chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Saying ‘no’ to a rent strike — but ‘yes’ to helping renters hammered by the pandemic

The first of May is just days away , but thousands of Chicago area residents who have lost jobs and income to COVID-19 won ’ t be able to pay their rent .
Thousands of others already are behind in their rent because of the coronavirus lockdown .
The percentage of Chicagoans who failed to pay their rent for April this year shot up 60 % over last year , according to a Chicago Department of Housing survey .
Adding to the problem , as you would expect , is that those who are most likely to fall behind in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barely getting by all along .
Half of Chicago renters were “ rent burdened ” even before the coronavirus hit , meaning they already were spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent .
What should they do ?
Where can they turn ?
Housing activists in big cities across the country — Chicago , New York , Los Angeles , San Francisco , Seattle , Austin — are pushing one solution : A rent strike .
You know , just don ’ t pay .
Not only should people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay their rent , the activists say , but so should all other renters in an act of “ solidarity.
” Only then , the activists argue , will landlords agree to cancel or suspend rents and late fees until the pandemic subsides and people return to work .
We wish we could sign on to such an attractively simple solution to a complex problem .
Nobody should be hounded for the rent during a nationwide economic collapse .
But a rent strike just pushes the problem along to another group of victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be up against it themselves — and fails to account for other damaging ripple effects .
Some landlords won ’ t be able to make mortgage payments .
They won ’ t be able to pay property taxes or service fees , such as for water .
They won ’ t be able to hire plumbers , electricians and roofers .
Buildings would fall into disrepair .
Nor do we favor a proposed change in Illinois law , or an executive order by the governor , to allow municipalities to impose a moratorium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even after — the pandemic .
Rent control , economists on the left and right generally agree , has always been a superficial and ultimately counterproductive fix to the problem of high rents .
It leads to greater shortages of affordable housing as landlords pump up rents elsewhere to make up the difference , defer building maintenance and convert apartments to condominiums .
Pay if you can — and no evictions It ’ s important to stress that the typical Chicago landlord is not some huge corporate entity that enjoys a hefty financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or small group of investors who own a six-flat , or maybe a few six-flats .
The typical Chicago landlord , surveys show , owns 32 rental units and does not have enough money in the bank to weather a long-term loss of rent .
A more realistic solution begins with people who still can afford to pay their rent doing just that .
That ’ s real “ solidarity.
” It gives landlords more financial room to work out deals with tenants who are hurting .
It keeps tax revenue flowing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It keeps the handyman employed .
The average Chicago landlord — call us naive — is not looking to throw tenants into the street .
“ From day one , most people in the industry have had a lot of empathy for those who , through no fault of their own , are put in this position , ” Michael Glasser of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance , told us .
“ These are uncharted times , but work with us.
” And as a partial protection against the more ruthless landlords @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter who or what or how — Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on March 20 put a halt on evictions in Illinois until the state ’ s stay-at-home order is lifted .
Fourteen other states and 24 cities have done the same .
Tenants in government-subsidized housing are protected from eviction for up to six months by provisions in the CARES Act , the federal economic stimulus package .
More promising approaches to rescuing hard-hit renters generally involve leveraging federal government assistance or tax breaks to encourage landlords and tenants to work together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush , for example , would offer forgivable federal loans to landlords who waive rent and extend leases during the pandemic .
As with so many aspects of our nation ’ s response to the coronavirus , local government can do only so much .
In pretty much every way , this is a national crisis .
Chicago is now providing grants to landlords who provide affordable housing , trying to help them make up for loss rents during the pandemic .
But the grants so far — $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represent only a fraction of the assistance needed .
More than 80,000 people applied .
Congress has the most power to pressure banks to offer mortgage forbearance to landlords hit hardest by the crisis , putting the landlords in a better position to let the rent slide for tenants .
And only Congress can provide emergency rental assistance at a level that would substantially shore up municipal housing budgets , as Chicago ’ s Department of Housing has suggested .
A rent strike would pit us against each other , though we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freely take us all down .
We can do better than that .

The first of May is just days away, but thousands of Chicago area residents who have lost jobs and income to COVID-19 won’t be able to pay their rent.
Thousands of others already are behind in their rent because of the coronavirus lockdown. The percentage of Chicagoans who failed to pay their rent for April this year shot up 60% over last year, according to a Chicago Department of Housing survey.
Adding to the problem, as you would expect, is that those who are most likely to fall behind in their rent now are those who were barely getting by all along. Half of Chicago renters were “rent burdened” even before the coronavirus hit, meaning they already were spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent.
Editorials bug Editorials
What should they do? Where can they turn?
Rent strikes backfire
Housing activists in big cities across the country — Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Austin — are pushing one solution: A rent strike. You know, just don’t pay.
Not only should people who have lost jobs and income refuse to pay their rent, the activists say, but so should all other renters in an act of “solidarity.” Only then, the activists argue, will landlords agree to cancel or suspend rents and late fees until the pandemic subsides and people return to work.
We wish we could sign on to such an attractively simple solution to a complex problem. Nobody should be hounded for the rent during a nationwide economic collapse.
But a rent strike just pushes the problem along to another group of victims of the pandemic — landlords who may be up against it themselves — and fails to account for other damaging ripple effects.
Some landlords won’t be able to make mortgage payments. They won’t be able to pay property taxes or service fees, such as for water. They won’t be able to hire plumbers, electricians and roofers. Buildings would fall into disrepair.
Nor do we favor a proposed change in Illinois law, or an executive order by the governor, to allow municipalities to impose a moratorium or cap on rents during — and even after — the pandemic.
Rent control, economists on the left and right generally agree, has always been a superficial and ultimately counterproductive fix to the problem of high rents. It leads to greater shortages of affordable housing as landlords pump up rents elsewhere to make up the difference, defer building maintenance and convert apartments to condominiums.
Pay if you can — and no evictions
It’s important to stress that the typical Chicago landlord is not some huge corporate entity that enjoys a hefty financial cushion. It is the married couple or small group of investors who own a six-flat, or maybe a few six-flats. The typical Chicago landlord, surveys show, owns 32 rental units and does not have enough money in the bank to weather a long-term loss of rent.
A more realistic solution begins with people who still can afford to pay their rent doing just that. That’s real “solidarity.” It gives landlords more financial room to work out deals with tenants who are hurting. It keeps tax revenue flowing for services such as the schools and police. It keeps the handyman employed.
Coronavirus Data The numbers that tell the story: Our coronavirus data tracking On our Coronavirus Data page, you’ll find a collection of graphs, charts and maps tracing the spread of the virus, tracking test results and plotting the impact on individual counties. Check back daily for updated totals.
The average Chicago landlord — call us naive — is not looking to throw tenants into the street. “From day one, most people in the industry have had a lot of empathy for those who, through no fault of their own, are put in this position,” Michael Glasser, of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance, told us. “These are uncharted times, but work with us.”
And as a partial protection against the more ruthless landlords — those who demand full rent payments no matter who or what or how — Gov. J.B. Pritzker on March 20 put a halt on evictions in Illinois until the state’s stay-at-home order is lifted. Fourteen other states and 24 cities have done the same.
Tenants in government-subsidized housing are protected from eviction for up to six months by provisions in the CARES Act, the federal economic stimulus package.
Better solutions
More promising approaches to rescuing hard-hit renters generally involve leveraging federal government assistance or tax breaks to encourage landlords and tenants to work together. One provision of a proposed bill by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., for example, would offer forgivable federal loans to landlords who waive rent and extend leases during the pandemic.
As with so many aspects of our nation’s response to the coronavirus, local government can do only so much. In pretty much every way, this is a national crisis.
Chicago is now providing grants to city residents who lost their jobs or were otherwise economically impacted by the coronavirus and need help making rent and mortgage payments. It’s a worthy program, but the grants so far — $1,000 apiece to some 2,000 recipients — represent only a fraction of the assistance needed.
Congress has the most power to pressure banks to offer mortgage forbearance to landlords hit hardest by the crisis, putting the landlords in a better position to let the rent slide for tenants. And only Congress can provide emergency rental assistance at a level that would substantially shore up municipal housing budgets, as Chicago’s Department of Housing has suggested.
A rent strike would pit us against each other, though we’re fighting a deadly virus that would freely take us all down. We can do better than that.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--A grandma’s bittersweet relief from isolation: Watching my grandson’s first steps over and over and

