chicagotribune--2020-04-30--Frustration reigns amid efforts to get youths out of Cook County’s juvenile detention center before

Frustration reigns amid efforts to get youths out of Cook County’s juvenile detention center before virus hits

But many residents of the center have been in custody for longer than 30 days , which , generally speaking @ @ @ @ @ juvenile can be held pretrial under normal circumstances .
As of early this week , @ @ @ @ @ beyond that limit , though some may be in custody awaiting sentencing or on probation @ @ @ @ @ .

A pedestrian crosses the street outside the Cook County juvenile detention center on April 30, 2020, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
In early April, McKisha Davis’ 17-year-old son sent her a text. “It feel like I have a short breath,” he wrote.
Davis, fearing the worst, asked where he was. “Are you feeling better?”
Advertisement
No response.
“I’m like, what’s going on? You got me worried, now you’re not responding,” she told the Tribune.
Advertisement
Her son was not sick with COVID-19, as she had dreaded. But he had been arrested — picked up on a gun charge and sent to Cook County’s Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.
Thanks to expansive preemptive testing and other measures, the virus has not taken hold in the juvenile center as quickly or ferociously as it has at the Cook County Jail, where hundreds of adult detainees have fallen ill.
But advocates told the Tribune they have at times encountered roadblocks and confusion in trying to win release for juveniles — and feared that their young clients were being denied a fair chance to go home and shelter during the pandemic.
“They’re children, period. They’re kids, they make mistakes, their brain isn’t developed, they don’t understand the consequences,” said Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli. “The judges at juvenile court have released a lot of our kids, but there’s more work to do ... everybody should get a shot at a review. There shouldn’t be a technical reason not to do it."
On Thursday, after advocates voiced concerns and reporters raised questions, Chief Judge Timothy Evans’ office announced he would sign an order mandating that all juvenile detention reviews would have a chance to be heard in court.
A push for releases
With 170 residents, the juvenile center was at less than half capacity as of last week, according to the Cook County chief judge’s office.
And release efforts have ramped up significantly as other court operations have all but shut down. From March 16 through April 25, 117 youths who had been in custody for 24 hours or more were released, according to the chief judge’s office. Meanwhile, the number of new admissions has slowed to a trickle, Campanelli said.
But many residents of the center have been in custody for longer than 30 days, which, generally speaking, is the longest a juvenile can be held pretrial under normal circumstances. As of last week, 99 youths had been held beyond that limit, though some may be in custody awaiting sentencing or on probation violations rather than awaiting trial.
Advertisement
Davis’ son, whom the Tribune is not identifying because he is a juvenile, is on track to remain in custody long past 30 days. His next court date is not until early June.
He has had previous encounters with the law and other stays at the JTDC, his mother said.
Ordinarily, she would have been OK with him staying in custody this time around, to “learn his lesson before he becomes an adult,” she said.
But COVID-19 changed everything. Davis knew the virus could spread quickly in a custodial setting. She spent her government stimulus check on a private attorney to try and get him out.
“My son is not an angel. I will never make him look like one,” she told the Tribune. “… I wouldn’t be fighting as hard as I am now if it wasn’t for the virus.”
‘The kids are very anxious’
The spread of COVID-19 among youths in Cook County detention has been relatively limited.
Advertisement
By early April, each new arrival at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center on the Near West Side was being tested and held separately from general population for at least 14 days. While five new arrivals had tested positive in recent weeks, a massive preemptive testing effort involving more than half the general population revealed zero confirmed infections in recent days.
But advocates worried that those remaining could be in for lengthy stays. And court operations will be shut down until the end of May at least.
“(With) all the uncertainty, the kids are very anxious, very scared,” said an assistant public defender assigned to the juvenile division whom the Tribune is not naming because they were not authorized to speak to the news media. “The detention staff is having a harder and harder time maintaining a calm, peaceful learning environment because the kids are so anxious.”
For the first couple of weeks her son was in custody, Davis was anxious too.
“I’m always up, I’m always thinking about this, I just want him to be OK,” she told the Tribune. “Even if he does get sick, I mean, chances are he probably will survive, he’s young. But I wouldn’t be there for him.”
Davis’ son was first assigned to the “intake pods,” where new JTDC residents are initially held.
Advertisement
The experience there is different from that of their peers in the general population area, said Cristina Law Merriman, a defense attorney at Lawndale Christian Legal Center, which represents mostly teens and young adults.
Newly admitted residents are limited to 30 phone minutes a week, have limited opportunity to write letters, and all the adults wear full personal protective equipment, she said.
“Primarily, they’re just watching TV in masks, which I think is frightening,” Merriman said. “I can only imagine what it would be like to be surrounded by people in PPE all day long without your family.”
And if someone is scheduled to transfer out of the intake pod, but another resident in close contact with them tests positive, that resets the clock. They are placed on quarantine for another 14 days.
As of early last week, there were 33 youths in the JTDC awaiting entry to the general population.
Nancy B. Jefferson Alternative School, where JTDC residents take classes, has shut down along with the other Chicago Public Schools. Residents instead are completing “instructional packets” provided by CPS. Health, music and art programs are continuing via video-conferencing, according to the chief judge’s office. The youths make court appearances remotely via Zoom.
Advertisement
Some of those hearings have involved attempts to get center residents out of custody.
When the virus first hit, that process was relatively straightforward, sources said.
The day before the court shutdown took effect, many juvenile judges put their entire caseload on the schedule and conducted, in effect, mass detention reviews ahead of the looming shutdown, sources said.
The week after the shutdown commenced, public defenders brought 92 cases up for review, Campanelli said.
But not long after that, sources told the Tribune, they started to hit a bottleneck.
Cases go through a single judge
Some lawyers logged on to video-conferenced court calls to try to get their clients released, only to have judges urge them to withdraw their motions for review, sources said — being told they were not emergencies, and Juvenile Division Presiding Judge Michael Toomin had not consented to scheduling those cases.
Advertisement
“We were all confused in the moment (about) what was happening,” the assistant public defender told the Tribune. “We asked, we couldn’t get any clarification.”
Toomin, interpreting a new countywide order from Chief Judge Evans, had begun to vet each juvenile case before it could even be placed on the docket for an emergency hearing.
“Judges will be available in each district to hear emergency (matters), as determined by the Presiding Judge,” the order from Evans read.
Toomin’s interpretation left himself as the sole arbiter of whether a juvenile has a chance at a new proceeding that might see them released. Not all presiding judges interpret the order in that way. In adult court, by contrast, attorneys schedule their emergency motions directly with the clerk’s office.
The juvenile cases were accepted or rejected with little apparent logic, and sometimes without any explanation in writing, defense attorneys said.
“It’s like I’m screaming into the void; a black hole of injustice,” the assistant public defender told the Tribune in mid-April, later noting that seven to 10 of their cases were denied the opportunity to go before a judge that week.
Advertisement
By late April , a sticking point had been identified.
Many of the cases brought for review had cited an Illinois law requiring that, in general, juveniles should be released from detention after 30 days if they had not yet gone to trial.
The law was intended to speed the process for juveniles in particular, Merriman said.
“The whole (juvenile) process is meant to be restorative and rehabilitative and recognize that young children are different from adults and detention is harmful,” she said. “At all stages of the juvenile court process, the presumption is that children should be in their homes with their families.”
That provision of the law is separate from speedy-trial protections that ensure a juvenile goes to trial in a certain time frame. But both are included in the same section of the juvenile code.
And an Illinois Supreme Court order cited the entire section of the juvenile code when it suspended speedy-trial deadlines due to the pandemic.
Advertisement
Toomin has written orders finding that the 30-day detention limit is also suspended as the county and Illinois struggle with the outbreak.
“Although this court is sympathetic to Minor Respondent’s plight, in view of the global coronavirus pandemic and the declared state of emergency to protect the health and safety of the public, the guideposts directed by our leaders must be followed,” Toomin wrote denying one boy’s request to be scheduled for a hearing.
As of last week, sources said, Toomin was allowing cases to be scheduled — as long as they did not cite the statutory 30-day limit in their attempts for a review.
Campanelli says her office intends to contest Toomin’s interpretation of the 30-day limit, and is planning an appeal.
“This is about detention, caging children,” she said. “And I don’t agree with Judge Toomin and some of his rulings, and that’s why we have appellate courts.”
On Thursday, a spokesman for Evans announced the chief judge would soon order that all juvenile detention reviews are eligible to be placed on the docket.
Advertisement
An amended order, signed Friday, states, “Juvenile detention hearings, including all motions to review detention, and other emergency matters will be conducted daily."
Settling in
The private attorney Davis hired for her son successfully scheduled the case for a hearing in mid-April, but did not win his release on an ankle bracelet, she said. The teen is on track to be in custody at least until his next court date.
Davis said she is resigned to that fact. But since her son can’t get out, she hopes other kids will, to empty the juvenile center as much as possible and make social distancing easier.
Her son calls every day now. And he was recently tested for the virus while in custody, she said.
When he called to say he was negative, she felt enormous relief, she said.
“I told him, ‘I feel much better knowing that, now you sit down and learn your lesson and stay safe while you’re in there,’” she said.
Advertisement
Then she reminded him to keep washing his hands.
mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--Chicago’s history as a sanctuary city

