chicagosun-times--2020-06-26--Horoscope for Saturday, June 27, 2020

Horoscope for Saturday, June 27, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Virgo into Libra .
Today Mars moves into your sign to stay for the rest of the year .
Most unusual !
Normally Mars is in your sign for six weeks once every two years .
This means you will be PowerPoint on steroids !
You will be pumped , aggressive and driven .
Easy does it .
Today Mars moves into a hidden part of your chart for the rest of the year .
Because Mars is hidden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , this could mean that you might be frustrated because you can ’ t get credit for everything that you do .
Yes , not fair !
For the next six months , Mars will activate your desire to formulate goals and pursue them .
You ’ ll be more inclined to work today for what you can bring about tomorrow .
You will also be more involved with groups and friends .
Today fiery Mars moves to the top of your chart to stay for the rest of the year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ never before !
( Quite literally , because the last time this happened was 1988 — which was 32 years ago . )
Expect to get a lot done !
For the rest of the year you want to do more creative , intellectual work than usual .
You want to convey your experiences to the world .
This is why you will do whatever you can to expand your mind and , possibly , defend your beliefs .
You will be vigorous !
You may encounter disagreements about shared property , inheritances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
However , you will defend your rights .
Your physical desires will be strong as well , which will create great expectations on your part .
Suddenly , Mars will be opposite your sign for the next six months .
( The last time this happened was 1988 . )
This might encourage conflicts with others .
However , it will also give you the courage put cards on the table and defend yourself .
( “ No more Mr. Nice Guy.
” ) For the rest of the year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard because you will throw your energy into getting things done .
As you delegate to others , you might think those around you are being lazy .
Not so !
Caution .
( It is you who is the work horse . )
For the rest of the year , you will demand to be yourself and express to others exactly who you are .
Romance will be pumped .
Admittedly , tension with children might arise .
You want to do your own thing and explore pleasure , amusements and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chaos on the home front are likely for the rest of year .
Naturally , this can stir up tension with family or others .
Disputes about land ownership might arise .
Think twice before you act .
Keep a steady head .
The pace of your days will pick up for the rest of this year and your energy level will be high .
You will identify with your ideas and opinions , which might make you argumentative .
Beware of trying to coerce others into believing as you do .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in your house of earnings and possessions , which makes you identify with what you own and what you value .
This is why you might buy things because you think what you own reflects who you are .
Think about this .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Sam Claflin ( 1986 ) shares your birthday .
You make an excellent partner because you are warm and caring .
You are also a loving parent .
Exciting news !
You ’ re entering a year of new beginnings !
This means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years .
Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want .
Just do it !

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Virgo into Libra.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today Mars moves into your sign to stay for the rest of the year. Most unusual! Normally Mars is in your sign for six weeks once every two years. This means you will be PowerPoint on steroids! You will be pumped, aggressive and driven. Easy does it.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today Mars moves into a hidden part of your chart for the rest of the year. Because Mars is hidden in your chart for the next six months, this could mean that you might be frustrated because you can’t get credit for everything that you do. Yes, not fair!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
For the next six months, Mars will activate your desire to formulate goals and pursue them. You’ll be more inclined to work today for what you can bring about tomorrow. You will also be more involved with groups and friends.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Today fiery Mars moves to the top of your chart to stay for the rest of the year. This will fire up your ambition as never before! (Quite literally, because the last time this happened was 1988 — which was 32 years ago.) Expect to get a lot done!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
For the rest of the year you want to do more creative, intellectual work than usual. You want to convey your experiences to the world. This is why you will do whatever you can to expand your mind and, possibly, defend your beliefs. You will be vigorous!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You may encounter disagreements about shared property, inheritances and insurance issues in the next six months. However, you will defend your rights. Your physical desires will be strong as well, which will create great expectations on your part.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Suddenly, Mars will be opposite your sign for the next six months. (The last time this happened was 1988.) This might encourage conflicts with others. However, it will also give you the courage put cards on the table and defend yourself. (“No more Mr. Nice Guy.”)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
For the rest of the year, you will be gung ho to work hard because you will throw your energy into getting things done. As you delegate to others, you might think those around you are being lazy. Not so! Caution. (It is you who is the work horse.)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
For the rest of the year, you will demand to be yourself and express to others exactly who you are. Romance will be pumped. Admittedly, tension with children might arise. You want to do your own thing and explore pleasure, amusements and the arts. Yes!
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Increased activity and chaos on the home front are likely for the rest of year. Naturally, this can stir up tension with family or others. Disputes about land ownership might arise. Think twice before you act. Keep a steady head.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The pace of your days will pick up for the rest of this year and your energy level will be high. You will identify with your ideas and opinions, which might make you argumentative. Beware of trying to coerce others into believing as you do.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
For the rest of this year, Mars is in your house of earnings and possessions, which makes you identify with what you own and what you value. This is why you might buy things because you think what you own reflects who you are. Think about this.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Sam Claflin (1986) shares your birthday. You make an excellent partner because you are warm and caring. You are also a loving parent. Exciting news! You’re entering a year of new beginnings! This means it’s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years. Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want. Just do it!


chicagosun-times--2020-06-26--Kinzinger wants Congress to boycott Zoom for caving to China over Tiananmen Square memorials

Rep. Adam Kinzinger , R-Ill. , on Friday said he wants Congress to stop using Zoom , calling for a boycott because of potential cybersecurity issues and the decision of the company to comply with the Chinese government request to block the accounts of activists marking the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre .
Kinzinger ’ s drive to not conduct any federal business on Zoom was a factor in his deciding not to make a video appearance Thursday on the Chicago Sun-Times “ At the Virtual Table ” show .
The Sun-Times used Zoom , a video conferencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic , to host the show .
The public then can view the show on Facebook Live .
Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington and I are co-hosts .
In May 1989 , as History.com recounts , “ nearly a million Chinese , mostly young students , crowded into central Beijing to protest for greater democracy and call for the resignations of Chinese Communist Party leaders deemed too repressive .
On June 4 , 1989 , “ Chinese troops and security police stormed through Tiananmen Square , firing indiscriminately into the crowds of protesters.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Western diplomats on the scene , “ at least 300 , and perhaps thousands , ” of protesters were killed .
Kinzinger in a statement said during this pandemic , “ reliance on video conferencing has been critical in staying connected ” and though Zoom use is booming , “ I have become increasingly concerned by the platform ’ s censoring on behalf of the Chinese government , as well as security vulnerabilities .
“ Earlier this month , we learned that several pro-democracy activists in the United States and Hong Kong had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videos and hosting commemorative video-vigils on the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing.
” Kinzinger noted the entire United Kingdom government stopped using Zoom , and given “ the availability of other video platforms , federal business should not be conducted on this platform until these concerns can be alleviated .
“ In the interest of security , we have to recognize our vulnerabilities and in the interest of free speech , we have to take action when that freedom is threatened.
” Kinzinger ’ s office arranged to join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it turned out , he did not appear at all because of votes .
Kinzinger spokesman Maura Gillespie said , “ As an office , we do not use Zoom and will not be using it moving forward .
If the Congressman is invited to do a virtual event that is using Zoom , we try to find an alternate option .
“ Last night , the Congressman ’ s voting time directly conflicted with the virtual interview for ‘ At the Table ’ so he was unable to call in and participate.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April and May the company went along with Chinese government requests to block Zoom accounts where details about public June 4th commemoration meetings were to be discussed .
The company said it changed its policies since then .
Kinzinger is a member of the House GOP China Task Force , created last May in the wake of China ’ s lack of cooperation and transparency in dealing with the pandemic , which originated in China .
He has legislation pending pressuring the Chinese to be more transparent in dealing with U.S. intellectual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., said he wants Congress to stop using Zoom, calling for a boycott because of potential cybersecurity issues and the company’s decision to comply with the Chinese government’s request to block the accounts of activists marking the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.
Kinzinger’s drive to not conduct any federal business on Zoom was a factor in his deciding not to make a video appearance Thursday on the Chicago Sun-Times “At the Virtual Table” show.
The Sun-Times used Zoom, a video conferencing tool skyrocketing in popularity because of the COVID-19 pandemic, to host the show, with the content available for viewing on Facebook Live. Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington and I are co-hosts.
Opinion bug Opinion
In May 1989, as History.com recounts, “nearly a million Chinese, mostly young students, crowded into central Beijing to protest for greater democracy and call for the resignations of Chinese Communist Party leaders deemed too repressive. On June 4, 1989, “Chinese troops and security police stormed through Tiananmen Square, firing indiscriminately into the crowds of protesters.”
According to estimates from reporters and Western diplomats on the scene, “at least 300, and perhaps thousands” of protesters were killed.
Kinzinger in a statement said during this pandemic, “reliance on video conferencing has been critical in staying connected,” and though Zoom use is booming, “I have become increasingly concerned by the platform’s censoring on behalf of the Chinese government, as well as security vulnerabilities.
“Earlier this month, we learned that several pro-democracy activists in the United States and Hong Kong had their Zoom accounts shut down for sharing videos and hosting commemorative video-vigils on the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing.”
Kinzinger said given “the availability of other video platforms, federal business should not be conducted on this platform until these concerns can be alleviated.
“In the interest of security, we have to recognize our vulnerabilities, and in the interest of free speech, we have to take action when that freedom is threatened.”
Kinzinger’s office arranged to join the Sun-Times show by phone, but as it turned out, he did not appear at all because of votes. Kinzinger spokesman Maura Gillespie said the office will not use Zoom. “If the congressman is invited to do a virtual event that is using Zoom, we try to find an alternate option.
“Last night, the congressman’s voting time directly conflicted with the virtual interview for ‘At the Table,’ so he was unable to call in and participate.”
Zoom admitted on June 11 that in June and May the company went along with Chinese government requests to block Zoom accounts where details about public June 4th commemoration meetings were to be discussed.
In April, Zoom said in a blog post that the explosion of use found the company grappling with new issues. “We did not design the product with the foresight that, in a matter of weeks, every person in the world would suddenly be working, studying, and socializing from home. We now have a much broader set of users who are utilizing our product in a myriad of unexpected ways, presenting us with challenges we did not anticipate when the platform was conceived.”
Following the Tiananmen Square related blocking, the company said it has changed its policies, stating in a June 11 blog post, “We suspended or terminated the host accounts, one in Hong Kong SAR and two in the U.S. We have reinstated these three host accounts.”
Kinzinger is a member of the House GOP China Task Force, created last May in the wake of China’s lack of cooperation and transparency in dealing with the pandemic, which originated in China. He has legislation pending pressuring the Chinese to be more transparent in dealing with U.S. intellectual property, manufactured goods and internet issues.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-26--Woman, 50, fatally struck by vehicle in Northlake

