chicagosun-times--2020-04-22--CPS buys 16,000 more computers than planned to help bridge digital divide, but says some devices won

CPS buys 16,000 more computers than planned to help bridge digital divide, but says some devices won’t arrive till May

More than 50,000 Chicago Public Schools students still need computers five weeks after in-person classes shut down because of the coronavirus , leaving one in seven kids unable to access online educational materials as the second week of remote learning forges ahead .
Efforts have been underway for weeks to bridge that technological divide , but the process has been a slow churn .
CPS officials said at a virtual Board of Education meeting Wednesday that almost 55,000 devices had been handed out by the middle of this week , with another 6,400 given out at charter schools .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has estimated 115,000 students need a computer , and likely a similar amount need access to the internet .
Almost all the devices distributed so far were among 65,000 that were already in schools and are expected to be handed out over the next week .
CPS has separately purchased 53,000 additional devices , up from an initial pledge to buy 37,000 once a greater need was determined .
Those include 31,300 Chromebooks , 16,700 iPads and 5,000 Windows laptops .
About 43,000 of those computers have arrived and are being sent out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been selected to receive the first batch .
The rest aren ’ t expected to come until sometime in May .
Board of Education members were briefed on details of the anticipated spending on the devices and other COVID-19 response costs not yet shared with the public , which apparently included about $ 16.5 million on technology or about half the $ 32 million the pandemic has so far cost the schools system .
For instance , CPS planned to spend $ 6.5 million on 25,000 Chromebooks , $ 2.5 million on 6,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laptops .
The district also set up an IT hotline for families receiving the devices .
Almost 1,500 requests were fielded last week , most of which have been serviced already .
“ This is a problem that has existed before this crisis , ” CPS Chief Information Officer Phil DiBartolo said during the second Board of Ed meeting to be streamed live online .
“ I would be derelict if I told you every student who needed access is going to get it , ” DiBartolo said .
“ There is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to push as hard as we can push.
” Internet access is an even more difficult problem to navigate , DiBartolo said .
So far , CPS has offered 12,000 mobile hotspot devices to the district ’ s students experiencing homelessness .
For the rest , officials have pointed to internet providers who are offering 60 days of free services to families in need .
But families have faced barriers to signing up for those programs , such as a lack of information , nonexistent credit history , no social security number for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worker enter their home during a public health emergency to set up the service .
So advocates and families have called on CPS to offer more hotspots , but DiBartolo said that ’ s a challenge because CPS doesn ’ t have the same number of existing mobile hotspot devices as it did computers .
Almost the entirety of the 115,000 internet devices needed would have to be purchased , and those resources simply aren ’ t available , he said .
The reasons for that shortage include last year ’ s tariff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reduced manufacturing in China during the COVID-19 pandemic , he said .
And even with production picking up in China as the country starts to reopen , the first internet devices that arrive in the United States will likely go to hospitals and first responders , who will be the priority .
For those reasons , Board of Education President Miguel del Valle called on city and state leaders to urge internet providers to contribute more resources to helping families in need .
“ We need the private sector to give more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , ” del Valle said .
“ It requires a lot more cooperation from companies like Comcast and AT & T and others that , yes are good companies , but this is a tough time .
This is unprecedented , and in unprecedented times you need to do this differently .
“ I urge the city and the state to strongly encourage these internet service providers to service our families so that we don ’ t end up with students that will never have access to the internet at home because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow whatever steps of procedures are required.
” Officials with Comcast and AT & T couldn ’ t be reached for comment .

More than 50,000 Chicago Public Schools students still need computers five weeks after in-person classes shut down because of the coronavirus, leaving one in seven kids unable to access online educational materials as the second week of remote learning forges ahead.
Efforts have been underway for weeks to bridge that technological divide, but the process has been a slow churn.
CPS officials said at a virtual Board of Education meeting Wednesday that almost 55,000 devices had been handed out by the middle of this week, with another 6,400 given out at charter schools. That leaves a wide gap, as CPS has estimated 115,000 students need a computer, and likely a similar amount need access to the internet.
Almost all the devices distributed so far were among 65,000 that were already in schools and are expected to be handed out over the next week.
CPS has separately purchased 53,000 additional devices, up from an initial pledge to buy 37,000 once a greater need was determined. Those include 31,300 Chromebooks, 16,700 iPads and 5,000 Windows laptops. About 43,000 of those computers have arrived and are being sent out this week to 155 schools that have been selected to receive the first batch. The rest aren’t expected to come until sometime in May.
Board of Education members were briefed on details of the anticipated spending on the devices and other COVID-19 response costs not yet shared with the public, which apparently included about $16.5 million on technology or about half the $32 million the pandemic has so far cost the schools system. For instance, CPS planned to spend $6.5 million on 25,000 Chromebooks, $2.5 million on 6,000 iPads and $4.8 million on Windows-based laptops.
The district also set up an IT hotline for families receiving the devices. Almost 1,500 requests were fielded last week, most of which have been serviced already.
“This is a problem that has existed before this crisis,” CPS Chief Information Officer Phil DiBartolo said during the second Board of Ed meeting to be streamed live online.
“I would be derelict if I told you every student who needed access is going to get it,” DiBartolo said. “There is no finish line here and we are going to push as hard as we can push.”
Internet access is an even more difficult problem to navigate, DiBartolo said.
So far, CPS has offered 12,000 mobile hotspot devices to the district’s students experiencing homelessness. For the rest, officials have pointed to internet providers who are offering 60 days of free services to families in need.
But families have faced barriers to signing up for those programs, such as a lack of information, nonexistent credit history, no social security number for undocumented residents or fear of having a worker enter their home during a public health emergency to set up the service.
So advocates and families have called on CPS to offer more hotspots, but DiBartolo said that’s a challenge because CPS doesn’t have the same number of existing mobile hotspot devices as it did computers. Almost the entirety of the 115,000 internet devices needed would have to be purchased, and those resources simply aren’t available, he said.
The reasons for that shortage include last year’s tariff war between the United States and China and reduced manufacturing in China during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. And even with production picking up in China as the country starts to reopen, the first internet devices that arrive in the United States will likely go to hospitals and first responders, who will be the priority.
For those reasons, Board of Education President Miguel del Valle called on city and state leaders to urge internet providers to contribute more resources to helping families in need.
“We need the private sector to give more than what they’ve given so far,” del Valle said.
“ ... I urge the city and the state to strongly encourage these internet service providers to service our families so that we don’t end up with students that will never have access to the internet at home because of the inability to qualify or to follow whatever steps of procedures are required.”
Contributing: Lauren FitzPatrick


chicagosun-times--2020-04-22--Trump Tower residents notified of associate diagnosed with COVID-19

An associate at the Trump International Hotel and Tower has been diagnosed with a confirmed case of COVID-19 .
Residents of the 98-floor tower received an email from Christine Blevins , the building ’ s director of residences , on Wednesday afternoon alerting them of the news .
The associate has not been in the building for nine days and did not come in close contact with any residents , Blevins said in the email .
Trump Tower has introduced several new policies because of the confirmed case , including a “ precautionary quarantine ” for all employees who came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ deep cleaning ” of all areas that the associate may have entered .
Staff had already been sanitizing frequently touched surfaces every 30 minutes , Blevins said .
“ While we are legally prohibited from sharing any additional information regarding the individual in question , we feel transparency of an active case is important to those who reside , visit , and work here ; allowing all to take extra precaution while traveling in the common areas of the building , ” Blevins wrote in the email to residents .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .

An associate at the Trump International Hotel and Tower has been diagnosed with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Residents of the 98-floor tower received an email from Christine Blevins, the building’s director of residences, on Wednesday afternoon alerting them of the news.
The associate has not been in the building for nine days and did not come in close contact with any residents, Blevins said in the email.
Trump Tower has introduced several new policies because of the confirmed case, including a “precautionary quarantine” for all employees who came in contact with the affected associate and a “deep cleaning” of all areas that the associate may have entered.
Staff had already been sanitizing frequently touched surfaces every 30 minutes, Blevins said.
“While we are legally prohibited from sharing any additional information regarding the individual in question, we feel transparency of an active case is important to those who reside, visit, and work here; allowing all to take extra precaution while traveling in the common areas of the building,” Blevins wrote in the email to residents.
Trump Tower representatives did not immediately return requests for comment.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-22--Vehicle thefts reported on West, Near West sides