Chicago’s history as a sanctuary city

Chicago 's path to being a sanctuary city began more than 30 years ago .
What follows is a look back at the leaders and laws that have shaped Chicago 's involvement with the sanctuary movement .
Building on an existing ordinance that prohibits agencies from inquiring about the immigration status of people seeking city services , this ordinance also prevents local police from detaining people solely on the belief that they are in the U.S. illegally , and cooperating with federal agents when they suspect status is the only reason the warrant has been issued .
With its introduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ordinance would `` make Chicago the most immigrant-friendly city in the country . ''
Mayor Rahm Emanuel after the City Council meeting on Sept. 12 , 2012 .
( Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune ) '' Since the Presidential Election , there has been a sense of uncertainty among many immigrant communities in Chicago and across the nation .
I want to assure all of our families that Chicago is and will remain a Sanctuary City , '' Mayor Emanuel said in a Nov. 13 , 2016 , news release .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since it was founded .
We have always welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds , and while the administration will change , our values and our commitment to inclusion will not . ''
Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks during a news conference at Lurie Children 's Hospital the day following his statement .
( Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune ) City looks for Rauner 's backing of sanctuary status A resolution sponsored by Mayor Rahm Emanuel , new Democratic state Comptroller Susana Mendoza and 35 of the city 's 50 aldermen calls on Governor Bruce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for cities that welcome our undocumented family members and neighbors and condemn any effort to strip the city of Chicago of federal funding . ''
The resolution calls on Rauner to speak at a special council meeting `` held solely for the purpose of discussing the president-elect 's plans for cities that welcome and protect immigrants . ''
Asked to respond to the specifics of the city resolution , a Rauner spokeswoman instead issued a general statement reiterating the governor 's support for immigration reform .
In response to President Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block federal funding to sanctuary cities like Chicago , Mayor Emanuel says , `` There is no stranger among us .
We welcome people . ''
The city 's aldermen vote to reaffirm that Chicago protects all residents regardless of race , ethnicity , immigration status , criminal record , gender identity and sexual orientation .
`` You mess with one in Chicago , you mess with all of us , '' said Northwest Side Ald .
John Arena , 45th .
Mayor Rahm Emanuel presides over the meeting of the Chicago City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune ) Chicago immigration reform advocates and Muslim leaders denounced President Donald Trump 's executive order to temporarily block refugees coming to the U.S. while the government reviews screening processes , calling it an effective ban on Muslims in America .
In issuing the order , which calls for a four-month halt on all refugee admissions , an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees and a temporary moratorium on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries with terrorism concerns , Trump said he seeks to protect the nation from terrorist attacks .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedures for those seeking immigrant visas to the U.S. Demonstrators converge in reaction to the executive order travel ban on Jan. 29 , 2017 , outside Terminal 5 of O'Hare International Airport .
( Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune ) Asked if he would support legislation to make it harder for federal authorities to access information about immigrants living in Illinois , Governor Bruce Rauner did n't reply yes or no , saying he is `` very pro-comprehensive immigration reform '' and wants the state `` to continue to be welcoming and diverse . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would allow schools , medical facilities and places of worship to decline access to federal immigration authorities , and it would limit cooperation and communication between local police and immigration officials .
The plans were introduced as part of a broader `` sanctuary state '' effort to extend statewide some protections like those in Chicago and Cook County , where local laws prohibit government workers and police officers from asking about residents ' immigration status .
The legislation is sponsored by Democrats , and their party controls the General Assembly .
Pressed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea Friday , Rauner declined .
`` I 've answered it , '' he said .
`` I 've said what I 'm going to say . ''
Gov .
Bruce Rauner takes questions from members the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board on Feb. 1 , 2017 .
( Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune ) City leaders call for end to attacks on immigrants Chicago politicians and immigrant advocates vowed to push back against plans by President Trump 's administration to deploy tactical units from the southern border to strengthen immigration enforcement in Chicago and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the timing of the initiative was intended to `` instill fear '' in immigrants not just about deportation but about participating in the 2020 census .
`` The timing is no accident , '' Garcia said at a news conference .
`` The attempted intimidation has a clear purpose : It is to intimidate our neighbors who are Latino , African American , Asian American communities in particular , not to open their doors .
Trump succeeds if we do that .
Trump wants us to be undercounted in our communities so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are vital to our communities and weaken our political power . ''
U.S. Rep. Jesus `` Chuy '' Garcia holds a news conference to demand an end to President Trump 's attacks against sanctuary cities and in defense of immigrants and refugees at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago on Feb. 18 , 2020 .
( Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune ) Judges rule in favor of Chicago in sanctuary city fight with Trump Justice Department President Donald Trump 's Justice Department ca n't withhold federal grants from sanctuary cities such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigrants , a federal appeals court ruled .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she was delighted by the ruling , saying she `` let out a cheer '' when she found out about it .
The battle started in 2017 , when Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the federal government would require sanctuary cities that want federal public safety funding to give notice when immigrants in the country illegally are about to be released from custody and allow immigration agents access to local jails .

