chicagosun-times--2020-03-16--What you need to know about getting food from Chicago Public Schools during coronavirus closures

When Illinois schools close Tuesday to slow the spread of the coronavirus , families across the state will still be able to pick up free food for their kids .
At Chicago Public Schools , which annually serves 40 million lunches and 20 million breakfasts , any family can get food for each student for as long as schools are closed , no questions asked .
Here ’ s where , when and how you can pick up food for your kids , plus other questions answered : Every package will include three days worth of breakfast and lunch for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CPS children , you can pick up two packages , and so on .
The packages include a mix of the following for breakfast : cereal , a nutritional bar , an orange or apple and milk .
For lunch , they ’ ll include either a hamburger , a chicken , ham or turkey sandwich , a hot dog , or sunbutter and jelly dippers .
Lunch meals will also have fruit , vegetables and chocolate milk .
Do I have to pick up food at my student ’ s school ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ CPS school to get a package of food .
It doesn ’ t matter if it ’ s the school your student attends , the school closest to your home or any other school , you can get food there with no questions asked .
If the above map doesn ’ t show on your device , click here to view it .
What time can I get food ?
Starting Tuesday , all CPS schools will operate as food distribution centers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday until school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 31 .
What if I don ’ t have transportation to get to a school ?
CPS is offering food delivery for families .
If your family needs help , call CPS ’ coronavirus command center at ( 773 ) 553-5437 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday , or email familyservices @ cps.edu .
How often should I pick up food ?
CPS is recommending families pick up food every three days .
Schools ’ usual lunchroom staff will be on hand to distribute food packages .
Every CPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the lunchroom staff distributing food will be paid time-and-a-half .
The food is coming from CPS ’ usual vendors , Aramark and Sodexo , with some help from the Greater Chicago Food Depository .
Officials said Monday that pickup points will be set up outside to ensure safe social distancing .
Is CPS going to run out of food at some point ?
CPS is confident it won ’ t run out of food no matter how long these closures last .
The district provides free breakfast and lunch at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has plenty available whether schools are open or closed .
Are crossing guards going to be on duty if we ’ re walking to school ?
Safe Passage workers will be on duty to protect families walking .
Can I drop my student off at school ?
No .
Unlike during the teachers strike or a snow day when families could drop off students at school if they had no other options , CPS says all school buildings will be closed , and no entrance will be allowed .
All schools will go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where can I get more information ?
Go to the cps.edu/coronavirus .

When Illinois schools close Tuesday to slow the spread of the coronavirus, families across the state will still be able to pick up free food for their kids.
At Chicago Public Schools, which annually serves 40 million lunches and 20 million breakfasts, any family can get food for each student for as long as schools are closed, no questions asked.
Here’s where, when and how you can pick up food for your kids, plus other questions answered:
What’s in the food packages?
Every package will include three days worth of breakfast and lunch for one child. If you have two CPS children, you can pick up two packages, and so on. The packages include a mix of the following for breakfast: cereal, a nutritional bar, an orange or apple and milk. For lunch, they’ll include either a hamburger, a chicken, ham or turkey sandwich, a hot dog, or sunbutter and jelly dippers. Lunch meals will also have fruit, vegetables and chocolate milk.
Do I have to pick up food at my student’s school?
No, you can go to any CPS school to get a package of food. It doesn’t matter if it’s the school your student attends, the school closest to your home or any other school, you can get food there with no questions asked.
If the above map doesn’t show on your device, click here to view it.
What time can I get food?
Starting Tuesday, all CPS schools will operate as food distribution centers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday until school resumes, at the earliest, on March 31.
What if I don’t have transportation to get to a school?
CPS is offering food delivery for families. If your family needs help, call CPS’ coronavirus command center at (773) 553-5437 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email familyservices@cps.edu.
How often should I pick up food?
CPS is recommending families pick up food every three days.
Who’s handing out the food?
Schools’ usual lunchroom staff will be on hand to distribute food packages. Every CPS employee will be paid their usual wages, but the lunchroom staff distributing food will be paid time-and-a-half. The food is coming from CPS’ usual vendors, Aramark and Sodexo, with some help from the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Officials said Monday that pickup points will be set up outside to ensure safe social distancing.
Is CPS going to run out of food at some point?
CPS is confident it won’t run out of food no matter how long these closures last. The district provides free breakfast and lunch at all of its 640 schools every day and has plenty available whether schools are open or closed.
Are crossing guards going to be on duty if we’re walking to school?
Safe Passage workers will be on duty to protect families walking.
Can I drop my student off at school?
No. Unlike during the teachers strike or a snow day when families could drop off students at school if they had no other options, CPS says all school buildings will be closed, and no entrance will be allowed. All schools will go through deep cleans during the closure.
Where can I get more information?
Go to the cps.edu/coronavirus.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-16--Malachy Towey, Irish immigrant musician who played the traditional bodhran drum, dead at 99

When Malachy Towey beat on his drum , it could make a person want to dance a jig — or march off to war .
He probably was the oldest person in Chicago to play the bodhran , a traditional Irish instrument made from a goatskin stretched over a round wooden frame .
Accordionist Jimmy Keane said he was “ the first musician I ever saw play the bodhran with his massive hands and knuckles — no sticks , brooms nor brushes for Malachy — just straight from his heart to his hand.
” Those big hands also could replicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chicago Cultural Center .
The founder of Beverly Plastering , he worked as a plasterer at the center and other buildings including hospitals , schools and restaurants .
Mr. Towey , an Irish immigrant from Cloontia in County Mayo , died in his sleep Wednesday at 99 at his Mount Greenwood home .
“ He had a wonderful day , ” his daughter Esther Muhr said .
“ He had a great dinner and was really happy and content.
” Only two weeks ago , he ’ d played a session at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ W. 11th St. “ He still was able to play a tune , ” said Nick Glynn , a manager there .
“ He loved the bodhran.
” “ He certainly made a mark with his playing and his presence at the session at Lanigan ’ s all these years , ” said Liz Carroll , an acclaimed fiddler from Chicago who was the first American composer to receive Ireland ’ s top cultural prize for traditional music .
Young Malachy made his first bodhran at 9 .
When he was a boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played one day of the year in Ireland , and that was what they called St. Stephen ’ s Day ” — Dec. 26 , ” he said in a 2016 interview with Jay Shefsky on WTTW ’ s “ Chicago Tonight.
” He and his four brothers and sister grew up on a farm .
Even during the Great Depression , his parents Bridget and Martin “ were completely self-sufficient , ” his daughter said .
“ They made everything or produced everything they needed except for tea and sugar.
” They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bogland .
“ When he was a boy , every house was full and there were lots of kids , ” she said .
But with few jobs , “ Eventually , everyone left.
” He followed his brothers to London , where he helped repair the damage from German bombs during the Blitz .
He stayed busy because he knew how to do plastering , painting , carpentry and bricklaying .
Able-bodied men went to war , so , “ at 17 , he had a whole gang of men working under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Julia McSweeney .
One day , “ He and his brothers were repairing some building that had been damaged in the bombing .
and he walked across a roof , ” Muhr said .
“ What he didn ’ t know was the roof was glass that had been painted black during the blackout ” to shield the lights from enemy aircraft .
“ He fell through the glass really hard on a big table , and he was out of breath , and the table was surrounded by people , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked around , and he realized he was lying on a big map of Europe with little boats and flags .
It was the British Army ’ s battle headquarters.
” “ He was promptly arrested , ” Muhr said .
“ They let him go right away when they realized he was one of the guys trying to repair the damage.
” In London , he met Bridget Mooney , a fellow Irish immigrant from Ardee in County Louth .
Beside working at a hospital , she had a wartime factory job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their daughters .
They married in 1947 .
They immigrated again , to Canada , and later to Cleveland .
When he visited Chicago for a Gaelic football game , “ He realized a lot of his friends were here , ” Muhr said , and the Toweys settled in Mount Greenwood in 1963 .
He didn ’ t have a bodhran at first .
“ You couldn ’ t go out and kill a goat here , ” McSweeney said .
“ He ’ d find a flat surface like a tray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that.
” Eventually , Mr. Towey found the traditional drum , and , “ as far as I know , I had the only bodhran in Chicago , ” he told WTTW .
But after the Chieftains , the Irish maestros of traditional music , became popular , “ suddenly you started seeing them everywhere , ” Muhr said .
When he came to Lanigan ’ s a few years ago to watch County Mayo compete in an all-Ireland football match , patrons leaned in to listen to stories from Mr. Towey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time Mayo won the competition .
It ’ s been said Mayo was cursed by a priest after its last all-Ireland victory because the team ignored a nearby funeral procession .
“ He was saying I was at the last all-Ireland they won , at [ Dublin ’ s ] Croke Park in 1951 , ” Glynn said .
Nearly 70 years later , the team is yet to break its losing streak .
His wife Bridget and son Shamus died before him .
Beside daughters Esther Muhr and Julia McSweeney , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Shirley Saldaña , sons Malachy , Kevin and Brendan , 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren .
Arrangements are pending .

