chicagosun-times--2020-07-01--More help on way for COVID-slammed businesses as Congress send relief bill to president

WASHINGTON — The House on Wednesday easily passed a temporary extension of a subsidy program for small businesses slammed by the coronavirus , speeding the measure to President Donald Trump .
Approval by voice vote without debate came after Democrats pushed the legislation through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states led to renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses .
Trump was expected to sign the measure .
The legislation extends the June 30 deadline for applying for the program to Aug. 8 .
Lawmakers created the program in March and have modified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one occasion and more recently permitting more flexible use of the funding despite some grumbling among GOP conservatives .
About $ 130 billion of $ 660 billion approved for the program remains eligible for businesses to seek direct federal subsidies for payroll and other costs such as rent , though demand for the Paycheck Protection Program has pretty much dried up in recent weeks .
Sponsors of the program , including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Small Business Committee Chairman Marco Rubio , R-Fla. , want to re-purpose the money in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses suffering during the upswing in cases .
It was part of an almost $ 3 trillion federal response to a menacing virus that has slammed the economy as consumers and workers were forced to stay at home through much of spring .
The subsidies come in the form of federal loans that can be forgiven if businesses follow rules such as utilizing 60 % of the loan for payroll costs .
The loans have been a lifeline to almost 5 million firms , but business owners are looking for more flexibility and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long haul .

WASHINGTON — The House on Wednesday easily passed a temporary extension of a subsidy program for small businesses slammed by the coronavirus, speeding the measure to President Donald Trump.
Approval by voice vote without debate came after Democrats pushed the legislation through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states led to renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses.
Trump was expected to sign the measure.
The legislation extends the June 30 deadline for applying for the program to Aug. 8. Lawmakers created the program in March and have modified it twice since, adding money on one occasion and more recently permitting more flexible use of the funding despite some grumbling among GOP conservatives.
About $130 billion of $660 billion approved for the program remains eligible for businesses to seek direct federal subsidies for payroll and other costs such as rent, though demand for the Paycheck Protection Program has pretty much dried up in recent weeks.
Sponsors of the program, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Small Business Committee Chairman Marco Rubio, R-Fla., want to re-purpose the money in a way that’s more targeted for businesses suffering during the upswing in cases.
It was part of an almost $3 trillion federal response to a menacing virus that has slammed the economy as consumers and workers were forced to stay at home through much of spring.
The subsidies come in the form of federal loans that can be forgiven if businesses follow rules such as utilizing 60% of the loan for payroll costs. The loans have been a lifeline to almost 5 million firms, but business owners are looking for more flexibility and aid that helps them survive over the long haul.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-01--Report: Wrigley rooftops to be open for business for Cubs home games this season

The Cubs and Mayor Lori Lightfoot have yet to agree on a plan that would pave the way for Wrigley @ @ @ @ @ games in 2020 .
But the Wrigley rooftops ?
Likely a different story .
According @ @ @ @ @ the City of Chicago approved the opening of the rooftops at 25 % capacity for @ @ @ @ @ less than a week after Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney said he expected @ @ @ @ @ business from Game 1 on .
Kenny also said he expected the Cubs to be @ @ @ @ @ 8,000 fans — or 20 % capacity — at the ballpark for games , but @ @ @ @ @ calling it premature .
Rooftop seats are , of course , far less plentiful .
@ @ @ @ @ owns the Cubs , also owns 11 of the 16 rooftop clubs along Waveland and @ @ @ @ @ the WGN report , rooftop tickets are expected to go on sale when MLB releases @ @ @ @ @ could happen by the end of the week .

The Cubs and Mayor Lori Lightfoot have yet to agree on a plan that would pave the way for Wrigley Field to welcome fans to games in 2020.
But the Wrigley rooftops? Likely a different story.
According to a WGN report, the City of Chicago approved the opening of the rooftops at 25% capacity for the season. This, less than a week after Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney said he expected rooftops to be open for business from Game 1 on.
Kenney also said he expected the Cubs to be able to bring in roughly 8,000 fans — or 20% capacity — at the ballpark for games, but Lightfoot cooled that talk, calling it premature. Rooftop seats are, of course, far less plentiful.
Source tells me the city of Chicago has given approval to Wrigleyville rooftops to host fans for Cubs games at 25% capacity. Tickets expected to go on sale once the MLB schedule is released, though my source says tickets will not be sold for potential exhibition games. @WGNNews — Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) July 1, 2020
The Ricketts family, which owns the Cubs, also owns 11 of the 16 rooftop clubs along Waveland and Sheffield avenues.
According to the WGN report, rooftop tickets are expected to go on sale when MLB releases its 2020 schedule. That could happen by the end of the week.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-01--Trump says he looks like Lone Ranger in a mask and likes it

WASHINGTON — After long resisting wearing a mask in public , President Donald Trump said Wednesday he thinks it makes him look like the Lone Ranger — and he likes it .
“ I ’ m all for masks .
I think masks are good , ” Trump told Fox Business in an interview .
“ People have seen me wearing one.
” Trump ’ s comments came a day after Republican lawmakers suggested that the president wear a mask in public to set a good example for Americans .
“ If I were in a tight situation with people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in the interview .
Trump has long resisted being photographed in a mask .
In early April , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a recommendation that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures were difficult to maintain .
Trump immediately undercut the CDC guidance by flatly stating that he wouldn ’ t be following it , suggesting it would be unseemly for the commander in chief to wear a mask as he meets with heads of state .
On Wednesday , he sounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had a mask on .
I sort of liked the way I looked .
OK .
I thought it was OK .
It was a dark black mask , and I thought it looked OK. “ It looked like the Lone Ranger , ” he continued , a reference to the fictional law-and-order character from the American Old West who wore a black eye mask .
“ I have no problem with that , and if people feel good about it , they should do it.
” In recent days , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus task force have been more outspoken in advocating for Americans to wear face masks in public settings as infections have surged in huge swaths of the South and West .
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , former Vice President Joe Biden , said last week that he would pursue a federal mask mandate , if elected .
But Trump continues to frame mask wearing as a matter of choice .
“ If people feel good about it , they should do it , ” Trump said .
About the virus , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he hopes will just go away .
“ I think we are going to be very good with the coronavirus .
I think that , at some point , that ’ s going to sort of just disappear , I hope , ” Trump said .
White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway noted Wednesday that Trump is regularly tested for the coronavirus , as are his aides .
White House visitors and members of the news media who are in close proximity to him and Vice President Mike Pence are also tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , the first lady has said wear them , the president ’ s administration has said wear them , ” Conway said .
Trump also told Fox Business that people have seen him wearing a mask .
But only one image has surfaced of the president wearing a mask .
He donned it for a behind-the-scenes tour of a Ford facility in Michigan in May .
Reporters were not allowed to accompany Trump on the tour .
After the tour , he told reporters he had worn a mask in a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it.
” Other world leaders , including Canada ’ s Justin Trudeau and France ’ s Emmanuel Macron , have worn masks in public to encourage their use .
Trump on Wednesday also continued to push back against the notion that some states may have been too quick to open up .
Several states , including Florida , New York and Texas , have paused or slowed down reopening amid the recent increase in confirmed cases .
Trump suggested Democrats are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage him .
“ I think the Democrats would like to see the country stay closed as long as possible because they figure that ’ s probably good for the election , because it would be bad a little bit for jobs , and maybe a lot for jobs , ” Trump said .