July 18, 1982 Church congregation begins taking in refugees The Wellington Avenue Church congregation votes to join the sanctuary movement -- becoming just the second church in the U.S. to harbor refugees who entered the country illegally. The movement, which has roots in the medieval tradition of churches providing sanctuary for those fleeing persecution, was aimed at providing a safe haven for Central Americans running from political repression and violence in their home countries. They were refused asylum here because of U.S. support for the governments of El Salvador and Guatemala. About 20 Chicago-area churches became sanctuaries in the 1980s. Salvadorans wear masks to hide their faces during a visit to Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ on Aug. 9, 1982. (Chicago Tribune)
November 1982 Group becomes national leader in sanctuary movement Recognized for its work in organizing and transporting refugees from El Salvador to a network of welcoming churches around the U.S., the Chicago Religious Task Force on Central America becomes the national clearinghouse for the sanctuary movement. The group distributes books on the sanctuary movement and holds rallies in downtown Chicago to bring awareness to the issues facing Central American refugees. Members of the Chicago Religious Task Force on Central America protest outside the Federal Building on Sept. 16, 1983, in Chicago. (Chicago Tribune)
Jan. 20, 1985 Chicago's chief legal officer: Don't assist the feds A week after 18 workers driving cabs were arrested, Corporation Counsel James Montgomery recommends Chicago not cooperate with federal immigration authorities in arresting immigrants living in the U.S. illegally unless subpoenas are obtained. Chicago's Immigration and Naturalization Service Director A.D. Moyer criticizes Montgomery's suggestion.
March 7, 1985 Mayor encourages 'equal access by all persons' to city services, licenses Mayor Harold Washington signs an executive order ending the city's practice of asking job and license applicants about their U.S. citizenship and halting cooperation by city agencies with federal immigration authorities. Mayor Harold Washington says he took an oath to obey the laws and raises his hand before signing the executive order enhancing Chicago's sanctuary status on March 7, 1985. (Chicago Tribune archives)
Dec. 17, 1985 'Operation Taxicab' rounds up immigrants suspected of living in U.S. illegally Calling cabdrivers who are living in the U.S. illegally "a serious menace," the city's immigration director, Moyer, orders spot checks of drivers' identification at airports and other hangouts. Dubbed "Operation Taxicab," 129 drivers are arrested in a single day -- 51 could later prove they were in the U.S. legally. Though there was no federal law prohibiting employers from hiring workers in the country illegally, Moyer blames Mayor Washington's earlier executive order for opening the door. An abandoned cab is towed following a raid by immigration agents at the Merchandise Mart taxi stand on Dec. 17, 1985. (Chicago Tribune)
April 30, 1987 Feds offer immigrants ways to gain legal status Less than 1 1/2 years after overseeing raids on taxi drivers in the U.S. illegally, Moyer details plans to open four centers to help immigrants with paperwork to become legal U.S. residents. The effort is part of the Immigration Reform and Control Act, a law passed by Congress and signed by President Ronald Reagan to offer a path to legal residence for people in the U.S. illegally since Jan. 1, 1982. A.D. Moyer, Chicago district director for immigration services, points out locations at a April 30, 1987, news conference where immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally can get help. (Chicago Tribune)
Nov. 1, 1987 Sanctuary group urges 'hiring undocumented workers' The Chicago Religious Task Force, a national clearinghouse for the sanctuary movement helping Central American refugees, said in a Chicago Tribune story that it was planning to urge priests, nuns and "employers to break the law by hiring undocumented workers" in the Chicago area, where tens of thousands of the immigrants live.
April 25, 1989 Daley adopts Washington's sanctuary stance Shortly after taking office, Daley signs 13 executive orders including one that reaffirms "fair and equal access" to employment, benefits and licenses to all -- regardless of nationality or citizenship. Mayor Richard M. Daley signs an executive order on April 25, 1989. (Chicago Tribune)
June 4, 1992 Chicago Crime Commission asks for amendment The group asks Mayor Daley to amend the 1989 executive order to allow Chicago police to share citizenship information with the INS to help combat street gangs. Later, Daley says any information about a person involved in serious crimes would be turned over to the feds. (This provision would be added as part of the city's 2012 Welcoming City ordinance.)
Aug. 15, 2006 Woman seeks church refuge to avoid deportation, reviving sanctuary movement Ordered to be deported, Elvira Arellano and her U.S.-born son take refuge inside Adalberto United Methodist Church in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. She had been arrested in a post-Sept. 11, 2001, sweep of O'Hare International Airport, where she was working as a cleaner. Authorities discovered she had been using a fake Social Security number and had been previously deported to Mexico. Arellano would spend a year living in the church with her story receiving national attention. While awaiting a decision on her application for political asylum, Arellano is living in Humboldt Park with her partner and two sons. Elvira Arellano and her son, Saul, greet supporters at Adalberto United Methodist Church on Sept. 30, 2006. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)
Sept. 7, 2011 Cook County won't fulfill ICE detainer requests In a vote of 10-5, the Cook County Board passes an ordinance to free immigrants suspected of living in the U.S. illegally who are jailed in both felony and misdemeanor cases despite federal immigration authorities' requests to detain them. The ordinance was based on a recent federal ruling in Indiana that determined ICE detainers are voluntary requests and not criminal warrants.
Sept. 12, 2012 'Welcoming City' ordinance passes Building on an existing ordinance that prohibits agencies from inquiring about the immigration status of people seeking city services, this ordinance also prevents local police from detaining people solely on the belief that they are in the U.S. illegally, and cooperating with federal agents when they suspect status is the only reason the warrant has been issued. With its introduction in July 2012, Mayor Emanuel said the ordinance would "make Chicago the most immigrant-friendly city in the country." Mayor Rahm Emanuel after the City Council meeting on Sept. 12, 2012. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
April 2, 2014 City Council urges President Obama to stop deporting 'individuals with no criminal history' The City Council passes a resolution encouraging Congress and President Barack Obama to pursue immigration reform. "Children and their families should not have to live in fear of government-forced separation," it stated.
Nov. 18, 2015 Alderman pushes for Rauner to reverse decision on Syrian refugees Following the Paris terrorist attacks, 31 governors -- including then-Indiana Gov. and now-Vice President Mike Pence and Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner -- sought to turn away Syrian refugees from their states. In a resolution reaffirming Chicago's sanctuary city status and "refuge for refugees from around the world," Ald. Ed Burke, 14th, says it's up to the federal government to make that decision. Fatima Adris and her son Osama Omarien, 2, were on hand when the City Council backed a resolution asking Gov. Bruce Rauner to reverse his decision on accepting refugees Nov. 18, 2015. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Oct. 5, 2016 City workers, police can't use immigration status for intimidation Following Jianqing Klyzek's case, aldermen amend 2012's Welcoming City ordinance to require that reports of "physical abuse, threats or intimidation" against immigrants, in the U.S. legally or illegally, be sent to oversight agencies that cover the Chicago Police Department and other city agencies. Surveillance footage from the raid on July 31, 2013, shows Jianqing Klyzek, 32, shortly after Chicago police officers entered the Copper Tan and Spa. Klyzek says she was hit in the head by a Chicago police officer while she knelt on the floor. (Image from video via Klyzek's attorney)
Oct. 12, 2016 Municipal ID program launches Suggested in 2015 by a City Council ordinance, Mayor Emanuel launches a program to give all Chicagoans -- including immigrants in the U.S. illegally, the homeless, the formerly incarcerated, young adults and the elderly -- official identification that will not convey information about national origin or legal status. New City Clerk Anna Valencia will oversee the program.
Nov. 13, 2016 Following Donald Trump's election, Mayor Emanuel defends city's stance "Since the Presidential Election, there has been a sense of uncertainty among many immigrant communities in Chicago and across the nation. I want to assure all of our families that Chicago is and will remain a Sanctuary City," Mayor Emanuel said in a Nov. 13, 2016, news release. "Chicago has been a city of immigrants since it was founded. We have always welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds, and while the administration will change, our values and our commitment to inclusion will not." Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks during a news conference at Lurie Children's Hospital the day following his statement. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Dec. 5, 2016 City looks for Rauner's backing of sanctuary status A resolution sponsored by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, new Democratic state Comptroller Susana Mendoza and 35 of the city's 50 aldermen calls on Governor Bruce Rauner to issue a statement of "support for cities that welcome our undocumented family members and neighbors and condemn any effort to strip the city of Chicago of federal funding." The resolution calls on Rauner to speak at a special council meeting "held solely for the purpose of discussing the president-elect's plans for cities that welcome and protect immigrants." Asked to respond to the specifics of the city resolution, a Rauner spokeswoman instead issued a general statement reiterating the governor's support for immigration reform.
Jan. 25, 2017 Emanuel defends city from President Trump's threats In response to President Trump's signing of an executive order intended to block federal funding to sanctuary cities like Chicago, Mayor Emanuel says, "There is no stranger among us. We welcome people." The city's aldermen vote to reaffirm that Chicago protects all residents regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, criminal record, gender identity and sexual orientation. "You mess with one in Chicago, you mess with all of us," said Northwest Side Ald. John Arena, 45th. Mayor Rahm Emanuel presides over the meeting of the Chicago City Council on Jan. 25, 2017. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Jan. 27, 2017 Chicago advocates condemn Trump's order on migrants Chicago immigration reform advocates and Muslim leaders denounced President Donald Trump's executive order to temporarily block refugees coming to the U.S. while the government reviews screening processes, calling it an effective ban on Muslims in America. In issuing the order, which calls for a four-month halt on all refugee admissions, an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees and a temporary moratorium on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries with terrorism concerns, Trump said he seeks to protect the nation from terrorist attacks. He called for a review of all screening procedures for those seeking immigrant visas to the U.S. Demonstrators converge in reaction to the executive order travel ban on Jan. 29, 2017, outside Terminal 5 of O'Hare International Airport. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Jan. 30, 2017 'Safeguarding Sanctuary Cities Act' introduced in U.S. House Rep. Mike Quigley, of Chicago, and 32 Democrats introduce a bill that would "ensure that federal funds cannot be unduly withheld from any state or local authority that limits or restricts compliance with a voluntary immigration detainer request." This bill was introduced during a previous session of Congress but was not advanced.
Feb. 10, 2017 Rauner doesn't take a position on Democrats' immigration plan Asked if he would support legislation to make it harder for federal authorities to access information about immigrants living in Illinois, Governor Bruce Rauner didn't reply yes or no, saying he is "very pro-comprehensive immigration reform" and wants the state "to continue to be welcoming and diverse." Legislation under consideration at the state Capitol would allow schools, medical facilities and places of worship to decline access to federal immigration authorities, and it would limit cooperation and communication between local police and immigration officials. The plans were introduced as part of a broader "sanctuary state" effort to extend statewide some protections like those in Chicago and Cook County, where local laws prohibit government workers and police officers from asking about residents' immigration status. The legislation is sponsored by Democrats, and their party controls the General Assembly. Pressed to provide his position on the sanctuary state idea Friday, Rauner declined. "I've answered it," he said. "I've said what I'm going to say." Gov. Bruce Rauner takes questions from members the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board on Feb. 1, 2017. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)
March 15, 2017 Former sanctuary seeker allowed to stay in the U.S. another year following ICE meeting Elvira Arellano, the twice-deported immigration activist whose year of living in a Humboldt Park church a decade ago made her a lightning rod in the immigration debate, was granted a reprieve and allowed to remain in the United States for another year. She is awaiting a hearing on her petition for political asylum, which she filed three years ago. Elvira Arellano, 42, was allowed to stay in the U.S. another year following her annual check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Chicago on March 15, 2017, the third such appointment since she returned to the U.S. in 2014. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)
March 27, 2017 U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says sanctuary cities could lose federal funding Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he is "urging states and local jurisdictions to comply with these federal laws." He says the Justice Department will require compliance with immigration laws in order for the cities to receive grants through the Office of Justice Programs. The Obama administration had a similar policy in place.
July 25, 2017 Justice Department rules intensify crackdown on sanctuary cities like Chicago The Justice Department escalated its promised crackdown on so-called sanctuary cities, saying it will no longer give cities coveted grant money unless they give federal immigration authorities access to jails and provide advance notice when someone in the country illegally is about to be released. In this file photo, Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks in Columbus, Ohio on Aug. 2, 2017. (Jay LaPrete/AP Photo)
Aug. 7, 2017 Emanuel sues Trump's Justice Department over sanctuary city policy Mayor Emanuel's Law Department files its much-touted lawsuit against President Donald Trump's Justice Department over its effort to withhold some grant funding from so-called sanctuary cities.
Aug. 16, 2017 Sessions blasts sanctuary cities, singling out Chicago During a news conference in Miami, Sessions vowed to continue fighting cities that refuse to cooperate with immigration authorities -- aiming much of his frustration at Chicago.
Aug. 23, 2017 Mother of 6 seeks sanctuary in a Chicago church to avoid deportation Francisca Lino, 50, a Bolingbrook resident and mother of six children -- five of them U.S. citizens -- is taking sanctuary in the same Chicago church that protected immigration activist Elvira Arellano. Lino was scheduled to meet with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, but, instead, she held a West Side news conference at Adalberto United Methodist Church in Humboldt Park. Francisca and Diego Lino, left with their twin daughters Juliana, 15, middle and Judith in the room where Francisca is taking sanctuary. The Lino family along with their supporters gathered at Adalberto Church in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood on Aug. 23, 2017 to announce that Francisca Lino, who was required to turn herself into immigration that day, will instead take sanctuary in the church. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Sept. 15, 2017 Judge rules in city's favor on sanctuary cities, grants nationwide injunction A federal judge in Chicago blocked the Trump administration's rules requiring so-called sanctuary cities to cooperate with immigration agents in order to get a public safety grant.
Oct. 13, 2017 Chicago judge refuses to change ruling on sanctuary cities U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber said Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration could suffer "irreparable harm" in its relationship with the immigrant community if it were to comply with the U.S. Department of Justice's new rules requiring sanctuary cities nationaide to cooperate with immigration agents in exchange for receiving public safety grant money.
November 2017 Lino's attorneys file a civil rights lawsuit They allege the U.S. government violated her Fifth Amendment rights and expeditiously deported her in 1999 without due process.
April 19, 2018 Emanuel wins legal victory in sanctuary city lawsuit The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago upholds a nationwide injunction prohibiting Attorney General Sessions from requiring cities to give immigration agents access to immigrants in the U.S. illegally who are in their lockups, in order to get certain public safety grants. Following the ruling, Mayor Emanuel calls on President Trump's Justice Department to hand over grant money to Chicago.
October 2018 Chicago sues Trump administration for withholding police funding The city has already sued over the matter, but now the DOJ has imposed a new round of restrictions, city officials say. Among other things, the new stipulations include requiring local police to inform immigration officials about immigrants in custody who have questionable legal status and allowing them to access the prisoners for questioning.
July 27, 2018 Judge: Feds can't dock sanctuary cities A federal judge sides with the city of Chicago in its sanctuary city lawsuit, ruling that the Trump administration does not have the authority to withhold federal public safety funding from the city if it limits its cooperation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. Chicago Corporation Counsel Ed Siskel, shown in 2017 addressing the lawsuit against the Justice Department, called the July 27, 2018, ruling "another significant legal victory for Chicago." (Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)
May 2019 Pregnant mother of three takes sanctuary inside Chicago church Adilene Marquina Adam, 34, says she was told to report to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Instead, the family takes refuge inside a small storefront church, the Faith, Life and Hope Mission, on 63rd Street in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood. Adilene Marquina Adam with her son Joshua Pino Marquine, 3, inside the Mision, Fe, Vida Y Esperanza church in Chicago on May 22, 2019. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune)
Sept. 26, 2019 Mayor Lightfoot upstages ICE press conference Robert Guadian, ICE's newly appointed Chicago field office director, held a news conference to underscore what he said are the dangers of local police not cooperating with his agency in so-called sanctuary cities like Chicago. But outside of ICE's Chicago office, Lightfoot appeared with a group of immigration activists and called Guadian's criticism of the city's sanctuary ordinance "nonsense." Mayor Lori Lightfoot speaks at a rally outside the Chicago ICE office on Sept. 26, 2019, to denounce recent actions taken by the immigration agency. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Oct. 28, 2019 President Trump makes his first visit to Chicago as the nation's chief executive Speaking at the annual gathering of the International Association of Chiefs of Police at McCormick Place, Trump slammed Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson in front of his peers and criticized the type of federal order the city is under to reform the CPD. Trump also called Chicago "the worst sanctuary city in America" and cited the refusal of the city's Police Department under Johnson to detain people in the country illegally for immigration enforcement. President Donald Trump speaks at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference at McCormick Place on Oct. 28, 2019. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)
Feb. 15, 2020 Border Patrol to deploy to Chicago The Trump administration is deploying law enforcement tactical units from the southern border as part of a supercharged arrest operation in sanctuary cities across the country, including Chicago, an escalation in the president's battle against localities that refuse to participate in immigration enforcement. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot released a video condemning the news that additional agents were being sent to sanctuary cities to help immigration enforcement, and warned residents that they did not have to open doors to anyone who doesn't have a warrant. No matter what the Trump administration does, remember that you have power and you are not alone. Chicago will always stand strong and we will use all of our tools to make sure everyone is safe. pic.twitter.com/q4FPklwxrw — Mayor Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) February 15, 2020
Feb. 18, 2020 City leaders call for end to attacks on immigrants Chicago politicians and immigrant advocates vowed to push back against plans by President Trump's administration to deploy tactical units from the southern border to strengthen immigration enforcement in Chicago and other so-called sanctuary cities. U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia contended the timing of the initiative was intended to "instill fear" in immigrants not just about deportation but about participating in the 2020 census. "The timing is no accident," Garcia said at a news conference. "The attempted intimidation has a clear purpose: It is to intimidate our neighbors who are Latino, African American, Asian American communities in particular, not to open their doors. Trump succeeds if we do that. Trump wants us to be undercounted in our communities so that we would lose federal resources and services that are vital to our communities and weaken our political power." U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia holds a news conference to demand an end to President Trump's attacks against sanctuary cities and in defense of immigrants and refugees at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago on Feb. 18, 2020. (Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)
April 30, 2020 Judges rule in favor of Chicago in sanctuary city fight with Trump Justice Department President Donald Trump's Justice Department can't withhold federal grants from sanctuary cities such as Chicago that extend protections to undocumented immigrants, a federal appeals court ruled. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she was delighted by the ruling, saying she "let out a cheer" when she found out about it. The battle started in 2017, when Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the federal government would require sanctuary cities that want federal public safety funding to give notice when immigrants in the country illegally are about to be released from custody and allow immigration agents access to local jails.
Aug. 31, 2022 Seventy-five migrants who arrived in Texas were dropped off at Chicago’s Union Station Around 9 p.m. along the Canal Street side of the station, a group of about 15 people, some of whom were from Venezuela and were waiting for another bus, were standing or sitting on a sidewalk. Some were looking at their phones as others were speaking to each other and to a Tribune reporter. Most were men, but there was one woman with her young daughter and husband. They were waiting to be picked up and taken to a shelter, they told the Tribune reporter. Read more. Elier Salazar Chacon, 29, carries his 3-year-old daughter Cataleya Salazar Ramirez while talking with a Chicago police officer after arriving on a bus with other migrants from Texas at Union Station on Aug. 31, 2022, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--Remembering the lives of those in Illinois who died from coronavirus

