chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--House passes coronavirus aid package; Trump declares emergency

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives late Friday House passed a bipartisan package to provide relief to Americans coping with coronavirus pandemic .
Before the 363-40 House vote , Speaker Nancy Pelosi had trumpeted the hard-fought package that will provide free testing , sick pay for workers , enhanced unemployment benefits and bolstered food programs .
” We did what we said we were going to do : Put families first , ” said Pelosi , flanked by Democratic lawmakers , including many freshmen .
The package now goes to the Senate .
Earlier Friday , President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency , freeing up money and resources to fight the outbreak , and then threw his support behind the aid package in Congress .
Trump ’ s declaration unleashed up to $ 50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the crisis .
Trump also announced a range of executive actions , including a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities with drive-through locations , as Washington tries to subdue the new virus whose spread is roiling markets , shuttering institutions and disrupting the lives of everyday Americans .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making testing available as his administration has come under criticism for being too slow to respond .
Trump said , “ I don ’ t take responsibility at all ” for the slow rollout of testing .
But Trump ’ s tweet of approval instilled fresh energy in the package , all but ensuring that wary Republicans would join with a robust vote .
” I encourage all Republicans and Democrats to come together and VOTE YES !
” He added , “ Look forward to signing the final Bill , ASAP !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tumultuous week in Washington as the fast-moving virus left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating self-quarantines , school closures and a changed way of life .
The White House was under enormous pressure , dealing with the crisis on multiple fronts as it encroached ever closer on the president .
Trump has been known to flout public health advice — and was eagerly shaking hands during the more than hour-long afternoon event — but acknowledged he “ most likely ” will be tested soon after exposures to individuals who have tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later his interactions were low-risk and testing is not necessary .
Still , Trump said 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.
” Additionally , Trump took a number of other actions to bolster energy markets , ease the financial burden for Americans with student loans and give medical professionals additional “ flexibility ” in treating patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Through a very collective action and shared sacrifice , national determination , we will overcome the threat of the virus , ” Trump said .
Central to the aid package from Congress , which builds on an emergency $ 8.3 billion measure approved last week , are the free testing , sick pay and family leave provisions .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Italy , one of the countries hardest hit by the virus .
The ability to ensure paychecks will keep flowing — for people self-quarantining or caring for others — can help assure Americans they will not fall into financial hardship .
The legislation also offers three months of paid family and medical leave .
Small and mid-sized employers will be reimbursed through tax credits .
Pelosi negotiated the deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in days of around-the-clock negotiations with cross-town phone calls , even as Trump was speaking at the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as talks dragged and Trump dismissed it during as “ not doing enough.
” Republicans were reluctant to come on board without his backing , according to a person unauthorized to discuss the talks and granted anonymity .
Ahead of Trump ’ s news conference , Pelosi delivered her own statement from the speaker ’ s balcony at the Capitol , imploring Trump ’ s party to “ put families first ” by backing the effort to provide Americans with relief .
Voting in the Senate is not yet set , with senators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Senate Leader Mitch McConnell canceled a plan recess week and senators were scheduled to return Monday .
He said he expects most senators will want to “ act swiftly.
” Both Mnuchin and Pelosi , who said she did not speak directly to Trump during the negotiations , promised a third coronavirus package will follow soon , with more aggressive steps to boost the U.S. economy , which economists fear has already slipped into recession .
The financial markets closed on an upswing after one of the worst nosedives since the 1987 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Trump said he was gratified that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tested negative for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to each other for an extended period of time last weekend at Trump ’ s Mar-a-Lago club .
A senior aide to Bolsonaro tested positive .
The White House physician said in a memo late Friday that Trump was also exposed to a second guest at the club dinner , “ sharing the table with the president , ” who has since tested positive for the virus .
Still despite the incidents , the physician said Trump had only “ LOW risk ” interactions and testing “ is not currently indicated.
” Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked from home Friday after meeting with Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton , now in isolation at a hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said she was evaluated by the White House Medical Unit .
Attorney General William Barr , who also met with the Australian official , stayed home Friday , though he “ felt great and wasn ’ t showing any symptoms , ” according to his spokeswoman Kerri Kupec .
Several lawmakers , including some close to Trump , have also been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , and are self-isolating .
Among them are Republican Sens .
Lindsey Graham and Rick Scott , who were at Trump ’ s club on the weekend .
Graham 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 .
Hospitals welcomed Trump ’ s emergency declaration , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health , said more tests would be available over the next week , but warned , “ We still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives late Friday House passed a bipartisan package to provide relief to Americans coping with coronavirus pandemic.
Before the 363-40 House vote, Speaker Nancy Pelosi had trumpeted the hard-fought package that will provide free testing, sick pay for workers, enhanced unemployment benefits and bolstered food programs.
”We did what we said we were going to do: Put families first,” said Pelosi, flanked by Democratic lawmakers, including many freshmen.
The package now goes to the Senate.
Earlier Friday, President Donald Trump had declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight the outbreak, and then threw his support behind the aid package in Congress.
Trump’s declaration unleashed up to $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the crisis.
Trump also announced a range of executive actions, including a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities with drive-through locations, as Washington tries to subdue the new virus whose spread is roiling markets, shuttering institutions and disrupting the lives of everyday Americans.
But he denied any responsibility for delays in making testing available as his administration has come under criticism for being too slow to respond.
Trump said, “I don’t take responsibility at all” for the slow rollout of testing.
But Trump’s tweet of approval instilled fresh energy in the package, all but ensuring that wary Republicans would join with a robust vote.
”I fully support H.R. 6201: Families First CoronaVirus Response Act,” Trump wrote.
”I encourage all Republicans and Democrats to come together and VOTE YES!” He added, “Look forward to signing the final Bill, ASAP!”
The crush of late-day activity capped a tumultuous week in Washington as the fast-moving virus left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating self-quarantines, school closures and a changed way of life.
The White House was under enormous pressure, dealing with the crisis on multiple fronts as it encroached ever closer on the president.
Trump has been known to flout public health advice — and was eagerly shaking hands during the more than hour-long afternoon event — but acknowledged he “most likely” will be tested soon after exposures to individuals who have tested positive for the virus. The White House physician indicated later his interactions were low-risk and testing is not necessary.
Still, Trump said 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.”
Additionally, Trump took a number of other actions to bolster energy markets, ease the financial burden for Americans with student loans and give medical professionals additional “flexibility” in treating patients during the public health crisis.
”Through a very collective action and shared sacrifice, national determination, we will overcome the threat of the virus,” Trump said.
Central to the aid package from Congress, which builds on an emergency $8.3 billion measure approved last week, are the free testing, sick pay and family leave provisions.
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 self-quarantining or caring for others — can help assure Americans they will not fall into financial hardship. The legislation also offers three months of paid family and medical leave. Small and mid-sized employers will be reimbursed through tax credits.
Pelosi negotiated the deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in days of around-the-clock negotiations with cross-town phone calls, even as Trump was speaking at the White House.
Hopes for swift passage stalled as talks dragged and Trump dismissed it during as “not doing enough.” Republicans were reluctant to come on board without his backing, according to a person unauthorized to discuss the talks and granted anonymity.
Ahead of Trump’s news conference, Pelosi delivered her own statement from the speaker’s balcony at the Capitol, imploring Trump’s party to “put families first” by backing the effort to provide Americans with relief.
Voting in the Senate is not yet set, with senators out of town for the weekend. But Senate Leader Mitch McConnell canceled a plan recess week and senators were scheduled to return Monday. He said he expects most senators will want to “act swiftly.”
Both Mnuchin and Pelosi, who said she did not speak directly to Trump during the negotiations, promised a third coronavirus package will follow soon, with more aggressive steps to boost the U.S. economy, which economists fear has already slipped into recession.
The financial markets closed on an upswing after one of the worst nosedives since the 1987 downturn.
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.
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 at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club. A senior aide to Bolsonaro tested positive.
The White House physician said in a memo late Friday that Trump was also exposed to a second guest at the club dinner, “sharing the table with the president,” who has since tested positive for the virus. Still despite the incidents, the physician said Trump had only “LOW risk” interactions and testing “is not currently indicated.”
Trump’s daugher, Ivanka Trump, worked from home Friday after meeting with Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, now in isolation at a hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus. White House spokesman Judd Deere said she was evaluated by the White House Medical Unit.
Attorney General William Barr, who also met with the Australian official, stayed home Friday, though he “felt great and wasn’t showing any symptoms,” according to his spokeswoman Kerri Kupec.
Several lawmakers, including some close to Trump, have also been exposed to people who tested positive for the virus, and are self-isolating.
Among them are Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Rick Scott, who were at Trump’s club on the weekend. Graham 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.
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.
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.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health, said more tests would be available over the next week, but warned, “We still have a long way to go.”
Contributing: Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani, Alan Fram, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Lauran Neergaard, Martin Crutsinger, Laurie Kellman, Michael Balsamo and Kevin Freking.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-13--Man killed in Little Village shooting

