MEXICO CITY — Mexican icon Vicente Fernandez is in critical but stable condition after being hospitalized for a fall last week, according to an Instagram post made by his medical team on Wednesday.

While the 81-year-old king of ranchera music is on a ventilator, his brain function is intact, according to his doctors. They expect his mobility to improve and say he’s only minimally sedated.

The singer of such hits including “Volver, volver” and “Por tu maldito amor,” suffered a fall at his ranch in Los Tres Potrillos, outside of Guadalajara. The fall caused spinal cord trauma, according to reports.

Fernandez has had numerous health issues in recent years. He was hospitalized for a renal infection recently and in 2012, he underwent a complex surgery that removed almost half of his liver because of a tumor. A year after that he faced pulmonary thrombosis, and in March 2015, the singer had three hernias removed.

This year, Fernandez was faced with the release of photos that appeared to show him touching women without their consent while he was posing with them. He was also accused of sexual abuse by singer Lupita Castro. Fernandez has denied any inappropriate behavior.

Fernandez has sold more than 65 million albums and filmed more than 35 movies. He has won three Grammys and eight Latin Grammys, in addition to being named Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy in 2002.

Read More

The Illinois State Fair is back after a pandemic-induced hiatus last year, but the deadly virus — and a new, highly contagious variant — is already shaking up plans for politicos who use the event as an unofficial kick-off to the campaign season.

Though the fair begins Thursday, the political fireworks — or lack of them — will likely come next Wednesday on Governor’s Day and the following day, which is Republican Day.

Like lemon shakeups, corn dogs and the butter cow, the two politically themed days are traditions at the fair with events held on the fairgrounds and spilling over into downtown Springfield.

But a spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s campaign said Wednesday that the Democratic governor won’t attend the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association’s indoor brunch on Governor’s Day at the fair, citing concerns around the Delta variant.

The brunch, which is in its 34th year, is a traditional rallying place for Democrats from around the state.

Pritzker plans to host his own get-together for Democrats at noon on Governor’s Day on the Director’s Lawn on the fairgrounds, a campaign spokeswoman said.

Outdoor afternoon political pep rallies are other mainstays of both parties on their respective days at the fair, but it’s still unclear how much the governor’s event will resemble past versions — which typically feature a slew of speeches from office-holders, candidates and other party figures.

“It’s a little more scaled back … since the brunch is indoors and we’re trying to be very cautious,” Ronja Abel, Pritzker’s spokeswoman said of the governor’s event.

Abel said the governor’s team will have more details on the get-together and its guest list, “soon.” She did not respond to request for comment about whether or not Pritzker will attend the indoor brunch virtually.

In a statement, Kristina Zahorik, president of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association, said the hybrid gathering will still convene to “celebrate the party’s efforts to Build Back Better in a way that is safe and follows the science.

“While we respect the Governor and other Democrats’ decision not to join the event in person, we’d remind individuals that they can participate in our activities virtually,” Zahorik said. “We hope the Governor takes part in the Brunch virtually or sends a video to address the thousands of grassroots Democrats who will be watching, attending, and supporting his reelection.”

State Senate President Don Harmon plans to attend and speak at the brunch, but a spokesman for the Senate Democratic leader didn’t respond to a question about whether the Oak Park Democrat will attend Pritzker’s event.

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch will be out of town, a spokesman for the Hillside Democrat said.

Most candidates running to succeed outgoing Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White still plan to attend the county chairs’ brunch as well as host other events.

Ald. David Moore (17th) plans to attend the brunch, a VIP meeting beforehand as well as events Tuesday night, a spokeswoman said.

“We’re not going to pass up an opportunity of being downstate and meeting additional people,” Delmarie Cobb said.

Cobb said the campaign feels the measures the county chairs’ association has taken to try to mitigate the spread of the virus are “satisfactory at this point, and they’ve been very vigilant about making sure that they are flexible and responsive.”

Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia will attend the brunch and give a speech, and plans to host a fundraiser the night before headlined by U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) will also attend the brunch as well as other events Tuesday night, her spokesman said.