Police are warning residents about a series of vehicles thefts since last month on the West and Near West sides .
In each case , a suspect drove off in a vehicle that was parked with the keys inside or left running while the driver delivered food , according to a community alert from Chicago police .
• About 9:10 p.m. April 16 in the 100 block of North Aberdeen Street ; • About 6:30 p.m. April 5 in the 1100 block of West Madison Street ; • Between 4 p.m. April 3 and 10:40 p.m. April 4 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • About 9 p.m. April 3 in the 900 block of West Randolph Street ; • About 7 a.m. April 3 in the 2400 block of West Chicago Avenue ; • Between 6 p.m. April 1 and 12:30 p.m. April 2 in the 1400 block of South Ashland Avenue ; • About 11:55 p.m. March 28 in the 2600 block of West Augusta Boulevard ; • About 9:30 p.m. March 27 in the 900 block of West Huron Street ; • About 6:30 p.m. March 27 in the 3100 block of West Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 24 in the 1900 block of West Walnut Street .
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380 .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are warning residents about a series of vehicles thefts since last month on the West and Near West sides.
In each case, a suspect drove off in a vehicle that was parked with the keys inside or left running while the driver delivered food, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The theft occurred:
About 9:10 p.m. April 16 in the 100 block of North Aberdeen Street;
About 6:30 p.m. April 5 in the 1100 block of West Madison Street;
Between 4 p.m. April 3 and 10:40 p.m. April 4 in the 1100 block of South Laflin Street;
About 9 p.m. April 3 in the 900 block of West Randolph Street;
About 7 a.m. April 3 in the 2400 block of West Chicago Avenue;
Between 6 p.m. April 1 and 12:30 p.m. April 2 in the 1400 block of South Ashland Avenue;
About 11:55 p.m. March 28 in the 2600 block of West Augusta Boulevard;
About 9:30 p.m. March 27 in the 900 block of West Huron Street;
About 6:30 p.m. March 27 in the 3100 block of West Chicago Avenue; and
About 7 p.m. March 24 in the 1900 block of West Walnut Street.
No suspect description was provided.
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--2020-04-22--President Trump stands on the side of wrong — again

It didn ’ t take long before the mantra “ We ’ re all in this together ” turned into chants of “ Let my people go.
” And we shouldn ’ t be surprised that President Trump is gleefully singing along with the “ Let my people go ” crowd .
After all , it ’ s not the first time the president has stood with the wrong group .
Sadly , it won ’ t be the last .
In 2017 , Trump gave some serious love to white supremacists who rallied in Charlottesville , Virginia , waving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s no disputing the fact that white supremacists spread racial hatred , Trump argued that there were “ some very fine people on both sides.
” Now , in the midst of a pandemic that has so far killed more than 47,000 people in the U.S. , Trump is egging on the people who are violating stay-at-home orders — orders that have likely saved thousands of lives .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker was not overstating the threat to the peace when he said Trump ’ s tweets showing support for protests in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and California are “ fomenting some violence.
” After all , we are all under a lot of stress , and some of us are looking for someone to blame .
Because the campaign to “ open the country again ” popped up after data showed the coronavirus is killing more African Americans than any other racial group , the protests reinforce the belief that whether we are talking about gun violence or missing persons or disease , the pain is downplayed when victims are black .
In Chicago , where 60 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus thus far were black , we are blessed .
At least we have a mayor who understands that pain .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot moved quickly to set up a “ racial equity rapid response team ” that includes public health experts and community activists to try and deal with the glaring disparity .
But the pandemic has exposed tensions between the states and the federal government that play right into the hands of conspiracy theorists , with governors saying one thing and Trump saying another .
I recently checked in with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he seriously argued the coronavirus was “ put ” here to get rid of black men .
Unfortunately , for too many African Americans , getting back to normal means getting back to a dead-end , low-paying job and being in the “ more than likely ” queue for chronic diseases like diabetes , high blood pressure and heart disease .
But while the coronavirus has brought heartache and pain to many of our doorsteps , it may have opened a lot more eyes to the racial inequities in health care , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far too long .
Obviously , black people can ’ t do anything now about the underlying health problems that could make recovery from this virus a lot harder .
But we can choose to tackle those health care concerns going forward , and we can raise our voices to support local governments that are following the advice of health care experts .
Most of all , we should continue to take precautions because the battle is not over .
We should continue to wash our hands frequently .
We should continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public and kick off our shoes when we come back in the house .
We should seek out a testing site if we are feeling under the weather and self-quarantine if we test positive for the coronavirus .
And we should continue practicing social distancing and stay away from gatherings of more than 10 people .
Like most Chicagoans , I ’ m tired of being cooped up , and I ’ m tired of nagging my husband about making unnecessary trips outside of the house .
But this isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also about my family , my neighbors , my friends and my city .
Frankly , from the televised reports I ’ ve seen about the protest rallies , I didn ’ t see much difference between the flag-waving mob that used the removal of the statue of Robert E. Lee to advance a white supremacy agenda and the protesters that are using the constitution to defy health orders put in place to save lives .
By now we ought to know the drill .
Instead of our nation ’ s leader pulling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on pulling us apart .

It didn’t take long before the mantra “We’re all in this together” turned into chants of “Let my people go.”
And we shouldn’t be surprised that President Trump is gleefully singing along with the “Let my people go” crowd.
After all, it’s not the first time the president has stood with the wrong group. Sadly, it won’t be the last.
In 2017, Trump gave some serious love to white supremacists who rallied in Charlottesville, Virginia, waving flags and tiki torches.
Although there’s no disputing the fact that white supremacists spread racial hatred, Trump argued that there were “some very fine people on both sides.”
Now, in the midst of a pandemic that has so far killed more than 47,000 people in the U.S., Trump is egging on the people who are violating stay-at-home orders — orders that have likely saved thousands of lives.
It boggles the mind.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker was not overstating the threat to the peace when he said Trump’s tweets showing support for protests in Minnesota, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and California are “fomenting some violence.”
After all, we are all under a lot of stress, and some of us are looking for someone to blame.
Because the campaign to “open the country again” popped up after data showed the coronavirus is killing more African Americans than any other racial group, the protests reinforce the belief that whether we are talking about gun violence or missing persons or disease, the pain is downplayed when victims are black.
In Chicago, where 60% of the people who have died of the coronavirus thus far were black, we are blessed.
At least we have a mayor who understands that pain.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot moved quickly to set up a “racial equity rapid response team” that includes public health experts and community activists to try and deal with the glaring disparity.
But the pandemic has exposed tensions between the states and the federal government that play right into the hands of conspiracy theorists, with governors saying one thing and Trump saying another.
I recently checked in with a male relative in his 60s, and he seriously argued the coronavirus was “put” here to get rid of black men.
Unfortunately, for too many African Americans, getting back to normal means getting back to a dead-end, low-paying job and being in the “more than likely” queue for chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
But while the coronavirus has brought heartache and pain to many of our doorsteps, it may have opened a lot more eyes to the racial inequities in health care, jobs and education that have been ignored far too long.
Obviously, black people can’t do anything now about the underlying health problems that could make recovery from this virus a lot harder.
But we can choose to tackle those health care concerns going forward, and we can raise our voices to support local governments that are following the advice of health care experts.
Most of all, we should continue to take precautions because the battle is not over.
We should continue to wash our hands frequently.
We should continue to wear a mask when we go out in public and kick off our shoes when we come back in the house.
We should seek out a testing site if we are feeling under the weather and self-quarantine if we test positive for the coronavirus.
And we should continue practicing social distancing and stay away from gatherings of more than 10 people.
Like most Chicagoans, I’m tired of being cooped up, and I’m tired of nagging my husband about making unnecessary trips outside of the house.
But this isn’t all about me.
It’s also about my family, my neighbors, my friends and my city.
Frankly, from the televised reports I’ve seen about the protest rallies, I didn’t see much difference between the flag-waving mob that used the removal of the statue of Robert E. Lee to advance a white supremacy agenda and the protesters that are using the constitution to defy health orders put in place to save lives.
By now we ought to know the drill.
Instead of our nation’s leader pulling us together, he’s set on pulling us apart.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-22--9 more Chicago Police Department employees test positive for COVID-19

Chicago police announced Wednesday nine more cases of COVID-19 , bringing the number of confirmed cases in the department to @ @ @ @ @ , 356 are officers and 18 are civilian employees , police said .
A total @ @ @ @ @ positive test results but the department ’ s medical section has yet two confirm two @ @ @ @ @ said .
The department announced last week the death of a third police officer from @ @ @ @ @ Illinois health officials Wednesday said 2,049 more people tested positive for COVID-19 , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ the state to 35,108 .
So far , 1,565 people have died from the outbreak @

Chicago police announced Wednesday nine more cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the department to 374.
Of the cases, 356 are officers and 18 are civilian employees, police said.
A total of 376 employees have reported positive test results but the department’s medical section has yet two confirm two of those cases, police said.
The department announced last week the death of a third police officer from complications of the virus.
Illinois health officials Wednesday said 2,049 more people tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 35,108. So far, 1,565 people have died from the outbreak.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-22--Illinois EPA refers ‘enforcement action’ against Hilco for Little Village smokestack implosion debac

Illinois EPA refers ‘enforcement action’ against Hilco for Little Village smokestack implosion debacle

