chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--Lightfoot: ‘Friends don’t give friends COVID-19. They give Netflix passwords’ (LIVE UPDATES)

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is continuing her campaign to encourage social distancing practices with humor , this time with a tweet and an Instagram post riffing on the uptick in streaming service account-sharing as most of Chicago and Illinois is staying at home .
Lightfoot has been in on the joke since creative Chicagoans started photoshopping images of a stern-faced mayor guarding public places across the city after she moved to close the lakefront , Riverwalk and other major parks .
First , she said she “ enjoyed ” the memes , which she hoped would help drive home her message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save lives.
” Then , she joined the fun with a series of PSAs that “ Daily Show ” host Trevor Noah said were so funny , he “ didn ’ t even think were real.
” Some commenters called out the mayor ’ s tweet for encouraging account-sharing with friends ; Netflix ’ s terms and conditions technically do state that accounts “ may not be shared with individuals beyond your household.
” A 2018 survey estimated that 9 % of Netflix customers shared their passwords .
In November , a coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netflix , HBO , and Disney began exploring new tactics to cut down on password-sharing , including texting confirmation codes to account-holders and even requiring a thumbprint to unlock content .
Still , the streaming service doesn ’ t seem to be hurting for business : earlier this week , Netflix reported a record surge in subscribers , with 15.8 million new customers signing up .
The Chicago-based sandwich restaurant chain Potbelly announced Saturday it will return a $ 10 million federal loan after taking heat for accepting the relief money that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic .
Potbelly was among a handful of big companies that took a share of $ 349 billion in relief dollars under the federal Paycheck Protection Program , which launched earlier this month and was aimed at companies with fewer than 500 employees .
That prompted the Small Business Administration to issue an advisory Thursday implying that unless those larger companies could prove their eligibility , the money should be returned by May 7 .
Potbelly Sandwich Works , which which has 474 restaurants and 7,000 employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 10 million PPP loan .
“ We are returning the PPP loan after further clarification from the Treasury Department , ” the Potbelly Corporation said in a statement Saturday .
“ We will continue to seek alternatives to help support our employees and enable them to return to work so they can serve our loyal customers.
” Amid allegations they haven ’ t provided adequate protective equipment for employees during the coronavirus pandemic , Smithfield Foods , Inc. , one of the world ’ s largest pork processors , will close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a statement released Friday , Smithfield announced plans to suspend operations at its Monmouth , Illinois facility — about 215 miles west of Chicago — next week after a “ small portion ” of its 1,700 employees tested positive for COVID-19 .
The Kane County Health Department also ordered Smithfield to close its St. Charles facility immediately .
Officials will “ work with the company in mitigation efforts as well as providing education relative to social distancing and employee safety relative to personal protective equipment , ” according to the health department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closures , the company said .
3:10 p.m. 80 more Illinois coronavirus deaths , 2,117 new cases as state hits second daily testing goal Another 80 people have died of COVID-19 in Illinois as state health officials on Saturday announced 2,119 more people have tested positive for the virus .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and Dr. Ngozi Ezike , head of the Illinois Department of Public Health , also said 11,985 coronavirus tests were administered on Friday , marking the second consecutive day that Illinois surpassed Pritzker ’ s stated goal of running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases bring Illinois ’ death toll to 1,875 , among 41,777 total cases of COVID-19 that have been confirmed in 97 of the state ’ s 102 counties .
More than 200,000 COVID-19 tests have been administered in Illinois since the pandemic first hit in late January , officials said .
Read the full report by Jake Wittich here .
2:24 p.m .
Effective ventilator alternative for coronavirus patients found by U of C doctors Doctors at University of Chicago Medicine ’ s Hyde Park emergency room have found a seemingly effective alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients .
High-flow nasal cannulas — small prongs that blow heated , humidified oxygen into a patient ’ s nostrils — provide respiratory aid just like ventilators , but are much less invasive .
And Michael O ’ Connor , UChicago Medicine ’ s Director of Critical Care Medicine , said in a Thursday press release that the use of cannulas during this COVID-19 pandemic has led to “ truly remarkable ” success .
As of Thursday , 24 emergency room patients — all in “ respiratory distress ” — had been given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well.
” The cannulas , in general , increased each patient ’ s oxygen level from 40 % to as high as 90 % .
ATLANTA — As the global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 200,000 on Saturday , countries took cautious steps toward easing some lockdowns , while fears of infection made even some pandemic-wounded businesses reluctant to reopen .
The states of Georgia , Oklahoma and Alaska started loosening restrictions on businesses despite warnings from experts that such steps might be coming too soon .
Some owners said they weren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were doing so only on a limited basis , worried about a second surge of COVID-19 infections .
“ We ’ ve sacrificed so much already , ” said Shawn Gingrich , CEO and founder of Lion ’ s Den Fitness , who decided after the Georgia governor ’ s announcement that he would not be reopening his Atlanta gym right away .
“ I feel like if we do this too soon , we ’ ll see a spike in cases and we ’ re back to square one.
” The worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tally compiled by John Hopkins University from government figures .
The actual death toll is believed to be far higher .
WASHINGTON — They long for what ’ s being lost : the ability to publicly question officials at committee hearings , to chat across the aisle , to speak from the House and Senate floor for all of America , and history , to hear .
With no real plan to reopen Capitol Hill any time soon , the coronavirus shutdown poses an existential crisis that ’ s pushing Congress ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of remote legislating from home .
“ It ’ s the ability to be an equal branch of government , ” said Rep. Katie Porter , a freshman Democrat from California .
Divisions are fierce , but so too is the sense of what is being lost .
Every day lawmakers shelter at home , their public role is being visibly diminished .
While they are approving record sums of virus aid , they are ceding authority to oversee the effort and tackle next steps .
11:30 a.m. Norway extends ban on large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ban on all events with more than 500 participants until Sept. 1 Norwegian Culture Minister Abid Raja said during a press conference Saturday “ there is now a ban on major sporting events , festivals and concerts until 15 June .
That ban is now extended until September 1.
” He says the decision wasn ’ t easy for the Norwegian government to make but stressed “ we can not have big events ( in Norway ) that can contribute to more infections that will affect life and health.
” 11:04 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Cook County restricts more parking on weekends Cook County board president Toni Preckwinkle announced this morning some added parking lot closures for weekends ( Friday-Sunday ) at high traffic preserves .
Click here for a list of the new and existing closures .
10:06 a.m. WHO warns against idea of ‘ immunity passports.
’ The World Health Organization is cautioning against the idea of “ immunity passports.
” It says there is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected against a second infection .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or “ risk-free certificates ” has been floated as a way of allowing people protected against reinfection to return to work .
But the Geneva-based U.N. health agency says in a scientific brief released Saturday that more research is needed .
It says “ at this point in the pandemic , there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an ‘ immunity passport ’ or ‘ risk-free certificate.
’ ” It argues that people who assume they are immune to reinfection may ignore public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risks of continued virus transmission .
WHO adds that tests for antibodies of the coronavirus also “ need further validation to determine their accuracy and reliability.
” 9:09 a.m .
Gifts from alumni at South Side Catholic high school become ‘ a lifeline ’ A couple of weeks ago , Nikia Bell , a single mother of four , waited in a line that stretched for four blocks — holding onto a resume and the fragile hope of work .
Three hours later , nearing the front of the line , Bell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come back another day to the job-finding service .
And now , the 42-year-old ’ s car is on the fritz .
Her increasingly dire situation brought Bell to tears Friday .
“ I kind of got overwhelmed because I was just thinking about what am I going to do when it ’ s all over , ” said Bell , referring to the coronavirus shutdown .
But Bell , who lives in the Woodlawn neighborhood , was thankful for at least one thing Friday — the folks at Leo Catholic High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her son Kendale Anderson is a senior .
For the last three weeks , the school has been handing out boxed meals and gift cards [ for groceries and other necessities ] to parents in need , which is most of them .
The school has also been offering tuition deferments , meaning parents won ’ t have to pay while they ’ re out of work .
Get the full story from Stefano Esposito here .
7:22 a.m. Coronavirus deaths more than double at Illinois nursing homes , data shows The state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in long-term care facilities has more than doubled , according to numbers published Friday after a major nursing-home operator ’ s CEO warned they would reflect a “ surge in new cases and more heartbreaking deaths.
” But the numbers , published weekly , appear to be a lagging indicator of what is actually happening around the state — meaning the actual count could be higher .
For example , one South Side nursing home has publicized far higher numbers than reported by the state Friday .
A spokeswoman for Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the individual nursing homes are reliable .
The new numbers reflect 4,298 coronavirus cases and 625 deaths in nursing homes across the state , according to a count by the Chicago Sun-Times .
Pritzker ’ s office first released nursing home numbers last week , which showed 1,860 residents and staff members had tested positive .
Of those , 286 had died .
“ It should not come as a surprise to anyone , ” Citadel Healthcare CEO Jonathan Aaron said during an online press conference Friday .
“ Because the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operators also partnered with hospitals to test every resident and every employee.
” Read the full report from Jon Seidel and Tina Sfondeles here .
• Chicago police announced Friday 13 more cases of COVID-19 , bringing the number of cases in the department to 393 .
• Another 80 people have died of COVID-19 in Illinois as state health officials on Saturday announced 2,119 more people have tested positive for the virus .
• An associate at the Trump International Hotel and Tower has been diagnosed with a confirmed case of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Circuit Court clerk ’ s office has tested positive for COVID-19 , bringing the overall total to 20 .
4:18 p.m. Got the COVID-19 blues ?
Take a bike ride along the Chicago River Tired of being cooped up in the house for the pandemic , my wife and I put on our best train-robber masks and went for a bike ride along the Chicago River .
It was just what we needed .
If you ’ re thinking the coronavirus might mean the end of city living as we know it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convince you : We ’ ll figure out a way to make this all work .
Our destination wasn ’ t downtown and the Riverwalk .
Mayor Lightfoot probably wouldn ’ t have let us on that anyway .
Instead , we headed out along mostly deserted Belmont Avenue to the North Branch and rode north from there on the riverside trail for nearly a mile before having to detour back to city streets .
That might not seem like much of an achievement .
But it wouldn ’ t have been possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ column from Ed Zotti here .
7:19 a.m. No question about it .
Reporters must do better .
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prevents government intrusion on journalists ’ rights to tell their stories and your rights to read or watch or listen to them .
But that means things can get messy .
Some reporters can make everyone else look bad .
“ There are no bad questions , ” is something I learned growing up .
But after doing this job for a number of years , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yes , there are bad questions .
I ’ ve been guilty of that over the years .
Heck , I messed up my own remote question to the governor on April 24 because I got into a hurry and mistyped it .
Oops .
Too often , though , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s daily press conferences have become a theater of the absurd .
Read the full column by Rich Miller here .

