chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Tracking the Bears’ moves in free agency: Former Packers OT Jason Spriggs agrees to a 1-year deal, w

Tracking the Bears’ moves in free agency: Former Packers OT Jason Spriggs agrees to a 1-year deal, while Trey Burton’s injury-plagued Bears career ends

What it means : The Bears get an upgrade at edge rusher with the swap .
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The Chicago Bears have been quite active as they build their 2020 roster.
On March 18, general manager Ryan Pace made his biggest move of the offseason, trading a fourth-round pick to the Jaguars to acquire veteran quarterback and former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles.
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The Tribune’s team is tracking all of the Bears’ moves — with players arriving and exiting — and providing insight into what each move means.
[ Bears draft tracker: 7-player class is complete, from a local tight end to a pair of cornerbacks and a speedy receiver ]
May 13
Former Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara is signing with the Raiders, according to NFL Network .
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What it means: Amukamara will begin his 10th NFL season in Las Vegas after the Bears released him earlier this offseason. The deal reportedly is for one year. Amukamara was a Giants first-round pick in 2011 and played five seasons with the Giants, one with the Jaguars and three with the Bears. He had three interceptions, including a pick-six, and 29 passes defended in his Bears career. The Bears cut Amukamara to clear $9 million in salary-cap space and drafted his expected replacement last month when they took Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson with the 50th pick.
May 5
Edge rusher Aaron Lynch signed a one-year deal with the Jaguars, the team announced .
What it means: Lynch played two seasons in a reserve role for the Bears, totaling five sacks, 22 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss and 17 quarterback hits. A 49ers fifth-round pick in 2014, Lynch will join the Jaguars for his seventh NFL season. He has 20 career sacks. The Bears already had secured reserve outside linebackers to play behind starters Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn. They signed former Browns first-round pick Barkevious Mingo to a one-year deal and traded a future draft pick to grab Tulsa’s Trevis Gipson in the fifth round of the draft last month.
April 30
The Bears are adding veteran safety Tashaun Gipson on a one-year deal, according to Pro Football Talk.
What it means: The Bears appear to have a starting safety to play alongside Eddie Jackson. Gipson has started 104 games over eight NFL seasons, including 62 over the last four years with the Jaguars and Texans. He has 23 career interceptions, three of which came in 2019 in his lone season in Houston, and 47 career passes defended, including eight last year. He also had a pick-six in 2019.
Gipson, who will be 30 in August, signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Wyoming in 2012. He made the Pro Bowl in 2014, when he returned six interceptions for 158 yards and one touchdown.
The Texans signed Gipson to a three-year, $22.5 million contract last year, but he finished the season on injured reserve with a back injury. They cut him this week.
The Bears are signing veteran receiver Ted Ginn Jr. to a one-year deal, an NFL source confirmed.
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What it means: Ginn, who turned 35 this month, will join the Bears for his 14th NFL season after three with the Saints. He had 30 catches for 421 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games last season. The 2007 Dolphins first-round pick also spent time with the 49ers, Cardinals and Panthers.
Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara knocks a ball down in the end zone as Saints wide receiver Ted Ginn is unable to make a catch in the second quarter at Soldier Field on Oct. 20, 2019. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)
He had three straight seasons of at least 700 receiving yards from 2015-2017, including a career-high 10 touchdown catches in 2015 with the Panthers. He has played in 15 playoff games in his career. And he also was a punt and kick returner earlier in his career, with seven career return touchdowns.
Ginn provides the Bears with a speedy, experienced competitor to join a fairly young receivers room beyond veteran Allen Robinson.
April 29
The Bears signed wide receiver and returner Trevor Davis to a one-year deal, the team announced .
What it means: A fifth-round draft pick by the Packers in 2016, Davis joins the Bears for his fifth NFL season. Davis, 26, played in 31 games with the Packers, totaling nine catches for 122 yards. He bounced between the Packers, Dolphins and Raiders in 2019 and had seven catches for 83 yards in nine games (four starts) with the Raiders.
He also is an experienced return man. He had a career-high 24 punt returns for 289 yards (12.0 average) and 31 kickoff returns for 707 yards (22.8) in 2017. And among his three teams in 2019, he had 22 punt returns for 145 yards (6.6) and 23 kickoff returns for 506 yards (22.0).
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April 28
The Bears signed defensive tackle John Jenkins to a one-year deal, the team announced .
What it means: The Bears are bringing back the seven-year NFL veteran to serve as depth on the defensive line after Nick Williams left for a two-year contract with the Lions. Jenkins has played for five teams since he was drafted in the third round in 2013, including eight games for the Bears in 2017. He played in all 16 games for the Dolphins last year, making five starts, with 34 tackles, including two for a loss, and a sack.
April 22
Tight end Trey Burton signed a one-year contract with the Colts, the team announced .
What it means: It took Burton five days after the Bears cut him to latch on with a new team. He reunites with coach Frank Reich, who was the offensive coordinator with the Eagles for two seasons when Burton was there. Burton’s contract is for the veteran minimum, NFL Network reported, which will deduct from the $4 million the Bears owe him for this season.
The Bears cut Burton after an injury-plagued 2019 season in which he caught just 14 passes for 84 yards over eight games.
We have signed TE Trey Burton. — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 23, 2020
April 17
The Bears are releasing tight end Trey Burton, the team announced.
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What it means: Burton’s tenure in Chicago comes to an end two years before his four-year, $32 million contract is up.
The Bears are cutting him after he totaled 14 catches for 84 yards and no touchdowns during an injury-plagued 2019 season. It’s the latest development for Burton in a dramatic 16-month span that started when he was a late scratch for the 2018 playoff loss to the Eagles because of a groin injury. He had sports hernia surgery last offseason, battled a groin injury over eight games in 2019 and then had hip surgery in December.
The Bears signed veteran tight end Jimmy Graham this offseason, and Burton’s departure could mean they’re eyeing another in next week’s draft.
The Bears are signing former Packers offensive lineman Jason Spriggs to a one-year deal, ESPN reported.
Packers' Jason Spriggs runs a drill at training camp on July 25, 2019. (Morry Gash/AP)
What it means: The 6-foot-6, 301-pound Spriggs adds depth to the Bears at tackle after free agent tackle Cornelius Lucas left for the Redskins. Spriggs, a 2016 second-round pick, has started just nine games for the Packers in his career. He’s dealt with back and elbow injuries leading up to the 2019 season and spent the year on injured reserve. An Elkhart, Ind., native, Spriggs, who will turn 26 next month, was an All-American at Indiana in his senior season in 2015.
The Bears signed free-agent kicker Ramiz Ahmed and exclusive-rights free agents J.P. Holtz and Rashaad Coward, the team announced.
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What it means: Ahmed joins the Bears on a one-year deal as apparent competition for kicker Eddy Pineiro. He last kicked in 2018 at Nevada, where he made 15 of 20 field-goal attempts and 40 of 44 extra-point attempts. He made Nevada’s team in 2017 in a walk-on tryout and did kickoffs that season. The Bears settled on Pineiro after a wild kicking competition last year, and he was 23-for-28 on field goals and 27-for-29 on extra points in his rookie year.
Holtz and Coward return as expected. Coward is expected to compete for the starting spot at right guard with newcomer Germain Ifedi after Coward started 10 games in 2019. Holtz, one of nine tight ends on the roster, played in 14 games for the Bears in 2019 and had seven catches for 91 yards.
April 16
Defensive back Sherrick McManis is expected to re-sign with a one-year contract.
What it means: Veteran defensive back Sherrick McManis is expected to re-sign with the Bears on a one-year contract. The longtime special teams standout will be entering his ninth season with the organization after arriving via a trade during the 2012 preseason. McManis missed the final four games last season with a groin injury that didn’t require surgery. He had 11 tackles in defense last season and a forced fumble in the Week 5 loss to the Raiders in London.
McManis, a Peoria native and Northwestern product, had eight stops on special teams last season. The 32-year-old has 88 special teams tackles in the last eight seasons. He’s the third free agent in the secondary to re-sign with the Bears following safeties Deon Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson. All three are on one-year contracts.
April 15
Defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris signed his restricted free-agent tender.
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What it means: The move ensures Robertson-Harris will be back in the fold in 2020. The Bears tendered the former undrafted free agent at the second-round level, meaning he will earn $3.259 million this season. That higher tender ensured no other teams would attempt to lure him away with an offer sheet.
Had the Bears tendered Robertson-Harris at the original-round level, they would have had only right of first refusal on an offer sheet because he was undrafted coming out of UTEP. The 26-year-old had 30 tackles, 10 quarterback hits and 2½ sacks in 15 games last season. Provided he remains healthy, he figures to do well for himself in free agency next March.
By signing the tender, Robertson-Harris will be eligible to participate in the team’s virtual voluntary offseason workout program.
March 25
The Bears are bringing back third-string quarterback Tyler Bray, ESPN reported.
What it means: Bray returns for a third season as the Bears’ third-string quarterback. He spent the last two years on the practice squad behind Mitch Trubisky and Chase Daniel. Bray, 28, has a long history with coach Matt Nagy, dating back to their mutual arrival in Kansas City in 2013. Bray also spent the 2016 Chiefs season with new Bears quarterback Nick Foles.
He has one career pass attempt in one career regular-season appearance, in 2017 with the Chiefs. Even with the signing, the Bears could still draft a quarterback to add to their mix.
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The Bears agreed to a one-year deal with former Seahawks offensive lineman Germain Ifedi, NFL Network reported.
What it means: The Bears are in need of competition at right guard with Rashaad Coward and depth at tackle behind Charles Leno and Bobbie Massie. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound Ifedi played both guard and tackle during his four seasons with the Seahawks.
Seahawks offensive guard Germain Ifedi tries to stop Bears linebacker Khalil Mack during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on Sept. 17, 2018. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)
Ifedi, who will turn 26 in June, was a 2016 first-round draft pick and started 60 games in Seattle, including 100% of their offensive snaps in 2019. He has been called for 12 holding and 29 false start penalties in his career, according to Pro Football Reference.
March 23
The Bears are re-signing safety DeAndre Houston-Carson to a one-year contract, a source told the Tribune.
What it means: Houston-Carson, a sixth-round pick in 2016, is back in the mix as a core special teams player. Houston-Carson has been one of the team’s most dependable players in that area for the last two seasons. With the addition of fellow safety Jordan Lucas, the Bears have been making sure they add depth for special teams coordinator Chris Tabor.
The Bears are bringing back veteran defensive lineman Brent Urban, news that his wife, Kate, announced on Twitter.
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What it means: Urban, 28, appeared in nine games in a reserve role last season after injuries forced some depth moves on the line beginning in October. Urban made 16 tackles and added two pass breakups. A one-year deal for Urban isn’t surprising as the Bears are going to need to add depth to the line, especially after Nick Williams departed for the NFC North rival Lions on a two-year contract. Urban will be in position to compete for a roster spot.
@AdamSchefter DE Brent Urban is re-signing with the Chicago Bears on one year deal. Per source. I’m the source. — Kate Salerno Urban (@Kate_KanSkate) March 23, 2020
The Bears agreed to terms on a one-year deal with outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo, NFL Network reported .
What it means: Mingo, 29, looks like a replacement for Aaron Lynch. He’s a veteran that can play a backup role on defense and a core special teams player.
Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano had Mingo in Indianapolis and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor was in Cleveland when the Browns used the No. 6 pick in 2013 on him. While he has never panned out as a pass rusher — five of his 10 career sacks came during his rookie season — he’s a reliable player that has missed only two games and he has developed as a versatile guy on special teams. The contract is worth $1.187 million. The Bears become Mingo’s sixth team in the last six years.
March 22
The Bears signed safety Jordan Lucas to a one-year deal, NFL Network reported .
What it means: Lucas, 26, joins the Bears after playing two seasons each with the Dolphins and Chiefs. He has played in 49 career games but started just four, in 2018 in Kansas City, when he totaled 32 tackles, a sack, his lone career interception and two passes defended.
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Chiefs safety Jordan Lucas gestures during the first half of a game against the Chargers on Dec. 29, 2019. (Ed Zurga/AP)
Lucas, a former Dolphins sixth-round pick, was a key special teams player for the Chiefs last season, playing 63% of those plays. He provides more depth for a group of safeties that includes Deon Bush, who re-signed with the Bears on Friday and might compete for the starting spot alongside Eddie Jackson. Lucas’ contract is for $1 million.
March 21
Cornerback Artie Burns is joining the Bears on a one-year contract.
What it means: Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed Saturday’s move, a one-year “prove it” deal that puts Burns in position to compete for a starting cornerback job opposite Kyle Fuller.
Steelers cornerback Artie Burns tackles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams during a game on Oct. 13, 2019. (Kyusung Gong/AP)
Burns was a first-round pick out of the University of Miami in 2016, selected No. 25 overall by the Steelers. But he never became the impact playmaker the Steelers hoped. The organization did not pick up his fifth-year option last year and Burns fell deeper into a reserve role. Over four seasons in Pittsburgh, Burns started 32 of the 58 games he played in. He recorded three interceptions as a rookie but only one more over the following three seasons.
Burns has intriguing length and speed and offers a skillset that could allow him to replace Prince Amukamara as a reliable man-to-man cover corner. But he will certainly have to earn that role whenever the Bears are cleared to get back on the practice field. Kevin Tolliver is also in the mix for that job. And the Bears signed CFL star Tre Roberson earlier this winter to compete as well.
March 20
The Bears are signing safety Deon Bush to a one-year contract, ESPN reported.