The remaining Democratic candidate for secretary of state — former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias — plans to host a free, campaign event next Tuesday at a craft beer brewery in downtown Springfield, an event that will largely be outside and will follow protocols on masking, a spokeswoman said. She didn’t provide any details on his plans for Governor’s Day.

The following day, the state’s Republicans will rally outdoors at noon on the Director’s Lawn of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Speakers for the roughly hour and a half program that day will include Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy, Republican National Committee Co-Chairman Tommy Hicks and Committeeman Richard Porter as well as the General Assembly’s Republican leaders, House GOP Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs, and Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods.

Republican U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood, Rodney Davis, and Mary Miller are also planning to attend.

Davis, considered a potential candidate for governor, is also expecting to attend a breakfast that day with members of the Republican Party’s state central committee and the party’s county chairs’ association, where he’ll deliver a speech.

But his spokesman punted when asked if the Taylorville Republican is planning to attend as a candidate for governor.

“His intent and preference is to run for Congress again, but at end of the day it depends on the political landscape that the Democrats give him based on however they approach redistricting,” Aaron DeGroot said.

Regional Transportation Authority Chair Kirk Dillard, who said last week he was weighing a third run for governor, said if he goes to the Republican Party’s event he’ll just be an observer.

Republicans who’ve already announced their plans to try to unseat Pritzker will also be present.

State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, plans to attend Republican events Wednesday night, the Republican Party chairman’s breakfast on Thursday and Republican Day at the fair.

Suburban businessman Gary Rabine will also attend Republican Day events, his spokesman said.

Former state Sen. Paul Schimpf, of Waterloo, said he’ll walk in the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade on Thursday. He’ll also attend Republican Day and may host something informal for supporters of his gubernatorial bid, though details are still being worked out.

Read More

Welcome to our highlights of events and entertainment in Chicago for kids and families to enjoy. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on the latest activities.

92nd Bud Billiken Parade

Pat Nabong/For The Sun-Times

When: 10 a.m. Aug. 14

Where: 45^th and King Drive, continuing south on King Drive, where it enters Washington Park on Ellsworth Drive and continues to 55^th Street

What: The annual back-to-school celebration returns with floats, dance teams and this year’s grand marshal: WNBA star and Chicago Sky team member Candace Parker. After the parade, a festival in Washington Park continues to 4 p.m.

More information: budbillikenparade.org

Chicago SummerDance in the Parks

DCASE

When: Aug. 18-Sept. 15

Where: Parks throughout the city

What: Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in introductory dance lessons by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing. Lessons begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by dancing from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

More information: chicagosummerdance.org.

Loop Mural Walk

Chicago Loop Alliance

When: Through Sept. 6

Where: Online

What: As part of an initiative to encourage people to return to downtown Chicago, the Chicago Loop Alliance has created a free self-guided tour of the colorful artwork tucked into alleys and side streets. A mural guide, which features three different routes of artwork by both well-known and emerging artists, can be accessed on smartphones.

More information: loopchicago.com

Neighborhood Festivals

Chicago Events Photo

The Wells Street Art Fair returns with creations by artists from across the country ranging from painting and sculpture to jewelry and digital art. From 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 14 and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 15, on Wells from North to Division. Visit chicagoevents.com. … From 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 15, a portion of North Michigan Avenue will be closed at the Historic Water Tower and Jane Byrne Park between Pearson and Chicago for Meet Me on the Mile’s Music and Motors, a free event featuring classic cars, music, artists, children’s activities and games. Visit themagnificentmile.com. … There’s music, food, vendors and a classic car and motorcycle show at Retro on Roscoe. From 5-10 p.m. Aug. 13, noon-10 p.m. Aug. 14-15 at 2000 W. Roscoe. Admission: $10. Visit starevents.com. … Chalk Howard Street returns to Rogers Park in a virtual format at 11 a.m. Fridays from Aug. 13-Oct. 1 and culminates in an in-person live chalk art drawing event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 16. Visit howardstreetchicago.com.

