chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Coronavirus illness toll rises to 64 in Illinois with 18 new cases, including first downstate

Illinois ’ coronavirus illness toll has hit 64 as authorities on Saturday confirmed the first cases reported downstate .
The 18 new cases mark the highest number of additional COVID-19 patients announced by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and state health officials on a single day since the first patient was confirmed in Illinois Jan. 24 .
The cases now span eight counties across the state , including southern and central Illinois .
Previously , most had clustered around the Chicago area and Cook County .
That number is expected to rise significantly in the days ahead .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing , ” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said .
“ With these additional results , we expect the number of identified cases to increase dramatically all across the state.
” Officials have urged people to telecommute to work if possible and travel only if absolutely necessary , as the metro area grinds further to a standstill in the wake of the viral spread .
But that didn ’ t stop hundreds of revelers from venturing out to bar crawls Saturday morning across the city even without any St. Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the recommendations of health officials pleading for people to stay home .
That drew a stern rebuke from governor , who urged young people to “ take this seriously .
“ We need you to follow social distancing guidelines too , ” Pritzker said .
“ You can have the unintended tragic effect of spreading COVID-19 to others who are more vulnerable.
” “ We saw a lot of crowds out and about today and I need to be frank , ” Pritzker said .
“ We have seen positive results in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread and tragic outcomes in countries that did not.
” The new cases include seven from Chicago , four from suburban Cook County , one each in Kane and Lake counties , a woman in her 60s at a DuPage County long-term care facility , a Woodford County man in his 70s , and a Cumberland County man in his 70s .
Two St. Clair County women also tested positive , one in her 60s and another in her 70s .
Pritzker noted infection control measures are required for all nursing homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , increased cleaning and visitor restrictions .
The DuPage County nursing home where the woman in her 60s tested positive for COVID-19 was placed under a lockdown to monitor the health of its residents and staff .
Karen Ayala , executive director of the DuPage County Health Department , said her team was “ not surprised ” to see its first case of the virus .
“ We ’ ve been working for weeks to prepare and be able to respond to this day , ” Ayala said , adding that the long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent the virus ’ spread .
“ We ’ re in the process of contacting everyone who ’ s been in close contact with the identified patient so they can be safely and quickly evaluated if a need arises.
” About a third of the 64 COVID-19 cases in Illinois are travel related , while another third are of patients had contact with another known COVID-19 case , Ezike said .
The remaining cases could have been caused by community transmission .
She said that most patients are in isolation either at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several people have completely recovered .
No one has died in the state .
“ We ’ re just learning what our new normal looks like as we protect ourselves and our community , ” said Allison Arwady , commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health .
The latest Illinois numbers came hours after President Donald Trump announced his administration will extend its European travel ban to include the United Kingdom and Ireland , and is considering domestic travel bans as well .
Trump also revealed he ’ s awaiting the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he came into contact with two people at his Mar-a-Lago Club who were later diagnosed with the virus .
A day earlier , Pritzker ordered all schools in Illinois closed through the end of March , ensuring more than 2.2 million students will be cooped up at home as authorities try to contain the outbreak .
That includes more than 350,000 Chicago Public Schools students .
To help keep those kids busy , the Chicago Park District is offering programming at 18 parks starting next week — but canceling all other large events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Concerned Chicagoans preparing to hunker down for extended periods of “ social distancing ” continued to clear the shelves at stores across the city .
Grocery stores have struggled to keep up with demand and long lines of people stocking up on the essentials — most notably hand sanitizer and toilet paper .
Pritzker also urged people who think they might be infected to “ call a health care provider .
Don ’ t just show up .
Call first , ” the governor said , “ unless your condition is of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center workers have been told they will continue to be paid for games that have been canceled after the NBA and NHL announced in recent days they would be suspending their seasons out of concerns about spreading coronavirus , according to a joint statement from Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz , who is an investor in the Sun-Times .
The decision to pay the workers comes amidst fears that people who work in Chicago ’ s entertainment industry could go weeks or even months without pay , as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , theaters and entire sports leagues .
Elsewhere , Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced jail visits would be canceled starting Sunday , along with all court-ordered evictions after a deputy came into contact with a man showing symptoms earlier this week .
That person is under evaluation .
And the Chicago History Museum joined most other educational institutions across the city in temporarily shuttering out of coronavirus caution .
“ The Chicago History Museum will review this decision on a week-by-week basis and reopen when we feel it is appropriate to do @ @ @ @ @ @

Illinois’ coronavirus illness toll has hit 66 as authorities on Saturday confirmed the first cases reported downstate, including a patient in Sangamon County who is critically ill and in intensive care.
The 20 new cases mark the highest number of additional COVID-19 patients announced by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state health officials on a single day since the first patient was confirmed in Illinois Jan. 24.
Travelers delayed hours at O’Hare Airport
Screening for the virus also led to long wait times and large crowds Saturday night at O’Hare Airport that drew a strong rebuke from Pritzker on Twitter, who demanded, “The federal government needs to get its s@#t together. NOW.”
In response to several tweets from disgruntled travelers, the airport said processing was taking “longer than usual” due to screening for COVID-19 of passengers coming from Europe due to a travel ban from the continent that was announced earlier this week by President Donald Trump and expanded Saturday to include the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The federal government needs to get its s@#t together. NOW. — Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) March 15, 2020
“The crowds & lines O’Hare are unacceptable & need to be addressed immediately,” Pritzker tweeted. “To the frustrated people trying to get home, I have spoken with the mayor and our Senators and we are working together to get the federal government to act to solve this.”
Mayor Lori Lightfoot also condemned the delays on Twitter, saying: “This is unacceptable. The reactionary, poorly planned travel ban has left thousands of travelers at ORD forced into even greater health risk.”
Tweeting directly at the president, Lightfoot wrote: “@realdonaldtrump and @CBP: no one has time for your incompetence. Fully staff our airport right now, and stop putting Americans in danger.”
This is unacceptable. The reactionary, poorly planned travel ban has left thousands of travelers at ORD forced into even greater health risk. @realdonaldtrump and @CBP: no one has time for your incompetence. Fully staff our airport right now, and stop putting Americans in danger. https://t.co/gswIaHwelx — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) March 15, 2020
Pritzker rebukes St. Pat’s revelers
The cases in Illinois now span nine counties, including those in southern and central Illinois. Previously, most had clustered around the Chicago area and Cook County.
That number is expected to rise significantly in the days ahead.
“We are starting to receive results from commercial laboratory testing,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said. “With these additional results, we expect the number of identified cases to increase dramatically all across the state.”
Officials have urged people to telecommute to work if possible and travel only if absolutely necessary, as the metro area grinds further to a standstill in the wake of the viral spread.
But that didn’t stop hundreds of revelers from venturing out to bar crawls Saturday morning across the city even without any St. Patrick’s Day parade to celebrate — against the recommendations of health officials pleading for people to stay home.
That behavior also drew a stern rebuke from the governor, who urged young people to “take this seriously.
“We need you to follow social distancing guidelines too,” Pritzker said. “You can have the unintended tragic effect of spreading COVID-19 to others who are more vulnerable.”
“We saw a lot of crowds out and about today and I need to be frank,” Pritzker said. “We have seen positive results in countries that took aggressive action to slow the spread and tragic outcomes in countries that did not.”
Despite the cancelation of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Chicago amid COVID-19 concerns, people barhop in River North Saturday. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times file
New cases span state, including ‘critically ill’ patient
The new cases include seven from Chicago, four from suburban Cook County, one each in Kane and Lake counties, a woman in her 60s at a DuPage County long-term care facility, a Woodford County man in his 70s, and a Cumberland County man in his 70s. Two St. Clair County women also tested positive, one in her 60s and another in her 70s.
Two more cases were announced Saturday evening in Sangamon County, including one patient who was “critically ill,” according to that county’s public health officials, who said the patient was in intensive care.
Pritzker noted infection control measures are required for all nursing homes, including additional vigilance for respiratory illness, increased cleaning and visitor restrictions. The DuPage County nursing home where the woman in her 60s tested positive for COVID-19 was placed under a lockdown to monitor the health of its residents and staff.
Karen Ayala, executive director of the DuPage County Health Department, said her team was “not surprised” to see its first case of the virus.
“We’ve been working for weeks to prepare and be able to respond to this day,” Ayala said, adding that the long-term care facility had also taken preventative measures to prevent the virus’ spread. “We’re in the process of contacting everyone who’s been in close contact with the identified patient so they can be safely and quickly evaluated if a need arises.”
About a third of the COVID-19 cases in Illinois are travel related, while another third are patients who had contact with another known COVID-19 case, Ezike said. The remaining cases could have been caused by community transmission.
She said that most patients are in isolation either at home or in a hospital, but several people have completely recovered. No one has died in the state.
“We’re just learning what our new normal looks like as we protect ourselves and our community,” said Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Medicaid expansion sought from feds
Also Saturday, Pritzker announced officials would be filing a federal waiver to expand Medicaid coverage in the state. If approved, it would allow the state to access emergency funding to add new medical providers and increase access and services “to many of the state’s most vulnerable populations,” Pritzker said.
A day earlier, Pritzker ordered all schools in Illinois closed through the end of March, ensuring more than 2.2 million students will be cooped up at home as authorities try to contain the outbreak. That includes more than 350,000 Chicago Public Schools students.
To help keep those kids busy, the Chicago Park District is offering programming at 18 parks starting next week — but canceling all other large events and programming “until further notice.”
Shelves are barren at an Avondale neighborhood Target store on Saturday. Andy Boyle/Sun-Times
Concerned Chicagoans preparing to hunker down for extended periods of “social distancing” continued to clear the shelves at stores across the city. Grocery stores have struggled to keep up with demand and long lines of people stocking up on the essentials — most notably hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
Pritzker also urged people who think they might be infected to “call a health care provider. Don’t just show up. Call first,” the governor said, “unless your condition is of a dire nature.”
Trump negative for COVID-19
After days of resisting testing, the White House announced Saturday that Trump had tested negative for COVID-19 after he came into contact with two people at his Mar-a-Lago Club who were later diagnosed with the virus.
Good news also came for approximately 1,200 game-day United Center workers who have been told they will continue to be paid for games that have been canceled after the NBA and NHL announced in recent days they would be suspending their seasons out of concerns about spreading coronavirus, according to a joint statement from Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, who is an investor in the Sun-Times.
The decision to pay the workers comes amidst fears that people who work in Chicago’s entertainment industry could go weeks or even months without pay, as the rapidly spreading coronavirus shuts down concert venues, theaters and entire sports leagues.
‘Bean’ closed at Millennium Park
Elsewhere, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced jail visits would be canceled starting Sunday, along with all court-ordered evictions after a deputy came into contact with a man showing symptoms earlier this week. That person is under evaluation.
The city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced Saturday that Cloud Gate Plaza — a popular selfie destination that is the home of artist Anish Kapoor’s “Cloud Gate” sculpture, commonly referred to as the “Bean” — would be closed to the public until April 12. Millennium Park would remain open, the city said, but all events would be suspended. The department also announced the closure of the Chicago Cultural Center.
The Chicago History Museum also joined most other educational institutions across the city in temporarily shuttering out of coronavirus caution.
“The Chicago History Museum will review this decision on a week-by-week basis and reopen when we feel it is appropriate to do so,” officials said.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Man shot during robbery in Belmont Central