A grandma’s bittersweet relief from isolation: Watching my grandson’s first steps over and over and over again

A semi-retired Sneed , who falls into the COVID-19 killer category , has been playing it safe while the pandemic clock unwinds .
But I missed a few steps along the way .
Baby steps .
In the midst of this coronavirus-induced madness , a very splendid baby stood upright .
My only grandchild , the Mighty Magnus — now 14 months old — walked .
And grandma wasn ’ t there to see it .
At my age , 76 , it was a last chance sort of feeling .
An Easter visit had been canceled fearing Magnus might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me .
It ’ s hard to think of myself that way .
But too true .
So now I have a new happy bedtime routine : watching a video taken by my son , Patrick , of the moment the magic Magnus walked to his mother , Becca , for the first time .
And so it goes .
As a child , I experienced the polio epidemic and practiced the “ duck and cover ” drill under my third-grade desk while picking my nose during the Cold War in the 1950s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My strength-training regimen now consists of surfing channels ; phoning three sisters who live far away ; texting friends ; Zooming buddies ; reorganizing old files , and ordering pastries and fresh bread from Three Tarts bakery .
Cinnamon scones and apricot rugelach today ?
Why not .
In addition to feeding two dogs , petting two dogs , talking to two dogs , I ’ m now convincing myself I have two vicious guard dogs who now attempt to assault any critter that appears on my TV screen .
Finding time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change bedsheets , match socks , wash dishes , sanitize counters , vacuum carpets , polish furniture , chase doggie dust bunnies , spritz plants , and dust floors — all with a frozen knee — is no problem now .
Did I mention my second knee replacement is stiff as a corpse in an ice house ?
By the way .
I fibbed .
I have yet to meet my ironing board .
I have also found time to focus on my health .
In the midst of exhausting housekeeping madness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls updating my doctor on my latest COVID-19 symptom .
“ No , ” he gently states .
“ You don ’ t qualify for the COVID-19 test.
” As a person of age caught in the coronavirus gunsight , I am not one of those people guilty of hoarding toilet paper and disinfectants .
I just happen to always possess a ton of toilet paper .
And please note : Disinfectants in my fussy ZIP code have been a missing commodity on our grocery shelves for the past five weeks .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Canned whole peaches in thick syrup ; milk , half and half , cream , four dozen eggs , and Chinese sauces !
What ’ s that all about ?
Lettuce now has time to wilt .
And my TV time has a new life of its own .
Fox News is a hoot !
Watching President Donald Trump lie , imply , implode , explode and explain until I ’ m in pain is excruciating , but watching the good guys giving it up and paying it upfront for the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspirational .
Now simply being able to watch the spring migration of birds from my back porch mitigates the danger of a virus lurking outside my door .
But missing those first baby steps was hard .
Pew news : Cardinal Blase Cupich ’ s appointment of Kellogg School of Management dean Sally Blount as chief executive of Catholic Charities not only makes her the first lay person to lead the 103-year-old charity , but is in keeping with Cupich ’ s tradition of appointing women to top Archdiocesan jobs .
.
.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been delivering free homemade food to the city ’ s health care workers in his Flamingo mini bus , just delivered homemade ravioli and sauce to 600 firefighters as part of his plan to service food to 3,400 firefighters at 96 firehouses .
.
.
.
Saturday ’ s birthdays : Al Pacino , 80 ; Tim Duncan , 44 ; and Len Goodman , 76. .
.
.
Sunday ’ s birthdays : Melania Trump , 50 ; Aaron Judge , 28 ; and Carol Burnett , 87 .

Ah, isolation.
One step at a time.
A semi-retired Sneed, who falls into the COVID-19 killer category, has been playing it safe while the pandemic clock unwinds.
But I missed a few steps along the way. Baby steps.
In the midst of this coronavirus-induced madness, a very splendid baby stood upright.
My only grandchild, the Mighty Magnus — now 14 months old — walked. And grandma wasn’t there to see it.
At my age, 76, it was a last chance sort of feeling. An Easter visit had been canceled fearing Magnus might prove a deadly magnet to an elderly me.
It’s hard to think of myself that way. But too true.
So now I have a new happy bedtime routine: watching a video taken by my son, Patrick, of the moment the magic Magnus walked to his mother, Becca, for the first time.
And so it goes.
Sneed’s grandson, Magnus, takes his first steps to his mother, Becca. Provided photo
As a child, I experienced the polio epidemic and practiced the “duck and cover” drill under my third-grade desk while picking my nose during the Cold War in the 1950s.
Now the world is topsy-turvy again.
Isolation has forged new crazy routines.
My strength-training regimen now consists of surfing channels; phoning three sisters who live far away; texting friends; Zooming buddies; reorganizing old files, and ordering pastries and fresh bread from Three Tarts bakery.
Cinnamon scones and apricot rugelach today? Why not.
In addition to feeding two dogs, petting two dogs, talking to two dogs, I’m now convincing myself I have two vicious guard dogs who now attempt to assault any critter that appears on my TV screen.
It’s hilarious.
Finding time to iron clothes, wash clothes, change bedsheets, match socks, wash dishes, sanitize counters, vacuum carpets, polish furniture, chase doggie dust bunnies, spritz plants, and dust floors — all with a frozen knee — is no problem now.
Did I mention my second knee replacement is stiff as a corpse in an ice house?
By the way. I fibbed. I have yet to meet my ironing board.
I have also found time to focus on my health.
In the midst of exhausting housekeeping madness, time has been segregated for biweekly phone calls updating my doctor on my latest COVID-19 symptom.
“No,” he gently states. “You don’t qualify for the COVID-19 test.”
“Vodka instead?” I ask.
“Good idea,” the doctor chirps.
As a person of age caught in the coronavirus gunsight, I am not one of those people guilty of hoarding toilet paper and disinfectants.
I just happen to always possess a ton of toilet paper.
And please note: Disinfectants in my fussy ZIP code have been a missing commodity on our grocery shelves for the past five weeks.
And there are new residents in my ICEBOX! Canned whole peaches in thick syrup; milk, half and half, cream, four dozen eggs, and Chinese sauces! What’s that all about? Lettuce now has time to wilt.
And my TV time has a new life of its own. Fox News is a hoot!
Watching President Donald Trump lie, imply, implode, explode and explain until I’m in pain is excruciating, but watching the good guys giving it up and paying it upfront for the health care workers and police and firefighters is inspirational.
Now simply being able to watch the spring migration of birds from my back porch mitigates the danger of a virus lurking outside my door.
But missing those first baby steps was hard.
Sneedlings . . .
Pew news: Cardinal Blase Cupich’s appointment of Kellogg School of Management dean Sally Blount as chief executive of Catholic Charities not only makes her the first lay person to lead the 103-year-old charity, but is in keeping with Cupich’s tradition of appointing women to top Archdiocesan jobs. . . . Restaurateur Phil Stefani, who has been delivering free homemade food to the city’s health care workers in his Flamingo mini bus, just delivered homemade ravioli and sauce to 600 firefighters as part of his plan to service food to 3,400 firefighters at 96 firehouses. . . . Saturday’s birthdays: Al Pacino, 80; Tim Duncan, 44; and Len Goodman, 76. . . . Sunday’s birthdays: Melania Trump, 50; Aaron Judge, 28; and Carol Burnett, 87.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Bears draft Notre Dame, St. Viator alum Cole Kmet in Round 2

