chicagotribune--2020-03-15--Confused by ‘Westworld’? That’s a feature, not a bug as new season begins

`` Westworld '' is an artfully produced trip through topical and imagined wormholes , and the fact that it loses @ @ @ @ @ its characters lose their minds is at once apropos and frustrating .
It ushers viewers @ @ @ @ @ narratives and terrifying insights about the collision of humanity and technology and the dangers of @ @ @ @ @ speak to our own modern struggles while grappling with the melee in a fictional realm @

Let's get real. No one is undecided in 2020.
Passions were stoked, hearts were hardened and hard lines were drawn four years ago. Tribalism prevailed, and opposing sides have been arguing their entrenched positions ever since.
Advertisement
We're talking about the debate around HBO's sci-fi drama "Westworld," of course, the award-winning series that debuted in 2016 and returns to the fold starting Sunday with a third season of murderous robot fun.
The dystopian mind-bender of a series has inspired little to no gray area between its fans and critics. One side sees the show as a multifaceted maze of reality-meets-fantasy genius. The other complains it's a confusing tangle of future-shock nonsense.
Advertisement
The common ground here: We all love the fact that there's nothing easy about "Westworld," and apparently so does the Television Academy. The drama has garnered 43 nominations and nine wins despite its labyrinth of untraceable timelines, layers of cyber-subterfuge and answerless questions about metaphysical quandaries and human existence.
Just like the guests at Westworld, it took sexy robots, and a stunning theme park simulation of the Wild West, to lure viewers in.
When the series debuted in 2016, it was set in the fabricated outpost of Sweetwater, where lifelike, mechanized "hosts" catered to the vicious, hedonistic whims of wealthy human guests in saloons and brothels and out on the ol' ponderosa. Guns, whiskey, hubris and mechanical slaves programmed to kill. What could go wrong? Lots, which is initially why we kept watching.
The robot revolt spanned season two, which was a stunning mix of cowboy shoot-'em-ups, samurai swordplay and anarchy at the once secure and sterile Delos headquarters. The hosts defied their predestined loops, breached boundaries into other parks and eventually massacred their masters -- and each other -- in a blood-spattered, cortical fluid-drenched finale.
The theme park was transformed into a horror show of severed limbs and disembodied hard drives, then closed. But at least one murderous unit appeared to have escaped, presumably taking the man-vs.-machine war to the real world.
[ Staying in because of the coronavirus? Here’s how to spend your time. ]
And that's the simple recap. Countless dangling subplots and questions remained, garnering strong reactions from fans like me asking, "What the hell just happened?!"
Season three, which premieres Sunday, isn't about to stop to explain all that other stuff that still plagues the modest human brains of its audience: What about that pointless romp through Shogunworld and The Raj? Or the portal to robot heaven? What was the meaning of the snake tattoo again? Is the cannibal coming back?
What we do know from watching the four episodes of the new season made available to press is that there are new mysteries to ponder, and that many of the characters who made the laborious journey through Sweetwater and Delos headquarters have been brought back for season three. Returning are victim turned predator Dolores Abernathy (Evan Rachel Wood), bespectacled mastermind Bernard Lowe (Jeffrey Wright), puppet/puppet master Maeve Millay (Thandie Newton) and consummate villain The Man in Black (Ed Harris).
Advertisement
New additions to the drama, created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, include, weirdly enough, Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad"), Lena Waithe ("The Chi"), Vincent Cassel ("Black Swan"), Scott Mescudi ("How to Make It in America"), Marshawn Lynch ("Brooklyn Nine-Nine") and Tommy Flanagan ("Sons of Anarchy").
The latest nasty villain here is big data, and how corporations are turning society into armies of meat puppets whose lives are hacked and whose destinies are predetermined by algorithms. Or at least that's what I think the new season is about. There are likely a dozen other factors I won't understand until I rewatch each episode four times, read several recaps and listen to at least one decoding podcast.
HBO's tease for the new season isn't much help: "Follow the dawn of artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin in this dark odyssey that begins in a world where every human appetite can be indulged." It's in keeping with the cable giant's previous description of the show as "(an exploration of) questions about the nature of our reality, free will and what makes us human."
And with hot robots as your guides. Don’t forget them. They will take your job someday -- if they don’t kill you first.
"Westworld" is an artfully produced trip through topical and imagined wormholes, and the fact that it loses its way as often as its characters lose their minds is at once apropos and frustrating. It ushers viewers into a web of dueling narratives and terrifying insights about the collision of humanity and technology and the dangers of overindulgence _ all themes that speak to our own modern struggles while grappling with the melee in a fictional realm.
It's both comforting and disturbing, though you can take heart that future LA has no traffic because hover cars are a thing. The demise of humanity has a bright side after all!
Advertisement
Sure, "Westworld" is so chronologically complicated it would take an actual team of robots, replete with high-level decryption programs, to explain exactly what the show is about, or where it's going, or even where it's been. HBO's other topical sci-fi series, the chilling "Watchmen," has spurred a similar debate: Is it really smart or just really messy?
Expect the passions around “Westworld” to erupt once again when season three arrives, confusion reigns and the series’ fans and detractors face off to defend their side.


chicagotribune--2020-03-16--Ask Amy: Area man prefers Barbies to biddies

You are way too invested in and angry about other people 's opinions about you .
In fact , due @ @ @ @ @ of your protest , I can only assume that on some level you fear you @ @ @ @ @ keep up with the social and intellectual challenges of being with a woman in your @ @ @