A 50-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle Thursday in northwest suburban Northlake .
She was struck about @ @ @ @ @ block of North Avenue , according to the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ medical examiner ’ s office identified her as Mitza Lewis .
She was pronounced dead @ @ @ @ @ same day .
Autopsy results found she died from her injuries and ruled her death @ @ @ @ @ the medical examiner ’ s office .

A 50-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle Thursday in northwest suburban Northlake.
She was struck about 1:13 p.m. in the first block of North Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office and Northlake police.
The medical examiner’s office identified her as Mitza Lewis. She was pronounced dead at Gottleib Hospital later the same day.
Autopsy results found she died from her injuries and ruled her death an accident, according to the medical examiner’s office.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-26--Coronavirus live blog, June 26, 2020: Raindrops, reps and relief on first day of Illinois’ Phase 4 r

Coronavirus live blog, June 26, 2020: Raindrops, reps and relief on first day of Illinois’ Phase 4 reopening

The first day of Phase 4 of the reopening was greeted with excitement for many Chicagoans .
Restaurants , health clubs , pools , bowling alleys , skating rinks and movie theaters all opened up again .
There was a slight bump in the numbers of deaths and infections , but are still on par with numbers from Thursday , when that day ’ s 894 new cases was the most on any day since June 6 , but still far short of the numbers reported during the peak month of May .
Here ’ s what happened in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the state .
8 p.m. Raindrops , reps and relief on first day of Illinois ’ Phase 4 reopening That ’ s all Elaine Sakellariou felt as she seated her first customers in three months Friday morning at George ’ s Gyros , 3445 S. Halsted St. “ It just brings back life to this place , ” said Sakellariou , who owns the restaurant her father opened more than 40 year ago .
She ’ d been able to get through the heart of the coronavirus pandemic with gift card sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Illinois ’ Phase 4 reopening couldn ’ t come soon enough for the Bridgeport joint — or any of the thousands of other restaurants across the state that are now allowed to seat customers inside at 25 % capacity .
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout and Mitch Dudek here .
5:40 p.m. Illinois loses another 39 to COVID-19 as state advances to next phase of reopening As the state moved into Phase 4 of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s reopening plan — and a number of states see upticks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday said another 39 people have died from COVID-19 in Illinois .
Another 857 newly confirmed cases were also reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health .
In total , the state has seen 140,291 positive cases .
The preliminary seven-day positivity rate is at 3 % .
That ’ s a metric being used to monitor any major increases in cases .
Friday also marked the second day Illinois saw more than 30,000 test results .
The state has performed nearly 1.5 million tests since the pandemic began .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with numbers from Thursday , when that day ’ s 894 new cases was the most on any day since June 6 , but still far short of the numbers reported during the peak month of May .
Read the full story by Tina Sfondeles here .
4:24 p.m. Coronavirus task force holds briefing — but not with Trump , not at White House WASHINGTON — There was no presidential appearance and no White House backdrop Friday when the government ’ s coronavirus task force briefed the public for the first since April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show it ’ s paying attention to the latest spike in cases but not on a wartime footing that should keep the country from reopening the economy .
The briefing at the Department of Health and Human Services was held as the number of confirmed new coronavirus infections per day in the U.S. soared to an all-time high of 40,000 — higher even than during the deadliest stretch in April and May .
In light of the new surge , task force briefers chose their words carefully to update the public about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health and political issue .
Vice President Mike Pence had the most delicate line to walk .
He acknowledged a surge in new cases across the South and West , while backing the president ’ s desire to get the economy up and running without mentioning that it will also help the prospects for reelection .
Read the full story by The Associated Press here .
2:55 p.m. Florida ’ s new COVID-19 cases reported Friday more than double Illinois ’ highest single-day total While greatly expanded testing probably accounts for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures indicate the virus is making a comeback .
Daily deaths , hospitalizations and the percentage of tests that are coming back positive have also have been rising over the past few weeks in parts of the country , mostly in the South and West .
On Friday , Florida ’ s health department reported a record 8,942 new infections identified over the course of 24 hours , according to the Tampa Bay Times .
That more than doubles Illinois ’ highest single-day case total of 4,014 reported by the state health department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set single-day case records this week include Arizona , California , Nevada , Texas and Oklahoma .
In the past few weeks , the nation ’ s daily death toll has actually dropped markedly even as cases climbed , a phenomenon that may reflect the advent of treatments , better efforts to prevent infections at nursing homes , and a rising proportion of cases among younger adults , who are more likely than their elders to survive a bout with COVID-19 .
Meanwhile , Illinois has seen cases steadily decreasing and entered Phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s reopening plan Friday .
But Pritzker asserted Thursday that if the state ’ s current “ trajectory of success ” reverses , he ’ s not afraid to return to more restrictions .
“ I ’ m not afraid to protect the people of Illinois by moving a region back to an earlier phase if we see a surge , ” Pritzker said at a Chicago news conference .
“ Ours will not be one of the states that takes no action in response to a return to the peak.
” 2:05 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 vaccine study University of Chicago researchers will help test people in an upcoming government-funded study of an experimental vaccine for COVID-19 .
The vaccine research is being led locally by University of Illinois at Chicago , part of a nationwide 30,000-patient study .
In Chicago , researchers hope to test at least 1,000 people .
Dr. David Pitrak , chief of infectious diseases and global health at University of Chicago Department of Medicine , said the Hyde Park researchers will test about half of the people in the local study .
UIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the areas where it hopes to draw volunteers for the research .
A goal of the study is to recruit heavily in both African-American and Latino communities in Chicago as those populations have been disproportionately affected by the virus , said Dr. Richard Novak , who is heading the clinical trial at UIC .
Read the story by Brett Chase here for more .
Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott shut down bars in Texas again on Friday and scaled back restaurant dining , the most dramatic reversals yet as confirmed coronavirus cases surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outfitters on Texas ’ popular rivers to close and said outdoor gatherings of 100 people or more must be approved by local governments .
The abrupt actions reflect how Texas is now scrambling to contain an outbreak less than two months after an aggressive reopening that was one of the fastest in the U.S. “ At this time , it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities , including Texans congregating in bars , ” Abbott said .
“ The actions in this executive order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain this virus and protect public health.
” He did not say when bars might reopen again .
11:35 a.m. 16 NBA players test positive for coronavirus as season restart approaches The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association say 16 players tested positive for coronavirus in the first wave of mandatory tests done in preparation for the restart of the season .
Those 16 players were part of a pool of 302 tested on Tuesday .
Tests are continuing for all 22 teams that will be participating in the restart at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next month .
The player names were not disclosed ; some , such as Malcolm Brogdon of Indiana and Sacramento teammates Jabari Parker and Alex Len have publicly acknowledged they have recently positive .
That was a 5.3 % rate of positive tests leaguewide .
The league did not announce results of testing on staffers and other members of team travel parties , all of whom are also part of the mandatory testing program .
9:55 a.m .
Layoffs , tax hikes possible as Cook County braces for one-two punch of budget holes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Thursday “ everything is on the table ” as county officials brace for a budget gap the COVID-19 crisis has stretched to nearly $ 281 million for the rest of the fiscal year and possibly as much as $ 409 million for next year .
That could mean new taxes , furloughs and layoffs .
Seventy positions have already been cut , and about 35 people laid off at the county ’ s health system over the past week , Andrea Gibson , Cook County Health ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
“ This is the largest budget gap we ’ ve seen in almost a decade , so we ’ re going to be looking at holdbacks , we ’ re going to be looking at delaying purchases , renegotiating contracts with our vendors , a variety of strategies to meet the challenge that we face , ” Preckwinkle said .
How many workers will ultimately need to be laid off is still “ to be determined , ” the board president said .
County officials laid out their preliminary budgets for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and projections for 2021 on Thursday , painting a grim fiscal picture for the county ’ s pocketbook in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
Read the full story from Rachel Hinton here .
8:12 a.m. Illinois ready to step forward into Phase 4 , but Pritzker unfazed about tugging it back if COVID-19 cases surge With all regions of the state set to advance to Phase 4 of reopening on Friday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker vowed that while Illinois has seen a “ trajectory of success , ” he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions should COVID-19 cases see a drastic uptick .
“ I ’ m not afraid to protect the people of Illinois by moving a region back to an earlier phase if we see a surge , ” Pritzker said at a Chicago news conference .
“ Ours will not be one of the states that takes no action in response to a return to the peak.
” Asked whether that could mean reinstating a stay-at-home order , the governor said , “ I ’ m not afraid to move us backward to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past.
” He also cited once again prohibiting elective surgeries to make more space for hospital beds — as Texas has done — as another option for the state should cases go up .
Pritzker ’ s warning came as his public health department announced another 894 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and 41 additional deaths – more evidence of the state ’ s improving situation , although the daily case number is the highest in nearly three weeks .
Read the full story by Tina Sfondeles here .
• The NBA and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players tested positive for coronavirus in the first wave of mandatory tests done in preparation for the restart of the season .
• U.S. officials believe as many as 20 million Americans have contracted the coronavirus , suggesting millions had the virus and never knew it , according to new CDC studies of blood samples collected nationwide .
• In Arizona , 23 percent of coronavirus tests conducted over the last seven days have been positive , nearly triple the national average , and a record 415 patients were on ventilators .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases reach new highs twice this week .
• Chicago native Jabari Parker reveals he has tested positive for coronavirus 8:40 a.m. ‘ I ’ ll have the Post-Pandemic Special please ’ What began as a practical necessity for travelers — the stagecoach stops for the night , the innkeeper carves off some mutton and draws a mug of ale — now has assumed magnified importance , ingrained in our lives .
Chicago , and Illinois , opening restaurants Friday for indoor dining should be a milestone in our civic recovery from COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead it seems more like a dilemma , almost a trap .
At least to me .
Which is surprising .
You ’ d think Restaurant Boy would be in a sprinter ’ s crouch , napkin tied around my neck like a bib , knife and fork in each hand , waiting for the gun to spring out of the blocks .