WASHINGTON — After long resisting wearing a mask in public, President Donald Trump said Wednesday he thinks it makes him look like the Lone Ranger — and he likes it.
“I’m all for masks. I think masks are good,” Trump told Fox Business in an interview. “People have seen me wearing one.”
Trump’s comments came a day after Republican lawmakers suggested that the president wear a mask in public to set a good example for Americans.
“If I were in a tight situation with people, I would absolutely,” Trump said in the interview.
Trump has long resisted being photographed in a mask. In early April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a recommendation that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures were difficult to maintain.
Trump immediately undercut the CDC guidance by flatly stating that he wouldn’t be following it, suggesting it would be unseemly for the commander in chief to wear a mask as he meets with heads of state.
On Wednesday, he sounded a different tone, saying, “I had a mask on. I sort of liked the way I looked. OK. I thought it was OK. It was a dark black mask, and I thought it looked OK.
“It looked like the Lone Ranger,” he continued, a reference to the fictional law-and-order character from the American Old West who wore a black eye mask. “I have no problem with that, and if people feel good about it, they should do it.”
In recent days, many Republicans and members of the White House coronavirus task force have been more outspoken in advocating for Americans to wear face masks in public settings as infections have surged in huge swaths of the South and West.
President Donald Trump Getty Images
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, said last week that he would pursue a federal mask mandate, if elected.
But Trump continues to frame mask wearing as a matter of choice.
“If people feel good about it, they should do it,” Trump said.
About the virus, Trump continued to characterize it as a nuisance that he hopes will just go away.
“I think we are going to be very good with the coronavirus. I think that, at some point, that’s going to sort of just disappear, I hope,” Trump said.
White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway noted Wednesday that Trump is regularly tested for the coronavirus, as are his aides. White House visitors and members of the news media who are in close proximity to him and Vice President Mike Pence are also tested.
“I’ve said wear them, the first lady has said wear them, the president’s administration has said wear them,” Conway said.
Trump also told Fox Business that people have seen him wearing a mask. But only one image has surfaced of the president wearing a mask. He donned it for a behind-the-scenes tour of a Ford facility in Michigan in May. Reporters were not allowed to accompany Trump on the tour.
After the tour, he told reporters he had worn a mask in a “back area” only because “I didn’t want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it.”
Other world leaders, including Canada’s Justin Trudeau and France’s Emmanuel Macron, have worn masks in public to encourage their use.
Trump on Wednesday also continued to push back against the notion that some states may have been too quick to open up. Several states, including Florida, New York and Texas, have paused or slowed down reopening amid the recent increase in confirmed cases.
Trump suggested Democrats are hyping concerns about the spike to politically damage him.
“I think the Democrats would like to see the country stay closed as long as possible because they figure that’s probably good for the election, because it would be bad a little bit for jobs, and maybe a lot for jobs,” Trump said.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-02--Dear Abby: Our dates are ruined by my girlfriend’s demanding daughter

DEAR ABBY : I have met the most remarkable woman , but after eight months of serious dating , I have realized that she has the worst and most manipulating 10-year-old daughter ever .
She constantly claims sickness , and now even mental health issues like anxiety and panic disorder , although they have never been formally diagnosed , to prevent her mother and me from having time together .
Immediately after her mother agrees to her daughter ’ s request and lets her get her way , the kid becomes happy and energetic , and goes back to playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my face . )
The numerous cancellations and tantrums are very upsetting , and it hurts my feelings when the person I love most in the world sets me aside .
I had considered proposing marriage .
I have a 13- and 17-year-old who are both respectful , energetic and happy .
They have been through a lot since their mother abandoned us , but they would NEVER consider acting out like this girl .
Last weekend I was asked to bring her requested dinner and then leave , because she wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they are together every day , almost all day , and close relatives refuse to watch the child .
Is a resolution possible ?
Should I stay or should I go ?
When do I have the right to say enough is enough ?
The constant exclusions make me feel insignificant .
— COUNTED OUT IN KENTUCKY DEAR COUNTED OUT : If “ close relatives ” refuse to watch the child so your lady friend can have a break , there may be more to this story than you have written .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and winning .
From where I sit , Mama could benefit from some discussions with a child psychologist and lessons in how to say no to her daughter .
Adult relationships are supposed to make both parties feel better , not insignificant .
As to whether you should stay or go , I think you would be wise to take a break from this relationship because , as it stands , it is going nowhere .
DEAR ABBY : I have a friend who has stopped by unannounced several times .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but without giving me a chance to respond , she just pops over .
One time I was in the middle of studying for an exam and it wasn ’ t a good time .
Other times I was busy doing something and was startled when she showed up .
Finally , I mentioned something in a text about how much I liked her as a friend but would really appreciate if she would wait for a response to her text before stopping by .
It has been two or three days now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I even said I didn ’ t want to hurt her feelings and hope she understands .
I would think most people feel as I do about unannounced visitors , but I could be wrong .
I would like to ask her how she would feel about it , but before I do , I need to know what ’ s “ normal.
” — BUSY AND BOTHERED DEAR B & B : It is considered normal good manners to ask if it is convenient — and wait for a response — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it will not be an intrusion .
You were studying , but many people work from home and also don ’ t want to be disturbed .
Others prefer to be “ presentable ” before they have company .
Interesting , isn ’ t it , how many self-centered individuals become hypersensitive when called on their behavior .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For everything you need to know about wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I have met the most remarkable woman, but after eight months of serious dating, I have realized that she has the worst and most manipulating 10-year-old daughter ever. She constantly claims sickness, and now even mental health issues like anxiety and panic disorder, although they have never been formally diagnosed, to prevent her mother and me from having time together. Immediately after her mother agrees to her daughter’s request and lets her get her way, the kid becomes happy and energetic, and goes back to playing. (I feel she is laughing in my face.)
The numerous cancellations and tantrums are very upsetting, and it hurts my feelings when the person I love most in the world sets me aside.
I had considered proposing marriage. I have a 13- and 17-year-old who are both respectful, energetic and happy. They have been through a lot since their mother abandoned us, but they would NEVER consider acting out like this girl.
Last weekend I was asked to bring her requested dinner and then leave, because she wanted Mommy to watch her watercolor. Abby, they are together every day, almost all day, and close relatives refuse to watch the child.
Is a resolution possible? Should I stay or should I go? When do I have the right to say enough is enough? The constant exclusions make me feel insignificant. — COUNTED OUT IN KENTUCKY
DEAR COUNTED OUT: If “close relatives” refuse to watch the child so your lady friend can have a break, there may be more to this story than you have written. The girl is fighting for her mother — and winning. From where I sit, Mama could benefit from some discussions with a child psychologist and lessons in how to say no to her daughter.
Adult relationships are supposed to make both parties feel better, not insignificant. As to whether you should stay or go, I think you would be wise to take a break from this relationship because, as it stands, it is going nowhere.
DEAR ABBY: I have a friend who has stopped by unannounced several times. She’ll send me a text, but without giving me a chance to respond, she just pops over. One time I was in the middle of studying for an exam and it wasn’t a good time. Other times I was busy doing something and was startled when she showed up.
Finally, I mentioned something in a text about how much I liked her as a friend but would really appreciate if she would wait for a response to her text before stopping by. It has been two or three days now, and she hasn’t responded. I even said I didn’t want to hurt her feelings and hope she understands.
I would think most people feel as I do about unannounced visitors, but I could be wrong. I would like to ask her how she would feel about it, but before I do, I need to know what’s “normal.” — BUSY AND BOTHERED
DEAR B & B: It is considered normal good manners to ask if it is convenient — and wait for a response — before stopping by someone’s home so it will not be an intrusion. You were studying, but many people work from home and also don’t want to be disturbed. Others prefer to be “presentable” before they have company. Interesting, isn’t it, how many self-centered individuals become hypersensitive when called on their behavior.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-07-02--Chicago area DJs make clarion call to stop the violence

Flanked by images of children gunned down in Chicago in recent weeks , Chicago area disc jockeys called for at least seven days of peace and for everyone with information about the shootings to report what they know to law enforcement .
The ongoing gun violence has claimed the lives of several teens over the last two weeks , and most recently , a 3-year-old girl was shot in West Englewood .
She was the fourth child age 3 or younger to be shot in the city in the last 10 days .
“ These kids did not deserve to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an anti-violence rally Wednesday in West Pullman .
“ We have to do something today .
We have to put pressure on the street.
” The rally featured over a dozen DJs and community activists who came together to lend their voices against the increasing violence .
As the Fourth of July weekend approaches , they fear it ’ ll be another bloody weekend and stressed the need for days of peace instead of tears .
“ We ’ ve got too much blood on the streets , ” crisis responder Andrew Holmes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bob your head to this music coming out from these DJs ’ positive music , you can stop bobbing your head for a minute and reach over to your brother and tell him to put that damn gun down.
” “ If we don ’ t protect our children then we ’ re nobody and we ain ’ t standing for nobody , ” Holmes said .
“ Turn that shooter in and don ’ t let him sleep because our kids can ’ t breathe.
” “ We have to stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” DJ Casper said .
“ We have to turn in the killers .
Forget about snitches and stitches .
Let ’ s give our neighborhoods some stitches.
” Nicole Lilly Bridge , 46 , who goes by She-J Nikki L ’ s , says her grandchildren or her 13-year-old daughter shouldn ’ t have to walk around their neighborhoods in fear of violence .
“ I want them to be able to grow up and be able to go outside and play without without being struck by guns or someone trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over , ” Bridge said .
She said DJs can do more than just play good music and need to do a better job of letting their communities known that they ’ re available .
“ We can let them know that we care and that we ’ re not just here to throw a party that you can come up to us and let us know .
‘ Hey , I need help ’ , ” Bridge said .
“ Don ’ t be afraid to talk , don ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on.
” Andre Hodges , aka DJ Dre , says he drove from Algonquin to join the rally .
“ When I got the call to come down and support it was a no-brainer , ” the 45-year-old said .
“ I wasn ’ t going to miss this for the world.
” News of the shootings made him hug his children even tighter , and he echoed Holmes ’ message to the people responsible of the killings .
“ They have to turn themselves in.
” Hodges said .
“ You have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of someone who never had a chance to see life .
You ’ re hurting mothers , fathers , grandparents , siblings .
It ’ s got ta stop .
”

