access to the abundance of online resources available to schools right now.
That puts them at a disadvantage because their fellow classmates are able to watch educational videos or play educational games, while they’re just completing worksheets I give them.
Our superintendent had to ask for permission from the state government to allow teachers in schools to prepare learning packets for our students. We are going to school every two weeks to provide work for our students who can’t complete their learning online.
Read this and more letters to the Sun-Times editors here.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-09--Clara Kirk, ran homeless shelters 30 years,  dubbed ‘Mother of Englewood,’ dies at 79

Clara Kirk , a recipient of numerous national and local public service awards for shelters and services for the homeless she operated in Englewood for more than 30 years , including Clara ’ s House and Clara ’ s Place , died Monday at age 79 .
Ms. Kirk received one of the nation ’ s highest awards for service presented by the Jefferson Award Foundation .
She garnered the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefitting Local Communities in 1996 .
Dubbed “ Mother of Englewood ” for her work with battered women and children through her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also received the President ’ s Service Award from former President Bill Clinton during the Clinton administration .
That photo had hung proudly on her wall for many years .
“ Clara was a true philanthropist , who adjusted her life to live in the community where she could meet the critical needs of countless women and families .
Every community needs a Clara Kirk who sees everyone in need as a member of her family , ” said the Rev .
Janette Wilson , a civil rights attorney and Rainbow PUSH Coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Born in 1941 in Mississippi , Ms. Kirk ’ s family was part of the Great Migration north .
Her family settled on Chicago ’ s Northwest Side , and in 1974 , she moved to Englewood .
After seeing a need for help for battered women , she launched the West Englewood United Organization in 1983 , while continuing to work for the Chicago Public Schools , as a custodian .
Clara ’ s House was opened four years later , taking in families for up to 120 days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ d establish , including Clara ’ s Place — a 13-unit apartment building offering long-term housing for families transitioning from the shelter — and Clara ’ s Academic Center .
She annually served more than 300 women and their families .
“ I witnessed what she actually did on a day-to-day basis as far as caring for victims of domestic violence .
I called her the ‘ Mother of Mothers , ’ ” said veteran Chicago music executive Carter Russell , of Carter Russell Music , who adopted the shelter after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kirk struggle to find food to feed the children there .
Russell , formerly a promoter with Buddha Records , Elektra Entertainment Group and Universal Music Group , turned his birthday party that year into a fundraiser for the shelter , and did so for 25 years , even stepping in to help Kirk as executive director for two years .
“ I just loved her dearly .
She needed help trying to keep the shelter running because it was kind of hard to get funds , but her commitment for caring for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her shelter was just unbelievable , ” he said .
Ms. Kirk met her husband , the late pastor of Englewood ’ s Universal Temple of Christ and Training School , Hughie Bell , at church , their daughter , Charmaine Rodgers-Richardson , said .
They were married for over 50 years .
“ Before she opened up the shelter in ’ 87 , her and my dad gave home to plenty of people that were homeless , that lived with us all our lives , ” her daughter said .
“ As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said the best way to serve God was to serve your neighbors , and that ’ s what she instilled in us .
She taught us by example how to be humble , and of service to others .
She just wanted to help people , and that ’ s how she lived her life.
” Ms. Kirk was also a minister at their church , and retired from CPS after some 30 years , Rodgers-Richardson said .
Art Norman , the retired NBC Chicago anchor who helped the shelter become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Journalists-Chicago ’ s annual Christmas toy drive , personally delivering toys to Kirk ’ s shelter year after year , recalled Ms. Kirk ’ s fierce dedication to families she served from two buildings near 63rd Street and Ashland Avenue .
“ I have been at Clara ’ s House more than three dozen times .
West Englewood was always a busy place .
Clara knew every client on a first-name basis , and these women loved her back , ” Norman said .
“ On the day I delivered Christmas toys from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I walked in till the time I left , ” he said .
“ She said , ‘ These fatherless families have nowhere to go except here .
Please have lunch with my moms and their children.
’ I was supposed to do a quick drop off , but wound up staying for three hours.
” Ms. Kirk , who depended on grassroots support in the nonprofit ’ s later years , struggled to stay afloat , frequently needing emergency donations to keep gas and electricity on .
Time after time , folks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who suffered a stroke in spring 2017 .
Her son , McKinley Bell Sr. , took over operations until November 2017 , when the city shuttered its buildings for code violations .
Despite her organization ’ s financial struggles , Ms. Kirk always pushed forward with her mission , as the Illinois African American Families Commission noted in honoring her in 2013 — for three decades of dedication to homeless women and children , and “ never giving up even when things looked bleak.
” Survivors include another son , Benjamin Kirk ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a host of grandchildren , great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren .
Services are pending .