The first day of Phase 4 of the reopening was greeted with excitement for many Chicagoans. Restaurants, health clubs, pools, bowling alleys, skating rinks and movie theaters all opened up again.
There was a slight bump in the numbers of deaths and infections, but are still on par with numbers from Thursday, when that day’s 894 new cases was the most on any day since June 6, but still far short of the numbers reported during the peak month of May.
Here’s what happened in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago and around the state.
News
8 p.m. Raindrops, reps and relief on first day of Illinois’ Phase 4 reopening
George’s Gyros owner Elaine Sakellariou (with mask) pictured with staff on Friday, the first day of Illinois’ Phase 4 reopening. | Mitchell Armentrout/Sun-Times Mitchell Armentrout/Sun-Times
Relief.
That’s all Elaine Sakellariou felt as she seated her first customers in three months Friday morning at George’s Gyros, 3445 S. Halsted St.
“It just brings back life to this place,” said Sakellariou, who owns the restaurant her father opened more than 40 year ago.
She’d been able to get through the heart of the coronavirus pandemic with gift card sales and takeout orders from loyal customers, but Illinois’ Phase 4 reopening couldn’t come soon enough for the Bridgeport joint — or any of the thousands of other restaurants across the state that are now allowed to seat customers inside at 25% capacity.
“It’s a good thing I saved,” Sakellariou said.
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout and Mitch Dudek here.
5:40 p.m. Illinois loses another 39 to COVID-19 as state advances to next phase of reopening
As the state moved into Phase 4 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan — and a number of states see upticks in coronavirus cases — public health officials on Friday said another 39 people have died from COVID-19 in Illinois.
Another 857 newly confirmed cases were also reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health. In total, the state has seen 140,291 positive cases. The preliminary seven-day positivity rate is at 3%. That’s a metric being used to monitor any major increases in cases.
Friday also marked the second day Illinois saw more than 30,000 test results. The state has performed nearly 1.5 million tests since the pandemic began.
The additional deaths and infections are on par with numbers from Thursday, when that day’s 894 new cases was the most on any day since June 6, but still far short of the numbers reported during the peak month of May.
Read the full story by Tina Sfondeles here.
4:24 p.m. Coronavirus task force holds briefing — but not with Trump, not at White House
WASHINGTON — There was no presidential appearance and no White House backdrop Friday when the government’s coronavirus task force briefed the public for the first since April — in keeping with an administration effort to show it’s paying attention to the latest spike in cases but not on a wartime footing that should keep the country from reopening the economy.
The briefing at the Department of Health and Human Services was held as the number of confirmed new coronavirus infections per day in the U.S. soared to an all-time high of 40,000 — higher even than during the deadliest stretch in April and May. In light of the new surge, task force briefers chose their words carefully to update the public about COVID-19, which has become both a public health and political issue.
Vice President Mike Pence had the most delicate line to walk. He acknowledged a surge in new cases across the South and West, while backing the president’s desire to get the economy up and running without mentioning that it will also help the prospects for reelection.
Read the full story by The Associated Press here.
2:55 p.m. Florida’s new COVID-19 cases reported Friday more than double Illinois’ highest single-day total
While greatly expanded testing probably accounts for some of the increase, experts say other measures indicate the virus is making a comeback. Daily deaths, hospitalizations and the percentage of tests that are coming back positive have also have been rising over the past few weeks in parts of the country, mostly in the South and West.
On Friday, Florida’s health department reported a record 8,942 new infections identified over the course of 24 hours, according to the Tampa Bay Times. That more than doubles Illinois’ highest single-day case total of 4,014 reported by the state health department on May 12.
Other states that set single-day case records this week include Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Oklahoma.
In the past few weeks, the nation’s daily death toll has actually dropped markedly even as cases climbed, a phenomenon that may reflect the advent of treatments, better efforts to prevent infections at nursing homes, and a rising proportion of cases among younger adults, who are more likely than their elders to survive a bout with COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Illinois has seen cases steadily decreasing and entered Phase 4 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan Friday. But Pritzker asserted Thursday that if the state’s current “trajectory of success” reverses, he’s not afraid to return to more restrictions.
“I’m not afraid to protect the people of Illinois by moving a region back to an earlier phase if we see a surge,” Pritzker said at a Chicago news conference. “Ours will not be one of the states that takes no action in response to a return to the peak.”
Read the full national report here.
2:05 p.m. University of Chicago to assist with COVID-19 vaccine study
University of Chicago researchers will help test people in an upcoming government-funded study of an experimental vaccine for COVID-19.
The vaccine research is being led locally by University of Illinois at Chicago, part of a nationwide 30,000-patient study. In Chicago, researchers hope to test at least 1,000 people.
Dr. David Pitrak, chief of infectious diseases and global health at University of Chicago Department of Medicine, said the Hyde Park researchers will test about half of the people in the local study.
UIC previously said Hyde Park was one of the areas where it hopes to draw volunteers for the research. A goal of the study is to recruit heavily in both African-American and Latino communities in Chicago as those populations have been disproportionately affected by the virus, said Dr. Richard Novak, who is heading the clinical trial at UIC.
Read the story by Brett Chase here for more.
1:16 p.m. Texas shuts down bars, tubing as coronavirus cases surge
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott shut down bars in Texas again on Friday and scaled back restaurant dining, the most dramatic reversals yet as confirmed coronavirus cases surge.
Abbott also ordered rafting and tubing outfitters on Texas’ popular rivers to close and said outdoor gatherings of 100 people or more must be approved by local governments. The abrupt actions reflect how Texas is now scrambling to contain an outbreak less than two months after an aggressive reopening that was one of the fastest in the U.S.
“At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars,” Abbott said. “The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health.”
He did not say when bars might reopen again.
Read the full story here.
11:35 a.m. 16 NBA players test positive for coronavirus as season restart approaches
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association say 16 players tested positive for coronavirus in the first wave of mandatory tests done in preparation for the restart of the season.
Those 16 players were part of a pool of 302 tested on Tuesday. Tests are continuing for all 22 teams that will be participating in the restart at the Disney campus near Orlando, Florida, next month. The player names were not disclosed; some, such as Malcolm Brogdon of Indiana and Sacramento teammates Jabari Parker and Alex Len have publicly acknowledged they have recently positive.
That was a 5.3% rate of positive tests leaguewide. The league did not announce results of testing on staffers and other members of team travel parties, all of whom are also part of the mandatory testing program.
Read the full story here.
9:55 a.m. Layoffs, tax hikes possible as Cook County braces for one-two punch of budget holes for this year and the next
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Thursday “everything is on the table” as county officials brace for a budget gap the COVID-19 crisis has stretched to nearly $281 million for the rest of the fiscal year and possibly as much as $409 million for next year.
That could mean new taxes, furloughs and layoffs. Seventy positions have already been cut, and about 35 people laid off at the county’s health system over the past week, Andrea Gibson, Cook County Health’s interim chief business officer, said Thursday.
“This is the largest budget gap we’ve seen in almost a decade, so we’re going to be looking at holdbacks, we’re going to be looking at delaying purchases, renegotiating contracts with our vendors, a variety of strategies to meet the challenge that we face,” Preckwinkle said.
How many workers will ultimately need to be laid off is still “to be determined,” the board president said.
County officials laid out their preliminary budgets for the rest of the 2020 fiscal year and projections for 2021 on Thursday, painting a grim fiscal picture for the county’s pocketbook in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Read the full story from Rachel Hinton here.
8:12 a.m. Illinois ready to step forward into Phase 4, but Pritzker unfazed about tugging it back if COVID-19 cases surge
With all regions of the state set to advance to Phase 4 of reopening on Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker vowed that while Illinois has seen a “trajectory of success,” he’s not afraid to return to more restrictions should COVID-19 cases see a drastic uptick.
“I’m not afraid to protect the people of Illinois by moving a region back to an earlier phase if we see a surge,” Pritzker said at a Chicago news conference. “Ours will not be one of the states that takes no action in response to a return to the peak.”
Asked whether that could mean reinstating a stay-at-home order, the governor said, “I’m not afraid to move us backward to the things that we’ve done in the past.” He also cited once again prohibiting elective surgeries to make more space for hospital beds — as Texas has done — as another option for the state should cases go up.
Pritzker’s warning came as his public health department announced another 894 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and 41 additional deaths – more evidence of the state’s improving situation, although the daily case number is the highest in nearly three weeks.
Read the full story by Tina Sfondeles here.
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
8:40 a.m. ‘I’ll have the Post-Pandemic Special please’
What began as a practical necessity for travelers — the stagecoach stops for the night, the innkeeper carves off some mutton and draws a mug of ale — now has assumed magnified importance, ingrained in our lives.
Chicago, and Illinois, opening restaurants Friday for indoor dining should be a milestone in our civic recovery from COVID-19. V-E Day, Victory in Eating.
Instead it seems more like a dilemma, almost a trap.
At least to me. Which is surprising. You’d think Restaurant Boy would be in a sprinter’s crouch, napkin tied around my neck like a bib, knife and fork in each hand, waiting for the gun to spring out of the blocks.
But I’m not.
Read Neil Steinberg’s full column here.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-27--Illinois announces 26 additional deaths, 786 new cases of coronavirus  (LIVE UPDATES)

