Newsletter: Ways You Can Prepare For Coronavirus

coronavirus mexico
A man wears a protective mask as a precaution against the spread of the new coronavirus in the metro in Mexico City, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. Mexico's assistant health secretary announced Friday that the country now has confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. Marco Ugarte / AP Photo
coronavirus mexico
A man wears a protective mask as a precaution against the spread of the new coronavirus in the metro in Mexico City, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. Mexico's assistant health secretary announced Friday that the country now has confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. Marco Ugarte / AP Photo

Newsletter: Ways You Can Prepare For Coronavirus

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Hey there! It’s Friday, and thanks for reading the newsletters this week. Here’s a news quiz you can take if you’re looking for something to do. And here’s what you need to know today. (PS: You can have this delivered to your inbox by subscribing here.)

1. Tips on how to prevent and prepare for the coronavirus

The number of confirmed cases continues to grow, fueling concerns of a worldwide pandemic. Here’s a list of ways you can prepare for the virus, from staying calm to following tips we already use to prevent the flu, like washing your hands. [NPR]

Here’s a look at how Illinois and Chicago officials are preparing for an outbreak, along with answers to some common questions. [WBEZ]

And if you have facial hair, U.S. health officials have some thoughts on that. [CNN]

Meanwhile, the rapidly-spreading health crisis has grown into an economic emergency. The S&P 500 index saw its worst week since 2008 as fears grew over the virus’ impact on the global economy. [AP]

2. Chicago police unveil plan to tackle spike in CTA crimes

The Chicago Police Department will deploy 50 more officers to patrol “L” trains and shift four detectives to solving public-transit-related crimes, according to a plan announced today by Interim Police Superintendent Charlie Beck.

That means at least 250 officers will be assigned to patrol trains and platforms. The department will also build what’s being called “a strategic deployment center for mass transit,” which will give cops access to more than 32,000 surveillance cameras on trains, buses and stations. [Chicago Sun-Times]

3. NATO calls urgent meeting after Russian, Syrian forces kill Turkish troops

World leaders are scrambling to defuse tensions in the Middle East after 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in an airstrike carried out by the Syrian government. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned what he called an “indiscriminate air strikes by the Syrian regime and Russia.”

Russia denies it played a role in the strike, which occurred in an area where Russian-backed Syrian forces are combating anti-government militants.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone today and agreed to meet soon. [NPR]

4. Milwaukee mourns victims killed in Molson Coors mass shooting

Family members, friends and coworkers are grieving over the death of five people who were killed in a mass shooting at Milwaukee’s Molson Coors campus this week. All of the victims were employees at the campus, known for decades as the Miller Brewery. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Meanwhile, authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooting. But the suspected gunman, who killed himself after the shooting, reportedly “had been involved in a long-running dispute with a coworker that boiled over before he came back with two guns and started shooting.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

5. Who will win South Carolina’s primary tomorrow?

Democratic voters will choose tomorrow who they think should go one-on-one with President Donald Trump in the November election.

WBEZ will air special coverage of the primary results beginning at 6 p.m. CST tomorrow. You can also find the latest news in the primary in the link. [NPR]

A lot is on the line for former Vice President Joe Biden, whose campaign is banking on a big win in South Carolina’s primary. Here’s a look at what’s at stake for Biden. [NPR]

Billionaire hedge fund investor Tom Steyer is also looking for good news in South Carolina, and that could put Biden in trouble. [NPR]

Here’s what else is happening

  • Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city will still observe Columbus Day after the city’s public schools said no thanks. [Chicago Tribune]

  • Gov. JB Pritzker received a $950 bottle of Japanese whisky. [Chicago Sun-Times]

  • Harry, formerly known as Prince Harry, met up with Jon Bon Jovi in a recording booth. [BBC]

  • WBEZ’s Nerdette has a new book club episode out today. [WBEZ]

Oh, and one more thing …

There’s a new episode of WBEZ’s Motive out today. The new season follows the story of a group of young women seeking justice abroad for alleged sexual assault. There are currently five episodes available, and here’s the latest episode’s description:

“While studying abroad in Spain, Hayley McAleese and Carly Van Ostenbridge reported to both the police and their school that they had been sexually assaulted. It didn’t go as expected.”

You can find the show on Apple, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tell me something good …

What’s your favorite place to go on a date?

Dan L. writes:

“Bite Cafe on Western. I proposed to my wife there, because we had so many wonderful dates there. It’s cozy and casual, but you’re not out of place dressed up. The regular menu checks a lot of boxes, but the best part are the three specials every night. REALLY great food for the price. It’s BYOB, but it’s also attached to the Empty Bottle, so you can still get drinks from their bar. The staff also rocks, often literally.”

Thank you so much to everyone who reached out this week. As always, it’s a pleasure chatting with you!

Thanks for reading and have a nice night! I’ll see you on Monday.