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What it means: The $1.4 million deal means Bush will return for a fifth season in Chicago. The Bears are in need of a new starter at safety alongside Eddie Jackson after Ha Ha Clinton-Dix signed with the Cowboys. It remains to be seen whether Bush will get a chance to compete for the starting spot or if the Bears have someone else in mind to fill that role, either through free agency or the draft. Bush, a 2016 fourth-round pick, has started eight games over four seasons. He played in 15 games in 2019, playing 5% of the Bears’ snaps on defense and 63% on special teams. He had eight tackles and two passes defended.
Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is headed to Dallas to play for Cowboys.
What it means: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is reporting that Clinton-Dix’s one-year deal in Dallas is worth $4 million with $2.5 million guaranteed, a similar “prove it” deal to what he signed with the Bears last March. It’s no surprise the Bears allowed Clinton-Dix’s contract to expire or that the 27-year-old safety is moving on, now joining his fourth team since 2018.
Dix was signed to play free safety, per source. That would mean that Xavier Woods would move to strong safety https://t.co/2zyAabm4Oh — Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 20, 2020
He will reunite in Dallas with his former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. Clinton-Dix had two interceptions last season for the Bears, including a 59-yard touchdown return against the Redskins in Week 3. He was solid on the back end of the defense. But the Bears also awarded Eddie Jackson a record-setting extension in January, dishing out $33 million guaranteed and keeping Jackson under contract through the end of the 2024 season. There was little chance the Bears were going to spend big to fill that second safety spot.
While the Bears were happy with Clinton-Dix’s play last season, they would ideally like to find a second starting safety who has a more complementary skill set to Jackson, a defensive back who will allow the Bears to use Jackson’s biggest strengths as a free-ranging ball-hawk more easily. General manager Ryan Pace has had success identifying safeties in the draft. He chose Jackson with a fourth-round pick in 2017 and scooped up Adrian Amos in Round 5 two years earlier. The Bears may still browse the bargain bins of free agency for help and depth at the position. But keep a close eye on next month’s draft as well.
March 19
The Bears are bringing back long snapper Patrick Scales on a one-year deal.
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What it means: Scales, 32, will return for his sixth year in Chicago. One of those years, 2017, was spent on injured reserve, but he played in all 16 games each of the last two seasons. He’ll be back with a special teams unit that also includes returning punter Pat O’Donnell and kicker Eddy Pineiro.
The Redskins are signing former Bears offensive lineman Cornelius Lucas to a two-year deal .
What it means: The Bears will be in search of a new swing tackle after Lucas leaves for the $5.3 million deal. Lucas started a game in September and then the final five of the year filling in for injured Bobby Massie. The Redskins will be his fifth team in seven NFL seasons.
March 18
The Bears have acquired Nick Foles from the Jaguars in exchange for a fourth-round pick in next month’s draft.
What it means: No one is more invested in learning what this move means than Mitch Trubisky, the incumbent starting quarterback who has received multiple votes of public confidence from general manager Ryan Pace since last season ended.
Trubisky’s inconsistency and the unraveling of the Bears offense in 2019 was well-documented and created a new sense of urgency behind closed doors at Halas Hall. So while Pace has publicly said he expects Trubisky to be the starter when next season begins, the Bears’ desire to create real competition opens the door for Foles to slide into the starting role fairly easily and soon.
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Per @NFLNetwork reports, we have traded for QB @NickFoles.
(NFL policy currently prohibits teams from making any official announcements.)@SNICKERS | #DaBears — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 18, 2020
Foles’ chemistry with the offensive coaching staff — he spent time in previous stops with coach Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo — is a major plus. And his understanding of Nagy’s offensive system gives him a chance to hit the ground running when the the Bears get the all-clear to begin practicing this spring or summer. In giving up a fourth-round pick for Foles, the Bears have only two selections in the top 150. Foles’ contract with the Jaguars, which the Bears will inherit, runs through 2022 and has a base salary of more than $15 million for this season. Before long, Pace and Nagy will have to communicate their vision for their quarterback situation. It will be interesting to see when the team schedules those first public comments.
Leonard Floyd has agreed to a one-year deal with the Rams worth $10 million.
What it means: A day after the Bears released him, Floyd found a new home in Los Angeles, reuniting with first-year Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who was Floyd’s position coach with the Bears in 2017 and 2018. The Bears exercised the fifth-year option on Floyd’s rookie deal last year but wiggled out of it Tuesday, freeing themselves from a $13.2 million commitment. Now Floyd gets a one-season “prove-it deal” in Hollywood. The Bears, for what it’s worth, are scheduled to play the Rams in Los Angeles next season.
March 17
The Redskins are signing inside linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis to a one-year deal, NFL Network reported.
What it means: Pierre-Louis leaves the Bears after one season. He did a nice job filling in for most of four games after Roquan Smith was injured. He had 37 tackles, two tackles for a loss, two quarterback hits, three passes defended and an interception and also played on special teams. His play earned him a deal worth up to $3.45 million as he joins his fifth team for his seventh year in the league.
The Bears are signing edge rusher Robert Quinn to a five-year deal and releasing Leonard Floyd, NFL Network reported .
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What it means: The Bears get an upgrade at edge rusher with the swap. Quinn, who will turn 30 in May, joins the Bears and All-Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack for his 10th NFL season. He had 11 ½ sacks with the Cowboys in 2019, the second-most in his career behind the 19 he had in 2013 as an All-Pro. He also had 22 quarterback hits and 13 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and three passes defended. Quinn was a Rams first-round pick in 2011, and he spent his first seven seasons with the team before spending a year each with the Dolphins and Cowboys. He has 80 ½ sacks in his career. The deal, for $70 million with $30 million guaranteed, makes the Bears defensive front, with Mack and Akiem Hicks, even more formidable.
Floyd’s departure isn’t entirely surprising given he was owed $13.2 million in 2020. Floyd had a career-low three sacks in 2019. The Bears’ No. 9 overall draft pick in 2016 never quite lived up to the expectations for him. Bears general manager Ryan Pace has said multiple times he likes what Floyd provided in coverage and on run defense, but the Bears also noted his pass rushing production was not where they would like it to be. Floyd becomes Pace’s second first-round pick to leave, behind Kevin White.
Chase Daniel is headed to the Lions on a three-year deal, ESPN reported .
What it means: It was known the Bears likely weren’t going to bring Chase Daniel back for a third season as Mitch Trubisky’s backup, so he moves on to be the backup to Matthew Stafford.
Bears quarterback Chase Daniel sits on the bench before the first half against the Lions at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2019. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)
The Lions will be his fifth team in 11 seasons, a remarkable career for someone who has made only five starts. For the Bears, Daniel was a veteran presence to help guide Trubisky through coach Matt Nagy’s offense, and he also served as a team leader and the Bears’ representative to the NFLPA. He also started three games, throwing six touchdown passes and four interceptions. His presence is valued enough that the Lions gave him a $13.05 million deal, which contains a voidable clause.
The Lions agreed to terms with defensive lineman Nick Williams on a two-year deal.
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Bears defensive tackle Nick Williams celebrates after sacking Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins at Soldier Field on Sept. 29, 2019. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
What it means: Nick Williams, 30, received his first significant pay day in the NFL after totaling six sacks last season when his playing time expanded because of injuries on the defensive line. Williams appeared in all 16 games with five starts and totaled 42 tackles. He’d made just 19 tackles with no sacks in 28 previous career games.
The Bears will hope to replace a chunk of Williams’ playing time (he was on the field for 49 percent of the snaps) with greater health. Akiem Hicks’ injury led to a lot of his playing time.
Can say thank you enough to the McCaskey family and the @ChicagoBears organization for giving me the opportunity. Thanks to my teammates and to the fans! Big Bear 97 Out ✌🏾 #OnePride 🦁 What’s good 😤 pic.twitter.com/9kVcmREelU — Nicholas Williams (@NickWilliams_98) March 17, 2020
The Lions are re-tooling their defensive front with coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn under pressure to break out of losing ways in Detroit and Williams is expected to be just one new piece along the defensive line, a familiar face the Bears will see twice a year. He reportedly will earn $10 million over the next two seasons. That’s not a bad deal for a guy that was on a minimum-salary benefit contract last year.
March 16
The Bears agreed to terms with veteran tight end Jimmy Graham on a two-year deal.
What it means: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Bears will guarantee Jimmy Graham $9 million on a two-year deal that could be worth up to $16 million.
It’s a hefty price to pay for a 33-year-old veteran in the twilight of his career. But it also speaks to the Bears’ desperate need for production at tight end. Last season, six Bears tight ends combined for 46 catches, 416 yards and two touchdowns, woeful production for an offense that relies heavily on the tight end. Graham, in a 2019 season that could be characterized as ordinary at best, provided the Packers with 38 catches, 447 yards and three touchdowns.
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Bears GM Ryan Pace, of course, has familiarity with Graham from their days together with the Saints. From 2010 to 2014, Graham averaged 77 catches, 950 yards and 10 touchdowns and was selected to three Pro Bowls. That was a long time ago. And while it’s difficult to forecast how much Graham has left in his tank, he will be given every opportunity to be a major difference-maker in the Bears offense. His arrival also raises legitimate questions as to whether the Bears are ready to pull the plug on Trey Burton for 2020, even with $4 million of guaranteed money still owed.
The Raiders agreed to terms with former Bears linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski on a three-year deal.
What it means: The Bears say goodbye to their 2016 fourth-round pick, a player who served them well when they needed him during the 2019 season.
Kwiatkoski earned himself a solid new deal when he filled in for eight starts last year while veteran Danny Trevathan was injured, totaling 76 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, three sacks, four passes defended, a forced fumble and an interception. The Bears had to decide between trying to keep Kwiatkoski or Trevathan, and they went with the latter. Kwiatkoski’s deal is for $21 million with $13.5 million in guarantees, NFL Network reported.
March 13
The Bears tendered restricted free agent defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris .
Roy Robertson-Harris (95) goes after Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins for a sack in the second quarter t Soldier Field on Sept. 29, 2019. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
What it means: The tender is believed to be at the second-round level, making it unlikely another team will try to sign him. The Bears have the right of first refusal and would receive a second-round draft pick if they didn’t match another team’s contract offer. Robertson-Harris, who joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2016, had 30 tackles, 10 quarterback hits and 2 ½ sacks in his third season on the field.
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March 12
The Bears signed inside linebacker Danny Trevathan to a three-year contract extension, NFL Network reported.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers fumbles the ball as Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan flips over in the third quarter at Soldier Field on Sept. 5, 2019. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)
What it means: The Bears bring back a key piece of their defense on and off the field. The eight-year NFL veteran, who turns 30 later this month, had 70 tackles, two for a loss, four quarterback hits, a sack and a forced fumble over nine games in his fourth season with the Bears. He sat out the remainder of the year with an elbow injury. He will team up with Roquan Smith for a third season. His return, on a deal that could be worth $24 million, could signal the departure of inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski to another team in free agency.
Feb. 21
The Bears released cornerback Prince Amukamara and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel.
Bears wide receiver Taylor Gabriel signs autographs on Nov. 24, 2019 at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
What it means: The Bears cleared $13.5 million in salary cap space when they cut the veterans. But they now must find a starting cornerback to pair with Kyle Fuller and a speedy, deep-threat wide receiver to replace Taylor Gabriel.
Prince Amukamara, 30, started 44 games over three seasons with the Bears. He had three interceptions and a touchdown, all in 2018, along with 29 passes defended over three years. Gabriel, 29, had 96 catches for 1,041 yards over two seasons with the Bears. He was limited to nine games in 2019 as he dealt with two concussions. The Bears very likely will add to both rooms in the offseason. But cornerbacks Kevin Toliver and Tre Roberson and wide receivers Javon Wims and Riley Ridley are among the current players who could compete for playing time after the roster moves.
Feb. 20
The Bears signed veteran tight end Demetrius Harris to a one-year contract.
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Browns tight end Demetrius Harris tries for a catch in front of Steelers strong safety Terrell Edmunds (34) during the second half on Dec. 1, 2019. (Don Wright/AP)
What it means: Demetrius Harris, 28, joins the Bears to potentially fill a role as their “Y” blocking tight end. He spent his first five NFL seasons with the Chiefs in Kansas City when Bears coach Matt Nagy was a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator there. He had 57 catches for 605 yards and six touchdowns with the Chiefs. The Browns released him in February after one season in which he had 15 catches for 149 yards and three touchdowns. The addition of Harris is likely the first of several moves to rebuild the Bears tight ends room this offseason.
Jan. 29
The Bears signed CFL cornerback Tre Roberson to a two-year contract.
Calgary's Tre Roberson celebrates an interception against Ottawa during the second half of the Grey Cup at Commonwealth Stadium on Nov. 25, 2018. (Codie McLachlan / Getty Images)
What it means: Tre Roberson, 27, picked the Bears from nine NFL contract offers after he had an All-Star season with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders in 2019. The former Indiana and Illinois State quarterback, who spent time with the Vikings on their practice squad in 2016 and in training camp in 2017, had seven interceptions and two touchdowns in his second season in the CFL. The 6-foot, 190-pound Roberson provides needed depth at cornerback in a room that includes Kyle Fuller, Buster Skrine and Kevin Toliver.