Another 26 people have died of the coronavirus in Illinois , public health officials announced Saturday , raising the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 6,873 .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also said an additional 786 people have tested positive for COVID-19 , increasing the total case count to 141,077 , although the vast majority have since recovered .
The new cases were found among the latest 30,237 tests processed ; in all , more than 1.5 million Illinoisans have been tested for coronavirus .
The test positivity rate over the past week remained at 3 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pope here .
6:15 p.m. Coronavirus spikes force Pence to cancel some political events in Florida , Arizona WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence called off campaign events in Florida and Arizona this coming week as the states experience a surge in new coronavirus cases .
Pence will still travel to those states , which have set records for new confirmed infections in recent days , the White House confirmed , saying he will meet with governors and their health teams .
Pence said Friday during a briefing by the White House ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be visiting Florida , Texas and Arizona to receive a “ ground report ” on spiking cases of COVD-19 across the region .
The three states ’ Republican governors have come under criticism for pushing for aggressive reopening after virus-related lockdowns as cases in the states rise .
Pence is traveling to Dallas on Sunday to attend a “ Celebrate Freedom Rally ” at First Baptist Church Dallas before meeting with Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott .
But planned political events later in the week have been pushed off .
On Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign “ Faith in America ” event in Tucson , Arizona , before meeting Gov .
Doug Ducey in Yuma .
The campaign event has been postponed .
In Florida on Thursday , Pence was to embark on a bus tour , including an appearance in Lake Wales at an event organized by the pro-Trump group America First Policies billed as the “ Great American Comeback tour.
” The group announced that “ out of an abundance of caution at this time , we are postponing the Great American Comeback tour stop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon.
” 3:25 p.m. Bar owners in Texas worry as coronavirus surges in their workplaces HOUSTON — The din of conversation and music that normally fills The Cottonmouth Club in downtown Houston fell silent last Friday when the owners shut it down for a second time during the coronavirus pandemic — a week before the Texas governor ordered all bars to follow suit amid a surge in infections .
Co-owner Michael Neff — questioning what he saw as a rush to reopen by the state and wondering if his industry was making things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occupancy limits — said he felt he could no longer provide a safe environment for his staff or customers at the neighborhood bar with a rock ‘ n ’ roll vibe .
He and his staff had started hearing of workers at other bars getting sick .
“ Texas was a terrible , terrible experiment because it experimented with people ’ s lives and this is where we are , ” Neff said .
That ended Friday , with Gov .
Greg Abbott ’ s announcement that bars would again be shuttered , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record high of nearly 6,000 confirmed cases and on the day that Texas surpassed 5,000 hospitalizations for the first time .
Read the full story by The Associated Press here .
1:30 p.m. Sky player says she tested positive for COVID-19 Sky guard Sydney Colson revealed on Twitter Saturday morning that she tested positive for the coronavirus this week .
“ I do the least and tested positive so I ’ m tryna see how folks who do the mooost are out here partying and feelin grand , ” Colson tweeted .
Colson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week the Sky welcomed back their out-of-market players to undergo physicals and begin individual workouts at Sachs Recreation Center , their practice facility in Deerfield , as they prepare for their upcoming 22-game season .
Read the full report from Madeline Kenney here .
The state of Florida has set another record in daily confirmed coronavirus cases .
Florida health officials on Saturday reported more than 9,500 new COVID-19 cases , surpassing the previous day ’ s total by more than 600 confirmed cases .
The figures come as officials move to reclose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the true figure is undoubtedly higher .
This is both because of incomplete testing and because it is becoming clearer to scientists that a significant number of people become infected with the virus but do not feel sick or show symptoms .
The state ’ s Department of Health said 24 more people have died with COVID-19 , raising the death toll to 3,390 .
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 also are ticking upward statewide .
Although they are not rising as dramatically as the reported number of cases , they are approaching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and May .
Miami-Dade County announced late Friday it would reclose beaches from July 3 to July 7 to prevent large gatherings and the spread of the new virus during Fourth of July celebrations in the state ’ s hardest hit area .
11:30 a.m. Raindrops , reps and relief on first day of Illinois ’ Phase 4 reopening That ’ s all Elaine Sakellariou felt as she seated her first customers in three months Friday morning at George ’ s Gyros , 3445 S. Halsted St. “ It just brings back life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who owns the restaurant her father opened more than 40 year ago .
She ’ d been able to get through the heart of the coronavirus pandemic with gift card sales and takeout orders from loyal customers , but Illinois ’ Phase 4 reopening couldn ’ t come soon enough for the Bridgeport joint — or any of the thousands of other restaurants across the state that are now allowed to seat customers inside at 25 % capacity .
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout and Mitch Dudek here .
8:45 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no way around ’ the coronavirus For three weeks in Chicago , the White Sox will be all about preparing for a 60-game season while trying to adhere to 100 pages of health and safety protocols for playing baseball in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic .
They ’ ll be about getting better , about being ready to pitch , hit and field like a postseason-caliber team .
They ’ ll be about ‘ ‘ a must-win mindset , ’ ’ right-hander Lucas Giolito said on a conference call Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ ’ said Giolito , who was an All-Star last season .
‘ ‘ If we get off to a hot start and guys are playing well , that could put us over the edge into the playoff picture , where we want to be.
’ ’ But there will be some levels of anxiety and uncertainty , too .
‘ ‘ I don ’ t think anyone feels 100 percent comfortable , ’ ’ Giolito said .
‘ ‘ With COVID kind of back on the rise in [ some ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be imperative that , as players , we do everything we can do away from the field .
Practice social distancing , stay safe , not exposing ourselves to any risk at all in the sense of going out somewhere or being around a lot of people .
‘ ‘ We ’ re all going to have to come together , maybe have a conversation like : ‘ Hey if we want to get through this whole season and not worry about this as a team , we ’ re really going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field.
’ ’ ’ Read the full story previewing the White Sox ’ feelings about baseball ’ s return here .
7:14 a.m. Coronavirus task force holds briefing — but not with Trump , not at White House WASHINGTON — There was no presidential appearance and no White House backdrop Friday when the government ’ s coronavirus task force briefed the public for the first since April — in keeping with an administration effort to show it ’ s paying attention to the latest spike in cases but not on a wartime footing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
The briefing at the Department of Health and Human Services was held as the number of confirmed new coronavirus infections per day in the U.S. soared to an all-time high of 40,000 — higher even than during the deadliest stretch in April and May .
In light of the new surge , task force briefers chose their words carefully to update the public about COVID-19 , which has become both a public health and political issue .
Vice President Mike Pence had the most delicate line to walk .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South and West , while backing the president ’ s desire to get the economy up and running without mentioning that it will also help the prospects for reelection .
Read the full story by The Associated Press here .
• The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association say 16 players tested positive for coronavirus in the first wave of mandatory tests done in preparation for the restart of the season .
• As the state moved into Phase 4 of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s reopening plan — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases — public health officials on Friday said another 39 people have died from COVID-19 in Illinois .
Another 857 newly confirmed cases were also reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health .
In total , the state has seen 140,291 positive cases .
• U.S. officials believe as many as 20 million Americans have contracted the coronavirus , suggesting millions had the virus and never knew it , according to new CDC studies of blood samples collected nationwide .
• In Arizona , 23 percent of coronavirus tests conducted over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nearly triple the national average , and a record 415 patients were on ventilators .
• Mississippi saw its daily count of new cases reach new highs twice this week .
• Chicago native Jabari Parker reveals he has tested positive for coronavirus 7:10 a.m. ‘ I ’ ll have the Post-Pandemic Special please ’ What began as a practical necessity for travelers — the stagecoach stops for the night , the innkeeper carves off some mutton and draws a mug of ale — now has assumed magnified importance , ingrained in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , opening restaurants Friday for indoor dining should be a milestone in our civic recovery from COVID-19 .
V-E Day , Victory in Eating .
Instead it seems more like a dilemma , almost a trap .
At least to me .
Which is surprising .
You ’ d think Restaurant Boy would be in a sprinter ’ s crouch , napkin tied around my neck like a bib , knife and fork in each hand , waiting for the gun to spring out of the blocks .