When Malachy Towey beat on his drum, it could make a person want to dance a jig — or march off to war.
He probably was the oldest person in Chicago to play the bodhrán, a traditional Irish instrument made from a goatskin stretched over a round wooden frame.
Accordionist Jimmy Keane said he was “the first musician I ever saw play the bodhrán with his massive hands and knuckles — no sticks, brooms nor brushes for Malachy — just straight from his heart to his hand.”
Malachy Towey (right) with accordionist Jimmy Keane. Jimmy Keane
Those big hands also could replicate the tiny rosettes in the moldings at the Chicago Cultural Center. The founder of Beverly Plastering, he worked as a plasterer at the center and other buildings including hospitals, schools and restaurants.
Mr. Towey, an Irish immigrant from Cloontia in County Mayo, died in his sleep Wednesday at 99 at his Mount Greenwood home.
“He had a wonderful day,” his daughter Esther Muhr said. “He had a great dinner and was really happy and content.”
Malachy Towey. Provided
Only two weeks ago, he’d played a session at Lanigan’s Irish Pub, 3119 W. 11th St.
“He still was able to play a tune,” said Nick Glynn, a manager there. “He loved the bodhrán.”
“He certainly made a mark with his playing and his presence at the session at Lanigan’s all these years,” said Liz Carroll, an acclaimed fiddler from Chicago who was the first American composer to receive Ireland’s top cultural prize for traditional music.
Malachy Towey (right, on bodhrán) and flautist friend Kevin Henry and fiddler Frank Burke. Provided
Young Malachy made his first bodhran at 9. When he was a boy, “The bodhrán was usually only played one day of the year in Ireland, and that was what they called St. Stephen’s Day” — Dec. 26,” he said in a 2016 interview with Jay Shefsky on WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight.”
He and his four brothers and sister grew up on a farm. Even during the Great Depression, his parents Bridget and Martin “were completely self-sufficient,” his daughter said. “They made everything or produced everything they needed except for tea and sugar.”
They heated their home with turf–peat cut from bogland. While working in the bog, their cousin John Towey uncovered a famous archaeological treasure when his turf spade hit an eighth-century artifact now known as the Moylough Belt Shrine. A lavishly decorated metal casing for a leather belt, it’s in the collection of the National Museum of Ireland.
The eighth-century richly decorated Moylough Belt Shrine was found embedded in a bog by Malachy Towey’s cousin John Towey. National Museum of Ireland Facebook photo
When Malachy was a boy, “every house was full and there were lots of kids,” his daughter said. But with few jobs, “Eventually, everyone left.”
He followed his brothers to London, where he helped repair the damage from German bombs during the Blitz. He stayed busy because he knew how to do plastering, painting, carpentry and bricklaying.
Able-bodied men went to war, so, “at 17, he had a whole gang of men working under him,” said another daughter, Julia McSweeney.
One day, “He and his brothers were repairing some building that had been damaged in the bombing. and he walked across a roof,” Muhr said. “What he didn’t know was the roof was glass that had been painted black during the blackout” to shield the lights from enemy aircraft. “He fell through the glass really hard on a big table, and he was out of breath, and the table was surrounded by people, and they were all screaming at him. He looked around, and he realized he was lying on a big map of Europe with little boats and flags. It was the British Army’s battle headquarters.
“He was promptly arrested,” Muhr said. “They let him go right away when they realized he was one of the guys trying to repair the damage.”
Malachy and Bridget Towey were married in 1947. Provided
In London, he met Bridget Mooney, a fellow Irish immigrant from Ardee in County Louth. Beside working at a hospital, she had a wartime factory job making timers for bombs, according to their daughters.
“My mom and dad were fantastic ballroom dancers,” Muhr said. “My dad said the ballroom dancing was destroyed when the Yanks came over during the war with the jitterbug.”
They married in 1947.
They immigrated again, to Canada, and later to Cleveland. When he visited Chicago for a Gaelic football game, “He realized a lot of his friends were here,” Muhr said, and the Toweys settled in Mount Greenwood in 1963.
He didn’t have a bodhrán at first. “You couldn’t go out and kill a goat here,” McSweeney said. “He’d find a flat surface like a tray. He’d keep the beat on that.”
Eventually, Mr. Towey found the traditional drum, and, “as far as I know, I had the only bodhrán in Chicago,” he told WTTW.
But after the Chieftains, the Irish maestros of traditional music, became popular, “suddenly you started seeing them everywhere,” Muhr said.
When he came to Lanigan’s a few years ago to watch County Mayo compete in an all-Ireland football match, patrons leaned in to listen to stories from Mr. Towey, who’d witnessed the last time Mayo won the competition. It’s been said Mayo was cursed by a priest after its last all-Ireland victory because the team ignored a nearby funeral procession.
“He was saying I was at the last all-Ireland they won, at [Dublin’s] Croke Park in 1951,” Glynn said. Nearly 70 years later, the team is yet to break its losing streak.
Malachy Towey and granddaughter Maeve McSweeney when she won Chicago’s Rose of Tralee contest in 2015. Provided photo
People were drawn to him, McSweeney said. “My dad was very inclusive, especially young people, especially at the [music] sessions,” she said. “He was ‘Come sit down, you’re welcome here.’ He would talk to them later. They’d talk about music.”
Malachy Towey (right) and his grandson, bass guitarist Martin Saldaña of the band Better Than Nothing. Provided
Malachy and Bridget Towey and their children. Provided
His wife Bridget and son Shamus died before him. Beside daughters Esther Muhr and Julia McSweeney, he’s survived by daughters Marie Szyman and Shirley Saldaña, sons Malachy, Kevin and Brendan, 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Arrangements are pending.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-16--If you’re a smoker, now’s an especially good time to quit, health experts say

Smokers and people with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD are at higher risk of experiencing the worst symptoms of the COVID-19 disease , health experts warn .
The disease — which has already killed more than 7,000 worldwide — causes inflammation in the lungs , which can lead to pneumonia .
Some cases can get so bad that those infected need to be put on a ventilator so they can breathe .
“ If someone has not yet quit smoking , this is a good reason to quit now , ” said Joel Africk , president and chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nonprofit based in Chicago , where an estimated 359,000 adults smoke .
“ People living with chronic respiratory illnesses are not more likely to get COVID-19 , but they are more likely to suffer the most severe symptoms , ” Africk said .
About 264,000 people in Cook County are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , which disproportionately affects poor , African American communities .
Lesli Vipond , a program manager at the Respiratory Health Association who works on anti-smoking campaigns , said reaching out to those communities is a priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthier , especially now with COVID-19 .
But we also know smoking is an addiction , and like any addiction it ’ s hard to get people to stop , ” she said .
Around 333,000 adults and 65,000 children in Cook County are diagnosed with asthma .
Like with COPD , racial disparities abound : A review of hospital discharge data by the Respiratory Health Association found 10 times as many black children in Chicago ended up in the emergency department due to an asthma attack than whitechildren in 2015 .
Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago , works through those disparities daily .
His organization administers free treatment for people with moderate to severe asthma across the city out of two health vans .
Siemer said most of his patients are taking the disease seriously .
“ We ’ re asking our patients to be aware of their symptoms , be aware of their body , to wash their hands and take precautions , ” he said .
For people with severe asthma , Siemer recommends they keep a 30-day supply of their medications , just in case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arise and people have to be quarantined , we need to make sure that they have a way to refill their medications so they don ’ t run out , ” he said .
Carlos Ballesteros is a corps member in Report for America , a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of Chicago ’ s South Side and West Side .

Smokers and people with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at greater risk of experiencing the worst symptoms of the COVID-19 disease, health experts warn.
The disease — which has already killed more than 7,000 worldwide — causes inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia. Some cases can get so bad that those infected need to be put on a ventilator so they can breathe.
“If someone has not yet quit smoking, this is a good reason to quit now,” said Joel Africk, president and chief executive of the Respiratory Health Association, a nonprofit based in Chicago, where an estimated 359,000 adults smoke. “People living with chronic respiratory illnesses are not more likely to get COVID-19, but they are more likely to suffer the most severe symptoms.”
About 264,000 people in Cook County are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which disproportionately affects poor, African American communities.
Lesli Vipond, a program manager at the Respiratory Health Association who works on anti-smoking campaigns, said reaching out to those communities is a priority.
“We want people to be healthier, especially now with COVID-19, but we also know smoking is an addiction, and like any addiction it’s hard to get people to stop,” Vipond said.
About 333,000 adults and 65,000 children in Cook County have been diagnosed with asthma. Hospital discharge data reviewed by the Respiratory Health Association found 10 times as many black children in Chicago ended up in a hospital emergency department with an asthma attack than white children in 2015.
Matt Siemer, executive director of Mobile Care Chicago, works through those disparities daily. His organization administers free treatment for people with moderate to severe asthma across the city out of two health vans.
Siemer said most of his patients are taking the disease seriously.
“We’re asking our patients to be aware of their symptoms, be aware of their body, to wash their hands and take precautions,” he said.
For people with severe asthma, Siemer recommends they keep a 30-day supply of their medications just in case.
“If a worst-case scenario does arise and people have to be quarantined, we need to make sure that they have a way to refill their medications so they don’t run out,” he said.
Carlos Ballesteros is a corps member of Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of Chicago’s South Side and West Side.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-16--Lightfoot: Relief package in the works for city restaurants forced to close dining rooms