A 48-year-old man was shot Saturday during a robbery in Belmont Central on the Northwest Side .
About 11:20a.m .
@ @ @ @ @ block of West Belmont Avenue , when two men , one armed with a gun @ @ @ @ @ white Nissan SUV , Chicago police said .
As they struggled with the man while @ @ @ @ @ , one of them shot him in the calf .
The two men then jumped @ @ @ @ @ drove off with the man ’ s bag and money , police said .
Responding @ @ @ @ @ the 48-year-old man ’ s leg to stop the bleeding and then he was taken @ @ @ @ @ in serious condition , police said .
No arrests have been made , police said @ @ @ @ @ investigating .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 48-year-old man was shot Saturday during a robbery in Belmont Central on the Northwest Side.
About 11:20a.m. he was in the 5800 block of West Belmont Avenue, when two men, one armed with a gun, got out of a white Nissan SUV, Chicago police said. As they struggled with the man while trying to take his bag, one of them shot him in the calf.
The two men then jumped back in the SUV and drove off with the man’s bag and money, police said.
Responding officers applied a tourniquet onto the 48-year-old man’s leg to stop the bleeding and then he was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in serious condition, police said.
No arrests have been made, police said. Area North detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Closures, cancellations and quarantines in Chicago due to coronavirus

This running list of known coronavirus-related closures will be updated as new cancellations and quarantines are announced in and around Chicago .
Concerns over exposure to the highly transmittable novel coronavirus , otherwise known as COVID-19 , have led to closures , cancellations and quarantines across Chicago , in addition to other measures being implemented to limit exposure to individuals and populations that may have come in contact with the virus .
We ’ ll be updating this page with any new reports of closures , cancellations , or other interruptions in Chicago in response to the outbreak .
Click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school closures in and around Chicago .
• Lincoln Park Zoo has closed its doors and canceled all programming until April 10 .
• The Shedd Aquarium will close at 3:30 p.m. March 13 and remain closed through March 29 .
All scheduled events and programs are canceled but may be rescheduled .
• The Field Museum will be closed beginning March 14 until March 29 .
All events at the Field are also canceled during this period .
• The Art Institute of Chicago will remain open , but it has canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , workshops and performances between March 12 and April 10 .
• Adler Planetarium will close to the public beginning March 14 .
All planetarium events will be rescheduled or canceled through May 1 .
• The Museum of Science and Industry will close beginning March 14 through April 6 .
All public programs and events will be postponed or canceled .
• The Chicago Flower and Garden Show , scheduled for March 18-22 at Navy Pier , has been canceled .
• The Chicago Park District will suspend most programs until further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all events expected to draw 250 people or more .
• Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir and his band Wolf Bros have postponed their March 12 concert at the Chicago Theatre until Oct. 20 .
• All undergraduate and graduate classes at the University of Chicago will shift off-campus to “ remote learning ” beginning March 30 , as will the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools .
• The University of Illinois , Illinois State University , DePaul and Northwestern have all announced plans to suspend in-person classes .
• The Chicago Housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resident meetings and all other events in community spaces throughout its buildings until further notice .
• CME Group , owner of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade , said Wednesday that it will temporarily shut its trading floor at the close of business Friday .
• A Lake View synagogue and attached day school were closed Tuesday after the parent of a student tested positive for coronavirus .
• Loyola Academy in Wilmette canceled classes Monday after administrators learned a student had contact with someone who tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to announce plans for the rest of the week later today .
• Students and staff of Vaughn Occupational High School — as well as any visitors since late February — have been advised to quarantine themselves at home for nearly two weeks after a case of coronavirus was reported in a staff member Friday .
• The World Congress of Cardiology , scheduled for March 28-30 at McCormick Place , has been canceled .
• The Ace Hardware Spring Convention , scheduled for March 11-14 at McCormick Place , has been canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show sponsored by Oracle scheduled for March 24-26 at McCormick Place , has been canceled .
• Four employees of ABC7 were kept away from work out of concern that they may have been exposed to the coronavirus while reporting .
• Study-abroad programs in Italy and South Korea , both countries facing growing outbreaks of the virus , have been suspended by the University of Illinois , Loyola University and Northwestern University .
Illinois State University has issued a “ strong recommendation ” to its 15 students in Italy to leave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s annual convention , scheduled for March 14-17 at McCormick Place , has been canceled .
Other accommodations implemented in Chicago to limit coronavirus exposure : • It ’ s official : March Madness is canceled .
The NCAA men ’ s and women ’ s basketball tournaments have been canceled as a result of the coronavirus outbreak .
• Two more events have withdrawn from McCormick Place : The National School Boards Association scrapped its 2020 convention , scheduled for April 4-6 , and Salesforce is converting its Connections 2020 event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virtual setting .
• The downtown and South Side St. Patrick ’ s Day parades and related activities have been postponed by the city of Chicago .
• Naval Station Great Lakes in north suburban Chicago will prohibit guests from attending graduation ceremonies starting March 13 , instead moving to live-streamed the events online .
• The Archdiocese of Chicago has indefinitely suspending Mass at its churches in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
• Costco is suspending free samples over safety concerns with the spread of coronavirus .
• Cook County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 13 and will remain closed until further notice .
Property owners can file exemptions and appeals on the assessor ’ s website .
All public outreach events have been canceled through May 1 .
• The Chicago Children ’ s Choir has canceled the World Music Festival slated for 3:30 p.m. March 14 out of “ an abundance of caution.
” • The Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University has announced cancellations/postponements of public events through April 15 .
Their public galleries are currently still open to the public .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago ’ s announcement to postpone large group events , Hyde Park School of Dance ’ s production of “ Amira : A Chicago Cinderella Story , ” scheduled for March 28-29 , has been postponed .
• The Marcus Roberts Trio ’ s concert , scheduled for March 14 at Nichols Concert Hall at the Music Institute of Chicago has been rescheduled to for August 1 , 2020 .
The tribute to Art Blakey on March 28 and the Formosa Quartet on April 4 , are also being postponed ( new dates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more information .
• Roger Ebert ’ s Film Festival , an annual event in Champaign , is putting off its 22nd edition until 2021 .