As the number of deaths attributable to COVID-19 ticks upward , the Tribune is working to chronicle those who have @ @ @ @ @ Chicago area or who have connections to our region .
These are some of those @ @

They were mothers and fathers, daughters and sons. Many were proud grandparents. Two were sisters from a tight-knit South Side family. All were loved, relatives say, and will be forever missed.
As the number of deaths attributable to COVID-19 ticks upward, the Tribune is working to chronicle those who have lost their lives in the Chicago area or who have connections to our region. These are some of those victims.
If you know of someone or would like to offer a remembrance of someone please share your information here. To file a death notice, go here.
Subscribe to the Chicago Tribune: Our mission is to deliver trusted and meaningful local news. Your support allows us to continue providing the award-winning, watchdog and in-depth journalism our community deserves. Subscribe here.


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--Mayor Lori Lightfoot reopens shuttered Chicago police detective areas

“ We had a three-area system that literally divided up the large expanse of the city into three areas .
@ @ @ @ @ ” Lightfoot said .
“ It wasn ’ t functionally working , I think , @ @ @ @ @ be .
It was important to make sure that the areas were not just five @ @ @ @ @ of them made sense based upon data and crime patterns .
”

Police detective areas on the West and Northwest sides have been reopened, high-profile moves by Mayor Lori Lightfoot to try to improve collaboration among detectives, patrol officers and residents in those parts of the city.
The Harrison Area and Grand Central Area detective divisions had been closed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2013 as part of a money-saving restructuring that left the city with three detective areas.
Advertisement
Chicago police detectives work at their stations at the Harrison Area detective division on April 30, 2020. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
By opening them again, Lightfoot said she expects to improve community policing because detectives will be closer to the communities they serve. The mayor announced in October that she planned to take this step. The detective offices are just now again operational, bringing the number of areas in which detectives work in the city back up to five.
“We had a three-area system that literally divided up the large expanse of the city into three areas. It was too big,” Lightfoot said. “It wasn’t functionally working, I think, as effectively as it could be. It was important to make sure that the areas were not just five, but that the configuration of them made sense based upon data and crime patterns.”
Advertisement
Gang investigations and saturation teams also will operate out of the reopened area headquarters buildings, allowing police to respond more quickly to incidents, Lightfoot said. It cost the city about $3.7 million to reopen the two offices, Lightfoot said, money that was included in her 2020 budget.
jebyrne@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @_johnbyrne


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--Judges rule in favor of Chicago in sanctuary city fight with Trump Justice Department

“ But states do not forfeit all autonomy over their own police power merely by accepting federal grants , ” @ @ @ @ @ the attorney general ’ s perception of the urgency of immigration enforcement does not corral @ @ @ @ @ powers entrusted to the legislative branch .
The executive branch has significant powers over immigration @ @ @ @ @ the purse is not one of them .
”

