chicagosun-times--2020-05-02--Women’s soccer claim of unequal pay tossed, can argue travel

A federal judge threw out the unequal pay claim by players on the U.S. women ’ s national soccer team in a surprising loss for the defending World Cup champions but allowed their allegation of discriminatory working conditions to go to trial .
Players led by Alex Morgan sued in March 2019 , claiming they have not been paid equally under their collective bargaining agreement to what the men ’ s national team receives under its labor deal .
They asked for more than $ 66 million in damages under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32-page decision Friday , U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner granted in part a motion for partial summary judgment by the U.S. Soccer Federation .
He threw out the Equal Pay Act allegations but left intact the Civil Rights Act claims .
“ The history of negotiations between the parties demonstrates that the WNT rejected an offer to be paid under the same pay-to-play structure as the MNT , and the WNT was willing to forgo higher bonuses for benefits , such as greater base compensation and the guarantee of a higher number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Accordingly , plaintiffs can not now retroactively deem their CBA worse than the MNT CBA by reference to what they would have made had they been paid under the MNT ’ s pay-to-play terms structure when they themselves rejected such a structure , ” he said .
Klausner left intact claims the USSF discriminated in the money it spent on commercial airfare , hotel accommodations , and medical and training support services .
A trial is scheduled for June 16 in federal court in Los Angeles .
“ We are shocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we will not give up our hard work for equal pay , ” Molly Levinson , spokeswoman for the women ’ s players , said in a statement .
“ We are confident in our case and steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that girls and women who play this sport will not be valued as lesser just because of their gender.
” Players intend to ask the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn Klausner ’ s decision , a move that could delay the trial into 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this team at all you know we have a lot of fight left in us .
We knew this wasn ’ t going to be easy , change never is , ” defender Becky Sauerbrunn wrote on Twitter .
While the Americans are the most successful women ’ s team , with four World Cup titles including the last two , the U.S. men did not even qualify for the 2018 World Cup .
The USSF argued the women actually made more than the men both overall and by game average , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same bonus structure as the men .
“ Merely comparing what WNT players received under their own CBA with what they would have received under the MNT CBA discounts the value that the team placed on guaranteed benefits they receive under their agreement , which they opted for at the expense of higher performance-based bonuses , ” Klausner wrote .
“ This issue is insufficient to create a genuine issue of material fact for trial , ” he added .
Klausner also said the women could not go forward with their claim that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more games on artificial turf than the men had .
He said there was not sufficient evidence to show that decisions on field surface were made for discriminatory reasons .
He rejected the USSF ’ s argument that the men had a competitive need for charter flights that the women lacked , allowing that part of the suit to go forward .
The federation has argued that the men , who have struggled in World Cup qualifying , have more need for charters than the women in order to arrive more rested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not fully explain the gross disparity on money spent on airfare and hotels for the teams , ” Klausner wrote .
In addition , the USSF has said spending in these areas has been equal since the women ’ s union agreed to a new labor deal in 2017 .
Klausner allowed other claims of discriminatory travel accommodations , such as money spent on hotels and commercial flights , to go to trial along with claims on support services such as medical and training staff .
He said the USSF ’ s lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those claims to be thrown out , which meant he did not have to consider them .
Seyfarth Shaw ’ s summary judgment motion for the USSF included arguments critical of American women ’ s players .
That filing caused an uproar and led to the resignation of USSF president Carlos Cordeiro , who was replaced by Cindy Parlow Cone , a former national team player .
Latham & Watkins took over as counsel and filed the reply brief .
Parlow Cone has said she hopes the suit can settle before a trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the women ’ s national team to chart a positive path forward to grow the game , ” the USSF said in a statement .
“ We are committed to continuing that work to ensure our women ’ s national team remains the best in the world.
” Earlier Friday , the women asked that Parlow Cone be included as a trial witness .
Their lawyers said although the federation backed off earlier arguments saying women were inferior to their male counterparts in skill and effort , it still planned to contest @ @ @ @

A federal judge threw out the unequal pay claim by players on the U.S. women’s national soccer team in a surprising loss for the defending World Cup champions but allowed their allegation of discriminatory working conditions to go to trial.
Players led by Alex Morgan sued in March 2019, claiming they have not been paid equally under their collective bargaining agreement to what the men’s national team receives under its labor deal. They asked for more than $66 million in damages under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In a 32-page decision Friday, U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner granted in part a motion for partial summary judgment by the U.S. Soccer Federation. He threw out the Equal Pay Act allegations but left intact the Civil Rights Act claims.
“The history of negotiations between the parties demonstrates that the WNT rejected an offer to be paid under the same pay-to-play structure as the MNT, and the WNT was willing to forgo higher bonuses for benefits, such as greater base compensation and the guarantee of a higher number of contracted players,” Klausner wrote.
“Accordingly, plaintiffs cannot now retroactively deem their CBA worse than the MNT CBA by reference to what they would have made had they been paid under the MNT’s pay-to-play terms structure when they themselves rejected such a structure,” he said.
Klausner left intact claims the USSF discriminated in the money it spent on commercial airfare, hotel accommodations, and medical and training support services.
A trial is scheduled for June 16 in federal court in Los Angeles.
“We are shocked and disappointed with today’s decision, but we will not give up our hard work for equal pay,” Molly Levinson, spokeswoman for the women’s players, said in a statement. “We are confident in our case and steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that girls and women who play this sport will not be valued as lesser just because of their gender.”
Players intend to ask the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn Klausner’s decision, a move that could delay the trial into 2021 or later.
“If you know this team at all you know we have a lot of fight left in us. We knew this wasn’t going to be easy, change never is,” defender Becky Sauerbrunn wrote on Twitter.
While the Americans are the most successful women’s team, with four World Cup titles including the last two, the U.S. men did not even qualify for the 2018 World Cup. The USSF argued the women actually made more than the men both overall and by game average, and the women claimed they should have the same bonus structure as the men.
“Merely comparing what WNT players received under their own CBA with what they would have received under the MNT CBA discounts the value that the team placed on guaranteed benefits they receive under their agreement, which they opted for at the expense of higher performance-based bonuses,” Klausner wrote.
“This issue is insufficient to create a genuine issue of material fact for trial,” he added.
Klausner also said the women could not go forward with their claim that the USSF discriminated against them by scheduling more games on artificial turf than the men had. He said there was not sufficient evidence to show that decisions on field surface were made for discriminatory reasons.
He rejected the USSF’s argument that the men had a competitive need for charter flights that the women lacked, allowing that part of the suit to go forward. The federation has argued that the men, who have struggled in World Cup qualifying, have more need for charters than the women in order to arrive more rested for their qualifiers.
“This rationale does not fully explain the gross disparity on money spent on airfare and hotels for the teams,” Klausner wrote.
In addition, the USSF has said spending in these areas has been equal since the women’s union agreed to a new labor deal in 2017.
Klausner allowed other claims of discriminatory travel accommodations, such as money spent on hotels and commercial flights, to go to trial along with claims on support services such as medical and training staff. He said the USSF’s lawyers waited until reply briefs to ask for those claims to be thrown out, which meant he did not have to consider them.
Seyfarth Shaw’s summary judgment motion for the USSF included arguments critical of American women’s players. That filing caused an uproar and led to the resignation of USSF president Carlos Cordeiro, who was replaced by Cindy Parlow Cone, a former national team player. Latham & Watkins took over as counsel and filed the reply brief.
Parlow Cone has said she hopes the suit can settle before a trial.
“We look forward to working with the women’s national team to chart a positive path forward to grow the game,” the USSF said in a statement. “We are committed to continuing that work to ensure our women’s national team remains the best in the world.”
Earlier Friday, the women asked that Parlow Cone be included as a trial witness. Their lawyers said although the federation backed off earlier arguments saying women were inferior to their male counterparts in skill and effort, it still planned to contest differences in responsibility.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-01--Horoscope for Saturday, May 2, 2020

Horoscope for Saturday, May 2, 2020

We have the all clear to shop and do business .
The moon is in Virgo .
It ’ s Saturday and whatever you choose to do , especially if it is job-related — ( but really , any task that you set for yourself ) — will be a successful venture .
You are motivated and open to new ways of doing things .
Because of this , you will be hands on and keen to get better organized .
Ta da !
This is a creative day for you !
It ’ s also a fun-loving , social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids .
Sports , the arts and romantic connections will be exciting and stimulating !
( It ’ s nice when romance is stimulating . )
Don ’ t be afraid to try something new and different .
Although you might be cocoon at home , you are full of bright , clever ideas !
You will have no trouble entertaining yourself and others if need be .
Mind games , reading , writing and a discussion with an older family member will make this an exciting day for you .
Your mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why you have so many bright , clever ideas !
Any kind of discussion , in person or on the internet , will please you , especially if you can make contact with friends , relatives , siblings and neighbors .
You ’ ve got something to say !
Today you might have some original , clever money-making ideas .
Do not discount these .
If you propose them to a boss , parent or someone in position of power , quite likely , they ’ ll be impressed .
Furthermore , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always do . )
The moon is in your sign dancing beautifully with the sun , Mercury and Uranus .
This is why you are bubbling with new ideas and full of energy !
Share your thoughts with others because they will be interested , and you will enjoy an appreciative audience .
( Do your Elvis Presley “ Thankavermuch.
” ) While others are feeling more sociable today , you might want to tackle some red-tape details related to taxes , insurance issues , inheritances or shared property .
Get some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you can relax .
A romance with someone “ different ” might blossom .
You can learn a lot about yourself lately through your relationship with those who are closest to you .
Today you might interact with a female friend or a member of a group and as a result , put a new spin on things .
You even might see how to improve the relationship ?
People notice you today , but fear not , because you will get good press .
Someone will see you as innovative , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will run into someone , especially an authority figure who is unusual or surprising in some way .
It ’ s not a boring day .
Discussions about philosophy , politics , religion , metaphysics , astrology , psychology —whatever — will intrigue you today because you want to explore new ideas .
Not only that , you ’ re open to new ways of seeing things , which might even change your future .
Who knows ?
You might have some innovative ideas about how to approach insurance disputes or shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re full of good ideas today .
Quite likely , these ideas will affect your home or a family member .
A conversation with a partner or close friend will be lively and entertaining because people are more open-minded than usual .
Furthermore , they are also interested in unusual subjects and willing to be more frank about what they want to share .
You might learn some cozy details !
If Your Birthday Is Today Soccer star David Beckham ( 1975 ) shares your birthday .
You are calm , capable and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value your security .
This will be a more relaxed year for you .
Because your interactions with others will be important , do your best to cooperate .
Look for ways to be kind and helpful .
Be open to engaging with others because business and personal relationships will benefit you .

