chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--City launches project to assess public art and monuments

A new city project will assess Chicago ’ s monuments and evaluate whether they need to be removed or changed .
The “ racial healing and historical reckoning ” project will catalogue statues and other public art across the city , and an appointed advisory committee will determine if pieces require the city to take action , the mayor ’ s office said Wednesday .
The city plans to commission new art and create a platform to solicit community input on the project , which is a partnership between the mayor , Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This effort is not just about a single statue or mural , but how we create a platform to channel our city ’ s dynamic civic energy to purposefully reflect our values , ” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a news release .
The project ’ s announcement comes in the wake of the city ’ s removal of three Christopher Columbus statues .
The city removed statues in Little Italy and Grant Park July 24 after violent clashes between protesters and police and activists trying to take the statue down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Far South Side , was taken down a week later .
Gabriel Piemonte , who has called for the permanent removal of the Columbus statues , said the project is a “ great start ” to reexamining art strewn across Chicago .
“ I welcome the opportunity for our city to have a public conversation , ” said Piemonte , founder and president of the Italian American Heritage Society of Chicago .
“ We are celebrating people because we ’ ve always celebrated them , but if you go back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often an uncomfortable , painful or — in the case of Christopher Columbus — horrific history.
” Mark Kelly , commissioner of DCASE , Bonnie McDonald , president and CEO of Landmarks Illinois , and Jennifer Scott , director of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum , will co-chair the advisory committee .
Other members will include artists , historians and elected officials from across the city , according to the release .
The committee plans to convene in August .
Heather Miller , executive director of the American Indian Center on Chicago ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the committee .
As a member of the DCASE arts and culture advisory council , Miller said the DCASE group has been asking for a project like this since January .
“ Folks have called [ Lightfoot ] out enough that she ’ s starting to figure out she needs some sort of formal response , ” Miller said .
“ Given the fact that we ’ ve seen statues come down and we ’ ve seen folks having much larger conversations around what ’ s being portrayed as art in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular time forced this conversation.
” She noted myriad statues and art that need to be addressed , including the Native Americans on horseback at Grant Park , murals and statues in Chicago Public Schools and other effigies of Native Americans .

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office has outlined a project to assess Chicago’s monuments and decide whether they need to be removed or changed.
The “racial healing and historical reckoning” project will catalogue statues and other public art across the city, and an appointed advisory committee will determine if pieces require the city to take action, the mayor’s office said Wednesday. The city plans to commission new art and create a platform to solicit community input on the project, which is a partnership among the mayor’s office, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools.
“This effort is not just about a single statue or mural, but how we create a platform to channel our city’s dynamic civic energy to purposefully reflect our values,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a news release.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
The project’s announcement comes in the wake of the city’s removal of three Christopher Columbus statues. The city removed statues in Little Italy and Grant Park July 24 after violent clashes between protesters and police and activists trying to take the statue down themselves. The third statue, on the Far South Side, was taken down a week later.
Gabriel Piemonte, who has called for the permanent removal of the Columbus statues, said the project is a “great start” to reexamining art strewn across Chicago.
“I welcome the opportunity for our city to have a public conversation,” said Piemonte, founder and president of the Italian American Heritage Society of Chicago. “We are celebrating people because we’ve always celebrated them, but if you go back to the point of origin, it’s often an uncomfortable, painful or — in the case of Christopher Columbus — horrific history.”
Mark Kelly, commissioner of DCASE, Bonnie McDonald, president and CEO of Landmarks Illinois, and Jennifer Scott, director of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, will co-chair the advisory committee. Other members will include artists, historians and elected officials from across the city, according to the release. The committee plans to convene in August.
Heather Miller, executive director of the American Indian Center on Chicago’s North Side, will also sit on the committee. As a member of the DCASE arts and culture advisory council, Miller said the DCASE group has been asking for a project like this since January.
“Folks have called [Lightfoot] out enough that she’s starting to figure out she needs some sort of formal response,” Miller said. “Given the fact that we’ve seen statues come down and we’ve seen folks having much larger conversations around what’s being portrayed as art in the city, all these things at this particular time forced this conversation.”
She noted myriad statues and art that need to be addressed, including the Native Americans on horseback at Grant Park, murals and statues in Chicago Public Schools and other effigies of Native Americans.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--Dear Abby: Visiting my boyfriend would be risky, but he keeps insisting