President Donald Trump’s Justice Department can’t withhold federal grants from sanctuary cities such as Chicago that extend protections to undocumented immigrants, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.
The latest ruling in the long-running case hinges on the Trump Justice Department’s attempt to require cities such as Chicago to give immigration agents access to immigrants in the U.S. illegally who are in their lockups, in order to get certain federal public safety grants.
Advertisement
The three-judge panel voted to keep an injunction in place stopping the Justice Department from withholding Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants from Chicago.
And the judges extended that injunction against the Justice Department to governments across the U.S. that don’t cooperate with immigration agents in trying to identify and possibly deport people who are in the U.S. illegally.
Advertisement
On Thursday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she was delighted by the ruling, saying she “let out a cheer” when she found out about it.
Lightfoot took the very rare step of tossing some praise to her predecessor, Rahm Emanuel, for taking up the court fight against the Trump administration.
“I have to give credit to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel for really understanding the importance of fighting this fight,” Lightfoot said. “And former corporation counsel Ed Siskel for putting together a team that understood we could not be dictated to simply because we embrace who we are as a city. We embrace our immigrants and refugees."
Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons.
In her ruling, Judge Ilana Rovner noted federal lawyers have expressed frustration “that Chicago, or any other jurisdiction, can ‘simultaneously accept federal law enforcement grants, yet maintain local policies that frustrate federal immigration enforcement.’ ”
“But states do not forfeit all autonomy over their own police power merely by accepting federal grants,” Rovner writes. “And the attorney general’s perception of the urgency of immigration enforcement does not corral for the executive branch the powers entrusted to the legislative branch. The executive branch has significant powers over immigration matters; the power of the purse is not one of them.”
The battle started in 2017, when Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the federal government would require sanctuary cities that want federal public safety funding to give notice when immigrants in the country illegally are about to be released from custody and allow immigration agents access to local jails.
The fight is relatively low stakes. Chicago was in line to receive only about $1.5 million in Byrne grant money in 2017, and similar amounts each year since. That’s a small fraction of the city’s Police Department budget.
Advertisement
But Emanuel promptly filed suit, seeing the issue as a way to plant a flag against Trump’s immigration policies in a city with a heavily Democratic constituency, a huge immigrant population and a long-standing sanctuary city statute.
Courts have issued a series of rulings in favor of Chicago in the years since, and the Justice Department has appealed.
Department of Justice representatives could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday on whether they planned to appeal the latest ruling.
jebyrne@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @_johnbyrne


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--Illinois GOP congressmen ask Pritzker to begin reopening state’s economy

“ Elective surgeries , state parks , golf courses and so many of the things that we ’ ve opened @ @ @ @ @ new ) executive order that only is in effect for a month here is an @ @ @ @ @ of ) my recognition and our recognition that it ’ s different from one area @ @ @ @ @ ll be talking more about that as we put forward plans for reopening , ” @ @ @

The five Republicans in Illinois’ 18-member U.S. House delegation are asking Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker for a phased plan to reopen the state’s economy, saying “it is unreasonable and untenable to continue on this course for the duration of the pandemic.”
“The fact is, communities across the state are desperate for a plan to navigate the reopening of business in a responsible, reasonable manner,” the congressmen wrote in a letter to Pritzker on Thursday.
Advertisement
“There is a strong desire among the people we represent to move forward with a plan focusing on balancing our health and our economy. It should not be an either/or proposition,” the congressmen said.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) speaks to the media at the U.S. Capitol, March 13, 2020 in Washington, about the coronavirus aid package bill. (Alex Wong/Getty)
The letter, signed by Reps. John Shimkus of Collinsville, Adam Kinzinger of Channahon, Rodney Davis of Taylorville, Mike Bost of Murphysboro and Darin LaHood of Peoria, appears to have come a day after they spoke to Pritzker by phone. The letter references matters “discussed on the call yesterday.”
Advertisement
The letter by the Republicans represents yet another effort within the state’s minority political party to push Pritzker into a more widespread opening of Illinois’ economy than the Democratic governor has indicated he will allow. Pritzker’s most recent stay-at-home executive order expires Friday but he is poised to sign a 30-day extension.
The congressmen said they were “grateful” for the Illinois residents, health care professionals and civil servants “who have followed the guidance provided by you and President Trump.”
They said that while the risk of an overwhelmed health system has been mitigated, “the greater threat looming over Illinois is the collapse of our economy if your stay-at-home order continues in its current form.”
“We must, therefore, work with our public health experts to establish a path forward that no longer ignores the economy that feeds and fuels our families and society,” they said.
The Republicans, who largely represent downstate areas, said a phased reopening “can and should begin” in those areas that have had fewer cases of the coronavirus. The state Public Health Department has reported cases in 97 of the state’s 102 counties.
It has been largely in rural, conservative areas where residents have chafed under a perception that Pritzker’s regulations are motivated by Chicago’s efforts to control the spread of the virus.
Pritzker has maintained that the virus has no regard for geography and can spread anywhere, but has said any reopening of the economy will give strong priority to regional hospital capacity and capability to handle any hot spot.
Pritzker said he spoke with the state’s entire congressional delegation Wednesday and didn’t disagree with the Republicans “that different areas of the state require different rules.” He said changes in his new order taking effect Friday acknowledged those regional differences.
Advertisement
“Elective surgeries, state parks, golf courses and so many of the things that we’ve opened up just in this (new) executive order that only is in effect for a month here is an indication, indeed, (of) my recognition and our recognition that it’s different from one area to another and we’ll be talking more about that as we put forward plans for reopening,” he said.
But Pritzker also cautioned, “Just because (people) don’t live in Chicago or Cook County or the collar counties doesn’t mean they are not in danger.”
The Republican congressmen acknowledged improved testing “will be critical” to any reopening plan. But they said federal funding approved by Congress, including $25 billion for a comprehensive national testing plan in the most recent relief package, means Illinois “will have the resources necessary for a robust testing system and we will ensure the state has the flexibility to create a regional approach.”
Pritzker has acknowledged that the state has been able to increase testing in recent days but is still seeking increased supplies to conduct more widespread tests. At the same time, he acknowledged that current antibody testing has proved unreliable.
rap30@aol.com


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--2 killed, another injured in crash outside Valparaiso

An initial investigation and witness statements showed that a semi-truck was eastbound on Ind .
130 when a yellow Ford @ @ @ @ @ on Ind .
130 .
For unknown reasons , the passenger car went left of @ @ @ @ @ of travel and collided with the truck .

Three young people from Valparaiso died as the result of collision between a car and a semitractor-trailer Thursday afternoon in Union Township, police said.
Mathew Shupe, 17, the driver of the passenger car, and front seat passenger Morgan Rodd, 20, died at the scene, according to a release from Cpl. Ben McFalls, public information officer with the Porter County Sheriff’s Department.
Advertisement
Olivia Ogiego, 20, a passenger in the back seat, was transported via the University of Chicago Medicine Aeromedical Network helicopter to the university’s medical center for treatment and later died.
Deputies with the sheriff’s department were called around 1:35 p.m. Thursday to Indiana 130 west of County Road 625 West in Union Township for the collision.
Advertisement
An initial investigation and witness statements showed that a semi-truck was eastbound on Ind. 130 when a yellow Ford passenger car was traveling west on Ind. 130. For unknown reasons, the passenger car went left of center into the eastbound lane of travel and collided with the truck.
The driver of the truck was not injured and was cooperative, according to the release. The driver submitted to a breath test and had no alcohol present, police said.
The Porter County Reconstruction Team handled the investigation and was assisted by Indiana State Police, who were conducting a commercial motor vehicle inspection of the truck.
The Porter County Coroner’s Office also is investigating.
Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--City officials say O’Hare’s massive $8.5 billion expansion project is moving ahead. But bleak outloo

City officials say O’Hare’s massive $8.5 billion expansion project is moving ahead. But bleak outlook for air travel could force it to scale back.

“ O ’ Hare 21 is a long-term project to meet the airport ’ s long-term needs , as well @ @ @ @ @ in the future economic growth of the City , ” said Chicago Department of Aviation @ @ @ @ @ an emailed statement .
“ The Terminal Area Plan , the centerpiece of the capital @ @ @ @ @ the planning and design phase and is continuing .
”