The Bears didn ’ t go far to find their next tight end , drafting St. Viator and Notre Dame alum Cole Kmet in the second round of the NFL draft on Friday .
The 6-foot-6 , 262-pound Kmet grew up a Bears fan .
He ’ s young — Kmet turned 21 in March — and has room to grow .
He left Notre Dame a year early after catching 43 passes for 515 yards last year .
He spent two years on the baseball team and served as the Irish ’ s closer as a freshman , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football .
He said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he was well-aware of the Bears ’ need at tight end .
“ For sure , I definitely looked at it , ” he said in February .
“ And it would be a great opportunity to play in Chicago , play in the hometown .
That would be a lot of fun.
” The White Sox considered drafting him out of high school .
Now , he gets to stay home and play a different sport — as the first tight end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created an opening at the position exactly a week ago when they cut Trey Burton , who spent most of 2019 injured .
They signed starter Jimmy Graham to a two-year , $ 16 million deal with $ 9 million guaranteed last month .
The Bears have 10 tight ends on their roster , the most in the league .
Kmet watched the draft from his parents ’ home in Arlington Heights .
For the second-straight year , the Bears did not have a first-round pick this year as a result of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night with two first-round picks : at No .
43 and 50 .

The Bears didn’t go far to find their next tight end, drafting St. Viator and Notre Dame alum Cole Kmet in the second round of the NFL draft on Friday.
The 6-foot-6, 262-pound Kmet grew up a Bears fan. He’s young — Kmet turned 21 in March — and has room to grow. He left Notre Dame a year early after catching 43 passes for 515 yards last year. He spent two years on the baseball team and served as the Irish’s closer as a freshman, but gave up the sport to focus on football.
He said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he was well-aware of the Bears’ need at tight end.
“ I know they’ve been looking for a tight end to fit in the room,” he said. “And I know they just signed Jimmy [Graham], and I think I’m a little different type of player than Jimmy in terms of how I play and how I can be used.
“I know that coach [Matt] Nagy likes to use tight ends in his offense, and he’s looking for tight ends that can go in and compete and be able to execute his offense. So I know it was a need and I’m really excited to get in there and get going.”
The White Sox considered drafting him out of high school, even hosting him for a workout at what was then U.S. Cellular Field. Now, he gets to stay home and play a different sport — as the first tight end selected in the draft.
“I worked out for them and they definitely entertained the possibility of them wanting to pick me up in the draft if I wanted to do that,” he said.” But at the end of the day, I wanted to still play football. And I wanted to still play baseball at Notre Dame.”
The Bears created an opening at the position exactly a week ago when they cut Trey Burton, who spent most of 2019 injured. They signed starter Jimmy Graham to a two-year, $16 million deal with $9 million guaranteed last month. The Bears have 10 tight ends on their roster, the most in the league.
Kmet watched the draft from his parents’ home in Arlington Heights.
For the second-straight year, the Bears did not have a first-round pick this year as a result of the Khalil Mack trade. They entered Friday night with two first-round picks: at No. 43 and 50.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Four-letter fiasco: Virtual City Council meeting turns profane

It started when an unidentified male voice was heard saying , “ No one here knows what the f -- - they ’ re voting on.
” That was followed by Ald .
Susan Sadlowski Garza ( 10th ) saying , “ This is a total s -- t show.
” Sadlowski Garza , who is one of Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s closest Council allies , apparently didn ’ t know that her microphone was still on — or had forgotten to mute it despite repeated warnings .
She voiced her frustrations as Ald .
Andre Vasquez ( 40th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the date of the next City Council meeting for two weeks from now instead of May 20 .
Earlier this week , Lightfoot admonished Ald .
Ray Lopez ( 15th ) for using what she called “ profanity ” when he answered a roll call by saying , “ Hell , no.
” When Lopez heard Friday ’ s obscenities , he asked for a point of order and demanded to know whether Lightfoot intended to admonish her own ally for using profanity .
“ This was five levels above , ‘ Hell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she didn ’ t hear it and tried to move on .
Next , Ald .
Walter Burnett ( 27th ) asked : “ Are we being punked ?
Is this a punk show ?
” Lopez then hit the “ raise hand ” button on his computer , asking to be recognized , as the mayor had requested .
Lightfoot ignored it .
Lopez didn ’ t let up .
He was trying to invoke Rule 13 of Roberts Rules of Order , allowing Council members whose reputations have been impugned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put me on blast on Wednesday for saying , ‘ Hell no , ’ but not hear the outrageous profanity by two of her chairmen and an unknown member within her office is hypocritical at best and completely Trump-like at worst , ” Lopez said after the meeting .
Lightfoot ruled Lopez out of order , and the City Council upheld that ruling of the chair by a vote of 35 to 13 .
Only after Lopez demanded she address the lack of decorum did Lightfoot admonish aldermen : “ Our children are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After the meeting , the mayor was asked whether she has given any thought to keeping aldermanic microphones off at future Council meetings until she recognizes them .
“ Well , obviously having virtual City Council meetings has its moments , ” she said .
“ I think , for the most part , the meetings have gone fine .
Some aldermen get excited and want to speak before either their colleagues or the chair are finished .
But that ’ s to be expected in a virtual City Council meeting where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other at the same time.
” The mayor said it ’ s important for all elected officials — aldermen and the mayor included — to “ maintain the dignity ” Chicagoans deserve .
“ Literally on today ’ s broadcast , people were watching all over the world .
I think they saw democracy in action .
But I think they also saw some things that are regrettable , ” she said .
Sadlowski-Garza could not be reached for comment .
It ’ s not the first time the always outspoken alderman has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Teachers Union rally during the teachers strike last fall , a provocative video that circulated on social media showed Garza stepping to the podium and saying , “ That ’ s right , mother-f -- -er !
”

