Afternoon Edition: March 10, 2020

Good afternoon. Here’s the latest news you need to know in Chicago. It’s about a 5-minute read that will brief you on today’s biggest stories.

After a cold and cloudy morning, we should see some sun and a high near 46 degrees this afternoon. Tonight, rain and snow are on the forecast as temperatures drop to a low of 35 degrees. Tomorrow morning, more rain and snow, but it’ll just be rain by 9 a.m.

Top story

4th Chicago-area school closes after contact with coronavirus

Two more Chicago-area schools canceled classes today after a parent, student or staff member tested positive for coronavirus or came in contact with someone who has. This brings local school closures amid coronavirus concerns up to four.

Anshe Emet Synagogue and Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School in Lake View were closed today after the parent of a student tested positive for COVID-19. It will remain closed until they receive the family’s test results, senior Rabbi Michael S. Siegel wrote in a letter to parents.

And after learning that a school member came into contact with someone diagnosed with coronavirus, Resurrection College Prep High School dismissed classes this morning. The school said it will undergo a “deep cleaning” today.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration has established several committees — focused on everything from public safety to finance to parks and libraries — to address growing coronavirus concerns.

The committees are meeting regularly to make plans in case the number of cases increases and “a prolonged response” is required, City Hall sources said.

See our full list of closures, cancellations and quarantines.

More news you need

1. Two women — a former army general and a former medical director of the largest juvenile detention center in the country — are in charge of containing the spread of coronavirus in Illinois. Get to know them with the help of reporter Tina Sfondeles.
2. A City Council committee agreed today to crack down on “cyber flashing”: when someone sends an intimate image to someone without their request or consent. Penalties could include a fine, community service or even jail time.
3. Last month, two Chinese men were fatally shot during a robbery in Chinatown. When authorities charged Alvin Thomas, a black man, with the killings of Huayi Bian and Weizhong Xiong, “racial tensions in the community reached a fever pitch,” WBEZ reports. Read/listen the full story.
4. Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s plan to finalize long-debated police reforms hit a snag today, just days after the civilian police review ordinance was hailed as a great compromise. Fran Spielman breaks down both sides of the 11th-hour disagreement.
5. Gyms across Chicago, like The Space in Hyde Park, are cleaning more and asking customers to wipe down equipment to deal with the threat of the coronavirus. Others aren’t adding any new sanitation protocols.
6. Whether you’re just a little hungry or really starving, McDonald’s will soon offer a Big Mac to match. Say hello to the the Little Mac and the Double Big Mac.

A bright one

Tonight, season 24 of “The Bachelor” concludes with Peter Weber choosing between contestants Hannah Ann and Madison.

If you love this show, Peter’s mom scream-crying and all, you’ll have a chance to live out your own “most dramatic season ever” this weekend. “The Bachelor: Live On Stage” will be in Chicago on Saturday at Cadillac Palace, complete with hometown dates, iconic limo entrances and rose ceremonies.

There are two shows slated for Saturday; both will be hosted by former stars Becca Kufrin and Ben Higgins. In each show, 10-12 Chicago ladies will compete in “a series of games, challenges, onstage dates and other getting-to-know-you scenarios” to win the heart of a Bachelor — Chicagoan (and franchise alum) Dustin Kendrick at the 3 p.m. matinee or fellow local and show alum Diggy Moreland at the 8 p.m. show.

If you’re more comfortable watching the drama unfold instead of participating it (just like you do at home), tickets are $25-$80.

Read about what else you can expect at “The Bachelor Live On Stage.”

From the press box

Coby White, who’s in the midst of a seven-game run averaging 27 points per game, will finally make his first start in a Bulls uniform tonight against the Cavaliers. “He’s earned this opportunity. He’s grown into this opportunity,” coach Jim Boylen said of starting the 2019 first-round pick.

The Cubs and White Sox also play this afternoon in Arizona, where both teams continue to evaluate who will start on the mound Opening Day. David Ross would be wise to pick Kyle Hendricks for a number of reasons, Rick Morrissey writes.

Your daily question ☕

Aon is buying Willis Towers Watson, which means we might have to get used to calling Willis Tower something new, again. What do you think we should call it?

Email us here (please include your first name and where you live) and we might include your answer in the next Afternoon Edition.

Yesterday, we asked you if you worry about the data being stored on the smart devices in your home. Mary Welter wrote in:

“Privacy is an urban myth. Before smart devices, neighbors always knew what was going on and who was doing it. The difference with smart devices is that some people can rally and say it is wrong. Before making laws to suit a few, legislators should use their smart devices to see if the majority of voters want to have a restrictive law.”

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