Mary Wisniewski, Lauren Zumbach, Blair Kamin

A United Airlines plane taxis as United Express planes sit at their gates at Terminal 2 of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on April 30, 2020. Plans to expand the airport could be jeopardized by the coronavirus pandemic's effect on air travel. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago’s Aviation Department insists the coronavirus pandemic won’t curtail its $8.5 billion expansion plan for O’Hare International Airport, but there are growing signs the city will have no choice but to reconsider the project’s scope and timing.
The city is counting on the airlines to help fund the expansion. But with flights canceled, jets grounded and passenger traffic plummeting because of the coronavirus, the airlines face their most severe economic crisis since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Advertisement
Travel restrictions and passenger concerns have brought flying to a near halt, resulting in billions of dollars in losses for airlines. The Transportation Security Administration screened 119,629 people at U.S. airports Wednesday, down nearly 95% from the same day last year.
A person takes a stroll April 30, 2020, outside the Terminal 2 building at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
On Thursday, both American Airlines and United Airlines reported substantial first-quarter losses, of $2.2 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively. Industry group Airlines for America said U.S. airlines’ passenger numbers remained strong through late February, which means the second quarter, which ends in June, could be more dire.
Advertisement
Airlines have reacted by slashing flights, offering voluntary leave and early retirement, instituting hiring freezes of nonessential employees, reducing capital expenditures and retiring aircraft early.
“There is no way to overstate the gravity of the situation for the airline industry, and difficult decisions lie ahead for all of us,” American Airlines Chairman and CEO Doug Parker told financial analysts while discussing the airline’s results.
Airports in other cites already have said they were considering postponing multibillion-dollar expansion plans because of the pandemic, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and San Diego International Airport.
In Chicago, there are signs the architectural firm picked to design the $2.2 billion Global Terminal — the project’s centerpiece — has encountered turbulence on the project.
“If the airlines can’t afford this and don’t need terminals as large as they were, the city has a fiduciary duty to the airlines and to the community not to spend money they don’t have," said Henry Harteveldt, travel industry analyst and president of the Atmosphere Research Group.
The planned O’Hare expansion, the biggest and most expensive in the airport’s 75-year history, is supposed to be finished by the end of 2028. The plans include the addition of a new Global Terminal and three new concourses, and is mostly funded by passenger fees, landing fees and other income.
The city declined to make Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee available for an interview but issued a statement saying the project is moving ahead.
Advertisement
“O’Hare 21 is a long-term project to meet the airport’s long-term needs, as well as to address needed investments in the future economic growth of the City,” said Chicago Department of Aviation spokesman Matthew McGrath, in an emailed statement. “The Terminal Area Plan, the centerpiece of the capital program, is still in the planning and design phase and is continuing.”
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Jeanne Gang's Studio ORD design for the O'Hare International Airport Global Terminal expansion has a multilevel design that makes escalators a central feature. Gang proposes to have departing travelers ride up escalators to a raised check-in and security floor, then take escalators down to gate level. (Studio ORD rendering)
But Harteveldt said if Chicago thinks it can forge ahead with the expansion without taking into account the new fiscal reality for airlines, it’s “living in an alternate universe.”
The International Air Transport Association estimated the COVID-19 pandemic could cost global airlines $314 billion in lost revenue this year, with airline passenger revenues falling 55% compared with 2019.
Still, American Airlines said it remains committed to Chicago and the O’Hare 21 modernization project.
“We are continuing to work closely with our partners at the City of Chicago on all airport matters, including long-term modernization,” spokeswoman Gianna Urgo said in a statement.
United issued a statement Thursday saying it is continuing to work “extremely closely” with the city on short- and long-term planning for O’Hare.
Advertisement
“For now we are jointly focused on maintaining cost efficient operations at the airport during the COVID-19 crisis," the statement said. "We appreciate the City’s partnership and look forward to continuing our joint long term planning work in the near future.”
But one sign the O’Hare expansion is facing stiff headwinds occurred at Studio Gang, the Chicago architectural firm leading the team that city officials, under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, picked last year to design the expansion.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Studio Gang in March laid off five employees — four architects and one support staff member — who were scheduled to work on the expansion.
The firm “internally announced a hold on the O’Hare project,” the source, who asked to remain anonymous, wrote in an email to the Tribune. “This hold came from stakeholders on the airport project.”
A spokeswoman for Studio Gang, Elizabeth Krasner, declined to respond to that version of events and said Studio Gang continues to work on the O’Hare expansion.
Studio Gang is headed by namesake Jeanne Gang, designer of the curvy Aqua hotel and residential tower and the under-construction Vista Tower, a hotel and condominium high-rise that will be Chicago’s third-tallest building when it opens later this year.
Advertisement
In addition to Studio Gang, the Studio ORD team consists of Chicago architects Solomon Cordwell Buenz; Dallas-based Corgan aviation architects; Milhouse Engineering & Construction of Chicago and STLarchitects of Chicago.
The expansion will consist of a new Global Terminal and satellite concourses. The satellite concourses are being designed under the supervision of Studio Gang by Chicago architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
The $8.5 billion expansion began with the selection of design and engineering firms and the signing of major contracts.
The airport already has started on a $1.2 billion expansion of Terminal 5, which by 2021 will have 10 new gates and 75% more space for passenger amenities. Airport officials say the expansion is needed before major construction on the larger project can begin. The city also is working on the Runway 9R extension and finishing a new 11,245-foot east-west runway.
Harteveldt said the economic crisis facing the airline industry does not mean a new terminal at O’Hare won’t be needed, but the timeline is going to be have to be explored, and possibly subdivided into new phases.
Even if the project moves ahead at its current scale, the city should consider pausing to see whether plans need to be adjusted in response to changes in the way we travel, said Seth Kaplan, an airline analyst.
Advertisement
“Airports haven’t been designed for social distancing,” Kaplan said.
“There’s no question that airports have to picture what the world is going to look like many years in the future,” he said.
mwisniewski@chicagotribune.com
bkamin@chicagotribune.com
lzumbach@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says city government worker layoffs a last resort, but preferable to a

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says city government worker layoffs a last resort, but preferable to a property tax hike

“ I can ’ t tell you yet what the full magnitude of the impact is on our 2020 budget @ @ @ @ @ t start our formal process of looking ahead to 2021 until , really , the @ @ @ @ @ of June , ” she said .

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday said she would only lay off or furlough city workers as a “last, last, last resort,” but that she would do so before considering raising property taxes.
Speaking at a news conference about reopening Chicago police detective areas, Lightfoot said she isn’t now considering following other cities in laying off workers or cutting back their hours or pay.
Advertisement
“As somebody who worked in city government in days when there were mandatory furlough days and layoffs, that’s demoralizing to your workforce,” Lightfoot said.
Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons.
Advertisement
But it’s too early to say for sure how badly the coronavirus shutdown will hurt the city’s bottom line.
“I can’t tell you yet what the full magnitude of the impact is on our 2020 budget, and we don’t start our formal process of looking ahead to 2021 until, really, the end of May, beginning of June,” she said.
As for when she might consider such cuts: “But I view layoffs and furloughs as a last, last, last resort. Well, last is raising property taxes.”
jebyrne@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @_johnbyrne


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--New Illinois rules about wearing a face mask in public start May 1. Here’s everything to know.

The N95 is the most effective mask and the ones that medical workers wear to protect themselves from the virus @ @ @ @ @ short supply , so the general public should avoid them and look for disposable masks @ @ @ @ @ which are less effective but good enough to capture vital particles from coming in or @ @ @ @ @ nose .
Here are the types of masks available .

Air travelers with and without face masks use a moving walkway toward their gates at Midway International Airport in Chicago on April 19, 2022. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
As of May 1, all Illinois residents over age 2 must wear a face mask when they can’t maintain a 6-foot social distance in public. Studies show that the coronavirus can spread between people interacting in close proximity, including people who are not showing symptoms.
With COVID-19 cases increasing, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Aug. 7 attempted to put more muscle behind the mandate by issuing a rule to penalize businesses and schools that don’t enforce mask-wearing with fines of up to $2,500. Individuals are not covered by the rule and are not subject to penalties.
Advertisement
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says nonmedical cloth facial coverings, for the public, help prevent the spread of the coronavirus and help people who may have the virus and are asymptomatic from transmitting it to others. N95 masks, which are in short supply, are best reserved for health care workers, who come into direct contact with COVID-19 patients.
Major retail chains like Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, CVS and Walgreens say they have already mandated that all store employees wear masks or facial coverings. Customers now must wear them in stores, but enforcing the rule can be more challenging.
Advertisement
According to the CDC, masks should:
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops
Include multiple layers of fabric
Allow for breathing without restriction
Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
The Tribune has compiled resources below on what fabrics are best for homemade masks, how to make your own face mask, and who is making and donating them in the Chicago area.
[ We’ve lowered the paywall on this essential coronavirus coverage ]
What kind of face mask should you wear?
The N95 is the most effective mask and the ones that medical workers wear to protect themselves from the virus. These have been in short supply, so the general public should avoid them and look for disposable masks or washable cloth masks, which are less effective but good enough to capture vital particles from coming in or out of your mouth and nose. Here are the types of masks available.
How to make your own face mask
Don’t want to try to find one in stores or online? You can make your own at home. Here are all the tools and material you will need and a handy illustrated tutorial to get you started. And here’s how you can make one with common household items.
[ COVID-19 cases in Illinois by ZIP code: Search for your neighborhood ]
Best fabrics for homemade masks
A study by University of Chicago professor Supratik Guha and colleagues at Argonne National Laboratory tested more than 15 common household fabrics to see which were best for protecting against the coronavirus. The study investigated the fabric’s filtration efficiencies against the tiny droplets that are how COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses are spread. Wearing a mask or a cloth facial covering reduces the transmission of these respiratory droplets from an infected person, Guha says.
They found the most effective fabrics to be cotton, natural silk and chiffon; synthetic silk and satin did not provide as much protection. Hybrid combinations, such as high thread cotton, along with silk, chiffon or flannel also supplied broad filtration coverage. Read more here.
[ As the coronavirus spreads, the Tribune is tracking Illinois cases here ]
How to properly wash your face masks
Cloth masks are washable and reusable. If you’re looking to maximize hygienic handling of your cloth mask, take a look at this guide from Best Reviews on how to clean and sanitize your masks.
Where you can find face masks — even for free
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Chicagoans are sewing face masks. Inspired by requests from local doctors and nurses, as well as calls for masks from providers such as the Indiana-based Deaconess Health System, volunteers have taken to social media with hashtags such as #1millionmasks. They are dusting off their sewing machines, sharing material and elastic, and arranging drop-offs and pickups from front stoops and porches. Read more here.
Advertisement
Also, check out neighborhood Facebook pages or email groups to find homemade masks in your area. Here are some other options:
What if I’m running?
Like many new questions related to a new virus, there are few definitive answers about whether runners are more or less likely to possibly spread the virus — despite what might be floating around online. Runners can consider using a circular accessory known as a “buff,” which has light, moisture-wicking fabric, or other household items like bandannas or neck warmers that might be more suitable to exercising and the outdoor elements.
The Chicago Area Runners Association has released a guide on what it considers best practices during the pandemic. If running on sidewalks or in more crowded places, they advise wearing a mask. Read more on running, coronavirus and masks here.