A virtual City Council meeting turned into a profane, finger-pointing circus on Friday.
It started when an unidentified male voice was heard saying, “No one here knows what the f--- they’re voting on.”
That was followed by Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10th) saying, “This is a total s--t show.”
Sadlowski Garza, who is one of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s closest Council allies, apparently didn’t know that her microphone was still on — or had forgotten to mute it despite repeated warnings.
She voiced her frustrations as Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) made a failed attempt to set the date of the next City Council meeting for two weeks from now instead of May 20.
Earlier this week, Lightfoot admonished Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) for using what she called “profanity” when he answered a roll call by saying, “Hell, no.”
When Lopez heard Friday’s obscenities, he asked for a point of order and demanded to know whether Lightfoot intended to admonish her own ally for using profanity.
“This was five levels above, ‘Hell, no.’”
The mayor said she didn’t hear it and tried to move on.
Next, Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) asked: “Are we being punked? Is this a punk show?”
Lopez then hit the “raise hand” button on his computer, asking to be recognized, as the mayor had requested. Lightfoot ignored it.
Lopez didn’t let up. He was trying to invoke Rule 13 of Roberts Rules of Order, allowing Council members whose reputations have been impugned to defend themselves.
“For her to put me on blast on Wednesday for saying, ‘Hell no,’ but not hear the outrageous profanity by two of her chairmen and an unknown member within her office is hypocritical at best and completely Trump-like at worst,” Lopez said after the meeting.
Lightfoot ruled Lopez out of order, and the City Council upheld that ruling of the chair by a vote of 35 to 13.
Only after Lopez demanded she address the lack of decorum did Lightfoot admonish aldermen: “Our children are watching,” the mayor reminded them.
After the meeting, the mayor was asked whether she has given any thought to keeping aldermanic microphones off at future Council meetings until she recognizes them.
“Well, obviously having virtual City Council meetings has its moments,” she said.
“I think, for the most part, the meetings have gone fine. Some aldermen get excited and want to speak before either their colleagues or the chair are finished. But that’s to be expected in a virtual City Council meeting where we can’t all see each other at the same time.”
The mayor said it’s important for all elected officials — aldermen and the mayor included — to “maintain the dignity” Chicagoans deserve.
“Literally on today’s broadcast, people were watching all over the world. I think they saw democracy in action. But I think they also saw some things that are regrettable,” she said.
Sadlowski-Garza could not be reached for comment.
It’s not the first time the always outspoken alderman has used profanity publicly.
During a raucous Chicago Teachers Union rally during the teachers strike last fall, a provocative video that circulated on social media showed Garza stepping to the podium and saying, “That’s right, mother-f---er!”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--No question about it. Reporters must do better.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prevents government intrusion on journalists ’ rights to tell their stories and your rights to read or watch or listen to them .
But that means things can get messy .
Some reporters can make everyone else look bad .
“ There are no bad questions , ” is something I learned growing up .
But after doing this job for a number of years , I ’ m here to tell you that , yes , there are bad questions .
I ’ ve been guilty of that over the years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remote question to the governor on April 24 because I got into a hurry and mistyped it .
Oops .
Too often , though , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s daily press conferences have become a theater of the absurd .
We ’ re in the midst of a global crisis that might eventually prove to be empire-changing .
On top of the massive health scare , the nation is suffering through its sharpest employment and business collapse in its entire history .
And on top of that , news media outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greed and systemic readership changes — are in very real danger of disappearing forever at a time when we desperately need them the most .
So , you ’ d think that present circumstances would bring out the best in reporters .
It definitely has in a lot of them , but it hasn ’ t in others .
We ’ ve had the repetitive and even childish “ Are we there yet ?
” sorts of questions for weeks on end , sometimes three , four or five a day during Pritzker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rise , the virus continues to spread throughout the state and deaths have taken an alarming upward turn .
It ’ s like some news reporters can ’ t see the news in front of their faces .
And , too often , it ’ s those very reporters who are the ones hogging the question period .
Some ask questions that can be answered with simple Google searches .
For instance , a reporter recently asked the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health ( who appears with the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in the ICU .
That information is posted on the IDPH website every day .
The briefings aren ’ t supposed to be quiz shows .
And then there are those who advocate for their own personal hobbies or interests .
“ Golf courses , ” a Chicago TV reporter recently told the governor .
“ People are so anxious just to get out on the green , to be outside .
Golf courses .
Maybe you could do it in a socially distant kind of way ?
” There are questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was lobbying .
The governor clearly said in response to a reporter ’ s recent question that he would definitely not be following the lead of Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp when it came to loosening his own stay at home order .
Gov .
Kemp imposed a stay at home order and then decided to reverse some of it , and even President Donald Trump repeatedly criticized his flip-flop .
But some reporters acted shocked on April 23 when Pritzker extended his own order .
And some of their questions went off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst day of all .
A reporter for a suburban newspaper proclaimed : “ Many people in rural parts of the state want to quarantine Chicago and the suburbs and reopen parts of Downstate Illinois that aren ’ t seeing infection rates like the urban areas .
Why has the state not done that ?
” Reporters should give voice to the voiceless , but the governor has repeatedly said the virus is everywhere and quarantining one area wouldn ’ t work and he was rightly stunned .
A talk show host for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended soliloquy on bankruptcy and Puerto Rico .
Another reporter claimed Pritzker had been accused by some Republican lawmakers of “ operating in a bubble.
” Pritzker denied it , and I spent some time looking for an instance of anyone saying that and couldn ’ t find anything .
Maybe I missed it .
A reporter for a conservative news site asked how the governor could justify raises for state workers , even though most state employees have binding union contracts and the governor can ’ t just wave a magic wand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on like that for what seemed like forever .
Many , many reporters have asked thoughtful , well-researched and tough questions over the weeks .
They are my heroes .
But I have been getting an uneasy feeling lately that those questions are being drowned out by the stupid ones , and it ’ s undermining everyone ’ s credibility at a crucial moment in history .
We just got ta do better .
Myself included .

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prevents government intrusion on journalists’ rights to tell their stories and your rights to read or watch or listen to them.
But that means things can get messy. Some reporters can make everyone else look bad.
“There are no bad questions,” is something I learned growing up. But after doing this job for a number of years, I’m here to tell you that, yes, there are bad questions.
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
I’ve been guilty of that over the years. Heck, I messed up my own remote question to the governor on April 24 because I got into a hurry and mistyped it. Oops.
Too often, though, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s daily press conferences have become a theater of the absurd.
We’re in the midst of a global crisis that might eventually prove to be empire-changing. On top of the massive health scare, the nation is suffering through its sharpest employment and business collapse in its entire history. And on top of that, news media outlets — already reeling from years of corporate greed and systemic readership changes — are in very real danger of disappearing forever at a time when we desperately need them the most.
So, you’d think that present circumstances would bring out the best in reporters. It definitely has in a lot of them, but it hasn’t in others.
We’ve had the repetitive and even childish “Are we there yet?” sorts of questions for weeks on end, sometimes three, four or five a day during Pritzker pressers. All asked while hospitalizations continue to rise, the virus continues to spread throughout the state and deaths have taken an alarming upward turn. It’s like some news reporters can’t see the news in front of their faces. And, too often, it’s those very reporters who are the ones hogging the question period.
Some ask questions that can be answered with simple Google searches. For instance, a reporter recently asked the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (who appears with the governor every day) how many COVID-19 patients were in the ICU. That information is posted on the IDPH website every day. The briefings aren’t supposed to be quiz shows.
And then there are those who advocate for their own personal hobbies or interests.
“Golf courses,” a Chicago TV reporter recently told the governor. “People are so anxious just to get out on the green, to be outside. Golf courses. Maybe you could do it in a socially distant kind of way?”
There are questions and then there is lobbying. That was lobbying.
The governor clearly said in response to a reporter’s recent question that he would definitely not be following the lead of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp when it came to loosening his own stay at home order.
Gov. Kemp imposed a stay at home order and then decided to reverse some of it, and even President Donald Trump repeatedly criticized his flip-flop.
But some reporters acted shocked on April 23 when Pritzker extended his own order. And some of their questions went off the rails. It was perhaps the worst day of all.
A reporter for a suburban newspaper proclaimed: “Many people in rural parts of the state want to quarantine Chicago and the suburbs and reopen parts of Downstate Illinois that aren’t seeing infection rates like the urban areas. Why has the state not done that?”
Reporters should give voice to the voiceless, but the governor has repeatedly said the virus is everywhere and quarantining one area wouldn’t work and he was rightly stunned.
A talk show host for a small Chicago radio station delivered an extended soliloquy on bankruptcy and Puerto Rico. Another reporter claimed Pritzker had been accused by some Republican lawmakers of “operating in a bubble.” Pritzker denied it, and I spent some time looking for an instance of anyone saying that and couldn’t find anything. Maybe I missed it.
A reporter for a conservative news site asked how the governor could justify raises for state workers, even though most state employees have binding union contracts and the governor can’t just wave a magic wand to get rid of them. It went on like that for what seemed like forever.
Many, many reporters have asked thoughtful, well-researched and tough questions over the weeks. They are my heroes. But I have been getting an uneasy feeling lately that those questions are being drowned out by the stupid ones, and it’s undermining everyone’s credibility at a crucial moment in history. We just gotta do better. Myself included.
Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--U. of I. still planning on-campus instruction this fall, asks new students to commit by May 1

