dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Chicago, Joliet archdioceses suspend public Mass

Catholic leaders are taking the rare step of canceling weekend Masses in Chicago and many suburbs in response to public health guidelines limiting large gatherings to try to curtail coronavirus spread .
The Chicago Archdiocese is canceling public celebration of Mass indefinitely after Saturday , according to a news release from Cardinal Blase Cupich .
The Archdiocese oversees parishes in Cook and Lake counties .
The Diocese of Joliet , which covers DuPage and Will counties , is canceling Mass for this weekend , then will reassess each week moving forward .
The Rockford Diocese did not cancel services but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people with medical conditions , those who are n't feeling well and those age 60 and older are granted dispensation from attending Mass through the end of March .
Kane and McHenry counties are in the Rockford Diocese .
Several evangelical churches and the Chicago Episcopal Diocese also announced suspension of in-person services .
Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington will not hold services this weekend , and the Harvest Bible Chapel churches are suspending services this weekend and next , according to church officials .
Mass is the primary act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially during Lent , the solemn six-week period of fasting and penitence leading up to Easter on April 12 .
Catholics generally are required to participate in weekly Mass .
Church leaders asked that members continue to pray , and some parishes will stream Masses online .
The Rev .
Matt Foley , the lead pastor at St. James Parish in Arlington Heights , said the church will begin broadcasting one weekend Mass and a daily liturgy .
A link to those broadcasts is available at the church 's website , stjamesah.org , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about church activities are also available at the website , he added .
`` Our maintenance staff will continue to ensure that public areas on our campus are thoroughly cleaned , '' Foley said .
`` We ask that you continue to pray for the health and well-being of people throughout the world . ''
Weddings , funerals and Confirmation services generally may go on as planned , the Joliet Diocese said , as long as no more than 250 people attend , in accordance with state public health guidelines .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled for Saturday will still be allowed , but the fates of other scheduled events in the near future is uncertain .
No date was given by Cupich when public Mass will resume as Christianity 's holiest week approaches , beginning with Palm Sunday on April 5 and culminating with Easter .
`` While public Mass will be suspended beginning Saturday evening , archdiocesan churches should remain open for private prayer during a time frame best determined by each pastor , '' a news release from Cupich stated .
The Rockford Diocese announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the next three weeks , including the handshake of the sign of peace , holding hands while praying the Our Father , and sharing sacramental wine .

Chicago, Joliet archdioceses suspend public Mass
Catholic leaders are taking the rare step of canceling weekend masses in Chicago and many suburbs, like here at Naperville's Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, in response to public health guidelines limiting large gatherings to try to curtail coronavirus spread. Daily Herald file photo, 2018
Catholic leaders are taking the rare step of canceling weekend Masses in Chicago and many suburbs in response to public health guidelines limiting large gatherings to try to curtail coronavirus spread.
The Chicago Archdiocese is canceling public celebration of Mass indefinitely after Saturday, according to a news release from Cardinal Blase Cupich. The Archdiocese oversees parishes in Cook and Lake counties.
The Diocese of Joliet, which covers DuPage and Will counties, is canceling Mass for this weekend, then will reassess each week moving forward.
The Rockford Diocese did not cancel services but said in an announcement on its website that people with medical conditions, those who aren't feeling well and those age 60 and older are granted dispensation from attending Mass through the end of March. Kane and McHenry counties are in the Rockford Diocese.
Several evangelical churches and the Chicago Episcopal Diocese also announced suspension of in-person services.
Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington will not hold services this weekend, and the Harvest Bible Chapel churches are suspending services this weekend and next, according to church officials.
Mass is the primary act of worship in the Catholic faith, especially during Lent, the solemn six-week period of fasting and penitence leading up to Easter on April 12. Catholics generally are required to participate in weekly Mass.
Church leaders asked that members continue to pray, and some parishes will stream Masses online.
The Rev. Matt Foley, the lead pastor at St. James Parish in Arlington Heights, said the church will begin broadcasting one weekend Mass and a daily liturgy. A link to those broadcasts is available at the church's website, stjamesah.org, per Cupich's suggestion. Other information about church activities are also available at the website, he added.
"Our maintenance staff will continue to ensure that public areas on our campus are thoroughly cleaned," Foley said. "We ask that you continue to pray for the health and well-being of people throughout the world."
Weddings, funerals and Confirmation services generally may go on as planned, the Joliet Diocese said, as long as no more than 250 people attend, in accordance with state public health guidelines.
In the Chicago Archdiocese, weddings and other events scheduled for Saturday will still be allowed, but the fates of other scheduled events in the near future is uncertain.
No date was given by Cupich when public Mass will resume as Christianity's holiest week approaches, beginning with Palm Sunday on April 5 and culminating with Easter.
"While public Mass will be suspended beginning Saturday evening, archdiocesan churches should remain open for private prayer during a time frame best determined by each pastor," a news release from Cupich stated.
The Rockford Diocese announced it is suspending physical contact during services for the next three weeks, including the handshake of the sign of peace, holding hands while praying the Our Father, and sharing sacramental wine.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--How the cancellation of trade shows, major events are impacting suburban convention centers

Trade shows , conventions and other major events throughout the suburbs are being canceled or postponed in response to Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's directive to suspend gatherings of more than 1,000 people .
The mandate , issued Thursday amid a rising number of coronavirus cases in Illinois , has a direct hit on the employees and operations of local venues such as the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont .
Events scheduled through April -- including the Chicago Sports Spectacular planned for this weekend -- have been removed from the convention center 's calendar , Executive Director Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cuts have been made so far , he said , those who work on an as-needed basis will be inevitably impacted .
In hopes of softening the economic blow , venue leaders are working with show organizers , and the local business community , to reschedule the events for after May 1 .
That means not only will the convention center be busier in the summer and fall , but so will the nearby restaurants and hotels , Stephens said .
`` It 'll require teamwork on everyone 's behalf to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We do n't want to lose any events . ''
Only one trade show so far has canceled with no plans to reschedule , he added .
Convention center leaders have communicated Pritzker 's recommendations to the organizers of smaller-scale events and are leaving it up to them on whether to move forward .
If they want to reschedule , Stephens said , `` we 're happy to do so . ''
McCormick Place in downtown Chicago was the first venue in the area to report the cancellation of some international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide fear of the outbreak .
Other convention organizers have since followed suit .
Large events scheduled for the next several weeks at the Schaumburg Convention Center have announced that they will no longer be held , including the AdeptiCon war-gaming convention planned for March 25-29 and this weekend 's Greater Chicago Boat Show .
A notice on the boat show 's website indicates organizers had no intention of scrapping the event , saying they were even `` looking for loopholes '' in Pritzker 's mandate but were unsuccessful .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , '' the website says .
`` So I want to be very clear in that I have not canceled this event , the state of Illinois has . ''
An Audio Expo North America , or AXPONA , convention planned for mid-April has been pushed back to Aug. 7-9 -- a time slot offered by the Schaumburg Convention Center , the event manager said in a statement .
`` We rescheduled out of an abundance of caution during this unpredictable time to provide the best opportunity for a well attended event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all show goers in 2020 , '' the statement said .
The Schaumburg Convention Center 's director of sales and marketing did not return requests for comment .
In Rosemont , Stephens said Mayor Brad Stephens , his uncle , gave the convention center direction to power through the lull without spending unnecessarily .
Rescheduled event dates will be posted on the calendar , he said , and venue leaders will continue following health and safety guidelines .
The convention center will be in good shape for the next couple of months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pritzker 's order gets extended beyond May 1 , `` then we 're looking at a whole different story . ''
`` I hope this passes fast for everyone 's sake , '' he said .