Moon Alert
We have the all clear to shop and do business. The moon is in Virgo.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
It’s Saturday and whatever you choose to do, especially if it is job-related — (but really, any task that you set for yourself) — will be a successful venture. You are motivated and open to new ways of doing things. Because of this, you will be hands on and keen to get better organized.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Ta da! This is a creative day for you! It’s also a fun-loving, social day, especially regarding fun activities with kids. Sports, the arts and romantic connections will be exciting and stimulating! (It’s nice when romance is stimulating.) Don’t be afraid to try something new and different.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Although you might be cocoon at home, you are full of bright, clever ideas! You will have no trouble entertaining yourself and others if need be. Mind games, reading, writing and a discussion with an older family member will make this an exciting day for you.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Your mind is moving very fast, which is why you have so many bright, clever ideas! Any kind of discussion, in person or on the internet, will please you, especially if you can make contact with friends, relatives, siblings and neighbors. You’ve got something to say!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Today you might have some original, clever money-making ideas. Do not discount these. If you propose them to a boss, parent or someone in position of power, quite likely, they’ll be impressed. Furthermore, you will express yourself convincingly! (You always do.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
The moon is in your sign dancing beautifully with the sun, Mercury and Uranus. This is why you are bubbling with new ideas and full of energy! Share your thoughts with others because they will be interested, and you will enjoy an appreciative audience. (Do your Elvis Presley “Thankavermuch.”)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
While others are feeling more sociable today, you might want to tackle some red-tape details related to taxes, insurance issues, inheritances or shared property. Get some of this stuff out of the way so that you can relax. A romance with someone “different” might blossom.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You can learn a lot about yourself lately through your relationship with those who are closest to you. Today you might interact with a female friend or a member of a group and as a result, put a new spin on things. You even might see how to improve the relationship?
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
People notice you today, but fear not, because you will get good press. Someone will see you as innovative, clever and perhaps unusual. Possibly, you will run into someone, especially an authority figure who is unusual or surprising in some way. It’s not a boring day.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Discussions about philosophy, politics, religion, metaphysics, astrology, psychology —whatever — will intrigue you today because you want to explore new ideas. Not only that, you’re open to new ways of seeing things, which might even change your future. Who knows?
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You might have some innovative ideas about how to approach insurance disputes or shared property or an inheritance because you’re full of good ideas today. Quite likely, these ideas will affect your home or a family member.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
A conversation with a partner or close friend will be lively and entertaining because people are more open-minded than usual. Furthermore, they are also interested in unusual subjects and willing to be more frank about what they want to share. You might learn some cozy details!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Soccer star David Beckham (1975) shares your birthday. You are calm, capable and extremely hard-working. You are practical and value your security. This will be a more relaxed year for you. Because your interactions with others will be important, do your best to cooperate. Look for ways to be kind and helpful. Be open to engaging with others because business and personal relationships will benefit you.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-01--Women’s soccer claim of unequal pay tossed by federal judge


chicagosun-times--2020-05-01--Opening Day: Hunting morels, trying to fish, enjoying reopening of some outdoor sites in NE Illinois

BOURBONNAIS , Ill. — Two wild turkeys scurried off when I pulled in by Warner Bridge at Kankakee River State Park at dawn Friday .
I ’ m enough of an outdoors meathead to clutch at signs .
Friday was a momentous day in the outdoors .
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources loosened its complete closure of all sites , in effect since March 15 , and reopened some sites on a limited basis .
It was also confusing , with some sites surprisingly being open and others being closed .
I had much anticipation .
Even scraping frost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dense fog popped up , another piece for memory .
It was the first time I had hand sanitizer in my bag and a face mask in my pocket .
I thought Rock Creek might be packed with anglers trying for the delayed opening of trout season , but the water was roaring nearly bank-full .
Only one fly-fisher was gearing up as I crossed the Deselm Road bridge .
Nobody was at Warner Bridge at dawn , but the Kankakee River was high enough to flood and close the bike path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best imitation of the late Norm Minas and fished the flooded path but got nothing for my efforts .
So I drove to Davis Creek , where I saw a runner and a couple of other cars .
I tried fishing flooded bases of trees with no luck .
When the sun burned off the last of the frost , I went looking for morel mushrooms .
Foraging for morels is allowed at most IDNR state parks , state recreation areas and state fish and wildlife areas .
It is not allowed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was not alone at my prime spot for morels .
Another couple was ahead of me , the woman ’ s pink hat bobbing in the distance .
Jay Damm emailed that he started finding morels in the south suburbs .
‘ ‘ Most of mine were found on the edge of the woods in partial sun , as it ’ s still on the early side of the season , ’ ’ he emailed .
‘ ‘ With all the rain we ’ ve had , it should really give them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend should be prime.
’ ’ So I focused on where the early sun hit .
Another longtime reader , eager for morels , figured where I was going and messaged last week : ‘ ‘ It ’ s been real hard not to get dropped off on [ Route ] 102 and go stealth in there .
But I don ’ t want to be that jackass.
’ ’ My hope , despite the irritation with the hiccups in shutdowns and open-ups associated with the coronavirus , is that the outdoors folks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is important ( the health and lives of our citizens ) and not just on our gut need to hunt , fish , hike , bike , bird , paddle , boat or forage .
But , boy , did I need that Friday .
After two hours , I switched and fished a reopened Forest Preserve District of Will County spot .
Even there , the Kankakee tributary was too high and fast .
Other than the hike in , I didn ’ t put much time in and returned to KRSP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chatted with a conservation police officer .
We both thought it was a normal crowd for a beautiful Friday .
The big question comes Saturday , when it will be even nicer and pushing 75 degrees .
On Friday , I saw runners and families walking and biking but not many anglers with the high water ( other than some trout anglers ) .
I also saw a couple of guys shooting archery , many hunting morels and dog walkers .
I planned to hike upstream across from Langham Island , but high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fished multiple presentations tight to the eddies and pockets around the flooded tree bases .
Nothing doing .
I pulled out my Thermos of homemade beef stew , sat on a concrete parking stop and soaked in the scene : flooded trees , the river humping at flood stage and Langham Island on the other side with a pink/purple line of eastern redbud sharp against the first higher green buds .
What the hell ?
In these times , I had time .
I gave looking for morels another shot .
More vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the cars had a parking spot between them .
I went to a new area and saw a family looking .
By the sounds of it , they had more success than I did or just really enjoyed the day .
All in all , I was encouraged that people both wanted to get outdoors and to follow the basics of not congregating , practicing social distancing , wearing masks when apt and keeping their hands clean .

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Two wild turkeys scurried off when I pulled in by Warner Bridge at Kankakee River State Park at dawn Friday. I’m enough of an outdoors meathead to clutch at signs.
Friday was a momentous day in the outdoors. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources loosened its complete closure of all sites, in effect since March 15, and reopened some sites on a limited basis. It was also confusing, with some sites surprisingly being open and others being closed.
I had much anticipation. Even scraping frost off my windshield brought pleasure. Spotty, dense fog popped up, another piece for memory. It was the first time I had hand sanitizer in my bag and a face mask in my pocket.
I thought Rock Creek might be packed with anglers trying for the delayed opening of trout season, but the water was roaring nearly bank-full. Only one fly-fisher was gearing up as I crossed the Deselm Road bridge.
Dawn through the fog over Warner Bridge on opening day at Kankakee River State Park. Dale Bowman
Nobody was at Warner Bridge at dawn, but the Kankakee River was high enough to flood and close the bike path under the bridge. I tried my best imitation of the late Norm Minas and fished the flooded path but got nothing for my efforts.
So I drove to Davis Creek, where I saw a runner and a couple of other cars. I tried fishing flooded bases of trees with no luck. When the sun burned off the last of the frost, I went looking for morel mushrooms.
Foraging for morels is allowed at most IDNR state parks, state recreation areas and state fish and wildlife areas. It is not allowed at most forest preserves and park districts.
I was not alone at my prime spot for morels. Another couple was ahead of me, the woman’s pink hat bobbing in the distance.
Jay Damm emailed that he started finding morels in the south suburbs.
‘‘Most of mine were found on the edge of the woods in partial sun, as it’s still on the early side of the season,’’ he emailed. ‘‘With all the rain we’ve had, it should really give them a boost. Mother’s Day weekend should be prime.’’
So I focused on where the early sun hit.
Another longtime reader, eager for morels, figured where I was going and messaged last week: ‘‘It’s been real hard not to get dropped off on [Route] 102 and go stealth in there. But I don’t want to be that jackass.’’
My hope, despite the irritation with the hiccups in shutdowns and open-ups associated with the coronavirus, is that the outdoors folks in Illinois keep their heads on what is important (the health and lives of our citizens) and not just on our gut need to hunt, fish, hike, bike, bird, paddle, boat or forage.
But, boy, did I need that Friday.
A sea of mayapples while looking for morel mushrooms on opening day at Kankakee River State Park. Dale Bowman
After two hours, I switched and fished a reopened Forest Preserve District of Will County spot. Even there, the Kankakee tributary was too high and fast. Other than the hike in, I didn’t put much time in and returned to KRSP to fish at Langham Island.
I chatted with a conservation police officer. We both thought it was a normal crowd for a beautiful Friday. The big question comes Saturday, when it will be even nicer and pushing 75 degrees.
On Friday, I saw runners and families walking and biking but not many anglers with the high water (other than some trout anglers). I also saw a couple of guys shooting archery, many hunting morels and dog walkers.
I planned to hike upstream across from Langham Island, but high water made that untenable. So I fished multiple presentations tight to the eddies and pockets around the flooded tree bases. Nothing doing.
I pulled out my Thermos of homemade beef stew, sat on a concrete parking stop and soaked in the scene: flooded trees, the river humping at flood stage and Langham Island on the other side with a pink/purple line of eastern redbud sharp against the first higher green buds.
It was time.
What the hell? In these times, I had time.
I gave looking for morels another shot. More vehicles were in that lot, but nearly all the cars had a parking spot between them. I went to a new area and saw a family looking. By the sounds of it, they had more success than I did or just really enjoyed the day.
All in all, I was encouraged that people both wanted to get outdoors and to follow the basics of not congregating, practicing social distancing, wearing masks when apt and keeping their hands clean.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-02--Lightfoot warns partygoers they face citations, arrest as state reports 105 new coronavirus deaths

