chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--As colon cancer rises among the young, South Loop man’s doctors try an old tool in a new way

As colon cancer rises among the young , South Loop man ’ s doctors try an old tool in a new way Share All sharing options for : As colon cancer rises among the young , South Loop man ’ s doctors try an old tool in a new way Sometimes fate hits you with both barrels , the good and the bad in one life-altering blast .
In August 2017 , Shannon Harrity found out she was pregnant .
Two days later , her husband Sean O ’ Reilly learned he had metastatic cancer .
It had started years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his liver .
O ’ Reilly ’ s previous doctors had puzzled over his stomach problems , his bloody stools .
Maybe hemorrhoids , they speculated .
He was so young — in his late 30s .
Too young to bother with a colonoscopy .
Too young to worry about what the NU doctors found — spreading colon cancer , Stage 4 .
“ You hear the ‘ C-word , ’ and you think it ’ s over , you ’ re dead , ” O ’ Reilly says .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re six feet under the ground.
” Chemotherapy started two weeks later .
In a second irony , while he was back at Northwestern Memorial Hospital ’ s Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center for his first chemotherapy session , as the virulent chemicals were dripping into his veins , his wife was across the street at Northwestern ’ s Prentice Women ’ s Hospital , learning she was carrying twins .
How does a couple respond to this kind of one-two punch ?
“ Happy but devastated , ” says O ’ Reilly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A lot of life changes in very little time , ” says Harrity , who works in human resources for a consulting company .
“ We were definitely overwhelmed.
” Even his doctors were moved .
“ Emotional for all of us , ” says Dr. Ryan Merkow , O ’ Reilly ’ s surgical oncologist .
“ It had a big impact.
” O ’ Reilly was 39 when he learned he had cancer , making him part of a new development doctors have identified but don ’ t yet fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older Americans — those over 50 — but up sharply among the young , jumping by 20 % .
“ We ’ re definitely seeing a trend here , ” says Dr. Mary F. Mulcahy , O ’ Reilly ’ s medical oncologist .
“ Reports from across the United States show it is on the rise in people less than 50 , on the decline in every other age group.
” Nobody knows why .
“ Everyone wants to attribute it to the rotten American diet , but that isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is across the world .
Incredibly healthy people with incredibly health diets have it.
” “ Probably a complex interaction with something in the environment , ” Merkow says .
“ We have to assume it ’ s environmental , not from genetics.
” For O ’ Reilly , his youth made his diagnosis all the more stunning .
“ When I was diagnosed .
I was astounded , ” he says .
“ It was shocking to me .
‘ This is what old people get.
’ Since my diagnosis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years I have met more young people with colon cancer than older people with colon cancer.
” His wife wishes they had more aggressively pursued answers .
“ Sean had symptoms for years , ” says Harrity , crying .
“ He went to the doctor , time after time , and was told : It ’ s nothing , don ’ t worry about it .
They were using language that made us believe they were taking this seriously .
But they weren ’ t .
“ This could easily have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s important that people know these types of symptoms .
He was fatigued .
He had blood in his stool .
Several times he said , ‘ Should I go have a colonoscopy ?
’ and the doctor said , ‘ Don ’ t worry , it ’ s not necessary.
’ ” The good news was that , after two years , the tumors in his colon became so small as to be undetectable .
But at least 10 tumors were growing on both sides of his liver .
So many that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The surgery would damage too much normal liver , ” Mulcahy says .
“ It does regenerate , but you have to spare an artery , a vein , a bile duct .
If you ’ re taking out too large a section of the liver , it ’ s going to cause liver failure.
” Nor was a transplant an option .
With liver cancer , the rate of recurrence is high : 50 % that It could come back in the new liver .
And the immunosuppressant drugs that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liver undercut its ability to fight off cancer .
Transplants have been given to people in O ’ Reilly ’ s situation .
While his doctors say it isn ’ t in the cards , not now , he is hopeful .
“ I like to think it ’ s still an option , ” O ’ Reilly says .
With surgery and a transplant unavailable , all that was left was chemo .
The problem , though , is that , in time , chemo — and he has had 70 rounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efficacy .
That happened to O ’ Reilly last year .
“ We ’ d run of options , ” Merkow says .
“ He ’ d been through every type of systemic chemotherapy .
Its ability to control his liver disease was becoming less effective.
” Merkow decided to try a treatment that has fallen out of general use but with new types of anti-cancer drugs is being revived as a way to concentrate the chemo directly at the site of the cancer .
“ The hepatic artery infusion pump has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1980s , and gone in and our of favor , ” Merkow says .
“ It ’ s not commonly used now — there are three or four hospitals in the Midwest using it .
We ’ re the only ones in Illinois.
” In May , 2019 , Merkow implanted the pump , which is about the diameter of a hockey puck though thankfully a bit thinner , in O ’ Reilly ’ s abdominal wall , with a catheter going directly into the artery feeding the liver ( hepatic means relating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in the way , so it as removed — you don ’ t really need one .
The two milligrams of daily chemo goes directly into the liver , where it stays , attacking cancer cells .
“ Putting the pump in , we can have higher doses , more intensive therapy , ” Merkow says .
“ The drug is completely metabolized in the liver , so there really are no side effects from chemotherapy.
” Every two weeks , O ’ Reilly , who lives in the South Loop , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the cancer from taking hold in the rest of his bod , and to have his pump filled either with chemo or a saline solution to keep the lines clear while allowing the liver to rest .
But lately the tumors are growing again — a setback — and a week ago the pump was filled with chemo again .
The goal now isn ’ t to cure the cancer so much as to live with it as long as possible .
” We ’ ve achieved disease control , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a very good response .
In these situations , where we can ’ t remove everything , we convert it into a chronic disease , trying to achieve the beset possible outcome.
” “ He ’ s likely to be on treatment indefinitely , ” Mulcahy says .
“ This therapy is buying us time .
He ’ s living with cancer .
He ’ s doing well .
It ’ s a lot — for him and his wife and his kids .
It ’ s a hard life , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , lives that — though it sounds strange to say — are , in a sense , enriched by the cancer .
O ’ Reilly journals about his battle .
“ You want to be aware of what your thoughts are , ” he says .
“ There ’ s value in suffering .
It gives you exposure to another element of human existence yo wouldn ’ t have otherwise had.
” O ’ Reilly hasn ’ t missed a day of work .
His twins Madelyn and Vivian are now almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friendly staffer at Northwestern — and are “ curious and rambunctious girls.
” The couple ’ s son Eamon , who was talking in full sentences at 2 , is now 6 and keeps track of his father ’ s struggle .
“ He knows his father has cancer and it sometimes makes him tired , ” Harrity says .
Some parents are so busy they aren ’ t present with their young children .
O ’ Reilly ’ s experience is the opposite .
Living perhaps on borrowed time encourages him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the time .
“ In a way , it ’ s a blessing , ” he says .
“ Because you are living a life so much deeper than it ordinarily would have been .
When you ’ re living in the present more , you really understand and value every moment you have with your children .
You ’ re not taking them for granted .
You are living in the here and now.
” “ We hope there ’ s an end , but we ’ ve been at it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m the emotional one ... Who wouldn ’ t be ?
He is incredible , always one step at a time .
It ’ s not about what happens to you but how you respond .
He ’ s resilient , and he is responding better than a lot of people in his situation would .
We ’ ve been very happy.
” “ I became very depressed for three to five months , ” O ’ Reilly says .
“ I did a lot of reading , thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s my decision to be positive or negative .
The negative road leads nowhere .
All successful stories deal with positivity .
Science reflects that the human body heals ridiculously well with positivity .
It actually affects cells and healing .
That ’ s why people who are stressed get sick .
“ At the end of day , all you have is a decision .
You either push things away and resist .
Or you accept and embrace .
Like anything in life .
I decided to accept it and embrace it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Negativity leads nowhere .
There ’ s freedom in embracing and acceptance .
“ I don ’ t view this as a death sentence anymore .
I view it as : I ’ m going to beat it , or I ’ m going to live with it .
”