How the cancellation of trade shows, major events are impacting suburban convention centers
A mandate by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to suspend gatherings of more than 1,000 people amid coronavirus concerns has a direct impact on suburban venues such as the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, where upcoming trade shows and events are being rescheduled. Courtesy Illinois Office of Tourism
Trade shows, conventions and other major events throughout the suburbs are being canceled or postponed in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's directive to suspend gatherings of more than 1,000 people.
The mandate, issued Thursday amid a rising number of coronavirus cases in Illinois, has a direct hit on the employees and operations of local venues such as the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.
Events scheduled through April -- including the Chicago Sports Spectacular planned for this weekend -- have been removed from the convention center's calendar, Executive Director Chris Stephens said. And though no employee cuts have been made so far, he said, those who work on an as-needed basis will be inevitably impacted.
In hopes of softening the economic blow, venue leaders are working with show organizers, and the local business community, to reschedule the events for after May 1. That means not only will the convention center be busier in the summer and fall, but so will the nearby restaurants and hotels, Stephens said.
"It'll require teamwork on everyone's behalf to make sure that all happens," he said. "We don't want to lose any events."
Only one trade show so far has canceled with no plans to reschedule, he added.
Convention center leaders have communicated Pritzker's recommendations to the organizers of smaller-scale events and are leaving it up to them on whether to move forward. If they want to reschedule, Stephens said, "we're happy to do so."
McCormick Place in downtown Chicago was the first venue in the area to report the cancellation of some international trade shows because of travel restrictions and worldwide fear of the outbreak. Other convention organizers have since followed suit.
Large events scheduled for the next several weeks at the Schaumburg Convention Center have announced that they will no longer be held, including the AdeptiCon war-gaming convention planned for March 25-29 and this weekend's Greater Chicago Boat Show.
A notice on the boat show's website indicates organizers had no intention of scrapping the event, saying they were even "looking for loopholes" in Pritzker's mandate but were unsuccessful.
"We are being forced by the government to shut down," the website says. "So I want to be very clear in that I have not canceled this event, the state of Illinois has."
An Audio Expo North America, or AXPONA, convention planned for mid-April has been pushed back to Aug. 7-9 -- a time slot offered by the Schaumburg Convention Center, the event manager said in a statement.
"We rescheduled out of an abundance of caution during this unpredictable time to provide the best opportunity for a well attended event and to ensure the best AXPONA experience for all show goers in 2020," the statement said.
The Schaumburg Convention Center's director of sales and marketing did not return requests for comment.
In Rosemont, Stephens said Mayor Brad Stephens, his uncle, gave the convention center direction to power through the lull without spending unnecessarily. Rescheduled event dates will be posted on the calendar, he said, and venue leaders will continue following health and safety guidelines.
The convention center will be in good shape for the next couple of months, Chris Stephens said. But if Pritzker's order gets extended beyond May 1, "then we're looking at a whole different story."
"I hope this passes fast for everyone's sake," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Spring break might pose greater risk of exposure for students, families

Officials at suburban schools are concerned about students ' increased risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus over spring break from what they and their families might bring back from their travels .
Nationwide , schools stagger spring break across a six-week period .
A majority of suburban schools will be out of session over the next few weeks .
Some officials fear the collective impact of thousands of families traveling and participating in various gatherings during this time could result in more COVID-19 disease transmission .
`` I have greater concern about the volume of people who will travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , what that will potentially do to the number of cases and overall exposure events , '' Community Unit District 300 Superintendent Fred Heid said .
The Algonquin-based district already has closed two Carpentersville schools -- Dundee-Crown High School and Perry Elementary School -- through Sunday due to a potential case of coronavirus exposure .
Spring break vacations in Florida , Cancun , the Bahamas and other hot spots draw visitors from all over the country , which considerably increases the risk , Heid said .
Heid is advising parents to inform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring break , especially outside the country , and to self quarantine if they visit countries on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 's high-risk list .
District 300 already has canceled all nonessential travel outside the country , including a planned high school class trip to Italy .
Workers have been `` deep cleaning '' schools , emphasizing frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and table tops .
That will continue for the foreseeable future , Heid said .
Most school districts are following typical flu and cold season protocols , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher-use areas .
Officials do n't expect to step up cleaning while students are away .
`` We are cleaning the buildings every night , '' said Morgan Delack , spokeswoman for Palatine Township Elementary District 15 .
`` We have ordered hospital-grade cleaning equipment . ''
District 15 officials have not provided any specific guidance to families for travel during spring break .
Students returning from high-risk countries with sustained widespread transmission are asked to stay home for 14 days before coming to school , as per CDC recommendations , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Delack said .
Officials at Elgin Area School District U-46 and Mundelein High School District 120 say families that travel over spring break must adhere to CDC guidelines regarding countries that have widespread or sustained coronavirus transmission , and are urged to notify school officials about travel plans .

Spring break might pose greater risk of exposure for students, families
Some suburban school officials fear the collective impact of thousands of families traveling and participating in various gatherings during spring break could result in more COVID-19 disease transmission. Associated Press/January 2013
Officials at suburban schools are concerned about students' increased risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus over spring break from what they and their families might bring back from their travels.
Nationwide, schools stagger spring break across a six-week period. A majority of suburban schools will be out of session over the next few weeks. Some officials fear the collective impact of thousands of families traveling and participating in various gatherings during this time could result in more COVID-19 disease transmission.
"I have greater concern about the volume of people who will travel over spring break, mostly outside the country, what that will potentially do to the number of cases and overall exposure events," Community Unit District 300 Superintendent Fred Heid said.
The Algonquin-based district already has closed two Carpentersville schools -- Dundee-Crown High School and Perry Elementary School -- through Sunday due to a potential case of coronavirus exposure.
Spring break vacations in Florida, Cancun, the Bahamas and other hot spots draw visitors from all over the country, which considerably increases the risk, Heid said.
Heid is advising parents to inform district administrators if they travel anywhere during spring break, especially outside the country, and to self quarantine if they visit countries on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's high-risk list.
District 300 already has canceled all nonessential travel outside the country, including a planned high school class trip to Italy.
Workers have been "deep cleaning" schools, emphasizing frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and table tops. That will continue for the foreseeable future, Heid said.
Most school districts are following typical flu and cold season protocols, which involve sanitizing high-touch surfaces and disinfecting higher-use areas. Officials don't expect to step up cleaning while students are away.
"We are cleaning the buildings every night," said Morgan Delack, spokeswoman for Palatine Township Elementary District 15. "We have ordered hospital-grade cleaning equipment."
District 15 officials have not provided any specific guidance to families for travel during spring break. Students returning from high-risk countries with sustained widespread transmission are asked to stay home for 14 days before coming to school, as per CDC recommendations, and it will be considered an excused absence, Delack said.
Officials at Elgin Area School District U-46 and Mundelein High School District 120 say families that travel over spring break must adhere to CDC guidelines regarding countries that have widespread or sustained coronavirus transmission, and are urged to notify school officials about travel plans.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Cook County shifts polling places due to COVID-19 concerns

Some Northwest suburban polling places for about 1,000 registered voters in Tuesday 's election have been moved from senior complexes to address health concerns from COVID-19 pandemic , according to the Cook County clerk 's office .
In addition , clerk 's office spokesman James Scalzitti said there will be extended early voting hours .
Voters may cast their ballots at selected polling places from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday through Monday .
Voters who typically would visit the Asbury Court seniors complex in Des Plaines on Tuesday instead will need to go to the RecPlex at 420 W. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the clerk 's office .
Many voters now must visit the Cook County courthouse on Euclid Avenue in Rolling Meadows instead of their usual polling places .
According to the clerk , those who will need to make that shift include voters who go to Generations at Oakton Arms in Des Plaines , Solstice Senior Living in Palatine , Church Creek Senior Living in Arlington Heights and Brookdale Senior Living in Des Plaines .
Voters who typically use the Lutheran Home seniors complex in Arlington Heights must switch to Patton Elementary School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ N. Patton Ave .
In all , 1,003 voters are registered to the shifted polling places , according to the clerk .

Cook County shifts polling places due to COVID-19 concerns
Northwest suburban polling places for about 1,000 registered voters in Tuesday's election have been moved from senior complexes to address health concerns from the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Cook County clerk's office. Many now must vote at the Cook County courthouse in Rolling Meadows. Daily Herald file photo
Some Northwest suburban polling places for about 1,000 registered voters in Tuesday's election have been moved from senior complexes to address health concerns from COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Cook County clerk's office.
In addition, clerk's office spokesman James Scalzitti said there will be extended early voting hours. Voters may cast their ballots at selected polling places from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday through Monday.
Voters who typically would visit the Asbury Court seniors complex in Des Plaines on Tuesday instead will need to go to the RecPlex at 420 W. Dempster St. in Mount Prospect, according to the clerk's office.
Many voters now must visit the Cook County courthouse on Euclid Avenue in Rolling Meadows instead of their usual polling places. According to the clerk, those who will need to make that shift include voters who go to Generations at Oakton Arms in Des Plaines, Solstice Senior Living in Palatine, Church Creek Senior Living in Arlington Heights and Brookdale Senior Living in Des Plaines.
Voters who typically use the Lutheran Home seniors complex in Arlington Heights must switch to Patton Elementary School, also in the village at 1616 N. Patton Ave.
In all, 1,003 voters are registered to the shifted polling places, according to the clerk.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Kane, Lake county courts announce limited closings due to coronavirus