Flanked by images of children gunned down in Chicago in recent weeks, Chicago area disc jockeys called for at least seven days of peace and for everyone with information about the shootings to report what they know to law enforcement.
The ongoing gun violence has claimed the lives of several teens over the last two weeks, and most recently, a 3-year-old girl was shot in West Englewood. She was the fourth child age 3 or younger to be shot in the city in the last 10 days.
“These kids did not deserve to die,” DJ Phantom said at an anti-violence rally Wednesday in West Pullman. “We have to do something today. We have to put pressure on the street.”
The rally featured over a dozen DJs and community activists who came together to lend their voices against the increasing violence. As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, they fear it’ll be another bloody weekend and stressed the need for days of peace instead of tears.
“We’ve got too much blood on the streets,” crisis responder Andrew Holmes said. “If you can ride and bob your head to this music coming out from these DJs’ positive music, you can stop bobbing your head for a minute and reach over to your brother and tell him to put that damn gun down.”
“If we don’t protect our children then we’re nobody and we ain’t standing for nobody,” Holmes said. “Turn that shooter in and don’t let him sleep because our kids can’t breathe.”
DJ Casper, creator of the Cha Cha Slide, agreed.
“We have to stand up. We have to take charge,” DJ Casper said. “We have to turn in the killers. Forget about snitches and stitches. Let’s give our neighborhoods some stitches.”
Nicole Lilly Bridge, 46, who goes by She-J Nikki L’s, says her grandchildren or her 13-year-old daughter shouldn’t have to walk around their neighborhoods in fear of violence.
“I want them to be able to grow up and be able to go outside and play without without being struck by guns or someone trying to rob them or someone run them over,” Bridge said.
She said DJs can do more than just play good music and need to do a better job of letting their communities known that they’re available.
“We can let them know that we care and that we’re not just here to throw a party that you can come up to us and let us know. ‘Hey, I need help’,” Bridge said. “Don’t be afraid to talk, don’t be afraid to say what’s going on.”
Andre Hodges, aka DJ Dre, says he drove from Algonquin to join the rally.
“When I got the call to come down and support it was a no-brainer,” the 45-year-old said. “I wasn’t going to miss this for the world.”
News of the shootings made him hug his children even tighter, and he echoed Holmes’ message to the people responsible of the killings.
“They have to turn themselves in.” Hodges said. “You have to be accountable for taking the life of someone who never had a chance to see life. You’re hurting mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings. It’s gotta stop.”


chicagosun-times--2020-07-02--‘The Outpost’ a war movie unflinching in showing risks, heroics of U.S. soldiers

As we head into the 4th of July weekend , two great films about American heroes are landing on home video : the filmed adaptation of “ Hamilton , ” and “ The Outpost , ” which ranks alongside “ The Hurt Locker ” and “ American Sniper ” as an unflinching and heart-stopping depiction of the chaos of modern warfare .
Directed by Rod Lurie ( “ The Contender , ” “ The Last Castle ” ) and based on the non-fiction book by journalist and TV anchor Jake Tapper , “ The Outpost ” is set in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Battle of Kamdesh , when a force of some 300 heavily armed Taliban swarmed an extremely vulnerable base in a remote valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains in eastern Afghanistan .
As the title cards tell us , the base was known as “ Camp Custer , ” because “ everyone at the outpost was going to die.
” With Serbia filling in for Afghanistan , “ The Outpost ” has a distinctive docudrama look , with the camera eavesdropping on the day-to-day activities of some 54 soldiers assigned to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politically incorrect racial and sexual humor , they mockingly say “ Thank you for your service ” to one another multiple times a day — and they ’ re always aware of the dangers lurking in the mountains .
At any moment , the shooting will start , and they ’ ll take cover and start firing back at the enemy in the shadows .
Orlando Bloom is outstanding as First Lt. Ben Keating , a no-nonsense leader who is genuinely invested in working with the local elders and trying to negotiate peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom could be Taliban .
He tells his troops , “ I will continue to speak softly in the valley … on the other hand I will carry all of you like a big f -- -ing stick.
” Most of the first half of the film is about getting to know the players , all based on real-life soldiers , with the stellar cast led by Milo Gibson as the heroic Capt .
Robert Yllescas ; Cory Hardrict as the brave and resourceful Sgt .
Vernon Martin ; Caleb Landry Jones as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ty Carter , and Scott Eastwood ( looking more than ever like his father Clint ) as Staff Sgt .
Clint Romesha , who skirts possible disciplinary action in order to do whatever it takes to save his own men .
Just when we ’ re lulled into a sense of routine , “ The Outpost ” hits with a shocking moment reminding us of the cruel and arbitrary nature of war , e.g.
, when a casual conversation between two men is truncated by a deadly explosion .
The second half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Battle of Kamdesh , which ignited in the gray of predawn and continued through the day and into the night , as hundreds of Taliban fighters swooped down from the mountains and eventually penetrated the command post , killing eight Americans and wounding 27 .
( An estimated 150 Taliban were killed before the fighting ended . )
Outnumbered five to one and tasked with holding down the camp for hours until aerial backup could arrive , Romesha and his men continually put themselves in harm ’ s way to fend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one another .
All their petty squabbles and cultural differences are erased in the bloody fog of war , as they protect one another like the brothers in arms they are .
Lurie has fashioned a worthy tribute to these brave American soldiers , some of whom paid the ultimate price .

As we head into the 4th of July weekend, two great films about American heroes are landing on home video: the filmed adaptation of “Hamilton,” and “The Outpost,” which ranks alongside “The Hurt Locker” and “American Sniper” as an unflinching and heart-stopping depiction of the chaos of modern warfare.
Directed by Rod Lurie (“The Contender,” “The Last Castle”) and based on the non-fiction book by journalist and TV anchor Jake Tapper, “The Outpost” is set in October of 2009 and tells the story of the Battle of Kamdesh, when a force of some 300 heavily armed Taliban swarmed an extremely vulnerable base in a remote valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains in eastern Afghanistan. As the title cards tell us, the base was known as “Camp Custer,” because “everyone at the outpost was going to die.”
‘The Outpost’
Untitled Screen Media presents a film directed by Rod Lurie and written by Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson, based on the book by Jake Tapper. Rated R (for war violence and grisly images, pervasive language, and sexual references). Running time: 123 minutes. Available Friday on demand.
With Serbia filling in for Afghanistan, “The Outpost” has a distinctive docudrama look, with the camera eavesdropping on the day-to-day activities of some 54 soldiers assigned to the camp. They rib each other with politically incorrect racial and sexual humor, they mockingly say “Thank you for your service” to one another multiple times a day — and they’re always aware of the dangers lurking in the mountains. At any moment, the shooting will start, and they’ll take cover and start firing back at the enemy in the shadows.
Orlando Bloom is outstanding as First Lt. Ben Keating, a no-nonsense leader who is genuinely invested in working with the local elders and trying to negotiate peace with the younger generation, many of whom could be Taliban. He tells his troops, “I will continue to speak softly in the valley … on the other hand I will carry all of you like a big f---ing stick.”
Most of the first half of the film is about getting to know the players, all based on real-life soldiers, with the stellar cast led by Milo Gibson as the heroic Capt. Robert Yllescas; Cory Hardrict as the brave and resourceful Sgt. Vernon Martin; Caleb Landry Jones as the temperamental live wire Staff Sgt. Ty Carter, and Scott Eastwood (looking more than ever like his father Clint) as Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha, who skirts possible disciplinary action in order to do whatever it takes to save his own men. Just when we’re lulled into a sense of routine, “The Outpost” hits with a shocking moment reminding us of the cruel and arbitrary nature of war, e.g., when a casual conversation between two men is truncated by a deadly explosion.
The second half of the film is a brutally authentic re-creation of the Battle of Kamdesh, which ignited in the gray of predawn and continued through the day and into the night, as hundreds of Taliban fighters swooped down from the mountains and eventually penetrated the command post, killing eight Americans and wounding 27. (An estimated 150 Taliban were killed before the fighting ended.)
Outnumbered five to one and tasked with holding down the camp for hours until aerial backup could arrive, Romesha and his men continually put themselves in harm’s way to fend off the attackers — and to save one another. All their petty squabbles and cultural differences are erased in the bloody fog of war, as they protect one another like the brothers in arms they are. Lurie has fashioned a worthy tribute to these brave American soldiers, some of whom paid the ultimate price.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-02--13 shot, 1 fatally Wednesday in Chicago