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is planning for students to return to its campus next fall , but is offering options for students who can ’ t return or would prefer to take online classes instead .
In a letter to current and potential students sent this week , Andy Borst , director of undergraduate admissions at the state ’ s largest public university , said the school is “ doing all we can to provide an on-campus learning experience for our students in the fall .
We are planning for in-person classes to begin as scheduled.
” But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed the option of taking courses online in the fall and switch to on-campus instruction for a subsequent semester .
Students were also given the option of delaying their start at the school by up to two semesters after they ’ ve been accepted , Borst said .
But students will not be allowed to take classes at other colleges during that time — including community colleges — if they defer .
Students have until August to decide .
Still , whether the state will even allow students to return to campuses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if they can , whether they should .
“ Please be assured that your health and well-being are our highest priority as we consider several scenarios for fall instruction , ” the university wrote , telling students additional information would be provided about fall instruction in mid-June .
Healthcare experts have warned of a possible resurgence of the COVID-19 virus in the fall , even if there is a decline in cases over the summer due to social distancing measures and increased testing .
One ongoing study by a sociology professor at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show how the virus could be spread found that even though the majority of students don ’ t directly share a class together , those students are still tightly linked across campus .
Analyzing those networks , the study found “ 73 % of students can reach each other in two steps or less , 99 % in three steps , ” professor Kim Weeden tweeted April 12 .
The networks “ create fertile social conditions for an epidemic spread , even if only considering the connections among students created through courses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic is also likely to be of concern for students .
Many state schools are concerned about a potential drop in enrollment next semester and have asked their representatives to the U.S. Congress for additional funding , including U. of I. U. of I. also announced it will allow students , whose 2020-2021 FAFSA application may be outdated due to millions of Americans being recently unemployed by the shelter-in-place efforts to halt the spread of the COVID-19 virus , to re-submit updated financial information to the the school ’ s office of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding , Borst said .
The school also has announced a new students will not have to pay a planned 1.8 percent tuition hike that was going into effect next year .
Students planning to attend this fall will still need to accept their offer of admission by May 1 , although students can request an extension , according to the letter .

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is planning for students to return to its campus next fall, but it’s offering options for students who can’t return or would prefer to delay starting at the school in the fall after accepting.
In a letter to potential students sent this week, Andy Borst, director of undergraduate admissions at the state’s largest public university, said the school is “doing all we can to provide an on-campus learning experience for our students in the fall. We are planning for in-person classes to begin as scheduled.”
But Borst also told students if they “are unable to arrive on campus prior to the start of the fall semester,” they will be allowed the option of taking courses online in the fall and switching to on-campus instruction for a subsequent semester.
“A student may elect to take classes through a variety of formats based on their unique circumstances that they will discuss with an academic advisor at our online New Student Registration programs,” Borst said in a follow-up statement to the Sun-Times on Saturday about how students could ask to continue remote learning.
Students were also given the option of delaying their start at the school by up to two semesters after they’ve been accepted, Borst said. But students will not be allowed to take classes at other colleges during that time — including community colleges — if they defer. Students have until August to decide.
Still, whether the state will even allow students to return to campuses in the fall is an open questions — and if they can, whether they should.
“Please be assured that your health and well-being are our highest priority as we consider several scenarios for fall instruction,” the university wrote, telling students additional information would be provided about fall instruction in mid-June.
Healthcare experts have warned of a possible resurgence of the COVID-19 virus in the fall, even if there is a decline in cases over the summer due to social distancing measures and increased testing.
One ongoing study by a sociology professor at Cornell University that analyzed student networks to show how the virus could be spread found that even though the majority of students don’t directly share a class together, those students are still tightly linked across campus.
Analyzing those networks, the study found “73% of students can reach each other in two steps or less, 99% in three steps,” professor Kim Weeden tweeted April 12. The networks “create fertile social conditions for an epidemic spread, even if only considering the connections among students created through courses,” she wrote.
The economic fallout from the pandemic is also likely to be of concern for students. Many state schools, including the U of I, are concerned about a potential drop in enrollment next semester and have asked their representatives in the U.S. Congress for additional funding.
U. of I. also announced it will allow students, whose 2020-2021 FAFSA application may be outdated due to millions of Americans being recently unemployed by shelter-in-place orders, to re-submit updated financial information to the the school’s office of student financial aid to potentially receive additional funding, Borst said. The school also has announced new students will not have to pay a planned 1.8 percent tuition hike that was to take effect next year.
Students planning to attend this fall will still need to accept their offer of admission by May 1, although students can request an extension, according to the letter.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--Girl, 14, missing from West Rogers Park

Girl, 14, missing from West Rogers Park

Police are looking for a 14-year-old girl last seen in West Rogers Park on the North Side .
Mumtaz Rafik @ @ @ @ @ the 6100 block of North Talman Avenue , Chicago police said .
She may need @ @ @ @ @ 5-foot-3 , 120 pounds and has brown eyes and black hair , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ to call Area North detectives at 312-744-8266 .

Police are looking for a 14-year-old girl last seen in West Rogers Park on the North Side.
Mumtaz Rafik was last seen Thursday in the 6100 block of North Talman Avenue, Chicago police said. She may need medical attention.
Rafik is 5-foot-3, 120 pounds and has brown eyes and black hair, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area North detectives at 312-744-8266.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--Dear Abby: One son or the other will hate our decision on where to live

