chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Latest coronavirus news for April 26, 2020: Live updates

Officials on Sunday said another 59 people have died from the coronavirus in Illinois , as the state met its goal for testing for the third day in a row .
Here ’ s what else happened around the state as the coronavirus pandemic continued .
7:00 p.m .
Small-business loan program resumes Monday morning : Here ’ s what you should know At 9:30 a.m. Chicago time on Monday , the Small Business Administration restarts the wildly popular COVID-19 loan program , with lenders poised to submit a tidal wave of applications that could quickly use up the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to melt because of the coronavirus pandemic , with lockdowns knocking some businesses out for more than a month , there is desperate need for loans through the new federal Paycheck Protection Program – known as the PPP .
The initial $ 349 billion in funding appropriated by Congress was exhausted in two weeks .
The SBA stopped accepting loan applications from lenders on April 16 .
Last week , Congress replenished the PPP pot with $ 310 billion for loans plus a little over $ 11 billion to cover lender fees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Who is eligible for the PPP loans ?
The PPP program is aimed at small business and nonprofit employers with fewer than 500 workers .
The financial lifeline grants loans equal roughly to about 2.5 times monthly payroll costs .
Does the loan have to be repaid ?
No , not if the loan is used as intended , to keep workers on payrolls for eight weeks after the loan is granted and pay some operating costs .
How many got PPP loans that were granted in the first round ?
Nationally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Illinois , as of April 16 , there were 69,893 loans approved totaling $ 15.9 billion .
For more things to know about the PPP loans , our Washington bureau chief Lynn Sweet has you covered .
Click here to read the full report as the program resumes Monday .
6:26 p.m. UIC Medical Center nurse who died of COVID-19 ‘ gave the ultimate sacrifice ’ Joyce Pacubas-Le Blanc was considered the mother hen of the neuroscience intensive care unit at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center .
Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and extra scrubs , was open to everyone .
The bulging bag she carried was always filled with other essentials like water and reading glasses , which she doled out just as freely .
And when a nursing student ’ s iPad broke down , Pacubas-Le Blanc was quick to replace it with one of her own .
“ That ’ s how big her heart is , ” said Eileen Fajardo-Furlin , another nurse who works in the unit .
Joyce Pacubas-Le Blanc died after testing positive for coronavirus , just as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers have been infected in the state .
5:03 p.m. Chicago domestic violence calls up 18 % in first weeks of coronavirus shutdown Domestic violence calls are up in Chicago , with people cooped up at home and stressing over coronavirus and paying bills .
Comparing the period Feb. 21-March 8 , before Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s first shelter-in-place order , with March 20-April 5 , after Illinoisans were told largely to stay home , calls to the Chicago Police Department about domestic violence increased 18 % .
That includes domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders of protection or child abuse .
Check off one of the requests on Dr. Anthony Fauci ’ s wish list : last night he was portrayed by Brad Pitt .
The casting on this weekend ’ s “ Saturday Night Live at Home ” wasn ’ t entirely a surprise .
When CNN prompted Fauci earlier this month with a few actors who could play him on the show , he laughed and chose “ Brad Pitt , of course !
” Sure enough , the “ Once Upon a Time ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex symbol was there at the start of Saturday ’ s show , wearing a wig and affecting Fauci ’ s distinctive rasp .
Read the full episode recap from Darel Jevens here .
The state announced Sunday another 59 people have died of COVID-19 in Illinois as the Illinois ’ total caseload reached 43,903 .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced the latest deaths while reporting 2,126 new cases of the coronavirus in Illinois since Saturday .
The virus has spread to 96 of the state ’ s 102 counties , and 1,933 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is the third day in a row that the state has surpassed its daily testing goal of 10,000 tests .
1:22 p.m. Coronavirus pandemic leads to drive-thru wakes ; ‘ You have to have an opportunity to say goodbye ’ America ’ s love affair with the automobile has produced drive-thru restaurants , dry-cleaners , coffee shops , prayer services , weddings — and now , thanks to the coronavirus pandemic , drive-thru wakes like the one held for Rosemarie Santilli .
On Wednesday , cars turned off of Milwaukee Avenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Home in Wheeling .
They threaded through orange cones and lane-dividers to approach two of the funeral home ’ s rear windows .
Behind the first window was the viewing parlor .
Inside were chairs for Mrs. Santilli ’ s family and a microphone so they could communicate with the motorist-mourners .
Another mic was set up outside the window for drivers to have two-way communication with her relatives .
Then , visitors pulled up to a second window to view Mrs. Santilli , who died Sunday at 91 .
Read the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s official : Live Nation customers will now automatically receive a refund if the concert or show they bought tickets for is canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The event promoter , which announced the “ Ticket Relief ” initiative last week , posted the update on its website and social media accounts Friday .
11:58 a.m. Illinois man sues Trump for denying stimulus checks to American married immigrants The plaintiff , named in the class-action lawsuit under the alias “ John Doe , ” is one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a Social Security number .
Because Doe and his spouse file their tax returns jointly , the couple , who have two children who are citizens , have been denied a stimulus check , the lawsuit alleges .
The suit was filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and also names majority leader Sen. Mitch McConnell , R-KY , and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin as defendants .
The suit claims that Doe and other Americans like him have been discriminated against on the sole basis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a deliberately cruel carve-out , ” Manar Waheed , senior legislative and advocacy counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union , said in the suit .
Read the full story by Sam Kelly here .
10:15 a.m. Protection vs. privacy ?
Values clash over proposal to provide first responders with COVID-19 addresses First responders might want to know when they pull up at a home or apartment whether anyone inside has been infected with COVID-19 , so they know how much protective gear they need .
But the people inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , varying levels of trust toward law enforcement and worries about their own personal safety .
Those competing concerns are intersecting as some public officials push to provide police officers , firefighters and other first responders with the addresses of people who ’ ve tested positive for coronavirus — and advocacy groups object , arguing it infringes on residents ’ rights to privacy and creates more problems than it solves .
The Cook County Board of Commissioners is considering such a move .
One advocacy group went to court to get the information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has already adopted a policy to provide the addresses .
In Cook County , the proposed resolution would allow for the “ disclosure of one ’ s COVID-19 status to first responders , including non-law-enforcement first responders , for purposes of protecting these workers and preventing the further spread of the virus ” for 60 days unless the board votes to extend it .
Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton said he introduced the measure after being “ contacted by multiple suburban fire and police departments.
” Read the full report from Rachel Hinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a miracle ’ : Home care is new front in virus fight NEW YORK — Ruth Caballero paused outside an unfamiliar apartment door , preparing to meet her new patient .
She covered the knob with a plastic bag .
Put on a surgical gown , then a heavy-duty N95 mask , a lighter surgical mask on top .
Cap , face shield , shoe covers .
Hand sanitizer between each step of the process .
Finally , the nurse donned two sets of gloves and knocked on the door with her elbow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus patient .
After about three weeks in a hospital , the man was home in his New York apartment but still so weak that sitting up in bed took some persuading .
“ You made it out of the hospital , so you are a miracle , ” Caballero told him .
“ Now let ’ s keep you out of the hospital.
” Home health care is becoming a new front in the national fight against COVID-19 as some patients come back from hospitals and others strive to stay out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and attendants — who normally help an estimated 12 million Americans with everything from bathing to IV medications — are now taking on the difficult and potentially dangerous task of caring for coronavirus patients .
8:30 a.m. ICYMI : Potbelly to return $ 10M federal coronavirus relief loan after public backlash 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 has 474 restaurants and 7,000 employees , said last week it had received a $ 10 million PPP loan .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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.
” 7:24 a.m .
Car caravan in Albany Park calls for cancellation or rent , mortgages Calling for the cancellation of rent and mortgages during the coronavirus pandemic , protesters in about two dozen vehicles drove the streets Saturday in Albany Park to bring awareness to the plight of millions people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have bills coming due .
With May 1 less than a week away , the protesters held signs , called for a rent freeze on megaphones and toured the neighborhood after meeting in the parking lot of Our Lady of Mercy Church at 4432 N. Troy st. Part of a nationwide call for action , the protestors said with some many businesses closed due to the COVID-19 virus , they worried about they will pay for rent and mortgages and called for additional financial support for renters , homeowners and small landlords .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus and 59 deaths .
The state surpassed 43,000 positive cases on Sunday .
• Chicago police announced Friday 13 more cases of COVID-19 , bringing the number of cases in the department to 393 .
2:30 p.m. A laugh amid the pandemic ?
It ’ s harder than you think Our columnist Neil Steinberg didn ’ t find the jokes in our Sunday paper to be very funny .
But why not ?
Read what he has to say about comedy during the time of coronavirus .
Twenty-year-old Luis Tapiru II @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 in the Chicago area when he was found dead on the couch of his family ’ s Rogers Park condo on April 14 .
His parents , Josephine and Luis Sr. , already stricken with the disease , were fighting for their lives at AMITA Health St. Francis Hospital in Evanston when their son died at home alone .
Four days after her son ’ s death , Josephine , 56 , who worked as a nurse at a nursing home , died .
It wasn ’ t until Thursday that Luis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doctors waited until he was off a ventilator before telling him .
Read the full column from Mark Brown here .
7:23 a.m. Chicago dance studio wants small business PPP loan : 100,000 are ahead in line Congress sent another $ 320 billion to a wildly popular , quickly depleted COVID-19 loan program Thursday , though it ’ s a long shot the Glenwood Dance Studio in East Rogers Park will get any of the cash .
Sandra Verthein , the dance center board president , said she was told by Chase , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there were at least 100,000 applicants ahead of her .
A sign on the closed storefront studio near the Morse Avenue L stop on the Red Line says , “ We hope to be dancing with you ASAP , ” but based on Verthein ’ s experience , the PPP dance could be called freestyle frustration .
After President Donald Trump signs the bill , the new money will replenish the Paycheck Protection Program — known as PPP — created to give small business and nonprofit employers a financial lifeline as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The original $ 346 billion appropriation was exhausted in two weeks .
Verthein ’ s quest to get a coveted PPP loan for the nonprofit studio , at 7017 N. Glenwood Ave. , unfortunately is emblematic of many frustrated employers and self-employed contractors — and is an example of a well-intended program that worked for some and likely may not for others .
That is , unless Congress adds a third round of funding .
Read the full column from Lynn Sweet here .