Chicago World’s Fair of Money

Lyle Engleson/Ira and Larry Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

When: Aug. 10-14

Where: Donald A. Stephens Convention Center, Hall A, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont

What: Early American coins and historic money from around the world are the highlight of the Chicago World’s Fair of Money. Sponsored by the American Numismatic Association, the show features hundreds of dealers specializing in rare coins, paper money and gold and silver. Plus there are educational programs, family activities and free evaluations of old money. Admission: $10, $25 for a three-day pass, ages 12 and under free and free admission for all Aug. 14.

More information: worldsfairofmoney.com

Chicago Fireboat Tours

Courtesy Chicago Fireboat Tours

When: Ongoing

Where: DuSable Harbors, 111 N. Lake Shore Dr.

What: Built in 1936, the Fred A. Busse was the largest, diesel-powered fireboat in the world at the time and served the Chicago Fire Department from 1937-1981. The current owners renovated the retired fireboat, which is now in its second season cruising Chicago waterways. Tickets: $35-$40, $19.50 ages 4-12.

More information: fireboattours.com

Merit School of Music

Courtesy of Merit School of Music

When: To Aug. 28

Where: Various locations

What: In July and August, the music school hosts a family-friendly series of interactive pop-up events throughout Chicago neighborhoods from Pilsen to Lincoln Park. “Pop-ups in the Parks” offers free instrument tunings, demos and performances by students and faculty, “Music at the Markets” features performances and giveaways at outdoor markets and “Musical Storytimes” is filled with stories and activities.

More information: meritmusic.org

Adler Planetarium

Adler Planetarium

When: Ongoing

Where: 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.

What: The planetarium has partially reopened with a selection of its award-winning sky shows. On weekends in July and August two shows will play twice daily: “Imagine the Moon” (10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.) and “Skywatch Live” (11:30 am., 1:15 p.m.). The full museum won’t reopen until March 2022. Tickets: $15.

More information: adlerplanetarium.org

Tempel Lipizzans’ stallions

Courtesy Tempel Lipizzans

When: Ongoing

Where: Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth, Old Mill Creek.

What: The stallions return for a new season of equestrian dressage along with interactive, educational events. Performances feature synchronized movements set to classical music that show off the strength, beauty and intelligence of the Lipizzan horse. Following each event, there are self-guided tours through the stables to meet and pet the equine stars and ask questions of riders and trainers about how the Lipizzans are raised, trained and taught to “dance.” Tickets: $35, $25 for ages 4-14.

More information: tempelfarms.com

‘Par Excellence Redux’

When: “The Front 9” (to Sept. 16) and “The Back Nine” (Oct. 13-Jan. 2)

Where: Tee off at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill, Elmhurst

What: A fun new exhibit features a fully playable 18-hole mini-golf course created by more than 20 artists, designers and architects from Chicago and beyond. The family-friendly course pays homage to the School of the Art Institute’s wildly popular 1988 exhibition “Par Excellence.” Course themes range from social justice to the occult and include a fortune-telling hole that has the power to dramatically change scores as well as a hole that challenges players with an optical illusion. Admission is $5-$10 (online timed reservations); children 4 and under free.

More information: elmhurstartmuseum.org

Chicago Children’s Museum

Where: Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand

When: Ongoing

What: Fun and learning are on the agenda at the popular family gathering spot, offering a wide variety of exhibits aimed at improving children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. Babies and toddlers can enjoy “Treehouse Trails” and “Kids Town” while “Tinker Lab” and “Dinosaur Expedition” will enthrall older children. Admission: $19.

More information: chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

‘Becoming Jane’

Hugo van Lawick/National Geographic

When: To Sept. 6

Where: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.

What: Generations have been inspired by the work of primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall who has not only shown the urgent need to protect chimpanzees but also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environments. A new exhibit at the Field Museum, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall,” follows her journey from a curious young child in England to a passionate scientist studying chimpanzees in Africa. Included in the exhibit are a recreation of her field research tent, a hologram-like projection of Goodall who shares her fieldwork memories, augmented reality activities and a projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park.

Tickets: Admission: $18-$32

More information: fieldmuseum.org

‘Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown’

Courtesy Greektown Chicago

When: Through spring 2022

Where: Halsted from Monroe to Van Buren

What: Welcome summer with a new outdoor exhibit celebrating the start of summer with 24 artworks inspired by the sun and related mythologies from Greek, Aztec, Yoruba, Japanese and Native American cultures.