DEAR ABBY : I have a dilemma .
My 33-year-old boyfriend keeps badgering me to see each other .
We live 15 miles apart .
I ’ m a 60-year-old man in pretty good health .
Before this pandemic , I worked out every day at a gym , and I still do at home now .
Every day he keeps asking me to either come visit or if he can come here .
Because of this shelter-in-place advisory , I have been telling him I ’ m more at risk due to my age .
He then tries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , “ We are both fine ; there ’ s no need to worry , ” and , “ OK .
Fine !
That ’ s the last time I ’ m going to ask .
See you next month ... MAYBE.
” The thing is , he ’ s a nurse in a hospital .
I live with two roommates who are also in their 60s , and I don ’ t want to compromise them or my living situation .
Am I doing the right thing ?
What are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a visit and be with him ?
— UNEASY IN THE WEST DEAR UNEASY : You are doing the intelligent thing .
What your boyfriend is proposing is risky .
Because you don ’ t want to possibly risk exposing your roommates to COVID-19 , you can not travel back and forth .
In my opinion , your boyfriend has a moral and ethical responsibility not to put YOU at risk .
Here in Los Angeles , some hospital employees who live in multigenerational households have arranged to live apart from their loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposing their families to the virus — an arrangement that in some cases lasts for months .
If your boyfriend was concerned about your welfare , he would not be trying to guilt or threaten you into seeing him .
IF you agree to visit him and plan to continue , find an apartment in which you live alone and do not visit your roommates unless you have first been tested and quarantined .
DEAR ABBY : My 50-year-old estranged daughter-in-law was abused by her brother growing up , and her father defends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end .
I ’ m friendly with her father because he has been nice to me , and this revelation was news to me .
My daughter-in-law sent an email to me and others saying how hurt she is .
I would like to respond , but since I ’ m friendly with her father , I ’ m not sure what to say .
I want to tell her I am deeply sorry for her having been abused because it is extremely traumatic .
Do you have any advice for me ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I don ’ t understand how things got this way between us .
They no longer speak to me or let me ( or my wife ) have a relationship with my grandchildren , whom we love very much .
— HURT FATHER-IN-LAW IN TEXAS DEAR HURT : It is not surprising that your son and daughter-in-law are now estranged from you and don ’ t want you around their children .
Things got this way because you placed as high a priority on your friendship with the father who defends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with your daughter-in-law .
While you understand that what happened to her was traumatic , you seem unable to grasp just how painful it has been for her .
By siding with the wrong person because he was nice to you , you have intensified her trauma .
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 .
To receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: I have a dilemma. My 33-year-old boyfriend keeps badgering me to see each other. We live 15 miles apart.
I’m a 60-year-old man in pretty good health. Before this pandemic, I worked out every day at a gym, and I still do at home now. Every day he keeps asking me to either come visit or if he can come here. Because of this shelter-in-place advisory, I have been telling him I’m more at risk due to my age. He then tries to make me feel guilty by saying things like, “We are both fine; there’s no need to worry,” and, “OK. Fine! That’s the last time I’m going to ask. See you next month ... MAYBE.”
The thing is, he’s a nurse in a hospital. I live with two roommates who are also in their 60s, and I don’t want to compromise them or my living situation. Am I doing the right thing? What are the risks if I decide to go for a visit and be with him? — UNEASY IN THE WEST
DEAR UNEASY: You are doing the intelligent thing. What your boyfriend is proposing is risky. Because you don’t want to possibly risk exposing your roommates to COVID-19, you cannot travel back and forth.
In my opinion, your boyfriend has a moral and ethical responsibility not to put YOU at risk. Here in Los Angeles, some hospital employees who live in multigenerational households have arranged to live apart from their loved ones during this crisis to prevent possibly exposing their families to the virus — an arrangement that in some cases lasts for months.
If your boyfriend was concerned about your welfare, he would not be trying to guilt or threaten you into seeing him. IF you agree to visit him and plan to continue, find an apartment in which you live alone and do not visit your roommates unless you have first been tested and quarantined.
DEAR ABBY: My 50-year-old estranged daughter-in-law was abused by her brother growing up, and her father defends the abuser, which upsets her no end. I’m friendly with her father because he has been nice to me, and this revelation was news to me.
My daughter-in-law sent an email to me and others saying how hurt she is. I would like to respond, but since I’m friendly with her father, I’m not sure what to say. I want to tell her I am deeply sorry for her having been abused because it is extremely traumatic. Do you have any advice for me?
I love my son and his family, and I don’t understand how things got this way between us. They no longer speak to me or let me (or my wife) have a relationship with my grandchildren, whom we love very much. — HURT FATHER-IN-LAW IN TEXAS
DEAR HURT: It is not surprising that your son and daughter-in-law are now estranged from you and don’t want you around their children. Things got this way because you placed as high a priority on your friendship with the father who defends her abuser as you did on your relationship with your daughter-in-law. While you understand that what happened to her was traumatic, you seem unable to grasp just how painful it has been for her. By siding with the wrong person because he was nice to you, you have intensified her trauma.
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.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--Fish of the Week: First 50-inch muskie suggests more to come

