chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--Dear Abby: Raising a baby a scary prospect for girl pregnant at 17

DEAR ABBY : I recently found out I am pregnant .
I ’ m only 17 and scared I won ’ t be a good mother .
I ’ m also anxious about giving birth .
I ’ m due in three months , so I know time is going by fast .
My mother never taught me right from wrong , and having to raise a child at my age is really scary .
I don ’ t want to give my baby up for adoption because I know God does things in mysterious ways .
I feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me through to make me stronger in life .
Can you give me some advice on how to be a good mother or guide me on how to give my child the necessities ?
— CONCERNED TEENAGE MOTHER DEAR CONCERNED : You will be facing challenging circumstances .
Consider talking to a social worker at the hospital where you will give birth for advice on how to get the necessities for your baby .
It is more important now than ever to complete your education by getting your high school diploma or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to better support the child .
A trusted teacher or counselor at school may be able to guide you .
If there are older , more experienced family members who are willing , they may be able to offer emotional and practical support .
And , if possible , the baby ’ s father should be involved .
DEAR ABBY : I recently quit drinking because it was clearly becoming a problem for me .
I was hiding alcohol , putting it in water bottles , drinking it like water , etc .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ AA not a viable option for me .
I looked online and was able to find SMART Recovery .
So far , it has been a valuable resource for me .
I am sticking to the program and find the people online to be supportive and helpful .
My struggle is , because I had been drinking for so long , people judge me by my past .
Even at home .
How do I get to a point where people take me for who I am now and stop dwelling on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I applaud you for recognizing you had a problem and doing something about it .
You mentioned that you “ recently ” quit drinking .
I wish you had mentioned how long ago because it may have something to do with how you are being treated now .
All you can do to change people ’ s perception of you is sincerely apologize and try to make amends to anyone you may have hurt or offended while you were under the influence .
It may take time for them to trust that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were , so be patient and continue to work on your sobriety .
With time , you WILL be respected for the person you are now .
DEAR ABBY : Can you think of any way to tell social media friends that I am not interested in their political views ?
I respect everyone ’ s political beliefs , but I am very tired of politics , and there must be something else they can post .
Should I “ unfollow ” these people until after the elections and hope for the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this .
Any help would be much appreciated !
— “ WAR ” WEARY IN ARKANSAS DEAR WEARY : These days it does seem like everyone ’ s a pundit , but you can not dictate what others choose to post .
Because the posts are not entertaining , I see nothing wrong with “ hiding ” their posts until the election season is over .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For everything you need to know about wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I recently found out I am pregnant. I’m only 17 and scared I won’t be a good mother. I’m also anxious about giving birth. I’m due in three months, so I know time is going by fast.
My mother never taught me right from wrong, and having to raise a child at my age is really scary. I don’t want to give my baby up for adoption because I know God does things in mysterious ways. I feel like this is an obstacle he is putting me through to make me stronger in life. Can you give me some advice on how to be a good mother or guide me on how to give my child the necessities? — CONCERNED TEENAGE MOTHER
DEAR CONCERNED: You will be facing challenging circumstances. Consider talking to a social worker at the hospital where you will give birth for advice on how to get the necessities for your baby.
It is more important now than ever to complete your education by getting your high school diploma or a GED, so you will be able to better support the child. A trusted teacher or counselor at school may be able to guide you. If there are older, more experienced family members who are willing, they may be able to offer emotional and practical support. And, if possible, the baby’s father should be involved.
DEAR ABBY: I recently quit drinking because it was clearly becoming a problem for me. I was hiding alcohol, putting it in water bottles, drinking it like water, etc.
I struggle with anxiety, which makes AA not a viable option for me. I looked online and was able to find SMART Recovery. So far, it has been a valuable resource for me. I am sticking to the program and find the people online to be supportive and helpful.
My struggle is, because I had been drinking for so long, people judge me by my past. Even at home. How do I get to a point where people take me for who I am now and stop dwelling on the past? — SOBERING REALITY
DEAR SOBERING: I applaud you for recognizing you had a problem and doing something about it. You mentioned that you “recently” quit drinking. I wish you had mentioned how long ago because it may have something to do with how you are being treated now.
All you can do to change people’s perception of you is sincerely apologize and try to make amends to anyone you may have hurt or offended while you were under the influence. It may take time for them to trust that you are no longer the person you were, so be patient and continue to work on your sobriety. With time, you WILL be respected for the person you are now.
DEAR ABBY: Can you think of any way to tell social media friends that I am not interested in their political views? I respect everyone’s political beliefs, but I am very tired of politics, and there must be something else they can post. Should I “unfollow” these people until after the elections and hope for the best? I suspect I am not alone on this. Any help would be much appreciated! — “WAR” WEARY IN ARKANSAS
DEAR WEARY: These days it does seem like everyone’s a pundit, but you cannot dictate what others choose to post. Because the posts are not entertaining, I see nothing wrong with “hiding” their posts until the election season is over.
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.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--How Bears hit franchise snag in last four starting QB moves

The date was Jan. 1 , 2013 , but it might as well be today .
Or any day in the seven-plus years in between .
Bears general manager Phil Emery was explaining his decision to fire coach Lovie Smith when he was asked what he planned to do with quarterback Jay Cutler , who was entering the final year of his contract .
Emery said he would collaborate with the new coach , who would turn out to be Marc Trestman , but that he thought Cutler was a franchise quarterback .
‘ ‘ Am I convinced that Jay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes , I am , ’ ’ Emery said .
‘ ‘ I ’ ll say the same thing that I said this summer : I see Jay as a franchise quarterback.
’ ’ The Bears gave Cutler a huge contract a year later and found out he wasn ’ t .
Neither was the starter the Bears signed after him .
Or the player they drafted less than two months after that .
Or the one they traded for this week .
Since 2014 , the Bears have handed out $ 122.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they thought would start for at least one season .
They also have traded a first-round draft pick , two third-rounders and two fourth-rounders to try to find their franchise quarterback .
They haven ’ t found one yet .
If there ’ s a lesson to be learned from the Bears agreeing to trade a fourth-round pick to the Jaguars for Nick Foles this week , it ’ s this : They don ’ t think Mitch Trubisky , the No .
2 overall pick in the 2017 draft , is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did .
Now , they won ’ t even commit publicly to picking up their option on his contract for 2021 , which is guaranteed only for injury .
After a season ’ s worth of explaining away his mistakes , the Bears admitted they saw what the rest of the world did and traded for someone to help mitigate the damage .
Foles , however , isn ’ t a franchise quarterback , either ; he ’ s a 31-year-old joining his fifth team in six years .
While he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season and turned in perhaps the greatest pinch-hitting performance in modern NFL history during that playoff run , he also has totaled 13 regular-season starts in the last four seasons .
Foles ’ big opportunity to be the unquestioned starter last season went so poorly — he broke his collarbone in the Jaguars ’ opener , watched ‘ ‘ Minshew Mania ’ ’ spark and burn itself out and finished the season 0-4 — that he had to clarify after the season that he had no plans to retire .
Foles is competent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could say about Trubisky last season .
At best , he ’ ll be something between a stabilizing force and a high-end insurance policy .
But he ’ s not the long-term answer , even though the Bears owe him $ 21 million guaranteed .
The Bears have made four major starting-quarterback transactions in the last six years and three months .
All four were costly , either financially or because of draft capital they gave up .
None produced a long-term answer .
• Emery was forced to choose between Cutler and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears ’ single-season passer-rating record in relief of Cutler , in January 2014 .
Both were set to become free agents .
Emery decided to give Cutler a seven-year , $ 126 million extension with $ 54 million guaranteed — a contract so long that it stretched through the 2020 season .
Cutler paired with coordinator Adam Gase for a career-best 92.3 passer rating at age 32 in 2015 but made only five starts in 2016 .
The Bears released him in March 2017 .
• That same month , the Bears signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hadn ’ t started a game in three years , to a three-year , $ 45 million deal .
Glennon was at the Bears ’ draft party when he learned they had traded up to take another quarterback .
Glennon began the season as the starter , lasted four games and was cut the next offseason .
He walked away with $ 18.5 million and hasn ’ t started a game in the league since .
• GM Ryan Pace traded four picks — Nos .
3 , 67 and 111 in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move up one spot and draft Trubisky ahead of future stars Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes in 2017 .
The North Carolina alum signed a four-year , $ 29 million rookie deal .
He made the Pro Bowl as an alternate in 2018 but cratered in 2019 .
He ’ ll have to outplay Foles during the preseason to start in Week 1 .
• On Wednesday , the Bears agreed to deal a fourth-round pick for Foles and restructured his contract .
The deal has three years left and $ 21 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can total as much as $ 50 million if he sticks around .
Foles can void the deal after either of the next two seasons .
The Bears acquired Foles to be more of a starting threat than Chase Daniel , who earned $ 10 million over two seasons before joining the Lions this week .
The Bears are clearly in win-now mode , as evidenced by their signing of four players who will be in their 30s by Week 1 .
But they still figure to eye quarterbacks in the draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fromm and Oklahoma ’ s Jalen Hurts might be among the quarterbacks available when the Bears draft twice in the second round .
Neither would help the Bears in 2020 .
Rather , they would mark an investment in the future — and a hope that the Bears ’ next bet somehow ends better than every other quarterback move they ’ ve made for more than a half-decade .