More information: greektownchicago.org

Kayak for Conservation

Shedd Aquarium

When: Ongoing

Where: Kayak Chicago: 1220 W LeMoyne,

What: Get close to nature via the Shedd Aquarium’s popular Kayak for Conservation program, which features a variety of socially distant kayaking experiences on the Chicago River. Participants learn about the river’s environmental history and discover wildlife living in its ecosystem. Sessions are open to all levels of kayakers (including newbies) and are led by Shedd’s wildlife conservation experts. The cost is pay-what-you-can ranging from $20-$100 per participant, with a recommended $40, the base cost of the program.

More information: sheddaquarium.org/kayak

‘Take Flight’

Museum of Science and Industry

When: Permanent

Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.

What: The MSI’s Boeing 747 reopens with a reimagined exhibit that explores modern aviation and the science of flight. The plane’s interior has been restored and new interactive elements have been added. Tickets: $12.95, $21.95.

More information: msichicago.org

Read More

The Illinois State Fair is back after a pandemic-induced hiatus last year, but the deadly virus — and a new, highly contagious variant — is already shaking up plans for politicos who use the event as an unofficial kick-off to the campaign season.

Though the fair begins Thursday, the political fireworks — or lack of them — will likely come next Wednesday on Governor’s Day and the following day, which is Republican Day.

Like lemon shakeups, corn dogs and the butter cow, the two politically themed days are traditions at the fair with events held on the fairgrounds and spilling over into downtown Springfield.

But a spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s campaign said Wednesday that the Democratic governor won’t attend the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association’s indoor brunch on Governor’s Day at the fair, citing concerns around the Delta variant.

The brunch, which is in its 34th year, is a traditional rallying place for Democrats from around the state.

Pritzker plans to host his own get-together for Democrats at noon on Governor’s Day on the Director’s Lawn on the fairgrounds, a campaign spokeswoman said.

Outdoor afternoon political pep rallies are other mainstays of both parties on their respective days at the fair, but it’s still unclear how much the governor’s event will resemble past versions – which typically feature a slew of speeches from office-holders, candidates and other party figures.

“It’s a little more scaled back … since the brunch is indoors and we’re trying to be very cautious,” Ronja Abel, Pritzker’s spokeswoman said of the governor’s event.

Abel said the governor’s team will have more details on the get-together and its guest list, “soon.” She did not respond to request for comment about whether or not Pritzker will attend the indoor brunch virtually.

In a statement, Kristina Zahorik, president of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association, said the hybrid gathering will still convene to “celebrate the party’s efforts to Build Back Better in a way that is safe and follows the science.

“While we respect the Governor and other Democrats’ decision not to join the event in person, we’d remind individuals that they can participate in our activities virtually,” Zahorik said. “We hope the Governor takes part in the Brunch virtually or sends a video to address the thousands of grassroots Democrats who will be watching, attending, and supporting his reelection.”

State Senate President Don Harmon plans to attend and speak at the brunch, but a spokesman for the Senate Democratic leader didn’t respond to a question about whether the Oak Park Democrat will attend Pritzker’s event.

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch will be out of town, a spokesman for the Hillside Democrat said.

Most candidates running to succeed outgoing Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White still plan to attend the county chairs’ brunch as well as host other events.

Ald. David Moore (17th) plans to attend the brunch, a VIP meeting beforehand as well as events Tuesday night, a spokeswoman said.

“We’re not going to pass up an opportunity of being downstate and meeting additional people,” Delmarie Cobb said.

Cobb said the campaign feels the measures the county chairs’ association has taken to try to mitigate the spread of the virus are “satisfactory at this point, and they’ve been very vigilant about making sure that they are flexible and responsive.”

Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia will attend the brunch and give a speech, and plans to host a fundraiser the night before headlined by U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) will also attend the brunch as well as other events Tuesday night, her spokesman said.

The remaining Democratic candidate for secretary of state — former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias — plans to host a free, campaign event next Tuesday at a craft beer brewery in downtown Springfield, an event that will largely be outside and will follow protocols on masking, a spokeswoman said. She didn’t provide any details on his plans for Governor’s Day.