Man killed in Little Village shooting

A man died hours after being shot Thursday in Little Village on the Southwest Side .
Officers responded to a @ @ @ @ @ in the 3000 block of South Karlov Avenue and found 40-year-old Cesar Salamanca inside a @ @ @ @ @ and the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said .
He was found with @ @ @ @ @ face and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was pronounced dead Friday morning @ @ @ @ @ arrests have been reported .
Area Central detectives are investigating .
Read more on crime @ @ @ @ @ ’ s homicides .

A man died hours after being shot Thursday in Little Village on the Southwest Side.
Officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert about 7:30 p.m. in the 3000 block of South Karlov Avenue and found 40-year-old Cesar Salamanca inside a crashed vehicle, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
He was found with a gunshot wound to the face and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead Friday morning, authorities said.
An autopsy conducted Saturday ruled his death a homicide, the medical examiner’s office said.
No arrests have been reported. Area Central detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-13--Many Cubs will stay and train in Mesa after MLB lets players pick where to ride out crisis

MESA , Ariz. — While most Cubs players will hang tight in Arizona during a fragmented spring training , manager David Ross and much of the coaching staff will head home , followed by the front office in the coming days .
Major League Baseball announced Friday night that because of coronavirus precautions , players were free to remain in Arizona or return to their home cities or their team ’ s home city .
“ We don ’ t have final word on all players , but it seems that , for now , a number of players in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and using the facility for weight-room activity and light baseball activity , ” team president Theo Epstein said in a conference call .
“ We will keep the facility open and have any reduced amount of staff there to facilitate that.
” Epstein compared the upcoming days to a January schedule of players arriving to work out in advance of spring training .
A skeleton crew of coaches will be on hand to assist while keeping attendance low at the facility at any one time .
“ We will work to manage the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players assembling at the same time , trying to adhere to the directions of public health officials to not have too large of a group assembly , ” Epstein said .
The number of players working out in Arizona is expected to dwindle as March ends and the leases on players ’ temporary residences expire .
Some are expected to use the facilities at Wrigley Field in the coming weeks , although the weight room is being remodeled and is not available for at least another week .
On Friday , the Cubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was described as a “ deep cleaning.
” The same degree of cleaning might happen at Wrigley eventually .
“ I haven ’ t heard yet , ” Epstein said .
“ Right now at Wrigley , there are only a handful of people working there .
I would imagine we would take appropriate steps to clean Wrigley before players start showing up there or we have more than a handful of players in the building.
” As for MLB delaying Opening Day by at least two weeks , the idea of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely optimistic at best .
“ With the reality [ that ] teams will need three to four weeks of working out together to get ready for the season , you can draw your own reasonable conclusions on when Opening Day is , or how realistic an April Opening Day is , ” Epstein said .
Asked to assess his emotions over the last several days , Epstein put the big picture over baseball .
“ At the end of day , all of us have a moment before you put your head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re all dealing with and the potential consequences for society as a whole , ” he said .
“ We ’ ll pull together and handle this in the best possible way .
“ So we ’ re all in this together , and it ’ s time to make collective sacrifices , have each other ’ s back and minimize the suffering , and hopefully return back to normal as soon as possible .
But it probably won ’ t be until we are all back to normal to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

MESA, Ariz. — While most Cubs players will hang tight in Arizona during a fragmented spring training, manager David Ross and much of the coaching staff will head home, followed by the front office in the coming days.
Major League Baseball announced Friday night that because of coronavirus precautions, players were free to remain in Arizona or return to their home cities or their team’s home city.
“We don’t have final word on all players, but it seems that, for now, a number of players in major-league camp are interested in sticking around and using the facility for weight-room activity and light baseball activity,” team president Theo Epstein said in a conference call. “We will keep the facility open and have any reduced amount of staff there to facilitate that.”
Epstein compared the upcoming days to a January schedule of players arriving to work out in advance of spring training. A skeleton crew of coaches will be on hand to assist while keeping attendance low at the facility at any one time.
“We will work to manage the numbers so there are not too many players assembling at the same time, trying to adhere to the directions of public health officials to not have too large of a group assembly,” Epstein said.
The number of players working out in Arizona is expected to dwindle as March ends and the leases on players’ temporary residences expire. Some are expected to use the facilities at Wrigley Field in the coming weeks, although the weight room is being remodeled and is not available for at least another week.
On Friday, the Cubs’ spring-training facility in Mesa received what was described as a “deep cleaning.” The same degree of cleaning might happen at Wrigley eventually.
“I haven’t heard yet,” Epstein said. “Right now at Wrigley, there are only a handful of people working there. I would imagine we would take appropriate steps to clean Wrigley before players start showing up there or we have more than a handful of players in the building.”
As for MLB delaying Opening Day by at least two weeks, the idea of the regular season starting in early April seems extremely optimistic at best.
“With the reality [that] teams will need three to four weeks of working out together to get ready for the season, you can draw your own reasonable conclusions on when Opening Day is, or how realistic an April Opening Day is,” Epstein said.
Asked to assess his emotions over the last several days, Epstein put the big picture over baseball.
“At the end of day, all of us have a moment before you put your head on the pillow where you realize what we’re all dealing with and the potential consequences for society as a whole,” he said. “We’ll pull together and handle this in the best possible way.
“So we’re all in this together, and it’s time to make collective sacrifices, have each other’s back and minimize the suffering, and hopefully return back to normal as soon as possible. But it probably won’t be until we are all back to normal to put it into proper perspective and process it.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-13--Horoscope for Saturday, March 14, 2020