Lightfoot warns partygoers they face citations, arrest as state reports 105 new coronavirus deaths  (LIVE UPDATES)

Lightfoot warns partygoers they face citations , arrest as state reports 105 new coronavirus deaths A visibly angered Mayor Lori Lightfoot scolded partygoers for their “ foolish , reckless behavior ” during an her appearance Saturday in a West Side block where authorities had learned of a planned party — one of six that had been tipped off to police .
Those tips came after Chicago police shut down numerous parties Friday night , some with as many as 150 attendees .
The mayor scolded those hosting or promoting the events for ignoring social distancing guidelines , and said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Brown to advise all police districts to give “ special attention ” to identifying and breaking up parties in the city .
“ We will shut you down , we will cite you , and if we need to , we will arrest you , ” Lightfoot said as she stood in the block where the party was planned to be held near Springfield Avenue and Adams Street in East Garfield Park .
“ If you act like a criminal , and you violate the law , and if you refuse to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this city during the middle of a pandemic , we will take you to jail.
” Brown echoed those sentiments , saying that police will look first to other methods — like verbal warnings or towing cars — to break up parties , but won ’ t stop at that .
“ We ’ ve given enough warnings , ” Brown said .
“ We ’ re getting to the point where we ’ re trying to save lives .
If people are promoting parties or coming out to parties , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement.
” OMAHA , Neb .
— Billionaire investor Warren Buffett doesn ’ t know how the economy will recover from the coronavirus outbreak shutdown , but he remains optimistic in the long-term future of the United States .
Buffett said Saturday at Berkshire Hathaway ’ s online annual meeting that there ’ s no way to predict the economic future right now because the possibilities are still too varied .
Berkshire ’ s meeting was held without any of the roughly 40,000 shareholders who typically attend .
“ We do not know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down a substantial portion of your society , ” Buffett said because it has never been done .
He said it may take several years to understand all the economic implications of the coronavirus outbreak , but it hasn ’ t changed his long-term view because the country has endured wars and depressions before .
“ I remain convinced … that nothing can basically stop America , ” Buffett said .
Read the full story by Josh Funk , of the Associated Press .
3:05 p.m. 105 more Illinois coronavirus deaths as officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died of the coronavirus in Illinois , health officials said Saturday , raising the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 2,559 .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said 2,450 more people have tested positive for COVID-19 .
That brings the state ’ s case total to 58,505 .
The state received 15,208 coronavirus test results Friday , and about 300,000 people have been tested overall .
The virus has been confirmed in 97 of the state ’ s 102 counties .
Despite the lofty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,100 for a week — Illinois officials nonetheless say the state is flattening the curve .
Read the full report from Ben Pope here .
2:27 p.m. Coronavirus deaths double in one week at Illinois nursing homes ; have surged past 1,000 , data show The number of reported coronavirus deaths at Illinois nursing homes nearly doubled in the past week and for the first time surpassed 1,000 , as new cases and deaths blew by their previous one-week highs , according to data released Friday by state health officials .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from week to week and , because of lags in reporting , appear to be lower than the real-time toll the virus is taking on those facilities .
In all , 3,229 new cases were reported this week along with 456 new deaths , according to a count by the Chicago Sun-Times .
That brings state nursing home cases to 7,527 and deaths to 1,081 .
Last week , the state saw one-week increases of 2,438 cases and 339 deaths .
Those tallies mean elderly care facilities have accounted for 44 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly one in seven confirmed cases .
Read the full report from Nader Issa here .
1:28 p.m. One silver lining of Illinois stay-at-home order ?
Endangered piping plovers return to deserted Montrose Beach A pair of endangered piping plovers whose Montrose Beach nest sparked fierce debate last year between conservationists and music fans , leading to the cancellation of a popular lakefront festival , have returned to nest once again .
This time , though , the rare birds have found the beach completely empty , thanks to Chicago ’ s lakefront @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The plover couple — nicknamed Monty and Rose — were spotted Friday by Chicago Park District staff , according to Louise Clemency , field supervisor for the Chicago office of the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service .
It seems their romance has already resumed , with each exhibiting “ courtship behavior , ” like scraping out potential nesting spots in the sand , Clemency said in a statement .
10:40 a.m. Former Chicago bartender — now a high-stakes gambler based in Nevada — details how virus has blindsided his profession Van ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial bankroll from $ 100,000 to $ 200,000 after his first 12 months in Nevada .
Today it ’ s $ 300,000 .
His average wager ( or unit ) is 1 percent of that bankroll — staple terms for the cutthroat industry ’ s disciplined participants — from which he rarely deviates .
His options are few these days because the coronavirus pandemic has shuttered the sporting world .
Las Vegas casinos began closing March 18 .
In fact , money wagered in state sportsbooks in March dropped 76 % year-over-year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About $ 141.2 million was wagered , down from a record $ 596.7 million last March .
Some sportsbook apps are open , but two-legged events are scant .
He taps into the Costa Rica-based BetUS app on his smartphone and calls out Taiwanese baseball , short-league hockey in Russia , soccer in Nicaragua and English darts as far-away options .
‘ ‘ And a cricket Quarantine Cup , ’ ’ he says .
‘ ‘ The more they offer , the better off they are .
I ’ m sure they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia and other places , if you want to fix something , you probably could.
’ ’ He drives his South American girlfriend of a few years to work most mornings .
She rents a home in the foothills of Henderson , to the southeast .
A mother with grandchildren , she rings twice a day to check on him .
Anger and frustration were palpable in the Loop and in Springfield Friday as hundreds of people rallied and railed against statewide restrictions that have left scores of people across the state out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Chicago , at the Thompson Center , the crowd was small early in the day but grew to about 300 people — still a far cry from the crowd of 5,000 organizers had anticipated .
Street closures were minimal , and the group stayed put at the northwest corner of Randolph and Clark streets throughout the morning and afternoon .
“ We are still the land of the free .
There are still independent people who can think for themselves and who can protect their own self-interest as they see fit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters .
With car horns — both in support and in opposition to the rally-goers — and motorcycle engines echoing throughout the largely empty downtown area , the attendees laid bare their mounting frustrations , with some calling for Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot to be removed from office .
“ Give me liberty or give me COVID-19 , ” “ F -- - your face masks , ” and “ Ban vaccines ” were some of the slogans written on the hundreds of homemade signs and flags that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drew several hundred people .
The crowd filled the steps and spilled onto the lawn on the east side of the Illinois State Capitol .
Many expressed frustration with the Chicago-dominated state government they believe has ignored Downstate .
Much of the anger was directed at Pritzker .
“ He ’ s not in touch with the people who elected him , ” said Ben Hamilton , an industrial tool shop owner from Peoria .
Read the full report by Sam Charles and Neal Earley here .
9:00 a.m. On National Decision Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future , but worry about missing another milestone After a difficult senior year upended by forces outside of their control , Chicago Public Schools students are being cautiously optimistic about heading off to college .
As National Decision Day arrived Friday , traditionally the deadline to commit to a school , the students said they were juggling feelings of excitement with those of uncertainty .
On social media accounts , students proudly shared photos of themselves with their school choice , and friends and family cheered them on and congratulated them in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll work hard and be successful !
” one wrote to Rami Assaf , 18 , a Jones College Prep student who plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , on an Instagram account dedicated to his fellow seniors .
“ Congrats , Diego ” another wrote to Lane Tech College Prep student Diego Lucero , who plans to attend DePaul .
“ A legend , ” wrote another .
Still , the day , like other milestones this year , was bittersweet for many seniors .
Read the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Surge in coronavirus cases continues at Chicago ’ s federal jail A quick rise in the number of coronavirus cases among inmates held in Chicago ’ s downtown federal jail continued Friday , with the Bureau of Prisons reporting 74 inmates had tested positive , up from 48 on Thursday .
The sudden rise in numbers reported at the Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center by the Bureau of Prisons follows questions about how the agency has been counting cases there .
As recently as Wednesday , the Bureau of Prisons said only seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held at the MCC had tested positive .
Read the full report from Jon Seidel here .
• One of Mexico ’ s best-known protest singers , Oscar Chávez , has died at age 85 , apparently after being infected with the coronavirus .
• Officials reported Friday a record-high daily count of 3,137 newly confirmed coronavirus cases .
In addition to the daily confirmed cases , officials said another 105 people died from COVID-19 , bringing the state ’ s toll to 2,457 .
• The CTA announced the death of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked in the CTA ’ s technology department for over 20 years .
• Chicago police announced Tuesday seven more cases of COVID-19 , bringing the number of cases in the department to 421 .
• Eighteen employees at a Tootsie Roll manufacturing plant in Chicago have tested positive for COVID-19 since the end of March .
11:42 a.m .
When this virus has passed , I will remember freedoms stolen like a thief in the night When this storm has finally passed , I will shake another brother ’ s hand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , embrace like the best of friends .
The way we used to .
Before the arrival of coronavirus ’ cold winds .
When this storm finally has been vanquished and it is safe to come out again , to break the barrier of personal space , to converse in intimate human circles over coffee or tea and chill , I will .
And I will stroll slowly across golden sands for miles of beach .
No city code to breach .
I will speak to everyone I pass .
Lie blissfully upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daylight pass as the orange-red sun sinks from a purplish evening sky and children ’ s voices blend with the crickets ’ song while fireflies twinkle before their widened eyes .
And though I no longer have a head of hair , I just might plop down in a barber ’ s chair .
Break my vow to allow someone beside myself to trim my beard .
To rub my face with lilac tonic after lining me with a straight edge from ear to ear .
When this storm is over , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were stolen like a thief in the night .
And at the end of the tunnel we could see no sure sign of light .
7:23 a.m. Michelle Abernathy wasn ’ t just another COVID-19 victim .
She made a difference .
Torrence Jones remembers the day his girlfriend Michelle Abernathy learned a developmentally disabled resident of Ludeman Developmental Center , where they worked , had become the first person there to test positive for COVID-19 .
It was March 28 , a Saturday .
Abernathy had stopped by the Park Forest campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was informed the stricken man lived in a housing unit under her supervision .
Abernathy , 52 , made sure the resident was receiving proper care and that her staff had personal protective equipment , Jones said .
By the next night , Abernathy had a fever .
Fifteen days later , she was dead , a victim of the coronavirus .
The Illinois Department of Human Services revealed this past week that the death toll at Ludeman has reached six — three staff members and three residents .
The latest to die @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They worked in Ludeman ’ s dietary department , delivering meals from a central kitchen to the 38 residential homes that comprise the facility .
Read the full column from Mark Brown here .