Courthouses in Kane and Lake counties will have temporary closures of branch courts and other cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic , officials announced this week .
The Office of Clint Hull , chief judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit in Kane County , said the Kane County Judicial Center and Juvenile Justice Center in St. Charles , along with the Third Street courthouse in Geneva , will remain open .
However , branch courts in Kane County will be closed Monday through March 27 ; the circuit court clerk 's office will remain open and people with court cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by mail of their rescheduled date .
`` We recognize that these closures will be a significant inconvenience for many people .
However , we have a responsibility to protect the public , '' Hull said .
`` Given that obligation , along with what we know about the COVID-19 virus and the large numbers of people who use the courts , this is the right thing to do to keep people safe . ''
People with questions about future court dates should contact the Kane County Circuit Court Clerk ( 630 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 19th Judicial Circuit Court and Lake County Circuit Clerk 's Office also will reschedule all court cases set for the Park City and Mundelein branch courts for March 19 and 20 .
Notices of the rescheduled dates will be sent to the last known address of all parties on the scheduled cases .
People who have a hearing at either branch court , should allow for up to seven business days to receive a notice of the new court date in the mail .
Those who do not receive notices should call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 847 ) 377-3500 or Mundelein Branch Court ( 847 ) 377-3300 for the rescheduled date .
In Kane County , jury trials will still be held , but on a limited basis and officials plan to call fewer people for jury duty .
All meetings or educational seminars scheduled at the three open courthouses in Kane County are canceled until further notice , including school tours and mock trial competitions .
Lake County also plans to limit the number of jurors called and is canceling all tours , trainings and educational events .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ held at the Kane County Judicial Center , but only the couples may participate and no other family members or attendants will be allowed .

Kane, Lake county courts announce limited closings due to coronavirus
Courthouses in Kane and Lake counties will have temporary closures of branch courts and other cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced this week.
The Office of Clint Hull, chief judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit in Kane County, said the Kane County Judicial Center and Juvenile Justice Center in St. Charles, along with the Third Street courthouse in Geneva, will remain open.
However, branch courts in Kane County will be closed Monday through March 27; the circuit court clerk's office will remain open and people with court cases at the branch courts will be notified by mail of their rescheduled date.
"We recognize that these closures will be a significant inconvenience for many people. However, we have a responsibility to protect the public," Hull said. "Given that obligation, along with what we know about the COVID-19 virus and the large numbers of people who use the courts, this is the right thing to do to keep people safe."
People with questions about future court dates should contact the Kane County Circuit Court Clerk (630) 232-3413 or email circuitclerk@co.kane.il.us.
The 19th Judicial Circuit Court and Lake County Circuit Clerk's Office also will reschedule all court cases set for the Park City and Mundelein branch courts for March 19 and 20. Notices of the rescheduled dates will be sent to the last known address of all parties on the scheduled cases.
People who have a hearing at either branch court, should allow for up to seven business days to receive a notice of the new court date in the mail. Those who do not receive notices should call the Park City Branch Court at (847) 377-3500 or Mundelein Branch Court (847) 377-3300 for the rescheduled date.
DuPage County courts announced similar precautions this week.
In Kane County, jury trials will still be held, but on a limited basis and officials plan to call fewer people for jury duty.
All meetings or educational seminars scheduled at the three open courthouses in Kane County are canceled until further notice, including school tours and mock trial competitions. Lake County also plans to limit the number of jurors called and is canceling all tours, trainings and educational events.
Weddings and civil unions will only be held at the Kane County Judicial Center, but only the couples may participate and no other family members or attendants will be allowed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--BBB warns of coronavirus scams

BBB warns of coronavirus scams

The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois is warning consumers and businesses about potential scams related to the coronavirus outbreak .
Malicious emails linked to the coronavirus first appeared in early February , making it one of the first big phishing campaigns of the year , the BBB said in a statement .
`` Scam emails are not just targeting consumers , but nonprofits and businesses as well , '' said Steve Bernas , president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois .
`` The crooks are designing their emails to look like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disease Control or the World Health Organization and other prominent agencies . ''
Bernas also warned that the public should be wary of `` fake websites , bogus products and cures .
`` With there being so much we do n't know about the disease and with recent government warnings that we all need to prepare , '' Bernas said .
`` Consumers can be easy targets for criminals looking to take advantage of the situation '' Scammers are using texts and social media posts to steal money and personal information from consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking for donations for victims or offering information on prevention an unproven treatment options .
BBB offers these tips to avoided being snared in a scammers trap : • Do n't click on links from sources you do n't know .
It could download a virus onto your computer or device .
Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is up to date .
• Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) or experts saying that have information about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the Coronavirus , visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations .
If you see ads touting prevention , treatment , or cure claims for the Coronavirus , ask yourself : if there 's been a medical breakthrough , would you be hearing about it for the first time through an ad or sales pitch ?
• Do your homework when it comes to donations , whether through charities or crowdfunding sites .
Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a donation .
If someone wants donations in cash , by gift card , or by wiring money , do n't do it .
• Be alert to `` investment opportunities . ''
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC ) is warning people about online promotions , including on social media , claiming that the products or services of publicly-traded companies can prevent , detect , or cure coronavirus and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result .
To reduce the possibility of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work from home .
Where that is happening , the employees should be made aware of the threats from cyber criminals : • If something sounds suspicious , confirm it by calling the sender or the business using a previously known phone number .
Do n't click on links in an unexpected email -- type the URL for the company into your browser or do a web search to find the right website .
• Do n't click , download , or open anything that comes from an anonymous sender .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your personal information or install malware on your computer .
• Be cautious of generic emails .
Scammers try to cast a wide net by including little or no specific information in their fake emails .
Always be wary of unsolicited messages that do n't contain your name , last digits of your account number or other personalizing information .
• Move your cursor over the `` From '' line in the address of an email to see of the shown address complements the pop-up address .

BBB warns of coronavirus scams
The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois is warning consumers and businesses about potential scams related to the coronavirus outbreak. Chinatopix via AP
The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois is warning consumers and businesses about potential scams related to the coronavirus outbreak.
Malicious emails linked to the coronavirus first appeared in early February, making it one of the first big phishing campaigns of the year, the BBB said in a statement.
"Scam emails are not just targeting consumers, but nonprofits and businesses as well," said Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. "The crooks are designing their emails to look like they're coming from the Center for Disease Control or the World Health Organization and other prominent agencies."
Bernas also warned that the public should be wary of "fake websites, bogus products and cures.
"With there being so much we don't know about the disease and with recent government warnings that we all need to prepare," Bernas said. "Consumers can be easy targets for criminals looking to take advantage of the situation"
Scammers are using texts and social media posts to steal money and personal information from consumers, as well as online posts are asking for donations for victims or offering information on prevention an unproven treatment options.
BBB offers these tips to avoided being snared in a scammers trap:
• Don't click on links from sources you don't know. It could download a virus onto your computer or device. Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is up to date.
• Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying that have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations. If you see ads touting prevention, treatment, or cure claims for the Coronavirus, ask yourself: if there's been a medical breakthrough, would you be hearing about it for the first time through an ad or sales pitch?
• Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don't let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don't do it.
• Be alert to "investment opportunities." The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning people about online promotions, including on social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly-traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure coronavirus and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result.
To reduce the possibility of COVID-19 infection many businesses are having their employees work from home. Where that is happening, the employees should be made aware of the threats from cyber criminals:
• If something sounds suspicious, confirm it by calling the sender or the business using a previously known phone number.
Don't click on links in an unexpected email -- type the URL for the company into your browser or do a web search to find the right website.
• Don't click, download, or open anything that comes from an anonymous sender. This is likely an attempt to gain access to your personal information or install malware on your computer.
• Be cautious of generic emails. Scammers try to cast a wide net by including little or no specific information in their fake emails. Always be wary of unsolicited messages that don't contain your name, last digits of your account number or other personalizing information.
• Move your cursor over the "From" line in the address of an email to see of the shown address complements the pop-up address.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Wood Dale teacher entitled to sick-leave pay for having baby by surrogate

