* Press release…
Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced guidelines that will allow K-12 schools, community colleges, and higher education institutions to safely resume in person instruction for the upcoming academic year. To help schools meet these guidelines and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will provide public K-12 districts in Illinois with 2.5 million cloth face masks, allowing K-12 schools to provide a cloth face mask to all students and staff.
The governor was joined by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Director Dr. Carmen Ayala, Illinois Association of School Boards Executive Director Tom Bertrand, Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Executive Director Ginger Ostro and Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Executive Director Dr. Brian Durham for today’s announcement. This guidance follows the release of industry-specific guidelines for Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, announced yesterday.
“Classroom learning provides necessary opportunities for our students to learn, socialize, and grow. The benefits of in-person instruction can’t be overstated,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today ISBE, IBHE, and ICCB are issuing guidance that will serve as baseline public health requirements and expectations for the return of in-person learning this fall in P-12 schools and higher education, including all public school districts, non-public schools, colleges and universities. In close consultation with IDPH, infectious disease experts at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and other public health professionals, the guidance focuses on keeping students, teachers and families healthy and safe. It recognizes that Illinois is a diverse state, and school districts and institutions of higher education across Illinois will face unique challenges in how they’ll operate within their communities.”
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) received $569 million in federal funding from the CARES Act for K-12 education, approximately $512 million of which will go directly to school districts to address local needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. IBSE will use the remaining $54.1 million to provide additional funding to schools in six categories: laptops and tablets, internet connectivity, virtual coaching for teachers, professional development, and support for entities who cannot receive direct funds due to ineligibility for Title I.
Local education agencies must apply to ISBE to receive funding from the CARES Act and the amount received will be based on the number and percentage of low-income students they serve. ISBE has already received applications from 580 local education agencies for this funding, with the goal of purchasing a variety of tools and resources, including technology devices, WiFi hotspots, and health and safety equipment for schools in need. Local school districts also plan to use funding to hire mental health support staff to provide services for students, families, and staff. ISBE has approved 534 applications thus far and distributed nearly three million dollars in funds.
GUIDANCE FOR K-12 SCHOOLS
The guidance released by ISBE and IDPH today allows schools to bring students back to school buildings in the fall while ensuring the health and safety of students and staff remains the top priority. The guidance was developed in collaboration with 56 educators, superintendents, social workers, nurses, and other stakeholders from across the state. View the guidance here.
“Nothing compares to face-to-face interactions between students and their teachers,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “The dedication of Illinoisans to social distancing over the past several months has allowed us to plan to bring students back to classrooms this fall while keeping health and safety our number one priority. This fall will not be ‘business as usual’ in more ways than one. Our students will return to us transformed and hungry for knowledge that contextualizes current events. I urge schools to use summer to readjust curricula to honor these historic times and to continue to be diligent in following safety protocols.”
Each school district will determine how to implement the guidance based on its unique student enrollment, school facilities, staffing, transportation, and technological capacity. ISBE strongly encourages schools and districts to provide in-person instruction for all students, especially those under age 13, to ensure children have rich instructional environments.
The IDPH requirements for schools to reopen in Phase 4 are:
• Require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including face coverings;
• Prohibit more than 50 individuals from gathering in one space;
• Require social distancing whenever possible;
• Conduct symptom screenings and temperature checks or require self-certification that individuals entering school buildings are symptom free; and
• Increase schoolwide cleaning and disinfection.
To ensure Illinois school districts are able to obtain the necessary supplies to resume in person instruction safely, ISBE and the Chief Procurement Office Bureau of Strategic Sourcing have secured several joint purchase agreements that K-12 can utilize to obtain supplies at prices that may be more competitive than purchasing on their own. ISBE will continue to expand the number of purchasing agreements in the coming weeks.
“In developing this guidance, we have put a focus on making sure in-person instruction is done safely and in an equitable way,” said Brenda Calvin, principal of Sauk Elementary School in Matteson and a member of the Transition Advisory Workgroup. “As a principal, I am looking forward to seeing students and teachers back in the classroom, and this document provides administrators across the state with the guidance and support they need to plan for the fall, no matter what their school looks like. I thank ISBE, IDPH, and Governor Pritzker for continuing to emphasize equity as we return to in-person instruction and for continuing to care for the well-being of all students in the state of Illinois.”
“The Phase 4 guidance for schools focuses on the unique context of the 852 school districts in the state of Illinois,” said Dr. Jennifer Garrison, superintendent of Vandalia Community Unit School District 203. “We acknowledge and thank the Governor’s Office for the emphasis on local control. We must focus on the safety of our staff and students first and foremost and at the same time be creative in how we return to learning in-person, specifically in Vandalia Schools. The opportunity to have a seat at the table and bring the downstate rural voice to the table is greatly appreciated. As educators, we have had many challenges before, and now is our time to turn the challenges before us into a unique opportunity to innovate with a laser-like focus on equity.”
“I am grateful that ISBE reached out to a variety of education stakeholders in developing this transition plan,” said Lindsey Jensen, 2018 Illinois Teacher of the Year, member of the Transition Advisory Workgroup, and teacher at Dwight Township High School. “In these unprecedented times, we are each other’s greatest resource. Having a variety of voices at the proverbial table ensures that we are considering all facets of education so that we can equitably meet the needs of all students when they return to our buildings.”
GUIDANCE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) established guidelines for higher education institutions to safely reopen their classrooms based on input from IDPH and higher education leaders throughout Illinois. When students return to campus this fall, they can expect new prevention measures from colleges and universities including social distancing, physical spacing, hand sanitizing stations, face covering requirements, and regular monitoring of students for symptoms of COVID-19.
Schools are developing policies around traffic flow, cleaning of public spaces, and staggered schedules for the use of laboratories, auditoriums and other group facilities. Small-group sessions and meetings with professors will also have to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Nevertheless, colleges expect dormitories, cafeterias, libraries, bookstores, and other amenities of college life to be available to students, subject to the approved guidelines.
“The path to personal success runs right through our schools, classrooms, colleges and universities. A good education means a good future for you and your families. When the economy rebounds, we want our students to be prepared for those jobs and that means–stay the course and stay in school,” said Ginger Ostro, IBHE Executive Director.
The full list of guidelines is available at The Illinois Board of Higher Education website.
COMMUNITY COLLEGES
As each region across the state prepares to enter Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, Illinois community colleges are committed to welcoming students back to campus in the fall of 2020.
“The Illinois Community College Board’s guidance provides community colleges with a roadmap for delivering critical instructional programs within the context of Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois,” said Dr. Lazaro Lopez, Chair of the ICCB.
“The guidance will assist all community colleges in the development of plans that ensure the health, safety, and support of students while continuing to provide high quality instruction,” said Dr. Brian Durham, Executive Director of the ICCB.
Guidance for Illinois’ community colleges takes into consideration where each institution is located and is separated into three main categories: General Health and Safety, Instructional Guidelines, and Student Services. Among the key recommendations are:
• In person education will require face coverings to be worn by faculty, staff and students.