Sometimes fate hits you with both barrels, the good and the bad in one life-altering blast.
In August 2017, Shannon Harrity found out she was pregnant. Two days later, her husband Sean O’Reilly learned he had metastatic cancer. It had started years earlier in his colon, then spread to his liver.
O’Reilly’s previous doctors had puzzled over his stomach problems, his bloody stools. Maybe hemorrhoids, they speculated. He was so young — in his late 30s. Too young to bother with a colonoscopy. Too young to worry about what the NU doctors found — spreading colon cancer, Stage 4.
“You hear the ‘C-word,’ and you think it’s over, you’re dead,” O’Reilly says. “There is no Stage 5. You’re six feet under the ground.”
Chemotherapy started two weeks later. In a second irony, while he was back at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center for his first chemotherapy session, as the virulent chemicals were dripping into his veins, his wife was across the street at Northwestern’s Prentice Women’s Hospital, learning she was carrying twins.
How does a couple respond to this kind of one-two punch?
“Happy but devastated,” says O’Reilly, an analyst for the federal government.
“A lot of life changes in very little time,” says Harrity, who works in human resources for a consulting company. “We were definitely overwhelmed.”
A hepatic artery infusion pump in Sean O’Reilly’s abdominal delivers high-dose chemotherapy directly to the liver through a large artery, the hepatic artery. O’Reilly (right) and oncology nurse Caroline Castino prepare for the procedure at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Victor Hilitski / Sun-Times
Even his doctors were moved.
“Emotional for all of us,” says Dr. Ryan Merkow, O’Reilly’s surgical oncologist. “It had a big impact.”
O’Reilly was 39 when he learned he had cancer, making him part of a new development doctors have identified but don’t yet fully understand. Colon cancer is down among older Americans — those over 50 — but up sharply among the young, jumping by 20%.
“We’re definitely seeing a trend here,” says Dr. Mary F. Mulcahy, O’Reilly’s medical oncologist. “Reports from across the United States show it is on the rise in people less than 50, on the decline in every other age group.”
Nobody knows why.
“Everyone wants to attribute it to the rotten American diet, but that isn’t it,” Mulcahy says. “This is across the world. Incredibly healthy people with incredibly health diets have it.”
“Probably a complex interaction with something in the environment,” Merkow says. “We have to assume it’s environmental, not from genetics.”
Dr. Ryan Merkow (right), a surgical oncologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Shannon Harrity, whose husband Sean O’Reilly is receiving chemotherapy with a specialized hepatic artery infusion pump at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Victor Hilitski / Sun-Times
For O’Reilly, his youth made his diagnosis all the more stunning.
“When I was diagnosed. I was astounded,” he says. “It was shocking to me. ‘This is what old people get.’ Since my diagnosis, over the past two and a half years I have met more young people with colon cancer than older people with colon cancer.”
His wife wishes they had more aggressively pursued answers.
“Sean had symptoms for years,” says Harrity, crying. “He went to the doctor, time after time, and was told: It’s nothing, don’t worry about it. They were using language that made us believe they were taking this seriously. But they weren’t.
“This could easily have been caught much sooner, and it’s important that people know these types of symptoms. He was fatigued. He had blood in his stool. Several times he said, ‘Should I go have a colonoscopy?’ and the doctor said, ‘Don’t worry, it’s not necessary.’ ”
The good news was that, after two years, the tumors in his colon became so small as to be undetectable. But at least 10 tumors were growing on both sides of his liver. So many that they couldn’t be removed surgically.
“The surgery would damage too much normal liver,” Mulcahy says. “It does regenerate, but you have to spare an artery, a vein, a bile duct. If you’re taking out too large a section of the liver, it’s going to cause liver failure.”
Nor was a transplant an option. With liver cancer, the rate of recurrence is high: 50% that It could come back in the new liver.
And the immunosuppressant drugs that keep a body from rejecting a new liver undercut its ability to fight off cancer. Transplants have been given to people in O’Reilly’s situation. While his doctors say it isn’t in the cards, not now, he is hopeful.
“I like to think it’s still an option,” O’Reilly says.
With surgery and a transplant unavailable, all that was left was chemo. The problem, though, is that, in time, chemo — and he has had 70 rounds of it — begins to lose its efficacy. That happened to O’Reilly last year.
“We’d run of options,” Merkow says. “He’d been through every type of systemic chemotherapy. Its ability to control his liver disease was becoming less effective.”
Merkow decided to try a treatment that has fallen out of general use but with new types of anti-cancer drugs is being revived as a way to concentrate the chemo directly at the site of the cancer.
Oncology nurses Katie Leinenweber (left) and Caroline Castino fill a hepatic artery infusion pump inside Sean O’Reilly’s abdomen with saline solution to keep the lines within his body clear. Victor Hilitski / Sun-Times
“The hepatic artery infusion pump has been around for several decades, since the 1980s, and gone in and our of favor,” Merkow says. “It’s not commonly used now — there are three or four hospitals in the Midwest using it. We’re the only ones in Illinois.”
In May, 2019, Merkow implanted the pump, which is about the diameter of a hockey puck though thankfully a bit thinner, in O’Reilly’s abdominal wall, with a catheter going directly into the artery feeding the liver (hepatic means relating to the liver).
His gallbladder was in the way, so it as removed — you don’t really need one. The two milligrams of daily chemo goes directly into the liver, where it stays, attacking cancer cells.
“Putting the pump in, we can have higher doses, more intensive therapy,” Merkow says. “The drug is completely metabolized in the liver, so there really are no side effects from chemotherapy.”
Every two weeks, O’Reilly, who lives in the South Loop, goes to Northwestern to receive systemic chemo to keep the cancer from taking hold in the rest of his bod, and to have his pump filled either with chemo or a saline solution to keep the lines clear while allowing the liver to rest. But lately the tumors are growing again — a setback — and a week ago the pump was filled with chemo again.
The goal now isn’t to cure the cancer so much as to live with it as long as possible.
”We’ve achieved disease control,” Merkow says. “He’s had a very good response. In these situations, where we can’t remove everything, we convert it into a chronic disease, trying to achieve the beset possible outcome.”
“He’s likely to be on treatment indefinitely,” Mulcahy says. “This therapy is buying us time. He’s living with cancer. He’s doing well. It’s a lot — for him and his wife and his kids. It’s a hard life, to live with cancer.”
But live they do, lives that — though it sounds strange to say — are, in a sense, enriched by the cancer. O’Reilly journals about his battle.
“You want to be aware of what your thoughts are,” he says. “There’s value in suffering. It gives you exposure to another element of human existence yo wouldn’t have otherwise had.”
Sean O’Reilly has been fighting metastatic colon cancer for almost three years. Once considered an ailment mainly found in older patients, the rate of colon cancer has gone up sharply among people in their 20s and 30s. Victor Hilitski / Sun-Times
O’Reilly hasn’t missed a day of work. His twins Madelyn and Vivian are now almost 2 — one named for a particularly friendly staffer at Northwestern — and are “curious and rambunctious girls.” The couple’s son Eamon, who was talking in full sentences at 2, is now 6 and keeps track of his father’s struggle.
“He knows his father has cancer and it sometimes makes him tired,” Harrity says.
Some parents are so busy they aren’t present with their young children. O’Reilly’s experience is the opposite. Living perhaps on borrowed time encourages him to focus on the living part and not on the time.
“In a way, it’s a blessing,” he says. “Because you are living a life so much deeper than it ordinarily would have been. When you’re living in the present more, you really understand and value every moment you have with your children. You’re not taking them for granted. You are living in the here and now.”
“We hope there’s an end, but we’ve been at it a long time,” Harrity says. “I’m the emotional one ... Who wouldn’t be? He is incredible, always one step at a time. It’s not about what happens to you but how you respond. He’s resilient, and he is responding better than a lot of people in his situation would. We’ve been very happy.”
“I became very depressed for three to five months,” O’Reilly says. “I did a lot of reading, thought a lot about choice. It’s my decision to be positive or negative. The negative road leads nowhere. All successful stories deal with positivity. Science reflects that the human body heals ridiculously well with positivity. It actually affects cells and healing. That’s why people who are stressed get sick.
“At the end of day, all you have is a decision. You either push things away and resist. Or you accept and embrace. Like anything in life. I decided to accept it and embrace it. Because the other decision leads nowhere. Negativity leads nowhere. There’s freedom in embracing and acceptance.
“I don’t view this as a death sentence anymore. I view it as: I’m going to beat it, or I’m going to live with it.”


