chicagotribune--2020-05-23--Family distraught after officials say Cook County Jail detainee died by suicide

On April 22 , after a bond reduction hearing , his bail was lowered to a $ 10,000 I-bond with @ @ @ @ @ of release , but he remained in custody because of a state law prohibiting the @ @ @ @ @ domestic violence from being released on electronic monitoring to a residence where the victim resides @ @ @ @ @ location could be identified , Walberg said .

Family photo of Trumell Holmes, 31, who died by suicide in a Cook County Jail cell on May 21, 2020. - Original Credit: Diane Gardner (Family photo provided by Diane Gardner)
A Cook County Jail inmate was found dead in his cell died by suicide, and his family is struggling to understand the tragedy.
Jail staffers performing a security check Thursday found Trumell K. Holmes, 31, in Division 9, Tier 1H, unresponsive, with a bedsheet wrapped around his neck and tied to the door, according to Matt Walberg, a spokesman for the Cook County sheriff’s office.
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The staffers began life-saving measures and called the Chicago Fire Department to the scene, but Holmes, who lived in south suburban Sauk Village, was pronounced dead at 11:47 p.m.
Holmes, who was housed alone in the jail cell, died of asphyxia, and his death was ruled a suicide, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office and Walberg.
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Diane Gardner, 70, raised Holmes from age 8 to 21 in the city’s Austin neighborhood. He was my “favorite little nephew,’’ said Gardner, whose sister is Holmes’ grandmother. “If he could do anything for me, he would."
Growing up, Holmes was on the quieter side, and loved video games and playing with motorized race cars.
He graduated from Ella Flagg Young Elementary School and went on to attend classes at Austin College and Career Academy.
For the last several years, Gardner tried to keep in touch, but she knew he had been in jail. The last time Gardner saw Holmes was in the fall, at a relative’s repast.
“When I’d see him, we would talk,’’ Gardner said. “He’d always tell me he loved me.’’
Holmes, who recently lived with his girlfriend in Sauk Village, had two children.
“He was a person that minded his own business and did what he wanted to do,'' his aunt said. "He just got in with the wrong crowd. He wasn’t a bad kid.’’
Holmes was booked into the jail on Jan. 14 for a domestic violence case and was ordered held in lieu of $5,000 D-bond, according to Walberg.
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On April 22, after a bond reduction hearing, his bail was lowered to a $10,000 I-bond with electronic monitoring as a condition of release, but he remained in custody because of a state law prohibiting the release of defendants charged with domestic violence from being released on electronic monitoring to a residence where the victim resides, and no suitable alternate location could be identified, Walberg said.
He received a second bond reduction hearing on May 15, but the bond was not changed.
Since 2008, Holmes had three previous felony convictions for armed robbery and attempted residential burglary.
Holmes, who had several siblings, spoke to one of his brothers the day before he died, Gardner said, adding that Holmes was “excited,'' hoping to come home soon.
“He wasn’t suicidal,’’ Gardner said. “I don’t understand how he could have done that.’’
The sheriff’s office is conducting a death investigation with the assistance of the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Taskforce.


chicagotribune--2020-05-23--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--2020-05-23--When can Illinois reopen? Check our daily charts on where each region stands.

The metrics focus on a rolling average of positive coronavirus cases and hospitalizations to keep track of the direction of @ @ @ @ @ availability of hospital beds and ventilators that would be needed to handle a possible surge @ @ @ @ @ for testing and tracing positive tests .

Chad Yoder, Nausheen Husain, Jennifer Smith Richards, Jonathon Berlin

With each of the state’s four regions in Phase 3 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan, the clock starts on moving on to Phase 4, where more businesses and activities are allowed. The plan to reopen Illinois — from restaurants and salons to open space to non-COVID-19 procedures at the hospital to concerts and festivals — depends on a host of metrics laid out by Pritzker.
The metrics focus on a rolling average of positive coronavirus cases and hospitalizations to keep track of the direction of the outbreak as well as availability of hospital beds and ventilators that would be needed to handle a possible surge. There are also benchmarks for testing and tracing positive tests.
[ COVID-19 cases in Illinois by ZIP code: Search for your neighborhood ]
A key element of the plan is that a region can move both forward and backward, where more parts of society can open and shut depending on the seriousness of the outbreak.
Here is a breakdown of where each region stands.


chicagotribune--2020-05-23--Tracking Illinois coronavirus: 4,790 deaths, 107,796 confirmed cases, 722,247 tests,  35% ICU beds a

Tracking Illinois coronavirus: 4,790 deaths, 107,796 confirmed cases, 722,247 tests,  35% ICU beds and 67% 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--2020-05-23--Coronavirus in Illinois updates: Here’s what’s happening Memorial Day weekend with COVID-19 in the C

Coronavirus in Illinois updates: Here’s what’s happening Memorial Day weekend with COVID-19 in the Chicago area

“ Some communities don ’ t have as many of these opportunities as others , or don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ opportunities as other communities .
There are communities in which young people and their families @ @ @ @ @ physical and emotional barriers in just moving around , ” Madison said .
And then @ @ @ @ @ in terms of information .
A big part of this effort is putting all these @ @ @ @ @ so it ’ s easier for caring adults to have the information that youth needs @ @ @ @ @ . ''