Saturday was the second consecutive day that Illinois surpassed Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stated goal of testing 10,000 people per day for the virus. More than 201,000 COVID-19 tests have now been administered in Illinois since the pandemic first hit in late January.
Another 80 deaths and 2,119 confirmed cases announced Saturday brought the state’s death toll to 1,874, among 41,777 total cases of COVID-19 that have been confirmed in 97 of the state’s 102 counties.
Here’s what else happened around the state as the coronavirus pandemic continued.
News
8:13 p.m. Illinois Poison Control Center has seen a ‘significant increase’ in calls associated with cleaning agents
Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images
Although she did not directly address President Donald Trump’s false suggestion that injecting disinfectants might help kill COVID-19, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike sternly rebuked “rumors and general disinformation” spreading about the virus in her daily briefing with Gov. J.B. Pritzker Saturday.
She said the Illinois Poison Control Center saw a “significant increase” in calls associated with exposure to cleaning agents compared to this time in 2019.
“Injecting, ingesting or snorting household cleaners is dangerous. It is not advised and can be deadly,” Ezike said. “Please listen to scientists and health experts about how to stay healthy and how to protect yourself from being sick with this novel coronavirus.”
The parent company of Lysol issued a statement Friday warning that its products should not be used as an internal treatment for the coronavirus after Trump raised the idea during a White House briefing Thursday.
The president remarked that researchers were looking at the effects of disinfectants on the virus, and wondered aloud if they could be used to treat people sickened with the disease “by injection inside or almost a cleaning.”
Read the full report from Saturday’s coronavirus briefing here.
7:30 p.m. Lightfoot: ‘Friends don’t give friends COVID-19. They give Netflix passwords’
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is continuing her campaign to encourage social distancing practices with humor, this time with a tweet and an Instagram post riffing on the uptick in streaming service account-sharing as most of Chicago and Illinois is staying at home.
Lightfoot has been in on the joke since creative Chicagoans started photoshopping images of a stern-faced mayor guarding public places across the city after she moved to close the lakefront, Riverwalk and other major parks.
First, she said she “enjoyed” the memes, which she hoped would help drive home her message encouraging people to “stay home, save lives.” Then, she joined the fun with a series of PSAs that “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah said were so funny, he “didn’t even think [they] were real.”
Some Twitter users called out the mayor’s tweet for encouraging account-sharing with friends; Netflix’s terms and conditions technically do state that accounts “may not be shared with individuals beyond your household.” A 2018 survey estimated that 9% of Netflix customers shared their passwords.
In November, a coalition of TV services that includes Amazon, Netflix, HBO, and Disney began exploring new tactics to cut down on password-sharing, including texting confirmation codes to account-holders and even requiring a thumbprint to unlock content.
Still, the streaming service doesn’t seem to be hurting for business: earlier this week, Netflix reported a record surge in subscribers, with 15.8 million new customers signing up.
— Lizzie Schiffman Tufano
5:21 p.m. Potbelly vows to return millions in federal relief money
The Chicago-based sandwich restaurant chain Potbelly announced Saturday it will return a $10 million federal loan after taking heat for accepting the relief money that was meant to go to small businesses struggling to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
Potbelly was among a handful of big companies that took a share of $349 billion in relief dollars under the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which launched earlier this month and was aimed at companies with fewer than 500 employees.
That prompted the Small Business Administration to issue an advisory Thursday implying that unless those larger companies could prove their eligibility, the money should be returned by May 7.
Potbelly Sandwich Works, which which has 474 restaurants and 7,000 employees, said last week it had received a $10 million PPP loan.
“We are returning the PPP loan after further clarification from the Treasury Department,” the Potbelly Corporation said in a statement Saturday. “We will continue to seek alternatives to help support our employees and enable them to return to work so they can serve our loyal customers.”
Read the full story here.
4:19 p.m. Monmouth, St. Charles meat-packing plants close amid lawsuit over insufficient PPE for employees
Amid allegations they haven’t provided adequate protective equipment for employees during the coronavirus pandemic, Smithfield Foods, Inc., one of the world’s largest pork processors, will close two of its Illinois facilities indefinitely.
In a statement released Friday, Smithfield announced plans to suspend operations at its Monmouth, Illinois facility — about 215 miles west of Chicago — next week after a “small portion” of its 1,700 employees tested positive for COVID-19.
The Kane County Health Department also orderedSmithfield to close its St. Charles facility immediately. Officials will “work with the company in mitigation efforts as well as providing education relative to social distancing and employee safety relative to personal protective equipment,” according to the health department.
Employees will be paid during the closures, the company said.
Read the full report here.
3:10 p.m. 80 more Illinois coronavirus deaths, 2,117 new cases as state hits second daily testing goal
Another 80 people have died of COVID-19 in Illinois as state health officials on Saturday announced 2,119 more people have tested positive for the virus.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Dr. Ngozi Ezike, head of the Illinois Department of Public Health, also said 11,985 coronavirus tests were administered on Friday, marking the second consecutive day that Illinois surpassed Pritzker’s stated goal of running 10,000 tests per day.
The latest cases bring Illinois’ death toll to 1,875, among 41,777 total cases of COVID-19 that have been confirmed in 97 of the state’s 102 counties.
More than 200,000 COVID-19 tests have been administered in Illinois since the pandemic first hit in late January, officials said.
Read the full report by Jake Wittich here.
2:24 p.m. Effective ventilator alternative for coronavirus patients found by U of C doctors
Doctors at University of Chicago Medicine’s Hyde Park emergency room have found a seemingly effective alternative to mechanical ventilators when treating struggling coronavirus patients.
High-flow nasal cannulas — small prongs that blow heated, humidified oxygen into a patient’s nostrils — provide respiratory aid just like ventilators, but are much less invasive.
Doctors at University of Chicago Medicine have found a potential alternative to ventilators when treating struggling coronavirus patients. Photo by Rob Hart
And Michael O’Connor, UChicago Medicine’s Director of Critical Care Medicine, said in a Thursday press release that the use of cannulas during this COVID-19 pandemic has led to “truly remarkable” success.
As of Thursday, 24 emergency room patients — all in “respiratory distress” — had been given cannulas, and most “fared extremely well.” The cannulas, in general, increased each patient’s oxygen level from 40% to as high as 90%.
Read the full story here.
1:37 p.m. Global death toll from coronavirus surpasses 200,000
ATLANTA — As the global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 200,000 on Saturday, countries took cautious steps toward easing some lockdowns, while fears of infection made even some pandemic-wounded businesses reluctant to reopen.
The states of Georgia, Oklahoma and Alaska started loosening restrictions on businesses despite warnings from experts that such steps might be coming too soon. Some owners said they weren’t yet ready to reopen or were doing so only on a limited basis, worried about a second surge of COVID-19 infections.
“We’ve sacrificed so much already,” said Shawn Gingrich, CEO and founder of Lion’s Den Fitness, who decided after the Georgia governor’s announcement that he would not be reopening his Atlanta gym right away. “I feel like if we do this too soon, we’ll see a spike in cases and we’re back to square one.”
The worldwide death toll topped 200,000, according to a tally compiled by John Hopkins University from government figures. The actual death toll is believed to be far higher.
Read the full report here.
12:05 p.m. In Trump’s shadow, Congress-at-home eyes reboot during virus
WASHINGTON — They long for what’s being lost: the ability to publicly question officials at committee hearings, to chat across the aisle, to speak from the House and Senate floor for all of America, and history, to hear.
Congress wants its voice back.
With no real plan to reopen Capitol Hill any time soon, the coronavirus shutdown poses an existential crisis that’s pushing Congress ever so reluctantly toward the 21st century option of remote legislating from home.
“It’s the ability to be an equal branch of government,” said Rep. Katie Porter, a freshman Democrat from California.
Divisions are fierce, but so too is the sense of what is being lost. Every day lawmakers shelter at home, their public role is being visibly diminished. While they are approving record sums of virus aid, they are ceding authority to oversee the effort and tackle next steps.
Read the full report here.
11:30 a.m. Norway extends ban on large events to Sept. 1
Norway is extending the ban on all events with more than 500 participants until Sept. 1
Norwegian Culture Minister Abid Raja said during a press conference Saturday “there is now a ban on major sporting events, festivals and concerts until 15 June. That ban is now extended until September 1.”
He says the decision wasn’t easy for the Norwegian government to make but stressed “we cannot have big events (in Norway) that can contribute to more infections that will affect life and health.”
Norway has reported 201 coronavirus deaths and 7,493 confirmed cases.
— Associated Press
11:04 a.m. Chicago outdoors and coronavirus: Forest Preserves of Cook County restricts more parking on weekends
Cook County board president Toni Preckwinkle announced this morning some added parking lot closures for weekends (Friday-Sunday) at high traffic preserves.
Many preserves and lakes remain open.
Click here for a list of the new and existing closures.
10:06 a.m. WHO warns against idea of ‘immunity passports.’
The World Health Organization is cautioning against the idea of “immunity passports.” It says there is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected against a second infection.
The concept of “immunity passports” or “risk-free certificates” has been floated as a way of allowing people protected against reinfection to return to work.
But the Geneva-based U.N. health agency says in a scientific brief released Saturday that more research is needed. It says “at this point in the pandemic, there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an ‘immunity passport’ or ‘risk-free certificate.’”
It argues that people who assume they are immune to reinfection may ignore public health advice, and such certificates could raise the risks of continued virus transmission.
WHO adds that tests for antibodies of the coronavirus also “need further validation to determine their accuracy and reliability.”
— Associated Press
9:09 a.m. Gifts from alumni at South Side Catholic high school become ‘a lifeline’
A couple of weeks ago, Nikia Bell, a single mother of four, waited in a line that stretched for four blocks — holding onto a resume and the fragile hope of work.
Three hours later, nearing the front of the line, Bell was told that she’d have to come back another day to the job-finding service. And now, the 42-year-old’s car is on the fritz. Her increasingly dire situation brought Bell to tears Friday.
“I kind of got overwhelmed because I was just thinking about what am I going to do when it’s all over,” said Bell, referring to the coronavirus shutdown.
But Bell, who lives in the Woodlawn neighborhood, was thankful for at least one thing Friday — the folks at Leo Catholic High School on the South Side, where her son Kendale Anderson is a senior. For the last three weeks, the school has been handing out boxed meals and gift cards [for groceries and other necessities] to parents in need, which is most of them. The school has also been offering tuition deferments, meaning parents won’t have to pay while they’re out of work.
Get the full story from Stefano Esposito here.
7:22 a.m. Coronavirus deaths more than double at Illinois nursing homes, data shows
The state’s count of coronavirus cases and deaths in long-term care facilities has more than doubled, according to numbers published Friday after a major nursing-home operator’s CEO warned they would reflect a “surge in new cases and more heartbreaking deaths.”
But the numbers, published weekly, appear to be a lagging indicator of what is actually happening around the state — meaning the actual count could be higher. For example, one South Side nursing home has publicized far higher numbers than reported by the state Friday. A spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the numbers released earlier by the individual nursing homes are reliable.
The new numbers reflect 4,298 coronavirus cases and 625 deaths in nursing homes across the state, according to a count by the Chicago Sun-Times. Pritzker’s office first released nursing home numbers last week, which showed 1,860 residents and staff members had tested positive. Of those, 286 had died.
“It should not come as a surprise to anyone,” Citadel Healthcare CEO Jonathan Aaron said during an online press conference Friday. “Because the state expanded testing this week, and some operators also partnered with hospitals to test every resident and every employee.”
Read the full report from Jon Seidel and Tina Sfondeles here.
New Cases
Analysis & Commentary
4:18 p.m. Got the COVID-19 blues? Take a bike ride along the Chicago River
Tired of being cooped up in the house for the pandemic, my wife and I put on our best train-robber masks and went for a bike ride along the Chicago River. It was just what we needed.
If you’re thinking the coronavirus might mean the end of city living as we know it, an hour on the river will convince you: We’ll figure out a way to make this all work.
Our destination wasn’t downtown and the Riverwalk. Mayor Lightfoot probably wouldn’t have let us on that anyway.
Instead, we headed out along mostly deserted Belmont Avenue to the North Branch and rode north from there on the riverside trail for nearly a mile before having to detour back to city streets.
That might not seem like much of an achievement. But it wouldn’t have been possible a year ago.
Read the full column from Ed Zotti here.
7:19 a.m. No question about it. Reporters must do better.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prevents government intrusion on journalists’ rights to tell their stories and your rights to read or watch or listen to them.
But that means things can get messy. Some reporters can make everyone else look bad.
“There are no bad questions,” is something I learned growing up. But after doing this job for a number of years, I’m here to tell you that, yes, there are bad questions.
I’ve been guilty of that over the years. Heck, I messed up my own remote question to the governor on April 24 because I got into a hurry and mistyped it. Oops.
Too often, though, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s daily press conferences have become a theater of the absurd.
Read the full column by Rich Miller here.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--Bears to sign Khalil Mack’s brother as undrafted free agent