The date was Jan. 1, 2013, but it might as well be today. Or any day in the seven-plus years in between.
Bears general manager Phil Emery was explaining his decision to fire coach Lovie Smith when he was asked what he planned to do with quarterback Jay Cutler, who was entering the final year of his contract.
Emery said he would collaborate with the new coach, who would turn out to be Marc Trestman, but that he thought Cutler was a franchise quarterback.
‘‘Am I convinced that Jay has the talent to be that? Yes, I am,’’ Emery said. ‘‘I’ll say the same thing that I said this summer: I see Jay as a franchise quarterback.’’
The Bears gave Cutler a huge contract a year later and found out he wasn’t.
Neither was the starter the Bears signed after him. Or the player they drafted less than two months after that. Or the one they traded for this week.
Since 2014, the Bears have handed out $122.5 million in guaranteed money to four quarterbacks they thought would start for at least one season. They also have traded a first-round draft pick, two third-rounders and two fourth-rounders to try to find their franchise quarterback.
They haven’t found one yet.
If there’s a lesson to be learned from the Bears agreeing to trade a fourth-round pick to the Jaguars for Nick Foles this week, it’s this: They don’t think Mitch Trubisky, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft, is a franchise quarterback.
A year ago, they did. Now, they won’t even commit publicly to picking up their option on his contract for 2021, which is guaranteed only for injury. After a season’s worth of explaining away his mistakes, the Bears admitted they saw what the rest of the world did and traded for someone to help mitigate the damage.
Foles, however, isn’t a franchise quarterback, either; he’s a 31-year-old joining his fifth team in six years. While he was the Super Bowl MVP after the 2017 season and turned in perhaps the greatest pinch-hitting performance in modern NFL history during that playoff run, he also has totaled 13 regular-season starts in the last four seasons.
Foles’ big opportunity to be the unquestioned starter last season went so poorly — he broke his collarbone in the Jaguars’ opener, watched ‘‘Minshew Mania’’ spark and burn itself out and finished the season 0-4 — that he had to clarify after the season that he had no plans to retire.
Foles is competent, which is more than the Bears could say about Trubisky last season. At best, he’ll be something between a stabilizing force and a high-end insurance policy. But he’s not the long-term answer, even though the Bears owe him $21 million guaranteed.
The Bears have made four major starting-quarterback transactions in the last six years and three months. All four were costly, either financially or because of draft capital they gave up. None produced a long-term answer.
• Emery was forced to choose between Cutler and backup Josh McCown, who set the Bears’ single-season passer-rating record in relief of Cutler, in January 2014. Both were set to become free agents. Emery decided to give Cutler a seven-year, $126 million extension with $54 million guaranteed — a contract so long that it stretched through the 2020 season. Cutler paired with coordinator Adam Gase for a career-best 92.3 passer rating at age 32 in 2015 but made only five starts in 2016. The Bears released him in March 2017.
• That same month, the Bears signed Mike Glennon, a Buccaneers backup who hadn’t started a game in three years, to a three-year, $45 million deal. Glennon was at the Bears’ draft party when he learned they had traded up to take another quarterback. Glennon began the season as the starter, lasted four games and was cut the next offseason. He walked away with $18.5 million and hasn’t started a game in the league since.
• GM Ryan Pace traded four picks — Nos. 3, 67 and 111 in 2017 and a third-rounder in 2018 — to move up one spot and draft Trubisky ahead of future stars Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes in 2017. The North Carolina alum signed a four-year, $29 million rookie deal. He made the Pro Bowl as an alternate in 2018 but cratered in 2019. He’ll have to outplay Foles during the preseason to start in Week 1.
• On Wednesday, the Bears agreed to deal a fourth-round pick for Foles and restructured his contract. The deal has three years left and $21 million guaranteed, according to ESPN, but it can total as much as $50 million if he sticks around. Foles can void the deal after either of the next two seasons. The Bears acquired Foles to be more of a starting threat than Chase Daniel, who earned $10 million over two seasons before joining the Lions this week.
The costs don’t end there.
The Bears are clearly in win-now mode, as evidenced by their signing of four players who will be in their 30s by Week 1. But they still figure to eye quarterbacks in the draft next month. Georgia’s Jake Fromm and Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts might be among the quarterbacks available when the Bears draft twice in the second round.
Neither would help the Bears in 2020. Rather, they would mark an investment in the future — and a hope that the Bears’ next bet somehow ends better than every other quarterback move they’ve made for more than a half-decade.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--2 charged with stealing SUV for sale at gunpoint in Little Village

Two people are accused of stealing an SUV for sale at gunpoint Friday in Little Village on the Southwest Side @ @ @ @ @ , was charged with a felony count of vehicular hijacking , Chicago police said .
@ @ @ @ @ with aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm .
The pair pretended they were interested in @ @ @ @ @ from a 39-year-old man , Chicago police said .
During a test drive about 1:50 @ @ @ @ @ of South Ridgeway Avenue , the teen said he had a gun , and the @ @ @ @ @ pushing him out of the SUV .
Diaz was arrested about 3:37 p.m. in the @ @ @ @ @ Avenue , police said .
The teen was taken into custody less than half an @ @ @ @ @ stop in the 2200 block of South Trumbull Avenue .
Both are due in bond @ @ @ @ @ on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Two people are accused of stealing an SUV for sale at gunpoint Friday in Little Village on the Southwest Side.
Oscar Diaz, 25, was charged with a felony count of vehicular hijacking, Chicago police said. A 17-year-old boy was charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm.
The pair pretended they were interested in buying a 2003 Ford Explorer from a 39-year-old man, Chicago police said. During a test drive about 1:50 a.m. in the 2300 block of South Ridgeway Avenue, the teen said he had a gun, and the two beat the man before pushing him out of the SUV.
Diaz was arrested about 3:37 p.m. in the 2400 block of South Drake Avenue, police said. The teen was taken into custody less than half an hour later during a traffic stop in the 2200 block of South Trumbull Avenue.
Bail for Diaz was set at $50,000 during a hearing Saturday, according to Cook County court records. He is due back in court April 17.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--Chicago firefighter hurt in McKinley Park extra-alarm blaze

A Chicago firefighter was injured while battling a two-alarm blaze Saturday in McKinley Park on the South Side .
The @ @ @ @ @ midnight on the second floor of a vacant two-story commercial building in the 3700 block @ @ @ @ @ according to Chicago Fire Department Cmdr .
Frank Velez .
Crews arrived to find heavy @ @ @ @ @ and some roofing fell on one of the responding firefighters , Velez said .
He @ @ @ @ @ rubble and taken to Stroger Hospital , where his condition was stabilized .
The fire @ @ @ @ @ a.m. , Velez said .
No one was inside at the time and no other @ @ @ @ @ cause remains under investigation .

A Chicago firefighter was injured while battling a two-alarm blaze Saturday in McKinley Park on the South Side.
The fire was reported shortly after midnight on the second floor of a vacant two-story commercial building in the 3700 block of South Ashland Avenue, according to Chicago Fire Department Cmdr. Frank Velez.
Crews arrived to find heavy fire on the second floor and some roofing fell on one of the responding firefighters, Velez said. He was removed from under the rubble and taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.
The fire was put out about 2 a.m., Velez said. No one was inside at the time and no other injuries were reported.
The cause remains under investigation.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--Kenny Rogers, singer of huge country and pop hits, dies at 81

Actor-singer Kenny Rogers , the smooth , Grammy-winning balladeer who spanned jazz , folk , country and pop with such hits as “ Lucille , ” “ Lady ” and “ Islands in the Stream ” and embraced his persona as “ The Gambler ” on record and on TV died Friday night .
He was 81 .
He died at home in Sandy Springs , Georgia , representative Keith Hagan told The Associated Press .
He was under hospice care and died of natural causes , Hagan said .
The Houston-born performer with the husky voice and silver beard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won three Grammys and was the star of TV movies based on “ The Gambler ” and other songs , making him a superstar in the ’ 70s and ’ 80s .
Rogers thrived for some 60 years before he retired from touring in 2017 at age 79 .
Despite his crossover success , he always preferred to be thought of as a country singer .
“ You either do what everyone else is doing and you do it better , or you do what no one else is doing and you don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Associated Press in 2015 .
“ And I chose that way because I could never be better than Johnny Cash or Willie or Waylon at what they did .
So I found something that I could do that didn ’ t invite comparison to them .
And I think people thought it was my desire to change country music .
But that was never my issue.
” A true rags-to-riches story , Rogers was raised in public housing in Houston Heights with seven siblings .
As a 20-year-old , he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feeling , ” under the name Kenneth Rogers , but when that early success stalled , he joined a jazz group , the Bobby Doyle Trio , as a standup bass player .
But his breakthrough came when he was asked to join the New Christy Minstrels , a folk group , in 1966 .
The band reformed as First Edition and scored a pop hit with the psychedelic song , “ Just Dropped In ( To See What Condition My Condition Was In ) .
” Rogers and First Edition mixed country-rock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Don ’ t Take Your Love To Town , ” a story of a Vietnam veteran begging his girlfriend to stay .
After the group broke up in 1974 , Rogers started his solo career and found a big hit with the sad country ballad “ Lucille , ” in 1977 , which crossed over to the pop charts and earned Rogers his first Grammy .
Suddenly the star , Rogers added hit after hit for more than a decade .
“ The Gambler , ” the Grammy-winning story song penned by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and became his signature song with a signature refrain : “ You got ta know when to hold ‘ em , know when to fold ’ em.
” The song spawned a hit TV movie of the same name and several more sequels featuring Rogers as professional gambler Brady Hawkes , and led to a lengthy side career for Rogers as a TV actor and host of several TV specials .
Other hits included “ You Decorated My Life , ” “ Every Time Two Fools Collide ” with Dottie West , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Dreamer ” with Kim Carnes , and “ Coward of the County.
” One of his biggest successes was “ Lady , ” written by Lionel Richie , a chart topper for six weeks straight in 1980 .
Richie said in a 2017 interview with the AP that he often didn ’ t finish songs until he had already pitched them , which was the case for “ Lady.
” “ In the beginning , the song was called ‘ Baby , ’ ” Richie said .
“ And because when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first 30 minutes , all he talked about was he just got married to a real lady .
A country guy like him is married to a lady .
So , he said , ‘ By the way , what ’ s the name of the song ?
’ ” Richie replies : “ Lady.
” Over the years , Rogers worked often with female duet partners , most memorably , Dolly Parton .
The two were paired at the suggestion of the Bee Gees ’ Barry Gibb , who wrote “ Islands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producing an album on me and he gave me this song , ” Rogers told the AP in 2017 .
“ And I went and learned it and went into the studio and sang it for four days .
And I finally looked at him and said , ‘ Barry , I don ’ t even like this song anymore.
’ And he said , ‘ You know what we need ?
We need Dolly Parton.
’ I thought , ‘ Man , that guy is a visionary.
’ ” Coincidentally , Parton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Los Angeles when the idea came up .
“ From the moment she marched into that room , that song never sounded the same , ” Rogers said .
“ It took on a whole new spirit.
” The two singers toured together , including in Australia and New Zealand in 1984 and 1987 , and were featured in a HBO concert special .
Over the years the two would continue to record together , including their last duet , “ You Can ’ t Make Old Friends , ” which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islands in the Stream ” with Rogers during his all-star retirement concert held in Nashville in October 2017 .
Rogers invested his time and money in a lot of other endeavors over his career , including a passion for photography that led to several books , as well as an autobiography , “ Making It With Music.
” He had a chain of restaurants called Kenny Rogers Roasters , and was a partner behind a riverboat in Branson , Missouri .
He was also involved in numerous charitable causes , among them the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the all-star “ We are the World ” recording for famine relief .
By the ’ 90s , his ability to chart hits had waned , although he still remained a popular live entertainer with regular touring .
Still he was an inventive businessman and never stopped trying to find his way back onto the charts .
At the age of 61 , Rogers had a brief comeback on the country charts in 2000 with a hit song “ Buy Me A Rose , ” thanks to his other favorite medium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Touched by an Angel ” wanted him to appear in an episode , and one of his managers suggested the episode be based on his latest single .
That cross-promotional event earned him his first No .
1 country song in 13 years .
Rogers ’ family is planning a private service “ out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency , ” a statement posted early Saturday read .
A public memorial will be held at a later date .