• Community colleges should conduct health screenings on employees, students and visitors before each campus visit.
• Community colleges should take additional measures to ensure social distancing and safety as determined by the features of spaces, learning methods, and other factors.
• Each community college should consider the needs of vulnerable staff or students when administering guidelines.
The guidance was developed in partnership with the ICCB’s Return to Campus Committee and approved by IDPH. The full list of guidelines is available at the ICCB website.
FINANCIAL AID ASSISTANCE AND COLLEGE PLANNING
As students prepare to return to higher education institutions this fall, the administration is offering information and guidance regarding financial aid. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) offers assistance to students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the recently launched Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, a path to financial aid for undocumented and transgender students made possible by Governor Pritzker.
“The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is here to support students on their path to—or back to—college this fall,” said Eric Zarnikow, Executive Director of ISAC. “We continue to provide free resources to help students and families with college planning and financial aid through one-on-one assistance from the ISACorps members in their community, our call center, and the tools and resources on our website, at www.isac.org. If you need help completing your FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid or in seeking financial aid adjustments based on changed financial circumstances, or just aren’t sure how to find your educational path beyond high school, please contact us for assistance.”
Thousands of Illinois families are facing new financial challenges as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If needed, students can seek an adjustment in their financial aid offers from colleges and universities for the fall based on a change in their financial circumstances. Students in need of additional financial assistance should contact the financial aid office at the colleges or universities where they are enrolled or have been admitted. ISAC is available to guide students and families through this process.
ISAC also offers additional support services like “ISAC College Q&A,” a free text messaging service that helps students stay on track with their college plans. Through ISAC College Q&A, students and families can get answers to college planning and financial aid questions, as well as reminders for important deadlines, sent directly to their phones from ISAC experts. Interested families can sign up online here. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.
Families looking for additional resources and links specifically related to returning to campus and financial aid during the COVID-19 pandemic should visit https://www.isac.org/covid-19/.
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601 new cases, 38 additional deaths
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Dr. Ezike today…
The good news is that Illinois has seen declining cases and declining fatality totals week after week for the past five consecutive weeks. I commend every resident of Illinois for thinking of your neighbors across the state during this ongoing battle against COVID-19. Lives are in your hands, and you saved so many with your actions. These actions have given Illinois a leg up against this virus.
Since yesterday, we are reporting 601 people who are newly diagnosed with COVID-19 for a statewide total since the beginning of this pandemic of 137,825 cases. That does include 38 additional fatalities, for a total of 6,707 lives loss.
But let’s recall that at our highest, we reported 4000 cases within a single 24 hour period. That was about six weeks ago. And we reported 191 deaths on May 13th.
As of last night, over 1648 individuals were reported to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and of those 424 patients were in the ICU and 236 patients were on ventilators. We peaked at over 5000 patients in the hospital with COVID-19 and 1290 ICU patients on April 28th. S o we are delighted to see how far we’ve come and how many fewer patients we have hospitalized with COVID-19.
Please forget what you’ve heard. Increased testing is a good thing. Testing capacity across the state continues to grow. To date 1,399,000 tests have been run with 20,507 being reported in the last 24 hours. The highest number of specimens reported in a single 24 hour period was last Wednesday when nearly 30,000 tests were reported. These are all positive signs and affirm that the steps we have taken to slow the spread of COVID-19 are indeed working.
So as we move forward, we need to get things back to the things that we have been putting on hold. Now is the time to schedule your kids back to school physicals if you haven’t already. We need to make sure that the kids get checked out by their providers and get their life saving immunizations. Earlier during the pandemic, we had seen a decline in immunization. So now it’s time to catch up. No more waiting.
Doctor’s orders, Illinois.
Yes, there could be another surge of COVID-19 in the fall or perhaps earlier, but let’s make sure we take this opportunity now to get to our doctors, let’s get our immunizations, let’s get our health screenings. Let’s get as healthy as we can. Your baseline health status affects how you fare against this virus.
This includes parents and teachers. Get your bloodwork done, your mammogram. I went for my mammogram this morning. Get your colonoscopies, take care of yourself and your loved ones. Let’s continue to do what we know works. I saw somewhere that they referred to it as the three W’s. And so I’m going to be using this: wash your hands, watch your distance, you know that’s referring to the six feet, and wear a face covering. Let’s not lose ground. Lives are in our hands. Thank you so much.
Please pardon all transcription errors.
* Press release…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 601 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 38 additional confirmed deaths.
Boone County – 1male 60s
Cook County – 1 female 40s, 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 3 males 60s, 2 females 70s, 1 male 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 3 females 90s, 2 males 90s, 2 females 100+
DuPage County – 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
Jefferson County – 1 male 70s
Kane County – 1 male 60s, 1 male 80s
Kankakee County – 1 female 60s
Kendall County – 1 male 90s
Lake County – 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 2 males 80s
Macon County – 1 male 80s
McHenry County – 1 female 80s
St. Clair County – 1 female 60s
Will County – 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s
Winnebago County – 1 female 50s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 137,825 cases, including 6,707 deaths, in 101 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 20,507 specimens for a total of 1,399,510. The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from June 16–June 22 is 2%.
Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, IDPH is now reporting both confirmed and probable cases and deaths on its website. Reporting probable cases will help show the potential burden of COVID-19 illness and efficacy of population-based non-pharmaceutical interventions. See CDC definition of a probable case on its website. IDPH will update these data once a week.
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* Press release…
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) of Illinois issued the following statement regarding Phase 4 reopening guidelines released by Gov. JB Pritzker’s office, which allows for movie theatres to reopen beginning June 26 with a maximum capacity of 50 people:
“While theatres across Illinois are excited to welcome customers back to the movies, the strict capacity limits announced by the governor’s office will make it difficult for many theatres to reopen. For some, it will simply not be feasible to rehire workers, purchase supplies and cover overhead costs if only 50 customers will be allowed in each auditorium. Many theatre auditoriums are quite large and can safely accommodate more viewers while maintaining proper physical distancing and sanitation measurers,” said Chris Johnson, president of the National Association of Theatre Owners of Illinois and CEO of Classic Cinemas. “We are disappointed the governor’s office declined to raise capacity limits after indicating a willingness to do so during recent conversations but remain hopeful that changes can be made sooner rather than later. We are eager to salvage what’s left of the summer blockbuster season and reclaim our role as a safe space to escape from life’s struggles.”
NATO of Illinois has proposed setting attendance limits at 50 percent of capacity – the same limits set for retail establishments and personal care businesses. Additional safety measures include:
• Requiring all employees to undergo training before returning to work on enhanced cleaning procedures, personal health and wellness, use of face masks and gloves, and maintaining social distancing.
• Taking employee temperatures before reporting to work for each shift.
• Mandating that cloth masks be worn at all times and disposable gloves be worn during customer interactions.
• Maintaining a minimum of six-foot distance between viewing parties, using empty seats and rows as necessary.
• Placing six-foot spacing markings in areas where guests may have to queue and assigning staff to ensure social distancing is respected.
• Encouraging customers to purchase tickets online to decrease contact opportunities.