The Bears added a second Mack to their team Saturday afternoon , agreeing to sign Pro Bowl outside linebacker Khalil @ @ @ @ @ an undrafted free agent .
Like his brother , Ledarius Mack was an edge rusher @ @ @ @ @ football program announced the Bears ’ decision shortly after the end of the NFL draft @ @ @ @ @ game last season , but led the Bulls with 12 tackles for loss .
He @ @ @ @ @ fumbles .
In the Bahamas Bowl , he recorded a sack and a fumble recovery @ @ @ @ @ Charlotte .
Ledarius Mack started his career at ASA College before transferring to Buffalo , @ @ @ @ @ before playing two seasons .
He posted two sacks and a forced fumble as a @ @ @ @ @ unclear that the younger Mack would have received a serious contract offer from another team @ @ @ @ @ a chance to prove the Bears ’ flyer right , whenever the team next gathers @

The Bears added a second Mack to their team Saturday afternoon, agreeing to sign Pro Bowl outside linebacker Khalil Mack’s brother as an undrafted free agent.
Like his brother, Ledarius Mack was an edge rusher at Buffalo. He posted eight sacks last year and led the Bulls with 12 tackles for loss. He forced a team-high three forced fumbles and recovered two more. In the Bahamas Bowl, he recorded a sack and a fumble recovery to secure a win against Charlotte.
“With Khalil’s brother, that’s definitely something that we’re looking forward to,” general manager Ryan Pace said Saturday night. “It’s something that worked out for us. It will be unique having two brothers on the same team.”
Ledarius Mack started his career at ASA College before transferring to Buffalo, where he redshirted in 2017 before playing two seasons. He posted two sacks and a forced fumble as a junior.
It’s unclear that the younger Mack would have received a serious contract offer from another team. He’ll have a chance to prove the Bears’ flyer right, whenever the team next gathers in person.
The Bears agreed to add college free agents immediately after the draft, including Duke defensive tackle Trevon McSwain, LSU offensive lineman Badara Traore, Oregon State running back Artavis Pierce and Kentucky wide receiver Ahmad Wagner.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--Bishop Ford reopened after fuel spill from crashed semi carrying 22 tons of orange juice

The Bishop Ford Expressway was shut down for several hours Saturday afternoon after a jackknifed semi truck carrying 22 tons @ @ @ @ @ across the roadway .
The semi crashed about 3:45 p.m. in the inbound lanes near @ @ @ @ @ Police said .
A HazMat situation was declared after the semi began leaking fuel across @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
All lanes were closed for over two hours as emergency crews cleaned @ @ @ @ @ police said .
They have since been reopened .

The Bishop Ford Expressway was shut down for several hours Saturday afternoon after a jackknifed semi truck carrying 22 tons of orange juice spilled fuel across the roadway.
The semi crashed about 3:45 p.m. in the inbound lanes near 99th Street, Illinois State Police said.
A HazMat situation was declared after the semi began leaking fuel across the expressway, Chicago fire officials said.
All lanes were closed for over two hours as emergency crews cleaned up the spill, state police said. They have since been reopened.
No injuries were reported.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--NFL Draft: Chicago Bears undrafted free agents tracker

After putting together an NFL Draft class highlighted by second-round picks Cole Kmet and Jaylon Johnson , the Bears are @ @ @ @ @ compete for roster spots .
Here is a live tracker of who they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ younger brother of Bears star Khalil Mack .
Here is the Bears ’ 2020 draft @ @ @ @ @ WR Darnell Mooney , Tulane ( Round 5 , No .
173 ) TE Cole @ @ @ @ @ Round 2 , No .
43 ) OL Arlington Hambright , Colorado ( Round 7 @ @ @ @ @ OL Lachavious Simmons , Tennessee State ( Round 7 , No .
227 ) DE @ @ @ @ @ Round 5 , No .155 ) CB Jaylon Johnson , Utah ( Round 2 , @ @ @ @ @ Kindle Vildor , Georgia Southern ( Round 5 , No .
163 )

After putting together an NFL Draft class highlighted by second-round picks Cole Kmet and Jaylon Johnson, the Bears are securing undrafted free agents to compete for roster spots.
Here is a live tracker of who they’re adding:
WR Ahmad Wagner, Kentucky
RB Artavis Pierce, Oregon State
OL Badara Traore, LSU
OL Dieter Eiselen, Yale
God is the greatest. Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime. @ChicagoBears #MonstersOfTheMidway — BT (@BadaraTraore74) April 25, 2020
DL LaCale London, Western Illinois
DT Trevon McSwain, Duke
DE LeDarius Mack, Buffalo
OLB Rashad Smith, Florida Atlantic
Mack is the younger brother of Bears star Khalil Mack.
Here is the Bears’ 2020 draft class, as well:
WR Darnell Mooney, Tulane (Round 5, No. 173)
TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame (Round 2, No. 43)
OL Arlington Hambright, Colorado (Round 7, No. 226)
OL Lachavious Simmons, Tennessee State (Round 7, No. 227)
DE Trevis Gipson, Tulsa (Round 5, No .155)
CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah (Round 2, No. 50)
CB Kindle Vildor, Georgia Southern (Round 5, No. 163)


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--2020 NFL Draft: Bears take Tennessee State OL Lachavious Simmons in seventh round

The Bears finally addressed their offensive line in the seventh round of the NFL Draft .
After taking Colorado guard @ @ @ @ @ overall pick , they drafted Tennessee State guard/tackle Lachavious Simmons with the 227th pick .
@ @ @ @ @ , a fifth-year senior from Selma , Ala. , started at left guard and left @ @ @ @ @ a first team all-Ohio Valley Conference selection at tackle in 2019 .
He started six @ @ @ @ @ a junior in 2018 .
He started all 12 games in 2019 — playing left @ @ @ @ @ on an offense that averaged more than 400 yards per game .
Simmons played in @ @ @ @ @ in January .
The last Tennessee State player the Bears drafted was future Hall of @ @ @ @ @ , in the eighth round in 1983 .
The Bears also drafted Tennessee State linebacker @ @ @ @ @ 1974 .