Dear Readers: Every year, I step away from the Ask Amy column for two weeks in order to work on other writing projects.
My two memoirs: "The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Story of Surprising Second Chances,"(2010, Hachette), and "Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Coming Home" (2018, Hachette) are available from your favorite bookseller or library.
Advertisement
Enjoy this "Best Of" "Battle of the Sexes" column from 2010. I'll be back with fresh Q and A next week.
Dear Amy: I live within one of the most extremist liberal bastions in the country. Men here are minimized, ordered to the rear and, even more often, told precisely what we should think and do.
Advertisement
I am an active 63-year-old guy and have worked hard to get where I am. I wish to enjoy my life to the fullest by riding motorcycles up and down the coast and sea kayaking in open water.
Fortunately, I often am joined by much younger "Barbie doll" types. I have invited many women my age to join me, but I am hatefully told that I am an old fool to be seen with these much younger women.
Why do I have to live my life at the speed of smell just to satisfy these old, progressive, blue-haired biddies marching toward the end of their lives by becoming bingo captains at their church?
Is acting young and refusing to slow down to please the liberal slug-masters of my community wrong?
— Living My Life
Dear Living: As long as you stereotype people the way you do, you're going to get stereotyped, too.
You are way too invested in and angry about other people's opinions about you. In fact, due to the volume and pitch of your protest, I can only assume that on some level you fear you wouldn't be able to keep up with the social and intellectual challenges of being with a woman in your age group.
But if your delight in the thrill ride that is your existence makes you an "old fool," then man-up and wear your title with pride.
Advertisement
June 2010
Dear Amy: I was dating a 45-year-old man. He was married for 20 years, had been legally separated for four years, and divorced now for six months.
He seems to think it is normal for him and his ex-wife to sleep together naked when they visit each other, which they do almost every month. He told me that my objections reflected my narrow American view, and he said their relationship was not sexual.
He is Canadian.
Call me crazy, but that just did not seem to be normal behavior, regardless of cultural differences.
Your thoughts?
Advertisement
— Not Crazy?
Dear Crazy: Your guy was accusing you of "narrow American values." So let's say he's telling the truth. Perhaps he really is merely resting his eyes while naked. Whatever they are up to, I would say it's highly irregular.
And -- not to put too fine a point on it -- Canadians are not known to be wild and crazy libertines, so I'm going to go out on a limb and assert that this behavior would be objectionable to most romantic partners in most countries.
You could assume that he was attempting to "gaslight" you. He wasn't calling you crazy, he was trying to make you crazy.
June 2010
Dear Amy: My wife and I recently returned from a 1,700-mile driving vacation. One constant was that female drivers follow too closely. More than 20 times I pulled off the road to let a female driver pass me because I was afraid of a rear-end accident.
Advertisement
Not one time was it a man driving.
I am convinced that women do not understand the physics, dynamics or technologies related to automobile operations. My wife drove for 50 miles, and I was afraid for my life. I constantly asked her to slow down or give the car ahead more room.
After 50 years of marriage, this is the only thing we argue about.
Why won't she change? She is quite intelligent in most other matters.
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 >
— Worried
Dear Worried: There is no question that following too closely is extremely dangerous because it doesn't leave a driver enough time to react, but in terms of your gender-based observations, national highway accident statistics show that male drivers are more than twice as likely to die in an auto crash than female drivers.
Advertisement
You and your wife could both benefit from taking a safe driving course. You can check out AARP.org for details.
March 2010
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--2020-03-16--Tracking QBs in NFL free agency: Marcus Mariota is headed to the Raiders, while the Browns have a de

Tracking QBs in NFL free agency: Marcus Mariota is headed to the Raiders, while the Browns have a deal with Case Keenum

What it means : Mariota , the No .
2 pick in the 2015 draft , was benched by the @ @ @ @ @ by Ryan Tannehill , who helped rescue their season , led them to two playoff @ @ @ @ @ big last weekend in free agency .
Now Mariota will get a fresh start in @ @ @ @ @ NFL Network ’ s Mike Garafolo , with a chance to revive his career in @ @ @ @ @ manager Mike Mayock rated Mariota as his No .
1 quarterback in the 2015 draft @ @ @ @ @ — and now will help oversee Mariota ’ s next step .
The initial expectation @ @ @ @ @ Derek Carr with the Raiders .
The possibility of Mariota joining the Bears was never @ @ @ @ @ same agents at Rep 1 Sports as current Bears starter Mitch Trubisky , and there @ @ @ @ @ those two against one another .