A DuPage County judge Friday ordered Wood Dale Elementary District 7 to pay $ 6,828 in sick pay to a teacher who took time off after her son was born via a surrogate .
Judge Bonnie Wheaton agreed with the attorney for special-education teacher Staci Rafferty , who argued that the Illinois School Code requires districts to allow employees to use paid sick time for such a thing , even though the law mentions only `` birth , adoption , or placement for adoption . ''
Her attorney argued that the School Code differentiated birth from other conditions where sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it allows districts to require a note from a health care provider for absences of more than three days for illnesses but allows 30 days for birth or adoption before a note is required .
The district argued that common and legal dictionaries define the word `` birth '' as a physical act of an infant leaving a woman 's body , and that sick time is supposed to be for when people are physically incapable of performing their jobs .
Rafferty did not suffer physical incapacity because another woman bore the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to cover situations such as Rafferty 's is really a backdoor way of establishing paid parental leave in Illinois , the district argued .
Its position is that the matter should be left up to state legislators or negotiated for in teachers ' contracts .
Her attorney argued parenting by surrogacy is closely akin to becoming a parent by adoption , for which the School Code allows paid sick leave .
The district disagreed and noted the adoption provision only applies for the days the adoption is underway ; once the adoption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick leave .
It is the second time in recent years the district has been sued over the issue of sick leave for a new parent .
The Illinois Supreme Court heard an appeal in January of a ruling Wheaton made regarding a teacher who had a baby the day before the end of a school year in 2016 .
That teacher used 1½ paid sick days that school year and wanted to use the rest when school resumed in the fall , but the district denied that .
Rafferty 's baby was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking 20 days of unpaid leave .
The other 10 days were paid sick leave because they were for doctor appointments and medical procedures for the boy , and sick-day payment is mandated for caring for an ill member of the immediate family .

Wood Dale teacher entitled to sick-leave pay for having baby by surrogate
A DuPage County judge Friday ordered Wood Dale Elementary District 7 to pay $6,828 in sick pay to a teacher who took time off after her son was born via a surrogate.
Judge Bonnie Wheaton agreed with the attorney for special-education teacher Staci Rafferty, who argued that the Illinois School Code requires districts to allow employees to use paid sick time for such a thing, even though the law mentions only "birth, adoption, or placement for adoption."
Her attorney argued that the School Code differentiated birth from other conditions where sick pay can be used, in part because it allows districts to require a note from a health care provider for absences of more than three days for illnesses but allows 30 days for birth or adoption before a note is required.
The district argued that common and legal dictionaries define the word "birth" as a physical act of an infant leaving a woman's body, and that sick time is supposed to be for when people are physically incapable of performing their jobs. Rafferty did not suffer physical incapacity because another woman bore the baby, the district argued.
Extending it to cover situations such as Rafferty's is really a backdoor way of establishing paid parental leave in Illinois, the district argued. Its position is that the matter should be left up to state legislators or negotiated for in teachers' contracts.
Her attorney argued parenting by surrogacy is closely akin to becoming a parent by adoption, for which the School Code allows paid sick leave.
The district disagreed and noted the adoption provision only applies for the days the adoption is underway; once the adoption is completed, there's no paid sick leave.
It is the second time in recent years the district has been sued over the issue of sick leave for a new parent. The Illinois Supreme Court heard an appeal in January of a ruling Wheaton made regarding a teacher who had a baby the day before the end of a school year in 2016.
That teacher used 1½ paid sick days that school year and wanted to use the rest when school resumed in the fall, but the district denied that.
Rafferty's baby was born April 5. She ended up taking 20 days of unpaid leave. The other 10 days were paid sick leave because they were for doctor appointments and medical procedures for the boy, and sick-day payment is mandated for caring for an ill member of the immediate family.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Authorities: Harvest Bible Chapel employee stole $262,000 from Elgin campus

A 38-year-old Elgin man has been charged with stealing $ 262,000 over 15 months from the Harvest Bible Chapel in Elgin , prosecutors said Friday .
Jeffery L. Parham , of the 3100 block of Kyra Lane , faces four counts of felony theft , the most severe of which carries a sentence of six to 30 years in prison with no possibility of probation , according to Kane County prosecutors .
Parham , who is on leave from the church , was arrested Thursday in Bourbonnais and taken to the Elgin Police Department , where he posted 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released .
According to prosecutors , church officials notified Elgin police in October 2018 when they discovered `` bookkeeping irregularities . ''
Authorities determined that two church credit cards had been used for $ 262,056.88 in expenses between July 2017 and October 2018 , according to prosecutors .
The charges were not for church business , prosecutors said .
A message left for Greg Bradshaw , Harvest Bible Chapel 's lead ministry pastor , was not immediately returned .
Parham , according to prosecutors , has been on leave from Harvest since October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued a blanket denial of a Freedom of Information Act request seeking information about the investigation into Parham .
Last fall , Parham settled a lawsuit filed by an insurance company representing Harvest that was seeking repayment of the funds in question .
Parham , according to court records , acted as his own attorney , admitted to the theft and agreed with the Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company to repay $ 100,000 , plus interest , by 2024 's end .
An attorney representing the insurance company later told the Daily Herald that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This guy was really easy to work with .
He seemed to be really remorseful , '' attorney Steven Gertler said .
Parham is next due in court on the theft charges April 3 .
The Copper Springs Duplex Homeowners Association filed an eviction lawsuit against Parham on Feb. 20 ; that matter is due in court Wednesday , records show .

Authorities: Harvest Bible Chapel employee stole $262,000 from Elgin campus
A 38-year-old Elgin man has been charged with stealing $262,000 over 15 months from the Harvest Bible Chapel in Elgin, prosecutors said Friday.
Jeffery L. Parham, of the 3100 block of Kyra Lane, faces four counts of felony theft, the most severe of which carries a sentence of six to 30 years in prison with no possibility of probation, according to Kane County prosecutors.
Parham, who is on leave from the church, was arrested Thursday in Bourbonnais and taken to the Elgin Police Department, where he posted 10% of his $50,000 bail and was released.
According to prosecutors, church officials notified Elgin police in October 2018 when they discovered "bookkeeping irregularities." Authorities determined that two church credit cards had been used for $262,056.88 in expenses between July 2017 and October 2018, according to prosecutors.
The charges were not for church business, prosecutors said.
A message left for Greg Bradshaw, Harvest Bible Chapel's lead ministry pastor, was not immediately returned. Parham, according to prosecutors, has been on leave from Harvest since October 2018.
Last month, Elgin police issued a blanket denial of a Freedom of Information Act request seeking information about the investigation into Parham.
Last fall, Parham settled a lawsuit filed by an insurance company representing Harvest that was seeking repayment of the funds in question.
Parham, according to court records, acted as his own attorney, admitted to the theft and agreed with the Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company to repay $100,000, plus interest, by 2024's end.
An attorney representing the insurance company later told the Daily Herald that Parham was "cooperative."
"This guy was really easy to work with. He seemed to be really remorseful," attorney Steven Gertler said.
Parham is next due in court on the theft charges April 3.
The Copper Springs Duplex Homeowners Association filed an eviction lawsuit against Parham on Feb. 20; that matter is due in court Wednesday, records show.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--President Trump declares coronavirus pandemic a national emergency

