Daywatch: Lightfoot eases COVID restrictions, Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson indicted and Bears draft QB Justin Fields

Good morning, Chicago. Illinois public health officials on Thursday reported 3,394 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 38 additional deaths. While an additional 107,689 vaccine doses were given Wednesday, the seven-day average of vaccinations administered in Illinois has fallen below 100,000 for the first time in more than a month.

Meanwhile, a scathing independent report on last fall’s COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home that led to 36 deaths details systemic mismanagement from the top of the Illinois Veterans Affairs department down to the home’s leadership, which created an “inefficient, reactive and chaotic” response to controlling the virus.

Here’s more coronavirus news and other top stories you need to know to start your day.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot at City Hall in Chicago on Feb. 4, 2021. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

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Chicago sports fans are set to return to the United Center next month for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic started, officials announced Thursday, among other loosened restrictions touted as the latest step toward a normal summer with more bustle and less isolation.

The city is loosening up its pandemic rules, including increased capacity for indoor events at the United Center and elsewhere, while allowing outdoor festivals and farmers markets to expand as part of a sweeping plan to reopen the economy, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday. Bars and restaurants as well as churches also will be allowed to have more people inside, Lightfoot said.

Then-11th Ward aldermanic candidate Patrick Daley Thompson reacts as he sees his live image on a television screen while giving a speech to supporters at Laborers’ Union Hall in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood on April 7, 2015. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

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Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass against Indiana during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. (Jay LaPrete / AP)

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One hour, 23 minutes after the start of the first round of the NFL draft Thursday, the news broke: Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace traded up from No. 20 to select Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields with the No. 11 pick.

The trade cost the Bears their first- and fifth-round picks this year and their first- and fourth-round picks in 2022. But it gave Pace and coach Matt Nagy a quarterback prospect on whom they will stake their futures in Chicago.

Windy City Smokeout features live country music performances. (Photo: Neal Agustin)

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Windy City Smokeout — a country music and barbecue festival scheduled for July outside the United Center — is slated to be the first street festival held in Chicago this summer, city officials announced Thursday. Festivalgoers face new COVID-19 requirements at this year’s edition, which has expanded to a fourth day.

Cafe Robey’s Mother’s Day brunch includes French toast, pancakes, duck hash and eggs Benedict. (Kathleen Robinson/Cafe Robey)

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Mothers have moved heaven and earth over the past year, working from home while wrangling housebound kids and remote learning. If you’re looking to treat the motherly figures in your life, here are 40 Chicago-area restaurants with special ways to celebrate May 9.