Saturday’s coronavirus numbers remained steady with those seen over the past few weeks, which indicates that Illinois continues to make good progress in its reopening. The state is also avoid the pandemic spikes currently sweeping through many southern and western states.
Vice President Mike Pence called off campaign events in Florida and Arizona this coming week as the states experience a surge in new coronavirus cases.
Here’s what happened today in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
8:50 p.m. Illinois announces 26 additional deaths, 786 new cases of coronavirus
Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Another 26 people have died of the coronavirus in Illinois, public health officials announced Saturday, raising the state’s pandemic death toll to 6,873.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also said an additional 786 people have tested positive for COVID-19, increasing the total case count to 141,077, although the vast majority have since recovered.
The new cases were found among the latest 30,237 tests processed; in all, more than 1.5 million Illinoisans have been tested for coronavirus. The test positivity rate over the past week remained at 3%.
Read the full story by Ben Pope here.
8:39 p.m. As coronavirus cases surge in US, rural areas seeing increases as well
For many states and counties in the U.S., the dark days of the coronavirus pandemic in April unfolded on their television screens, not on their doorsteps. But now, some places that appeared to have avoided the worst are seeing surges of infections, as worries shift from major cities to rural areas.
While much of the focus of concerns that the United States is entering a dangerous new phase has been on big Sunbelt states that are reporting thousands of new cases a day — like Texas and Florida — the worrying trend is also happening in places like Kansas, where livestock outnumber people.
In early June, Kansas looked to be bringing its outbreak under control, but its daily reported case numbers have more than doubled in recent weeks. On June 5, the seven-day average for daily new cases hovered at around 96; by Friday, that figure was 211. As cases rise, the U.S. Army commander at Fort Riley in the state’s northeast ordered his soldiers to stay out of a popular nearby restaurant and bar district after 10 p.m.
Idaho and Oklahoma have seen similarly large percentage increases over the same three-week period, albeit from low starting points. In Oklahoma, the seven-day average for daily new cases climbed from about 81 to 376; Idaho’s jumped from around 40 to 160.
Read the full story here from The Associated Press.
7:20 p.m. Governors face mixed messages, competing voices as reported coronavirus cases rise
LAS VEGAS — As Nevada prepared to start reopening parts of its economy last month, a team of medical experts recommended to Gov. Steve Sisolak that he require people wear masks in public to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The governor promoted masks but resisted making them a requirement, saying he feared the rule could create a backlash for businesses trying to enforce the order on customers.
With reported coronavirus cases rising the past four weeks, Sisolak on Wednesday finally decided to take their advice and impose the mandate, saying it was necessary to protect people and keep businesses open.
“People aren’t wearing these,” he said, holding up and waving a cloth face mask. “It is troubling and it is really discouraging that this has become a partisan issue about whether or not people want to wear a mask.”
Read the full story by The Associated Press here.
6:15 p.m. Coronavirus spikes force Pence to cancel some political events in Florida, Arizona
WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence called off campaign events in Florida and Arizona this coming week as the states experience a surge in new coronavirus cases.
Pence will still travel to those states, which have set records for new confirmed infections in recent days, the White House confirmed, saying he will meet with governors and their health teams.
Pence said Friday during a briefing by the White House’s coronavirus task force that he would be visiting Florida, Texas and Arizona to receive a “ground report” on spiking cases of COVD-19 across the region. The three states’ Republican governors have come under criticism for pushing for aggressive reopening after virus-related lockdowns as cases in the states rise.
Pence is traveling to Dallas on Sunday to attend a “Celebrate Freedom Rally” at First Baptist Church Dallas before meeting with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. But planned political events later in the week have been pushed off.
On Tuesday, Pence was supposed to address a Trump-Pence campaign “Faith in America” event in Tucson, Arizona, before meeting Gov. Doug Ducey in Yuma. The campaign event has been postponed.
In Florida on Thursday, Pence was to embark on a bus tour, including an appearance in Lake Wales at an event organized by the pro-Trump group America First Policies billed as the “Great American Comeback tour.” The group announced that “out of an abundance of caution at this time, we are postponing the Great American Comeback tour stop in Florida. We look forward to rescheduling soon.”
Read the full story here.
3:25 p.m. Bar owners in Texas worry as coronavirus surges in their workplaces
HOUSTON — The din of conversation and music that normally fills The Cottonmouth Club in downtown Houston fell silent last Friday when the owners shut it down for a second time during the coronavirus pandemic — a week before the Texas governor ordered all bars to follow suit amid a surge in infections.
Co-owner Michael Neff — questioning what he saw as a rush to reopen by the state and wondering if his industry was making things worse as some bars flouted rules on occupancy limits — said he felt he could no longer provide a safe environment for his staff or customers at the neighborhood bar with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe.
He and his staff had started hearing of workers at other bars getting sick.
“Texas was a terrible, terrible experiment because it experimented with people’s lives and this is where we are,” Neff said.
That ended Friday, with Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement that bars would again be shuttered, a day after the state reported a record high of nearly 6,000 confirmed cases and on the day that Texas surpassed 5,000 hospitalizations for the first time.
Read the full story by The Associated Press here.
1:30 p.m. Sky player says she tested positive for COVID-19
Sky guard Sydney Colson revealed on Twitter Saturday morning that she tested positive for the coronavirus this week.
“I do the least and tested positive so I’m tryna see how folks who do the mooost are out here partying and feelin grand,” Colson tweeted.
Colson’s announcement comes during the same week the Sky welcomed back their out-of-market players to undergo physicals and begin individual workouts at Sachs Recreation Center, their practice facility in Deerfield, as they prepare for their upcoming 22-game season.
Read the full report from Madeline Kenney here.
12:37 p.m. Florida records new daily high in COVID-19 cases
The state of Florida has set another record in daily confirmed coronavirus cases.
Florida health officials on Saturday reported more than 9,500 new COVID-19 cases, surpassing the previous day’s total by more than 600 confirmed cases. The figures come as officials move to reclose beaches and discourage bar gatherings.
Experts say the true figure is undoubtedly higher. This is both because of incomplete testing and because it is becoming clearer to scientists that a significant number of people become infected with the virus but do not feel sick or show symptoms.
The state’s Department of Health said 24 more people have died with COVID-19, raising the death toll to 3,390.
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 also are ticking upward statewide. Although they are not rising as dramatically as the reported number of cases, they are approaching the levels of new admissions seen in April and May.
Miami-Dade County announced late Friday it would reclose beaches from July 3 to July 7 to prevent large gatherings and the spread of the new virus during Fourth of July celebrations in the state’s hardest hit area.
— Associated Press
11:30 a.m. Raindrops, reps and relief on first day of Illinois’ Phase 4 reopening
Relief.
That’s all Elaine Sakellariou felt as she seated her first customers in three months Friday morning at George’s Gyros, 3445 S. Halsted St.
“It just brings back life to this place,” said Sakellariou, who owns the restaurant her father opened more than 40 year ago.
She’d been able to get through the heart of the coronavirus pandemic with gift card sales and takeout orders from loyal customers, but Illinois’ Phase 4 reopening couldn’t come soon enough for the Bridgeport joint — or any of the thousands of other restaurants across the state that are now allowed to seat customers inside at 25% capacity.
“It’s a good thing I saved,” Sakellariou said.
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout and Mitch Dudek here.
8:45 a.m. White Sox know ‘there’s no way around’ the coronavirus
For three weeks in Chicago, the White Sox will be all about preparing for a 60-game season while trying to adhere to 100 pages of health and safety protocols for playing baseball in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic.
They’ll be about getting better, about being ready to pitch, hit and field like a postseason-caliber team. They’ll be about ‘‘a must-win mindset,’’ right-hander Lucas Giolito said on a conference call Friday.
‘‘We have a talented team,’’ said Giolito, who was an All-Star last season. ‘‘If we get off to a hot start and guys are playing well, that could put us over the edge into the playoff picture, where we want to be.’’
But there will be some levels of anxiety and uncertainty, too.
‘‘I don’t think anyone feels 100 percent comfortable,’’ Giolito said. ‘‘With COVID kind of back on the rise in [some] states, it’s going to be imperative that, as players, we do everything we can do away from the field. Practice social distancing, stay safe, not exposing ourselves to any risk at all in the sense of going out somewhere or being around a lot of people.
‘‘We’re all going to have to come together, maybe have a conversation like: ‘Hey if we want to get through this whole season and not worry about this as a team, we’re really going to have to hunker down away from the field.’ ’’
Read the full story previewing the White Sox’ feelings about baseball’s return here.
7:14 a.m. Coronavirus task force holds briefing — but not with Trump, not at White House
WASHINGTON — There was no presidential appearance and no White House backdrop Friday when the government’s coronavirus task force briefed the public for the first since April — in keeping with an administration effort to show it’s paying attention to the latest spike in cases but not on a wartime footing that should keep the country from reopening the economy.
The briefing at the Department of Health and Human Services was held as the number of confirmed new coronavirus infections per day in the U.S. soared to an all-time high of 40,000 — higher even than during the deadliest stretch in April and May. In light of the new surge, task force briefers chose their words carefully to update the public about COVID-19, which has become both a public health and political issue.
Vice President Mike Pence had the most delicate line to walk. He acknowledged a surge in new cases across the South and West, while backing the president’s desire to get the economy up and running without mentioning that it will also help the prospects for reelection.
Read the full story by The Associated Press here.
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
7:10 a.m. ‘I’ll have the Post-Pandemic Special please’
What began as a practical necessity for travelers — the stagecoach stops for the night, the innkeeper carves off some mutton and draws a mug of ale — now has assumed magnified importance, ingrained in our lives.
Chicago, and Illinois, opening restaurants Friday for indoor dining should be a milestone in our civic recovery from COVID-19. V-E Day, Victory in Eating.
Instead it seems more like a dilemma, almost a trap.
At least to me. Which is surprising. You’d think Restaurant Boy would be in a sprinter’s crouch, napkin tied around my neck like a bib, knife and fork in each hand, waiting for the gun to spring out of the blocks.
But I’m not.
Read Neil Steinberg’s full column here.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-27--Biden slams Trump over reported bounties placed on US troops