Chicago-pedia: Religion

Some call it “ Chicago-ese , ” or “ Chicago-speak.
” Whatever you call it , we ’ re capturing it here , in Chicago-pedia — highlighting our local terminology and linguistic quirks ( sometimes with humor and obvious exaggeration ) .
SISTER JEAN : 1 .
Jean Dolores Schmidt , a beloved century-old nun serving as the Loyola University Chicago men ’ s basketball chaplain who became a national celebrity during the team ’ s storybook 2018 Final Four run .
RAMBLERS : Nickname for Loyola University Chicago , coined because of the since-disbanded football team decades ago used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for games .
The mascot was once , unbelievably , a hobo .
Now , it ’ s a wolf .
DEPAUL : North Side Catholic college whose nickname , the “ Blue Demons , ” carries no religious implication : The uniforms for one of the school ’ s early sports teams included the letter “ D ” for “ DePaul , ” and , accordingly , the players became known at the “ D Men , ” which evolved into “ Demon.
” BAPTIZE : 1 .
Something parents do to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church again except maybe on Christmas and Easter .
PUBLICS : Used by Chicago Catholics , in particular parochial school students , to describe non-Catholics .
“ Publics went to public school , were subjected to ‘ what can you expect from public school kids ’ glares from adults and went to different churches , which were all the same anyway.
” — John R. Powers , “ The Last Catholic in America ” THE MOSQUE MARYAM : Golden-domed headquarters for the Nation of Islam in what used to be a Greek Orthodox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The building was reportedly bought with the help of a $ 3 million loan from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi , a onetime friend of Nation of Island leader Louis Farrakhan .
THE CARDINAL : 1 .
Blase Cupich , Chicago ’ s top Catholic cleric since 2014 , who ’ s pledged greater transparency to heal a wounded flock but continues to withhold information on the extent of the sex abuse crisis and its financial implications .
THE PENGUIN : Nickname for a nun , popularized by 1980 movie “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ruler-toting , habit-wearing sister running an orphanage in Calumet City .
2 .
One of Chicago ’ s top tourist neighborhoods , home to numerous restaurants , an award-winning Skidmore , Owings & Merril-designed public library and the beautiful Ping Tom Memorial Park .
THE FEAST : For many Americans , a special day honoring the Virgin Mary , Jesus ’ mother .
The Dec. 12 “ feast day ” of Our Lady of Guadalupe marks , in Catholic tradition , Mary ’ s appearance in 1531 to an indigenous man named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plaines , there ’ s a shrine dedicated to her that includes a 12-foot , 2,200-pound statue .
Every year , hundreds of thousands of faithful descend on the site , seeking intercession , lighting candles , laying flowers and giving thanks .
Many walk miles in the cold to get there , some finishing the pilgrimage on their knees .
ELCA : The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America , the biggest Lutheran denomination in the U.S. , headquartered in Chicago near O ’ Hare Airport .
The presiding bishop , Elizabeth Eaton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that post .
She ’ s married to an Episcopalian priest .
And she ’ s not a big fan of hell as a concept .
If it exists , she once said , “ I think it ’ s empty.
” FOURTH PREZ : Nickname for the gorgeous , Gothic-style Fourth Presbyterian Church on the Magnificent Mile .
Dedicated in 1914 , it ’ s the oldest structure , besides the old Water Tower , north of the Chicago River on Michigan Avenue .
MEGACHURCHES : The flip side of storefront churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting , with Salem Baptist Church on the Far South Side and Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington among the most notable .
STOREFRONT CHURCHES : Congregations , usually small , that gather in refashioned commercial and retail spaces .
While they are numerous , especially in African American neighborhoods , they ’ re shrinking , in part because younger people are less likely to attend Sunday services .
Known for powerful preaching , their origins date back to the Great Migration , when blacks moved from the Deep South in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they started their own wherever there was space .
By one account , more than two-thirds of worship sites started in Chicago by African Americans in 1930 were storefronts , “ categorized as either Baptist , Holiness or Spiritualist.
” ROMANIAN : 1 .
Rogers Park ’ s Romanian Kosher Sausage Co. , where Jews have rushed under its machine age sans-serif stainless steel sign for 62 years to loan up on Kosher pastrami , salami , chicken , kishke , cold cuts and other delicacies , versions of which can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite as good because they didn ’ t come from Romanian .
Ex : “ Sorry I ’ m late , but the guy in front of me at Romanian was buying $ 450 worth of garlic hot dogs to take back to St. Louis.
” BAHA ’ I TEMPLE : Towering building on Wilmette ’ s lakefront that looks like a giant orange juice squeezer , serving as a house of worship for members of the Baha ’ i faith , which teaches that “ one God sent all the messengers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faiths with the same essential message , which is to love God and love thy neighbor.
” Dedicated in 1953 , the structure is described by the Chicago Architecture Center as “ an intricate concrete masterpiece ” that “ combines neoclassical symmetry , Gothic ribbing , a Renaissance dome , a Romanesque clerestory and Islamic arabesque tracery with the suggestion of minarets , ” which are towers often associated with mosques .

Some call it “Chicago-ese,” or “Chicago-speak.” Whatever you call it, we’re capturing it here, in Chicago-pedia — highlighting our local terminology and linguistic quirks (sometimes with humor and obvious exaggeration).
SISTER JEAN: 1. Jean Dolores Schmidt, a beloved century-old nun serving as the Loyola University Chicago men’s basketball chaplain who became a national celebrity during the team’s storybook 2018 Final Four run.
2. Fashion icon who made maroon-and-gold scarves a seasonal trend.
RAMBLERS: Nickname for Loyola University Chicago, coined because of the since-disbanded football team decades ago used to “ramble” around the country for games. The mascot was once, unbelievably, a hobo. Now, it’s a wolf.
DEPAUL: North Side Catholic college whose nickname, the “Blue Demons,” carries no religious implication: The uniforms for one of the school’s early sports teams included the letter “D” for “DePaul,” and, accordingly, the players became known at the “D Men,” which evolved into “Demon.”
BAPTIZE: 1. Something parents do to babies and then never bring them to church again except maybe on Christmas and Easter.
2. To dunk an Italian beef sandwich au jus.
PUBLICS: Used by Chicago Catholics, in particular parochial school students, to describe non-Catholics. “Publics went to public school, were subjected to ‘what can you expect from public school kids’ glares from adults and went to different churches, which were all the same anyway.” — John R. Powers, “The Last Catholic in America”
THE REV: The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Chicago civil rights leader.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson Susan Smith/For the Sun-Times
THE MOSQUE MARYAM: Golden-domed headquarters for the Nation of Islam in what used to be a Greek Orthodox church at 73rd and Stony Island. The building was reportedly bought with the help of a $3 million loan from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, a onetime friend of Nation of Island leader Louis Farrakhan.
THE CARDINAL: 1. Blase Cupich, Chicago’s top Catholic cleric since 2014, who’s pledged greater transparency to heal a wounded flock but continues to withhold information on the extent of the sex abuse crisis and its financial implications.
2. The state bird of Illinois.
THE PENGUIN: Nickname for a nun, popularized by 1980 movie “The Blues Brothers,” whose character was a ruler-toting, habit-wearing sister running an orphanage in Calumet City.
CHINATOWN: 1. Popular dinner spot for Chicago-area Jews on Christmas.
2. One of Chicago’s top tourist neighborhoods, home to numerous restaurants, an award-winning Skidmore, Owings & Merril-designed public library and the beautiful Ping Tom Memorial Park.
THE FEAST: For many Americans, a special day honoring the Virgin Mary, Jesus’ mother. The Dec. 12 “feast day” of Our Lady of Guadalupe marks, in Catholic tradition, Mary’s appearance in 1531 to an indigenous man named Juan Diego in Mexico. In Des Plaines, there’s a shrine dedicated to her that includes a 12-foot, 2,200-pound statue. Every year, hundreds of thousands of faithful descend on the site, seeking intercession, lighting candles, laying flowers and giving thanks. Many walk miles in the cold to get there, some finishing the pilgrimage on their knees.
ELCA: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the biggest Lutheran denomination in the U.S., headquartered in Chicago near O’Hare Airport. The presiding bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, is the first woman to hold that post. She’s married to an Episcopalian priest. And she’s not a big fan of hell as a concept. If it exists, she once said, “I think it’s empty.”
FOURTH PREZ: Nickname for the gorgeous, Gothic-style Fourth Presbyterian Church on the Magnificent Mile. Dedicated in 1914, it’s the oldest structure, besides the old Water Tower, north of the Chicago River on Michigan Avenue.
Fourth Presbyterian Church. Susan Smith/For the Sun-Times
MEGACHURCHES: The flip side of storefront churches. Massive Christian congregations meeting in theater-type setting, with Salem Baptist Church on the Far South Side and Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington among the most notable.
STOREFRONT CHURCHES: Congregations, usually small, that gather in refashioned commercial and retail spaces. While they are numerous, especially in African American neighborhoods, they’re shrinking, in part because younger people are less likely to attend Sunday services. Known for powerful preaching, their origins date back to the Great Migration, when blacks moved from the Deep South in the early 1900s. Unhappy with traditional churches, they started their own wherever there was space. By one account, more than two-thirds of worship sites started in Chicago by African Americans in 1930 were storefronts, “categorized as either Baptist, Holiness or Spiritualist.”
ROMANIAN: 1. Rogers Park’s Romanian Kosher Sausage Co., where Jews have rushed under its machine age sans-serif stainless steel sign for 62 years to loan up on Kosher pastrami, salami, chicken, kishke, cold cuts and other delicacies, versions of which can be purchased elsewhere but somehow aren’t quite as good because they didn’t come from Romanian. Ex: “Sorry I’m late, but the guy in front of me at Romanian was buying $450 worth of garlic hot dogs to take back to St. Louis.”
2. A person from Romania.
BAHA’I TEMPLE: Towering building on Wilmette’s lakefront that looks like a giant orange juice squeezer, serving as a house of worship for members of the Baha’i faith, which teaches that “one God sent all the messengers, all the founders of all the great faiths with the same essential message, which is to love God and love thy neighbor.” Dedicated in 1953, the structure is described by the Chicago Architecture Center as “an intricate concrete masterpiece” that “combines neoclassical symmetry, Gothic ribbing, a Renaissance dome, a Romanesque clerestory and Islamic arabesque tracery with the suggestion of minarets,” which are towers often associated with mosques.
Baha’i Temple. Susan Smith/For the Sun-Times


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--Bartlett preschooler diagnosed with coronavirus

A student at a preschool in northwest suburban Bartlett has been diagnosed with the coronavirus .
The Cook County Department of Public Health notified School District U-46 officials Thursday that a student at the Independence Center for Early Learning has a confirmed case of COVID-19 , Supt .
Tony Sanders wrote in a letter to families .
“ The student has been isolated and is expected to remain in isolation/self quarantine to prevent spreading the virus , ” Sanders wrote .
The child ’ s age and gender have not been released , but the school serves children between 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be the youngest COVID-19 patient in the state so far .
State officials previously said that cases were reported in people ranging from 9 to 99 years old .
The death toll for the virus in Illinois rose to four Thursday as the case total hit 422 .
District U-46 schools will remain closed at least through March 30 , according to Sanders .
“ As I have shared , we have been making plans in the event we need to remain closed beyond March 30 , including Phase 2 of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow , ” Sanders wrote in the letter on Thursday .
“ However , we will await further guidance from the Governor and state health officials on whether schools will remain closed past March 30 .
”