Officials on Sunday said another 59 people have died from the coronavirus in Illinois, as the state met its goal for testing for the third day in a row.
Here’s what else happened around the state as the coronavirus pandemic continued.
News
7:00 p.m. Small-business loan program resumes Monday morning: Here’s what you should know
At 9:30 a.m. Chicago time on Monday, the Small Business Administration restarts the wildly popular COVID-19 loan program, with lenders poised to submit a tidal wave of applications that could quickly use up the new round of funding.
As the economy continues to melt because of the coronavirus pandemic, with lockdowns knocking some businesses out for more than a month, there is desperate need for loans through the new federal Paycheck Protection Program – known as the PPP.
The initial $349 billion in funding appropriated by Congress was exhausted in two weeks. The SBA stopped accepting loan applications from lenders on April 16.
Last week, Congress replenished the PPP pot with $310 billion for loans plus a little over $11 billion to cover lender fees.
Here are some things to know:
Who is eligible for the PPP loans?
The PPP program is aimed at small business and nonprofit employers with fewer than 500 workers. The financial lifeline grants loans equal roughly to about 2.5 times monthly payroll costs.
Does the loan have to be repaid?
No, not if the loan is used as intended, to keep workers on payrolls for eight weeks after the loan is granted and pay some operating costs.
How many got PPP loans that were granted in the first round?
Nationally, there were 1.6 million loans approved. In Illinois, as of April 16, there were 69,893 loans approved totaling $15.9 billion.
For more things to know about the PPP loans, our Washington bureau chief Lynn Sweet has you covered. Click here to read the full report as the program resumes Monday.
6:26 p.m. UIC Medical Center nurse who died of COVID-19 ‘gave the ultimate sacrifice’
Joyce Pacubas-Le Blanc was considered the mother hen of the neuroscience intensive care unit at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center.
Her locker at work, stocked with medicine and extra scrubs, was open to everyone. The bulging bag she carried was always filled with other essentials like water and reading glasses, which she doled out just as freely. And when a nursing student’s iPad broke down, Pacubas-Le Blanc was quick to replace it with one of her own.
“That’s how big her heart is,” said Eileen Fajardo-Furlin, another nurse who works in the unit.
Joyce Pacubas-Le Blanc died after testing positive for coronavirus, just as Illinois officials announced that some 2,500 healthcare workers have been infected in the state.
Reporter Tom Schuba has the full story.
5:03 p.m. Chicago domestic violence calls up 18% in first weeks of coronavirus shutdown
Domestic violence calls are up in Chicago, with people cooped up at home and stressing over coronavirus and paying bills.
Comparing the period Feb. 21-March 8, before Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s first shelter-in-place order, with March 20-April 5, after Illinoisans were told largely to stay home, calls to the Chicago Police Department about domestic violence increased 18%.
That includes domestic battery, domestic disturbance and violations of orders of protection or child abuse.
Read the full statistics here.
3:28 p.m. VIDEO: Brad Pitt portrays Dr. Fauci on SNL
Check off one of the requests on Dr. Anthony Fauci’s wish list: last night he was portrayed by Brad Pitt.
The casting on this weekend’s “Saturday Night Live at Home” wasn’t entirely a surprise. When CNN prompted Fauci earlier this month with a few actors who could play him on the show, he laughed and chose “Brad Pitt, of course!”
Sure enough, the “Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood” Oscar winner and esteemed sex symbol was there at the start of Saturday’s show, wearing a wig and affecting Fauci’s distinctive rasp.
Read the full episode recap from Darel Jevens here.
2:40 p.m. With 59 more deaths, Illinois surpasses 43,000 coronavirus cases
The state announced Sunday another 59 people have died of COVID-19 in Illinois as the Illinois’ total caseload reached 43,903.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the latest deaths while reporting 2,126 new cases of the coronavirus in Illinois since Saturday.
The virus has spread to 96 of the state’s 102 counties, and 1,933 people have died of COVID-19 in Illinois.
This is the third day in a row that the state has surpassed its daily testing goal of 10,000 tests.
Reporter Jake Wittich has the full story.
1:22 p.m. Coronavirus pandemic leads to drive-thru wakes; ‘You have to have an opportunity to say goodbye’
America’s love affair with the automobile has produced drive-thru restaurants, dry-cleaners, coffee shops, prayer services, weddings — and now, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, drive-thru wakes like the one held for Rosemarie Santilli.
On Wednesday, cars turned off of Milwaukee Avenue into the parking lot at Kolssak Funeral Home in Wheeling. They threaded through orange cones and lane-dividers to approach two of the funeral home’s rear windows.
Behind the first window was the viewing parlor. Inside were chairs for Mrs. Santilli’s family and a microphone so they could communicate with the motorist-mourners. Another mic was set up outside the window for drivers to have two-way communication with her relatives.
Then, visitors pulled up to a second window to view Mrs. Santilli, who died Sunday at 91.
Read the full story by Maureen O’Donnell here.
12:27 p.m. Live Nation automatically issuing refunds for canceled shows due to COVID-19
It’s official: Live Nation customers will now automatically receive a refund if the concert or show they bought tickets for is canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event promoter, which announced the “Ticket Relief” initiative last week, posted the update on its website and social media accounts Friday.
Read the full announcement here.
11:58 a.m. Illinois man sues Trump for denying stimulus checks to American married immigrants
The plaintiff, named in the class-action lawsuit under the alias “John Doe,” is one of the 1.2 million Americans married to an immigrant without a Social Security number. Because Doe and his spouse file their tax returns jointly, the couple, who have two children who are citizens, have been denied a stimulus check, the lawsuit alleges.
The suit was filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and also names majority leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-KY, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin as defendants.
The suit claims that Doe and other Americans like him have been discriminated against on the sole basis of whom they chose to marry.
“It’s a deliberately cruel carve-out,” Manar Waheed, senior legislative and advocacy counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union, said in the suit.
Read the full story by Sam Kelly here.
10:15 a.m. Protection vs. privacy? Values clash over proposal to provide first responders with COVID-19 addresses
First responders might want to know when they pull up at a home or apartment whether anyone inside has been infected with COVID-19, so they know how much protective gear they need.
But the people inside have confidentiality rights over their medical records, varying levels of trust toward law enforcement and worries about their own personal safety.
Those competing concerns are intersecting as some public officials push to provide police officers, firefighters and other first responders with the addresses of people who’ve tested positive for coronavirus — and advocacy groups object, arguing it infringes on residents’ rights to privacy and creates more problems than it solves.
The Cook County Board of Commissioners is considering such a move. One advocacy group went to court to get the information for first responders. And DuPage County has already adopted a policy to provide the addresses.
In Cook County, the proposed resolution would allow for the “disclosure of one’s COVID-19 status to first responders, including non-law-enforcement first responders, for purposes of protecting these workers and preventing the further spread of the virus” for 60 days unless the board votes to extend it.
Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton said he introduced the measure after being “contacted by multiple suburban fire and police departments.”
Read the full report from Rachel Hinton here.
9:37 a.m. ‘You are a miracle’: Home care is new front in virus fight
NEW YORK — Ruth Caballero paused outside an unfamiliar apartment door, preparing to meet her new patient.
She covered the knob with a plastic bag. Put on a surgical gown, then a heavy-duty N95 mask, a lighter surgical mask on top. Cap, face shield, shoe covers. Hand sanitizer between each step of the process. Finally, the nurse donned two sets of gloves and knocked on the door with her elbow, ready to care for her first coronavirus patient.
After about three weeks in a hospital, the man was home in his New York apartment but still so weak that sitting up in bed took some persuading.
“You made it out of the hospital, so you are a miracle,” Caballero told him. “Now let’s keep you out of the hospital.”
Home health care is becoming a new front in the national fight against COVID-19 as some patients come back from hospitals and others strive to stay out of them.
Home care nurses, aides and attendants — who normally help an estimated 12 million Americans with everything from bathing to IV medications — are now taking on the difficult and potentially dangerous task of caring for coronavirus patients.
Read the full report here.
8:30 a.m. ICYMI: Potbelly to return $10M federal coronavirus relief loan after public backlash
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 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 report here.
7:24 a.m. Car caravan in Albany Park calls for cancellation or rent, mortgages
Calling for the cancellation of rent and mortgages during the coronavirus pandemic, protesters in about two dozen vehicles drove the streets Saturday in Albany Park to bring awareness to the plight of millions people who are without work, but still have bills coming due.
Nick Stender chats for a rent freeze during a vehicle caravan protest Saturday in Albany Park. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
With May 1 less than a week away, the protesters held signs, called for a rent freeze on megaphones and toured the neighborhood after meeting in the parking lot of Our Lady of Mercy Church at 4432 N. Troy st.
Part of a nationwide call for action, the protestors said with some many businesses closed due to the COVID-19 virus, they worried about they will pay for rent and mortgages and called for additional financial support for renters, homeowners and small landlords.
— Sun-Times Wires
New Cases
Illinois officials announced 2,126 new cases of coronavirus and 59 deaths. The state surpassed 43,000 positive cases on Sunday.
Chicago police announced Friday 13 more cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of cases in the department to 393.
Analysis & Commentary
2:30 p.m. A laugh amid the pandemic? It’s harder than you think
Our columnist Neil Steinberg didn’t find the jokes in our Sunday paper to be very funny.
But why not?
Read what he has to say about comedy during the time of coronavirus.
11:15 a.m. Coronavirus devastates Filipino immigrant family in Rogers Park
Twenty-year-old Luis Tapiru II became one of the youngest casualties of COVID-19 in the Chicago area when he was found dead on the couch of his family’s Rogers Park condo on April 14.
His parents, Josephine and Luis Sr., already stricken with the disease, were fighting for their lives at AMITA Health St. Francis Hospital in Evanston when their son died at home alone.
Four days after her son’s death, Josephine, 56, who worked as a nurse at a nursing home, died.
It wasn’t until Thursday that Luis Sr. was informed of their deaths. Doctors waited until he was off a ventilator before telling him.
Read the full column from Mark Brown here.
7:23 a.m. Chicago dance studio wants small business PPP loan: 100,000 are ahead in line
Congress sent another $320 billion to a wildly popular, quickly depleted COVID-19 loan program Thursday, though it’s a long shot the Glenwood Dance Studio in East Rogers Park will get any of the cash.
Sandra Verthein, the dance center board president, said she was told by Chase, the dance center’s bank, that there were at least 100,000 applicants ahead of her.
A sign on the closed storefront studio near the Morse Avenue L stop on the Red Line says, “We hope to be dancing with you ASAP,” but based on Verthein’s experience, the PPP dance could be called freestyle frustration.
After President Donald Trump signs the bill, the new money will replenish the Paycheck Protection Program — known as PPP — created to give small business and nonprofit employers a financial lifeline as the economy melts because of the coronavirus lockdowns. The original $346 billion appropriation was exhausted in two weeks.
Verthein’s quest to get a coveted PPP loan for the nonprofit studio, at 7017 N. Glenwood Ave., unfortunately is emblematic of many frustrated employers and self-employed contractors — and is an example of a well-intended program that worked for some and likely may not for others. That is, unless Congress adds a third round of funding.
Read the full column from Lynn Sweet here.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Small-business loan program resumes Monday morning: Here’s what you should know