I asked the group’s spokesperson Monique Garcia what the theaters were doing about the viral load issue. Dozens, or even hundreds of people sitting in the same room for a couple of hours could potentially shed a lot of virus into the air, after all…
“There are some who think we should just do nothing, have no restrictions, no capacity limits. But when you think of a gathering size of 100 and having a 30 percent chance of somebody in that 100 having a COVID virus — when you go up to 250 and that probability goes up to 60 percent — this is why we are being cautious and prudent.”
* Garcia’s response…
Among the safety precautions theatres have in place to limit risks include purchasing tickets online, staggered showtimes, maintaining a minimum six-foot distance between viewing parties, enhanced cleaning procedures including sanitation of seats between showings, and encouraging the use of face coverings even when seated in an auditorium.
Because we know that air flow is important in limiting risk, many theaters are placing special focus on improving air quality. This includes adjusting HVAC systems to increase the amount of fresh air being circulated and to remove stale air more quickly. New filters will also be put in place, including in vacuums and other devices.
Thoughts?
*** UPDATE *** The governor was asked today about the theater owners’ expectation that they’d be able to sell tickets for half of their available capacity…
I want to be clear to anybody that had expectations of something larger that there is the opportunity for us to do that at any moment, you know, going forward as we look and see. Remember when we change guidelines, when we move from one phase to another, what we’re looking to do is to measure how are we doing in hospitalizations, how are we doing in positivity rates. If we start to see things moving up, forget spiking, if we see things moving upward we want to watch them closely. And it’s over time that you see well if things are relatively stable, or even decreasing as we saw, interestingly during phase three even though we opened up quite a lot in phase three, the answer is, you can make adjustments along the way and we certainly will.
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Question of the day
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
During late-night hours, the sound of loud fireworks has echoed through many Chicago neighborhoods, resulting in a staggering increase in 911 calls. The city has received more than 7,000 911 calls for fireworks disturbances so far this year compared with only 842 last year during the same time frame, a 736% increase over the same period in 2019, according to data provided by the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
The numbers mirror increases in cities throughout the country, which those in the fireworks industry say can be traced to the cancellation of organized shows because of the pandemic. There has been a surge in complaints about fireworks in New York, Boston and Hartford, Connecticut. Residents of other cities, including Los Angeles and Baltimore, have taken to social media to vent their frustration. […]
Nationwide, the fireworks industry has seen an increase in sales as the coronavirus pandemic has led to the cancellation of many public fireworks displays.
You gotta wonder if those commercial fireworks are now finding their way to individual consumers. Some of the videos I’ve seen online are crazy.
* The Question: Have fireworks been a problem where you are? Tell us a story.
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* Governing Magazine…
Cities’ police officer per capita rates vary depending on a range of factors. In 2016, police departments serving cities with populations exceeding 25,000 employed an average of 16.8 officers and 21.4 total personnel for every 10,000 residents.
* I looked at the ten most populous American cities and what follows is a ranking in order of police officers per 10,000 population according to Governing. The numbers in parentheses are murder and nonnegligent manslaughter per 100,000 people per year…
Chicago 43.9 (24.13)
New York City 42.3 (3.39)
Philadelphia 40.2 (20.06)
Dallas 24.8 (12.48)
Los Angeles 24.6 (7.01)
Houston 22.2 (11.50)
Austin 18.9 (2.57)
Phoenix 17.4 (9.55)
San Antonio 14.4 (8.15)
San Diego 12.8 (2.46)
San Jose 9.0 (3.08)
Chicago ranks first in both categories.
* Now, keep in mind that the above police force numbers are from 2016…
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a plan in 2016 to increase the number of police officers by 1,000 over two years in response to a significant increase in gun violence that year. At the end of 2018 the City announced that its hiring plan was complete, with more patrol officers, detectives and leadership positions (sergeants and lieutenants). By 2019, the Police Department had about 1,200 more budgeted positions than it had in 2016.
So, Chicago’s per capita police officer numbers are even higher than the above chart shows.
* From yesterday’s press conference by Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown…
During his news conference, Brown also rejected a notion popular with University of Chicago criminologists who work closely with the police department. He said the violence cannot be blamed on easy access to guns.
“I’m from Texas,” Brown said, noting that state’s high number of firearms. “Houston, San Antonio and Dallas have lower murder rates.”
He said that shows it would be possible for Chicago to tamp down its infamous gun violence.
The key, Brown said, is building a public safety infrastructure that combines policing, street outreach work and investments in poor neighborhoods. He said that collaboration is just getting off the ground and is “obviously not mature.”
The overall story was basically a hit piece on Brown. But as I told subscribers this morning, the “street outreach work” is actually a sophisticated and do-able approach to addressing this problem…
An epidemiologist by training, [Dr. Gary Slutkin] is the executive director of Cure Violence. Cure Violence is a Chicago-based non-profit organization founded in 2000 by Slutkin in affiliation with the University of Illinois–Chicago School of Public Health.
Dr. Slutkin asserts that gun violence is an infectious disease. Like tuberculosis, gun violence exhibits the following definitional signs and symptoms of infectious disease:
• Contagion: one event leads to another which leads to another
• Predictive morbidity (injury) and mortality (death)
• Pattern distribution: it spreads in predictable ways
• Pattern disruption: targeted interventions can slow and reverse its spread
Accordingly, Cure Violence treats violence as an infectious disease. The organization goes to violent urban neighborhoods where it intervenes to interrupt gun violence and limit its spread.
The organization operates in over 30 cities worldwide and reduces violence by pursuing three well-defined strategies:
• Detecting and interrupting conflicts;
• Identifying and treating high-risk individuals; and
• Changing social norms
Until March 2015, Cure Violence operated in 14 high-risk Chicago neighborhoods. They embedded trained “violence interrupters” and “behavioral change agents” within high-risk communities. These trained professionals identify signs of impending violence and intervene to cool tempers, buy time and shift perspectives. Their “signal” network includes local organizations (e.g. hospitals) to identify signs of brewing trouble. [Emphasis added.]
And then Gov. Bruce Rauner zero-funded the effort with all too predictable results.
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* WalletHub…
With states opening up and the national unemployment rate now at 13.3% compared to the nearly historic high of 14.7% at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, WalletHub today released its report on the States Whose Unemployment Rates Are Bouncing Back Most, along with accompanying videos and audio files, to illustrate which areas of the country have had the best recovery so far.
This report examines unemployment rates on a monthly basis, complementing the weekly analysis in WalletHub’s report on the States Whose Unemployment Claims Are Recovering the Quickest.
In order to identify the states with the best recovery in unemployment rates, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on four key metrics. We looked at the change in each state’s unemployment rate during the latest month for which we have data (May 2020) compared to May 2019 and January 2020. We also compared not seasonally adjusted continued claims in May 2020 to May 2019. Finally, we considered each state’s overall unemployment rate. Below, you can see highlights from the report, along with a WalletHub Q&A.
