Hey there! It’s Wednesday, and I’m happy to announce that after much perseverance, my husband has finished watching every season of Downton Abbey. Here’s what you need to know today. (PS: You can have this delivered to your inbox by subscribing here.)
1. Coronavirus outbreak is now a pandemic
The World Health Organization today confirmed what many public health officials have been saying for weeks: That the coronavirus outbreak — which has spread to more than 100 countries and killed more than 4,000 people so far — is a pandemic. [NPR]
The news came shortly after the U.S. government’s top infectious-disease expert said Americans have not seen the worst yet. [NPR]
Meanwhile in Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot today canceled three St. Patrick’s Day parades because of fears that the mass gatherings would spread the coronavirus. The cancellations affect Saturday’s parade downtown and Sunday’s South Side Irish parade in the Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood neighborhoods. Lightfoot said the parades will be rescheduled.
And election officials in Chicago are encouraging voters to use mail-in ballots for the March 17 primary. [WBEZ]
If you’re heading to the voting booth next week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that voters stand far apart from each other while waiting in line. [WBEZ]
2. Sanders says he’s not throwing in the towel
Sen. Bernie Sanders said today he will remain in the Democratic presidential race despite suffering major losses last night to former Vice President Joe Biden. [NPR]
The path to victory now appears much more difficult for Sanders. Not only did Biden expand his delegate count for the party’s nomination, but voter data suggest that Sanders’ support has hit a ceiling. You can find more takeaways in this link. [NPR]
Meanwhile, here’s a look at one part of Illinois’ Democratic primary ballot that doesn’t often get a lot of attention: state delegates. [WBEZ]
And WBEZ’s politics team made this handy crib sheet for voters. [WBEZ]
3. Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 23 years
Today’s sentencing in New York caps the high-profile downfall of Weinstein, a once-powerful Hollywood mogul who was found guilty of rape and sexual abuse. The allegations against Weinstein from several women helped ignite the nationwide #MeToo movement.
Lawyers for Weinstein had asked for leniency and cited his poor health. But Judge James Burke handed down a 23-year sentence.
Weinstein’s legal troubles aren’t over yet: He still faces four felony counts of sexual assault in Los Angles. [NPR]
4. What will a coronavirus bailout look like for the economy?
Wall Street saw another turbulent day as the coronavirus pandemic increasingly becomes a dual threat to public health and the world economy.
The Washington Post reports that White House officials plan to meet with Wall Street executives this week, a meeting that comes as the Trump administration and Congress disagree over the government’s response to the pandemic.
The White House has floated a number of measures to boost the economy, such as tax cuts and delaying tax filings. House Democrats, meanwhile, are moving forward with a plan aimed at people directly affected by the virus, and it includes proposals to expand sick leave and unemployment insurance. [Washington Post]
5. Lawsuit filed against Chicago cops involved in Red Line shooting
Ariel Roman, an unarmed man shot twice by a Chicago police officer last month at the Red Line’s Grand station, filed a federal lawsuit today. The shooting, captured on a video widely shared online, is under investigation by various agencies. The two cops involved have been stripped of their police powers.
Police last month said Roman was traveling between train cars on the Red Line, which is technically against the rules. A struggle erupted on the Grand station platform, and one of the officers open fired at Roman.
Roman is suing both officers and the city. A spokeswoman for the city’s law department declined to comment. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Here’s what else is happening
Chicago officials are trying to figure out how much it would cost for Chicago to provision its own electricity instead of paying ComEd. [WBEZ]
Two corrupt Chicago cops asked a federal judge to give them less than four years in prison. [WBEZ]
USA Swimming said it will settle a sex abuse lawsuit filed by a former Olympian. [NPR]
Astronomers say “iron rain” is part of the weather forecast for a Jupiter-like planet some 390 light-years away. [AP]
Oh, and one more thing …
One day I hope to walk into a thrift store and discover an overlooked gem that will result in endless hot dogs for my nephews.
Until then, I’ve got Antiques Roadshow and stories like this one: A thrift store in North Carolina found out that a piece of artwork priced between $10 and $50 was actually created by the hands of Salvador Dali.
“One day I saw this, with a bunch of other paintings lined up on the floor, and I said ‘this is old, this is something special,’” said Wendy Hawkins, a volunteer at the store.
The artwork was later sold for $1,200, but why someone would leave it in a thrift store remains a mystery. [NPR]
Tell me something good …
I saw my nephews this past weekend and watched A LOT of children’s movies. So I’d like to know what your favorite childhood movie is.
Joyce Miller Bean writes:
“My favorite childhood movie was Jason and the Argonauts. The special effects were state of the art for that time. And when an army of skeletons sprouted out of the ground to battle the heroes, a whole theater full of Saturday morning matinee-watching kids burst into excited shouts. I love that memory.”
And David Rex James writes:
“My favorite kids movie is The Neverending Story.”
What’s your favorite childhood movie? Feel free to email at therundown@wbez.org or tweet to @whuntah.
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