David Heinrich emailed congratulations to his son Joe , who caught his first 50-inch muskie on July 31 while on @ @ @ @ @ Leech Lake in Minnesota .
I like how that ’ s worded , “ first @ @ @ @ @ if anticipating more to come .
FOTW , the celebration of big fish and their @ @ @ @ @ , as this one shows ) around Chicago fishing , runs Wednesdays in the Sun-Times @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook ( Dale Bowman ) , on Twitter ( @ BowmanOutside ) and Instagram @ @ @ @ @ email ( BowmanOutside @ gmail.com ) .

David Heinrich emailed congratulations to his son Joe, who caught his first 50-inch muskie on July 31 while on a family fishing trip on Leech Lake in Minnesota.
I like how that’s worded, “first 50-inch muskie,” as if anticipating more to come.
FOTW, the celebration of big fish and their stories (the stories matter, as this one shows) around Chicago fishing, runs Wednesdays in the Sun-Times. Submit nominations by message on Facebook (Dale Bowman), on Twitter (@BowmanOutside) and Instagram (@BowmanOutside) or email (BowmanOutside@gmail.com).


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--‘Ted Lasso’: Jason Sudeikis scores as an American dipping a toe into British football

Believe it or not , the new Apple TV+ comedy series “ Ted Lasso ” isn ’ t the first TV program or movie to be based on an advertising campaign , as it follows in the footsteps of such endeavors as : • “ Uncle Drew , ” the entertaining film from 2018 based on a 2012 spot starring Kyrie Irving as an elderly hoopster .
• “ Cavemen , ” the execrable and mercifully short-lived series from 2007 “ inspired ” by the insurance ads about modern-day Cro-Magnons .
• “ The Steeler and the Pittsburgh Kid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story of soda pop-drinking Mean Joe Greene and the kid who gets his jersey — played in the movie by Henry Thomas a year before “ E.T.
” On paper ( or PDF pitch ) , “ Ted Lasso ” would seem to be awfully thin material for a full-length series , given it ’ s based on what was basically a one-joke ad campaign for NBC Sports back in 2013 , the joke being Jason Sudeikis ’ titular character is a folksy American football coach who knows nothing about soccer but is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soccer team .
And true enough , by the end of the 10-episode first season run , we ’ ve pretty much reached the bottom of the well of running jokes about Ted knowing almost nothing about soccer , hating tea and learning the true meaning of “ wanker ” and other popular British slang .
But thanks to an infectiously affable performance by the likable Sudeikis , a terrific supporting cast and a surprisingly warmhearted center wrapped inside all the sitcom wisecracks , “ Ted Lasso ” is a charming , easygoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setup for “ Ted Lasso ” is reminiscent of the first “ Major League ” movie in that the no-nonsense , female owner of the franchise actually wants to burn the team to the ground for her own gain .
That explains why a mustachioed , cornpone , second-tier football coach from America has been imported to coach AFC Richmond , much to the dismay of the rabid fan base as well as the colorful but underachieving members of the team , including the iconic but over-the-hill and rage-filled Roy Kent ( Brett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star Jamie Tartt ( Phil Dunster ) , who is more concerned with individual stats and endorsement deals than team success .
One key difference from “ Major League ” : Whereas Margaret Whitton ’ s Cleveland Indians owner Rachel Phelps was a cardboard caricature ( literally , on one level ) of a villain , the wonder Hannah Waddingham ’ s Rebecca is smart and cunning , but also vulnerable and lovely and quite funny .
The complicated and changing dynamic between Ted ( who doesn ’ t know it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone at face value and is an eternal optimist ) and Rebecca is one of the more intriguing storylines in “ Ted Lasso.