Unemployment Recovery in Illinois (1=Most Recovered, 25=Avg.):
• 313.77% Change in Unemployment (May 2020 vs May 2019)
o 920,610 unemployed people in May 2020 vs 222,493 in May 2019;
o 14th worst recovery in the U.S.
• 263.43% Change in Unemployment (May 2020 vs January 2020)
o 920,610 unemployed people in May 2020 vs 253,312 in January 2020;
o 12th worst recovery in the U.S.
• 801.93% Change in Not Seasonally Adjusted Continued Claims (May 2020 vs May 2019)
o 762,367 continued claims in May 2020 vs 84,526 in May 2019
o 5th best recovery in the U.S.
• 14.70% Unemployment Rate (May 2020)
o 10th worst recovery in the U.S.
More here.
* Definition of continued claims…
Continued claims, also referred to as insured unemployment, is the number of people who have already filed an initial claim and who have experienced a week of unemployment and then filed a continued claim to claim benefits for that week of unemployment. Continued claims data are based on the week of unemployment, not the week when the initial claim was filed.
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* Illinois Supreme Court press release…
The events of recent days and weeks have exposed frailties in our public institutions and brought to the forefront the disproportionate impact the application of certain laws, rules, policies and practices have had on the African American population, the Latinx community, and other people of color in Illinois and nationally.
Racism exists, whether it be actualized as individual racism, institutional racism or structural racism, and it undermines our democracy, the fair and equitable administration of justice, and severely diminishes individual constitutional protections and safeguards of full citizenship with the attendant rights and benefits sacred to all. People of color have no less expectation of fairness, equity and freedom from racial discrimination than others, yet they are continually confronted with racial injustices that the Courts have the ability to nullify and set right. […]
But there is still much work to be done.
To further these efforts, the Court is announcing the recruitment of a Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO) for the Judicial Branch. The CDIO will serve as a leader in proposing practices, procedures and rules for Illinois’ courts to protect the constitutional rights of the public we serve. This executive-level hire will work with the Supreme Court, the Administrative Director and Court leaders throughout the Judicial Branch to achieve the Supreme Court’s strategic goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
We recognize that these steps are only part of a long process that requires continuous research on the role of racism in our society and actions necessary for its eradication. The Court will continue to advance initiatives to achieve its mission to protect the rights and liberties of all by providing equal justice for all under law.
More at the link.
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* Pearson…
A federal appeals court panel has rejected an effort by state elections officials to delay a lower court ruling setting up new candidate filing rules for independent and third-party contenders to appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a ruling Sunday, a panel of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an attempt by the State Board of Elections to stay federal Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer’s mid-May preliminary injunction that made it easier for independent and third-party candidates to access the ballot due to personal distancing rules implemented to deal with COVID-19.
“We deny the motion because the board has not shown that it would be irreparably harmed by injunctive relief that it initially agreed to and because staying the preliminary injunction at this late date would result in clear harm to the plaintiffs who have relied on its terms,” the appellate panel said.
The order is here.
* Anzel…
The concessions were made in response to a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Illinois’ statutorily mandated elections rules during COVID-19. The filing deadline prescribed by state law would have been on Monday.
The appeals court wrote in its opinion that, “Despite agreeing to each of these terms,” the elections board asked Pallmeyer to reconsider her order a few weeks later. She opted only to move the filing deadline up to July 20.
One month later, on June 9, the board asked a federal appeals court to suspend enforcement of Pallmeyer’s order completely and allow it to “determine necessary election modifications” instead.
In court documents, it argued a federal court does not have the authority to dictate how states conduct their elections. It also alleged a later filing deadline could mean officials will miss federal and state cutoffs to finalize ballots and mail them to citizens overseas.
* Meisel…
“In contrast, the appellees have provided evidence showing that they would be significantly injured if we stayed the preliminary injunction,” the panel wrote.
However, the Seventh Circuit did not slam the door on the appeals process, ordering both the board and the Green and Libertarian parties to submit paperwork by July 6, asking for either briefings or an oral argument.
Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich acknowledged Monday that most of the board’s original wishes are now moot, as the seven-day window for third party petition filing is still set to begin on July 13.
“It would appear unlikely that any filing dates will be changed,” Dietrich said.
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Let’s be careful out there
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* WGEM…
“People are going into stores with no masks on,” [Blessing Health System CEO and President Maureen Kahn] said. “As the states have opened up, people have been moving about the cabin going out and enjoying some time and forgetting about the most important things that we’ve been educating folks on. They need to be wearing a mask, washing their hands and social distancing.”
With the recent influx of cases ahead of plans for Illinois to move into Phase Four, Kahn said wearing a face covering can make all the difference.
“When you’re getting into those tight spaces, wearing a mask is a good way to protect yourself, your family and the people you love,” she said.
Adams County Health Department officials said they do expect to see more cases as the state reopens, but said that can be controlled if people follow the guidelines.
“As we go through the contact tracing and talk with you all, the main goal now is to reemphasize those simple measures that can be taken to make sure this doesn’t get out of hand,” Adams County Public Health Administrator Jerrod Welch said.
* Daily Herald…
But don’t toss your face mask, given that COVID-19 is spread mainly through droplets when people sneeze, said physician Michael Bauer.
“It is not all fine. It is not back to normal,” Bauer said. “Everyone wants it to be, but we are still in the midst of this pandemic.”
The Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital medical director, for one, doesn’t plan to watch a movie anytime soon, for example.
“To me, personally, I would have no desire to sit in an indoor space like that,” Bauer said.
* Sun-Times…
Lightfoot on Monday told reporters Chicago’s guidelines are sometimes different because the city is an air hub, its population density is higher and there are “lots of active infections here still.”
Caution is dictated because, the mayor said, a resurgence is “more than a risk. It’s a very real possibility.” Social distancing, hand hygiene and face masks remain essential, Lightfoot said.
“This approach — turning the dimmer switch cautiously — continues to cause economic harm and hardship. We recognize that. But my first responsibility as mayor is to save lives,” Lightfoot said.
“There are some who think we should just do nothing, have no restrictions, no capacity limits. But when you think of a gathering size of 100 and having a 30 percent chance of somebody in that 100 having a COVID virus — when you go up to 250 and that probability goes up to 60 percent — this is why we are being cautious and prudent.”
* WTTW…
But with COVID-19 cases on the rise in many states — 12 have reported a record number of cases since Friday — how can Illinois safely reopen while protecting residents against future outbreaks?
“The first thing I think we need to continue doing is what Gov. Pritzker has said all along, and that’s making sure we follow the science and the data and what the epidemiologists are advising us to do,” Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said during an interview Monday for “Chicago Tonight.” “When you see these 12 states where you see these record-breaking new cases and these spikes, part of it is because if you go too fast … you risk not having the hospital capacity but you also risk increasing the spread.”
Stratton said Illinois had taken a deliberately cautious approach and urged residents to continue to socially distance and follow health guidelines even as the state moves into the next phase of its reopening.
“COVID-19 is still out there but moving to phase four means we are at a place where we have a better handle on some of the things we can do to stop the spread — and it’s guided by the science,” Stratton said.