Hilco Redevelopment Partners has already been slapped with 16 citations and $ 68,000 in fines after the demolition of a 95-year-old smokestack covered parts of Little Village in dust .
Now , the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is piling on the embattled developer .
The IEPA has referred an “ enforcement action ” to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul .
The agency accuses Hilco of violating : the Illinois Environmental Protection Act ; regulations issued by the Illinois Pollution Control Board ; and the terms and conditions of Hilco ’ s “ National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System general storm water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained the required stormwater permit in 2019 .
But the IEPA accused the company of failing to fully implement the “ stormwater pollution prevention plan ” that accompanied that permit , which “ details dust control measures ” for the site of the April 11 demolition .
“ While some dust suppression controls were utilized , a substantial plume of dust exited the site from the implosion , ” the IEPA statement said .
The agency noted Hilco submitted an “ Incidence of Non-compliance Report ” on April 15 , as required by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the IEPA sent a violation notice to Hilco for “ air and water pollution-related violations stemming from the incident.
” The implosion at the site of the shuttered coal-fired power plant coated homes , vehicles and streets with dust .
IEPA Director John J. Kim “ requested that Hilco be required to work with ” the agency to “ prevent future dust control issues.
” Hilco issued a statement saying the company is “ in open dialogue with the Illinois EPA , the Illinois Attorney General ’ s office and other agencies.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , safety and welfare of the local community is of paramount concern to Hilco Redevelopment Partners as we work toward completing this project.
” Kim Wasserman , executive director of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization , welcomed the IEPA ’ s entry into the controversy .
“ What you ’ re seeing is exactly what we ’ ve been asking for and what we thought to be true , ” Wasserman said Wednesday .
“ They violated massively — not just city protocol , but state protocol .
We ’ re glad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due diligence on this .
But this is why we ’ ve been saying from the beginning — that what the mayor is talking about is definitely not enough.
” Wasserman said the IEPA ’ s “ referral for enforcement action ” shows the “ glaring lack of coordination ” between the city and state — who , she added , need to work together and communicate with the community .
“ Hopefully , this means there ’ s gon na be more stringency — not just in emergency demolitions , ” but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Hilco Redevelopment Partners has already been slapped with 16 citations and $68,000 in fines after the demolition of a 95-year-old smokestack covered parts of Little Village in dust.
Now, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is piling on the embattled developer.
The IEPA has referred an “enforcement action” to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The agency accuses Hilco of violating: the Illinois Environmental Protection Act; regulations issued by the Illinois Pollution Control Board; and the terms and conditions of Hilco’s “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System general storm water permit for construction site activities.”
Hilco obtained the required stormwater permit in 2019. But the IEPA accused the company of failing to fully implement the “stormwater pollution prevention plan” that accompanied that permit, which “details dust control measures” for the site of the April 11 demolition.
“While some dust suppression controls were utilized, a substantial plume of dust exited the site from the implosion,” the IEPA statement said.
The agency noted Hilco submitted an “Incidence of Non-compliance Report” on April 15, as required by its stormwater permit. The following day, the IEPA sent a violation notice to Hilco for “air and water pollution-related violations stemming from the incident.” The implosion at the site of the shuttered coal-fired power plant coated homes, vehicles and streets with dust.
IEPA Director John J. Kim “requested that Hilco be required to work with” the agency to “prevent future dust control issues.”
Hilco issued a statement saying the company is “in open dialogue with the Illinois EPA, the Illinois Attorney General’s office and other agencies.” The company said the “health, safety and welfare of the local community is of paramount concern to Hilco Redevelopment Partners as we work toward completing this project.”
Kim Wasserman, executive director of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, welcomed the IEPA’s entry into the controversy.
“What you’re seeing is exactly what we’ve been asking for and what we thought to be true,” Wasserman said Wednesday. “They violated massively — not just city protocol, but state protocol. We’re glad the IEPA came through and did their due diligence on this. But this is why we’ve been saying from the beginning — that what the mayor is talking about is definitely not enough.”
Wasserman said the IEPA’s “referral for enforcement action” shows the “glaring lack of coordination” between the city and state — who, she added, need to work together and communicate with the community.
“Hopefully, this means there’s gonna be more stringency — not just in emergency demolitions,” but in all construction activity, she said.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-22--Burglars steal copper pipes from Englewood stores: police

Police are warning business owners on the South Side of three store burglaries reported in recent weeks in Englewood .
@ @ @ @ @ stole copper pipes and other structural equipment from the stores , Chicago police said .
@ @ @ @ @ p.m. April 5 and between 10 a.m. April 9 and 5 p.m. April 11 in @ @ @ @ @ 63rd Street , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to call Area South @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are warning business owners on the South Side of three store burglaries reported in recent weeks in Englewood.
In each case, someone stole copper pipes and other structural equipment from the stores, Chicago police said.
The burglaries happened at 11 p.m. April 5 and between 10 a.m. April 9 and 5 p.m. April 11 in the 2000 block of West 63rd Street, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area South detectives at 312-747-8273.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-22--Tyson Foods idles its largest pork processing plant as coronavirus slams industry

IOWA CITY , Iowa — Tyson Foods suspended operations Wednesday at an Iowa plant that is critical to the nation ’ s pork supply but was blamed for fueling a massive coronavirus outbreak in the region .
The Arkansas-based company said the closure of the plant in Waterloo would deny a vital market to hog farmers and further disrupt U.S. meat supply .
Tyson had kept the facility , its largest pork plant , open in recent days over the objections of alarmed local officials .
The plant can process 19,500 hogs per day , accounting for 3.9 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Pork Board .
More than 180 infections have been linked to the plant and officials expect that number to dramatically rise .
Testing of its 2,800 workers is expected to begin Friday .
Cases and hospitalizations in Black Hawk County have skyrocketed in recent days and local officials say the plant is the source of most infections .
In addition to those who have tested positive for the virus , hundreds of workers were staying home out of fear , and the plant had been running at reduced production levels .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in meatpacking plants , where workers toil side by side on production lines and often share crowded locker rooms , cafeterias and rides to work .
While plants have added safety measures , public health experts say social distancing is virtually impossible .
Several facilities have temporarily closed due to virus outbreaks , including a Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls , South Dakota , a JBS USA plant in Worthington , Minnesota , and a Redwood Farms Meat Processors in Estherville , Iowa .
Others have stayed open or resumed production after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated 25 % of U.S. pork processing capacity has been closed or idled due to reduced operating speed over the past two days , said Steve Meyer , an economist with Kerns and Associates in Ames , Iowa .
As a result , prices are starting to increase and analysts warn that customers could soon see shortages of certain products at grocery stores .
At the same time , hog prices are plummeting due to excess supply , devastating farmers .
In Kansas , a critical beef production state , an official said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive to date .
In Missouri , two rural counties that are home to several meatpacking plants reported huge spikes in infections .
Tyson Fresh Meats President Steve Stouffer said its Waterloo closure was driven by “ the combination of worker absenteeism , COVID-19 cases and community concerns.
” He warned of “ significant ramifications ” for farmers , distributors and grocers in the supply chain .
Tyson said workers would be compensated during the shutdown and that the timing of reopening would depend on several factors , including testing .
Local officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Black Hawk County Board of Health , had called on Tyson or Republican Gov .
Kim Reynolds to temporarily close the plant .
They had warned that its continued operation would exacerbate the spread of the virus in the area and that the company was endangering its workers .
A 65-year-old employee in the plant ’ s laundry department died Sunday after contracting the virus , the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reported .
The governor blocked local authorities from closing the plant in an April 16 order that banned social gatherings in northeastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Iowa Department of Public Health to shut down businesses over coronavirus concerns .
The governor and the department had been working with Tyson to keep the plant open .
Reynolds argued that the economic disruption caused by plant closures outweighed the health risks , warning that farmers might have to euthanize their pigs .
She said that “ people are gon na get ” the virus in large workplaces but most will experience mild or no symptoms .
While it ’ s true that for most people , the virus causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a few weeks , it can lead to more severe illness and even death for some , especially older adults and those with existing health problems .
Lawmakers said an earlier closure would have better protected public health and been less harmful economically .
“ My concern is the impact this has had because we didn ’ t act soon enough , ” said Democratic Rep. Ras Smith of Waterloo .
The governor didn ’ t respond directly when asked Wednesday if the state should have intervened .
She defended her overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There ’ s always more we could have done.
” Tyson resumed operations Tuesday at its pork plant in Columbus Junction , Iowa , which had been shut down for two weeks after an outbreak infected hundreds and killed two workers .

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Tyson Foods suspended operations Wednesday at an Iowa plant that is critical to the nation’s pork supply but was blamed for fueling a massive coronavirus outbreak in the region.
The Arkansas-based company said the closure of the plant in Waterloo would deny a vital market to hog farmers and further disrupt U.S. meat supply. Tyson had kept the facility, its largest pork plant, open in recent days over the objections of alarmed local officials.
The plant can process 19,500 hogs per day, accounting for 3.9% of U.S. pork processing capacity, according to the National Pork Board.
More than 180 infections have been linked to the plant and officials expect that number to dramatically rise. Testing of its 2,800 workers is expected to begin Friday. Cases and hospitalizations in Black Hawk County have skyrocketed in recent days and local officials say the plant is the source of most infections.
In addition to those who have tested positive for the virus, hundreds of workers were staying home out of fear, and the plant had been running at reduced production levels.
Employers have struggled to contain the virus in meatpacking plants, where workers toil side by side on production lines and often share crowded locker rooms, cafeterias and rides to work. While plants have added safety measures, public health experts say social distancing is virtually impossible.
Several facilities have temporarily closed due to virus outbreaks, including a Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a JBS USA plant in Worthington, Minnesota, and a Redwood Farms Meat Processors in Estherville, Iowa. Others have stayed open or resumed production after pauses for testing and cleaning.
An estimated 25% of U.S. pork processing capacity has been closed or idled due to reduced operating speed over the past two days, said Steve Meyer, an economist with Kerns and Associates in Ames, Iowa.
As a result, prices are starting to increase and analysts warn that customers could soon see shortages of certain products at grocery stores. At the same time, hog prices are plummeting due to excess supply, devastating farmers.
In Kansas, a critical beef production state, an official said Wednesday that 168 meatpacking workers had tested positive to date. In Missouri, two rural counties that are home to several meatpacking plants reported huge spikes in infections.
Tyson Fresh Meats President Steve Stouffer said its Waterloo closure was driven by “the combination of worker absenteeism, COVID-19 cases and community concerns.” He warned of “significant ramifications” for farmers, distributors and grocers in the supply chain.
Tyson said workers would be compensated during the shutdown and that the timing of reopening would depend on several factors, including testing.
Local officials, including Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart and the Black Hawk County Board of Health, had called on Tyson or Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds to temporarily close the plant. They had warned that its continued operation would exacerbate the spread of the virus in the area and that the company was endangering its workers.
A 65-year-old employee in the plant’s laundry department died Sunday after contracting the virus, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reported.
The governor blocked local authorities from closing the plant in an April 16 order that banned social gatherings in northeastern Iowa. It granted the exclusive power to the Iowa Department of Public Health to shut down businesses over coronavirus concerns.
The governor and the department had been working with Tyson to keep the plant open.
Reynolds argued that the economic disruption caused by plant closures outweighed the health risks, warning that farmers might have to euthanize their pigs. She said that “people are gonna get” the virus in large workplaces but most will experience mild or no symptoms.
While it’s true that for most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in a few weeks, it can lead to more severe illness and even death for some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems.
Lawmakers said an earlier closure would have better protected public health and been less harmful economically. “My concern is the impact this has had because we didn’t act soon enough,” said Democratic Rep. Ras Smith of Waterloo.
The governor didn’t respond directly when asked Wednesday if the state should have intervened. She defended her overall response to the crisis but said, “There’s always more we could have done.”
Tyson resumed operations Tuesday at its pork plant in Columbus Junction, Iowa, which had been shut down for two weeks after an outbreak infected hundreds and killed two workers.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--Dear Abby: I’ve had enough of lazy freeloaders living in my house