” In fact , any number of potentially stereotypical characters prove to be more than the first impressions they give , e.g.
, Juno Temple ’ s Keeley , who makes a splashy entrance as Jamie ’ s seemingly superficial and daffy model girlfriend but turns out to be something more — just as “ Ted Lasso ” turns out to be something more than just a padded version of @ @ @ @ @

Believe it or not, the new Apple TV+ comedy series “Ted Lasso” isn’t the first TV program or movie to be based on an advertising campaign, as it follows in the footsteps of such endeavors as:
• “Uncle Drew,” the entertaining film from 2018 based on a 2012 spot starring Kyrie Irving as an elderly hoopster.
• “Cavemen,” the execrable and mercifully short-lived series from 2007 “inspired” by the insurance ads about modern-day Cro-Magnons.
• “The Steeler and the Pittsburgh Kid,” the 1981 made-for-TV movie expanding the story of soda pop-drinking Mean Joe Greene and the kid who gets his jersey — played in the movie by Henry Thomas a year before “E.T.”
‘Ted Lasso’
Untitled Three episodes premiere Aug. 14 on AppleTV+, with future episodes premiering on subsequent Fridays.
On paper (or PDF pitch), “Ted Lasso” would seem to be awfully thin material for a full-length series, given it’s based on what was basically a one-joke ad campaign for NBC Sports back in 2013, the joke being Jason Sudeikis’ titular character is a folksy American football coach who knows nothing about soccer but is hired to become manager of a British soccer team. And true enough, by the end of the 10-episode first season run, we’ve pretty much reached the bottom of the well of running jokes about Ted knowing almost nothing about soccer, hating tea and learning the true meaning of “wanker” and other popular British slang. But thanks to an infectiously affable performance by the likable Sudeikis, a terrific supporting cast and a surprisingly warmhearted center wrapped inside all the sitcom wisecracks, “Ted Lasso” is a charming, easygoing little biscuit of a treat.
(Note: In England, they call cookies “biscuits.” They have cookies as well, but they’re more like our biscuits. Something like that. Crazy!)
The setup for “Ted Lasso” is reminiscent of the first “Major League” movie in that the no-nonsense, female owner of the franchise actually wants to burn the team to the ground for her own gain. That explains why a mustachioed, cornpone, second-tier football coach from America has been imported to coach AFC Richmond, much to the dismay of the rabid fan base as well as the colorful but underachieving members of the team, including the iconic but over-the-hill and rage-filled Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), and the young pretty-boy star Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), who is more concerned with individual stats and endorsement deals than team success.
One key difference from “Major League”: Whereas Margaret Whitton’s Cleveland Indians owner Rachel Phelps was a cardboard caricature (literally, on one level) of a villain, the wonder Hannah Waddingham’s Rebecca is smart and cunning, but also vulnerable and lovely and quite funny. The complicated and changing dynamic between Ted (who doesn’t know it’s complicated, as he pretty much takes everyone at face value and is an eternal optimist) and Rebecca is one of the more intriguing storylines in “Ted Lasso.”
In fact, any number of potentially stereotypical characters prove to be more than the first impressions they give, e.g., Juno Temple’s Keeley, who makes a splashy entrance as Jamie’s seemingly superficial and daffy model girlfriend but turns out to be something more — just as “Ted Lasso” turns out to be something more than just a padded version of an old ad campaign.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--8 shot Wednesday in Chicago