Clara Kirk, a recipient of numerous national and local public service awards for shelters and services for the homeless she operated in Englewood for more than 30 years, including Clara’s House and Clara’s Place, died Monday at age 79.
Ms. Kirk received one of the nation’s highest awards for service presented by the Jefferson Award Foundation. She garnered the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefitting Local Communities in 1996.
Dubbed “Mother of Englewood” for her work with battered women and children through her West Englewood United Organization, Ms. Kirk also received the President’s Service Award from former President Bill Clinton during the Clinton administration.
That photo had hung proudly on her wall for many years.
“Clara was a true philanthropist, who adjusted her life to live in the community where she could meet the critical needs of countless women and families. Every community needs a Clara Kirk who sees everyone in need as a member of her family,” said the Rev. Janette Wilson, a civil rights attorney and Rainbow PUSH Coalition senior adviser. Wilson supported Kirk for years.
Clara Kirk, at one time dubbed “Mother of Englewood,” for her work with battered women and children through the West Englewood United Organization she ran from 1983-2017, earned the President’s Service Award from former President Bill Clinton during the Clinton administration. This photo hung proudly on her wall for many years. Art Norman/NABJ-Chicago
Born in 1941 in Mississippi, Ms. Kirk’s family was part of the Great Migration north. Her family settled on Chicago’s Northwest Side, and in 1974, she moved to Englewood. After seeing a need for help for battered women, she launched the West Englewood United Organization in 1983, while continuing to work for the Chicago Public Schools, as a custodian.
Clara’s House was opened four years later, taking in families for up to 120 days. It was the first of several entities she’d establish, including Clara’s Place — a 13-unit apartment building offering long-term housing for families transitioning from the shelter — and Clara’s Academic Center. She annually served more than 300 women and their families.
“I witnessed what she actually did on a day-to-day basis as far as caring for victims of domestic violence. I called her the ‘Mother of Mothers,’” said veteran Chicago music executive Carter Russell, of Carter Russell Music, who adopted the shelter after a visit in 1990 where he saw Kirk struggle to find food to feed the children there.
Russell, formerly a promoter with Buddha Records, Elektra Entertainment Group and Universal Music Group, turned his birthday party that year into a fundraiser for the shelter, and did so for 25 years, even stepping in to help Kirk as executive director for two years.
“I just loved her dearly. She needed help trying to keep the shelter running because it was kind of hard to get funds, but her commitment for caring for the battered women and their children at her shelter was just unbelievable,” he said.
The sign above the entrance at Clara’s Place, a 13-unit apartment building in Englewood offering long-term housing for victims of domestic violence. It was around the corner from Clara’s House, which took in families for up to 120 days. Art Norman/NABJ-Chicago
Ms. Kirk met her husband, the late pastor of Englewood’s Universal Temple of Christ and Training School, Hughie Bell, at church, their daughter, Charmaine Rodgers-Richardson, said. They were married for over 50 years.
“Before she opened up the shelter in ’87, her and my dad gave home to plenty of people that were homeless, that lived with us all our lives,” her daughter said. “As a mom, she stressed education. She said the best way to serve God was to serve your neighbors, and that’s what she instilled in us. She taught us by example how to be humble, and of service to others. She just wanted to help people, and that’s how she lived her life.”
Ms. Kirk was also a minister at their church, and retired from CPS after some 30 years, Rodgers-Richardson said.
Art Norman, the retired NBC Chicago anchor who helped the shelter become a beneficiary of the National Association of Black Journalists-Chicago’s annual Christmas toy drive, personally delivering toys to Kirk’s shelter year after year, recalled Ms. Kirk’s fierce dedication to families she served from two buildings near 63rd Street and Ashland Avenue.
On Nov. 4, 2013, Clara Kirk, who struggled to keep her nonprofit afloat its final years, was honored by the Illinois African American Families Commission for three decades of serving homeless women and children, and for “never giving up even when things looked bleak.” Art Norman/NABJ-Chicago
“I have been at Clara’s House more than three dozen times. West Englewood was always a busy place. Clara knew every client on a first-name basis, and these women loved her back,” Norman said.
“On the day I delivered Christmas toys from NABJ, she cried from the time I walked in till the time I left,” he said. “She said, ‘These fatherless families have nowhere to go except here. Please have lunch with my moms and their children.’ I was supposed to do a quick drop off, but wound up staying for three hours.”
Ms. Kirk, who depended on grassroots support in the nonprofit’s later years, struggled to stay afloat, frequently needing emergency donations to keep gas and electricity on.
Time after time, folks rallied to help the beloved philanthropist, who suffered a stroke in spring 2017. Her son, McKinley Bell Sr., took over operations until November 2017, when the city shuttered its buildings for code violations.
Despite her organization’s financial struggles, Ms. Kirk always pushed forward with her mission, as the Illinois African American Families Commission noted in honoring her in 2013 — for three decades of dedication to homeless women and children, and “never giving up even when things looked bleak.”
Survivors include another son, Benjamin Kirk; another daughter, Sabrina Burnett, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Services are pending.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-09--Can white America overcome its slaveholder mentality?

It can be difficult to forgive those who wrong you .
But it ’ s much harder to forgive those you ’ ve wronged .
That , in a nutshell , is the challenge facing America today regarding race .
That explains why , having lost the Civil War , the slaveholder mentality is still not only popular but , recent protests notwithstanding , ascendant : many white people still can ’ t find it in their hearts to forgive black Americans .
The notion that white people are superior and besieged by the presence of lesser , darker races @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States sufficiently in 2016 that it elected an unfit fraud as president .
Now ... “ Excuse me ?
” you might be thinking about now .
Did you say “ forgive ?
” Whites need to forgive blacks ?
The “ stop feeling angry or resentful ” part doesn ’ t need explanation .
Anger and resentment are the defining elements of white supremacy .
The slavers professed to be burdened by their charges , saddled with their care and discipline .
Trumpism is only that attitude ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clutch at themselves and complain about being the true victims .
OK ... you may be thinking ... point taken .
But what about that second half ?
“ ... for an offense , flaw , or mistake.
” What have black people done ?
That ’ s easy .
They ’ re here .
They exist .
Their wrong is to look different than white America and be the occasion for its most monstrous acts .
Look at how much of our history is driven by trying to push black people out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ghettos .
Housing projects .
Black neighbors couldn ’ t even walk on the sidewalk , not without stepping off when a white person passed .
Not just in the 19th century .
In my lifetime , some whites didn ’ t want a black person sitting at the same lunch counter at Woolworth ’ s , quietly nibbling a grilled cheese sandwich .
It was unbearable .
That ’ s why , as much as I support the clamor for change gripping the country , I ’ m not optimistic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this extraordinary outcry really know what they ’ re up against .
When federal courts ordered integrated municipal pools , towns in the deep South filled swimming pools with dirt rather than share .
They ’ d rather endure long muggy Mississippi July afternoons with no relief than face the horror of black and white kids splashing together .
White bigots always point toward whatever crime they can find as an excuse .
But the effrontery that rankles them is blacks insisting on equal treatment .
What most infuriated whites , historically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success .
Any attempt at public dignity was a theft of the exclusive property of whites .
On April 3 , 1919 , a returning vet , William Lee , was beaten to death by a white mob near Blakely , Georgia , because he was still wearing his Army uniform after being discharged .
Even after he explained he had no other clothes .
That wasn ’ t a unique horror , but common practice ; 20 black soldiers were lynched for the crime of having served their country .
But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turner that prompted the government to get involved .
Turner , eight months pregnant , was burned alive — another frequent occurrence — in Valdosta , Georgia , her fetus ripped from her womb .
This finally forced the federal government to act — not against the murderers , though .
Against W.E.B .
DuBois , whose newspaper , Crisis , chronicled lynchings in the South .
DuBois was warned about using the mails to disseminate descriptions of lynchings whose mere outlines were not only obscene , the feds argued , but fed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this grim history to be negative , or to suggest that protests are in vain , But as a reminder that the gnarled root we are trying to yank out is old , and deep , and will not yield quickly or easily .
At least it hasn ’ t yet .
Haters pretend this is all in the hazy past .
But it ’ s as current as Friday , when Sen. Rand Paul blocked an anti-lynching bill .
Lynching still isn ’ t a federal crime .
Every step forward has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back , regrouping , then finding a way to maintain their hatred with a genius and an energy they never apply to solving our common problems .
Forgiveness , for their own sins and for those they oppressed and oppress , seems beyond their capacity .