The Bears finally addressed their offensive line in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. After taking Colorado guard Arlington Hambright with the 226th overall pick, they drafted Tennessee State guard/tackle Lachavious Simmons with the 227th pick.
The 6-5, 315-pound Simmons, a fifth-year senior from Selma, Ala., started at left guard and left tackle Tennessee State and was a first team all-Ohio Valley Conference selection at tackle in 2019. He started six games at left guard as a junior in 2018. He started all 12 games in 2019 — playing left guard and left tackle — on an offense that averaged more than 400 yards per game. Simmons played in the Hula Bowl all-star game in January.
The last Tennessee State player the Bears drafted was future Hall of Fame defensive end Richard Dent, in the eighth round in 1983. The Bears also drafted Tennessee State linebacker Waymond Bryant fourth overall in 1974.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--A pick-by-pick look at the Bears draft

A pick-by-pick look at the Bears draft

From Rounds 2 to 7 , a look at whom the Bears selected : Background : A baseball/football star at St. Viator in Arlington Heights who grew up in Lake Barrington , Kmet was a fifth-round draft pick by the White Sox in 2017 but chose to play football and baseball at Notre Dame .
Blossomed in football as a junior in 2019 , with 43 receptions for 515 yards ( 12.0 avg . )
and six touchdowns after entering the season with 17 catches for 176 yards ( 10.4 avg . )
and no touchdowns .
The skinny : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered an NFL-ready “ Y ” tight end who could excel in Matt Nagy ’ s offense , with the size and athletic ability – hand-eye coordination and excellent hands — to develop into an all-around blocking/receiving tight end .
Ran an unofficial 4.7 40 at the scouting combine .
He said : “ A guy I ’ ve always looked to was Gronk [ Rob Gronkowski ] and his physical style and being able to use his size at 6-6 .
It ’ s something that ’ s unique and something I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The Fresno , Calif. , native was a two-time first-team All-Pac-12 cornerback — and a two-time All-Academic player — before leaving school a year early .
His dad Johnny played cornerback at Fresno State , and his brother Johnny Jr. did the same at UCLA and Fresno State .
The skinny : Johnson is seven weeks removed from right shoulder surgery that he had immediately following the NFL Scouting Combine .
He ’ s expected to be ready to participate fully in early August — presuming teams are allowed to gather by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September , but played through the injury .
He had two surgeries on his left shoulder earlier in his career .
He said : “ I ’ m going to go out every week and show who I am and who I could have been to any team that would have selected me .
… I ’ m going to do all I can to make teams regret the decision.
” Background : The son of a former Texas basketball player and the little brother of a Kansas State power forward , Gipson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could go farther ” with it .
A state champion in high school , he became the Golden Hurricane ’ s best player .
He had eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss as a senior .
He had four sacks and nine tackles for loss — and an amazing five forced fumbles — as a junior .
The skinny : The Bears traded the Vikings a 2021 fourth-round pick to draft a developmental project behind starters Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn .
Gipson credited a stint at the Von Miller Pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his pass-rush moves , film-study habits and approach to nutrition .
NFL.com ’ s Lance Zierliein compared him to Roy Robertson-Harris , whom the Bears signed as undrafted free-agent outside linebacker out of UTEP .
He said : “ I don ’ t think I ’ ve reached my full potential just yet.
” Background : The Atlanta-area product got playing time as a true freshman , was a three-year starter for Georgia Southern and made all-conference his final two seasons .
His best year was as a junior in 2018 , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensed , 4.5 tackles for loss and 42 tackles .
He played through an ankle injury most of last season .
The skinny : Vildor already has NFL speed and finished ninth among defensive backs with a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash at the combine .
He has good cover skills , but it ’ ll be a big adjustment going from the Sun Belt Conference to the Bears .
He ’ ll have time to acclimate , though , as the Bears already have Kyle Fuller , Buster Skrine , Kevin Toliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him at corner .
He said : “ [ The ankle ] was a little bit of an issue and lingered throughout the season , but now it ’ s good .
I ’ m not even worried about my ankle anymore .
I forgot all about it.
” Background : Undersized even for by American Athletic Conference standards , Mooney started the last 41 games of his college career , leading the Green Wave in receiving the past two seasons and finishing with 19 career touchdowns .
He had 217 receiving yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game against East Carolina .
The skinny : The Bears needed a speedy receiver to fill Taylor Gabriel ’ s old role , and paid to add one , trading the Eagles two sixth-rounders and swapping seventh-rounders to move up .
Mooney ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine .
Draftniks compare him to nine-year veteran Travis Benjamin , but Mooney will need to learn to protect his slight frame if he wants to last that long in the NFL .
He said : “ I played bigger than my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a problem with doing anything like either blocking someone like a linebacker or a safety , regardless of who it is .
I don ’ t really think about my size as a problem.
” Background : It ’ s been a wild ride for Hambright since leaving his Detroit-area home .
He went to Garden City Community College and Oklahoma State before landing at Colorado .
He settled in nicely there and started every game at offensive tackle .
He was nominated for Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Week three times last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t talked about much leading up to the draft and was the 22nd offensive tackle selected .
But the Bears found a player who believes he can play all five positions on the offensive line , and he will likely compete for a backup spot at guard .
As of now , the Bears will go in with James Daniels at left guard , and the other spot likely determined by a competition between Rashaad Coward and newcomer Germain Ifedi at right guard .
He said : “ It ’ s crazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All I can do is thank God and thank my family and prove to the Chicago Bears that they picked the right guy.
” Background : A two-way player at Selma ( Ala. ) High School , Simmons started 26 games on the offensive line at Tennessee State — at left guard , left tackle and right tackle .
Started six games at left guard as a redshirt-junior in 2018 and started all 12 games in 2019 , when he earned first-team all-Ohio Valley Conference honors at offensive tackle .
The skinny : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of guy , ” was under the radar as an FCS-level player , but gained the notice of pro scouts at the College Gridiron Showcase in .
Fort Worth , Texas in January and at the Hula Bowl in Honolulu later that month .
He is projected as a guard at the NFL level .
He played in the Hula Bowl all-star game in January .
He was invited to the Historically Black Colleges and University scouting combine , but that was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
He said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long arms and I like to dominate blocks .
I think I ’ m a guy who can compete on the first day because I ’ m a blue-collar guy who grew up on a farm throwing hay bales — disciplined .
I feel like my hard work can match anybody ’ s .
”