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump on Friday declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency , as Washington struggles with providing Americans with relief and officials race to slow the spread of the outbreak .
Speaking from the Rose Garden , Trump said , `` I am officially declaring a national emergency . ''
He said it would free up as much as $ 50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak .
Trump also waived interest on federally held student loans and moved to prop up energy markets , by directing the Department of Energy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reserve `` 'right up to the top . ''
Trump said he was giving Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar emergency authorities to waive federal regulations and laws to give doctors and hospitals `` flexibility '' in treating patients .
`` Through a very collective action and shared sacrifice , national determination , we will overcome the threat of the virus , '' Trump said .
He also announced a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities , as his administration has come under fire for being too slow in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` I do n't take responsibility at all '' for the slow roll-out of testing .
The partnership will include drive-thru testing in some locations and an online portal to screen those seeking to get tested .
Still , Trump said that officials do n't want people taking the test unless they have certain symptoms .
`` We do n't want people without symptoms to go and do that test , '' Trump said , adding , `` It 's totally unnecessary . ''
Trump said the White House and Congress have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package , claiming that he does n't believe House Democrats are `` giving enough . ''
Lawmakers are preparing to vote on their own measure Friday .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday the House would approve its coronavirus aid package , imploring the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to `` put families first '' by backing the effort to provide Americans with relief .
The House Democratic leader spoke from the speaker 's balcony at the Capitol ahead of Trump 's news conference at the White House , as the power centers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our nation , our great nation has faced crisis before , '' Pelosi said .
`` And every time , thanks to the courage and optimism of the American people , we have prevailed .
Now , working together , we will once again prevail . ''
Central to the package is free testing for the virus and guaranteed sick pay for workers who are taking time away from jobs , along with an infusion of dollars to handle unemployment benefits and boost food programs for children , families and seniors .
Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump tapped to negotiate for the administration , have engaged in around-the-clock negotiations that continued even as Trump was speaking .
But Republican leaders in Congress slowed the deal , wanting assurances that Trump would publicly support the agreement before signing off on it ahead of any vote , according to a top congressional aide unauthorized to discuss the private talks and speaking on condition of anonymity .
GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of California , the House minority leader , huddled with Mnuchin and Trump at the White House earlier Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have an accurate determination of its scale and scope , so that we can pursue the precise science-based response that is necessary to put families first , '' Pelosi said .
The White House is under enormous pressure , dealing with the crisis on multiple fronts as it encroached ever closer on the president .
The virus has swept in alarming ways across American life , sending the financial markets into a dangerous slide and shuttering schools and sporting events and limiting everyday interactions in communities across the country .
And a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials worked to determine the level of exposure by the president and senior aides to several foreign officials who have since tested positive for the virus .
Trump said he was gratified that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tested negative for the virus , after the pair sat next to each other for an extended period of time last weekend .
A senior aide to Bolsonaro tested positive .
`` We have no symptoms whatsoever , '' said Trump , who has not gotten tested for the virus or taken steps to self-isolate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which they and lawmakers in Congress had been requesting .
It allows the Health and Human Services Department to temporarily waive certain federal rules that can make it harder for hospitals and other health care facilities to respond to an emergency .
Such rules include a Medicare requirement that a patient spend three days in the hospital before the program will pay for care in a nursing facility .
Waiving the rule would make more inpatient beds available .
Another rule requires doctors and other clinicians to be licensed in the state in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be waived if the physician is licensed in another state .
The American Medical Association said the emergency declaration would help ensure America 's health care system has sufficient resources to properly respond to the ongoing outbreak .
Trump 's actions were also viewed favorably on Wall Street , sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 1,985 points , or 9.4 % , its best gain since October 2008 .
Stocks doubled their gains in the last half-hour of trading as Trump made his remarks .
For most people , the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to be over it .
Pelosi and Mnuchin continued their constant cross-town phone calls throughout a tense day of negotiations to firm up and salvage the emerging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some in the business community seeking certainty .
Providing sick pay for workers is a crucial element of federal efforts to stop the rapid spread of the infection .
Officials warn that the nation 's healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed with gravely sick patients , as suddenly happened in Italy , one of the countries hardest hit by the virus .
The ability to ensure paychecks will keep flowing -- for people who stay home as a preventative measure or because they 're feeling ill or caring for others -- can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into financial hardship .
The potential deal between Congress and the White House would cap a tumultuous week in which Washington strained for a comprehensive response to an outbreak that is testing the nation 's political , financial and health care systems .
Trump has struggled to show he 's on top of the crisis , after giving conflicting descriptions of what the U.S. is doing to combat the virus .
The House aid package builds on an emergency $ 8.3 billion measure approved last week .
Pelosi promised a third coronavirus package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is leaving Washington on Friday for a previously scheduled recess .
That measure will include more aggressive steps to boost the U.S. economy , which economists fear has already slipped into recession .
But there 's little appetite within either party for Trump 's proposal to suspend collection of the 6.2 % Social Security payroll tax .
States are already clamoring for fiscal relief from Washington as the virus threatens their budgets .
The coronavirus crisis also got personal for Trump and some members of Congress .
The president , his daughter Ivanka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are among those who have been in contact with others who have now tested positive for the coronavirus .
Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton , now in isolation at a hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus , had returned to Sydney from Washington , where he met Barr and Ivanka Trump last week .
White House officials have not responded to questions about whether the administration officials intend to be tested or self-quarantine .
Barr , meanwhile , was staying home Friday , though he `` felt great and was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his spokeswoman Kerri Kupec .
She said the CDC did not recommend testing at this point .
In addition , just days after meeting Trump and Sen. Rick Scott , R-Fla. , at the president 's Mar-a-Lago resort , the communications chief for Brazil 's president , Fábio Wajngarten , tested positive for coronavirus .
Scott said he was isolating himself .
Trump , 73 , said he was not concerned .
GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham , who was also at Trump 's club on the weekend , joined a growing list of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a precaution .
He announced Friday that he also met with the Australian official who has now tested positive .
And GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas , who had previously isolated himself after a potential exposure at a conservative conference in Washington , said Friday he met with a Spanish official and is now self-quarantining .
Lawmakers from both parties expressed alarm at the U.S. response , and especially over how few patients have been tested .
`` We 're basically , in my opinion , flying blind , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fauci , infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health , in several television interviews Friday , said more tests would be available over the next week , but that officials should not wait before trying to mitigate the virus ' effects .
`` We will have considerably more testing in the future , but you do n't wait for testing , '' Fauci said on `` CBS This Morning . ''
He said school closings and similar measures are `` generally an appropriate approach . ''
`` We 're at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blunt the rise in cases to make sure it 's a hill , not a mountain , '' Fauci said on ABC 's `` Good Morning America . ''
Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani , Alan Fram , Lauran Neergaard , Martin Crutsinger , Laurie Kellman , Michael Balsamo and Kevin Freking in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute 's Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all @ @