The following day, the state’s Republicans will rally outdoors at noon on the Director’s Lawn of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Speakers for the roughly hour and a half program that day will include Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy, Republican National Committee Co-Chairman Tommy Hicks and Committeeman Richard Porter as well as the General Assembly’s Republican leaders, House GOP Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs, and Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods.

Republican U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood, Rodney Davis, and Mary Miller are also planning to attend.

Davis, considered a potential candidate for governor, is also expecting to attend a breakfast that day with members of the Republican Party’s state central committee and the party’s county chairs’ association, where he’ll deliver a speech.

But his spokesman punted when asked if the Taylorville Republican is planning to attend as a candidate for governor.

“His intent and preference is to run for Congress again, but at end of the day it depends on the political landscape that the Democrats give him based on however they approach redistricting,” Aaron DeGroot said.

Regional Transportation Authority Chair Kirk Dillard, who said last week he was weighing a third run for governor, said if he goes to the Republican Party’s event he’ll just be an observer.

Republicans who’ve already announced their plans to try to unseat Pritzker will also be present.

State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, plans to attend Republican events Wednesday night, the Republican Party chairman’s breakfast on Thursday and Republican Day at the fair.

Suburban businessman Gary Rabine will also attend Republican Day events, his spokesman said.

Former state Sen. Paul Schimpf, of Waterloo, said he’ll walk in the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade on Thursday. He’ll also attend Republican Day and may host something informal for supporters of his gubernatorial bid, though details are still being worked out.

Read More

PORTLAND, Ore. — Police have confirmed that two members a hip-hop group with ties to the multiplatinum rap group Wu-Tang Clan were fatally shot Tuesday in Portland, Oregon.

Relatives on social media identified the rap music artists killed as 12 O’Clock and Murdock of the Brooklyn Zu, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Portland police in a news release identified the two men as David Turner, 45, and Odion Turner, 42, who are cousins.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner determined both died from gunshot wounds and ruled their deaths homicides, police said.

The shooting happened at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. Four others were hurt in the shooting, including one person who remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, police said Wednesday. Police said it took time to confirm whether that victim had been injured in this incident, so police didn’t mention that victim on Tuesday.

Young Dirty Bastard, the son of the late Wu-Tang rap legend Ol’ Dirty Bastard, in a post to Instagram on Tuesday, wrote of his cousins, “Rip 12 O’Clock. Rip Murdock. They Were My Fathers Tightest blood bonds. My Two Older cousins Was just assassinated. Love Yalll. Blood Forever. Brooklyn Zu.”

Police have released few details about the shooting. A home surveillance video provided to the Oregonian/OregonLive appeared to capture nearly 20 gunshots and a car speeding away.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Their deaths marked the 57th and 58th homicides this year in Portland, which is more homicides than Portland recorded in all of 2020, police said.

Read More

A Chicago Police officer, who was seriously wounded in a shooting during a traffic stop in West Englewood that killed his partner over the weekend, underwent surgery Tuesday at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

“He is better,” the officer’s father told the Chicago Sun-Times on Wednesday. “They still have not removed the bullets in his head ’cause they can’t, but we’re hopeful and praying.”

The encouraging news comes two days after Chicago Police Supt. David Brown said the wounded officer, who was shot twice in the head and once in the right shoulder and had been fighting for his life, was “incrementally improving.”

The Sun-Times is not identifying the officer or his father because the officer is the victim of a violent crime. The officer’s name also has not been released by the Chicago Police Department.

Earlier this week, the officer’s father described the tragedy as his family’s “darkest moment.” He said his son is a “great husband, father, son and brother.”

Around 9 p.m. Saturday in the 2200 block of West 63rd Street, a three-officer car assigned to CPD’s Community Safety Team pulled over a car with expired plates. During the traffic stop, Emonte Morgan, one of the car’s passengers, allegedly opened fire, fatally striking 29-year-old Chicago Police Officer Ella French and seriously wounding her partner, Cook County prosecutors said.

The third officer returned fire, wounding Morgan in the abdomen, according to prosecutors.