* Greg Hinz…
We can argue about the economic cost. But we got something for our money: a much, much healthier state and city relative to regions that responded differently. And an opportunity to carefully reopen our economy while other parts of the nation are contemplating a slowdown.
Now, of course, we’ll find out whether Chicago and Illinois folks can keep it up and be a little more sensible in reopening than appeared to be the case elsewhere, with scenes of packed bars and maskless shopping. I’ll be the optimist on that. We’ve come so far, I don’t think people will casually throw it all way.
Congratulations. You have part of your life back, Chicago. Now don’t blow it.
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* Greg Hinz…
Today, as the party prepares to assemble in some combination of Charlotte, N.C., and Jacksonville, Fla., things are a little different. The list of Illinois delegates to Trump’s celebration of himself is, for the most part, composed of lower-lower dignitaries—a number of them concerned about catching COVID-19 and wondering whether they’ll really attend. To give just one example: Of the five GOP House members from the state—the number was in the double digits for decades—I can confirm only two who are definitely planning to attend. […]
With Trump fairly popular south of I-80 but pretty much toxic in the more populous north, that doesn’t leave much appeal. Add in a little COVID-19 and you get a delegate list that appears to include just two sitting state senators (including Senate GOP Leader Bill Brady) and three representatives.
For instance, while Brady will be there, House GOP Leader Jim Durkin says he, at most, will drop by briefly, and suggests that’s a long shot. “My focus is supporting state party efforts, especially in the House,” he tells me. He adds, “In that part of the world (Florida and North Carolina) there is a return of the virus at dangerous levels. I’ll make that decision (whether to attend) as we get closer.” […]
Not there: Cook County Republican chief Sean Morrison. “I didn’t choose to be a delegate. I have plans it would be hard for me to get away from,” he tells me. “I decided to leave the spot for other people who would like to be there.” I couldn’t reach DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin. But he’s not now listed as a delegate.
* Update…
One of the most prominent Illinoisans scheduled to attend this summer’s Republican National Convention now is sending word he may take a pass.
In an email, Jason Gerwig, the spokesman for Illinois Senate GOP Leader Bill Brady, said his trip to the August convention is “still being discussed, not locked in.” […]
“No change, just working on scheduling. Got ahead of myself,” Gerwig replied. But Brady was named a delegate to the convention by the state party at its meeting just nine days ago, and I have a hunch that wouldn’t have happened if he said he might not go.
I reached out to Greg yesterday to ask about the congressional delegation. LaHood is a delegate, so it’s assumed he’ll go. Bost’s spouse is a delegate, so Greg assumes he’ll be there. Davis’ folks didn’t call back. Shimkus is retiring. Kinzinger’s people said he has not yet decided.
* You gotta figure Rodney Davis will go because he has tied himself so closely to the POTUS. Here’s Bernie…
“I certainly hope the president is re-elected,” Davis said. “I think outside of this pandemic, we would have had historic economic growth. We would have continued (the) sustained, lowest unemployment levels in my lifetime. I believe that working with the president, we’ve enacted good policies.”
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Illinois facing critical shortage of blood
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Please help…
The Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers put out a plea Monday for organizations to host blood drives in light of what it called “a critical shortage of blood in Illinois.”
There are two reasons for the shortage, according to Margaret Vaughn, the coalition’s government affairs director.
She said typically 60% of donations come from off-site blood drives, but drives normally hosted by businesses are not being held because employees are still working from home.
Also, demand for blood has spiked due to the May return of elective surgeries coupled with a surge of patients who put off needed surgeries for months because of COVID-19 concerns.
“Now, demand is sky high because the people who put off treatment for three months are sicker,” Vaughn said. “There is a backlog with all these cases. There is concern with how they’re going to get through the rest of the summer. It’s not unique to Illinois. They are in this mess all over the country. We really want to regroup now.”
Margaret is an old pal of mine, so do me a favor and help her organization out. Thanks!
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462 new cases, 26 additional deaths
Monday, Jun 22, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 462 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 26 additional confirmed deaths.
- Cook County – 1 male 40s, 1 female 50s, 4 males 50s, 1 female 60s, 2 males 60s, 2 females 70s, 1 male 70s, 3 females 80s, 2 males 80s, 2 females 90s, 2 males 90s
- DuPage County – 1 female 100+
- Kane County – 1 male 50s
- Lee County – 1 female 60s
- Madison County – 1 female 60s
- St. Clair County – 1 male 60s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 137,224 cases, including 6,671 deaths, in 101 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 18,219 specimens for a total of 1,379,003. The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from June 15–June 21 is 2%.
Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, IDPH is now reporting both confirmed and probable cases and deaths on its website. Reporting probable cases will help show the potential burden of COVID-19 illness and efficacy of population-based non-pharmaceutical interventions. See CDC definition of a probable case on its website. IDPH will update these data once a week.
*All data are provisional and will change. In order to rapidly report COVID-19 information to the public, data are being reported in real-time. Information is constantly being entered into an electronic system and the number of cases and deaths can change as additional information is gathered. Information for deaths previously reported has changed, therefore, today’s numbers have been adjusted. For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
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Question of the day
Monday, Jun 22, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* On the left, The Southern’s outdoors writer Les Winkeler. On the right, Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea…
 
I asked Tim if Winkeler was his older clone…
No but he is really good looking.
* The Question: Who is your doppelganger?
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Good news, bad news
Monday, Jun 22, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Crain’s…
• The week ended June 15 was the second in a row when more Chicago-area homes went under contract than in the corresponding week a year ago. It was also the first time that more homes went under contract than the week ended March 16, the last week before the crisis took hold. Buyers put 4,846 homes under contract in the week ended June 15, an increase of nearly 39 percent from the same time a year ago.
• In the second week of June, the number of showings eclipsed the figure from early March by about 5 percent and was about 24 percent above showings at the same time in 2019.
• Open houses are back. Nearly 3,460 properties had open houses in the week ended June 15. That’s more than 10 times the weekly figures from mid-March through mid-April, when agents found themselves improvising ways to show open houses via FaceTime and other virtual technologies.
* But…
Homes sales in the Chicago metro area last month dropped by about 40 percent compared to May 2019, and home prices went flat, according to data just released by Illinois Realtors.
In the city proper, 1,666 homes sold in May, down nearly 44 percent from a year earlier. It’s the biggest year-over-year drop in the records of Illinois Realtors, which go back to January 2008. There’s only been one other month when home sales dropped by more than 40 percent: February 2009, in the depths of the recession following the 2008 financial meltdown. […]
The sales declines in both the city and the larger metro area were considerably larger than the nationwide figure. Home sales in May dropped by 26.6 percent across the U.S. from a year earlier, according to data released separately by the National Association of Realtors this morning. The median price of a home sold was up 2.3 percent from a year earlier. Illinois had stricter lockdown measures than in some other states.
* Crain’s…
Amazon is expanding in south suburban Chicago, with plans to open two fulfillment centers in Matteson and Markham that will employ a total of 2,000 people.