A student at a preschool in northwest suburban Bartlett has been diagnosed with the coronavirus.
The Cook County Department of Public Health notified School District U-46 officials Thursday that a student at the Independence Center for Early Learning has a confirmed case of COVID-19, Supt. Tony Sanders wrote in a letter to families.
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“The student has been isolated and is expected to remain in isolation/self quarantine to prevent spreading the virus,” Sanders wrote.
The child’s age and gender have not been released, but the school serves children between 3 and 5 years old.
The child could be the youngest COVID-19 patient in the state so far. State officials previously said that cases were reported in people ranging from 9 to 99 years old.
The death toll for the virus in Illinois rose to four Thursday as the case total hit 422.
District U-46 schools will remain closed at least through March 30, according to Sanders.
“As I have shared, we have been making plans in the event we need to remain closed beyond March 30, including Phase 2 of our Distance Learning Plan that will be released tomorrow,” Sanders wrote in the letter on Thursday. “However, we will await further guidance from the Governor and state health officials on whether schools will remain closed past March 30.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--What precautions the Cook County medical examiner is taking with coronavirus deaths

Though most coronavirus-related deaths are expected to happen in hospitals , Dr. Ponni Arunkumar said the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office she heads is stepping up precautions to protect its doctors and technicians .
The most obvious change is the refrigerated truck container that has been moved to the parking lot behind the morgue on Chicago ’ s Near West Side .
Racks have been set up inside the container so bodies of people believed infected by the highly contagious virus can be examined and photographed , their noses swabbed for tests there , keeping them separate from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Cook County recorded its second COVID-19-related death .
Arunkumar said she can ’ t estimate how many coronavirus deaths her office should expect to see .
“ We don ’ t know , ” she said .
“ Those who are in the hospitals , we ’ re not getting those bodies .
But we don ’ t know how many will be found in homes .
I mean , we ’ re prepared for whatever the increase in caseload may be .
We want to be prepared to handle these bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that might mean using cold -arehouse space off-site rather than the trucks that filled the parking lot during Chicago ’ s deadly 1995 heat wave .
Since the two coronovirus victims so far died in hospitals , only their medical records will go to the medical examiner — for review and a death certificate .
Others suspected of having COVID-19 are first placed in an extra body bag where they died and the bags washed with bleach , she said .
They ’ ll remain in the bags to have X-rays taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the bodies will be released to funeral directors until coronavirus test results come back , she said : “ We want to let the funeral homes know when they ’ re picking up the bodies what the status is.
” Only one doctor and one assistant work on each person .
If an autopsy is needed , Arunkumar said it will be conducted in an existing room designed to contain infectious diseases , with ventilation separate from the main facility .
The virus spreads through the air , which , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the autopsy room , tools can kick it up .
Since it ’ s not clear how long the virus can survive on a dead body , rib cages will be opened with hand shears instead of saws , or saws for skulls shielded with wet towels .
All forensic pathologists and techs are fully covered , including hair and shoes , their faces covered by fitted N-95 masks .
They wear two pairs of gloves , too , Arunkumar said — all already standard before the virus .

Though most coronavirus-related deaths are expected to happen in hospitals, Dr. Ponni Arunkumar said the Cook County medical examiner’s office she heads is stepping up precautions to protect its doctors and technicians.
The most obvious change is the refrigerated truck container that has been moved to the parking lot behind the morgue on Chicago’s Near West Side.
Racks have been set up inside the container so bodies of people believed infected by the highly contagious virus can be examined and photographed, their noses swabbed for tests there, keeping them separate from the main morgue, Arunkumar said Friday as Cook County recorded its second COVID-19-related death.
Arunkumar said she can’t estimate how many coronavirus deaths her office should expect to see.
“We don’t know,” she said. “Those who are in the hospitals, we’re not getting those bodies. But we don’t know how many will be found in homes. I mean, we’re prepared for whatever the increase in caseload may be. We want to be prepared to handle these bodies in a dignified way.”
Later on, that might mean using cold warehouse space off-site rather than the trucks that filled the parking lot during Chicago’s deadly 1995 heat wave.
Since the two coronavirus victims so far died in hospitals, only their medical records will go to the medical examiner — for review and a death certificate.
Others suspected of having COVID-19 are first placed in an extra body bag where they died and the bags washed with bleach, she said. They’ll remain in the bags to have X-rays taken of their heads and chests.
None of the bodies will be released to funeral directors until coronavirus test results come back, she said: “We want to let the funeral homes know when they’re picking up the bodies what the status is.”
Only one doctor and one assistant work on each person. If an autopsy is needed, Arunkumar said it will be conducted in an existing room designed to contain infectious diseases, with ventilation separate from the main facility.
The virus spreads through the air, which, with the living, happens by coughing. But in the autopsy room, tools can kick it up. Since it’s not clear how long the virus can survive on a dead body, rib cages will be opened with hand shears instead of saws, or saws for skulls shielded with wet towels.
All forensic pathologists and techs are fully covered, including hair and shoes, their faces covered by fitted N-95 masks. They wear two pairs of gloves, too, Arunkumar said — all already standard before the virus.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--Jimmy Graham? Nick Foles? Analyzing the Bears’ offseason so far

The Sun-Times ’ Mark Potash breaks down the Bears ’ showing during the first wave of free agency : Grade the Bears ’ offseason so far : B- .
With limited salary cap space , Ryan Pace wasn ’ t in a position to splurge , but still upgraded a some key positions .
If his intention was to push Mitch Trubisky and not replace him outright , Nick Foles is a sound acquisition .
Robert Quinn is a better edge rusher than Leonard Floyd .
Pace overpaid for Jimmy Graham , but Graham still is better than Adam Shaheen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterbacks coach could become a key offseason upgrade .
Who is the starting quarterback for the opener ?
Mitch Trubisky figures to get a chance for a re-do and pick up where he left off after the 2018 season — albeit with a short leash .
Though many fans are done with Trubisky , don ’ t discount the possibility that , after being coddled for two years by Nagy , Trubisky responds to the challenge of Foles ’ presence .
As unrealistic as it was , signing Tom Brady would have ignited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buzz that would have lasted until his first interception in Week 1 .
From Philip Rivers on down , none of the others would have been a slam dunk to fix the Bears ’ broken offense by himself .
Are the Bears better or worse than they were in January ?
Besides Quinn , Foles and Graham , the Bears also figure to have a healthy Danny Trevathan , Roquan Smith and Akiem Hicks whenever they start the 2020 offseason .
It ’ s hard to deny that doesn ’ t make them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unknowns — Trubisky , Trey Burton , the offensive line — can cancel out those improvements .
Their best move was … Signing Trevathan .
Nick Kwiatkoski is younger and likely will excel as an NFL starter , but Trevathan is playing at a peak level in this defense and is a leader on and off the field .
He just has to stay healthy .
Nothing .
They never do .
A versatile tight end who can block and is a threat in the passing game .
The Bears apparently are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role , and if Burton returns to his 2018 form , Graham might actually become a better value than he appears to be .
But a healthy Burton is a huge x-factor at this point .
Do you trust GM Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy to turn this around ?
After one promising season together in 2018 and one discouraging season in 2019 , I warily trust Pace and Nagy to get the Bears back on track .
They ’ re not incapable .
They didn ’ t win Executive of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by accident .
But they have to learn from their mistakes .
They have manage the quarterback situation astutely .
And Nagy has a lot to prove with regard to game-planning , play-calling and winning the chess match vs. NFL defensive coordinators .

The Sun-Times’ Mark Potash breaks down the Bears’ showing during the first wave of free agency:
Grade the Bears’ offseason so far:
B-. With limited salary cap space, Ryan Pace wasn’t in a position to splurge, but still upgraded a some key positions. If his intention was to push Mitch Trubisky and not replace him outright, Nick Foles is a sound acquisition. Robert Quinn is a better edge rusher than Leonard Floyd. Pace overpaid for Jimmy Graham, but Graham still is better than Adam Shaheen. The hiring of John DeFilippo as quarterbacks coach could become a key offseason upgrade.
Who is the starting quarterback for the opener?
Mitch Trubisky figures to get a chance for a re-do and pick up where he left off after the 2018 season — albeit with a short leash. Though many fans are done with Trubisky, don’t discount the possibility that, after being coddled for two years by Nagy, Trubisky responds to the challenge of Foles’ presence.
Which quarterback would’ve excited you?
As unrealistic as it was, signing Tom Brady would have ignited euphoria among Bears fans and created a buzz that would have lasted until his first interception in Week 1. From Philip Rivers on down, none of the others would have been a slam dunk to fix the Bears’ broken offense by himself.
Are the Bears better or worse than they were in January?
Besides Quinn, Foles and Graham, the Bears also figure to have a healthy Danny Trevathan, Roquan Smith and Akiem Hicks whenever they start the 2020 offseason. It’s hard to deny that doesn’t make them better. But any of a number of unknowns — Trubisky, Trey Burton, the offensive line — can cancel out those improvements.
Their best move was …
Signing Trevathan. Nick Kwiatkoski is younger and likely will excel as an NFL starter, but Trevathan is playing at a peak level in this defense and is a leader on and off the field. He just has to stay healthy.
The Bears will regret …
Nothing. They never do.
What’s their biggest need?
A versatile tight end who can block and is a threat in the passing game. The Bears apparently are counting on Trey Burton to fill that role, and if Burton returns to his 2018 form, Graham might actually become a better value than he appears to be. But a healthy Burton is a huge x-factor at this point.
Do you trust GM Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy to turn this around?
After one promising season together in 2018 and one discouraging season in 2019, I warily trust Pace and Nagy to get the Bears back on track. They’re not incapable. They didn’t win Executive of the Year and Coach of the Year awards by accident. But they have to learn from their mistakes. They have manage the quarterback situation astutely. And Nagy has a lot to prove with regard to game-planning, play-calling and winning the chess match vs. NFL defensive coordinators.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--Nearly $1 million in pot revenue passed to Downstate drug stores to help ease coronavirus crunch