At 9:30 a.m. Chicago time on Monday , the Small Business Administration restarts the wildly popular COVID-19 loan program , with lenders poised to submit a tidal wave of applications that could quickly use up the new round of funding .
A spokesman for the giant JPMorgan Chase told the Chicago Sun-Times as of Sunday afternoon the bank is ready to submit at least 150,000 completed loan applications on Monday to the SBA .
Another 150,000 applications are already in the line for processing left over from the first round .
As the economy continues to melt because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses out for more than a month , there is desperate need for loans through the new federal Paycheck Protection Program – known as the PPP .
The initial $ 349 billion in funding appropriated by Congress was exhausted in two weeks .
The SBA stopped accepting loan applications from lenders on April 16 .
Last week , Congress replenished the PPP pot with $ 310 billion for loans plus a little over $ 11 billion to cover lender fees .
Here are some things to know : Who is eligible for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aimed at small business and nonprofit employers with fewer than 500 workers .
The financial lifeline grants loans equal roughly to about 2.5 times monthly payroll costs .
Does the loan have to be repaid ?
No , not if the loan is used as intended , to keep workers on payrolls for eight weeks after the loan is granted and pay some operating costs .
How many PPP loans were granted in the first round ?
Nationally , there were 1.6 million loans approved .
In Illinois , as of April 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 15.9 billion .
What is expected in the second round ?
“ We think that there will be just as many , if not more , applications during this second round of funding , ” Nick Simpson , a spokesman for the Consumer Bankers Association , told the Sun-Times on Sunday .
Has anything been done to make sure public companies like Potbelly , Ruth ’ s Chris Steakhouse and Shake Shack don ’ t get loans in the second round ?
The Chicago-based Potbelly returned its $ 10 million loan Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The negative press these companies received about the PPP loans will discourage other businesses from applying for the loan since the public shaming isn ’ t worth it .
New SBA guidance , updated Sunday , said , “ Large companies with adequate sources of liquidity to support the business ’ s ongoing operations ” now must “ certify in good faith that their PPP loan request is necessary.
” And just to make sure , the SBA spelled out the intent of the new certification : “ It is unlikely , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public company with substantial market value and access to capital markets will be able to make the required certification in good faith , and such a company should be prepared to demonstrate to SBA , upon request , the basis for its certification.
” On Friday , Edelson PC , a Chicago law firm , filed a federal lawsuit against three companies : Chase ; the parent company of Ruth ’ s Chris Steakhouse ; and Phunware , a data vendor for the Trump campaign on behalf of Sha-Poppin , a popcorn maker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ institutional clout ” was used , resulting in the popcorn company not getting a PPP loan .
Chase said it had no comment on the pending lawsuit .
Lenders get bigger fees for larger loans .
What is being done to make sure lenders don ’ t give priority treatment to favored customers , enabling them to more quickly get their applications to the SBA ?
Nothing , according to Robert Scott , the regional administrator for the SBA ’ s Great Lakes Region at a Friday briefing with reporters .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing in our regulatory authority under the U.S. Small Business Administration that would allow us to force a bank to do first-come first-serve or categorize them under need or whatever it may be ; that is up to the lender , ” Scott said .
What should an employer do who applied for a PPP loan that the lender did not submit to the SBA for approval ?
Can someone apply to another lender in this second round ?
Yes , Scott said .
If the lender has not yet sent your application @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information was still needed , it is OK to go someplace else .
Any tips for this second round ?
Yes .
Apply to smaller lenders who were at a disadvantage in the PPP first round .
Congress set aside $ 60 billion for lenders with less than $ 50 billion in assets — Community Development Financial Institutions ; minority depository institutions ; certified development companies , microloan institutions and state and federal credit unions .
A list of lenders by state can be found at https : //bit.ly/2yPyjF2 .
The second round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no guarantee when or if Congress will add a third round .

At 9:30 a.m. Chicago time on Monday, the Small Business Administration restarts the wildly popular COVID-19 loan program, with lenders poised to submit a tidal wave of applications that could quickly use up the new round of funding.
A spokesman for the giant JPMorgan Chase told the Chicago Sun-Times as of Sunday afternoon the bank is ready to submit at least 150,000 completed loan applications on Monday to the SBA. Another 150,000 applications are already in the line for processing left over from the first round.
As the economy continues to melt because of the coronavirus pandemic, with lockdowns knocking some businesses out for more than a month, there is desperate need for loans through the new federal Paycheck Protection Program – known as the PPP.
The initial $349 billion in funding appropriated by Congress was exhausted in two weeks. The SBA stopped accepting loan applications from lenders on April 16.
Last week, Congress replenished the PPP pot with $310 billion for loans plus a little over $11 billion to cover lender fees.
Here are some things to know:
Who is eligible for the PPP loans?
The PPP program is aimed at small business and nonprofit employers with fewer than 500 workers. The financial lifeline grants loans equal roughly to about 2.5 times monthly payroll costs.
Does the loan have to be repaid?
No, not if the loan is used as intended, to keep workers on payrolls for eight weeks after the loan is granted and pay some operating costs.
How many PPP loans were granted in the first round?
Nationally, there were 1.6 million loans approved. In Illinois, as of April 16, there were 69,893 loans approved totaling $15.9 billion.
What is expected in the second round?
“We think that there will be just as many, if not more, applications during this second round of funding,” Nick Simpson, a spokesman for the Consumer Bankers Association, told the Sun-Times on Sunday.
Has anything been done to make sure public companies like Potbelly, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Shake Shack don’t get loans in the second round? The Chicago-based Potbelly returned its $10 million loan Saturday.
Yes, on two fronts. The negative press these companies received about the PPP loans will discourage other businesses from applying for the loan since the public shaming isn’t worth it.
New SBA guidance, updated Sunday, said, “Large companies with adequate sources of liquidity to support the business’s ongoing operations” now must “certify in good faith that their PPP loan request is necessary.”
And just to make sure, the SBA spelled out the intent of the new certification: “It is unlikely,” the SBA said, “that a public company with substantial market value and access to capital markets will be able to make the required certification in good faith, and such a company should be prepared to demonstrate to SBA, upon request, the basis for its certification.”
On Friday, Edelson PC, a Chicago law firm, filed a federal lawsuit against three companies: Chase; the parent company of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse; and Phunware, a data vendor for the Trump campaign on behalf of Sha-Poppin, a popcorn maker in Westchester. The lawsuit alleges improper “institutional clout” was used, resulting in the popcorn company not getting a PPP loan. Chase said it had no comment on the pending lawsuit.
Lenders get bigger fees for larger loans. What is being done to make sure lenders don’t give priority treatment to favored customers, enabling them to more quickly get their applications to the SBA?
Nothing, according to Robert Scott, the regional administrator for the SBA’s Great Lakes Region at a Friday briefing with reporters.
“There was nothing in the law and nothing in our regulatory authority under the U.S. Small Business Administration that would allow us to force a bank to do first-come first-serve or categorize them under need or whatever it may be; that is up to the lender,” Scott said.
To curb the ability of the biggest banks — with assets over $50 billion — to corner the PPP loans, the SBA on Sunday imposed on this round a $60 billion cap on the amount of loans any bank can make.
What should an employer do who applied for a PPP loan that the lender did not submit to the SBA for approval? Can someone apply to another lender in this second round?
Yes, Scott said. If the lender has not yet sent your application to the SBA, perhaps because more information was still needed, it is OK to go someplace else.
Any tips for this second round?
Yes. Apply to smaller lenders who were at a disadvantage in the PPP first round. Congress set aside $60 billion for lenders with less than $50 billion in assets — Community Development Financial Institutions; minority depository institutions; certified development companies, microloan institutions; state and federal credit unions and some community banks. A list of lenders by state can be found at https://bit.ly/2yPyjF2.
The second round of PPP funding will go fast and there is no guarantee when or if Congress will add a third round.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Man, 18, killed in Joliet shooting

Man, 18, killed in Joliet shooting

A man was shot to death Saturday in southwest suburban Joliet .
Trevael Barefield , 18 , was shot about @ @ @ @ @ block of Parkwood Drive , according to the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ Loyola University Medical Center , where he died hours later .
An autopsy showed Barefield @ @ @ @ @ , and ruled his death a homicide , the medical examiner ’ s office said @ @ @ @ @ .
Joliet police did not immediately return a request for details .