DEAR ABBY : My grandson , his girlfriend and , recently , my son ( who had to move in ) are living with me .
She is the only one working .
My grandson has been sitting on his butt the last 2 1/2 years and does minimal work here in my home .
All three of these “ adults ” live here for free .
I am 79 and on a fixed income .
I pay for everything .
They were supposed to be saving money so they could get a place of their own .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do is spend , spend , spend .
They sleep all day and play games on their computers all night .
I have seriously considered shutting off the internet ( which I pay for ) to see what they would do .
I have been talking to a counselor due to my stress and anger issues .
The counselor has strongly advised me to evict them .
My daughter told me if I do , I ’ ll never see her or my two young grandchildren again .
She means it .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I feel used , but can ’ t set boundaries very well .
I ’ m also afraid of my 24-year-old grandson , who has terrible anger issues and who put his fist through a wall when I called him lazy .
Should I put them out or , to keep peace in the family , continue to let them use me ?
— USED UP DEAR USED UP : There will never be peace in your family as long as you allow yourself to be held hostage by threats and intimidation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolve themselves if you act on the advice your therapist is giving you and evict these parasites .
First , discuss this with a lawyer to see what steps you must take , and because you fear your grandson will become violent , you may need help from the authorities to guarantee your safety from him when he goes .
As to your daughter , I predict she ’ ll keep the grandchildren from you only until she needs something — so be prepared .
And please , continue talking to your therapist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your interests at heart than your family members .
DEAR ABBY : My wife and I are in our mid-40s with two kids ( 9 and 6 ) .
We are in the early stages of our estate planning , and of course the topic of who would look after our kids has been discussed .
Our first choice has lovingly agreed to have our kids join their family if my wife and I should die .
However , many estate planning forms ask if there is a secondary option on who we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guardians in case our primary choice can no longer fulfill that role .
How do we tactfully ask our second choice if they are willing to be the backup ?
I worry that the couple may be offended that they aren ’ t No .
1 , and this may cause tension and seriously damage our relationship with them .
— PARENTS IN A PREDICAMENT DEAR PARENTS : Do not offer apologies or explanations unless you must .
Simply ask the backups if they would be willing to step in “ should the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about why they are not your first choice , answer honestly .
Your reasons should be respected .
This is not a popularity contest ; it is a serious consideration for the future of your children .
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 .
To receive a collection of Abby ’ s most memorable — and most frequently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: My grandson, his girlfriend and, recently, my son (who had to move in) are living with me. She is the only one working. My grandson has been sitting on his butt the last 2 1/2 years and does minimal work here in my home. All three of these “adults” live here for free. I am 79 and on a fixed income. I pay for everything.
They were supposed to be saving money so they could get a place of their own. That’s a big joke. All they do is spend, spend, spend. They sleep all day and play games on their computers all night. I have seriously considered shutting off the internet (which I pay for) to see what they would do.
I have been talking to a counselor due to my stress and anger issues. The counselor has strongly advised me to evict them. My daughter told me if I do, I’ll never see her or my two young grandchildren again. She means it.
I’m tired of being the caregiver. I feel used, but can’t set boundaries very well. I’m also afraid of my 24-year-old grandson, who has terrible anger issues and who put his fist through a wall when I called him lazy. Should I put them out or, to keep peace in the family, continue to let them use me? — USED UP
DEAR USED UP: There will never be peace in your family as long as you allow yourself to be held hostage by threats and intimidation. Your anger and boundary issues will resolve themselves if you act on the advice your therapist is giving you and evict these parasites.
First, discuss this with a lawyer to see what steps you must take, and because you fear your grandson will become violent, you may need help from the authorities to guarantee your safety from him when he goes. As to your daughter, I predict she’ll keep the grandchildren from you only until she needs something — so be prepared. And please, continue talking to your therapist, who seems to have more of your interests at heart than your family members.
DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are in our mid-40s with two kids (9 and 6). We are in the early stages of our estate planning, and of course the topic of who would look after our kids has been discussed.
Our first choice has lovingly agreed to have our kids join their family if my wife and I should die. However, many estate planning forms ask if there is a secondary option on who we want to be our children’s guardians in case our primary choice can no longer fulfill that role. How do we tactfully ask our second choice if they are willing to be the backup? I worry that the couple may be offended that they aren’t No. 1, and this may cause tension and seriously damage our relationship with them. — PARENTS IN A PREDICAMENT
DEAR PARENTS: Do not offer apologies or explanations unless you must. Simply ask the backups if they would be willing to step in “should the need arise.” If you are pressed about why they are not your first choice, answer honestly. Your reasons should be respected. This is not a popularity contest; it is a serious consideration for the future of your children.
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.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--Man stabbed after argument on Blue Line in Old Irving Park

A 51-year-old man was stabbed Thursday after getting into an argument with someone on a CTA train in Old Irving @ @ @ @ @ .
About 3:35 a.m. he was riding a Blue Line train when he got into @ @ @ @ @ in the 4100 block of West Irving Park Road , who pulled out a knife @ @ @ @ @ neck , Chicago police said .
The man was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center @ @ @ @ @ said .
No arrest have been made , police said .

A 51-year-old man was stabbed Thursday after getting into an argument with someone on a CTA train in Old Irving Park on the Northwest Side.
About 3:35 a.m. he was riding a Blue Line train when he got into an argument with a male in the 4100 block of West Irving Park Road, who pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the neck, Chicago police said.
The man was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition, police said.
No arrest have been made, police said.
Area North detectives are investigating.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--Drive-in celebrations? Graduations in December? Virtual ceremonies? Plans for high school seniors un

Drive-in celebrations? Graduations in December? Virtual ceremonies? Plans for high school seniors unfold — but students not happy