Actor-singer Kenny Rogers, the smooth, Grammy-winning balladeer who spanned jazz, folk, country and pop with such hits as “Lucille,” “Lady” and “Islands in the Stream” and embraced his persona as “The Gambler” on record and on TV died Friday night. He was 81.
He died at home in Sandy Springs, Georgia, representative Keith Hagan told The Associated Press. He was under hospice care and died of natural causes, Hagan said.
The Houston-born performer with the husky voice and silver beard sold tens of millions of records, won three Grammys and was the star of TV movies based on “The Gambler” and other songs, making him a superstar in the ’70s and ’80s. Rogers thrived for some 60 years before he retired from touring in 2017 at age 79. Despite his crossover success, he always preferred to be thought of as a country singer.
“You either do what everyone else is doing and you do it better, or you do what no one else is doing and you don’t invite comparison,” Rogers told The Associated Press in 2015. “And I chose that way because I could never be better than Johnny Cash or Willie or Waylon at what they did. So I found something that I could do that didn’t invite comparison to them. And I think people thought it was my desire to change country music. But that was never my issue.”
A true rags-to-riches story, Rogers was raised in public housing in Houston Heights with seven siblings. As a 20-year-old, he had a gold single called “That Crazy Feeling,” under the name Kenneth Rogers, but when that early success stalled, he joined a jazz group, the Bobby Doyle Trio, as a standup bass player.
But his breakthrough came when he was asked to join the New Christy Minstrels, a folk group, in 1966. The band reformed as First Edition and scored a pop hit with the psychedelic song, “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).” Rogers and First Edition mixed country-rock and folk on songs like “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” a story of a Vietnam veteran begging his girlfriend to stay.
After the group broke up in 1974, Rogers started his solo career and found a big hit with the sad country ballad “Lucille,” in 1977, which crossed over to the pop charts and earned Rogers his first Grammy. Suddenly the star, Rogers added hit after hit for more than a decade.
“The Gambler,” the Grammy-winning story song penned by Don Schlitz, came out in 1978 and became his signature song with a signature refrain: “You gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ’em.” The song spawned a hit TV movie of the same name and several more sequels featuring Rogers as professional gambler Brady Hawkes, and led to a lengthy side career for Rogers as a TV actor and host of several TV specials.
Other hits included “You Decorated My Life,” “Every Time Two Fools Collide” with Dottie West, “Don’t Fall In Love with a Dreamer” with Kim Carnes, and “Coward of the County.” One of his biggest successes was “Lady,” written by Lionel Richie, a chart topper for six weeks straight in 1980. Richie said in a 2017 interview with the AP that he often didn’t finish songs until he had already pitched them, which was the case for “Lady.”
“In the beginning, the song was called ‘Baby,’” Richie said. “And because when I first sat with him, for the first 30 minutes, all he talked about was he just got married to a real lady. A country guy like him is married to a lady. So, he said, ‘By the way, what’s the name of the song?’” Richie replies: “Lady.”
Over the years, Rogers worked often with female duet partners, most memorably, Dolly Parton. The two were paired at the suggestion of the Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb, who wrote “Islands in the Stream.”
“Barry was producing an album on me and he gave me this song,” Rogers told the AP in 2017. “And I went and learned it and went into the studio and sang it for four days. And I finally looked at him and said, ‘Barry, I don’t even like this song anymore.’ And he said, ‘You know what we need? We need Dolly Parton.’ I thought, ‘Man, that guy is a visionary.’”
Coincidentally, Parton was actually in the same recording studio in Los Angeles when the idea came up.
“From the moment she marched into that room, that song never sounded the same,” Rogers said. “It took on a whole new spirit.”
The two singers toured together, including in Australia and New Zealand in 1984 and 1987, and were featured in a HBO concert special. Over the years the two would continue to record together, including their last duet, “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” which was released in 2013. Parton reprised “Islands in the Stream” with Rogers during his all-star retirement concert held in Nashville in October 2017.
Rogers invested his time and money in a lot of other endeavors over his career, including a passion for photography that led to several books, as well as an autobiography, “Making It With Music.” He had a chain of restaurants called Kenny Rogers Roasters, and was a partner behind a riverboat in Branson, Missouri. He was also involved in numerous charitable causes, among them the Red Cross and MusicCares, and was part of the all-star “We are the World” recording for famine relief.
By the ’90s, his ability to chart hits had waned, although he still remained a popular live entertainer with regular touring. Still he was an inventive businessman and never stopped trying to find his way back onto the charts.
At the age of 61, Rogers had a brief comeback on the country charts in 2000 with a hit song “Buy Me A Rose,” thanks to his other favorite medium, television. Producers of the series “Touched by an Angel” wanted him to appear in an episode, and one of his managers suggested the episode be based on his latest single. That cross-promotional event earned him his first No. 1 country song in 13 years.
Rogers’ family is planning a private service “out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency,” a statement posted early Saturday read. A public memorial will be held at a later date.
“I believe that music is the great memory-maker of all time. You remember the songs you heard that you loved, where were you when heard them.” Rogers told the Sun-Times in a 2016 interview.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--2 Chicago cops among 4 hurt in Calumet Heights rollover crash

Four people , including two Chicago police officers , were injured when a CPD van and an SUV collided Friday @ @ @ @ @ South Side .
The officers were westbound on 91st Street on their way to assist @ @ @ @ @ p.m. when the van collided with a 2001 GMC SUV traveling southbound in the 9100 @ @ @ @ @ , Chicago police said .
The crash caused the van to roll onto its side @ @ @ @ @ were hospitalized , police said .
The male driver of the GMC and his female @ @ @ @ @ Trinity Hospital .
Everyone was in good condition .
The driver of the GMC was @ @ @ @ @ valid drivers license , police said .

Four people, including two Chicago police officers, were injured when a CPD van and an SUV collided Friday in Calumet Heights on the South Side.
The officers were westbound on 91st Street on their way to assist with a call at 10:33 p.m. when the van collided with a 2001 GMC SUV traveling southbound in the 9100 block of South Phillips Avenue, Chicago police said.
The crash caused the van to roll onto its side, and two male officers were hospitalized, police said. The male driver of the GMC and his female passenger were also taken to Trinity Hospital. Everyone was in good condition.
The driver of the GMC was cited for not having a valid drivers license, police said.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--Couch Slouch: Making the bets of a dire situation