The NFL’s free-agency negotiating period opened Monday, and the quarterback carousel ride has proved to be a wild one this year as expected. The activity continued Wednesday with the Bears trading a fourth-round pick to the Jaguars in exchange for Nick Foles.
Nearly half of the teams in the league entered this week with some level of uncertainty at quarterback. And many quarterbacks were eager to figure out where they would be playing next season. That of course included Tom Brady, who announced his departure from the Patriots on Tuesday and is destined for Tampa to join forces with Bruce Arians and the Buccaneers.
Advertisement
Now the Bears finally made their move to get a quarterback to challenge Mitch Trubisky.
We are tracking all of the quarterback news here as developments unfold.
Advertisement
March 24
The Panthers are releasing Cam Newton after failing to find a trade partner, according to multiple reports.
What it means: The Panthers announced last week they were seeking a trade for Newton after they brought in Teddy Bridgewater to be their new quarterback. NFL Network reported the Panthers tried to work out deals with the Bears and Chargers for the former No. 1 overall pick and three-time Pro Bowler, but neither accepted.
The #Panthers tried to send Cam Newton to the #Bears and #Chargers. They found no takers and at this point, no starting jobs available. Release was the only option. Carolina has just $2M in dead money with this release, but Cam is now free. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2020
The Bears traded for Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles, and the Chargers’ quarterback situation remains up in the air. One issue for teams looking to bring in Newton is team physicals currently are not allowed because of coronavirus concerns. Newton has dealt with shoulder and foot injuries over the last two seasons.
March 19
The Broncos informed Joe Flacco he is being waived with a failed physical designation, ESPN reported.
What it means: Flacco, 35, is moving on after just eight starts in Denver. The former Super Bowl MVP went 2-6 in those eight games and then was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury. Rookie Drew Lock filled in by going 4-1 in December. And when the Broncos signed backup quarterback Jeff Driskel this week, it spelled the end for Flacco. Now he must not only get healthy, but also find a new team for what would be his 13th season in the league. After 11 seasons in Baltimore, the Ravens traded Flacco to the Broncos for a fourth-round pick last year.
March 18
The Bears have sent a fourth-round pick to the Jaguars in exchange for Nick Foles, a deal ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported.
What it means: Finally, Bears fans know who the second quarterback will be at Halas Hall when the Bears are allowed to begin offseason activities at some point. And we use the phrase “second quarterback” loosely. Because the early buzz in league circles is that the Bears expect Foles not only to compete with Mitch Trubisky for the starting job, but also to win it heading into the regular season.
QB play is about talent, yeah. But it is also about fit. Relationships. Chemistry. Comfort. Nick Foles is all of that for Matt Nagy. I love the move. Now they have a real chance to make some noise! — Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) March 18, 2020
Foles, 31, will be entering his ninth season. He has great familiarity with the system the Bears run and with many of the coaches who will oversee it. Foles and Bears coach Matt Nagy were together in 2012 with the Eagles and again in 2016 with the Chiefs. Bears offensive coordinator Bill Lazor was Foles’ quarterbacks coach with the Eagles in 2013, when Foles threw 27 touchdown passes and only two interceptions. Bears quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo was in the same role with the Eagles in 2016 and 2017, alongside Foles for his storybook run in lifting the franchise to its first Super Bowl championship at the end of the 2017 season. DeFilippo was also the Jaguars offensive coordinator last season.
Advertisement
Simply put, familiarity and comfort will be pluses for Foles and the Bears as they begin their union. Now it remains to be seen how Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace will frame the quarterback competition and what will be next for Trubisky.
March 17
The Tom Brady domino has fallen. The six-time Super Bowl champion will be a Buccaneer in 2020.
What it means: Brady took to social media Tuesday morning to bid farewell to the Patriots, the franchise that drafted him in the sixth round in 2000 and turned him loose to become the most decorated quarterback in league history.
LOVE YOU PATS NATION pic.twitter.com/lxSQZmnjPL — Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 17, 2020
With his six Super Bowl rings and fond memories in New England, Brady will now spend his age 43 season in Tampa, Fla., joining forces with Bruce Arians and an impressive cast of pass-catching weapons, including Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. It’s an intriguing union, as hard as it is to envision Brady in Buccaneers colors. His new deal is reportedly worth $30 million per season.
It also means Jameis Winston’s run in Tampa is over with the former No. 1 pick now searching for a new home. Winston’s talent can, at times, prove enticing. He threw for 5,109 yards and 33 touchdowns last season, totals that easily surpass the Bears single-season records. But Winston also threw 30 interceptions last season and has averaged 22 turnovers per season in his career. The Bears aren’t expected to express interest in Winston as a possible insurance policy behind Mitch Trubisky. As a footnote, Brady now has a tour date at Soldier Field scheduled for this fall with the Bears on tap to host the Buccaneers. A date and time should be announced this spring.
Philip Rivers is headed to join the Colts, agreeing to a one-year deal that reportedly is worth $25 million.
Advertisement
What it means: The Bears were never a suitor for Rivers, whose 16-year run with the Chargers has come to an end. The 38-year-old veteran will now take his 59,271 career passing yards and 397 touchdown passes to Indianapolis, reuniting with Frank Reich. Reich was Rivers’ quarterbacks coach with the Chargers in 2013 and his offensive coordinator in 2014 and 2015. Thus familiarity was obviously a large factor in the connection. The signing also checks another quarterback off the “Available” list and another team off the “In Need” list.
The Panthers have an agreement with Teddy Bridgewater to replace Cam Newton as their quarterback.
What it means: Newton, the No. 1 pick in 2011, is on his way out after nine seasons with the Panthers. Bridgewater was courted by multiple teams before agreeing Tuesday night to a three-year, $63 million contract with the Panthers, the Associated Press reported.
In an interesting move, the Panthers announced on social media that they “give Cam Newton permission to seek a trade.” Newton took exception with the wording of the posts and replied on Instagram.
“Stop with the word play,” Newton wrote. “I never asked for it. There is no dodging this one. I love the @panthers to death and will always love you guys. Please do not try and play me or manipulate the narrative and act like I wanted this. You forced me into this.”
Newton, who will turn 31 in May, led the Panthers to four playoff berths, including a 24-10 loss to the Broncos in Super Bowl 50. But he played in only two games in 2019 after he suffered a Lisfranc injury in his left foot and needed surgery.
Advertisement
Bridgewater, 27, threw for 1,384 yards and nine touchdowns and went 5-0 with the Saints in 2019 while Drew Brees was injured. He was a first-round pick by the Vikings in 2014 and started 28 games for them before he suffered a gruesome knee injury in 2016. He has started six games since the knee injury.
Drew Brees is signing a two-year deal with the Saints, NFL Network reported .
What it means: Brees, who turned 41 in January, returns for his 15th season with the Saints, all of which have been played under coach Sean Payton. It will be the 20th NFL season overall for Brees, who was a Chargers second-round pick in 2001. Brees missed five games in 2019 with a thumb injury, the first time he missed more than one game in a season since 2003. His return to the Saints, which was a foregone conclusion, comes with a $50 million price tag.
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 Daniel back for a third season as Mitch Trubisky’s backup, so he moves on to be Matthew Stafford’s backup. 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. He aided a win over the Lions on Thanksgiving in 2019 and came in early in the first quarter to replace an injured Trubisky in Week 4 last season and contributed to a victory. Daniel’s presence is valued enough that the Lions gave him a $13.05 million deal, which contains a voidable clause.
Tom Brady announced he will not return to the Patriots.
Advertisement
What it means: Brady’s historic run in New England is over after 20 remarkable seasons.
FOREVER A PATRIOT pic.twitter.com/QSBOJBs4uy — Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 17, 2020
It doesn’t mean Brady will be taking up residence in Lake Forest. It does mean that the six-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Super Bowl MVP could choose his next employer soon.
It’s believed that the Buccaneers and Chargers are the leading (maybe only) teams pushing for Brady right now and after his business is settled, we could see the marketplace heat up with action for quarterbacks. One source said Monday that Teddy Bridgewater would likely wind up with the team (Bucs or Chargers) that does not land Brady. It’s Tom’s move right now.
March 16
The Raiders reportedly are nearing a deal with Marcus Mariota.
What it means: Mariota, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, was benched by the Titans last season and supplanted by Ryan Tannehill, who helped rescue their season, led them to two playoff victories and then cashed in big last weekend in free agency. Now Mariota will get a fresh start in Las Vegas, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, with a chance to revive his career in Tannehill fashion.
"He will come in and make a QB room better."@RapSheet on a possible deal for Marcus Mariota in Las Vegas 👇 pic.twitter.com/RUf6KX21Vg — NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 17, 2020
Raiders general manager Mike Mayock rated Mariota as his No. 1 quarterback in the 2015 draft — ahead of Jameis Winston — and now will help oversee Mariota’s next step. The initial expectation is Mariota will compete behind Derek Carr with the Raiders. The possibility of Mariota joining the Bears was never high. He shares the same agents at Rep 1 Sports as current Bears starter Mitch Trubisky, and there was little desire to pit those two against one another.
Advertisement
The Browns agreed to terms with Case Keenum on a three-year deal.
What it means: Keenum will be paid $18 million, with $10 million guaranteed, to back up Baker Mayfield, ESPN reported. Keenum joins the sixth team in his nine-year NFL career. He spent last season with the Redskins, going 1-7 in eight starts before they turned to rookie Dwayne Haskins. Keenum completed 64.8% of his passes for 1,707 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2019.
#Browns agree to a 3-year, $18 million deal with QB Case Keenum as a backup to Baker Mayfield https://t.co/ktsTrnrLri — Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 16, 2020
The Cowboys placed the exclusive franchise tag on Dak Prescott.
What it means: The Cowboys used the tag to prevent Prescott from hitting the free-agent market. They now have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal with him, or they will pay him a salary expected to be about $31.6 million for the 2020 season, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Prescott, a Cowboys 2016 fourth-round draft pick, has started all 64 games over four seasons and has twice taken the Cowboys to the playoffs. He completed 65.1% of his passes for a career-high 4,902 yards in 2019, but the 8-8 Cowboys missed out on a postseason berth.
The Vikings agreed to a two-year contract extension with Kirk Cousins.
Advertisement
What it means: Cousins is now on board with the Vikings through 2022 after they worked out a deal that will reduce his salary cap hit by $10 million in 2020, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported. The deal is reportedly worth $66 million in new money and $96 million over three years.
For the #Vikings and QB Kirk Cousins, it’s a 2-year deal worth $66M, source said. In all, it’s 3 years, $96M. $61M guaranteed at signing. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Cousins, 31, completed 69.1% of his passes for 3,603 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2019, his second year with the Vikings and eighth in the league.
March 15
The Titans agreed to a four-year, $118 million contract extension with Ryan Tannehill.
What it means: Tannehill was named the league’s comeback player of the year in 2019 after he came off the bench to replace Marcus Mariota. Over 10 regular-season starts, he led the Titans to a playoff berth, and they then advanced to the AFC Championship game. He completed 70.3% of his passes for 2,742 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Now he’s receiving big money to try to replicate those results. The deal includes $62 million in fully guaranteed money and $91 million in total guarantees, according to NFL Network.
The announcement ends talk of a potential Titans union with Tom Brady, and it all but officially ends the Titans’ five-year run with Mariota, their No. 2 overall draft pick in 2015. Mariota will become a free agent Wednesday.