Illinois cannabis tax revenues that were earmarked for the state ’ s rainy day fund will now be used to help rural pharmacies in Illinois as the state grapples with the coronavirus outbreak .
The Illinois Comptroller ’ s office announced Friday that rural and small-town pharmacies that are being “ squeezed ” by low reimbursements will receive a combined $ 946,000 in payments from the state this week .
State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said her office is using cannabis revenues to give the eighty pharmacies servicing rural communities throughout Illinois their payments ahead of schedule .
“ Our ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being squeezed out by unfair competition and managed care policies now takes on added importance as communities fight the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus , ” Mendoza said in a statement .
Under state law , a portion of the taxes Illinois collects from cannabis sales goes into the state ’ s rainy day fund , the cash reserves designed to provide a safety net during fiscal difficulties .
Now those funds are now being used to make payments to independently-owned pharmacies .
The payments are a part of a program the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rural Illinois that get low reimbursements from the state ’ s managed care program or may be “ squeezed ” by companies that set prices for drugs .
While the state began giving payments to the “ critical access pharmacies ” beginning in July , the payment this week was moved up ahead of schedule to provide needed relief .
Garth Reynolds , executive director of the Illinois Pharmacists Association , said in the face of the coronavirus outbreak , independent drug stores asked the comptroller ’ s office for some cash relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping to keep their doors open , ” Reynolds said .
“ And now , right now , as the entire state and the world is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic , community pharmacies are the front line in helping make sure that patients get access to medications.
” Unlike hospitals throughout the country that are seeing shortages of medical equipment and supplies such as ventilators and face masks , Reynolds said pharmacies in Illinois are not experiencing any shortage of medications .
Reynolds said he encourages people to use drive-through and delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , to limit the potential exposure of the coronavirus to pharmacists .
“ We are recommending for patients to please be patient as pharmacists are trying to assess a lot of requests right now , ” Reynolds said .

Illinois cannabis tax revenues that were earmarked for the state’s rainy day fund will now be used to help rural pharmacies in Illinois as the state grapples with the coronavirus outbreak.
The Illinois Comptroller’s office announced Friday that rural and small-town pharmacies being “squeezed” by low reimbursements will receive a combined $946,000 in payments from the state this week.
State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said her office is using cannabis revenues to give the 80 pharmacies servicing rural communities throughout Illinois their payments ahead of schedule.
“Our ongoing effort to support rural pharmacies that are being squeezed out by unfair competition and managed care policies now takes on added importance as communities fight the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus,” Mendoza said in a statement.
Under state law, a portion of the taxes Illinois collects from cannabis sales goes into the state’s rainy day fund, the cash reserves designed to provide a safety net during fiscal difficulties. Now those funds are now being used to make payments to independently-owned pharmacies.
The payments are a part of a program the state already implemented to help the pharmacies in rural Illinois that get low reimbursements from the state’s managed care program or may be “squeezed” by companies that set prices for drugs.
While the state began giving payments to the “critical access pharmacies” beginning in July, the payment this week was moved up ahead of schedule to provide needed relief.
Garth Reynolds, executive director of the Illinois Pharmacists Association, said in the face of the coronavirus outbreak, independent drug stores asked the comptroller’s office for some cash relief.
“This payment is essential with helping to keep their doors open,” Reynolds said. “And now, right now, as the entire state and the world is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacies are the front line in helping make sure that patients get access to medications.”
Unlike hospitals throughout the country that are seeing shortages of medical equipment and supplies such as ventilators and face masks, Reynolds said pharmacies in Illinois are not experiencing any shortage of medications.
Reynolds said he encourages people to use drive-through and delivery services if the pharmacies near them offer it, to limit the potential exposure of the coronavirus to pharmacists.
“We are recommending for patients to please be patient as pharmacists are trying to assess a lot of requests right now,” Reynolds said.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--Union says VA hospital workers able to telecommute told to come in

When he announced his stay-at-home order Friday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker told Illinoisans , “ If you can work from home and aren ’ t already doing so , now is the time you must.
” But a local steward for a union representing some workers at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center said members who could follow Pritzker ’ s instruction are still being told to come to work .
Jennifer Cushman , a local steward for the American Federation of Government Employees Local 789 , said it ’ s a move that could put workers and patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public officials , media , even our president — who is the head of the federal government for which we work — are emphasizing social distancing , ” Cushman said .
“ And our hospital is not putting that into place.
” Leaders at the hospital , at 820 S. Damen Ave. , did not comment immediately when contacted by the Chicago Sun-Times .
Pritzker ordered all residents to stay home beginning Saturday in the most serious effort yet to combat the spread of the coronavirus in Illinois .
The order lasts until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to remain open .
The order allows people to leave home to perform certain types of work , including for “ healthcare and public health operations.
” The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center offers care to about 62,000 veterans in Chicago , Cook County and northwest Indiana , according to its website .
Cushman said her union represents about 600 workers there .
Though that number includes full-time doctors , she said , “ most of them are outpatient clinicians.
” Those clinicians could largely be doing their work speaking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many of them have government-issued cellphones , she added .
She also said clinicians are already handling appointments by phone — from the office .
Most do not work weekends , she said .
The workers have been told there is not enough “ bandwidth in the telework system ” to allow the workers in question to stay home , Cushman said .
She countered that workers are typically given 48 to 72 hours to enter notes about patients into the network , and access to the system could be staggered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of push-back instead of , ‘ How can we figure this out ?
’ ” Cushman said .
She said the union filed an official request to bargain over the issue Monday .
Since then , she said there have been informal conversations and talk of scheduling a meeting , but “ there hasn ’ t been an official sit-down to really have our conversation about addressing the issues and responding to our specific concerns.
” Now , she said , “ We ’ re basically just sounding the alarm .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distressing but , ultimately working together to come up with good solutions is what we want to do .
”

When he announced his stay-at-home order Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker told Illinoisans, “If you can work from home and aren’t already doing so, now is the time you must.”
But a local steward for a union representing some workers at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center said members who could follow Pritzker’s instruction are still being told to come to work. Jennifer Cushman, a local steward for the American Federation of Government Employees Local 789, said it’s a move that could put workers and patients at risk.
“All of the public officials, media, even our president — who is the head of the federal government for which we work — are emphasizing social distancing,” Cushman said. “And our hospital is not putting that into place.”
The hospital at 820 S. Damen released a statement Friday evening.
“Jesse Brown VA Medical Center’s highest priority is providing quality care to veterans,” it said. “Doing so requires that we maintain appropriate staffing levels for in-person care. We have not initiated our telework plan because we want to maintain the maximum amount of flexibility to meet what could potentially be a rapidly changing situation.”
Pritzker ordered all residents to stay home beginning Saturday in the most serious effort yet to combat the spread of the coronavirus in Illinois. The order lasts until April 7. “Essential services” are expected to remain open.
The order allows people to leave home to perform certain types of work, including for “healthcare and public health operations.”
The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center offers care to about 62,000 veterans in Chicago, Cook County and northwest Indiana, according to its website. Cushman said her union represents about 600 workers there. Though that number includes full-time doctors, she said, “most of them are outpatient clinicians.”
Those clinicians could largely be doing their work speaking to patients on the phone, Cushman said. Many of them have government-issued cellphones, she added. She also said clinicians are already handling appointments by phone — from the office.
Most do not work weekends, she said.
The workers have been told there is not enough “bandwidth in the telework system” to allow the workers in question to stay home, Cushman said. She countered that workers are typically given 48 to 72 hours to enter notes about patients into the network, and access to the system could be staggered.
“We’re just getting a lot of pushback instead of, ‘How can we figure this out?’” Cushman said.
She said the union filed an official request to bargain over the issue Monday. Since then, she said there have been informal conversations and talk of scheduling a meeting, but “there hasn’t been an official sit-down to really have our conversation about addressing the issues and responding to our specific concerns.” Now, she said, “We’re basically just sounding the alarm.
“We are frustrated, and it’s distressing, but ultimately working together to come up with good solutions is what we want to do.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--Zoo closed? No problem — see the animals via the internet