Drove my Chevy to the ballgame , but it was out of sorts/ And those ‘ ‘ First Take ’ ’ boys were talking madness in March/ That ’ ll be the day that sports die What do we do now ?
Sports fans have put all their eggs in one basket for so long , they ’ ve tossed out every other basket in the house .
So now , many of them , in the face of a deadly worldwide COVID-19 pandemic , can only think , “ Why does it all feel so empty ?
” There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself on keeping sports in perspective , yet on many nights I mindlessly graze from ESPN to FS1 to NBA TV to ESPN2 to NBCSN to Fox Sports West .
I just saw Joe Lunardi on an L.A. exit ramp with a sign , “ Will Bracketology for Food.
” NBA , gone .
NHL , gone .
MLB , gone .
Final Four , gone .
The one time I was going to turn to Major League Soccer ?
MLS , gone .
I always complain that sports occupy too big a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values are skewed and our priorities fouled up with the overemphasis on athletic glory .
Yet I understand it is a companion for many , a constant entertainment-and-distraction option .
It is an emotional crutch for millions , often the only beacon of light on an otherwise dark horizon .
I kind of miss it , too .
I clicked on the TV the other night , and all I saw was a “ Diners , Drive-Ins and Dives ” marathon .
So I clicked off the TV , closed my eyes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me — wasted hours , lost promise , salsa stains on the couch .
Toni , a k a She Is The One ( and Then Some ) , looked at me and said , “ Let ’ s talk.
” Let ’ s talk ?
What is she , nuts ?
We ’ ve only survived 12½ years of marriage by not talking .
Every time I open my mouth , it ’ s an oral apocalypse .
I haven ’ t said the right thing since stammering out , “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the better — this is a family consensus .
In silence , I realized that all of Sports Nation is in dire straits .
I feel particularly bad for many wagering acquaintances — they wake up each day expecting to make a sports bet .
I once had the same affliction : Years ago , I played in a Washington , D.C. , underground poker game in which a couple of players were cheating as partners , the dealer was in cahoots with another regular and I would lose virtually every week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was the only game in town .
And , like my current-day gambling buddies , I needed the action .
Anyway , sports books and bookies are not going to curl up and close shop ; they have BMWs to pay for .
So while you can not get down on Lakers-Jazz tonight — all of 2020 is gone , my friends — you can still make “ futures ” wagers , and even though I generally discourage sports betting , I am here to pick up our spirits and hand out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • 2021 NFL season : Take Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to make the playoffs .
You can get 14-to-1 on that right now ; it ’ s a bargain .
• 2024 Summer Olympics : Japanese men ’ s gymnast Takeru Kitazono is a marvel — a stone-cold immortal lock to take the gold in the parallel bars .
In fact , he ’ s such a gifted athlete , I ’ d bet on Kitazono on any event he enters in the 2026 Winter Olympics .
• 2028 NBA championship : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They will ask you to Trust The Process again , and this time The Process will work .
• 2032 presidential election : Donald Trump Jr. as the Republican nominee , at 12-1 , is like FREE MONEY .
And , finally , let me leave you with a three-team teaser parlay : I am betting there will be NO horse racing , NO cash transactions and NO Starbucks anywhere in America in 2050 .
When I cash that ticket , I will drive my electric car to Sizzler !

Bye, bye, all American sports/
Drove my Chevy to the ballgame, but it was out of sorts/
And those ‘‘First Take’’ boys were talking madness in March/
Singing no Duke-Kansas say it’s a lie/
That’ll be the day that sports die
— Don McLean’s “American Pie II”
What do we do now?
Sports fans have put all their eggs in one basket for so long, they’ve tossed out every other basket in the house. So now, many of them, in the face of a deadly worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, can only think, “Why does it all feel so empty?”
There’s nothing left. I pride myself on keeping sports in perspective, yet on many nights I mindlessly graze from ESPN to FS1 to NBA TV to ESPN2 to NBCSN to Fox Sports West.
But this week?
I just saw Joe Lunardi on an L.A. exit ramp with a sign, “Will Bracketology for Food.”
NBA, gone. NHL, gone. MLB, gone. Final Four, gone.
The one time I was going to turn to Major League Soccer? MLS, gone.
I always complain that sports occupy too big a presence in our lives, that our values are skewed and our priorities fouled up with the overemphasis on athletic glory. Yet I understand it is a companion for many, a constant entertainment-and-distraction option. It is an emotional crutch for millions, often the only beacon of light on an otherwise dark horizon.
I kind of miss it, too.
I clicked on the TV the other night, and all I saw was a “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” marathon.
So I clicked off the TV, closed my eyes and saw my entire adult life flash before me — wasted hours, lost promise, salsa stains on the couch.
Toni, a k a She Is The One (and Then Some), looked at me and said, “Let’s talk.”
Let’s talk? What is she, nuts? We’ve only survived 12½ years of marriage by not talking. Every time I open my mouth, it’s an oral apocalypse. I haven’t said the right thing since stammering out, “I do.” The less I speak, the better — this is a family consensus.
In silence, I realized that all of Sports Nation is in dire straits.
I feel particularly bad for many wagering acquaintances — they wake up each day expecting to make a sports bet.
I once had the same affliction: Years ago, I played in a Washington, D.C., underground poker game in which a couple of players were cheating as partners, the dealer was in cahoots with another regular and I would lose virtually every week. Why did I keep going back? It was the only game in town. And, like my current-day gambling buddies, I needed the action.
Anyway, sports books and bookies are not going to curl up and close shop; they have BMWs to pay for. So while you cannot get down on Lakers-Jazz tonight — all of 2020 is gone, my friends — you can still make “futures” wagers, and even though I generally discourage sports betting, I am here to pick up our spirits and hand out a few smart, wet-your-whistle selections:
• 2021 NFL season: Take Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to make the playoffs. You can get 14-to-1 on that right now; it’s a bargain.
• 2024 Summer Olympics: Japanese men’s gymnast Takeru Kitazono is a marvel — a stone-cold immortal lock to take the gold in the parallel bars. In fact, he’s such a gifted athlete, I’d bet on Kitazono on any event he enters in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
• 2028 NBA championship: The 76ers. Yes, the 76ers. They will ask you to Trust The Process again, and this time The Process will work.
• 2032 presidential election: Donald Trump Jr. as the Republican nominee, at 12-1, is like FREE MONEY.
And, finally, let me leave you with a three-team teaser parlay:
I am betting there will be NO horse racing, NO cash transactions and NO Starbucks anywhere in America in 2050.
When I cash that ticket, I will drive my electric car to Sizzler!


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--Horoscope for Saturday, March 21, 2020

Horoscope for Saturday, March 21, 2020

After 8 a.m. Chicago time , we have the all clear to shop and do business .
The moon is in Pisces .
You ’ re excited about something .
Quite possibly , others do not know anything about it — but you do .
( It ’ s private . )
Or maybe you are apprehensive about something ?
Don ’ t worry — stay chill .
The sun is in your sign and you ’ re empowered .
Things will tend to go your way .
A friend , probably a female acquaintance , might do something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet someone new who is unusual or different .
This person might encourage you to do something that makes you feel freer or younger .
Yay !
You might want more freedom today , especially relating to authority figures — parents , bosses , teachers , VIPs and the police .
You want to do your own thing .
You don ’ t want to have to ask for permission ; furthermore , you want to come and go when you please .
( Classic Gemini . )
Travel plans might suddenly change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel when you didn ’ t think you would have to do so .
This same unpredictable quality could apply to school schedules at colleges and universities .
Stay in touch with your bank account because something unusual might occur .
If you ’ re not on the ball , you might miss it .
This unpredictable quality also might affect insurance dealings or inheritances and shared property .
Be in the know .
A close friend or your partner will surprise you today .
They might say do something or suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Possibly , they will introduce you to someone who is unusual ?
Or they might have an unusual demand ?
“ Always walk two feet behind me.
” ( Whaaat ? )
Your work routine will have a few surprises today .
Get ready .
Equipment breakdowns , computer problems or unexpected behavior from co-workers are a few possibilities .
Some of you might have a health surprise ?
Or a surprise with a pet ?
( Dogs have owners .
Cats have staff . )
If you ’ re lucky , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event today .
It could be something related to the arts , the theater or sports .
Or maybe a fun dinner or evening out ?
Say yes because it ’ s great to be treated .
Meanwhile , this is an accident-prone day for your kids , so parents should be vigilant .
A female family member will do something you least expect today .
Family news might surprise .
Or maybe something at home catches you off guard ?
A broken appliance or unexpected company ?
Be ready for anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an interesting day full of unexpected situations .
A sudden short trip might be necessary .
You might meet new faces and see new places ?
Almost certainly , you will hear news about something interesting you did not know about .
( It might relate to relatives and siblings . )
Something to do with your money , your possessions or your assets is unpredictable today .
It could be minor ; it could be major .
Nevertheless , keep your eyes open because you might find money or lose money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect what you own against loss , damage or theft .
Today you ’ re willing to do something in order to create some excitement and stimulation in your life .
You don ’ t want to be bored , that ’ s for sure .
Possibly , you will meet a new and exciting friend , or an old friend will come back into your life in a surprising way ?
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Gary Oldman ( 1958 ) shares your birthday .
You are creative in a logical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and eccentric .
Yes , you are feisty , but you are also sensitive .
It ’ s time to identify goals because you ’ re entering a year of exciting new beginnings !
What do you want for yourself in the next several years ?
Be pro-active about going after what you want .
This year you will be physically energetic !

Moon Alert
After 8 a.m. Chicago time, we have the all clear to shop and do business. The moon is in Pisces.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
You’re excited about something. Quite possibly, others do not know anything about it — but you do. (It’s private.) Or maybe you are apprehensive about something? Don’t worry — stay chill. The sun is in your sign and you’re empowered. Things will tend to go your way.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
A friend, probably a female acquaintance, might do something that surprises you. Alternatively, you might meet someone new who is unusual or different. This person might encourage you to do something that makes you feel freer or younger. Yay!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
You might want more freedom today, especially relating to authority figures — parents, bosses, teachers, VIPs and the police. You want to do your own thing. You don’t want to have to ask for permission; furthermore, you want to come and go when you please. (Classic Gemini.)
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Travel plans might suddenly change. Alternatively, you might suddenly have to travel when you didn’t think you would have to do so. This same unpredictable quality could apply to school schedules at colleges and universities.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Stay in touch with your bank account because something unusual might occur. If you’re not on the ball, you might miss it. This unpredictable quality also might affect insurance dealings or inheritances and shared property. Be in the know.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
A close friend or your partner will surprise you today. They might say do something or suggest a new arrangement for the relationship? Possibly, they will introduce you to someone who is unusual? Or they might have an unusual demand? “Always walk two feet behind me.” (Whaaat?)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Your work routine will have a few surprises today. Get ready. Equipment breakdowns, computer problems or unexpected behavior from co-workers are a few possibilities. Some of you might have a health surprise? Or a surprise with a pet? (Dogs have owners. Cats have staff.)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
If you’re lucky, you will be invited to an interesting social event today. It could be something related to the arts, the theater or sports. Or maybe a fun dinner or evening out? Say yes because it’s great to be treated. Meanwhile, this is an accident-prone day for your kids, so parents should be vigilant.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
A female family member will do something you least expect today. Family news might surprise. Or maybe something at home catches you off guard? A broken appliance or unexpected company? Be ready for anything. Get dressed. Make coffee.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
This is an interesting day full of unexpected situations. A sudden short trip might be necessary. You might meet new faces and see new places? Almost certainly, you will hear news about something interesting you did not know about. (It might relate to relatives and siblings.)
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Something to do with your money, your possessions or your assets is unpredictable today. It could be minor; it could be major. Nevertheless, keep your eyes open because you might find money or lose money. Likewise, you might need to protect what you own against loss, damage or theft.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today you’re willing to do something in order to create some excitement and stimulation in your life. You don’t want to be bored, that’s for sure. Possibly, you will meet a new and exciting friend, or an old friend will come back into your life in a surprising way?
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Gary Oldman (1958) shares your birthday. You are creative in a logical way. People think you are quirky and eccentric. Yes, you are feisty, but you are also sensitive. It’s time to identify goals because you’re entering a year of exciting new beginnings! What do you want for yourself in the next several years? Be pro-active about going after what you want. This year you will be physically energetic!