13 shot, 1 fatally Wednesday in Chicago

Thirteen people were shot , one fatally Wednesday in Chicago .
Police are questioning a person of interest after a 30-year-old woman was killed in a domestic-related shooting in Trumbull Park on the South Side .
She got into a fight with someone she knew about 11:10 p.m. in the 10600 block of South Oglesby Avenue when someone pulled out a handgun and it went off , striking her in the chest , Chicago police said .
She was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where she was pronounced dead , police said .
Police sources said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two detectives are questioning a person of interest .
In non-fatal shootings , a 47-year-old man was shot in East Garfield Park on the West Side .
About 11:20 p.m. he was standing in an alley with a group of people in the 3000 block of West Fifth Avenue , when someone fired shots , striking him in the right leg , police said .
He was taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital by a friend , police said .
He is in good condition .
A man was shot in Homan Square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was standing near a gas station about 10:35 p.m. in the 3700 block of West Roosevelt Road when someone opened fire , police said .
The 18-year-old was struck in the leg , police said .
Friends drove him to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was listed in good condition .
A man was shot in Mayfair on the Northwest Side .
About 7:30 p.m. , the 36-year-old was in the 4700 block of North Pulaski Road when someone opened fire , striking him in the arm , police said .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair condition , police said .
Ten minutes before that shooting , two people were shot in Rogers Park on the North Side .
The pair , a 24-year-old woman and 26-year-old man , were driving north about 7:20 p.m. in the 7300 block of North Sheridan Road when someone in another vehicle pulled up alongside them and opened fire , police said .
The woman was shot in the back , while the man was shot in the chest , thigh , arm and abdomen , police said .
Both were taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good condition .
A man was shot in Austin on the West Side .
The 20-year-old was on a porch about 6:40 p.m. in the first block of North Mayfield Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain , police said .
He was struck in the abdomen and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in serous condition , police said .
A man was shot on the Far South Side .
About 4:50 p.m. , the 26-year-old was in the 100 block of East 130th Street when someone fired shots , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition , police said .
A 16-year-old boy and a man were shot in Lawndale on the West Side .
About 4:50 p.m. , they were on the sidewalk on South St. Louis Avenue when someone opened fire , police said .
The teen was shot in the leg , while a 20-year-old man was struck in the hand , police said .
Both were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition .
Police originally reported that a third person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later said he only suffered injuries to his ankle .
A man was shot in Englewood on the South Side .
About 1:20 p.m. , the 39-year-old was in the 6400 block of South Racine Avenue when someone opened fire , striking him in the face and hand , police said .
The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition , police said .
A 43-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in University Village on the Near West Side .
He was arguing with someone he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block of West Hastings Street when the person fired shots , police said .
The man was taken in good condition to UIC Hospital with a gunshot to his forearm , police said .
He will be transferred to Stroger Hospital .
Two women were shot after one of them got into an argument in Englewood on the South Side .
About 2 a.m. one of the women got into a “ verbal altercation ” with a man she knew in the 6800 block of South Ashland Avenue , then got into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
The man followed them in his vehicle , pulled up next to them and began to fire shots into the vehicle , police said .
One woman , 27 , was struck in the hand and the other , 23 , was struck in the left leg , police said .
Eighteen people were shot , one fatally Tuesday in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Thirteen people were shot, one fatally, Wednesday in Chicago, including a 30-year-old woman killed in a domestic-related shooting in Trumbull Park on the South Side.
She was fighting with someone she knew at 11:10 p.m. when that person pulled out a gun and it went off in the 10600 block of South Oglesby Avenue, striking her in the chest, Chicago police said.
The woman, identified as Tiara Wallace, died later at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Police are questioning a person of interest.
In non-fatal shootings, a 47-year-old man was shot in East Garfield Park on the West Side.
He was standing in an alley with a group of people about 11:20 p.m. in the 3000 block of West Fifth Avenue, when someone fired shots, striking him in the right leg, police said. He was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was in good condition.
About 10:30 p.m., an 18-year-old man was shot in Homan Square on the West Side. He was standing near a gas station in the 3700 block of West Roosevelt Road when someone opened fire, police said. Friends drove him to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound to his leg.
Three hours earlier, man was shot in Mayfair on the Northwest Side. The 36-year-old was in the 4700 block of North Pulaski Road about 7:30 p.m. when someone opened fire, striking him in the arm, police said. He was taken to Swedish Hospital in fair condition.
Ten minutes prior, two people were shot in Rogers Park on the North Side. The pair, a 24-year-old woman and 26-year-old man, were driving north about 7:20 p.m. in the 7300 block of North Sheridan Road when someone in another vehicle pulled up alongside them and opened fire, police said.
The woman was shot in the back, while the man was shot in the chest, thigh, arm and abdomen, police said. Both were taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston in good condition.
About 6:40 p.m., a man was seriously wounded in Austin on the West Side. The 20-year-old was on a porch in the first block of North Mayfield Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain, police said. He was struck in the abdomen and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital.
Two hours earlier, a 26-year-old man was shot on the Far South Side. He was in the 100 block of East 130th Street about 4:50 p.m. when someone fired shots, police said. He was struck in the lower back and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition.
About the same time, a 16-year-old boy and a man were shot in Lawndale on the West Side. About 4:50 p.m., they were on the sidewalk on South St. Louis Avenue when someone opened fire, police said. The teen was shot in the leg, while a 20-year-old man was struck in the hand, police said. Both were taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition.
About 1:20 p.m., a man was shot in Englewood on the South Side. The 39-year-old was in the 6400 block of South Racine Avenue when someone opened fire, striking him in the face and hand, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition.
Before noon, a 43-year-old man was shot in University Village on the Near West Side. He was arguing with someone he knew about 11:30 a.m. in the 1200 block of West Hastings Street when the person fired shots, police said. The man was taken in good condition to UIC Hospital with a gunshot to his forearm, police said. He was being transferred to Stroger Hospital.
About 2 a.m., two women were shot in Englewood on the South Side. One of the women was arguing with a man she knew in the 6800 block of South Ashland Avenue, then got into a vehicle with another woman and drove away, police said. The man followed them in his vehicle, pulled up next to them and began to fire shots into the vehicle. One woman, 27, was struck in the hand and the other, 23, was struck in the left leg.
On Tuesday, 18 people were shot, one fatally, in citywide gun violence.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-02--Man in custody after armed standoff with SWAT team at Rogers Park apartment complex

A man is in police custody after an hours-long armed standoff with the SWAT team in Rogers Park on the @ @ @ @ @ was seen going into an apartment complex with a gun about 9:50 p.m. in the @ @ @ @ @ Avenue , Chicago police said .
SWAT units were called to the scene when he @ @ @ @ @ The man was taken into custody about 12:30 a.m. without a struggle , police said @ @ @ @ @ , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man is in police custody after an hours-long armed standoff with the SWAT team in Rogers Park on the North Side.
The man was seen going into an apartment complex with a gun about 9:50 p.m. in the 7600 block of North Ashland Avenue, Chicago police said. SWAT units were called to the scene when he refused to come out.
The man was taken into custody about 12:30 a.m. without a struggle, police said.
No injuries were reported.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-02--Taylor Street businesses say thanks, but no thanks, to street closures aimed at helping restaurants