The first Saturday in May brought beautiful weather for Chicago. Mayor Lori Lightfoot wasn’t about to let warm temperatures cause Chicagoans forget about the necessary measures they should continue to take to combat the coronavirus pandemic. She warned against large gatherings and threatened to shut them down.
Ald. Jim Gardiner pitched in by helping out by handing out face masks in Jefferson Park and 105 new deaths were reported in Illinois.
Here’s what happened in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago and around the state.
News
8:35 p.m. Ald. Gardiner hands out face masks in Jefferson Park to combat spread of coronavirus
Jim Gardiner Alderman of the 45th Ward hands a packet of four face masks to a man, during the 45th Wards first drive up give away of face mask, at a Hoyne Savings Bank drive-thru in the 4700 block of North Milwaukee, Saturday, May 2, 2020. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times 1 of 6 Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times 2 of 6 Wayne Przyby a volunteer for 45th Ward Alderman Jim Gardiner, hands a packet of four face masks to a man, during the 45th Wards first drive up give away of face masks, at a Hoyne Savings Bank drive-thru in the 4700 block of North Milwaukee, Saturday, May 2, 2020. The face masks were provided by Dr. Willie Wilson and by 2:15 p.m. the alderman estimated he and his volunteers gave face masks to 1000 people. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times 3 of 6 Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times 4 of 6 Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times 5 of 6 Joyce Schraeder, a volunteer for 45th Ward Alderman Jim Gardiner, hands a packet of four face masks to a man, during the 45th Wards first drive up give away of face mask, at a Hoyne Savings Bank drive-thru in the 4700 block of North Milwaukee, Saturday, May 2, 2020. The face masks were provided by Dr. Willie Wilson and by 2:15 p.m. the alderman estimated he and his volunteers gave face masks to 1,000 people. 6 of 6
In an effort to help city residents protect themselves and others Saturday from the new coronavirus, Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th) and a team of volunteers were in Jefferson Park handing out face masks.
The giveaway began shortly after noon at a Hoyne Savings Bank branch drive-thru at 4786 N. Milwaukee Ave. and continued until about 4 p.m.
During the first half of the giveaway, the masks were being given to seniors and other residents who were at “high risk” of contracting the COVID-19 virus before switching to giving masks to anyone who drove up.
Read the full recap by Tyler LaRiviere.
7:03 p.m. Warren Buffett confident in future despite coronavirus uncertainty
OMAHA, Neb. — Billionaire investor Warren Buffett doesn’t know how the economy will recover from the coronavirus outbreak shutdown, but he remains optimistic in the long-term future of the United States.
Buffett said Saturday at Berkshire Hathaway’s online annual meeting that there’s no way to predict the economic future right now because the possibilities are still too varied. Berkshire’s meeting was held without any of the roughly 40,000 shareholders who typically attend.
“We do not know exactly what happens when you voluntarily shut down a substantial portion of your society,” Buffett said because it has never been done. He said it may take several years to understand all the economic implications of the coronavirus outbreak, but it hasn’t changed his long-term view because the country has endured wars and depressions before.
“I remain convinced … that nothing can basically stop America,” Buffett said.
Read the full story by Josh Funk, of the Associated Press.
6:25 p.m. Lightfoot warns partygoers they face citations, arrest as state reports 105 new coronavirus deaths
A visibly angered Mayor Lori Lightfoot scolded partygoers for their “foolish, reckless behavior” during an her appearance Saturday in a West Side block where authorities had learned of a planned party — one of six that had been tipped off to police.
Those tips came after Chicago police shut down numerous parties Friday night, some with as many as 150 attendees.
The mayor scolded those hosting or promoting the events for ignoring social distancing guidelines, and said she’d instructed Chicago Police Supt. David Brown to advise all police districts to give “special attention” to identifying and breaking up parties in the city.
Ben Pope has the full story.
3:05 p.m. 105 more Illinois coronavirus deaths as officials confirm 2,450 new cases
Another 105 people have died of the coronavirus in Illinois, health officials said Saturday, raising the state’s pandemic death toll to 2,559.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said 2,450 more people have tested positive for COVID-19. That brings the state’s case total to 58,505.
The state received 15,208 coronavirus test results Friday, and about 300,000 people have been tested overall. The virus has been confirmed in 97 of the state’s 102 counties.
Despite the lofty numbers — daily case counts have topped 2,100 for a week — Illinois officials nonetheless say the state is flattening the curve.
Read the full report from Ben Pope here.
2:27 p.m. Coronavirus deaths double in one week at Illinois nursing homes; have surged past 1,000, data show
The number of reported coronavirus deaths at Illinois nursing homes nearly doubled in the past week and for the first time surpassed 1,000, as new cases and deaths blew by their previous one-week highs, according to data released Friday by state health officials.
But the numbers, published weekly, have inconsistencies from week to week and, because of lags in reporting, appear to be lower than the real-time toll the virus is taking on those facilities.
In all, 3,229 new cases were reported this week along with 456 new deaths, according to a count by the Chicago Sun-Times. That brings state nursing home cases to 7,527 and deaths to 1,081. Last week, the state saw one-week increases of 2,438 cases and 339 deaths.
Those tallies mean elderly care facilities have accounted for 44% of the state’s coronavirus deaths and nearly one in seven confirmed cases.
Read the full report from Nader Issa here.
1:28 p.m. One silver lining of Illinois stay-at-home order? Endangered piping plovers return to deserted Montrose Beach
A pair of endangered piping plovers whose Montrose Beach nest sparked fierce debate last year between conservationists and music fans, leading to the cancellation of a popular lakefront festival, have returned to nest once again.
This time, though, the rare birds have found the beach completely empty, thanks to Chicago’s lakefront closure during to the coronavirus pandemic.
The plover couple — nicknamed Monty and Rose — were spotted Friday by Chicago Park District staff, according to Louise Clemency, field supervisor for the Chicago office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
It seems their romance has already resumed, with each exhibiting “courtship behavior,” like scraping out potential nesting spots in the sand, Clemency said in a statement.
Read the full story here.
10:40 a.m. Former Chicago bartender — now a high-stakes gambler based in Nevada — details how virus has blindsided his profession
Van’s successes enabled him to bump his initial bankroll from $100,000 to $200,000 after his first 12 months in Nevada. Today it’s $300,000. His average wager (or unit) is 1 percent of that bankroll — staple terms for the cutthroat industry’s disciplined participants — from which he rarely deviates.
His options are few these days because the coronavirus pandemic has shuttered the sporting world. Las Vegas casinos began closing March 18. In fact, money wagered in state sportsbooks in March dropped 76% year-over-year, according to the Nevada Gaming Control. About $141.2 million was wagered, down from a record $596.7 million last March.
Some sportsbook apps are open, but two-legged events are scant. He taps into the Costa Rica-based BetUS app on his smartphone and calls out Taiwanese baseball, short-league hockey in Russia, soccer in Nicaragua and English darts as far-away options.
‘‘And a cricket Quarantine Cup,’’ he says. ‘‘The more they offer, the better off they are. I’m sure they’re limiting wager amounts because, in Russia and other places, if you want to fix something, you probably could.’’
He drives his South American girlfriend of a few years to work most mornings. She rents a home in the foothills of Henderson, to the southeast. A mother with grandchildren, she rings twice a day to check on him.
Read the full Sports Saturday cover story here.
9:47 a.m. ICYMI: Reopen Illinois rally draws hundreds to Loop, Springfield
Anger and frustration were palpable in the Loop and in Springfield Friday as hundreds of people rallied and railed against statewide restrictions that have left scores of people across the state out of work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Chicago, at the Thompson Center, the crowd was small early in the day but grew to about 300 people — still a far cry from the crowd of 5,000 organizers had anticipated. Street closures were minimal, and the group stayed put at the northwest corner of Randolph and Clark streets throughout the morning and afternoon.
“We are still the land of the free. There are still independent people who can think for themselves and who can protect their own self-interest as they see fit,” former Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica told reporters.
With car horns — both in support and in opposition to the rally-goers — and motorcycle engines echoing throughout the largely empty downtown area, the attendees laid bare their mounting frustrations, with some calling for Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot to be removed from office.
“Give me liberty or give me COVID-19,” “F--- your face masks,” and “Ban vaccines” were some of the slogans written on the hundreds of homemade signs and flags that dotted the rally.
The Springfield rally drew several hundred people. The crowd filled the steps and spilled onto the lawn on the east side of the Illinois State Capitol.
Many expressed frustration with the Chicago-dominated state government they believe has ignored Downstate. Much of the anger was directed at Pritzker.
“He’s not in touch with the people who elected him,” said Ben Hamilton, an industrial tool shop owner from Peoria.
Read the full report by Sam Charles and Neal Earley here.
9:00 a.m. On National Decision Day, CPS seniors look forward to the future, but worry about missing another milestone
After a difficult senior year upended by forces outside of their control, Chicago Public Schools students are being cautiously optimistic about heading off to college.
As National Decision Day arrived Friday, traditionally the deadline to commit to a school, the students said they were juggling feelings of excitement with those of uncertainty.
On social media accounts, students proudly shared photos of themselves with their school choice, and friends and family cheered them on and congratulated them in the comments section.
“I know you’ll work hard and be successful!” one wrote to Rami Assaf, 18, a Jones College Prep student who plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, on an Instagram account dedicated to his fellow seniors.
“Congrats, Diego” another wrote to Lane Tech College Prep student Diego Lucero, who plans to attend DePaul. “A legend,” wrote another.
Still, the day, like other milestones this year, was bittersweet for many seniors.
Read the full report from Matthew Hendrickson here.
7:18 a.m. Surge in coronavirus cases continues at Chicago’s federal jail
A quick rise in the number of coronavirus cases among inmates held in Chicago’s downtown federal jail continued Friday, with the Bureau of Prisons reporting 74 inmates had tested positive, up from 48 on Thursday.
The sudden rise in numbers reported at the Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center by the Bureau of Prisons follows questions about how the agency has been counting cases there. As recently as Wednesday, the Bureau of Prisons said only seven of the more than 600 people being held at the MCC had tested positive.
Read the full report from Jon Seidel here.
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
11:42 a.m. When this virus has passed, I will remember freedoms stolen like a thief in the night
When this storm has finally passed, I will shake another brother’s hand, slap hard fives, skin to skin, embrace like the best of friends. The way we used to.
Before the arrival of coronavirus’ cold winds.
When this storm finally has been vanquished and it is safe to come out again, to break the barrier of personal space, to converse in intimate human circles over coffee or tea and chill, I will.
And I will stroll slowly across golden sands for miles of beach. No city code to breach. I will speak to everyone I pass. Lie blissfully upon emerald blades of park grass.
Watch daylight pass as the orange-red sun sinks from a purplish evening sky and children’s voices blend with the crickets’ song while fireflies twinkle before their widened eyes.
And though I no longer have a head of hair, I just might plop down in a barber’s chair. Break my vow to allow someone beside myself to trim my beard. To rub my face with lilac tonic after lining me with a straight edge from ear to ear.
When this storm is over, I will remember when freedoms taken for granted were stolen like a thief in the night. And at the end of the tunnel we could see no sure sign of light.
Read the full column here.
7:23 a.m. Michelle Abernathy wasn’t just another COVID-19 victim. She made a difference.
Torrence Jones remembers the day his girlfriend Michelle Abernathy learned a developmentally disabled resident of Ludeman Developmental Center, where they worked, had become the first person there to test positive for COVID-19.
It was March 28, a Saturday. Abernathy had stopped by the Park Forest campus to catch up on work. She was informed the stricken man lived in a housing unit under her supervision.
Abernathy, 52, made sure the resident was receiving proper care and that her staff had personal protective equipment, Jones said.
By the next night, Abernathy had a fever. Fifteen days later, she was dead, a victim of the coronavirus.
The Illinois Department of Human Services revealed this past week that the death toll at Ludeman has reached six — three staff members and three residents.
The latest to die: Jose Velez and Cephus Lee. They worked in Ludeman’s dietary department, delivering meals from a central kitchen to the 38 residential homes that comprise the facility.
Read the full column from Mark Brown here.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-02--Warren Buffett confident in future despite coronavirus uncertainty