It can be difficult to forgive those who wrong you. But it’s much harder to forgive those you’ve wronged.
That, in a nutshell, is the challenge facing America today regarding race. That explains why, having lost the Civil War, the slaveholder mentality is still not only popular but, recent protests notwithstanding, ascendant: many white people still can’t find it in their hearts to forgive black Americans.
Opinion bug Opinion
The notion that white people are superior and besieged by the presence of lesser, darker races is on the upswing, having stupefied the United States sufficiently in 2016 that it elected an unfit fraud as president. Now...
“Excuse me?” you might be thinking about now. Did you say “forgive?” Whites need to forgive blacks?
Certainly. Flip open the dictionary:
for·give /fərˈɡiv/ verb. stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.
The “stop feeling angry or resentful” part doesn’t need explanation. Anger and resentment are the defining elements of white supremacy. The slavers professed to be burdened by their charges, saddled with their care and discipline.
Trumpism is only that attitude’s latest manifestation. Setting down their whips to clutch at themselves and complain about being the true victims.
OK ... you may be thinking ... point taken. But what about that second half? “...for an offense, flaw, or mistake.” What have black people done?
That’s easy. They’re here. They exist. Their wrong is to look different than white America and be the occasion for its most monstrous acts. Look at how much of our history is driven by trying to push black people out of sight. Separate parts of towns. Ghettos. Housing projects. Black neighbors couldn’t even walk on the sidewalk, not without stepping off when a white person passed. Not just in the 19th century. In my lifetime, some whites didn’t want a black person sitting at the same lunch counter at Woolworth’s, quietly nibbling a grilled cheese sandwich. It was unbearable.
That’s why, as much as I support the clamor for change gripping the country, I’m not optimistic. I wonder whether the young people driving this extraordinary outcry really know what they’re up against. When federal courts ordered integrated municipal pools, towns in the deep South filled swimming pools with dirt rather than share. They’d rather endure long muggy Mississippi July afternoons with no relief than face the horror of black and white kids splashing together.
White bigots always point toward whatever crime they can find as an excuse. But the effrontery that rankles them is blacks insisting on equal treatment.
What most infuriated whites, historically, wasn’t black misbehavior but black success. Any attempt at public dignity was a theft of the exclusive property of whites. On April 3, 1919, a returning vet, William Lee, was beaten to death by a white mob near Blakely, Georgia, because he was still wearing his Army uniform after being discharged. Even after he explained he had no other clothes.
That wasn’t a unique horror, but common practice; 20 black soldiers were lynched for the crime of having served their country.
But it was the brutal 1918 lynching of Mary Turner that prompted the government to get involved. Turner, eight months pregnant, was burned alive — another frequent occurrence — in Valdosta, Georgia, her fetus ripped from her womb.
This finally forced the federal government to act — not against the murderers, though. Against W.E.B. DuBois, whose newspaper, Crisis, chronicled lynchings in the South. DuBois was warned about using the mails to disseminate descriptions of lynchings whose mere outlines were not only obscene, the feds argued, but fed German propaganda.
I do not mention this grim history to be negative, or to suggest that protests are in vain, But as a reminder that the gnarled root we are trying to yank out is old, and deep, and will not yield quickly or easily. At least it hasn’t yet. Haters pretend this is all in the hazy past. But it’s as current as Friday, when Sen. Rand Paul blocked an anti-lynching bill. Lynching still isn’t a federal crime.
Every step forward has been met by racists resisting, falling back, regrouping, then finding a way to maintain their hatred with a genius and an energy they never apply to solving our common problems. Forgiveness, for their own sins and for those they oppressed and oppress, seems beyond their capacity.
Editor’s note: An earlier headline on this column didn’t reflect the totality of the message of the writer. The headline was changed to better reflect the substance of the column.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-09--Hospitalized ‘Days of Our Lives’ star Judi Evans nearly had legs amputated due to coronavirus

“ Days of Our Lives ” star Judi Evans has been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
After a horseback riding accident in California on May 16 — which resulted in several broken ribs , fractured leg injuries , a broken collarbone and vertebrae in her lower back — Evans , 55 , has been in the hospital for weeks , her publicist Howie Simon told USA TODAY .
The soap opera star requested that doctors test her for COVID-19 after being in close contact with other positive patients while at the hospital .
“ She contracted COVID-19 while at the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
“ They did not have her wear masks while being near COVID patients when awaiting x rays and other tests.
” Evans is experiencing mild coronavirus symptoms like fever , body aches and a cough , but almost had her legs amputated due to ” COVID blood clots.
” The soap opera star is currently still in the hospital as her oxygen levels and blood clots need to be monitored before she ’ s able to go home , her rep confirmed .
Evans is the latest celebrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Broadway star Nick Cordero has been battling the virus since late March and had his right leg amputated due to complications .
His wife , Amanda Kloots , has been keeping her husband ’ s fans updated with his progress .
In April , Kloots took to social media and explained that blood thinners doctors were using to help with clotting in Cordero ’ s leg were causing issues with his blood pressure and internal bleeding in his intestines .
“ We took him off blood thinners but that again was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leg , so the right leg will be amputated , ” she said .
Last week , Kloots shared that Cordero has undergone stem cell treatment with the goal of healing his lungs .
“ We have started stem cell treatment for Nick , and that just finished , ” she said .
” We decided on this a couple of days ago , and the hospital got it movin ’ .
” She added that this treatment could be “ really great ” for Cordero , even though “ there are absolutely @ @ @ @

“Days of Our Lives” star Judi Evans has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
After a horseback riding accident in California on May 16 — which resulted in several broken ribs, fractured leg injuries, a broken collarbone and vertebrae in her lower back — Evans, 55, has been in the hospital for weeks, her publicist Howie Simon told USA TODAY.
The soap opera star requested that doctors test her for COVID-19 after being in close contact with other positive patients while at the hospital.
“She contracted COVID-19 while at the local hospital she was at,” Simon said in a statement. “They did not have her wear masks while being near COVID patients when awaiting x rays and other tests.”
Evans is experiencing mild coronavirus symptoms like fever, body aches and a cough, but almost had her legs amputated due to ”COVID blood clots.”
The soap opera star is currently still in the hospital as her oxygen levels and blood clots need to be monitored before she’s able to go home, her rep confirmed.
Evans is the latest celebrity to fall ill to the novel coronavirus.
Broadway star Nick Cordero has been battling the virus since late March and had his right leg amputated due to complications.
His wife, Amanda Kloots, has been keeping her husband’s fans updated with his progress.
In April, Kloots took to social media and explained that blood thinners doctors were using to help with clotting in Cordero’s leg were causing issues with his blood pressure and internal bleeding in his intestines.
“We took him off blood thinners but that again was going to cause some clotting in the right leg, so the right leg will be amputated,” she said.
Last week, Kloots shared that Cordero has undergone stem cell treatment with the goal of healing his lungs.
“We have started stem cell treatment for Nick, and that just finished,” she said. ”We decided on this a couple of days ago, and the hospital got it movin’.”
She added that this treatment could be “really great” for Cordero, even though “there are absolutely no guarantees.”
Read more at usatoday.com


chicagosun-times--2020-06-09--Status of Summer: What Chicago festivals, events are canceled, postponed, moved online