Three people were shot — two fatally — Saturday in southwest suburban Joliet, police said.
Officers responded about 12:45 a.m. to the 1100 block of Parkwood Drive for a report of shots fired and found three people with gunshot wounds, Joliet police said. The trio was taken to local hospitals, where two died of their injuries.
They were identified as Treshon Holland, 24, and 18-year-old Trevael Barefield, according to police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Holland lived in Naperville, while Barefield resided in Plainfield.
The condition of the third person was unclear.
No arrests have been reported. Anyone with information is asked to call Joliet police at 815-724-3020.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Dull draft? Not when you weigh the Bears’ trade for Khalil Mack

Six hundred and two days after the Bears made a franchise-defining trade for Raiders edge rusher Khalil Mack , the final piece exchanged hands Saturday night : Colorado offensive lineman Arlington Hambright , whom general manager Ryan Pace drafted in the seventh round .
He ’ ll forever be remembered as the answer to a trivia question — if Bears fans remember him at all .
Hambright was the second-to-last member of the blandest draft class of Pace ’ s tenure .
All seven players the Bears selected filled a need .
One even warranted a parade — Notre Dame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends drive past his Arlington Heights home Saturday morning , honking their horns .
Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson might not get that kind of love , but he ’ s something to dream on : a Week 1 starter who fell to Round 2 in part because of concerns surrounding his surgically repaired shoulder .
The rest , though , were familiar to only the dorkiest draftniks in the Bears ’ fan base .
The Bears took an edge rusher from Tulsa , a speedy receiver from Tulane and a cornerback from Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State offensive lineman Lachavious Simmons , played his final game in front of only 2,728 people .
Small-college status doesn ’ t preclude him from future stardom — just ask North Carolina A & T ’ s Tarik Cohen — but it gives fans less to grab onto at first .
This is new territory for Bears fans .
In Pace ’ s first draft five years ago , he took all six players from power-five conference schools — the ACC , SEC , Big Ten , Big 12 and Pac-12 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from large schools .
The next year , he drafted quarterback Mitch Trubisky second overall and Eddie Jackson — an Alabama standout whose stock plummeted after he broke his leg — fourth .
Picked in the first round in 2018 , Roquan Smith was the middle linebacker for the national champion runner-up .
Georgia ’ s leading receiver , Javon Wims , landed with the Bears in Round 7 .
Second-rounder Anthony Miller , for whom Pace traded up , was the all-time receiving leader at Memphis .
Last year , Pace traded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Montgomery was considered at the time the offense ’ s one missing piece .
Then he took Calvin Ridley ’ s brother .
This year , by comparison , is low on star power .
Until you start to consider the Mack trade .
And you should .
In exchange for Mack , Kmet and Hambright , the Bears gave up the following : running back Josh Jacobs ( Round 1 , 2019 ) ; cornerback Damon Arnette ( Round 1 , 2020 ) and receiver Bryant Edwards ( Round 3 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 sixth-rounder from the Bears , too , which they traded for another pick who was traded for two more picks .
Anyone without spiky shoulder pads and silver facepaint can see the deal was a win for the Bears — particularly because Arnette was thought by some to be a third-round pick , at best , this year .
The Bears didn ’ t draft a quarterback , but they used the draft to land one .
Nick Foles cost them a fourth-rounder this year — and $ 24 million guaranteed — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Montgomery should at least partly be included in the Bears ’ draft haul , too — they traded their other 2020 fourth-rounder to the Patriots last year in a package for the running back .
Neither trade will be the heist that the Mack deal appears to be .
But both Foles and Montgomery will contribute in a must-win season — something that would have been no guarantee for any fourth-round pick , regardless of the size of his college .

Six hundred two days after the Bears made a franchise-defining trade for Raiders edge rusher Khalil Mack, the final piece exchanged hands Saturday:
Colorado offensive lineman Arlington Hambright, whom general manager Ryan Pace drafted in the seventh round.
Hambright forever will be remembered as the answer to a trivia question — if Bears fans remember him at all. He was the second-to-last member of the blandest draft class of Pace’s tenure to date.
All seven players the Bears selected filled a need. One even warranted a parade. Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet watched St. Viator friends drive past his Arlington Heights home Saturday, honking their horns.
Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson might not get that kind of love, but he’s someone to dream on: a Week 1 starter who fell to Round 2 in part because of concerns about his surgically repaired shoulder.
The rest of the draftees, however, were familiar to only the dorkiest draftniks in the Bears’ fan base. The Bears took an edge rusher from Tulsa, a speedy receiver from Tulane and a cornerback from Georgia Southern. Their final pick, Tennessee State offensive lineman Lachavious Simmons, played his final game in front of only 2,728 people.
Small-college status doesn’t preclude him from future stardom — just ask North Carolina A&T’s Tarik Cohen — but it gives fans less to wrap their heads around at first.
This is new territory for Bears fans. In Pace’s first draft five years ago, all six players he took were from Power 5 conference schools (the Atlantic Coast Conference, Southeastern Conference, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12). In 2016, his first five picks came from large schools. The next year, he drafted quarterback Mitch Trubisky second overall and safety Eddie Jackson — an Alabama standout whose stock plummeted after he broke his leg — in the fourth round.
Picked in the first round in 2018, Roquan Smith was the middle linebacker for Georgia, the runner-up for the national championship. Georgia’s leading receiver, Javon Wims, landed with the Bears in Round 7. Second-round pick Anthony Miller, for whom Pace traded up, was the all-time receiving leader at Memphis.
Last year, Pace traded up to take Iowa State running back David Montgomery, who at the time was considered the one missing piece of the offense. Then he took Calvin Ridley’s brother.
This year, by comparison, is low on star power. Until you start to consider the Mack trade. And you should.
In exchange for Mack, Kmet and Hambright, the Bears gave up the following: running back Josh Jacobs (Round 1, 2019); cornerback Damon Arnette (Round 1, 2020) and receiver Bryan Edwards (Round 3, 2020). The Raiders got a sixth-round pick in 2019 from the Bears, too, which they traded for another selection, which then was traded for two more picks.
Anyone without spiky shoulder pads and silver face paint can see the deal was a victory for the Bears, particularly because Arnette was thought by some to be a third-round pick at best.
The Bears didn’t pick a quarterback this year, but they used the draft to land one. Nick Foles cost them a fourth-round pick this year — and $24 million guaranteed — in a trade with the Jaguars.
Montgomery should be partly included in the Bears’ draft haul, too. They traded their other 2020 fourth-round pick to the Patriots last year in a package for him.
Neither trade will be the heist the Mack deal appears to be, but Foles and Montgomery will contribute in a must-win season — something that would have been no guarantee for any fourth-round pick.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--‘Never Have I Ever’: A likable teen overachieves as star of Netflix’s sweet high school comedy

It ’ s the start of sophomore year , and 15-year-old Devi Vishwakumar has some prayer/requests for the gods .
“ One : I ’ d like to be invited to a party with alcohol and hard drugs , ” she says .
“ I ’ m not going to do them .
I ’ d just like the opportunity to say ‘ No cocaine for me , thanks , I ’ m good.
’ “ Two : I ’ d LOVE for my arm hair to thin out .
I know it ’ s an Indian thing , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a friggin ’ barber shop .
“ Lastly … I ’ d really , really like a boyfriend .
But not some nerd from one of my AP classes .
Like a guy from a sports team .
He can be dumb , I don ’ t care … ” That opening scene of executive producer Mindy Kaling ’ s new Netflix high school comedy series “ Never Have I Ever ” not only sets the tone for a smart , edgy , funny , sweet , lovely show , it announces the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genuine star who turns in natural and empathetic work as an intelligent , insecure , troubled and absolutely wonderful girl .
Though a series and not a feature , “ Never Have I Ever ” joins the likes of “ Love , Simon ” and “ Booksmart ” as 21st century descendants of the films of John Hughes .
Like “ Sixteen Candles ” and “ The Breakfast Club ” and “ Pretty in Pink , ” these movies and shows depict three-dimensional teenagers who are equal parts sunny optimism and jaded cynicism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high school .
We laugh and roll our eyes at some of their more selfish antics .
We cringe when things go terribly sideways .
And we feel like parental viewing units as these kids hurt and our hearts melt .
You might think Devi would serve as narrator for her journey , but the voice-over guide is one John McEnroe — that ’ s right , the 1980s tennis star with famous anger management issues .
Save for one episode when a certain “ SNL ” alum takes the reins , McEnroe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for reasons explained fairly early on in the show .
It ’ s a creative choice , a bold choice — but not a great choice , as McEnroe ’ s flat , shrill delivery is incongruous without really adding anything to the mix .
No matter .
“ Never Have I Ever ” soars in its irreverent yet authentic depictions of an Indian-American girl growing up in the San Fernando Valley ; the sometimes heartbreaking conflicts between a traditional mother and her rebellious daughter ; the roller-coaster ups and downs among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hip but can be deeply hurtful to each other ; and the heart-stopping touchstone moments of teenage romance , where one minute you feel you can fly , and the next you just want to curl up and die .
After Devi ’ s beloved father died of a heart attack , Devi experienced psychosomatic paralysis and was in a wheelchair for months during her freshman year .
She ’ s now “ better , ” at least physically , but she regularly sees a therapist ( Niecy Nash ) , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her outwardly blasé attitude about her father ’ s death .
Back on her feet , Devi and her best friends and fellow geeks Eleanor ( Ramona Young ) and Fabiola ( Lee Rodriguez ) are determined to go to cool parties , dive into life beyond the lab and get boyfriends .
“ We are smart , ” says Fabiola .
“ Idiots are banging all the time .
If they can do it , we can learn how to do it too.
” Jaren Lewison is Ben , who has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were children and is forever talking about his father being a big-time Hollywood agent .
Darren Barnet is Paxton , a sculpted dreamboat and the object of Devi ’ s mad crush .
Richa Moorjani is Devi ’ s live-in cousin Kamala , who is impossibly beautiful and working on her doctorate and of course Devi hates her .
These are familiar archetypes who could have been one-note caricatures , but like every character in “ Never Have I Ever , ” they ’ re fully realized , complicated and authentic .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touches , e.g.
, when Devi orders a morning hot chocolate at the coffee shop but asks the barista to write “ Latte ” on the cup , and so many terrific exchanges , as when Devi complains about working in the home garden and her mother says if Devi would like to take over her dermatology practice , she ’ d be happy to switch jobs with her .
And then there ’ s Devi ’ s uncle , who tells Devi an evening run is a terrible idea : “ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
This is the city of Charles Manson and Harvey Weinstein.
” This is one of the best new shows of the year .