OMAHA , Neb .
— Billionaire investor Warren Buffett doesn ’ t know how the economy will recover from the coronavirus outbreak shutdown , but he remains optimistic in the long-term future of the United States .
Buffett said Saturday at Berkshire Hathaway ’ s online annual meeting that there ’ s no way to predict the economic future right now because the possibilities are still too varied .
Berkshire ’ s meeting was held without any of the roughly 40,000 shareholders who typically attend .
“ We do not know exactly what happens when you voluntarily shut down a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buffett said because it has never been done .
He said it may take several years to understand all the economic implications of the coronavirus outbreak , but it hasn ’ t changed his long-term view because the country has endured wars and depressions before .
“ I remain convinced … that nothing can basically stop America , ” Buffett said .
All of the events surrounding the annual meeting , including a trade show where Berkshire companies sell their products , were cancelled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the question session .
Instead of sitting next to business partner Charlie Munger in an arena filled with shareholders , Buffett was joined this year by Berkshire Vice Chairman Greg Abel , who oversees all of the company ’ s non-insurance businesses , to answer questions in front of a Yahoo Finance camera .
“ It ’ s certainly a break with years and years of tradition with Buffett and Munger , ” said Andy Kilpatrick , a retired stockbroker who wrote a Buffett biography and has attended every annual meeting since 1985 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside Buffett will add to speculation that he could one day succeed the 89-year-old billionaire as CEO , but it likely also reflects the fact that Abel is based relatively close to Omaha , in Des Moines , Iowa .
Abel and fellow longtime executive Ajit Jain , who oversees Berkshire ’ s insurance businesses , are seen as the two most likely successor candidates although Buffett has no plans to retire .
Omaha will miss out on the profits that comes from all the out-of-town visitors attending the meeting .
Local economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s annual meeting normally provides a $ 21.3 million boost to the area .
Buffett and Abel likely will be asked about the nearly $ 50 billion loss that Berkshire reported Saturday morning and the huge pile of cash the company is holding .
Berkshire said it lost $ 49.7 billion , or $ 30,653 per Class A share , during the first quarter .
That ’ s down from last year ’ s profit of $ 21.66 billion , or $ 13,209 per Class A share .
The biggest factor in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the value of Berkshire ’ s investment portfolio as the stock market declined sharply after the coronavirus outbreak began .
The year before , Berkshire ’ s investments added $ 15.5 billion to the company ’ s profits .
Buffett has long said Berkshire ’ s operating earnings offer a better view of quarterly performance because they exclude investments and derivatives , which can vary widely .
By that measure , Berkshire ’ s operating earnings improved to $ 5.87 billion , or $ 3,617.62 per Class A share , from $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Class A share .
Analysts surveyed by FactSet expected operating earnings per Class A share of $ 3,796.90 on average .
Berkshire ’ s revenue grew 1 percent to $ 61.27 billion .
The company said revenue slowed considerably in April as the virus outbreak negatively affected most of its businesses .
Berkshire closed several of its retail businesses , such as See ’ s Candy and the Nebraska Furniture Mart , this spring while BNSF railroad and its insurance and utility businesses continued operating .
Berkshire is sitting on a pile of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buffett has struggled to find major acquisitions for the company recently .
Edward Jones analyst Jim Shanahan said it was striking that Buffett didn ’ t find any bargains to invest in at the end of the first quarter .
“ The lack of investment activity really sticks out , ” Shanahan said .
Buffett said that Berkshire sold roughly $ 6.5 billion of stock in April , while also buying about $ 426 million in other stocks , by unloading his company ’ s roughly 10 % stakes in the four largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he made a mistake in how he valued airlines .
He didn ’ t name the stocks Berkshire purchased .
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. owns more than 90 companies , including the railroad and insurance , utility , furniture and jewelry businesses .
The company also has major investments in such companies as Apple , American Express , Coca-Cola and Bank of America .