Concerns over exposure to the highly transmittable novel coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, have led to closures, cancellations and quarantines across Chicago, in addition to other measures being implemented to limit exposure to individuals and populations that may have come in contact with the virus.
We’ll be updating this page with any new reports of closures, cancellations, or other interruptions in Chicago in response to the outbreak.
Confirmed closures, cancellations and quarantines:
Other accommodations implemented in Chicago to limit coronavirus exposure:


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Horoscope for Sunday, March 15, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, March 15, 2020

We have the all clear to shop and do business .
The moon is in Sagittarius .
Don ’ t be quick to believe everything you hear , especially in social media , because today there is an element of confusion — even deceit .
Therefore , use your common sense to analyze what you hear so that you are not duped .
Do not be manipulated by others .
Issues regarding inheritances , shared property , insurance disputes and anything that you own jointly with others might be confusing .
Someone might purposely deceive you with a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Get your own information so that you know what ’ s happening .
Be patient with partners and close friends because misunderstandings will arise easily .
You might “ think ” you know what someone else is saying , but are they really saying that ?
Vice versa , they might think they know what you are saying , but are you really saying that ?
Make an effort to be clear .
It ’ s hard to be energetic about your job or doing a particular task because you feel less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misleading information or an incorrect assumption .
You might also feel mentally lazy , which , let ’ s face it , happens to us all .
( Yawn . )
Romance might be disappointing .
If so , you have to ask yourself if your expectations were realistic ?
To begin with , did you vocalize them ?
Unexpressed expectations almost always lead to disappointment because people can ’ t read your mind .
Do your best to be clear in conversations , especially at home or with family members because misunderstandings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They might even be based on the fact that someone is hiding the truth ?
It ’ s hard to know .
Don ’ t be down on yourself if you spend a lot of time daydreaming or being lost in a fantasy world .
It happens .
Your imagination is in overdrive , in addition to which your mind is less disciplined and more inclined to wander .
Double-check details regarding important financial decisions or important financial purchases because there is a tendency for confusion and wishful thinking .
This will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something expensive or luxurious .
Definitely keep your receipts .
And the box .
Your mental energy is a bit sluggish , which is why you might be suggestible to anything that someone else says .
Worse yet , even if you are misinformed , you might pass on half-truths to someone else without verifying the facts .
Be careful .
You will prefer to hide or work alone or behind the scenes because it feels better .
Despite your busy schedule and willingness to study and learn through increased reading and writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have enjoyed is duller .
Just saying .
You might idealize a friend , which is easy for your sign to do because you do value your friendships .
Actually , if you put someone up on a pedestal , you do them no service .
True friendships are based on real people with both feet on the ground , right ?
This is a tricky day .
You are high visibility and people notice you more than usual .
This is a fact .
However , you might not be sure what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to others ( especially bosses , parents , teachers and VIPs ) because of an element of indecision or misinformation .
If you ’ re not sure what to do , do nothing .
If Your Birthday Is Today Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ( 1933 ) shares your birthday .
You have always had a strong sense of right and wrong because justice and fair play matter to you .
Finally , this year , your hard work will start to pay off !
Simplify your life and focus on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose .
Physical exercise will be important , which is why you should explore enjoyable physical activities .

Moon Alert
We have the all clear to shop and do business. The moon is in Sagittarius.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Don’t be quick to believe everything you hear, especially in social media, because today there is an element of confusion — even deceit. Therefore, use your common sense to analyze what you hear so that you are not duped. Do not be manipulated by others.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Issues regarding inheritances, shared property, insurance disputes and anything that you own jointly with others might be confusing. Someone might purposely deceive you with a bit of sleight-of-hand or fancy words. Not good! Get your own information so that you know what’s happening.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Be patient with partners and close friends because misunderstandings will arise easily. You might “think” you know what someone else is saying, but are they really saying that? Vice versa, they might think they know what you are saying, but are you really saying that? Make an effort to be clear.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
It’s hard to be energetic about your job or doing a particular task because you feel less committed. This might be because of misleading information or an incorrect assumption. You might also feel mentally lazy, which, let’s face it, happens to us all. (Yawn.)
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Romance might be disappointing. If so, you have to ask yourself if your expectations were realistic? To begin with, did you vocalize them? Unexpressed expectations almost always lead to disappointment because people can’t read your mind.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Do your best to be clear in conversations, especially at home or with family members because misunderstandings can arise. They could be accidental. They might even be based on the fact that someone is hiding the truth? It’s hard to know.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Don’t be down on yourself if you spend a lot of time daydreaming or being lost in a fantasy world. It happens. Your imagination is in overdrive, in addition to which your mind is less disciplined and more inclined to wander.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Double-check details regarding important financial decisions or important financial purchases because there is a tendency for confusion and wishful thinking. This will especially apply to your desire to buy something expensive or luxurious. Definitely keep your receipts. And the box.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Your mental energy is a bit sluggish, which is why you might be suggestible to anything that someone else says. Worse yet, even if you are misinformed, you might pass on half-truths to someone else without verifying the facts. Be careful.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You will prefer to hide or work alone or behind the scenes because it feels better. Despite your busy schedule and willingness to study and learn through increased reading and writing, today that crisp intellectual edge you have enjoyed is duller. Just saying.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You might idealize a friend, which is easy for your sign to do because you do value your friendships. Actually, if you put someone up on a pedestal, you do them no service. True friendships are based on real people with both feet on the ground, right?
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
This is a tricky day. You are high visibility and people notice you more than usual. This is a fact. However, you might not be sure what direction to take or what to say to others (especially bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs) because of an element of indecision or misinformation. If you’re not sure what to do, do nothing.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933) shares your birthday. You have always had a strong sense of right and wrong because justice and fair play matter to you. Finally, this year, your hard work will start to pay off! Simplify your life and focus on how to build solid foundations. Work with purpose. Physical exercise will be important, which is why you should explore enjoyable physical activities.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Pritzker tweets ‘federal government needs to get its s@#t together’ after coronavirus screenings cau

Pritzker tweets ‘federal government needs to get its s@#t together’ after coronavirus screenings cause delays, crowds at O’Hare