We have lifted the paywall on this story. To support essential reporting, please consider becoming a subscriber .
Sabine Beechum adjusts a balloon as she celebrates her 6th birthday with friends and family driving past her Hyde Park home in Chicago on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)
Illinois reported the lowest number of daily coronavirus deaths since early April on Monday, as officials announced 31 additional fatalities. That’s the fewest deaths in a 24-hour period in the state since April 5, when 31 deaths were also recorded.
There were also 1,713 new known coronavirus cases in the last day, bringing the state’s total since the pandemic began to 112,017, officials said. The state’s total death count is now 4,884.
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Meanwhile, Chicagoans marked Memorial Day in a different way Monday, as local leaders tried to balance paying respect to those who died serving their country while also respecting the coronavirus-driven stay-at-home rules.
[ When can Illinois reopen? Check our daily charts on where each region stands. ]
[ How will Illinois reopen? Three charts breaking down Pritzker’s plan ]
[ COVID-19 cases in Illinois by ZIP code: Search for your neighborhood ]
[ As the coronavirus spreads, the Tribune is tracking Illinois cases here ]
Here’s what’s happening Memorial Day weekend with COVID-19 in the Chicago area and Illinois:
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3:50 p.m.: Crowd protests at Buckingham Fountain against Pritzker’s stay-at-home order on Memorial Day
At a Memorial Day rally in front of Buckingham Fountain, a crowd protested Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order as an affront to the freedoms that service members have died defending. The well-received speeches, though, frequently veered into plugs for online learning courses or political futures.
State Rep. Darren Bailey, R- Xenia, who is locked in a legal battle with the governor over the order, urged onlookers to get involved in their local government and flood the phone lines of their elected officials.
The crowd, which held signs saying “F-U-J-B” and “Fire Pritzker,” called on Bailey to run for governor. He told the audience it was “time to replace career RINOs,” a pejorative term for Republicans who aren’t considered conservative enough.
“If God opens a door, I’ll go through that door,” Bailey said as the crowd erupted in cheers. “But it’s going to take a lot of work.”
Bailey, who was removed from the House floor last week for refusing to wear a mask in violation of a bipartisan rule, also insisted he held a fondness for Chicago, which runs counter to his previous statements. He did not, for example, mention that he has supported efforts to separate the city from the rest of the state.
“I love Chicago, its part of Illinois,” he said. “But sometimes when you raise a wayward child, you have to discipline that child.”
The event was organized by Anthony Delmedico, an Arizona-based entrepreneur, who promoted the event as part of a documentary called "Unconstitutional." He has predicted pandemic-related lockdowns soon will be viewed as “the biggest blunder in American History.”
At several points during the rally, Chicago police officers wearing face masks asked unmasked protesters to maintain 6 feet of social distance. One such request, repeated over a bullhorn by organizers, was met with boos and demands for police to arrest them if they didn’t like it.
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Officers dispersed the protest, with the Police Department citing public health concerns in a statement.
“While we worked to ensure the First Amendment rights of those participating in today’s march, the organizers and participants were not practicing social distancing or abiding by the public health guidelines outlined in the stay-at-home order. Therefore, for the health and safety of all residents involved in the rally, the Chicago Police Department issued a dispersal of the crowd and ordered the organizers to shut down the event," the statement read. —Stacy St. Clair
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 People attend a Reopen Illinois rally in Chicago's Grant Park on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020. Attendees were calling for Gov. J.B. Pritzker to end the state lockdown sooner than planned. Many businesses deemed to be nonessential have been closed in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)
3:15 p.m.: State officials report 31 coronavirus deaths, the lowest number since early April
Illinois officials reported 31 more deaths related to COVID-19 in the previous 24 hours, the lowest number since April 5, when 31 deaths were also recorded.
There were also 1,713 new known coronavirus cases in the last day, bringing the state’s total since the pandemic began to 112,017, officials said. The state’s total death count is now 4,884, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. —Hal Dardick
11:15 a.m.: Memorial Day weekend violence not hampered by pandemic shutdown
Nine people already have been shot and killed in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend, as of Monday morning, making it the deadliest one since 2015.
The dead are among at least 36 people shot from Friday afternoon to early Monday, according to data kept by the Tribune.
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With a day still to go in the long weekend, the number of shootings is approaching 2019′s total despite a coronavirus stay-at-home order, Saturday’s severe storms and added police patrols.
Last year, 43 people were shot, seven fatally, over a holiday weekend that also included severe storms and an extra 1,200 patrol officers. The most injured in one year was 2016 with at least 69 shot, six fatally, but 2015 saw more people killed with 12 fatalities.
New police Superintendent David Brown said on Friday that he expected the usual spike in violence to occur this weekend. Patrols would be stepped up, but he would not say how many extra officers would be deployed.
Officers also were supposed be “on the lookout for large gatherings” that are not allowed because of the pandemic, Brown said. Read more here. —Paige Fry
Members of the Chicago Police and Fire Department work the scene where four people were stabbed near the intersection of West 77th Street and South Union Avenue in the Gresham neighborhood on Sunday, May 24, 2020. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)
11:10 a.m.: Relief funds pop up for south suburban families
As the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the south suburbs, impacting thousands of families and exacerbating the economic and public health disparities endemic to the region, a pair of relief funds have popped up to help the Southland’s most vulnerable residents.
The Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, launched in mid-March, and the Southland Family Support Fund, announced this past week, aim to provide emergency financial support to those locally in need.
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The COVID-19 Response Fund raises money from local philanthropies, corporations and individual donors for distribution to nonprofits that serve populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. To date, it has provided $1.825 million to more than two-dozen organizations in the south and southwest suburbs.
The Family Support Fund, which takes a more direct approach to assisting Southland families, will next week begin providing $500 cash transfers to at least 1,000 Southland families directly affected by the pandemic.
Together, the funds are providing a lifeline to dozens of local social service organizations and thousands of their struggling clients.
Kathy Straniero, executive director of Together We Cope, a Tinley Park-based homeless prevention agency that has received $75,000 from the COVID-19 response fund, said she doesn’t know where her organization would be if it weren’t for the fund’s recent support. Read more here. —Zak Koeske
Sunday
7:10 p.m.: More than 1,000 attend drive-thru Eid celebration at suburban mosque. ‘Preserving human life comes before preserving the religion.’
At the beginning of Ramadan, Khawla Hammad feared the isolation amid the COVID-19 crisis would prove to be a burden spiritually, with mosques closed to the public and none of the traditional communal gatherings permitted.
Yet the 38-year-old from Chicago was surprised to find the solitude of the pandemic — along with innovative methods of connecting online or through social distancing measures — have in many ways augmented her faith and relationship with God.
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“This gave us a chance to sit and reflect spiritually,” she said. “Just you alone with your creator.”
Hammad was one of more than a thousand local Muslims who celebrated Eid al-Fitr — the holiday marking the end of the month of Ramadan fasting — at a drive-up gathering Sunday at the Mecca Center in southwest suburban Willowbrook. Read more here. — Angie Leventis Lourgos
6:26 p.m.: With planting put off by coronavirus, Chicago Park District selling flowers to the public
Some green spaces in Chicago may still be shut down to slow the spread of the coronavirus, but some of the 50,000 plants planned to take root in Chicago parks this summer are up for grabs and available to bring home.
Because of the pandemic, seasonal workers weren’t hired to plant the annual flowers, so the Chicago Park District joined with the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance to bring the plants to the public.
The online flower sale from the Park District is open through Wednesday and contactless curbside pickup will be available starting Thursday at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. Read more here. — Morgan Greene
4:32 p.m. (Updated): Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces reopening rules for businesses as Illinois is poised to move to next phase and loosen restrictions
With all four regions of the state as defined under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s phased-in reopening plan slated to advance to the next stage Friday, the state rolled out detailed guidance Sunday for what precautions restaurants and bars need to have in place to be able to serve customers outdoors, how manufacturers and some offices can resume operations with restrictions and how barbers can offer those badly needed haircuts.
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The industry-specific guidance the state released Sunday for the sectors of the state’s economy that will see loosened restrictions in the third phase of the governor’s plan provides a glimpse at a gradual return to normalcy after more than two months under a stay-at-home order meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Read more here. — Jamie Munks
2:40 p.m.: Illinois officials announce 2,508 new known coronavirus cases and 67 more deaths
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Sunday 2,508 new known cases of COVID-19 and 67 deaths, pushing the statewide known case count to more than 110,000.
Since the pandemic began earlier this year, 110,304 cases have been confirmed statewide, and 4,856 people have died. Nearly all of Illinois’ counties – 100 of 102 – have reported known positive cases. State officials also announced Sunday that 25,674 tests had been conducted in the previous 24-hour period, for a total of 747,921. — Jamie Munks
12:23 p.m.: Pritzker announces guidelines for bars, restaurants, retailers and other businesses that can reopen Friday
As Illinois nears the date when a range of businesses can begin to reopen with restrictions, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Sunday announced industry-specific guidelines for bars and restaurants to allow outdoor dining and drinking, more retailers to open with capacity limits and manufacturing with distancing between employees.
Under Pritzker’s five-phase “Restore Illinois” plan to gradually reopen Illinois’ economy as it meets a range of health metrics, the four regions the plan divides the state into are all on track to enter the next phase on Friday.
New state guidelines were also issued Sunday for fitness centers, offices, salons and barbershops, service counters, day camps, youth sports and other outdoor recreation, that deal with physical workplaces, employee health monitoring and restrictions for customers.
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The rules are published on the state website. —Jamie Munks
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Guidelines now available for businesses to safely reopen beginning May 29. Review the industry-specific guidelines, complete the pre-opening checklist and print & display health and safety signage. Everything you need ➡ https://t.co/vCP9fPeSTH#RestoreIllinois pic.twitter.com/f1TW7NpDRg — Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (@IllinoisDCEO) May 24, 2020
9:35 a.m.: Chicago faith leaders divided on whether to reopen for in-person service
A group of Chicago-area church leaders Saturday slammed President Donald Trump’s call to governors to allow churches to reopen for in-person services, even as other pastors said their churches would open their doors Sunday, despite local restrictions still in place.
The battle over church services marks the latest division in public opinion regarding when and how Illinois should reopen, even as the state Saturday added 2,352 new known cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, including 75 additional deaths. Read more here. —Madeline Buckley
7 a.m.: In historic pandemic-driven special session, Illinois lawmakers pass budget and clear path for Chicago casino
The Illinois legislature’s historic pandemic-driven special session ended in overtime early Sunday morning after lawmakers approved a maintenance-level $40 billion state budget that depends heavily on federal funds and made another effort to get a Chicago casino off the ground.
Both the House and the Senate on Saturday passed a bill that would revamp the tax structure for a Chicago casino, a step toward overcoming what has been seen as a key obstacle to getting one built. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has long pushed for tax changes, and the House vote was the furthest her proposal has gotten in the General Assembly.
The Senate early Sunday joined with the House to pass a budget plan that would maintain funding for many parts of state government from the current budget, except for health care agencies significantly impacted by the pandemic, despite Republican complaints that it ceded too much legislative authority to the state’s Democratic chief executive. Read more here. —Rick Pearson, Jamie Munks and Dan Petrella
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Saturday
7:28 p.m.: Lawmakers’ historic pandemic-driven special session focuses on new budget and Chicago casino
Illinois lawmakers stretched their historic pandemic-driven special session into overtime Saturday, as they sought to finalize details on a maintenance-level $40 billion state budget that would depend heavily on federal funds while also making another effort to get a Chicago casino off the ground.
With some bipartisan support, the House on Saturday approved a bill that would revamp the tax structure for a Chicago casino, a step toward overcoming what has been seen as a key obstacle to getting one built. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has long pushed for tax changes, and the House vote was the furthest her proposal has gotten in the General Assembly.
A Chicago casino is seen as key to the $45 billion capital bill the legislature passed last year. Read more here. —Rick Pearson, Jamie Munks and Dan Petrella
6:57 p.m.: On Friday, Illinois stopped providing historical data on COVID-19 in nursing homes. A day later, the full numbers are back.
A day after limiting its report on COVID-19 cases and deaths in Illinois nursing homes to facilities with “active” outbreaks, the state on Saturday reversed course and disclosed the total numbers.
State data now shows that 14,882 workers and residents of long-term care centers have tested positive and more than 2,400 have died. That’s an additional 1,800 cases and 250 deaths that were not part of Friday’s data. Read more here. —Jennifer Smith Richards and Robert McCoppin
2:40 p.m.: State officials announce 75 more deaths, 2,352 new cases of COVID-19
Illinois announced 2,352 new known cases of coronavirus, with 75 newly confirmed deaths.
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That brings the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 107,796, including 4,790 deaths, in 100 counties, according to state officials. —Madeline Buckley
12:21 p.m.: A few black leaders in Chicago say they’ll open this weekend following Trump’s call for churches to hold services
Two black community leaders spoke out Saturday morning urging Mayor Lori Lightfoot to reopen churches for in-person services after President Donald Trump on Friday said places of worship are essential and governors should open them this weekend.
“We just want her to recognize our institution as being essential,” said Pervis Thomas, pastor of New Canaan Land Missionary Baptist Church in Englewood.
Thomas plans to hold services Sunday at his church, citing Trump’s comments and new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
At a press conference Friday, Trump said state governors need to “do the right thing” and open houses of worship. Later, the CDC posted non-binding guidance for faith institutions considering re-opening, including use of masks and limiting the size of gatherings.
Lightfoot called the president’s declaration “dangerous and foolish" and said he has no power to override local restrictions, which still ban such gatherings. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state will continue to “operate on the basis of science and data.”
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Still, Thomas said his church, along with a number of others, plan to hold services tomorrow, despite a risk of citations. Chicago police fined three houses of worship $500 each after they held services last weekend.
“We just want to have a freedom of choice,” Thomas said. “We just feel the mayor is (overstepping).”
Thomas held in-person service last Sunday for the first time since the stay-at-home order was implemented in March. About 10 people attended.
Thomas said his church will have hand sanitizer on hand, make use of masks and gloves and encourage the elderly and people with preexisting conditions to stay home. There also will not be a choir.
Jimmy Lee Tillman, president of the Martin Luther King Republicans, echoed Thomas’s call for in-person service.
“We’re calling on the governor and the mayor to adhere to the president’s ... guidelines,” Tillman said. “We feel we are breaking no laws.” —Madeline Buckley
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11:30 a.m.: City Youth Commission holding virtual concert to engage young people on reopening plans — with DJ Mike, Bella Bahhs, Jeremih
As part of efforts to get Chicago young people involved but also encourage them to stay home while enjoying the Memorial Day weekend, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’sYouth Commission will hold a Saturday afternoon online concert, according to the mayor’s office.
Dubbed the “We Gon’ Be Alright” virtual concert, the online event starts at 3 p.m. Saturday, broadcast simultaneously on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, on the official mayor’s office accounts, @chicagosmayor on Twitter and Instagram and @chicagomayorsoffice on Facebook.
Performers were to include “song-writer Jeremih, Bella Bahhs, Angelina Victoria, DJ Mike P, Mayor Lightfoot, and other special guests,” according to a release.
The concert “was part of a day of events planned by the Mayor’s Youth Commission to engage and hear from youth from around the city on Chicago’s reopening and recovery efforts,” according to the release. —Chicago Tribune staff
5 a.m.: As need for food assistance soars, schools expand from meal pickup to grocery delivery: ‘We are seeing more demand every day.’
With one out of three students in suburban High School District 211 qualifying for free or reduced lunch, administrator Stacy Lenihan said the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially devastating for families who were struggling even when the economy was healthy.
But as Lenihan orchestrated a recent distribution of 5,000 bags of groceries for families in the Palatine-based district, she realized a growing number of recipients who have come to count on the weekly curbside delivery likely never imagined they would be needing such assistance.
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“We’re now well over our free and reduced numbers. ... We’re hearing from our students’ families who were fully employed, and now, both mom and dad are out of a job, and having trouble getting by week to week,” Lenihan said, adding: “I’ve gotten multiple letters and cards, and people are pulling up in cars with signs saying, ‘Thank you so much, District 211,’ which is incredible, and very emotional.”
Following the statewide school shutdown in mid-March, officials from school districts across the Chicago area wasted no time in launching meal delivery programs to ensure that students from low-income families would still have access to breakfast and lunch.
Two months later, those fledgling efforts have grown to include expansive school district-based grocery distribution programs, the majority of which are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.
Read the full story here. — Karen Ann Cullotta
5 a.m.: Chicago’s first lady launches ‘My Chi. My Future.’ campaign to find opportunities for city’s young people this summer and beyond
Connecting every young person in Chicago to a meaningful opportunity this summer. That’s the immediate goal of the city’s “My Chi. My Future.” initiative, which launches Saturday.
With the school year almost at an end, and the city of Chicago on pace to cautiously begin reopening in June, young people are looking for ways to stay engaged during the summer months. That’s why first lady Amy Eshleman and Deputy Mayor for Education and Human Services Dr. Sybil Madison are launching the My Chi. My Future. initiative — Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s youth-focused campaign that hopes to connect young people with opportunities geared toward their interests, and mentorship that will help them on the path to success.
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“Some communities don’t have as many of these opportunities as others, or don’t have as rich a number of opportunities as other communities. There are communities in which young people and their families are afraid — there are physical and emotional barriers in just moving around,” Madison said. And then there’s just barriers in terms of information. A big part of this effort is putting all these opportunities in one place, so it’s easier for caring adults to have the information that youth needs to connect to these opportunities."
Work on the site began last year. Lightfoot and Eshleman are announcing the launch of the “My Chi. My Future.” social media campaign during a virtual youth summit Saturday. The website was to go live the same day. Read more here. — Darcel Rockett
Connecting every young person in #Chicago to a meaningful opportunity this summer. That’s the immediate goal of the city’s “My Chi. My Future.” initiative, which launches TODAY. T-minus 5 hours! 🚀https://t.co/QJJGnnOKDT #MyCHIMyFuture @chicagosmayor https://t.co/Hfc850fkKs — First Lady Amy Eshleman (@TheChiFirstLady) May 23, 2020
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chicagotribune--2020-05-23--Chicago police announce crackdown on motorcycles, Memorial Day weekend speeders