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday she ’ s working with the Illinois Restaurant Association on a relief package for Chicago restaurants forced to close their dining rooms until at least March 30 to mitigate the threat of the coronavirus .
Lightfoot acknowledged restaurants operating on a razor-thin profit margin during the best of times need immediate help or they may not survive the worst of times , despite remaining open for carry-out pick-ups and food delivery .
“ We are looking at ways in which we can provide some support to these workers because they do live paycheck-to-paycheck — particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wages .
We know this time is a particular hardship on them , ” the mayor said .
“ So we ’ re gon na be working — not only to put city resources to help them , but look to the business community and others to provide some support .
...
This is something I ’ m hoping we ’ ll be able to announce in concert with the Illinois Restaurant Association later this week.
” Restaurant Association President Sam Toia said he ’ s working with Lightfoot and Gov .
J.B. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the crisis so employees can pay their mortgages or rent .
“ Everyone ’ s trying to get very creative .
They ’ re trying to figure out where they can take money from one bucket and another bucket to put in a third bucket to help restaurateurs from Rogers Park to Chatham and Jefferson Park to South Shore make their payrolls , ” he said .
Long-term , the answer lies in Washington , not in Springfield or City Hall , Toia said .
“ The federal government has got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they did for the auto industry and the bank industry in 2008 , ” he said .
“ The federal government needs to step up and come up with money — real money — to keep these restaurants open .
It ’ s bad.
” Illinois has over 25,000 restaurants , Toia said — including 7,500 in Chicago .
Lightfoot talked about the restaurant bailout after touring the command center at Chicago Public School headquarters set up to respond to questions from anxious parents coping with mandatory school closings .
On other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the pandemic , the mayor said : • She is not considering either shutting down the CTA or dramatically reducing service , even though CTA ridership is dropping like a rock with more and more employees working from home .
“ We have to keep the public transit system going .
I ’ m not aware of any public transit system in the United States — and only one in the world — that ’ s actually shut down during the course of this pandemic , ” Lightfoot said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work .
... You hear me talk a lot about our health care workers .
Many of those workers depend on public transportation .
So we ’ ve got to keep it going and functioning.
’ ” • She won ’ t hesitate to order more drastic measures — including extending mandatory closures to include gyms , movie theaters and other stores — if it becomes necessary .
But , not yet .
The closing of schools , restaurants and bars and restrictions on large gatherings was a “ big shock to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and people need time to adjust to it , she said .
“ We ’ ll keep looking at other things that we may be doing to support this effort .
But , I think we ’ re in a pretty good place right now , ” Lightfoot said .
• The City Council will proceed with a streamlined version of Wednesday ’ s meeting , primarily because action must be taken to accept grant money to bankroll the city ’ s response to the pandemic and grant extended sick leave to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow city employees who can to work from home for up to two weeks .
The mayor advised members of the public to watch the livestream of the meeting .
• The weekend chaos at O ’ Hare Airport has been mitigated greatly since hordes of passengers arriving from abroad waited hours for medical screening .
But there ’ s still “ a lot more resources that need to come.
” “ My understanding is that the vice president had committed to the governor that they would double the amount of resources that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t believe that happened yet , ” she said .
“ We still need additional screeners at the airport .
I don ’ t think the federal authorities understood that , when they added the U.K. to the level of countries that would have to be screened , that the volume would jump exponentially .
”

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday she’s working with the Illinois Restaurant Association on a relief package for Chicago restaurants forced to close their dining rooms until at least March 30 to mitigate the threat of the coronavirus.
Lightfoot acknowledged restaurants operating on a razor-thin profit margin during the best of times need immediate help or they may not survive the worst of times, despite remaining open for carry-out pick-ups and food delivery.
“We are looking at ways in which we can provide some support to these workers because they do live paycheck-to-paycheck — particularly the workers that are relying upon tipped wages. We know this time is a particular hardship on them,” the mayor said.
“So we’re gonna be working — not only to put city resources to help them, but look to the business community and others to provide some support. ... This is something I’m hoping we’ll be able to announce in concert with the Illinois Restaurant Association later this week.”
Restaurant Association President Sam Toia said he’s working with Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker to help restaurant owners make payroll during the crisis so employees can pay their mortgages or rent.
“Everyone’s trying to get very creative. They’re trying to figure out where they can take money from one bucket and another bucket to put in a third bucket to help restaurateurs from Rogers Park to Chatham and Jefferson Park to South Shore make their payrolls,” he said.
Long-term, the answer lies in Washington, not in Springfield or City Hall, Toia said.
“The federal government has got to do for the hospitality/restaurant industry in 2020 what they did for the auto industry and the bank industry in 2008,” he said.
“The federal government needs to step up and come up with money — real money — to keep these restaurants open. It’s bad.”
Illinois has over 25,000 restaurants, Toia said — including 7,500 in Chicago.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot tours the Chicago Public Schools Command Center, ahead of statewide school closures due to COVID-19, Monday, March 16, 2020. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Lightfoot talked about the restaurant bailout after touring the command center at Chicago Public School headquarters set up to respond to questions from anxious parents coping with mandatory school closings.
On other subjects tied to the city’s response to the pandemic, the mayor said:
• She is not considering either shutting down the CTA or dramatically reducing service, even though CTA ridership is dropping like a rock with more and more employees working from home.
“We have to keep the public transit system going. I’m not aware of any public transit system in the United States — and only one in the world — that’s actually shut down during the course of this pandemic,” Lightfoot said.
“People need to be able to get to work. ... You hear me talk a lot about our health care workers. Many of those workers depend on public transportation. So we’ve got to keep it going and functioning.’”
• She won’t hesitate to order more drastic measures — including extending mandatory closures to include gyms, movie theaters and other stores — if it becomes necessary. But, not yet. The closing of schools, restaurants and bars and restrictions on large gatherings was a “big shock to the system for a lot of folks” and people need time to adjust to it, she said.
“We’ll keep looking at other things that we may be doing to support this effort. But, I think we’re in a pretty good place right now,” Lightfoot said.
• The City Council will proceed with a streamlined version of Wednesday’s meeting, primarily because action must be taken to accept grant money to bankroll the city’s response to the pandemic and grant extended sick leave to city employees impacted by the virus and allow city employees who can to work from home for up to two weeks. The mayor advised members of the public to watch the livestream of the meeting.
• The weekend chaos at O’Hare Airport has been mitigated greatly since hordes of passengers arriving from abroad waited hours for medical screening. But there’s still “a lot more resources that need to come.”
“My understanding is that the vice president had committed to the governor that they would double the amount of resources that were at O’Hare yesterday. I don’t believe that happened yet,” she said.
“We still need additional screeners at the airport. I don’t think the federal authorities understood that, when they added the U.K. to the level of countries that would have to be screened, that the volume would jump exponentially.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-16--Chicago has seen a 43% rise in killings so far this year vs. 2019, but that’s not the full picture

When Diviris Garfeed was shot to death on a sidewalk in Humboldt Park , he became another casualty in what ’ s been a rise in violence in Chicago this year — with a 43 % increase in the number of killings so far in 2020 compared with 2019 .
Especially hard hit have been neighborhoods on the West Side and South Side .
The police say Garfeed , 30 , was selling marijuana in the 1000 block of North Springfield Avenue on the West Side on March 2 when a car drove up and a passenger shot him in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garfeed ’ s friends ran .
Julius Thomas III , 20 , was charged with murder .
Thomas , identified by the police as gang member , was arrested after he tried to sell the murder weapon on Facebook , saying it had “ bodies on it , ” prosecutors say .
Garfeed is one of three people killed so far this year in the Chicago Police Department ’ s Beat 1112 , a 40-block area in the Harrison police district on the West Side .
Seven others have been wounded by gunfire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most violent beats in Chicago , police records show .
Citywide , the number of people who have been shot — killed or wounded — has risen by 36 percent , according to the police department .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and interim police Supt .
Charlie Beck have been scrambling for answers .
Last month , Lightfoot met with Beck and his commanders after Chicago experienced its deadliest weekend in 18 years .
They talked about strategies to ease the violence , but the murder rate has kept rising .
No one knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is asking the University of Chicago Crime Lab to analyze the rise in violent crime .
Some rank-and-file officers say a massive reorganization of the department that Beck announced in late January has helped feed the violence , leaving gaps in leadership as commanders get familiar with new roles and cops figure out what the changes mean for them .
Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said officials believe the reorganization , which places detectives and organized-crime investigators under the control of commanders in individual police districts throughout the city rather than under broader , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a handle on this crime.
” The police have been stopping more people on the street and in cars than last year , according to department statistics that also show they have been arresting more people on gun-possession charges , though gun recoveries are down .
“ Officers are certainly out there doing police work , ” Guglielmi said .
“ The continuing increase [ in violence ] is something we have a lot of concern about.
” Roseanna Ander , director of the U. of C. Crime Lab , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year needs to be seen in light of last year ’ s especially cold winter , an anomaly in which people tended to stay inside more often .
“ We ’ re comparing ourselves to a pretty tough benchmark , ” Ander said .
It ’ s still unclear what impact the outbreak of the coronavirus will have on crime , but anti-violence groups such as UCAN on the West Side have scaled back their programs .
Adrienne Johnson , vice president of violence intervention and prevention services for UCAN , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is distributing literature about health practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
But fear of the virus isn ’ t keeping people from gathering to mourn the victims of the recent gun violence .
Dozens of people showed up for a nighttime street memorial for Garfeed , who was known by the nickname Choog .
Friends signed posters plastered with photos of Garfeed and his family .
People held candles .
And they released helium-filled balloons into the sky .