Horoscope for Saturday, March 14, 2020

Avoid shopping or important decisions from 5 to 6:30 a.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius .
You might have some kind of an epiphany or a deep realization about where you are headed and what you want to do with your life .
It ’ s like a personal wakeup call .
Maybe it ’ s time to get a plan , Stan ?
Your interaction with a group might have a powerful effect on you .
Their influence or perhaps the influence of an individual can bring about changes that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in general .
This is a good time to grab the reins and steer your life in the direction you want it to go .
Your interactions with bosses , parents , teachers and VIPs is powerful .
( This includes the police . )
In fact , you might assert yourself in a way that makes them see you in a new light .
( It ’ s all about believing in yourself and acting with personal authority . )
You might feel changed by coming in touch with a new belief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a discipline or methodology that can benefit you .
Perhaps you underestimated it before ?
Perhaps you never grasped it ?
Today you ’ re looking at things with new eyes .
You might take a new approach about how you relate to your debt or how you handle shared property , inheritances , wills and such .
The bottom line of your new impulse is simply this : You want to improve things .
You want to make them better .
That ’ s a great start !
A candid discussion with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because one of you is looking for a way to improve the relationship itself .
Obviously , this can be done because there is always room for improvement .
You will attract someone powerful to you .
What can you do to improve your health because that is an important opportunity that is available to you at this time .
What we eat and ingest is huge in how it affects our health and our bodies .
( A balanced diet is not a chocolate croissant in each hand . )
More ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new approach to relating to their kids today .
You might also see a better way to introduce a healthy balance between work and play in your life .
( North America is a work-obsessed society . )
Time for tiddlywinks , anyone ?
A conversation with a powerful family member will be memorable today .
Meanwhile , look about you because you can introduce improvements to where you live , especially in areas related to garbage , recycling , laundry rooms and bathrooms .
Get on it !
You ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today because you are persuasive !
Oh yes !
This is a powerful day for those of you in sales and marketing .
It ’ s equally powerful for those of you who teach , act and write .
“ Now hear this !
” “ Now hear this !
” Because you ’ re in a resourceful frame of mind today , you might see new uses or applications for something that you own .
For example , that juicer you never use could be a table lamp — no ?
Choosing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Take a realistic look in the mirror today and ask yourself what you can do to improve your appearance , and the impression you create on the world .
The whole enchilada !
Ideas ?
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Michael Caine ( 1933 ) shares your birthday .
You are creative , intelligent and easy-going .
People like you .
Nevertheless , you know how to convince and persuade .
A fun-loving year ahead !
Expect to be popular and enjoy warm friendships .
This year you will be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the happiness and beauty around you in a daily way .
It might be time for an important choice .
Choose wisely .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or important decisions from 5 to 6:30 a.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
You might have some kind of an epiphany or a deep realization about where you are headed and what you want to do with your life. It’s like a personal wakeup call. Maybe it’s time to get a plan, Stan?
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Your interaction with a group might have a powerful effect on you. Their influence or perhaps the influence of an individual can bring about changes that will improve you personally or improve your life in general. This is a good time to grab the reins and steer your life in the direction you want it to go.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Your interactions with bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs is powerful. (This includes the police.) In fact, you might assert yourself in a way that makes them see you in a new light. (It’s all about believing in yourself and acting with personal authority.)
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You might feel changed by coming in touch with a new belief system or getting a deeper understanding of a discipline or methodology that can benefit you. Perhaps you underestimated it before? Perhaps you never grasped it? Today you’re looking at things with new eyes.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You might take a new approach about how you relate to your debt or how you handle shared property, inheritances, wills and such. The bottom line of your new impulse is simply this: You want to improve things. You want to make them better. That’s a great start!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
A candid discussion with a friend or partner will be beneficial because one of you is looking for a way to improve the relationship itself. Obviously, this can be done because there is always room for improvement. You will attract someone powerful to you.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
What can you do to improve your health because that is an important opportunity that is available to you at this time. What we eat and ingest is huge in how it affects our health and our bodies. (A balanced diet is not a chocolate croissant in each hand.) More’s the pity.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Parents might devise a new approach to relating to their kids today. You might also see a better way to introduce a healthy balance between work and play in your life. (North America is a work-obsessed society.) Time for tiddlywinks, anyone?
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
A conversation with a powerful family member will be memorable today. Meanwhile, look about you because you can introduce improvements to where you live, especially in areas related to garbage, recycling, laundry rooms and bathrooms. Get on it!
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You’ll have no trouble convincing anyone of anything today because you are persuasive! Oh yes! This is a powerful day for those of you in sales and marketing. It’s equally powerful for those of you who teach, act and write. “Now hear this!” “Now hear this!”
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Because you’re in a resourceful frame of mind today, you might see new uses or applications for something that you own. For example, that juicer you never use could be a table lamp — no? Choosing the right shade will be your challenge.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Take a realistic look in the mirror today and ask yourself what you can do to improve your appearance, and the impression you create on the world. The whole enchilada! Ideas?
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Michael Caine (1933) shares your birthday. You are creative, intelligent and easy-going. People like you. Nevertheless, you know how to convince and persuade. A fun-loving year ahead! Expect to be popular and enjoy warm friendships. This year you will be more grateful for your life and will appreciate the happiness and beauty around you in a daily way. It might be time for an important choice. Choose wisely.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-13--Biden, Sanders, in Illinois ‘virtual’ race with real primary results on Tuesday

Ahead of the Illinois primary on Tuesday , the Joe Biden , Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump election drives have been transformed into virtual campaigns by the coronavirus threat .
Technical glitches plagued Biden ’ s “ Illinois Virtual Town Hall ” Friday night ; the event was meant to replace a Chicago rally and two fundraisers canceled as the outbreak swelled to a national emergency .
Had the former vice president come to Chicago , he also was contemplating dropping by some St. Patrick ’ s Day festivities ; but none of that was happening , due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Delaware , with an Illinois flag in the background , for the online session .
He keyed his opening remarks to his plans to deal with the outbreak , then took questions from supporters .
Illinois ’ Democratic senators , Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth , joined Biden in an audio feed at the top – but Duckworth did not speak because of technical issues .
Biden was joined for a bit by former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy , who served during the Obama administration .
At the end Biden – who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was “ sorry this was a disjointed effort here.
” Earlier on Friday , Biden did conduct a conference call with donors – since all actual in-person fundraising events have been scratched .
One of the many political consequences of the coronavirus crisis will be the lack of exit polls from the upcoming Tuesday presidential primary votes in Illinois , Arizona , Florida and Ohio .
ABC , CBS , CNN and NBC use the in-person polls to help declare a winner before the official results are in and learn why voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois primary presidential events to cover in this last weekend before the vote because of the local and national state of coronavirus emergencies .
Pete D ’ Alessandro , Sanders ’ Illinois state director said , “ We really just couldn ’ t justify getting 50 people into a small room to train them and get them out and canvass , with the crisis .
So one by one , the type of things we were would normally do , we pulled down , for all the right reasons .
You can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You got to care about them.
” He added : “ This type of crisis is obviously going to affect turnout.
” Sanders ’ strongest supporters , polls show , are voters under 30 .
It ’ s hard to get them to vote .
In Illinois , Sanders , who needs an overwhelming turnout to beat Biden , will be hurt if his student vote is now scattered because of campus closures .
Given how life in the U.S. has ground to a coronavirus halt , Sanders ’ big rally last Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a distant memory .
The biggest event before the Tuesday presidential votes in the four states will be the one-on-one debate between Sanders and Biden on Sunday night .
Ahead of Tuesday , Sanders , the Vermont independent senator , scratched rallies in Springfield and Aurora .
President Trump ’ s trademark giant rallies — his incredibly effective political organizing tool — have been defanged by the coronavirus .
His re-election campaign and the Republican National Committee announced Friday that going forward , they will use “ unprecedented virtual and digital campaign tools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stake in Illinois on Tuesday will be 155 pledged delegates — 101 elected from the 18 Illinois congressional districts and 54 allocated based on the statewide vote .
The website fivethirtyeight.com , analyzing the Illinois vote , forecast that “ in 80 % of simulations , ” Biden “ wins between 91 and 115 delegates .
He has a 99 in 100 ... chance of winning the most delegates , much better than the second most likely winner , Sanders , who has a 1 in 100.
” In 2016 , Hillary Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago and suburban Cook County , barely beat Sanders , earning 79 delegates to Sanders ’ 77 .
In the final week of his 2016 Illinois campaign , Sanders attacked Clinton because she was backed by the then-unpopular-now-former Mayor Rahm Emanuel .
It was a clever way of appealing to African-American voters in Chicago .
As I reported after the 2016 election , Illinois exit polls showed Clinton secured the overwhelming support — some 70 percent — of African-American voters .
In 2020 , with the coronavirus shutting down the exit polls , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know .