8 shot Wednesday in Chicago

Eight people were wounded Wednesday in shootings across Chicago , including a teenage boy who was shot on the Near West Side .
About 3:30 a.m. , the 14-year-old was walking in the 1400 block of West Roosevelt Road when someone in a passing red-colored Nissan fired shots at him , Chicago police said .
He was struck in the right leg multiple times and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition .
The day ’ s latest reported shooting hurt a 40-year-old man in Gresham on the South Side .
He was found outside about 9:12 p.m. in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a graze wound to the head , Chicago police said .
The man was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in fair condition .
Earlier Wednesday evening , a man was shot in Englewood on the South Side .
The 25-year-old was walking about 7:41 p.m. in the 7200 block of South Peoria Street when someone in a vehicle fired shots , hitting him in the back , Chicago police said .
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition .
An hour before that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Town on the Near North Side .
He was walking on the sidewalk about 6:41 p.m. in the 400 block of West Evergreen Avenue when he heard gunshots and felt pain , Chicago police said .
The man was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the leg .
A 19-year-old man was shot Wednesday afternoon in Washington Park on the South Side .
He was shot in the left thigh about 12:55 p.m. in the 6100 block of South Indiana Avenue , according to Chicago police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition .
Wednesday morning , a man was shot while driving in West Lawn on the Southwest Side .
The 26-year-old was driving about 9:55 a.m. in the 3900 block of West 71st Street when someone shot at him from a gray SUV , according to Chicago police .
The SUV took off after the shooting .
The man was hit five times in his abdomen and arms and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition , police said .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Grand Crossing on the South Side .
About 2:20 a.m. , he was sitting on the porch of a residence in the 1200 block of West 75th Street , when someone walked up to him and opened fire , Chicago police said .
He was struck in the finger and refused treatment , police said .
He then gave officers conflicting stories about what happened .
The day ’ s first reported shooting left a man critically wounded in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side .
The 56-year-old was sitting at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3900 block of South Archer Avenue when several males fired shots from a white Acura sedan , Chicago police said .
The man was struck in the back and taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in critical condition .
On Tuesday , 11 people were shot in Chicago , one of them fatally .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Eight people were wounded Wednesday in shootings across Chicago, including a teenage boy who was shot on the Near West Side.
About 3:30 a.m., the 14-year-old was walking in the 1400 block of West Roosevelt Road when someone in a passing red-colored Nissan fired shots at him, Chicago police said. He was struck in the right leg multiple times and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
The day’s latest reported shooting hurt a 40-year-old man in Gresham on the South Side.
He was found outside about 9:12 p.m. in the 8200 block of South Racine Avenue with a graze wound to the head, Chicago police said. The man was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in fair condition.
Earlier Wednesday evening, a man was shot in Englewood on the South Side.
The 25-year-old was walking about 7:41 p.m. in the 7200 block of South Peoria Street when someone in a vehicle fired shots, hitting him in the back, Chicago police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
An hour before that, a 33-year-old man was shot in Old Town on the Near North Side.
He was walking on the sidewalk about 6:41 p.m. in the 400 block of West Evergreen Avenue when he heard gunshots and felt pain, Chicago police said. The man was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the leg.
A 19-year-old man was shot Wednesday afternoon in Washington Park on the South Side.
He was shot in the left thigh about 12:55 p.m. in the 6100 block of South Indiana Avenue, according to Chicago police. The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition.
Wednesday morning, a man was shot while driving in West Lawn on the Southwest Side.
The 26-year-old was driving about 9:55 a.m. in the 3900 block of West 71st Street when someone shot at him from a gray SUV, according to Chicago police. The SUV took off after the shooting.
The man was hit five times in his abdomen and arms and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition, police said.
A 30-year-old man was shot earlier Wednesday morning in Grand Crossing on the South Side.
About 2:20 a.m., he was sitting on the porch of a residence in the 1200 block of West 75th Street, when someone walked up to him and opened fire, Chicago police said.
He was struck in the finger and refused treatment, police said. He then gave officers conflicting stories about what happened.
The day’s first reported shooting left a man critically wounded in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side.
The 56-year-old was sitting at a red light about 12:55 a.m. in the 3900 block of South Archer Avenue when several males fired shots from a white Acura sedan, Chicago police said. The man was struck in the back and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition.
On Tuesday, 11 people were shot in Chicago, one of them fatally.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--2 injured after stolen ambulance crashes in Lake View