Emonte Morgan, 21, and his brother Eric Morgan, 22, have been charged in the shooting and face felony charges. Both were ordered held without bail Tuesday in separate court hearings.

Read More

Two teen boys were shot, one fatally, after a person fired shots into a home Wednesday afternoon in Englewood on the South Side.

About 4 p.m., two boys, both 16, were inside a home in the 6000 block of South Carpenter Street, when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside fired shots into the home, Chicago police said.

One of the boys was struck in the chest and brought to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He has not been identified.

The second teen was struck in the right leg and taken to the same hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.

Area One detectives are investigating.

Read More

Federal public health officials say COVID-19 is now spreading at a high rate across nearly all of Illinois as the Delta-fueled surge lifts infections to the highest level seen statewide in four months.

Transmission is considered high in all but 13 of Illinois’ 102 counties, including the entire Chicago area except for northwest suburban McHenry County, according to metrics set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the spread is still labeled “substantial” in McHenry and nine of the other remaining counties.

The CDC laid out the sobering color-coded state map Wednesday as the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 3,933 new cases of the disease, the most in a day since April 9.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The state is now averaging nearly 3,000 new COVID-19 diagnoses each day, a rate that has multiplied by eight since the first week of July.

The seven-day average statewide positivity rate is up to 5.1%, which marks a seven-month high, while the total of 1,558 hospitalized coronavirus patients is the greatest burden facing Illinois care centers since May 15.

Daily death tolls have risen slightly, too. With nine more COVID-19 fatalities reported Wednesday, Illinois is averaging 11 per day over the last week, compared to eight per day in early July.

Cases have been on the rise in the state since about two weeks after Gov. J.B. Pritzker allowed the state to fully reopen in mid-June — not long after the more infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 emerged in the United States.

The latest suffering is overwhelmingly concentrated in unvaccinated communities. Only 899 fully vaccinated residents have ended up in a hospital with COVID-19 all year, according to state data — about 0.01% of the 6.5 million-plus Illinoisans who have completed their vaccine series.

Just over 74% of residents have gotten at least one shot. About 57% are fully vaccinated.

Last week, Pritzker issued a vaccination mandate for some state workers, and he’s said he’s considering expanding that to more employee groups.

On Wednesday, the governor applauded small music venues that are requiring concertgoers to show proof of vaccination.

“We must take the utmost precautions in crowded indoor spaces — and that means getting vaccinated,” Pritzker said in a tweet.

State public health officials launched a new online portal in an effort to make it easier for residents to obtain their vaccination records in case they lose their CDC-issued cards. The “Vax Verify” system uses the credit reporting company Experian as an “identity verification service provider” before providing access to vaccine records.

“With the current surge in cases, more people are making the decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine, and this new tool will aid residents in confirming their vaccination where needed,” Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement.

Residents can access the system at idphportal.illinois.gov.

Read More

Unlike the fledgling quarterbacks the Bears had the last few seasons, Andy Dalton doesn’t need this preseason game against the Dolphins. He’s not a star by any means, but he’s also not Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles.

With 8,151 snaps and 142 starts in his career — more than Trubisky and Foles combined — and such a thorough mastery of the offense that he has committed just one mental error since the start of training camp, Dalton continues to make coach Matt Nagy’s job easier. Dalton will exit early, possibly after the first opening possession, and Nagy can tend to the ultra-important, franchise-shifting development of rookie Justin Fields.

“If he wasn’t at the point that we wanted, we would play him more in the preseason,” Nagy said. “He’s exceeded that. He could play tomorrow in a game, and I would feel great about it.”

Nagy’s plan is to let Dalton feel out how many snaps he wants — in the single digits, certainly — and that’s how it should be with a sturdy, experienced quarterback. It’d be concerning if the Bears were fretting about Dalton’s readiness at this point.

Nagy convinced himself that Trubisky was equally prepared heading into the ill-fated 2019 season and it quickly backfired on him. He knew going into 2020 that both his quarterbacks needed those snaps, but the pandemic prompted the league to cancel the preseason.

With Dalton, though, there’s not nearly as much teaching and adjusting. Trubisky was still learning how to run the offense and decode defenses.

Foles had minimal history with Nagy, and it became clear as the season progressed that they were on very different wavelengths.