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--COVID-19 cases in Illinois by ZIP code: Search for your neighborhood

Search below by street address , ZIP code or city , then click on the map to see the number @ @ @ @ @ state is not providing data for any ZIP code with five cases or fewer .

Note: With Chicago and Illinois moving into phase 5, the Tribune is no longer updating this data. If the state moves back into bridge phase, the Tribune we reassess. Daily metrics on COVID-19, like cases, deaths and hospitalizations, can be found here. And Daily metrics on the vaccination effort can be found here. More on where the coronavirus stands nationally and around the world can be found here.
Illinois releases the number of positive COVID-19 cases by ZIP code daily. The map below shows the cumulative cases for each area as well as other analysis of the data.
• Check out the Tribune’s coronavirus coverage.
• Tracking daily Illinois coronavirus deaths, cases and tests.
Search below by street address, ZIP code or city, then click on the map to see the number of confirmed and probable cases. The state is not providing data for any ZIP code with five cases or fewer.
Data as of June 10.
The map search tool above works best in Chrome or Firefox and may not perform consistently in Internet Explorer.
Note: Because of a coding error this map was displaying the incorrect rates for new cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 people — the issue should now be resolved.. The Tribune adjusted the data shown on the map below to focus on new cases, those the state tracked in the last 7 seven days. The totals for the entire pandemic are still available, but in the pop-up after tapping or clicking on a ZIP.


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--Tracking Illinois coronavirus: 2,355 deaths, 52,918 confirmed cases, 269,867 tests, 25% ICU beds, 65

Tracking Illinois coronavirus: 2,355 deaths, 52,918 confirmed cases, 269,867 tests, 25% ICU beds, 65% ventilators open

As the coronavirus spreads and local , state and national governments work to contain and mitigate the outbreak , the @ @ @ @ @ .

Johns Hopkins University & Medicine tracked coronavirus cases, deaths and test totals from Jan. 22, 2020 through March 10, 2023, but is no longer providing this data. These charts will no longer be updated.
Check the Illinois Department of Public Health for the most up-to-date data for Illinois.
[ Remembering the lives of those in Illinois who died from coronavirus ]
Can’t see these charts? Go here.


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--Oprah Winfrey will give commencement address at Chicago Public Schools’ citywide virtual graduation

Oprah Winfrey will give commencement address at Chicago Public Schools’ citywide virtual graduation ceremony

“ The times we are living in are historic and stunning , forcing us all to take a deep look @ @ @ @ @ a people and our place in the world , '' Lightfoot said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ this better than Oprah , and I join all of Chicago in looking forward to @ @ @ @ @ ll be sharing with our incredible young people as they take this unforgettable next step @ @ @ @ @ journey .
”

None other than Oprah Winfrey has been named as the headliner at Chicago Public Schools’ virtual commencement ceremony for high school seniors, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday afternoon.
“The times we are living in are historic and stunning, forcing us all to take a deep look at who we are as a people and our place in the world," Lightfoot said in a statement. "No one knows this better than Oprah, and I join all of Chicago in looking forward to hearing the wisdom she’ll be sharing with our incredible young people as they take this unforgettable next step on their life’s journey.”
Advertisement
The ceremony will take place in mid-June and also will include other speeches and performances to celebrate the experiences of all of Chicago’s high school seniors, whether they attend district, charter or private schools, according to the mayor’s office.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every Chicagoan over the last few months, from lives lost to livelihoods severely impacted to planned experiences that had to be cancelled and that cannot be replaced,” Lightfoot said.
Advertisement
But, added CPS CEO Janice Jackson, the meaning of graduation “is more profound than a physical stage.”
“We know we can’t fully replace the special milestones lost," Jackson said in a statement, "... but our seniors deserve to be celebrated for their hard work and we look forward to coming together to honor our seniors during this special occasion.”
To make the big announcement, Lightfoot made her TikTok debut.
“I’ve always said that if I were to get on @tiktok_us it had to be for something REALLY special. Today is the day. Get ready,” the mayor tweeted, along with a clip of a TikTok video that shows her dancing to “Renegade” in a cap and gown.
A group of representatives from Chicago high schools will help work out the details, which will be announced along with the official date of the ceremony, according to the announcement, in partnership with Citadel.
Winfrey lived and produced her talk show for decades in Chicago.
hleone@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--Goodbye breakfast buffets and notepads, hello germ-zapping robots. How hotels are doubling down on h

Goodbye breakfast buffets and notepads, hello germ-zapping robots. How hotels are doubling down on hygiene — and what that means for your next stay.

“ You can ’ t just tell people you ’ re cleaning , you have to let them see people @ @ @ @ @ Day , associate professor at Purdue University ’ s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management @ @ @ @ @ .
“ These companies need to be transparent about what they ’ re doing and @ @ @ @ @ have a sense of comfort .
It ’ s only when I feel safe about @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m going to let my guard down enough to leave my house .
@

The coronavirus crisis has not only sent the hotel industry reeling by cratering occupancy rates. It’s forcing hotels to ramp up their cleaning protocols and hygiene — things that will be more of a priority for consumers in a post-pandemic world, where safe is the new sexy.
“What would have been in the back of customers’ minds is now front and center,” said Phil Cordell, Hilton’s global head of new brand development.
Advertisement
Hilton, Marriott and, as of Wednesday, Chicago-based Hyatt, have all announced plans for updated cleaning standards and other steps aimed at protecting the health of guests and staff at thousands of properties around the world. Home-rental companies like Airbnb have made similar moves.
Demand for hotel rooms has tanked during the pandemic. Among the U.S. hotels that are still open, about 3 out of 4 rooms are vacant, according to data released Thursday by the hospitality research company STR. In Chicago’s central business district, the occupancy rate is just shy of 14%.
Advertisement
The St. Clair Hotel manager Bruce Hutcheon says his 208-room property off North Michigan Avenue is about 15% full. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)
When people start staying in hotels again, they’ll notice some changes as new hygiene measures get rolled out in the coming weeks and months.
Expect less furniture to make way for more social distancing in lobbies and other public areas. Hand sanitizing stations will be highly visible. So will housekeepers, whose role moves from behind-the-scenes to center stage as they frequently and conspicuously wipe down railings, elevator buttons and door handles with hospital-grade disinfectants.
“You can’t just tell people you’re cleaning, you have to let them see people cleaning,” said Jonathon Day, associate professor at Purdue University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management in West Lafayette, Indiana. “These companies need to be transparent about what they’re doing and demonstrate it, so we have a sense of comfort. It’s only when I feel safe about going back to hotels that I’m going to let my guard down enough to leave my house.”
Some housekeeping teams will have high-tech tools at their disposal, like germ-zapping robots that look straight off the set of “Star Wars” and electrostatic sprayers to rapidly disinfect guest rooms and fitness centers. The latter is part of Marriott’s plan, which also involves testing ultraviolet light technology to sanitize guests’ key cards.
The LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robot emits broad-spectrum ultraviolet light to destroy viruses and bacteria within minutes. The machines have long been used for infection control in hospitals but some hotels are showing interest in adding them to their ramped up cleaning arsenals. (Westin Houston Medical Center)
The Westin Houston Medical Center hotel started using its pair of LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots in March. Made by Xenex Disinfection Services and costing about $100,000 each, the machines emit broad-spectrum ultraviolet light to destroy viruses and bacteria within minutes. They’ve been used for infection control in hundreds of hospitals for several years. Now the hospitality industry is showing interest.
“We’ve been contacted by dozens and dozens of hotels in Europe, the Middle East, here in the U.S.,” said company spokeswoman Melinda Hart. “They’re all trying to find a way for travelers to feel safe again.”
Hilton is working with health experts at Mayo Clinic and the makers of Lysol for its new “CleanStay” program at the company’s 6,100-plus properties spread over 18 brands, including Waldorf Astoria, Embassy Suites and Hampton hotels.
The new measures mandate extra disinfection of the 10 most often touched parts of a hotel room — light switches, TV remotes, thermostats, toilet handles — and putting a seal on room doors to let guests know they’re the first to enter their freshly cleaned quarters.
Advertisement
“I remember as a kid we’d travel on vacation, check into a motel and there’s a seal around the toilet seat,” Cordell said. “It harkens back to that. It’s a confidence builder for guests.”
Hilton is ditching some traditional guest room staples like notepads, pens and directories full of well-thumbed pages. Fitness centers will close periodically throughout the day for additional cleaning, and the number of guests exercising at the same time will be limited. Breakfasts will likely entail more grab-and-go options. Buffets, where they still exist, will have enhanced sanitation and be less hands-on.
“Maybe you scooped your own green beans before, but now someone will put them on your plate,” Cordell said.
“Some of this is the new normal and some of it will vary over time,” he added. “The visibility of housekeeping, the cleaning products ... that may be forever. Other elements like the distancing of tables in the restaurants, that will probably start to wane a bit at some point.”
Marriott recently created a Global Cleanliness Council that’s outlined multiple measures to reduce the spread of disease. Disinfecting wipes will be put in all guest rooms throughout the company’s 7,300 properties. In nearly half of these hotels, guests can use their phone to check in, access their room with a digital key and order a meal that will be packaged and deposited outside the door.
Marriott plans to use electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize guest rooms and other parts of its hotels in light of COVID-19. (Marriott)
Over at Hyatt, a new initiative requires that each of its 900-some properties has at least one specially trained hygiene manager by September. Hyatt also is the first hospitality brand to commit to getting all of its hotels accredited by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division of the Northbrook-based cleaning industry trade association, ISSA.
Advertisement
The new GBAC STAR certification is meant to ensure that a hotel — or restaurant, arena or convention center — has the proper chemicals, equipment and procedures to remove harmful pathogens. The concept of GBAC STAR certification predates the coronavirus crisis, but the pandemic fast-tracked the launch of the program, which starts accepting applications May 7.
“We had to hasten the development because the demand in the marketplace is mind-boggling,” ISSA Executive Director John Barrett said. “People need this assurance, so we hustled to get it built.”
Maria Medina cleans a guest bathroom at The St. Clair Hotel, part of Red Roof's Red Collection of properties. Red Roof, like many hotel chains, recently enhanced its hygiene protocols as a result of the coronavirus crisis. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)
The heightened emphasis on hygiene is happening across the lodging spectrum, from budget hotels and luxury resorts to vacation rental homes.
Housekeepers at the Red Roof chain now sanitize corridors, elevators, the front desk and other high-traffic areas up to four times a day with coronavirus-killing products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Housekeepers use a variety of cleaning products at The St. Clair Hotel, 162 E. Ontario St. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)
Cloth towels have been replaced by disposables in the public restrooms of the high-end, Switzerland-headquartered Kempinski Hotels, where employees have donned white gloves and designer face masks.
When The Langham hotels in the U.S. start accepting new reservations, the luxury properties will be taking guests’ and employees’ temperatures. If they have a high enough fever, a security officer wearing personal protective equipment will escort them to a room set aside for quarantine so they can contact their doctor for guidance.
Advertisement
“If they cannot reach a doctor, we will find one for them,” Langham spokeswoman Louise O’Brien responded in an email.
When Turks and Caicos ends its lockdown and hotels on its tropical islands reopen, breakfast buffets will be on hold at least until the end of the year at The Sands at Grace Bay and two other resorts owned by the Caribbean-based Hartling Group.
“Everything will be a la carte — for now, no more buffets,” said Karen Whitt, vice president of sales and marketing. On the beaches and pool decks, lounge chairs will be spaced further apart, and dining rooms will operate at about half capacity, she added. “We’re also enhancing room service, so guests have the option of having any meal they would have had at our restaurant in the comfort and privacy of their rooms.”
Home-rental companies Airbnb and Turnkey Vacation Rentals also are enhancing their cleaning protocols in light of COVID-19.
Turnkey will soon debut a training and certification program for its new cleanliness and safety standards for all of its housekeepers, who will use an app to photo-validate their use of coronavirus-fighting products. To guard against the spread of disease through airborne particles, the vacation rental management company is requiring a 24-hour buffer between guest stays, lasting through June at the earliest.
Airbnb worked with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy to craft guidelines that call for cleaners to wear masks and use certain disinfectants. Hosts also are supposed to wait at least 24 hours between check out and the arrival of the next guests.
Advertisement
Airbnb hosts are being encouraged, not required, to follow the new protocols. But customers will be able to see which ones do and which don’t.
“Guests want assurances and some comfort that they are not walking into a petri dish,” said Meighan Depke, an Airbnb host in Logan Square. “I’ll be happy to complete (Airbnb’s) certification to earn whatever star they might be awarding.”
Depke moderates a 16,000-member private Facebook group called Airbnb’s Finest Hosts.
“Some hosts in our group are screaming about overreach and the 24-hour pause between guests,” she said. “But hey, it’s a brand new world. Adapt or watch your business suffer.”
lrackl@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--R. Kelly pleads not guilty for 7th time in a little more than a year

