Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Sun-Times: Gov. J.B. Pritzker: ‘We think that the election will go on just fine’
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state officials said Monday that despite restaurants, bars and other businesses being ordered closed, the Illinois Primary will be held as planned.
“We have to have our elections continue, in my opinion. This is the right thing to do,” Pritzker said at a Springfield news conference. “Our democracy needs to go on. If we cancel these elections, when would you have an election?”
The Center Square: Pritzker bans gatherings of more than 50 people for two months as coronavirus cases surpass 100
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expanding the ban on public gatherings to include groups of 50 or more.
He said the initial ban will last eight weeks from Monday.
Chicago Sun-Times: Lightfoot: Relief package in the works for city restaurants forced to close dining rooms
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday she’s working with the Illinois Restaurant Association on a relief package for Chicago restaurants forced to close their dining rooms until at least March 30 to mitigate the threat of the coronavirus.
Lightfoot acknowledged restaurants operating on a razor-thin profit margin during the best of times need immediate help or they may not survive the worst of times, despite remaining open for carry-out pick-ups and food delivery.
Chicago Tribune: Pritzker names new DCFS watchdog; some child welfare advocates concerned
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has appointed Lester Bovia as interim inspector general of the Department of Children and Family Services, drawing skepticism from a key figure in child welfare in Cook County.
In a Facebook post, Cook County Public Guardian Charles Golbert said Pritzker’s announcement was “suspect and likely designed to avoid scrutiny” because it was made “on a Friday night in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic dominating the news.”
Chicago Sun-Times: County commissioners pass resolution giving Preckwinkle power to issue executive orders without advance approval
The Cook County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Monday that would allow Board President Toni Preckwinkle to issue any “necessary” executive orders without the board’s advance approval as the county tries to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
That move extends through May 31 the disaster proclamation Preckwinkle issued last week.
The Center Square: Pritzker considers ways to help businesses amid economic uncertainty
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said his office is working with the Illinois Department of Revenue to find a way to provide relief for businesses that have tax payments coming due, especially as they face an uncertain economic future amid growing concerns about the global coronavirus pandemic.
“I don’t have any announcement to make yet,” Pritzker said. “There’s a balancing act here. We want to be good to our small business people, there’s no doubt about it. I care deeply about making sure entrepreneurs are successful, and we live in a moment that is going to be challenging for everybody and the balance that we’re trying to make is that, delays could be an enormous hit to the state of Illinois.”
Chicago Sun-Times: Lightfoot hints CPS closure could last longer than 2 weeks, says families might not be told if someone from their school has coronavirus
For the second time this school year, Chicago families face an uncertain future as all schools close Tuesday — but this time it’s because of the coronavirus outbreak that has taken over life in the United States.
City and schools officials are making efforts to ease the burden on families in need, but Mayor Lori Lightfoot acknowledged Monday that it’s not yet clear whether school can resume at the end of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mandated two-week closure March 31.
The Center Square: Illinois legislature could be called back 'at any time' during COVID-19 outbreak
The Illinois House could be called back into session “at any time” amid statewide efforts to stop the spread of a new coronavirus that has already resulted in widespread cancellations and closures.
A memo sent Monday to members of the Illinois House Democratic Caucus from the office of House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, provided guidelines for handling the COVID-19 outbreak, but it also said the “session schedule is being reviewed daily and should be considered ‘in flux.’ “
Rockford Register Star: Illinois Gaming Board: Video gaming parlors must close for two weeks
All video gaming establishments across the state will close to the public at 9 p.m. Monday along with bars and restaurants.
The Illinois Gaming Board announced the two-week closure Monday morning.
Chicago Sun-Times: Restaurateurs, bar owners look for aid as employees face layoffs
Owners and managers of Chicago-area bars and restaurants called Monday for government support to help their businesses withstand a shutdown as they considered whether they could keep employees on their payroll.
They were still gauging the impact of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s order that they close dine-in services as of Monday night and running through March 30.
Northwest Herald: McHenry County courthouse to remain open, many cases to receive continuances
The McHenry County courthouse in Woodstock is taking additional precautions in response to the most recent information regarding COVID-19 provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a news release.
The 22nd Judicial Circuit and the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center will remain open and continue to perform court related functions, but will scale back on the number of cases heard in the coming days.
Belleville News-Democrat: Illinois state driver’s license offices to close because of coronavirus pandemic
Illinois will close all of its driver services offices effective March 17 Through March 31, Secretary of State Jesse White announced Monday.
“Expiration dates for driver’s licenses, identification (ID) cards, vehicle registrations and other transactions and document filings will be extended by 30 days through an emergency rule,” the department said in a news release.
Chicago Tribune: Cook County officials ponder inmate release to ease coronavirus concerns at jail; advocates demand state consider taking action
As alarm over the coronavirus pandemic continues to grow, corrections and law enforcement officials are grappling with the daunting prospect of having to manage an outbreak inside the walls of Illinois’ jails and prisons.
Neither the state nor Cook County officials had reported a case of COVID-19 by Monday. But the rapidly developing nature of the situation was forcing agencies to react daily — if not hourly — to try to find ways to balance the rights and safety of thousands of inmates and also prevent a rapid spread should someone in their custody test positive.
Daily Herald: Temporary job losses, new ways of business in 'absolutely shaken' hospitality business
Up to 1,000 employees won’t be at their jobs starting Tuesday for one of the top suburban restaurant and bar operators as a result of a temporary shutdown ordered by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Pritzker ordered all sit-down restaurants and bars in the state to close at the end of business Monday night until at least March 30 in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Eateries can continue with curbside pickup, delivery and drive-through service.