chicagosun-times--2020-03-17--Horoscope for Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Horoscope for Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Avoid shopping or important decisions from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Capricorn into Aquarius .
The sun is about to move into your sign where it will stay for the next four weeks , boosting your energy and bringing important people and favorable situations to you .
This is your chance to shine because you are a star !
( Right ? )
Your birthday is a month away .
This means your personal year is ending .
Look back over your shoulder to see how well you are doing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want your new year to be different ?
Define some of these new goals in the next four weeks .
You will be popular in the next four weeks !
Accept invitations to party .
Enjoy the camaraderie of good friends and get involved with clubs , groups and professional organizations .
The next four weeks are the perfect time to do some serious goal setting .
The sun is at the top of your chart for the next four weeks , which happens only once a year .
This means that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flattering light on you , which allows you to make a fabulous impression on everyone — especially bosses and VIPs .
Yay !
Great news !
For the next four weeks , the sun is in your fellow fire sign , which will boost your energy in a positive way .
You ’ ll be PowerPoint on steroids !
It will also increase your desire to travel and explore opportunities in the media , publishing , the law and medicine .
You will be more passionate and intense about everything in your life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes sex and money .
Oh yeah .
You will definitely defend your own best interests regarding inheritances and shared property .
The sun will be opposite your sign for the next four weeks .
( This happens only once a year . )
For starters , it means you will be more tired than usual and will need more sleep .
It also means you will be focused more than usual on partnerships and close friendships .
In the next four weeks , you will turn over a new leaf .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be more efficient ; you want to be productive and you want your life to flow more smoothly — and no more overripe avocados .
You mean business !
Vacations , playful diversions , sports events and fun activities with kids will be tops on your menu for the next four weeks .
Romance will flourish !
Get out your social calendar and make some fun dates because life is short .
Home , family and your private life will be your primary focus in the next four weeks .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than usual with a parent .
Respect your need for peace and quiet and rest at home , which means cocoon whenever you get the chance .
The pace of your days will accelerate in the next four weeks — definitely !
Suddenly , you ’ ve got places to go , things to do and people to see !
Accept this fast pace .
Enjoy short trips , errands , appointments and conversations with everyone .
Get out and hustle !
Money , earnings and cash flow will be your main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because of this , many of you will generate excellent money-making ideas .
Others will see ways to boost their income or make some money on the side .
Enjoy !
Ka-ching !
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress-rapper Queen Latifah ( 1970 ) shares your birthday .
You are independent and ready to rise to any challenge .
Because this is a year of teaching and learning , you will learn something that sets you in a new direction , which could be crucial for your success next year .
Why not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will help you get a better understanding of who you are ?
Explore something new .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or important decisions from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Capricorn into Aquarius.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
The sun is about to move into your sign where it will stay for the next four weeks, boosting your energy and bringing important people and favorable situations to you. This is your chance to shine because you are a star! (Right?)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Your birthday is a month away. This means your personal year is ending. Look back over your shoulder to see how well you are doing at the art of living? How do you want your new year to be different? Define some of these new goals in the next four weeks.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
You will be popular in the next four weeks! Accept invitations to party. Enjoy the camaraderie of good friends and get involved with clubs, groups and professional organizations. The next four weeks are the perfect time to do some serious goal setting.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The sun is at the top of your chart for the next four weeks, which happens only once a year. This means that, symbolically, it is shining a flattering light on you, which allows you to make a fabulous impression on everyone — especially bosses and VIPs. Yay!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Great news! For the next four weeks, the sun is in your fellow fire sign, which will boost your energy in a positive way. You’ll be PowerPoint on steroids! It will also increase your desire to travel and explore opportunities in the media, publishing, the law and medicine.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You will be more passionate and intense about everything in your life in the next four weeks. This includes sex and money. Oh yeah. You will definitely defend your own best interests regarding inheritances and shared property.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
The sun will be opposite your sign for the next four weeks. (This happens only once a year.) For starters, it means you will be more tired than usual and will need more sleep. It also means you will be focused more than usual on partnerships and close friendships.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
In the next four weeks, you will turn over a new leaf. You want to be healthier; you want to be more efficient; you want to be productive and you want your life to flow more smoothly — and no more overripe avocados. You mean business!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Vacations, playful diversions, sports events and fun activities with kids will be tops on your menu for the next four weeks. Romance will flourish! Get out your social calendar and make some fun dates because life is short.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Home, family and your private life will be your primary focus in the next four weeks. In fact, many of you will be involved more than usual with a parent. Respect your need for peace and quiet and rest at home, which means cocoon whenever you get the chance.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The pace of your days will accelerate in the next four weeks — definitely! Suddenly, you’ve got places to go, things to do and people to see! Accept this fast pace. Enjoy short trips, errands, appointments and conversations with everyone. Get out and hustle!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Money, earnings and cash flow will be your main focus in the next four weeks. Because of this, many of you will generate excellent money-making ideas. Others will see ways to boost their income or make some money on the side. Enjoy! Ka-ching!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress-rapper Queen Latifah (1970) shares your birthday. You are independent and ready to rise to any challenge. Because this is a year of teaching and learning, you will learn something that sets you in a new direction, which could be crucial for your success next year. Why not explore meditation, yoga or any discipline that will help you get a better understanding of who you are? Explore something new.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-18--Illinois coronavirus case tally jumps to 288: You could be next, governor says

The largest single-day spike in Illinois ’ number of confirmed COVID-19 cases brought the state ’ s total to 288 Wednesday as the viral pandemic expands its reach across the United States .
And there ’ s a good chance you could be next , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said , in his most pointed plea yet for residents to stay home to help stop the spread of the coronavirus .
“ If you don ’ t feel well , please stay home .
… You should just assume that you may have coronavirus .
Just assume that , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downstate Murphysboro .
“ What would you do ?
You should self-isolate .
That is the right thing to do.
” The 128 new cases extended to two new counties , Kendall and Madison , and 17 overall .
Patients have ranged in age from 9 to 91 , with 20 new cases dealing the latest blows to a DuPage County nursing home that has now tallied 42 cases — 30 residents and 12 staffers .
Statewide numbers will continue to jump “ significantly ” as more testing becomes available , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ezike .
Just over 2,000 tests had been administered as of Wednesday afternoon .
“ These numbers in Illinois will become much worse before they get better , ” Pritzker said , calling obtaining more test kits “ the biggest challenge we face.
” “ Some of you might look at the illnesses and death in other countries and think , ‘ Well that couldn ’ t happen here.
’ Make no mistake : no place and no person is immune from COVID-19 .
The difference between where we are in our response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few weeks , ” Pritzker said .
“ We must act with urgency.
” Some of those patients have recovered since the state ’ s first case was confirmed Jan. 24 , but the first death in Illinois attributed to the pandemic was reported Tuesday after a 61-year-old South Side woman died at the University of Chicago Medical Center .
Illinois ’ total also includes patients from DePaul University , Columbia College and the University of Chicago , which each reported that students , staffers or faculty members had been diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of others that have shut down campuses — or will soon do so — following Pritzker ’ s order last week that closed elementary and high schools for more than 2.2 million students at least through the end of the month in an effort to limit interaction and slow the spread of the virus .
A North Side private school reported six cases stemming from a fundraiser held earlier this month , though no students were among the confirmed carriers .
The latest Illinois toll was announced hours after President Donald Trump called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the virus , invoking the Defense Production Act to boost production of medical supplies .
The federal Treasury Department also announced it planned to begin issuing $ 500 billion in direct payments to Americans starting next month to help stabilize an economy mired by the viral threat .
That could be good news for thousands of Illinois service and hospitality industry workers trying to scrape by after the governor ’ s unprecedented move to shutter bars and restaurants except for carryout service .
Several shopping malls in the metro area and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close , too .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot , who announced she ’ d deliver a primetime address to Chicagoans Thursday night outlining the city ’ s “ comprehensive and proactive steps ” to confront the pandemic , also tried to ease the burden on some residents beset by the shutdown .
The city announced it would pause debt collection , ticketing and towing .
Additionally , the state Commerce Commission announced an emergency order for a moratorium on utility disconnections .
Beyond the school and business closures , the state has stopped short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar to in California , but Pritzker ’ s office has said “ the situation is being monitored on an ongoing basis.
” The situation was different in Oak Park , though , where Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb declared a local state of emergency and issued an order requiring residents to shelter in place starting March 20 through April 3 .
“ I do want to assure all of you , essential services will always remain available — grocery stores , pharmacies , gas stations .
The things we all need will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That doesn ’ t extend to the state Capitol , though .
After a hectic election day hobbled by low turnout in the wake of COVID-19 concerns , lawmakers announced the statehouse was canceling its session next week , wiping out a second week of the legislative calendar .
And an accurate count of Illinois residents could be the next casualty of the pandemic .
The U.S. Census Bureau announced it was suspending its once-per-decade field operations already underway at least until April 1 , to “ help protect the health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bureau employees .
”