President Trump declares coronavirus pandemic a national emergency
President Donald Trump speaks Friday during a news conference about the coronavirus in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump on Friday declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency, as Washington struggles with providing Americans with relief and officials race to slow the spread of the outbreak.
Speaking from the Rose Garden, Trump said, "I am officially declaring a national emergency." He said it would free up as much as $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak. Trump also waived interest on federally held student loans and moved to prop up energy markets, by directing the Department of Energy to buy oil to fill the strategic petroleum reserve "'right up to the top."
Trump said he was giving Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar emergency authorities to waive federal regulations and laws to give doctors and hospitals "flexibility" in treating patients.
"Through a very collective action and shared sacrifice, national determination, we will overcome the threat of the virus," Trump said.
He also announced a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities, as his administration has come under fire for being too slow in making the test available. Trump said, "I don't take responsibility at all" for the slow roll-out of testing.
The partnership will include drive-thru testing in some locations and an online portal to screen those seeking to get tested.
Still, Trump said that officials don't want people taking the test unless they have certain symptoms. "We don't want people without symptoms to go and do that test," Trump said, adding, "It's totally unnecessary."
Trump said the White House and Congress have yet to agree on a broader aid package, claiming that he doesn't believe House Democrats are "giving enough." Lawmakers are preparing to vote on their own measure Friday.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday the House would approve its coronavirus aid package, imploring the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to "put families first" by backing the effort to provide Americans with relief.
The House Democratic leader spoke from the speaker's balcony at the Capitol ahead of Trump's news conference at the White House, as the power centers of Washington were shuttered to visitors.
"Our nation, our great nation has faced crisis before," Pelosi said. "And every time, thanks to the courage and optimism of the American people, we have prevailed. Now, working together, we will once again prevail."
Central to the package is free testing for the virus and guaranteed sick pay for workers who are taking time away from jobs, along with an infusion of dollars to handle unemployment benefits and boost food programs for children, families and seniors.
Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, whom Trump tapped to negotiate for the administration, have engaged in around-the-clock negotiations that continued even as Trump was speaking.
But Republican leaders in Congress slowed the deal, wanting assurances that Trump would publicly support the agreement before signing off on it ahead of any vote, according to a top congressional aide unauthorized to discuss the private talks and speaking on condition of anonymity.
GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of California, the House minority leader, huddled with Mnuchin and Trump at the White House earlier Friday.
"We can only defeat this outbreak if we have an accurate determination of its scale and scope, so that we can pursue the precise science-based response that is necessary to put families first," Pelosi said.
The White House is under enormous pressure, dealing with the crisis on multiple fronts as it encroached ever closer on the president.
The virus has swept in alarming ways across American life, sending the financial markets into a dangerous slide and shuttering schools and sporting events and limiting everyday interactions in communities across the country.
And a personal health scare intensified as White House officials worked to determine the level of exposure by the president and senior aides to several foreign officials who have since tested positive for the virus.
Trump said he was gratified that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tested negative for the virus, after the pair sat next to each other for an extended period of time last weekend. A senior aide to Bolsonaro tested positive. "We have no symptoms whatsoever," said Trump, who has not gotten tested for the virus or taken steps to self-isolate.
Hospitals welcomed Trump's emergency declaration, which they and lawmakers in Congress had been requesting. It allows the Health and Human Services Department to temporarily waive certain federal rules that can make it harder for hospitals and other health care facilities to respond to an emergency.
Such rules include a Medicare requirement that a patient spend three days in the hospital before the program will pay for care in a nursing facility. Waiving the rule would make more inpatient beds available. Another rule requires doctors and other clinicians to be licensed in the state in which they are providing services. It can be waived if the physician is licensed in another state.
The American Medical Association said the emergency declaration would help ensure America's health care system has sufficient resources to properly respond to the ongoing outbreak.
Trump's actions were also viewed favorably on Wall Street, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 1,985 points, or 9.4%, its best gain since October 2008. Stocks doubled their gains in the last half-hour of trading as Trump made his remarks.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to be over it.
Pelosi and Mnuchin continued their constant cross-town phone calls throughout a tense day of negotiations to firm up and salvage the emerging deal that has widespread support from Democrats and some in the business community seeking certainty.
Providing sick pay for workers is a crucial element of federal efforts to stop the rapid spread of the infection. Officials warn that the nation's healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed with gravely sick patients, as suddenly happened in Italy, one of the countries hardest hit by the virus.
The ability to ensure paychecks will keep flowing -- for people who stay home as a preventative measure or because they're feeling ill or caring for others -- can help assure Americans they will not fall into financial hardship.
The potential deal between Congress and the White House would cap a tumultuous week in which Washington strained for a comprehensive response to an outbreak that is testing the nation's political, financial and health care systems.
Trump has struggled to show he's on top of the crisis, after giving conflicting descriptions of what the U.S. is doing to combat the virus.
The House aid package builds on an emergency $8.3 billion measure approved last week.
Pelosi promised a third coronavirus package will follow soon, though the House is leaving Washington on Friday for a previously scheduled recess. That measure will include more aggressive steps to boost the U.S. economy, which economists fear has already slipped into recession.
But there's little appetite within either party for Trump's proposal to suspend collection of the 6.2% Social Security payroll tax. States are already clamoring for fiscal relief from Washington as the virus threatens their budgets.
The coronavirus crisis also got personal for Trump and some members of Congress.
The president, his daughter Ivanka, Attorney General WIlliam Barr and lawmakers are among those who have been in contact with others who have now tested positive for the coronavirus.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, now in isolation at a hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus, had returned to Sydney from Washington, where he met Barr and Ivanka Trump last week.
White House officials have not responded to questions about whether the administration officials intend to be tested or self-quarantine.
Barr, meanwhile, was staying home Friday, though he "felt great and wasn't showing any symptoms," according to his spokeswoman Kerri Kupec. She said the CDC did not recommend testing at this point.
In addition, just days after meeting Trump and Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., at the president's Mar-a-Lago resort, the communications chief for Brazil's president, Fábio Wajngarten, tested positive for coronavirus. Scott said he was isolating himself. Trump, 73, said he was not concerned.
GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, who was also at Trump's club on the weekend, joined a growing list of lawmakers who have chosen to isolate themselves as a precaution. He announced Friday that he also met with the Australian official who has now tested positive. And GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who had previously isolated himself after a potential exposure at a conservative conference in Washington, said Friday he met with a Spanish official and is now self-quarantining.
Lawmakers from both parties expressed alarm at the U.S. response, and especially over how few patients have been tested.
"We're basically, in my opinion, flying blind," said Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nev.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health, in several television interviews Friday, said more tests would be available over the next week, but that officials should not wait before trying to mitigate the virus' effects.
"We will have considerably more testing in the future, but you don't wait for testing," Fauci said on "CBS This Morning." He said school closings and similar measures are "generally an appropriate approach."
"We're at a critical point now as we seek to blunt the rise in cases to make sure it's a hill, not a mountain," Fauci said on ABC's "Good Morning America."
Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani, Alan Fram, Lauran Neergaard, Martin Crutsinger, Laurie Kellman, Michael Balsamo and Kevin Freking in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Elgin police limiting contact due to COVID-19

The Elgin Police Department has postponed all community outreach events through April 5 , will offer options for reporting nonemergency matters , and is asking people to use the police station lobby only for urgent police matters .
All this is being done `` in an abundance of caution '' regarding the global outbreak of COVID-19 , officials said in an announcement late Thursday .
Also postponed was the public promotion ceremony for Kevin Echevarria , the lieutenant who became the department 's newest commander starting today .
People could be asked to report nonemergencies over the phone or be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of having a police officer show up in person .
Reports for accidental damage to property , burglary to vehicle , harassing/annoying phone calls , theft , vandalism to vehicle , accidental damage to vehicle , gas stations drive-off , lost/mislaid property and vandalism can be submitted online at cityofelgin.org/policereport .
Visitors to the lobby of the police station at 151 Douglas Ave. are asked to strive to maintain a 6-foot minimum distance from others and limit contact with surfaces .
`` We appreciate your understanding that the community 's safety , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Be assured Elgin 's first responders are taking many precautions with our own health and safety to ensure we may effectively address public safety needs , '' the police department said .

Elgin police limiting contact due to COVID-19
The Elgin Police Department is taking precautions in the wake of a global outbreak of COVID-19. Daily Herald file photo
This article has been updated the correct the name of Eric Echevarria.
The Elgin Police Department has postponed all community outreach events through April 5, will offer options for reporting nonemergency matters, and is asking people to use the police station lobby only for urgent police matters.
All this is being done "in an abundance of caution" regarding the global outbreak of COVID-19, officials said in an announcement late Thursday. Also postponed was the public promotion ceremony for Eric Echevarria, the lieutenant who became the department's newest commander starting today.
People could be asked to report nonemergencies over the phone or be referred to the online reporting system, instead of having a police officer show up in person.
Reports for accidental damage to property, burglary to vehicle, harassing/annoying phone calls, theft, vandalism to vehicle, accidental damage to vehicle, gas stations drive-off, lost/mislaid property and vandalism can be submitted online at cityofelgin.org/policereport.
Visitors to the lobby of the police station at 151 Douglas Ave. are asked to strive to maintain a 6-foot minimum distance from others and limit contact with surfaces.
"We appreciate your understanding that the community's safety, health and welfare are our top priority. Be assured Elgin's first responders are taking many precautions with our own health and safety to ensure we may effectively address public safety needs," the police department said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--6 tips for dealing with anxiety over the coronavirus

With talk of COVID-19 dominating many of our lives , the director of addiction services at Naperville-based Linden Oaks Behavioral Health is urging people `` not to let our anxiety get the better of us . ''
Aaron Weiner says it 's essential to follow the proper guidelines to slow the progression of the virus , but it 's also important for people not to let fears of the unknown dominate their lives .
In written comments distributed by Edward-Elmhurst Health , Weiner said excessive anxiety can hurt all areas of life , including relationships , parenting and even immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for reducing anxiety : • Limit the amount of time you spend reading and watching coronavirus news .
While it is important to stay abreast of current recommendations , remember that every time you expose yourself to disturbing news , you are stoking the fires of your own anxiety .
`` Choose one time per day to read about coronavirus news , and once you are updated , wait until tomorrow to check again , '' he said .
• Focus on what you can control to keep you and your family healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't .
If you follow recommendations from health care institutions , you can rest easy knowing you 've done your part to keep yourself and your family safe .
• Do n't engage in `` safety behaviors '' that increase your anxiety without making you any safer .
For coronavirus , this means taking recommended precautions , but not going overboard .
An example of a safety behavior in this circumstance is mask-hoarding or preventive mask-wearing -- the CDC has been very clear that masks are most useful right now for containing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not for keeping germs out when you 're in public .
Worse yet , people tend to touch their face more when wearing a mask , which is associated with increased risk of contracting the virus .
• Avoid catastrophizing : Remember that , in all likelihood , you are going to be OK .
It 's easy to assume the worst , but this only makes our anxiety worse .
`` If you operate under the assumption that you and your loved ones will be OK , your anxiety will be significantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catastrophic outcomes , '' Weiner said .
• Engage in mindfulness meditation to reduce your reactivity to anxiety .
If you 're not familiar with such meditation , try getting started with a smartphone app that uses research-supported techniques and provides you with training .
He recommends Headspace and 10 % Happier , • Get support and talk about your feelings .
`` Make sure you open up to close friends and family about your feelings and , if necessary , do n't hesitate to work with a therapist , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your family would benefit from working with a therapist , visit www.eehealth.org/services/behavioral-health or call Linden Oaks Behavioral Health at ( 630 ) 305-5027 to find the location nearest you .