It’s the start of sophomore year, and 15-year-old Devi Vishwakumar has some prayer/requests for the gods.
“One: I’d like to be invited to a party with alcohol and hard drugs,” she says. “I’m not going to do them. I’d just like the opportunity to say ‘No cocaine for me, thanks, I’m good.’
“Two: I’d LOVE for my arm hair to thin out. I know it’s an Indian thing, but my forearms look like the floor of a friggin’ barber shop.
‘Never Have I Ever’
Untitled Premieres Monday on Netflix
“Lastly … I’d really, really like a boyfriend. But not some nerd from one of my AP classes. Like a guy from a sports team. He can be dumb, I don’t care …”
That opening scene of executive producer Mindy Kaling’s new Netflix high school comedy series “Never Have I Ever” not only sets the tone for a smart, edgy, funny, sweet, lovely show, it announces the presence of newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as a genuine star who turns in natural and empathetic work as an intelligent, insecure, troubled and absolutely wonderful girl.
Though a series and not a feature, “Never Have I Ever” joins the likes of “Love, Simon” and “Booksmart” as 21st century descendants of the films of John Hughes. Like “Sixteen Candles” and “The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink,” these movies and shows depict three-dimensional teenagers who are equal parts sunny optimism and jaded cynicism as they navigate the waters of American high school. We laugh and roll our eyes at some of their more selfish antics. We cringe when things go terribly sideways. And we feel like parental viewing units as these kids hurt and our hearts melt.
You might think Devi would serve as narrator for her journey, but the voice-over guide is one John McEnroe — that’s right, the 1980s tennis star with famous anger management issues. Save for one episode when a certain “SNL” alum takes the reins, McEnroe is the narrator throughout the entire series, for reasons explained fairly early on in the show. It’s a creative choice, a bold choice — but not a great choice, as McEnroe’s flat, shrill delivery is incongruous without really adding anything to the mix.
No matter. “Never Have I Ever” soars in its irreverent yet authentic depictions of an Indian-American girl growing up in the San Fernando Valley; the sometimes heartbreaking conflicts between a traditional mother and her rebellious daughter; the roller-coaster ups and downs among three best friends who are joined at the hip but can be deeply hurtful to each other; and the heart-stopping touchstone moments of teenage romance, where one minute you feel you can fly, and the next you just want to curl up and die.
After Devi’s beloved father died of a heart attack, Devi experienced psychosomatic paralysis and was in a wheelchair for months during her freshman year. She’s now “better,” at least physically, but she regularly sees a therapist (Niecy Nash), who explores Devi’s anger issues and her outwardly blasé attitude about her father’s death. Back on her feet, Devi and her best friends and fellow geeks Eleanor (Ramona Young) and Fabiola (Lee Rodriguez) are determined to go to cool parties, dive into life beyond the lab and get boyfriends. “We are smart,” says Fabiola. “Idiots are banging all the time. If they can do it, we can learn how to do it too.”
Lee Rodriguez (center) and Ramona Young (right) play friends of Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) who aspire to a more sociable life. Netflix
Jaren Lewison is Ben, who has been Devi’s academic nemesis since they were children and is forever talking about his father being a big-time Hollywood agent. Darren Barnet is Paxton, a sculpted dreamboat and the object of Devi’s mad crush. Richa Moorjani is Devi’s live-in cousin Kamala, who is impossibly beautiful and working on her doctorate and of course Devi hates her. These are familiar archetypes who could have been one-note caricatures, but like every character in “Never Have I Ever,” they’re fully realized, complicated and authentic.
This series is filled with so many sly touches, e.g., when Devi orders a morning hot chocolate at the coffee shop but asks the barista to write “Latte” on the cup, and so many terrific exchanges, as when Devi complains about working in the home garden and her mother says if Devi would like to take over her dermatology practice, she’d be happy to switch jobs with her.
And then there’s Devi’s uncle, who tells Devi an evening run is a terrible idea: “You cannot run in Los Angeles at night. This is the city of Charles Manson and Harvey Weinstein.”
This is one of the best new shows of the year.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--UIC Medical Center nurse who died of COVID-19 ‘gave the ultimate sacrifice’

Joyce Pacubas-Le Blanc was considered the mother hen of the neuroscience intensive care unit at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center .
Her locker at work , stocked with medicine and extra scrubs , was open to all her fellow nurses .
The bulging bag she carried was always filled with other essentials like water and reading glasses , which she doled out just as freely .
And when a nursing student ’ s iPad broke down , Pacubas-Le Blanc was quick to replace it with one of her own .
“ That ’ s how big her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , another nurse who works in the unit .
Pacubas-Le Blanc died Thursday afternoon at age 53 after testing positive for the coronavirus earlier this month .
Her death came a day after Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike announced that over 2,500 health care workers in Illinois had tested positive and eight of them had “ potentially ” died of the disease .
But Fajardo-Furlin said she doesn ’ t want Pacubas-Le Blanc to simply be remembered as another figure in the rising death toll .
“ She ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before breaking down in tears .
Pacubas-Le Blanc ’ s life was typified by the care and kindness she showed to others , according to her co-workers , who said she was especially protective of newer nurses getting acclimated to the demands of the high-pressure job .
“ The way she fits into our unit is that she truly is the one who gives these new nurses a hug — a motivation to keep going , because in our line of work you need to be the best that you can , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us push our newer nurses this way .
Joyce gives them that human touch.
” Though the neuroscience ICU is considered a “ clean ” section of the hospital — meaning COVID-19 patients aren ’ t being treated there — Pacubas-Le Blanc ’ s co-worker Terence Yee said two of the four patients he has swabbed in the past three weeks tested positive for the deadly disease .
“ The patients that I ’ ve had that were positive were asymptomatic .
You don ’ t know who ’ s infected or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also serves as president of the Illinois Nurses Association .
In the wake of Pacubas-Le Blanc ’ s death , Yee said the group has called on the hospital to either provide easy access to testing or universally test everyone who arrives at the hospital .
The group also wants staff members to be supplied with N95 respirators instead of surgical masks .
Yee said those demands haven ’ t yet been met .
Michael Zenn , CEO of the University of Illinois Hospitals and Clinics , didn ’ t immediately respond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only way they could really make the situation safer for the health care workers is if either we presume that everybody is positive or we test everyone that comes in through our doors , ” Fajardo-Furlin said .
“ That ’ s the only way to be able to provide the safest environment .
“ Our expectation of our institution is to prepare us for such a situation , like a pandemic … But in this situation , we ’ re so grossly unprepared that it adds to our frustration.
” Fajardo-Furlin recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to work as she reels from the loss of her friend , who she said “ gave the ultimate sacrifice.
” A south suburban native who lived in Darien , Pacubas-Le Blanc was a consummate planner who mapped out her entire life and was looking forward to buying a boat with her husband , Lawrence .
Given their shared interest in making greeting cards and scrapbooks , Pacubas-Le Blanc and Fajardo-Furlin were planning to open a craft store between their homes to spend more time together .
“ When her plans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so tragic , ” Fajardo-Furlin said .
Pacubas-Le Blanc is survived by her husband and their sons , Derrick and Lawrence Jr. A GoFundMe page offering support to the family was launched on Sunday .
In just six hours , over $ 5,700 of the $ 10,000 goal had been raised .