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--Girl, 9, and mother missing from Hyde Park found safe

Two of the Chicago gang kingpin ’ s lieutenants already have been freed from prison under the First Step Act @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump to sign .

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--2020-03-21--Cook County distributes 70,000-plus masks, gloves and gowns to  first responders to combat coronavir

Cook County distributes 70,000-plus masks, gloves and gowns to  first responders to combat coronavirus

Amid a nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment needed to battle coronavirus , authorities are distributing more than 70,000 masks , globe and gowns over the weekend to first responders in Cook County .
The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security , which is providing the needed supplies , said most had been distributed Friday night .
Over 33,600 N95 masks and 38,800 gloves and gowns went out to police , fire and EMS personnel across 86 jurisdictions , according to a statement from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle ’ s office .
Most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency cache , the statement said .
“ These are much-needed supplies going to areas lacking important resources .
Distributing these masks , gloves and other equipment is a critically important measure to help ensure coronavirus care can be provided , ” Preckwinkle said .
“ We are incredibly grateful for the heroic work of our first responders and must do whatever we can to provide them the tools necessary to do their jobs effectively and as safely as possible.
” Two Chicago Fire Department employees have tested positive for COVID-19 so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Police Department .

Amid a nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment needed to battle coronavirus, authorities are distributing more than 70,000 masks, gloves and gowns over the weekend to first responders in Cook County.
The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security, which is providing the needed supplies, said most had been distributed Friday night.
Over 33,600 N95 masks and 38,800 gloves and gowns went out to police, fire and EMS personnel across 86 jurisdictions, according to a statement from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office. Most of the materials came from the county’s emergency cache, the statement said.
“These are much-needed supplies going to areas lacking important resources. Distributing these masks, gloves and other equipment is a critically important measure to help ensure coronavirus care can be provided,” Preckwinkle said. “We are incredibly grateful for the heroic work of our first responders and must do whatever we can to provide them the tools necessary to do their jobs effectively and as safely as possible.”
Two Chicago Fire Department employees have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, as has a detective in the Chicago Police Department.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--Italy announces nearly 800 coronavirus deaths in single day; New York scrambling for more hospital b

Italy announces nearly 800 coronavirus deaths in single day; New York scrambling for more hospital beds

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) — The coronavirus pandemic took an increasingly bleak toll Saturday in the U.S. and Europe , producing staggering caseloads in New York and Italy and setting off a desperate scramble to set up thousands of additional hospital beds as the disease notched another grim advance .
Italy , at the heart of Europe ’ s rampaging outbreak , announced nearly 800 new deaths and 6,600 new cases — its biggest day-to-day increase yet .
In New York , state officials sought out desperately needed medical supplies and hospital beds as confirmed coronavirus cases soared above 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everything that can be done is being done , ” New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said , adding , “ We are literally scouring the globe looking for medical supplies.
” Across the world , streets , squares and highways in major cities were deserted as curfews and lockdowns multiplied to try to stop the spread of COVID-19 .
In the U.S. , New Jersey and St. Louis were added to a growing list of areas where residents were ordered to stay home .
Health care workers from Oklahoma City to Minneapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a Detroit hospital began creating homemade face masks for workers .
Even rural hospitals were strained as people increasingly felt the pandemic closing in .
In the farming community of Vidalia , Georgia , Dr. Robert Wagner said medical staffers at his emergency room are wearing face masks for their entire 12-hour shifts and changing in and out of full protective gear every time they see people considered a potential coronavirus case — all while dealing with a regular flow of patients injured in car crashes and suffering chest pains or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus and worried that the 50-bed Meadows Regional Medical Center will quickly be overwhelmed .
“ There ’ s definitely this underlying fear in the community .
You can see it , ” he said .
In Washington , negotiators from Congress and the White House resumed top-level talks on a ballooning $ 1 trillion-plus economic rescue package , urged by President Donald Trump to strike a deal to steady a nation thoroughly upended by the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump continued to strike a confident tone about the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even as health leaders nationwide acknowledged that the U.S. is nowhere near the peak for the outbreak .
“ We are going to be celebrating a great victory in the not too distant future , ” he said .
The contagion is starting to be felt in U.S. cities far from major metropolitan areas , including places that have resisted drastic shutdown measures .
About 150 countries now have confirmed cases , and deaths have been reported in more than 30 American states .
There are now more than 300,000 confirmed cases worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johns Hopkins University .
New hot spots are surfacing by the day .
Among the new concerns : an outbreak at a nursing home in Ohio , an outbreak in New Orleans that alarmed state leaders and two new deaths in Kansas , where a top health official said the supply of testing kits won ’ t last through the weekend .
Debbie Velarde is self-isolated at her home in the Denver suburb of Lakewood , Colorado , after learning this week that a woman she trained during a work trip in Phoenix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hospitalized on a respirator .
Velarde then came down with a fever and cough and lost her job , and is still waiting to hear back if she tested positive for COVID-19 .
” I couldn ’ t go back to work even if I was well because the mall where my shop is has since closed , ” said Velarde .
“ We were told to apply for unemployment.
” In Nebraska , 81 counties are without intensive-care beds , and 28 of the most rural counties have no hospital at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care organizations were teaming up to convert part of a former prison into a center to care for coronavirus patients .
The shortage of medical equipment and protective gear was a concern in major cities too .
Supplies including protective gear , respirators and hand sanitizer were dwindling .
New Hampshire ’ s largest hospital , Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical center , encouraged volunteers to sew face masks for patients , visitors and staff so medical-grade protective equipment could be conserved for health care workers .
Integris Health , in Oklahoma , was asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitizers , disposable gloves , and other supplies .
When people realize that the virus is in their community , “ the anxiety kicks in , and they are rushing to the emergency room , ” Integris spokeswoman Brooke Cayot said .
“ It ’ s the emergency rooms that are feeling overrun at the moment ( by ) people who are frightened and understandably so.
” John Hopkins reports there have been about 13,000 deaths globally .
The United States has seen 276 deaths so far .
Italy , which has Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 4,825 dead .
For most people , the new virus 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 recover .
But the virus is spreading at a rapid rate , jolting the global economy and starting to max out the health care system in several cities .
Spain now has the third-highest number of infections worldwide , followed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some intensive care units in the hardest-hit areas are close to their limit .
The army was building a field hospital with 5,500 beds in a convention center in Madrid , where hotels are also being turned into wards for virus patients without serious breathing problems .
Dr. Olga Mediano , who treated victims of a 2004 jihadist bomb attack in Madrid that killed nearly 200 people and wounded many times more , said nothing prepared her for the national health tragedy that Spain is now enduring .
“ This can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the central city of Guadalajara .
“ We are doubling up on our shifts .
We have strategies to hang in there this week , but beyond that we need the situation to improve because we professionals are bearing a lot of pressure , including emotional.
” In Germany ’ s southern state of Bavaria , town squares were empty .
Pigeons outnumbered people in London ’ s usually bustling Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square a day after the British government ordered the closure of all bars , restaurants , movie theaters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But shoppers still flocked to street markets in both countries , in a sign that restrictions were being interpreted in a patchwork fashion .
Britain still lags behind other countries in the spread of the virus , but the country ’ s overstretched health system is creaking .
Britain has already asked 65,000 retired nurses and doctors to return to work .
Workers near Moscow are rushing to build a clinic to treat hundreds of coronavirus patients as Russia prepares for a wave of infections .
Placards in the style of Soviet propaganda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with one showing a mayor pointing at the viewer and the slogan “ Builders — Minutes count !
” Back in the U.S. , restrictions on movement were scheduled to take effect Saturday in Illinois and New Jersey and Sunday in New York , where the governor invoked 9/11 in calling for the state to come together in the midst of a historic crisis .
” Yes , we have a problem .
Yes , we will deal with it .
Yes , we will overcome it .
But let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and let New York lead the way in finding their better selves and demonstrating their better selves , ” Cuomo said .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic took an increasingly bleak toll Saturday in the U.S. and Europe, producing staggering caseloads in New York and Italy and setting off a desperate scramble to set up thousands of additional hospital beds as the disease notched another grim advance.
Italy, at the heart of Europe’s rampaging outbreak, announced nearly 800 new deaths and 6,600 new cases — its biggest day-to-day increase yet. In New York, state officials sought out desperately needed medical supplies and hospital beds as confirmed coronavirus cases soared above 10,000 statewide, with 56 deaths.
“Everything that can be done is being done,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, adding, “We are literally scouring the globe looking for medical supplies.”
Across the world, streets, squares and highways in major cities were deserted as curfews and lockdowns multiplied to try to stop the spread of COVID-19. In the U.S., New Jersey and St. Louis were added to a growing list of areas where residents were ordered to stay home. Health care workers from Oklahoma City to Minneapolis sought donations of protective equipment. Staff at a Detroit hospital began creating homemade face masks for workers. Even rural hospitals were strained as people increasingly felt the pandemic closing in.
In the farming community of Vidalia, Georgia, Dr. Robert Wagner said medical staffers at his emergency room are wearing face masks for their entire 12-hour shifts and changing in and out of full protective gear every time they see people considered a potential coronavirus case — all while dealing with a regular flow of patients injured in car crashes and suffering chest pains or other maladies.
They are constantly testing patients for the virus and worried that the 50-bed Meadows Regional Medical Center will quickly be overwhelmed.
“There’s definitely this underlying fear in the community. You can see it,” he said.
In Washington, negotiators from Congress and the White House resumed top-level talks on a ballooning $1 trillion-plus economic rescue package, urged by President Donald Trump to strike a deal to steady a nation thoroughly upended by the coronavirus pandemic. Trump continued to strike a confident tone about the nation’s ability to defeat the pandemic soon, even as health leaders nationwide acknowledged that the U.S. is nowhere near the peak for the outbreak.
“We are going to be celebrating a great victory in the not too distant future,” he said.
The contagion is starting to be felt in U.S. cities far from major metropolitan areas, including places that have resisted drastic shutdown measures. About 150 countries now have confirmed cases, and deaths have been reported in more than 30 American states. There are now more than 300,000 confirmed cases worldwide, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University.
New hot spots are surfacing by the day. Among the new concerns: an outbreak at a nursing home in Ohio, an outbreak in New Orleans that alarmed state leaders and two new deaths in Kansas, where a top health official said the supply of testing kits won’t last through the weekend.
Debbie Velarde is self-isolated at her home in the Denver suburb of Lakewood, Colorado, after learning this week that a woman she trained during a work trip in Phoenix in early March had tested positive and was hospitalized on a respirator. Velarde then came down with a fever and cough and lost her job, and is still waiting to hear back if she tested positive for COVID-19.
”I couldn’t go back to work even if I was well because the mall where my shop is has since closed,” said Velarde. “We were told to apply for unemployment.”
In Nebraska, 81 counties are without intensive-care beds, and 28 of the most rural counties have no hospital at all. In western Minnesota, five health care organizations were teaming up to convert part of a former prison into a center to care for coronavirus patients.
The shortage of medical equipment and protective gear was a concern in major cities too. Supplies including protective gear, respirators and hand sanitizer were dwindling. New Hampshire’s largest hospital, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical center, encouraged volunteers to sew face masks for patients, visitors and staff so medical-grade protective equipment could be conserved for health care workers. Integris Health, in Oklahoma, was asking the public to donate masks, hand sanitizers, disposable gloves, and other supplies.
When people realize that the virus is in their community, “the anxiety kicks in, and they are rushing to the emergency room,” Integris spokeswoman Brooke Cayot said. “It’s the emergency rooms that are feeling overrun at the moment (by) people who are frightened and understandably so.”
John Hopkins reports there have been about 13,000 deaths globally. The United States has seen 276 deaths so far. Italy, which has Europe’s largest outbreak, now has at least 4,825 dead.
For most people, the new virus 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 recover.
But the virus is spreading at a rapid rate, jolting the global economy and starting to max out the health care system in several cities.
Spain now has the third-highest number of infections worldwide, followed by the U.S.
Spanish health authorities have acknowledged that some intensive care units in the hardest-hit areas are close to their limit. The army was building a field hospital with 5,500 beds in a convention center in Madrid, where hotels are also being turned into wards for virus patients without serious breathing problems.
Dr. Olga Mediano, who treated victims of a 2004 jihadist bomb attack in Madrid that killed nearly 200 people and wounded many times more, said nothing prepared her for the national health tragedy that Spain is now enduring.
“This cannot be withstood much longer,” Mediano said from the central city of Guadalajara. “We are doubling up on our shifts. We have strategies to hang in there this week, but beyond that we need the situation to improve because we professionals are bearing a lot of pressure, including emotional.”
In Germany’s southern state of Bavaria, town squares were empty. Pigeons outnumbered people in London’s usually bustling Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square a day after the British government ordered the closure of all bars, restaurants, movie theaters and other places where people congregate.
But shoppers still flocked to street markets in both countries, in a sign that restrictions were being interpreted in a patchwork fashion.
Britain still lags behind other countries in the spread of the virus, but the country’s overstretched health system is creaking. Britain has already asked 65,000 retired nurses and doctors to return to work.
Workers near Moscow are rushing to build a clinic to treat hundreds of coronavirus patients as Russia prepares for a wave of infections. Placards in the style of Soviet propaganda posters have been erected near the site, with one showing a mayor pointing at the viewer and the slogan “Builders — Minutes count!”
Back in the U.S., restrictions on movement were scheduled to take effect Saturday in Illinois and New Jersey and Sunday in New York, where the governor invoked 9/11 in calling for the state to come together in the midst of a historic crisis.
”Yes, we have a problem. Yes, we will deal with it. Yes, we will overcome it. But let’s find our better selves in doing it, and let New York lead the way in finding their better selves and demonstrating their better selves,” Cuomo said.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--Gov. Pritzker’s ‘stay-at-home’ order is in effect until April 7. Here’s what it means for Illinois.