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Anderson’s Bookshop had plans to close La Grange location before coronavirus shutdown, employees say

“ It hasn ’ t performed like we thought it would .
We love the downtown , we love the @ @ @ @ @ great response from people .
It ’ s one of those things where we thought @ @ @ @ @ like I said , we are still trying to determine what will happen there , @ @ @ @

In less than a week, Anderson’s Bookshop has raised more than half of its $100,000 goal in a GoFundMe campaign to keep the beloved bookseller in business during the global coronavirus pandemic.
But some employees expressed frustration that owners did not communicate on the fundraising post their plans to close the La Grange store in July, plans they said were told to employees before the state’s stay-at-home order shuttered the storefronts of all non-essential businesses.
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As of Thursday, the fundraiser had raised more than $59,000 toward its $100,000 goal.
“Our three bookshops (Naperville, Downers Grove and La Grange), our Anderson’s Toyshop (Naperville) and our school bookfair division (Aurora) need assistance to support our hardworking employees, pay our rents, and allow us to serve you again once this crisis is over,” Anderson’s GoFundMe page reads.
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The employees say they were told March 13 that the La Grange store would close July 31, the date when the lease term ended. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order took effect March 21.
Along with the three bookstores, Anderson’s has a toy shop in Naperville and a school book fair division in Aurora. The company says on its website for the Naperville location that it has been operating as an independent bookseller since 1875.
Reached by phone, co-owner Becky Anderson said a final decision on the La Grange store has not been made but confirmed the employees were told that it would close at the end of July.
“We still haven’t made that final decision, but that may be," she said. "That really wasn’t supposed to be out there because we are still in negotiations with our landlord and I don’t like it being out there.”
Anderson said the store did not perform as well as expected, even before the COVID-19 crisis.
“It hasn’t performed like we thought it would. We love the downtown, we love the village. We had a great response from people. It’s one of those things where we thought it would perform better but like I said, we are still trying to determine what will happen there,” Anderson said.
One customer who has been going to the La Grange location since it opened five years ago is Diane Oppenheim of Western Springs, who said not mentioning the situation with the La Grange location is disingenuous.
“If they are doing this and planning on closing the La Grange store anyway, no, why would I give to them? I’ll give to them if they keep the La Grange store open but otherwise, no,” Oppenheim said.
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Nancy Cummings, executive director of the La Grange Business Association, said she was unaware that the Anderson’s location there might be closing at the end of July and said if true, it would be a loss to the community.
“That would not be good news. Having a local bookstore in town is a valued part of the La Grange community. I think it was well-utilized and certainly well-loved so we would want to see it thrive here,” Cummings said.
Anderson said employees were informed of the July 31 closure plans because owners “had to tell them what we were thinking,” but she said “employees were told not to say anything yet.”
Asked about the store GoFundMe fundraiser, Anderson said owners still are negotiating with their landlord.
“It’s not set in stone yet,” she said of any store closures.


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Thousands of meals being distributed to those in need in Englewood. ‘I want to help people feel as n

Thousands of meals being distributed to those in need in Englewood. ‘I want to help people feel as normal as possible.’