Joyce Pacubas-Le Blanc was considered the mother hen of the neuroscience intensive care unit at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center.
Her locker at work, stocked with medicine and extra scrubs, was open to all her fellow nurses. The bulging bag she carried was always filled with other essentials like water and reading glasses, which she doled out just as freely. And when a nursing student’s iPad broke down, Pacubas-Le Blanc was quick to replace it with one of her own.
“That’s how big her heart is,” said Eileen Fajardo-Furlin, another nurse who works in the unit.
Pacubas-Le Blanc died Thursday afternoon at age 53 after testing positive for the coronavirus earlier this month.
Her death came a day after Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike announced that over 2,500 health care workers in Illinois had tested positive and eight of them had “potentially” died of the disease.
But Fajardo-Furlin said she doesn’t want Pacubas-Le Blanc to simply be remembered as another figure in the rising death toll.
“She’s not just a statistic,” Fajardo-Furlin said before breaking down in tears.
Pacubas-Le Blanc’s life was typified by the care and kindness she showed to others, according to her co-workers, who said she was especially protective of newer nurses getting acclimated to the demands of the high-pressure job.
“The way she fits into our unit is that she truly is the one who gives these new nurses a hug — a motivation to keep going, because in our line of work you need to be the best that you can,” Fajardo-Furlin said. “So a lot of us push our newer nurses this way. Joyce gives them that human touch.”
Eileen Fajardo-Furlin and Joyce Pacubas-Le Blanc worked together at the UIC Medical Center Provided
Though the neuroscience ICU is considered a “clean” section of the hospital — meaning COVID-19 patients aren’t being treated there — Pacubas-Le Blanc’s co-worker Terence Yee said two of the four patients he has swabbed in the past three weeks tested positive for the deadly disease.
“The patients that I’ve had that were positive were asymptomatic. You don’t know who’s infected or not,” said Yee, who also serves as president of the Illinois Nurses Association.
In the wake of Pacubas-Le Blanc’s death, Yee said the group has called on the hospital to either provide easy access to testing or universally test everyone who arrives at the hospital. The group also wants staff members to be supplied with N95 respirators instead of surgical masks.
“The only way they could really make the situation safer for the health care workers is if either we presume that everybody is positive or we test everyone that comes in through our doors,” Fajardo-Furlin said. “That’s the only way to be able to provide the safest environment.
“Our expectation of our institution is to prepare us for such a situation, like a pandemic … But in this situation, we’re so grossly unprepared that it adds to our frustration.”
Michael Zenn, CEO of the University of Illinois Hospitals and Clinics, said the hospital system is “deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of a dedicated and talented member of the UI Health family due to COVID-19.”
“Our thoughts are with this individual’s family and friends during this difficult time,” Zenn added. “Our entire UI Health and university community is grateful to the health care providers and essential workers who continue to work on the front lines during this pandemic.”
Zenn said the hospital recently began making non-fit tested N95 and KN95 masks available to all staff members, though fit-tested N95 masks are still reserved for staffers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. And starting April 16, the hospital began testing all patients admitted to the hospital and those undergoing operations, he added.
Fajardo-Furlin recently underwent surgery and is now preparing to return to work as she reels from the loss of her friend, who she said “gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
A south suburban native who lived in Darien, Pacubas-Le Blanc was a consummate planner who mapped out her entire life and was looking forward to buying a boat with her husband, Lawrence.
Given their shared interest in making greeting cards and scrapbooks, Pacubas-Le Blanc and Fajardo-Furlin were planning to open a craft store between their homes to spend more time together.
“When her plans are cut short, it’s just so tragic,” Fajardo-Furlin said.
Pacubas-Le Blanc is survived by her husband and their sons, Derrick and Lawrence Jr. A GoFundMe page offering support to the family was launched on Sunday. In just six hours, over $5,700 of the $10,000 goal had been raised.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-26--Bears coach Matt Nagy pushes ahead despite uncertainty about 2020 NFL season

The NFL has been the only sport to carry on with business as usual during the coronavirus pandemic , but that ’ s only because it ’ s transaction season .
The league wouldn ’ t be able to hold games right now , even without fans , and teams aren ’ t allowed to practice , either .
It was easy to forget about all that in the frenzy of free agency and the whirlwind of draft weekend , but there ’ s an underlying question about whether any of these players changing or joining teams will be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nagy , an indefatigable optimist , wonders when — or if — the 2020 season will start .
‘ ‘ Well , you just never know , ’ ’ Nagy said .
‘ ‘ There ’ s so much stuff up in the air right now .
.
.
.
It ’ s almost a week-to-week type of deal .
You try and look down to training camp and see that there ’ s people that are saying different things and predicting , but you never really know what to believe .
‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan for if we have a training camp , if the season will get delayed — whatever it is , we ’ ll figure out what the solution is , the best way to move around when everyone ’ s doing it together , stay positive through it all.
’ ’ The spring practice schedule was supposed to begin with rookie minicamp May 8-10 , followed by three weeks of organized team activities starting May 27 and minicamp June 16-18 .
While those haven ’ t officially been ruled out , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility until all 32 can .
The Saints already have told their players not to show up until training camp , assuming that will be possible .
Assuming anything about the future of the coronavirus ’ effect is risky .
Training camp usually starts in late July ( the Bears already had planned to hold it at Halas Hall rather than in Bourbonnais ) , with preseason games beginning the second week of August and the season opener in September .
Nixing spring practices would be the first actual interruption in the NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairly minor inconvenience that would go largely unnoticed by most fans .
Pushing back training camp and canceling preseason games would be a legitimate warning sign .
The NFL has said it will plan a full , on-time schedule and will release it May 9 .
That ’ s nice in theory , but outbreak concerns in many major cities might dictate otherwise .
With no certainty about the season or the lead-up to it , Nagy began the virtual offseason last week over videoconference and will hold a team meeting online Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same as any other company whose employees are working remotely under social-distancing guidelines .
Anyone who has been doing Zoom calls during the last month or so will need about a millisecond to guess what Nagy ’ s most important message was when the Bears began training players on the technology last week .
‘ ‘ This mute button is so huge , ’ ’ Nagy said , not making a joke .
‘ ‘ You ’ ve got ta get that mute button turned on when people are communicating.
’ ’ Beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go over schemes and give workout instructions .
Nagy and his staff will lay the foundation for the season by helping new players get to know the returning group and going over what should be a significantly revised playbook .
He and his coaches plotted the curriculum before the draft .
‘ ‘ The guys have been awesome with it , ’ ’ Nagy said .
‘ ‘ The coaches have been great .
So we ’ re getting better from it.
’ ’ All the Bears can do at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves in the best position possible for when they finally get some clarity .

The NFL has been the only sport to carry on with business as usual during the coronavirus pandemic, but that’s only because it’s transaction season. The league wouldn’t be able to hold games right now, even without fans, and teams aren’t allowed to practice, either.
It was easy to forget about all that in the frenzy of free agency and the whirlwind of draft weekend, but there’s an underlying question about whether any of these players changing or joining teams will be able to play. Even Bears coach Matt Nagy, an indefatigable optimist, wonders when — or if — the 2020 season will start.
‘‘Well, you just never know,’’ Nagy said. ‘‘There’s so much stuff up in the air right now. . . . It’s almost a week-to-week type of deal. You try and look down to training camp and see that there’s people that are saying different things and predicting, but you never really know what to believe.
‘‘So we just want to have a plan for if we have a training camp, if the season will get delayed — whatever it is, we’ll figure out what the solution is, the best way to move around when everyone’s doing it together, stay positive through it all.’’
The spring practice schedule was supposed to begin with rookie minicamp May 8-10, followed by three weeks of organized team activities starting May 27 and minicamp June 16-18.
While those haven’t officially been ruled out, the NFL mandated no team can open its facility until all 32 can. The Saints already have told their players not to show up until training camp, assuming that will be possible.
Assuming anything about the future of the coronavirus’ effect is risky. Training camp usually starts in late July (the Bears already had planned to hold it at Halas Hall rather than in Bourbonnais), with preseason games beginning the second week of August and the season opener in September.
Nixing spring practices would be the first actual interruption in the NFL calendar, but that’s a fairly minor inconvenience that would go largely unnoticed by most fans. Pushing back training camp and canceling preseason games would be a legitimate warning sign.
The NFL has said it will plan a full, on-time schedule and will release it May 9. That’s nice in theory, but outbreak concerns in many major cities might dictate otherwise.
With no certainty about the season or the lead-up to it, Nagy began the virtual offseason last week over videoconference and will hold a team meeting online Monday.
Really, it’s the same as any other company whose employees are working remotely under social-distancing guidelines. Anyone who has been doing Zoom calls during the last month or so will need about a millisecond to guess what Nagy’s most important message was when the Bears began training players on the technology last week.
‘‘This mute button is so huge,’’ Nagy said, not making a joke. ‘‘You’ve gotta get that mute button turned on when people are communicating.’’
Beyond that, the Bears have used videoconferencing to go over schemes and give workout instructions. Nagy and his staff will lay the foundation for the season by helping new players get to know the returning group and going over what should be a significantly revised playbook. He and his coaches plotted the curriculum before the draft.
‘‘The guys have been awesome with it,’’ Nagy said. ‘‘The coaches have been great. So we’re getting better from it.’’
All the Bears can do at the moment is keep working to improve and put themselves in the best position possible for when they finally get some clarity.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--Dear Abby: I fear my kids will seldom see my parents far away