Travelers returning from Europe Saturday were met with long lines and crowds at O ’ Hare Airport as they waited hours for enhanced screenings for coronavirus by customs officials .
The lines and crowds drew a strong rebuke from Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Twitter , who demanded , “ The federal government needs to get its s @ # t together .
NOW.
” Christina Clancy said her son , Timothy Clancy , was returning home from Greece Saturday night and was caught up in the lines after his study abroad trip was cut short due to a ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week by President Donald Trump .
The ban was expanded Saturday to include the United Kingdom and Ireland .
When her son , a student at the University of Southern California , landed at O ’ Hare International Airport Saturday evening , he found himself packed in close quarters with other travelers waiting to be screened for the virus at customs , his mother said .
“ He thinks they ’ re going to take temperatures , ” Christina Clancy told the Sun-Times .
“ But even if they do , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Are they going to treat anyone any differently ?
Everyone should be quarantined anyways when they come back.
” In response to several tweets from disgruntled travelers , the airport said processing was taking “ longer than usual ” due to screening for COVID-19 of passengers coming from Europe .
Chicago police and airport staff were giving water bottles and snacks to travelers waiting .
“ The crowds & lines O ’ Hare are unacceptable & need to be addressed immediately , ” Pritzker tweeted .
“ To the frustrated people trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the mayor and our Senators and we are working together to get the federal government to act to solve this .
“ We will do everything within our power to get relief , ” Pritzker wrote .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot also reacted to the delays harshly on Twitter and tweeted directly at the president .
“ This is unacceptable .
The reactionary , poorly planned travel ban has left thousands of travelers at ORD forced into even greater health risk , ” the mayor wrote .
“ @ realdonaldtrump and @ CBP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incompetence .
Fully staff our airport right now , and stop putting Americans in danger.
” Earlier Saturday at the state ’ s daily coronavirus news conference , the city ’ s top health department official said that airport screening procedures are determined at the federal level .
“ And our concern is when travelers are not getting full information when returning , ” said Dr. Allison Arwady , commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health .
“ It ’ s really making sure they understand what to watch for , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need to .
“ This has been high on our list in terms of things that are not in place at the federal level , ” Arwady said , adding that the city was also talking with airlines to identify other gaps .
Clancy said she and her son were also worried about the safety of others at the airport .
“ He ’ s worried everyone ’ s going to get sick because the way this virus sheds , it doesn ’ t take much for it to spread among all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her son .
Photos shared on social media showed a sea of people in line .
Some travelers said they had been waiting at least six hours .
Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and government officials recommended people across the country “ self-quarantine ” to prevent the spread of the disease .
Christina Clancy said she plans to have her son spend his quarantine at their guest house in Madison , Wisconsin .

Travelers returning from Europe Saturday were met with long lines and crowds at O’Hare Airport as they waited hours for enhanced screenings for coronavirus by customs officials.
The lines and crowds drew a strong rebuke from Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Twitter, who demanded, “The federal government needs to get its s@#t together. NOW.”
Christina Clancy said her son, Timothy Clancy, was returning home from Greece Saturday night and was caught up in the lines after his study abroad trip was cut short due to a ban on travel from Europe that was announced earlier this week by President Donald Trump. The ban was expanded Saturday to include the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The federal government needs to get its s@#t together. NOW. — Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) March 15, 2020
When her son, a student at the University of Southern California, landed Saturday evening at O’Hare, he found himself packed in close quarters with other travelers waiting to be screened for the virus at customs, his mother said.
“He thinks they’re going to take temperatures,” Christina Clancy told the Sun-Times. “But even if they do, what is that going to tell them? Are they going to treat anyone any differently? Everyone should be quarantined anyways when they come back.”
This is unacceptable. The reactionary, poorly planned travel ban has left thousands of travelers at ORD forced into even greater health risk. @realdonaldtrump and @CBP: no one has time for your incompetence. Fully staff our airport right now, and stop putting Americans in danger. https://t.co/gswIaHwelx — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) March 15, 2020
In response to several tweets from disgruntled travelers, the airport said processing was taking “longer than usual” due to screening for COVID-19 of passengers coming from Europe. Chicago police and airport staff were giving water bottles and snacks to travelers waiting.
“The crowds & lines O’Hare are unacceptable & need to be addressed immediately,” Pritzker tweeted. “To the frustrated people trying to get home, I have spoken with the mayor and our Senators and we are working together to get the federal government to act to solve this.
“We will do everything within our power to get relief,” Pritzker wrote.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot also reacted to the delays harshly on Twitter and tweeted directly at the president.
“This is unacceptable. The reactionary, poorly planned travel ban has left thousands of travelers at ORD forced into even greater health risk,” the mayor wrote. “@realdonaldtrump and @CBP: no one has time for your incompetence. Fully staff our airport right now, and stop putting Americans in danger.”
Earlier Saturday at the state’s daily coronavirus news conference, the city’s top health department official said that airport screening procedures are determined at the federal level.
“And our concern is when travelers are not getting full information when returning,” said Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health. “It’s really making sure they understand what to watch for, what symptoms, where to reach out if they need to.
“This has been high on our list in terms of things that are not in place at the federal level,” Arwady said, adding that the city was also talking with airlines to identify other gaps.
In a statement Sunday morning, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said the agency is aware of the increased wait times and is working to address them.
“Our goal is and remains to process passengers as safely and efficiently as possible,” the agency wrote in the statement. “We appreciate the patience of the traveling public as we deal with this unprecedented situation.
“We’re continuing to balance our efficiencies with ensuring the health and safety of all American citizens through enhanced medical screening in accordance with CDC guidelines due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Nothing is more important than the safety, health and security of our citizens.”
My son landed at O’Hare after an abrupt end to study abroad. He’s been standing in this pack of people for an hour while waiting to have his temp taken. If he’s not sick now, odds are he will be soon. #coronavirus #travelban #SocialDistancing pic.twitter.com/RMo6SFx1SM — Christina Clancy (@christi_clancy) March 15, 2020
Clancy said she and her son were also worried about the safety of others at the airport.
“He’s worried everyone’s going to get sick because the way this virus sheds, it doesn’t take much for it to spread among all those people,” she said of her son.
Photos shared on social media showed a sea of people in line. Some travelers said they had been waiting at least six hours.
Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and government officials recommended people across the country “self-quarantine” to prevent the spread of the disease.
Christina Clancy said she plans to have her son spend his quarantine at their guest house in Madison, Wisconsin.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--The Pistons’ Christian Wood reportedly is third NBA player to test positive for coronavirus

Christian Wood of the Detroit Pistons has tested positive for the coronavirus , a person with direct knowledge of the situation said Saturday night .
Wood is feeling fine , according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither the Pistons nor Wood had publicly confirmed his positive result .
Wood ’ s diagnosis became known one week after he played against the Utah Jazz — spending much of that night matched up with Rudy Gobert , who was the first NBA player known to test positive for the virus .
Utah ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus .
It can not be concluded that any of those three players were involved in spreading it to one another .
The Pistons later confirmed that a player — they did not name Wood — tested positive Saturday and has been in self-isolation .
“ A player on the Detroit Pistons , who is under the care of team medical staff and in self-isolation since Wednesday night , was tested for COVID-19 , ” the team said .
“ A preliminary positive result came back on March 14 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our organization , those throughout our league , and all those potentially impacted by this situation is paramount.
” 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 from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six weeks to recover .
In mainland China , where the virus first exploded , more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered .
The NBA ’ s shutdown , which began Wednesday , came with Wood in the best stretch of his career .
He had averaged 21.6 points and 9.1 rebounds over a 16-game stretch starting Feb. 2 .
He also had double-digit scoring numbers in each of those 16 games , after never putting together more than three such games together previously .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 points in that March 7 game against the Jazz , topping it four nights later with a 32-point effort against Philadelphia .
He ’ s having his best season , averaging 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds .
“ The darkest nights produce the brightest stars , ” Wood wrote on Instagram earlier in the week , his comment coming alongside a photo he posted of him dunking over Gobert — the NBA ’ s reigning defensive player of the year and a first-time All-Star this season .
Wood has also played for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milwaukee .
He logged 51 games for those franchises combined and has appeared in 62 this season for Detroit .
The outbreak has sickened more than 150,000 people worldwide and killed about 5,800 , with thousands of new cases being confirmed every day .
The U.S. death toll climbed to at least 51 on Saturday and confirmed infections in this country now exceed 2,100 .
Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health cautioned Saturday , “ we have not reached our peak .
We will see more cases .
”