“ It ’ s amazing that when we are in the middle of a pandemic that is threatening so many @ @ @ @ @ that there are people who are willing to risk the lives of their neighbors and @ @ @ @ @ ” said Ald .
Michele Smith , 43rd .

Sabine Beechum adjusts a balloon as she celebrates her 6th birthday with friends and family driving past her Hyde Park home in Chicago on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)
Chicago police are cracking down on speeding and large group motorcycle rides over the Memorial Day weekend, officials said in a Saturday morning news conference at the closed North Avenue Beach.
The department has placed traffic control cars at hot spots across the city, with a heightened focus on drag racing and cruising on Lake Shore Drive along downtown and the Near South Side.
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Chicago police Deputy Chief Dan O'Shea addresses members of the media during a news conference over Memorial Day weekend on May 23, 2020, at North Avenue Beach in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)
This week, the National Safety Council reported traffic fatalities per miles driven increased 14% nationwide in the month of March.
Officials say drivers are taking advantage of the fact more people are at home and using the open rides as an opportunity to engage in reckless behavior.
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“It’s amazing that when we are in the middle of a pandemic that is threatening so many people’s health, that there are people who are willing to risk the lives of their neighbors and others by reckless driving,” said Ald. Michele Smith, 43rd.
Chicago police will also begin working to address motorcycle noise complaints specifically along Lake Shore Drive. The department is installing noise control monitors, about 1 mile apart, along the entire length of the drive. At least two already are in place, including near where officials held the news conference Saturday morning at North Avenue Beach.
Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, has been working closely with Chicago police on this initiative.
The announcements Saturday came a day after reports of a large convoy of motorcycles riding through downtown and other areas of the city.
“It’s not just a nuisance issue, it’s a safety issue,” said Hopkins on Saturday.
Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, added that this is not just an issue for the North Side.
“We have hundreds of motorcycles driving through the South Loop and through Bronzeville,” Dowell said. “As you’ve heard, they ride on the sidewalk, they don’t pay attention to traffic lights, they run red lights, they run through neighborhood communities ... this behavior has to stop.”
The department will also be enhancing the enforcement of drunken driving and seat belt violations throughout the holiday weekend.


chicagotribune--2020-05-23--Ex-Chicago cop who kidnapped, robbed drug dealers ordered released from prison six years early due t

Ex-Chicago cop who kidnapped, robbed drug dealers ordered released from prison six years early due to COVID-19 threat

Gottschall , however , said there was evidence that the U.S. Bureau of Prisons has struggled to contain the spread @ @ @ @ @ facilities .
She also said she believed Lewellen has been rehabilitated since his arrest in @ @ @ @ @ , and took the government to task for what she said was an overstatement of @ @ @