The largest single-day spike in Illinois’ number of confirmed COVID-19 cases brought the state’s total to 288 Wednesday as the viral pandemic expands its reach across the United States.
And there’s a good chance you could be next, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said, in his most pointed plea yet for residents to stay home to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“If you don’t feel well, please stay home. … You should just assume that you may have coronavirus. Just assume that,” Pritzker said during a news conference in downstate Murphysboro. “What would you do? You should self-isolate. That is the right thing to do.”
The 128 new cases extended to two new counties, Kendall and Madison, and 17 overall. Patients have ranged in age from 9 to 91, with 20 new cases dealing the latest blows to a DuPage County nursing home that has now tallied 42 cases — 30 residents and 12 staffers.
Statewide numbers will continue to jump “significantly” as more testing becomes available, according to Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike. Just over 2,000 tests had been administered as of Wednesday afternoon.
Things will get worse
“These numbers in Illinois will become much worse before they get better,” Pritzker said, calling obtaining more test kits “the biggest challenge we face.”
“Some of you might look at the illnesses and death in other countries and think, ‘Well that couldn’t happen here.’ Make no mistake: no place and no person is immune from COVID-19. The difference between where we are in our response and where other nations are is just a few weeks,” Pritzker said. “We must act with urgency.”
Some of those patients have recovered since the state’s first case was confirmed Jan. 24, but the first death in Illinois attributed to the pandemic was reported Tuesday after a 61-year-old South Side woman died at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
More campus cases
Illinois’ total also includes patients from DePaul University, Columbia College and the University of Chicago, which each reported that students, staffers or faculty members had been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Those schools are among hundreds of others that have shut down campuses — or will soon do so — following Pritzker’s order last week that closed elementary and high schools for more than 2.2 million students. While that order was through the end of the month in an effort to limit interaction and slow the spread of the virus, state education officials indicated later Wednesday that “there is a very real possibility of the closure extending beyond March 30” as currently planned. A North Side private school reported six cases stemming from a fundraiser held earlier this month, though no students were among the confirmed carriers.
The latest Illinois toll was announced hours after President Donald Trump called himself a “wartime president” up against the virus, invoking the Defense Production Act to boost production of medical supplies. The federal Treasury Department also announced it planned to begin issuing $500 billion in direct payments to Americans starting next month to help stabilize an economy mired by the viral threat.
That could be good news for thousands of Illinois service and hospitality industry workers trying to scrape by after the governor’s unprecedented move to shutter bars and restaurants except for carryout service. Several shopping malls in the metro area — including Gurnee Mills and Woodfield Mall in Elk Grove — and a slew of department stores made plans to close, too.
Mayor’s primetime address
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who announced she’d deliver a primetime address to Chicagoans Thursday night outlining the city’s “comprehensive and proactive steps” to confront the pandemic, also tried to ease the burden on some residents beset by the shutdown. The city announced it would pause debt collection, ticketing and towing. Additionally, the state Commerce Commission announced an emergency order for a moratorium on utility disconnections.
Illinois first ‘shelter-in-place order
Beyond the school and business closures, the state has stopped short of a full-on “shelter-in-place” order similar to in California, but Pritzker’s office has said “the situation is being monitored on an ongoing basis.”
The situation was different in Oak Park, though, where Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb declared a local state of emergency and issued an order requiring residents to shelter in place starting March 20 through April 3.
“I do want to assure all of you, essential services will always remain available — grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations. The things we all need will not be closing down,” Pritzker said Wednesday.
Statehouse cancels session, census delays count
That doesn’t extend to the state Capitol, though. After a hectic election day hobbled by low turnout in the wake of COVID-19 concerns, lawmakers announced the statehouse was canceling its session next week, wiping out a second week of the legislative calendar.
And an accurate count of Illinois residents could be the next casualty of the pandemic. The U.S. Census Bureau announced it was suspending its once-per-decade field operations already underway at least until April 1, to “help protect the health and safety of the American public, Census Bureau employees.”
Contributing: Tina Sfondeles, Manny Ramos, David Struett, Nader Issa


chicagosun-times--2020-03-18--Halas Intrigue Episode 87: The Nick Foles Show

Patrick Finley and Jason Lieser break down the Bears ’ trade for quarterback Nick Foles and what it means for @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the Bears ’ free agent class thus far and wonder what holes @ @ @ @ @ .
New episodes of “ Halas Intrigue ” will be published regularly with accompanying stories @ @ @ @ @ s hub page .
You can also listen to “ Halas Intrigue ” wherever you @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Luminary , Spotify , and Stitcher .
Join the @ @ @ @ @ .

Patrick Finley and Jason Lieser break down the Bears’ trade for quarterback Nick Foles and what it means for Mitch Trubisky. They debate the rest of the Bears’ free agent class thus far and wonder what holes they have yet to fill.
New episodes of “Halas Intrigue” will be published regularly with accompanying stories collected on the podcast’s hub page. You can also listen to “Halas Intrigue” wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Luminary, Spotify, and Stitcher. Join the conversation in our Facebook group.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-18--Foles or Trubisky? Ryan Pace-Matt Nagy alliance could be tested

The Bears ’ last quarterback quandary was easy for general manager Ryan Pace , in part because his job wasn ’ t on the line and John Fox ’ s was when free agent Mike Glennon gave way to rookie Mitch Trubisky in 2017 .
After four games , eight sacks , five interceptions and three losses , Pace acknowledged the mistake , took the $ 18.5 million hit and ended up with the people ’ s choice at quarterback .
It only cost him money .
The stakes are considerably higher for Pace this time around , with Nick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the No .
1 spot no matter how resolutely the Bears figure to insist that Trubisky is their guy .
If the fans and media think you have a quarterback controversy , you have one .
This time , Pace ’ s job presumably is on the line in his sixth season in 2020 .
And the No .
1 quarterback isn ’ t an expendable free agent signed as a place-holder for the quarterback-of-the-future .
This time the starter is the quarterback-of-the-future that Pace all but staked his Bears career on — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one spot to get him at No .
2 overall .
Though Pace insisted at his post-season press conference that being so emotionally invested in Trubisky doesn ’ t cloud his judgment of the struggling quarterback , there ’ s no doubt Pace wants to give Trubisky every chance to make it , and justify the bold move to acquire him .
The big question is how much coach Matt Nagy shares that belief .
Nagy has been a staunch supporter of Trubisky and has some of his own reputation at stake with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality is that Nagy inherited Trubisky ; Pace drafted him .
There is a difference .
There ’ s no doubt that Trubisky ’ s leash will be considerably shorter in 2020 , but it remains to be seen if Nagy has a shorter hold on it than Pace .
Will Foles get a chance to beat out Trubisky in training camp ?
Or will he be there just in case Trubisky falters ?
And whose call is it ?
Pace and Nagy have been in accord since their whirlwind bromance in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Halas Hall could be a bigger test of that GM/coach relationship than the disappointing 2019 season was .
Do they both see the same quarterback we see ?
Nagy in particular — even in his support of Trubisky — seemed to have a growing awareness last season of exactly what he was dealing with .
If Pace has that same awareness , he didn ’ t show that card publicly .
“ It ’ s just part of the growth process sometimes , ” he said .
“ As much as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it happens.
” After last season , Bears team president Ted Phillips praised the strength of the Pace-Nagy relationship though rough waters .
“ I think it ’ s grown stronger , ” Phillips said .
“ That ’ s a great question , because a lot of times [ with ] those relationships , you start getting the finger-pointing .
I ’ m seeing none of that .
They ’ ve gotten closer and I think they have more honest discussions as they ’ ve faced the adversity .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s not easy to do.
” Unless Trubisky responds to the challenge and ascends to an elite level , Foles with his Super Bowl ring will always be looming .
And it ’ ll be up to Pace and Nagy to manage it .
The GM-head coach relationship is strong until it ’ s not .
Remember when Marc Trestman benched Jay Cutler and started Jimmy Clausen in Week 16 in 2014 — thumbing his nose at GM Phil Emery , who had signed Cutler to a seven-year , $ 126.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both were fired a week later .
That , though , was an absolute worst-case scenario in another peak moment of Halas Hall dysfunction .
No way the Pace-Nagy relationship ever gets that bad .
But stay tuned anyway .
The Bears historically struggle enough when they have one quarterback .
When they have two , it is almost always a spectacle that rarely ends well .

The Bears’ last quarterback quandary was easy for general manager Ryan Pace, in part because his job wasn’t on the line and then-coach John Fox’s was when free agent Mike Glennon gave way to rookie Mitch Trubisky in 2017.
After four games, eight sacks, five interceptions and three losses, Pace acknowledged the mistake, took the $18.5 million hit and ended up with the people’s choice at quarterback. It only cost him money.
The stakes are considerably higher for Pace this time around, with Nick Foles and Trubisky in a battle for the No. 1 spot no matter how emphatically the Bears figure to insist Trubisky is their guy. If the fans and media think you have a quarterback controversy, you do.
This time, Pace’s job presumably is on the line in his sixth season in 2020. And the No. 1 guy isn’t an expendable free agent signed as a place-holder for the quarterback of the future. This time, the starter is the quarterback of the future Pace all but staked his Bears career on.
Though Pace insisted at his postseason news conference that being so emotionally invested in Trubisky doesn’t cloud his judgment of the struggling quarterback, there’s no doubt he wants to give him every chance to make it — and justify the move to acquire him.
The big question is how much coach Matt Nagy shares that belief. Nagy has been a staunch Trubisky supporter and has some of his own reputation at stake with his development. But the reality is that Nagy inherited Trubisky; Pace drafted him. There is a difference.
There’s no doubt Trubisky’s leash will be considerably shorter in 2020, but it remains to be seen whether Nagy has a shorter hold on it than Pace. Will Foles get a chance to beat out Trubisky during training camp? Or will he be there just in case Trubisky falters? And whose call is it?
Pace and Nagy have been in accord since their whirlwind bromance in 2018, but managing the new quarterback dynamic at Halas Hall might be a bigger test of that GM/coach relationship than the disappointing 2019 season was. Do they see the same quarterback we see? Nagy in particular — even in his support of Trubisky — seemed to have a growing awareness last season of exactly what he was dealing with. If Pace has the same awareness, he didn’t show that card publicly.
After last season, Bears president Ted Phillips praised the strength of the Pace/Nagy relationship through rough waters.
‘‘I think it’s grown stronger,’’ Phillips said. ‘‘A lot of times [with] those relationships, you start getting the finger-pointing. I’m seeing none of that. They’ve gotten closer, and I think they have more honest discussions as they’ve faced the adversity. I’m proud of them for that. That’s not easy to do.’’
Unless Trubisky responds to the challenge and ascends to an elite level, Foles and his Super Bowl ring always will be looming. And it will be up to Pace and Nagy to manage it. The GM/coach relationship is strong until it’s not. Remember when Marc Trestman benched Jay Cutler and started Jimmy Clausen in Week 16 in 2014, thumbing his nose at GM Phil Emery, who had signed Cutler to a $126.7 million extension before that season? Both were fired a week later.
That, however, was an absolute worst-case scenario in another peak moment of Halas Hall dysfunction. There’s no way the Pace/Nagy relationship will get that bad.
But stay tuned anyway. The Bears historically struggle enough when they have one quarterback. When they have two, it is almost always a spectacle that doesn’t end well.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-18--End of an era: Burke loses party post he has held since 1968