Christian Wood of the Detroit Pistons has tested positive for the coronavirus, a person with direct knowledge of the situation said Saturday night.
Wood is feeling fine, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither the Pistons nor Wood had publicly confirmed his positive result. Wood’s diagnosis became known one week after he played against the Utah Jazz — spending much of that night matched up with Rudy Gobert, who was the first NBA player known to test positive for the virus.
Utah’s Donovan Mitchell has also tested positive for the virus. It cannot be concluded that any of those three players were involved in spreading it to one another.
The Pistons later confirmed that a player — they did not name Wood — tested positive Saturday and has been in self-isolation.
“A player on the Detroit Pistons, who is under the care of team medical staff and in self-isolation since Wednesday night, was tested for COVID-19,” the team said. “A preliminary positive result came back on March 14. The health and safety of our players, our organization, those throughout our league, and all those potentially impacted by this situation is paramount.”
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 from the new virus. 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 recover. In mainland China, where the virus first exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered.
The NBA’s shutdown, which began Wednesday, came with Wood in the best stretch of his career. He had averaged 21.6 points and 9.1 rebounds over a 16-game stretch starting Feb. 2. He also had double-digit scoring numbers in each of those 16 games, after never putting together more than three such games together previously.
Wood had what was then a season-high 30 points in that March 7 game against the Jazz, topping it four nights later with a 32-point effort against Philadelphia. He’s having his best season, averaging 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds.
“The darkest nights produce the brightest stars,” Wood wrote on Instagram earlier in the week, his comment coming alongside a photo he posted of him dunking over Gobert — the NBA’s reigning defensive player of the year and a first-time All-Star this season.
Wood has also played for Philadelphia, Charlotte, New Orleans and Milwaukee. He logged 51 games for those franchises combined and has appeared in 62 this season for Detroit.
The outbreak has sickened more than 150,000 people worldwide and killed about 5,800, with thousands of new cases being confirmed every day.
The U.S. death toll climbed to at least 51 on Saturday and confirmed infections in this country now exceed 2,100. Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health cautioned Saturday, “we have not reached our peak. We will see more cases.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--City closes ‘The Bean’ amid coronavirus outbreak, but Millennium Park will remain open

Cloud Gate Plaza , the home of “ The Bean ” sculpture , has become the latest casualty in a @ @ @ @ @ spaces and events attributed to the spread of the coronavirus .
The city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Special Events announced the closure Saturday evening , in addition to the suspension of Maxwell @ @ @ @ @ and tours at the Chicago Cultural Center through April 12 .
Millennium Park would remain @ @ @ @ @ and programing have also been suspended , the department said .
“ The health and @ @ @ @ @ event attendees and staff members remain our highest priority , ” the department wrote in @ @ @ @ @ to closing the cultural center , the department also said the Clarke House Museum and @ @ @ @ @ City Gallery , located at the Historic Water Tower , would be closed .

Cloud Gate Plaza, the home of “The Bean” sculpture, has become the latest casualty in a wave of closures of public spaces and events attributed to the spread of the coronavirus.
The city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced the closure Saturday evening, in addition to the suspension of Maxwell Street Market and all programs and tours at the Chicago Cultural Center through April 12.
Millennium Park would remain open, but all events and programing have also been suspended, the department said.
“The health and safety of our visitors, event attendees and staff members remain our highest priority,” the department wrote in the announcement.
In addition to closing the cultural center, the department also said the Clarke House Museum and exhibitions at Expo 72 and City Gallery, located at the Historic Water Tower, would be closed.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Man seriously injured in Marquette Park fire

A man was seriously injured Saturday in a fire in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side .
The blaze started @ @ @ @ @ home in the 7100 block of South Artesian Avenue , Chicago fire officials said .
@ @ @ @ @ about 50 years old , was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in @ @ @ @ @ said .
Five other people , including four children , were displaced .
The cause @ @ @ @ @ investigation .

A man was seriously injured Saturday in a fire in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side.
The blaze started about 6:15 p.m. at a home in the 7100 block of South Artesian Avenue, Chicago fire officials said.
One man, who is about 50 years old, was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious-to-critical condition, fire officials said. Five other people, including four children, were displaced.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Churches announce online streams, other precautions against coronavirus

The Archdiocese of Chicago , along with other Chicago-area churches , will be broadcasting their masses online as the coronavirus continues to spread .
The Archdiocese broadcast their 4 p.m. mass Saturday from Holy Name Cathedral in English , according to a statement from Bishop Ron Hicks to clergy and parish staff .
Starting next Saturday , the weekend masses will also be broadcast in Spanish and Polish .
Daily masses will be broadcast from St. James Chapel starting Tuesday , Hicks said .
The Archdiocese is not the only parish to alter their services in the face of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be streaming their Sunday services on Facebook and YouTube , while the Apostolic Faith Church in Bronzeville will encourage worshipers to sit sit every other row , among taking other precautions .
Additionally , the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese announced Saturday they would be canceling all liturgies at parishes in the Holy Metropolis of Chicago , as well as all other “ in-person activities.
” The Archdiocese announced Friday they were suspending public mass and canceling classes at all its Cook and Lake County schools starting Monday , before a order from Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools closed through the end of the month .
On Saturday , Pritzker announced that 64 people in Illinois had been confirmed to have the virus , an uptick of 18 cases from the day before .

The Archdiocese of Chicago, along with other Chicago-area churches, will be broadcasting their masses online as the coronavirus continues to spread.
The Archdiocese broadcast their 4 p.m. mass Saturday from Holy Name Cathedral in English, according to a statement from Bishop Ron Hicks to clergy and parish staff. Starting next Saturday, the weekend masses will also be broadcast in Spanish and Polish.
Daily masses will be broadcast from St. James Chapel starting Tuesday, Hicks said.
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The Archdiocese is not the only parish to alter their services in the face of coronavirus.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Ravenswood will be streaming their Sunday services on Facebook and YouTube, while the Apostolic Faith Church in Bronzeville will encourage worshipers to sit sit every other row, among taking other precautions.
Additionally, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese announced Saturday they would be canceling all liturgies at parishes in the Holy Metropolis of Chicago, as well as all other “in-person activities.”
The Archdiocese announced Friday they were suspending public mass and canceling classes at all its Cook and Lake County schools starting Monday, before a order from Gov. J.B. Pritizker ordered all public and private schools closed through the end of the month.
On Saturday, Pritzker announced that 64 people in Illinois had been confirmed to have the virus, an uptick of 18 cases from the day before.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Pritzker requesting federal waiver to expand Medicaid coverage amid coronavirus outbreak

Illinois is asking the federal government for some of the funding opened up by Friday ’ s federal state-of-emergency declaration to expand Medicaid coverage during the coronavirus outbreak .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced that the state will file a federal waiver requesting those funds .
“ During this crisis my administration is working to ensure that those who fear they may be getting sick have access to the testing and treatment that they need without being saddled with costly medical bills for their care , ” Pritzker said .
If approved , the federal waiver will expand Medicaid services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access across the state and greater services to vulnerable populations , Pritzker said .
The request builds on the state ’ s other initiatives designed to support families during the pandemic , including expanding unemployment insurance and demanding that utility companies cease service shut-offs and issuing late fees .
Pritzker also announced on Saturday that the total number of coronavirus cases has reached 64 , including the first cases reported downstate .
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said that number will only rise as the state gets more access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting to receive results from commercial laboratory testing , ” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said .
“ With these additional results , we expect the number of identified cases to increase dramatically all across the state .
”