chicagotribune--2020-03-16--Bears’ expensive gamble on Jimmy Graham could throw Trey Burton’s job security into question

Pace has firsthand familiarity with Graham from the five seasons they spent together with the Saints from 2010 to 2014 @ @ @ @ @ in which Graham evolved from a raw talent who played four years of basketball at @ @ @ @ @ one of the league ’ s most dominant tight ends .
Over Graham ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Saints , he averaged 89 catches , 1,099 yards and 12 touchdowns and was selected @ @ @ @ @

When the dust eventually settles on free agency, Bears general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy will have a chance to articulate their plan for how veteran tight end Jimmy Graham will fit into the offense next fall.
The Bears made clear Monday evening they’ll begin with grand visions, agreeing to terms with Graham on a two-year deal that, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, includes $9 million guaranteed and could be worth up to $16 million overall.
Advertisement
On the surface, it’s a hefty price to pay for a 33-year-old entering his 11th season and joining his fourth team. Graham’s production in 2019 was pedestrian for the Packers, a 38-catch, 447-yard, three-touchdown season in partnership with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers had few issues allowing Graham’s contract to expire. And in some league circles, there’s a belief that the five-time Pro Bowl tight end has lost his explosion, no longer able to run and jump and break tackles the way he did in his prime.
Advertisement
But Monday’s agreement also speaks to the Bears’ desperate need for production at the position. Last season, six Bears tight ends combined for 46 catches, 416 yards and two touchdowns, a woeful output for an offense that relies heavily on the tight end to flourish. Making matters worse, both Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen finished the season on injured reserve, missing a combined 16 games.
It was clear by season’s end that the revolving door at tight end had tested Nagy’s patience, and Pace emphasized on New Year’s Eve that the Bears would take the availability and dependability of Burton and Shaheen into account as they crafted their plans for 2020.
“We have to be honest with ourselves,” Pace said. “Availability is critical in our league. So we have to protect ourselves as a franchise too. That’s something we have to look at. We like those guys. They’re talented. But we need availability at the position as well.”
Shaheen’s future with the Bears was already tenuous. Graham’s arrival also might not be a good sign for Burton, who missed the Bears’ playoff loss in January 2019 with a groin injury that popped up a day before the game.
He eventually underwent sports hernia surgery, sat out the offseason program last spring and summer and pushed to get himself ready for the regular season. But he was never able to get back on track. His best game of 2019 was a meager three-catch, 24-yard performance against the Broncos in Week 2, and the Bears shut him down for the season in mid-November.
Now, just two years after signing a four-year, $32 million contract with $22 million guaranteed, Burton’s job security comes into question. The Bears are fully on the hook for $4 million in Burton’s contract for 2020, but they could find a chunk of additional savings by cutting him before Wednesday afternoon.
Graham, meanwhile, will have to prove he has more in his tank, that he can still be a consistent playmaker in an offense that should afford him every opportunity to be productive.
Pace has firsthand familiarity with Graham from the five seasons they spent together with the Saints from 2010 to 2014. That was a period in which Graham evolved from a raw talent who played four years of basketball at the University of Miami into one of the league’s most dominant tight ends. Over Graham’s final four season with the Saints, he averaged 89 catches, 1,099 yards and 12 touchdowns and was selected to three Pro Bowls.
Advertisement
That is a long way back now. Pace certainly can’t expect Graham to rediscover anywhere near that level of production. And it’s problematic that after making previous hefty investments in tight ends Burton, Shaheen and Dion Sims, the Bears still are trying to stabilize the position.
But Graham’s skill set and track record gave the Bears enough belief to invest in his potential, with the hope he can be a major factor in enlivening an offense that needs help.


chicagotribune--2020-03-16--Parents at Glenview elementary, high school districts test positive for coronavirus: Officials

SD225 , which includes more than Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South high schools , also reported Monday that a student @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus , but that parent has not been in either of the school buildings @ @ @ @ @ .
That time period “ is beyond the incubation period of the virus , ” @ @ @ @ @ release .

A parent of students at both Glenview School District 34 and Glenbrook High School District 225 tested positive for the new coronavirus, officials from each school district reported.
Glenview SD34 is a feeder elementary school district to SD225, but it was not clear if the diagnosis was for one parent with children in both districts or if the positive test involved two different people.
Advertisement
Either way, neither parent has been to any school buildings for two weeks, officials for each of the affected school districts said in separate news releases.
The Illinois Department of Public Health “did not recommend testing or self-isolation for students outside of the patient’s family at this time,” SD34 spokeswoman Cathy Kedjidjian said in an email Monday.
Advertisement
All SD34 school buildings are closed for deep cleaning and the administration building will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Kedjidjian said.
Glenview School District 34 enrolls over 4,700 students in eight schools.
The children whose parent tested positive are students at Glen Grove Eelementary and Attea Mmiddle schools, officials said.
On Tuesday, which is Election Day, polling places at D34 buildings will be open, but those will be isolated and deep cleaned as well, Kedjidjian said.
SD225, which includes more than Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South high schools, also reported Monday that a student’s parent tested positive for coronavirus, but that parent has not been in either of the school buildings for more than two weeks. That time period “is beyond the incubation period of the virus,” district officials said in a release.
School officials did not disclose which high school the parent’s student attends.
“We know that this announcement may cause alarm and we continue to encourage our district families to follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines for prevention and symptom awareness,” school officials said in a message on the SD225 website.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is also not recommending that staff and students self-isolate in this case either, according to the district.
Advertisement
“With the number of cases in Illinois growing daily and our schools already being closed, we do not plan to communicate about each confirmation,” school officials said in the release . “We will, however, plan to communicate should the situation affect our ongoing services such as meal pick-up.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered all of the state’s public and private school districts to cancel classes at school buildings through March 30. He announced, however, that families would be able to pick up meals at the schools during the closure.


chicagotribune--2020-03-16--Chicago-area pregnant women share concerns about coronavirus. Northwestern OB-GYN says issue is abou

Chicago-area pregnant women share concerns about coronavirus. Northwestern OB-GYN says issue is about contact.