Bailey said he worked with the Trotter Project — named after famed Chicago chef Charlie Trotter — to provide 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ up at Montessori School of Englewood or delivered to homes .
“ We follow all @ @ @ @ @ health authorities , ” he said .
“ We are helping contain the spread of @ @ @ @ @ are being fed .
”

CPS employee LaToya Williamson, left, brings out free food to people waiting in line on April 17, 2020. An Englewood business owner teamed up with the Trotter Project — named after famed Chicago chef Charlie Trotter — to provide 2,000 meals that could be picked up at Montessori School of Englewood or delivered to homes. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
The movement is called “Being My Higher Self,” and on Friday it helped bring hundreds of meals to those struggling through the coronavirus outbreak in Englewood on the South Side.
“I want to help people feel as normal as possible,” said Howard Bailey, who used to run a cafe in the neighborhood and is one of the forces behind the movement. “I want them to eat what I eat. Sit down to a good hot meal. Normalcy.”
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Bailey said he worked with the Trotter Project — named after famed Chicago chef Charlie Trotter — to provide 2,000 meals that could be picked up at Montessori School of Englewood or delivered to homes. “We follow all the guidelines mapped out by health authorities,” he said. “We are helping contain the spread of COVID-19 while making sure people are being fed.”
Bailey said he became acquainted with the Trotter Project through the school. It was formed in 2014 after the death of the chef. It works with churches, schools and grocery stores to address food deserts and provide nutritional information for children.
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Bailey said he used his connections from running a club and restaurants to supply what was needed for the meals. A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $4,200.
“Most of our problems stem from misconnections,” Bailey said. “We would be so powerful if we could benefit from each other’s connections. This is group effort of many people coming as one to help those who fell off because of the pandemic."
CPS employee Maggie Mikuzis tells people to keep 6 feet apart as she brings out bags of free food, one at a time, to give out to people waiting in line at the Montessori School in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood on April 17, 2020. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
As of Friday, those getting meals have included senior citizens, children and people thrown out of work. The food has come from Ghin Khao Eat Rice, Pizza Metro, Some Like it Black, Las Palmas, Kimski and Slow Motion for Meat.
Bailey said he started distributing meals on March 25, his 48th birthday, when he supplied 48 to people in the artist community.
“Most artists find work in restaurants and bars, and because of the mandated shutdown, their ability to support their families has been challenged,” Bailey said. “Actually, many Chicago residents have been thrown in an unemployment situation. Imagine if recent unemployment was just one of your issues. Some folks have layers of disparity to face.”
In recent weeks, Bailey said he spotted two elderly women huddled on a corner by the Whole Foods in Englewood and gave them meals. One of the women told him her husband had just died and she was praying for something to eat.
“Her prayers were answered,” Bailey said.


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Morton Grove, Niles join suburbs requiring face coverings in public

Both of the directives allow business owners and operators to refuse service or admission to anyone not wearing a face @ @ @ @ @ directive allows for police to issue a warning or citation to someone who does not @ @ @ @ @ s does not establish a fine for non-compliance .

The villages of Morton Grove and Niles have become the latest suburbs to require citizens to wear face coverings in public places due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Morton Grove Mayor Dan DiMaria signed an executive directive Wednesday requiring face coverings for anyone “engaging in any activity outside their place of residence while other people are present," and a similar order was made by Niles Mayor Andrew Przybylo on Friday.
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Both of the directives allow business owners and operators to refuse service or admission to anyone not wearing a face covering. DiMaria’s directive allows for police to issue a warning or citation to someone who does not comply, while Przybylo’s does not establish a fine for non-compliance.
“All members of the public are expected to comply,” a statement from the village of Niles said.
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Face coverings are defined as non-medical masks, cloth, plastic masks, scarves, bandannas and handkerchiefs that cover the nose and mouth.
The directives were issued to "protect the health, safety and welfare of persons within the village,” the documents from the Morton Grove and Niles mayors say.
According to the directives, face covers are not necessary while riding in a personal vehicle, while eating or drinking, or for anyone engaged in solitary activity like walking, running or biking.
Neither specify a minimum age requirement.
Messages left for DiMaria were not returned.
As of April 17, there were 80 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Morton Grove and 135 reported in Niles, according to the Cook County Department of Public Health.
The number of cases in Niles has gone up more than 230% since April 7, according to the data.
“I’m aware of it and I’m concerned,” Przybylo said. “That’s one of the reasons why we are issuing this executive order.”
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Przybylo described the order as focusing on “encouragement and education.”
“If anybody enforces it, it’s going to be the grocery stores or other retail stores,” Przybylo said.
These businesses would have the right to contact the police if customers refuse to cover their faces and refuse to leave the premises, he said.
“I think most people will get it,” he said.
The requirements for face coverings in Morton Grove and Niles come on the heels of Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen issuing an executive order on April 15 requiring everyone over the age of 5 to wear face coverings in public. That order took effect at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Skokie has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases within suburban Cook County, with a total of 276 reported as of April 15, according to the Skokie Health Department. There have been 12 deaths due to COVID-19 within the village, the health department reported.
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The village of Glenview, which also borders Morton Grove, has had a face cover requirement in place since April 12.
jjohnson@chicagotribune.com
Twitter: @Jen_Tribune


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Watch live: President Trump and members of the coronavirus task force hold a press briefing

Watch live as members of the coronavirus task force provide an update on the coronavirus outbreak in a news briefing @ @ @ @ @ .
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chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Students, parents take break from remote learning to give Adler staff a parade in Libertyville

“ But I think it ’ s bringing us closer together , '' Bongle said , adding , “ Parents @ @ @ @ @ job of talking about it with their children , but not scaring them about it @ @ @ @ @ the students are scared , but they ’ ve been reaching out to our teachers @ @ @ @ @ been teleconferencing with students . ''

Students Mia and Viana Glowacki greet their teachers during a parade for staff at Adler Park Elementary School in Libertyville. (Denys Bucksten / Pioneer Press)
The smallest school in Libertyville School District 70 had a huge turnout Thursday, when parents and students greeted teachers at Adler Park Elementary School with a parade of cars.
School staff stood along the winding drive behind Adler, using social distancing, as their ecstatic students waved from open car windows and sunroofs.
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Principal Kerri Bongle, who stood at the beginning of the line, said students, parents and staff all have had challenges adjusting to a new way of schooling. The school has been using remote learning and has been closed since March 13.
“But I think it’s bringing us closer together," Bongle said, adding, “Parents are doing a really good job of talking about it with their children, but not scaring them about it. I know some of the students are scared, but they’ve been reaching out to our teachers and our social worker has been teleconferencing with students."
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Jack Turner, a music-band teacher at the school, also looked forward to the parade. He said he was planning to retire soon after 32 years — something that has become a bittersweet moment for him since the pandemic began.
“Seeing the kids today is a very, very special treat. You can only do so much with the e-learning and technology," he said. "If, by chance, this is the last time seeing these kids, seeing them today personally is amazing.”
Art teacher Alicia Sather shows her appreciation for her students during a parade for staff at Adler Park Elementary School in Libertyville. (Denys Bucksten / Pioneer Press)
A long line of cars recently participated in a parade for staff at Adler Park Elementary School in Libertyville. (Denys Bucksten / Pioneer Press)
Teachers Theresa and Jim Gasick greet the cars that participated in a parade for staff at Adler Park Elementary School in Libertyville. (Denys Bucksten / Pioneer Press)
Denys Bucksten is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Ozzie Guillen on MLB’s quarantine plan and how he would approach the proposal as a player: ‘I’d have

Ozzie Guillen on MLB’s quarantine plan and how he would approach the proposal as a player: ‘I’d have no choice. If everybody is playing, why not me?’

“ I ’ d have no choice , ” he said .
“ If everybody is playing , why not @ @ @ @ @ no better than the game .
If MLB says we ’ re gon na play @ @ @ @ @ United States says we can play , who is one player to say no ?
@ @ @ @ @ .
I don ’ t think you can be selfish when you see a lot @ @ @ @ @ they make money out of that .
That ’ s something people have to think @ @

Ozzie Guillen says stay-at-home life isn’t so bad. The self-described homebody joked he has been doing it since he came up with the White Sox in 1985.
“I always try to stay in my house,” Guillen said by telephone. “Any chance to stay in with my wife and kids, I take advantage of.”
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Guillen is spending tons of time in Chicago with his three sons and granddaughter, Adela.
Baseball is a popular topic, especially with son Ozney, a 22nd-round pick of the Sox in 2010, in town after winning a Winter League title in Colombia as a manager.
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The Guillens go back and forth on whether they think MLB will be able to pull off its proposed plan to play games in empty spring training stadiums with players and staff living in hotels, separated from their families for months.
Once you’re in the family, you never leave the family! In this episode of Here’s the Thing, @oguillenjr talks about which @MLB player he’d choose to be Godfather of his soon to be born son. #MLB #Deportes #family #GoodFriday pic.twitter.com/VcTmSgaIsO — La Vida Baseball (@LaVidaBaseball) April 10, 2020
“You wake up one day and say: Yeah, this is a good idea,” Guillen said. “Then you sit down and put everything together and say: No way that’s going to happen.
“They say we’re going to play baseball without fans. What? Well, there are a lot of teams that play without fans over 162 games.”
And he chuckled.
Guillen said if the idea had been presented to him as a player, his response would have been simple: Let’s play.
“I’d have no choice,” he said. “If everybody is playing, why not me? I’m no better than the game. If MLB says we’re gonna play and the president of the United States says we can play, who is one player to say no? That’s your job. I don’t think you can be selfish when you see a lot of people want sports because they make money out of that. That’s something people have to think about.
“Players have money. The owners have money. There are a lot of people behind the scenes suffering. People who park the cars, work in the stadium. They need baseball more than anybody, more than the players. Some people live check-by-check, day-by-day.”
MLB on March 12 canceled remaining spring training games and postponed the start of the season amid the coronavirus outbreak. The league and players union have had only a preliminary discussion of potential ways for the season to start if given the go-ahead by federal, state and local governments and health officials.
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If baseball does return, Guillen, who does pre- and postgame White Sox studio work for NBC Sports Chicago, wants to see the Sox play for a month before opining on whether this would be their breakthrough year.
“We all know they spent money," he said. "We all know they have good players. We all know they have great talent. But we don’t know if they have a good team.
“It all goes with chemistry. Winning brings you good chemistry. … You lose a few games this year, how much fun will you be having?”
And this year’s team carries a new burden of expectations.
“There are a lot of ‘ifs’ in the air,” Guillen said. “We’ve never seen the manager manage a winning team. Never seen the coaches coach a winning team. Never seen those guys play where every time they hit the field, it means something. But they have great talent in there. I can’t wait to see if they have a good team.”


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Bail denied for second suspect charged with Red Line attack that killed former Marine

Balde struggled to free himself as he was dragged along the platform and into a tunnel , where his head @ @ @ @ @ a metal partition , according to authorities .
Following his arrest last Friday , Munn @ @ @ @ @ Balde out of loyalty to his friend , but said he was only trying to @ @ @ @ @ ground .