The two warehouses will be the newest additions to Amazon’s sprawling Chicago-area distribution network, which already encompasses 11 sorting and fulfillment centers, according to a statement from the company, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Cook County President Toni Preckwinckle, who held a news conference this morning about the expansion.
The projects will add to the Seattle-based e-commerce giant’s workforce in Illinois, currently encompassing more than 11,000 people.
* But…
Heading into the official start of summer, Chicago’s tourism scene will be vastly different from years past.
There will be no major events like Lollapalooza, Chicago Pride Parade or Taste of Chicago. Skydeck Chicago, the observation deck on top of Willis Tower, is closed. So are the museums. Baseball has been canceled since March.
Already the Fourth of July weekend is shaping up to be a dud with the fireworks show at Navy Pier canceled. The event typically draws more than 100,000 people, according to Navy Pier spokesperson Payal Patel.
Without these and other events that draw millions of people to the city each year, the chances of Chicago’s tourism industry rebounding anytime soon will be slim, experts say.
But as Chicago moves forward with a phased reopening, industry insiders see a glimmer of hope. More visitors are coming from outside the state, and suburban residents are venturing downtown after weeks of being cooped up at home.
* Sun-Times…
With the coronavirus shutdown top of mind and the state’s first online sportsbook in hand, Illinois bettors have turned to footy.
Overseas soccer matches drew 78% of the money wagered Thursday on BetRivers.com with the launch of legal, mobile sports betting in Illinois through Rivers Casino.
Representatives for the Des Plaines gambling house declined to share the inaugural handle or the overall number of bets placed. But beyond the soccer-happy handle percentage, they said about 60% of the Illinoisans who created accounts to plunk money down put at least some of their money on soccer.
Most of that money — 56% — was placed on La Liga Spanish football and Real Madrid’s winning matchup against Valencia.
* But…
A leading proponent of last year’s gambling expansion bill in Illinois said he is frustrated with delays in its implementation.
State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, said officials from Rockford submitted that city’s proposal, with a casino to be operated by Hard Rock International, to the Illinois Gaming Board nine months ago.
“The gaming board is telling us they hope to have the license approved by October, which is 12 months from the time it was submitted,” Syverson said. “It is just ridiculous that it’s taking this long for a group just to review a simple application.”
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Michael Camerer
Monday, Jun 22, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Daily Herald…
Bartlett village trustee and Republican nominee for an Illinois House of Representatives seat Michael E. Camerer is being remembered for his service to the community.
Camerer died unexpectedly Thursday at age 61 of natural causes. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Robin, sons Jonathan, Daniel and Matthew, his mother, Darielle, and brother Alan. […]
A chiropractor, Camerer opened Camerer Chiropractic in downtown Bartlett in 1990. Camerer also was an adjunct professor at Judson College in Elgin.
Camerer served in the Rotary Club and the Bartlett Chamber of Commerce. He volunteered with the Bartlett Veterans Memorial Foundation, Village Church of Bartlett and Boy Scouts of America Troop 227.
“He was one of the best people I’ve ever met in my life overall,” [Bartlett Village President Kevin Wallace] said. “It’s really a tough thing for the whole village.”
* Camerer won a three-way GOP primary (former Rep. Randy Ramey was one of the two who lost) for the right to take on Rep. Dianne Pappas (D-Itasca) in the fall. Here is Pappas’ statement…
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Camerer and my heart aches for his family and loved ones. Whenever we crossed paths Michael always went out of his way to show me kindness - a genuine compassion that is often rare in politics. His love for his community, his family, and his patients was undeniable. There is no doubt that the Bartlett community is better because of the legacy he leaves behind. My husband and I are sending our deepest condolences and prayers to Michael’s wife, Robin, and their children.
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* Mike Miletich…
A St. Clair County woman has sued the consulting company behind the recent data breach in Illinois’ unemployment system. Now, a Southern Illinois lawmaker says there may be more lawsuits coming.
Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) hopes the case against Deloitte will shed light on issues within the Illinois Department of Employment Security. […]
The department alerted 32,483 claimants possibly affected “out of abundance of caution.” However, Bryant explains several people have called her office to report their private information was compromised.
“I want IDES to stop saying that it was only one person and start telling us the truth,” Bryant said. “Until that happens, I’m not going to believe one word that comes out of the mouth of any official at IDES no matter how good or honest that individual is.”
Bryant says someone must be covering up a larger data breach, because some people applying through the state’s normal unemployment system have seen their social security number stolen. Deloitte is facing lawsuits from people impacted by a similar data breach in Ohio.
The downstate Republican says Gov. JB Pritzker has to react as soon as possible. “I do think the governor has been insulated by many of the staff he has, but I’m not sure. I would like to think that they’re not telling him everything and that he’s maybe not understanding some of what’s going on in his own administration. I’d like to believe that,” Bryant exclaimed. “But then, the other part of me says you’re the CEO of the state. You should know what’s going on.”
* I asked the governor’s office for a response. Here’s Jordan Abudayyeh…
There is no evidence there has been a larger data breach at IDES and the department has publicly shared all information available to us on this breach. If the Representative has more information on a data breach she should share it with the proper authorities, but conspiracy theories serve absolutely no purpose.
The administration appreciates the lawmakers who voted for the FY21 budget to increase funding for IDES to hire more employees to do the incredibly important work they do. Unfortunately, Rep. Bryant wasn’t one of them. The Governor has given multiple public briefings on the work at IDES and is updated on progress at the agency multiple times a week. If the Representative would like to do more to help the people she serves, I respectfully suggest that she work to provide sufficient resources to state agencies that were hollowed out and hobbled under the last administration, with her support. Cheap shots in the press and baseless conspiracy theories are not a substitute for leadership.
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* Press release…
* Rep. Darren Bailey’s remarks…
I’m a farmer about four hours south of here and a first term representative. And as a farmer, when things don’t work right you have to take a look at everything, try to determine what the problem is. And sometimes you’ve got to listen to the advice and and take other people’s ideas into consideration. And Dr. Wilson about two weeks ago, he called me up and he drove four hours south to Lewisville Illinois and sat with several area representatives to talk and share his ideas to this problem, this crisis that we’re experiencing. I don’t know the answer. I don’t know that I completely agree with some of the solutions and ideas that I’ve heard.
But one thing I do know, the one thing that I’ve discovered with government is that people don’t listen very well. A lot of people want to strive with their ideas, a lot of people want to push their agendas. So we are here today to listen, to simply to listen to an idea, and consider and certainly pray for an outcome. I’m so honored that we can be here with the church today, it’s the church that’s going to make the difference in this state and in this country and I’m so honored, of all places, to be here.
Listening has never been Bailey’s strong suit, of course.
* By the way, I asked Dr. Wilson’s spokesperson for comment on this Bailey statement from the other day and never heard back…
Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) is questioning the Black Lives Matter movement based on that fact that a disproportional rate of pregnancies for black women end in abortion.
“If black lives matter, why are Illinois taxpayers funding the killing of unborn black babies?” asked Bailey, the first term 109th District representative and recent winner of a personal lawsuit against Gov J.B. Pritzker.