Indicted Ald .
Edward Burke ( 14th ) has already been stripped of his two biggest power bases : chairman of the City Council ’ s Finance Committee and head of judicial slatemaking for the Cook County Democratic Party .
Now , he ’ s lost the one job he has held the longest : 14th Ward Democratic committeeperson .
State Rep. Aaron Ortiz , whose 2018 victory over Burke ’ s brother Dan was the beginning of the end for the Burke family dynasty , declared vicory over Edward Burke in a three-way race .
Burke has held he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death in 1968 .
Ortiz got 40.4 % of the vote to Burke ’ s 32.8 % .
Alicia Elena Martinez got 26.7 % , with 29 out of 31 precincts reporting .
She was widely-viewed as a candidate put up by Burke to divide the vote and pave the way for his re-election .
Out 5,207 votes cast , Ortiz had a nearly 400-vote lead , with 2,103 votes to Burke ’ s 1,711 .
Martinez had 1,393 .
Burke could not be reached for comment .
Dan Burke refused to comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a concession call from either Burke .
Ortiz pointed to the historically-low turnout in the 14th Ward as evidence of a “ disconnect ” between voters and a ward boss who is out of touch because he stayed too long and didn ’ t know when to leave .
“ I ’ ve seen other wards and some of the things they ’ re doing — the 22nd , the 17th and the 47th Wards — providing a space to … invite elected officials that represent those areas to present what it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s something we have never had and something I will be accomplishing .
Having more community forums to allow for a space for elected officials to talk and get more young people involved in the process of voting .
I believe we need to give people an opportunity to engage civically and ask questions.
” As committeeperson , Ortiz will have a major say in who the next aldermen will be .
Is he interested in making the move from Springfield to a higher-paying job in Chicago ?
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve my community in a different capacity , I won ’ t close the doors on any of those opportunities , ” he said .
Last year , Burke breezed to re-election as alderman , despite being charged in January 2019 with attempted extortion for allegedly shaking down a Burger King franchise owner for legal business and for a $ 10,000 campaign contribution to County Board President Toni Preckwinkle .
The Burke scandal sunk the campaigns of three mayoral candidates — Preckwinkle , Gery Chico and State Comptroller Susana Mendoza — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office .
Burke was the only candidate to survive his own scandal .
But that was before he was hit with a 14-count racketeering and extortion indictment accusing him of using his governmental role to muscle business for his law firm .
It included the alleged Burger King shakedown and three similar schemes chronicled by former Zoning Committee Chairman Danny Solis ( 25th ) , who spent two years wearing a wire on Burke .
Among them was the accusation that Burke tried to extort legal business from developers of the Old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a variety of matters , including an $ 18 million tax increment finance subsidy , a $ 100 million tax break and help resolving issues with Amtrak and the city ’ s Department of Water Management .
Clem Balanoff serves as chairman of Our Revolution Chicago , the grassroots political organization that grew out of Bernie Sanders ’ 2016 presidential campaign .
On the day after Dan Burke ’ s 2018 defeat , Balanoff set his sights on Edward Burke and boldly predicted the alderman ’ s defeat .
Little did he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now to oust Edward Burke — and from a largely-ceremonial party job with little power in the post-Shakman era .
“ Voters who spoke were tired of the old ways—the old pay-to-play .
Ed Burke ’ s going to jail , ” Balanoff said .
“ He had an entrenched operation in the 14th Ward .
And it takes some time to be able to work up the organization and also peoples ’ courage to throw it out .
He had been charged [ before the election ] .
But , it got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ` Enough is enough.
’ ” Although ward bosses don ’ t have the power they once did , Balanoff noted Burke is a “ proud guy ” who would never voluntarily relinquish power .
Balanoff pointed to a picture of Martinez and her mother with Burke after he won re-election as alderman beside a cake that said , “ Congratulations on 50 years.
” “ He wanted to hang onto it so bad , he was still trying to figure it out [ by dividing the vote ] .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Balanoff said .

Indicted Ald. Edward Burke (14th) has already been stripped of his two biggest power bases: chairman of the City Council’s Finance Committee and head of judicial slatemaking for the Cook County Democratic Party.
Now, he’s lost the one job he has held the longest: 14th Ward Democratic committeeperson.
State Rep. Aaron Ortiz, whose 2018 victory over Burke’s brother Dan was the beginning of the end for the Burke family dynasty, declared victory over Edward Burke in a three-way race. Burke has held the committeeperson job since his father’s death in 1968.
Ortiz got 40.4% of the vote to Burke’s 32.8%. Alicia Elena Martinez got 26.7%, with 29 out of 31 precincts reporting. She was widely viewed as a candidate put up by Burke to divide the vote and pave the way for his re-election.
Out 5,207 votes cast, Ortiz had a nearly 400-vote lead, with 2,103 votes to Burke’s 1,711. Martinez had 1,393.
Related Nearly all votes tallied in Cook County
Burke could not be reached for comment. Dan Burke refused to comment. Ortiz said he did not receive a concession call from either Burke.
Ortiz pointed to the historically-low turnout in the 14th Ward as evidence of a “disconnect” between voters and a ward boss who is out of touch because he stayed too long and didn’t know when to leave.
“I’ve seen other wards and some of the things they’re doing — the 22nd, the 17th and the 47th Wards — providing a space to … invite elected officials that represent those areas to present what it is they do,” he said.
“That’s something we have never had and something I will be accomplishing. Having more community forums to allow for a space for elected officials to talk and get more young people involved in the process of voting. I believe we need to give people an opportunity to engage civically and ask questions.”
As committeeperson, Ortiz will have a major say in who the next aldermen will be. Is he interested in making the move from Springfield to a higher-paying job in Chicago?
“If there is an opportunity to be able to serve my community in a different capacity, I won’t close the doors on any of those opportunities,” he said.
Last year, Burke breezed to reelection as alderman, despite being charged in January 2019 with attempted extortion for allegedly shaking down a Burger King franchise owner for legal business and for a $10,000 campaign contribution to County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
The Burke scandal sank the campaigns of three mayoral candidates — Preckwinkle, Gery Chico and state Comptroller Susana Mendoza — and catapulted Lori Lightfoot into the mayor’s office.
Burke was the only candidate to survive his own scandal.
But that was before he was hit with a 14-count racketeering and extortion indictment accusing him of using his governmental role to muscle business for his law firm.
It included the alleged Burger King shakedown and three similar schemes chronicled by former Zoning Committee Chairman Danny Solis (25th), who spent two years wearing a wire on Burke.
Among them was the accusation that Burke tried to extort legal business from developers of the Old Post Office in exchange for his help with a variety of matters, including an $18 million tax increment finance subsidy, a $100 million tax break and help resolving issues with Amtrak and the city’s Department of Water Management.
Clem Balanoff serves as chairman of Our Revolution Chicago, the grass-roots political organization that grew out of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign.
On the day after Dan Burke’s 2018 defeat, Balanoff set his sights on Edward Burke and boldly predicted the alderman’s defeat.
Little did he know he would have to wait until now to oust Edward Burke — and from a largely ceremonial party job with little power in the post-Shakman era.
Still, Balanoff was gloating.
“Voters who spoke were tired of the old ways — the old pay-to-play. Ed Burke’s going to jail,” Balanoff said.
“He had an entrenched operation in the 14th Ward. And it takes some time to be able to work up the organization and also peoples’ courage to throw it out. He had been charged [before the election]. But it got worse after that. People finally said, ‘Enough is enough.’”
Although ward bosses don’t have the power they once did, Balanoff noted Burke is a “proud guy” who would never voluntarily relinquish power.
Balanoff pointed to a picture of Martinez and her mother with Burke after he won reelection as alderman beside a cake that said, “Congratulations on 50 years.”
“He wanted to hang onto it so bad, he was still trying to figure it out [by dividing the vote]. It’s a very big deal with him,” Balanoff said.
“But, it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-18--Man missing from Edgewater Beach located

Chicago woman , 61 , is first coronavirus death in Illinois Patricia Frieson had an underlying medical condition and had @ @ @ @ @ had been contaminated with the coronavirus , officials said .
She was not a nursing @ @ @

Pvt. Travis King entered the North while on a civilian tour of a Korean border village July 18, becoming the first American detained in the North in nearly five years.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-18--Maggie Griffin, wisecracking mom of comic Kathy Griffin, dies at 99

LOS ANGELES — The mother of comedian Kathy Griffin , who inspired many of the jokes in her famous daughter ’ s stand-up routines , has died .
Maggie Griffin was 99 .
“ My Mom , the one and only , Maggie Griffin , passed away ” Tuesday , Kathy Griffin tweeted .
“ I am gutted .
My best friend .
I ’ m shaking .
I won ’ t ever be prepared.
” The sweet , impish and quick-tongued Maggie Griffin , who raised her daughter in Oak Park with husband John , was a frequent presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Kathy Griffin : My Life on the D-List , ” in the early 2000s .
More often than not , she was holding a glass of wine .
Maggie Griffin ’ s 2010 memoir , “ Tip It !
The World According to Maggie , ” was named for her catchphrase , a suggestion on how to dispense the last drops of wine from a box .
Addressing her fans , Kathy Griffin said in her tweet : “ I ’ m so grateful you guys got to be part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You loved her .
She knew it .
“ Oh , and OF COURSE she went on St Patrick ’ s Day , ” Griffin went on , followed by three broken-heart emojis .
Griffin told People in 1997 that she developed her dark sense of humor by watching her mother , a hospital administrator , and the rest of her family in Oak Park .
“ I come from a veritable Irish Catholic freak show , ” she said then .
“ My parents still think it ’ s the Depression.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that her mother had “ rapidly fallen into the throes of dementia.
” “ Her mind was so naturally quick , funny , and smart , ” the comedian wrote .
“ No one could get anything past her .
Watching that slip away so fast has been devastating .