A newborn in London was diagnosed with the illness shortly after being born , The Guardian reported .
The child @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed with the virus ; she was hospitalized before giving birth from what doctors deemed @ @ @ @ @ said .
Based on reports , officials don ’ t know if the baby got @ @ @ @ @ or during birth .
The report did not cite how the mother delivered .

Rachael Stewart, who is pregnant and due April 10, 2020, stands outside her Chicago home with her daughter, Mya Moore, 8, and her husband, Clif Stewart, on March 16. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)
Rachael Stewart is planning to meet her second child, a baby boy, in about four weeks. A name is chosen, a doula is selected and flights are booked for her out-of-state mother to be in attendance for the birth.
But now, Stewart, who lives in Beverly, is coming to terms with the fact that many of these “wish list items” have to be rearranged, or canceled, due to the effects of the coronavirus on hospitals.
Advertisement
Her doula will now chime in via video, and her mother, who was flying in from Georgia and hadn’t been there the first time Stewart gave birth, will likely be conferenced in as well since the University of Chicago Medicine Family Birth Center now only allows one visitor in the delivery room.
“A lot of what I was hoping for looks like it might not happen," said Stewart, whose husband will be with her in the delivery room.
Advertisement
Riverside resident Sarah Magner is 30 weeks pregnant, and said she is keeping her fingers crossed that some things will change by her May 22 due date, like Elmhurst Hospital’s new labor and delivery policy that went into effect Sunday, she said.
“The hospital announced there’s no visitors and only one partner in labor and delivery currently,” said Magner. “We intended to have a doula in this delivery, so that would exclude having that resource for us and would certainly limit having to see other family or our 2-year-old son while we’re in the hospital after birth."
Both Stewart and Magner are healthy and have had low-risk pregnancies, but like most places, hospitals are taking all necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19, especially for the most vulnerable.
A newborn in London was diagnosed with the illness shortly after being born, The Guardian reported. The child’s mother was also diagnosed with the virus; she was hospitalized before giving birth from what doctors deemed pneumonia, the news site said. Based on reports, officials don’t know if the baby got the virus in the womb or during birth. The report did not cite how the mother delivered.
A February Lancet study suggested that vertical transmission of COVID-19 from a mother to a baby in the womb is unlikely. The study followed nine pregnant women in Wuhan, China, during their third trimester. Each woman gave birth via cesarean section. Some of the women showed symptoms of COVID-19, such as fevers and coughs. All the babies in the study were born alive and tested negative for the virus.
The study notes that: “Findings from this small group of cases suggest that there is currently no evidence for intrauterine infection caused by vertical transmission in women who develop COVID-19 pneumonia in late pregnancy."
Dr. Melissa Simon, an OB-GYN at Northwestern Medicine, says even though very little is known about what happens during pregnancy amid coronavirus, the real issue is about contact.
“After you give birth, the baby usually gets put on the mom’s chest and near the mom’s face, and that’s really where the transmission would happen,” said Simon. “So right now, it’s the contact that we need to take precaution with after birth, or during breastfeeding as well.”
Advertisement
Simon acknowledges that limited contact can take a toll on bonding, but she says new moms can still interact with the infant so long as they take the proper precautions.
"We know this could impact relationships and bonding, but as long as you’re practicing good hygiene, you’ll reduce any chance of transmission,” said Simon, who encouraged women to have this conversation with their health care provider.
If you’re breastfeeding an infant and you have the coronavirus, or you’re suspected to have the virus, Simon suggests to wear a mask, wash your hands and limit direct respiratory drops to the baby. If you’re pumping, make sure all your equipment is clean.
“We don’t know how long the coronavirus can last on a surface, especially a surface such as a bottle or any pumping device,” said Simon. The coronavirus can live on surfaces for hours to days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pregnant people should only be tested for COVID-19 if they are showing symptoms for the virus, said Simon. She recommends being triaged at home for the symptoms first, then coming into the hospital if necessary. No matter where a woman is in her term, she said, they’re telling all pregnant women the same information.
“I want to make sure the people coming into the hospital are really the ones who need to be evaluated," Simon said.
Advertisement
If a pregnant woman is showing symptoms of COVID-19, and she has a preexisting chronic condition — such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure — those women become priority, no matter how far along they are in their pregnancy.
“Pregnant women tend to have a decreased immune response," said Simon, "but if they have (other conditions) that would make their immune system more susceptible to not being able to fight, that can make them even more susceptible to having bad complications from coronavirus.”
She believes practicing social isolation and distancing is even more imperative for pregnant women but knows it can be hard during a big transition.
“In pregnancy you have a higher chance of feeling anxious or depressed,” said Simon. “Even for women who’ve just given birth in the last few weeks, it’s a time with high anxiety, baby blues and depression, and all of those feelings are very valid. It’s really important to seek help if you’re feeling that way and you’re practicing this social distancing, especially in this time of need."
Magner said she’s more concerned about mental health than her physical health during this time.
“Isolation when you’re going through major life changes makes it much harder," she said. “When you’ve got a newborn, you’re not leaving the house much anyway, so it extends the likelihood we’ll be spending an awful lot of time inside our four walls over the next few months.”
Advertisement
She has plans in place to help with potential loneliness and isolation, like continuing to teach her prenatal fitness class twice a week — but online.
“I’m excited to be able to connect with other moms who are going through the same things as I am," said Magner. “It’s nice to have that village even if it is virtual versus in person.”
Simon urges pregnant women to ask for help if they are having trouble coping with the isolation.
“Please reach out to your health care provider if you need help and need to get connected to a hotline or case worker or somebody to talk to,” Simon said. "We can do that for you.”
chrjohnson@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-03-16--Column: Bears’ addition of Jimmy Graham is a reminder of free agency’s ‘dangerous waters’

Graham , 33 , was a dynamic target earlier in his career with the Saints , but he hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ seasons , making it difficult to envision that he will emerge as a threat for @ @ @ @ @ Graham made 38 receptions for 447 yards with three touchdowns for the Packers last season @ @ @ @ @ .
So how will he look with Mitch Trubisky or pick-your-replacement ?
And who exactly @ @ @ @ @ ?