Former Chicago police Officer Glenn Lewellen, center, arrives at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse for his trial in 2012. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
Corrupt Chicago narcotics cop Glenn Lewellen, convicted of teaming up with a vicious gang member to kidnap and rob other drug dealers, has been ordered released from prison more than six years early due to the threat of the coronavirus.
Lewellen, 64, was sentenced in 2013 to 18 years in prison for his conviction on federal narcotics conspiracy charges. Prosecutors said Lewellen conspired with Saul Rodriguez, the officer’s paid confidential informant, in eight robberies and kidnappings between 1998 and 2006.
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In several robberies, Lewellen showed up wearing his police vest and badge, hogtied victims with plastic fasteners and threatened violence if they did not comply, according to testimony at his 2012 trial.
Lewellen was not scheduled to be released from a medium-security prison in Florida until November 2026, prison records show.
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In ordering Lewellen released, however, U.S. District Judge Joan Gottschall said the former officer’s age and health issues — which include severe obesity, hypertension and a heart condition — put him at elevated risk of contracting a severe case of COVID-19.
Prosecutors had objected to Lewellen’s release, in part because there has been only one inmate where he is housed who has tested positive for the virus. If he did get the disease, Lewellen would get adequate medical care within the prison system, prosecutors argued.
Gottschall, however, said there was evidence that the U.S. Bureau of Prisons has struggled to contain the spread of the virus inside its facilities. She also said she believed Lewellen has been rehabilitated since his arrest in Las Vegas a decade ago, and took the government to task for what she said was an overstatement of his crimes.
“For whatever it is worth, this court sat through this lengthy trial, and while it found Lewellen’s conduct heinous, it also found the government’s view of Lewellen’s role as the ‘CEO’ exaggerated,” Gottschall wrote in her 14-page order. “The ‘guardian angel’ characterization was more accurate.”
Her decision marked the second time Gottschall has cut Lewellen a break. Prosecutors had originally asked for a 30-year sentence, but the judge said at the time that the idea that he’d be a threat to the public again was “fanciful.”
Lewellen was allowed by the judge to live with a relative in Frankfort. His lawyer, Joseph Lopez, said Lewellen has served enough time and was “happy he is coming home.”
“Narcotics is a dirty business and many law enforcement officers whether federal or local get caught up in these situations,” Lopez said in a statement. “It always starts with their snitches who they should never trust.”
A spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office also was not immediately available to comment.
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Lewellen, who joined the force in 1986, arrested Rodriguez for marijuana distribution in the mid-1990s and signed him up as a confidential informant, but then instructed him to continue to deal narcotics — to find rivals to target for robberies, prosecutors alleged.
For his supposed work as a confidential informant, Rodriguez eventually was paid more than $800,000 by the department, according to court records. In addition, Lewellen was able to persuade federal agents to drop an investigation of Rodriguez because of his “high-level” work as an informant, prosecutors said.
As part of the conspiracy, Lewellen tipped off Rodriguez about a federal wiretap and testified in federal court against one of Rodriguez’s rivals, helping to secure a conviction, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said Lewellen’s partnership with Rodriguez continued after Lewellen left the department in 2003. In all, Lewellen helped steal more than 550 pounds of cocaine and about $3 million in cash, according to prosecutors.
Rodriguez’s crew was taken down in dramatic fashion in 2009 in a Drug Enforcement Administration sting in which Rodriguez believed he and the crew were about to rob a Mexican cartel of $16 million in drugs.
Lewellen was arrested in 2010 in Las Vegas, where he had moved at about the time of Rodriguez’s arrest. According to a recent court filing, when DEA agents approached him in a parking lot and told him they had a warrant for his arrest, Lewellen replied, “All of that happened over five years ago.”
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“What really sets him apart is how he used his knowledge of police procedure to protect the crew,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Block told the judge at his sentencing hearing. “The defendant was there to serve and protect the crew, not the people of Chicago.”
Rodriguez was sentenced in 2015 to 40 years in prison. Prosecutors described him as a one-man crime wave who ordered the killings of at least three men, kidnapped nearly 30 drug dealers and trafficked in thousands of kilograms of cocaine.
jmeisner@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-05-23--Coronavirus at Illinois long-term care facilities, more than 13,000 confirmed cases and 2,152 deaths

The Illinois Department of Public Health is releasing information on COVID-19 tied to long-term care facilities in Illinois .
The @ @ @ @ @ long-term care facilities in 37 counties reporting at least one case .
In all , @ @ @ @ @ tied to these facilities , with 1,975 deaths as of May 22 .

The Illinois Department of Public Health is releasing information on COVID-19 tied to long-term care facilities in Illinois. The data shows outbreaks have occurred at long-term care facilities in 94 counties. Of those, 1,003 facilities have an “active” outbreak, defined as a positive test result in the past 28 days. In all, 71,103 confirmed cases can be tied to long-term care facilities, with 9,263 deaths, as of Jan. 22.


chicagotribune--2020-05-23--Sheltering-in-place proves a windfall for Illinois garden centers: ‘I call it Mother’s Day times a t

Sheltering-in-place proves a windfall for Illinois garden centers: ‘I call it Mother’s Day times a thousand’

The Plant Stand is “ one of the lucky few ” independent garden centers that received clearance to open , @ @ @ @ @ to selling vegetables .
Open since approximately April 20 , the all-outdoor market also has @ @ @ @ @ in that customers never have to crowd inside an indoor store and are able to @ @ @ @ @ comfortable manner , even amid concerns over the coronavirus .

Hanging flower baskets at The Plant Stand, in Godfrey, Ill., on May 7, 2020. Local garden centers are seeing more sales than ever this spring. (Jeanie Stephens/The Telegraph)
GODFREY, Ill. — Garden centers are seeing more sales than ever this spring compared to years prior, as many residents are taking the opportunity while sheltering-in-place to spruce up their outdoor spaces.
“It’s been absolutely crazy,” said assistant manager Pam Kasten, at Market Basket in Godfrey. “It just hasn’t stopped.
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“People who normally don’t garden, are gardening and everybody is trying to do something in their yards now, so the business has been continual,” she said. “I call it ‘Mother’s Day times a thousand,’ and it’s been like that since about four weeks ago.”
The Plant Stand’s Susan Bell expressed a similar experience at its location.
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“This has been nuts,” she said. “It really has been. Last week, we had to open two registers and I think he (owner Dave Galbreath) is thinking to open a third one for Mother’s Day weekend just because the lines get so long and people can’t shop.”
Being just their second year at the current location, The Plant Stand has already grown its selection to meet the demand and intends to keep stocking as needed and the supply allows.
“I’ve sold a lot of okra this year, peppers, tomatoes, herbs,” said The Plant Stand’s owner Dave Galbreath.
“Availability is still good now, but it’s going to have a bearing on late June, what’s still left to sell.”
The Plant Stand in Godfrey, IIl. (Jeanie Stephens/The Telegraph)
The Plant Stand is “one of the lucky few” independent garden centers that received clearance to open, Galbreath said, mainly due to selling vegetables. Open since approximately April 20, the all-outdoor market also has a bit of an advantage in that customers never have to crowd inside an indoor store and are able to come and go in a comfortable manner, even amid concerns over the coronavirus.
“They’ve determined that we’re essential, which is great,” Galbreath said. “It was really just a matter of the state clarifying some mandates that went out, which included independent garden centers. It was a little confusing.”
Although Galbreath’s market doesn’t sell hard goods, like, mulch and rock, he said customers are buying flats of flowers and some of everything.
“They’re doing more in their yards than they probably ever have, all at once,” he said.
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[ Want to start a compost pile for your garden? Here are tips on how to build one with yard and kitchen waste. ]
Bell noted that the different colors are what seem to be attracting a lot of people.
“People are looking for color, not so much bushes, yet,” she said. “Everybody just seems to really want a lot of color.”
On the other hand, at Market Basket, Kasten said she’s noticed a higher demand for mulch and rock.
“The topsoil and mulches, I’m having a hard time keeping in stock, and everybody wants to do rock,” she said.
“My deliveries, which I’m normally only a week out, I’m now more like three weeks out. It’s just incredible, absolutely incredible.”
Despite the increase in overall business and stress that some people may be experiencing with business closures, both Bell and Galbreath said that customers have been especially nice, friendly and patient at their location
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“Everybody has been extra kind out here,” Galbreath said. “I haven’t had any real frustration. Everybody’s just been glad to be outside.”
[ Gardening in a pandemic: Here’s what to know ]


chicagotribune--2020-05-23--Teenage boy among 2 dead, 5 wounded since Friday afternoon as Memorial Day weekend starts

Police said shortly before 11:30 p.m. Friday , the victim was found unresponsive and lying on a sidewalk with gunshot @ @ @ @ @ lower body .
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where @ @ @ @ @ There were no witnesses to that fatal shooting , police said .

A 15-year-old boy was among seven people wounded including one man who was killed during shootings on the South and West sides since the Memorial Day weekend started Friday afternoon in Chicago, police said.
The boy was shot shortly after 12:45 a.m. Saturday in the 7100 block of South Exchange Avenue in the South Shore neighborhood. A 15-year-old boy was arguing with a driver of a blue SUV who exited his vehicle and opened fire, striking the boy in the face, chest and abdomen, police said.
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The boy was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, police said.
Earlier Friday night, a 41-year-old man was fatally wounded in the West Englewood neighborhood in the 5600 block of South Paulina Street.
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Police said shortly before 11:30 p.m. Friday, the victim was found unresponsive and lying on a sidewalk with gunshot wounds to the upper and lower body. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. There were no witnesses to that fatal shooting, police said.
The slain man was identified as Tobias McNeal, 41, who lived in the same block where he was killed, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
In other shootings:
About 1:45 a.m. Saturday, a 33-year-old man was shot in the Austin neighborhood in the 600 block of North Lockwood Avenue. Police said he was standing outside when an argument ensued with someone in a passing black sedan who fired shots at the man, striking him in the abdomen. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was listed in fair condition, police said.
About 1:20 a.m., a 37-year-old man was shot in the Parkway Gardens neighborhood in the 6400 block of South King Drive. Police said the man was arguing with three unknown males when one of them took out a gun and opened fire, grazing the man’s head and striking him in the lower back. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was listed in fair condition, police said.
Shortly after midnight, a 30-year-old man was shot in the 400 block of East 61st Street in the West Woodlawn neighborhood. The man was driving when he heard shots and felt pain in an ankle. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said.
About 9:15 p.m., a 21-year-old man was shot in the Park Manor neighborhood in the 7100 block of South State Street. The man was exiting a vehicle when he heard shots then felt pain in his pelvis area. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was listed in fair condition, police said.
About 4:20 p.m. Friday, a 22-year-old man was shot during a narcotics-related transaction in the South Shore neighborhood in the 2500 block of East 79th Street. An argument started, and the victim was shot in the right shoulder. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized, police said.
No one was in custody, and detectives were investigating.
Note: This story was updated on May 24th, 2020 to reflect the 15-year-old had not died.


chicagotribune--2020-05-23--One found dead following coach house fire in Wicker Park

Officers responded to a fire at the residence around 2:30 a.m. in in the 2100 block of West Potomac Avenue @ @ @ @ @ , according to police .
A person , who has not been identified , was @ @ @ @ @ dead on scene .