From Rounds 2 to 7, a look at whom the Bears selected:
Round 2
Pick 43
Cole Kmet
Notre Dame TE
6-6, 262 pounds
Age: 21
Background: A baseball/football star at St. Viator in Arlington Heights who grew up in Lake Barrington, Kmet was a fifth-round draft pick by the White Sox in 2017 but chose to play football and baseball at Notre Dame. Blossomed in football as a junior in 2019, with 43 receptions for 515 yards (12.0 avg.) and six touchdowns after entering the season with 17 catches for 176 yards (10.4 avg.) and no touchdowns.
The skinny: Despite modest college stats, Kmet is considered an NFL-ready “Y” tight end who could excel in Matt Nagy’s offense, with the size and athletic ability – hand-eye coordination and excellent hands — to develop into an all-around blocking/receiving tight end. Ran an unofficial 4.7 40 at the scouting combine.
He said:“A guy I’ve always looked to was Gronk [Rob Gronkowski] and his physical style and being able to use his size at 6-6. It’s something that’s unique and something I feel like I can do.”
Pick 50
Jaylon Johnson
Utah CB
6 feet, 193 pounds
Age: 21
Background: The Fresno, Calif., native was a two-time first-team All-Pac-12 cornerback — and a two-time All-Academic player — before leaving school a year early. His dad Johnny played cornerback at Fresno State, and his brother Johnny Jr. did the same at UCLA and Fresno State.
The skinny: Johnson is seven weeks removed from right shoulder surgery that he had immediately following the NFL Scouting Combine. He’s expected to be ready to participate fully in early August — presuming teams are allowed to gather by then. Johnson tore his labrum in September, but played through the injury. He had two surgeries on his left shoulder earlier in his career.
He said: “I’m going to go out every week and show who I am and who I could have been to any team that would have selected me. … I’m going to do all I can to make teams regret the decision.”
Round 5
Pick 155
Trevis Gipson
Tulsa outside linebacker
6-3, 261 pounds
Age: 22
Background: The son of a former Texas basketball player and the little brother of a Kansas State power forward, Gipson chose football because he “knew that I could go farther” with it. A state champion in high school, he became the Golden Hurricane’s best player. He had eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss as a senior. He had four sacks, nine tackles for loss and five forced fumbles as a junior.
The skinny: The Bears traded the Vikings a fourth-round pick in 2021 to draft a developmental project behind starters Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn. Gipson credited a stint at the Von Miller Pass Rush Summit last May for helping him to refine his pass-rush moves, film-study habits and approach to nutrition. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to Roy Robertson-Harris, whom the Bears signed as undrafted free-agent outside linebacker out of UTEP.
He said: ‘‘I don’t think I’ve reached my full potential just yet.’’
Pick 163
Kindle Vildor
Georgia Southern CB
5-10, 191 pounds
Age 22
Background: The Atlanta-area product got playing time as a true freshman, was a three-year starter for Georgia Southern and made all-conference his final two seasons. His best year was as a junior in 2018, when he had four interceptions, 15 passes defended, 4.5 tackles for loss and 42 tackles. He played through an ankle injury most of last season.
The skinny: Vildor already has NFL speed and finished ninth among defensive backs with a time of 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine. He has good cover skills, but it’ll be a big adjustment going from the Sun Belt Conference to the Bears. He’ll have time to acclimate, however, because the Bears have Kyle Fuller, Buster Skrine, Kevin Toliver and second-round pick Jaylon Johnson ahead of him at corner.
He said: ‘‘[The ankle] was a little bit of an issue and lingered throughout the season, but now it’s good. I’m not even worried about my ankle anymore. I forgot all about it.’’
Pick 173
Darnell Mooney
Tulane wide receiver
5-10, 176 pounds
Age: 22
Background: Undersized even by American Athletic Conference standards, Mooney started the last 41 games of his college career, leading the Green Wave in receiving the last two seasons and finishing with 19 career touchdowns. He had 217 receiving yards on only six catches against East Carolina in 2018.
The skinny: The Bears needed a speedy receiver to fill Taylor Gabriel’s old role and paid to add one, trading the Eagles two sixth-round picks and swapping seventh-rounders to move up. Mooney ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Draftniks compare him to nine-year veteran Travis Benjamin, but Mooney will need to learn to protect his slight frame if he wants to last that long in the NFL.
He said: ‘‘I played bigger than my size. I don’t have a problem with doing anything like blocking someone like a linebacker or a safety. I don’t really think about my size as a problem.”
Round 7
Pick 226
Arlington Hambright
Colorado OL
6-4, 307 pounds
Age: 24
Background: It has been a wild ride for Hambright since leaving his Detroit-area home. He went to Garden City Community College and Oklahoma State before landing at Colorado. He settled in nicely there and started every game at offensive tackle. He was nominated for Pac-12 offensive lineman of the week three times last season.
The skinny: Hambright wasn’t talked about much leading up to the draft and was the 22nd offensive tackle selected. But the Bears found a player who thinks he can play all five positions on the line, and he likely will compete for a backup spot at guard. As of now, the Bears will go in with James Daniels at left guard, with the other spot likely to be determined by a competition between Rashaad Coward and Germain Ifedi at right guard.
He said: ‘‘It’s crazy. It’s a blessing. All I can do is thank God and thank my family and prove to the Chicago Bears that they picked the right guy.’’
Pick 227
Lachavious Simmons
Tennessee State OL
6-5, 315 pounds
Age: 23
Background:A two-way player at Selma (Alabama) High School, Simmons started 26 games on the offensive line at Tennessee State — at left guard, left tackle and right tackle. He started six games at left guard as a redshirt junior in 2018 and started all 12 games in 2019, when he earned first-team all-Ohio Valley Conference honors at offensive tackle.
The skinny: Simmons, a self-described ‘‘bloody-your-nose type of guy,’’ was under the radar as an FCS-level player but gained the notice of pro scouts at the College Gridiron Showcase in January in Fort Worth, Texas, and at the Hula Bowl the same month in Honolulu. He is projected as a guard at the NFL level. He was invited to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities scouting combine, but that was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: ‘‘I’m a physical player with long arms, and I like to dominate blocks. I think I’m a guy who can compete on the first day because I’m a blue-collar guy who grew up on a farm, throwing hay bales, disciplined. I feel like my hard work can match anybody’s.’’


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--NFL Draft: Tracking all of the Bears’ picks

The Bears continued reloading for the upcoming season with the the 2020 NFL Draft over the last three days .
It was been a busy time for GM Ryan Pace , who kept up some of his usual habits ( trades !
a pick from a tiny school ! )
while adding a group of talented prospects to the organization .
Without a first-round pick for the second straight year due to the Khalil Mack trade , the Bears waited until Friday night to get started .
They added on both sides of the ball in the second round with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
43 overall ) and Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson ( No .
50 overall ) .
Pace could only wait so long before getting in on the action Saturday , too , as the team traded a 2021 fourth-round pick to the Vikings for the No .
155 overall pick , which it used on Tulsa pass rusher Trevis Gipson .
Minutes later , the team scooped up a great name in Georgia Southern cornerback Kindle Vildor .
The offensive line finally got attention in the seventh round with two selections : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State ’ s Lachavious Simmons .
Check out more on all of the Bears ’ draft picks below .
Follow all the Bears ’ undrafted free agent signings here .

The Bears continued reloading for the upcoming season with the the 2020 NFL Draft over the last three days. It was been a busy time for GM Ryan Pace, who kept up some of his usual habits (trades! a pick from a tiny school!) while adding a group of talented prospects to the organization.
Without a first-round pick for the second straight year due to the Khalil Mack trade, the Bears waited until Friday night to get started. They added on both sides of the ball in the second round with Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet (No. 43 overall) and Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson (No. 50 overall).
Pace could only wait so long before getting in on the action Saturday, too, as the team traded a 2021 fourth-round pick to the Vikings for the No. 155 overall pick, which it used on Tulsa pass rusher Trevis Gipson. Minutes later, the team scooped up a great name in Georgia Southern cornerback Kindle Vildor.
The offensive line finally got attention in the seventh round with two selections: Colorado’s Arlington Hambright and Tennessee State’s Lachavious Simmons.
Check out more on all of the Bears’ draft picks below.
Bears draft picks 2020
Round 2, Pick 43: TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
Round 2, Pick 50: CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah
Round 5, Pick 155: DE Trevis Gipson, Tulsa
Round 5, Pick 163: CB Kindle Vildor, Georgia Southern
Round 5, Pick 173: WR Darnell Mooney, Tulane
Round 7, Pick 226: OG Arlington Hambright, Colorado
Round 7, Pick 227: OT Lachavious Simmons, Tennessee State
Follow all the Bears’ undrafted free agent signings here.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--NFL Draft: Bears pick Colorado OL Arlington Hambright in 7th round

As the Bears near the end of the 2020 NFL Draft , they took Colorado offensive lineman Arlington Hambright in the seventh round at No .
226 overall .
It is their second-to-last pick , with the next one coming soon at No .
227 .
It ’ s their first move to address an offensive line that struggled last season .
Hambright played offensive tackle in college , but could end up at guard with the Bears .
He is 6-foot-4 , 307 , and has said he can play any position on the offensive line .
After sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began the draft by picking Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet and Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson at Nos .
43 and 50 , respectively , on Friday .
They got rolling Saturday by trading a 2021 fourth-round pick to the Vikings to get a fifth-rounder this year and take Tulsa defensive end Trevis Gipson at No .
155 overall .
They also chose Georgia Southern cornerback Kindle Vildor ( No .
163 ) and Tulane wide receiver Darnell Mooney ( No .
173 ) in the fifth .
Barring a trade , their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
227 .

As the Bears near the end of the 2020 NFL Draft, they took Colorado offensive lineman Arlington Hambright in the seventh round at No. 226 overall. It is their second-to-last pick, with the next one coming soon at No. 227.
It’s their first move to address an offensive line that struggled last season.
Hambright played offensive tackle in college, but could end up at guard with the Bears. He is 6-foot-4, 307, and has said he can play any position on the offensive line.
After sitting out the first round, the Bears began the draft by picking Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet and Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson at Nos. 43 and 50, respectively, on Friday.
They got rolling Saturday by trading a 2021 fourth-round pick to the Vikings to get a fifth-rounder this year and take Tulsa defensive end Trevis Gipson at No. 155 overall. They also chose Georgia Southern cornerback Kindle Vildor (No. 163) and Tulane wide receiver Darnell Mooney (No. 173) in the fifth.
Barring a trade, their final pick is a seventh-rounder at No. 227.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--Man fatally shot in Lawndale

Man fatally shot in Lawndale

A 25-year-old man was shot and killed Thursday morning in Lawndale on the West Side .
The attack happened about @ @ @ @ @ block of West Lexington Street , Chicago police said .
Maurice Logan was standing in @ @ @ @ @ walked through the garage area and shot him through a door before running off , @ @ @ @ @ taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital , where he died hours later , the Cook @ @ @ @ @ office said .
An autopsy conducted Saturday said he died of multiple gunshot wounds , @ @ @ @ @ homicide .
No arrests have been made as Area North detectives investigate .

