Good afternoon, it’s Monday. And don’t click this link if you don’t want to get teary eyed. Here’s what you need to know today. (PS: You can have this delivered to your inbox by subscribing here.)
1. Chicago’s public schools may be closed longer than expected
Mayor Lori Lightfoot today announced a remote learning plan that will begin on April 13, a strong signal that public schools will not reopen in late April as planned.
Under the remote learning plan, Chicago Public Schools will distribute 100,000 electronic devices, like laptops and iPads, to students who need them. The plan also includes non-digital, learning options for families who do not have access to the internet. [Chicago Sun-Times]
The news comes as Illinois officials announced 461 new coronavirus cases, bringing the state’s total of known cases to 5,057. Illinois also saw eight more deaths, including an inmate at the Stateville Correctional Center. That brings the total death toll in Illinois to 73.
You can find more updates on the local impact of the coronavirus pandemic in this link. [WBEZ]
A local man diagnosed with COVID-19 shares what it feels like. [WBEZ]
Here’s a map showing where cases have been reported in Illinois. [Chicago Reporter]
2. Congress and the Trump administration consider more relief measures
After passing a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package, officials are beginning to plan the government’s next response to the devastating effects of the pandemic. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Democrats will be focused on another expansion of paid sick leave and more protections for frontline workers. [New York Times]
The news comes as President Donald Trump told Americans to stay home as much as possible for another month, citing figures that as many as 200,000 could die. Here’s a look at how the president went from reopening the nation on Easter to extending social-distancing guidelines. [NPR]
Meanwhile, Trump said he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin today about the pandemic and the oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. [NPR]
And The Washington Post reports that the Justice Department is investigating stock trades made by a senator right before markets plunged. [Washington Post]
3. Navy hospital ship docks in Manhattan as cases climb
The 1,000-bed ship arrived today to help relieve New York City hospitals overwhelmed with patients. The ship, called the USNS Comfort, will treat non-coronavirus patients while hospitals attend to people with COVID-19. [NPR]
Meanwhile, a field hospital is being set up in Central Park. [Buzzfeed News]
In the Midwest, Detroit is quickly emerging as a hot spot for the virus. More than 500 police officers there are now in quarantine, and the police chief has tested positive for the virus. [New York Times]
In Seattle, strict social-distancing measures appear to be paying off. Hospitals have not been overloaded, and projections suggest the spread of the virus has slowed down. [New York Times]
Across the U.S., more than 140,000 cases have been reported — the most in the world — and the death toll has grown to more than 2,500. Here’s a map showing where infections have been reported. [NPR]
4. Infections appear to slow down in Spain
The spread of COVID-19 in Spain appears to have slowed down, sparking hope that the country is close to reaching its peak of infections, reports the BBC.
A moment of silence was held in Madrid today for those who died from the virus. Spain has reported the second most deaths in the world behind Italy. [BBC]
Infections also appear to be slowing down in Italy, but the head of the World Health Organization urged both countries to continue nationwide lockdowns. [AP]
Officials in Spain, Turkey and the Netherlands have rejected thousands of test kits made in China, accusing them of being shoddy. [BBC]
In Hungary, lawmakers gave Prime Minister Viktor Orban sweeping powers that allow him to rule by decree. [NPR]
And in Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko incorrectly believes saunas, vodka and tractors will cure the coronavirus. [Buzzfeed News]
Worldwide, there are more than 770,000 known cases and more than 36,000 deaths. [Johns Hopkins]
5. Will we see a national rent strike this week?
Calls for a rent strike have grown as many Americans have lost work due to the coronavirus pandemic. While evictions have been temporarily banned in many major U.S. cities, some tenants are asking that payments be waived, not delayed, until life goes back to normal. [AP]
A rent strike has gained some support in Chicago, where advocates are calling on Mayor Lightfoot to freeze rent, mortgages and utility payments across the city. [Chicago Tribune]
Meanwhile, here’s a look at local and federal resources and protections available for people who have been financially hurt by the pandemic. [WBEZ]
Here’s what else is happening
- A painting by Vincent van Gogh was stolen from a Dutch museum closed due to the pandemic. [AP]
- Macy’s, which owns Bloomingdales, announced today that it is furloughing most of its nearly 130,000 employees. [NPR]
- Some Amazon and Instacart workers went on strike today. [NPR]
- Grocery stores across the city are banning reusable bags … and are still charging the plastic bag tax. [Block Club Chicago]
Oh, and one more thing …
Mayor Lightfoot has become a popular, hilarious meme after she ordered the lakefront and other popular public areas closed off.
No one whose opinion matters is denying that the closures will help stop the spread of the virus. But it’s nice to have a collective laugh on social media about the current state of things. Even the mayor loves them. [Chicago Tribune]
Tell me something good …
WBEZ canceled it’s spring pledge drive so we can bring you the latest news, uninterrupted, about the COVID-19 pandemic. The pledge drive helps pay for things like this newsletter, and it would mean a lot to me if you considered becoming a member.
And that makes me wonder: What do you enjoy the most about WBEZ? Feel free to email at therundown@wbez.org or tweet to @whuntah.
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