Last Friday , Paul and Carole Rinaldi hoped business at their hardware store in Little Italy would finally begin picking back up after months of a state-ordered shutdown and limits on capacities had a harsh financial impact .
When the husband and wife duo arrived around 9 a.m. to open the doors at Chiarugi Hardware at 1412 W. Taylor St. , they saw the street was blocked off from Loomis Street to Ashland Avenue .
Carole , who has a walking disability , was barely able to make the trek to their storefront .
The hardware store , which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended up earning just $ 50 after being open for nine hours that day — and pulled in similar amounts the next two days .
That is significantly less than normal , the couple says .
The street blockage is part of a pilot program Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced at the end of May designed to increase foot traffic to restaurant corridors across the city .
The idea is to grant eateries the ability to use streets for outdoor dining to help struggling businesses bring in more customers while safely practicing social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street businesses — including restaurants — say though they realize the street closures were done with good intentions , they are unintentionally having a negative impact .
“ We are a hardware store and rely on people coming here with their cars , ” Paul Rinaldi said .
“ We can ’ t expect for someone to walk a half mile carrying a bag of concrete , can we ?
” His wife said she would like to see the street closures shorten to start at 5 p.m. when many restaurants are busiest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but this is ruining us and we don ’ t see how we are going to make it through if these street closures continue , ” Carole Rinaldi said .
Hali Levandoski , a city spokeswoman , said street closures like these — including similar measures on Randolph Street in the West Loop and Broadway on the North Side — were coordinated by local chambers of commerce or groups of restaurants .
The city ’ s main job is ensuring road closures .
“ Pilots were based on active chambers and high concentrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adapted as necessary based on the needs of businesses in the area , ” Levandoski said .
The West Central Association Chamber of Commerce , which led the move to close Taylor Street , did not respond to requests for comment Thursday .
While the association ’ s website says the pilot continues only through this weekend , street signs say no parking will be allowed on Taylor from 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. Fridays through Sundays through Oct. 31 .
The Rinaldis and other businesses said they weren ’ t consulted about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grocer Conte Di Savoia , 1438 W. Taylor St. , said there is not enough foot traffic to keep the store busy in the middle of the say .
“ Without the street parking it is really killing us , ” said Frank DiCosola , who helps run the family-owned business .
“ ...
The whole stretch around mid-day is kind of dead around here with no one walking around , so it ’ s not doing us any favors.
” The first weekend of the program saw only a few restaurants even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street .
Workers at one of those , Hawkeye ’ s Bar at 1458 W Taylor St. , said they initially saw it as a way to recoup some of their losses due to the pandemic .
“ We were waiting for a few weeks for it to happen , and when it finally did happen , it was on the same day when we were able to reopen the inside , which seems a bit counterproductive , ” manager Samantha Barron said .
“ It just seems like it is hurting more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just driving past the roadblocks and we get phone calls of people thinking we are closed.
” It ’ s also hurting their curbside pickup for to-go orders , which is a vital source of revenue , especially in bad weather — like last weekend .
“ They don ’ t know how to get to us with the streets close , and when it is raining , we don ’ t know if we are breaking rules by allowing people to stand inside as they wait since they can ’ t wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Barron said they are unlikely to put tables in the street again this weekend .
Marco DiMarco , manager of Rosebud , was happy the city was taking steps to try and help restaurants , but he feels the rollout didn ’ t come soon enough to be beneficial .
“ Extending my patio was an excellent idea when it was first proposed , but I think the opportunity was lost when we were allowed to begin indoor seating , ” DiMarco said .
“ In my mind it is it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Last Friday, Paul and Carole Rinaldi hoped business at their hardware store in Little Italy would finally begin picking back up after months of a state-ordered shutdown and limits on capacities had a harsh financial impact.
When the husband and wife duo arrived around 9 a.m. to open the doors at Chiarugi Hardware at 1412 W. Taylor St., they saw the street was blocked off from Loomis Street to Ashland Avenue. Carole, who has a walking disability, was barely able to make the trek to their storefront.
The hardware store, which has been in business for 65 years, ended up earning just $50 after being open for nine hours that day — and pulled in similar amounts the next two days. That is significantly less than normal, the couple says.
Chiarugi Hardware has been in business for 65 years. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
The street blockage is part of a pilot program Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced at the end of May designed to increase foot traffic to restaurant corridors across the city. The idea is to grant eateries the ability to use streets for outdoor dining to help struggling businesses bring in more customers while safely practicing social distancing.
But Chiarugi and some other Taylor Street businesses — including restaurants — say though they realize the street closures were done with good intentions, they are unintentionally having a negative impact.
“We are a hardware store and rely on people coming here with their cars,” Paul Rinaldi said. “We can’t expect for someone to walk a half-mile carrying a bag of concrete, can we?”
His wife said she would like to see the street closures shorten to start at 5 p.m. when many restaurants are busiest.
“We hate to say it but this is ruining us and we don’t see how we are going to make it through if these street closures continue,” Carole Rinaldi said.
Hali Levandoski, a city spokeswoman, said street closures like these — including similar measures on Randolph Street in the West Loop and Broadway in Lake View — were coordinated by local chambers of commerce or groups of restaurants. The city’s main job is ensuring road closures.
“Pilots were based on active chambers and high concentrations of restaurants, and plans were then adapted as necessary based on the needs of businesses in the area,” Levandoski said.
The West Central Association Chamber of Commerce, which led the move to close Taylor Street, did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.
While the association’s website says the pilot continues only through this weekend, street signs say no parking will be allowed on Taylor from 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. Fridays through Sundays through Oct. 31.
Street closure signs posted on Taylor Street. Manny Ramos/Sun-Times
The Rinaldis and other businesses said they weren’t consulted about the closure in advance.
The Italian grocer Conte Di Savoia, 1438 W. Taylor St., said there is not enough foot traffic to keep the store busy in the middle of the day.
“Without the street parking it is really killing us,” said Frank DiCosola, who helps run the family-owned business. “... The whole stretch around mid-day is kind of dead around here with no one walking around, so it’s not doing us any favors.”
The first weekend of the program saw only a few restaurants even take part by putting tables in the street. Workers at one of those, Hawkeye’s Bar at 1458 W Taylor St., said they initially saw it as a way to recoup some of their losses due to the pandemic.
“We were waiting for a few weeks for it to happen, and when it finally did happen, it was on the same day when we were able to reopen the inside, which seems a bit counterproductive,” manager Samantha Barron said. “It just seems like it is hurting more than it is helping because cars are just driving past the roadblocks and we get phone calls of people thinking we are closed.”
It’s also hurting their curbside pickup for to-go orders, which is a vital source of revenue, especially in bad weather — like last weekend.
“They don’t know how to get to us with the streets close, and when it is raining, we don’t know if we are breaking rules by allowing people to stand inside as they wait since they can’t wait in their car,” Barron said.
Barron said they are unlikely to put tables in the street again this weekend.
Marco DiMarco, manager of Rosebud, was happy the city was taking steps to try and help restaurants, but he feels the rollout didn’t come soon enough to be beneficial.
“Extending my patio was an excellent idea when it was first proposed, but I think the opportunity was lost when we were allowed to begin indoor seating,” DiMarco said. “In my mind it is it’s too little, too late.”


chicagosun-times--2020-07-02--Missing Bronzeville woman located

Missing Bronzeville woman located

New normal for reopened Chicago , suburban schools come fall likely to be very different It won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ ’ state officials say , ‘ but rather the convergence of a new reality.
’ @ @ @ @ @ rooms and daily temperature checks .

Pvt. Travis King entered the North while on a civilian tour of a Korean border village July 18, becoming the first American detained in the North in nearly five years.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-02--Activists plan two South Side marches against Chicago violence

Standing on a corner in South Shore , a group of activists on Thursday announced plans for two marches next weekend , there and in Englewood , to call attention to violence in those two communities .
The marches , organized by Revolution Club Chicago , also are intended to recruit new members to the communist organization .
The first will be July 11 , starting at 3 p.m. at 55th Street and Racine Street .
The second starts at 4 p.m , on July 12 , outside the Revolution Club ’ s organizing center , 1857 71st St .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ members attending the announcement , stood In front of a banner declaring “ REVOLUTION — NOTHING LESS ” and spoke out against Chicago Police Department tactics , focusing on announced plans by CPD Supt .
David Brown to sweep drug corners in the city as a way of tamping down the expected holiday weekend violence .
Members picked 71st Street and Jeffery Avenue for the press conference because member Dee Williams said it is where police often harass people .
Other members read aloud from a book by Bob Avakian , leader of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Revolution Club Chicago also will join a protest 2 p.m. Saturday at the Logan Square Monument being organized by Refuse Fascism , said Dave Ciba , who belongs to both groups .

Standing on a corner in South Shore, a group of activists on Thursday announced plans for two marches next weekend, there and in Englewood, to call attention to violence in those two communities.
The marches, organized by Revolution Club Chicago, also are intended to recruit new members to the communist organization. The first will be July 11, starting at 3 p.m. at 55th Street and Racine Street. The second starts at 4 p.m, on July 12, outside the Revolution Club’s organizing center, 1857 71st St.
Void Ipoko, one of nine group members attending the announcement, stood In front of a banner declaring “REVOLUTION — NOTHING LESS” and spoke out against Chicago Police Department tactics, focusing on announced plans by CPD Supt. David Brown to sweep drug corners in the city as a way of tamping down the expected holiday weekend violence.
Members picked 71st Street and Jeffery Avenue for the press conference because member Dee Williams said it is where police often harass people. Other members read aloud from a book by Bob Avakian, leader of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA.
Revolution Club Chicago also will join a protest 2 p.m. Saturday at the Logan Square Monument being organized by Refuse Fascism, said Dave Ciba, who belongs to both groups.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-02--Travel advisory: City orders quarantine for anyone arriving in Chicago next week from states with CO

Travel advisory: City orders quarantine for anyone arriving in Chicago next week from states with COVID-19 surges (LIVE UPDATES)