Illinois is asking the federal government for some of the funding opened up by Friday’s federal state-of-emergency declaration to expand Medicaid coverage during the coronavirus outbreak.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that the state will file a federal waiver requesting those funds.
“During this crisis my administration is working to ensure that those who fear they may be getting sick have access to the testing and treatment that they need without being saddled with costly medical bills for their care,” Pritzker said.
If approved, the federal waiver will expand Medicaid services to include more medical providers, increased access across the state and greater services to vulnerable populations, Pritzker said.
The request builds on the state’s other initiatives designed to support families during the pandemic, including expanding unemployment insurance and demanding that utility companies cease service shut-offs and issuing late fees.
Pritzker also announced on Saturday that the total number of coronavirus cases has reached 64, including the first cases reported downstate.
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said that number will only rise as the state gets more access to COVID-19 testing kits.
“We are starting to receive results from commercial laboratory testing,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said. “With these additional results, we expect the number of identified cases to increase dramatically all across the state.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Trump’s doctor says president has tested negative for coronavirus

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has tested negative for the new coronavirus , according to the president ’ s personal physician .
The White House released the test results Saturday night after Trump told reporters hours earlier that he had taken the coronavirus test , following days of resisting being screened despite the fact that he had been in recent contact with three people who have tested positive for the virus .
Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on Saturday that he had his temperature taken and it was “ totally normal , ” shortly before stepping into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s efforts to halt the spread of the virus .
The pandemic has now infected more than 2,200 people in the U.S. and caused at least 50 deaths .
The president had multiple direct and indirect contacts with people who have since tested positive for the virus , including three people he spent time with last weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida .
The Brazilian Embassy in Washington said late Friday that the country ’ s chargé d ’ affaires , Nestor Forster , tested positive after sitting at Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a top aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro , who took a photo with Trump and attended a party with him , and another person who attended a campaign fundraiser with the president that Sunday , according to two Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss private health matters .
Trump , after days of insisting that he was not exhibiting symptoms of the virus , relented after being pressed by reporters about his resistance to testing when multiple lawmakers and countless citizens across the country who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not only tried to get tested , but also chosen to try to avoid potentially infecting others .

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has tested negative for the new coronavirus, according to the president’s personal physician.
The White House released the test results Saturday night after Trump told reporters hours earlier that he had taken the coronavirus test, following days of resisting being screened despite the fact that he had been in recent contact with three people who have tested positive for the virus.
Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on Saturday that he had his temperature taken and it was “totally normal,” shortly before stepping into the room to discuss the government’s efforts to halt the spread of the virus. The pandemic has now infected more than 2,200 people in the U.S. and caused at least 50 deaths.
The president had multiple direct and indirect contacts with people who have since tested positive for the virus, including three people he spent time with last weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.
The Brazilian Embassy in Washington said late Friday that the country’s chargé d’affaires, Nestor Forster, tested positive after sitting at Trump’s dinner table. So, too, have a top aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who took a photo with Trump and attended a party with him, and another person who attended a campaign fundraiser with the president that Sunday, according to two Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss private health matters.
Trump, after days of insisting that he was not exhibiting symptoms of the virus, relented after being pressed by reporters about his resistance to testing when multiple lawmakers and countless citizens across the country who have had the same degree of exposure have not only tried to get tested, but also chosen to try to avoid potentially infecting others.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-15--Dear Abby: Relatives barge in, open cupboards and devour our food

DEAR ABBY : My wife ’ s family drops by our home several times a week , usually unannounced .
I don ’ t mind them dropping in , but what does bother me is they bring their kids and expect us to feed them during the visits .
It has gotten to the point that I hide our snacks and beverages in the bedroom because if I leave them in the cupboard , they disappear .
They often end up eating the leftovers I had planned to be my lunch for the next day .
I have talked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She agrees with me , but she says there ’ s nothing she can do about it .
I wasn ’ t brought up that way .
I would never think of going to someone ’ s home , opening up cupboards and helping myself to food without an invitation .
Also , I ’ m retired and on a fixed income .
Am I overreacting , and must I just keep my mouth shut ?
— FRUSTRATED IN THE WEST DEAR FRUSTRATED : This is your wife ’ s family , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with this .
All she has to say is she would appreciate it if her relatives ask when they ’ d like some food or drinks because their foraging through your cupboards has created a problem for the two of you .
DEAR ABBY : For the past few years I have encountered a problem with cashiers in stores .
I pay with cash and generally have change coming back to me .
When the cashiers return my change , they hand it back in one big wad along with the receipt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop , lay everything down on the counter and separate the different denominations .
Then I have to place the different bills into my wallet .
I have tried asking them to place the receipt into the bag , but they usually don ’ t listen .
Also , some of them reach for the next customer while I ’ m still putting my change away .
It is so frustrating !
Is there something I can do differently ?
— BOTHERED IN MARSHALL , TEXAS DEAR BOTHERED : I have two suggestions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns with the store manager .
The second is to shop elsewhere .
DEAR ABBY : I want to thank people who are kind , generous , big-hearted and considerate .
Those unsung heroes deserve all the kudos we can give them , and they rarely receive the praise they are due .
It would be a lot more difficult to get through life without folks like them .
I don ’ t think I ’ d be alive today if not for the kindness they have shown me .
To each and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottom of my heart — thank you !
— HELPED BEYOND MEASURE IN NEVADA DEAR HELPED : I am glad you took the time to write to point out that good manners and compassion are alive and well , and demonstrated every day .
Yes , there are individuals who are self-centered and others who were never taught the values you mentioned — but many times I encounter individuals who practice the virtues you are lauding .
Extending kindness to someone is beneficial not only for the recipient , but for the giver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
To receive a collection of Abby ’ s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: My wife’s family drops by our home several times a week, usually unannounced. I don’t mind them dropping in, but what does bother me is they bring their kids and expect us to feed them during the visits.
It has gotten to the point that I hide our snacks and beverages in the bedroom because if I leave them in the cupboard, they disappear. They often end up eating the leftovers I had planned to be my lunch for the next day.
I have talked with my wife several times about this situation. She agrees with me, but she says there’s nothing she can do about it.
I wasn’t brought up that way. I would never think of going to someone’s home, opening up cupboards and helping myself to food without an invitation. Also, I’m retired and on a fixed income. Am I overreacting, and must I just keep my mouth shut? — FRUSTRATED IN THE WEST
DEAR FRUSTRATED: This is your wife’s family, and she is the one who should deal with this. All she has to say is she would appreciate it if her relatives ask when they’d like some food or drinks because their foraging through your cupboards has created a problem for the two of you.
DEAR ABBY: For the past few years I have encountered a problem with cashiers in stores. I pay with cash and generally have change coming back to me. When the cashiers return my change, they hand it back in one big wad along with the receipt. When this happens, I must stop, lay everything down on the counter and separate the different denominations. Then I have to place the different bills into my wallet.
I have tried asking them to place the receipt into the bag, but they usually don’t listen. Also, some of them reach for the next customer while I’m still putting my change away. It is so frustrating! Is there something I can do differently? — BOTHERED IN MARSHALL, TEXAS
DEAR BOTHERED: I have two suggestions. The first is to discuss your concerns with the store manager. The second is to shop elsewhere.
DEAR ABBY: I want to thank people who are kind, generous, big-hearted and considerate. Those unsung heroes deserve all the kudos we can give them, and they rarely receive the praise they are due. It would be a lot more difficult to get through life without folks like them. I don’t think I’d be alive today if not for the kindness they have shown me. To each and every one of you: From the bottom of my heart — thank you! — HELPED BEYOND MEASURE IN NEVADA
DEAR HELPED: I am glad you took the time to write to point out that good manners and compassion are alive and well, and demonstrated every day. Yes, there are individuals who are self-centered and others who were never taught the values you mentioned — but many times I encounter individuals who practice the virtues you are lauding. Extending kindness to someone is beneficial not only for the recipient, but for the giver as well.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-15--Man dies after possible fall from Brown Line platform in Lincoln Square: police

A man died Sunday after he was found unconscious underneath a CTA train station in Lincoln Square on the North @ @ @ @ @ found unresponsive about 2:50 a.m. under the Western Brown Line platform in the 4600 block @ @ @ @ @ police said .
He was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center , where he was @ @ @ @ @ .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office has not released details about the @ @ @ @ @ his death were not immediately known , police said he may have fallen from the @ @ @ @ @ are investigating .