Nagy erupted at Foles over a delay-of-game penalty at the 7-yard line against the Panthers, criticized him for another one against the Saints when he was too preoccupied with the plays on his wristband to get them to the line of scrimmage quickly enough and ESPN’s Brian Griese shared a conversation in which Foles said Nagy didn’t grasp that some of his play calls were doomed.

Those little snags are highly unlikely with Dalton. He already seems fluent in the offense and in step with Nagy.

“I feel really comfortable with everything that we’ve got in [the playbook], but you get out there to get into a little bit of a rhythm,” he said when asked if there was anything he needed to get out of this preseason game. “We’ll see how long I’m actually out there.”

The translation on that last part is that he’ll barely play. Nagy will have to be careful how much he uses Fields, too, because the Bears could be missing three injured starters on the offensive line.

Dalton’s most valuable work might actually be helping out on the sideline when Fields is playing. He has embraced the role of mentoring him this season, even as Fields strives to replace him, and has been serving as somewhat of a part-time assistant coach. That will continue Saturday.

In the meantime, Dalton will get one more full session of game-like competition in a joint practice with the Dolphins on Thursday.

Everything about the offense seems to be sharper since Dalton arrived, which is probably a big factor in Nagy feeling “as calm as I’ve ever been in my life” as he heads into a season in which his job appears to be at stake. Their relationship has been much closer to a partnership than the teacher-student dynamic he had with Trubisky and the choppy ride with Foles.

“Our guys right now, they’re playing fast, playing confident,” Nagy said. “It’s not like in Year 1 when they were thinking about the play. They know the play, and now they can take it to the next level.”

Read More

Chicago property taxes will rise by $20 million to match the consumer price index, but Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday she hopes to hold it to that despite a $733 million budget shortfall for 2022.

“It’s my hope that we will not need to raise taxes — and by taxes, I assume you mean property taxes. It’s our hope that we will not need to use that tool,” Lightfoot told reporters at the Cultural Center.

The mayor did not rule out other tax increases. A budget summary chart tied to the city’s three-year financial analysis talks about “exploring new revenue sources, financial reforms” and department efficiencies to close the $733 million gap.

During a conference call after the mayor’s speech, Budget Director Susie Park acknowledged that Lightfoot’s declaration does not mean property taxes will be frozen.

“It is not our intention to increase the property tax for the upcoming budget. However, the CPI that was approved in the last budget remains. … I think it’s around $20 million-ish,” Park said.

The 2022 shortfall is down 40% from the $1.2 billion gap that preceded what Lightfoot calls her “pandemic” budget.

It would have been bigger and more daunting if not for the $1.9 billion of federal stimulus funds on its way to Chicago. It will allow the Lightfoot administration to play a financial shell game of sorts.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Gone is the mayor’s plan to use more than half of the money to retire $465 million in scoop-and-toss borrowing and canceling plans to borrow $500 million more. That ran contrary to initial Treasury Department guidelines.

Instead, the mayor plans to use $782 million in stimulus money to replace revenues lost to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. That will free up corporate fund revenues to retire the scoop-and-toss borrowing.

During the fourth quarter of this year, the city plans to refinance $1 billion in debt at reduced interest rates and use the $250 million in savings to pay for retroactive pay raises for Chicago police officers.

The tentative contract gives rank-and-file police officers a 20% pay raise over eight years, 10.5% of it retroactive.

The total cost of the retroactive paychecks is $375 million. The mayor’s 2021 budget set aside only $100 million for police back pay. That means Lightfoot needs to find at least $25 million more — even after the refinancing — and come up with “around $165 million” going forward.

Civic Federation President Laurence Msall said the city’s plan to use federal stimulus funds to close the 2020 and 2021 budget gaps is “reasonable as a one-time backfill to address very significant one-time revenue losses due to the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.”

“Similarly, use of economic savings from a debt refinancing to pay retroactive costs on the new police contract prudently matches one-time revenues to a one-time expense. However, taking savings upfront, as the city plans to do, still creates gaps in future years’ budgets that will need to be filled,” Msall said in a statement.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Lightfoot blamed the “still sizable” shortfall on the “lasting and continuing impacts” of the coronavirus pandemic.