Travel advisory : City orders quarantine for anyone arriving in Chicago next week from states with COVID-19 surges Starting next week , anyone arriving in Chicago from a state seeing a surge in new coronavirus cases — whether they ’ re out-of-state visitors or returning city residents — must quarantine for two weeks under a new public health order issued by Mayor Lori Lightfoot ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend .
The order takes effect Monday and applies to any traveler to Chicago from one of 15 states spanning the South and West that have been beset by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alabama , Arkansas , Arizona , California , Florida , Georgia , Idaho , Louisiana , Mississippi , North Carolina , Nevada , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas , and Utah .
The city says it ’ ll update that list weekly starting July 14 , with states added to the quarantine list if they have an infection rate greater than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents on a weekly rolling average .
States will be removed from the list if their rate drops below that threshold .
The order , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady , directs travelers “ entering or returning to Chicago from states experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state.
” Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here .
6:29 p.m. Alabama college students going to ‘ COVID parties ’ to see who gets sick first , officials say TUSCALOOSA , Ala. – As coronavirus cases around the U.S. continue to rise , authorities in one Alabama county may have identified a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire Rescue Chief Randy Smith said Tuesday that city officials were able to confirm incidents of students knowingly diagnosed with COVID-19 still choosing to attend parties and gatherings within the city and county .
“ We thought that was kind of a rumor at first , ” said Smith , who is heading the city of Tuscaloosa ’ s Incident Command team in response to the coronavirus .
“ We did some additional research .
Not only did the doctors ’ offices help confirm it , but the state confirmed they also had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specify how many students knowingly went to such parties or which university or school they attended .
6 p.m .
Confirmed coronavirus cases are rising in 40 of 50 states — including Illinois The number of confirmed coronavirus cases per day in the U.S. climbed to an all-time high of more than 50,000 on Thursday , with the infection curve rising in 40 of the 50 states in a reversal that has largely spared only the Northeast .
An alarming 36 states are seeing an increase in the percentage of tests coming back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve seen is a very disturbing week , ” Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government ’ s top infectious-disease expert , said in a livestream with the American Medical Association .
In a major retreat that illustrated how dire things have become in Texas , Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott ordered the wearing of masks across most of the state after refusing until recently to let even local governments impose such rules .
The surge has been blamed in part on Americans not covering their faces or following other social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past few weeks .
Fauci warned that if people don ’ t start complying , “ we ’ re going to be in some serious difficulty.
” The U.S. recorded 50,700 new confirmed cases , according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
That represents a doubling of the daily total over the past month and is higher even than what the country witnessed during the most lethal phase of the crisis in April and May , when the New York metropolitan area was easily the worst hot spot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Associated Press here .
3:35 p.m. Federal judge rejects GOP challenge to Pritzker ’ s COVID-19 limits on political gatherings , ruling ‘ risks are too great ’ Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Thursday notched a win in federal court against the Illinois Republican Party , which sued the Democratic governor claiming he violated the GOP ’ s constitutional rights to assemble during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The judge ’ s opinion was issued just as another lawsuit unfolded in a downstate courtroom .
In that suit , state Rep. Darren Bailey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s legal authority to issue a stay-at-home order .
The Illinois Republican Party suit , filed in mid-June , argued that while religious groups and protesters have been allowed to gather in groups of more than 10 under Pritzker ’ s disaster declaration , political groups were not allowed to share the same freedoms — which they said are guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution .
But the judge rejected that argument .
Last weekend , Chicago bars and restaurants finally were allowed to reopen to indoor dining , but with strict limits on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus .
City officials said then they did not have the staff to actively monitor restaurants or seek out violators ; they said enforcement would be “ by complaint only , ” meaning they ’ d respond if someone reported a potential violation .
Well , that didn ’ t last long .
Heading into the long Fourth of July weekend , the city now is vowing to look for and shut down violators , citing the large crowds seen at some establishments that flouted those guidelines .
“ Starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ramp up enforcement , ” said Rosa Escareno , the city ’ s Business Affairs and Consumer Protection commissioner .
“ We can ’ t let the excitement ” of reopening “ reverse the months of progress we have made ” to stop the spread of COVID-19 , Escareno said .
Read the full story by Fran Spielman here .
Guaranteed Rate Field won ’ t look the same when the White Sox get started at summer camp Friday .
Extensive changes in the clubhouse , dugouts and on the field have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period while ensuring the health and safety of players because of the coronavirus .
This will be the first time is being used as a makeshift spring training type facility .
“ We needed to convert the ballpark into a spring training complex , ” said Terry Savarise , senior vice president of stadium operations .
“ Adding mounds , batting cages , pitching tunnels , expanding dugout and training space to accommodate a large number of players .
... We also needed to create a health bubble to ensure not only the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff but for our office and training staff to pull this thing off.
” Two bullpens with two mounds and plates for pitchers and catchers in each one have been installed on the warning tracks in foul territories .
With two mounds in the outfield bullpens , there are places for eight pitchers to throw at once , if necessary .
Two indoor hitting tunnels were also added .
When camp begins , players will be divided in morning and afternoon sessions , splitting work days to create enough space for all and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full story from Daryl Van Schouwen here .
12:52 p.m. Death Cafes help ease grief , loss in the time of coronavirus Panic attacks , trouble breathing , relapses that have sent her to bed for 14 hours at a time : At 35 , Marissa Oliver has been forced to deal with the specter of death on COVID-19 ’ s terms , yet conversations about her illness , fear and anxiety haven ’ t been easy .
That ’ s why she headed onto Zoom to attend a Death Cafe , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its impact on the living , preferably while sipping tea and eating cake .
“ In the Death Cafe , no one winces , ” said Oliver , who was diagnosed with the virus in March .
“ Now , I ’ m writing down everything in my life that I want to achieve.
” Death Cafes , part of a broader “ death-positive ” movement to encourage more open discussion about grief , trauma and loss , are held around the world , in nearly 100 countries .
While many haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , others have .
Locally , according to their website , there are upcoming Death Cafe options in Oak Park , Naperville and virtually .
The global virus toll and the social isolation it has extracted have opened old , unresolved wounds for some .
Others attending virtual Death Cafes are coping with fresh losses from COVID-19 , cancer and other illness .
Still more bring metaphorical death to the circles : The end of friendships , shattered romances or chronic illness , as Oliver has endured .
9:31 a.m. More help on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief bill to president The House on Wednesday easily passed a temporary extension of a subsidy program for small businesses slammed by the coronavirus , speeding the measure to President Donald Trump .
Approval by voice vote without debate came after Democrats pushed the legislation through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states led to renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses .
Trump was expected to sign the measure .
The legislation extends the June 30 deadline for applying for the program to Aug. 8 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have modified it twice since , adding money on one occasion and more recently permitting more flexible use of the funding despite some grumbling among GOP conservatives .
About $ 130 billion of $ 660 billion approved for the program remains eligible for businesses to seek direct federal subsidies for payroll and other costs such as rent , though demand for the Paycheck Protection Program has pretty much dried up in recent weeks .
8:28 a.m .
Cleaning up casinos in time of coronavirus Imagine Sammy Davis Jr. , Dean Martin and Frank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blackjack , with their trademark banter muffled by surgical masks — not to mention a plexiglass partition separating all three .
Pass on the Rat Pack star power , take a hit of hand sanitizer , and you ’ ve got an idea of what a COVID-19 casino looks like .
Illinois gamblers got their first glimpse of that Wednesday as the state ’ s 10 casinos reopened after three months of an unprecedented statewide shutdown .
Hundreds of clear partitions separated slot machines , cash counters and card dealers sprawled across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plaines , where some bettors were so eager to get back to the action in the age of COVID-19 that they lined up before it opened around 11 a.m .
The state ’ s most lucrative casino hadn ’ t taken in a chip since March 16 , when Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s office shuttered the state ’ s gambling houses as well as the 36,000 slot machines scattered across more than 7,000 bars , restaurants and other establishments .
But the virus wasn ’ t scaring off many from returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
Close to a thousand gamblers were on Rivers ’ main floor by midday , with around-the-clock cleaning crews sweeping through and hand sanitizing stations set up throughout the building .
7:40 a.m. New normal for reopened Chicago , suburban schools come fall likely to be very different Goodbye , field trips and perfect attendance awards .
Hello , one-way hallways , daily temperature checks and quarantine rooms .
That ’ s some of what we can look ahead to now that Gov .
J.B. Pritzker gave his approval last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-class instruction this fall , encouraging schools to welcome back kids and staff under detailed state guidelines aimed at keeping them safe .
In Chicago ’ s new normal , there will be face masks on everyone over 2 , bans on handshakes and any other touching , tons of hand-washing and six-feet social distancing requirements in classrooms , on playgrounds and everywhere else at school .
Everyone who enters school buildings will get temperature checks , too .
But how that all will work and what the rest of school is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still to be decided by school districts in the city , suburbs and statewide as schools face the realities of welcoming back to classrooms kids who are likely to be behind academically after learning from home all spring .
Read the full story by Lauren FitzPatrick here .
7:05 a.m. Trump says he looks like Lone Ranger in a mask and likes it WASHINGTON — After long resisting wearing a mask in public , President Donald Trump said Wednesday he thinks it makes him look like the Lone Ranger — and he likes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for masks .
I think masks are good , ” Trump told Fox Business in an interview .
“ People have seen me wearing one.
” Trump ’ s comments came a day after Republican lawmakers suggested that the president wear a mask in public to set a good example for Americans .
“ If I were in a tight situation with people , I would absolutely , ” Trump said in the interview .
Trump has long resisted being photographed in a mask .
In early April , the Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures were difficult to maintain .
Read the full story by The Associated Press here .
• DeAndre Jordan says he has tested positive for the coronavirus and won ’ t be joining the Brooklyn Nets in Florida when the NBA season resumes .
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 30 additional deaths attributed to COVID-19 and 828 newly confirmed cases of the virus on Wednesday , bringing the state close to the grim milestone of 7,000 people lost to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 deaths Monday , its lowest daily total in three months for the second day in a row as the state ’ s reopening is underway .
That brings the state ’ s total death toll to 6,902 .
• The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association say 16 players tested positive for coronavirus in the first wave of mandatory tests done in preparation for the restart of the season .
12:16 p.m. As a dad in the age of coronavirus , I ’ m angry at people who won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For almost four months , we ’ ve been stuck inside , like prisoners on house arrest .
I wash my hands so often that I wonder if I might not have developed a lifelong neurosis .
I trek to the grocery store twice a week , face covered , groping among the produce because I can ’ t stop my glasses from fogging up .
We ’ ve skipped doctor ’ s appointments for my older boy Lucca — and my own , too — because we just don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why do we do these things ?
Our governor and mayor have asked us to stay home .
But also because we know that , despite the deep frustration , staying at home and washing hands frequently actually works .
How can I be so sure ?
A month or so before the lockdown , I was at the emergency room with Matteo , our 2-year-old .
It was his second or third trip there in as many months .
Matteo has asthma .
His medicine mostly keeps his breathing under control .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
7:44 a.m. Cubs coach Tommy Hottovy hit hard — physically and emotionally — by coronavirus ordeal Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy didn ’ t talk much baseball Wednesday during a video conference call with reporters .
He was at Wrigley Field , where the team finally assembled in full ahead of Friday ’ s start of preseason workouts , but his focus , at least in the morning , was on the coronavirus pandemic .
As most of the team ’ s players went through intake screening at the ballpark — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests — Hottovy first went on a local radio program , then on Zoom .
Hottovy , 38 , spilled details of his own harrowing , debilitating battle with COVID-19 , which kept him quarantined in a spare bedroom at home for 30 days .
And he spilled tears .
The more he relived the experience — especially as it related to wife Andrea , 8-year-old Cameron and 6-year-old Chloe — the more the tears came .
“ It ’ s still kind of raw , ” he said , dabbing at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just got through it and to , like , relive it ?
Obviously , it affected us pretty significantly for a month.
” It hit Hottovy harder than a lot of people would expect considering his age and his seemingly excellent physical condition .
There were strings of sleepless nights .
Fevers that raged all day .
He developed pneumonia .
Read the full column from Steve Greenberg here .