DEAR ABBY : My wife and I have a dilemma we don ’ t know how to handle .
We both recently retired .
Our sons ( both married with children ) live in other states .
Since my wife and I no longer have family here , we are going to move close to one of our sons .
Our dilemma : They both want us to move near them , but they are 2,000 miles apart .
Both of the states they live in are similar in terms of taxes , home prices , cost of living , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like to go and found a home to purchase .
How do we tell our other son why we moved where we did ?
He ’ s going to be very hurt and feel that we favor his brother , which couldn ’ t be further from the truth .
Both are financially stable ( as are my wife and I ) , so that is not an issue .
I ’ m sure many people would feel blessed to have two sons who both want their parents close by .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other ?
— NEARBY IN CALIFORNIA DEAR NEARBY : Do not tell either brother that you picked the one you did .
You chose a location .
Why did you arrive at the decision you did ?
Make a list of the reasons you made your choice and recite them when you are asked .
You are all adults .
Your reasons are valid ones , and this should not be couched in terms of one son being loved better than the other , which is childish .
DEAR ABBY : Seven years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hadn ’ t paid our mortgage and credit card bills for more than two years , and our home of 23 years was in preforeclosure .
Once the secret was out , we managed to save the house ( thankfully ) .
Problem is , I no longer trust my husband and often doubt what he says .
My priority was to save our home , but now I am no longer sure I want to stay with him .
Our 40th anniversary is this year , but I feel bitter and resentful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave , but I ’ m scared I am making the wrong decision .
Help , please .
— MIXED UP IN MASSACHUSETTS DEAR MIXED UP : Because I have no idea why your husband behaved so irresponsibly , you need to hash this out with a licensed marriage and family therapist .
You should also consult an attorney .
IF you decide to stay , it is imperative that you be in a position to closely monitor any financial actions and obligations in your household .
DEAR ABBY : I like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they ’ re out of town .
I have been doing it for decades .
Normally it ’ s no big deal , but last weekend they returned home earlier than usual and caught me in the act .
Now my wife is ashamed to show her face around the neighborhood , and she ’ s blaming me for the whole thing .
Abby , I have a simple solution to this mess .
If the neighbors don ’ t want me jumping on their trampoline , they should cough up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t you agree ?
— BOUNCING INTO TROUBLE DEAR BOUNCING : If you are so jumpy and can ’ t keep your feet on the ground , it may be time to buy your own trampoline , which would save your wife a world of embarrassment .
Your comment about the neighbors building a fence may have been offered in jest , but it is sensible .
If someone ’ s child were to play on that trampoline in their absence and be injured , your neighbor could wind up paying a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fence .
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 .
What teens need to know about sex , drugs , AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “ What Every Teen Should Know.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have a dilemma we don’t know how to handle. We both recently retired. Our sons (both married with children) live in other states. Since my wife and I no longer have family here, we are going to move close to one of our sons. Our dilemma: They both want us to move near them, but they are 2,000 miles apart.
Both of the states they live in are similar in terms of taxes, home prices, cost of living, etc. We have decided where we would like to go and found a home to purchase. How do we tell our other son why we moved where we did? He’s going to be very hurt and feel that we favor his brother, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Both are financially stable (as are my wife and I), so that is not an issue.
I’m sure many people would feel blessed to have two sons who both want their parents close by. How do we tell one we picked the other? — NEARBY IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR NEARBY: Do not tell either brother that you picked the one you did. You chose a location.
Why did you arrive at the decision you did? Make a list of the reasons you made your choice and recite them when you are asked. You are all adults. Your reasons are valid ones, and this should not be couched in terms of one son being loved better than the other, which is childish.
DEAR ABBY: Seven years ago, I found out my husband hadn’t paid our mortgage and credit card bills for more than two years, and our home of 23 years was in preforeclosure. Once the secret was out, we managed to save the house (thankfully).
Problem is, I no longer trust my husband and often doubt what he says. My priority was to save our home, but now I am no longer sure I want to stay with him. Our 40th anniversary is this year, but I feel bitter and resentful about his irresponsible decisions. I want to leave, but I’m scared I am making the wrong decision. Help, please. — MIXED UP IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR MIXED UP: Because I have no idea why your husband behaved so irresponsibly, you need to hash this out with a licensed marriage and family therapist. You should also consult an attorney. IF you decide to stay, it is imperative that you be in a position to closely monitor any financial actions and obligations in your household.
DEAR ABBY: I like to jump on our neighbors’ trampoline when they’re out of town. I have been doing it for decades. Normally it’s no big deal, but last weekend they returned home earlier than usual and caught me in the act. Now my wife is ashamed to show her face around the neighborhood, and she’s blaming me for the whole thing.
Abby, I have a simple solution to this mess. If the neighbors don’t want me jumping on their trampoline, they should cough up the money for a privacy fence. Don’t you agree? — BOUNCING INTO TROUBLE
DEAR BOUNCING: If you are so jumpy and can’t keep your feet on the ground, it may be time to buy your own trampoline, which would save your wife a world of embarrassment.
Your comment about the neighbors building a fence may have been offered in jest, but it is sensible. If someone’s child were to play on that trampoline in their absence and be injured, your neighbor could wind up paying a lot more than the cost of a fence.
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.
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--Ryan Pace: Cole Kmet, Jaylon Johnson too good to pass up

Bears general manager Ryan Pace has traded up or down with his first or second draft pick every year since playing it straight in his first year as GM in 2015 .
But he didn ’ t pussy-foot around this time .
With five holes to fill and what is considered a deep second round , Pace saw an opportunity to get what he wanted and didn ’ t play any games .
He resisted offers to trade down at both No .
43 and No .
50 overall in the second round and there was apparent quick consensus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at No .
43 and Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson at No .
50 .
Time will tell if they were right .
For now , all we know is they were resolute .
“ We had scenarios where we could trade down from both of them .
And we talked those out , ” Pace said .
“ But once we knew those players were going to be there , we were excited to select them at those points .
“ When Cole was there [ at No .
43 ] , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just crossed our fingers that there would be a handful of players that we still liked [ at No .
50 ] .
We could have traded out of that pick , but when Jaylon was there we turned the card in quickly because he ’ s a guy we obviously had graded high.
” Everybody gets their guy on draft night .
For what it ’ s worth , here ’ s what Pace had to say about it : On Cole Kmet , who was rated the 29th best prospect in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kiper , Jr. : “ This is really your classic ‘ Y ’ [ in-line ] tight end , with prototypical size [ 6-6 , 262 ] and the athleticism we look for in the position .
He ’ s a big target , with natural hands .
He ’ s really tough after the catch .
And he really has the strength and temperament we want in the run game .
We feel his blocking is still improving , so there ’ s a lot of upside in that area.
” On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fifth best cornerback in the draft by Kiper , ahead of Ohio State ’ s Damon Arnette , who went to the Raiders at No .
19 : Jaylon has a really good combination of size , athleticism and awareness .
He ’ s that physical , press corner that uses his size really well .
He uses his strength to his advantage — to re-route receivers .
Jaylon is a really intelligent player … plays the game with excellent instincts and awareness.
” Cole Kmet will be a complement to Jimmy Graham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have two different styles to tight ends in this offense .
You have the ‘ U ’ tight end [ Graham ] and you have the ‘ Y ’ tight end , which is a little bit more of an in-line guy — good in the run game and he needs to gave the size to be able to do that and that ’ s what we see with Cole .
We think he pairs really well with Jimmy.
” Kmet is expected to develop into the all-around ‘ Y ’ tight end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He ’ s the complete package .
It ’ s hard to find these ‘ Y ’ tight ends that are really well-rounded in that he ’ s an asset in the pas game because of his size and hands .
He knows how to post up and body , collision and push off .
He runs well for his size .
“ But his blocking — he ’ s just got the frame and size and temperament , the demeanor where we all think he ’ s going to get better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-rounded ‘ Y ’ tight end , there ’ s not a lot of them .
So for to get him where we did , it was really advantageous for us.
” Johnson , like Kmet , fits the “ culture ” the Bears are building at Halas Hall : “ You get excited about the player and then our scouts come in [ for ] the fall meetings and they starting talking about the make-up .
[ Area scout ] Dave Williams is going into who this person is — his leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s story after story — film preparation , football intelligence ; strength coach loves him.. You combine [ what ’ s on tape ] with the make-up — and then we get into the interviews and the combine and we get really comfortable with the player and the complete package .
”