When Diviris Garfeed was shot to death on a sidewalk in Humboldt Park, he became another casualty in what’s been a rise in violence in Chicago this year — with a 43% increase in the number of killings so far in 2020 compared with 2019.
Especially hard hit have been neighborhoods on the West Side and South Side.
The police say Garfeed, 30, was selling marijuana in the 1000 block of North Springfield Avenue on the West Side on March 2 when a car drove up and a passenger shot him in the head with a 9mm handgun as Garfeed’s friends ran.
Julius Thomas III, 20, was charged with murder. Thomas, identified by the police as gang member, was arrested after he tried to sell the murder weapon on Facebook, saying it had “bodies on it,” prosecutors say.
Garfeed is one of three people killed so far this year in the Chicago Police Department’s Beat 1112, a 40-block area in the Harrison police district on the West Side. Seven others have been wounded by gunfire in Beat 1112, one of the most violent beats in Chicago, police records show.
Citywide, the number of people who have been shot — killed or wounded — has risen by 36 percent, according to the police department.
Chicago Police Department statistics show a rise in violent crime this year. Frank Main / Chicago Sun-Times
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and interim police Supt. Charlie Beck have been scrambling for answers. Last month, Lightfoot met with Beck and his commanders after Chicago experienced its deadliest weekend in 18 years. They talked about strategies to ease the violence, but the murder rate has kept rising.
No one knows why for certain. The police department is asking the University of Chicago Crime Lab to analyze the rise in violent crime.
Some rank-and-file officers say a massive reorganization of the department that Beck announced in late January has helped feed the violence, leaving gaps in leadership as commanders get familiar with new roles and cops figure out what the changes mean for them.
Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said officials believe the reorganization, which places detectives and organized-crime investigators under the control of commanders in individual police districts throughout the city rather than under broader, area-wide commands, will “help us get a handle on this crime.”
The police have been stopping more people on the street and in cars than last year, according to department statistics that also show they have been arresting more people on gun-possession charges, though gun recoveries are down.
“Officers are certainly out there doing police work,” Guglielmi said. “The continuing increase [in violence] is something we have a lot of concern about.”
Roseanna Ander, director of the U. of C. Crime Lab, said the three-month rise in violence compared to last year needs to be seen in light of last year’s especially cold winter, an anomaly in which people tended to stay inside more often.
“We’re comparing ourselves to a pretty tough benchmark,” Ander said.
It’s still unclear what impact the outbreak of the coronavirus will have on crime, but anti-violence groups such as UCAN on the West Side have scaled back their programs. Adrienne Johnson, vice president of violence intervention and prevention services for UCAN, said the organization has canceled its public events and is distributing literature about health practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But fear of the virus isn’t keeping people from gathering to mourn the victims of the recent gun violence. Dozens of people showed up for a nighttime street memorial for Garfeed, who was known by the nickname Choog.
Friends signed posters plastered with photos of Garfeed and his family. People held candles. And they released helium-filled balloons into the sky.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-16--Stock market plunges nearly 3,000 points as fears of recession loom

NEW YORK — The U.S. stock market plunged more than 12 % Monday for its worst day in more than three decades as voices from Wall Street to the White House said the coronavirus is likely dragging the economy into a recession .
The S & P 500 has plummeted nearly 30 % since setting a record less than a month ago , and it ’ s at its lowest point since the end of 2018 .
Losses were steep Monday , accelerating in the last half hour of trading after President Donald Trump said the economy may be headed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid gatherings of more than 10 people .
The plunge came even though the Federal Reserve rushed to announce a new round of emergency actions before markets opened for trading Monday .
The moves are aimed at propping up the economy and getting financial markets running smoothly again , but they may have also raised fears even further .
Investors are also waiting for the White House and Congress to offer more aid to an economy that ’ s increasingly shutting down by the hour .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 2,997 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the S & P 500 had its worst loss since the Black Monday crash of 1987 .
It surpassed Thursday ’ s loss of 10 % for the Dow .
The market ’ s losses the last few weeks are the steepest since the 2008 financial crisis dragged the economy into the Great Recession .
Trump and other professional investors say the stock market could bounce back strongly as soon as the health experts get the virus under control .
The problem is that no one knows when that could be , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grinding closer to a standstill in the meanwhile , from parked airplanes to the nearly empty restaurant around the corner .
Monday ’ s selling began immediately on Wall Street , sharp enough to trigger a temporary trading halt for the third time in the last two weeks .
Losses were even sharper in Europe before paring , and major indexes there fell between 4 % and 6 % .
Oil lost 9.5 % and has more than halved this year .
The world ’ s brightest spot may have been Japan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the economy , and stocks still lost 2.5 % .
“ It ’ s impossible to say when and how we ’ re going to reach bottom , ” said Danielle DiMartino Booth , chief executive officer of Quill Intelligence .
The spreading coronavirus is causing businesses around the world to shut their doors .
While that can slow the spread of the virus , it ’ s also taking cash out of the pockets of businesses and workers .
That has economists slashing their expectations for upcoming months , and Wells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. economy will fall into a recession in the April-through-June quarter .
Joel Prakken , chief U.S. economist at IHS Markit , projects the economy will shrink at a 5.4 % annualized rate during the quarter , which would be its worst performance since the depths of the Great Recession .
The best-case scenario for many investors is that the economic shock will be steep but short , with growth recovering later this year after businesses reopen .
Pessimists , though , are preparing for a longer haul .
The range of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the S & P 500 had its third straight day where it moved more than 9 % — two down and one up .
Strategists at Goldman Sachs say the S & P 500 could drop as low as 2,000 in the middle of the year , which would be a 41 % drop from its record set just a month ago .
Goldman expects the index to rally back to 3,200 at year end .
For most people , the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild illness recover in about two weeks .
But severe illness including pneumonia can occur , especially in the elderly and people with existing health problems , and recovery could take six weeks in such cases .
American Airlines and United Airlines both announced steep cutbacks to flights over the weekend as customers cancel trips and the U.S. government restricts travel .
Other travel companies have also seen sharp drops in demand from customers .
Restaurants , movie theaters and other businesses that depend on drawing crowds appear to be next to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s largest city are ordering restaurants to close their doors to dine-in customers and do only takeout and delivery .
The Federal Reserve has been trying to do what it can to help the economy , and over the weekend it slashed short-term interest rates back to their record low of nearly zero .
It also said it also will buy at least $ 500 billion of Treasury securities and $ 200 billion of mortgage-backed securities to help calm the Treasury market , which is a bedrock for the world ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices around the world .
Trading in the market began to get snarled last week , with traders saying they saw disconcertingly large gaps in prices offered by buyers and sellers .
“ Despite whipping out the big guns , ” the Fed ’ s action is “ falling short of being the decisive backstop for markets , ” said Vishnu Varathan of Mizuho Bank in a report .
“ Markets might have perceived the Fed ’ s response as panic , feeding into its own fears.
” The yield on the 10-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % late Friday , a sign that investors are flocking into investments seen as safe .
The Fed action came as major economies expanded travel curbs and closed more public facilities , raising the cost of efforts to contain the outbreak that has infected about 175,000 people worldwide .
China , where the coronavirus emerged in December , accounts for about half of those , but a dozen other countries have more than 1,000 cases each .
Japan ’ s central bank similarly expanded asset purchases to inject money into the economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the crisis .
The measures came on top of announcements from other major central banks , including the European Central Bank and the Bank of England last week .
The S & P 500 fell 324.89 points , or 12 % , to 2,386.13 .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2,997.10 points , or 12.9 % , to 20,188.52 , and teh Nasdaq lost 970.28 , or 12.3 % , to 6,904.59 .
After the Fed unloaded its bazooka on markets late Sunday , investors are looking for more help from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nick , chief investment strategist at Nuveen .
That includes targeted aid to industries hit hard by the virus , as well as checks sent out to households .
“ We have to be careful that small businesses don ’ t get forgotten , ” said Jason Pride , chief investment officer of private wealth at Glenmede .
Lower interest rates following the Fed ’ s moves will help them borrow cash at more affordable prices , but they ’ ll need more direct help .
Volatility appears to be the new normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dow twice fell by more than 2,000 points and also record its biggest point gain ever — 1,985 points on Friday .
Last week ’ s drops also confirmed the end of the longest-ever bull market on Wall Street , which emerged from the financial crisis and ran for nearly 11 years .
Many investors expect markets to remain volatile as long as the number of new infections keeps accelerating .