On Thursday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a mandatory quarantine order for people traveling from 15 states in order to prevent another surge of the coronavirus that has plagued other areas of the country. In Illinois, daily case and death totals have gradually trended downward since a record-high 4,014 Illinois cases were announced May 12.
Here’s what happened in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
Travel advisory: City orders quarantine for anyone arriving in Chicago next week from states with COVID-19 surges
Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Starting next week, anyone arriving in Chicago from a state seeing a surge in new coronavirus cases — whether they’re out-of-state visitors or returning city residents — must quarantine for two weeks under a new public health order issued by Mayor Lori Lightfoot ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
The order takes effect Monday and applies to any traveler to Chicago from one of 15 states spanning the South and West that have been beset by massive outbreaks in recent weeks, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
The city says it’ll update that list weekly starting July 14, with states added to the quarantine list if they have an infection rate greater than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents on a weekly rolling average. States will be removed from the list if their rate drops below that threshold.
The order, issued Thursday evening by Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, directs travelers “entering or returning to Chicago from states experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state.”
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here.
8:16 p.m. Illinois nears 7,000 COVID-19 deaths – even as it maintains decline in daily fatalities, cases
Another 36 people have died of COVID-19 in Illinois, raising the state’s coronavirus death toll to 6,987, health officials announced Thursday.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported an additional 869 people tested positive for the virus. Nearly 145,000 have contracted the virus over the last five months.
While coronavirus surges in other states have forced officials to scale back reopenings, it’s now been almost a month since Illinois reported 1,000 or more new cases in a single day (June 5).
Daily case and death totals have gradually trended downward since a record-high 4,014 Illinois cases were announced May 12. Officials in Florida announced more than 10,000 new cases Thursday, as that state’s searing COVID-19 resurgence continues.
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout.
6:29 p.m. Alabama college students going to ‘COVID parties’ to see who gets sick first, officials say
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – As coronavirus cases around the U.S. continue to rise, authorities in one Alabama county may have identified a possible source for their increase.
Infected college students.
Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Chief Randy Smith said Tuesday that city officials were able to confirm incidents of students knowingly diagnosed with COVID-19 still choosing to attend parties and gatherings within the city and county.
“We thought that was kind of a rumor at first,” said Smith, who is heading the city of Tuscaloosa’s Incident Command team in response to the coronavirus. “We did some additional research. Not only did the doctors’ offices help confirm it, but the state confirmed they also had the same information.”
Smith did not specify how many students knowingly went to such parties or which university or school they attended.
6 p.m. Confirmed coronavirus cases are rising in 40 of 50 states — including Illinois
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases per day in the U.S. climbed to an all-time high of more than 50,000 on Thursday, with the infection curve rising in 40 of the 50 states in a reversal that has largely spared only the Northeast.
An alarming 36 states are seeing an increase in the percentage of tests coming back positive for the virus.
“What we’ve seen is a very disturbing week,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert, said in a livestream with the American Medical Association.
In a major retreat that illustrated how dire things have become in Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the wearing of masks across most of the state after refusing until recently to let even local governments impose such rules.
The surge has been blamed in part on Americans not covering their faces or following other social distancing rules as states lifted their lockdowns over the past few weeks. Fauci warned that if people don’t start complying, “we’re going to be in some serious difficulty.”
The U.S. recorded 50,700 new confirmed cases, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. That represents a doubling of the daily total over the past month and is higher even than what the country witnessed during the most lethal phase of the crisis in April and May, when the New York metropolitan area was easily the worst hot spot in the U.S.
Read the full story by The Associated Press here.
3:35 p.m. Federal judge rejects GOP challenge to Pritzker’s COVID-19 limits on political gatherings, ruling ‘risks are too great’
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday notched a win in federal court against the Illinois Republican Party, which sued the Democratic governor claiming he violated the GOP’s constitutional rights to assemble during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The judge’s opinion was issued just as another lawsuit unfolded in a downstate courtroom. In that suit, state Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, is challenging Pritzker’s legal authority to issue a stay-at-home order.
The Illinois Republican Party suit, filed in mid-June, argued that while religious groups and protesters have been allowed to gather in groups of more than 10 under Pritzker’s disaster declaration, political groups were not allowed to share the same freedoms — which they said are guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.
But the judge rejected that argument.
Read the full story by Tina Sfondeles herre.
2:20 p.m. Mayor details holiday weekend plans on fighting crime, pandemic
Last weekend, Chicago bars and restaurants finally were allowed to reopen to indoor dining, but with strict limits on capacity and social distancing to fight to spread of the coronavirus.
City officials said then they did not have the staff to actively monitor restaurants or seek out violators; they said enforcement would be “by complaint only,” meaning they’d respond if someone reported a potential violation.
Well, that didn’t last long.
Heading into the long Fourth of July weekend, the city now is vowing to look for and shut down violators, citing the large crowds seen at some establishments that flouted those guidelines.
“Starting now, I have directed my team to ramp up enforcement,” said Rosa Escareno, the city’s Business Affairs and Consumer Protection commissioner.
“We can’t let the excitement” of reopening “reverse the months of progress we have made” to stop the spread of COVID-19, Escareno said.
Read the full story by Fran Spielman here.
1:30 p.m. Sox home ballpark transformed into makeshift spring training facility
Guaranteed Rate Field won’t look the same when the White Sox get started at summer camp Friday. Extensive changes in the clubhouse, dugouts and on the field have been made to accommodate a three-week training period while ensuring the health and safety of players because of the coronavirus.
This will be the first time is being used as a makeshift spring training type facility.
“We needed to convert the ballpark into a spring training complex,” said Terry Savarise, senior vice president of stadium operations. “Adding mounds, batting cages, pitching tunnels, expanding dugout and training space to accommodate a large number of players. ... We also needed to create a health bubble to ensure not only the safety of the players and on field staff but for our office and training staff to pull this thing off.”
Two bullpens with two mounds and plates for pitchers and catchers in each one have been installed on the warning tracks in foul territories. With two mounds in the outfield bullpens, there are places for eight pitchers to throw at once, if necessary. Two indoor hitting tunnels were also added.
When camp begins, players will be divided in morning and afternoon sessions, splitting work days to create enough space for all and separation for health reasons.
Read the full story from Daryl Van Schouwen here.
12:52 p.m. Death Cafes help ease grief, loss in the time of coronavirus
Panic attacks, trouble breathing, relapses that have sent her to bed for 14 hours at a time: At 35, Marissa Oliver has been forced to deal with the specter of death on COVID-19’s terms, yet conversations about her illness, fear and anxiety haven’t been easy.
That’s why she headed onto Zoom to attend a Death Cafe, a gathering of strangers willing to explore mortality and its impact on the living, preferably while sipping tea and eating cake.
“In the Death Cafe, no one winces,” said Oliver, who was diagnosed with the virus in March. “Now, I’m writing down everything in my life that I want to achieve.”