Bears general manager Ryan Pace has traded up or down with his first or second draft pick every year since playing it straight in his first year as GM in 2015. But he didn’t pussy-foot around this time.
With five holes to fill and what is considered a deep second round, Pace saw an opportunity to get what he wanted and didn’t play any games. He resisted offers to trade down at both No. 43 and No. 50 overall in the second round and there was apparent quick consensus in drafting Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet at No. 43 and Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson at No. 50.
Time will tell if they were right. For now, all we know is they were resolute.
“We had scenarios where we could trade down from both of them. And we talked those out,” Pace said. “But once we knew those players were going to be there, we were excited to select them at those points.
“When Cole was there [at No. 43], we were excited to get him there and just crossed our fingers that there would be a handful of players that we still liked [at No. 50]. We could have traded out of that pick, but when Jaylon was there we turned the card in quickly because he’s a guy we obviously had graded high.”
Everybody gets their guy on draft night. For what it’s worth, here’s what Pace had to say about it:
On Cole Kmet, who was rated the 29th best prospect in the draft by ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr.:
“This is really your classic ‘Y’ [in-line] tight end, with prototypical size [6-6, 262] and the athleticism we look for in the position. He’s a big target, with natural hands. He’s really tough after the catch. And he really has the strength and temperament we want in the run game. We feel his blocking is still improving, so there’s a lot of upside in that area.”
On Jaylon Johnson, who was rated the fifth best cornerback in the draft by Kiper, ahead of Ohio State’s Damon Arnette, who went to the Raiders at No. 19:
Jaylon has a really good combination of size, athleticism and awareness. He’s that physical, press corner that uses his size really well. He uses his strength to his advantage — to re-route receivers. Jaylon is a really intelligent player … plays the game with excellent instincts and awareness.”
Cole Kmet will be a complement to Jimmy Graham and Demetrius Harris:
“You really have two different styles to tight ends in this offense. You have the ‘U’ tight end [Graham] and you have the ‘Y’ tight end, which is a little bit more of an in-line guy — good in the run game and he needs to gave the size to be able to do that and that’s what we see with Cole. We think he pairs really well with Jimmy.”
Kmet is expected to develop into the all-around ‘Y’ tight end Nagy’s offense depends on:
“He’s the complete package. It’s hard to find these ‘Y’ tight ends that are really well-rounded in that he’s an asset in the pas game because of his size and hands. He knows how to post up and body, collision and push off. He runs well for his size.
“But his blocking — he’s just got the frame and size and temperament, the demeanor where we all think he’s going to get better as a blocker. To find that well-rounded ‘Y’ tight end, there’s not a lot of them. So for to get him where we did, it was really advantageous for us.”
Johnson, like Kmet, fits the “culture” the Bears are building at Halas Hall:
“You get excited about the player and then our scouts come in [for] the fall meetings and they starting talking about the make-up. [Area scout] Dave Williams is going into who this person is — his leadership, passion for the game; there’s story after story — film preparation, football intelligence; strength coach loves him.. You combine [what’s on tape] with the make-up — and then we get into the interviews and the combine and we get really comfortable with the player and the complete package.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--Man killed in Washington Park shooting: police

A man was found shot to death Saturday in Washington Park on the South Side .
Officers responding to a @ @ @ @ @ 4:08 a.m. in the 300 block of East 61st Street found him in the middle @ @ @ @ @ gunshot wound to the head , according to Chicago police .
The man , whose @ @ @ @ @ known , was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center , police said @ @ @ @ @ examiner ’ s office has not released details about the fatality .
No one is @ @ @ @ @ detectives investigate .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides @

A 29-year-old man was found shot to death Saturday in Washington Park on the South Side.
Officers responding to a ShotSpotter alert for gunfire at 4:08 a.m. in the 300 block of East 61st Street found a man in the middle of the street with a gunshot wound to the head, according to Chicago police. He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
An autopsy showed Kevontay Burnett-Williams died of multiple gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
No one is in custody as Area Central detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--NFL draft: Bears have a long wait until their first pick of Day 3

General manager Ryan Pace might get fidgety on Saturday .
The Bears aren ’ t slated to make their first pick of Day 3 until No .
163 overall — the 18th selection of the fifth round .
Starting with the Bengals ’ first pick of Round 4 , Pace will have to wait through 56 selections before making his move .
Or maybe he won ’ t .
Pace prides himself on having a “ no-regrets mindset , ” and has never been afraid to make trades on draft day .
“ You know how we are , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can be challenging , as you ’ re watching some of these names [ get picked ] .
But going into it , just with the foresight of knowing that we have five draft picks … We have an abundance of picks and albeit a lot of them are later .
So there was a lot of focus in that area of the draft , too.
” As Pace spoke , he looked at the two computer screens with the Bears ’ prospect rankings on it , and declared that plenty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so , as the Bears have a lot of quantity but low quality Saturday : two sixth-round picks ( No .
196 and 200 ) and two seventh-rounders .
( No .
226 and 233 ) .
Pace can package any of his five Day 3 picks to move up Saturday .
Or he can do what he did Friday — use the picks the Bears were given .
“ I ’ m just looking for where we are connected on players and where guys feel passionate on players , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re going to have a lot of that .
”

General manager Ryan Pace might get fidgety on Saturday.
The Bears aren’t slated to make their first pick of Day 3 until No. 163 overall — the 18th selection of the fifth round. Starting with the Bengals’ first pick of Round 4, Pace will have to wait through 56 selections before making his move.
Or maybe he won’t.
Pace prides himself on having a “no-regrets mindset,” and has never been afraid to make trades on draft day.
“You know how we are,” he said late Friday. “So it can be challenging, as you’re watching some of these names [get picked]. But going into it, just with the foresight of knowing that we have five draft picks … We have an abundance of picks and albeit a lot of them are later. So there was a lot of focus in that area of the draft, too.”
As Pace spoke, he looked at the two computer screens with the Bears’ prospect rankings on it, and declared that plenty of good players remain. He better hope so, as the Bears have a lot of quantity but low quality Saturday: two sixth-round picks (No. 196 and 200) and two seventh-rounders. (No. 226 and 233).
Pace can package any of his five Day 3 picks to move up Saturday. Or he can do what he did Friday — use the picks the Bears were given.
“I’m just looking for where we are connected on players and where guys feel passionate on players,” he said. “And I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of that.”


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--ATMs damaged at 2 NW Side banks: police

ATMs damaged at 2 NW Side banks: police

Two ATMs were damaged less than an hour apart at bank drive-thrus in Galewood and Montclare on the Northwest Side @ @ @ @ @ the drive-thru of a bank in a moving truck about 1 a.m. in the 7100 @ @ @ @ @ , Chicago police said .
They used a chain to pry open an ATM , @ @ @ @ @ if any money was stolen .
A Bank of America branch is located in that @ @ @ @ @ .
A similar break-in occurred at 1:55 a.m. in another bank drive-thru in the 7100 @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
Three suspects again used a chain attached to a moving truck @ @ @ @ @ , but it was not immediately clear whether any cash was taken .
Area North @ @ @ @ @ determine whether the same suspects and truck were involved in both cases , police said @ @ @ @ @ custody .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Two ATMs were damaged less than an hour apart at bank drive-thrus in Galewood and Montclare on the Northwest Side.
Three male suspects entered the drive-thru of a bank in a moving truck about 1 a.m. in the 7100 block of West North Avenue, Chicago police said. They used a chain to pry open an ATM, but it’s unknown if any money was stolen.
A Bank of America branch is located in that block at 7126 W. North.
A similar break-in occurred at 1:55 a.m. in another bank drive-thru in the 7100 block of West Grand Avenue, police said. Three suspects again used a chain attached to a moving truck to pry the ATM open, but it was not immediately clear whether any cash was taken.
A Chase Bank branch is located at 7180 W. Grand.
Area North detectives are still trying to determine whether the same suspects and truck were involved in both cases, police said. No one is in custody.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-04-24--Garage burglaries reported blocks apart in Ashburn: police