Two people were injured Thursday after someone crashed a stolen private ambulance in Lake View on the North Side .
@ @ @ @ @ unattended Elite ambulance was left running outside a nursing home in the 1800 block of @ @ @ @ @ police said .
Someone hopped in the ambulance and drove off , crashing about 45 @ @ @ @ @ another vehicle in the 3000 block of North Sheridan Road .
Two people from the @ @ @ @ @ Illinois Masonic Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries , police said .
The driver of @ @ @ @ @ .

At least one person was injured early Thursday after someone stole a private ambulance left unlocked and running in the South Loop and later crashed in Lake View.
About 12:30 a.m., someone entered an unattended Elite ambulance outside a nursing home in the 1800 block of South Wabash Avenue, Chicago police said.
The suspect drove north and rear-ended another vehicle about 45 minutes later in the 3000 block of North Sheridan Road, police said.
A 29-year-old woman from that vehicle was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening. Police initially said two people were injured in the crash, but were unable to confirm Thursday morning that there was a second victim.
The driver of the ambulance ran from the scene, police said. No arrest has been made.
On June 7, a man stole an ambulance in the 5100 block of West Washington Boulevard while Chicago Fire Department paramedics were loading a patient into the back. A 43-year-old man driving the ambulance was arrested a block away and later charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, police said.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-12--Horoscope for Thursday, August 13, 2020