LOS ANGELES — The mother of comedian Kathy Griffin, who inspired many of the jokes in her famous daughter’s stand-up routines, has died. Maggie Griffin was 99.
“My Mom, the one and only, Maggie Griffin, passed away” Tuesday, Kathy Griffin tweeted. “I am gutted. My best friend. I’m shaking. I won’t ever be prepared.”
The sweet, impish and quick-tongued Maggie Griffin, who raised her daughter in Oak Park with husband John, was a frequent presence in her daughter’s reality show, “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” in the early 2000s. More often than not, she was holding a glass of wine.
Maggie Griffin’s 2010 memoir, “Tip It! The World According to Maggie,” was named for her catchphrase, a suggestion on how to dispense the last drops of wine from a box.
Addressing her fans, Kathy Griffin said in her tweet: “I’m so grateful you guys got to be part of her life. You knew her. You loved her. She knew it.
“Oh, and OF COURSE she went on St Patrick’s Day,” Griffin went on, followed by three broken-heart emojis.
Griffin told People in 1997 that she developed her dark sense of humor by watching her mother, a hospital administrator, and the rest of her family in Oak Park.
“I come from a veritable Irish Catholic freak show,” she said then. “My parents still think it’s the Depression.”
Griffin revealed on Twitter in January 2019 that her mother had “rapidly fallen into the throes of dementia.”
“Her mind was so naturally quick, funny, and smart,” the comedian wrote. “No one could get anything past her. Watching that slip away so fast has been devastating.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-18--Fear of coronavirus not enough get out of jail, judge says

It was clear Cook County Judge Adrienne Davis was taking coronavirus seriously as she sped through her docket Wednesday at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse — but still taking time to have the lawyers , sheriff ’ s deputies and clerks pause for a “ hand washing break.
” Davis wore blue latex glove as she handled court documents , and urged lawyers to keep their distance during hearings .
On her desk , she had a canister of anti-bacterial cleanser .
As a clerk left Davis ’ courtroom , the judge reminded her to shower as soon as she got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wash .
But when lawyers for the Lawndale Christian Legal Center sought to have two of their clients released on bond because they feared picking up COVID-19 inside the Cook County Jail , Davis said no .
“ I am very sympathetic to what is going on now in our community outside , ” Davis told lawyer Cathryn Crawford , who had argued her 20-year-old client had asthma and was at risk for medical complications if he contracted the virus .
Her client , Tyson Smith , will remain one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the foreseeable future on a $ 50,000 cash bond on a charge of armed robbery .
“ If you want to have a healthcare order made , you can do that , ” Davis said .
Assistant State ’ s Attorney William Bruce pointed to a memo from Sheriff Tom Dart ’ s office , outlining new procedures to combat the spread of coronavirus inside the jail .
“ Sure , they ’ ve cited the coronavirus as a reason to be released .
But that effects everybody in this room , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge and the sheriff have taken substantial steps to ensure the safety and health of inmates.
” After the hearing , Crawford was not satisfied with the argument that her clients are in the same boat as thousands of other defendants awaiting trial amid a pandemic .
Lawyers for the legal clinic filed motions to reduce bond for each of the nine clients they have in custody at the jail or Juvenile Temporary Detention Center .
So far , only two have gotten bond .
“ This is ridiculous .
Hundreds of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Crawford said .
“ How is the jail any better ?
” Davis held off on a ruling on a request for bond for another of Crawford ’ s clients , opting to leave a decision on bond to a judge who is set to preside on a hearing in that case Thursday .
“ We ’ re genuinely concerned about our clients ’ health , ” Crawford said , noting that visitation has been curtailed at the jail .
“ We can still visit them , but when we do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of every public health official.
” Judge Neera Walsh , the other of two judges handling emergency and essential court hearings at the criminal court building Wednesday , also ruled against one of Crawford ’ s clients ’ bid for a coronavirus-related release .
Crawford was able to get a bond reduction for the two clients at a hearing Monday after raising coronavirus concerns among other reasons , though Crawford noted one judge made it clear that COVID-19 was not his main consideration .

It was clear Cook County Judge Adrienne Davis was taking coronavirus seriously as she sped through her docket Wednesday at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse — but still taking time to have the lawyers, sheriff’s deputies and clerks pause for a “hand washing break.”
Davis wore blue latex glove as she handled court documents, and urged lawyers to keep their distance during hearings. On her desk, she had a canister of anti-bacterial cleanser. As a clerk left Davis’ courtroom, the judge reminded her to shower as soon as she got home and throw her clothes directly into the wash.
But when lawyers for the Lawndale Christian Legal Center sought to have two of their clients released on bond because they feared picking up COVID-19 inside the Cook County Jail, Davis said no.
“I am very sympathetic to what is going on now in our community outside,” Davis told lawyer Cathryn Crawford, who had argued her 20-year-old client was at risk of falling victim to the pandemic if not released on house arrest. Nonetheless, Crawford’s client, Tyson Smith, will remain one of the more than 5,000 inmates at the jail for the foreseeable future on a $50,000 cash bond on a charge of armed robbery.
Assistant State’s Attorney William Bruce pointed to a memo from Sheriff Tom Dart’s office, outlining new procedures to combat the spread of coronavirus inside the jail.
“Sure, they’ve cited the coronavirus as a reason to be released. But that effects everybody in this room,” he said. “The chief judge and the sheriff have taken substantial steps to ensure the safety and health of inmates.”
After the hearing, Crawford was not satisfied with the argument that her clients are in the same boat as thousands of other defendants awaiting trial amid a pandemic. Lawyers for the legal clinic filed motions to reduce bond for each of the nine clients they have in custody at the jail or Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. So far, only three have gotten bond.
“This is ridiculous. Hundreds of people are getting sick on cruise ships,” Crawford said. “How is the jail any better?”
Davis held off on a ruling on a request for bond for another of Crawford’s clients, opting to leave a decision on bond to a judge who is set to preside on a hearing in that case Thursday.
“We’re genuinely concerned about our clients’ health,” Crawford said, noting that visitation has been curtailed at the jail. “We can still visit them, but when we do that we’re acting against the advice of every public health official.”
Judge Neera Walsh, the other of two judges handling emergency and essential court hearings at the criminal court building Wednesday, also ruled against one of Crawford’s clients’ bid for a coronavirus-related release because he suffered from asthma.
Crawford was able to get a bond reduction for the two clients at a hearing Monday after raising coronavirus concerns among other reasons, though Crawford noted one judge made it clear that COVID-19 was not his main consideration.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-18--For Kim Foxx, Jussie Smollett proved ‘a blip’ for primary voters

Three challengers seeking to end Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx ’ s re-election bid made the Democratic primary race a referendum on the freshman prosecutor ’ s handling of the Jussie Smollett case .
But after successfully winning office four years ago when voters deserted incumbent Anita Alvarez over the Laquan McDonald case , Foxx showed Tuesday night that perhaps it does matter what case candidates focus on .
“ [ Jussie Smollett ] was not a big obstacle , he was a blip in the scheme of things , ” said John Gorman , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Attorney Dick Devine .
Foxx trounced former prosecutors Bill Conway , Donna More and former 2nd Ward Ald .
Bob Fioretti securing a little over 50 % of the vote with about 98 % of precincts reporting , according to unofficial results .
Turnout was a little over 31 % .
Gorman said that win was in part a testament to voters not caring as much about the Smollett case as the media may have .
Smollett , he said , was “ inconsequential.
” “ She admitted her error and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed to prefer her record over electing the son of a billionaire .
… I don ’ t think a lot of voters want another billionaire again , ” said Gorman , now an independent public relations consultant .
Conway spent about three times as much money as Foxx , raising $ 11.9 million — $ 10.5 million of it from his father William Conway Jr. , the billionaire co-founder of the Carlyle Group , state records show .
“ [ Smollett ] got a lot of publicity because of who he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her opponents , but you have to remember that Kim Foxx was elected on a two-to-one margin on an important case , one that had gravitas , ” Gorman said .
“ Jussie Smollett just had pizazz to it.
” Police Officer Jason Van Dyke ’ s 2014 fatal shooting of the 17-year-old McDonald made headlines around the nation , prompting protests over Alvarez ’ s and then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel ’ s handling of the case .
It ended in a jury finding Van Dyke guilty of second-degree murder and 16 counts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of former “ Empire ” actor Smollett ’ s also received national media coverage , sparked outrage from many and was a major talking point throughout the primary .
Her opponents claimed she undermined public trust in the office .
Accused of making a false report to police , Smollett was indicted last year on 16 counts of disorderly conduct , but the state ’ s attorney ’ s office later abruptly dropped the charges .
Foxx removed herself from the case about a month after Smollett initially alleged he was the victim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late January last year but that didn ’ t stave off further criticism .
Cook County Judge Michael Toomin lambasted Foxx ’ s decision to recuse herself , comparing her to a captain abandoning the ship and appointed Special Prosecutor Dan Webb to look into her office ’ s handling of the case and whether Smollett should be charged again , which he was last month .
Beyond mentioning Smollett every time they could , Foxx ’ s opponents sought to tie the first-term prosecutor to indicted 14th Ward Ald .
Ed Burke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spikes in gun violence and retail theft , painting her as someone lacking the integrity needed for the job .
Foxx called the yearlong obsession with the case “ BS.
” Delmarie Cobb , a veteran political consultant who also works with the Cook County Democratic Party , said the Smollett issue , which was “ used as a weapon , ” and her rivals ’ other claims weren ’ t enough to bring down Foxx .
“ Voters are sophisticated enough to know that ’ s just one issue and look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record is someone who promised to come into this office , which is a law-and-order office , and bring heart and compassion to it , ” Cobb said .
That record includes reorienting how resources were used in the office , diverting efforts from retail theft and other , smaller crimes to violent crimes , her push for bail reform and expunging cannabis cases .
Cobb said the black community , which is a large part of Foxx ’ s base , is satisfied with the direction of the office .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satisfied with all the decisions that have been made , but overall it ’ s a different office than in the past , ” Cobb said .
Dick Simpson , a political professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago , pointed to African American voters sticking with Foxx — as well as endorsements from public officials and the county ’ s Democratic party — as factors in Foxx ’ s win that drowned out the noise of the Smollett case .
Gorman also pointed to Foxx ’ s core supporters — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — assembling once more to ensure Foxx gets another term .
Having multiple challengers also likely helped Foxx , Simpson said .
If there was just one challenger “ that might have been more helpful to voters ” in terms of helping them decide whether or not to pick Foxx .
Simpson said Conway brought up valid charges , particularly related to how few public corruption cases the office prosecutes , and hoped Foxx would correct that trend going forward .
Foxx now moves on to face former Cook County Circuit Court Judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christopher Pfannkuche in the Republican Primary .
In 2016 , Foxx ousted Alvarez and then went on to wallop Pfannkuche .
Cobb said if conventional wisdom holds , she expects Foxx to do the same this year and looks forward to what comes next .
“ Now we can get to see what she really can do with the office – the second term is really building on what you ’ ve done so far , ” Cobb said .
“ So I think this will be the term that solidifies her stamp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if she wants to continue to hold the office , we ’ ll see more and more improvements for a more just criminal justice system .
”

