While the COVID-19 death toll is nearing 600 in Illinois, officials are hopeful that the state is starting to flatten the curve, but leaders are urging residents to celebrate the Easter holiday from home this Sunday.

A shocking toll in the black community: African Americans account for 70% of coronavirus-related deaths in Chicago even though they only account for 30% of the city’s population. Undocumented and immigrant communities are also struggling during the pandemic. 

Two inmates are dead as the Cook County jail is dealing with a major outbreak as activists sue for a mass release of detainees to keep them safe. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot aren’t in agreement about shutting down summer festivals just yet. More than 200,000 people file for unemployment in Illinois amid the pandemic. And Mayor Lightfoot is slammed for getting a haircut during the statewide stay-at-home order.

Guests 

Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun-Times | @TinaSfon
Maria Ines Zamudio, WBEZ | @mizamudio
Becky Vevea, WBEZ | @BeckyVevea
Kimberley Egonmwan, WVON | @KEgonmwan

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