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s “ stay-at-home ” order is in effect for everyone in Illinois through April 7 to help stop the spread of COVID-19 .
Yes , you can go outside and pick up mail at the post office ( while practicing social distancing ) .
And no , there won ’ t be martial law or any militia members blocking highway exits .
The governor laid out the details of what the order will mean for Illinoisans in a news conference Friday .
“ Essential businesses , ” including grocery stores , pharmacies , medical offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to operate .
“ Agriculture and the press , veterinarians and plumbers , laundromats and banks , roads , bridges and transit — the fundamental building blocks that keep our society safe and steady — will not be closing down , ” Pritzker said .
“ Healthcare workers , first responders , law enforcement officers and individuals and organizations like the Illinois AFL-CIO ” will continue to work .
The state will provide daycare to essential workers as schools continue to be closed .
Pritzker said the tentative reopening date for schools statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For non-essential workers , “ we ’ re ordering municipalities across the state to halt all evictions , ” Pritzker said .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot echoed Pritzker ’ s remarks about the necessity of the “ stay-at-home ” measure and detailed specifics on what will and will not continue to operate in Chicago .
“ Hospitals will continue to treat patients , the city ’ s essential services will not cease , the CTA will run , airports will be open , and your garbage will be collected , ” Lightfoot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city will be closed “ for the duration of this order ” starting at 5 p.m. Saturday .
Pritzker implored Illinoisans to heed these restrictions “ to be good members of their communities , and good citizens , ” and Lightfoot emphasized that the move “ is not a lockdown or martial law.
” But Pritzker said he has “ instructed law enforcement to monitor for violations and take action when necessary.
” Transcriptions of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s key remarks from the ‘ stay-at-home ’ briefing : What will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay the same : You ’ ll still be able to leave your house to go to the grocery store to get food .
You ’ ll still be able to visit a pharmacy , go to a medical office , or hospital , or to gas up your car at a gas station .
You ’ ll still be able to go running , and hiking and walk your dog .
Many , many people will still go to work .
For the vast majority of you already taking precautions , your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is absolutely no need to rush out to a grocery store or a gas station .
On Sunday , and Monday , and Tuesday , and every day thereafter , those will be available to you .
“ Essential businesses ” that will continue to operate Agriculture and the press , veterinarians and plumbers , laundromats and banks , roads , bridges and transit — the fundamental building blocks that keep our society safe and steady — will not be closing down .
You can still pick up dinner from your local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just spend time with your family .
We are doing all we can to maintain as much normalcy as possible while taking the steps that we must to protect you .
That brings me to what will change : All non-essential businesses must stop operating .
If you can work from home and aren ’ t already doing so , now is the time when you must .
The heroes of this moment — health care workers , first responders , law enforcement officers and individuals and organizations like the Illinois AFL-CIO , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores and pharmacies running — can not stay home .
We need you .
This executive order is fundamentally about the rest of us , and what we can do to support the people on the front lines of this fight , and the people most vulnerable to its consequences .
We know this will be hard , and we ’ re looking at every tool that we have to help you through this crisis .
For our essential workers , we ’ re going to make sure you have safe daycare to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do the critical work to save us and to keep us safe .
To those that we are asking to stay home , we ’ re ordering municipalities across the state to halt all evictions .
We need our local leaders to help ensure our families do not lose their homes .
I ’ m also directing additional resources to organizations across the state to serve those experiencing homelessness .
To be honest , we don ’ t have the resources , the capacity or the desire to police every individual ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and our first and best option is to rely on Illinoisans to be good members of their communities , and good citizens , working together to keep each other safe .
I have instructed law enforcement to monitor for violations and take action when necessary , but that is not an option that anyone prefers .
The easy thing to say today is that soon everything will go back to the way it was — but I want to be honest with you about that too .
We don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to have to take to get this virus under control .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot also shared Chicago-specific updates .
Excerpts of her remarks : What the city is doing Our city , in the absence of leadership from the federal government , frankly , is doing the following : finalizing securing quarantine and isolation locations ; bolstering hospital capacity ; supporting our health care workers and first responders , and doing everything possible to relieve the pressure on them ; and building a supply change to make sure that critical equipment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , PPEs , and other important supplies — are available and given to areas of need .
We will continue to identify residents who are sick , and ensure they receive the treatment and resources they so rightfully deserve , and put them on a path to recovery , as has happened , already , with many .
Our healthcare workers have been at the forefront of this pandemic .
They are working around the clock and putting their own health on the line to keep those who need it most .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything we can to help them .
Now is not the time for half measures , but preventative and proactive plans — ones rooted in science and data — and to mitigate the spread , and ultimately to save lives .
And let ’ s be clear : This has to be a two-way street .
While the responsibility of the government is to build a plan , your personal responsibility is to take all necessary precautions to keep yourself safe and formally include an order to stay at home .
‘ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ So many Chicagoans have already heeded our calls to stay home , and have been practicing social distancing .
For those residents , today ’ s announcement won ’ t drastically change the day-to-day changes you ’ ve already taken .
But while many have listened , some have not .
And it ’ s clear that the time is now for us to be very definitive in telling people that you must stay home .
The governor already explained what this order is and what it requires from each of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to be clear , this is not a lockdown or martial law .
As the governor said , and I want to reiterate , Chicago ’ s grocery stores , pharmacies and clinics will remain open .
And there ’ s absolutely no need to change your normal purchasing patterns .
What I mean is : Do not take this direction as a reason to run to the stores , buy everything in sight , and hoard vital supplies .
Please : The grocery stores will stay open and stock .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not hoard supplies .
What will and will not close in Chicago Hospitals will continue to treat patients , the city ’ s essential services will not cease , the CTA will run , airports will be open , and your garbage will be collected .
And yes , you can still go outside for a walk , but practice social distancing .
Remember : This is the new normal , for now .
.
.
.
I also want to announce , in light of this order , we will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the duration of this order .
Some of these facilities may be repurposed to help support some other essential services by third parties , but effective tomorrow , at 5 p.m. , all city parks and libraries will be closed .
This is a make-or-break moment for our city and our state .
Never in our lifetime has our own health been so intertwined with the health of every single person with whom we interact .
Neighbors , coworkers , loved ones , front-line workers : please realize your responsibility to them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “stay-at-home” order is in effect for everyone in Illinois through April 7 to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Yes, you can go outside and pick up mail at the post office (while practicing social distancing).
And no, there won’t be martial law or any militia members blocking highway exits.
The governor laid out the details of what the order will mean for Illinoisans in a news conference Friday. “Essential businesses,” including grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices, hospitals and gas stations will continue to operate.
“Agriculture and the press, veterinarians and plumbers, laundromats and banks, roads, bridges and transit — the fundamental building blocks that keep our society safe and steady — will not be closing down,” Pritzker said. “Healthcare workers, first responders, law enforcement officers and individuals and organizations like the Illinois AFL-CIO” will continue to work.
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The state will provide daycare to essential workers as schools continue to be closed. Pritzker said the tentative reopening date for schools statewide has been pushed back to April 8.
For non-essential workers, “we’re ordering municipalities across the state to halt all evictions,” Pritzker said.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot echoed Pritzker’s remarks about the necessity of the “stay-at-home” measure and detailed specifics on what will and will not continue to operate in Chicago. “Hospitals will continue to treat patients, the city’s essential services will not cease, the CTA will run, airports will be open, and your garbage will be collected,” Lightfoot said, but parks and libraries across the city will be closed “for the duration of this order” starting at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Pritzker implored Illinoisans to heed these restrictions “to be good members of their communities, and good citizens,” and Lightfoot emphasized that the move “is not a lockdown or martial law.” But Pritzker said he has “instructed law enforcement to monitor for violations and take action when necessary.”
Transcriptions of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s key remarks from the ‘stay-at-home’ briefing:
What will not change
Here’s what will stay the same: You’ll still be able to leave your house to go to the grocery store to get food. You’ll still be able to visit a pharmacy, go to a medical office, or hospital, or to gas up your car at a gas station. You’ll still be able to go running, and hiking and walk your dog. Many, many people will still go to work. For the vast majority of you already taking precautions, your lives will not change very much. There is absolutely no need to rush out to a grocery store or a gas station. On Sunday, and Monday, and Tuesday, and every day thereafter, those will be available to you.
“Essential businesses” that will continue to operate
Agriculture and the press, veterinarians and plumbers, laundromats and banks, roads, bridges and transit — the fundamental building blocks that keep our society safe and steady — will not be closing down. You can still pick up dinner from your local restaurant, pick up your prescriptions and just spend time with your family. We are doing all we can to maintain as much normalcy as possible while taking the steps that we must to protect you.
What will change
Industries still open Here’s a selection of what will remain in operation under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order:
Health care operations, including hospitals, clinics, dental offices, pharmacies, blood banks, medical cannabis dispensaries, reproductive care providers, eye doctors, mental health services, veterinarians.
Stores that sell groceries and medicine, or supplies to work from home.
Post offices and other shipping centers.
Public transportation.
Airports.
Utilities, including water, sewer, gas and electrical providers.
Human services operations, including rehab centers, adoption agencies, some child care centers.
Gas stations and auto repair centers.
Food, beverage and cannabis production and agriculture centers.
Charitable and social service organizations.
Banks.
Hardware and supply stores.
“Critical trades” like plumbers, electricians, exterminators, cleaning services, security staff, operating engineers, moving services and heating/ventilation/air conditioning services.
Construction firms.
Laundry services.
Funeral services.
Hotels and motels.
That brings me to what will change: All non-essential businesses must stop operating. If you can work from home and aren’t already doing so, now is the time when you must. The heroes of this moment — health care workers, first responders, law enforcement officers and individuals and organizations like the Illinois AFL-CIO, and other workers who keep you grocery stores and pharmacies running — cannot stay home. We need you. This executive order is fundamentally about the rest of us, and what we can do to support the people on the front lines of this fight, and the people most vulnerable to its consequences. We know this will be hard, and we’re looking at every tool that we have to help you through this crisis.
State resources for essential and furloughed workers
For our essential workers, we’re going to make sure you have safe daycare to take care of your children while you do the critical work to save us and to keep us safe. To those that we are asking to stay home, we’re ordering municipalities across the state to halt all evictions. We need our local leaders to help ensure our families do not lose their homes. I’m also directing additional resources to organizations across the state to serve those experiencing homelessness.
When schools will reopen
For our students, your school districts will continue to provide you with meals, and we will back them up in this. I wish I could stand up here and tell you when your schools will safely reopen, but that is not an answer that I have at this time. We’re postponing our tentative reopening date statewide until April 8 and will continue to update you with new information as we have it.
Possible police enforcement action
To be honest, we don’t have the resources, the capacity or the desire to police every individual’s behavior. Enforcement comes in many forms, and our first and best option is to rely on Illinoisans to be good members of their communities, and good citizens, working together to keep each other safe. I have instructed law enforcement to monitor for violations and take action when necessary, but that is not an option that anyone prefers. The easy thing to say today is that soon everything will go back to the way it was — but I want to be honest with you about that too. We don’t know yet all the steps we’re going to have to take to get this virus under control.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot also shared Chicago-specific updates. Excerpts of her remarks:
What the city is doing
Our city, in the absence of leadership from the federal government, frankly, is doing the following: finalizing securing quarantine and isolation locations; bolstering hospital capacity; supporting our health care workers and first responders, and doing everything possible to relieve the pressure on them; and building a supply change to make sure that critical equipment to the healthcare system — things like ventilators, PPEs, and other important supplies — are available and given to areas of need. We will continue to identify residents who are sick, and ensure they receive the treatment and resources they so rightfully deserve, and put them on a path to recovery, as has happened, already, with many. Our healthcare workers have been at the forefront of this pandemic. They are working around the clock and putting their own health on the line to keep those who need it most. That means we as a city must do everything we can to help them. Now is not the time for half measures, but preventative and proactive plans — ones rooted in science and data — and to mitigate the spread, and ultimately to save lives. And let’s be clear: This has to be a two-way street. While the responsibility of the government is to build a plan, your personal responsibility is to take all necessary precautions to keep yourself safe and formally include an order to stay at home.
‘This is not a lockdown or martial law’
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So many Chicagoans have already heeded our calls to stay home, and have been practicing social distancing. For those residents, today’s announcement won’t drastically change the day-to-day changes you’ve already taken. But while many have listened, some have not. And it’s clear that the time is now for us to be very definitive in telling people that you must stay home. The governor already explained what this order is and what it requires from each of us, and I want to say, and to be clear, this is not a lockdown or martial law. As the governor said, and I want to reiterate, Chicago’s grocery stores, pharmacies and clinics will remain open. And there’s absolutely no need to change your normal purchasing patterns. What I mean is: Do not take this direction as a reason to run to the stores, buy everything in sight, and hoard vital supplies. Please: The grocery stores will stay open and stock. So be mindful of your neighbors, and do not hoard supplies.
What will and will not close in Chicago


chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--Videos, photos of hope and inspiration lifting spirits amid coronavirus outbreak

There seems to be no escape from the sadness , fear , anxiety and sense of helplessness surrounding coronavirus .
While news coverage of the outbreak is critical to helping the world battle the virus , more and more people are seeking a break from the sadness , even if only for a moment or two .
And with self-isolation and lockdowns quickly becoming the norm , going stir-crazy is not unusual .
So here ’ s a look at some of the ways the world is coping with the pandemic — by lifting spirits , offering hope and delivering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With schools closed , the Chino Valley High School Chamber Singers recorded “ Somewhere Over the Rainbow , ” each from their individual homes : The Italian Air Force , with an assist from the late Luciano Pavarotti , took to the skies with a message of hope for their nation while “ painting ” the colors of the Italian flag .
The aria ’ s final words sending a powerful message of hope to the virus-stricken country : “ I will win.
” Gal Gadot enlisted the help of some of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portman and Leslie Odom Jr. to cover John Lennon ’ s “ Imagine.
” Kevin Bacon used “ six degrees of separation ” to champion social distancing : After closing to the public for the next few weeks , Chicago ’ s Shedd Aquarium let its penguins explore the surroundings : Matthew McConaughey took to Twitter to send his words of encourgement : “ This virus , this time might be the one time that brings us all together and unifies us like we have not been in a long time , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — let ’ s see if we can make some lemonade out of this lemon that we ’ re in the middle of .
Turn a red light into a green light .
Just keep livin ’ .
” Tony Award winner Laura Benanti took to Twitter to support high school music students and kicked off the # SunshineSongs movement : U2 frontman Bono released a new song in tribute to all the people on the front lines fighting the outbreak : Italians in Naples , reached out with a big “ hug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : CBS enlisted the stars of some its hit series to spread the message that “ you are not alone ” :