Three challengers seeking to end Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s re-election bid made the Democratic primary race a referendum on the freshman prosecutor’s handling of the Jussie Smollett case.
But after successfully winning office four years ago when voters deserted incumbent Anita Alvarez over the Laquan McDonald case, Foxx showed Tuesday night that perhaps it does matter what case candidates focus on.
“[Jussie Smollett] was not a big obstacle, he was a blip in the scheme of things,” said John Gorman, who was press secretary for former Cook County State’s Attorney Dick Devine.
Analysis bug Analysis
Foxx trounced former prosecutors Bill Conway, Donna More and former 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti securing a little over 50% of the vote with about 98% of precincts reporting, according to unofficial results. Turnout was a little over 31%.
Gorman said that win was in part a testament to voters not caring as much about the Smollett case as the media may have. Smollett, he said, was “inconsequential.”
“She admitted her error and wanted to move on, and voters seemed to prefer her record over electing the son of a billionaire. … I don’t think a lot of voters want another billionaire again,” said Gorman, now an independent public relations consultant.
Bill Conway, left, one of the candidates in the Democratic primary for Cook County state’s attorney, and his wife, Brittany, walk to his campaign office Tuesday Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times
Conway spent about three times as much money as Foxx, raising $11.9 million — $10.5 million of it from his father William Conway Jr., the billionaire co-founder of the Carlyle Group, state records show.
“[Smollett] got a lot of publicity because of who he was — he was a one-trick pony for her opponents, but you have to remember that Kim Foxx was elected on a two-to-one margin on an important case, one that had gravitas,” Gorman said. “Jussie Smollett just had pizazz to it.”
Police Officer Jason Van Dyke’s 2014 fatal shooting of the 17-year-old McDonald made headlines around the nation, prompting protests over Alvarez’s and then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s handling of the case. It ended in a jury finding Van Dyke guilty of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery.
Foxx’s handling of former “Empire” actor Smollett’s also received national media coverage, sparked outrage from many and was a major talking point throughout the primary. Her opponents claimed she undermined public trust in the office.
Accused of making a false report to police, Smollett was indicted last year on 16 counts of disorderly conduct, but the state’s attorney’s office later abruptly dropped the charges.
Foxx removed herself from the case about a month after Smollett initially alleged he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in late January last year but that didn’t stave off further criticism.
Jussie Smollett speaks to reporters after all charges against him were dropped in 2019. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
Cook County Judge Michael Toomin lambasted Foxx’s decision to recuse herself, comparing her to a captain abandoning the ship and appointed Special Prosecutor Dan Webb to look into her office’s handling of the case and whether Smollett should be charged again, which he was last month.
Beyond mentioning Smollett every time they could, Foxx’s opponents sought to tie the first-term prosecutor to indicted 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke and link her criminal justice reforms to spikes in gun violence and retail theft, painting her as someone lacking the integrity needed for the job.
Foxx called the yearlong obsession with the case “BS.”
And Tuesday’s results suggest a good chunk of voters agreed.
Delmarie Cobb, a veteran political consultant who also works with the Cook County Democratic Party, said the Smollett issue, which was “used as a weapon,” and her rivals’ other claims weren’t enough to bring down Foxx.
Flanked by family members, incumbent Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx speaks to reporters at the Hotel Essex Chicago after winning in the Democratic primary, Tuesday night. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Chicago Sun-Times file
“Voters are sophisticated enough to know that’s just one issue and look at her overall record, and her overall record is someone who promised to come into this office, which is a law-and-order office, and bring heart and compassion to it,” Cobb said.
That record includes reorienting how resources were used in the office, diverting efforts from retail theft and other, smaller crimes to violent crimes, her push for bail reform and expunging cannabis cases.
Cobb said the black community, which is a large part of Foxx’s base, is satisfied with the direction of the office.
“That doesn’t mean they’re satisfied with all the decisions that have been made, but overall it’s a different office than in the past,” Cobb said.
Dick Simpson, a political professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, pointed to African American voters sticking with Foxx — as well as endorsements from public officials and the county’s Democratic party — as factors in Foxx’s win that drowned out the noise of the Smollett case. Gorman also pointed to Foxx’s core supporters — the ones who “united against Alvarez” — assembling once more to ensure Foxx gets another term.
Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, center, and her opponents in the 2016 Democratic primary election, Kim Foxx, left, and Donna More, right, debate before the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board, Friday, Feb. 5, 2016. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
Having multiple challengers also likely helped Foxx, Simpson said. If there was just one challenger “that might have been more helpful to voters” in terms of helping them decide whether or not to pick Foxx.
Simpson said Conway brought up valid charges, particularly related to how few public corruption cases the office prosecutes, and hoped Foxx would correct that trend going forward.
Foxx now moves on to face former Cook County Circuit Court Judge Pat O’Brien, who beat Christopher Pfannkuche in the Republican Primary. In 2016, Foxx ousted Alvarez and then went on to wallop Pfannkuche.
Devine, who was the county’s top prosecutor before Alvarez, said Foxx should not count her Republican rival out.
“O’Brien is a well respected prosecutor and a judge for many years,” Devine said. “ I would expect Pat O’Brien to bring a strong case, based on ‘we have to get back to the traditional role of a prosecutor’ and he will make case for that – Foxx has to say ‘I’m progressive, but I also do my job as a prosecutor.’”
But Cobb said if conventional wisdom holds, she expects Foxx to prevail, and she looks forward to what comes next.
“Now we can get to see what she really can do with the office – the second term is really building on what you’ve done so far,” Cobb said. “So I think this will be the term that solidifies her stamp on the office and from here on, if she wants to continue to hold the office, we’ll see more and more improvements for a more just criminal justice system.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-19--Coronavirus, Cook County Jail, and the need to reduce the inmate population . . . fast

If we ’ ve learned anything about COVID-19 in recent weeks , it ’ s that the virus can flourish in close settings with many people .
That means nursing homes , schools and hospitals — and Cook County Jail , the largest single-site jail in the United States .
The good news is there are no known coronavirus cases at the jail so far , and judges , prosecutors and public defenders are working together to release non-violent offenders who would be at particularly high risk if the virus were to surface there .
This would include older men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues , such as diabetes .
But the method of doing so — requiring each detainee to ask a judge for release during a regularly scheduled court hearing — is a gear that grinds too slowly .
Fewer than 10 incarcerated people have been released since the outbreak began .
We strongly urge county justice officials and the office of Chief Judge Timothy Evans to develop a process to more quickly release many more incarcerated people — without compromising public safety — who run a high risk of being felled by the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notoriously crowded conditions , the pool of candidates for release should also include other non-violent detainees charged with low-level crimes .
Located at 26th Street and California Avenue , the sprawling 96-acre jail houses 5,600 detainees .
There are 100 new arrivals daily , any one of whom potentially could bring the virus into the jail .
And there simply isn ’ t room enough to practice the social distancing to protect against the virus that is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control .
Soap and facilities for frequent hand washing also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day coming in , ” Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart told us .
“ And I can ’ t say ‘ No , I ’ m not taking them.
’ There is no playbook for this.
” “ There is no playbook for this , ” Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart .
Members of the jail ’ s 3,300-member correctional staff could carry the virus into the jail or — equally sobering — carry it back out into the general public .
“ Our employees — out living their lives , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jail would make it easier to quarantine and treat detainees if and when the virus does strike — and it is hard to imagine that it won ’ t .
The jail has taken precautions such as screening incoming detainees for flu-like symptoms and holding them for seven days of observation .
Dart is limiting anyone from visiting the facility other than clergy , lawyers , essential volunteers and attorneys .
Those measures eliminate some risk , but certainly not all or enough .
In Santa Clara , California , this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantined after they were visited by a defense attorney who later tested positive for coronavirus .
In New York City this week , a Rikers Island inmate was discovered to have contracted the virus , as was a correctional office assigned to an entry gate .
“ A storm is coming ” if New York corrections officials don ’ t get better prepared , Rikers ’ chief medical officer , Ross MacDonald , warned Wednesday on Twitter .
What should be done ?
About 25 percent of the detainees at Cook County Jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have the money to make bond .
In addition to turning loose high-risk , non-violent offenders charged with lesser crimes , the county should work to reduce this group of 1,500 detainees .
A detainee ’ s exposure to the coronavirus should not be based on his financial circumstances .
Police departments across Cook County can takes steps , as well , to ameliorate the problem .
The Chicago Police Department this week began instructing officers to issue citations , rather than make arrests , for minor offenses such as simple battery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman Anthony Guglielmi .
The idea is to reduce the number of detainees in both the county jail and police lock-ups .
It ’ s a simple but effective change .
The number of suspects taken to jail in Los Angeles County dropped from 300 a day to 60 after sheriff ’ s police last month began issuing citations for minor crimes as an alternative to arrest .
“ This is a moment for Cook County officials to be creative , ” said Camille Bennett , director of the Illinois ACLU ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t agree more .
Lives — in and out of the jail — depend on it .

