Thread by @ChrisDunkerLJS

The @JournalStarNews is trying to be as flexible as possible to we have reporters available to cover the local effects of the #COVID19 pandemic around the clock.

As such, @LJSRileyJohnson is out today & working Sunday, so I'll be covering the @CityOfLincoln's 11:30 a.m. presser.

From the announcement: "Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and community partners will announce a new fund to support those impacted by the coronavirus."

"We're here today to announce some good news," Baird says. But first, she wants to acknowledge the effects of the #coronavirus have also had an impact on the local economy, everything from waiters and bartenders, day care providers, etc.

"This is a crucible moment," she says. To help, the city and the Lincoln Community Foundation have created the Lincoln COVID-19 Response Fund to help "those disproportionately affected" by the pandemic -- those without health insurance, underlying health problems, etc.

The committee will meet virtually. It includes "a broad cross-section" of #LNK. She's running through the list of people on the response fund board (I'll get those later).

"Lincoln is fortunate to have dedicated leaders who during these uncertain times have answered the call," Baird says. "On behalf of Lincoln, I'd like to thank them."

The fund will "rapidly deploy" grants to nonprofits working on the front lines of helping people affected by COVID-19.

The partners have put $500,000 in matching funds just this week to get it started.

They've already got a website up and running if you'd like to donate: my.lcf.org/covid19

Baird says more info will be coming about how Lincolnites can not only give $, but can build community bridges during these tough times. There have been some creative ideas like virtual book clubs, she says.

"We're going to make this happen as quickly as possible," she says.

Megan Liesveld, exec director of United Way, says the community has already stepped up to support the nonprofits trying to help those with the greatest need already.