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Illinois Universities Give Remote Learning the Old College Try During Pandemic
| Erica Gunderson
The nation’s academic institutions are shifting operations online to bring instruction to students at their homes all over the country — and even the world. We check in with some local universities.
COVID-19 Behind Bars: How Illinois is Protecting the Incarcerated
| Blair Paddock
Among those most vulnerable to the coronavirus are jail and prison populations, where people live in tight quarters, with potentially limited health care and access to basic needs like soap.
City Responds to Coronavirus with Discounted Divvy Memberships, CTA Credits
| Nick Blumberg
Half-priced Divvy memberships, credit for unused CTA passes and free rides for paratransit customers are all part of Chicago’s plan to keep its transportation network rolling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus Upends Social Service Providers in Chicago
| Quinn Myers
As people increasingly stay home, many social service agencies are adapting in order to continue serving their communities. We check in on the Indo-American Center in Chicago’s West Ridge neighborhood.
The Economic Impact of the Coronavirus: Devon Avenue
| Paris Schutz
Along a 2-mile stretch of Devon Avenue in Chicago’s West Ridge community, you’ll find one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country – and one dominated by small businesses, many of which are now closed.
Grocery Stores Battling to Keep Shelves Stocked Amid Panic-Buying
| Paul Caine
Panic-buying is taking hold of shoppers across the country. Already, toilet paper and hand sanitizer are flying off store shelves. How are grocery stores maintaining their supplies? And will their supply chains hold up under the strain of the crisis?
Pritzker Outlines Worst-Case Scenario as COVID-19 Cases Reach 1,535
| Kristen Thometz
While the number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois is rising, hospitals across the state are meeting the demand for beds and ventilators. But on Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker outlined what could have happened without preventive measures to slow the spread of the virus.
It’s a Toilet, Not a Trash Can. Don’t Flush Disinfectant Wipes, MWRD Says
| Patty Wetli
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has seen a rise in disinfectant wipes stuck to filtering screens at its water reclamation plants, and it now has some advice for residents.
Trump Hoping to See US Economy Reopened by Easter Amid Virus
| Associated Press
With lives and the economy hanging in the balance, President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is hoping the United States will be reopened by Easter as he weighs how to relax nationwide social-distancing guidelines.
Nailed It! A Chicago Bakery is Rolling With These Crazy Times
| Patty Wetli
TipsySpace has created a toilet roll cake that’s worthy of bingeing, not hoarding, and it’s so authentic looking, customers have nearly mistaken it for the real thing on pickup.
CPS Board of Education to Hold Virtual Meeting With Limited Public Participation
District seeks permission to spend up to $75M on coronavirus response
| Matt Masterson
Chicago Public Schools is seeking to spend up to $75 million to address and maintain “critical services” during the COVID-19 pandemic. But that request and the rest of the board’s monthly meeting will be heard online rather than in person.
It Takes a Village to Bake a Loaf of Bread: Neighbors Swap Sourdough Starter
| Patty Wetli
Food continues to create a sense of community even during these days of social isolation, with strangers swapping free sourdough starter.
After Twitter Spat, Pritzker and Trump Talk COVID-19 Supplies
| Amanda Vinicky
A day after a public feud on Twitter over management of the coronavirus crisis, Gov. J.B. Pritkzer said President Donald Trump “seemed like he was very responsive” when the two spoke on the phone. What they discussed.
Chinatown Grapples with Economic Fallout of the Coronavirus
| Paris Schutz
The various state and city coronavirus restrictions are having a dramatic impact on local businesses, especially mom-and-pop restaurants and stores. We visit Chinatown to see how businesses are coping with the changes.
Chicago Restaurants Struggle to Survive Coronavirus Pandemic
| Erica Gunderson
We talk about the state of the restaurant industry with Alpana Singh, host of the WTTW restaurant review show “Check, Please!” and the owner of Terra and Vine restaurant in Evanston.
How the Coronavirus Has Stymied Census Outreach Efforts in Chinatown
| Quinn Myers
Will the lack of in-person outreach lead to a census undercount in Chicago’s greater Chinatown community?
‘Chinese Virus’: Asian Americans Condemn Trump’s Comments as Racist
| Quinn Myers
Illinois state Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago) says some constituents are telling her they’re afraid of racist repercussions because of President Donald Trump’s insistence on using the phrase “Chinese virus.”
How Will Pritzker’s Stay-at-Home Order Be Enforced in Communities of Color?
| Paul Caine
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a stay-at-home order for the entire state just a few days ago, but there are already concerns over how it will be enforced – particularly in communities of color.
Tips for Dealing with High Anxiety in the Age of COVID-19
| Alexandra Silets
The new coronavirus has upended lives across the globe. We take a look at the mental toll of social distancing, isolation and the fear of illness – and ways to cope.
As COVID-19 Spreads, a Chicago Brandy Distillery Turns to Hand Sanitizer
| Quinn Myers
Rhine Hall Distillery is known for its high-end fruit brandies, but business has slowed because of the coronavirus. Now, the distillery is one of several that’s shifting its production from spirits to sanitizer. We go for a look.
Pritzker Launches Task Force to Secure Medical Supplies as COVID-19 Cases Rise
| Kristen Thometz
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has launched a task force to ramp up production of personal protective equipment, or PPE. Meanwhile, cases in Illinois grew Monday to a total of 1,285, with 12 deaths.
2 Detainees in Cook County Jail Test Positive for COVID-19
| Matt Masterson
The two detainees, ages 18 and 42, each began exhibiting flu-like symptoms last Friday. They are each being held in isolation at the jail’s Cermak Hospital, officials said Monday.
Over 1.5 Billion Globally Asked to Stay Home to Escape Virus
| Associated Press
The hunt for masks, ventilators and other medical supplies consumed the U.S. and Europe, as more than 1.5 billion people — one-fifth of the world’s population — were urged or ordered to stay home Monday.
COVID-19 Case at Cook County Jail Prompts More Calls for Mass Detainee Release
| Matt Masterson
A correctional officer who works in the Cook County Jail has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting additional calls for the mass release of some detainees by activists who want to prevent an outbreak within the jail.
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