6 tips for dealing with anxiety over the coronavirus
With talk of COVID-19 dominating many of our lives, the director of addiction services at Naperville-based Linden Oaks Behavioral Health is urging people "not to let our anxiety get the better of us."
Aaron Weiner says it's essential to follow the proper guidelines to slow the progression of the virus, but it's also important for people not to let fears of the unknown dominate their lives.
In written comments distributed by Edward-Elmhurst Health, Weiner said excessive anxiety can hurt all areas of life, including relationships, parenting and even immune systems.
He offered the following tips for reducing anxiety:
• Limit the amount of time you spend reading and watching coronavirus news. While it is important to stay abreast of current recommendations, remember that every time you expose yourself to disturbing news, you are stoking the fires of your own anxiety. "Choose one time per day to read about coronavirus news, and once you are updated, wait until tomorrow to check again," he said.
• Focus on what you can control to keep you and your family healthy, and let go of what you can't. If you follow recommendations from health care institutions, you can rest easy knowing you've done your part to keep yourself and your family safe.
• Don't engage in "safety behaviors" that increase your anxiety without making you any safer. For coronavirus, this means taking recommended precautions, but not going overboard.
An example of a safety behavior in this circumstance is mask-hoarding or preventive mask-wearing -- the CDC has been very clear that masks are most useful right now for containing germs if you're sick, but not for keeping germs out when you're in public. Worse yet, people tend to touch their face more when wearing a mask, which is associated with increased risk of contracting the virus.
• Avoid catastrophizing: Remember that, in all likelihood, you are going to be OK. It's easy to assume the worst, but this only makes our anxiety worse. "If you operate under the assumption that you and your loved ones will be OK, your anxiety will be significantly lower than if you ruminate on possible catastrophic outcomes," Weiner said.
• Engage in mindfulness meditation to reduce your reactivity to anxiety. If you're not familiar with such meditation, try getting started with a smartphone app that uses research-supported techniques and provides you with training. He recommends Headspace and 10% Happier,
• Get support and talk about your feelings. "Make sure you open up to close friends and family about your feelings and, if necessary, don't hesitate to work with a therapist," he said.
If you or a member of your family would benefit from working with a therapist, visit www.eehealth.org/services/behavioral-health or call Linden Oaks Behavioral Health at (630) 305-5027 to find the location nearest you.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Indian Trails library to close

Indian Trails library to close

The Indian Trails Public Library will close its main library , 355 Schoenbeck , Wheeling , and its branch , @ @ @ @ @ Prospect Heights , March 14-29 .
After the decision of school districts served by the @ @ @ @ @ last two weeks of March , the library determined the increase of visitors would be @ @ @ @ @ recommendations .
Staff will continue to provide assistance by phone or via email .
All @ @ @ @ @ downloadable , streaming and learning resources , will be available remotely with an Indian Trails @ @ @ @ @ be returned to the library in the outside book drops , although officials said material @ @ @ @ @ are no fines for late material .
The library canceled all public programs March 13-31 @ @ @ @ @ a polling place and will open for voting access March 17 .
Members can call @ @ @ @ @ visit www.itpld.org for the latest information .

Indian Trails library to close
The Indian Trails Public Library will close its main library, 355 Schoenbeck, Wheeling, and its branch, 99 E. Palatine Road, Prospect Heights, March 14-29.
After the decision of school districts served by the library to close for the last two weeks of March, the library determined the increase of visitors would be counterproductive to social distancing health recommendations.
Staff will continue to provide assistance by phone or via email. All online services, such as downloadable, streaming and learning resources, will be available remotely with an Indian Trails Library card. Materials can be returned to the library in the outside book drops, although officials said material will automatically renew and there are no fines for late material.
The library canceled all public programs March 13-31. The main library is a polling place and will open for voting access March 17.
Members can call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.itpld.org for the latest information.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Pedestrian bridge part of Schaumburg plan for North Meacham Road

A pedestrian bridge over Meacham Road between Thoreau Drive and Progress Parkway in Schaumburg is now officially part of the village 's plan to unite major economic redevelopment projects along the thoroughfare .
The bridge is part of a comprehensive $ 27 million North Meacham Road Corridor Plan unanimously recommended by the village 's transportation committee earlier this month .
The plan was scheduled to go before the full village board Tuesday , but that meeting has been postponed .
A rendering depicting the re-imagined Meacham Road has been created , but Schaumburg Transportation Director Karyn Robles emphasized that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many questions remain , including the timing of the pedestrian bridge 's construction and whether it would directly connect to new buildings on either side of Meacham , she added .
The Veridian development on the former Motorola Solutions campus on the west side of Meacham is well underway , while the village is reviewing concepts for a proposed entertainment district on the east side , north of the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center .
`` We want to use Meacham Road to unify those two sides and this plan really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brian Bieschke , who chairs the transportation committee .
`` The transportation committee felt very strongly that it was a solid plan . ''
In addition to the pedestrian bridge , the plan envisions aesthetic improvements to both sides of Meacham , including signs to assist in the branding of the area as `` 90 North . ''
Last month , the village board expressed support for funding the burial of power lines along the same stretch of Meacham .
That cost and a feasibility study for the pedestrian bridge are proposed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be approved next month .
The rest of the Meacham Road Corridor Plan is hoped to be added to the five-year capital improvement plan that will be adopted toward the end of the year .
All public improvements are expected to be funded by the area 's Tax Increment Financing ( TIF ) district .
The estimated costs are $ 1.25 million for gateways and signs ; $ 725,000 for architectural and cultural components ; $ 13.5 million for transportation components ; $ 8.6 million for pedestrian and aesthetic components ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as design and construction management .

Pedestrian bridge part of Schaumburg plan for North Meacham Road
Schaumburg officials are considering a $27 million proposal that re-imagines North Meacham Road between the former Motorola Solutions campus and a proposed entertainment district. The plan includes a pedestrian bridge over Meacham. Courtesy of village of Schaumburg
A pedestrian bridge over Meacham Road between Thoreau Drive and Progress Parkway in Schaumburg is now officially part of the village's plan to unite major economic redevelopment projects along the thoroughfare.
The bridge is part of a comprehensive $27 million North Meacham Road Corridor Plan unanimously recommended by the village's transportation committee earlier this month.
The plan was scheduled to go before the full village board Tuesday, but that meeting has been postponed.
A rendering depicting the re-imagined Meacham Road has been created, but Schaumburg Transportation Director Karyn Robles emphasized that the plans remain at an early conceptual stage.
Many questions remain, including the timing of the pedestrian bridge's construction and whether it would directly connect to new buildings on either side of Meacham, Robles said.
The Veridian development on the former Motorola Solutions campus on the west side of Meacham is well underway, while the village is reviewing concepts for a proposed entertainment district on the east side, north of the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center.
"We want to use Meacham Road to unify those two sides, and this plan really does that," said Village Trustee Brian Bieschke, who chairs the transportation committee. "The transportation committee felt very strongly that it was a solid plan."
In addition to the pedestrian bridge, the plan envisions aesthetic improvements to both sides of Meacham, including signs to assist in the branding of the area as "90 North."
Last month, the village board expressed support for funding the burial of power lines along the same stretch of Meacham.
That cost and a feasibility study for the pedestrian bridge are proposed for the village's next annual budget, to be approved next month. The rest of the Meacham Road Corridor Plan is hoped to be added to the five-year capital improvement plan that will be adopted toward the end of the year.
All public improvements are expected to be funded by the area's tax increment financing district, in which property taxes above a certain point are kept from local governments for 23 years and funneled into development.
The estimated costs are $1.25 million for gateways and signs, $725,000 for architectural and cultural components, $13.5 million for transportation components, $8.6 million for pedestrian and aesthetic components, and $3 million for other project costs, such as design and construction management.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Algonquin library closes amid coronavirus concerns

Concerns over the coronavirus have prompted Algonquin Area Public Library officials to close both the main facility on Harnish Drive @ @ @ @ @ Friday evening .
The main library will be open for early voting from 9 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ Election Day voting from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday , according to a notice @ @ @ @ @ Materials can still be circulated at the drive-through window at the main library from 9 @ @ @ @ @ through Saturday , and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays .
Patrons who have @ @ @ @ @ with someone who is sick , are asked to have their loan period extended and @ @ @ @

Algonquin library closes amid coronavirus concerns
Concerns over the coronavirus have prompted Algonquin Area Public Library officials to close both the main facility on Harnish Drive and the Eastgate branch starting Friday evening.
The main library will be open for early voting from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and for Election Day voting from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to a notice from the library district.
Materials can still be circulated at the drive-through window at the main library from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Patrons who have sick, or who live with someone who is sick, are asked to have their loan period extended and not return materials.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--14 new coronavirus cases in the Chicago area, including one in Lake County

