The Sun-Times Alissa Hirsh’s assessment of the 2026 draft is accurate: If the Chicago Sky had not traded up for Angel Reese in 2024, they would not have been forced to relinquish the second pick they earned through their abysmal play the last two seasons to the Minnesota Lynx, and they would have drafted Olivia Miles. Inarguably, Miles looks every bit like the pro she was expected to be. It is scary to think of what that team will look like when Napheesa “Phee” Collier returns.
However, Hirsch’s assessment omits one crucial detail: Drafting Miles would have meant that Gabriela “Gabs” Jaquez would not have found her way to Chicago. And while I admit that I was one of the many who pushed for the Sky to draft either Kiki Rice or Flau’jae Johnson with the fifth pick, I and many other Sky fans would not be willing to part with Gabs.
Like Miles, Gabs has also slid effortlessly into the WNBA. Some believed that her MVP-level performance during the 2026 NCAA Championship was an anomaly, but Gabs has continued to find crafty ways to be everywhere all the time during her early WNBA career.
She is already working with center Kamilla Cardoso in a way that Sky fans had only hoped a guard might. We have seen many excellent plays between the two of them as the result of Gabs’ incredible off-the-ball movement, her speed and uncanny ability to slip through the defense. Her scrappy style of play fits Chicago perfectly. And her statistics to date have put her in the running for Rookie of the Year right alongside Miles. Once the Sky are up to full health, she will be able to do even more with her talented, experienced teammates.
Sure, in another dimension, the Sky might have had Miles running the show in Chicago. But Gabs is the real show in Chi-Town. I think I speak for many Sky fans when I say that we couldn’t be happier with our 2026 draft pick.
Mike Belle, Cicero
Federal scholarship tax credit a gift horse for Illinois
In his recent piece headlined Gov. Pritzker should say no to the federal tax credit scholarship program, Ralph Martire says the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program “isn’t about helping poor folks” because residents within 300% of the median income in an area are eligible to receive scholarships.
Martire and many of the opponents of the program are purposefully using ideological fear mongering and sensationalism to discredit a program with bipartisan appeal and support — simply because it passed during the Trump administration.
In truth, this program can benefit everyone — that’s why 31 states so far plan to opt in, including New York, Colorado, Virginia, New Hampshire, Kentucky and North Carolina. Public school and low-income families in Illinois especially stand to benefit from this program.
Unlike vouchers, which use public dollars for private schools, this program is funded by private donations. Individuals may contribute up to $1,700 to scholarship-granting organizations and receive a federal tax credit. That means no Illinois or federal money is taken from public schools. That distinction matters. Opponents are warning families about a threat that does not exist.
The donations also can help public school students stay and thrive in their current schools. Families could use the money for tutoring, books, online learning materials, standardized test fees and special education services, without leaving their neighborhood schools.
What Martire fails to mention is that if Gov. JB Pritzker doesn’t opt Illinois into the program, donors in Illinois can still claim the federal tax credit by giving to scholarship-granting organizations and helping students in other states. This could be as much as $1 billion that could have helped children in Illinois and Chicago with their academic needs.
Opponents argue that Illinois schools need more resources. Then why turn away donor dollars?
Pritzker has a simple choice: Allow Illinois students to benefit from donor-funded scholarships, or send those resources elsewhere. For advocates seeking to improve students’ experiences and outcomes, the answer should be easy.
Mailee Smith, vice president of policy and litigation, Illinois Policy Institute.
Ease up on CTA criticism
Fifty years ago before buying a car, I rode the CTA daily Downtown with confidence, relative comfort and tons of company. Rush hours were spectacles similar to the Tokyo newsreels that show commuters being crammed into trains. Most mass transit complaints related to on-time performance and cleanliness. Most of public, myself included, basically accepted the package.
Today, we’re less forgiving with more serious concerns. Facing increased crime and decreased ridership, Chicago Transit Authority management understandably sees security as a top priority and has increased police patrols and gun-detecting camera surveillance.
Some of my retirement home neighbors take public transit regularly. But then there are averse types like our housekeeper who strains to chauffeur her two college boys to their O’Hare Airport jobs, because she mistrusts Blue Line security.
How to overcome such sentiments? I’d remind critics that security can’t be everywhere at all times. Also, traveling in cars is not risk-free either with the possibility of accidents and carjackings. Ultimately, Chicagoans on wheels are rolling the dice too. Let’s cut the CTA some slack.
Tom Gregg, Niles,
Magnificent Magad
Thanks to Neil Steinberg on his column about violinist Sam Magad. I first heard about Magad when I was a Marshall High School student in the early 1950s. Years later, when I practicing law, an associate who was a classical music buff and Magad’s close friend invited my wife and I to a concert led by Magad at Northwestern University. We enjoyed the concert. Afterward, we were invited to the Magad home. Mr. and Mrs. Magad were very warm and welcoming. It was an honor to be in their company. Sam Magad was a great musician and a fine person.
Philip S. Witt, Northbrook