A 23-year-old man from Hoffman Estates died Sunday after falling from a CTA train station in Lincoln Square on the North Side.
Jaime Cardenas Jr. was found unresponsive about 2:50 a.m. under the Western Brown Line platform in the 4600 block of North Western Avenue, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
He was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center and pronounced dead, police said.
An autopsy released Monday found he died of multiple injuries from a “fall from height,” the medical examiner’s office said. His death was ruled accidental.
Police said he may have fallen from the platform.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-15--3 shot at Brainerd house party

3 shot at Brainerd house party

Three people were injured when someone opened fire into a house during a party Sunday in Brainerd on the South @ @ @ @ @ up to the front of the house about 2:40 a.m. in the 9100 block of @ @ @ @ @ shooting , according to Chicago police .
Two men and a woman inside were hit @ @ @ @ @ shot in the back , a 23-year-old man was hit in the leg and an @ @ @ @ @ her face , police said .
They were all taken in good condition to Christ @ @ @ @ @ .
No one is in custody as Area South detectives investigate .
Read more on @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s homicides .

Three people were injured when someone opened fire into a house during a party Sunday in Brainerd on the South Side.
The gunman walked up to the front of the house about 2:40 a.m. in the 9100 block of South Normal Avenue and started shooting, according to Chicago police. Two men and a woman inside were hit.
A 20-year-old man was shot in the back, a 23-year-old man was hit in the leg and an 18-year-old woman was grazed on her face, police said. They were all taken in good condition to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
No one is in custody as Area South detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-15--Woman missing from Englewood safely located

Pritzker tweets ‘ federal government needs to get its s @ # t together ’ after coronavirus screenings cause delays @ @ @ @ @ Hare In response to several tweets from disgruntled travelers , the airport said processing was @ @ @ @ @ '' due to screening for passengers coming from Europe .

Pvt. Travis King entered the North while on a civilian tour of a Korean border village July 18, becoming the first American detained in the North in nearly five years.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-15--Second Northwestern University employee tests positive for coronavirus

A second person at Northwestern University has tested positive for the coronavirus , officials announced Saturday night .
The employee , who works in the Office of the Registrar on the school ’ s north suburban Evanston campus , has had limited face-to-face interaction with the wider school community in their role and was last on campus March 12 , according to a statement from the university .
The employee hasn ’ t had contact with anyone outside the office over the past two weeks and is self-isolating off campus , the statement said .
On Friday , the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kellogg School of Management ’ s Global Hub was the university ’ s first confirmed case of coronavirus on campus .
The school took several steps last week to prevent the spread of the virus on its campus , including telling students they were not required to attend in-person exams , which would be given remotely or as take-home tests .
The university also suspended any on-campus gatherings of more than 50 people and requested that offices , classrooms , meeting rooms and event spaces keep participants at least six feet apart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be suspended starting Friday night , the school said .
Northwestern University is maintaining a webpage tracking the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in its community .

A second person at Northwestern University has tested positive for the coronavirus, officials announced Saturday night.
The employee, who works in the Office of the Registrar on the school’s north suburban Evanston campus, has had limited face-to-face interaction with the wider school community in their role and was last on campus March 12, according to a statement from the university.
The employee hasn’t had contact with anyone outside the office over the past two weeks and is self-isolating off campus, the statement said.
On Friday, the school announced a person who works in the Kellogg School of Management’s Global Hub was the university’s first confirmed case of coronavirus on campus.
The school took several steps last week to prevent the spread of the virus on its campus, including telling students they were not required to attend in-person exams, which would be given remotely or as take-home tests.
The university also suspended any on-campus gatherings of more than 50 people and requested that offices, classrooms, meeting rooms and event spaces keep participants at least six feet apart. Access to school recreational facilities would also be suspended starting Friday night, the school said.
Northwestern University is maintaining a webpage tracking the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in its community.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-15--South Side church holds Sunday service amid coronavirus outbreak: ‘This did not catch God unaware’

As officials moved to place further coronavirus-related restrictions on the public , Bishop Horace Smith attempted to ease the concerns of the about 350 worshippers Sunday at the Apostolic Faith Church in Bronzeville .
“ This did not catch God unaware , ” said Smith , a pediatric oncologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University ’ s Feinberg School of Medicine .
“ This is not something God sent to us , but it ’ s certainly something God can use to talk to us , ” he added .
While the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Greek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parishes suspended church services altogether , Smith held that “ this is the best time to show genuine Christian attitude ” as he led an upbeat service that included a full choir , a band and dancers .
His church did , however , take measures to protect its congregation : Individuals exhibiting symptoms and those with autoimmune diseases were asked to stay home and stream services online ; people in attendance were urged to donate using a texting system ; pews were left empty to space out the congregation ; and direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service flouted directions from Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , who last week encouraged the cancellation or postponement of all gatherings drawing over 250 people and canceled all events of more than 1,000 people .
That includes everything from concerts to conferences and even large churches .
On Sunday , the governor went a step further and ordered all bars and restaurants closed to in-room starting Monday until the end of the month .
That move came after St. Patrick ’ s Day revelers flooded bars in Chicago on Saturday , drawing a swift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clampdown on public events , the Greater Harvest Baptist Church in Washington Park was also slated to have church in its sanctuary Sunday .
Congregants who didn ’ t want to attend were urged to stream that service online , as well .
The pews Sunday at Apostolic Faith were filled by a large contingency of older people , who the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 .
One elderly churchgoer , a 79-year-old woman named Pearl , said she wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason for coming to church amid the public heath crisis was simple : She “ needed prayer.
” “ I ’ m so glad that the bishop left this door open , ” said Pearl , who lives on the South Side and didn ’ t provide her last name .
“ He used his common sense.
” Pearl noted that she wasn ’ t going to let fear stop her from worshipping but said she was happy Bishop Smith addressed the coronavirus directly .
Another Apostolic Faith churchgoer , Susan Lennox of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith , noting that “ it ’ s important to obey the pastor , rather than just what ’ s going on.
” Lennox also said she wasn ’ t worried about older worshippers being stricken by the virus — or possibly dying .
“ If they ’ re ready to go be with the Lord , I ’ m ready , ” said Lennox .
“ But you don ’ t want to be foolish .
Like we ’ re supposed to go wash our hands now and we need to be @ @ @ @ @ @