DEAR ABBY : I love my parents .
They are thoughtful , intelligent people who supported ( even encouraged ) me to attend a good school on the East Coast .
I now live with my boyfriend in Connecticut , where my job is located .
He ’ s 23 ; I am 22 .
We would like to start a family within the next five years , but I worry that our children will never see their grandparents on my side .
I grew up with both sets of grandparents nearby .
They contributed so much to my personhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely have been a detriment .
The idea of my parents being strangers to my kids makes me sad and anxious .
I feel so guilty already that I want to be proactive in this .
Barring the slim possibility of them moving here from Chicago , how can I help them be active grandparents when the time comes ?
How can I help my kids love and appreciate my parents as much as I loved my own grandma and grandpa , despite the distance ?
— LONGING IN CONNECTICUT DEAR LONGING : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Slow down .
Take things one step at a time .
Get married and start planning your family .
Many geographically separated families stay in contact by using video chat , but it ’ s a poor substitute for actual human contact and shared interests .
Because this bothers you to the degree that it does , discuss it with your parents .
Not knowing the state of their finances or the degree of their freedom to travel , it ’ s hard to guess how involved they may be with your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your boyfriend and they put your heads together , I ’ m sure you can arrive at a solution .
DEAR ABBY : I have been friends with “ Skip ” for a very long time .
Our lives have taken us on very different paths .
We have always disagreed about certain philosophical issues , but now the divide in our opinions is huge .
Skip makes statements and posts items on social media that , in my opinion , are outrageous .
Some of them appear to be merely contrarian .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ posts .
I am concerned about Skip because of the extreme nature of his posts , and I think some friends are concerned , too .
Skip and I live far away from each other .
His family doesn ’ t live near him , so contacting them probably won ’ t help .
I am concerned that what I am seeing is beyond a difference of opinion , but I don ’ t know what , if anything , to do about it .
Do you have any suggestions ?
— JUST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are concerned about Skip ’ s mental health , then regardless of his family ’ s lack of geographic proximity , they should be told you are worried about him and why .
If you are afraid he might engage in activity in which he could pose a danger to himself or others , notify the authorities .
However , if this is simply a matter of being at opposite ends of the political spectrum , it may be time to snooze Skip ’ s posts or block him entirely .
Dear Abby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets : “ Abby ’ s Favorite Recipes ” and “ More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 16 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Cookbooklet Set , P.O .
Box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I love my parents. They are thoughtful, intelligent people who supported (even encouraged) me to attend a good school on the East Coast. I now live with my boyfriend in Connecticut, where my job is located. He’s 23; I am 22. We would like to start a family within the next five years, but I worry that our children will never see their grandparents on my side.
I grew up with both sets of grandparents nearby. They contributed so much to my personhood and upbringing that being without them would likely have been a detriment. The idea of my parents being strangers to my kids makes me sad and anxious.
I feel so guilty already that I want to be proactive in this. Barring the slim possibility of them moving here from Chicago, how can I help them be active grandparents when the time comes? How can I help my kids love and appreciate my parents as much as I loved my own grandma and grandpa, despite the distance? — LONGING IN CONNECTICUT
DEAR LONGING: You may be getting ahead of yourself. Slow down. Take things one step at a time. Get married and start planning your family.
Many geographically separated families stay in contact by using video chat, but it’s a poor substitute for actual human contact and shared interests. Because this bothers you to the degree that it does, discuss it with your parents. Not knowing the state of their finances or the degree of their freedom to travel, it’s hard to guess how involved they may be with your children. However, if you, your boyfriend and they put your heads together, I’m sure you can arrive at a solution.
DEAR ABBY: I have been friends with “Skip” for a very long time. Our lives have taken us on very different paths. We have always disagreed about certain philosophical issues, but now the divide in our opinions is huge.
Skip makes statements and posts items on social media that, in my opinion, are outrageous. Some of them appear to be merely contrarian. Several other friends have commented about his posts.
I am concerned about Skip because of the extreme nature of his posts, and I think some friends are concerned, too. Skip and I live far away from each other. His family doesn’t live near him, so contacting them probably won’t help. I am concerned that what I am seeing is beyond a difference of opinion, but I don’t know what, if anything, to do about it. Do you have any suggestions? — JUST POLITICS?
DEAR J.P.: If you are concerned about Skip’s mental health, then regardless of his family’s lack of geographic proximity, they should be told you are worried about him and why. If you are afraid he might engage in activity in which he could pose a danger to himself or others, notify the authorities. However, if this is simply a matter of being at opposite ends of the political spectrum, it may be time to snooze Skip’s posts or block him entirely.
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.
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--Civic boosters look at promoting a post-pandemic city

Someday , if we allow ourselves to dream , we ’ ll again have a city to enjoy .
There will again be guilt-free strolls in the park , trips to the zoo , greeting friends at the neighborhood diner and hustling to make a Metra train .
Who would have thought it ’ s possible to miss the Metra hustle ?
We could use a dose of normalcy now , but its ETA is unknown .
So the question becomes when normalcy arrives in some fashion , how changed will we and our surroundings be ?
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those tasked with helping the region ’ s economy get back on track .
Among them are Michael Fassnacht , the advertising executive designated three weeks ago by Mayor Lori Lightfoot as the city ’ s chief marketing officer , and Jack Lavin , CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce .
They will be at the center of efforts that unite local business , government and nonprofits to re-engage people with Chicago , first the locals and then everybody beyond .
How will they go about marketing a city currently with little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and empty sidewalks if you want to gawk at the architecture ?
How do you grease commerce when its gears are locked ?
Look for a lot of social media use .
Fassnacht said it ’ s cheap and can be adapted to reach people who don ’ t use traditional media .
Remember we have a mayor who has given us memes .
She ’ s clearly comfortable being playful on Twitter and Facebook .
Fassnacht sees Lightfoot as a force to deploy when it ’ s time to instill people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to normal will take longer than what is expected , ” he said .
“ So how the mayor behaves is critical .
People need to be sure when it ’ s safe to go out again.
” We also can expect an attempt to rally Chicagoans to support their neighbors and businesses .
Lavin said he ’ d like to see his chamber members adopt a “ Chicago pledge ” to use local companies as suppliers .
“ This will be particularly important for minority- and women-owned businesses .
How can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet ?
” Lavin said .
Fassnacht used similar language in talking about a “ Chicago pride ” push that would include business-to-business activity but also consumer campaigns , such as promotions to get people back into clubs , theaters and hotels .
He said many ideas are under discussion , with particular attention on using foundations ’ donations to support underserved communities and African American youth .
There ’ s an element to the recovery campaign that may be a surprise : a need to grieve .
Fassnacht highlighted that , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Recovery Task Force of volunteers Lightfoot announced last week .
It includes a committee to address emotional and mental health , and one devoted to a “ change study ” that examines what the virus will do to our long-term behavior .
How will work settings change , and will employers be routinely taking employees ’ temperatures before they clock in ?
“ Some industries will be changed and changed forever , ” Lavin said , “ and everybody will operate differently coming out of this.
” With houses of worship closed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have catching up to do in coping with sadness .
People need time to process their losses , starting with those who mourn loved ones .
But trauma and anguish take many forms .
Sorrow is also real for those who have lost financial security , deferred their dream of continuing education or lost their one shot at competing in the state playoffs .
Fassnacht said he ’ s thinking about a public acknowledgment of this grief and a push to recognize everyday heroics and good works .
He ’ s paid $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has him advising both the mayor ’ s office and World Business Chicago , the public-private agency that recruits companies to set up shop here .
The former CEO at Foote , Cone & Belding already has been involved in promotions for the stay-at-home initiative , including the “ We Are Not Playing ” campaign that uses Chicago sports teams .
Fassnacht said coming out of the crisis , the city may enjoy some advantages in the competition for new business .
“ As a center of creativity and diversity , Chicago will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Its population density is lower than other cities , ’ and its connections for travel and logistics are fabulous , Fassnacht said .
He said rather than putting business decisions on hold , the crisis will lead some companies to make long-planned moves involving headquarters or new facilities .
But those are matters for another day , maybe another year .
For now , the civic promoters must concentrate on building common cause around reviving what we love about the city itself .

Someday, if we allow ourselves to dream, we’ll again have a city to enjoy. There will again be guilt-free strolls in the park, trips to the zoo, greeting friends at the neighborhood diner and hustling to make a Metra train. Who would have thought it’s possible to miss the Metra hustle?
We could use a dose of normalcy now, but its ETA is unknown. So the question becomes when normalcy arrives in some fashion, how changed will we and our surroundings be?
It’s the overriding subject on the minds of those tasked with helping the region’s economy get back on track. Among them are Michael Fassnacht, the advertising executive designated three weeks ago by Mayor Lori Lightfoot as the city’s chief marketing officer, and Jack Lavin, CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
They will be at the center of efforts that unite local business, government and nonprofits to re-engage people with Chicago, first the locals and then everybody beyond. How will they go about marketing a city currently with little to tout, except great takeout food and empty sidewalks if you want to gawk at the architecture? How do you grease commerce when its gears are locked?
Chicago Enterprise bug Chicago Enterprise
Look for a lot of social media use. Fassnacht said it’s cheap and can be adapted to reach people who don’t use traditional media. Remember we have a mayor who has given us memes. She’s clearly comfortable being playful on Twitter and Facebook. Fassnacht sees Lightfoot as a force to deploy when it’s time to instill people with confidence.
“I think that getting back to normal will take longer than what is expected,” he said. “So how the mayor behaves is critical. People need to be sure when it’s safe to go out again.”
We also can expect an attempt to rally Chicagoans to support their neighbors and businesses. Lavin said he’d like to see his chamber members adopt a “Chicago pledge” to use local companies as suppliers. “This will be particularly important for minority- and women-owned businesses. How can we help them get back on their feet?” Lavin said.
Fassnacht used similar language in talking about a “Chicago pride” push that would include business-to-business activity but also consumer campaigns, such as promotions to get people back into clubs, theaters and hotels. He said many ideas are under discussion, with particular attention on using foundations’ donations to support underserved communities and African American youth.
Michael Fassnacht, chief marketing officer for the city Provided
Jack Lavin, CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Sun-Times Media
There’s an element to the recovery campaign that may be a surprise: a need to grieve. Fassnacht highlighted that, and it’s reflected in the COVID-19 Recovery Task Force of volunteers Lightfoot announced last week.
It includes a committee to address emotional and mental health, and one devoted to a “change study” that examines what the virus will do to our long-term behavior. How will work settings change, and will employers be routinely taking employees’ temperatures before they clock in?
“Some industries will be changed and changed forever,” Lavin said, “and everybody will operate differently coming out of this.”
With houses of worship closed and many families unable to congregate, we have catching up to do in coping with sadness. People need time to process their losses, starting with those who mourn loved ones.
But trauma and anguish take many forms. Sorrow is also real for those who have lost financial security, deferred their dream of continuing education or lost their one shot at competing in the state playoffs.
Fassnacht said he’s thinking about a public acknowledgment of this grief and a push to recognize everyday heroics and good works.
He’s paid $1 a year for a gig that has him advising both the mayor’s office and World Business Chicago, the public-private agency that recruits companies to set up shop here. The former CEO at Foote, Cone & Belding already has been involved in promotions for the stay-at-home initiative, including the “We Are Not Playing” campaign that uses Chicago sports teams.
Fassnacht said coming out of the crisis, the city may enjoy some advantages in the competition for new business. “As a center of creativity and diversity, Chicago will have a massive competitive advantage,” he said.
Its population density is lower than other cities,’ and its connections for travel and logistics are fabulous, Fassnacht said. He said rather than putting business decisions on hold, the crisis will lead some companies to make long-planned moves involving headquarters or new facilities.
But those are matters for another day, maybe another year. For now, the civic promoters must concentrate on building common cause around reviving what we love about the city itself.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--3 killed, 16 hurt in Chicago weekend shootings