NEW YORK — The U.S. stock market plunged more than 12% Monday for its worst day in more than three decades as voices from Wall Street to the White House said the coronavirus is likely dragging the economy into a recession.
The S&P 500 has plummeted nearly 30% since setting a record less than a month ago, and it’s at its lowest point since the end of 2018. Losses were steep Monday, accelerating in the last half hour of trading after President Donald Trump said the economy may be headed for a recession and asked Americans to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
The plunge came even though the Federal Reserve rushed to announce a new round of emergency actions before markets opened for trading Monday. The moves are aimed at propping up the economy and getting financial markets running smoothly again, but they may have also raised fears even further. Investors are also waiting for the White House and Congress to offer more aid to an economy that’s increasingly shutting down by the hour.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 2,997 points, or 12.9%, and like the S&P 500 had its worst loss since the Black Monday crash of 1987. It surpassed Thursday’s loss of 10% for the Dow.
The market’s losses the last few weeks are the steepest since the 2008 financial crisis dragged the economy into the Great Recession. Trump and other professional investors say the stock market could bounce back strongly as soon as the health experts get the virus under control. The problem is that no one knows when that could be, and broad swaths of the economy are grinding closer to a standstill in the meanwhile, from parked airplanes to the nearly empty restaurant around the corner.
Monday’s selling began immediately on Wall Street, sharp enough to trigger a temporary trading halt for the third time in the last two weeks. Losses were even sharper in Europe before paring, and major indexes there fell between 4% and 6%. Oil lost 9.5% and has more than halved this year. The world’s brightest spot may have been Japan, where the central bank announced more stimulus for the economy, and stocks still lost 2.5%.
“It’s impossible to say when and how we’re going to reach bottom,” said Danielle DiMartino Booth, chief executive officer of Quill Intelligence.
The spreading coronavirus is causing businesses around the world to shut their doors. While that can slow the spread of the virus, it’s also taking cash out of the pockets of businesses and workers. That has economists slashing their expectations for upcoming months, and Wells Fargo Securities said Monday it now projects the U.S. economy will fall into a recession in the April-through-June quarter. Joel Prakken, chief U.S. economist at IHS Markit, projects the economy will shrink at a 5.4% annualized rate during the quarter, which would be its worst performance since the depths of the Great Recession.
The best-case scenario for many investors is that the economic shock will be steep but short, with growth recovering later this year after businesses reopen. Pessimists, though, are preparing for a longer haul. The range of possible outcomes has Wall Street swinging wildly, and the S&P 500 had its third straight day where it moved more than 9% — two down and one up.
Strategists at Goldman Sachs say the S&P 500 could drop as low as 2,000 in the middle of the year, which would be a 41% drop from its record set just a month ago. Goldman expects the index to rally back to 3,200 at year end.
For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and those with mild illness recover in about two weeks. But severe illness including pneumonia can occur, especially in the elderly and people with existing health problems, and recovery could take six weeks in such cases.
American Airlines and United Airlines both announced steep cutbacks to flights over the weekend as customers cancel trips and the U.S. government restricts travel. Other travel companies have also seen sharp drops in demand from customers. Restaurants, movie theaters and other businesses that depend on drawing crowds appear to be next to get squeezed. Several states and the country’s largest city are ordering restaurants to close their doors to dine-in customers and do only takeout and delivery.
The Federal Reserve has been trying to do what it can to help the economy, and over the weekend it slashed short-term interest rates back to their record low of nearly zero.
It also said it also will buy at least $500 billion of Treasury securities and $200 billion of mortgage-backed securities to help calm the Treasury market, which is a bedrock for the world’s financial system and influences stock and bond prices around the world. Trading in the market began to get snarled last week, with traders saying they saw disconcertingly large gaps in prices offered by buyers and sellers.
“Despite whipping out the big guns,” the Fed’s action is “falling short of being the decisive backstop for markets,” said Vishnu Varathan of Mizuho Bank in a report. “Markets might have perceived the Fed’s response as panic, feeding into its own fears.”
The yield on the 10-year Treasury slid to 0.74% from 0.95% late Friday, a sign that investors are flocking into investments seen as safe.
The Fed action came as major economies expanded travel curbs and closed more public facilities, raising the cost of efforts to contain the outbreak that has infected about 175,000 people worldwide. China, where the coronavirus emerged in December, accounts for about half of those, but a dozen other countries have more than 1,000 cases each.
Japan’s central bank similarly expanded asset purchases to inject money into the economy and promised no-interest loans to help companies cope with the crisis. The measures came on top of announcements from other major central banks, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of England last week.
The S&P 500 fell 324.89 points, or 12%, to 2,386.13. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2,997.10 points, or 12.9%, to 20,188.52, and teh Nasdaq lost 970.28, or 12.3%, to 6,904.59.
After the Fed unloaded its bazooka on markets late Sunday, investors are looking for more help from the U.S. government, according to Brian Nick, chief investment strategist at Nuveen. That includes targeted aid to industries hit hard by the virus, as well as checks sent out to households.
“We have to be careful that small businesses don’t get forgotten,” said Jason Pride, chief investment officer of private wealth at Glenmede.
Lower interest rates following the Fed’s moves will help them borrow cash at more affordable prices, but they’ll need more direct help.
Volatility appears to be the new normal following a dizzying week in which the Dow twice fell by more than 2,000 points and also record its biggest point gain ever — 1,985 points on Friday. Last week’s drops also confirmed the end of the longest-ever bull market on Wall Street, which emerged from the financial crisis and ran for nearly 11 years.
Many investors expect markets to remain volatile as long as the number of new infections keeps accelerating.
AP Business Writer Joe McDonald contributed from Beijing.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-16--U.S. response to coronavirus continues to be an epic failure

Several weeks ago , the United States turned down an offer from the Word Health Organization for coronavirus test kits .
Approximately 60 other countries accepted this invaluable resource and began the gargantuan job of finding out how widespread the infestation was in their respective countries .
America decided to go it alone ( you know … America first ) .
The result was a failure of epic proportions .
The president lied last week about that demonstrable fact when he amazingly said if you need a test you can go get one .
Not even close to being true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Weeks later , the United States still is not up to speed .
We are lagging far , far behind .
In the world of communicable viruses , every single day matters .
When the world was fighting Ebola in 2014 , America led the way , providing the expertise of our incredible scientists , doctors , nurses , marines and more .
And the world won .
Now we ’ re playing a brutal game of catch up .
Our lives are being impacted in ways we could never have imagined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled the rest of its season .
Disney is shuttered , etc .
Can we please stop these self-congratulatory press conferences ?
Yes , we know , we know .
The president has performed miraculously .
He holds no blame for decisions related to test kit failure or anything else … even implying former President Obama screwed things up .
Whatever .
Just please fix this .
If we could benefit from the experiences of China , South Korea , Germany , the World Health Organization , etc.
, then please don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
A little humility never hurt .
Do whatever you can do to help the American people get through this .
Amazing !
I just read that our president has been tested for the coronavirus .
I am so happy that , though millions of test kits have yet to reach the masses , one was dropped off at his house .
Once anyone reaches 6 years old , they know better than to say what Trump said when asked about the slow rollout of testing for the coronavirus : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Several weeks ago, the United States turned down an offer from the Word Health Organization for coronavirus test kits.
Approximately 60 other countries accepted this invaluable resource and began the gargantuan job of finding out how widespread the infestation was in their respective countries. America decided to go it alone (you know … America first). The result was a failure of epic proportions.
The president lied last week about that demonstrable fact when he amazingly said if you need a test you can go get one. Not even close to being true. We’ve been flying blind.
Weeks later, the United States still is not up to speed. We are lagging far, far behind. In the world of communicable viruses, every single day matters. When the world was fighting Ebola in 2014, America led the way, providing the expertise of our incredible scientists, doctors, nurses, marines and more. And the world won.
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes.
Now we’re playing a brutal game of catch up. Our lives are being impacted in ways we could never have imagined. Schools are closing. The NBA canceled the rest of its season. Disney is shuttered, etc. Can we please stop these self-congratulatory press conferences? Yes, we know, we know. The president has performed miraculously. He holds no blame for decisions related to test kit failure or anything else … even implying former President Obama screwed things up.
Whatever. Just please fix this. If we could benefit from the experiences of China, South Korea, Germany, the World Health Organization, etc., then please don’t let false pride get in the way. A little humility never hurt. Do whatever you can do to help the American people get through this.
Michael F. DeSantiago, Niles
Special treatment
Amazing! I just read that our president has been tested for the coronavirus. I am so happy that, though millions of test kits have yet to reach the masses, one was dropped off at his house.
Dennis Terdy, Glen Ellyn
Slow rollout
Once anyone reaches 6 years old, they know better than to say what Trump said when asked about the slow rollout of testing for the coronavirus: “I don’t take responsibility at all.”
Lee Knohl, Evanston


chicagosun-times--2020-03-17--Dear Abby: Grandkids’ father thinks I babysit them too often