The coronavirus pandemic and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s shelter-in-place order have dramatically altered everyone ’ s summer plans .
Summer festivals , a staple of Chicago neighborhoods , have been forced to cancel or move their event to later in the year .
We ’ re tracking the status of the city ’ s festival and major events throughout the area as new cancellations and postponements are announced .
On June 9 , the City of Chicago canceled all permitted city-run special events through Labor Day .
Check back to this page , if an event reschedules for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Springfest : April 19 – May 6 — some events are postponed , some are moved online .
• Bark in the Park : May 16 — canceled • Chicago Wine Fest : May 16 — canceled ; next year : May 15 , 2021 • Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk : May 16 — postponed to Sept. 12 • Chicago House Music Conference & Festival : May 21-23 — canceled 04/21 : Chicago ’ s cancels many biggest summer festivals through June • Chicago in Tune music festival — canceled 04/21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer festivals through June • Navy Pier Fireworks : Wednesdays and Saturdays through Sept. 5 , starts May 23 — canceled through June 10 .
Will begin approximately two weeks after the governor ’ s stay-at-home order has ended .
• Gospel Music Festival : May 26-30 — canceled 04/21 : Chicago ’ s cancels many biggest summer festivals through June • Chicago Memorial Day Parade : May 23 — canceled 04/21 : Chicago ’ s cancels many biggest summer festivals through June • Mayfest : May 29 – 31 — canceled ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Millennium Park Music Series : select Mondays & Thursdays , June – August ; Millennium Park is closed .
All events canceled through May 30 .
• RiverEdge Park Summer Music Series ( Aurora ) : June 2-Aug. 22 — Canceled , with many re-scheduled for 2021 • Printers Row Lit Fest : June 6-7 — postponed until Sept. 5-6 04/10 : Printers Row Lit Fest postponed to September ; Ta-Nehisi Coates to headline event • Taste Of Mexico In Little Village : June 26-28 — canceled • Pride in the Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year : June 26-27 , 2021 • Windy City Smokeout : July 10–12 — postponed .
The 2020 musical lineup is set for July 9-11 , 2021 05/18 : Windy City Smokeout postponed to 2021 due to coronavirus • Race to Mackinac and Parade of Boats : July 18 — canceled

The coronavirus pandemic and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s shelter-in-place order have dramatically altered everyone’s summer plans. Summer festivals, a staple of Chicago neighborhoods, have been forced to cancel or move their event to later in the year.
We’re tracking the status of the city’s festival and major events throughout the area as new cancellations and postponements are announced.
On June 9, the City of Chicago canceled all permitted city-run special events through Labor Day. Check back to this page, if an event reschedules for the fall.
Canceled & postponed
May
June
July
August
Fall


chicagosun-times--2020-06-10--25th employee contracts COVID-19, 3 positive antibody test at Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s offi

25th employee contracts COVID-19, 3 positive antibody test at Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s office

Another employee at the Cook County Circuit Court clerk ’ s office has tested positive for COVID-19 , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ three workers have received positive antibody test results .
The latest employee to test positive @ @ @ @ @ Department , located on the 10th floor of the Daley Center , 50 W. Washington @ @ @ @ @ for work more than two months ago , according to a statement from the Office @ @ @ @ @ Circuit Court of Cook County .
The employee is self-quarantining at home .
The Clerk @ @ @ @ @ Department of Facilities Management is conducting routine cleaning of the area where the employee worked @ @ @ @ @ office said .
Notification is being sent to all employees regarding the employee that tested @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus in the clerk ’ s office were reported March 25 .

Another employee at the Cook County Circuit Court clerk’s office has tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the overall total to 25 and three workers have received positive antibody test results.
The latest employee to test positive was assigned to the Criminal Department, located on the 10th floor of the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., and last reported for work more than two months ago, according to a statement from the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The employee is self-quarantining at home.
The Clerk’s Office’s Department of Facilities Management is conducting routine cleaning of the area where the employee worked, the clerk’s office said.
Notification is being sent to all employees regarding the employee that tested positive.
The first cases of the coronavirus in the clerk’s office were reported March 25.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-10--Dear Abby: My awful ex-wife doesn’t know we have a grandchild