Streaming ceremonies featuring home-made student videos .
Students and families driving up to a school to get their diplomas from the principal , or parked in a lot in a scene that resembles a drive-in movie .
Or holding smaller ceremonies or events months after seniors finish school — even as late as December .
These are some of the ways high schools in Chicago and the suburbs are considering honoring graduating seniors this year as traditional large ceremonies featuring hundreds or thousands of graduates and family members appear less and less likely this spring .
While many seniors say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ideas that are a far cry from what they had anticipated for years , they might not have a choice if Gov .
J.B. Pritzker extends a stay-at-home order into next month or even into the summer , or restricts large gatherings , as he has indicated .
At Whitney Young Magnet High School , Principal Joyce Kenner has laid out a number of scenarios for graduation for the school ’ s nearly 500 seniors , including one where students queued up in cars drive up to the school on the Near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their diplomas , and drive off .
She ’ s also suggested a live-streamed ceremony featuring valedictorians and class officers giving speeches .
It could then be punctuated by videos of students , standing in homes decorated in school colors , listing their achievements and announcing where they ’ re bound for college — or other messages to classmates — when their names are called .
“ It ’ s important for students to be able to have these traditional experiences , ” Kenner said in an interview .
“ I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like I had.
” In a video message sent to students this week , Kenner , wearing graduation cap , said they were going “ to make the best of a terrible situation ” and assured students , “ We are still going to have a great time .
“ It might be altered and not look like a traditional graduation , but we ’ re going to have some fun — we ’ re going to have a graduation — we just need to figure out how it ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August or indoor ceremony in December are among the plans under consideration at west suburban Oak Park and River Forest High School , which this week sent a survey to senior students and their parents .
The school also asked about holding a virtual ceremony at the end of May , with the school pre-recording some traditional elements of the commencement and editing it into a film that would stream online .
“ We ’ ve had roughly 500 students and 500 parents respond so far , which is great — we really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaningful to our seniors , and they are definitely telling us !
” school spokeswoman Karin Sullivan said in an email .
For senior Sophia Groenendaal , 18 , stretching the whole thing out to December just feels too long .
“ A lot of us will have already moved on at that point , ” said Groenendaal , who is bound for Sarah Lawrence College in New York in the fall .
“ I think it might be kind of awkward.
” Groenendaal said just holding it at the end of May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her , even if its virtual .
“ At least we would all still be able to graduate on time , ” she said .
In nearby Berwyn , Morton West Principal Josh McMahon is also thinking of alternatives that strive to accommodate social distancing and an in-person experience that features students and families in parked cars in a lot .
Students and families could watch while video was projected on a screen set up along with a stage upfront .
Individual students could walk up to the stage to get their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know if the state would allow such an event at a school with a senior class of about 850 students .
“ There are so many positives to being a member of a large school , but now it ’ s challenging because of the restrictions around large groups , ” McMahon said .
Lyons Township High School in La Grange is confronting the same issues as they work toward plans that can accommodate a senior class of about 1,000 students , Principal Brian Waterman said Wednesday .
“ Some students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t , ” he said .
Graduation would typically be held May 31 , and Waterman said that in discussions with students , he ’ s seen very little appetite for waiting to hold an event much past the summer .
“ We ’ re not getting any feedback that says it would be feasible or well-participated , ” Waterman said .
No final plans have been made , he said .
Being left in the dark as schools consider options while awaiting final guidance from the state has also been frustrating for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 12-day walk-out by teachers last fall .
Leah Aberman , 17 , a senior at Lane Tech College Prep in Lake View , said the wait has been nerve-wracking .
“ It really reminds me of the teachers strike , ” she said .
“ It was hard to plan then , too , because we were just waiting for new [ information ] day-by-day.
” Twin sisters Megan and Emma Gallian , also seniors at Lane Tech , are also frustrated by the lack of information and the possibility the pinnacle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get short shrift .
“ It feels like everything this year has just been pushed aside , ” Emma Gallian said .
Both are pushing for it to be postponed long enough so it can be held in person , saying they have been looking forward to celebrating with family and friends for years .
“ At Lane , everything is really rigorous , ” Megan added .
“ When I was pulling all nighters ...
I had always looked forward to just having that moment at the end.
” School officials did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And many agree : After months of remote learning online , a virtual event will not be the same .
“ I ’ ve had plenty of Zoom calls and FaceTime , ” said Brandon Jenkins , who also attends Lane Tech .
Even in-person ceremonies with fewer students or relatives , said his brother , Bryce , who attends St. Ignatius College Prep , would be preferable : “ We might not be able to see everyone , but at least we ’ d all be together .
I think we all @ @ @ @ @

Streaming ceremonies featuring home-made student videos. Students and families driving up to a school to get their diplomas from the principal, or parked in a lot in a scene that resembles a drive-in movie.
Or holding smaller ceremonies or events months after seniors finish school — even as late as December.
These are some of the ways high schools in Chicago and the suburbs are considering honoring graduating seniors this year as traditional large ceremonies featuring hundreds or thousands of graduates and family members appear less and less likely this spring.
While many seniors say they aren’t huge fans of the ideas that are a far cry from what they had anticipated for years, they might not have a choice if Gov. J.B. Pritzker extends a stay-at-home order into next month or even into the summer, or restricts large gatherings, as he has indicated.
At Whitney Young Magnet High School, Principal Joyce Kenner has laid out a number of scenarios for graduation for the school’s nearly 500 seniors, including one where students queued up in cars drive up to the school on the Near West Side to accept her congratulations, and their diplomas, and drive off.
She’s also suggested a live-streamed ceremony featuring valedictorians and class officers giving speeches. It could then be punctuated by videos of students, standing in homes decorated in school colors, listing their achievements and announcing where they’re bound for college — or other messages to classmates — when their names are called.
Whitney Young Principal Joyce Kenner
“It’s important for students to be able to have these traditional experiences,” Kenner said in an interview. “I want them to have a high school experience like I had.”
In a video message sent to students this week, Kenner, wearing graduation cap, said they were going “to make the best of a terrible situation” and assured students, “We are still going to have a great time.
“It might be altered and not look like a traditional graduation, but we’re going to have some fun — we’re going to have a graduation — we just need to figure out how it’s going to look.”
Delayed events
Holding an outdoor graduation in August or indoor ceremony in December are among the plans under consideration at west suburban Oak Park and River Forest High School, which this week sent a survey to senior students and their parents. The school also asked about holding a virtual ceremony at the end of May, with the school pre-recording some traditional elements of the commencement and editing it into a film that would stream online.
“We’ve had roughly 500 students and 500 parents respond so far, which is great — we really want to know what would be most meaningful to our seniors, and they are definitely telling us!” school spokeswoman Karin Sullivan said in an email.
Sophia Groenendaal, 18, a senior at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Provided
For senior Sophia Groenendaal, 18, stretching the whole thing out to December just feels too long.
“A lot of us will have already moved on at that point,” said Groenendaal, who is bound for Sarah Lawrence College in New York in the fall. “I think it might be kind of awkward.”
Groenendaal said just holding it at the end of May, as planned, would be OK with her, even if its virtual.
“At least we would all still be able to graduate on time,” she said.
Large school challenges
In nearby Berwyn, Morton West Principal Josh McMahon is also thinking of alternatives that strive to accommodate social distancing and an in-person experience that features students and families in parked cars in a lot.
Students and families could watch while video was projected on a screen set up along with a stage upfront. Individual students could walk up to the stage to get their diplomas when called.
But he doesn’t know if the state would allow such an event at a school with a senior class of about 850 students.
“There are so many positives to being a member of a large school, but now it’s challenging because of the restrictions around large groups,” McMahon said.
Leah Aberman, 17, a senior at Lane Tech College Prep. Provided
Lyons Township High School in La Grange is confronting the same issues as they work toward plans that can accommodate a senior class of about 1,000 students, Principal Brian Waterman said Wednesday.
“Some students want to delay and others don’t,” he said.
Graduation would typically be held May 31, and Waterman said that in discussions with students, he’s seen very little appetite for waiting to hold an event much past the summer.
“We’re not getting any feedback that says it would be feasible or well-participated,” Waterman said.
No final plans have been made, he said.
Students hold out hope
Being left in the dark as schools consider options while awaiting final guidance from the state has also been frustrating for seniors, particularly CPS students that endured a 12-day walk-out by teachers last fall.
Leah Aberman, 17, a senior at Lane Tech College Prep in Lake View, said the wait has been nerve-wracking.
“It really reminds me of the teachers strike,” she said. “It was hard to plan then, too, because we were just waiting for new [information] day-by-day.”
Megan Gallian, a senior at Lane Tech on Wednesday in front of her home in Jefferson Park. Annie Costabile/Sun-Times
Twin sisters Megan and Emma Gallian, also seniors at Lane Tech, are also frustrated by the lack of information and the possibility the pinnacle event of their high school careers will get short shrift.
“It feels like everything this year has just been pushed aside,” Emma Gallian said.
Both are pushing for it to be postponed long enough so it can be held in person, saying they have been looking forward to celebrating with family and friends for years.
“At Lane, everything is really rigorous,” Megan added. “When I was pulling all nighters ... I had always looked forward to just having that moment at the end.”
School officials did not respond to requests for comment.
Emma Gallian, 18, a senior at Lane Tech College Prep on Wednesday in front of her Jefferson Park home. Annie Costabile/Sun-Times
And many agree: After months of remote learning online, a virtual event will not be the same.
“I’ve had plenty of Zoom calls and FaceTime,” said Brandon Jenkins, who also attends Lane Tech. Even in-person ceremonies with fewer students or relatives, said his brother, Bryce, who attends St. Ignatius College Prep, would be preferable: “We might not be able to see everyone, but at least we’d all be together. I think we all want that experience.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--2020 NFL Draft: Chicago Sun-Times’ final mock draft has four QBs among top 12 picks

The Bears don ’ t have a first-round pick Thursday , but there ’ s plenty worth watching as the NFL Draft opens .
Here is one last crack at predicting who goes where : This pick is as easy as it gets .
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion is the Bengals ’ new franchise quarterback .
Maybe even more so than Burrow , Young is a can ’ t-miss talent .
Brown would be an instant starter for the Lions , who probably will be fielding trade proposals from teams that need a quarterback right up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredibly uncommon talent ( 6-7 , 364 pounds , 5.1 seconds in the 40-yard dash ) at a position of huge need .
So much for ‘ ‘ Tanking for Tua , ’ ’ as the Dolphins have a late change of heart .
It ’ s a perfect plan for the Chargers : They have a shot with Tyrod Taylor this season , then they go to Tagovailoa in 2021 .
Okudah is widely projected to go higher than this , so it ’ s a tremendous value pick .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play safety in a pinch .
There ’ s a lot of debate about Becton , Wills and Tristan Wirfs at offensive tackle , so their order is interchangeable .
But Wills is the pick here .
It ’ s a pretty good consolation prize when the top two offensive tackles are off the board and you still can land an elite college blocker .
Coach Adam Gase loves wide receivers more than you love Italian beef , and Jeudy is clearly the best of a loaded class at the position .
Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially a team that has to beat him in its division .
The Raiders hope Love is the guy .
A dynamic playmaker for an offense that needs some juice .
Already having virtually everything Tom Brady needs offensively , the Bucs beef up their D-line .
A lifeless offense gets a firecracker with the fastest player in the draft .
Henderson is the clear No .
2 cornerback in his class and even might sneak into the top 10 .
He would be the ninth Clemson cornerback drafted since 2010 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last few weeks , and the Dolphins need a tackle after dealing Laremy Tunsil .
He put up 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior .
The Jaguars have unloaded a lot of top defensive talent lately and need to replenish .
Chaisson is an explosive pass rusher who might play defensive end with the Eagles .
This works out wonderfully for the Vikings after trading Stefon Diggs .
Anybody else find it suspicious that the Patriots didn ’ t make a significant acquisition at quarterback ?
Their next pick is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better make this one count .
The Vikings get a long-term tackle who can be plugged in as an athletic guard for now .
He ’ ll replace former Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones , who was cut .
He racked up an impressive 34.5 tackles for loss in his last 24 college games .
A nice match for the Ravens as the best player available fits well with a need .
Stefon Diggs ’ little brother projects as an NFL-ready starter .
The Packers get a replacement for Blake Martinez , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traded Pro Bowler DeForest Buckner for the No .
13 pick and find his successor here .
Epenesa averaged close to a sack a game in his final two seasons of college .