Police are warning Southwest Side residents of garage burglaries reported this month in Ashburn .
A burglary happened about 8 @ @ @ @ @ 3900 block of West 84th Place and another occurred two hours later in the 3800 @ @ @ @ @ , Chicago police said .
Two more burglaries took place on that block about 8 @ @ @ @ @ 17 , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives @ @ @ @ @ on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are warning Southwest Side residents of garage burglaries reported this month in Ashburn.
A burglary happened about 8 a.m. April 3 in the 3900 block of West 84th Place and another occurred two hours later in the 3800 block of the same street, Chicago police said.
Two more burglaries took place on that block about 8 a.m. April 12 and April 17, police said.
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--2020-04-24--2020 NFL Draft: Full results for Rounds 2-3

The 2020 NFL Draft pressed on Friday night with the second and third rounds held remotely .
Just like Thursday @ @ @ @ @ , GMs will made their picks from home while ESPN provided television coverage from its @ @ @ @ @ .
The run on wide receivers that started in the first round continued with the @ @ @ @ @ 2 .
The Bengals nabbed Clemson ’ s Tee Higgins to partner with Joe Burrow @ @ @ @ @ USC ’ s Michael Pittman Jr. to their passing game .
In all , seven @ @ @ @ @ round .
The Bears , armed with two second-round picks , addressed a pair of @ @ @ @ @ tight end Cole Kmet and Utah cornerback Jaylon Jackson .
Kmet was the only tight @ @ @ @ @ 90 picks .
Results for the second day of this year ’ s draft are @ @

The 2020 NFL Draft pressed on Friday night with the second and third rounds held remotely. Just like Thursday night for the first round, GMs will made their picks from home while ESPN provided television coverage from its studios in Bristol, Connecticut.
The run on wide receivers that started in the first round continued with the first two picks of Round 2. The Bengals nabbed Clemson’s Tee Higgins to partner with Joe Burrow, while the Colts added USC’s Michael Pittman Jr. to their passing game. In all, seven receivers went in the second round.
The Bears, armed with two second-round picks, addressed a pair of key needs with Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet and Utah cornerback Jaylon Jackson. Kmet was the only tight end selected in the top 90 picks.
Results for the second day of this year’s draft are below.
2020 NFL Draft results – Day 2
Round 2
33. Bengals – WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
34. Colts (via WSH) – WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC
35. Lions – RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia
36. Giants – S Xavier McKinney, Alabama
37. Patriots (via LAC) – S Kyle Dugger, Lenoir–Rhyne
38. Panthers – DE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
39. Dolphins – OL Robert Hunt, Louisiana-Lafayette
40. Texans (via ARI) – DT Ross Blacklock, TCU
41. Colts (via CLE) – RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
42. Jaguars – WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado
43. BEARS (via LV) – TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
44. Browns (via IND) – S Grant Delpit, LSU
45. Buccaneers – S Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota
46. Broncos – WR KJ Hamler, Penn State
47. Falcons – DE Marlon Davidson, Auburn
48. Seahawks (via NYJ) – DE Darrell Taylor, Tennessee
49. Steelers – WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
50. BEARS – CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah
51. Cowboys – CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama
52. Rams – RB Cam Akers, Florida State
53. Eagles – QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
54. Bills – DE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
55. Ravens (via NE/ATL) – RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
56. Dolphins (via NO) – DT Raekwon Davis, Alabama
57. Rams (via HOU) – WR Van Jefferson, Florida
58. Vikings – OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
59. Jets (via SEA) – WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
60. Patriots (via BAL) – OLB Josh Uche, Michigan
61. Titans – CB Kristian Fulton, LSU
62. Packers – RB A.J. Dillon, Boston College
63. Chiefs (via SF) – LB Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State
64. Panthers (via SEA/KC) – S Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois
Round 3
65. Bengals – LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming
66. Redskins – WR Antonio Gibson, Memphis
67. Lions – DE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
68. Jets (via NYG) – S Ashtyn Davis, California
69. Seahawks (via CAR) – OG Damien Lewis, LSU
70. Dolphins – S Brandon Jones, Texas
71. Ravens (via NE/LAC) – DT Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
72. Cardinals – OT Josh Jones, Houston
73. Jaguars – DT DaVon Hamilton, Ohio State
74. Saints (via CLE) – LB Zack Baun, Wisconsin
75. Lions (via IND) – OG Jonah Johnson, Ohio State
76. Buccaneers – RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt
77. Broncos – CB Michael Ojemudia, Iowa
78. Falcons – C Matt Hennessy, Temple
79. Jets – DE Jabari Zuniga, Florida
80. Raiders – WR Lynn Bowden, Kentucky
81. Raiders (via CHI) – WR Bryan Edwards, South Carolina
82. Cowboys – DT Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
83. Broncos (via PIT) – C Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU
84. Rams – LB Terrell Lewis, Alabama
85. Colts (via DET/PHI) – S Julian Blackmon, Utah
86. Bills – RB Zack Moss, Utah
87. Patriots – OLB Anfernee Jennings, Alabama
88. Browns (via NO) – DT Jordan Elliott, Missouri
89. Vikings – CB Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State
90. Texans – DE Jonathan Greenard, Florida
91. Patriots (via LV/HOU/SEA) – TE Devin Asiasi, UCLA
92. Ravens – WR Devin Duvernay, Texas
93. Titans – RB Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State
94. Packers – TE Josiah Deguara, Cincinnati
95. Broncos (via SF) – DT McTelvin Agim, Arkansas
96. Chiefs – OT Lucas Niang, TCU
97. Browns* (via HOU) – LB Jacob Phillips, LSU
98. Ravens* (via NE) – LB Malik Harrison, Ohio State
99. Giants* – OT Matt Peart, Connecticut
100. Raiders* (via NE) – S Tanner Muse, Clemson
101. Patriots* (via NYJ/SEA) – TE Dalton Keene, Virginia Tech
102. Steelers* – DE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
103. Eagles* – OLB Davion Taylor, Colorado
104. Rams* – S Terrell Burgess, Utah
105. Saints* (via MIN) – TE Adam Trautman, Dayton
106. Ravens* – OT Tyre Phillips, Mississippi State
*Compensatory picks from free agency


chicagosun-times--2020-04-25--Cook County medical examiner confirms 91 more coronavirus deaths, raising toll to 1,351

The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office confirmed Saturday that 91 more residents have died of coronavirus-related causes , @ @ @ @ @ had no underlying health conditions .
The 20-year-old Park Forest man died Saturday of a @ @ @ @ @ to the medical examiner ’ s office .
An autopsy did not reveal any conditions @ @ @ @ @ .
The county ’ s death toll now stands at 1,351 , the medical examiner @ @ @ @ @ Cook County makes up about 72 % of the deaths in Illinois .
Earlier Saturday @ @ @ @ @ announced 80 more deaths , raising the statewide total to 1,875 .

The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed Saturday that 91 more residents have died of coronavirus-related causes, including a 20-year-old man who had no underlying health conditions.
The 20-year-old Park Forest man died Saturday of a novel coronavirus infection, according to the medical examiner’s office. An autopsy did not reveal any conditions that contributed to his death.
The county’s death toll now stands at 1,351, the medical examiner’s office said.
Cook County makes up about 72% of the deaths in Illinois. Earlier Saturday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced 80 more deaths, raising the statewide total to 1,875.