*** UPDATE *** I didn’t even think to check, but a commenter pointed out that Wilson contributed $3,000 each to Reps. Darren Bailey and Blaine Wilhour and House candidate Adam Niemerg (who’s running in Bailey’s district) this month.
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* Press release…
Last week, the Illinois Supreme Court handed down their near unanimous decision in favor of the City of Chicago in a case against the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police. The FOP filed suit against the city for failing to destroy police disciplinary records after five years per their collective bargaining agreement. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that requiring the destruction of police disciplinary records after five years violates public records law.
The decision is being heralded as a positive development in the wake of a growing police reform movement. There was only one member of the Supreme Court who disagreed - Justice Thomas Kilbride of the 5th Judicial Circuit. Both conservative justices from downstate (Garman, Karmeier) and liberal justices from Chicago (Burke, Neville, Theis) came together to recognize the illegality and bad faith nature of the FOP’s effort to protect cops with a history of disciplinary actions, but Kilbride stood alone in dissent (dissent here, starting on page 17).
Even more troubling than Justice Kilbride’s decision is the glaringly obvious motivation for him to be the lone dissenting vote. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police was his saving grace during his 2010 retention campaign as he came under attack for his record on crime. The FOP and other police groups rushed to his defense and came through for Kilbride with an endorsement and major campaign support. Kilbride ran his retention campaign with a central theme as being a strong ally to law enforcement, even touting an award from the Illinois Crime Commission / Police Athletic League of Illinois and each of his ads painting Kilbride as “tough on crime.”
Kilbride’s decision to allow the destruction of police records after only 5 years is contrary to the police reform movement that Republicans and Democrats are embracing nationally, in which legislation would require law enforcement to retain records for longer periods of time. The just-released “Justice Act” authored by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) requires 30 year record-keeping.
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider pointed out the obvious, saying, “It’s clear why Justice Kilbride felt he needed to be the lone voice against positive police reform that conservatives, moderates and liberals all agree upon. Kilbride is up for a tough retention campaign and needs the support of the FOP and other law enforcement groups that bailed him out in 2010. Political calculations should have no place in the decision making process of our judiciary. Justice Kilbride should be ashamed.”
Kilbride will need 60 percent of the vote to be retained in November, so this is one way to prevent that from happening. The FOP leans heavily Republican, but you use what you got, in other words. So, the FOP goes under the bus.
* From Kilbride’s dissent…
I respectfully dissent from the majority. My disagreement with the majority has nothing to do with the records that are the subject of this appeal. I firmly believe that police misconduct must be rooted out, and I would vehemently oppose the indiscriminate destruction of police misconduct records. That is not what the arbitrator ordered in this case.
Rather, the arbitrator’s award merely directed the parties to meet and negotiate. The arbitrator did not order the destruction of any records. We do not know what agreement, if any, would have resulted from the parties meeting and negotiating. We do not know whether those negotiations would have resulted in an agreement for the future destruction of any records. We also do not know whether they would have resulted in an agreement that fully complied with the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/1 et seq. (West 2016)) and all other applicable laws. I believe the parties should be allowed to meet and negotiate in accordance with the arbitrator’s directive. This court could retain jurisdiction and remand for negotiations. After proceeding with negotiations, it would be warranted for this court to review the status of any agreement.
To repeat, the issue of police misconduct is a serious issue that must be confronted by society. This court was asked, however, to consider a fundamental principle of labor law, namely, the validity and enforcement of arbitration awards.
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C’mon, AP
Monday, Jun 22, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* AP…
Residents of a southwestern Illinois community want a statue of the state’s third governor removed from a public plaza, arguing that he owned slaves and used his power to protect the practice.
Nearly 500 people have joined a Facebook group that supports petitioning the city of Edwardsville to tear down a Ninian Edwards statue and also rename a plaza with his moniker, according to The Edwardsville Intelligencer.
* For crying out loud, they’re not arguing that the statue be torn down…
1) Remove the statue of Ninian Edwards from the downtown Ninian Edwards Plaza.
2) Move the statue to a museum or less public city space, to be displayed alongside plaques which describe the harmful historical actions of Ninian Edwards against enslaved persons and Native Americans.
3) Rename Ninian Edwards Plaza or leave the plaza unnamed.
We are not advocating renaming Edwardsville. Our desire is to change this public honoring of Ninian Edwards, not to change the city’s name.
* Reasoning…
Why do we want these actions?
Even by the standards of his time (early 1800s), Ninian Edwards was a racist and immoral man. We know that it was not the intention of the City to honor Edwards’ harmful actions when they raised his statue and named the plaza after him. Nevertheless, such a public display of Edwards’ statue and name creates the impression of approval.
Edwards owned slaves his entire adult life. When he moved to the then-Illinois Territory, he should have been forced to free the slaves he brought with him under federal law. But Edwards did not, and in the process, helped establish slavery in Illinois, a place that was supposed to be free by federal law. Additionally, as territorial governor, Edwards vetoed a bill that would have officially abolished slavery in Illinois. Because of this, slavery persisted in Illinois until 1848, more than thirty years after Edwards chose not to stop it.
Ninian Edwards also committed harmful acts against Illinois’ Native American population during the War of 1812, massacring dozens of tribespeople who were in fact United States allies living peacefully on their own land.
For these reasons, we urge the City Council to move Ninian Edwards’ statue to a museum or community space where better information can be provided about his harmful actions, and to rename Ninian Edwards Plaza.
Thoughts?
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* Saturday…
They’ve since updated the story to report that the positivity rate was 12.27 percent. Same dif.
* And it’s not like Illinois is an impenetrable island, either…
* Arizona…
As of Saturday, 83% of current inpatient beds and 85% of ICU beds were in use for COVID-19 and other patients.
We all need to learn from each other. Come Friday, when Illinois enters Phase 4, our positivity rate will almost undoubtedly increase. So, people need to be careful and use some common sense. Texas is also experiencing an increase in its positivity rate, but its hospitals appear not to be in any danger of being overrun at the moment.
*** UPDATE *** Excerpt from a new Gov. Pritzker press release
Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan creates safety guidelines for the following permitted activities and businesses to resume, with capacity rules in place:
• Meetings and events: Venues and meeting spaces can resume with the lesser of up to 50 people OR 50% of overall room capacity. Multiple groups are permitted given facilities have space to appropriately social distance and can limit interaction between groups. This includes activities such as conferences and weddings.
• Indoor and Outdoor recreation: Revised guidelines to allow select indoor recreation facilities (e.g., bowling alleys, skating rinks), as well as clubhouses to reopen. Indoor recreation to operate at lesser of 50 customers OR 50% of facility capacity with outdoor recreation allowing group sizes of up to 50, and permitting multiple groups given facilities have space to appropriately social distance and can limit interaction between groups; concessions permitted with restrictions.
• Indoor Dining: Indoor dining can reopen with groups of 10 or less, with tables spaced 6-feet apart in seated areas and with standing areas at no more than 25% of capacity.