DEAR ABBY : I divorced my wife 20 years ago , leaving behind two daughters .
My older girl was 5 when I left , and due to my ex ’ s lies , I wasn ’ t able to see them .
When my older daughter turned 18 , she contacted me .
She confessed that she had been forced to lie in court , and we reconnected .
At 19 , she came to me pregnant .
She asked if I would take her baby and asked that I tell no one , especially her mother .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in a car wreck .
My granddaughter will turn 4 .
Should I go against my daughter ’ s wishes , tell my ex and risk her taking her ?
Or should I let things remain as they are ?
My current wife and I are the only people who know .
— SECRET IN VIRGINIA DEAR SECRET : I urge you to discuss this matter with a lawyer because there may be legal ramifications .
Your former wife has demonstrated she is the kind of person who would force a child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Having done it once , she ’ s capable of doing something equally underhanded .
I am trying hard to come up with a reason why you should go against your daughter ’ s wishes and disclose this to your ex , and I can not think of a single one .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ m concerned about my daughter .
She ’ s 12 and wants to hang out with a 21-year-old male volunteer from her school .
His mother works there , and I ’ ve known their family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve never socialized .
Recently , my daughter said she wants to meet him at a park to learn some skateboard moves .
She tries to tell me it ’ s harmless , that he just likes the skateboarding sport , but I am uncomfortable about the age difference and the fact that he works at her school .
I don ’ t know what to do .
What ’ s your advice in this situation ?
— STUMPED IN CALIFORNIA DEAR STUMPED : Although the young man ’ s motives may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your daughter should be meeting him at the park without supervision .
Accompany her so you can gauge the situation .
Because he is volunteering at her school , you should first check to see if that kind of fraternization is allowed because it may not be , and it could cost him his position .
DEAR ABBY : Am I awful because I don ’ t sympathize when people put their business on the internet ?
For example , I read some comments on YouTube , and this woman was talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told her maybe it ’ s just all the men she opens her legs to .
My account was suspended for a week because of it .
Another time , a man was talking about how none of his many kids talk to him .
I asked what he had done to them that none of them speak to him , and he got mad .
Abby , I ’ m not looking for trouble .
I feel that if you can ’ t take someone not kissing up to you , stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wrong ?
— STRAIGHTFORWARD IN THE WEST DEAR STRAIGHTFORWARD : I think so .
When traits were handed out , it appears someone forgot to give you a filter .
I agree that some people overshare online and doing it comes with a risk .
However , your comments weren ’ t helpful ; in fact , they were cruel .
When a bee stings , its prey tries to swat it away , and that ’ s what ’ s happening to you .
To avoid trouble , curb your impulse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with the consequences that are sure to follow .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
To order “ How to Write Letters for All Occasions , ” send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Letter Booklet , P.O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: I divorced my wife 20 years ago, leaving behind two daughters. My older girl was 5 when I left, and due to my ex’s lies, I wasn’t able to see them.
When my older daughter turned 18, she contacted me. She confessed that she had been forced to lie in court, and we reconnected. At 19, she came to me pregnant. She asked if I would take her baby and asked that I tell no one, especially her mother. I agreed.
Last year, my daughter died in a car wreck. My granddaughter will turn 4. Should I go against my daughter’s wishes, tell my ex and risk her taking her? Or should I let things remain as they are? My current wife and I are the only people who know. — SECRET IN VIRGINIA
DEAR SECRET: I urge you to discuss this matter with a lawyer because there may be legal ramifications. Your former wife has demonstrated she is the kind of person who would force a child to lie in a custody matter. Having done it once, she’s capable of doing something equally underhanded.
I am trying hard to come up with a reason why you should go against your daughter’s wishes and disclose this to your ex, and I cannot think of a single one.
DEAR ABBY: I’m concerned about my daughter. She’s 12 and wants to hang out with a 21-year-old male volunteer from her school. His mother works there, and I’ve known their family for a few years, although we’ve never socialized.
Recently, my daughter said she wants to meet him at a park to learn some skateboard moves. She tries to tell me it’s harmless, that he just likes the skateboarding sport, but I am uncomfortable about the age difference and the fact that he works at her school. I don’t know what to do. What’s your advice in this situation? — STUMPED IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR STUMPED: Although the young man’s motives may be pure, I do not think your daughter should be meeting him at the park without supervision. Accompany her so you can gauge the situation. Because he is volunteering at her school, you should first check to see if that kind of fraternization is allowed because it may not be, and it could cost him his position.
DEAR ABBY: Am I awful because I don’t sympathize when people put their business on the internet? For example, I read some comments on YouTube, and this woman was talking about how “all men cheat.” I told her maybe it’s just all the men she opens her legs to. My account was suspended for a week because of it.
Another time, a man was talking about how none of his many kids talk to him. I asked what he had done to them that none of them speak to him, and he got mad.
Abby, I’m not looking for trouble. I feel that if you can’t take someone not kissing up to you, stop putting your business out there. Am I wrong? — STRAIGHTFORWARD IN THE WEST
DEAR STRAIGHTFORWARD: I think so. When traits were handed out, it appears someone forgot to give you a filter.
I agree that some people overshare online and doing it comes with a risk. However, your comments weren’t helpful; in fact, they were cruel. When a bee stings, its prey tries to swat it away, and that’s what’s happening to you. To avoid trouble, curb your impulse to comment, or be prepared to deal with the consequences that are sure to follow.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-10--9 shot, 2 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

9 shot, 2 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

Nine people were shot , two of them fatally , Tuesday in Chicago .
The day ’ s latest fatal shooting left a man dead in Englewood on the South Side .
About 9:30 p.m. , the man was in the 6200 block of South Claremont Avenue when someone in a silver-colored SUV fired shots , police said .
The man , who was believed to be in his early 30s , was hit in the back of the head and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he was pronounced dead , police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an 18-year-old man in Grand Crossing on the South Side .
He was shot multiple times in the chest about 5:19 p.m. in the 1500 block of East 74th Street , Chicago police said .
Officers found him unresponsive , and he was pronounced dead on the scene .
In non-fatal shootings , a 59-year-old man was critically wounded in Englewood on the South Side .
He was standing on the sidewalk about 4:45 p.m. in the 5700 block of South Racine Avenue when someone in a light-colored van fired shots , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition , police said .
About an hour prior , a 42-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Little Village on the Southwest Side .
He was arguing with someone about 3:46 p.m. in the 3900 block of West 25th Street when he was shot in the hand and arm , police said .
The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in serious condition .
A man was hurt in a shooting in Lawndale on the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1:51 p.m. in the 1000 block of South Campbell Avenue when someone in a dark-colored vehicle fired shots in his direction , police said .
The man was grazed in the ankle and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition .
Tuesday morning , a man was shot in Gresham on the South Side .
The 30-year-old was sitting in a vehicle about 5 a.m. in the 7600 block of South Racine Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain , police said .
The man was shot in the leg and took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was listed in serious but stable condition , police said .
A hour before that , a 19-year-old man was shot in Parkway Gardens on the South Side .
He was standing in an alley about 4 a.m. in the 6400 block of South King Drive when someone fired shots at him from a passing red sedan , police said .
He was struck in both legs and taken St. Bernard Hospital by a friend , police said .
He was transferred to Stroger Hospital in good condition .
Two men were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Side .
They were on the street about 2:40 a.m. in the 1000 block of West Cullerton Avenue when someone inside a passing dark-colored SUV fired shots at them , police said .
One man , 20 , was struck in the hip and taken to Stroger Hospital , police said .
The second man , 23-years-old , was struck in the wrist and refused treatment .
Two people were killed and seven more were wounded Monday in shootings across Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s @ @