A Humboldt Park man was held without bail Friday on charges he attacked a former Marine who was shoved between Red Line train cars and dragged to his death earlier this month.
Fajour Hodges, 19, of the 1200 block of North Artesian Avenue, was arrested on a murder warrant Thursday and charged with first-degree murder for the April 6 death of Mamadou Balde, according to Chicago police.
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Fajour Hodges, 19, was charged with first-degree murder for the April 6 death of Mamadou Balde, 29. - Original Credit: Chicago police (HANDOUT)
Prosecutors have already charged Ryan Munn in Balde’s death, a crime that shocked the city trying to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak and stay-at-home order. The attack was captured on CTA surveillance cameras, and three witnesses identified Munn and Hodges as the assailants, prosecutors have said.
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Prosecutors said Near North District police officers recognized Munn and Hodges from prior contact they’d had with both. Police had been seeking Hodges since shortly after the attack, but the arrest warrant was issued this week after he missed a hearing at the Skokie courthouse on an unrelated retail theft case, according to records.
In court Friday, prosecutors said Hodges was standing on the platform with Munn when Balde, who was intoxicated, struck up a conversation with him. During the brief exchange, Balde appeared to be smiling and joking with Hodges, despite momentarily raising his fists to his chin “as if he was jokingly putting up his dukes,” Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy said.
As Balde was smiling, Hodges allegedly punched Balde in the face, knocking him backward toward a stopped train. Prosecutors said Munn joined in, throwing punches and shoving Balde until he fell between the cars of the slow-moving train.
Fatoumata Balde, sister of Mamadou Balde, holds a cellphone showing an image of her brother as a Marine. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)
Balde struggled to free himself as he was dragged along the platform and into a tunnel, where his head and upper body violently struck a metal partition, according to authorities. Following his arrest last Friday, Munn admitted taking a swing at Balde out of loyalty to his friend, but said he was only trying to push the victim to the ground.
Hodges’ attorney William Wolf said in court Friday that first-degree murder was an inappropriate charge, since there was no indication of “an intention or even a knowledge that they were taking an action that was going to kill him.”
Hodges has asthma, Wolf said, indicating that he had “medical concerns” about keeping him at the jail during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But Judge Arthur Wesley Willis ordered Hodges held without bail, saying it seemed Hodges initiated the contact when he started punching the victim. Munn was also held without bail over the weekend.


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Cubs were 1 of 3 MLB teams that declined to participate in a coronavirus study, report says

Tom Zimmer , a scout for the Giants and the son of former Cubs manager Don Zimmer , told the @ @ @ @ @ negative after taking the test Wednesday .
Zimmer told the Times he mixed his blood @ @ @ @ @ a solution in a device that provided the results in 10 minutes .

The Cubs medical staff has maintained close contact with health officials and Major League Baseball since February amid the coronavirus outbreak in the United States.
But according to an NBC Sports Chicago report Thursday night, the Cubs were one of three teams that didn’t participate in a nationwide coronavirus antibodies study this week that researchers at Stanford and USC conducted.
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A source stressed that the study, which involved 10,000 people and included those from corporations and MLB, was voluntary. Employees from participating MLB teams, ranging from executives to stadium employees, represented a large group throughout the country that could help gauge the number of people infected.
Kits were sent to participants, who pricked a finger to provide a blood sample to be tested for antibodies.
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Tom Zimmer, a scout for the Giants and the son of former Cubs manager Don Zimmer, told the Tampa Bay Times he tested negative after taking the test Wednesday. Zimmer told the Times he mixed his blood in a few drops of a solution in a device that provided the results in 10 minutes.
Zimmer took a photograph of the test results and sent them to the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, based in Salt Lake City.
The tests are connected to collecting data and not toward efforts to start the season.


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Chicago’s best tortillas: 10 brands tasted and ranked

For the last couple of weeks , I ’ ve watched my colleague Nick Kindelsperger come in , stomach heavy @ @ @ @ @ , as he crisscrosses Chicago on a monthlong challenge to find the best and worst @ @ @ @ @ And often , his judgment comes down to the tortilla .

UPDATE: El Milagro tortillas are trending in Chicago right now, after a poll posted by Twitter user @drxvelikeido went a little crazy overnight. Our supermarket tasting of 10 store-bought corn tortillas, first published May 23, 2016, agreed with the general consensus: El Milagro are best. Check out the results in the photo gallery above.
For the last couple of weeks, I’ve watched my colleague Nick Kindelsperger come in, stomach heavy with al pastor and birria, as he crisscrosses Chicago on a monthlong challenge to find the best and worst tacos in the city. And often, his judgment comes down to the tortilla.
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A good corn tortilla can be hard to find — it has to be freshly made, pillowy and pliable, yet not collapse under the weight of meat and toppings. Nick has discovered some excellent examples out in the wild. But what about a go-to for taco night at home?
In Chicago, we're blessed with local tortillerias that deliver warm tortillas every morning to neighborhood carnicerias. If you're not lucky enough to live near one, some great locally made tortillas also end up in larger grocery chains.
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I invited our Food & Dining team to blind taste test all the corn tortillas I could find at three stores that have locations in many parts of Chicago and the suburbs: Carnicerias Jimenez, Mariano's and Whole Foods. I avoided novel flavor and ingredient options. So, no chia multigrain or spinach pesto.
We ended up tasting 10 tortillas, ranking them based on sight, smell, taste, texture and durability (what I like to call "tacobility") — how well does the tortilla hold up to fillings? To test this, I made single-tortilla tacos with ground beef, avocado, onion, cilantro, lime and salsa verde. Surprisingly, all held up well.
Our top tortilla was by El Milagro, warm and fresh from the hands of the delivery man, made with no preservatives and wrapped in white paper.
At the bottom of the stack: Whole Foods 365 organic corn tortillas, cold in the refrigerated case.
See our final rankings in the photo gallery above, from worst to best with tasting notes.


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Pitbull launches new song to inspire during the pandemic

“ Things being canceled , to me , wasn ’ t the first thing on my mind .
The first @ @ @ @ @ how do we help the public , how do we help society ?
How do @ @ @ @ @ through something like this , '' he said .
`` And not only that , @ @ @ @ @ at it from different angles .

Pitbull is looking to uplift his fans around the world with a new dance anthem.
The singer has teamed up with the Saban Music Group to release “I Believe That We Will Win” in the hope of turning the word fear into a positive.
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"Fear is either you can forget everything and run, or you can face everything and rise. And we’re going to face everything and rise,” said the Grammy-winner, who is among the hundreds of artists who have canceled or postponed concerts due to the coronavirus.
“Things being canceled, to me, wasn’t the first thing on my mind. The first thing on my mind was how do we help the public, how do we help society? How do we help the world get through something like this," he said. "And not only that, to be able to look at it from different angles.
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“We need people out there to stay strong mentally in order for their body to be able to fight this," he said.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the single will go to the charities Feeding America and the Tony Robbins Foundation.
Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez, says he’s “staying healthy and staying strong” but that he’s never seen his hometown of Miami so quiet.
“What you do see is, believe it or not, more people exercising," he said, noting that they're staying far apart. “The people that are out they’re just trying to be productive one way or another. I think that everybody down here has done a great job.”
The recording artist also has 11 charter schools called SLAM (Sports Leadership and Management) in cities such as Miami, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando and Phoenix. Pitbull says he’s proud of how quickly the staff, students and parents were able to adapt to remote learning.
“We didn’t know what was going to happen and how we’re going to pull it off,” he said. He said everyone involved — administrators, teachers, parents and students — have been “overachieving.”
“I want to give them a big shout out. Nothing but respect,” he said. “It gives me more motivation to be able to be out here talking to people and letting them know.”


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Major summertime Frida Kahlo exhibit rescheduled for next year

Before her death in 1954 , Kahlo traveled and showed in international art circles before her death in 1954 , @ @ @ @ @ and reevaluation of her work in the 1970s that began her rise to become one @ @ @ @ @ of the 20th century .
Contributing to her popularity was the 2002 Hollywood biopic “ @ @ @ @ @ Hayek .

“Frida Kahlo 2020” is now going to take place in 2021. The new title? “Frida Kahlo: Timeless.”
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the College of DuPage’s Cleve Carney Art Museum is pushing back by almost exactly a year what it says will be the largest exhibition of the iconic Mexican painter’s work in the Chicago area since the 1970s.
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Originally scheduled for June 1 to Aug. 31 of 2021, the show will run June 5 to Sept. 6, 2021.
"This will give us the best opportunity to bring Frida’s artwork to the widest community possible, and to present her legacy in the celebratory spirit with which it has always been intended,” exhibition Executive Director Diana Martinez said in a statement.
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The decision was approved by the college’s board Thursday night. Ticket holders can use their 2020 tickets for corresponding dates next year according to a schedule at theccma.org/rescheduled. Or, beginning Tuesday, they can email the box office at themac@cod.edu to work out other arrangements, said the museum, which is part of the college’s McAninch Arts Center.
The centerpiece of the show is 26 pieces that will be loaned by Mexico City’s Museo Dolores Olmedo, work that will still be available to travel next year, officials at the west suburban museum said.
Frida Kahlo's "Self-Portrait with Small Monkey" (1945) will be on view at College of DuPage's exhibit "Frida Kahlo: Timeless." \ (Museo Dolores Olmedo / HANDOUT)
Set to be on display are famous paintings including “Portrait of Alicia Galant,” which Kahlo identified as her first art work, the self-portrait “The Mask,” and “Broken Column,” which references the artist’s lifelong health struggles, according to Justin Witte, curator and director of the gallery.
The show will also include a multimedia timeline, scores of photos from the artist’s life, and a Kahlo inspired garden.
The curator said this many Kahlo works have not been shown together in Chicago since the exhibition “Frida Kahlo” at the MCA in 1978.
Before her death in 1954, Kahlo traveled and showed in international art circles before her death in 1954, but it was a rediscovery and reevaluation of her work in the 1970s that began her rise to become one of the most famous artists of the 20th century. Contributing to her popularity was the 2002 Hollywood biopic “Frida,” starring Salma Hayek.
When the college announced the exhibition, it explained that it was happening because of a friendship between a key COD backer and the family that runs the museum, which says it has the world’s largest trove of Kahlo works. Subsequently the museum enacted an expansion and updating ahead of the Kahlo opening.
sajohnson@chicagotribune.com
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Twitter @StevenKJohnson


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Morgan Park’s Adam Miller and Maine West’s Angela Dugalic are Mr. and Ms. Basketball of Illinois for

Morgan Park’s Adam Miller and Maine West’s Angela Dugalic are Mr. and Ms. Basketball of Illinois for 2020