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden attacked President Donald Trump on Saturday over a report that he said , if true , contains a “ truly shocking revelation ” about the commander in chief and his failure to protect U.S. troops in Afghanistan and stand up to Russia .
The New York Times reported Friday that American intelligence officials concluded months ago that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan .
The report said the Russians offered rewards for successful attacks last year , at a time when the U.S. and Taliban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war .
“ The truly shocking revelation that if the Times report is true , and I emphasize that again , is that President Trump , the commander in chief of American troops serving in a dangerous theater of war , has known about this for months , according to the Times , and done worse than nothing , ” Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee , said during a virtual town hall .
The White House said neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence was briefed on such intelligence .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter , ” press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement .
Soviet President Vladimir Putin ’ s spokesman , Dmitry Peskov , told the Times the Kremlin had not been made aware of the accusations .
The newspaper quoted a Taliban spokesman denying that its militants have such a deal with the Russian intelligence agency .
The newspaper , citing unnamed officials familiar with the intelligence , said the findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his National Security Council in late March .
Officials developed potential responses , starting with a diplomatic complaint to Russia , but the White House has yet to authorize any step , the report said .
Biden slammed Trump over his reported failure to act .
“ Not only has he failed to sanction and impose any kind of consequences on Russia for this egregious violation of international law , Donald Trump has continued his embarrassing campaign of deference and debasing himself before Vladimir Putin , ” the former vice president said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most sacred duty we bear as a nation — to protect and equip our troops when we send them into harm ’ s way.
” He said Americans who serve in the military put their life on the line .
“ But they should never , never , never ever face a threat like this with their commander in chief turning a blind eye to a foreign power putting a bounty on their heads , ” he said .
“ I ’ m quite frankly outraged by the report , ” Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is elected , “ Putin will be confronted and we ’ ll impose serious costs on Russia .
”

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden attacked President Donald Trump on Saturday over a report that he said, if true, contains a “truly shocking revelation” about the commander in chief and his failure to protect U.S. troops in Afghanistan and stand up to Russia.
The New York Times reported Friday that American intelligence officials concluded months ago that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The report said the Russians offered rewards for successful attacks last year, at a time when the U.S. and Taliban were holding talks to end the long-running war.
“The truly shocking revelation that if the Times report is true, and I emphasize that again, is that President Trump, the commander in chief of American troops serving in a dangerous theater of war, has known about this for months, according to the Times, and done worse than nothing,” Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, said during a virtual town hall.
The White House said neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence was briefed on such intelligence. “This does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter,” press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told the Times the Kremlin had not been made aware of the accusations. The newspaper quoted a Taliban spokesman denying that its militants have such a deal with the Russian intelligence agency.
The newspaper, citing unnamed officials familiar with the intelligence, said the findings were presented to Trump and discussed by his National Security Council in late March. Officials developed potential responses, starting with a diplomatic complaint to Russia, but the White House has yet to authorize any step, the report said.
Biden slammed Trump over his reported failure to act.
“Not only has he failed to sanction and impose any kind of consequences on Russia for this egregious violation of international law, Donald Trump has continued his embarrassing campaign of deference and debasing himself before Vladimir Putin,” the former vice president said.
Biden called it a “betrayal of the most sacred duty we bear as a nation — to protect and equip our troops when we send them into harm’s way.”
He said Americans who serve in the military put their life on the line. “But they should never, never, never ever face a threat like this with their commander in chief turning a blind eye to a foreign power putting a bounty on their heads,” he said.
“I’m quite frankly outraged by the report,” Biden said. He promised that if he is elected, “Putin will be confronted and we’ll impose serious costs on Russia.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-27--Music execs urged Christina Aguilera to change name because it was ‘too ethnic’

Christina Aguilera may be an internationally famous pop star , but there was a time when music professionals feared her name wouldn ’ t catch on .
In an interview with Billboard published Friday , the singer recalled how professionals around her feared her last name was “ too ethnic ” at the beginning of her career .
“ I remember when I was first coming up , there was a big debate around me on changing my last name because all the businessmen around me thought it was too long , too complicated and too ethnic , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men have in mind instead ?
“ ‘ Christina Agee ’ was an option , but that clearly wasn ’ t going to fly , ” Aguilera continued .
“ I was dead set against the idea , and I wanted to represent who I really was .
Being Latina , it is a part of my heritage and who I am.
” This wasn ’ t the first time Aguilera was pressured to change her name , the singer said .
“ There was another time in my childhood when I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to my stepfather ’ s to be legally adopted , and I was again dead set against it , ” she said .
” I ’ ve been fighting for my last name my whole life.
” In the Billboard interview , Aguilera also reflected on recording Spanish versions of her hit songs “ Genie in a Bottle ” and “ Come On Over ( All I Want Is You ) ” for her Spanish-language album “ Mi Reflejo.
” “ I was excited to bring a new life to ( these songs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said of the album .
“ I was allowed to create and express new ad libs and vocal runs that I wasn ’ t given the freedom to do on the original record .
Everything sounds better in Spanish .
Let ’ s be honest .
”

Christina Aguilera may be an internationally famous pop star, but there was a time when music professionals feared her name wouldn’t catch on.
In an interview with Billboard published Friday, the singer recalled how professionals around her feared her last name was “too ethnic” at the beginning of her career.
“I remember when I was first coming up, there was a big debate around me on changing my last name because all the businessmen around me thought it was too long, too complicated and too ethnic,” she said.
So what name did these men have in mind instead?
“‘Christina Agee’ was an option, but that clearly wasn’t going to fly,” Aguilera continued. “I was dead set against the idea, and I wanted to represent who I really was. Being Latina, it is a part of my heritage and who I am.”
This wasn’t the first time Aguilera was pressured to change her name, the singer said.
“There was another time in my childhood when I was being asked to legally change my name to my stepfather’s to be legally adopted, and I was again dead set against it,” she said. ”I’ve been fighting for my last name my whole life.”
In the Billboard interview, Aguilera also reflected on recording Spanish versions of her hit songs “Genie in a Bottle” and “Come On Over (All I Want Is You)” for her Spanish-language album “Mi Reflejo.”
“I was excited to bring a new life to (these songs) and reinvent some things,” she said of the album. “I was allowed to create and express new ad libs and vocal runs that I wasn’t given the freedom to do on the original record. Everything sounds better in Spanish. Let’s be honest.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-27--White Sox sign 2nd-round pick Jared Kelley

The White Sox announced the signing of high school right-hander Jared Kelley , their second-round pick in the draft , to a $ 3 million signing bonus Saturday .
Kelley , rated by MLBPipeline.com as the No .
12 prospect overall , slipped to the 47th pick and signed for more than $ 1.4 million above slot value .
The Sox invested the bulk of their draft pool on Kelley and No .
11 overall pick Garrett Crochet ( $ 4.5 million ) , a left-hander from the University of Tennessee .
“ This is a moment I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can remember and still can ’ t believe it ’ s real , ” Kelley said in a statement released by the Sox .
“ None of this would be possible without the love and support from my mom , dad , brother and the many coaches and teammates I ’ ve had along the way .
I ’ d like to thank the Chicago White Sox for taking a chance on me and I promise to give you , and White Sox fans everywhere , everything I ’ ve got.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coffey of Wabash Valley ( $ 50,000 , third round ) , right-hander Kade Mechals of Grand Canyon University ( $ 10,000 , fourth round ) and left-hander Bailey Horn of Auburn ( $ 150,000 , fifth round ) .
Kelley , 18 , is from Refugio , Texas , birthplace of Hall of Fame right-hander Nolan Ryan .

The White Sox announced the signing of high school right-hander Jared Kelley, their second-round pick in the draft, to a $3 million signing bonus Saturday.
Kelley, rated by MLBPipeline.com as the No. 12 prospect overall, slipped to the 47th pick and signed for more than $1.4 million above slot value. The Sox invested the bulk of their draft pool on Kelley and No. 11 overall pick Garrett Crochet ($4.5 million), a left-hander from the University of Tennessee.
“This is a moment I’ve been dreaming about for as long as I can remember and still can’t believe it’s real,” Kelley said in a statement released by the Sox. “None of this would be possible without the love and support from my mom, dad, brother and the many coaches and teammates I’ve had along the way. I’d like to thank the Chicago White Sox for taking a chance on me and I promise to give you, and White Sox fans everywhere, everything I’ve got.”
The Sox have also signed right-hander/infielder Adisyn Coffey of Wabash Valley ($50,000, third round), right-hander Kade Mechals of Grand Canyon University ($10,000, fourth round) and left-hander Bailey Horn of Auburn ($150,000, fifth round).
Kelley, 18, is from Refugio, Texas, birthplace of Hall of Fame right-hander Nolan Ryan.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-27--Coronavirus spikes force Pence to cancel some political events in Florida, Arizona

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence called off campaign events in Florida and Arizona this coming week as the states experience a surge in new coronavirus cases .
Pence will still travel to those states , which have set records for new confirmed infections in recent days , the White House confirmed , saying he will meet with governors and their health teams .
Pence said Friday during a briefing by the White House ’ s coronavirus task force that he would be visiting Florida , Texas and Arizona to receive a “ ground report ” on spiking cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states ’ Republican governors have come under criticism for pushing for aggressive reopening after virus-related lockdowns as cases in the states rise .
Pence is traveling to Dallas on Sunday to attend a “ Celebrate Freedom Rally ” at First Baptist Church Dallas before meeting with Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott .
But planned political events later in the week have been pushed off .
On Tuesday , Pence was supposed to address a Trump-Pence campaign “ Faith in America ” event in Tucson , Arizona , before meeting Gov .
Doug Ducey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been postponed .
In Florida on Thursday , Pence was to embark on a bus tour , including an appearance in Lake Wales at an event organized by the pro-Trump group America First Policies billed as the “ Great American Comeback tour.
” The group announced that “ out of an abundance of caution at this time , we are postponing the Great American Comeback tour stop in Florida .
We look forward to rescheduling soon.
” The Sarasota County Republican Party confirmed in a note to supporters that Pence ’ s campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state was also postponed .
He was still set to meet with Gov .
Ron DeSantis .