• Museums: Can reopen with no more than 25% occupancy, and with interactive exhibits and rides closed; guided tours should be limited to 50 people or fewer per group; museums should have a plan to limit congregation via advance ticket sales and timed ticketing; concessions permitted with restrictions.
• Zoos: Can reopen with no more than 25% occupancy, and with interactive exhibits, indoor exhibits, and rides closed; guided tours should be limited to 50 people or fewer per group; zoos should have a plan to limit congregation via advance ticket sales and timed ticketing; concessions permitted with restrictions.
• Cinema and Theatre: Indoor seated theaters, cinemas, and performing arts centers to allow admission of the lesser of up to 50 guests OR 50% of overall theater or performance space capacity (applies to each screening room); outdoor capacity limited to 20% of overall theater or performance space capacity; concessions permitted with restrictions.
• Outdoor seated spectator events: Outdoor spectator sports can resume with no more than 20% of seating capacity; concessions permitted with restrictions.
• Film production: Allow no more than 50% of sound stage or filming location capacity; crowd scenes should be limited to 50 people or fewer.
Industries with revised guidelines in Phase 4:
• Youth and Recreational Sports: Revised guidelines allow competitive gameplay and tournaments; youth and recreational sports venues can operate at 50% of facility capacity, 20% seating capacity for spectators, and group sizes up to 50 with multiple groups permitted during practice and competitive games given venues have space to appropriately social distance and can limit interaction between groups; concessions permitted with restrictions.
• Health and fitness centers: Revised guidelines allow gyms to open at 50% capacity and allow group fitness classes of up to 50 people with new safety guidelines for indoors, with multiple groups permitted given facilities have space to appropriately social distance and can limit interaction between groups.
• Day camps: Water-based activities permitted in accordance with IDPH guidelines; no more than 50% of facility capacity with group size of no more than 15 participants in a group, unless participants changing weekly.
Additionally, retail, service counters, offices, personal care (including salons, barber, nail salons), manufacturing and other industries allowed to reopen in Phase 3 will continue to operate at a reduced capacity.
To help businesses prepare to reopen and remain in compliance with new guidelines over the next two weeks, DCEO has released a new set of downloadable materials. Business toolkits are complete with signage, training checklists and other resources to help business owners and workers implement safety procedures and adhere to the latest capacity restrictions. Materials for businesses and operators pertaining to Phases 3 and 4 of the Restore Plan, can be found atIllinois.gov/businessguidelines.
During Phase 4, common public health standards remain in effect – including the use of face coverings and social distancing. Industry-specific guidelines may vary but are designed to help employers, workers and residents feel safe in transitioning to the next phase of reopening the state. All industries should continue to conduct regular cleanings, employee health screenings upon entry and mid-shift, and allow employees who can continue working from home to do so.
The state’s move to Phase 4 of the plan is expected to bring approximately 400,000 additional Illinoisans back to the workplace across all industries. While Phase 4 marks the return of 7 percent of the state’s workforce, it accounts for about $30 billion in annual GDP returned to operations and represents continuous progress towards fully reopening the state’s economy.
* Related…
* Racing returning to Arlington - The Illinois Racing Board clears the way for racing and betting, but no spectators, next month.
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In-person fundraising about to restart
Monday, Jun 22, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
As Illinois slowly begins the reopening process, some state legislators have decided to start hosting in-person fundraisers.
For the past few months, most legislative incumbents and challengers have abandoned fundraising. The global pandemic, accompanied by an international economic crash, made the idea of raising campaign money seem crass, inappropriate and even dangerous.
Eventually, some folks began hosting online fundraisers. It’s an election year, after all, and elections cost money. So, for a price, contributors could pay for a password to attend Zoom events and support their candidates of choice.
Several candidates also began dialing for dollars. But April was not a good month for campaigns. $2.87 million in A-1 reports (contributions of $1,000 or over) were filed in April. That’s about a third of the $7.7 million reported in April of 2016, a similar election cycle.
Just $3.6 million in A-1 contributions were reported this May, which is about a fifth of the $15.5 million reported in May of 2016.
June’s A-1s were showing $1.8 million on June 18, which is well below the $8.2 million reported during the same period four years ago.
If all goes well, the governor’s reopening plan will allow for gatherings of up to 50 people (far more than the current 10) starting June 26, and some politicos are taking advantage.
Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) hosts an annual golf outing to mark her birthday. This year’s fundraiser is tentatively scheduled for July 28 at Gleneagles Country Club in Lemont. Tickets range from $750 for a foursome to $5,000 for a “platinum sponsorship.”
“We’re not doing anything inside,” Rep. Hernandez told me. She said she usually has a dinner during what had been an all-day event, but not this year. She’ll still have a margarita tent set up at the 9th hole and food will be available, but nothing inside.
The Pritzker administration released detailed Phase 3 golfing guidelines in late May, which, among other things, permitted foursomes and restricted golf carts to just one person unless riders were from the same household. Phase 4 golfing guidelines had not yet been issued when I spoke with Hernandez, and she said she’ll need to wait until that happens before she can finalize her preparations.
Rep. Hernandez will not be the first legislator to hold an in-person fundraising event since the crisis began.
I checked around and it looks like Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) might be the first to try to go back to in-person fundraising. Rep. Spain’s golf outing is scheduled for July 13, according to the House Republican Organization.
Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady has a Springfield fundraiser scheduled two days later at a popular local beer garden.
“All CDC social distancing guidelines will be strictly followed,” reads the Brady event invite. Tickets, ranging in price from $250 to $10,000, will therefore be limited, the invite notes.
Rep. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) has a golf outing on July 30. Democratic Sens. Dave Koehler and Tony Munoz are holding August events. Republican Sens. Jason Barickman, Don Dewitte and Sue Rezin are also holding August events. Several other folks are likely to schedule events in August and September, numerous sources say.
But will people show up? Rep. Hernandez, for one, says she’s not worried if people decide not to come. “If it’s a small group, it’s small,” she said. “It’s OK.” Hernandez has no general election opponent. Money is tight, so her event may well be on the small side.
Outdoor events like the one Hernandez is planning are undoubtedly much safer than indoor events. And wearing masks really does work to halt the spread of COVID-19. Hospitalizations are a two-to-three week lagging indicator, and three weeks after the massive civil rights protests began, Illinois hospitalizations were actually declining. That’s probably because most protesters wore face coverings.
But make no mistake, there is real risk here, albeit relatively small for outdoor gatherings. If somebody catches the virus at a campaign fundraiser, the unlucky candidate is gonna be in for some absolutely horrible publicity.
The state has pushed the virus curve down so low that the risks of overrunning our hospitals with sick patients are no longer immediately dire. So, go for it if you want.
Just please be careful out there. You cannot possibly raise enough money to overcome the negative publicity of spreading the virus (and possibly killing people) at your event. Strictly police your fundraiser to make sure you don’t wind up a casualty yourself, physically and/or politically. It just ain’t worth it.
Since I wrote that, the Senate GOP updated their website to add Senate candidate Rep. Terri Bryant’s July 9 fundraiser. So, she could be the first.
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