The Bears don’t have a first-round pick Thursday, but there’s plenty worth watching as the NFL Draft opens. Here is one last crack at predicting who goes where:
1. Bengals: LSU QB Joe Burrow
This pick is as easy as it gets. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion is the Bengals’ new franchise quarterback.
2. Redskins: Ohio State DE Chase Young
Maybe even more so than Burrow, Young is a can’t-miss talent.
3. Lions: Auburn DT Derrick Brown
Brown would be an instant starter for the Lions, who probably will be fielding trade proposals from teams that need a quarterback right up until the pick.
4. Giants: Louisville OT Mekhi Becton
He is an incredibly uncommon talent (6-7, 364 pounds, 5.1 seconds in the 40-yard dash) at a position of huge need.
5. Dolphins: Oregon QB Justin Herbert
So much for ‘‘Tanking for Tua,’’ as the Dolphins have a late change of heart.
6. Chargers: Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa
It’s a perfect plan for the Chargers: They have a shot with Tyrod Taylor this season, then they go to Tagovailoa in 2021.
7. Panthers: Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah
Okudah is widely projected to go higher than this, so it’s a tremendous value pick.
8. Cardinals: Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons
He’s an extremely versatile linebacker who can play safety in a pinch.
9. Jaguars: Alabama OT Jedrick Wills
There’s a lot of debate about Becton, Wills and Tristan Wirfs at offensive tackle, so their order is interchangeable. But Wills is the pick here.
10. Browns: Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs
It’s a pretty good consolation prize when the top two offensive tackles are off the board and you still can land an elite college blocker.
Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (4) scores against Arkansas. Vasha Hunt/AP
11. Jets: Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy
Coach Adam Gase loves wide receivers more than you love Italian beef, and Jeudy is clearly the best of a loaded class at the position.
12. Raiders: Utah State QB Jordan Love
Everyone wants to find the next Patrick Mahomes, especially a team that has to beat him in its division. The Raiders hope Love is the guy.
13. 49ers (from Colts): Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb
A dynamic playmaker for an offense that needs some juice.
14. Buccaneers: South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw
Already having virtually everything Tom Brady needs offensively, the Bucs beef up their D-line.
15. Broncos: Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III
A lifeless offense gets a firecracker with the fastest player in the draft.
16. Falcons: Florida CB C.J. Henderson
Henderson is the clear No. 2 cornerback in his class and even might sneak into the top 10.
17. Cowboys: Clemson CB A.J. Terrell
He would be the ninth Clemson cornerback drafted since 2010.
18. Dolphins (from Steelers): Georgia OT Andrew Thomas
Thomas’ stock has risen steadily in the last few weeks, and the Dolphins need a tackle after dealing Laremy Tunsil.
19. Raiders (from Bears): Clemson WR Tee Higgins
He put up 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior.
20. Jaguars (from Rams): LSU ILB Patrick Queen
The Jaguars have unloaded a lot of top defensive talent lately and need to replenish.
LSU linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson (18) takes down a Georgia Southern player last season. Tyler Kaufman/AP
21. Eagles: LSU OLB K’Lavon Chaisson
Chaisson is an explosive pass rusher who might play defensive end with the Eagles.
22. Vikings (from Bills): LSU WR Justin Jefferson
This works out wonderfully for the Vikings after trading Stefon Diggs.
23. Patriots: Washington QB Jacob Eason
Anybody else find it suspicious that the Patriots didn’t make a significant acquisition at quarterback?
24. Saints: Utah CB Jaylon Johnson
Their next pick is No. 88, so they had better make this one count.
25. Vikings: Houston OT Josh Jones
The Vikings get a long-term tackle who can be plugged in as an athletic guard for now.
26. Dolphins (from Texans): Minnesota S Antoine Winfield Jr.
He’ll replace former Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones, who was cut.
27. Seahawks: Penn State DE Yetur Gross-Matos
He racked up an impressive 34.5 tackles for loss in his last 24 college games.
28. Ravens: Alabama S Xavier McKinney
A nice match for the Ravens as the best player available fits well with a need.
29. Titans: Alabama CB Trevon Diggs
Stefon Diggs’ little brother projects as an NFL-ready starter.
30. Packers: Oklahoma ILB Kenneth Murray
The Packers get a replacement for Blake Martinez, who left for the Giants.
31. 49ers: TCU DT Ross Blacklock
The 49ers traded Pro Bowler DeForest Buckner for the No. 13 pick and find his successor here.
32. Chiefs: Iowa DE A.J. Epenesa
Epenesa averaged close to a sack a game in his final two seasons of college.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--The Sun-Times’ position-by-position guide to the Bears’ draft needs

The Sun-Times ’ Patrick Finley , Jason Lieser and Mark Potash spent all month breaking down the Bears to gauge their needs in the NFL draft , which starts Thursday .
Here ’ s a look at the Bears , position-by-position : Quarterback : The Bears don ’ t have a sure-fire 2021 starter on their roster , so they can ’ t rule out taking a passer in Round 2 .
The best three quarterbacks available figure to be Georgia ’ s Jake Fromm , Washington ’ s Jacob Eason and Oklahoma ’ s Jalen Hurts .
Running back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year , David Montgomery , didn ’ t shine the way it expected — but that might have been more of an indictment of Matt Nagy ’ s scheme .
The Bears don ’ t figure to be in the market for a running back .
Wide receiver : With one of the best receiver draft crops in decades , the Bears could use a second-round pick to find what ’ s eluded them : a running mate for star Allen Robinson .
They could find a starter in Round 2 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both .
Tight end : The Bears ’ need for help at tight end was obvious even before they dumped Trey Burton last week .
They have quantity at tight end — but need quantity .
Offensive line : The Bears have thrown money at their offensive line the past few years , but the way to fix it is to spend draft picks .
The second round is the place to find a starter at guard or a potential long-term fix at tackle .
Defensive line : More than at any other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are set at defensive line — even if it might be tempting to give position coach Jay Rodgers another project .
Outside linebacker : Khalil Mack is the reason the Bears don ’ t have a first-round pick — and it ’ s a good one .
The Bears , then , won ’ t shop for an edge rusher until Day 3 .
Inside linebacker : When the Bears decided to re-sign Danny Trevathan , they ensured that they ’ d have the same starting tandem for at least the next two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be a depth piece behind Trevathan and Roquan Smith .
Cornerback : The Bears cut Prince Amukamara more than two months ago , and still haven ’ t found his replacement .
A cornerback who can start in 2020 could be the team ’ s top priority entering the draft .
Safety : LSU ’ s Grant Delpit and Minnesota ’ s Antoine Winfield Jr. make sense for the Bears if they decide to use a second-round pick to unseat safety Deon Bush .

The Sun-Times’ Patrick Finley, Jason Lieser and Mark Potash spent all month breaking down the Bears to gauge their needs in the NFL draft, which starts Thursday.
Here’s a look at the Bears, position-by-position:
Offense
Quarterback: The Bears don’t have a sure-fire 2021 starter on their roster, so they can’t rule out taking a passer in Round 2. The best three quarterbacks available figure to be Georgia’s Jake Fromm, Washington’s Jacob Eason and Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts.
Running back: The team’s top pick last year, David Montgomery, didn’t shine the way it expected — but that might have been more of an indictment of Matt Nagy’s scheme. The Bears don’t figure to be in the market for a running back.
Wide receiver: With one of the best receiver draft crops in decades, the Bears could use a second-round pick to find what’s eluded them: a running mate for star Allen Robinson. They could find a starter in Round 2 or depth in the later rounds. Or both.
Tight end: The Bears’ need for help at tight end was obvious even before they dumped Trey Burton last week. They have quantity at tight end — but need quality.
Offensive line: The Bears have thrown money at their offensive line the past few years, but the way to fix it is to spend draft picks. The second round is the place to find a starter at guard or a potential long-term fix at tackle.
Defense
Defensive line: More than at any other spot on their team, the Bears are set at defensive line — even if it might be tempting to give position coach Jay Rodgers another project.
Outside linebacker: Khalil Mack is the reason the Bears don’t have a first-round pick — and it’s a good one. The Bears, then, won’t shop for an edge rusher until Day 3.
Inside linebacker: When the Bears decided to re-sign Danny Trevathan, they ensured that they’d have the same starting tandem for at least the next two years. Any inside linebacker they draft would be a depth piece behind Trevathan and Roquan Smith.
Cornerback: The Bears cut Prince Amukamara more than two months ago, and still haven’t found his replacement. A cornerback who can start in 2020 could be the team’s top priority entering the draft.
Safety: LSU’s Grant Delpit and Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield Jr. make sense for the Bears if they decide to use a second-round pick to unseat safety Deon Bush.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--Illinois is already in the peak for COVID-19 deaths – but projections show the pain is far from over