Kelly , 53 , who has been held without bond since his arrest on the federal charges last July , @ @ @ @ @ in U.S. District Court in New York alleging he identified underage girls attending his concerts @ @ @ @ @ sexual abuse .

A courtroom sketch shows defense attorneys Ashley Cohen, from left, and Jennifer Bonjean with singer R. Kelly at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Sept. 14, 2022. (Cheryl Cook / Chicago Tribune)
R. Kelly pleaded not guilty Thursday to a superseding indictment brought in New York, marking the seventh time the embattled singer has been arraigned on sexual abuse-related charges in a little more than a year.
The new indictment adds several allegations of abuse involving a victim referred to only as Jane Doe 5. Two of the new counts carry mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years in prison if convicted, according to prosecutors.
Advertisement
Kelly, who is being held without bond at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, was not brought to New York for the brief hearing due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Participating by telephone from jail, Kelly said, “Yes ma’am,” when the judge asked him if he was waiving his right to appear in court in person. His attorney, Michael Leonard, then entered the not guilty plea on Kelly’s behalf.
Advertisement
Kelly, 53, who has been held without bond since his arrest on the federal charges last July, is charged with racketeering conspiracy in U.S. District Court in New York alleging he identified underage girls attending his concerts and groomed them for later sexual abuse.
Kelly is also charged in a federal indictment in Chicago with conspiring with two former employees — longtime manager Derrel McDavid and former employee Milton “June” Brown — to rig his 2008 child pornography trial in Cook County by paying off witnesses and victims to change their stories.
That indictment also alleged Kelly and his co-defendants paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to recover child sex tapes before they fell into the hands of prosecutors.
The singer is charged in four separate indictments in Cook County alleging he sexually assaulted or abused four women, three of whom were underage at the time.
Additional charges are pending in Minnesota, alleging Kelly solicited a teenager who asked for his autograph in 2001.
Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
jmeisner@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-04-30--Feeling hopeless? Worried? Chicago-area pandemic survey shows you’re not alone

“ Responses around feelings of hopelessness in the last week are concerning , '' said Nick Hart , president of @ @ @ @ @ the Washington , D.C.-based nonprofit behind the survey .
`` The indications of depression are @ @ @ @ @ I think those are clear things that the leadership in our country and across states @ @ @ @ @ mind — that their populations are experiencing these challenges in real time and there may @ @ @ @ @ ”

The humans of Chicagoland are lonely and feeling a little hopeless right now, according to a new survey meant to gauge the well-being of Americans during the coronavirus pandemic.
About 36% of respondents in Chicago’s metropolitan area reported that they felt “hopeless about the future” at least once in the last week, and 43% reported that they felt lonely at least one day. More than a third reported at least one day of feeling depressed.
Advertisement
With their lives disrupted by COVID-19, many are worried about jobs too. When the surveyors asked how likely respondents felt that it was that they would have a job in 30 days, 42% in the Chicago area reported that it was “not too likely” or “not likely at all.”
About 23% of local residents surveyed said that at some time in the past 30 days, they had run out of food and had no money to buy more. And 29% of Chicago-area residents reported that they worried that they didn’t have enough food to last before they’d have money to spend. Reports of food insecurity were similar nationally.
Advertisement
“Responses around feelings of hopelessness in the last week are concerning," said Nick Hart, president of the nonpartisan Data Foundation, the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit behind the survey. "The indications of depression are also very troubling, and I think those are clear things that the leadership in our country and across states and cities should bear in mind — that their populations are experiencing these challenges in real time and there may not be simple solutions.”
Results of the random-sample COVID-19 Household Impact Survey — conducted during the week of April 20 by NORC at the University of Chicago — were released Thursday. They are the first in a series of examinations of Americans’ health, economic and social well-being during the emergency.
Interviews for the national estimates were conducted with 2,190 adults representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The national survey was designed to be representative of the U.S. household population; demographic weighting variables were applied. The Tribune analyzed the results following the researchers’ methodology.
State-level surveys were conducted in California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, Oregon and Texas. Eight metropolitan areas were targeted as well: Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Phoenix and Pittsburgh. The state and regional survey reached about 6,600 people. Of those, 431 were surveyed from Chicago’s metro area, which stretches into Naperville and Elgin.
Though the number of Chicago-area residents surveyed was small, responses suggest that local residents were slightly more likely than Americans as a whole to have lost a close friend or family member to COVID-19 or respiratory illness since March 1. Across the nation, about 4% indicated family or friends had died; in the Chicago area, it was roughly 7%.
National results about experiencing loneliness, depression and worry largely were similar to results for the Chicago metro area.
“I think you can take some comfort in the sense that you’re not alone. It normalizes it a bit,” said Vaile Wright, a clinical psychologist and senior director of health care innovation at the American Psychological Association. “We still have to, as a community, figure out ways to come together and get through this. And we will. Communities are resilient. We are resilient. We are all in the soup.”
Wright said it’s normal to “not feel OK” in this stressful time. She said she thinks it helps to give friends pep talks to remind them that things are difficult now, but they’ve gotten through tough things before and they’ll get through this too. (Wright also said that people who are having prolonged, chronic trouble getting out of bed, working or functioning should seek professional help.)
Advertisement
The survey also examined ways that people are staying connected.
Sixty-nine percent of Chicago-area residents reported that they had been communicating with friends and family by phone, text, email, apps or other online methods “basically every day” during the last month, compared with 56% who said they did so before the pandemic.
Talking with neighbors every day was slightly less common during the pandemic. About 10% of Chicago-area residents reported speaking with neighbors daily before the coronavirus arrived, but during the survey week that had dropped to about 4%.
Chicago-area residents indicated that they were taking seriously the social distancing and health precautions meant to avoid infection. More than 80% reported that they’d been wearing a mask in public and 88% were keeping 6 feet away from others when outside their homes. About 36% were working from home.
Fifty-two percent reported that in response to the coronavirus, they prayed.
jrichards@chicagotribune.com