Her three-year financial analysis forecast a “base, positive and negative” case shortfall of $733 million in 2021. The shortfall rises to anywhere from $391 million to $1.2 billion by 2024, depending on the economy.

“COVID has thrown us a wrench a number of times in terms of the actual pace of the virus, the recovery, potential additional waves of cases. We are planning for all of those various scenarios and how we might be able to address the potential change in revenue forecasting,” Chief Financial Officer Jennie Huang Bennett said.

Lightfoot said the surge in coronavirus cases tied to the Delta variant underscores the need for the city to be “smart” about how it spends the once-in-a-lifetime avalanche of the federal stimulus funds.

“It’s not gone. It’s not going to be gone entirely for some time. … This race sometimes feels like a race against time with these mutations that are coming,” Lightfoot said, renewing her push for Chicagoans to get vaccinated.

“We’ve gotta be diligent. And being diligent is also being smart in making sure that we’ve got the resources in order to respond. If we spent every penny that has been allocated for COVID and we had, God forbid, another catastrophic surge, then people would say, `What happened to the mayor. Why did she do that?'”

The city has used $800 million in federal stimulus money to support hard-hit small businesses and provide a safety net of assistance for housing, food, homeless services and mental health and cover the salaries of police officers, firefighters and other first responders.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

On Wednesday, City Hall disclosed plans to use $37 million in remaining first-round stimulus funds to “create a bridge” toward the investments Lightfoot intends to make with the next round of federal help.

The new investments include $14 million for youth prevention programming, $9 million for neighborhood recovery initiatives and $14 million for child care assistance.

Last year, Lightfoot spent months claiming Chicago was well-positioned to weather the economic storm caused by the coronavirus only to finally reveal that the stay-at-home shutdown had blown a two-year, $2 billion hole in the city’s budget.

After weeks of contentious negotiations, the City Council ultimately approved her $12.8 billion budget by the narrowest margin Chicago has seen in decades.

The mayor’s plan to raise property taxes by $94 million, followed by annual increases tied to the consumer price index, passed with only two votes to spare. The roll call was 28 to 22.

Although she has condemned political horse-trading, Lightfoot was forced to do a lot of wheeling and dealing to line up the 26 votes she needed to approve the budget. The vote on the budget was 29 to 21.

She canceled 350 layoffs in favor of borrowing against future revenues from the sale of recreational and medical marijuana and ordered five furlough days for those nonunion employees with six-figure salaries.

She sweetened the pot for violence prevention by $10 million and set aside $2 million to test a pair of alternate response pilot programs for emergency calls related to mental health.

And she increased the value of the treasured aldermanic menu program from $1.32 million for each of the 50 wards to $1.8 million.

For the second straight year, Lightfoot’s budget was also precariously balanced with one-time revenues.

It called for the city to refinance $1.7 billion in general obligation and sales tax securitization bonds and claim $949 million of the savings in the first two years.

That would have extended the debt for eight years and returned Chicago to the days of “scoop-and-toss” borrowing that former Mayor Rahm Emanuel ended, although not nearly fast enough to satisfy Wall Street rating agencies.

A $304 million tax increment financing surplus created a $76 million windfall for the city. The 2021 budget also included $59 million by “sweeping aging accounts”; a $30 million raid on the city’s $900 million in reserves, and $54 million in savings by offloading the cost of pensions and crossing guards from the city to Chicago Public Schools.

This year, Lightfoot moved up her budget unveiling to mid-September, one month earlier than normal.

Her plan to use $1.9 billion in federal stimulus funds faces stiff resistance from Chicago aldermen, who want to spend the stimulus money on an array of housing, mental health, jobs and outreach programs that attack the root causes of the city’s unrelenting gang violence.

Chicago’s $33 billion pension crisis continues to weigh heavily on city finances, in part because all four pension funds are now on the actuarial road to 90% funding.

Next year, the state-mandated payment rises to $2.25 billion to four city employee pension funds. That’s up from $1.8 billion this year.

The firefighters’ pension fund is in the worst shape, with assets to cover just 19% of its liabilities.

Read More