“ Being a kid growing up in Illinois , you always heard about Mr. Basketball , ” Miller said .
@ @ @ @ @ of great players who won it , so me being able to win it is @ @ @ @ @ I just had to put in the work and God put me in the right @ @ @

Morgan Park’s Adam Miller and Maine West’s Angela Dugalic took different paths to winning the Mr. and Ms. Basketball of Illinois awards for 2020.
Miller, a senior committed to Illinois, received 142 points and 21 first-place votes to edge Young’s DJ Steward, who finished with 140 points and 19 first-place votes. Rolling Meadows junior Max Christie was third with 37 points.
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“Being a kid growing up in Illinois, you always heard about Mr. Basketball,” Miller said. “There are a lot of great players who won it, so me being able to win it is all graced by God. I just had to put in the work and God put me in the right predicaments."
Morgan Park coach Nick Irvin said a Mr. Basketball award always was part of the plan for Miller.
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“He wanted to be remembered as the best player in the state of Illinois his senior year,” Irvin said. “That’s how he wanted to go out.”
Dugalic, meanwhile, had nearly twice as many points as the runner-up. The senior received 24 first-place votes and 166 points. Lake Park’s Darrione Rogers was second with 84 points and Simeon’s Aneesah Morrow third with 72.
The awards are voted on by the state’s coaches and media and presented by the Chicago Tribune in conjunction with the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.
Morgan Park’s Adam Miller makes his way to the basket against Simeon on Jan. 23, 2020. Miller is Mr. Basketball of Illinois for 2020. (Gary Middendorf / Daily Southtow / Chicago Tribune)
Miller, the No. 2 senior in the state (behind Steward) and No. 33 nationally in the 247Sports.com composite rankings, wasn’t surprised the voting came down to the two players. But while they’ve had battles over the years — including a 61-59 Morgan Park win this season — Miller doesn’t view Steward as a rival.
“People create a rivalry between us," Miller said. “We’re none of that. We’re just great basketball players that grew up in the same state. We’re great friends and we’ve battled so many times. We don’t do the comparisons, and it’s just an honor to be able to play against him.”
Miller put together a stellar season that was cut short because of the coronavirus outbreak. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 23.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.3 steals for Morgan Park (22-9), which advanced to a Class 3A sectional final before the IHSA canceled the rest of the state tournament amid the pandemic.
Miller finished with 2,076 career points and grabbed national attention while doing so. He was selected to the Jordan Brand Game and named the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year the last two seasons, becoming only the fourth player to win the award back-to-back since 1985.
Dugalic, No. 22 in ESPN’s HoopGurlz rankings, averaged 20.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7 steals for the Warriors (30-6), who lost to eventual Class 4A champion Fremd in the Elite Eight. Dugalic led Maine West to a 35-0 record and the 4A championship in 2019 and was named a Second Team All-State selection as a junior.
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Maine West's Angela Dugalic drives around Lake Forest's Lilly Trkla on Feb. 25, 2019, at Palatine High School. Dugalic is Ms. Basketball of Illinois for 2020. (H. Rick Bamman / Lake County News-Sun)
Dugalic’s list of accolades don’t end there. The 6-foot-4 forward is part of a historic recruiting class at Oregon in which all five five-star players were named to the McDonald’s All-Americans. She was also named the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season.
2020 Mr. Basketball of Illinois voting
63 ballots cast, first-place votes in parentheses; 5-3-1 vote value.
Top 10
1. Adam Miller, Morgan Park, senior, 142 points (21)
2. DJ Steward, Young, senior, 140 points (19)
3. Max Christie, Rolling Meadows, junior, 37 points (3)
4. Ray’Sean Taylor, Collinsville, senior, 30 points (3)
5. Bryce Hopkins, Fenwick, junior, 27 points (2)
6. Dom Martinelli, Glenbrook South, senior, 25 points (3)
7. Ahron Ulis, Marian Catholic, senior, 15 points (1)
8. Isaiah Rivera, Geneseo, senior, 13 points
9. Ramean Hinton, Curie, senior, 11 points
T-10. Jackson Connor, Marion, 7 points (1)
T-10. Connor Heaton, Moweaqua Central A&M, senior, 7 points
Others receiving multiple votes: Kam Craft, Buffalo Grove, junior, 4 points; Nate Shockey, York, senior, 3 points; Troy D’Amico, Niles Notre Dame, junior, 2 points.
Receiving one vote: DJ Williams, Thornton, senior, 5 points; Cooper Larsen, Indian Creek, senior, 5 points; Blake McKay, Woodlawn, 5 points; RJ Ogom, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, 5 points; Beau Frericks, Cary-Grove, senior, 5 points; DaRon Hall, Glenbard East, senior, 5 points; Connor Dillon, Peoria Notre Dame, senior, 3 points; Taaj Davis, Aurora Christian, senior, 3 points; Aquan Smart, Niles North, senior, 3 points; Kaden Froebe, Lincoln, senior, 3 points; Antoine Bloxton, Bogan, senior, 3 points; Dante Maddox, Bloom, 3 points; Jaccob Dust, St. Anthony, senior, 1 point; Darius Burford, Bolingbrook, senior, 1 point; Robbie Avila, Oak Forest, senior, 1 point; Jaylin McCants, Galesburg, senior, 1 point; Ty Johnson, DePaul Prep, junior, 1 point.
2020 Ms. Basketball of Illinois voting
69 ballots cast, first-place votes in parentheses; 5-3-1 vote value.
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1. Angela Dugalic, Maine West, senior, 166 points (24)
2. Darrione Rogers, Lake Park, senior, 84 points (8)
3. Aneesah Morrow, Simeon, senior, 73 points (7)
4. Lindsey Dullard, Morton, senior, 48 points (6)
5. Taylor Gugliuzza, Lincoln-Way West, senior, 33 points (4)
6. Kylie Feuerbach, Sycamore, senior, 26 points (3)
T-7. Amber Storr, Kankakee, senior, 24 points (3)
T-7. Halle Douglass, Lake Forest, senior, 24 points (3)
9. Erin Henze, Lanark Eastland, senior, 20 points (3)
10. Anna Heffren, Lewistown, senior, 17 points (2)
Others receiving votes: Jeniah Thompson, Carterville, senior, 11 points (2); Kayla Green, Young, senior, 11 points (1); Emily Klaczek, Fremd, senior, 8 points (1); Capria Brown, Schlarman, senior, 5 points (1); Lydia Coatney, Lanark Eastland, senior, 6 points; Brooke Schramek, Benet, senior 5 points; Erin Henze, Lanark Eastland, senior, 3 points; Peyton Kennedy, Rockford Boylan, senior, 2 points; Kendall Holmes, Benet, senior, 2 points.
Previous Mr. Basketball of Illinois winners
2019: EJ Liddell, Belleville West
2018: EJ Liddell, Belleville West
2017: Mark Smith, Edwardsville
2016: Charlie Moore, Morgan Park
2015: Jalen Brunson, Stevenson
2014: Jahlil Okafor, Young
2013: Jabari Parker, Simeon
2012: Jabari Parker, Simeon
2011 (tie): Ryan Boatright, East Aurora and Chasson Randle, Rock Island
2010: Jereme Richmond, Waukegan
2009: Brandon Paul, Warren
2008: Kevin Dillard, Homewood-Flossmoor
2007: Derrick Rose, Simeon
2006: Jon Scheyer, Glenbrook North
2005: Julian Wright, Homewood-Flossmoor
2004: Shaun Livingston, Peoria
2003: Shannon Brown, Proviso East
2002: Dee Brown, Proviso East
2001: Eddy Curry, Thornwood
2000: Darius Miles, East St. Louis
1999: Brian Cook, Lincoln
1998: Frank Williams, Peoria Manual
1997: Sergio McClain, Peoria Manual
1996: Ronnie Fields, Farragut
1995: Kevin Garnett, Farragut
1994: Jerry Gee, St. Martin de Porres
1993: Rashard Griffith, King
1992: Chris Collins, Glenbrook North
1991: Howard Nathan, Peoria Manual
1990: Jamie Brandon, King
1989: Deon Thomas, Simeon
1988: Eric Anderson, St. Francis de Sales
1987: Marcus Liberty, King
1986: Nick Anderson, Simeon
1985: Ed Horton, Springfield Lanphier
1984: Brian Sloan, McLeansboro
1983: Marty Simmons, Lawrenceville
1982: Bruce Douglas, Quincy
1981: Walter Downing, Providence
Previous Ms. Basketball of Illinois winners


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Column: In a virtual NFL draft, Ryan Pace could be wheeling and dealing to add picks. Historically,

Column: In a virtual NFL draft, Ryan Pace could be wheeling and dealing to add picks. Historically, he has traded down 3 times — all in Round 2.

Pace has made nine pick-for-pick trades , not including player ( s ) in the five drafts he has led @ @ @ @ @ have been to move up , most notably in Round 1 for Mitch Trubisky in @ @ @ @ @ 2016 .
He also traded up for David Montgomery in 2019 , Anthony Miller in @ @ @ @ @ 2017 and Nick Kwiatkoski in 2016 .
The Jackson and Kwiatkoski trades are interesting because @ @ @ @ @ middle of Round 4 with the Bears climbing five spots to get Jackson and only @ @ @ @ @ .
Obviously , Pace and the Bears really liked each player and didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ last just a few more selections .
That ’ s something that has been a @ @ @ @ @ — he aggressively pursues prospects he wants .