As officials moved to place further coronavirus-related restrictions on the public, Bishop Horace Smith attempted to ease the concerns of the about 350 worshippers Sunday at the Apostolic Faith Church in Bronzeville.
“This did not catch God unaware,” said Smith, a pediatric oncologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
“This is not something God sent to us, but it’s certainly something God can use to talk to us,” he added.
While the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Chicago parishes suspended church services altogether, Smith held that “this is the best time to show genuine Christian attitude” as he led an upbeat service that included a full choir, a band and dancers.
His church did, however, take measures to protect its congregation: Individuals exhibiting symptoms and those with autoimmune diseases were asked to stay home and stream services online; people in attendance were urged to donate using a texting system; pews were left empty to space out the congregation; and direct contact was discouraged.
But holding the service flouted directions from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who last week encouraged the cancellation or postponement of all gatherings drawing over 250 people and canceled all events of more than 1,000 people. That includes everything from concerts to conferences and even large churches.
On Sunday, the governor went a step further and ordered all bars and restaurants closed to in-room starting Monday until the end of the month. That move came after St. Patrick’s Day revelers flooded bars in Chicago on Saturday, drawing a swift rebuke from Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Despite the clampdown on public events, the Greater Harvest Baptist Church in Washington Park was also slated to have church in its sanctuary Sunday. Congregants who didn’t want to attend were urged to stream that service online, as well.
The pews Sunday at Apostolic Faith were filled by a large contingency of older people, who the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
One elderly churchgoer, a 79-year-old woman named Pearl, said she wasn’t worried about contracting the coronavirus. Her reason for coming to church amid the public heath crisis was simple: She “needed prayer.”
“I’m so glad that the bishop left this door open,” said Pearl, who lives on the South Side and didn’t provide her last name. “He used his common sense.”
Pearl noted that she wasn’t going to let fear stop her from worshipping but said she was happy Bishop Smith addressed the coronavirus directly.
Another Apostolic Faith churchgoer, Susan Lennox of Roselle, also put her trust in Smith, noting that “it’s important to obey the pastor, rather than just what’s going on.” Lennox also said she wasn’t worried about older worshippers being stricken by the virus — or possibly dying.
“If they’re ready to go be with the Lord, I’m ready,” said Lennox. “But you don’t want to be foolish. Like we’re supposed to go wash our hands now and we need to be considerate about other people.”
Pastors across the United States delivered sermons to empty pews Sunday as houses of worship adjusted to the reality of the coronavirus pandemic, with the Vatican indicating that the holiest week on its calendar will look vastly different next month.
Many religious institutions around the country took to the internet to stream their services this week – including one megachurch that President Donald Trump tweeted he was tuning in to.
Trump, who had declared Sunday a special national day of prayer, said he would watch a livestreamed service by Jentezen Franklin, a Georgia-based pastor and longstanding evangelical ally of the president. The annual National Day of Prayer is May 7.
During his sermon, Franklin urged prayers for China and Iran, areas hit particularly hard by the virus, while encouraging worshippers not to “let the fear flu get you” by falling prey to panic.
Trump tweeted that Franklin’s service was “great and beautiful.”
Across the United States, religious leaders have taken unprecedented steps to shield their congregations from the coronavirus. Measures have included canceling services and banning large funerals and weddings. A number of Roman Catholic bishops canceled all public worship services for at least two weeks.
Comparably strong measures are being taken by leaders of their faiths, ranging from rabbis in New Jersey to Episcopal and Methodist bishops in North Carolina. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints halted all worship services and church activities for its 16 million members worldwide. Episcopal churches in the Washington, D.C., area, including the Washington National Cathedral, suspended services.
In Italy, where the public is severely restricted from leaving their homes, the Vatican announced that Holy Week liturgical celebrations will not be open to the public. All public Masses are forbidden during lockdown to discourage crowding.
Although Easter, April 12, wasn’t specified in the Vatican statements, it appeared likely that restrictions on large gatherings might well continue in Italy. The Italian government has said it would decide whether measures, now in effect through April 3, would need an extension or tightening.
Contributing: Associated Press


chicagosun-times--2020-03-15--Called by another name, it’s still gerrymandering

I read dumbfoundedly an op-ed by a ChangeIllinois director about how gerrymandering can be fair if it ’ s done for the right reasons [ “ Why city ’ s earmuffs ’ are about fariness — not about gerrymandering , March 13 ” ] .
The right reason to create incredibly contorted voting districts is to create a majority/minority district , so we can be sure that we get a minority representative , because that is fair .
It is certainly not fair to all the non-minority residents who live in those districts .
But it still meets the definition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply diluting a group ’ s numbers ; it also occurs when you concentrate a particular group into as few districts as possible .
Oh , they may get their one or two candidates of choice , but they will be the only people looking out for their “ unique ” needs vs. having many representatives with a lot of those constituents in their districts .
Any representative with a sizable group of any demographic in their district will always have their back .
True fairness seems to me requires virtual districts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ defining their demographic in order of importance : race , ethnicity , religion , age , language , wealth .
Then let the computers sort it all out .
We won ’ t number our districts anymore .
We will have the black districts , the Latino , the rich , the Christian , the Muslim , the Jewish , the old people .
But we will be linked together with all the other people whose values and interests best match ours , and then we will all truly be represented .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ districts be drawn blindly , compactly , following natural boundaries .
Anything beyond that only leads to mischief .
I will be 88 on March 25 .
I must take a driver ’ s exam every year before my birthday .
I called the secretary of state ’ s office to see if any plans have been made to provide for a postponement due to the coronavirus .
I was very impolitely told that I have to take it or lose it .
Not only does policy endanger seniors but also the personnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road test .
Last year when I went to renew my license I sat for two and a half hours in a room crowded with about 50 people .
Not only will the individuals be endangered but also the potential for spreading this virus is greatly increased .
I have not had a ticket or accident for at lease 40-plus years .
It seems that temporary extensions of license renewals should be given to safe drivers during this pandemic .
I also have completed the necessary eye exam with a certified eye doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem .
Although I agree with much of what Peter Cunningham said in a recent opinion piece expect when he referenced “ socialism ” as a “ system of government.
” Socialism is an economic system that can be practiced by any government , be they democratic or autocratic .
He is correct that capitalism and socialism are not mutually exclusive .
Indeed , our government has implemented many successful and popular socialist programs .
Equating socialism to a political system is , plainly , erroneous .
Unfortunately , many Americans make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news media bombard us with the extremely high recovery rate from this thing rather than fan the flames of uncertainty and worry ?

I read dumbfoundedly an op-ed by a ChangeIllinois director about how gerrymandering can be fair if it’s done for the right reasons [“Why city’s earmuffs’ are about fairness — not about gerrymandering, March 13”].
The right reason to create incredibly contorted voting districts is to create a majority/minority district, so we can be sure that we get a minority representative, because that is fair. It is certainly not fair to all the non-minority residents who live in those districts.
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes.
But it still meets the definition of gerrymandering. Gerrymandering isn’t simply diluting a group’s numbers; it also occurs when you concentrate a particular group into as few districts as possible. Oh, they may get their one or two candidates of choice, but they will be the only people looking out for their “unique” needs vs. having many representatives with a lot of those constituents in their districts. Any representative with a sizable group of any demographic in their district will always have their back.
True fairness, it seems to me, requires virtual districts. Let every person fill out a form defining their demographic in order of importance: race, ethnicity, religion, age, language, wealth. Then let the computers sort it all out.
We won’t number our districts anymore. We will have the black districts, the Latino, the rich, the Christian, the Muslim, the Jewish, the old people. But we will be linked together with all the other people whose values and interests best match ours, and then we will all truly be represented.
Other than that, I would recommend that districts be drawn blindly, compactly, following natural boundaries. Anything beyond that only leads to mischief.
Larry Craig, Wilmette
Give seniors a break
I will be 88 on March 25. I must take a driver’s exam every year before my birthday. I called the secretary of state’s office to see if any plans have been made to provide for a postponement due to the coronavirus. I was very impolitely told that I have to take it or lose it.
Not only does policy endanger seniors but also the personnel who sit in the car giving the road test. Last year when I went to renew my license I sat for two and a half hours in a room crowded with about 50 people. Not only will the individuals be endangered but also the potential for spreading this virus is greatly increased. I have not had a ticket or accident for at lease 40-plus years. It seems that temporary extensions of license renewals should be given to safe drivers during this pandemic. I also have completed the necessary eye exam with a certified eye doctor t so that is also not a problem.
Donald G. Lemke, North Riverside
Not a political system
Although I agree with much of what Peter Cunningham said in a recent opinion piece expect when he referenced “socialism” as a “system of government.” Socialism is an economic system that can be practiced by any government, be they democratic or autocratic. He is correct that capitalism and socialism are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, our government has implemented many successful and popular socialist programs. Equating socialism to a political system is, plainly, erroneous. Unfortunately, many Americans make the same mistake.
Dennis Gorecki. Orland Park
Don’t fan the flames
Why can’t the news media bombard us with the extremely high recovery rate from this thing rather than fan the flames of uncertainty and worry?
Ray Lemieux Hometown