One person was found dead following a coach house fire early Saturday in Wicker Park, according to Chicago police and fire officials.
Officers responded to a fire at the residence around 2:30 a.m. in in the 2100 block of West Potomac Avenue on the Near West Side, according to police. A person, who has not been identified, was found dead inside and pronounced dead on scene.
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Fire officials said the person who died was an adult but didn’t say if it was a man or woman.
Fire officials and police detectives were investigating the cause of the fire. Detectives were investigating the person’s cause of death.


chicagotribune--2020-05-22--Mayor Lori Lightfoot says Lake Michigan’s 'Playpen’ not opening this summer

At a news conference announcing the city ’ s likely move into phase 3 of its reopening plan early next @ @ @ @ @ lakefront eventually will reopen but wouldn ’ t give a date .
She also laid @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to open next month , including outdoor dining at restaurants and barbershops .

People on their boats in the "Playpen" area, between Ohio Street Beach and Oak Street Beach on Lake Michigan in Chicago, on Aug. 10, 2019. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)
Chicago’s infamous Lake Michigan party spot the "Playpen” will not be opening this summer, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.
At a news conference announcing the city’s likely move into phase 3 of its reopening plan early next month, Lightfoot said the lakefront eventually will reopen but wouldn’t give a date. She also laid out specific industries that will be allowed to open next month, including outdoor dining at restaurants and barbershops.
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But she cast doubt on a big party spot.
“Sorry folks the Playpen will not be open this summer,” Lightfoot said.
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gpratt@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-05-22--Coronavirus in Illinois updates: Here’s what happened May 21 with COVID-19 in the Chicago area

“ I feel the weight of this moment every day .
And , as a result , as part of @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve leaned into my faith even more .
I make sure every day I @ @ @ @ @ alone , to breathe and put the burdens of the day aside , '' Lightfoot @ @ @ @ @ m intentional about finding hope and love in the selfless acts of others .
And @ @ @ @ @ and feel despair .
That is also part of this moment .
”