DEAR ABBY : My husband and I are not on the same page about helping with the grandkids .
We moved here six years ago to be closer to my daughter , her husband and their two daughters .
The older one is 9 , and the younger is 6 .
Although the 6-year-old has multiple physical challenges and developmental delays , our son-in-law thinks “ we ” babysit far too often .
My intention is to help my daughter with the challenges that a special needs child presents to the family .
Mostly , I am the one providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum .
Every time I agree to watch the children , I feel huge stress because I know my son-in-law will complain about it .
It ’ s tearing me apart .
Thank you for listening .
Just writing this helps .
— HELPING IN THE EAST DEAR HELPING : I agree that parenting a child with special needs is challenging .
You are a loving , caring mother and grandmother , but this is something your daughter and her husband have to reach a meeting of the minds about .
The last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household .
Counseling for them might help your son-in-law understand that your daughter ’ s health might be compromised if she does everything herself .
Some sort of compromise about your level of involvement could be key .
As to your husband , I ’ m not sure what more you think he should be doing .
He agreed to move closer to your daughter so you could help her .
It has to have been disruptive for him .
Please give him points for that , because I do .
DEAR ABBY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming up , and I have a small dilemma .
They are both in my husband ’ s family and only a month apart .
One is his brother ’ s , and the other is his cousin ’ s .
My question is , can I wear the same dress to both weddings ?
I normally don ’ t care about what people think , but I also don ’ t want to be the subject of ridicule or scorn at a family event .
I ’ ll also add , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s just that it ’ s a beautiful dress , and I really don ’ t see the point in going out and getting another fancy dress .
I worry about pictures at both weddings .
I guess I ’ m confused and could really use some advice .
— BEAUTIFUL DRESS IN THE MIDWEST DEAR BEAUTIFUL DRESS : You are not a Hollywood actress during awards season , who “ must ” have a radically different look for each ceremony .
Your family weddings are special events , but there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the dress you have in mind for both .
If you ’ re afraid it may cause a problem in wedding photos , consider accessorizing your dress differently for each one — gold jewelry for the first , silver for the second and a different colored shawl or wrap .
I ’ m sure you can pull this off .
Please write back and let me know .
May you always have So nothing can harm you .
And whenever you pray , Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “ The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.
” To order , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Anger Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are not on the same page about helping with the grandkids. We moved here six years ago to be closer to my daughter, her husband and their two daughters. The older one is 9, and the younger is 6.
Although the 6-year-old has multiple physical challenges and developmental delays, our son-in-law thinks “we” babysit far too often. My intention is to help my daughter with the challenges that a special needs child presents to the family. Mostly, I am the one providing the care; my husband does the minimum.
Every time I agree to watch the children, I feel huge stress because I know my son-in-law will complain about it. It’s tearing me apart. Thank you for listening. Just writing this helps. — HELPING IN THE EAST
DEAR HELPING: I agree that parenting a child with special needs is challenging. You are a loving, caring mother and grandmother, but this is something your daughter and her husband have to reach a meeting of the minds about. The last thing she needs is dissension in her household.
Counseling for them might help your son-in-law understand that your daughter’s health might be compromised if she does everything herself. Some sort of compromise about your level of involvement could be key.
As to your husband, I’m not sure what more you think he should be doing. He agreed to move closer to your daughter so you could help her. It has to have been disruptive for him. Please give him points for that, because I do.
DEAR ABBY: I have a couple of weddings coming up, and I have a small dilemma. They are both in my husband’s family and only a month apart. One is his brother’s, and the other is his cousin’s. My question is, can I wear the same dress to both weddings?
I normally don’t care about what people think, but I also don’t want to be the subject of ridicule or scorn at a family event. I’ll also add, it’s not about financial concerns. It’s just that it’s a beautiful dress, and I really don’t see the point in going out and getting another fancy dress. I worry about pictures at both weddings. I guess I’m confused and could really use some advice. — BEAUTIFUL DRESS IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR BEAUTIFUL DRESS: You are not a Hollywood actress during awards season, who “must” have a radically different look for each ceremony. Your family weddings are special events, but there is no reason you can’t use the dress you have in mind for both. If you’re afraid it may cause a problem in wedding photos, consider accessorizing your dress differently for each one — gold jewelry for the first, silver for the second and a different colored shawl or wrap.
I’m sure you can pull this off. Please write back and let me know.
CONFIDENTIAL TO MY IRISH FRIENDS:
May you always have
A sunbeam to warm you
Good luck to charm you
And a sheltering angel
So nothing can harm you.
Laughter to cheer you
Faithful friends near you
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY! — LOVE, ABBY
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-03-17--Burglar targets apartments in Bronzeville: police

Chicago police are warning residents of a string of apartment burglaries reported in February in Bronzeville on the South Side @ @ @ @ @ forced their way into the back door of apartments and stole property , Chicago police @ @ @ @ @ .
• Between 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in the 4600 block of @ @ @ @ @ Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Feb. 7 in the 4400 block of South Calumet @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Feb. 17 in the 5200 block of South Calumet Avenue ; • Between 6 @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Feb. 19 in the 300 block of East 48th Street ; • Between 7:30 @ @ @ @ @ 21 in the 4300 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue ; • Between 6:30 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ in the 4500 block of South Calumet Avenue ; • Between 3 p.m. and 8:15 @ @ @ @ @ 100 block of East 49th Street .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning residents of a string of apartment burglaries reported in February in Bronzeville on the South Side.
In each incident someone forced their way into the back door of apartments and stole property, Chicago police said in a community alert.
The burglaries happened:
Between 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in the 4600 block of South Vincennes Avenue;
Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Feb. 7 in the 4400 block of South Calumet Avenue;
About 8:40 a.m. Feb. 17 in the 5200 block of South Calumet Avenue;
Between 6 p.m. Feb 14 and 1 p.m. Feb. 19 in the 300 block of East 48th Street;
Between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Feb. 21 in the 4300 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue;
Between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 in the 4500 block of South Calumet Avenue;
Between 3 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Feb. 26 in the 100 block of East 49th Street.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-17--March 18 Menu planner: Top off your meal with green ombre cupcakes

3 to 3 1/2 pounds bone-in skinless chicken thighs and drumsticks ( about 6 each ) In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker , combine potatoes , bell pepper , onion , tomato sauce , broth , olives , garlic , olive oil , tomato paste , coarse salt , pepper and bay leaves ; mix well .
Add chicken and mix well .
Cover and cook on low 6 hours ; add peas and cook 1 hour on high or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender .
Discard bay leaves and serve .
1 pound boneless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces 4 medium potatoes , peeled and cut into quarters ( about 1 1/2 pounds ) In a large saucepan , combine meat , broth , onions , pepper and bay leaf .
Bring to boil ; reduce heat .
Cover and simmer 45 minutes ; skim fat .
Add potatoes , carrots , thyme and basil .
Bring to boil ; reduce heat .
Cover and simmer 30 to 35 minutes or until vegetables are tender .
Discard bay leaf .
In small bowl , stir together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly .
Season to taste with salt and additional pepper .
Heat broiler .
In a small bowl , mix garlic and oil .
Rub mixture evenly on both sides of chops .
Broil 3 minutes per side for medium-rare .
Meanwhile , in a small skillet , melt butter on medium .
Add shallots and cook 3 minutes .
Stir in orange juice and vermouth or broth ; bring to boil .
Boil 10 seconds or until slightly reduced .
Remove from heat .
Stir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Return to heat briefly to warm the fruit .
Season chops with salt and pepper to taste .
Place each chop on dinner plate and spoon sauce over chop .
Serve immediately .
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high .
Add 1 pound ground turkey breast and cook 4 minutes or until no longer pink .
Stir in 1 ( 8-ounce ) package seasoned rice and black beans , 1 ( 10-ounce ) can diced tomatoes with green chilies ( mild ) , 2 cups frozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bring to boil ; reduce heat , cover and simmer 20 minutes or until water is absorbed .
Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and 1 cup shredded 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese .
Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons fat-free vanilla ice cream on flat side of small ( 1 3/4-inch diameter ) gingersnap cookies ; top ice cream with second cookie .
Roll sides in chopped , crystallized ginger or any finely chopped nuts .
Wrap individually and freeze until firm .
Prepare 1 ( 2-layer size ) box white cake mix as directed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract .
Divide batter evenly into 2 bowls .
Stir 3/4 teaspoon green food color into one bowl , tinting to dark green .
Stir 15 drops into second bowl for medium green .
Spoon heaping 1 tablespoon dark green batter into 18 paper-lined muffin cups ; spread gently .
Repeat with medium green batter , spreading over dark batter .
Bake as directed on package ; cool on wire rack .
For frosting , beat 2 sticks softened butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla until light and fluffy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package powdered sugar , then 2 tablespoons ( any ) milk ; beat until light and fluffy .
Stir in 3 drops green food color .
Frost cupcakes .
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high .
Add 1 medium green bell pepper ( cut into thin strips ) and 1 thinly sliced medium onion ; cook 5 minutes or until softened .
Add 1 cup salsa , 1 ( 15-ounce ) can rinsed reduced-sodium kidney beans , 1 ( 11-ounce ) can drained Mexican-style corn , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rice .
Cook 5 minutes on medium-high or until thoroughly heated .
For each serving , place 1 cup torn lettuce on 4 serving plates .
Surround lettuce with baked tortilla chips .
Top with the warm vegetable/rice mixture .
Sprinkle each serving with 2 tablespoons shredded 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
In a large bowl , mix together 1 ( 15-ounce ) can rinsed and slightly mashed reduced-sodium white beans , 1 pound ground bison ( or 95 percent lean ground beef ) , 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs , 1 finely chopped carrot and 1 egg .
Shape into a loaf and place in a nonstick foil-lined shallow baking dish .
Spread top with 1/3 cup drained salsa .
Bake 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees .

Chicken with olives and peas
Makes 8 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6 hours on low; 1 hour on high
INGREDIENTS
3 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/2 cup unsalted chicken broth
1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed olives
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon no-salt-added tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 small bay leaves, broken in half
3 to 3 1/2 pounds bone-in skinless chicken thighs and drumsticks (about 6 each)
1 1/2 cups frozen green peas
In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, combine potatoes, bell pepper, onion, tomato sauce, broth, olives, garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, coarse salt, pepper and bay leaves; mix well. Add chicken and mix well. Cover and cook on low 6 hours; add peas and cook 1 hour on high or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender. Discard bay leaves and serve.
Per serving: 334 calories, 33 grams protein, 13 grams fat (34 percent calories from fat), 2.9 grams saturated fat, 22 grams carbohydrate, 162 milligrams cholesterol, 469 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 1 1/2.
Luck o’ the Irish stew
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: about 1 1/2 hours
INGREDIENTS
1 pound boneless lamb or boneless beef chuck roast, well-trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
4 cups lower-sodium beef broth
2 medium onions, cut into wedges
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters (about 1 1/2 pounds)
6 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 cup cold water
1/4 cup flour
Coarse salt to taste
In a large saucepan, combine meat, broth, onions, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 45 minutes; skim fat. Add potatoes, carrots, thyme and basil. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 30 to 35 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaf.
In small bowl, stir together water and flour. Add to stew. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Season to taste with salt and additional pepper.
Per serving: 382 calories, 29 grams protein, 6 grams fat (15 percent calories from fat), 2.1 grams saturated fat, 52 grams carbohydrate, 65 milligrams cholesterol, 588 milligrams sodium, 9 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 3 1/2.
Citrus lamb chops
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: about 10 minutes
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 loin lamb chops, 3/4-inch thick
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup minced shallots
1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons dry white vermouth or unsalted chicken broth
1 orange, peeled and cut into sections
1 teaspoon dried Herbes de Provence
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Heat broiler. In a small bowl, mix garlic and oil. Rub mixture evenly on both sides of chops. Broil 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt butter on medium. Add shallots and cook 3 minutes. Stir in orange juice and vermouth or broth; bring to boil. Boil 10 seconds or until slightly reduced. Remove from heat. Stir in the oranges and Herbes de Provence. Return to heat briefly to warm the fruit. Season chops with salt and pepper to taste. Place each chop on dinner plate and spoon sauce over chop. Serve immediately.
Per serving: 235 calories, 19 grams protein, 12 grams fat (47 percent calories from fat), 4.4 grams saturated fat, 10 grams carbohydrate, 66 milligrams cholesterol, 126 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.
Carb choices: 1/2.
Ranch skillet supper
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add 1 pound ground turkey breast and cook 4 minutes or until no longer pink. Stir in 1 (8-ounce) package seasoned rice and black beans, 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (mild), 2 cups frozen corn and 2 3/4 cups water. Bring to boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes or until water is absorbed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and 1 cup shredded 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
Serve with carrot sticks and cornbread.
Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons fat-free vanilla ice cream on flat side of small (1 3/4-inch diameter) gingersnap cookies; top ice cream with second cookie. Roll sides in chopped, crystallized ginger or any finely chopped nuts. Wrap individually and freeze until firm.
Green ombre cupcakes
Prepare 1 (2-layer size) box white cake mix as directed on package using whole eggs. Stir in 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Divide batter evenly into 2 bowls. Stir 3/4 teaspoon green food color into one bowl, tinting to dark green. Stir 15 drops into second bowl for medium green. Spoon heaping 1 tablespoon dark green batter into 18 paper-lined muffin cups; spread gently. Repeat with medium green batter, spreading over dark batter. Bake as directed on package; cool on wire rack.
For frosting, beat 2 sticks softened butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add 1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar, then 2 tablespoons (any) milk; beat until light and fluffy. Stir in 3 drops green food color. Frost cupcakes.
Sante Fe salad
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add 1 medium green bell pepper (cut into thin strips) and 1 thinly sliced medium onion; cook 5 minutes or until softened. Add 1 cup salsa, 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium kidney beans, 1 (11-ounce) can drained Mexican-style corn, and 1 1/2 cups cooked (leftover) rice. Cook 5 minutes on medium-high or until thoroughly heated.
For each serving, place 1 cup torn lettuce on 4 serving plates. Surround lettuce with baked tortilla chips. Top with the warm vegetable/rice mixture. Sprinkle each serving with 2 tablespoons shredded 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
Meatloaf
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed and slightly mashed reduced-sodium white beans, 1 pound ground bison (or 95 percent lean ground beef), 1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce, 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs, 1 finely chopped carrot and 1 egg. Shape into a loaf and place in a nonstick foil-lined shallow baking dish. Spread top with 1/3 cup drained salsa. Bake 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-17--1 killed, 1 wounded shot Monday in Chicago

One person was killed and another wounded Monday in Chicago .
The day ’ s only fatal shooting claimed the @ @ @ @ @ in in Bowmanville on the North Side .
He was found in an alley with @ @ @ @ @ head about 9:30 p.m. in the 2000 block of West Farragut Avenue , Chicago police @ @ @ @ @ pronounced dead at the scene , police said .
No arrests have been reported .
@ @ @ @ @ in a shooting in Roseland on the South Side .
He was inside of a @ @ @ @ @ the first block of 101st Place when he was shot in the thigh , police @ @ @ @ @ taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was listed in good @ @ @ @ @ One person was killed and 17 others wounded last weekend in Chicago .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s homicides .

One person was killed and another wounded Monday in Chicago.
The day’s only fatal shooting claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy in in Bowmanville on the North Side.
Estaban Luvianos was found in an alley with a gunshot wound to the head about 9:30 p.m. in the 2000 block of West Farragut Avenue, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
Luvianos was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. No arrests have been reported.
A 16-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting in Roseland on the South Side.
He was inside of a home about 5:30 p.m. in the first block of 101st Place when he was shot in the thigh, police said.
The teen was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was listed in good condition, police said.
One person was killed and 17 others wounded last weekend in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-17--Catalytic converter thefts reported in Bronzeville: police

Chicago police are warning residents of a string of catalytic converter thefts reported in February and March in Bronzeville on @ @ @ @ @ each incident someone stole catalytic converters from parked vehicles , Chicago police said in a @ @ @ @ @ incident someone was seen fleeing in a black Dodge Charger .
• About 5:30 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ block of South King Drive ; • About 11 p.m. Feb. 11 and between 4 @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Feb. 12 in the 4300 block of South Forrestville Avenue ; and • Between @ @ @ @ @ 7 a.m. March 3 in the 4500 block of South Michigan Avenue .
Anyone with @ @ @ @ @ Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380 .
Read more on crime , and track the city @ @ @ @

Chicago police are warning residents of a string of catalytic converter thefts reported in February and March in Bronzeville on the South Side.
In each incident someone stole catalytic converters from parked vehicles, Chicago police said in a community alert. In one incident someone was seen fleeing in a black Dodge Charger.
The thefts happened:
About 5:30 a.m. Feb. 3 in the 4300 block of South King Drive;
About 11 p.m. Feb. 11 and between 4 p.m. Feb. 11 and 7 a.m. Feb. 12 in the 4300 block of South Forrestville Avenue; and
Between 7:30 p.m. March 2 and 7 a.m. March 3 in the 4500 block of South Michigan Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-17--Man charged in connection with death of 5-month-old boy

A 26-year-old man has been charged in connection with the death of a 5-month-old boy Saturday in Lawndale on the @ @ @ @ @ has been charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery of a person under the @ @ @ @ @ police said .
Officers responding to a wellbeing check about 1:35 p.m. Saturday found Solomon @ @ @ @ @ in the 500 block of South California Avenue , Chicago police and the Cook County @ @ @ @ @ said .
The officers called for an ambulance , but Greer died before he could @ @ @ @ @ .
Three other children — a 3-year-old boy , 2-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy — @ @ @ @ @ apartment and taken to Stroger Hospital for evaluation , police said .
They were in @ @ @ @ @ on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 26-year-old man has been charged in connection with the death of a 5-month-old boy Saturday in Lawndale on the West Side.
William Greer has been charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery of a person under the age of 13, Chicago police said.
Officers responding to a wellbeing check about 1:35 p.m. Saturday found Solomon Greer unresponsive in an apartment in the 500 block of South California Avenue, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. The officers called for an ambulance, but Greer died before he could be taken to a hospital.
Three other children — a 3-year-old boy, 2-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy — were also found at the apartment and taken to Stroger Hospital for evaluation, police said. They were in good condition.
Greer appeared in bond court March 16 and was released on bail. He is due back in court Monday.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-16--Horoscope for Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Horoscope for Tuesday, March 17, 2020

We have the all clear to shop and do business .
The moon is in Capricorn .
Despite your increasing tendency to keep your thoughts to yourself , today is a fabulous day to talk to bosses , teachers , parents , VIPs and the police .
Step up and make yourself heard !
You might be able to boost your earnings ?
( Ask for a raise ? )
This is a wonderful day to make travel plans , especially travel for pleasure .
Likewise , you might explore avenues in publishing , the media , the law or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also a good day to explore issues related to higher education .
Discussions about shared property , insurance disputes or anything to do with the wealth and resources of your partner ( or someone else ) will go well .
In fact , they might go so well that you will come out smelling like a rose .
( Would that be smelling all the way to the bank ? )
Your exchanges with partners and close friends will be positive and pleasant .
Meet friends for lunch or Happy Hour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mingle with members of the general public because your interactions with others will be convivial .
( Congenial is a nice word , too . )
This is an excellent day for discussions with coworkers , colleagues and supervisors because people are pretty easy-going .
This is an excellent day to get on the good side a boss or someone in a position of authority .
( Go do that voodoo that you do so well . )
A playful day !
Play hooky if you can .
If not , make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun lunch , or some laughs after work .
Grab a matinee .
Make plans to enjoy the company of others this evening .
Do something that gives you a fun , entertaining diversion because you deserve it .
Family conversations will go well today .
In fact , on the one hand , you might want to cocoon at home and relax .
On the other hand ( you have different rings ) , you might want to entertain at home because you feel warm-hearted and happy to see others .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier than usual to appreciate your world , your surroundings and the people in your life , which is why you will enjoy interacting with others .
Get out and schmooze !
You will also like to learn something new , especially related to the arts .
Business and commerce are favored today .
You might have worthwhile money-making ideas or you might attract profitable situations to you .
Be open to all possibilities .
If shopping , you will want to buy beautiful things for yourself and loved ones .
Preferably on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your sign dancing with fair Venus .
This creates pleasant feelings between you and everyone else around you !
You will enjoy good food and drink , especially in entertaining company .
You will also appreciate beautiful surroundings .
Lucky you !
Solitude in beautiful surroundings will please you today because you feel like escaping from the insane busyness of everything around you .
You want some peace and quiet in a pleasant , supportive way .
“ More wine ?
” This is a lovely day to socialize with others , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it helpful to share your ideas , hopes and dreams with this person because in turn , their feedback could be helpful to you .
It ’ s a pleasant day to think about goals .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Kurt Russell ( 1951 ) shares your birthday .
You are a unique individualist .
You ’ re curious , practical and pragmatic .
When you ’ re interested in something , you ’ re intense !
Service to others is your theme this year , especially with family .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that you are a strong resource for yourself and others .
Invest in the relationships that you value .
Tap into your personal creativity and hobbies .

