Senators pass resolution naming their Florida State national basketball champions.

A graduate of Florida State University — who probably like most Americans, was bummed his team wasn’t going to play in the big tournament this year — got the state’s senate to pass a resolution naming the Seminoles the 2020 NCAA National Champions.

While it is tempting to use this loophole to claim another Stanley Cup for Chicago —- VERY TEMPTING — I urge our politician’s to continue to tend the important business at hand. 😉  — [eric]

Stream new song from the Killers ‘Caution’

We got some good news this week amid all the bad news, it’s a new song from the KIllers. The rousing song called ‘Cautin’ which has Brandon Flowers and company hitting that perfect vibe where you can picture someone self-reflecting on top of a mountain or something scenic. The song features guitar contributions from former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. It’s the first single from their upcoming album  Imploding the Mirage’ due out May 29th.

The Killers have announced a world tour, bringing them to the United Center on September 23rd.

 

 

All public and private schools to close statewide

Governor Pritzker says the latest information points to the need for strong action, announcing a statewide shutdown of all public and private schools, kindergarten through 12th grade, that will last through March. The closure takes effect Tuesday.

Support is available to you:

  • If you need help locating medical care, please reach out to the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness at [email protected] or by calling the Healthy CPS Hotline 773-553-KIDS (5437).
  • If you or your child has a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and did not have direct contact with a COVID-19 positive person, please contact your primary care provider.
  • If you are concerned that you or your child have had direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact the CDPH at [email protected] or call 312-746-4835.

Also check out the FAQ related to COVID-19 HERE.  I will continue to update this page with more information as I receive it, stay healthy!  <3 Lauren

The Archdiocese of Chicago announces all Catholic Schools will close starting Monday, public mass is suspended

The Archdiocese of Chicago announced it will close all of its schools beginning Monday and students will switch to an E-learning curriculum for an undetermined amount of time to limit spread of COVID-19.  After-school activities, social events and school-related gatherings are also canceled.

According to  WGNTV.com

The Archdiocese has also suspended all public celebrations of mass starting Saturday evening, March 14. Weddings and funerals scheduled for Saturday 14 will proceed while observing the guidelines issued by Gov. JB Pritzker where participating is limited to no more than 250 people. Archdiocesan churches should remain open for private prayer during a timeframe best determined by each pastor, the archdiocese said in a statement.

Chicago Public Schools remains open, in a letter located on CPS’s website HERE,

“Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot affirmed that we will not be closing schools in Chicago or Illinois. To help prevent community spread of COVID-19, CPS has issued restrictions on both travel and group activities.

All travel conducted on behalf of the district beyond city limits is canceled through spring break.

All international trips on behalf of the district are canceled.

Sports will be suspended until further notice.

We are limiting visitors to CPS schools and facilities.

Support is available to you:

  • If you need help locating medical care, please reach out to the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness at [email protected] or by calling the Healthy CPS Hotline 773-553-KIDS (5437).
  • If you or your child has a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and did not have direct contact with a COVID-19 positive person, please contact your primary care provider.
  • If you are concerned that you or your child have had direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact the CDPH at [email protected] or call 312-746-4835.

Update: Schaumburg Community Consolidated School District 54 has announced school closings

Update: (3/13 noon) Teachers Union Demands CPS Close All Schools Due to Coronavirus Concerns according to Block Club Chicago.

Update: (3/13  2:25p) All District 62 schools will be closed beginning Monday, March 16 through spring break, Friday, March 27. This decision was made in conjunction with the school districts in Maine Township (River Trails School District 26, Community Consolidated School District 62, East Maine District 63, Park Ridge-Niles District 64, Pennoyer Elementary School District 79 and Maine Township High School District 207) as we continue to work together to monitor developments related to 2019 Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19.

While there are NO reported cases of COVID-19 coronavirus connected to any of our school districts at this time, the safety, health and well being of the citizens of our community are the priority in making this decision. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) continue to encourage prevention measures and caution. We are closing as a public health precaution, in response to the recommendations from the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health to avoid crowds in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

 

Also check out the FAQ related to COVID-19 HERE.  I will continue to update this page with more information as I receive it, stay healthy!  <3 Lauren

 

Photo by Shopify Partners from Burst

Rock HOF induction ceremony postponed

Another major event has been sidelined by COVID-19. From a press announcement from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:

“Given recent news regarding coronavirus and the urging by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine regarding large public gatherings, we have made the decision to postpone the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Induction Week festivities until later this year. Additional details, including new dates and ticket information, will be announced shortly and shared directly with ticket holders and supporters. Details of the rescheduled HBO live broadcast of the event will be announced at a later date as well.”