Ahead of the Illinois primary on Tuesday, the Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump election drives have been transformed into virtual campaigns by the coronavirus threat.
Technical glitches plagued Biden’s “Illinois Virtual Town Hall” Friday night; the event was meant to replace a Chicago rally and two fundraisers canceled as the outbreak swelled to a national emergency.
Had the former vice president come to Chicago, he also was contemplating dropping by some St. Patrick’s Day festivities; but none of that was happening, due to the spreading pandemic.
Opinion bug Opinion
Instead, Biden was in Delaware, with an Illinois flag in the background, for the online session. He keyed his opening remarks to his plans to deal with the outbreak, then took questions from supporters.
Illinois’ Democratic senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, joined Biden in an audio feed at the top – but Duckworth did not speak because of technical issues. Biden was joined for a bit by former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who served during the Obama administration.
At the end Biden – who paced for some of this – said he was “sorry this was a disjointed effort here.”
Earlier on Friday, Biden did conduct a conference call with donors – since all actual in-person fundraising events have been scratched.
One of the many political consequences of the coronavirus crisis will be the lack of exit polls from the upcoming Tuesday presidential primary votes in Illinois, Arizona, Florida and Ohio. ABC, CBS, CNN and NBC use the in-person polls to help declare a winner before the official results are in and learn why voters made their decisions.
There are no Illinois primary presidential events to cover in this last weekend before the vote because of the local and national state of coronavirus emergencies.
Pete D’Alessandro, Sanders’ Illinois state director said, “We really just couldn’t justify getting 50 people into a small room to train them and get them out and canvass, with the crisis. So one by one, the type of things we were would normally do, we pulled down, for all the right reasons. You can’t expose your people to that. You got to care about them.”
He added: “This type of crisis is obviously going to affect turnout.”
Sanders’ strongest supporters, polls show, are voters under 30. It’s hard to get them to vote. In Illinois, Sanders, who needs an overwhelming turnout to beat Biden, will be hurt if his student vote is now scattered because of campus closures.
Given how life in the U.S. has ground to a coronavirus halt, Sanders’ big rally last Saturday in Grant Park seems to me today a distant memory.
The biggest event before the Tuesday presidential votes in the four states will be the one-on-one debate between Sanders and Biden on Sunday night.
Ahead of Tuesday, Sanders, the Vermont independent senator, scratched rallies in Springfield and Aurora.
President Trump’s trademark giant rallies — his incredibly effective political organizing tool — have been defanged by the coronavirus.
His re-election campaign and the Republican National Committee announced Friday that going forward, they will use “unprecedented virtual and digital campaign tools” during the coronavirus outbreak.
At stake in Illinois on Tuesday will be 155 pledged delegates — 101 elected from the 18 Illinois congressional districts and 54 allocated based on the statewide vote.
The website fivethirtyeight.com, analyzing the Illinois vote, forecast that “in 80% of simulations,” Biden “wins between 91 and 115 delegates. He has a 99 in 100 ... chance of winning the most delegates, much better than the second most likely winner, Sanders, who has a 1 in 100.”
In 2016, Hillary Clinton, with a boost from voters in Chicago and suburban Cook County, barely beat Sanders, earning 79 delegates to Sanders’ 77.
In the final week of his 2016 Illinois campaign, Sanders attacked Clinton because she was backed by the then-unpopular-now-former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. It was a clever way of appealing to African-American voters in Chicago.
As I reported after the 2016 election, Illinois exit polls showed Clinton secured the overwhelming support — some 70 percent — of African-American voters. In 2020, with the coronavirus shutting down the exit polls, this type of data may be hard to know.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--South Side bull rider turns in ‘impressive’ clutch performance at 1st major rodeo

It wasn ’ t Aaron Baxter ’ s first rodeo , but his strong performance in front of his hometown fans recently has provided a huge boost to the South Side bull rider ’ s budding — and unlikely — career .
After his nearly eight-second ride at the Professional Championship Bull Riders World Tour Finale last month in the northwest suburbs , Baxter received an invite to the well-known Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo , which showcases black cowboys , in April in Memphis .
The invitational was canceled by rodeo officials because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Bull riding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ atop a bull for just three-tenths of a second short of the eight-second industrywide standard is a feat similar to a minor-league baseball player hitting a home run in his first appearance in the majors .
He he got a “ special invite ” to compete on his home turf from the Professional Championship Bull Riders ( PCB ) , a well-known pro circuit , even though he hadn ’ t taken part in the circuit previously .
And he was invited to compete again .
“ This is why what he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mendoza , a PCB spokesman .
“ Many of the bulls on tour for Professional Championship Bull Riders are close to or over 2,000 pounds and considered very good bulls that are hard to ride for the famous eight seconds.
” Baxter , a South Shore resident , said he literally dreamt of his clutch performance at the Sears Centre Arena .
“ Anytime I went to sleep , I was on a bull for eight seconds , ” said Baxter , 26 .
“ I hopped off and got a belt buckle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was at a real big arena .
So for that to happen in Chicago and in Hoffman Estates , it was a dream come true.
” The Bill Pickett rodeo is named after the black cowboy who invented “ bulldogging , ” a technique that involves wrestling a steer by grabbing its horns and pulling it off balance so that it falls to the ground .
If Baxter would ’ ve done well there , he could have been able to continue competing on the advanced pro circuit .
While Baxter was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said he ’ s making contingency plans by riding in rodeos that are closed to the public .
Sean Gleason , PBR ’ s CEO , released a statement last week saying scheduled rodeos will take place without fans in attendance .
“ It ’ s disheartening because so many people will miss out on a great opportunity , ” Baxter said .
“ It ’ s all about everyone ’ s safety.
” How does an African American kid who grew up far from the countryside become a full-time bull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved horses and was particularly moved one time when he saw two black men riding horseback at the South Shore Cultural Center .
“ From what my mom was told , the two men walked up to me and told my mom that I was going to be a cowboy one day , ” Baxter said .
“ I sat on the horse and rubbed its hair .
It ’ s one of my first memories.
” While many of his classmates at South Shore ’ s St. Philip Neri Catholic School dressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players , Baxter took some ribbing for wearing cowboy garb for the school ’ s talent/fashion show .
“ It taught me to have thick skin , but at the same time , it was also something I embraced because it helped me to realize just how unique I was , ” Baxter said .
He graduated in 2012 from Mount Carmel High School and worked as a basketball coach at St. Philip Neri and Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences , as well as at a GameStop .
He took part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Backyard Bulls and Barrels Bash in Lowell , Indiana .
Baxter started to attend rodeos across the country in an effort to meet bull riders .
He said other bull riders took him under their wing after they saw how serious he was about making a living riding bulls .
He was invited to the PBR Academy , a training ground for would-be riders , in the summer of 2018 .
“ They actually took me in and took pride in the fact that I was a black kid from the inner city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show up , dress like them and want to be like them , ” he said .
Baxter greatly increased his riding last year .
He also trains horses at Timberland Ranch in Chicago Heights .
If all goes well , this could become a lucrative profession .
Bull riders can compete in as many events as they want .
Top-tier bull riders can earn endorsement deals and make six figures annually .
Baxter said the best lesson he has learned about bull riding is not to think too much when he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking part in what he calls the “ purest ” sport of them all .
“ You can ’ t cheat , ” he said .
“ The moment you cheat , you get hurt .
It ’ s a 2,000-pound animal that has a mind of its own .
He doesn ’ t know the rules of the game except to throw you off and to come get you after you hit the ground.
” He admitted riding such an unpredictable animal “ sounds crazy , ” but he loves it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PCB ’ s CEO , said he ’ s eager to watch Baxter ’ s career progress after his showing last month .
“ [ Baxter ] showed grit and toughness , which is what the city of Chicago is known for , and we ’ re excited to continue to watch him grow in our sport , ” Sauber said .