After temporarily closing due to the coronavirus outbreak , the Brookfield Zoo is bringing the zoo to the homes of thousands of curious and engaged viewers .
“ What we are offering people is an opportunity to see what ’ s going on at the zoo and to learn about some of the fascinating things connected to the animals that are starring in the program of the day , ” said Andre Copeland , manager of the Interpretive Services Department at the Brookfield Zoo .
Anyone who wants to learn about animal adaptations , entertainment , care and welfare can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook page at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday to watch livestreamed segments on these topics and more .
Viewers can also ask questions and get answers immediately through the site .
“ We wanted to do this so that way people would have something positive to focus on , especially people who are home with their children , ” Copeland said .
The virtual zoo started March 16 .
One segment titled “ Bringing The Zoo To You : Binturongs & Prehensile Tails ” had 448,400 views , 1,800 comments and 12,000 reactions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The staff really enjoy it and I think the response that we ’ ve gotten from our membership and from the public has been fantastic , ” said Bill Zeigler , vice president of animal programming for the zoo .
Those watching are calling the livestreams a “ science lesson at home , ” something appreciated by families educating and entertaining their children at home since schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ It ’ s important that we work to make sure that everyone knows that we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Lincoln Park Zoo is also providing virtual tours , demonstrations with animals and chats with educators on its Facebook page and in Instagram stories .
“ With the current closure , we have increased the amount of livestreams , tours , and behind-the-scenes photos from our dedicated animal care staff , ” said Megan Ross , director of the Lincoln Park Zoo .
“ It is a core value of the zoo that we remain as free and accessible as possible , even despite the current situation , ” Ross said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Copeland said many staff are working from home , with only personnel such as veterinarians and animal welfare staff allowed inside .
“ Our staff work with the animals everyday , ” Zeigler said .
“ The only difference is we ’ re not concerned about trying to get an exhibit or an environment open on time.
” Museums like the Shedd Aquarium , which announced an extended closure until April 20 , and the Art Institute of Chicago are also creating virtual tours on their websites and social media platforms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , which is to care for our animals and provide them the best welfare possible , ” Zeigler said .
“ But in the process of doing that we want to continue the education of … the public and making them aware of the world around them .
”

After temporarily closing due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Brookfield Zoo is bringing the zoo to the homes of thousands of curious and engaged viewers.
“What we are offering people is an opportunity to see what’s going on at the zoo and to learn about some of the fascinating things connected to the animals that are starring in the program of the day,” said Andre Copeland, manager of the Interpretive Services Department at the Brookfield Zoo.
Anyone who wants to learn about animal adaptations, entertainment, care and welfare can go to the Brookfield Zoo’s Facebook page at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday to watch livestreamed segments on these topics and more. Viewers can also ask questions and get answers immediately through the site.
“We wanted to do this so that way people would have something positive to focus on, especially people who are home with their children,” Copeland said.
The virtual zoo started March 16. One segment titled “Bringing The Zoo To You: Binturongs & Prehensile Tails” had 448,400 views, 1,800 comments and 12,000 reactions on Facebook in three days.
“The staff really enjoy it and I think the response that we’ve gotten from our membership and from the public has been fantastic,” said Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs for the zoo.
Those watching are calling the livestreams a “science lesson at home,” something appreciated by families educating and entertaining their children at home since schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s important that we work to make sure that everyone knows that we’re still here,” Zeigler said.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is also providing virtual tours, demonstrations with animals and chats with educators on its Facebook page and in Instagram stories.
“With the current closure, we have increased the amount of livestreams, tours and behind-the-scenes photos from our dedicated animal care staff,” said Megan Ross, director of the Lincoln Park Zoo.
“It is a core value of the zoo that we remain as free and accessible as possible, even despite the current situation,” Ross said in an email Friday.
Brookfield Zoo’s Copeland said many staff are working from home, with only personnel such as veterinarians and animal welfare staff allowed inside.
“Our staff work with the animals every day,” Zeigler said. “The only difference is we’re not concerned about trying to get an exhibit or an environment open on time.”
Museums like the Shedd Aquarium, which announced an extended closure until April 20, and the Art Institute of Chicago are also creating virtual tours on their websites and social media platforms.
“We still have a job to do, which is to care for our animals and provide them the best welfare possible,” Zeigler said. “But in the process of doing that we want to continue the education of … the public and making them aware of the world around them.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--Pritzker’s stay-at-home order was the right way to act aggressively against the coronavirus

“ We know now , just the fact of community spread says that at least 1 % , at the very least 1 % of our population is carrying this virus in Ohio today.
” That was Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton speaking on March 12 , when Ohio had only five confirmed COVID-19 cases .
One percent of Ohio ’ s population would be about 117,000 cases .
“ Community spread ” means the virus was transmitted by someone from inside the community , not someone who brought it in from outside .
” Whenever you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to community spread , then you can assume that 1 % of your population has it , ” explained Acton ’ s press secretary , who cited a 2017 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention , according to the Cleveland ABC TV affiliate .
Illinois has about 12.7 million people , so 1 % of that would be 127,000 .
As of March 20 , Illinois was reporting 585 known COVID-19 cases , with five deaths .
” Basically , our people don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
J .
B. Pritzker ’ s press secretary Jordan Abudayyeh via email .
” If the trajectory of cases we ’ ve seen in Illinois this past week continues , ” Abudayyeh said , “ a week from now we could see approximately 3,400 more total cases than we have now.
” That was on March 19 .
” If the assumption is made that 20 % of these cases are severe , ” Abudayyeh continued , “ approximately 650 new cases could need hospitalizations .
Again , this assumes the trajectory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week.
” Gov .
Pritzker said last week that his administration had been looking to other states and countries to see what Illinois should emulate and what Illinois should avoid doing .
He singled out Italy , saying he ’ s trying to make sure “ we don ’ t end up in the situation that Italy is in.
” Italy ’ s total number of deaths ( 3,405 ) surpassed China ’ s yesterday .
China ’ s population is just under 1.4 billion .
Italy ’ s is a little over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t do what Italy did .
On March 8 , Italy sealed off much of its northern half .
The next day , the entire country was put on lockdown .
On the 8th , Italy had 7,375 confirmed cases and 366 deaths .
By the 9th , when the entire country went into lockdown , the country had 9,172 confirmed cases and 463 deaths .
Italy ’ s median age is 10 years higher than the Illinois median of 37.4 , and that is very likely driving up that country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the oldest the hardest .
China ’ s median age is about a year older than Illinois ’ .
But it ’ s impossible to compare confirmed Illinois cases and Italy ’ s because , as of March 20 , Illinois had tested just 4,286 people , compared to Italy ’ s 206,886 .
Italy ’ s first confirmed case was on January 31 , seven days after Illinois ’ first confirmation .
The governor can ’ t do a whole lot about the testing situation because the federal government has so thoroughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the state is making some progress .
Pritzker told reporters last Thursday that as of Wednesday , Illinois was able to conduct more than 1,000 tests .
“ And in just a few days , ” he said , the state “ will be increasing that to more than 2,000 tests per day.
” But even at that rate , it would take 18 more days to catch up to where Italy was at that time , adjusting for population size .
( Italy has five times as many people as Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He wasn ’ t the very first governor to close bars and restaurants and cancel parades , but he was among the first , for instance .
You can almost see Pritzker ’ s thinking play out if you pay attention to what he says .
He telegraphs his actions , which , frankly , is a good thing .
He broadly hints that he will do something , which gets everyday people debating the topic among themselves .
He does not suddenly announce anything out of the blue .
Slamming people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erode confidence .
Just look at the mess in D.C .
When it comes right down to it , we have to assume that Ohio is right and this is basically everywhere .
We should start behaving like we are already carriers .
We shouldn ’ t have had to wait for a government order to stay at home if we could .
And so , I believe the governor was right to order most Illinoisans to stay home as much as possible for at least 16 days , the third governor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat this virus is to take away its food ; and we ’ re the food .

“We know now, just the fact of community spread says that at least 1%, at the very least 1% of our population is carrying this virus in Ohio today.”
That was Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton speaking on March 12, when Ohio had only five confirmed COVID-19 cases. One percent of Ohio’s population would be about 117,000 cases. “Community spread” means the virus was transmitted by someone from inside the community, not someone who brought it in from outside.
”Whenever you know of two people that have it due to community spread, then you can assume that 1% of your population has it,” explained Acton’s press secretary, who cited a 2017 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, according to the Cleveland ABC TV affiliate.
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Illinois has about 12.7 million people, so 1% of that would be 127,000. As of March 20, Illinois was reporting 585 known COVID-19 cases, with five deaths.
”Basically, our people don’t refute their numbers,” said Gov. J. B. Pritzker’s press secretary Jordan Abudayyeh via email.
Whew.
”If the trajectory of cases we’ve seen in Illinois this past week continues,” Abudayyeh said, “a week from now we could see approximately 3,400 more total cases than we have now.” That was on March 19.
”If the assumption is made that 20% of these cases are severe,” Abudayyeh continued, “approximately 650 new cases could need hospitalizations. Again, this assumes the trajectory will continue as it has this past week.”
Gov. Pritzker said last week that his administration had been looking to other states and countries to see what Illinois should emulate and what Illinois should avoid doing. He singled out Italy, saying he’s trying to make sure “we don’t end up in the situation that Italy is in.” Italy’s total number of deaths (3,405) surpassed China’s yesterday. China’s population is just under 1.4 billion. Italy’s is a little over 60 million. So, yeah, don’t do what Italy did.
On March 8, Italy sealed off much of its northern half. The next day, the entire country was put on lockdown. On the 8th, Italy had 7,375 confirmed cases and 366 deaths. By the 9th, when the entire country went into lockdown, the country had 9,172 confirmed cases and 463 deaths.
Italy’s median age is 10 years higher than the Illinois median of 37.4, and that is very likely driving up that country’s death rate since it hits the oldest the hardest. China’s median age is about a year older than Illinois’.
But it’s impossible to compare confirmed Illinois cases and Italy’s because, as of March 20, Illinois had tested just 4,286 people, compared to Italy’s 206,886. Italy’s first confirmed case was on January 31, seven days after Illinois’ first confirmation.
The governor can’t do a whole lot about the testing situation because the federal government has so thoroughly botched its handling of this pandemic. But the state is making some progress. Pritzker told reporters last Thursday that as of Wednesday, Illinois was able to conduct more than 1,000 tests.
“And in just a few days,” he said, the state “will be increasing that to more than 2,000 tests per day.” But even at that rate, it would take 18 more days to catch up to where Italy was at that time, adjusting for population size. (Italy has five times as many people as Illinois.)
The governor is cautiously aggressive. He wasn’t the very first governor to close bars and restaurants and cancel parades, but he was among the first, for instance.
You can almost see Pritzker’s thinking play out if you pay attention to what he says. He telegraphs his actions, which, frankly, is a good thing. He broadly hints that he will do something, which gets everyday people debating the topic among themselves. He does not suddenly announce anything out of the blue. Slamming people with surprises before most are ready could erode confidence. Just look at the mess in D.C.
When it comes right down to it, we have to assume that Ohio is right and this is basically everywhere. We should start behaving like we are already carriers. We shouldn’t have had to wait for a government order to stay at home if we could.
And so, I believe the governor was right to order most Illinoisans to stay home as much as possible for at least 16 days, the third governor to do so.
The only way to defeat this virus is to take away its food; and we’re the food.
Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--Illinois students to remain out of school until at least April 8 after Pritzker extends closure

Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker extended the state ’ s school closures Friday , keeping home more than 2.2 million elementary and high school students until at least April 8 while officials try to get a handle locally on the coronavirus pandemic .
The announcement came as the governor issued a statewide stay-at-home order through April 7 .
Pritzker had previously ordered the state ’ s K-12 schools closed until March 31 .
But even as Pritzker announced an extension for the state ’ s public and private school kids , the governor said it was unclear when schools could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand up here and tell you when your schools will safely re-open , but that is not an answer that I have at this time , ” the governor said .
“ We ’ ll continue to update you with new information as we have it.
” Chicago Public Schools , meanwhile , are set to stay shut down until at least April 21 , Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday evening in a decision impacting the city ’ s 350,000 students .
“ We need to give parents and guardians plenty of advance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to plan , ” Lightfoot said .
The mayor made the decision in consultation with city health commissioner Dr. Allison Arwardy and schools chief Janice Jackson “ given what we anticipate as the continued upward trajectory of the virus spread.
” Pritzker and state education officials had hinted all week that a state postponement could come , too .
The governor said Thursday that “ parents should be contemplating the possibility ” that school openings could be moved back .
The missed days aren ’ t expected to be made up when schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education has said the closures are classified as “ act of God ” days , meaning they will still count toward the required number of school days .
ISBE has also said all school districts should pay their employees as if it was business as usual .
In Chicago , CPS has said it will continue to pay all teachers and staff , including part-timers and substitute teachers based on how often they typically work .

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker extended the state’s school closures Friday, keeping home more than 2.2 million elementary and high school students until at least April 8 while officials try to get a handle locally on the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement came as the governor issued a statewide stay-at-home order through April 7. Pritzker had previously ordered the state’s K-12 schools closed until March 31.
But even as Pritzker announced an extension for the state’s public and private school students, the governor said it was unclear when schools could open.
“I wish I could stand up here and tell you when your schools will safely re-open, but that is not an answer that I have at this time,” the governor said. “We’ll continue to update you with new information as we have it.”
Chicago Public Schools, meanwhile, are set to stay shut down until at least April 21, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday evening in a decision impacting the city’s 350,000 students.
“We need to give parents and guardians plenty of advance notice about this reality and the ability to plan,” Lightfoot said.
The mayor made the decision in consultation with city health commissioner Dr. Allison Arwardy and schools chief Janice Jackson “given what we anticipate as the continued upward trajectory of the virus spread.”
Pritzker and state education officials had hinted all week that a state postponement could come, too. The governor said Thursday “parents should be contemplating the possibility” that school openings could be moved back.
The missed days aren’t expected to be made up when schools re-open. The Illinois State Board of Education has said the closures are classified as “act of God” days, meaning they will still count toward the required number of school days.
ISBE has also said all school districts should pay their employees as if it was business as usual. In Chicago, CPS has said it will continue to pay all teachers and staff, including part-time staff and substitute teachers based on how often they typically work.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--A prayer from people of faith during this time of crisis

“ Be careful for nothing ; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
” —Philippians 4:6 Dear God , our Heavenly Father , we humbly come before you , seeking your divine help in this great time of need .
We need to hear from you .
We need a word from you .
Speak to our hearts .
This is my prayer… Even as doctors , scientists and our political leaders impart their best wisdom ; even as this pestilence encroaches upon our communities , claiming lives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encompassed by fear and a legitimate concern over the well-being of family , friends and our fellow man , only you can settle our hearts and minds .
We need your peace for such a time as this .
Give peace , oh Lord .
Jesus , you are the Prince of Peace .
Lord , you are the architect of all creation .
There is no virus , no plague , no pestilence , no pandemic , no earthen tragedy that has ever caught you unaware .
And while some might question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for prayer in times like these , people of faith have no recourse except to call upon your name .
So we call upon you .
We seek your face .
We beseech your mercy and grace .
We ask for wisdom and your divine hand of provision and guidance .
Lord , look upon the homeless and indigent , those families who live in cars or in tent homes , those who make their beds beneath viaducts and overpasses with no resources to “ shelter in place.
” Lord , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and be the church .
To be the hands and feet of Jesus , and to now remember the widow , the poor and the orphaned .
Let the church resound with a message of hope and with the effectual fervent prayer for healing and deliverance — even as it mourns in repentance for its sins of greed , hypocrisy and having abandoned its first love .
Be an unbreachable fence around single mothers , the elderly and the infirm who are now cut off from family amid this pandemic .
Be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , researchers and first responders on the front lines .
Let our leaders speak truth .
Lord , tie the tongues of liars who would deceive the people .
Let this time of social isolation be a time of holy consecration , family rededication and meditation .
Let the spirit of community and brotherhood arise .
Let us remember to love our neighbor as ourselves—to look out for one another , having been fully reminded by this current state of emergency that we are all in this together .
Reminded , that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of persons .
Lord , every now and then , we need reminders .
Reminders of our human frailty .
Reminders of our powerlessness — in spite of our own pride and sense of economic , political or social status .
Every now and then , since the beginning of time , Lord , there comes a moment of truth for humanity .
A moment when all the earth seems to stand still , aghast at man ’ s inability to deter , avert and remedy , or even fully explain or comprehend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the collective deaths of thousands or millions .
And yet , in that moment of truth , as people of faith , we stand in captivating awe of an omniscient , omnipresent and omnipotent God whose eye is on the sparrow .
“ And I know , ” in the words of the songwriter , “ He watches me.
” So Lord , we thank you .
Thank you , Lord , for watching over us .
For deliverance .
For the faith and wisdom to seek the grace and mercy of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enemy encroaches .
By your Spirit , we shall prevail .
We trust in you , oh Lord , in Jesus name .
Amen .

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” —Philippians 4:6
Dear God, our Heavenly Father, we humbly come before you, seeking your divine help in this great time of need. We need to hear from you. We need a word from you. Speak to our hearts. This is my prayer…
Even as doctors, scientists and our political leaders impart their best wisdom; even as this pestilence encroaches upon our communities, claiming lives, threatening millions; even as we are encompassed by fear and a legitimate concern over the well-being of family, friends and our fellow man, only you can settle our hearts and minds.
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
We need your peace for such a time as this. Give peace, oh Lord.
Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace.
Lord, you are the architect of all creation. There is no virus, no plague, no pestilence, no pandemic, no earthen tragedy that has ever caught you unaware.
And while some might question the necessity of, or our proclivity, for prayer in times like these, people of faith have no recourse except to call upon your name.
So we call upon you. We seek your face. We beseech your mercy and grace. We ask for wisdom and your divine hand of provision and guidance.
Lord, look upon the homeless and indigent, those families who live in cars or in tent homes, those who make their beds beneath viaducts and overpasses with no resources to “shelter in place.”
Lord, we pray that the church will now arise and be the church. To be the hands and feet of Jesus, and to now remember the widow, the poor and the orphaned.
Let the church resound with a message of hope and with the effectual fervent prayer for healing and deliverance — even as it mourns in repentance for its sins of greed, hypocrisy and having abandoned its first love.
Lord, hear our prayer…
Be an unbreachable fence around single mothers, the elderly and the infirm who are now cut off from family amid this pandemic. Be an impenetrable shield to medical workers and staff, researchers and first responders on the front lines.
Let our leaders speak truth. Lord, tie the tongues of liars who would deceive the people. Let this time of social isolation be a time of holy consecration, family rededication and meditation.
Let the spirit of community and brotherhood arise. Let us remember to love our neighbor as ourselves—to look out for one another, having been fully reminded by this current state of emergency that we are all in this together. Reminded, that you, oh Lord, are no respecter of persons.
Lord, every now and then, we need reminders. Reminders of our human frailty. Reminders of our powerlessness — in spite of our own pride and sense of economic, political or social status.
Every now and then, since the beginning of time, Lord, there comes a moment of truth for humanity. A moment when all the earth seems to stand still, aghast at man’s inability to deter, avert and remedy, or even fully explain or comprehend an impending or unfolding historical catastrophe — the collective deaths of thousands or millions.
And yet, in that moment of truth, as people of faith, we stand in captivating awe of an omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent God whose eye is on the sparrow. “And I know,” in the words of the songwriter, “He watches me.”
So Lord, we thank you.
Thank you, Lord, for watching over us. For deliverance. For the faith and wisdom to seek the grace and mercy of an invisible God, even as an invisible enemy encroaches. By your Spirit, we shall prevail.
We trust in you, oh Lord, in Jesus name. Amen.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com
Email John Fountain at Author@johnwfountain.com