A 25-year-old man was shot and killed Thursday morning in Lawndale on the West Side.
The attack happened about 11:45 a.m. in the 3200 block of West Lexington Street, Chicago police said.
Maurice Logan was standing in his apartment when two gunmen walked through the garage area and shot him through a door before running off, officials said.
Logan was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he died hours later, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy conducted Saturday said he died of multiple gunshot wounds, and ruled his death a homicide.
No arrests have been made as Area North detectives investigate.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Working Through: Katherina Martin, MSN, RN

Katherina Martin , MSN , RN , is a charge nurse in the University of Chicago Medicine ’ s first @ @ @ @ @ patients .
Since March , she and her colleagues have been working long hours in @ @ @ @ @ they don ’ t get sick or bring the virus home to their loved ones @ @ @ @ @ ll never hear anyone in her unit complain .
“ We will do whatever it @ @ @ @ @ care possible for our patients , ” she said .
“ I couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ and bravery I see every day from my fellow nurses and the entire staff .
@

Katherina Martin, MSN, RN
Charge Nurse at University of Chicago Medicine
Katherina Martin, MSN, RN, is a charge nurse in the University of Chicago Medicine’s first specially designated unit for COVID-19 patients. Since March, she and her colleagues have been working long hours in protective equipment, making sure they don’t get sick or bring the virus home to their loved ones.
Martin says you’ll never hear anyone in her unit complain. “We will do whatever it takes to provide the best care possible for our patients,” she said. “I couldn’t be prouder of the teamwork and bravery I see every day from my fellow nurses and the entire staff.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Working Through: Neil Ehming

Working Through: Neil Ehming

Born and raised on Chicago ’ s South Side , Neil Ehming has been working in his dream job as @ @ @ @ @ Christ Medical Center since 2016 .
The 27-year-old Air Force Reserves flight nurse is no @ @ @ @ @ .
When Ehming ’ s unit at Christ hospital transformed into a COVID-19 battleground last @ @ @ @ @ up extra overnight shifts to help with the fight .
He didn ’ t hesitate @ @ @ @ @ his community and says his sense of pride for his work is greater now than @ @ @ @ @ Ehming are the heroes in this war , and we will forever be grateful for @ @ @ @

Neil Ehming
Trauma Nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Neil Ehming has been working in his dream job as a trauma nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center since 2016. The 27-year-old Air Force Reserves flight nurse is no stranger to the front lines.
When Ehming’s unit at Christ hospital transformed into a COVID-19 battleground last month, he began picking up extra overnight shifts to help with the fight. He didn’t hesitate to make this sacrifice for his community and says his sense of pride for his work is greater now than ever before. Nurses like Ehming are the heroes in this war, and we will forever be grateful for their unwavering commitment.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Working Through: Martin Walsh

Working Through: Martin Walsh

As the Local 399 chief engineer for the Lavin Family Pavilion on the Northwestern Memorial medical campus , Martin Walsh @ @ @ @ @ the fight against COVID-19 .
He leads a team of 13 engineers who maintain the @ @ @ @ @ care patients , allowing medical staff to focus on patient care .
As the entire @ @ @ @ @ the impact of the coronavirus , Walsh led the development and operation of Northwestern ’ @ @ @ @ @ “ walk-up ” COVID-19 testing sites and spent countless hours converting existing operating rooms into @ @ @ @ @ Most importantly , he is a selfless leader , full of compassion for the patients @ @ @ @ @ .

Martin Walsh
Chief Engineer at the Lavin Family Pavilion, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
As the Local 399 chief engineer for the Lavin Family Pavilion on the Northwestern Memorial medical campus, Martin Walsh is a front-line soldier in the fight against COVID-19. He leads a team of 13 engineers who maintain the mechanical systems that serve critical care patients, allowing medical staff to focus on patient care.
As the entire country began to grapple with the impact of the coronavirus, Walsh led the development and operation of Northwestern’s “drive-up” and “walk-up” COVID-19 testing sites and spent countless hours converting existing operating rooms into additional critical care facilities. Most importantly, he is a selfless leader, full of compassion for the patients affected by this devastating virus.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Working Through: Narni Yoder

Working Through: Narni Yoder

Before the COVID-19 pandemic , Simple Laboratories , a Chicago-based full diagnostic clinical laboratory , ran lab tests to help @ @ @ @ @ prevent diseases such as cancer , diabetes and heart disease .
When the coronavirus began @ @ @ @ @ Narni Yoder and her team pivoted and dedicated their lab to COVID-19 testing here in @ @ @ @ @ We are working around the clock to support the high demand for accurate and efficient @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Now more than ever , it is important that we make our @ @ @ @ @ We must increase the capacity for testing , protect the communities that we serve and @ @ @ @ @ care so we can all find a way to get through this pandemic .
”

Narni Yoder
Chief Sales Officer of Simple Laboratories
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Simple Laboratories, a Chicago-based full diagnostic clinical laboratory, ran lab tests to help doctors diagnose, treat and prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. When the coronavirus began ravaging the community, CSO Narni Yoder and her team pivoted and dedicated their lab to COVID-19 testing here in the Chicago area.
“We are working around the clock to support the high demand for accurate and efficient COVID-19 testing,” Yoder said. “Now more than ever, it is important that we make our services accessible to everyone. We must increase the capacity for testing, protect the communities that we serve and stay on the forefront of care so we can all find a way to get through this pandemic.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--With NFL Draft over, Bears coach Matt Nagy eager to return to ‘Last Dance’

Like the rest of Chicago , Bears coach Matt Nagy was glued to the first two episodes of The Last Dance , ESPN ’ s 10-part documentary on the 1997-98 Bulls .
Now that the NFL Draft is over , he ’ s in clear to hunker down in front of the TV again Sunday night .
“ You know I am , ” he said .
“ It ’ s unbelievable .
I think I heard somebody else say they could have watched all 10 episodes back-to-back-to-back , and I was the same way.
” Nagy has always enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in high school in Pennsylvania .
He has also become friends with Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski .
He has passed that on to his kids , and they ’ ve been equally interested in the Bulls series .
His youngest came up to him after the draft ended Saturday and reminded him the show resumes Sunday , though Nagy probably would ’ ve remembered on his own eventually .
“ It ’ s just amazing , ” he said .
“ What a great time to see possibly the greatest athlete to ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his teammates , his opponents , the amount of competitiveness he had .
There ’ s not another person that I ’ ve talked to in the sports world that didn ’ t get fired up about that whole deal.
” Episodes 3 and 4 will air Sunday , followed by two episodes each of the next three Sundays .

Like the rest of Chicago, Bears coach Matt Nagy was glued to the first two episodes of The Last Dance, ESPN’s 10-part documentary on the 1997-98 Bulls. Now that the NFL Draft is over, he’s in clear to hunker down in front of the TV again Sunday night.
“You know I am,” he said. “It’s unbelievable. I think I heard somebody else say they could have watched all 10 episodes back-to-back-to-back, and I was the same way.”
Nagy has always enjoyed sports other than football and played basketball in high school in Pennsylvania. He has also become friends with Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.
He has passed that on to his kids, and they’ve been equally interested in the Bulls series. His youngest came up to him after the draft ended Saturday and reminded him the show resumes Sunday, though Nagy probably would’ve remembered on his own eventually.
“It’s just amazing,” he said. “What a great time to see possibly the greatest athlete to ever play and just the way he handled his teammates, his opponents, the amount of competitiveness he had. There’s not another person that I’ve talked to in the sports world that didn’t get fired up about that whole deal.”
Episodes 3 and 4 will air Sunday, followed by two episodes each of the next three Sundays.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Working Through: Dr. Bsher Touleimat

Working Through: Dr. Bsher Touleimat

Dr. Bsher Touleimat has been an independent pulmonologist at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial for 17 years .
Despite working long @ @ @ @ @ he remains positive and driven to help .
Touleimat credits the support from colleagues – @ @ @ @ @ , technicians – for keeping him motivated .
Everyone has shown their best attitudes and @ @ @ @ @ challenges of the pandemic as a team .
Touleimat misses seeing his family but hopes @ @ @ @ @ as long as he can .
“ I don ’ t consider myself a hero @ @ @ @ @ “ I just want to continue to be a good doctor to my patients .
@

Dr. Bsher Touleimat
Independent Pulmonologist at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial
Dr. Bsher Touleimat has been an independent pulmonologist at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial for 17 years. Despite working long shifts treating COVID-19 patients, he remains positive and driven to help. Touleimat credits the support from colleagues – doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians – for keeping him motivated. Everyone has shown their best attitudes and stepped up to handle the challenges of the pandemic as a team.
Touleimat misses seeing his family but hopes to continue treating patients for as long as he can. “I don’t consider myself a hero,” he said. “I just want to continue to be a good doctor to my patients.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Working Through: Angela Montejo

Working Through: Angela Montejo

Swedish Hospital Staff Nurse Angela Montejo is on the front lines of the response to COVID-19 , providing compassionate care @ @ @ @ @ example of the continued selflessness we ’ ve seen from health care workers everywhere , @ @ @ @ @ by taking her temperature and gowning up in full PPE .
She knows the risks @ @ @ @ @ but she is getting through this challenging time with support and encouragement from her team @ @ @ @ @ explain how amazing my coworkers are , ” she said .
“ It takes a @ @ @ @ @ doing their part to help .
If everyone continues to stay home and practice social @ @ @ @ @ better soon .
But we have to stay the course .
”

Angela Montejo
Nurse at Swedish Hospital
Swedish Hospital Staff Nurse Angela Montejo is on the front lines of the response to COVID-19, providing compassionate care for her patients. An example of the continued selflessness we’ve seen from health care workers everywhere, Montejo begins her 12-hour shifts by taking her temperature and gowning up in full PPE.
She knows the risks in front of her, but she is getting through this challenging time with support and encouragement from her team. “I cannot explain how amazing my coworkers are,” she said. “It takes a village, and everyone is doing their part to help. If everyone continues to stay home and practice social distancing, things will get better soon. But we have to stay the course.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Dear Abby: Drunk friend spoiled his own wedding; do we have to let him spoil ours?