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence called off campaign events in Florida and Arizona this coming week as the states experience a surge in new coronavirus cases.
Pence will still travel to those states, which have set records for new confirmed infections in recent days, the White House confirmed, saying he will meet with governors and their health teams.
Pence said Friday during a briefing by the White House’s coronavirus task force that he would be visiting Florida, Texas and Arizona to receive a “ground report” on spiking cases of COVD-19 across the region. The three states’ Republican governors have come under criticism for pushing for aggressive reopening after virus-related lockdowns as cases in the states rise.
Pence is traveling to Dallas on Sunday to attend a “Celebrate Freedom Rally” at First Baptist Church Dallas before meeting with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. But planned political events later in the week have been pushed off.
On Tuesday, Pence was supposed to address a Trump-Pence campaign “Faith in America” event in Tucson, Arizona, before meeting Gov. Doug Ducey in Yuma. The campaign event has been postponed.
In Florida on Thursday, Pence was to embark on a bus tour, including an appearance in Lake Wales at an event organized by the pro-Trump group America First Policies billed as the “Great American Comeback tour.” The group announced that “out of an abundance of caution at this time, we are postponing the Great American Comeback tour stop in Florida. We look forward to rescheduling soon.”
The Sarasota County Republican Party confirmed in a note to supporters that Pence’s campaign event along the Gulf Coast of the state was also postponed. He was still set to meet with Gov. Ron DeSantis.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-27--Mississippi moves to strip Confederate image from its flag

JACKSON , Miss .
— Spectators at the Mississippi Capitol broke into applause Saturday as lawmakers took a big step toward erasing the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag , a symbol that has come under intensifying criticism in recent weeks amid nationwide protests against racial injustice .
“ The eyes of the state , the nation and indeed the world are on this House , ” the second-ranking office in the Mississippi House , Jason White , told his colleagues .
The House and Senate voted by more than the required two-thirds majority to suspend legislative deadlines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That would allow debate on a bill as soon as Sunday .
Saturday ’ s vote was the big test , though , because of the margin .
Only a simple majority is needed to pass a bill .
Republican Gov .
Tate Reeves said Saturday for the first time that he would sign a bill to change the flag if the Republican-controlled Legislature sends him one .
He had previously said that he would not veto one — a more passive stance .
“ The legislature has been deadlocked for days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Reeves said on social media .
“ The argument over the 1894 flag has become as divisive as the flag itself and it ’ s time to end it .
If they send me a bill this weekend , I will sign it.
” A bill will say that the current flag will be removed from state law .
A commission would design a new flag that can not include the Confederate battle emblem but must include the phrase “ In God We Trust.
” The new design would be put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a majority voting that day accept the new design , it would become the state flag .
If a majority reject it , the commission would design a new flag using the same guidelines .
“ I know there are many good people who … believe that this flag is a symbol of our Southern pride and heritage , ” said White , the Republican speaker pro tempore of the House .
“ But for most people throughout our nation and the world , they see that flag and think that it stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Brown of Nettleton appeared at a 2016 rally outside the state Capitol for people who want to keep the Confederate emblem on the flag .
He said Saturday that the current flag and a proposed new design should both go on the ballot .
“ I don ’ t think we can move forward together if we say , ‘ ?
ou can have any flag you want except … this one , ’ ” Brown said .
“ If we put the current flag on the ballot with another good design @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
I believe that .
Let ’ s not steal their joy .
They want to show the world that they ’ re moving on.
?
Mississippi has the last state flag that includes the Confederate battle emblem — a red field topped by a blue X with 13 white stars .
The battle emblem has been in the upper-left corner of the Mississippi flag since 1894 .
White supremacists in the Legislature put it there during backlash to the political power that African Americans gained after the Civil War .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flag lacked official status .
State laws were updated in 1906 , and portions dealing with the flag were not carried forward .
Legislators set a flag election in 2001 , and voters kept the rebel-themed design .
Democratic state Rep. Ed Blackmon of Canton told the House on Saturday that threats were made against him and others who served on a flag design commission in 2000 .
Blackmon , who is African American , said Mississippi needs a design without the Confederate design so his children and grandchildren can stand at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ll all be proud to say , ‘ That ’ s my flag , too , ’ ” Blackmon said .
The current flag has remained divisive in a state with a 38 % Black population .
All of the state ’ s public universities and several cities and counties have stopped flying it because of the Confederate symbol .
Influential business , religious , education and sports groups are calling on Mississippi to drop the Confederate symbol .
Flag supporters say the banner should be left alone or put on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its fate .
People for and against the current flag filled the Capitol on Saturday .
Karen Holt of Edwards , Mississippi , was with several people asking lawmakers to adopt a new banner with a magnolia , which is both the state tree and the state flower .
She said it would represent “ joy of being a citizen of the United States , ” unlike the current flag .
“ We don ’ t want anything flying over them , lofty , exalting itself , that grabs onto a deadly past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ellisville , Mississippi , walked outside the Capitol carrying a pole that with the American flag and the current Mississippi flag .
He said the state flag pays tribute to those who fought in the Civil War .
“ Being a veteran , that ’ s important to me — that you remember these guys that fought in battle , whether they ’ re on the right side or the wrong side , ” Hartness said .

JACKSON, Miss. — Spectators at the Mississippi Capitol broke into applause Saturday as lawmakers took a big step toward erasing the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag, a symbol that has come under intensifying criticism in recent weeks amid nationwide protests against racial injustice.
“The eyes of the state, the nation and indeed the world are on this House,” the second-ranking office in the Mississippi House, Jason White, told his colleagues.
The House and Senate voted by more than the required two-thirds majority to suspend legislative deadlines and file a bill to change the flag. That would allow debate on a bill as soon as Sunday.
Saturday’s vote was the big test, though, because of the margin. Only a simple majority is needed to pass a bill.
Republican Gov. Tate Reeves said Saturday for the first time that he would sign a bill to change the flag if the Republican-controlled Legislature sends him one. He had previously said that he would not veto one — a more passive stance.
“The legislature has been deadlocked for days as it considers a new state flag,” Reeves said on social media. “The argument over the 1894 flag has become as divisive as the flag itself and it’s time to end it. If they send me a bill this weekend, I will sign it.”
A bill will say that the current flag will be removed from state law. A commission would design a new flag that cannot include the Confederate battle emblem but must include the phrase “In God We Trust.” The new design would be put on the ballot Nov. 3. If a majority voting that day accept the new design, it would become the state flag. If a majority reject it, the commission would design a new flag using the same guidelines.
“I know there are many good people who … believe that this flag is a symbol of our Southern pride and heritage,” said White, the Republican speaker pro tempore of the House. “But for most people throughout our nation and the world, they see that flag and think that it stands for hatred and oppression.”
Republican Rep. Chris Brown of Nettleton appeared at a 2016 rally outside the state Capitol for people who want to keep the Confederate emblem on the flag. He said Saturday that the current flag and a proposed new design should both go on the ballot.
“I don’t think we can move forward together if we say, ‘?ou can have any flag you want except … this one,’” Brown said. “If we put the current flag on the ballot with another good design, the people of Mississippi will change it. I believe that. Let’s not steal their joy. They want to show the world that they’re moving on.?
Mississippi has the last state flag that includes the Confederate battle emblem — a red field topped by a blue X with 13 white stars.
The battle emblem has been in the upper-left corner of the Mississippi flag since 1894. White supremacists in the Legislature put it there during backlash to the political power that African Americans gained after the Civil War.
The Mississippi Supreme Court ruled in 2000 that the flag lacked official status. State laws were updated in 1906, and portions dealing with the flag were not carried forward. Legislators set a flag election in 2001, and voters kept the rebel-themed design.
Democratic state Rep. Ed Blackmon of Canton told the House on Saturday that threats were made against him and others who served on a flag design commission in 2000. Blackmon, who is African American, said Mississippi needs a design without the Confederate design so his children and grandchildren can stand at attention when they see it.
“We’ll all be proud to say, ‘That’s my flag, too,’” Blackmon said.
The current flag has remained divisive in a state with a 38% Black population. All of the state’s public universities and several cities and counties have stopped flying it because of the Confederate symbol.
Influential business, religious, education and sports groups are calling on Mississippi to drop the Confederate symbol. Flag supporters say the banner should be left alone or put on the statewide ballot for voters to decide its fate.
People for and against the current flag filled the Capitol on Saturday.
Karen Holt of Edwards, Mississippi, was with several people asking lawmakers to adopt a new banner with a magnolia, which is both the state tree and the state flower. She said it would represent “joy of being a citizen of the United States,” unlike the current flag.
“We don’t want anything flying over them, lofty, exalting itself, that grabs onto a deadly past,” Holt said.
Dan Hartness of Ellisville, Mississippi, walked outside the Capitol carrying a pole that with the American flag and the current Mississippi flag. He said the state flag pays tribute to those who fought in the Civil War.
“Being a veteran, that’s important to me — that you remember these guys that fought in battle, whether they’re on the right side or the wrong side,” Hartness said.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-27--As coronavirus cases surge in US, rural areas seeing increases as well