It wasn’t Aaron Baxter’s first rodeo, but his strong performance in front of his hometown fans recently has provided a huge boost to the South Side bull rider’s budding — and unlikely — career.
After his nearly eight-second ride at the Professional Championship Bull Riders World Tour Finale last month in the northwest suburbs, Baxter received an invite to the well-known Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, which showcases black cowboys, in April in Memphis.
The invitational was canceled by rodeo officials because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bull riding officials said what Baxter did in staying atop a bull for just three-tenths of a second short of the eight-second industrywide standard is a feat similar to a minor-league baseball player hitting a home run in his first appearance in the majors.
He he got a “special invite” to compete on his home turf from the Professional Championship Bull Riders (PCB), a well-known pro circuit, even though he hadn’t taken part in the circuit previously. And he was invited to compete again.
“This is why what he did was so impressive,” said Sinhue Mendoza, a PCB spokesman. “Many of the bulls on tour for Professional Championship Bull Riders are close to or over 2,000 pounds and considered very good bulls that are hard to ride for the famous eight seconds.”
Baxter, a South Shore resident, said he literally dreamt of his clutch performance at the Sears Centre Arena.
“Anytime I went to sleep, I was on a bull for eight seconds,” said Baxter, 26. “I hopped off and got a belt buckle with my name on it. And it was at a real big arena. So for that to happen in Chicago and in Hoffman Estates, it was a dream come true.”
The Bill Pickett rodeo is named after the black cowboy who invented “bulldogging,” a technique that involves wrestling a steer by grabbing its horns and pulling it off balance so that it falls to the ground. If Baxter would’ve done well there, he could have been able to continue competing on the advanced pro circuit.
While Baxter was disappointed when got word of the cancellation, he said he’s making contingency plans by riding in rodeos that are closed to the public.
Sean Gleason, PBR’s CEO, released a statement last week saying scheduled rodeos will take place without fans in attendance.
“It’s disheartening because so many people will miss out on a great opportunity,” Baxter said. “It’s all about everyone’s safety.”
Baxter’s ride
How does an African American kid who grew up far from the countryside become a full-time bull rider?
As a toddler, he loved horses and was particularly moved one time when he saw two black men riding horseback at the South Shore Cultural Center.
“From what my mom was told, the two men walked up to me and told my mom that I was going to be a cowboy one day,” Baxter said. “I sat on the horse and rubbed its hair. It’s one of my first memories.”
While many of his classmates at South Shore’s St. Philip Neri Catholic School dressed up as their favorite Bears or Bulls players, Baxter took some ribbing for wearing cowboy garb for the school’s talent/fashion show.
“It taught me to have thick skin, but at the same time, it was also something I embraced because it helped me to realize just how unique I was,” Baxter said.
He graduated in 2012 from Mount Carmel High School and worked as a basketball coach at St. Philip Neri and Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, as well as at a GameStop.
He took part in his first rodeo in 2016, the Backyard Bulls and Barrels Bash in Lowell, Indiana. Baxter started to attend rodeos across the country in an effort to meet bull riders. He said other bull riders took him under their wing after they saw how serious he was about making a living riding bulls. He was invited to the PBR Academy, a training ground for would-be riders, in the summer of 2018.
“They actually took me in and took pride in the fact that I was a black kid from the inner city and I liked their sport enough to show up, dress like them and want to be like them,” he said.
Aaron Baxter’s performance is a feat similar to a minor league baseball player hitting a home run in his first appearance in the Major Leagues, according to a bull riding official. Provided/John L. Alexander
‘You can’t cheat’
Baxter greatly increased his riding last year. He also trains horses at Timberland Ranch in Chicago Heights.
If all goes well, this could become a lucrative profession. Bull riders can compete in as many events as they want. Top-tier bull riders can earn endorsement deals and make six figures annually.
Baxter said the best lesson he has learned about bull riding is not to think too much when he’s atop such a huge creature, taking part in what he calls the “purest” sport of them all.
“You can’t cheat,” he said. “The moment you cheat, you get hurt. It’s a 2,000-pound animal that has a mind of its own. He doesn’t know the rules of the game except to throw you off and to come get you after you hit the ground.”
He admitted riding such an unpredictable animal “sounds crazy,” but he loves it and plans to continue.
Bob Sauber, PCB’s CEO, said he’s eager to watch Baxter’s career progress after his showing last month.
“[Baxter] showed grit and toughness, which is what the city of Chicago is known for, and we’re excited to continue to watch him grow in our sport,” Sauber said.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--How COVID-19 shutdown of baseball impacts Cubs players, staff, injuries, season timeline

Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant already spent some of his down time this spring scanning the off days on the early season schedule and trying to figure out where to squeeze extra time with his wife and baby son due a week or so into the season .
“ It ’ s kind of hard to plan it all out because you never know , ” he said barely a week ago .
“ But Theo did tell me to take as much time as I need.
” If there ’ s an upside for any of the Cubs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and delayed start of the season over coronavirus precautions , it might be the timing for Bryant – who suddenly is afforded rare extended in-season family time with his first child on the way .
Upside , downside or simply upside-down , finding sense or clarity for anyone in baseball beyond that looks difficult to impossible at this early stage of the nationwide shutdown of major sports .
The best answers we have at this point to questions related to the Cubs : Will there be a game at Wrigley Field before May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds – and almost certainly not regardless .
Officially , MLB has postponed the start of the season tentatively to April 9 .
But team president Theo Epstein suggested players might need three to four weeks to prepare for regular-season games once spring camps are reopened , and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday that Chicago team owners had agreed to postpone games until at least May because of the large crowds .
Multiple reports since then indicate MLB is conceding April to the crisis .
The Cubs have 32 games scheduled before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play the full schedule if they start that late ?
Not likely .
Some baseball executives have asserted a strong desire by baseball to make up lost games on the back end of the schedule .
But MLB says it ’ s too early to know whether that will be possible , how it would work , or even if a shorter schedule could be redrawn to restore home-road and competitive integrity .
While owners might plan to bank on recouping those lost gates , you can bank on this : Nobody ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Series for Thanksgiving .
Does the delayed start to the season create any advantages for the Cubs ?
Probably not .
The Cubs have enjoyed an especially healthy spring .
On the other hand , the Cardinals weren ’ t expected to have left-handers Andrew Miller ( arm ) or Brett Cecil ( hamstring ) ready to open the season on March 26 but now have plenty of time to get them healthy for a rescheduled opener .
The Yankees might have as many as three key players able to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Aaron Judge ( rib ) , James Paxton ( back ) and Giancarlo Stanton ( calf ) .
Will Cubs players still get paid their full salaries despite losing the first month of the season ?
They certainly will if lost games get rescheduled and played .
So far no league or team officials have suggested publicly that they won ’ t if the schedule is ultimately reduced .
But if the shutdown persists , references to paragraph 11 of the Uniform Player ’ s Contract are likely to become common .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ national emergencies , “ which may directly or indirectly affect the Player , Club or the League and subject also to the right of the Commissioner to suspend the operation of this contract during any national emergency during which Major League Baseball is not played.
” President Trump ’ s declaration of a national state of emergency on Friday puts the clause in play .
Will teams be allowed to add roster spots when the rescheduled season begins to help cover potential hardships created by , say , a shorter-than-ideal training period ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue closely tied to what the schedule would look like , ” Epstein said , “ and that ’ s purely a subject appropriate for Major League Baseball and the Players ’ Association and the talks that they ’ re having .
So I ’ ll defer to them.
” Does the shutdown include a freeze on player transactions ?
Not officially , as of Saturday , although that could change quickly .
White Sox GM Rick Hahn said in recent days the Sox would be making no immediate transactions .
By contrast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reassigned 12 players from big-league camp Saturday .
“ There ’ s been some talk about freezing transactions , ” Epstein said .
“ That ’ ll be a directive from the league , but we haven ’ t gotten official word on that .
I don ’ t think anyone ’ s rushing to make transactions at this point in time .
The Cubs have 39 players still in big-league camp .
Will minor-league players still get paid during the shutdown ?
By rule , no .
But the Texas Rangers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shutdown .
And Epstein said decisions in general are being made “ with as much empathy and thought as possible for everyone ’ s standing.
” Long before this crisis , the Cubs were one of the teams working to increase minor-league pay , before MLB instituted increases last month .
Will hourly and part-time workers for the Cubs/Wrigley Field be paid or otherwise offered relief during the shutdown ?
Cubs business operations did not immediately respond to this question Saturday .
Epstein said Thursday : “ That ’ s been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the different people affected .
… I don ’ t think we ’ re at a point where there are any answers .
But it ’ s been a big part of the conversation , and the goal would be to make sure that as few people , if any , are impacted by this financially .
But I ’ m not sure how realistic that is , the longer this goes on .
”

Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant already spent some of his down time this spring scanning the off days on the early season schedule and trying to figure out where to squeeze extra time with his wife and baby son due a week or so into the season.
“It’s kind of hard to plan it all out because you never know,” he said barely a week ago. “But Theo did tell me to take as much time as I need.”
If there’s an upside for any of the Cubs in baseball’s shutdown of spring training and delayed start of the season over coronavirus precautions, it might be the timing for Bryant – who suddenly is afforded rare extended in-season family time with his first child on the way.
Upside, downside or simply upside-down, finding sense or clarity for anyone in baseball beyond that looks difficult to impossible at this early stage of the nationwide shutdown of major sports.
The best answers we have at this point to questions related to the Cubs:
Will there be a game at Wrigley Field before May?
No. At least not with crowds – and almost certainly not regardless. Officially, MLB has postponed the start of the season tentatively to April 9. But team president Theo Epstein suggested players might need three to four weeks to prepare for regular-season games once spring camps are reopened, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday that Chicago team owners had agreed to postpone games until at least May because of the large crowds. Multiple reports since then indicate MLB is conceding April to the crisis. The Cubs have 32 games scheduled before May.
Will there be time to play the full schedule if they start that late?
Not likely. Some baseball executives have asserted a strong desire by baseball to make up lost games on the back end of the schedule. But MLB says it’s too early to know whether that will be possible, how it would work, or even if a shorter schedule could be redrawn to restore home-road and competitive integrity. While owners might plan to bank on recouping those lost gates, you can bank on this: Nobody’s going to schedule Game 7 of the World Series for Thanksgiving.
Does the delayed start to the season create any advantages for the Cubs?
Probably not. The Cubs have enjoyed an especially healthy spring. On the other hand, the Cardinals weren’t expected to have left-handers Andrew Miller (arm) or Brett Cecil (hamstring) ready to open the season on March 26 but now have plenty of time to get them healthy for a rescheduled opener. The Yankees might have as many as three key players able to open on time because of extra rehab time: Aaron Judge (rib), James Paxton (back) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf).
Will Cubs players still get paid their full salaries despite losing the first month of the season?
They certainly will if lost games get rescheduled and played. So far no league or team officials have suggested publicly that they won’t if the schedule is ultimately reduced. But if the shutdown persists, references to paragraph 11 of the Uniform Player’s Contract are likely to become common. That’s the paragraph that covers national emergencies, “which may directly or indirectly affect the Player, Club or the League and subject also to the right of the Commissioner to suspend the operation of this contract during any national emergency during which Major League Baseball is not played.” President Trump’s declaration of a national state of emergency on Friday puts the clause in play.
Will teams be allowed to add roster spots when the rescheduled season begins to help cover potential hardships created by, say, a shorter-than-ideal training period?
Maybe. “That’s an issue closely tied to what the schedule would look like,” Epstein said, “and that’s purely a subject appropriate for Major League Baseball and the Players’ Association and the talks that they’re having. So I’ll defer to them.”
Does the shutdown include a freeze on player transactions?
Not officially, as of Saturday, although that could change quickly. White Sox GM Rick Hahn said in recent days the Sox would be making no immediate transactions. By contrast, the Nationals released, optioned and reassigned 12 players from big-league camp Saturday. “There’s been some talk about freezing transactions,” Epstein said. “That’ll be a directive from the league, but we haven’t gotten official word on that. I don’t think anyone’s rushing to make transactions at this point in time. The Cubs have 39 players still in big-league camp.
Will minor-league players still get paid during the shutdown?
By rule, no. But the Texas Rangers have talked about paying their minor leaguers through the shutdown. And Epstein said decisions in general are being made “with as much empathy and thought as possible for everyone’s standing.” Long before this crisis, the Cubs were one of the teams working to increase minor-league pay, before MLB instituted increases last month.
Will hourly and part-time workers for the Cubs/Wrigley Field be paid or otherwise offered relief during the shutdown?
The Cubs said Saturday they are continuing to discuss support for idled stadium workers in the wake of commitments by the Bulls and Blackhawks to pay their game-day employees through what was left of those seasons – as they anticipate more details from MLB this week and possibly a firmer plan on its upcoming season. “I don’t think we’re at a point where there are any answers,” Epstein said Thursday. “But it’s been a big part of the conversation, and the goal would be to make sure that as few people, if any, are impacted by this financially. But I’m not sure how realistic that is, the longer this goes on.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Georgia to postpone primaries over virus, becomes 2nd state to do so

ATLANTA — Georgia election officials are postponing the state ’ s March 24 presidential primaries until May because of fears over the new coronavirus .
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said in a statement Saturday that in-person early voting , which began statewide March 2 , will be halted and the election will be moved to May 19 , when Georgia ’ s other 2020 primary elections are being held .
Election officials said in addition to the safety of the public , one of the biggest considerations was the risk the virus posed to poll workers , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving rapidly and my highest priority is protecting the health of our poll workers , and the community at large , ” Raffensperger said .
The action followed Republican Gov .
Brian Kemp ’ s signature of an emergency declaration that unlocked sweeping powers to fight COVID-19 .
In a speech Saturday , the governor renewed a call for places of worship , schools and others to consider canceling large gatherings as cases in the state rise .
On Friday , Louisiana became the first state to push back its presidential primaries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected more than 150,000 people worldwide and killed over 5,600 .
Georgia is reporting 66 confirmed cases , with most concentrated around metro Atlanta .
One death in the state has been attributed to the virus .
Only one candidate is on the Republican ballot in Georgia for the presidential primary : President Donald Trump .
The Democratic race has been narrowed to a two-man matchup between former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders .
Biden has been beating Sanders among key demographics at play in Georgia Democratic politics like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been endorsed by a slew of state and local officials .
Raffensperger ’ s office said that the decision to postpone the election was made in consultation with the state Democratic and Republican Parties .

ATLANTA — Georgia election officials are postponing the state’s March 24 presidential primaries until May because of fears over the new coronavirus.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said in a statement Saturday that in-person early voting, which began statewide March 2, will be halted and the election will be moved to May 19, when Georgia’s other 2020 primary elections are being held.
Election officials said in addition to the safety of the public, one of the biggest considerations was the risk the virus posed to poll workers, who are often older.
“Events are moving rapidly and my highest priority is protecting the health of our poll workers, and the community at large,” Raffensperger said.
The action followed Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature of an emergency declaration that unlocked sweeping powers to fight COVID-19. In a speech Saturday, the governor renewed a call for places of worship, schools and others to consider canceling large gatherings as cases in the state rise.
On Friday, Louisiana became the first state to push back its presidential primaries.
As of Saturday, the virus had infected more than 150,000 people worldwide and killed over 5,600. Georgia is reporting 66 confirmed cases, with most concentrated around metro Atlanta. One death in the state has been attributed to the virus.
Only one candidate is on the Republican ballot in Georgia for the presidential primary: President Donald Trump.
The Democratic race has been narrowed to a two-man matchup between former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Biden has been beating Sanders among key demographics at play in Georgia Democratic politics like African Americans and suburban voters and has been endorsed by a slew of state and local officials.
Raffensperger’s office said that the decision to postpone the election was made in consultation with the state Democratic and Republican Parties.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Bulls, Blackhawks owners will pay United Center workers during suspension of seasons

The owners of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks announced Saturday that they will be paying their game-day workers through the end of the NBA and NHL regular seasons after both leagues suspended operations due to the spread of coronavirus .
In a joint statement , Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz , an investor in the Sun-Times , said the approximately 1,200 employees who were due to lose pay from canceled NBA and NHL games would still be paid for all the games they would have worked .
“ The United Center ownership and the Chicago Bulls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our front offices and players , will pay day-of-game employees through the remainder of the originally scheduled season , ” according to the statement .
“ Our employees , whether they be front office staff , or our approximately 1,200 day-of-game staff , are family , and we will navigate this unprecedented situation together.
” The decision to pay employees as scheduled 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The NBA announced they were suspending their season Wednesday , and the NHL followed with their own suspension the next day .
The Bulls and Blackhawks are among a handful of teams in both leagues who have made similar pledges to pay employees for missed games .
Across the NBA , superstars like Zion Williamson , Kevin Love and Giannis Antetokounmpo have also pledged to donate some of their salaries to arena employees who are losing out on money due to canceled games .