We have lifted the paywall on this story. To support essential reporting, please consider becoming a subscriber .
Paca Kujtim of Arlington Heights self-administers a COVID-19 test in his car at the Arlington International Racecourse on March 31, 2021 in Arlington Heights. Kujtim was getting testing as a precaution for upcoming travel. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said city restaurants won’t be ready to reopen to outdoor dining by May 29 but she hopes they will be ready in June. Lightfoot made the comments after Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker opened the door to potentially lift the restriction on sit-down dining next week.
Health officials on Thursday announced 2,268 new known cases of the coronavirus. There were also 87 additional deaths confirmed, bringing the death toll to 4,607 since the pandemic began. Statewide, there have been 102,686 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Illinois also has hit its highest total for the number of COVID-19 tests administered in a single day, officials said.
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[ When can Illinois reopen? Check our daily charts on where each region stands. ]
[ How will Illinois reopen? Three charts breaking down Pritzker’s plan ]
[ COVID-19 cases in Illinois by ZIP code: Search for your neighborhood ]
[ As the coronavirus spreads, the Tribune is tracking Illinois cases here ]
Here’s what’s happening Thursday with COVID-19 in the Chicago area and Illinois:
7:41 p.m.: Preckwinkle ‘profoundly disappointed’ after Cook County Board OKs sharing COVID-19-positive addresses with first responders
Cook County Board members narrowly approved a resolution Thursday to share addresses of COVID-19 patients with first responders, following an emotional debate about the measure’s intention to safeguard front-line workers versus fears it would violate individuals’ privacy and civil rights.
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Commissioners voted 9-7 with one member abstaining from the resolution, which would direct the Cook County Department of Public Health to disclose locations of those testing positive for the coronavirus with 911 dispatchers in suburban Cook County every day for two months.
While the measure by Commissioner Scott Britton, D-Glenview, is only a recommendation, department of public health spokesman Kim Junius said the Cook County Department of Public Health will follow the address-sharing practice because of the board’s instructions. That’s in spite of public health co-administrator Rachel Rubin’s warning before the vote that the practice was inadequate and dangerous for both citizens and first responders.
County Board President Toni Preckwinkle agreed with Rubin, saying it’s guaranteed the address-sharing plan would contribute to the systemic racism that black and Latino communities suffer.
“I’m profoundly disappointed,” Preckwinkle said after the measure passed. Read more here. —Alice Yin
7:02 p.m.: Illinois opens first high school-based test site in suburban Rolling Meadows
One of the state’s new coronavirus testing sites is also the first one to open at a high school.
Rolling Meadows High School in Chicago’s northwest suburbs will open at 8 a.m. Friday for free testing – after pushing back the date to accommodate Wednesday’s car parade honoring graduating seniors.
The site was chosen in part to try to provide testing to underserved communities that have been hit hard by the pandemic, though the local mayor admitted some residents did voice concerns. Read more here. —Karen Ann Cullotta
6:30 p.m.: Southland records fewest number of weekly COVID-19 deaths since March
The number of Southland deaths attributed to COVID-19 this week dropped below 100 for the first time since late March, according to a Southtown analysis of county data.
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As of Thursday afternoon, 800 south and southwest suburban residents had died from the virus, according to the analysis.
At least 548 people in South Cook County and 252 people in Will County have died of complications from the virus since March 19, according to data from the Cook County medical examiner’s office and Will County public health officials.
The South Cook County patients who died — 288 men and 260 women — hailed from 55 different communities and range in age from a 19-year-old Riverdale man to a 108-year-old Evergreen Park nursing home resident.
The vast majority were elderly and many were residents of long-term care facilities.
More than 56% of the South Cook patients who died were at least 75 years old and more than 82% were at least 65 years old, according to data from the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Only 9 of the 548 people who have died of COVID-19 in South Cook County were under 40. Read more here. —Zak Koeske
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4:38 p.m.: Malort made of Anti-Hero IPA released Friday as a creative solution to a serious problem: kegs expiring due to coronavirus
When a pandemic hands you old beer, you don’t make lemonade. You make Malort.
In this case, the old beer was 160 kegs of Revolution Brewing’s flagship Anti-Hero IPA that were about to fall out of code while most bars and restaurants remain closed to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
Rather than dump the beer, Revolution teamed up with Chicago’s CH Distillery to create a first: Malort made from beer.
The product, which goes on sale Friday at Revolution, CH Distillery and Binny’s, pairs two modern Chicago icons: the city’s top-selling craft beer and the city’s most iconic spirit, an intensely bitter liqueur that doubles as a civic badge of pride.
But it’s also a playful solution to a serious problem for breweries large and small: What to do with all those useless kegs? Read more here. —Josh Noel
4:27 p.m.: University of Chicago is latest school to get sued for tuition refunds
A University of Chicago student seeking refunds for tuition and campus fees has filed a federal class-action lawsuit against the school, making it at least the second local college to face litigation over its response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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The most recent lawsuit, filed Wednesday on behalf of U. of C. student Arica Kincheloe, alleges the school breached its contract to provide in-person experiences when it closed down dorms and moved classes online in early March.
The lawsuit says U. of C. students specifically chose and have paid to enroll at a school that offers a hands-on curriculum, close interactions with faculty and peers and access to extracurricular activities, among other services.
“The tuition and fees for in-person instruction at (U. of C.) are higher than tuition and fees for online institutions because the former’s costs cover not just the academic instruction, but encompass an entirely different experience,” the lawsuit says.
A spokesman for U. of C. did not immediately comment on the lawsuit. A student group, UChicago for Fair Tuition, has criticized the school for failing to reduce tuition prices for modified classes despite having an $8 billion endowment at its disposal.
As students continue to voice discontent over the abrupt transition of coursework to online formats, more schools could face costly lawsuits.
Last week, two students filed a class-action lawsuit against DePaul University for largely the same reasons. That lawsuit also alleged breach of contract and demanded the school refund the difference in value between online and in-person courses. —Elyssa Cherney
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4:13 p.m.: Illinois unemployment rate hit 16.4% in April as coronavirus-related job losses multiplied
Illinois’ unemployment rate rose to 16.4% in April, up from 4.2% in March, due to the COVID-19 health crisis, according to the state’s Department of Employment Security.
The state’s April unemployment rate was the highest recorded since the government began collecting data using current methodologies in 1976.
The national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April was 14.7%, an increase from 3.6% a year prior and up from 4.4% in March.
The state lost 762,200 jobs in April across all major industries. The leisure and hospitality sector lost the most jobs — nearly 300,000 — over the month. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector lost nearly 100,000 jobs. Read more here. —Abdel Jimenez
3:55 p.m.: Lightfoot announces $1.2 million for mental health programs amid heightened anxiety from COVID-19
The city of Chicago will spend $1.2 million to expand treatment for people with serious mental illness amid heightened anxiety and depression over the coronavirus, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said on Thursday.
Lost mobility and a fractured sense of security have amplified existing despair in the city, Lightfoot said. And just as COVID-19 is especially deadly for people with pre-existing health conditions, Lightfoot said, the disease is having a particularly big impact on people who already have mental health issues.
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“What we must not allow is fear to grip us and prevent us from being able to cope with this difficult time,” Lightfoot said.
To address the issue, Lightfoot said the city will give $1.2 million combined to Friend Health, Healthcare Alternative Systems, Thresholds, and Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare.
In a nod to the problems faced by many residents, Lightfoot said she allows herself to cry and feel despair over the crisis.
“I feel the weight of this moment every day. And, as a result, as part of my wellness routine, I’ve leaned into my faith even more. I make sure every day I have time just to be alone, to breathe and put the burdens of the day aside," Lightfoot said. "I’m intentional about finding hope and love in the selfless acts of others. And I allow myself to cry and feel despair. That is also part of this moment.”
There will also be a telephone service people can call at 312-747-1020, Lightfoot said, regardless of income, health insurance or citizenship status. The city also will have a collection of self-help videos available at a “Windy City Wellness” website.
“If you need them, these services are here for you," Lightfoot said.
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Before the pandemic, Lightfoot faced criticism from progressive aldermen for backing off a campaign pledge to reopen the city mental health clinics closed by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. —Gregory Pratt
3:01 p.m.: Pritzker reacts to Lightfoot’s announcement that Chicago restaurants likely won’t have outdoor dining until mid-June
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he has no objection to Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s announcement Thursday that Chicago restaurants likely won’t be able to provide outdoor dining until mid-June.
Under changes Pritzker made to the state’s reopening plan Wednesday, bars and restaurants across the state could begin offering al fresco seating as soon as May 29, but Lightfoot has said Chicago will require more time to make sure restaurants can reopen safely.
“The decision by a municipalities like Chicago to not have outdoor seating is completely up to them,” Pritzker said. He said that the state “tried to provide a baseline to protect people in various communities.”
Still, Pritzker said he didn’t anticipate that many communities would delay on allowing outdoor dining and drinking under precautions such as spacing tables at least six feet apart.
“I think many, many towns, cities and communities and counties across the state will in fact have outdoor seating for restaurants,” Pritzker said. “That’s a completely local decision.” —Bill Ruthhart
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2:44 p.m.: Illinois hits new daily COVID-19 testing high
Illinois has hit its highest total for the number of COVID-19 tests administered in a single day, officials said on Thursday.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the state’s top health official, reported that 29,307 individuals had been tested in the last 24 hours “the highest test total to date.”
Ezike reported 2,268 additional cases of COVID-19 for total of 102,686 known cases of the disease in the state. She also reported an additional 87 deaths for a total of 4,607 known COVID-19 deaths.
Statewide, 4,107 individuals remain hospitalized with the virus, with 1,088 of those patients in the intensive care unit and 609 of them on ventilators, Ezike said. —Bill Ruthhart
1:45 p.m.: Chicago restaurants won’t be ready to open to outdoor dining on May 29
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said city restaurants won’t be ready to reopen to outdoor dining by May 29 but she hopes they will be ready in June.
Lightfoot made the comments after Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker opened the door to potentially lift the restriction on sit-down dining next week. While “heartened” by Pritzker’s comments, Lightfoot said she wants a more robust plan to make sure restaurants can reopen safely. Read more here. —Gregory Pratt
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1:17 p.m.: Illinois attorney general has lawsuit challenging Pritzker’s stay-at-home coronavirus order moved to federal court
After losing an initial ruling in state court, the Illinois attorney general’s office Thursday moved to federal court a lawsuit challenging the validity of the state’s stay-at-home coronavirus order.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office stated in its court filing that it was moving the case from state court because it involves U.S. constitutional rights of free religion and due process.
The suit, brought by state Rep. Darren Bailey, was set for a hearing at 1 p.m. Friday before Clay County Judge Michael McHaney, who had said he would resolve the case then.
McHaney had previously ruled that Bailey was not bound by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order shutting down most businesses and churches and requiring people to stay at home with certain exceptions.
Bailey is now attempting to broaden that ruling to make the order invalid for all citizens statewide. Read more here. —Robert McCoppin
1:04 p.m.: Cook County Board passes Sept. 30 disaster proclamation extension, property tax late fee waiver
Cook County Board members voted Thursday to grant president Toni Preckwinkle an extra 120 days of enhanced powers under a disaster proclamation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
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Commissioners voted 15-2 to extend the disaster proclamation, which allows Preckwinkle to make decisions without the board’s direct approval, such as issuing executive orders, moving money around and procuring essential supplies such as personal protective equipment. Preckwinkle’s current declaration, approved mid-March, is set to expire at the end of this month.
“I want to just point out that this is not a power grab,” said commissioner Larry Suffredin, D-Evanston, a co-sponsor of the resolution. “A power grab is when you’re grabbing something for fun. This is putting yourself in a position where you create more stress because we’re dealing with such difficult matters.”
Commissioners Bridget Gainer, D-Chicago, and Sean Morrison, R-Palos Park, voted against the extension, stating that there needs to be more oversight of the government process. Gainer suggested a 30-day extension as an “eminently more reasonable” compromise. Read more here. —Alice Yin
12:45 p.m.: Amazon Studios seeking Chicago essential workers for new docuseries
Amazon Studios is casting Chicagoans for its docuseries “Regular Heroes,” which highlights essential workers who are making a difference in their community during the coronavirus pandemic. The weekly docuseries premiered May 8. Read more here. —Tracy Swartz
10:53 a.m.: Admiral Theatre is among a bevy of adult businesses suing to get a PPP loan. So far, the nightclubs are winning.
The federal Payroll Protection Program has hit a few bumps in the road since its rollout last month, from blowback over alleged preferential treatment for larger businesses to growing concern over loan forgiveness requirements.
Now it’s navigating a legal challenge from adult nightclubs including Chicago’s Admiral Theatre alleging the Small Business Administration shut them out of PPP funding.
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At issue is a long-standing SBA restriction on loans to businesses that present live performances of a “prurient sexual nature.” Lawsuits brought by adult clubs in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan argue they should be eligible for federal emergency relief, just like any other small business.
“This is not an adult entertainment issue,” said Luke Lirot, a Florida attorney representing the Admiral Theater in the lawsuit, which was filed May 8 in Chicago federal court. “This a guy that sweeps the floor that’s not getting a paycheck issue.”
On Wednesday, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago handed the adult nightclubs a major victory, refusing to block a Wisconsin federal court decision that the SBA couldn’t deny a PPP loan to a Milwaukee gentlemen’s club based solely on the prurient ineligibility standard. Read more here. —Robert Channick
9:53 a.m.: Coronavirus ‘does not spread easily’ on contaminated surfaces: CDC
The uncertainty surrounding coronavirus has been a huge source of anxiety throughout this pandemic, as scientists have struggled to uncover not just a treatment for the disease, but also basic facts about its existence.
Though many have been concerned about infection through items like groceries or mail deliveries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently issued updated guidance saying that coronavirus “does not spread easily” from touching surfaces or objects. Read more here. —New York Daily News
9:28 a.m.: Will Trump wear a face mask at Michigan Ford plant? The company and the state’s attorney general think he should.
A day after threatening to withhold funds over Michigan’s mail-in ballot effort, President Donald Trump was set to visit the electoral battleground Thursday to learn how the medical breathing machines governors begged for during the height of the coronavirus pandemic are made.
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But hovering over his visit to a repurposed Ford Motor Co. factory in Ypsilanti, outside of Detroit, is whether he will wear a face covering.
Trump has refused to wear a face mask in public, a practice that federal health authorities say all Americans should adopt to help slow the spread of the virus.
Ford says everyone in its factories must wear personal protective equipment, including masks, and that its policy has been communicated to the White House. Trump wouldn’t commit to wearing a mask at the plant when he was asked about the matter earlier this week. Read more here. —Associated Press
9:02 a.m.: State unemployment office has doubled call center staff taking jobless claims, but complaints continue
With the release Thursday of weekly jobless claims from the U.S. Department of Labor, Illinois hit a milestone: Since mid-March, when the state’s stay-at-home order took effect, closing nonessential businesses and sending people home, more than 1 million residents of the state have applied for unemployment insurance benefits.
The state office that processes those applications says it has doubled the number of workers in call centers that assist those seeking jobless benefits.
Yet on social media and in calls to their elected representatives, applicants continue to complain about busy signals and other problems. Read more here. —Mary Wisniewski
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7:43 a.m.: Nearly 39 million US layoffs during pandemic; more than 1 million Illinois jobless claims since mid-March
More than 2.4 million people applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week in the latest wave of layoffs from the viral outbreak that triggered widespread business shutdowns two months ago and sent the economy into a deep recession.
Roughly 38.6 million people have now filed for jobless aid since the coronavirus forced millions of businesses to close their doors and shrink their workforces, the Labor Department said Thursday.
With the latest report, Illinois crossed a new threshold as more than 1 million residents have sought unemployment insurance benefits since mid-March. In the most recent week that ended May 16, 72,816 people in the state filed initial claims for benefits, a slight increase from the prior week’s 72,671.
Nationwide, the number of weekly applications for benefits has slowed for seven straight weeks, and last week the figures declined in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Yet historically, they remain immense — roughly 10 times the typical figure that prevailed before the virus struck. Read more here. —Associated Press
7:01 a.m.: City officials to announce mental health supports for Chicagoans
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and city Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady were scheduled to hold a news conference Thursday afternoon to announce “a package of mental health supports” for Chicagoans “facing challenges” because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the mayor’s office.
Details of the city’s plans weren’t available Thursday morning.
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Mental health experts have said that social isolation driven by stay-at-home orders and other factors keeping people isolated during the coronavirus pandemic have led to increases in calls to crisis centers. Isolation and stress are often factors in people in substance-abuse recovery programs turning to drugs or alcohol again, even after long periods of abstinence, according to experts.
7 a.m.: Self-swab tests coming to 17 CVS drive-thru sites in Illinois
CVS Health on Friday plans to open COVID-19 testing sites at 17 CVS Pharmacy drive-thru locations in Illinois, the company said in a news release. A list of the expanded testing sites is available at cvshealth.com/covid-19/testing-locations.
The new testing locations will offer only self-swab tests, which will be available to patients meeting age guidelines as well as criteria from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to the company. Patients must register in advance and can begin making appointments for testing starting Friday.
At the test site, patients should stay in their cars and will be directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window, where they’ll be given a test kit and instructions; an employee will observe the self-swab process to make sure it’s performed properly, according to the news release.
Tests will be sent to an independent lab for processing and results are expected in about three days, according to CVS Health.
The 17 new drive-up testing sites in Illinois are part of the company’s plan to launch nearly 350 new COVID-19 testing locations across 14 states, and the company plans to announce additional testing sites in Illinois and across the country by the end of May.
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CVS Health expects to have up to 1,000 locations nationwide offering this service by the end of May, with the goal of processing up to 1.5 million tests a month, pending the availability of testing supplies and lab capacity, according to the news release. —Angie Leventis Lourgos
6 a.m.: Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, sun and sand are calling. But when will the beaches open?
It’s almost beach season along Lake Michigan, the saving grace of cities known for polar vortexes and frost in May, but this summer, the coast might look a little different.
Some beaches will be entirely empty, aside from a federally endangered bird or two attempting to fledge chicks. Some might have joggers and bikers moving along but no stationary picnics or sunbathers taking any prolonged breaks. Some barely exist because of near-record high lake levels and worsening erosion.
For dozens of communities along Lake Michigan, the rules to reopen beaches are a patchwork — much like the national response to the pandemic. Read more here. —Morgan Greene
6 a.m.: Residents say they are being kept in the dark about COVID-19 as nearly 90 deaths are recorded at low-income housing in Chicago.
At least three people have died from COVID-19 in the senior citizens’ high-rise where Laura Brownlee lives, including a close friend she visited often.
But the landlord has said nothing about them to residents, who are more vulnerable to the disease and might want to take extra precautions, like following the advice of city health experts and moving out of such housing when there’s a heightened risk.
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“These are senior suites up in here, seems like someone should be coming in and testing everybody," Brownlee said by phone. “I’m already afraid it’s all over. And I don’t wanna go out like that.”
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, which runs Kingston Place on the South Side, would not comment on the three deaths reported there by the Cook County medical examiner’s office as of May 19. “In order to respect the privacy of the tenants of the building, we do not release information regarding deaths or those who choose to be tested and are confirmed positive.”
A Tribune investigation found that residents at subsidized housing across Chicago have been told little, if anything, about COVID-19 cases where they live, even though they are generally older and in poorer health and therefore at higher risk.
So far, 89 people in low-income housing in the city have died from complications linked to the novel coronavirus. Half of them were older than 76, an analysis of data shows. Read more here. —Cecilia Reyes and Elvia Malagón
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chicagotribune--2020-05-24--In historic pandemic-driven special session, state lawmakers pass budget and clear path for Chicago