One of the first things Ryan Pace said after swinging the trade to land Khalil Mack 19 months ago was that the second-round pick the Bears are receiving from the Raiders in this year’s draft was key.
Pace acknowledged that the two first-round picks, on top of the record-setting $141 million contract the Bears gave Mack, was a high price to pay for Mack. The feeling was it was a no-brainer because Mack is an elite edge rusher, and the 2020 second-round pick would be a good one with the Raiders still in the throes of a rebuild. Had last season gone more according to plan, the Bears would have been swapping a low first-round pick for a high second-round pick — a small price to pay as a final part of the trade, right?
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One thing the Bears have done well under Pace is find Round 2 talent. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman, center Cody Whitehair, left guard James Daniels and wide receiver Anthony Miller all were second-round picks. Daniels looked more comfortable at guard during the second half of last season, and Miller has emerged as a physical slot receiver, although he’s dealing with rehabilitation from another left shoulder surgery. The only Round 2 miss on Pace’s report card is tight end Adam Shaheen.
Which brings us to the present, a week away from Day 2 of the 2020 draft. The Bears own the 43rd and 50th picks in Round 2, then will not pick again until Day 3 during the middle of Round 5 at No. 163.
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The virtual draft — Pace will be situated in the dining room of his north suburban home — will be a test of teams’ ability to communicate via social media platforms and process information that normally is handled by a team of front-office executives, scouts and coaches in a war room. Pace will have one Bears IT professional at his home in the event something goes awry and will be connected with coach Matt Nagy and the rest of his staff from their respective homes while on an encrypted Microsoft Teams conference call with the other 31 teams and the league office. It’s quite a departure from the glitz and glamour that was scheduled for a Las Vegas-staged event, plans the league scuttled March 16.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 81 Bears GM Ryan Pace wheels his suitcase across the field before the start of the Week 17 game against the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Jan. 9, 2022. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
“The draft going forward allows us to provide fans with a respite and a bit of an escape,” said Peter O’Reilly, the NFL executive vice president of events. “Allows us to do some good via the draft-a-thon platform (the league is supporting six charities tied to COVID-19 relief) and probably just as importantly, the focus on role modeling the right behavior and the right behavior is a fully remote virtual draft.”
The league’s vice president of player personnel, Ken Fiore, will be the point man for selections and trades from his home in Garden City, N.Y., then the information will be available in real time for Commissioner Roger Goodell in the basement of his Westchester County, N.Y., home for him to announce the picks and deals as they’re made. The league considered expanding the time for each pick but decided to keep its normal schedule — 10 minutes for Round 1 picks, seven minutes for picks in Rounds 2 and 3 and five minutes for picks from Rounds 4-7.
Conventional thinking has Pace seeking to engineer a trade down with at least one of his second-round picks to restore some depth to the middle of the draft. A strong case can be made for that because the more volume of picks a team has, the greater chance for success. If the Bears don’t move down, it’s going to be a class of two second-round picks and five late-round fliers.
Of course, Pace can’t make a trade without a partner, and there is upside in staying put as it would give him the best chance of finding two first-year contributors for a team hopeful of returning to contention immediately.
Contract negotiator Joey Laine traditionally mans the phone line for draft trades — a process that can be hectic with teams constantly putting out feelers about potential moves. That’s an added twist to the process, but with NFL facilities closed, clubs have become accustomed to communicating with Microsoft Teams for weeks, and the league is conducting a mock-draft test run Monday.
“We’ll have fun making some mock trades,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman told Philadelphia media Thursday.
He doesn’t believe the virtual format will put a damper on the wheeling and dealing.
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“I don’t think there’s going to be a lack of communication because we are communicating on the phone during the draft anyway,” Roseman said. “We all have each other’s phone numbers and we all have multiple phone lines. There will be the same level of communication because that doesn’t change. That’s one thing that is not going to change.”
Pace has made nine pick-for-pick trades, not including player(s) in the five drafts he has led. Six of those deals have been to move up, most notably in Round 1 for Mitch Trubisky in 2017 and Leonard Floyd in 2016. He also traded up for David Montgomery in 2019, Anthony Miller in 2018, Eddie Jackson in 2017 and Nick Kwiatkoski in 2016. The Jackson and Kwiatkoski trades are interesting because both were made in the middle of Round 4 with the Bears climbing five spots to get Jackson and only four spots to choose Kwiatkoski. Obviously, Pace and the Bears really liked each player and didn’t want to risk they would last just a few more selections. That’s something that has been a consistent storyline during his tenure — he aggressively pursues prospects he wants.
The three occasions Pace has traded down all have come in Round 2, perhaps a harbinger. He did so twice in 2016, flipping the 41st pick to the Bills for No. 49, a fourth-round pick and a 2017 fourth-round pick. Then he flipped the just-acquired 49th pick to the Seahawks for No. 56 and another fourth-round pick. The Bears wound up with Whitehair. Those trade-downs did more than recapture the fourth-round pick Pace had to package with the 11th pick to send the Buccaneers for the ninth pick used on Floyd at the start of that draft.
Pace traded down in Round 2 in 2017, again trying to recapture draft capital spent in the Round 1 trade up for Trubisky. The Bears sent the 36th pick to the Cardinals for No. 45, fourth- and sixth-round picks and a fourth-rounder in 2018. The Bears wound up with Shaheen.
What kind of value can the Bears get if they explore trade-back possibilities?
In the last 10 years, the No. 43 pick has been traded for picks three times:
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— 2018 Patriots sent No. 43 to Lions for No. 51 and Round 4, Pick 117
— 2015 Browns sent No. 43 and 7-229 to Texans for No. 51, 4-116 and 6-195
— 2012 Seahawks sent No. 43 to Jets for No. 47, 5-154 and 7-232
The No. 50 pick has been traded twice in the last decade:
— 2016 Falcons sent No. 50 to Texans for No. 52 and 6-195
— 2014 Dolphins sent No. 50 to Chargers for No. 57 and 4-125
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The Bears need a cornerback who can come in and, at minimum, compete for a starting spot opposite Kyle Fuller. They’d be negligent not to take advantage of a wonderfully deep class of wide receivers and could use an offensive lineman. If Pace can successfully add a pick or two by trading down, perhaps a tight end becomes a target.
Pace will have to draw a line before things start — a point he’s not willing to go below by trading down. Adding 2021 draft picks will not help a team operating in a win-now mode. The Bears believe they can improve the roster even with a shortage of draft capital.
The league sent draft kits to 58 prospects and a camera for them to be included in the broadcast, and New Era provided a hat from all 32 teams so players can put on the cap of the club that selects them.
“The core process is not that different,” O’Reilly said. “The team table area and writing the cards and getting them up to the league player-personnel folks is part of the show. At the end of the day, it’s not that different in terms of the flow of information.”
Perhaps once that information has traveled through the cyber world, we’ll see Goodell get off his couch or bar stool in his man cave and announce a Bears trade.
2020 NFL draft
Thursday-Saturday, ABC-7, ESPN, NFL Network
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Round 1: 7 p.m. Thursday
Rounds 2-3: 6 p.m. Friday
Rounds 4-7: 11 a.m. Saturday
Bears picks


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Suburban libraries are preparing major changes before they eventually reopen: ‘It may not be the sam

Suburban libraries are preparing major changes before they eventually reopen: ‘It may not be the same way that it was’

“ There ’ s a great of deal of thinking about what will work , how to keep people safe @ @ @ @ @ to have appropriate physical distancing , what kinds of in-person programs we would be able @ @ @ @ @ computers we can have and how far apart they need to be , ” said @ @ @ @ @ for the Skokie Public Library .

Caution tape blocks an outside return box at the Niles-Maine District Library on April 16. Area library directors are developing plans for when buildings will be allowed to reopen. (Jennifer Johnson / Pioneer Press)
When public libraries finally reopen their doors after the COVID-19 shutdown ends, they won’t be quite the same places they were before, local directors say.
With expectations that social distancing will be necessary for an extended period of time and lingering concerns about the spread of COVID-19, directors of several area libraries say that reopening the buildings will likely happen in stages. They will also likely take extra precautions based on guidance from health agencies.
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Directors of the Park Ridge, Niles-Maine, Morton Grove, Skokie and Lincolnwood Libraries said the plans they are developing include such measures as:
Outside pick-ups and drop-offs of requested materials
Limits on the number of patrons allowed inside libraries at any one time
Fewer pieces of furniture
New screening between patrons and staff
Cancellation of on-site programs
“It may not be the same way that it was for a long time, if ever,” said Heidi Smith, director of the Park Ridge Public Library.
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How far apart should people, computers be?
Libraries closed their doors to the public in mid-March following Gov. J.B Pritzker’s statewide stay at home order. That order currently lasts through April 30, but library officials are waiting to see if it will be extended further.
All agree that the many uncertainties surrounding the pandemic and what health officials will next recommend has hampered their abilities to form specific reopening plans.
“There’s a great of deal of thinking about what will work, how to keep people safe, what needs to change to have appropriate physical distancing, what kinds of in-person programs we would be able to have, how many computers we can have and how far apart they need to be,” said Christine Robinson, communications strategist for the Skokie Public Library.
Susan Dove Lempke, director of the Niles-Maine District Library, said fully reopening the building will take time.
“It’s really tricky to give people access to the collections and the building and not have it be a place where germs are spread,” she noted. “We are trying to bear public and staff safety in mind.”
At the Park Ridge Library, which completed an interior renovation project last year, Smith envisions a reopening will begin with unlocking the exterior book and media returns and allowing patrons to return the thousands of items they checked out prior to March 13.
After that, the picture is less clear, including when members of the public will be allowed back inside the building, Smith indicated.
“Once we have more information I think we’ll be better able to decide that,” Smith said. “If (the Centers for Disease Control) says limit groups to 10, we won’t be able to go back to having 1,000 people in the building per day.”
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How to limit germs in children’s department and elsewhere?
What to do about the typically busy children’s department is also unclear.
“Before we closed, we put all the toys away — anything that would tempt a kid to interact,” Smith said.
“I’ve heard some libraries talking about specific hours for protected groups,” she continued. “Maybe we need to have special hours for kids. But anything we do, we’ve got to think of the potential risk to the staff as well.”
Currently, the library is without protective gear for its employees, Smith said. While a staff member is working to sew masks, the library donated any gloves and medical masks it had to the Park Ridge Fire Department, she said.
Book drops are closed outside the Park Ridge Public Library on April 16. Area library directors are developing plans for how to reopen their buildings when allowed to do so. (Jennifer Johnson / Pioneer Press)
Offering curbside service before opening the library to any members of the public is an option each library is exploring, representatives said.
“Curbside pick-up is definitely one of the things we are talking about and we’re developing a plan for that,” said Pam Leffler, executive director of the Morton Grove Public Library.
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Once buildings do reopen, they may not look exactly the same as before the closures.
Josephine Tucci, director of the Lincolnwood Public Library, said furniture will likely be relocated and used as barriers to prevent congregating and encourage social distancing.
“We’re a small library so we don’t want to pack people in,” she said.
Lempke said she expects some of the building’s furniture to be removed completely in order to reduce the amount of surfaces on which the COVID-19 virus can live. Study rooms will be locked and closing off certain part of the building is also a possibility, she said.
Patrons may avoid programs and story times
In-building programming — from children’s story times to guest speakers and live entertainment — will also be impacted, directors say.
Currently, libraries are offering a number of programs virtually through social media and video conferencing apps. That will continue for the near future, even if buildings reopen, in Park Ridge, Niles, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood and Skokie, the library representatives said.
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In Park Ridge, all in-person programs have been cancelled through Aug. 31, and in Morton Grove, Leffler also expects all planned summer programs will cancelled. Lempke said she expects it will be “a long time” before programs return, while Skokie and Lincolnwood Libraries have so far cancelled programming through the end of June.
All summer reading clubs have been changed to virtual ones at the five libraries.
Whether people will want to attend in-person events once the libraries reopen is also uncertain, some library officials said.
“In terms of having things in our auditorium, like movies or concerts, it’s very hard to say when people are going to feel comfortable being in a big room with a lot of people,” Robinson said. “We’re kind of in a wait and see. Looking back four, five weeks, did any of us see this coming? What business do we have thinking ahead to July?”
An additional hurdle for the Skokie Library is the renovation project that is currently underway.
“The (work) schedule is uncertain now because of supply chain issues,” Robinson said. Some of the work may also be slowed down due to social distancing practices, she added.
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Tucci said libraries will have to adjust to a “new normal,” but she and Smith agree that adapting to change is what libraries have always done.
“Libraries are great at changing with the needs of their communities,” Tucci said. “We’re just going to keep our minds open on how we can do that.”
“It’s times like these that libraries are most important to their communities,” Smith said. “We’re really going to value the input we get from our community.”
jjohnson@chicagotribune.com
Twitter: @Jen_Tribune