Nine people were shot, two of them fatally, Tuesday in Chicago.
The day’s latest fatal shooting left a man dead in Englewood on the South Side.
About 9:30 p.m., the man was in the 6200 block of South Claremont Avenue when someone in a silver-colored SUV fired shots, police said.
The man, who was believed to be in his early 30s, was hit in the back of the head and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
The other fatal shooting claimed the life of an 18-year-old man in Grand Crossing on the South Side.
He was shot multiple times in the chest about 5:19 p.m. in the 1500 block of East 74th Street, Chicago police said. Officers found him unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.
In non-fatal shootings, a 59-year-old man was critically wounded in Englewood on the South Side.
He was standing on the sidewalk about 4:45 p.m. in the 5700 block of South Racine Avenue when someone in a light-colored van fired shots, police said.
The man was struck in the head and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
About an hour prior, a 42-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Little Village on the Southwest Side.
He was arguing with someone about 3:46 p.m. in the 3900 block of West 25th Street when he was shot in the hand and arm, police said. The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in serious condition.
A man was hurt in a shooting in Lawndale on the West Side.
The 25-year-old was standing about 1:51 p.m. in the 1000 block of South Campbell Avenue when someone in a dark-colored vehicle fired shots in his direction, police said. The man was grazed in the ankle and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
Tuesday morning, a man was shot in Gresham on the South Side.
The 30-year-old was sitting in a vehicle about 5 a.m. in the 7600 block of South Racine Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain, police said.
The man was shot in the leg and took himself to St. Bernard Hospital, where he was listed in serious but stable condition, police said.
A hour before that, a 19-year-old man was shot in Parkway Gardens on the South Side.
He was standing in an alley about 4 a.m. in the 6400 block of South King Drive when someone fired shots at him from a passing red sedan, police said.
He was struck in both legs and taken St. Bernard Hospital by a friend, police said. He was transferred to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
Two men were wounded in Pilsen on the Near West Side.
They were on the street about 2:40 a.m. in the 1000 block of West Cullerton Avenue when someone inside a passing dark-colored SUV fired shots at them, police said.
One man, 20, was struck in the hip and taken to Stroger Hospital, police said. The second man, 23-years-old, was struck in the wrist and refused treatment.
Two people were killed and seven more were wounded Monday in shootings across Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-10--Bridge lifts planned Wednesday for Chicago River boat run

The City of Chicago will be raising the bridges over the Chicago River Wednesday morning for the second boat run @ @ @ @ @ the Ashland Avenue Bridge at 9:30 a.m. , each of the 27 bridges along the @ @ @ @ @ allow recreational boats to pass from the storage yards to harbors in Lake Michigan , @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
The bridges are lifted sequentially for about 8-to-12 minutes each @ @ @ @ @ boat run takes about four hours all together .
The final bridge lift at Lake @ @ @ @ @ to 30 minutes due to construction , CDOT said .
The process will repeat itself @ @ @ @ @ and 8 a.m. every Sunday until the end of the boating season , CDOT said @

The City of Chicago will be raising the bridges over the Chicago River Wednesday morning for the second boat run of 2020.
Starting with the Ashland Avenue Bridge at 9:30 a.m., each of the 27 bridges along the river will be lifted to allow recreational boats to pass from the storage yards to harbors in Lake Michigan, the Chicago Department of Transportation said in a statement.
The bridges are lifted sequentially for about 8-to-12 minutes each, CDOT said. The boat run takes about four hours all together.
The final bridge lift at Lake Shore Drive could take up to 30 minutes due to construction, CDOT said.
The process will repeat itself at 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday and 8 a.m. every Sunday until the end of the boating season, CDOT said.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-10--Will County Jail reports first case of COVID-19 among inmates

The Will County Jail has had its first inmate test positive for the coronavirus , the sheriff ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ was brought to the Adult Detention Facility on Sunday for a “ non-bondable offense , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office said .
Per standard procedure during the coronavirus pandemic , he was @ @ @ @ @ passing his medical screening , and was scheduled to stay there for 14 days .
@ @ @ @ @ , the man had an “ unrelated medical emergency ” and was taken to a @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office said .
He was also tested for COVID-19 , and came back @ @ @ @ @ taken back to the Adult Detention Facility and placed in a negative airflow cell , @ @ @ @ @ said .
The man never came into contact with the general population , the sheriff @ @ @ @ @

The Will County Jail has had its first inmate test positive for the coronavirus, the sheriff’s office announced Tuesday.
The inmate was brought to the Adult Detention Facility on Sunday for a “non-bondable offense,” the Will County sheriff’s office said. Per standard procedure during the coronavirus pandemic, he was quarantined in a cell after passing his medical screening, and was scheduled to stay there for 14 days.
The next day, however, the man had an “unrelated medical emergency” and was taken to a local hospital, the sheriff’s office said. He was also tested for COVID-19, and came back positive.
The man was taken back to the Adult Detention Facility and placed in a negative airflow cell, the sheriff’s office said.
The man never came into contact with the general population, the sheriff’s office said.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-09--Horoscope for Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Horoscope for Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Caution : Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 9 a.m .
The moon is in Aquarius .
This is a lovely day to schmooze with friends and interact with groups , but keep things light .
There is a moon alert , which means it ’ s a poor time to agree to anything important .
It ’ s a terrible time to volunteer for something .
Enjoy the chatter .
Because most of this day is a moon alert , don ’ t volunteer for anything .
If you ’ re having an important discussion with a parent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ options but wait until tomorrow to agree — for your own protection !
( Whatever you initiate during a moon alert tends not to fulfill your objective . )
Your appreciation of beauty is heightened .
Furthermore , it will be fun to dream of travel plans , publishing ideas and ponder philosophical , metaphysical questions .
However , this is a poor day to agree to anything important or shop .
This is a poor day to make financial decisions regarding inheritances , insurance issues , banking matters or anything to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Get your data .
But wait until tomorrow to act .
( Be smart . )
This is a lovely day to enjoy the company of partners and close friends because this goofy moon alert is occurring directly opposite your sign .
This means conversations will be candid , interesting and revealing .
Nevertheless , agree to nothing .
Your efficiency at work will suffer today because most of this day is a moon alert .
Shortages , delays and an element of the indecisiveness will prevail .
Nevertheless , your creative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow to agree to anything .
This is a wildly , creative day for you because your mind can roam freely and your imagination is limitless .
Don ’ t agree to anything important .
Do not make an important decision .
But explore !
Write down your ideas .
It ’ s a wonderful day to socialize and enjoy the company of children .
This is the perfect day to hunker down and cocoon at home or relax in familiar surroundings because it ’ s a poor day for important decisions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shop .
( You can buy food or gas . )
However , you might have creative redecorating ideas .
Who knows ?
Just accept the fact that this is a willy-nilly day because the moon alert is taking place in the part of your chart that concerns daily communications , short trips and your daily routine .
Suddenly , nothing is reliable .
Do not shop .
But the upside is that your creative process is fantastic !
You are no fool with money .
You are a practical , thrifty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re doing even when you spend big .
Be aware that for almost all of this day there is a moon alert , which means you have to restrict your spending to food , gas and entertainment .
Factoid .
Today there is a moon alert in your sign for almost the whole day .
This is why you feel disoriented , indecisive and not sure what to do next .
Don ’ t worry because you ’ re not losing it .
It ’ s just the disconcerting influence of this goofy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do not worry if today feels vaguely disconcerting .
There ’ s nothing wrong .
It ’ s just the vibe .
When there is a moon alert ( and today it is occurring in a hidden part of your chart ) , it ’ s a very loosey-goosey situation , and this translates to your emotions and even your mental continuum .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn ( 1963 ) shares your birthday .
You are sharp-minded and creative .
You like the approval of others .
This year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Do your best to cooperate because your interactions with others will be important .
Always look for ways to be kind and helpful .
If you are open when engaging with others , your business and personal relationships will benefit you .