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--City officials promise quick action on small-business loans

Over 300 owners of small businesses have expressed interest in a $ 100 million loan fund and city officials said Friday it will begin distributing money in early April .
The Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund will issue low-interest loans of up to $ 50,000 to employers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The loans are designed to help businesses with cash flow for rent and payroll and are part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s general program for economic relief , which includes extending until April 30 the due date for business-related tax payments .
The fund will start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approvals within a few days , officials said .
“ We ’ re going to get the money out the door in short order , ” said Samir Mayekar , deputy mayor for economic development .
Officials cited a study by JPMorgan Chase showing the average small business in Chicago has only 28 days of cash on hand .
Government-ordered shutdowns in Illinois and Chicago , culminating in a shelter-in-place order Friday , have caused an instant stop in revenue for many businesses .
City officials said in a poor community such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money to carry them just a few days .
Eligible loan recipients must have fewer than 50 employees .
Jennie Huang Bennett , chief financial officer for the city , said loan terms are being finalized .
Interest rates , she said , “ will be lower than market terms are.
” The fund represents a reappropriation of $ 50 million allocated to the Chicago Community Catalyst Fund , which was started by former city Treasurer Kurt Summers Jr. but has been inactive .
Chaired by current Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin , the fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Financial Institutions that will provide application screening , credit underwriting , loan disbursements and servicing .
Recipients must show at least a 25 % revenue decline attributable to the pandemic .
While strict standards will apply , officials promised the application process will be streamlined .
Other funding sources for the effort include $ 25 million from the city of Chicago , $ 10 million from Goldman Sachs ’ Urban Investment Group , $ 1 million from Fifth Third , $ 250,000 from Clayco and $ 15 million from additional private funding sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loans should increase as other donors have said they want to help .
Those interested in receiving information and a loan application are asked to fill out a form at https : //www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID19Chicago .
Business-related taxes being deferred until April 30 include those collected for bottled water , checkout bags , amusements , hotel accommodations , restaurants and parking .

Over 300 owners of small businesses have expressed interest in a $100 million loan fund, and city officials said Friday they will begin distributing money in early April.
The Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund will issue low-interest loans of up to $50,000 to employers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The loans are designed to help businesses with cash flow for rent and payroll and are part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s general program for economic relief, which includes extending until April 30 the due date for business-related tax payments.
The fund will start accepting applications March 31 and begin approvals within a few days, officials said. “We’re going to get the money out the door in short order,” said Samir Mayekar, deputy mayor for economic development.
Officials cited a study by JPMorgan Chase showing the average small business in Chicago has only 28 days of cash on hand. Government-ordered shutdowns in Illinois and Chicago, culminating in a shelter-in-place order Friday, have caused an instant stop in revenue for many businesses.
City officials said in a poor community such as Englewood, small businesses often have enough money to carry them just a few days.
Eligible loan recipients must have fewer than 50 employees. Jennie Huang Bennett, chief financial officer for the city, said loan terms are being finalized. Interest rates, she said, “will be lower than market terms are.”
The fund represents a reappropriation of $50 million allocated to the Chicago Community Catalyst Fund, which was started by former city Treasurer Kurt Summers Jr. but has been inactive. Chaired by current Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, the fund will be administered by registered Community Development Financial Institutions that will provide application screening, credit underwriting, loan disbursements and servicing.
Recipients must show at least a 25% revenue decline attributable to the pandemic. While strict standards will apply, officials promised the application process will be streamlined.
Other funding sources for the effort include $25 million from the city of Chicago, $10 million from Goldman Sachs’ Urban Investment Group, $1 million from Fifth Third, $250,000 from Clayco and $15 million from additional private funding sources.
Mayekar said the amount available for loans should increase as other donors have said they want to help.
Those interested in receiving information and a loan application are asked to fill out a form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID19Chicago.
Business-related taxes being deferred until April 30 include those collected for bottled water, checkout bags, amusements, hotel accommodations, restaurants and parking.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-20--8 questions about the Bears’ offseason as first wave of free agency settles

The Bears are out to get back into contention after a frustrating 8-8 season that left them sitting at home for the playoffs .
Making that jump is tough in an offseason that began with few high-round draft picks and little salary-cap space .
As the first wave of free agency settles , the Bears ’ main moves have been trading for quarterback Nick Foles , signing former all-pro pass rusher Robert Quinn to replace Leonard Floyd and picking up tight end Jimmy Graham .
Is that enough ?
Let ’ s take a look at where they stand : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I ’ ll give them a C+ .
General manager Ryan Pace made a sharp move dropping Leonard Floyd in favor of Robert Quinn , giving the Bears a fearsome pass rush trio of Quinn , Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks .
But the moves at tight end and quarterback aren ’ t exciting .
And they made no significant acquisition at wide receiver , safety , cornerback or offensive line .
Who is the starting quarterback for the opener ?
Mitch Trubisky .
The Bears will say throughout training camp the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neck-and-neck in the race to be the starter , but it ’ ll be Trubisky to open .
He ’ ll have zero margin , though , and Foles will take over quickly .
Which quarterback would ’ ve excited you ?
Tom Brady .
There were a few others that would ’ ve been good , too , including Teddy Bridgewater , Cam Newton and even Jameis Winston .
It would ’ ve been compelling to see what Matt Nagy could do to refine Winston .
But back to Brady , shouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top of his list ?
They ’ d present as good of a situation as anybody : an elite defense , above-average skill players and a team that ’ s already within reasonable proximity to contention .
We need an explanation on why there was never a whiff of pursuing Brady around Halas Hall .
Are the Bears better or worse than they were in January ?
Slightly better .
And the expanded playoff field helps , too .
Their best move was … It ’ s not a move , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hicks recovering .
If healthy , he propels the Bears ’ defense from very good to overwhelming .
The Bears will regret … Not paying up for tight end Austin Hooper , who agreed to a four-year , $ 44 million deal with the Browns .
Instead , they ’ ll proceed with Trey Burton and Jimmy Graham .
Burton has high potential , but his health issues make him a mystery .
Graham is a former all-pro , but looked rickety with the Packers last season .
If they had freed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hooper , he would ’ ve been an ideal short-term and long-term solution .
What ’ s their biggest need ?
Quarterback .
But they ’ re done there , so realistically it ’ s offensive line .
Do you trust GM Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy to turn this around ?
No on Pace , but yes on Nagy .
Regardless of how the Foles-Trubisky battle turns out , the Bears need a quarterback of the future .
Will Pace spend a second-rounder when he ’ s trying to save his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway ?
As for Nagy , he ’ s a smart coach who will get better as he continues to influence the roster .

The Bears are out to get back into contention after a frustrating 8-8 season that left them sitting at home for the playoffs. Making that jump is tough in an offseason that began with few high-round draft picks and little salary-cap space.
As the first wave of free agency settles, the Bears’ main moves have been trading for quarterback Nick Foles, signing former all-pro pass rusher Robert Quinn to replace Leonard Floyd and picking up tight end Jimmy Graham.
Is that enough? Let’s take a look at where they stand:
Grade the Bears’ offseason so far:
I’ll give them a C+. General manager Ryan Pace made a sharp move dropping Leonard Floyd in favor of Robert Quinn, giving the Bears a fearsome pass rush trio of Quinn, Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks. But the moves at tight end and quarterback aren’t exciting. And they made no significant acquisition at wide receiver, safety, cornerback or offensive line.
Who is the starting quarterback for the opener?
Mitch Trubisky. The Bears will say throughout training camp the preseason that he and Nick Foles are neck-and-neck in the race to be the starter, but it’ll be Trubisky to open. He’ll have zero margin, though, and Foles will take over quickly.
Which quarterback would’ve excited you?
Tom Brady. There were a few others that would’ve been good, too, including Teddy Bridgewater, Cam Newton and even Jameis Winston. It would’ve been compelling to see what Matt Nagy could do to refine Winston. But back to Brady, shouldn’t the Bears have been at the top of his list? They’d present as good of a situation as anybody: an elite defense, above-average skill players and a team that’s already within reasonable proximity to contention. We need an explanation on why there was never a whiff of pursuing Brady around Halas Hall.
Are the Bears better or worse than they were in January?
Slightly better. And the expanded playoff field helps, too.
Their best move was …
It’s not a move, but the biggest improvement they made was Akiem Hicks recovering. If healthy, he propels the Bears’ defense from very good to overwhelming.
The Bears will regret …
Not paying up for tight end Austin Hooper, who agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the Browns. Instead, they’ll proceed with Trey Burton and Jimmy Graham. Burton has high potential, but his health issues make him a mystery. Graham is a former all-pro, but looked rickety with the Packers last season. If they had freed up a little more cap space to afford Hooper, he would’ve been an ideal short-term and long-term solution.
What’s their biggest need?
Quarterback. But they’re done there, so realistically it’s offensive line.
Do you trust GM Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy to turn this around?
No on Pace, but yes on Nagy. Regardless of how the Foles-Trubisky battle turns out, the Bears need a quarterback of the future. Will Pace spend a second-rounder when he’s trying to save his job? Should he be picking quarterbacks anyway? As for Nagy, he’s a smart coach who will get better as he continues to influence the roster.