In historic pandemic-driven special session, state lawmakers pass budget and clear path for Chicago casino

“ We don ’ t know when or if discussions ( in Washington ) will come to fruition .
We @ @ @ @ @ or how much , if they do come to fruition , will come to Illinois @ @ @ @ @ t know when that happens if we would be physically able to return to Springfield @ @ @ @ @ decided to take no further action today , ” Harris said of the dependence on @ @

Illinois Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, stands with Senate Republicans during a news conference on May 22, 2020, outside the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, as they called for a longer session to deal with more issues. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register)
The Illinois legislature’s historic pandemic-driven special session ended in overtime early Sunday morning after lawmakers approved a maintenance-level $40 billion state budget that depends heavily on federal funds and made another effort to get a Chicago casino off the ground.
Both the House and the Senate on Saturday passed a bill that would revamp the tax structure for a Chicago casino, a step toward overcoming what has been seen as a key obstacle to getting one built. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has long pushed for tax changes, and the House vote was the furthest her proposal has gotten in the General Assembly.
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The measure now goes to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who has pledged to sign it when it reaches his desk.
A Chicago casino is seen as key to the $45 billion capital bill the legislature passed last year.
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“This is good for everyone for jobs and development — having a Chicago casino be real," Blue Island Democratic Rep. Bob Rita, the bill’s sponsor, said.
[ Illinois legislators pass bill sought by Mayor Lori Lightfoot that could bring Chicago casino closer to reality ]
The Senate early Sunday joined with the House to pass a budget plan that would maintain funding for many parts of state government from the current budget, except for health care agencies significantly impacted by the pandemic, despite Republican complaints that it ceded too much legislative authority to the state’s Democratic chief executive.
“The budget the General Assembly has sent to my desk today recognizes that massive economic disruption leads to difficult decisions,” Pritzker said in a statement. “This budget begins to address the financial upheaval we are facing, but more hard choices about how to spend and save these dollars wisely remain to be made.
House Majority Leader Greg Harris, a Chicago Democrat, characterized the budget as representative of “a series of tough choices” that resulted in a combination of “working with the Federal Reserve and setting ourselves on a path to a slow, sustainable return to some fiscal normalcy.”
“Our state has been ravaged by the pandemic, just like our nation,” Harris said. “People are struggling, families are struggling, local governments are struggling, our schools are struggling. And yes, we as the state are struggling too.”
The 68-44 House vote was largely along party lines.
In the Senate, the budget passed by a 37-19 vote and was opposed by all Republicans, who objected to a small increase in state spending at a time full of fiscal uncertainty.
[ Illinois lawmakers send Gov. J.B. Pritzker $40 billion maintenance budget that relies heavily on federal funding ]
Sen. Dale Righter of Mattoon said he appreciated that the budget doesn’t count on any revenue from the proposed graduated-rate income tax, which voters will have their say on in November. But he noted outstanding questions about what other revenues will look like in the coming months and called it "an enormous gamble as we stand here on May 23.”
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Democratic Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill, a lead budget negotiator, said it was the wrong time to make cuts.
“We made a choice not to present a budget to this chamber that slashes the state budget at a time when we’re dealing with a global pandemic,” Manar said shortly before the vote was taken. “That was our choice. That was a simple choice for me because the last thing we need to be doing is cutting public health programs, cutting health care programs, cutting school funding, cutting programs for small businesses, or cutting pensions or laying off state employees.”
The proposal would give Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker sweeping authority to move agency operating funds around and to put a hold on some spending as a contingency.
The plan counts on up to $5 billion in loans from the Federal Reserve that would be repaid with anticipated but still uncertain direct federal aid from Washington. The state also is hoping to get flexibility on how it spends $3.5 billion in federal coronavirus relief funding it has already received.
Harris called the borrowing a “line of credit” until Congress overcomes differences between Democrats and Republicans and approves a new coronavirus relief bill to assist states and local governments.
“We don’t know when or if discussions (in Washington) will come to fruition. We don’t know when or how much, if they do come to fruition, will come to Illinois. And we don’t know when that happens if we would be physically able to return to Springfield to reappropriate monies if we decided to take no further action today,” Harris said of the dependence on borrowing.
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But Rep. Tom Demmer of Dixon, the Republican’s budget spokesman, said the Democratic-led spending plan wrongly relied upon hopes from Washington.
“What we’ve heard today is a budget that is balanced only on a wing and a prayer. It relies on $5 billion in borrowing or magical revenue that comes from the federal government with no strings attached,” Demmer said. “We also see unprecedented levels of authority over Illinois taxpayer dollars being granted to one person, being ceded from the legislature to the governor through emergency rule, through appropriations that well exceed the amount of money that’s been currently received.”
The budget appropriation for the General Assembly would not fund previously scheduled cost-of-living pay increases for legislators, Democrats said.
The spending plan also would not provide local school districts with the $350 million increase in state aid that was promised as part of a major rewrite of the formula used to distribute state aid in 2018. Districts would instead receive the same amount they got this year. Universities also would be funded at the current level.
Agencies dealing with public health and welfare, particularly affected by trying to deal with the pandemic, would receive funding increases.
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The Department of Human Services would get $683 million, a 6% increase, to allow for hiring 300 new caseworkers to process Medicaid eligibility claims. The state estimates that due to large unemployment, anywhere from 200,000 to 1 million new people could become eligible for the state-federal taxpayer subsidized health care.
The Illinois Department of Public Health would see an overall budget of $1.6 billion, up 144% primarily due to federal coronavirus funding. The figure includes $416 million in federal funds for increased testing for the coronavirus and related services.
The Department of Children and Family Services would get a 20% increase in state funding, bringing its overall state-funds budget to more than $1 billion. The funds include hiring 123 more investigators and to provide rate increases to providers. Funding for foster care would increase by $80 million due to an expected increase in caseload.
The spending plan would make the state’s statutory required contribution to Illinois’ massively underfunded public employee pension systems at a cost of more than $9 billion. The amount includes $266.8 million as a state share to the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund.
After lawmakers last year approved a massive gambling expansion that authorized six new casinos across the state and legalized sports wagering, a study found that the tax structure for the Chicago casino, which is higher than for the other casinos in the state, could make it difficult to attract investors.
In addition to a new tax structure for the casino, the legislation passed by both chambers would extend from two to six years the amount of time casino owners would have to make a reconciliation payment, another change Lightfoot has pushed.
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The legislation also delays by a year, until July 1, 2021, the time by which gaming applicants must pay license fees.
The coronavirus pandemic is driving that change, which is intended to help existing casinos in the state that have been closed and “would be very helpful for them in terms of how they’re going to reopen,” Rita said.
“We still don’t know what that looks like, when they’ll be able to reopen and how they will be able to reopen — whether it be able to fill a blackjack table with six players or three or with social distancing. So they’re going to have some changes in how they operate.”
Springfield Republican Rep. Tim Butler called the Chicago casino “tremendously important” for the whole state because of its role in funding part of a massive statewide construction plan lawmakers approved last year.
The changes for the city casino would send an estimated $500 million in annual revenue to the state for the statewide infrastructure program, Rita said.
Revenue from the casino allocated to building projects under the state’s “Rebuild Illinois” infrastructure plan was one of the sticking points for lawmakers last fall. Along with concerns the legislation amounted to a “special deal” for Chicago, the revenue issue kept the legislation Lightfoot wanted from passing.
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The city’s share of the casino revenue would be dedicated to underfunded police and fire pensions
The legislation also includes technical changes for the casino in Danville in relation to gambling on the state fairgrounds in both Springfield and Du Quoin.
Late Saturday, legislators overwhelmingly approved a measure aimed at helping bars and restaurants who’ve been forced to close for dine-in service during the pandemic.
The bill would allow establishments to sell cocktails for pickup and delivery in sealed containers. Third-party services like Grubhub and DoorDash would be prohibited from making cocktail deliveries.
The measure, which was approved unanimously in the Senate and by a 104-6 margin in the House, also extends liquor licenses for 120 days and delays license fees for six months after restaurants and bars are allowed to reopen to the public. It would take effect immediately upon the governor’s signature and expire in one year.
“This will allow people to maintain jobs, and it’s a lifeline to the bars and restaurants, our beloved bars and restaurants,” said Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, a Chicago Democrat.
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Lawmakers also approved a measure that would create a “Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission,” a panel of eight Democrats and six Republicans, to provide “input on plans to revive the state’s economy” with an initial report due in July.
Republicans had pushed for more oversight over Pritzker’s phased-in plans to reopen the state’s economy, including an up-or-down vote, and deemed the commission idea as too weak for a co-equal branch of government.
Republican Sen. Jason Barickman of Bloomington said the more than two dozen executive orders Pritzker has issued since his coronavirus disaster proclamation have touched on every aspect of life for Illinois residents without sufficient input from the legislature.
The oversight commission created in the legislation approved Saturday “falls wildly short of those expectations that my constituents have for this body,” Barickman said.
“Let’s demand that this governor work with us as a body, demonstrating mutual respect for the two co-equal branches of government, so that we can work together with him to solve the many problems that face our communities and our people in our state,” he said.
The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Sen. Elgie Sims of Chicago, encouraged Barickman to seek one of his party’s appointments to the panel
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chicagotribune--2020-05-24--Illinois lawmakers send Gov. J.B. Pritzker $40 billion maintenance budget that relies heavily on fed