Moon Alert
Caution: Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 9 a.m. The moon is in Aquarius.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
This is a lovely day to schmooze with friends and interact with groups, but keep things light. There is a moon alert, which means it’s a poor time to agree to anything important. It’s a terrible time to volunteer for something. Enjoy the chatter.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Because most of this day is a moon alert, don’t volunteer for anything. If you’re having an important discussion with a parent or a boss, mull over your options but wait until tomorrow to agree — for your own protection! (Whatever you initiate during a moon alert tends not to fulfill your objective.)
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Your appreciation of beauty is heightened. Furthermore, it will be fun to dream of travel plans, publishing ideas and ponder philosophical, metaphysical questions. However, this is a poor day to agree to anything important or shop.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This is a poor day to make financial decisions regarding inheritances, insurance issues, banking matters or anything to do with shared property. Do your homework. Get your data. But wait until tomorrow to act. (Be smart.)
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
This is a lovely day to enjoy the company of partners and close friends because this goofy moon alert is occurring directly opposite your sign. This means conversations will be candid, interesting and revealing. Nevertheless, agree to nothing.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Your efficiency at work will suffer today because most of this day is a moon alert. Shortages, delays and an element of the indecisiveness will prevail. Nevertheless, your creative thinking process is superb! Wait until tomorrow to agree to anything.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is a wildly, creative day for you because your mind can roam freely and your imagination is limitless. Don’t agree to anything important. Do not make an important decision. But explore! Write down your ideas. It’s a wonderful day to socialize and enjoy the company of children.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
This is the perfect day to hunker down and cocoon at home or relax in familiar surroundings because it’s a poor day for important decisions, plus it’s a poor day to shop. (You can buy food or gas.) However, you might have creative redecorating ideas. Who knows?
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Just accept the fact that this is a willy-nilly day because the moon alert is taking place in the part of your chart that concerns daily communications, short trips and your daily routine. Suddenly, nothing is reliable. Do not shop. But the upside is that your creative process is fantastic!
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You are no fool with money. You are a practical, thrifty sign and you know what you’re doing even when you spend big. Be aware that for almost all of this day there is a moon alert, which means you have to restrict your spending to food, gas and entertainment. Factoid.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Today there is a moon alert in your sign for almost the whole day. This is why you feel disoriented, indecisive and not sure what to do next. Don’t worry because you’re not losing it. It’s just the disconcerting influence of this goofy moon. Explore your creative ideas!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Do not worry if today feels vaguely disconcerting. There’s nothing wrong. It’s just the vibe. When there is a moon alert (and today it is occurring in a hidden part of your chart), it’s a very loosey-goosey situation, and this translates to your emotions and even your mental continuum.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn (1963) shares your birthday. You are sharp-minded and creative. You like the approval of others. This year will be a more relaxed for you. Do your best to cooperate because your interactions with others will be important. Always look for ways to be kind and helpful. If you are open when engaging with others, your business and personal relationships will benefit you.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-10--Coachella, Stagecoach canceled for 2020

Coachella, Stagecoach canceled for 2020

The 2020 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and its country music counterpart Stagecoach are canceled , Riverside County public health officials have announced .
Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser signed an order Wednesday canceling the popular music festivals , citing concerns over a possible surge of coronavirus cases in the fall .
Goldenvoice , the Los Angeles-based company that produces the music festivals over three weekends in April , had previously announced the postponement of both festivals due to the rapidly spreading coronavirus .
“ I am concerned as indications grow that COVID-19 could worsen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
“ In addition , events like Coachella and Stagecoach would fall under Governor Newsom ’ s Stage 4 , which he has previously stated would require treatments or a vaccine to enter .
Given the projected circumstances and potential , I would not be comfortable moving forward .
“ These decisions are not taken lightly with the knowledge that many people will be impacted .
My first priority is the health of the community.
” Travis Scott , Frank Ocean and Rage Against the Machine were set to headline Coachella @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 16-18 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio .
The Stagecoach lineup included Thomas Rhett , Carrie Underwood , Eric Church , Lil Nas X , Billy Ray Cyrus , ZZ Top and Alan Jackson .
County health officials said in a statement that they ’ d spoken with Goldenvoice officials .
“ After consulting with our public health officer and local leaders from the City of Indio and Goldenvoice , and with continued importance on public health , it was decided that postponing the concert series was appropriate and necessary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District supervisor , in a statement .
Shortly after the county ’ s cancellation announcement was made on Wednesday , Goldenvoice had yet to post a notice on its Coachella and Stagecoach websites , and no information on refunds was immediately available .
Pandemic has ‘ changed life as we know it ’ The music festivals aren ’ t the first major events to be canceled due to the ongoing health care crisis .
For the first time in its 98-year history , the legendary Hollywood Bowl is canceling its summer season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 season for the first time in 90 years .
And Barcelona festival Primavera Sound announced a new 2021 lineup after initially postponing the event .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom has said concerts , sports events and large-scale gatherings won ’ t be allowed until Stage 4 of the pandemic recovery .
That stage , per state presentations , will require therapeutics , or treatments for the virus .
Large venues are then to “ gradually open ” at a “ pace consistent with public health and safety.
” Brandon Brown , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at University of California , Riverside , said that Dr. Anthony Fauci ’ s prediction of a second wave of infection this winter is not a good sign for the music industry .
“ The current pandemic has changed life as we know it , ” Brown said .
“ Those attending large gatherings in the immediate future may need to pass temperature checks , don masks , keep a minimal physical distance , and have other precautions when attending events .
But before we can think about events such as these that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the majority of the U.S. back to work.
” Fauci said a vaccine may be ready in 12 to 18 months .
Remdesivir , an experimental antiviral drug from American biotech firm Gilead Sciences , is now being tested as a possible COVID-19 treatment .
Brown said that might help make large gatherings possible sooner than expected .
“ If we are able to identify a drug that can successfully treat COVID-19 , as in if we get infected and the treatment cures us , it would definitely help move us forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown said .
Goldenvoice rescheduled both festivals in March after Kaiser ordered their cancellation , citing “ concerns about the possible health risks ” because of coronavirus , according to an email from county spokeswoman Brooke Frederico .
While the annual festivals introduce visitors to the beauty and amenities of the Coachella Valley , Indio Mayor Glenn Miller said in a statement at the time of their postponement that “ the potential health risks of holding a gathering of a large size must be considered , with the safety of our community being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. played a “ notable role ” in the spread of COVID-19 during its initial outbreak , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat specifically noted Mardi Gras celebrations with more than 1 million attendees in Louisiana , plus a Boston conference and Georgia funeral that each drew more than 100 people , in a report about its introduction to the U.S. Organizers had said ticketholders would be notified on how to obtain a refund if they were unable to attend the later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dates would be honored in October , according to Goldenvoice .
The music festivals have brought tens of thousands of people to the California desert each spring , filling hotels and boosting the local economy .
Combined , they are believed to generate at least $ 400 million in local economic impact .
Already this year , the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in nearby Indian Wells put more than $ 400 million in tourism-related business on the line , dealing a significant blow to Coachella Valley hotels , restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2019 , the city of Indio received about $ 3 million from the Coachella music festival , around two-thirds of which was from ticket surcharges and another $ 1 million from associated sales tax revenues and transient occupancy taxes from campers .
The 2017 Coachella festival drew about 250,000 visitors to both weekends , plus another 75,000 people for the following week ’ s Stagecoach Country Music Festival .
The combined 2017 regional economic impact exceeded $ 403 million , according to the 2017 report from the Greater Palm Springs Convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and economics experts could not provide data on how many residents have festival-related jobs .
But overall , one in four jobs in the valley is linked to tourism , according to the visitors bureau .
Scott White , CEO of the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau , previously told The Desert Sun that he was thrilled to see the music festivals postponed instead of canceled outright .
While the tourism dollars that typically flow heavily into the valley during March and April — the highest-generating revenue months of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have flowed in October .