Death Cafes, part of a broader “death-positive” movement to encourage more open discussion about grief, trauma and loss, are held around the world, in nearly 100 countries. While many haven’t migrated online in the pandemic, others have.
Locally, according to their website, there are upcoming Death Cafe options in Oak Park, Naperville and virtually.
The global virus toll and the social isolation it has extracted have opened old, unresolved wounds for some. Others attending virtual Death Cafes are coping with fresh losses from COVID-19, cancer and other illness. Still more bring metaphorical death to the circles: The end of friendships, shattered romances or chronic illness, as Oliver has endured.
Read the full story here.
9:31 a.m. More help on way for COVID-slammed businesses as Congress sends relief bill to president
The House on Wednesday easily passed a temporary extension of a subsidy program for small businesses slammed by the coronavirus, speeding the measure to President Donald Trump.
Approval by voice vote without debate came after Democrats pushed the legislation through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states led to renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses.
Trump was expected to sign the measure.
The legislation extends the June 30 deadline for applying for the program to Aug. 8. Lawmakers created the program in March and have modified it twice since, adding money on one occasion and more recently permitting more flexible use of the funding despite some grumbling among GOP conservatives.
About $130 billion of $660 billion approved for the program remains eligible for businesses to seek direct federal subsidies for payroll and other costs such as rent, though demand for the Paycheck Protection Program has pretty much dried up in recent weeks.
Read the full story here.
8:28 a.m. Cleaning up casinos in time of coronavirus
Imagine Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra sitting down for a hand of blackjack, with their trademark banter muffled by surgical masks — not to mention a plexiglass partition separating all three.
Pass on the Rat Pack star power, take a hit of hand sanitizer, and you’ve got an idea of what a COVID-19 casino looks like.
Illinois gamblers got their first glimpse of that Wednesday as the state’s 10 casinos reopened after three months of an unprecedented statewide shutdown.
Hundreds of clear partitions separated slot machines, cash counters and card dealers sprawled across the gaming floor of Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, where some bettors were so eager to get back to the action in the age of COVID-19 that they lined up before it opened around 11 a.m.
The state’s most lucrative casino hadn’t taken in a chip since March 16, when Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office shuttered the state’s gambling houses as well as the 36,000 slot machines scattered across more than 7,000 bars, restaurants and other establishments.
But the virus wasn’t scaring off many from returning to the bright lights and high-touch surfaces on Wednesday. Close to a thousand gamblers were on Rivers’ main floor by midday, with around-the-clock cleaning crews sweeping through and hand sanitizing stations set up throughout the building.
Mitchell Armentrout has the story.
7:40 a.m. New normal for reopened Chicago, suburban schools come fall likely to be very different
Goodbye, field trips and perfect attendance awards. Hello, one-way hallways, daily temperature checks and quarantine rooms.
That’s some of what we can look ahead to now that Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave his approval last week for schools in Illinois to reopen for in-class instruction this fall, encouraging schools to welcome back kids and staff under detailed state guidelines aimed at keeping them safe.
In Chicago’s new normal, there will be face masks on everyone over 2, bans on handshakes and any other touching, tons of hand-washing and six-feet social distancing requirements in classrooms, on playgrounds and everywhere else at school. Everyone who enters school buildings will get temperature checks, too.
But how that all will work and what the rest of school is going to look like are among the things still to be decided by school districts in the city, suburbs and statewide as schools face the realities of welcoming back to classrooms kids who are likely to be behind academically after learning from home all spring.
Read the full story by Lauren FitzPatrick here.
7:05 a.m. Trump says he looks like Lone Ranger in a mask and likes it
WASHINGTON — After long resisting wearing a mask in public, President Donald Trump said Wednesday he thinks it makes him look like the Lone Ranger — and he likes it.
“I’m all for masks. I think masks are good,” Trump told Fox Business in an interview. “People have seen me wearing one.”
Trump’s comments came a day after Republican lawmakers suggested that the president wear a mask in public to set a good example for Americans.
“If I were in a tight situation with people, I would absolutely,” Trump said in the interview.
Trump has long resisted being photographed in a mask. In early April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a recommendation that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures were difficult to maintain.
Read the full story by The Associated Press here.
New cases
DeAndre Jordan says he has tested positive for the coronavirus and won’t be joining the Brooklyn Nets in Florida when the NBA season resumes.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 30 additional deaths attributed to COVID-19 and 828 newly confirmed cases of the virus on Wednesday, bringing the state close to the grim milestone of 7,000 people lost to the pandemic.
Illinois reported 14 COVID-19 deaths Monday, its lowest daily total in three months for the second day in a row as the state’s reopening is underway. That brings the state’s total death toll to 6,902.
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association say 16 players tested positive for coronavirus in the first wave of mandatory tests done in preparation for the restart of the season.
Analysis & Commentary
12:16 p.m. As a dad in the age of coronavirus, I’m angry at people who won’t wear a mask to protect my kids
I’m angry. Really angry.
For almost four months, we’ve been stuck inside, like prisoners on house arrest. I wash my hands so often that I wonder if I might not have developed a lifelong neurosis. I trek to the grocery store twice a week, face covered, groping among the produce because I can’t stop my glasses from fogging up. We’ve skipped doctor’s appointments for my older boy Lucca — and my own, too — because we just don’t think it’s worth the risk.
Why do we do these things? Our governor and mayor have asked us to stay home.
But also because we know that, despite the deep frustration, staying at home and washing hands frequently actually works.
How can I be so sure? A month or so before the lockdown, I was at the emergency room with Matteo, our 2-year-old. It was his second or third trip there in as many months. Matteo has asthma. His medicine mostly keeps his breathing under control.
Read the full column from Stefano Esposito here.
7:44 a.m. Cubs coach Tommy Hottovy hit hard — physically and emotionally — by coronavirus ordeal
Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy didn’t talk much baseball Wednesday during a video conference call with reporters.
He was at Wrigley Field, where the team finally assembled in full ahead of Friday’s start of preseason workouts, but his focus, at least in the morning, was on the coronavirus pandemic.
As most of the team’s players went through intake screening at the ballpark — temperature checks, saliva samples, antibody tests — Hottovy first went on a local radio program, then on Zoom.
Hottovy, 38, spilled details of his own harrowing, debilitating battle with COVID-19, which kept him quarantined in a spare bedroom at home for 30 days. And he spilled tears. The more he relived the experience — especially as it related to wife Andrea, 8-year-old Cameron and 6-year-old Chloe — the more the tears came.
“It’s still kind of raw,” he said, dabbing at his eyes. “The fact that we just got through it and to, like, relive it? Obviously, it affected us pretty significantly for a month.”
It hit Hottovy harder than a lot of people would expect considering his age and his seemingly excellent physical condition. There were strings of sleepless nights. Fevers that raged all day. He developed pneumonia.
Read the full column from Steve Greenberg here.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-02--Woman, 19, missing from Lawndale

Woman, 19, missing from Lawndale

A 19-year-old woman was reported missing from Lawndale on the West Side .
Fyness Reed was last seen Tuesday and @ @ @ @ @ block of South Western Avenue , Chicago police said .
She is 5-foot-2 , 190 @ @ @ @ @ blonde dreadlocks , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at @ @

A 19-year-old woman was reported missing from Lawndale on the West Side.
Fyness Reed was last seen Tuesday and is missing from the 1100 block of South Western Avenue, Chicago police said.
She is 5-foot-2, 190 pounds with brown eyes and blonde dreadlocks, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 312-744-8266.