Illinois has reached its peak — but that high level in coronavirus deaths could last “ a couple of weeks ” and see as many as 150 Illinoisans dying of COVID-19 a day .
The COVID-19 projection and worst-case fatality scenario are from scientific modeling released exclusively to the Chicago Sun-Times by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s administration .
The Democratic governor has been repeatedly asked what models he ’ s using to make major decisions that are keeping Illinois residents at home , businesses closed and streets and parks largely empty .
That stay-at-home order is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present graphs and data — alongside some of his researchers — at his daily briefing on Thursday .
So far , 1,565 have died in Illinois .
As horrible as that is , Pritzker plans to show one graph projecting that if the state had not enacted the stay-at-home order on March 21 the death toll would have been 14 times that .
Cameron Mock , chief of staff to the Governor ’ s Office of Management & Budget , has been reassigned to oversee the state ’ s projections .
Now his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Illinois Department of Public Health , as well as researchers from Northwestern University , the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign .
The state ’ s projections are a combination of opinions and research from those three institutions .
Mock and Pritzker ’ s chief of staff Anne Caprara brief the governor weekly .
And based on the projections , the peak “ should be somewhere starting now through the first week of May , ” Mock told the Sun-Times .
“ I think it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of weeks , ” Mock said of the range .
According to a projection obtained by the Sun-Times , the top of the peak could see 150 deaths a day .
But during that peak period , the daily range of fatalities could fluctuate anywhere from 50 to 150 .
The state saw two days with 125 deaths last week , the highest daily fatalities so far .
Another graph Pritzker plans to show will estimate that the death rate would go up ten times if the stay at home order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a week before the scheduled April 30 expiration .
The model shows deaths in the state slowly flattening into August .
Mock admits to being “ a little nervous providing that median line , ” of deaths from the virus , worrying about public reaction .
“ But nonetheless you ’ ll see that going forward and what you ’ ll see is , again , a peak in late April , early May and then you ’ ll see a slow rate of decline , going out into August , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being used “ as a sense of how the virus is manifesting itself and it ultimately drives hospitalizations and deaths , unfortunately.
” Pritzker has been coy about the state ’ s projections .
At a Washington Post Live event on Tuesday , he said the peak might hit in mid-May .
But Caprara said the administration has been very careful about its data .
“ In a traditional fashion a model takes a long to build upon .
We ’ re talking months , ” Caprara said .
“ So we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed it up pretty significantly .
And number two , models grow smart over time.
” Caprara said as each month goes on , the model “ gets smarter and more predictive.
” Caprara said the most important tool the model is showing is infection rates , deaths and hospitalization numbers .
“ We ’ re trying to get to that 14-day period where all of those are declining , ” Caprara said .
She also warned the state won ’ t decisively know when it has hit its peak until it begins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the bend is starting to “ curve ” or flatten , ” it signifies “ the rate of growth and not absolutely numbers going down.
” Mock said the tail of the death rate is crucial , not just the peak .
“ I know a lot of people are going to want to focus on this specific date of what they ’ ll determine peak to be and some folks out there are going to want to say on the day after , the next day after , we open up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What I would focus on is what the tail of that curve looks like and what it ’ s going to show us is a very slow process out of this , and if you make massive knee-jerk reaction changes , you have a great risk of completely falling back on all the progress that you ’ ve made thus far.
” And despite President Donald Trump ’ s applauding other states ’ for their quicker re-openings , Caprara said Illinois ’ decisions are not political and are “ driven by data.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about whether or not we should open or not open , I will say this : none of this should be a political conversation , ” Caprara said .
“ The reality is , there ’ s no Democrat that wants to keep the economy closed .
There ’ s no politician who wants to have the state or the country go through a pandemic .
The decisions have to be scientific .
They have to be medical and they have to be driven by data .
And that ’ s just the @ @ @

Illinois has reached its peak — but that high level in coronavirus deaths could last “a couple of weeks” and see as many as 150 Illinoisans dying of COVID-19 a day.
The COVID-19 projection and worst-case fatality scenario are from scientific modeling released exclusively to the Chicago Sun-Times by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration.
The Democratic governor has been repeatedly asked what models he’s using to make major decisions that are keeping Illinois residents at home, businesses closed and streets and parks largely empty.
That stay-at-home order is expected to be extended.
And Pritzker plans to present graphs and data — alongside some of his researchers — at his daily briefing on Thursday.
So far, 1,565 have died in Illinois.
As horrible as that is, Pritzker plans to show one graph projecting that if the state had not enacted the stay-at-home order on March 21 the death toll would have been 14 times that.
Cameron Mock, chief of staff to the Governor’s Office of Management & Budget, has been reassigned to oversee the state’s projections.
Illinois Dept. of Public Health death projections due to COVID-19. The gray line indicates range of deaths, which at its peak could hit between 50 and 150 deaths. The black line is reported deaths. The green line is the University of Chicago median line; the orange line is the median line projected by the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign researchers. State of Illinois
Now his work includes daily phone calls with researchers from the Illinois Department of Public Health, as well as researchers from Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The state’s projections are a combination of opinions and research from those three institutions.
Mock and Pritzker’s chief of staff Anne Caprara brief the governor weekly.
And based on the projections, the peak “should be somewhere starting now through the first week of May,” Mock told the Sun-Times.
“I think it’s tough to say, but I think a couple of weeks,” Mock said of the range.
According to a projection obtained by the Sun-Times, the top of the peak could see 150 deaths a day. But during that peak period, the daily range of fatalities could fluctuate anywhere from 50 to 150.
Finished medical rooms at McCormick Place’s alternative care facility to combat the coronavirus pandemic in Chicago show on April 10. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
The state saw two days with 125 deaths last week, the highest daily fatalities so far.
Another graph Pritzker plans to show will estimate that the death rate would go up ten times if the stay at home order was lifted Friday – a little less than a week before the scheduled April 30 expiration.
The model shows deaths in the state slowly flattening into August.
Mock admits to being “a little nervous providing that median line,” of deaths from the virus, worrying about public reaction.
“But nonetheless you’ll see that going forward and what you’ll see is, again, a peak in late April, early May and then you’ll see a slow rate of decline, going out into August,” he said.
Mock said ventilator usage is being used “as a sense of how the virus is manifesting itself and it ultimately drives hospitalizations and deaths, unfortunately.”
Pritzker has been coy about the state’s projections. At a Washington Post Live event on Tuesday, he said the peak might hit in mid-May. But Caprara said the administration has been very careful about its data.
“In a traditional fashion a model takes a long to build upon. We’re talking months,” Caprara said. “So we had to take the traditional timeline and speed it up pretty significantly . And number two, models grow smart over time.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker tours one of the patient rooms at the COVID-19 alternate care facility in Hall C at McCormick Place in Chicago last week. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Caprara said as each month goes on, the model “gets smarter and more predictive.”
Caprara said the most important tool the model is showing is infection rates, deaths and hospitalization numbers.
“We’re trying to get to that 14-day period where all of those are declining,” Caprara said. She also warned the state won’t decisively know when it has hit its peak until it begins its decline.
Mock said when Pritzker says the bend is starting to “curve” or flatten,” it signifies “the rate of growth and not absolutely numbers going down.”
Mock said the tail of the death rate is crucial, not just the peak.
“I know a lot of people are going to want to focus on this specific date of what they’ll determine peak to be and some folks out there are going to want to say on the day after, the next day after, we open up the economy,” Mock said.
“What I would focus on is what the tail of that curve looks like and what it’s going to show us is a very slow process out of this, and if you make massive knee-jerk reaction changes, you have a great risk of completely falling back on all the progress that you’ve made thus far.”
“Have Hope” is written in rain-faded chalk on the sidewalk outside a suburban Westchester home earlier this month. Brian Ernst/Sun-Times file
And despite President Donald Trump’s applauding other states’ for their quicker re-openings, Caprara said Illinois’ decisions are not political and are “driven by data.”
“Whatever political conversation there is about whether or not we should open or not open, I will say this: none of this should be a political conversation,” Caprara said.
“The reality is, there’s no Democrat that wants to keep the economy closed. There’s no politician who wants to have the state or the country go through a pandemic. The decisions have to be scientific. They have to be medical and they have to be driven by data. And that’s just the reality.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--Person uses Facebook to lure victims, rob them in Lawndale: police

Chicago police are warning residents of a person who has used social media to meet victims and rob them in @ @ @ @ @ .
In each incident a male , thought to be between 17 and 20-years-old , @ @ @ @ @ agrees to meet up in the 1200 block of South Christiana Avenue , then attacks @ @ @ @ @ , according to a community alert from Chicago police .
In one incident , the @ @ @ @ @ when one person tried to defend themselves .
The robberies happened about 5:50 p.m. March @ @ @ @ @ April 21 , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning residents of a person who has used social media to meet victims and rob them in Lawndale on the West Side.
In each incident a male, thought to be between 17 and 20-years-old, met victims on Facebook, agrees to meet up in the 1200 block of South Christiana Avenue, then attacks them and demands their property, according to a community alert from Chicago police. In one incident, the male pulled out a knife when one person tried to defend themselves.
The robberies happened about 5:50 p.m. March 28 and about 4:20 p.m. April 21, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--3 apartments burglarized on Hyde Park block

A burglar broke into three apartments in the span of a few hours on one block in Hyde Park on @ @ @ @ @ burglaries happened between 3:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. April 18 in the 5500 block of @ @ @ @ @ police said .
Each apartment was unlocked .
Police did not provide a description of @ @ @ @ @ information should call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380 .
Read more on crime , and @ @ @ @ @ homicides .