For many states and counties in the U.S. , the dark days of the coronavirus pandemic in April unfolded on their television screens , not on their doorsteps .
But now , some places that appeared to have avoided the worst are seeing surges of infections , as worries shift from major cities to rural areas .
While much of the focus of concerns that the United States is entering a dangerous new phase has been on big Sunbelt states that are reporting thousands of new cases a day — like Texas and Florida — the worrying trend is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ livestock outnumber people .
In early June , Kansas looked to be bringing its outbreak under control , but its daily reported case numbers have more than doubled in recent weeks .
On June 5 , the seven-day average for daily new cases hovered at around 96 ; by Friday , that figure was 211 .
As cases rise , the U.S. Army commander at Fort Riley in the state ’ s northeast ordered his soldiers to stay out of a popular nearby restaurant and bar district after 10 p.m. Idaho and Oklahoma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same three-week period , albeit from low starting points .
In Oklahoma , the seven-day average for daily new cases climbed from about 81 to 376 ; Idaho ’ s jumped from around 40 to 160 .
Many rural counties in states including California , Arkansas , Missouri , Kansas , Texas and Florida have seen their confirmed cases more than double in a week , from June 19 to Friday , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
Lassen County , California , went from just nine cases to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arkansas , went from 46 cases to 415 ; both spikes were attributed to outbreaks at prisons .
Cases in McDonald County , Missouri , more than tripled after Tyson Foods conducted facility-wide testing at a chicken plant there .
Missouri itself is seeing a worrying trend , and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas ordered employees and patrons of businesses to wear masks , when 6 feet ( about 2 meters ) of separation isn ’ t possible .
“ Case numbers in Kansas City continue to rise , and we are taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety , ” the Democrat said Friday .
Across the state line , Kansas City , Kansas , and the county it ’ s in also decided to order masks be worn in public starting Tuesday .
But many politicians , even those in place with spiking cases , have been hesitant to issue such orders , as subject has become a political lightning rod , with Democrats more likely than Republicans to use them .
The daily number of confirmed infections in the U.S. surged to an all-time high of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 40,000 set the previous day , according to Johns Hopkins .
The biggest spikes have been seen in the West and South .
On Saturday , as officials announced that Vice President Mike Pence ’ s visit to Florida would not include a planned bus tour , state health officials reported more than 9,500 new cases .
That total eclipsed the previous day ’ s by more than 600 .
Florida and Texas have both recently pulled back on their reopening plans in response to increasing cases .
Nevada , meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new confirmed cases in one day , a total that is nearly double the state ’ s previous single-day record .
While the rise in the U.S. partly reflects expanded testing , experts say there is ample evidence the scourge is making a comeback , including rising deaths and hospitalizations in parts of the country and higher percentages of virus tests coming back positive .
Deaths are running at about 600 per day , down from a peak of around 2,200 in mid-April .
Some experts have expressed doubt that deaths will return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment and because many infections are happening in younger adults , who are more likely than older ones to survive .
The virus is blamed for about 125,000 deaths and nearly 2.5 million confirmed infections in the U.S. , by Johns Hopkins ’ count .
But health officials believe the true number of infections is about 10 times higher .
Worldwide , the virus has claimed close to a half-million lives with nearly 10 million cases .
The resurgence in the U.S. has drawn concern from abroad .
The European Union seems almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term from entering the bloc , which is currently drawing up new travel rules , EU diplomats confirmed Saturday .
But the U.S. is not alone .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel cautioned Saturday that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over .
India reported more than 18,000 new cases , pushing its cumulative total over the half-million mark , the fourth highest globally behind the U.S. , Brazil and Russia .
“ The risk posed by the virus is still serious , ” Merkel said .
“ It ’ s easy to forget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well so far , but that doesn ’ t mean we are protected.
” Elsewhere , Egypt and Britain said they would ease virus controls , while China and South Korea battled smaller outbreaks in their capitals .
Britain was expected to scrap a 14-day quarantine requirement for people returning from abroad in a bid to make summer vacation travel possible .
Only travelers from “ red ’ ’ zones , places with a high level of COVID-19 , will be told to self-isolate .
Egypt on Saturday lifted many restrictions put in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cafes , clubs , gyms and theaters after more than three months of closure , despite a continued upward trend in new infections .
Authorities in other countries were taking a more cautious approach , with the Indian city of Gauhati , the capital of Assam state , announcing a new two-week lockdown starting Monday , with night curfews and weekend lockdowns in the rest of the state .
China saw an uptick in cases , one day after authorities said they expect an outbreak in Beijing to be brought under control in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission reported 17 new cases in the nation ’ s capital , the most in a week , among 21 nationwide .
South Korea , where a resurgence in the past month threatens to erase the country ’ s earlier success , reported 51 new cases , including 35 in the Seoul metropolitan area .

For many states and counties in the U.S., the dark days of the coronavirus pandemic in April unfolded on their television screens, not on their doorsteps. But now, some places that appeared to have avoided the worst are seeing surges of infections, as worries shift from major cities to rural areas.
While much of the focus of concerns that the United States is entering a dangerous new phase has been on big Sunbelt states that are reporting thousands of new cases a day — like Texas and Florida — the worrying trend is also happening in places like Kansas, where livestock outnumber people.
In early June, Kansas looked to be bringing its outbreak under control, but its daily reported case numbers have more than doubled in recent weeks. On June 5, the seven-day average for daily new cases hovered at around 96; by Friday, that figure was 211. As cases rise, the U.S. Army commander at Fort Riley in the state’s northeast ordered his soldiers to stay out of a popular nearby restaurant and bar district after 10 p.m.
Idaho and Oklahoma have seen similarly large percentage increases over the same three-week period, albeit from low starting points. In Oklahoma, the seven-day average for daily new cases climbed from about 81 to 376; Idaho’s jumped from around 40 to 160.
Many rural counties in states including California, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Texas and Florida have seen their confirmed cases more than double in a week, from June 19 to Friday, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Lassen County, California, went from just nine cases to 172, and Hot Spring County, Arkansas, went from 46 cases to 415; both spikes were attributed to outbreaks at prisons. Cases in McDonald County, Missouri, more than tripled after Tyson Foods conducted facility-wide testing at a chicken plant there.
Missouri itself is seeing a worrying trend, and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas ordered employees and patrons of businesses to wear masks, when 6 feet (about 2 meters) of separation isn’t possible.
“Case numbers in Kansas City continue to rise, and we are taking all steps we can to ensure public health and safety,” the Democrat said Friday.
Across the state line, Kansas City, Kansas, and the county it’s in also decided to order masks be worn in public starting Tuesday.
But many politicians, even those in place with spiking cases, have been hesitant to issue such orders, as subject has become a political lightning rod, with Democrats more likely than Republicans to use them.
The daily number of confirmed infections in the U.S. surged to an all-time high of 45,300 on Friday, eclipsing the high of 40,000 set the previous day, according to Johns Hopkins.
The biggest spikes have been seen in the West and South. On Saturday, as officials announced that Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to Florida would not include a planned bus tour, state health officials reported more than 9,500 new cases. That total eclipsed the previous day’s by more than 600.
Florida and Texas have both recently pulled back on their reopening plans in response to increasing cases. Nevada, meanwhile, reported Saturday that there were nearly 1,100 new confirmed cases in one day, a total that is nearly double the state’s previous single-day record.
While the rise in the U.S. partly reflects expanded testing, experts say there is ample evidence the scourge is making a comeback, including rising deaths and hospitalizations in parts of the country and higher percentages of virus tests coming back positive.
Deaths are running at about 600 per day, down from a peak of around 2,200 in mid-April. Some experts have expressed doubt that deaths will return to that level because of advances in treatment and because many infections are happening in younger adults, who are more likely than older ones to survive.
The virus is blamed for about 125,000 deaths and nearly 2.5 million confirmed infections in the U.S., by Johns Hopkins’ count. But health officials believe the true number of infections is about 10 times higher. Worldwide, the virus has claimed close to a half-million lives with nearly 10 million cases.
The resurgence in the U.S. has drawn concern from abroad. The European Union seems almost certain to bar Americans in the short term from entering the bloc, which is currently drawing up new travel rules, EU diplomats confirmed Saturday.
But the U.S. is not alone. German Chancellor Angela Merkel cautioned Saturday that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over. India reported more than 18,000 new cases, pushing its cumulative total over the half-million mark, the fourth highest globally behind the U.S., Brazil and Russia.
“The risk posed by the virus is still serious,” Merkel said. “It’s easy to forget because Germany has gotten through the crisis well so far, but that doesn’t mean we are protected.”
Elsewhere, Egypt and Britain said they would ease virus controls, while China and South Korea battled smaller outbreaks in their capitals.
Britain was expected to scrap a 14-day quarantine requirement for people returning from abroad in a bid to make summer vacation travel possible. Only travelers from “red’’ zones, places with a high level of COVID-19, will be told to self-isolate.
Egypt on Saturday lifted many restrictions put in place against the coronavirus pandemic, reopening cafes, clubs, gyms and theaters after more than three months of closure, despite a continued upward trend in new infections.
Authorities in other countries were taking a more cautious approach, with the Indian city of Gauhati, the capital of Assam state, announcing a new two-week lockdown starting Monday, with night curfews and weekend lockdowns in the rest of the state.
China saw an uptick in cases, one day after authorities said they expect an outbreak in Beijing to be brought under control in the near future. The National Health Commission reported 17 new cases in the nation’s capital, the most in a week, among 21 nationwide.
South Korea, where a resurgence in the past month threatens to erase the country’s earlier success, reported 51 new cases, including 35 in the Seoul metropolitan area.