Afternoon Edition: March 26, 2021

Good afternoon. Here’s the latest news you need to know in Chicago. It’s about a 5-minute read that will brief you on today’s biggest stories.

This afternoon will be mostly cloudy with a high near 50 degrees. Tonight’s low will be around 43 degrees. Tomorrow brings a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon with a high near 62 degrees, while Sunday will be mostly sunny and breezy with a high around 51 degrees.

Top story

Munoz rips Proud Boy planning run for his state senate seat

State Sen. Antonio Munoz today denounced a member of the far-right Proud Boys who was present for the riot at the U.S. Capitol and now plans to challenge the Chicago Democrat in next year’s election.

Edgar “Remy Del Toro” Gonzalez told us this week that he intends to run as an independent against Munoz, whose 1st District covers portions of the South and West sides.

In a statement, Munoz said Gonzalez’s announcement amounts to “a hate-fueled threat to my district from someone who’s already shown his reprehensible, un-American behavior.” He said it was ironic his plans were made known as Illinois lawmakers were authorizing a wider use of mail-in voting in future elections and other provisions to make voting easier.

“On the day we passed a bill that would expand voting rights, a racist Proud Boy who attacked our democracy at the U.S. Capitol announced he wants to run for office,” said Munoz, who co-founded the Latino Caucus and has held the seat since 1999.

Gonzalez previously led the Chicago chapter of the Proud Boys and is still affiliated with its overarching Northern Illinois contingent. He said he had started collecting signatures to get on the ballot, but state election rules prevent independent candidates running in next year’s election from circulating petitions before March 29, 2022 — meaning any signatures Gonzalez has already collected are worthless.

Asked about the statement from Munoz, Gonzalez, who is also Latino, said the senator made a “big mistake throwing the racist card.”

Read Tom Schuba’s full story here.

More news you need

1. Gov. J.B. Pritzker deployed vaccination teams to five hard-hit counties in northwestern Illinois today and authorized other local health departments to expand eligibility to any resident 16 or older “at their immediate discretion” in an effort to vaccinate as many people as possible. The average statewide coronavirus testing positivity rate has increased by 38% in less than two weeks.
2. The low number of hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans reported in Chicago may be in part because of a reluctance to report racism or harassment, advocates say. Language barriers and immigration status could also be factors, according to Inhe Choi, executive director of the HANA Center.
3. Winners of consumer lawsuits are often shocked to learn that legal fees awarded to their lawyers for handling the cases are taxable income — for them. Read Stephanie Zimmermann’s report on a tax code problem that’s only gotten worse because of changes implemented under the Trump administration.
4. Renowned Chicago blues guitarist Dion Payton died March 12 after years of struggling with multiple health issues. Payton, who formed the 43rd Street Blues Band, performed live in front of rock legends like Mick Jagger, Jimi Hendrix and Bono. He was 70.
5. A pair of Chicago siblings are launching a business that will send four electric vehicles downtown to offer free rides in a designated area. The company plans to make money by covering the vehicles, which don’t exceed 25 mph, in advertisements.
6. In an attempt to keep students engaged during Chicago Public Schools’ spring break next week, a series of events dubbed “Spring Forward” will be held in the city. The campaign includes physical activities, community service events, a virtual college fair and a virtual “Know Your Rights” workshop, the mayor’s office said.

A bright one

Sister Jean hopes Loyola will make a comeback ‘to the very top’ of NCAA Tournament

In the days between NCAA Tournament games, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt’s schedule is full.

“I have to get up early in the morning to do what I have to do,” she said. “Besides doing my work for Loyola, I’m doing my work for the basketball team. I write the team so many emails while they’re ... quarantined in the hotel.”

As the 101-year-old chaplain for the Loyola men’s basketball team, Sister Jean said she writes the team an email before and after every game, explaining what players can expect and detailing some areas to improve upon.

Courtesy of Loyola University Chicago

Sister Jean said Loyola’s team that made it to the Final Four in 2018 and the school’s present team are more alike than they are different, as both demonstrated the same energy and great teamwork.

“When they do plays, they keep passing the ball to the person they think will make the basket,” Sister Jean said. “They don’t care who makes the points as long as the basket is made.”

The chaplain said she has waited for another NCAA win for Loyola since 1963 and is excited for the team to excel whether that means they get to the Final Four again or go further.

“I told them, ‘We can do it, so let’s push,’” Sister Jean said.

Read Mari Devereaux’s full story here.

From the press box

Cubs star Javy Baez sat down with our Russell Dorsey to discuss his approach to the upcoming season and how the price of fame almost robbed him of his love for baseball. “It kind of pulled me away from everything, even from my family. My family and my friends,” Baez said of the attention he got off the field.

And Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen had a feeling he would remain in Chicago past yesterday’s trade deadline. He ended up being proven correct, Joe Cowley writes, as rumors of Markkanen’s imminent departure to New Orleans or some other NBA city didn’t come to fruition.

Your daily question ☕

What’s a food you didn’t like as a kid but enjoy eating now?

Email us (please include your first name and where you live) and we might feature your answer in the next Afternoon Edition.

Yesterday, we asked you: How do you feel about the Bulls’ new additions, including Nikola Vucevic? Here’s what some of you said...

“He will give the Bulls a much needed boost. Reshapes the front court with LaVine. This team wants to win sooner rather than later.” — Angel A. Alicea

“They gave up way too much for just one person. He’s already 30 which would make him one of the oldest person on the team.” — Al Neal

“Solid trade. This guy will make a huge difference.” — Gus Santana

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