If we’ve learned anything about COVID-19 in recent weeks, it’s that the virus can flourish in close settings with many people. That means nursing homes, schools and hospitals — and Cook County Jail, the largest single-site jail in the United States.
The good news is there are no known coronavirus cases at the jail so far, and judges, prosecutors and public defenders are working together to release non-violent offenders who would be at particularly high risk if the virus were to surface there. This would include older men and women and those with existing health issues, such as diabetes.
Editorials bug Editorials
But the method of doing so — requiring each detainee to ask a judge for release during a regularly scheduled court hearing — is a gear that grinds too slowly. Fewer than 10 incarcerated people have been released since the outbreak began.
We strongly urge county justice officials and the office of Chief Judge Timothy Evans to develop a process to more quickly release many more incarcerated people — without compromising public safety — who run a high risk of being felled by the disease. The pool of candidates for release should also include other non-violent detainees charged with low-level crimes.
The looming danger
Located at 26th Street and California Avenue, the sprawling 96-acre jail houses 5,600 detainees. There are 100 new arrivals daily, any one of whom potentially could bring the virus into the jail. And there simply isn’t room enough to practice the social distancing to protect against the virus that is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Soap and facilities for frequent hand washing also are limited.
“One hundred people a day coming in,” Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart told us. “And I can’t say ‘No, I’m not taking them.’ There is no playbook for this.”
“One hundred people a day coming in,” Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart says. “And I can’t say ‘No, I’m not taking them.’ There is no playbook for this.”
Members of the jail’s 3,300-member correctional staff could carry the virus into the jail or — equally sobering — carry it back out into the general public.
“Our employees — out living their lives,” Dart said.
Freeing up space in the jail would make it easier to quarantine and treat detainees if and when the virus does strike — and it is hard to imagine that it won’t.
The jail has taken precautions such as screening incoming detainees for flu-like symptoms and holding them for seven days of observation. Dart is limiting anyone from visiting the facility other than clergy, lawyers, essential volunteers and attorneys.
Those measures eliminate some risk, but certainly not all or enough. In Santa Clara, California, this week, a pair of jail detainees were quarantined after they were visited by a defense attorney who later tested positive for coronavirus. In New York City this week, a Rikers Island inmate was discovered to have contracted the virus, as was a correctional officer assigned to an entry gate.
“A storm is coming” if New York corrections officials don’t get better prepared, Rikers’ chief medical officer, Ross MacDonald, warned Wednesday on Twitter.
What should be done?
About 25 percent of the detainees at Cook County Jail are behind bars because they don’t have the money to make bond. In addition to turning loose high-risk, non-violent offenders charged with lesser crimes, the county should work to reduce this group of 1,500 detainees. A detainee’s exposure to the coronavirus should not be based on his financial circumstances.
Police departments across Cook County can takes steps, as well, to ameliorate the problem. The Chicago Police Department this week began instructing officers to issue citations, rather than make arrests, for minor offenses such as simple battery and small retail theft, said CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. The idea is to reduce the number of detainees in both the county jail and police lock-ups.
It’s a simple but effective change. The number of suspects taken to jail in Los Angeles County dropped from 300 a day to 60 after sheriff’s police last month began issuing citations for minor crimes as an alternative to arrest.
“This is a moment for Cook County officials to be creative,” said Camille Bennett, director of the Illinois ACLU’s Corrections Reform Project.
We couldn’t agree more. Lives — in and out of the jail — depend on it.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-19--Playboy suspends publication of iconic magazine after 66 years

Playboy magazine is the latest victim of the coronavirus .
The iconic magazine founded by Hugh Hefner in 1953 is suspending production of its print edition amid the global pandemic , CEO Ben Kohn said in an open letter posted on Medium Wednesday .
“ Last week , as the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic to content production and the supply chain became clearer and clearer , we were forced to accelerate a conversation we ’ ve been having internally , ” Kohn said .
Playboy had considered discontinuing it ’ s magazine long before the coronavirus outbreak because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the internet and the decline of print in the digital age .
As a result , the company scaled back the once monthly publication to bi-monthly in 2017 and quarterly in 2019 .
“ We have decided that our Spring 2020 Issue , which arrives on U.S. newsstands and as a digital download this week , will be our final printed publication for the year in the U.S. , ” Kohn added .
The company plans to move forward with content on a “ digital-first publishing schedule ” with hopes of producing “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Print is how we began and print will always be a part of who we are , ” Kohn said .
“ Over the past 66 years , we ’ ve become far more than a magazine .
And sometimes you have to let go of the past to make room for the future.
” Despite shuttering the print edition , Kohn assured fans that “ the Playboy brand is more successful than ever before ” and driving “ over $ 3 billion in annual consumer spend worldwide.
” At its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a circulation of more than 7 million .
Marilyn Monroe covered the first-ever issue in 1953 .
The likes of Madonna , Naomi Campbell , Cindy Crawford , Pamela Anderson , Kim Kardashian and Carmen Electra have gone on to be Playboy cover models .

Playboy magazine is the latest victim of the coronavirus.
The iconic magazine founded by Hugh Hefner in 1953 is suspending production of its print edition amid the global pandemic, CEO Ben Kohn said in an open letter posted on Medium Wednesday.
“Last week, as the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic to content production and the supply chain became clearer and clearer, we were forced to accelerate a conversation we’ve been having internally,” Kohn said.
Playboy had considered discontinuing it’s magazine long before the coronavirus outbreak because of the wide accessibility of free pornography on the internet and the decline of print in the digital age. As a result, the company scaled back the once monthly publication to bi-monthly in 2017 and quarterly in 2019.
“We have decided that our Spring 2020 Issue, which arrives on U.S. newsstands and as a digital download this week, will be our final printed publication for the year in the U.S.,” Kohn added.
The company plans to move forward with content on a “digital-first publishing schedule” with hopes of producing “special edition” print publications in 2021.
“Print is how we began and print will always be a part of who we are,” Kohn said. “Over the past 66 years, we’ve become far more than a magazine. And sometimes you have to let go of the past to make room for the future.”
Despite shuttering the print edition, Kohn assured fans that “the Playboy brand is more successful than ever before” and driving “over $3 billion in annual consumer spend worldwide.”
At its height in the 1970s, Playboy magazine had a circulation of more than 7 million. Marilyn Monroe covered the first-ever issue in 1953. The likes of Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, Kim Kardashian and Carmen Electra have gone on to be Playboy cover models.
Read more at usatoday.com


chicagosun-times--2020-03-19--Chicago Public Schools extends closure until mid-April, cancels standardized testing

Chicago ’ s more than 640 public schools are staying closed until at least mid-April because of coronavirus worries , Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday .
The extension of school closures that were keeping the city ’ s 350,000 students home until March 31 further jeopardizes the remainder of an already-marred school year .
The school district , the nation ’ s third largest , won ’ t be back in session before April 21 , Lightfoot announced in a televised speech Thursday evening that outlined the city ’ s continued response to the increasingly dangerous pandemic .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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.
” Jackson wrote in a letter sent to CPS families Thursday that “ while we want to reopen schools as soon as possible , this is a very serious challenge and we support the mayor ’ s decision to prioritize the health and well-being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move , Jackson said the district is canceling district-mandated end-of-year testing , including the Northwest Evaluation Association ( NWEA ) MAP test , and teacher evaluations .
The NWEA MAP test , among other things , is used for entry to the district ’ s selective-enrollment high schools .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear how CPS would address that issue moving forward .
CPS is also seeking permission from state education officials to maintain this year ’ s school ratings — suspending its School Quality Rating Policy ( SQRP ) — to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurt by the closures .
CPS has already been handing out free breakfast and lunch to all city kids , giving out 90,000 meals since Monday in the first three days of the closure .
Chicago businessman and billionaire Ken Griffin on Thursday donated $ 2.5 million — $ 1 million to CPS and $ 1.5 million to the Greater Chicagoland Food Depository — to help the effort , Lightfoot said .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said in his own news conference earlier Thursday that “ parents should be contemplating the possibility ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past March 30 .