With 14 more coronavirus-related cases in the state Friday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced seismic actions including closing schools temporarily and urging Illinoisans to stay home this weekend to prevent the disease 's spread .
The tally of COVID-19 illnesses caused by the virus now stands at 46 .
One of the new cases is in Lake County , four are in Cook County , and nine are in Chicago , Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said .
Pritzker 's daily briefing occurred the same day President Donald Trump declared a national emergency but `` we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we could count on the federal government to lead in the face of this unprecedented situation , '' the governor said in a stinging rebuke .
He also asked residents to `` please this weekend -- if you can -- stay home , '' to tamp down the spread of the contagious disease .
On Thursday , he recommended that all events with 250 or more people be canceled or postponed , and mandated it for events of 1,000 or more .
`` If you are able to telework , do so .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , do n't , '' Pritzker said Friday .
`` This is n't forever ; this is a sacrifice in the short-term to help our hospitals , our health care workers and testing laboratories , and our elderly and vulnerable populations . ''
Ages of the 14 new patients range from people in their 20s to 90s .
The latest Lake County case is a woman in her 50s who traveled internationally before becoming ill , a Lake County Health Department spokeswoman said .
No other details were disclosed , to protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are investigating if the newly diagnosed patients traveled to countries with COVID-19 epidemics or were exposed to known cases .
`` Like it or not , this virus is here in Illinois and it will continue to spread , '' Ezike said .
`` If we can decrease the rate at which we are seeing new infections , fewer people will be ill at the same time , which will help us to prevent the overwhelming of our health care system . ''
One of the patients from Cook County diagnosed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elmhurst Hospital , Edward-Elmhurst spokesman Keith Hartenberger confirmed Friday .
The patient , a woman in her 70s , is in serious condition , Hartenberger said .
Several Chicago research hospitals are developing their own tests for COVID-19 and those are going through a rapid FDA approval process , Pritzker said .
`` It 's still not enough .
The federal government needs to step up '' and provide more tests , he said .
Public and private K-12 schools will close from Tuesday through March 30 .
Day-care centers will remain open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and safety guidance , '' officials said .
Of the 46 cases in Illinois , a large majority are recovering with no deaths reported ; 94 % of patients are in the hospital or at home in isolation .
Pritzker also said he 's working with utilities to prevent any service shutdowns involving people affected by COVID-19 .
People who are healthy and under age 60 who contract COVID-19 are likely to experience symptoms similar to the common cold or flu .
Adults 60 and older or people with underlying medical conditions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if infected , the Centers for Disease Control cautions .
Illinois authorities urged residents to follow common-sense precautions like frequently washing hands for 20 seconds at a time and to get a flu shot if you have n't already .

14 new coronavirus cases in the Chicago area, including one in Lake County
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the state Department of Public Health, speaks during a daily update on the coronavirus situation in Illinois, Friday in Chicago. Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP
With 14 more coronavirus-related cases in the state Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced seismic actions including closing schools temporarily and urging Illinoisans to stay home this weekend to prevent the disease's spread.
The tally of COVID-19 illnesses caused by the virus now stands at 46. One of the new cases is in Lake County, four are in Cook County, and nine are in Chicago, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said.
Pritzker's daily briefing occurred the same day President Donald Trump declared a national emergency but "we have long since passed the moment when we could count on the federal government to lead in the face of this unprecedented situation," the governor said in a stinging rebuke.
He also asked residents to "please this weekend -- if you can -- stay home," to tamp down the spread of the contagious disease. On Thursday, he recommended that all events with 250 or more people be canceled or postponed, and mandated it for events of 1,000 or more.
"If you are able to telework, do so. If you don't have to travel, don't," Pritzker said Friday.
"This isn't forever; this is a sacrifice in the short-term to help our hospitals, our health care workers and testing laboratories, and our elderly and vulnerable populations."
Ages of the 14 new patients range from people in their 20s to 90s.
The latest Lake County case is a woman in her 50s who traveled internationally before becoming ill, a Lake County Health Department spokeswoman said. No other details were disclosed, to protect the patient's privacy.
Public health officials are investigating if the newly diagnosed patients traveled to countries with COVID-19 epidemics or were exposed to known cases.
"Like it or not, this virus is here in Illinois and it will continue to spread," Ezike said.
"If we can decrease the rate at which we are seeing new infections, fewer people will be ill at the same time, which will help us to prevent the overwhelming of our health care system."
One of the patients from Cook County diagnosed with the virus before Friday is being treated at Elmhurst Hospital, Edward-Elmhurst spokesman Keith Hartenberger confirmed Friday. The patient, a woman in her 70s, is in serious condition, Hartenberger said.
Several Chicago research hospitals are developing their own tests for COVID-19 and those are going through a rapid FDA approval process, Pritzker said. "It's still not enough. The federal government needs to step up" and provide more tests, he said.
Public and private K-12 schools will close from Tuesday through March 30. Day-care centers will remain open for now but under "strict health and safety guidance," officials said.
Of the 46 cases in Illinois, a large majority are recovering with no deaths reported; 94% of patients are in the hospital or at home in isolation.
Pritzker also said he's working with utilities to prevent any service shutdowns involving people affected by COVID-19.
People who are healthy and under age 60 who contract COVID-19 are likely to experience symptoms similar to the common cold or flu.
Adults 60 and older or people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of suffering serious illness if infected, the Centers for Disease Control cautions.
Illinois authorities urged residents to follow common-sense precautions like frequently washing hands for 20 seconds at a time and to get a flu shot if you haven't already.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--All state casinos ordered to close for two weeks starting Monday

All of the state 's 10 casinos will be forced to close their doors by Monday for a two-week period under order by the Illinois Gaming Board , officials announced Friday night .
That includes Rivers Casino in Des Plaines , the state 's most lucrative gambling house , which released an announcement of its own Friday night that it would begin its two-week suspension of operations starting Sunday .
The regulatory agency said it is continuously monitoring developments related to the coronavirus and will update casino operators and the public as frequently as possible .
`` The public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff , and others is of paramount importance , '' officials from the gaming board said in a news release .
Earlier , Rivers officials said their decision to temporarily close was out of an abundance of caution and to promote the social distancing recommended by health officials , even though there have been no known cases of COVID-19 at the property .
`` The health and well-being of our team members , guests and the Chicagoland community is our highest priority , '' said Dennis Culloton , a casino spokesman , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grateful for their continued support . ''
Culloton said the casino would continue normal payroll for employees during the 14 days the building is closed .
He added that officials would continue to closely monitor the ever-changing information related to the coronavirus outbreak .
The decision comes less than a week after Rivers became the first casino in Illinois to take a legal sports bet .
But after the Monday morning first ceremonial wager by Chicago Blackhawks legend Eddie Olczyk , the new BetRivers Sportsbook was relegated to taking bets on fewer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled or postponed their games and the NCAA decided to scrap its popular March Madness tournament .

All state casinos ordered to close for two weeks starting Monday
All of the state's 10 casinos will be forced to close their doors by Monday for a two-week period under order by the Illinois Gaming Board, officials announced Friday night.
That includes Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, the state's most lucrative gambling house, which released an announcement of its own Friday night that it would begin its two-week suspension of operations starting Sunday.
The regulatory agency said it is continuously monitoring developments related to the coronavirus and will update casino operators and the public as frequently as possible.
"The public health of patrons, casino employees, IGB staff, and others is of paramount importance," officials from the gaming board said in a news release.
Earlier, Rivers officials said their decision to temporarily close was out of an abundance of caution and to promote the social distancing recommended by health officials, even though there have been no known cases of COVID-19 at the property.
"The health and well-being of our team members, guests and the Chicagoland community is our highest priority," said Dennis Culloton, a casino spokesman, in an emailed statement. "We are grateful for their continued support."
Culloton said the casino would continue normal payroll for employees during the 14 days the building is closed. He added that officials would continue to closely monitor the ever-changing information related to the coronavirus outbreak.
The decision comes less than a week after Rivers became the first casino in Illinois to take a legal sports bet. But after the Monday morning first ceremonial wager by Chicago Blackhawks legend Eddie Olczyk, the new BetRivers Sportsbook was relegated to taking bets on fewer and fewer sports, as major sports leagues canceled or postponed their games and the NCAA decided to scrap its popular March Madness tournament.