DEAR ABBY : My fiance has a friend who is , for lack of a better word , a trainwreck .
When I started dating my fiance , I heard about this guy , “ Al , ” from my fiance ’ s other friends even before I met him .
The group of friends has an on-again , off-again relationship with Al , and he has made a scene at each of their weddings .
He has gotten obnoxiously drunk , gotten into huge arguments with his girlfriend ( now wife ) , or done something rude like bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table at the reception .
I tried to keep an open mind when I met him , but he has made us uncomfortable at every get-together .
We recently attended Al ’ s wedding , and he became aggressive with my fiance after drinking too much .
We have now decided we don ’ t want him or his new wife at our wedding next year .
We hoped to just drift away from them .
Unfortunately , Al has realized that he hasn ’ t received a Save the Date and repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ go out ” with him to talk .
We know he ’ s going to ask about his invite , and he ’ ll probably expect one because he invited us to his wedding .
Are we justified in excluding him ?
How would you handle this ?
— TOUGH SPOT IN ILLINOIS DEAR TOUGH SPOT : Your fiance should handle it by giving Al a straight answer .
He doesn ’ t have to see him .
A phone call will do .
Your fiance should state clearly that Al isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he can ’ t hold his liquor and has made a scene at each wedding he has attended .
He should also be told that until he gets help for his alcohol problem , the two of you no longer wish to maintain the friendship .
It ’ s the truth , and the truth will set you free .
DEAR ABBY : My husband , “ Howard , ” and I have been married 42 years .
A couple of years ago , his father asked me to divorce Howard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father died recently , and we learned he had disinherited Howard .
My husband is crushed , and now I don ’ t know how to handle this .
Howard ’ s brother yelled at my husband and said , “ If your wife got her hands on that money , you would not see a penny of it !
” I don ’ t understand why he would think that .
Howard and I have a good relationship and do not live above our means .
That said , my husband ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , and I do not understand why .
I have never done anything intentionally to harm them .
I feel like the bottom line is , had I divorced Howard when his father asked me to , this might not have happened .
My husband is hurt , not only by his father ’ s death , but also by being disinherited , and I do not know what to do .
— HURTING FOR HIM DEAR HURTING FOR HIM : The one thing you should NOT do is blame yourself for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner ” in this scenario appears to be the brother .
Whether he poisoned your father-in-law ’ s perception of you or vice-versa , I can not guess .
But the dynamics in Howard ’ s family are so toxic , it may take the help of a licensed therapist to cleanse the wounds you and your husband are left with .
The slightly tarnished silver lining in this is you have each other , which is more precious than money .
Please accept my deepest sympathy .
Dear Abby is written by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person , order “ How to Be Popular.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Popularity Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )

DEAR ABBY: My fiance has a friend who is, for lack of a better word, a trainwreck. When I started dating my fiance, I heard about this guy, “Al,” from my fiance’s other friends even before I met him.
The group of friends has an on-again, off-again relationship with Al, and he has made a scene at each of their weddings. He has gotten obnoxiously drunk, gotten into huge arguments with his girlfriend (now wife), or done something rude like bring his own fast food to the head table at the reception. I tried to keep an open mind when I met him, but he has made us uncomfortable at every get-together.
We recently attended Al’s wedding, and he became aggressive with my fiance after drinking too much. We have now decided we don’t want him or his new wife at our wedding next year. We hoped to just drift away from them. Unfortunately, Al has realized that he hasn’t received a Save the Date and repeatedly texts my fiance that he wants to “go out” with him to talk.
We know he’s going to ask about his invite, and he’ll probably expect one because he invited us to his wedding. Are we justified in excluding him? How would you handle this? — TOUGH SPOT IN ILLINOIS
DEAR TOUGH SPOT: Your fiance should handle it by giving Al a straight answer. He doesn’t have to see him. A phone call will do. Your fiance should state clearly that Al isn’t being invited to the wedding because he can’t hold his liquor and has made a scene at each wedding he has attended. He should also be told that until he gets help for his alcohol problem, the two of you no longer wish to maintain the friendship. It’s the truth, and the truth will set you free.
DEAR ABBY: My husband, “Howard,” and I have been married 42 years. A couple of years ago, his father asked me to divorce Howard, which I did not do. His father died recently, and we learned he had disinherited Howard. My husband is crushed, and now I don’t know how to handle this.
Howard’s brother yelled at my husband and said, “If your wife got her hands on that money, you would not see a penny of it!” I don’t understand why he would think that. Howard and I have a good relationship and do not live above our means.
That said, my husband’s brother and sister have never liked me, and I do not understand why. I have never done anything intentionally to harm them.
I feel like the bottom line is, had I divorced Howard when his father asked me to, this might not have happened. My husband is hurt, not only by his father’s death, but also by being disinherited, and I do not know what to do. — HURTING FOR HIM
DEAR HURTING FOR HIM: The one thing you should NOT do is blame yourself for any of this. The only “winner” in this scenario appears to be the brother. Whether he poisoned your father-in-law’s perception of you or vice-versa, I cannot guess. But the dynamics in Howard’s family are so toxic, it may take the help of a licensed therapist to cleanse the wounds you and your husband are left with. The slightly tarnished silver lining in this is you have each other, which is more precious than money. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Working Through: Elbert Walters

Working Through: Elbert Walters

In recent weeks , members of IBEW Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors ’ Association of Chicago — the partnership @ @ @ @ @ have powered the rapid expansion of medical facilities throughout Cook County , including converting McCormick @ @ @ @ @ field hospital , delivering groceries and household essentials to 60 union retirees in need , @ @ @ @ @ donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana .
“ At @ @ @ @ @ every second counts , ” said Powering Chicago Director Elbert Walters .
“ The unionized @ @ @ @ @ provide whatever support is needed at a moment ’ s notice to help the communities @ @ @ @ @ get through this crisis .
”

Elbert Walters
Director of Powering Chicago
In recent weeks, members of IBEW Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Chicago — the partnership known as Powering Chicago — have powered the rapid expansion of medical facilities throughout Cook County, including converting McCormick Place for use as a field hospital, delivering groceries and household essentials to 60 union retirees in need, and making a $25,000 donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
“At a time like this, every second counts,” said Powering Chicago Director Elbert Walters. “The unionized electrical industry will continue to provide whatever support is needed at a moment’s notice to help the communities where we work and live get through this crisis.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Pritzker, Lightfoot admonish attendees of packed house party that violated social distancing guideli

Pritzker, Lightfoot admonish attendees of packed house party that violated social distancing guidelines

Every foot of floor space appears crowded with about a hundred partiers .
Dozens are packed into one corner , dancing .
More are filling drinks on the other side of the room .
Lines have formed at the front door and on the stairs , with attendees unable to move freely .
It ’ s a shocking scene in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic , and more than a million viewers have already watched the viral Facebook video of a house party gone wild Saturday night , reportedly in Chicago on the West Side .
Although some partiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the social distancing guidelines designed to slow the pandemic ’ s spread seem to be completely ignored .
The videographer , Tink Purcell , captured the chaotic scene from halfway up a staircase and streamed it live online for about 24 minutes Saturday night .
TMZ first reported about the video Sunday morning .
Purcell did not respond to a request for comment Sunday afternoon .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , asked about the video at his Sunday news conference , said he ’ d already heard about it and explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ By doing that — by standing together , not social distancing , many people not wearing masks — you ’ re literally putting everyone around you in danger , ” Pritzker said .
“ They are putting you in danger , [ too ] .
And very importantly , all of those people are putting their families and their friends who are not there with them in danger.
” Though police could not verify the exact location of the party , Chicago police spokesman Tom Ahern confirmed that a large gathering was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central ( 25th ) Police District , which includes several West and Northwest Side neighborhoods .
No arrests or citations were made .
“ It ’ s not anything punitive ; it ’ s about health and protection , ” Ahern said .
“ So they were able to disperse without taking action and making arrests.
” Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined Pritzker in admonishing the party attendees Sunday , tweeting that “ what was depicted on the video was reckless and utterly unacceptable.
” “ While most Chicagoans are doing their part to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions like these threaten our public health and risk erasing the progress we have made , ” she said .
“ We will hold those responsible accountable.
” Pritzker said he and other lawmakers have largely chosen to trust Illinoisans to self-enforce social distancing guidelines , which specifically mention staying at least six feet away from others and avoiding crowded places .
But he added police officers still do have the ability to arrest and charge violators with reckless conduct , especially if they refuse to obey reminders from police or if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re putting the community in danger , as a party like that does , that should be broken up , ” he said .
Comments on the Facebook video indicate most viewers saw the party as ill-advised ; one commenter joked he “ would [ have ] stood at the top floor and sprayed Lysol straight down ” on the partygoers .
Pritzker said he felt the gravity of the stay-at-home order during the COVID-19 pandemic was clearly disregarded by attendees .
“ All of those people have violated not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve put out , but also they ’ ve violated the trust of their friends and family , ” he said .