Action happens fast when the NFL’s legal tampering period opens and agents can get deals done with teams, with the only missing item a player’s signature.
Contracts were hashed out and trades agreed to Monday, transactions that will become official after the new league year starts at 3 p.m. Wednesday — or perhaps later if physicals are delayed by the coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the world but somehow not stopped the NFL from launching forward.
Advertisement
The Bears were mostly window shopping until early evening, when general manager Ryan Pace reminded us why he has referred to the “dangerous waters” of free agency. ESPN reported the team agreed with tight end Jimmy Graham on a two-year, $16 million contract with $9 million guaranteed.
That’s a costly way to cover the mistake the Bears made two years ago when Trey Burton was one of the splashy additions in a free-agent class that fortunately included wide receiver Allen Robinson.
Advertisement
“Biggest stunner of the day,” one veteran source texted, a statement worth considering carefully as it came hours after the Texans gave away wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Cardinals.
Graham, 33, was a dynamic target earlier in his career with the Saints, but he hasn’t run well in recent seasons, making it difficult to envision that he will emerge as a threat for Bears coach Matt Nagy. Graham made 38 receptions for 447 yards with three touchdowns for the Packers last season while playing with Aaron Rodgers. So how will he look with Mitch Trubisky or pick-your-replacement? And who exactly were the Bears bidding against?
That’s the kind of thing that can happen when shopping season opens. Halapoulivaati Vaitai reportedly landed a five-year, $50 million contract from the Lions, presumably to replace Rick Wagner at right tackle. Vaitai has 20 career starts but only four the last two seasons. Maybe he turns into a fine addition, but for now it makes what the Bears are paying left tackle Charles Leno and right tackle Bobby Massie appear prudent. It’s also a reminder that drafting quality linemen annually is never a bad idea.
The Browns reportedly reached an agreement with Austin Hooper on a four-year, $44 million contract with $23 million guaranteed, eclipsing the $22 million the Bears guaranteed Burton in 2018 — the most ever for a tight end.
The Bears have questions at tight end even with Graham on board. It’s at least worth wondering if they will have Graham compete with Burton or perhaps consider parting with Burton despite owing him $4 million guaranteed this year. The overarching point, the one you never should forget in free agency, is it’s not uncommon for big deals — even ones that set benchmarks for pay — to quickly lead to buyer’s remorse.
In that vein, it’s not as if a commitment to Graham will have long-lasting effects on the roster, and with the notable exception of the Burton deal, most of Pace’s free-agent contracts have given the Bears quick outs when needed.
The Bears’ priority is finding a quarterback, and they probably won’t have a long shopping list after that. Early Monday, they were engaged in talks to potentially add Teddy Bridgewater, an acquisition that would immediately alter the depth chart. Pace liked him coming out of Louisville, and Bridgewater now comes with the Sean Payton stamp after helping the Saints to a 5-0 record while Drew Brees was injured, including a 36-25 victory over the Bears on Oct. 20 at Soldier Field.
But the belief now is Bridgewater will head elsewhere, maybe to the Buccaneers or Chargers, though much depends on what happens with Tom Brady. Once the Brady domino falls, the quarterback action could happen quickly.
Advertisement
The Bears can consider potential trades for quarterbacks with whom staff members have worked previously. Andy Dalton should be available from the Bengals, and there is speculation the Jaguars will trade Nick Foles just a year after signing him to a four-year, $88 million contract. The fine print is important there. Foles basically has $20 million guaranteed remaining on his deal, a little more than the Bears paid Mike Glennon three years ago.
None of the options appears to be a perfect solution, but if you trade up to draft a quarterback No. 2 and miss, things are going to be messy three years later. Whether Nagy would replace Trubisky as his starter immediately with Dalton or Foles is unknown. Maybe he would just let the situation play out because who takes snaps in what order won’t matter until September.
It’s worth remembering the Bears have already spent big this offseason. They put together a big deal to extend free safety Eddie Jackson in January and extended inside linebacker Danny Trevathan last week with a three-year, $21.25 million contract that guarantees him $13.625 million.
Factor in a second-round tender for restricted free agent Roy Robertson-Harris, and the Bears have spent to prevent some of their players from departing via free agency. Often, those are the best dollars a team can spend. They’re paying for a player they know with a medical history they understand.
What will happen with outside linebacker Leonard Floyd remains to be seen. Will the Bears release him to create $13.2 million in cap space, or could he be bundled in a trade? There’s always the chance, probably slim, he’s willing to play for less.
The rest of the league is keeping a close eye on what happens with Floyd, anticipating the possibility of movement. His $13 million salary becomes fully guaranteed if he’s on the roster at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Advertisement
Perhaps before then, we’ll learn the quarterback plan.


chicagotribune--2020-03-16--Tracking the Bears’ moves in free agency: Ryan Pace investing $9 million guaranteed for a reunion wi

Tracking the Bears’ moves in free agency: Ryan Pace investing $9 million guaranteed for a reunion with Jimmy Graham

What it means : ESPN ’ s Adam Schefter reported that the Bears will guarantee 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be characterized as ordinary at best , provided the Packers with 38 catches , 447 yards and three touchdowns .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 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.
Advertisement
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 .
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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).
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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 .
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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--2020-03-16--White Sox option catchers Zack Collins and Yermin Mercedes and pitcher Jose Ruiz to Triple-A Charlot

White Sox option catchers Zack Collins and Yermin Mercedes and pitcher Jose Ruiz to Triple-A Charlotte in procedural roster moves

Both catchers were among the options for the 26th spot on the Sox roster .
Asked on March 10 about @ @ @ @ @ team on opening day , Mercedes said , “ If I don ’ t make @ @ @ @ @ ll ) just go to Triple A , keep working hard , do my job @ @

The White Sox announced three procedural roster moves Monday, optioning catchers Zack Collins and Yermin Mercedes and pitcher Jose Ruiz to Triple-A Charlotte.
Collins, the No. 10 pick in the 2016 draft, hit .333 with two home runs and six RBIs in 13 spring training games. Mercedes hit .381 with four homers and nine RBIs in 13 spring games.
Advertisement
Both catchers were among the options for the 26th spot on the Sox roster. Asked on March 10 about possibly not being on the team on opening day, Mercedes said, “If I don’t make it, (I’ll) just go to Triple A, keep working hard, do my job.”
Ruiz had an 11.12 ERA in five relief outings this spring. He struck out four and walked three in 5⅔ innings.


chicagotribune--2020-03-16--Lincolnshire schools, village business move online amid coronavirus pandemic

Teachers were to come to their school buildings Monday , and students had an off day before virtual learning was @ @ @ @ @ will be no online classes during spring break March 23-27 .
The virtual learning is @ @ @ @ @ vacation and go through April 3 , officials said .