A burglar broke into three apartments in the span of a few hours on one block in Hyde Park on the South Side.
The burglaries happened between 3:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. April 18 in the 5500 block of South Shore Drive, Chicago police said. Each apartment was unlocked.
Police did not provide a description of any suspects.
Anyone with information should call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--3 shot Wednesday in Chicago

3 shot Wednesday in Chicago

Three people were shot Wednesday in Chicago .
The day ’ s most recent shooting wounded a 19-year-old man in Belmont Gardens on the Northwest Side .
He was on the sidewalk about 6:32 p.m. in the 4000 block of West Wellington Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain , Chicago police said .
The man was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition with a gunshot wound to the shin , police said .
About ten minutes prior , a woman shot someone who broke into her home in Gresham on the South Side , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence about 6:21 p.m. in the 8300 block of South Kerfoot Avenue when a male forced his way inside , police said .
The woman pulled out a gun and opened fire , striking the person in the foot , police said .
He was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition .
Police said the woman has a valid concealed-carry license .
A man was wounded in a shooting in West Garfield Park .
The 21-year-old was on the sidewalk about 3:15 p.m. in the 4000 block of West Maypole Avenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone inside opened fire , police said .
The man was struck in the waist and taken to Stroger Hospital , where his condition was stabilized , police said .
Tuesday nine people were shot , two of them fatally , citywide .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Three people were shot Wednesday in Chicago.
The day’s most recent shooting wounded a 19-year-old man in Belmont Gardens on the Northwest Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 6:32 p.m. in the 4000 block of West Wellington Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain, Chicago police said.
The man was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition with a gunshot wound to the shin, police said.
About ten minutes prior, a woman shot someone who broke into her home in Gresham on the South Side, police said.
The 31-year-old was in a residence about 6:21 p.m. in the 8300 block of South Kerfoot Avenue when a male forced his way inside, police said.
The woman pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking the person in the foot, police said. He was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition.
Police said the woman has a valid concealed-carry license.
A man was wounded in a shooting in West Garfield Park.
The 21-year-old was on the sidewalk about 3:15 p.m. in the 4000 block of West Maypole Avenue when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire, police said.
The man was struck in the waist and taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.
Tuesday nine people were shot, two of them fatally, citywide.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--Man, 55, missing from Lawndale found safe

Illinois is already in the peak for COVID-19 deaths – but projections show the pain is far from over So @ @ @ @ @ died from COVID-19 in Illinois .
As horrible as that is , Gov .
Pritzker @ @ @ @ @ the state had not enacted the stay-at-home order on March 21 the death toll would @ @ @ @ @ .

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


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--2020 NFL Draft results: Pick by pick for the first round

The 2020 NFL Draft kicks off remotely across the country with the first round at 7 p.m. CT Thursday night @ @ @ @ @ draft unlike any we ’ ve seen before as teams makes their picks from home @ @ @ @ @ coverage of the draft is being done out of ESPN ’ s studios in Bristol @ @ @ @ @ Roger Goodell announcing picks from his New York home .
ABC , ESPN and NFL @ @ @ @ @ coverage .
The real intrigue starts with the No .
3 overall pick after the @ @ @ @ @ top two picks on LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and Ohio State pass rusher Chase Young @ @ @ @ @ be movement in the top 10 with teams eyeing highly touted quarterbacks and offensive linemen @ @ @ @ @ to last beyond the top selections .
Follow along below for the latest selections from @ @ @ @ @ 2020 NFL Draft .
This story will be updated .

The 2020 NFL Draft kicked remotely across the country with the first round Thursday night. It was a lengthy affair of more than four hours as the teams got through their 32 picks over the internet.
Television coverage of the draft was done out of ESPN’s studios in Bristol, Connecticut, with commissioner Roger Goodell announcing picks from his New York home. For the most part, it was a smooth process.
The real intrigue started with the No. 3 overall pick after the Bengals and Redskins used the top two picks on LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and Ohio State pass rusher Chase Young, respectively. Detroit opted for Young’s teammate, Jeff Okuduh, the draft’s top-rated cornerback.
One big surprise came with the 26th overall pick when the Packers traded up to select Utah State quarterback Jordan Love, who could be the long-term replacement for Aaron Rodgers. Bears fans will surely be monitoring that QB situation in Green Bay going forward.
2020 NFL Draft – Round 1 results


chicagosun-times--2020-04-23--2020 NFL Draft: LSU QB Joe Burrow goes No. 1 to Cincinnati Bengals

An unprecedented NFL Draft kicked off Thursday with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow going No .
1 to the Bengals @ @ @ @ @ football stardom as a senior at LSU and put together a dominant season of 60 @ @ @ @ @ a 76.3 completion percentage .
He led LSU to a 15-0 record , including a @ @ @ @ @ national title game .
Burrow is one of at least four quarterbacks expected to go @ @ @ @ @ Oregon ’ s Justin Herbert and Alabama ’ s Tua Tagovailoa are ranked fairly evenly @ @ @ @ @ Utah State ’ s Jordan Love and Washington ’ s Jacob Eason .
The Bears @ @ @ @ @ too , but aren ’ t in range of the top targets .
Their first @ @ @ @ @ and 50 overall , which come in Round 2 on Friday .

It went fine.
That’s the most important thing anyone could’ve hoped to say about the NFL’s first all-virtual draft, and the league got through all 32 picks without any significant technological derailment.
With all coaches, general managers and scouts working from home like the rest of the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, they did a good enough job navigating their videoconferencing apps to run the draft about as smoothly as it usually goes.
The Bears were spectators for the first round like the rest of us, enduring a second consecutive year without a pick on the opening night. They dealt their 2019 and ’20 first-rounders to the Raiders for Khalil Mack two years ago, and given the long odds of any draftee eventually rising to Mack’s level, general manager Ryan Pace probably remained content with that decision.
Their first selections will be second-rounders Friday at Nos. 43 and 50 overall. The Raiders used what would have been the Bears’ pick, No. 19, to take Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette.
As most of the rest of the NFL made moves to improve, though, the list of teams with shaky quarterback plans shrank. It’s getting lonely for the Bears in that club after the Bengals took LSU’s Joe Burrow at No. 1, the Dolphins grabbed Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa fifth, the Chargers chose Oregon’s Justin Herbert sixth and the Packers traded up to pick Utah State’s Jordan Love at No. 26.
Burrow burst into college football stardom as a senior at LSU and put together a dominant season of 60 touchdown passes, 5,671 yards and a 76.3 completion percentage. He led LSU to a 15-0 record, including a blowout of Clemson in the national title game.
Tagovailoa helped Alabama win the championship two years earlier, Herbert threw 95 career TD passes and Love’s skills have drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes.
The Bears, however, have no such promise and will proceed with a quarterback competition between Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles.
There isn’t much they can do about that this year, now that the top four quarterbacks are off the board. Their pair of second-round picks falls in somewhat of a dead zone for quarterbacks, and they don’t choose again until the fifth round at No. 163. They also have two picks each in the sixth and seventh rounds.
If Pace doesn’t trade down out of the second, he’ll probably be eyeing tight ends, wide receivers, offensive linemen or cornerbacks Friday. He’ll also be eyeing the webcam fixed on him at all times, as required by the NFL.
The league’s choice to have a camera on all general managers and coaches throughout the draft, as well as one on commissioner Roger Goodell announcing picks from his basement, led to a few chuckles Thursday.
There were various NFL executives’ kids dancing and hamming it up in the background, Goodell fumbled a few awkward transitions when he wasn’t aware his mic was already live and Falcons coach Dan Quinn walked out of his shot when ABC cut to his camera before the 16th pick.
The network took a quick jab at the Bears in a promo for the Chicago-set sitcom ‘‘The Connors,’’ which featured a character saying the team is “only a couple pieces away from needing a couple pieces.”
Goodell also botched an announcement that the 2022 NFL Draft will be in Las Vegas, saying 2020 instead. This draft was supposed to be hosted on the Strip, and the city will get a redo in two years. It will be in Cleveland next year and in Kansas City in 2023.
The broadcast began with a video narrated by Peyton Manning that emphasized the work of doctors, nurses and other essential workers. It also featured an appearance by Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the lead doctor in the fight against the coronavirus.
Fauci explained that the work-from-home draft “really is for your good and the good of the country.’’
While it’s already a near-certainty that teams will be unable to hold organized team activities or minicamps, the NFL has given no indication it plans to delay or shorten its season, which would start in September. The regular-season schedule is set to be released in three weeks.