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Ask Amy: Mother of five boys seeks answers

I 'm angry that he would even consider doing this !
His girlfriend deserves so much better .
I think @ @ @ @ @ aware of this , but I 'm torn .
She is preparing to have major @ @ @ @ @ thing she needs is a boyfriend that is not there for her and who is @ @ @ @ @

Dear Amy: I have five young sons. Everywhere I go, people ask me if I'm "done having kids" or if I'm "going to try for a girl." I get these questions from friends, acquaintances, and complete strangers.
I feel that the topic of future reproductive plans is a personal one. But I am a friendly person, and I end up answering some pretty personal questions, so as not to hurt the feelings of the person asking. Honestly, I would rather steer clear of the matter entirely!
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Sometimes I just say, "We love boys!" when people ask if I'm going to try for a girl, especially when my kids are listening. People still like to push the question further. I know I've hurt at least one person's feelings by trying to change the subject at that point.
I understand that people are curious about our family, but I would rather not discuss whether or not I'm done having kids unless I choose to bring it up, myself. What is a friendly way I can steer the conversation?
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— A Mom
Dear Mom: You sound quite patient and understanding - great qualities in a mom of five young boys. ("We love boys!" is a fantastic answer when this intrusive question is raised in front of your children, by the way.)
I'm trying to comprehend how a person asking you about your reproductive plans - in front of your kids - could possibly have their feelings hurt when you deftly try to change the subject, but I take it as a given that sometimes people who are insensitive (or merely thoughtless) toward others are extra-sensitive about themselves.
One way to respond to this sort of query would be to say, "Haha - aren't you sweet?" This is sort of a catch-all (Southern-born) phrase that you can plug into almost any awkward conversational gap. Think of it as conversational caulk.
You could put the inquisitor a little more on the spot by saying (with a smile), "Well, that's a pretty personal question, don't you think?"
Dear Amy: I am divorced from my ex-husband, "Barry," but he and I remain friends.
He is very open with me.
He has been dating a nice woman for about a year now. She has some serious health issues, which I can sympathize with because I also have serious health issues.
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Barry has been complaining about his girlfriend and the problems she has. He makes remarks about finding "a healthy woman." He told me that a woman he has had a "crush" on for several years has asked him out.
Barry says he is planning on "hanging out" with his crush.
I'm angry that he would even consider doing this! His girlfriend deserves so much better. I think his girlfriend should be made aware of this, but I'm torn. She is preparing to have major surgery soon. The last thing she needs is a boyfriend that is not there for her and who is out with someone else.
What are your thoughts?
— Annoyed
Dear Annoyed: One advantage of moving a spouse into the "ex-files" is that you don't necessarily have to engage with them when they are displaying their less attractive qualities.
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Your being divorced doesn't give your ex license to display his awfulness to you without consequence. Furthermore, his choice to complain about his current partner and about their relationship means that he is being more emotionally intimate with you than he is with her.
No, I don't think you should warn his girlfriend about him. Unless you and she are close friends, your warning would likely be dismissed by her -- and dismantled by him.
If you and Barry are truly friends, then as his friend you get to deliver an occasional challenging truth. You could start with, "Barry, you are acting like a low-life. If we weren't already divorced, I'd divorce you all over again."
Dear Amy: I was deeply offended by your response to "No Thanks." This was a woman who didn't want to date men of different races. You called her a racist. That's not being racist.
Ask Amy Daily No-nonsense advice for better living delivered to your inbox every morning. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >
— Offended
Dear Offended: It would have been very easy for this woman to simply tell any man who approached her, "No thank you," or "I'm not interested."
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According to her question, she was only looking for a response to repel men of other races.
I don't know the racial identity of the woman who asked this question, but "I stick to my own kind" is a racist trope, at least in my opinion.
Get the latest no-nonsense advice for better living delivered to your inbox every morning with our Ask Amy newsletter. Sign up here.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
Copyright 2019 by Amy Dickinson
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency


chicagotribune--2020-04-17--Sky select Oregon’s Ruthy Hebard with the 8th pick in the WNBA draft — and she’s a Chicago native (t

Sky select Oregon’s Ruthy Hebard with the 8th pick in the WNBA draft — and she’s a Chicago native (technically)

“ We ’ re really happy , ” said James Wade , coach and general manager of the Sky .
@ @ @ @ @ top of our draft board , we just didn ’ t think we were going @ @ @ @ @ compliments us in every facet of the game on and off the floor .

The Chicago Sky selected Oregon forward Ruthy Hebard, a Chicago native, with the eighth pick in the WNBA draft Friday night. Hebard, a first-team All-American, joined teammates Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally in a Ducks-dominant first round.
“We’re really happy,” said James Wade, coach and general manager of the Sky. "She was at the top of our draft board, we just didn’t think we were going to get her. She compliments us in every facet of the game on and off the floor.
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“You talk about the most efficient player in the last three years in college basketball.”
On a draft night that had a different look and feel because of the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN aired the event for the first time. It also was the league’s first virtual broadcast, with the picks observing quarantines at home and analysts practicing social distancing in studio.
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Commissioner Cathy Engelbert played emcee from her home, and the draftees shared their reactions through remote feeds, surrounded by relatives.
However, Hebard’s big moment thwarted by some technical difficulties.
At first, it appeared her Zoom connection in Alaska was delayed, so she sat silently after her name was called. When news finally reached her, the feed cut out just as she and relatives jumped up from their seats.
Now flying in the Windy City. 🦆 pic.twitter.com/3u7mVAYBlt — Chicago Sky (@wnbachicagosky) April 18, 2020
Hebard did get a shoutout from Olympic gold medal gymnast Simone Biles: “You’re amazing and you’ll have a great career.”
According to the WNBA, the last Alaskan to be drafted was Nebraska’s Kelsey Griffin, the No. 3 pick in 2010 chosen third overall by the Lynx in 2010.
“I was just really excited ... but when I saw that it was Chicago, I got super excited," Hebard said. "I talked to the coach (Wade), and he’s a great, person and there’s really great players and people on the team.
"I’m really ... proud that Chicago picked me and can’t wait to be able to work with my new teammates.”
Earlier this week, Wade gushed about the 6-foot-4 Hebard, whom he called an underrated prospect.
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“I think (it’s) because she’s boring — she just catches the balls and finishes,” the coach/general manager said. “She just scores.”
The Sky had two third-round picks, drafting 5-foot-7 UCLA guard Japreece Dean and Florida State sharpshooter Kiah Gillespie, a forward who dropped from a first-round projection.
Official Drafted!! A dream come true 🤩🤩. @wnbachicagosky thank you thank you thank you for the opportunity!! Can’t wait to get to work 🍾🥳🔥 — Kiah Gillespie (@Kiah15Gillespie) April 18, 2020
“Gillespie was somebody that we thought she was going at the end of first round or the beginning of the second,” Wade said. "We never thought we were going to get her in the third round.
“She has had a great career, she played well in the ACC — a go-to player for Florida State. Good shot, good one-on-one player. I think (the knock on) her being undersized is a little exaggerated because she has very long arms.”
Gillespie is listed at 6-2.
“She has a WNBA skill set," Wade said. "We were excited to see her there, so we picked her up.”
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Dean was another prospect Wade said he had pegged for a higher pick.
“She’s a very good point guard in a good point-guard league,” he said, referring to the Pac-12. "She competes at a high level, controls tempo, and we just wanted to see what she could bring to us.
“She’s really heady and has a high basketball IQ.”
Hebard averaged 16.4 points, nine rebounds and a block per game in her Oregon career. She averaged 17.3 points and 9.6 rebounds as a senior and led the nation with a career-best 68.5% field-goal percentage. She shot 65.1% in her four years with the Ducks, finishing as the Pac-12’s all-time leader in field-goal percentage.
Her 33-consecutive field goals made in February 2018 set an NCAA record — male or female.
“I’ve never seen that before: a player that, over the span of four games, make 33 straight baskets," Wade said. "I remember back in college we used to go crazy over somebody making 33 straight free throws.
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“She made 33 straight baskets — contested.”
Hebard was born in Chicago, but a couple from Fairbanks, Alaska, adopted her when she was a few days old. She was a three-time Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year and was West Valley High School’s first player to have her jersey retired.
Ionescu was the No. 1 pick in the draft, going to the New York Liberty in an Oregon sweep of the top-two picks.
Ionescu set the NCAA record for triple-doubles and was the first college player to surpass 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists in her career. Ionescu was one of three first round picks for New York, which also had Nos. 9 and 12.
Ducks teammate Sabally went second to the Dallas Wings. It’s the third time in the history of the draft that the top two picks were from the same program.
Lauren Cox went third to the Indiana Fever and Chennedy Carter fourth to the Atlanta Dream. The Wings took Bella Alarie with the fifth pick, followed by Limiah Herbert to the Lynx at No. 6 and Tyasha Harris to the Wings at No. 7.
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Associated Press contributed.