Village business and area school classroom have shifted online as Lincolnshire officials and school district leaders respond to concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus.
Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103 students join those at Stevenson High School in participating in class virtually, while the village tries to do as much business online and by telephone as it can to contend with the worldwide pandemic.
Advertisement
The changes came Friday as Lincolnshire area officials said they searched for the best ways to deal with COVID-19 disease prevention
School District 103 Superintendent Scott Warren said in a March 12 email to the school community that Daniel Wright Junior High along with Laura Sprague and Half Day School would be closed to students for three weeks starting Monday.
Advertisement
“We are not aware of anyone in D103 who has been infected or exposed to the Coronavirus,” Warren said in the email. “This is purely a precautionary measure to help safeguard our community.”
Teachers were to come to their school buildings Monday, and students had an off day before virtual learning was to begin Tuesday. There will be no online classes during spring break March 23-27. The virtual learning is scheduled to resume after the vacation and go through April 3, officials said.
Village Manager Brad Burke said Lincolnshire has suspended all non-essential in-person services for at least 30 days. These include things like meetings held by community organizations at Village Hall. Burke said people should try to do their business with the municipality by phone or online.
“Calling first is the best thing” Burke said. “A lot of things can get done that way without any exposure,”
Mayor Liz Brandt said police and public works efforts will continue. She said she understands procedures are in place at Sedgebrook and Warren Barr senior communities to minimize disease exposure as much as possible.
“We’re trying to look out for our must vulnerable,” Brandt said. “Sedgebrook and Warren Barr are taking care of our seniors. A lot of seniors who live in the condos are snow birds and not here. The schools are taking care of the children.”
Municipal meetings are being handled on an individual basis based on the anticipated crowds and timeliness. Burke said a park board meeting that had been scheduled for Monday was canceled while the Architectural Review Board meeting Tuesday was to take place.
The Vernon Area Public Library had initially planned to remain open but cancel all public meetings. Becky Ferguson, the library’s communications coordinator, said that changed late Friday afternoon when a decision was made to close it starting March 14 until further notice.
Advertisement
“The closure is intended to support community health efforts. There has not been any known exposure involving the library,” library officials wrote in a news release announcing the closure. “The decision to close was based on increasing case counts, evidence of low-level community transmission and closing decisions by many schools, businesses and libraries across the country. Library officials continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.”
Ferguson said even though the library is a popular destination, especially with the schools closed, early social distancing has been an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
At least two Lincolnshire churches were to remain open for Sunday services, including the Ascension of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church. The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit was to be open but with some modifications.
Holy Spirit Pastor Tim Linstrom said there would be no touching during greeting or sharing of peace.
“They shouldn’t shake hands or hug,” Linstrom said. “They should just recognize each other. The collection plate will be in one place for people to place their offerings.
Linstrom said youth activities will not take place until April 5.
Advertisement
Steve Sadin is a freelancer.


chicagotribune--2020-03-16--Arlington Heights school buildings closed, park programs canceled amid concerns over COVID-19 spread

Catholic Charities will provide a combination of a hot meal and additional refrigerated or frozen meals , both packaged to @ @ @ @ @ door of the Senior Center .
This take-home program is limited to the equivalent of @ @ @ @ @ They will also add people as an emergency to their Meals on Wheels program for @ @ @ @ @ : Wheeling Township and Maine Township .

In light of the COVID-19 disease from the new coronavirus, village, library and Park District programs in Arlington Heights have been canceled, while schools and some places of worship have closed, according to officials.
The following is a partial list of announced closings and cancellations:
Advertisement
Arlington Heights Village Hall
“As of right now, Village Hall is open and all services are available,” Village Manager Randall Recklaus said on Monday, warning that could change later this week.
Advertisement
All public meetings have been canceled for the month of March, he said. All meetings of outside organizations who use Village Hall also have been canceled for the rest of the month.
Arlington Heights Senior Center
Recreational and social programs at the Arlington Heights Senior Center are canceled until further notice, according to village officials.
Essential Drop-in Services through the end of March:
Catholic Charities will provide a combination of a hot meal and additional refrigerated or frozen meals, both packaged to take home at the front door of the Senior Center. This take-home program is limited to the equivalent of one meal per day. They will also add people as an emergency to their Meals on Wheels program for the service areas they cover: Wheeling Township and Maine Township.
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
The library building and bookmobile are closed through March 29. Staff will be onsite for phone, chat and email services during the closure, according to library officials.
All library items due in March are now due on April 1. Residents can visit the library’s website to download books, movies and music at https://www.ahml.info/node/100006663
Advertisement
Arlington Heights Park District
All programs and all Park District facilities are canceled until further notice, and will be re-evaluated March 31, according to Park District officials. The closure includes programs at the community centers at Camelot, Frontier, Heritage, Pioneer and Recreation park, the Arlington Ridge Center, tennis clubs, golf clubs and Historical Museum, officials said Tuesday.
Advertisement
The following events and activities are canceled or postponed until further notice:
· All CAP before and after school care at School District 21, SD25, and Sd59
· Preschool program
· All senior trips and programs at the Senior Center
· Movie at the ARC – Toy Story 4 on March 21
· Teen Night at ARC on April 3
Advertisement
· Community Egg Hunt on April 4
· Easter Egg Dog Hunt on April 8
· Pool Egg Hunt on April 10
· Senior Scramble at Arlington Lakes Golf Club on April 22
· Spring Spectacular on April 29
· Gymnastics offered at Rolling Meadows Park District
Advertisement
Township High School District 214
“We have made the decision to cancel classes for students for the week of March 16,” Superintendent David R. Schuler wrote in an email to students and families.
He said the district’s emergency days will be used this week.
“It would be our intent for schools to reopen to students after spring break on Monday, March 30,” the superintendent said.
Schuler said students should be prepared to participate in online learning coursework “in the event we are unable to hold face-to-face class instruction immediately following spring break.”
This impacts students enrolled at Rolling Meadows High School, Prospect High School, Buffalo Grove High School, Wheeling High School, Hersey High School and Forest View Educational Center. All co-curricular and athletic programs and school trips have also been canceled.
Advertisement
School officials say that Comcast is providing free internet for 60 days. To sign up, people can call 1-855-846-8376 for English, or 1-855-765-6996 for Spanish.
Arlington Heights School District 25
“All District 25 schools/facilities will be closed beginning Saturday, March 14, at least through spring break, and until further notice,” according to the district’s website.
Community Consolidated School District 59
“After ongoing discussions and planning with area districts D15, D21, D23, D25, D26, D54, D57, D62, D211, D214, D220, and NSSEO, all listed districts, including CCSD59, will be closed next week starting Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20. Spring break will continue as scheduled from March 23 through March 27. All CCSD59 schools are currently scheduled to resume classes on Monday, March 30,” according to the district’s website.
Advertisement
Classes at the Ridge Family Center for Learning are currently scheduled to resume April 6.
Catholic schools and churches
Cardinal Blasé J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, mandated the suspension until further notice of all liturgical services, effective March 14. Confirmation services have also been canceled. In addition, he mandated the closing of schools operated by the Archdiocese, and to close the pastoral center and related agency offices until further notice, according to the website of Our Lady of Wayside Church in Arlington Heights.
Other places of worship have also canceled or altered programs and services.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.