The owners of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks announced Saturday that they will be paying their game-day workers through the end of the NBA and NHL regular seasons after both leagues suspended operations due to the spread of coronavirus.
In a joint statement, Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, an investor in the Sun-Times, said the approximately 1,200 employees who were due to lose pay from canceled NBA and NHL games would still be paid for all the games they would have worked.
“The United Center ownership and the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, on behalf of our front offices and players, will pay day-of-game employees through the remainder of the originally scheduled season,” according to the statement. “Our employees, whether they be front office staff, or our approximately 1,200 day-of-game staff, are family, and we will navigate this unprecedented situation together.”
The decision to pay employees as scheduled 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.
The NBA announced they were suspending their season Wednesday, and the NHL followed with their own suspension the next day.
The Bulls and Blackhawks are among a handful of teams in both leagues who have made similar pledges to pay employees for missed games.
Across the NBA, superstars like Zion Williamson, Kevin Love and Giannis Antetokounmpo have also pledged to donate some of their salaries to arena employees who are losing out on money due to canceled games.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--St. Patrick’s Day partiers hit the town over officials’ pleas amid coronavirus outbreak

Chicago ’ s annual river-dyeing and St. Patrick ’ s Day parades were canceled , but green beer and Irish whiskey still flowed Saturday in River North , where hundreds flocked to celebrate despite officials ’ pleas for “ social distancing ” amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
People dressed in festive shades of green , leprechaun top hats and shamrock headbands lined the bars and clubs scattered throughout the Near North Side neighborhood .
Inside , businesses were full — but not too crowded .
“ With the virus going around , we ’ re taking care to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of crowds in here today , ” said a bouncer outside Celeste , a nightclub at 111 W. Hubbard St .
The bouncer , who declined to share his name , said Celeste also stocked up on hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes , which were placed throughout the nightclub for everyone to use .
Down the street , a group of friends waiting to get into The Boss Bar passed around a flask of whiskey and a bottle of hand sanitizer .
They chased each shot with a pump of sanitizer to disinfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not about to put my life on hold because this is going around , ” said Kyle Thomas , a nurse from Colorado who flew in to celebrate St. Patrick ’ s Day with his Chicago friends .
Thomas said he had planned the trip to Chicago months ago , and although he was “ taking the coronavirus seriously , ” he wasn ’ t about to cancel plans .
“ I ’ m being careful , I ’ ve got my hand sanitizer , and I ’ m washing my hands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has already been canceled and we might be overreacting.
” Meanwhile , at a Saturday news conference announcing 18 new cases of coronavirus that brought Illinois ’ total to 64 , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker scolded the throngs of young people who ventured out to party .
“ 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.
” A River North bartender who asked not to be identified said she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St .
Patrick ’ s Day is our busiest day of the year , so all the servers here have been worried about this virus affecting our tip money , ” she said .
“ But on the other hand , I don ’ t want to get sick or have an outbreak in our restaurant because of days like this.
” She said her managers were on the fence about whether they should cancel their St. Patrick ’ s Day events , but ultimately decided not to because “ we need the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to think about the virus , but I am scared , ” she said .
“ I don ’ t get health insurance through my job because I don ’ t work enough hours , so I better not get sick here.
” Caroline Lake was also concerned .
She had paid $ 39 in advance for a River North pub crawl , but reached out to its organizers late Friday to ask for a refund .
Lake said she was being a “ smart citizen ” by heeding the advice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay away from large public gatherings .
But as of mid-day Saturday the pub crawl was in full swing and she had not heard back from the organizer , a company called Promo Se7en .
“ They should be thinking about the greater issues here , ” Lake said .
“ They ’ re adding to the problem.
” Representatives for Promo Se7en did not immediately respond to a request for comment , but the company posted that the event would happen as planned with no refunds for ticket-holders who change their mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago has canceled the dyeing of the river and the St. Patrick ’ s Day parade , our event will continue as planned , ” Promo Se7en stated .
“ As stated in our event details below , the event ticket is not connected with any city events .
Our event will go on regardless if any city event is canceled , rescheduled or postponed.
” “ All venues will be taking extra precautions for public safety .
Please remember to wash your hands , cover your mouth and nose when needed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re sick .
We encourage everyone to have fun , be safe and look out for each other.
” Before noon a few miles north in Wrigleyville , both sidewalks outside bars along Clark Street between Roscoe and Addison were packed with revelers , many of them wearing the green T-shirts of another pub crawl .
A hand sanitizer station was set up on the sidewalk , but hardly anyone was using it .

Chicago’s annual river-dyeing and St. Patrick’s Day parades were canceled, but green beer and Irish whiskey still flowed Saturday in River North, where hundreds flocked to celebrate despite officials’ pleas for “social distancing” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
People dressed in festive shades of green, leprechaun top hats and shamrock headbands lined the bars and clubs scattered throughout the Near North Side neighborhood. Inside, businesses were full — but not too crowded.
“With the virus going around, we’re taking care to make sure we don’t have too big of crowds in here today,” said a bouncer outside Celeste, a nightclub at 111 W. Hubbard St.
The bouncer, who declined to share his name, said Celeste also stocked up on hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, which were placed throughout the nightclub for everyone to use.
People celebrate St. Patrick’s Day outside O’Callaghan’s in River North on Saturday, even though the annual St. Patrick’s Day parades were canceled. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Down the street, a group of friends waiting to get into The Boss Bar passed around a flask of whiskey and a bottle of hand sanitizer. They chased each shot with a pump of sanitizer to disinfect their hands.
“I’m not about to put my life on hold because this is going around,” said Kyle Thomas, who said he was a nurse from Colorado who flew in to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with his Chicago friends.
Thomas said he had planned the trip to Chicago months ago, and although he was “taking the coronavirus seriously,” he wasn’t about to cancel plans.
“I’m being careful, I’ve got my hand sanitizer, and I’m washing my hands,” Thomas said. “So much has already been canceled and we might be overreacting.”
Meanwhile, at a Saturday news conference announcing 18 new cases of coronavirus that brought Illinois’ total to 64, Gov. J.B. Pritzker scolded the throngs of young people who ventured out to party.
“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.”
A River North bartender who asked not to be identified said she had mixed feelings about the festivities.
“St. Patrick’s Day is our busiest day of the year, so all the servers here have been worried about this virus affecting our tip money,” she said. “But on the other hand, I don’t want to get sick or have an outbreak in our restaurant because of days like this.”
She said her managers were on the fence about whether they should cancel their St. Patrick’s Day events, but ultimately decided not to because “we need the money.”
“I’m trying not to think about the virus, but I am scared,” she said. “I don’t get health insurance through my job because I don’t work enough hours, so I better not get sick here.”
Despite the cancellation of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations Saturday amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus, people line up outside bars in River North to celebrate. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Caroline Lake was also concerned. She had paid $39 in advance for a River North pub crawl, but reached out to its organizers late Friday to ask for a refund.
Lake said she was being a “smart citizen” by heeding the advice of the governor and public health officials to stay away from large public gatherings. But as of mid-day Saturday the pub crawl was in full swing and she had not heard back from the organizer, a company called Promo Se7en.
“They should be thinking about the greater issues here,” Lake said. “They’re adding to the problem.”
Representatives for Promo Se7en did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the company posted that the event would happen as planned with no refunds for ticket-holders who change their mind.
“Although, the City of Chicago has canceled the dyeing of the river and the St. Patrick’s Day parade, our event will continue as planned,” Promo Se7en stated. “As stated in our event details below, the event ticket is not connected with any city events. Our event will go on regardless if any city event is canceled, rescheduled or postponed.”
“All venues will be taking extra precautions for public safety. Please remember to wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when needed and please do not attend if you’re sick. We encourage everyone to have fun, be safe and look out for each other.”
Before noon a few miles north in Wrigleyville, both sidewalks outside bars along Clark Street between Roscoe and Addison were packed with revelers, many of them wearing the green T-shirts of another pub crawl.
A hand sanitizer station was set up on the sidewalk, but hardly anyone was using it.
Contributing: Stephanie Zimmermann