Moon Alert
We have the all clear to shop and do business. The moon is in Capricorn.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Despite your increasing tendency to keep your thoughts to yourself, today is a fabulous day to talk to bosses, teachers, parents, VIPs and the police. Step up and make yourself heard! You might be able to boost your earnings? (Ask for a raise?)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This is a wonderful day to make travel plans, especially travel for pleasure. Likewise, you might explore avenues in publishing, the media, the law or anything to do with medicine. This is also a good day to explore issues related to higher education.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Discussions about shared property, insurance disputes or anything to do with the wealth and resources of your partner (or someone else) will go well. In fact, they might go so well that you will come out smelling like a rose. (Would that be smelling all the way to the bank?)
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Your exchanges with partners and close friends will be positive and pleasant. Meet friends for lunch or Happy Hour. This is also a nice day to mingle with members of the general public because your interactions with others will be convivial. (Congenial is a nice word, too.)
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
This is an excellent day for discussions with coworkers, colleagues and supervisors because people are pretty easy-going. This is an excellent day to get on the good side a boss or someone in a position of authority. (Go do that voodoo that you do so well.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
A playful day! Play hooky if you can. If not, make sure that you enjoy yourself today with a fun lunch, or some laughs after work. Grab a matinee. Make plans to enjoy the company of others this evening. Do something that gives you a fun, entertaining diversion because you deserve it.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Family conversations will go well today. In fact, on the one hand, you might want to cocoon at home and relax. On the other hand (you have different rings), you might want to entertain at home because you feel warm-hearted and happy to see others. “Welcome!”
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Today you find it easier than usual to appreciate your world, your surroundings and the people in your life, which is why you will enjoy interacting with others. Get out and schmooze! You will also like to learn something new, especially related to the arts.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Business and commerce are favored today. You might have worthwhile money-making ideas or you might attract profitable situations to you. Be open to all possibilities. If shopping, you will want to buy beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. Preferably on sale.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today the moon is in your sign dancing with fair Venus. This creates pleasant feelings between you and everyone else around you! You will enjoy good food and drink, especially in entertaining company. You will also appreciate beautiful surroundings. Lucky you!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Solitude in beautiful surroundings will please you today because you feel like escaping from the insane busyness of everything around you. You want some peace and quiet in a pleasant, supportive way. “More wine?”
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
This is a lovely day to socialize with others, especially a female companion. You might find it helpful to share your ideas, hopes and dreams with this person because in turn, their feedback could be helpful to you. It’s a pleasant day to think about goals.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Kurt Russell (1951) shares your birthday. You are a unique individualist. You’re curious, practical and pragmatic. When you’re interested in something, you’re intense! Service to others is your theme this year, especially with family. This means you must take care of yourself so that you are a strong resource for yourself and others. Invest in the relationships that you value. Tap into your personal creativity and hobbies.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-17--Chicago’s big donors raise millions for fund to help with impact of coronavirus pandemic

Chicago ’ s leading donors and fundraisers said Tuesday they are joining forces to raise money for nonprofit groups that will help residents whose health and livelihoods have been imperiled by the coronavirus .
Key details are still being developed , such as how nonprofits will apply for money .
The Chicago Community Trust , which is directing the effort with the United Way of Metro Chicago , said more than $ 8 million has been raised thus far .
The emphasis of the campaign , called the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund , is to put money to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established a website , chicagocovid19response.fund.org , where donations are being solicited and potential grant recipients can provide information .
“ While the full health , social and economic impact of COVID-19 is not yet known , we can be certain the effects will be far-reaching particularly for the most vulnerable in our region , ” said Dr. Helene Gayle , president and CEO of the community trust .
She is an expert in disease control and emergency response .
The organizers said the fund is designed to be flexible and can change its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stemming from the pandemic changes .
Already , mandated shutdown of bars and dine-in restaurants have affected low-wage workers , and layoffs are expected to mount at hotels , airlines and other businesses connected to travel and tourism .
The fund can help organizations address immediate needs such as emergency food and basic supplies , rent and mortgage assistance and utility payments , Gayle said .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot provided a statement of support , saying the campaign is “ a much-needed platform to quickly deploy assistance , funded by the generosity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front-line organizations that are doing critical work to complement existing city resources.
” “ This is an unprecedented time , ” said Sean Garrett , CEO and president of United Way of Metro Chicago .
“ We have to double down on our commitment to organizations , agencies and institutions in our neighborhoods that provide essential resources to the community.
” Grants to launch the fund have come from many wealthy families and organizations , including the foundation of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and his wife , M.K .
The MacArthur and Joyce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of major donors to the fund .
Other donations have come from the Bluhm Family Charitable Foundation , Crown Family Philanthropies and other individuals and corporations .

Chicago’s leading donors and fundraisers said Tuesday they are joining forces to raise money for nonprofit groups that will help residents whose health and livelihoods have been imperiled by the coronavirus.
Key details are still being developed, such as how nonprofits will apply for money. The Chicago Community Trust, which is directing the effort with the United Way of Metro Chicago, said more than $8 million has been raised thus far.
The emphasis of the campaign, called the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, is to put money to work quickly, organizers said. They have established a website, chicagocovid19response.fund.org, where donations are being solicited and potential grant recipients can provide information.
“While the full health, social and economic impact of COVID-19 is not yet known, we can be certain the effects will be far-reaching particularly for the most vulnerable in our region,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of the community trust. She is an expert in disease control and emergency response.
The organizers said the fund is designed to be flexible and can change its priorities as the health and financial crisis stemming from the pandemic changes. Already, mandated shutdown of bars and dine-in restaurants have affected low-wage workers, and layoffs are expected to mount at hotels, airlines and other businesses connected to travel and tourism.
The logo of the COVID-19 fund. Provided
The fund can help organizations address immediate needs such as emergency food and basic supplies, rent and mortgage assistance and utility payments, Gayle said.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot provided a statement of support, saying the campaign is “a much-needed platform to quickly deploy assistance, funded by the generosity of residents, and get it to many front-line organizations that are doing critical work to complement existing city resources.”
“This is an unprecedented time,” said Sean Garrett, CEO and president of United Way of Metro Chicago. “We have to double down on our commitment to organizations, agencies and institutions in our neighborhoods that provide essential resources to the community.”
Grants to launch the fund have come from many wealthy families and organizations, including the foundation of Gov. J.B. Pritzker and his wife, M.K. The MacArthur and Joyce foundations are directing their own money and that of major donors to the fund. Other donations have come from the Bluhm Family Charitable Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies and other individuals and corporations.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-17--Cook County to keep 40 suburban polling places open until 8 p.m., city seeks to keep six open late

Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough said Tuesday that her office secured a court order to allow 40 suburban polling places to remain open an extra hour , until 8 p.m. And in Chicago , city election officials say they plan to go to court to keep about six polling locations open an hour later after some sites opened late Tuesday .
In the suburbs , the Cook County clerk extended voting for an hour — from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. — because of polling place changes and late openings .
The 40 suburban sites are scattered across Barrington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Village , Leyden Township , Lyons , Maine Township , New Trier Township , Niles , Orland Township , Palos Township , Proviso Township , Stickney , Schaumburg , Thornton Township , Wheeling and Worth .
Jim Allen , spokesman for the city ’ s Board of Election Commissioners , said the city may have to go to court on as few as three locations and he expects the decision to be made within the next few hours “ We typically go to court during the 5 or 6 p.m. hour , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we may be needing their services on Election Day so that no matter what the situation might be we ’ re able to resolve that quickly , ” Allen said .

Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough said Tuesday that her office secured a court order to allow 40 suburban polling places to remain open an extra hour, until 8 p.m.
And in Chicago, city election officials say five polling locations will be open an extra hour after some sites opened late Tuesday.
In the suburbs, the Cook County clerk extended voting for an hour — from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. — because of polling place changes and late openings.
The 40 suburban sites are scattered across Barrington, Berwyn, Bremen Township, Elk Grove Village, Leyden Township, Lyons, Maine Township, New Trier Township, Niles, Orland Township, Palos Township, Proviso Township, Stickney, Schaumburg, Thornton Township, Wheeling and Worth.
Jim Allen, spokesman for the city’s Board of Election Commissioners, said earlier Tuesday the city would have to go to court on as few as three locations.
Those locations are Shields Middle School, 2611 W 48th St.; Perspectives Charter School, 8131 S May St.; Garvey School, 10309 S Morgan; Second Church of Christ Science, 2700 N Pine Grove Ave.; McCutcheon School, 4865 N Sheridan Rd.
“We typically go to court during the 5 or 6 p.m. hour, we workout well in advance of Election Day that we may be needing their services on Election Day so that no matter what the situation might be we’re able to resolve that quickly,” Allen said.
Allen said the city is looking at a turnout in the range of 35% or higher, though if more people go out to vote during the evening hours that percentage could “climb up and surpass 40.”
As of 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, roughly 198,000 people had voted.