chicagotribune--2020-03-16--Anthony Rizzo — via his foundation — and Fergie Jenkins — via Cameo — are raising money to those imp

Anthony Rizzo — via his foundation — and Fergie Jenkins — via Cameo — are raising money to those impacted by coronavirus

While we all miss baseball right now I think it ’ s important to think about all of the families @ @ @ @ @ My Cubs & Sloan Park family are out of work & for the next week @ @ @ @ @ money from My Cameo videos to the employees .
https : //t.co/iVTE7ErZMA pic.twitter.com/P7Esogo9ad

Cubs slugger Anthony Rizzo and Hall of Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins are raising money in the wake of the coronavirus.
The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation announced it would provide meals to nurses at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital through the foundation’s restaurant partners. Those interested in assisting can text HOPE44 to 5200 for a $20 donation. Donors must be 18 years or older.
Advertisement
Rizzo is a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor.
Meanwhile, Jenkins announced he will donate all the money from his Cameo videos this week to Sloan Park employees affected by the suspension of Cubs spring training.


chicagotribune--2020-03-17--Northwestern is No. 11 and DePaul No. 15 in final AP women’s basketball poll, while South Carolina f

Northwestern is No. 11 and DePaul No. 15 in final AP women’s basketball poll, while South Carolina finishes No. 1

It ’ s the ninth time coach Doug Bruno ’ s Blue Demons have been ranked in the final AP @ @ @ @ @ five seasons and six of the last seven .
The No .
15 finish is @ @ @ @ @ it was ranked ninth in the final poll of 2010-11 .

Northwestern was 11th and DePaul 15th in the final Associated Press women’s basketball poll Tuesday, while South Carolina finished No. 1 for the first time in school history.
No. 11 is the best finish ever for the Wildcats (26-4), who shared the regular-season Big Ten title with Maryland, topping their No. 13 ranking in 1990. It’s the sixth time in program history Northwestern was ranked in the final poll.
Advertisement
“It’s been a wild ride,” NU coach Joe McKeown said. “We’ve had so many people enjoy watching the program this year and see it grow. I’m sad we didn’t get a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament, but we have a great young group.”
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 The Northwestern Wildcats women's basketball players and coaches pose for photographs with the Big Ten Conference championship trophy. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
It’s the ninth time coach Doug Bruno’s Blue Demons have been ranked in the final AP poll, including the last five seasons and six of the last seven. The No. 15 finish is DePaul’s highest since it was ranked ninth in the final poll of 2010-11.
Advertisement
DePaul (28-5) won its sixth regular-season Big East championship in the last seven seasons and its third consecutive Big East Tournament title.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 DePaul celebrates its 88-74 win over Marquette in the Big East women's tournament championship game. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)
South Carolina (32-1) received 26 first-place votes from the national media panel. No. 2 Oregon (31-2) garnered the other four. Baylor, Maryland and Connecticut rounded out the top five.
“Our season ended and we’re No. 1,” said Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley, in her 12th year at South Carolina. “I don’t think it’s up for discussion who No. 1 is.”
Louisville, Stanford, N.C. State, Mississippi State and UCLA made up the rest of the top 10, which was unchanged from the previous poll.
Chicago Tribune Sports Weekdays A daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >
Before this season, South Carolina never had finished higher than No. 3.
The Gamecocks topped the Top 25 for the final 10 weeks of a season cut short before the NCAA Tournament by concerns about spreading the coronavirus. The AP has always released its final poll before the tournament that settles the national championship.
Staley said she wasn’t sure if the Gamecocks might recognize this achievement next year with a banner or something else since there was no tournament.
“I want to highlight our year. Only fitting for our seniors, only fitting for our team we put together,” she said. “Fitting to recognize what was accomplished this year for us.”
Advertisement
Oregon, led by star Sabrina Ionescu, was ranked No. 1 for four weeks. The Ducks’ previous best finish in the poll was sixth two seasons ago.
“It’s really neat. Going into the tournament we had the strongest resume and were playing really, really well,” Ducks coach Kelly Graves said.
UConn’s final ranking was its lowest since the Huskies finished eighth in the last poll of 2005-06. They had been fourth or higher every season since.


chicagotribune--2020-03-17--Roger Mayweather, boxer and trainer, dies at 58

`` My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring , @ @ @ @ @ Roger was a great champion and one of the best trainers in boxing .
Unfortunately @ @ @ @ @ him for several years and now he can finally rest in peace .
Roger meant @ @ @ @ @ my father Floyd Sr. , my uncle Jeff , our whole family , everyone in @ @ @ @ @ Gym and the entire boxing world . ''

LAS VEGAS — Roger Mayweather, a former world champion who also trained his nephew Floyd Mayweather Jr., has died at the age of 58.
Floyd Mayweather announced the death in a statement on Tuesday. Roger Mayweather had been ill with diabetes and other long-term health issues.
Advertisement
"My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring," Mayweather said. “Roger was a great champion and one of the best trainers in boxing. Unfortunately, his health was failing him for several years and now he can finally rest in peace. Roger meant the world to me, my father Floyd Sr., my uncle Jeff, our whole family, everyone in and around the Mayweather Boxing Gym and the entire boxing world."
Mayweather, whose nickname was the “Black Mamba,” held titles at 130 and 140 pounds in a pro career that spanned 72 fights. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, he fought such names as Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker and was 59-13 with 35 knockouts in an 18-year career that began in 1981.
Advertisement
Mayweather was a colorful figure in the boxing world, winning titles but gaining more notoriety later as a trainer for his nephew. He was in the corner for some of Floyd Mayweather's biggest fights.
Last week, Josie Harris, the mother of three of Mayweather’s children, was found dead in her car in front of her house in Valencia, California.


chicagotribune--2020-03-17--Easy, tasty dishes you can make with whatever is in your pantry

One of the reasons that your grandma was a great cook is that she knew the importance of having a @ @ @ @ @ use those budget-friendly ingredients to make breakfasts , lunches , dinners , sides and desserts @ @ @ @ @ recipes primarily use the kinds of things you have on hand , such as flour @ @ @ @ @ baking soda , spices , eggs , milk and beans and other canned goods .

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 One of the most iconic breakfast dishes in America, nothing beats a classic stack of pancakes. Luckily, they require only basic ingredients. For the Classic Pancakes recipe, click here. (Billion Photos/ Shutterstock)
One of the reasons that your grandma was a great cook is that she knew the importance of having a well-stocked pantry and how to use those budget-friendly ingredients to make breakfasts, lunches, dinners, sides and desserts. These easy, satisfying recipes primarily use the kinds of things you have on hand, such as flour, yeast, cornmeal, baking soda, spices, eggs, milk and beans and other canned goods.