There seems to be no escape from the sadness, fear, anxiety and sense of helplessness surrounding coronavirus.
While news coverage of the outbreak is critical to helping the world battle the virus, more and more people are seeking a break from the sadness, even if only for a moment or two. And with self-isolation and lockdowns quickly becoming the norm, going stir-crazy is not unusual.
So here’s a look at some of the ways the world is coping with the pandemic — by lifting spirits, offering hope and delivering a brief respite from the sadness.
A family in the UK put a new, lighthearted spin on “One Day More” from the Broadway musical “Les Miserables”:
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra perform Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” and, as they say on their YouTube video, “From us, to you”:
With schools closed, the Chino Valley High School Chamber Singers recorded “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” each from their individual homes:
The staff of Elk Grove High School created this music video for its students and community:
The Italian Air Force, with an assist from the late Luciano Pavarotti, took to the skies with a message of hope for their nation while “painting” the colors of the Italian flag. The aria’s final words sending a powerful message of hope to the virus-stricken country: “I will win.”
Gal Gadot enlisted the help of some of her close pals including Will Ferrell, Natalie Portman and Leslie Odom Jr. to cover John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
Kevin Bacon used “six degrees of separation” to champion social distancing:
After closing to the public for the next few weeks, Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium let its penguins explore the surroundings:
Long live Beethoven!
Matthew McConaughey took to Twitter to send his words of encourgement: “This virus, this time might be the one time that brings us all together and unifies us like we have not been in a long time,” he said. “So, yes — let’s see if we can make some lemonade out of this lemon that we’re in the middle of. Turn a red light into a green light. Just keep livin’.”
because every red light eventually turns green pic.twitter.com/x05GuITW4J — Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) March 17, 2020
Tony Award winner Laura Benanti took to Twitter to support high school music students and kicked off the #SunshineSongs movement:
Use the tag #SunshineSongs so whoever wants to can be your audience! https://t.co/32wMTLhB1l — Laura Benanti (@LauraBenanti) March 13, 2020
he colors of the Italian flag are projected onto the Palazzo Senatorio building on Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio) in the historic city center as a van of the Italian Red Cross passes by during the distribution of 50 meals to homeless people on March 17, 2020 in Rome, Italy. Getty
U2 frontman Bono released a new song in tribute to all the people on the front lines fighting the outbreak:
Italians in Naples, reached out with a big “hug” to the world and each other:
Italy. People locked inside turn to their windows and balconies singing so everyone feels less lonely. Here is #Naples singing "Abbracciame" (Hug me). #Coronavirus #CoronavirusUSA pic.twitter.com/DHVPvxbB8d — Ryan Meilak (@RyanMeilak) March 13, 2020
CBS enlisted the stars of some its hit series to spread the message that “you are not alone”:


chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--Aurora Police Department member tests positive for coronavirus

A high-ranking member of the Aurora Police Department has tested positive for coronavirus , according to Aurora officials .
The @ @ @ @ @ the department ’ s supervisory staff , went home Tuesday to self-quarantine and get tested @ @ @ @ @ police spokesman Paris Lewbel said .
The Kendall County Health Department confirmed the positive test @ @ @ @ @ , Lewbel said .
The employee ’ s work area has since been cleaned and @ @ @ @ @ s condition is improving and they are expected to make a full recovery , Lewbel @ @ @ @ @ first confirmed case of COVID-19 within the Aurora Police Department .

A high-ranking member of the Aurora Police Department has tested positive for coronavirus, according to Aurora officials.
The employee, who is on the department’s supervisory staff, went home Tuesday to self-quarantine and get tested after feeling sick, Aurora police spokesman Paris Lewbel said.
The Kendall County Health Department confirmed the positive test to Aurora officials Friday night, Lewbel said. The employee’s work area has since been cleaned and disinfected.
The employee’s condition is improving and they are expected to make a full recovery, Lewbel said.
This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 within the Aurora Police Department.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-21--2020 NFL Draft: Bears GM Ryan Pace negligent if he doesn’t take QB in Round 2

This isn ’ t the time for Bears general manager Ryan Pace to slap his palms together and declare his quarterback quagmire resolved .
While the acquisition of Nick Foles clarifies plans for the upcoming season , neither he nor Trubisky is the solution beyond that .
As is their tradition , the Bears don ’ t have a long-term quarterback .
And that glaring need will test Pace ’ s stewardship in the upcoming draft — typically the only place to get one .
He needs to make the right moves to save his job this season , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the Bears ’ future whether he ’ s part of it or not .
It ’ s his absolute responsibility to prioritize quarterback in this draft , putting aside that the rookie probably won ’ t play much this season .
Trubisky is likely on his way out , and Foles is a 31-year-old journeyman .
Pace is entering his second consecutive draft without a first-round pick , which is fine because he used those assets to land Khalil Mack .
Well worth it .
So the Bears ’ top choices are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 43 and 50 overall .
Those aren ’ t just their highest selections .
They ’ re the only ones they can realistically bet on to yield NFL talent .
Their remaining picks are in the fifth round or later , where it ’ s far more of a gamble .
Taking a quarterback at that stage doesn ’ t count as trying to correct this issue .
Assuming the Bears don ’ t package the two picks to move up , the options at No .
43 will likely be Oklahoma ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jake Fromm and Washington ’ s Jacob Eason .
They aren ’ t elite — the top four in this class are near-certain first-rounders — but there ’ s a lot to like .
All of three were multi-year starters for major programs , and Hurts and Fromm had their programs in the mix for the national championship last season .
Matt Nagy should get at least a 51 percent say in the pick .
He ’ s the one who will supervise the next quarterback ’ s development , and his track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pace ’ s .
As Pace and the Bears went all in on Trubisky at No .
2 overall in 2017 , Nagy was part of a Chiefs staff that labeled Patrick Mahomes can ’ t-miss .
When Pace took the job in 2015 , he floated the wisdom of taking a quarterback in every draft .
They ’ re so difficult to find , and so valuable , that smart teams are always on the hunt .
The Patriots drafted 10 during the 20 years Tom Brady was on the team , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher .
As Brady extended his career , Bill Belichick used Jimmy Garoppolo , Jacoby Brissett and Matt Cassel as trade pieces .
“ It ’ s a good idea to add a quarterback every year , ” Pace said .
“ It ’ s a critical position .
Because of that , you can take a swing every year at it [ and ] increase your odds.
” Instead , he has picked one in five drafts : Trubisky .
Pace probably regretted saying that out loud in 2015 because the media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he should ’ ve been holding himself to it all along .
When pressed in December on why he hasn ’ t followed through , his explanation was that , “ It ’ s something we talk about it , [ but ] it just hasn ’ t been something that ’ s lined up in recent drafts.
” It ’ s a big mistake if he trots that line out again .

This is not the time for Bears general manager Ryan Pace to slap his palms together and declare his quarterback predicament resolved. The acquisition of Nick Foles clarifies plans for the upcoming season, but neither he nor Mitch Trubisky is the solution beyond that.
As is their tradition, the Bears don’t have a long-term quarterback. And that glaring need will test Pace’s stewardship in the upcoming draft — typically the only place to get one. Pace needs to make the right moves to save his job this season, but he also is charged with looking out for the Bears’ future, whether he’s a part of it or not.
It’s his absolute responsibility to prioritize quarterback in this draft, putting aside that the rookie probably won’t play much this season.
Trubisky, however, is likely on his way out, and Foles is a 31-year-old journeyman.
Pace is entering his second consecutive draft without a first-round pick, which is fine because he used those assets to land Khalil Mack. So the Bears’ top choices are in the second round at Nos. 43 and 50 overall.
Those aren’t just their highest selections. They’re the only ones they can realistically bet on to yield NFL talent. Their remaining picks are in the fifth round or later, where it’s far more of a gamble. Taking a quarterback at that stage doesn’t count as trying to correct this issue.
Assuming the Bears don’t package the two picks to move up, the options at No. 43 likely will be Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts, Georgia’s Jake Fromm and Washington’s Jacob Eason. They aren’t elite — the top four in this class are near-certain first-rounders — but there’s a lot to like.
All three were multiyear starters for major programs, and Hurts and Fromm had their programs in the mix for the national championship last season.
Coach Matt Nagy should get at least a 51 percent say in the pick. He’s the one who will supervise the next quarterback’s development, and his track record at the position is better than Pace’s. As Pace and the Bears went all in on Trubisky at No. 2 overall in 2017, Nagy was part of a Chiefs staff that labeled Patrick Mahomes can’t-miss.
When Pace took the job in 2015, he floated the wisdom of taking a quarterback in every draft.
They’re so difficult to find, and so valuable, that smart teams are always on the hunt. The Patriots drafted 10 during the 20 years Tom Brady was on the team, including six in the fourth round or higher. As Brady extended his career, Bill Belichick used Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett and Matt Cassel as trade pieces.
“It’s a good idea to add a quarterback every year,” Pace said. “It’s a critical position. Because of that, you can take a swing every year at it [and] increase your odds.”
Instead, he has picked one in five drafts: Trubisky.
Pace probably regretted saying that out loud in 2015 because the media would hold him to it, but he should’ve been holding himself to it all along. When pressed in December on why he hasn’t followed through, he had this explanation: “It’s something we talk about, [but] it just hasn’t been something that’s lined up in recent drafts.”
Trotting out that line again would be a big mistake.