Chicago’s more than 640 public schools are staying closed until at least mid-April because of coronavirus worries, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday.
The extension of school closures that were keeping the city’s 350,000 students home until March 31 further jeopardizes the remainder of an already-marred school year that saw a 12-day teachers strike last fall.
The school district, the nation’s third largest, won’t be back in session before April 21, Lightfoot announced in a televised speech Thursday evening that outlined the city’s continued response to the increasingly dangerous pandemic.
“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.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in his own news conference earlier Thursday that “parents should be contemplating the possibility” that the statewide closures will be extended past March 30.
Jackson wrote in a letter sent to CPS families Thursday that “while we want to reopen schools as soon as possible, this is a very serious challenge and we support the mayor’s decision to prioritize the health and well-being of our city.”
In a significant move, Jackson said the district is canceling district-mandated end-of-year testing, including the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) MAP test, and teacher evaluations.
The NWEA MAP test, among other things, is used for entry to the district’s selective-enrollment high schools and elementary school academic centers. CPS said in a statement that “we are fully committed to ensuring students can access assessments tied to college entry, selective enrollment admission, and grade promotion, and we will keep families informed regarding any adjustments to the assessment calendar.”
CPS is also seeking permission from state education officials to maintain this year’s school ratings — suspending its School Quality Rating Policy (SQRP) — to ensure schools aren’t further negatively hurt by the closures.
Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey said Thursday CPS has assured him that all teachers and staff will continue to receive regular pay through the remainder of the closures.
As far as homework goes, new state guidance this week said districts can grade students’ assignments as long as it doesn’t negatively impact a student’s overall grade.
CPS has already been handing out free breakfast and lunch to all city kids, giving out 532,500 meals since Monday in the first three days of the closure. Chicago businessman and billionaire Ken Griffin on Thursday donated $2.5 million — $1 million to CPS and $1.5 million to the Greater Chicagoland Food Depository — to help the effort, Lightfoot said.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-19--Illegal COVID-19 tests confiscated at O’Hare

Customs agents at O ’ Hare Airport Tuesday intercepted a batch of illegal COVID-19 medical tests shipped from the United Kingdom .
A batch of vials labeled as COVID-19 tests were spread among packages of “ test kits ” for meningitis , IVF , MRSA and salmonella , according to a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection .
There was about one COVID-19 test per parcel , but not all of them contained a test for COVID-19 , according to the statement .
The Food and Drug Administration deemed the tests unapproved and took them for analysis .
Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not say whether the tests were counterfeit .
Currently , the only authorized testing of COVID-19 is performed in state and local health labs across the U.S. , according to the statement .
Last week , customs officials at Los Angeles International Airport confiscated a shipment of suspected counterfeit COVID-19 tests .
The tests were also from the U.K. in packages labeled “ Purified Water Vials.
” Upon inspection , though , the vials were filled with a white liquid and labeled “ Corona Virus 2019nconv ( COVID-19 ) ” and “ Virus1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also handed over to the FDA .
Illinois was the first state to test for COVID-19 on its own in early February , but some residents showing symptoms of the virus had trouble getting a test .
Initially , only residents who had been in contact with a known coronavirus patient , or who traveled internationally , were eligible for a test .
Some have criticized the federal government for mistakes in not ramping up testing sooner , limiting the number of tests and leading to the severe restrictions .
But restrictions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now anyone showing symptoms is eligible for a test .
As of Thursday afternoon , 3,151 COVID-19 tests had been administered in Illinois , and the state will soon be able to test up to 2,000 people per day .
About 1,000 tests were conducted Wednesday .
Bansbach warned the public about the dangers of purchasing unapproved , possibly counterfeit medical supplies from overseas .
“ When you buy something online , you ’ re hoping it ’ s going to be reputable , but you don ’ t know what you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ People need to be very wary when purchasing stuff online .
”

Customs agents at O’Hare Airport Tuesday intercepted a batch of illegal COVID-19 medical tests shipped from the United Kingdom.
A batch of vials labeled as COVID-19 tests were spread among packages of “test kits” for meningitis, IVF, MRSA and salmonella, according to a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
There was about one COVID-19 test per parcel, but not all of them contained a test for COVID-19, according to the statement.
The Food and Drug Administration deemed the tests unapproved and took them for analysis.
Steve Bansbach, spokesman for CBP, could not say whether the tests were counterfeit.
Currently, the only authorized testing of COVID-19 is performed in state and local health labs across the U.S., according to the statement.
Customs agents in Los Angeles confiscated this package of suspected counterfeit COVID-19 tests on March 12, 2020. U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Last week, customs officials at Los Angeles International Airport confiscated a shipment of suspected counterfeit COVID-19 tests. The tests were also from the U.K. in packages labeled “Purified Water Vials.”
Upon inspection, though, the vials were filled with a white liquid and labeled “Corona Virus 2019nconv (COVID-19)” and “Virus1 Test Kit”. The tests were also handed over to the FDA.
Illinois was the first state to test for COVID-19 on its own in early February, but some residents showing symptoms of the virus had trouble getting a test.
Initially, only residents who had been in contact with a known coronavirus patient, or who traveled internationally, were eligible for a test. Some have criticized the federal government for mistakes in not ramping up testing sooner, limiting the number of tests and leading to the severe restrictions.
But restrictions have loosened as testing has increased, and now anyone showing symptoms is eligible for a test.
As of Thursday afternoon, 3,151 COVID-19 tests had been administered in Illinois, and the state will soon be able to test up to 2,000 people per day. About 1,000 tests were conducted Wednesday.
Bansbach warned the public about the dangers of purchasing unapproved, possibly counterfeit medical supplies from overseas.
“When you buy something online, you’re hoping it’s going to be reputable, but you don’t know what you’re going to get,” he said. “People need to be very wary when purchasing stuff online.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-19--The best move for the Bears offense? Extend Allen Robinson’s contract

Maybe it was coincidence .
At 10:06 Monday night , Allen Robinson posted a GIF from his Twitter account of Will Smith sitting on the set of the “ The Tonight Show.
” The actor bites his fingernails nervously before clapping violently with a smile on his face .
Robinson had reason to cheer : 11 minutes earlier , ESPN ’ s Adam Schefter reported that wide receiver Amari Cooper had agreed to return to the Cowboys .
The price : five years , $ 100 million , with $ 60 million guaranteed .
It was the richest contract for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the $ 96.25 million deal the Saints gave Michael Thomas in July .
Cooper ’ s deal set the market for receivers .
Which is a big deal for Robinson .
He ’ s due an extension , and soon .
Robinson is entering the final year of a three-year , $ 42 million contract he signed coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament .
He ’ s set to receive a $ 3 million roster bonus on Friday and make $ 10.9 million in base salary this upcoming season .
Robinson ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to training camp — or perhaps even to April Fool ’ s Day .
Both sides would benefit from an extension , perhaps before the free-agent frenzy is complete .
Doing so could lower his cap hit from $ 15 million — provided the Bears were creative — to give the team more money to spend during the free-agent period that began Wednesday afternoon .
It would avoid a season-long staring contest over the franchise tag next year , something that neither side wants .
An extension would vault Robinson into the echelon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Bears .
His 98 catches last year rank fifth-most in franchise history , his 1,147 yards eighth-most .
Despite playing six NFL seasons , he ’ s only 26 — and doesn ’ t have a birthday until August .
An extension will be costly .
Robinson might not hit $ 60 million guaranteed , like Cooper , but $ 50 million could be in range .
Still , it would be the best move the Bears make for their offense all offseason .
It would be , to date , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nagy ’ s scheme in both the short and long terms .
All the world knows that the Bears ’ top priority this month is to fix their offense .
They haven ’ t unequivocally done so — at least yet .
The team ’ s two major additions are far from airtight answers at their two biggest positions of need .
Neither quarterback Nick Foles nor tight end Jimmy Graham is expected to dominate in 2020 .
Despite being under contract , there ’ s no guarantee either is on the Bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps the greatest pinch-hitter in the history of quarterbacks , marching the Eagles to a championship , and earning himself Super Bowl MVP honors , three seasons ago .
He ’ s one of the streakiest passers in the league , too — at the end of the 2018 season , Foles tied an NFL record with 25-straight completions .
He hasn ’ t proven in years , though , that he can succeed during the course of a full season .
He hasn ’ t started five regular-season games since 2015 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s started more than 10 games exactly once .
Graham is on the back end of his career .
His yards per game over the past three seasons have been 32.5 , 39.8 and 27.9 .
By comparison , receiver Taylor Gabriel , whom the Bears cut last month as a cap casualty , averaged 39.2 yards per game last year .
The Bears are betting that Foles and Graham can both succeed in the right situation .
The fastest way to create one is to give Robinson the extension .

Maybe it was a coincidence. It probably wasn’t, though.
At 10:06 p.m. Monday night, Bears receiver Allen Robinson posted a GIF from his Twitter account of Will Smith sitting on the set of the “The Tonight Show” biting his fingernails nervously before clapping violently with a smile on his face.
Robinson had reason to cheer: 11 minutes earlier, ESPN reported that receiver Amari Cooper had agreed to return to the Cowboys on a five-year, $100 million contract with $60 million guaranteed.
It was the richest contract for a receiver in NFL history, surpassing the $96.25 million deal the Saints gave Michael Thomas in July.
Cooper’s deal set the market for receivers. That’s a big deal for Robinson, who is up for an extension soon.
Robinson is entering the final year of a three-year, $42 million contract he signed after coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He’s set to receive a $3 million roster bonus Friday and make $10.9 million in base salary this upcoming season.
Robinson should get an extension by training camp — or perhaps by April 1. Both sides would benefit from an extension, perhaps before the free-agent frenzy is complete.
Doing so could lower his cap hit from $15 million — provided the Bears are creative — to give the team more money to spend during free agency. It would avoid a season-long staring contest over the franchise tag next year, something that neither side wants.
An extension would vault Robinson into the echelon of receivers more befitting his second season with the Bears. His 98 catches last year rank fifth-most in franchise history, his 1,147 yards eighth-most. Despite playing six NFL seasons, Robinson is only 26.
An extension will be costly. Robinson might not get $60 million guaranteed like Cooper, but $50 million is possible.
Still, it would be the best move the Bears can make for their offense in the offseason. It would be, to date, the only move guaranteed to improve coach Matt Nagy’s scheme in the short and long terms.
The Bears’ top priority this month is to fix their offense. They haven’t unequivocally done so — at least yet. The team’s two major additions are far from airtight answers at their two biggest positions of need.
Neither quarterback Nick Foles nor tight end Jimmy Graham is expected to dominate in 2020. Despite being under contract, there’s no guarantee either will be on the Bears’ roster in 2021.
Foles is perhaps the greatest pinch hitter in the history of quarterbacks, marching the Eagles to a Super Bowl title three years ago. He’s one of the streakiest passers in the league, too. At the end of the 2018 season, Foles tied an NFL record with 25 consecutive completions.
But he hasn’t proved that he can succeed during the course of a full season. He hasn’t started five regular-season games since 2015. In eight NFL seasons, he has started more than 10 games only once.
Graham is on the back end of his career. His yards per game over the last three seasons have been 32.5, 39.8 and 27.9. By comparison, receiver Taylor Gabriel, whom the Bears cut last month as a cap casualty, averaged 39.2 yards last season.
The Bears are betting that Foles and Graham can succeed in the right situation.
The fastest way to create one is to give Robinson an extension.
Cue the Will Smith clip.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-19--Woman killed in Forest Park multi-vehicle crash