The 2020 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and its country music counterpart Stagecoach are canceled, Riverside County public health officials have announced.
Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser signed an order Wednesday canceling the popular music festivals, citing concerns over a possible surge of coronavirus cases in the fall.
Goldenvoice, the Los Angeles-based company that produces the music festivals over three weekends in April, had previously announced the postponement of both festivals due to the rapidly spreading coronavirus.
“I am concerned as indications grow that COVID-19 could worsen in the fall,” Kaiser said in a statement. “In addition, events like Coachella and Stagecoach would fall under Governor Newsom’s Stage 4, which he has previously stated would require treatments or a vaccine to enter. Given the projected circumstances and potential, I would not be comfortable moving forward.
“These decisions are not taken lightly with the knowledge that many people will be impacted. My first priority is the health of the community.”
Travis Scott, Frank Ocean and Rage Against the Machine were set to headline Coachella, which was rescheduled for Oct. 9-11 and 16-18 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. The Stagecoach lineup included Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, ZZ Top and Alan Jackson.
County health officials said in a statement that they’d spoken with Goldenvoice officials.
“After consulting with our public health officer and local leaders from the City of Indio and Goldenvoice, and with continued importance on public health, it was decided that postponing the concert series was appropriate and necessary,” said V. Manuel Perez, Fourth District supervisor, in a statement.
Shortly after the county’s cancellation announcement was made on Wednesday, Goldenvoice had yet to post a notice on its Coachella and Stagecoach websites, and no information on refunds was immediately available.
Pandemic has ‘changed life as we know it’
The music festivals aren’t the first major events to be canceled due to the ongoing health care crisis. For the first time in its 98-year history, the legendary Hollywood Bowl is canceling its summer season. Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre canceled its 2020 season for the first time in 90 years. And Barcelona festival Primavera Sound announced a new 2021 lineup after initially postponing the event.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has said concerts, sports events and large-scale gatherings won’t be allowed until Stage 4 of the pandemic recovery. That stage, per state presentations, will require therapeutics, or treatments for the virus. Large venues are then to “gradually open” at a “pace consistent with public health and safety.”
Brandon Brown, a professor at the Center for Health Communities at University of California, Riverside, said that Dr. Anthony Fauci’s prediction of a second wave of infection this winter is not a good sign for the music industry.
“The current pandemic has changed life as we know it,” Brown said. “Those attending large gatherings in the immediate future may need to pass temperature checks, don masks, keep a minimal physical distance, and have other precautions when attending events. But before we can think about events such as these that bring thousands together, we need to get the majority of the U.S. back to work.”
Fauci said a vaccine may be ready in 12 to 18 months. Remdesivir, an experimental antiviral drug from American biotech firm Gilead Sciences, is now being tested as a possible COVID-19 treatment. Brown said that might help make large gatherings possible sooner than expected.
“If we are able to identify a drug that can successfully treat COVID-19, as in if we get infected and the treatment cures us, it would definitely help move us forward to steps 3 and 4,” Brown said.
Goldenvoice rescheduled both festivals in March after Kaiser ordered their cancellation, citing “concerns about the possible health risks” because of coronavirus, according to an email from county spokeswoman Brooke Frederico.
While the annual festivals introduce visitors to the beauty and amenities of the Coachella Valley, Indio Mayor Glenn Miller said in a statement at the time of their postponement that “the potential health risks of holding a gathering of a large size must be considered, with the safety of our community being top of mind.”
Large gatherings across the U.S. played a “notable role” in the spread of COVID-19 during its initial outbreak, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat specifically noted Mardi Gras celebrations with more than 1 million attendees in Louisiana, plus a Boston conference and Georgia funeral that each drew more than 100 people, in a report about its introduction to the U.S.
Organizers had said ticketholders would be notified on how to obtain a refund if they were unable to attend the later dates. All purchases for the April dates would be honored in October, according to Goldenvoice.
Music festivals impact valley economy
The music festivals have brought tens of thousands of people to the California desert each spring, filling hotels and boosting the local economy. Combined, they are believed to generate at least $400 million in local economic impact.
Already this year, the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in nearby Indian Wells put more than $400 million in tourism-related business on the line, dealing a significant blow to Coachella Valley hotels, restaurants and local governments in this seasonal destination.
In 2019, the city of Indio received about $3 million from the Coachella music festival, around two-thirds of which was from ticket surcharges and another $1 million from associated sales tax revenues and transient occupancy taxes from campers.
The 2017 Coachella festival drew about 250,000 visitors to both weekends, plus another 75,000 people for the following week’s Stagecoach Country Music Festival. The combined 2017 regional economic impact exceeded $403 million, according to the 2017 report from the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Several local tourism and economics experts could not provide data on how many residents have festival-related jobs. But overall, one in four jobs in the valley is linked to tourism, according to the visitors bureau.
Scott White, CEO of the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, previously told The Desert Sun that he was thrilled to see the music festivals postponed instead of canceled outright. While the tourism dollars that typically flow heavily into the valley during March and April — the highest-generating revenue months of the year — took a hit, more could have flowed in October.
Read more at USAToday.com.