Every foot of floor space appears crowded with about a hundred partiers. Dozens are packed into one corner, dancing. More are filling drinks on the other side of the room. Lines have formed at the front door and on the stairs, with attendees unable to move freely.
It’s a shocking scene in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, and more than a million viewers watched the viral Facebook video of a house party gone wild Saturday night, reportedly in Chicago on the West Side.
Although some partiers were wearing masks, most were not, and the social distancing guidelines designed to slow the pandemic’s spread seemed to be completely ignored.
The videographer, Tink Purcell, captured the chaotic scene from halfway up a staircase and streamed it live online for about 24 minutes Saturday night. Come Monday, however, the video was removed from Facebook.
TMZ first reported about the video Sunday morning. Purcell did not respond to a request for comment Sunday afternoon.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, asked about the video at his Sunday news conference, said he’d already heard about it and explained how dangerous such behavior can be.
“By doing that — by standing together, not social distancing, many people not wearing masks — you’re literally putting everyone around you in danger,” Pritzker said. “They are putting you in danger, [too]. And very importantly, all of those people are putting their families and their friends who are not there with them in danger.”
Chicago police spokesman Tom Ahern said a large gathering was broken up early Sunday in the 2000 block of North Narraganset Avenue in Galewood, though he could not confirm that it was the same party recorded in the video. No arrests or citations were made at that gathering.
“It’s not anything punitive; it’s about health and protection,” Ahern said. “So they were able to disperse without taking action and making arrests.”
Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined Pritzker in admonishing the party attendees Sunday, tweeting that “what was depicted on the video was reckless and utterly unacceptable.”
“While most Chicagoans are doing their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, reckless actions like these threaten our public health and risk erasing the progress we have made,” she said. “We will hold those responsible accountable.”
Pritzker said he and other lawmakers have largely chosen to trust Illinoisans to self-enforce social distancing guidelines, which specifically mention staying at least six feet away from others and avoiding crowded places.
But he added police officers still do have the ability to arrest and charge violators with reckless conduct, especially if they refuse to obey reminders from police or if they repeatedly violate the guidelines.
“If you’re putting the community in danger, as a party like that does, that should be broken up,” he said.
Comments on the Facebook video indicated most viewers saw the party as ill-advised; one commenter joked he “would [have] stood at the top floor and sprayed Lysol straight down” on the partygoers.
Pritzker said he felt the gravity of the stay-at-home order during the COVID-19 pandemic was clearly disregarded by attendees.
“All of those people have violated not only the intention of the order that we’ve put out, but also they’ve violated the trust of their friends and family,” he said.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--How do we thank ‘essential workers?’ Vote for a graduated Illinois income tax on Nov. 3

An extra dollar in the pocket of a multimillionaire doesn ’ t matter as much as the same dollar in the pocket of a working stiff , a timeless truth made all the more obvious by the coronavirus pandemic .
American workers who eke by on modest hourly or gig-economy incomes — store clerks , baristas , bartenders , cab drivers , day care workers , office cleaners and restaurant cooks — have been disproportionately thrown out of work by this pandemic .
They lived close to the edge before , and now they ’ ve been shoved off , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upper middle class and wealthy .
At the same time , the essential nature of the work done by so many Americans of modest means is more evident than ever .
What would the rest of us do at this time , safely ensconced in our homes , without the grocery store clerks , nursing home workers and delivery people who are risking their lives just by going to work ?
What would we do , for that matter , without those other “ essential workers ” during the pandemic — police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conductors and ambulance drivers — who earn a good paycheck but by no means are getting rich ?
To our thinking , these plight of these workers demonstrates the fundamental unfairness of the flat income tax in Illinois , in which every dollar is taxed at the same rate no matter how rich or poor you are .
And nothing makes a better argument for voting on Nov. 3 to move our state to a graduated income tax , which would require the wealthiest of us to pick up a little more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take a walk through any of the Chicago area ’ s most exclusive suburbs right now , just to get out of the house , you would see signs posted outside stately small mansions that say “ Support essential workers !
Stay home.
” A terrific sentiment .
We second the motion .
But with all respect to the folks living in those lovely homes , a better way to support those essential workers in the long run is to support a graduated income tax .
The economy of Illinois , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic .
It has exploded the state ’ s budget .
Revenue from incomes taxes , sales taxes , the Lottery , gambling and other sources has plummeted .
As a result of the pandemic , state officials estimate , there will be a $ 2.7 billion budget shortfall for the final two and half months of the current fiscal year , and a $ 6.2 billion shortfall next fiscal year — rising to $ 7.4 billion if the state does not move to a graduated income tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ratings agency Moody ’ s affirmed Illinois ’ rating at a notch above junk status and recently revised its outlook for Illinois from “ stable ” to “ negative.
” Illinois must do everything possible to narrow those budget gaps by eliminating wasteful and inefficient spending , of course .
But that alone won ’ t come close to solving this budgetary crisis .
The state has no choice but to find new sources of revenue , even assuming further federal stimulus assistance , or it will be forced to slash funding for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , public safety , clean water and air , care for the elderly and the disabled , and support for small businesses .
People who are fortunate enough to still have a job and pull in a high income should pay a little more .
“ Who ’ s suffering most ?
” Robert Bruno , a professor of labor and employment relations at the University of Illinois , asked us .
“ It ’ s the folks who can ’ t work at home , who are ‘ essential ’ frontline workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who depend on public transportation and really need government services like child care .
They don ’ t get paid time off .
They don ’ t have health care coverage .
They ’ re not victims of the coronavirus .
They ’ re victims of an economic inequality that existed long before.
” Pritzker ’ s proposed graduated income tax would raise taxes only on people who earn $ 250,000 or more a year .
It would maintain the current tax rate of 4.95 % on incomes between $ 100,000 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on incomes of $ 100,000 or less .
Critics of a graduated income tax will argue that the wealthiest residents of Illinois have been hurt by the pandemic , too — and that is certainly true .
Their income has taken a hit , and their needs are up .
But if their income is now lower , their tax bill automatically will be lower .
Nobody pays taxes on money they haven ’ t made .
And anybody whose income has fallen below the $ 250,000 threshold won ’ t be touched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other states already have a graduated income tax , and for good reason .
It is a matter of economic fairness , as the pandemic has made vividly clear .
If we ’ re serious about all that love for those “ essential ” workers , there ’ s only one clear choice : Vote for the graduated income tax on Nov. 3 .

An extra dollar in the pocket of a multimillionaire doesn’t matter as much as the same dollar in the pocket of a working stiff, a timeless truth made all the more obvious by the coronavirus pandemic.
American workers who eke by on modest hourly or gig-economy incomes — store clerks, baristas, bartenders, cab drivers, day care workers, office cleaners and restaurant cooks — have been disproportionately thrown out of work by this pandemic. They lived close to the edge before, and now they’ve been shoved off, without the soft cushion enjoyed by the upper middle class and wealthy.
Editorials bug Editorials
At the same time, the essential nature of the work done by so many Americans of modest means is more evident than ever. What would the rest of us do at this time, safely ensconced in our homes, without the grocery store clerks, nursing home workers and delivery people who are risking their lives just by going to work?
What would we do, for that matter, without those other “essential workers” during the pandemic — police officers, firefighters, mail carriers, train conductors and ambulance drivers — who earn a good paycheck but by no means are getting rich?
To our thinking, the plight of these workers demonstrates the fundamental unfairness of the flat income tax in Illinois, in which every dollar is taxed at the same rate no matter how rich or poor you are. And nothing makes a better argument for voting on Nov. 3 to move our state to a graduated income tax, which would require the wealthiest of us to pick up a little more of the total tab.
‘Support essential workers’
If you were to take a walk through any of the Chicago area’s most exclusive suburbs right now, just to get out of the house, you would see signs posted outside stately small mansions that say “Support essential workers! Stay home.”
A terrific sentiment. We second the motion.
But with all respect to the folks living in those lovely homes, a better way to support those essential workers in the long run is to support a graduated income tax.
The economy of Illinois, like the economy of every state, has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. It has exploded the state’s budget. Revenue from income taxes, sales taxes, the Lottery, gambling and other sources has plummeted. As a result of the pandemic, state officials estimate, there will be a $2.7 billion budget shortfall for the final two and a half months of the current fiscal year, and a $6.2 billion shortfall next fiscal year — rising to $7.4 billion if the state does not move to a graduated income tax.
Early this month, the credit ratings agency Moody’s affirmed Illinois’ rating at a notch above junk status and recently revised its outlook for Illinois from “stable” to “negative.”
Illinois must do everything possible to narrow those budget gaps by eliminating wasteful and inefficient spending, of course. But that alone won’t come close to solving this budgetary crisis.
Related Everything you need to know about the proposed graduated income tax
The state has no choice but to find new sources of revenue, even assuming further federal stimulus assistance, or it will be forced to slash funding for essential services, including schools and universities, public safety, clean water and air, care for the elderly and the disabled, and support for small businesses.
People who are fortunate enough to still have a job and pull in a high income should pay a little more.
“Who’s suffering most?” Robert Bruno, a professor of labor and employment relations at the University of Illinois, asked us. “It’s the folks who can’t work at home, who are ‘essential’ frontline workers, who earn a very low wage, who depend on public transportation and really need government services like child care. They don’t get paid time off. They don’t have health care coverage. They’re not victims of the coronavirus. They’re victims of an economic inequality that existed long before.”
How tax works
Pritzker’s proposed graduated income tax would raise taxes only on people who earn $250,000 or more a year. It would maintain the current tax rate of 4.95% on incomes between $100,000 and $250,000, and reduce the rate on incomes of $100,000 or less.
Critics of a graduated income tax will argue that the wealthiest residents of Illinois have been hurt by the pandemic, too — and that is certainly true. Their income has taken a hit, and their needs are up. But if their income is now lower, their tax bill automatically will be lower. Nobody pays taxes on money they haven’t made. And anybody whose income has fallen below the $250,000 threshold won’t be touched by the higher tax rate.
Thirty-four other states already have a graduated income tax, and for good reason. It is a matter of economic fairness, as the pandemic has made vividly clear.
If we’re serious about all that love for those “essential” workers, there’s only one clear choice: Vote for the graduated income tax on Nov. 3.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.