OMAHA, Neb. — Billionaire investor Warren Buffett doesn’t know how the economy will recover from the coronavirus outbreak shutdown, but he remains optimistic in the long-term future of the United States.
Buffett said Saturday at Berkshire Hathaway’s online annual meeting that there’s no way to predict the economic future right now because the possibilities are still too varied. Berkshire’s meeting was held without any of the roughly 40,000 shareholders who typically attend.
“We do not know exactly what happens when you voluntarily shut down a substantial portion of your society,” Buffett said because it has never been done. He said it may take several years to understand all the economic implications of the coronavirus outbreak, but it hasn’t changed his long-term view because the country has endured wars and depressions before.
“I remain convinced … that nothing can basically stop America,” Buffett said.
All of the events surrounding the annual meeting, including a trade show where Berkshire companies sell their products, were cancelled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, and Buffett will have a different partner for the question session.
Instead of sitting next to business partner Charlie Munger in an arena filled with shareholders, Buffett was joined this year by Berkshire Vice Chairman Greg Abel, who oversees all of the company’s non-insurance businesses, to answer questions in front of a Yahoo Finance camera.
“It’s certainly a break with years and years of tradition with Buffett and Munger,” said Andy Kilpatrick, a retired stockbroker who wrote a Buffett biography and has attended every annual meeting since 1985.
The fact that Abel is appearing alongside Buffett will add to speculation that he could one day succeed the 89-year-old billionaire as CEO, but it likely also reflects the fact that Abel is based relatively close to Omaha, in Des Moines, Iowa. Abel and fellow longtime executive Ajit Jain, who oversees Berkshire’s insurance businesses, are seen as the two most likely successor candidates although Buffett has no plans to retire.
Omaha will miss out on the profits that comes from all the out-of-town visitors attending the meeting. Local economic development officials estimate that Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting normally provides a $21.3 million boost to the area.
Buffett and Abel likely will be asked about the nearly $50 billion loss that Berkshire reported Saturday morning and the huge pile of cash the company is holding.
Berkshire said it lost $49.7 billion, or $30,653 per Class A share, during the first quarter. That’s down from last year’s profit of $21.66 billion, or $13,209 per Class A share.
The biggest factor in the loss was a $54.5 billion loss on the value of Berkshire’s investment portfolio as the stock market declined sharply after the coronavirus outbreak began. The year before, Berkshire’s investments added $15.5 billion to the company’s profits.
Buffett has long said Berkshire’s operating earnings offer a better view of quarterly performance because they exclude investments and derivatives, which can vary widely. By that measure, Berkshire’s operating earnings improved to $5.87 billion, or $3,617.62 per Class A share, from $5.56 billion, or $3,387.56 per Class A share.
Analysts surveyed by FactSet expected operating earnings per Class A share of $3,796.90 on average.
Berkshire’s revenue grew 1 percent to $61.27 billion. The company said revenue slowed considerably in April as the virus outbreak negatively affected most of its businesses. Berkshire closed several of its retail businesses, such as See’s Candy and the Nebraska Furniture Mart, this spring while BNSF railroad and its insurance and utility businesses continued operating.
Berkshire is sitting on a pile of more than $137 billion cash because Buffett has struggled to find major acquisitions for the company recently. Edward Jones analyst Jim Shanahan said it was striking that Buffett didn’t find any bargains to invest in at the end of the first quarter.
“The lack of investment activity really sticks out,” Shanahan said.
Buffett said that Berkshire sold roughly $6.5 billion of stock in April, while also buying about $426 million in other stocks, by unloading his company’s roughly 10% stakes in the four largest airlines. Buffett said he decided that he made a mistake in how he valued airlines. He didn’t name the stocks Berkshire purchased.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. owns more than 90 companies, including the railroad and insurance, utility, furniture and jewelry businesses. The company also has major investments in such companies as Apple, American Express, Coca-Cola and Bank of America.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-02--Ald. Gardiner hands out face masks in Jefferson Park to combat spread of coronavirus: Photos

In an effort to help city residents protect themselves and others Saturday from the new coronavirus , Ald .
Jim Gadiner ( 45th ) and a team of volunteers were in Jefferson Park handing out face masks .
The giveaway began shortly after noon at a Hoyne Savings Bank branch drive-thru at 4786 N. Milwaukee Ave. and continued until about 4 p.m. During the first half of the giveaway , the masks were being given to seniors and other residents who were at “ high risk ” of contracting the COVID-19 virus before switching to giving masks to anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2 p.m. , he and his volunteers gave out about 1,000 masks , which were a donation from businessman and former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson , who has provided 20,000 face masks across the city 50 wards after a deal to sell them to the city and state fell through .
“ The people need to know I ’ m still here for them , ” Gardiner said of passing out the masks personally .
With each mask the Northwest Side alderman also gave out cards with his office ’ s contact @ @

In an effort to help city residents protect themselves and others Saturday from the new coronavirus, Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th) and a team of volunteers were in Jefferson Park handing out face masks.
The giveaway began shortly after noon at a Hoyne Savings Bank branch drive-thru at 4786 N. Milwaukee Ave. and continued until about 4 p.m.
During the first half of the giveaway, the masks were being given to seniors and other residents who were at “high risk” of contracting the COVID-19 virus before switching to giving masks to anyone who drove up.
Joyce Schraeder a volunteer with Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th) holds up a package of four face masks that were being given away at a Hoyne Savings Bank branch drive-thru Saturday in Jefferson Park. The masks were provided by businessman and ex-candidate for mayor Willie Wilson. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Gardiner estimated that as of 2 p.m., he and his volunteers gave out about 1,000 masks, which were a donation from businessman and former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson, who has provided 20,000 face masks across the city 50 wards after a deal to sell them to the city and state fell through.
“The people need to know I’m still here for them,” Gardiner said of passing out the masks personally.
With each mask the Northwest Side alderman also gave out cards with his office’s contact information.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-02--Bears QB Mitch Trubisky could end up like Kyle Fuller — or Kevin White

Mitch Trubisky can be either Kevin White or Kyle Fuller .
Now that the Bears have done the expected and declined the quarterback ’ s fifth-year option for 2021 , the former No .
2 overall pick is on the clock .
He has a year to fight for his place with the organization .
That starts with winning the starting job .
The Bears say he ’ ll take the first snap of the first practice — whenever that may be — but their offseason moves showed how little faith they have in him .
They traded a fourth-round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least $ 21 million over three years , because they think he ’ ll be needed .
Whether Trubisky wins the job will chart his course toward either White or Fuller .
The Bears ’ declining of White ’ s fifth-year option two years ago was their most obvious move of the decade .
In three years , the No .
7 pick of the 2015 draft had totaled only 21 catches for 193 years .
The Bears signed Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel in March 2018 .
A month later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the second round .
They didn ’ t need White anymore , and weren ’ t going to count on him to produce .
White was a healthy scratch in seven games in 2018 .
He caught four balls for 92 yards — but one was a 54-yard Hail Mary that fell a yard short of the goal line against the Patriots .
He left after the 2018 season and hasn ’ t played a regular-season snap since .
Three years ago , Pace decided to decline Fuller ’ s fifth-year option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick had missed all of the previous season after having arthroscopic knee surgery in August .
Pace signed veteran Marcus Cooper to a three-year , $ 16 million deal , not willing to rely on Fuller to take the next step .
Fuller began 2017 as the starter because of Prince Amukamara ’ s injury and then started for Cooper when he hurt his back before Week 5 .
Fuller never looked back .
“ He has helped resurrect his career , ” coordinator Vic Fangio said then .
Fuller was so valuable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears issued him the transition tag , which would have paid him $ 12.97 million in 2018 .
He wound up making even more when the Packers signed him to a four-year , $ 56 million offer that the Bears quickly matched .
If Trubisky plays as well in 2020 as Fuller did in 2017 , the Bears could use a similar mechanism to keep him in place .
The 2021 franchise tag will cost at least $ 3 million more than the $ 24.8 million the Bears would have otherwise owed Trubisky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrilled to pay it .
Presuming , of course , that they don ’ t need to use it on Robinson , whose contract extension has yet to materialize this offseason .
Only one top-five pick from 2017 — No .
1 overall Myles Garrett — had his option picked up .
But Trubisky is the only one in the group compared to the Chiefs ’ Patrick Mahomes and the Texans ’ Deshaun Watson , who will soon negotiate contracts to override their fifth-year options .
Still , a world exists — if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ball and tight ends to catch it — in which Trubisky could be a competent starter .
In that sense , he ’ s probably closer to another former Bears first-round pick , Leonard Floyd , than either White or Fuller .
Trubisky and Floyd have otherworldly athleticism for their positions , but didn ’ t translate it on Sundays .
The Bears picked up Floyd ’ s option last year but , after watching him total only three sacks , cut him before he could play his fifth season .
Trubisky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same path .
He has a year to change their minds .

Mitch Trubisky can be Kevin White or Kyle Fuller.
Now that the Bears have done the expected and declined his fifth-year option for 2021, the 2017 No. 2 overall pick is on the clock.
He has a year to fight for his place with the organization.
That begins with winning the starting job. The Bears say he’ll take the first snap of the first practice — whenever that may be — but their offseason moves showed how little faith they have in him. They traded a fourth-round pick for Nick Foles, giving him at least $21 million over three years, because they think he’ll be needed.
Whether Trubisky wins the job will chart his course toward White or Fuller.
The Bears’ declining of White’s fifth-year option two years ago was their most obvious move of the decade. In three years, the No. 7 pick of the 2015 draft had only 21 catches for 193 yards.
The Bears signed Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel in March 2018. A month later, they traded up to draft Anthony Miller in the second round. They didn’t need White anymore and weren’t going to count on him to produce. White was a healthy scratch in seven games in 2018. He caught four balls for 92 yards — but one was a 54-yard Hail Mary that fell a yard short of the goal line against the Patriots. He left after the 2018 season and hasn’t played a regular-season snap since.
Three years ago, general manager Ryan Pace decided to decline Fuller’s fifth-year option. Former GM Phil Emery’s last first-round pick had missed all of the previous season after having arthroscopic knee surgery in August. Pace signed veteran Marcus Cooper to a three-year, $16 million deal, not willing to rely on Fuller to take the next step.
Fuller began 2017 as the starter because of Prince Amukamara’s injury, then started for Cooper when he hurt his back before Week 5. Fuller never looked back.
“He has helped resurrect his career,” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said then.
Fuller was so valuable by the end of 2017 that the Bears issued him the transition tag, which would have paid him $12.97 million in 2018. He wound up making even more when the Packers signed him to a four-year, $56 million offer that the Bears quickly matched.
If Trubisky plays as well in 2020 as Fuller did in 2017, the Bears could use a similar mechanism to keep him in place. The 2021 franchise tag will cost at least $3 million more than the $24.8 million the Bears would have otherwise owed Trubisky — but the team would likely be thrilled to pay it. Presuming, of course, that the Bears don’t need to use it on Robinson, whose contract extension has yet to materialize this offseason.
Only one top-five pick from 2017 — No. 1 overall selection Myles Garrett — had his option picked up. But Trubisky is the only one in the group compared to the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and the Texans’ Deshaun Watson, who will soon negotiate contracts to override their fifth-year options. Still, a world exists — if the Bears have the appetite to run the ball and tight ends to catch it — in which Trubisky could be a competent starter.
In that sense, he’s probably closer to ex-Bear Leonard Floyd, a 2016 first-round pick, than White or Fuller. Trubisky and Floyd have otherworldly athleticism for their positions, but it hasn’t translated on Sundays.
The Bears picked up Floyd’s option last year but cut him before he could play his fifth season after watching him get only three sacks.
The Bears decided Floyd simply wasn’t good enough.
Trubisky’s bosses have pointed him down the same path. He has a year to change their minds.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-02--3 wounded in South Shore shooting

3 wounded in South Shore shooting

A woman and two men were shot Saturday in South Shore on the South Side .
The trio were in @ @ @ @ @ p.m. in the 1900 block of East 79th Street when someone walked up and opened @ @ @ @ @ .
The woman , 22 , was struck in the arm and taken to the @ @ @ @ @ , Chicago police said .
A 28-year-old man who was shot in the calf and @ @ @ @ @ shot in the foot showed up at Trinity Hospital a short while later .
All @ @ @ @ @ , police said .