A woman was killed in a multi-vehicle crash Monday in west suburban Forest Park .
Officers responded to reports of @ @ @ @ @ p.m. in the 1400 block of Des Plaines Avenue and found a three-vehicle crash , @ @ @ @ @ Beverly Harrison ’ s vehicle ’ s was on fire , and officers extinguished the @ @ @ @ @ officer who was giving her aid , police said .
According to preliminary information , @ @ @ @ @ Plaines when a northbound vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed hit another vehicle @ @ @ @ @ driver of the northbound vehicle lost control and struck Harrison ’ s car .
The @ @ @ @ @ University Medical Center in Maywood , where she was pronounced dead , police said , @ @ @ @ @ .
The driver of the northbound vehicle was taken to the same hospital with non-life @ @ @ @ @ .
Police said alcohol may have been a factor in the crash .

A woman was killed in a multi-vehicle crash Monday in west suburban Forest Park.
Officers responded to reports of a car fire about 3:15 p.m. in the 1400 block of Des Plaines Avenue and found a three-vehicle crash, Forest Park police said.
Beverly Harrison’s vehicle’s was on fire, and officers extinguished the flames while motorists helped another officer who was giving her aid, police said.
According to preliminary information, Harrison was southbound on Des Plaines when a northbound vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed hit another vehicle, police said. The driver of the northbound vehicle lost control and struck Harrison’s car.
The 62-year-old was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where she was pronounced dead, police said, adding she is from Louisiana.
The driver of the northbound vehicle was taken to the same hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.
Police said alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-19--Lightfoot delivers televised address on city response to coronavirus

For the second time in her 10-month tenure , Mayor Lori Lightfoot is using a live , televised address to confront a crisis threatening Chicago .
Only this time , the threat is to public health as well as city finances .
At 5 p.m. Thursday , Lightfoot will address Chicagoans from her City Hall office to outline what she calls the “ comprehensive and proactive steps ” she has already taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Chicago and “ preview measures ” she plans to take in the weeks ahead .
“ This is a make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the greatest public health threats of our lifetime .
Now is the time for bold , urgent and transparent leadership , not false claims and political games , ” Lightfoot was quoted as saying in a statement .
“ In the midst of unprecedented uncertainty , residents turn to their public officials and expect us to take swift and decisive action grounded in the data to ensure the well-being of their personal health and financial security .
Frankly , they should demand nothing less.
” Already , Chicago Public Schools are closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with bars , on-site dining in restaurants and cafes and all public gatherings larger than 50 people .
The mayor has canceled Chicago ’ s St. Patrick ’ s Day parade and disclosed that she ’ s shutting down the police academy , suspending “ certain non-essential government services that can not be performed from home ” by city employees and allowing authorized workers who can to work from home for two weeks .
With only three aldermen in attendance , Lightfoot gaveled Wednesday ’ s City Council meeting to order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when aldermen will , hopefully gather again in person , or via tele-conferencing .
During a conference call with reporters a few hours later , Lightfoot reiterated that she is working with the Illinois Restaurant Association to craft a “ local package ” to support restaurants , other small businesses , hourly and tipped workers severely impacted by the pandemic .
“ We know that there ’ s a significant amount of economic pressure all over , but particularly service employees , hourly workers in the hospitality area in particular .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways to give them relief to put money in their pocket rather than collecting it in fines and fees , or worse , driving people into bankruptcy , ” the mayor said .
Last year , Lightfoot delivered a prime-time address on the city ’ s financial crisis caused , in large part , by skyrocketing pension payments .
But the only real news to come out of that speech was her claim that the deficit she inherited from former Mayor Rahm Emanuel was $ 838 million — far more than her predecessor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , professional sports leagues on hiatus and more and more employees working from home , city revenues are now dropping like a rock .
A budget based on a bunch of shaky assumptions even before the crisis will now hemorrhage revenue .
It ’ s not clear whether the mayor ’ s address will confront the financial impact of the pandemic or whether she will confine her remarks to public health .
On Wednesday , the mayor played down the financial impact.She argued that no single revenue stream accounts for more than 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economically-sensitive taxes are less than 25 percent.
” “ We ’ ve not seen any significant adverse impact yet on city revenues .
We have a substantial amount of cash in the event that we need it .
So , we feel like we ’ re well situated , for the short term at least to weather the storm ” she said .
Nine progressive aldermen aren ’ t waiting for the impact to be felt .
They ’ re proposing a plan of their own that includes : • A property tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” after restaurants and small businesses are allowed to re-open .
• An emergency fund to provide no-interest loans and grants to businesses and employees impacted by the virtual shut-down .
• A guarantee that Chicago Public School employees — including full-time and substitute teachers , support personnel and parent workers — will be paid for the duration of the crisis , even if schools remain closed .
Lightfoot said she welcomes suggestions from aldermen .
But , she argued that the “ most effective way to create public policy is to actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release or tweet .
We see how effective that is at the federal level .
”

For the second time in her 10-month tenure, Mayor Lori Lightfoot is using a live, televised address to confront a crisis threatening Chicago. Only this time, the threat is to public health as well as city finances.
At 5 p.m. Thursday, Lightfoot will address Chicagoans from her City Hall office to outline what she calls the “comprehensive and proactive steps” she has already taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Chicago and “preview measures” she plans to take in the weeks ahead.
“This is a make or break moment as COVID-19 is one of the greatest public health threats of our lifetime. Now is the time for bold, urgent and transparent leadership, not false claims and political games,” Lightfoot was quoted as saying in a statement.
“In the midst of unprecedented uncertainty, residents turn to their public officials and expect us to take swift and decisive action grounded in the data to ensure the well-being of their personal health and financial security. Frankly, they should demand nothing less.”
Already, Chicago Public Schools are closed on orders from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, along with bars, on-site dining in restaurants and cafes and all public gatherings larger than 50 people.
The mayor has canceled Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and disclosed that she’s shutting down the police academy, suspending “certain non-essential government services that cannot be performed from home” by city employees and allowing authorized workers who can to work from home for two weeks.
With only three aldermen in attendance, Lightfoot gaveled Wednesday’s City Council meeting to order and recessed it until April 15, when aldermen will, hopefully gather again in person, or via tele-conferencing.
Council meeting recessed until April 15–we hope. pic.twitter.com/vPVZ00jwMe — Fran Spielman (@fspielman) March 18, 2020
During a conference call with reporters a few hours later, Lightfoot reiterated that she is working with the Illinois Restaurant Association to craft a “local package” to support restaurants, other small businesses, hourly and tipped workers severely impacted by the pandemic.
“We know that there’s a significant amount of economic pressure all over, but particularly service employees, hourly workers in the hospitality area in particular. That’s why we’re looking at ways to give them relief to put money in their pocket rather than collecting it in fines and fees, or worse, driving people into bankruptcy,” the mayor said.
Last year, Lightfoot delivered a prime-time address on the city’s financial crisis caused, in large part, by skyrocketing pension payments. But the only real news to come out of that speech was her claim that the deficit she inherited from former Mayor Rahm Emanuel was $838 million — far more than her predecessor claimed.
Ultimately, Lightfoot’s $11.6 billion budget was precariously balanced with one-time revenues.
With conventions and concerts cancelling, professional sports leagues on hiatus and more and more employees working from home, city revenues are now dropping like a rock.
A budget based on a bunch of shaky assumptions even before the crisis will now hemorrhage revenue.
It’s not clear whether the mayor’s address will confront the financial impact of the pandemic or whether she will confine her remarks to public health.
On Wednesday, the mayor played down the financial impact.She argued that no single revenue stream accounts for more than 13 percent of overall revenue and that “economically-sensitive taxes are less than 25 percent.”
“We’ve not seen any significant adverse impact yet on city revenues. We have a substantial amount of cash in the event that we need it. So, we feel like we’re well situated, for the short term at least to weather the storm” she said.
Nine progressive aldermen aren’t waiting for the impact to be felt. They’re proposing a plan of their own that includes:
• A property tax abatement for “at least 120 days” after restaurants and small businesses are allowed to re-open.
• A state payroll tax cut, a moratorium on business tax and license fee collections.
• An emergency fund to provide no-interest loans and grants to businesses and employees impacted by the virtual shut-down.
• A moratorium on foreclosures, evictions, utility shut-offs and late payment penalties.
• A guarantee that Chicago Public School employees — including full-time and substitute teachers, support personnel and parent workers — will be paid for the duration of the crisis, even if schools remain closed.
Lightfoot said she welcomes suggestions from aldermen. But, she argued that the “most effective way to create public policy is to actually have conversations and collaborate—not just by press release or tweet. We see how effective that is at the federal level.”