chicagosun-times--2020-03-14--Mr. President finally gets the coronavirus test

Good for you , Mr. President .
You got the test .
Kicking and screaming , so to speak , and late .
But you got the coronavirus test .
You got it after days of delay , after saying you might , after the White House doctor said you wouldn ’ t , and after the messaging value — that this pandemic is real and every American should act responsibly — was utterly lost .
We trust the test results will come back negative , Mr. President .
As a nation , we ’ ve got to pull together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — will President Trump get tested ?
— began on Friday when you and your coronavirus team gathered in the White House Rose Garden to announce the creation of a public-private partnership to ramp up the availability of testing for the virus .
This was a marked improvement over weeks of foot-dragging by your administration , if in fact those tests become available across the country quickly — in days .
It is too late to contain the virus in the United States , but a massive increase in testing could slow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation time until a vaccine is developed .
You also announced the creation of a handy new website , Mr. President , to which Americans can go to see if they should be tested .
It includes questions to help people determine their level of likely exposure to the virus — in your case , very high .
Just last weekend , Mr. President , you met at Mar-a-Lago with people who have since been diagnosed as having the virus , COVID-19 , including a Brazilian press aide .
And you knew this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene in the Rose Garden .
On the one hand , you announced an ambitious plan that ropes in the biggest commercial laboratories , including LabCorp and Quest , and several of the biggest retailers — Walgreens Walmart , CVS and Target — to dramatically increase testing for the coronavirus .
The United States still will lag behind South Korea , but we ’ re moving in the right direction .
Finally .
But then you undercut all sense of urgency — as if you didn ’ t believe a word you were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s suggestion that , by the rules , you yourself should have been tested days earlier .
You said you had “ no symptoms whatsoever.
” And heck , you added , the president of Brazil , Jair Bolsonaro , who also had been in close contact with that press aide , took the test and it came back negative .
Your inability to grasp how the coronavirus works was stunning .
Thankfully , government officials in several states haven ’ t been following your lead .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois elementary and high schools is the right one , coming in the wake of Ohio , Maryland , Michigan , Los Angeles , Philadelphia , Seattle , San Diego and San Francisco announcing widespread school closures .
It does not matter , of course , that you have experienced no symptoms .
That is the treacherous nature of the disease .
Some people with the virus walk around for a week or two feeling fine , unknowingly infecting others , before they experience symptoms .
That ’ s why the virus spreads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter that Bolsonaro tested negative .
Late in the press conference , Mr. President , when again asked if you would get tested , you finally said halfheartedly , “ Most likely.
” But by then , your failure to appreciate the gravity of the matter was clear .
This became even more apparent after the press conference , when the website The Verge published a story questioning exactly who is building the testing website you touted .
Contrary to what you told the American public , Google isn ’ t building that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller trial website made by another division of Alphabet , Google ’ s parent company , is going up , ” The Verge reported .
“ In all , the difference between the reality of what is being built and what was promised during the press conference is very large.
” Just before midnight on Friday , you put all this talk of tests to rest .
The White House physician released a statement saying you would not be tested — nor would you self-quarantine .
And still more !
On Saturday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fact , taken the test — on Friday night .
Why the reversal now ?
“ People were asking , did I take the test , ” he said .
You were again sending a message that you didn ’ t see the point .
Can we tell something to you , Mr. President ?
A lot of Americans who have not been your admirers would like to get behind you now .
The stakes are just so high .
The best way to beat the coronavirus is for our nation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lining up behind you .
But , man , you make it hard .

Good for you, Mr. President. You got the test.
Kicking and screaming, so to speak, and late. But you got the coronavirus test.
You got it after days of delay, after saying you might, after the White House doctor said you wouldn’t, and after the messaging value — that this pandemic is real and every American should act responsibly — was utterly lost.
Finally, the test came back negative. You don’t have coronavirus. But you’ve given us and the rest of the world another reason to doubt your leadership.
This sad but telling little drama — will President Trump get tested? — began Friday when you and your coronavirus team gathered in the White House Rose Garden to announce the creation of a public-private partnership to ramp up the availability of testing for the virus.
This was a marked improvement over weeks of foot-dragging by your administration, if in fact those tests become available across the country quickly — in days. It is too late to contain the virus in the United States, but a massive increase in testing could slow the spread, saving lives and buying the nation time until a vaccine is developed.
Editorials bug Editorials
You also announced the creation of a handy new website, Mr. President, to which Americans can go to see if they should be tested. It includes questions to help people determine their level of likely exposure to the virus — in your case, very high.
Just last weekend, Mr. President, you met at Mar-a-Lago with people who have since been diagnosed as having the virus, COVID-19, including a Brazilian press aide. And you knew this on Friday.
Mixed message
It was a curious scene in the Rose Garden on Friday. On the one hand, you announced an ambitious plan that ropes in the biggest commercial laboratories, including LabCorp and Quest, and several of the biggest retailers — Walgreens Walmart, CVS and Target — to dramatically increase testing for the coronavirus. The United States still will lag behind South Korea, but we’re moving in the right direction. Finally.
But then you undercut all sense of urgency — as if you didn’t believe a word you were saying — by shrugging off a reporter’s suggestion that, by the rules, you yourself should have been tested days earlier.
You said you had “no symptoms whatsoever.” And heck, you added, the president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, who also had been in close contact with that press aide, took the test and it came back negative, just like yours eventually would.
Despite those negative results, your inability to grasp how the coronavirus works remains stunning. Thankfully, government officials in several states have been acting more responsibly. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s decision Friday to close all public Illinois elementary and high schools is the right one, coming in the wake of Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Diego and San Francisco announcing widespread school closures.
Late in the press conference, Mr. President, when again asked if you would get tested, you finally said halfheartedly, “Most likely.” But by then, your failure to appreciate the gravity of the matter was clear.
About that testing website
This became even more apparent after the press conference, when the website The Verge published a story questioning exactly who is building the testing website you touted.
Contrary to what you told the American public, Google isn’t building that site. “Instead, a much smaller trial website made by another division of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is going up,” The Verge reported. “In all, the difference between the reality of what is being built and what was promised during the press conference is very large.”
But wait, there’s more!
Just before midnight on Friday, you put all this talk of tests to rest. The White House physician released a statement saying you would not be tested — nor would you self-quarantine.
And still more!
On Saturday morning, you announced that you had, in fact, taken the test — on Friday night. Why the reversal?
“People were asking, did I take the test,” he said.
You were again sending a message that you didn’t see the point.
Can we tell something to you, Mr. President?
• We’re grateful you don’t have coronavirus. This would have made a bad situation even worse.
• A lot of Americans who have not been your admirers would like to get behind you now. The stakes are just so high.
The best way to beat the coronavirus is for our nation to come together, even if that means lining up behind you. But, man, you make it hard.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.