A woman and two men were shot Saturday in South Shore on the South Side.
The trio were in a parking lot about 4:10 p.m. in the 1900 block of East 79th Street when someone walked up and opened fire, Chicago police said.
The woman, 22, was struck in the arm and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago police said. A 28-year-old man who was shot in the calf and a 29-year-old man who was shot in the foot showed up at Trinity Hospital a short while later.
All three were in fair condition, police said.
Area Two detectives are investigating.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-02--Bears’ confidence in Mitch Trubisky hits all-time low as they decline option

The Bears saying one thing , but believing another has been typical lately when it comes to Mitch Trubisky .
But financial commitments have a way of bringing out the truth .
And while general manager Ryan Pace has reiterated many times how much he believes in Trubisky and has covered for him publicly in the face of comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson , he is leaving little doubt about what he really thinks by declining his fifth-year option .
Pace and the organization ’ s confidence in Trubisky is at an all-time low .
The Bears aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a relatively harmless contract option — one they would almost certainly be able to escape by cutting him before the March 2021 deadline — in case he actually turns it around this season .
Even Pace , who has the most personal capital invested in making it work with Trubisky after trading up to draft him No .
2 overall in 2017 , is ready to concede .
At least he finally sees what everyone else has been seeing for a while , but there was more risk in triggering Trubisky ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as this sounds , the Bears might actually need Trubisky in 2021 .
If that was the case , the option would ’ ve cost them $ 24.8 million rather than having to use the franchise tag ( probably at least $ 30 million ) or sign him to a new contract that would tie up significant money over multiple years .
That $ 24.8 million option was extremely team-friendly , too , because the Bears would be able to rescind it as long as Trubisky passed a physical .
That rule is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the players union negotiated to get rid of it in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement .
It ’ s no longer in play after this year .
To find the last time the Bears nimbly navigated this scenario , one must go deep into the archives — all the way back to two months ago .
Pace picked up the fifth-year option on outside linebacker Leonard Floyd the year before , then saw him put up a career-low three sacks .
The Bears got out of paying him $ 13.2 million with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that favorable of an arrangement shows how low the expectations are after a season in which Trubisky plummeted to 28th in the NFL in passer rating at 83.0 .
His production dipped across the board , and coach Matt Nagy openly admitted he needed improvement in reading defenses and grasping the playbook .
Nagy has had two full years with Trubisky and likely has seen enough to know he isn ’ t the Bears ’ quarterback of the future .
They ’ ll need to see what they can do with Nick Foles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , which should be next year when they finally have a first-round pick again .
Getting back to what he was in 2018 wouldn ’ t — and shouldn ’ t — be sufficient to get a contract extension .
That season wasn ’ t as good as advertised and it was far from elite quarterback play .
But they ’ ve got to keep him or Foles as a bridge to the next quarterback , so if Trubisky proves to be the better of the two , it ’ d be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 2021 as cheaply as possible .
The fifth-year option was the best way to do that .
Foles is on a three-year deal with player-controlled outs after each season , so perhaps the Bears are already leaning toward him as their best bet .
While it ’ s encouraging to see Pace realize his error and begin the process of moving on from Trubisky , the only thing worse than making a mistake in the first place is compounding it with another one .
The Bears just did that last month with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve given an extra season to bounce back rather than paying a hefty dead salary-cap hit to cut him now .
There ’ s no doubt they need to extract themselves from Trubisky eventually , but this isn ’ t the smartest way to do it .

The Bears saying one thing but believing another has been typical lately when it comes to Mitch Trubisky. But financial commitments have a way of bringing out the truth.
General manager Ryan Pace has reiterated many times how much he believes in Trubisky and has covered for him publicly in the face of comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, but he left little doubt about what he really thinks by declining his fifth-year option.
Pace and the organization’s confidence in Trubisky is at an all-time low. The Bears aren’t even optimistic enough to exercise a relatively harmless contract option — one they almost certainly would be able to escape by cutting him before the March 2021 deadline — in case he actually turns it around this season.
Even Pace, who has the most personal capital invested in making it work with Trubisky after trading up to draft him No. 2 overall in 2017, is ready to concede. At least he finally sees what everyone else has seen for a while, but there was more risk in triggering the option than declining it.
As bleak as this sounds, the Bears actually might need Trubisky in 2021. If that were the case, the option would’ve cost them $24.8 million rather than having to use the franchise tag (probably around $30 million) or sign him to a new contract that would tie up significant money over multiple years.
That $24.8 million option was extremely team-friendly, too, because the Bears would be able to rescind it as long as Trubisky passed a physical. That rule is so team-friendly, in fact, that the players’ union negotiated to get rid of it in the new collective-bargaining agreement. It’s no longer in play after this year.
To find the last time the Bears nimbly navigated this scenario, one must go deep into the archives — to two months ago.
Pace picked up the fifth-year option on outside linebacker Leonard Floyd the year before, then saw him put up a career-low three sacks. The Bears got out of paying him $13.2 million with the click of a button.
Turning down that favorable of an arrangement shows how low the expectations are after a season in which Trubisky plummeted to 28th in the NFL in passer rating at 83.0. His production dipped across the board, and coach Matt Nagy openly said Trubisky needed to improve reading defenses and grasping the playbook.
Nagy has had two full years with Trubisky and likely has seen enough to know he isn’t the Bears’ quarterback of the future. They’ll need to see what they can do with Nick Foles until they’re able to draft one, which should be next year, when they finally have a first-round pick.
Getting back to what Trubisky was in 2018 wouldn’t — and shouldn’t — be sufficient to get a contract extension. That season wasn’t as good as advertised, and he was far from an elite quarterback.
But the Bears must keep him or Foles as a bridge to the next quarterback, so if Trubisky proves to be the better of the two, it’d be preferable for the team to retain him for 2021 as cheaply as possible. The fifth-year option was the best way to do that. Foles is on a three-year deal with player-controlled outs after each season. Perhaps the Bears already are leaning toward him as their best bet.
While it’s encouraging to see Pace realize his error and begin the process of moving on from Trubisky, the only thing worse than making a mistake in the first place is compounding it with another. The Bears did that last month with Trey Burton, whom they should’ve given an extra season to bounce back rather than pay a hefty dead salary-cap hit to cut him now.
There’s no doubt they need to extract themselves from Trubisky eventually, but this isn’t the smartest way to do it.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-02--Dan Ryan, Red Line shut down for armed person on tracks near 79th Street

The Dan Ryan Expressway and the CTA Red Line were shut down Saturday afternoon on the South Side after a @ @ @ @ @ for a report of an armed person on the tracks near the 79th Street station @ @ @ @ @ to the station about 3:05 p.m. after a person was seen walking with a knife @ @ @ @ @ , Chicago police said .
The CTA suspended Red Line service between the 95th Street @ @ @ @ @ transit authority said .
Illinois State Police said the Dan Ryan Expressway was shut down @ @ @ @ @ Street and 87th Street to “ assist CPD with the ongoing incident.
” The closures @ @ @ @ @ of 4:40 p.m .
This is a developing story .
Check back for updates .

A man died from self-inflicted injuries Saturday after an hours-long standoff with police that shut down the Dan Ryan Expressway and the CTA Red Line on the South Side, according to police.
A SWAT team responded to the station about 3:05 p.m. after the man, 27, was seen walking on the Red Line tracks with a knife, Chicago police said. Red Line service was suspended between the 95th Street and Garfield stations, and traffic on the expressway was halted nearby.
About 8:15 p.m., the man was shocked with a stun gun by police and taken into custody, police said. He was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died from “self-inflicted stab wounds.”
An autopsy confirmed he died of multiple sharp force injuries and ruled his death a suicide, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
The expressway reopened about an hour after the man was taken into custody, according to Illinois State Police.
Red Line service was suspended between 95th and Garfield, but trains resumed with residual delays about 2 a.m. Sunday, the CTA said.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-02--Bears decline QB Mitch Trubisky’s 5th-year option for 2021 season

The Bears will not pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Mitch Trubisky ’ s rookie contract , allowing him to be an unrestricted free agent after this season , a source confirmed to the Sun-Times on Saturday afternoon .
The option would ’ ve paid him $ 24.8 million , though the team could ’ ve released him by the start of the next league year in March and avoided paying it .
Trubisky ’ s outlook was bleak once the Bears traded for veteran Nick Foles and declared an open competition for the starting job .
They guaranteed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs through 2022 unless he opts out .
Bears general manager Ryan Pace traded four picks to draft Trubisky No .
2 overall in 2017 .
He made the Pro Bowl as an injury alternate after his second season .
Rather than make a leap in 2019 , he struggled .
He bottomed out last season with an 83.0 passer rating , which ranked 28th in the NFL .
The decision was due by 11:59 p.m. Monday .
Pace has spent the offseason avoiding the topic — in five different media gatherings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bears would give Trubisky the option .
Trubisky is the highest-drafted quarterback of the fifth-year option era , which began in 2011 , to have his option declined at the deadline .
Robert Griffin III , another second overall pick , had his option picked up but was cut by the Redskins the following March .
The last No .
2 overall pick to have his option declined was Rams offensive tackle Greg Robinson three years ago .
He becomes the second Pace draft pick to have his option declined , joining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Phil Emery pick , had his option declined by Pace but re-signed with the team after his fourth season .
Pace picked up outside linebacker Leonard Floyd ’ s option last year , but cut him in March and signed veteran edge rusher Robert Quinn .