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Kevin Love donates $100 K

With the NBA suspending its season, thousands of people will be out of work. And no one knows when they will be able to return to their job.

Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavilers has decided to step up and donate $100 K of his own money to help make sure that everyone, not just the players and coaching staff, can still get an income during the suspension.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. And the fear and anxiety resulting from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 can be extremely overwhelming. Through the game of basketball, we’ve been able to address major issues and stand together as a progressive league that cares about the players, the fans, and the communities where we work. I’m concerned about the level of anxiety that everyone is feeling and that is why I’m committing $100,000 through the @KevinLoveFund in support of the @Cavs arena and support staff that had a sudden life shift due to the suspension of the NBA season. I hope that during this time of crisis, others will join me in supporting our communities. Pandemics are not just a medical phenomenon. They affect individuals and society on so many levels, with stigma and xenophobia being just two aspects of the impact of a pandemic outbreak. It’s important to know that those with a mental illness may be vulnerable to the effects of widespread panic and threat. Be kind to one another. Be understanding of their fears, regardless if you don’t feel the same. Be safe and make informed decisions during this time. And I encourage everyone to take care of themselves and to reach out to others in need — whether that means supporting your local charities that are canceling events, or checking in on your colleagues and family.

A post shared by Kevin Love (@kevinlove) on

And Love isn’t the only one in the NBA stepping up to the plate to make sure no one goes without pay.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has said that he has already started working on a solution to continue payroll for all Mavericks employees.

It is nice to see that the players and owners of the NBA really do appreciate everyone who helps put together a professional basketball game.

All the way from the owner down to the seat ushers deserve to get paid during the pandemic.

 

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What should Aon name Willis (Sears) Tower?

Chicago! This is our opportunity to do something special.

Everyone was furious when the Sears Tower was renamed to the Willis Tower. In fact, most people still refuse to call it the ‘W’ word.

But the tower has been purchased once again, which means a name change is inevitable.

Here’s the elephant in the room, they obviously can’t name it the Sears Tower again… So what should they name it?

Let us know what you think on our Facebook or Twitter!

My vote is for Tower McTowerface.

Justin’s tribute to Bille Eilish

Billie Eilish delivered a powerful message at her show in Miami a few days ago.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

holy duck this was so powerful i cannot even begin to describe oh mygod

A post shared by daniela &natalia z (@badtype.bil) on

Justin was so inspired by her touching video that he decided to make his own to share with the world.

Did you see Billie Eilish’s surprising moment in Miami? Here’s Justin’s tribute to that.

#BillieEilish

Posted by 101 WKQX on Wednesday, March 11, 2020

See, love yourself.

Hugs and Kisses <3

– Brian, Ali, and Justin

Billie Eilish Delivers Powerful Speech Against Body Shaming

It must be really weird and intense to be the biggest artist in the world and barely old enough to buy a lottery ticket. And imagine being the voice of an entire generation while you are in the middle of growing up.  So far Billie Eilish seems to have passed every test when it comes to handling all that, and at a recent concert she aired a video with a powerful message against body shaming.  She rules. Check it out below for yourself, and make sure you find a way in to the United Center on March 24th to see her yourself if you can!

 

 

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Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade canceled

Chicago’s downtown St. Patrick’s Day celebration and parade have been canceled this weekend amid coronavirus concerns. Parade officials made the announcement Wednesday, saying the parade is now canceled for Saturday. For more info, check out the official parade website here.

How to keep cats off the counter

Why do cats hate tin foil? What about it scares them?

Don’t they know how useful it is!

Well if your furry friend won’t stay off the counter you can try putting down some tin foil to keep them away.

HAHA! Dumb cat!

I’m sorry. I’m sure that is a perfectly nice cat.

But at least they’ll stay off those dang counters!

Does this count as a birdie?

That bird left all he had out there on the links. Now that is dedication to the game.

I think the law is that this golfer gets to keep the bird right?

OH MY GOD 😳 (via todd_shannon/Instagram)

Posted by Bleacher Report on Tuesday, March 10, 2020

 

There’s a 0% chance that I wouldn’t stuff this bird and hang it on the wall as a trophy.

A birdie is a birdie, right? He has to mark that down on his score sheet!

Don’t do this to stay healthy

As COVID-19 spreads throughout the world, so does fear. So these parents are taking extra precautions to try and stay healthy.

However, some of their practices are really… interesting.

Now that is a hazmat suit!

It’s a little holy, and her nose is exposed, but at least her heart is in it!

Make sure to wash your hands and wipe down your kids.