Illinois lawmakers send Gov. J.B. Pritzker $40 billion maintenance budget that relies heavily on federal funding

“ We made a choice not to present a budget to this chamber that slashes the state budget at a @ @ @ @ @ dealing with a global pandemic , ” said Democratic Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That was our choice .
That was a simple choice for me because @ @ @ @ @ to be doing is cutting public health programs , cutting health care programs , cutting @ @ @ @ @ for small businesses , or cutting pensions or laying off state employees .
”

Illinois State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, center, joins lawmakers watching to vote totals for SB516, a gambling bill involving a Chicago casino, as it passes 77-32 during an extended session of the Illinois House of Representatives at the Bank of Springfield Center on May 23, 2020, in Springfield. (Justin L. Fowler/AP)
The Illinois General Assembly passed a maintenance-level $40 billion state budget Saturday night and early Sunday that would rely heavily on federal funding to close a gaping pandemic-driven deficit.
The spending plan for the budget year that begins July 1 is headed to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk after a party-line vote in the Senate just before 1 a.m. Sunday.
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Later Sunday morning, Pritzker touted the budget lawmakers passed for what it does to support services most heavily affected by COVID-19, and responded to Republican criticisms that the Democratic-controlled legislature gave him too much latitude in managing the budget and its reliance on uncertain federal dollars.
“We’re relying on them to do the right thing for Republican-led states and Democratic states,” Pritzker said of the federal government, in a Sunday morning news conference in Springfield. “This isn’t something special for Illinois, it really is a problem that every state is experiencing. And so I hope that Republicans will step up here instead of simply complaining about the need that the state has to do what I’ve been doing ... to get dollars from the federal government to support our state.”
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State agencies that have been most affected by the pandemic, such as those dealing with public health and welfare, would see funding increases under the spending plan.
The Senate voted 37-19 to adopt the spending plan for the coming year, with all Republican opposing the budget.
“We made a choice not to present a budget to this chamber that slashes the state budget at a time when we’re dealing with a global pandemic,” said Democratic Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill, a lead budget negotiator. “That was our choice. That was a simple choice for me because the last thing we need to be doing is cutting public health programs, cutting health care programs, cutting school funding, cutting programs for small businesses, or cutting pensions or laying off state employees.”
But Republicans objected to a small increase in state spending at a time full of fiscal uncertainty.
Sen. Dale Righter of Mattoon said he appreciated that the budget doesn’t count on any revenue from the graduated-rate income tax that voters must approve through a constitutional amendment in November, but noted outstanding questions about what other revenues will look like in the coming months and how much help Washington will provide.
“We are grateful for that. We think it’s a better product for that,” Righter said. “But it is still an enormous gamble as we stand here on May 23.”
On Saturday, House Majority Leader Greg Harris, a Chicago Democrat, characterized the budget plan as representative of “a series of tough choices” that resulted in a combination of “working with the Federal Reserve and setting ourselves on a path to a slow, sustainable return to some fiscal normalcy.”
“Our state has been ravaged by the pandemic, just like our nation,” Harris said. “People are struggling, families are struggling, local governments are struggling, our schools are struggling. And yes, we as the state are struggling too.”
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The House voted largely along party lines to advance the budget, 68-44.
The budget plan would allow for borrowing of up to $5 billion from the Federal Reserve that would be repaid with expected but uncertain federal aid from Washington. State officials also hope there will be a loosening of restrictions on how the state can spend $3.5 billion in federal aid the state has already received.
Deputy House Republican Leader Tom Demmer called the budget “balanced on a wing and a prayer,” and took issue with a proposal to give Pritzker additional leeway to manage the budget amid the continuing public health crisis, which he called giving “a longer leash to an executive branch that has not earned it.”
The budget would not provide school districts with the $350 million increase in state aid that was set out in a 2018 rewrite of the education funding formula. Districts would instead receive the same amount they received this year. Universities also would be funded at their current levels.
“Do we really believe that allocating this unprecedented level of control to the executive branch is the only way or the best way that we can serve our constituents during this public health emergency?” Demmer said. “I suggest the opposite is the preferred path.”
Republicans have been critical of Pritzker’s actions in response to the pandemic as “overreach,” and have asserted that the legislature should be more heavily involved in those decisions. Pritzker on Sunday continued to defend his actions, saying they were necessary to respond to the public health emergency.
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“This talk about earning the authority, nobody knew a pandemic was coming,” Pritzker said in a Sunday morning news conference in Springfield. “There’s just no way that anybody had any clue that we would be in this situation that we’re in right now.”
He added: “The legislature has chosen not to be involved in many of the decisions that needed to be made by the executive branch. And I think, when you think about it, that’s why you have an executive branch. In an emergency, I can act quickly, the executive branch can act quickly.”
Opposition to Pritzker’s executive actions intensified when his administration filed an emergency rule earlier this month that would have subjected businesses that defy his reopening plan to a misdemeanor charge. Pritzker withdrew that rule last week, and said lawmakers would work on legislation to create an enforcement mechanism during the special session.
That didn’t happen before adjournment early Sunday morning, which Pritzker called “a complete abdication of responsibility.”
The Illinois State Police asked for the rule as a way to issue a citation for businesses that don’t comply with Pritzker’s order, rather than make an arrest, he said.
Under state law a Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to $2,500 and 364 days in jail.
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“When we left it to the legislature to decide what that citation would be, I was hopeful and expectant that they would deliver to me a bill that said that,” Pritzker said Sunday. “But they were unwilling to vote on anything like that or they didn’t get it done and so we’re going to have to look at other mechanisms. But the fact is I think the legislature failed in this regard."
jmunks@chicagotribune.com
dpetrella@chicagotribune.com