The Bears will not pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Mitch Trubisky’s rookie contract, allowing him to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, a source confirmed to the Sun-Times on Saturday afternoon.
The option would’ve paid him $24.8 million, though the team could’ve released him by the start of the next league year in March and avoided paying it.
Trubisky’s outlook was bleak once the Bears traded for veteran Nick Foles and declared an open competition for the starting job. They guaranteed him $21 million and his contract runs through 2022 unless he opts out.
Bears general manager Ryan Pace traded four picks to draft Trubisky No. 2 overall in 2017. He made the Pro Bowl as an injury alternate after his second season. Rather than make a leap in 2019, he struggled. He bottomed out last season with an 83.0 passer rating, which ranked 28th in the NFL.
The decision was due by 11:59 p.m. Monday. Pace has spent the offseason avoiding the topic — in five different media gatherings, he refused to say whether or not the Bears would give Trubisky the option.
Trubisky is the highest-drafted quarterback of the fifth-year option era, which began in 2011, to have his option declined at the deadline. Robert Griffin III, another second overall pick, had his option picked up but was cut by the Redskins the following March.
The last No. 2 overall pick to have his option declined was Rams offensive tackle Greg Robinson three years ago.
He becomes the second Pace draft pick to have his option declined, joining receiver Kevin White. Cornerback Kyle Fuller, a Phil Emery pick, had his option declined by Pace but re-signed with the team after his fourth season. Pace picked up outside linebacker Leonard Floyd’s option last year, but cut him in March and signed veteran edge rusher Robert Quinn.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-03--Dear Abby: Friend always takes over the conversation and just won’t stop

DEAR ABBY : I am part of a couples group that gets together on a regular basis for dinner .
The problem is one of the women takes over the conversation , and it becomes her monologue .
She just won ’ t stop !
She goes into minute detail about every aspect of her life for the last couple of weeks ( or months or years ! )
and the lives of her family , friends , friends of family and friends of friends .
These are people we don ’ t know and don ’ t care about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversation by asking someone else a specific question .
Before they can hardly comment , she jumps right in again .
She ’ s a nice person , and a friend .
Can you suggest a kind way we can fix this , or do we just have to exclude them from these dinners ?
— EARS HURTING IN OHIO DEAR EARS HURTING : The woman may not realize how her efforts to be entertaining are perceived by the rest of you .
Someone — possibly you — has to summon up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monologues are .
It may not be an easy conversation to have , but it would be better than excluding her with no explanation .
If , however , she is unable to change her behavior , the solution would be to stop inviting her .
DEAR ABBY : I just turned 51 and have been diagnosed with cancer for the second time .
Why is it that when I tell someone I have cancer , their first response is to tell me about every person in their life who has had cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family member actually pulled out pictures to show me her SIL ’ s hair growing back .
Why do they think this is an appropriate response ?
It ’ s the last thing I want to hear .
It is difficult to remain positive , and I struggle with letting people in .
The more this happens , the more I shut down .
Your thoughts ?
— TRYING IN SALEM , MASS .
DEAR TRYING : It might help to remind yourself that these individuals may be trying to show you they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have experienced .
The family member who showed you that picture may have thought she was being encouraging by showing you a positive outcome — that after chemo , your hair may grow back .
If someone starts a conversation along these lines , it is perfectly acceptable to tell the person you would rather not discuss the subject right now — or ever .
Please don ’ t allow the fact that some people are inappropriate to isolate you .
As I am sure you are aware , there are cancer support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support .
If you need to find one , visit cancer.org .
DEAR ABBY : I have this friend “ Bill , ” and every day I give him three or four cigarettes .
I never ask him for money , but this has been going on for a long time .
Bill keeps saying he will buy me a carton , but he ’ s been saying this for five months now .
I gave him $ 50 for his birthday and again at Christmas time .
I ’ m tired of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vicious cycle ?
— MICHAEL IN NEW JERSEY DEAR MICHAEL : In the words of the late Nancy Reagan , “ Just say no !
” ( You are being given a great opportunity to quit smoking .
TAKE IT ! )
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

DEAR ABBY: I am part of a couples group that gets together on a regular basis for dinner. The problem is one of the women takes over the conversation, and it becomes her monologue. She just won’t stop! She goes into minute detail about every aspect of her life for the last couple of weeks (or months or years!) and the lives of her family, friends, friends of family and friends of friends. These are people we don’t know and don’t care about!
We have tried to redirect the conversation by asking someone else a specific question. Before they can hardly comment, she jumps right in again. She’s a nice person, and a friend. Can you suggest a kind way we can fix this, or do we just have to exclude them from these dinners? — EARS HURTING IN OHIO
DEAR EARS HURTING: The woman may not realize how her efforts to be entertaining are perceived by the rest of you. Someone — possibly you — has to summon up the courage to tell her how off-putting her monologues are. It may not be an easy conversation to have, but it would be better than excluding her with no explanation. If, however, she is unable to change her behavior, the solution would be to stop inviting her.
DEAR ABBY: I just turned 51 and have been diagnosed with cancer for the second time. Why is it that when I tell someone I have cancer, their first response is to tell me about every person in their life who has had cancer and all the gloomy stories? One family member actually pulled out pictures to show me her SIL’s hair growing back. Why do they think this is an appropriate response? It’s the last thing I want to hear.
It is difficult to remain positive, and I struggle with letting people in. The more this happens, the more I shut down. Your thoughts? — TRYING IN SALEM, MASS.
DEAR TRYING: It might help to remind yourself that these individuals may be trying to show you they identify with what you and their relatives have experienced. The family member who showed you that picture may have thought she was being encouraging by showing you a positive outcome — that after chemo, your hair may grow back.
If someone starts a conversation along these lines, it is perfectly acceptable to tell the person you would rather not discuss the subject right now — or ever. Please don’t allow the fact that some people are inappropriate to isolate you. As I am sure you are aware, there are cancer support groups in which you can receive emotional support. If you need to find one, visit cancer.org.
DEAR ABBY: I have this friend “Bill,” and every day I give him three or four cigarettes. I never ask him for money, but this has been going on for a long time. Bill keeps saying he will buy me a carton, but he’s been saying this for five months now. I gave him $50 for his birthday and again at Christmas time. I’m tired of giving. How can I end this vicious cycle? — MICHAEL IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR MICHAEL: In the words of the late Nancy Reagan, “Just say no!” (You are being given a great opportunity to quit smoking. TAKE IT!)
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--2020-05-03--5 teens hurt in Lawndale drive-by

5 teens hurt in Lawndale drive-by

Five teenagers were shot Sunday in Lawndale on the West Side .
Someone in a gray , four-door sedan fired @ @ @ @ @ gathering ” about 3:35 a.m. on 13th Street , according to Chicago police .
It @ @ @ @ @ many people were in the group .
All five victims were hit in their legs @ @ @ @ @ 15-year-old boy , a 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man were taken to Stroger Hospital @ @ @ @ @ other men , 18 and 19 , were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , also @ @ @ @ @ said .
No one is in custody as detectives investigate .
Read more on crime @ @ @ @ @ ’ s homicides .

Five teenagers were shot Sunday in Lawndale on the West Side.
Someone in a gray, four-door sedan fired shots at a “large gathering” about 3:35 a.m. on 13th Street, according to Chicago police. It was not immediately clear how many people were in the group.
All five victims were hit in their legs, police said. A 15-year-old boy, a 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man were taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition.
Two other men, 18 and 19, were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, also in fair condition, police said.
No one is in custody as detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-03--Man dies of self-inflicted injuries after hours-long standoff that shut down Red Line, Dan Ryan on S

Man dies of self-inflicted injuries after hours-long standoff that shut down Red Line, Dan Ryan on South Side: police

A man died from self-inflicted injuries Saturday after an hours-long standoff with police that shut down the Dan Ryan Expressway @ @ @ @ @ on the South Side , according to police .
A SWAT team responded to the @ @ @ @ @ the man , 27 , was seen walking on the Red Line tracks with a @ @ @ @ @ .
Red Line service was suspended between the 95th Street and Garfield stations , and @ @ @ @ @ halted nearby .
About 8:15 p.m. , the man was shocked with a stun gun @ @ @ @ @ custody , police said .
He was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center , @ @ @ @ @ self-inflicted stab wounds.
” The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office has not released @ @ @ @ @ The expressway reopened about an hour after the man was taken into custody , according @ @ @ @ @ Red Line service was suspended between 95th and Garfield , but trains resumed with residual @ @ @ @ @ , the CTA said .


chicagosun-times--2020-05-02--Medical examiner confirms 46 more COVID-19 deaths in Cook County

The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office on Saturday confirmed another 46 deaths connected to the COVID-19 outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ the county ’ s toll to 1,779 , the medical examiner ’ s office said @ @ @ @ @ about 70 % of the 2,559 deaths in Illinois .
On Saturday , state health @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus in Illinois .
The state has now seen 58,505 people test positive @ @ @ @

The Cook County medical examiner’s office on Saturday confirmed another 46 deaths connected to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The newly confirmed fatalities bring the county’s toll to 1,779, the medical examiner’s office said.
Cook County makes up about 70% of the 2,559 deaths in Illinois. On Saturday, state health officials announced 2,450 new cases of the coronavirus in Illinois.
The state has now seen 58,505 people test positive for the virus.