Three people were killed and 16 others wounded by gun violence throughout Chicago this weekend .
The most recent fatal shooting happened Sunday evening in Galewood on the Northwest Side .
A man and woman were in a vehicle about 7:45 p.m. in the 6200 block of West Wabansia Avenue , police said .
Someone inside another vehicle fired shots , striking both of them multiple times .
The man , 25 , was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office hasn ’ t released details about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken to the same hospital in serious condition , police said .
A man was killed early Saturday in Washington Park on the South Side .
Officers responding to a ShotSpotter alert for gunfire at 4:08 a.m. in the 300 block of East 61st Street found the man in the middle of the street with a gunshot wound to the head , according to police .
He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center .
Less than 10 hours earlier , the weekend ’ s earliest shooting left another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Julius D. Gray , 29 , was on the sidewalk about 6:20 p.m. Friday in the 200 block of East Garfield Boulevard when he was hit , authorities said .
He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center .
The most recent nonfatal attack wounded a man Sunday night in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
About 10:39 p.m. , he was in the 4100 block of West Hirsch Street when he head gunshots and felt pain , police said .
He didn ’ t see who shot him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ankle and drove himself to Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center in good condition .
Two other men were wounded in separate incidents over a span of 10 minutes .
About 10:30 p.m. , a man was shot in Lawndale on the West Side .
The 25-year-old was walking when two vehicles drove by and he heard gunshots in the 1500 block of South Komensky Avenue , according to police .
He was hit in the leg and went to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was listed in good condition .
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man was shot while driving in Gresham on the South Side , police said .
He was in the 1300 block of West 83rd Street when someone shot at him from another vehicle .
The man was hit in the chest , arm and leg .
He drove himself to St. Bernard Hospital and was transferred to Stroger Hospital in fair condition .
Saturday afternoon , a 16-year-old boy was shot in Homan Square on the West Side .
About 1:50 p.m. he was on West Lexington Street , when he was shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right arm , police said .
He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition .
More than 12 hours earlier , a 29-year-old man was injured in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
The 29-year-old was walking on the sidewalk at 1:21 a.m. in the 2600 block of West Walton Street when a male approached and fired shots , according to police .
He was hit in the back and left arm and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition .
Less than an hour before that , another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Near West Side .
The 22-year-old was in the hallway of a building about 12:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of West 14th Street when a male suspect approached him and announced a robbery , police said .
He was shot in the leg , and the suspect ran away with money .
The man was taken to the University of Illinois Hospital and transferred to Stroger Hospital in fair condition .
The weekend ’ s first nonfatal shooting injured a 19-year-old woman Friday in Bronzeville on the South Side .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11:01 p.m. when someone in a dark-colored Jeep fired shots in the 4700 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue , according to police .
The woman was hit in the left foot and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition .
Eight other people were hurt by gun violence across Chicago between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday .
Last weekend , shootings across Chicago killed five people and wounded 28 others .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Three people were killed and 16 others wounded by gun violence throughout Chicago this weekend.
The most recent fatal shooting happened Sunday evening in Galewood on the Northwest Side.
A man and woman were in a vehicle about 7:45 p.m. in the 6200 block of West Wabansia Avenue, police said. Someone inside another vehicle fired shots, striking both of them multiple times. The man, 25, was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Cook County medical examiner’s office hasn’t released details about the fatality.
The woman, 21, was taken to the same hospital in serious condition, police said.
A man was killed early Saturday in Washington Park on the South Side.
Officers responding to a ShotSpotter alert for gunfire at 4:08 a.m. in the 300 block of East 61st Street found the man in the middle of the street with a gunshot wound to the head, according to police. He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Less than 10 hours earlier, the weekend’s earliest shooting left another man dead in the same neighborhood.
Julius D. Gray, 29, was on the sidewalk about 6:20 p.m. Friday in the 200 block of East Garfield Boulevard when he was hit, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
The most recent nonfatal attack wounded a man Sunday night in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
About 10:39 p.m., he was in the 4100 block of West Hirsch Street when he head gunshots and felt pain, police said. He didn’t see who shot him. The man was struck in the ankle and drove himself to Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center in good condition.
Two other men were wounded in separate incidents over a span of 10 minutes.
About 10:30 p.m., a man was shot in Lawndale on the West Side. The 25-year-old was walking when two vehicles drove by and he heard gunshots in the 1500 block of South Komensky Avenue, according to police. He was hit in the leg and went to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was listed in good condition.
About a minute before that, a 30-year-old man was shot while driving in Gresham on the South Side, police said. He was in the 1300 block of West 83rd Street when someone shot at him from another vehicle. The man was hit in the chest, arm and leg. He drove himself to St. Bernard Hospital and was transferred to Stroger Hospital in fair condition.
Saturday afternoon, a 16-year-old boy was shot in Homan Square on the West Side.
About 1:50 p.m. he was on West Lexington Street, when he was shot twice in the buttocks and once in the right arm, police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.
More than 12 hours earlier, a 29-year-old man was injured in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
The 29-year-old was walking on the sidewalk at 1:21 a.m. in the 2600 block of West Walton Street when a male approached and fired shots, according to police. He was hit in the back and left arm and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
Less than an hour before that, another man was shot during a robbery on the Near West Side.
The 22-year-old was in the hallway of a building about 12:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of West 14th Street when a male suspect approached him and announced a robbery, police said. He was shot in the leg, and the suspect ran away with money. The man was taken to the University of Illinois Hospital and transferred to Stroger Hospital in fair condition.
The weekend’s first nonfatal shooting injured a 19-year-old woman Friday in Bronzeville on the South Side.
She was sitting in a parked car at 11:01 p.m. when someone in a dark-colored Jeep fired shots in the 4700 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue, according to police. The woman was hit in the left foot and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
Eight other people were hurt by gun violence across Chicago between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.
Last weekend, shootings across Chicago killed five people and wounded 28 others.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--Vehicle thefts reported on South Side

Vehicle thefts reported on South Side

Police are warning South Side residents of a string of vehicle thefts this month in the Back of the Yards @ @ @ @ @ Park and Fuller Park .
In each case , someone stole vehicles left with the @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police said .
• At 7 p.m. April 6 in the 5300 block of @ @ @ @ @ At 11:37 p.m. April 7 in the 3500 block of South Ashland Avenue ; • @ @ @ @ @ in the 4600 block of South Whipple Street ; • At 8:30 p.m. April 13 @ @ @ @ @ West Pershing Road ; • At 9:28 p.m. April 20 in the 5000 block of @ @ @ @ @ • At 6:30 p.m. April 21 in the 5400 block of South Princeton Avenue .
@ @ @ @ @ to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380 .
Read more on crime , and track @ @ @ @ @ .

Police are warning South Side residents of a string of vehicle thefts this month in the Back of the Yards, McKinley Park, Brighton Park and Fuller Park.
In each case, someone stole vehicles left with the keys inside or running, Chicago police said.
The thefts happened:
At 7 p.m. April 6 in the 5300 block of South Morgan Street;
At 11:37 p.m. April 7 in the 3500 block of South Ashland Avenue;
At 4:30 p.m. April 10 in the 4600 block of South Whipple Street;
At 8:30 p.m. April 13 in the 2900 block of West Pershing Road;
At 9:28 p.m. April 20 in the 5000 block of South Halsted Street; and
At 6:30 p.m. April 21 in the 5400 block of South Princeton Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-27--Man charged with arson at Thompson Center

A man has been charged with starting a fire at the Thompson Center Thursday minutes before Gov .
J.B. Pritzker gave his daily COVID-19 news conference in the building .
Lawrence Reed , 44 , is charged with a felony count of aggravated arson knowing people were present , according to Chicago police .
Reed poured an “ unknown substance ” on the glass of the building about 2:15 p.m. in the 100 block of West Lake Street and lit it , police said .
A video shared on social media appears to show flames licking the outside of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containers sit on the sidewalk .
Reed was taken into custody in the 100 block of West Wacker Drive , police said .
No injuries were reported .
Pritzker and state heath officials delivered their daily coronavirus news conference from the Thompson Center about 2:30 p.m. Reed , who lives in Little Village , previously faced misdemeanor battery charges for punching multiple women in the face Feb. 29 , seemingly at random , near the Harold Washington Library Center in the Loop , according to police and Cook County court records .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which he allegedly slapped a 42-year-old man in the face at the Halsted CTA Blue Line platform Feb. 21 , police said .
He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of battery in that case .
He was released on recognizance bonds in both battery cases , according to court records .
Reed remains in custody without bail on the arson charge , according to the Cook County sheriff ’ s office and court records .
He is due back in court May 1 .
Read more on crime , and track @ @ @ @ @ @

A man has been charged with starting a fire at the Thompson Center Thursday minutes before Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave his daily COVID-19 news conference in the building.
Lawrence Reed, 44, is charged with a felony count of aggravated arson knowing people were present, according to Chicago police.
Reed poured an “unknown substance” on the glass of the building about 2:15 p.m. in the 100 block of West Lake Street and lit it, police said.
A video shared on social media appears to show flames licking the outside of the Thompson Center. A couple of red-colored containers sit on the sidewalk.
Reed was taken into custody in the 100 block of West Wacker Drive, police said. No injuries were reported.
Pritzker and state heath officials delivered their daily coronavirus news conference from the Thompson Center about 2:30 p.m.
Reed, who lives in Little Village, previously faced misdemeanor battery charges for punching multiple women in the face Feb. 29, seemingly at random, near the Harold Washington Library Center in the Loop, according to police and Cook County court records.
He was arrested for a similar incident in which he allegedly slapped a 42-year-old man in the face at the Halsted CTA Blue Line platform Feb. 21, police said. He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of battery in that case.
He was released on recognizance bonds in both battery cases, according to court records.
Reed remains in custody without bail on the arson charge, according to the Cook County sheriff’s office and court records. He is due back in court May 1.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.