Mask requirements change. Again.
By City Cast Chicago | @citycastchicago
😷 NEW MASK RULES ON TRANSIT
Some passengers and employees learned — mid-air — this week that the TSA is no longer requiring masks on flights.
That’s after a federal judge in Florida struck down the mask requirement Monday on planes and public transit.
Here’s how that ruling is playing out locally:
✈️ By plane: Chicago-based United Airlines said that “masks are no longer required on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s requirements) or at U.S. airports,” adding that you can still wear one if you want (thanks?)
The Chicago Department of Aviation, which oversees O’Hare and Midway airports, said it is also not requiring masks and reminds “customers to be courteous and respectful to fellow passengers.”
🚆 By train: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced Tuesday the state was lifting its mask mandate to align with the new federal ruling. The governor’s office said, “local municipalities retain the right to establish their own mitigations, including masking requirements on public transportation.”
CTA is going mask-optional on its trains and buses, as is Metra commuter rail, which prompted one Twitter user to suggest a compromise for riders who may still want to be around other masked passengers.
🔢 LET’S PLAY POLICY
The Illinois Lottery as we know it today has its roots in a 19th century parlor game known as “Policy.” The game was popular on Chicago’s South and West Sides, and sold to players as an opportunity to change your family’s lives. Sound familiar?
In the 1930s and ’40s, more than $20 million was being made at nearly 4,500 Policy locations. Chicago History Museum’s Charles Bethea and local tour guide Beatrice Hardy talk about how Policy was integral to the development of Bronzeville, Chicago’s Black Metropolis.
🚎 Tour the South Side on one of Ms. Bea’s Historical Community Tours.
SPONSORED BY THE OTHER ART FAIR
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Over 100 game-changing artists showcase original and limited edition artworks at Saatchi Art’s The Other Art Fair Chicago in partnership with Bombay Sapphire® this week, April 21–24, in Chicago’s Fulton Market.
If you’re looking for curious and creative encounters—this one’s for you, with a program bursting at the seams, including photographer Anna Marie Tendler’s pop-up portrait studio, exclusive print drops, live DJ sets, immersive installations, and free Bombay Sapphire cocktails.
Use code CITYCAST and save 30% on tickets. Book now.
📰 NEWSFEED
◾ Alder Pat Dowell (3rd) and Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez (25th) oppose the current casino bids in their respective wards. Ald. Walter Burnett (27th), whose ward is the site of Bally’s River West proposal, has “indicated he’s open to the idea but is listening to constituents.” [Crain’s Chicago Business]
◾ A developer in Rogers Park has changed plans for a residential building after pushback from the local Hare Krishna congregation. David Gassman planned to build an addition in the rear of the building, but the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Chicago said that would block the temple’s natural light and create parking problems. [Block Club Chicago; City Cast Chicago]
◾ Game 2 of the Bulls and Bucks is tonight in Milwaukee! Check out this epic mini-movie from the Bulls Game 1 hard fought loss. [Twitter]
◾ What’s 4/20 without some dank celebrations? [Chicago Sun-Times]
🌎 HOW TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY
PRACTICE SUSTAINABILITY. University Community Service Center (UCSC) hosts a panel of leaders in environmental justice, discussing themes of community, sustainability, and collaboration in Hyde Park.
PLANT some seeds. The Pullman National Monument is giving out free seeds for your spring garden 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday. 🌱
CLEAN UP the parks. More than 80 parks are participating and registration is encouraged to ensure a pair of gloves!
🌊 LEARN about protecting the oceans. Author Alyssa Nicole will be reading her book, “Protector of the Ocean” in Fulton Market.