Horoscope for Thursday, August 13, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Gemini .
Be ready to apply the brakes when needed because your feisty energy is challenged by Pluto .
( Oh yeah ! )
In its most positive expression , you can creatively transform the world around you .
Will that happen ?
Maybe .
More likely you will have a fierce power struggle with someone .
Stay chill .
It ’ s easy to be your own worst enemy today .
Beware !
If you are angry at someone , you might be tempted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some way .
Don ’ t do this because it will backfire .
Meanwhile , don ’ t let anyone victimize you , either .
Be cool .
If you are annoyed with a friend or a member of a group , this is a poor day to express your feelings .
If you do , things will get outta hand so fast , you will regret it .
That ’ s because today ’ s energy promotes power struggles .
Many people will be at odds with each other .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit you to be in a power struggle with a boss , parent , teacher or a member of the police .
Do your best to avoid this .
Many people are looking for a fight , so don ’ t get involved .
Furthermore , avoid dangerous , crime-ridden areas .
You have been warned .
Resist the urge to get on your soapbox and share your opinions about politics , religion or racial issues .
Not today .
Issues are hot and people are looking for an excuse to fight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
You won ’ t change anyone ’ s mind .
Don ’ t get your belly in a rash about disputes pertaining to inheritances , insurance issues and shared property .
It ’ s not worth it .
Furthermore , people are so opinionated today , and so inclined to get involved in power struggles , a rational , logical conversation will be difficult .
Stay chill .
You will have to be patient with close friends and partners to keep peace and harmony in your world .
Remember that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your world .
Therefore , don ’ t take the bait .
Don ’ t try to be right .
“ You can be right — or you can be in the relationship.
” Do yourself a favor and steer clear of arguments with coworkers and customers , because if you get involved , things could get nasty .
Ego battles and power struggles are par for the course , so sidestep these if you can .
Postpone important discussions for another day .
Dear parents , please be patient with your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meltdowns .
Likewise , romantic partners must be patient with each other .
Equipment failures related to your job or perhaps something related to a pet might occur .
Patience is your best friend today .
Oy !
Do whatever you can to avoid conflict with family members today because it will be intense and nasty .
You don ’ t need this .
They don ’ t need this .
No one needs this .
This means you have to be patient and cooperative and not make a big deal about anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for your own best interests .
Avoid dangerous neighborhoods or places with high crime .
Likewise , avoid arguments with siblings , relatives and neighbors .
Be cool and cooperative .
Money squabbles might arise today because people have strong , intense feelings about everything .
This is why ego battles and power struggles are taking place between many people .
You might be upset about a possession or financial issues .
Stay calm .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Sebastian Stan ( 1982 ) shares your birthday .
You are dynamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This year you will learn something that sets you in a new direction , which could be crucial for your success next year .
It ’ s a time of learning and perhaps teaching as well .
Explore meditation , yoga or any discipline that helps you get a better understanding of who you are .
Invest in your future self .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Gemini.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Be ready to apply the brakes when needed because your feisty energy is challenged by Pluto. (Oh yeah!) In its most positive expression, you can creatively transform the world around you. Will that happen? Maybe. More likely you will have a fierce power struggle with someone. Stay chill.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
It’s easy to be your own worst enemy today. Beware! If you are angry at someone, you might be tempted to do something underhanded or guilt trip them in some way. Don’t do this because it will backfire. Meanwhile, don’t let anyone victimize you, either. Be cool.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
If you are annoyed with a friend or a member of a group, this is a poor day to express your feelings. If you do, things will get outta hand so fast, you will regret it. That’s because today’s energy promotes power struggles. Many people will be at odds with each other. (Hide!)
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
It won’t benefit you to be in a power struggle with a boss, parent, teacher or a member of the police. Do your best to avoid this. Many people are looking for a fight, so don’t get involved. Furthermore, avoid dangerous, crime-ridden areas. You have been warned.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Resist the urge to get on your soapbox and share your opinions about politics, religion or racial issues. Not today. Issues are hot and people are looking for an excuse to fight. Therefore, don’t even go there. You won’t change anyone’s mind.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Don’t get your belly in a rash about disputes pertaining to inheritances, insurance issues and shared property. It’s not worth it. Furthermore, people are so opinionated today, and so inclined to get involved in power struggles, a rational, logical conversation will be difficult. Stay chill.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
You will have to be patient with close friends and partners to keep peace and harmony in your world. Remember that is your objective: Keep peace and harmony in your world. Therefore, don’t take the bait. Don’t try to be right. “You can be right — or you can be in the relationship.”
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Do yourself a favor and steer clear of arguments with coworkers and customers, because if you get involved, things could get nasty. Ego battles and power struggles are par for the course, so sidestep these if you can. Postpone important discussions for another day.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Dear parents, please be patient with your kids today to avoid hissy fits and meltdowns. Likewise, romantic partners must be patient with each other. Equipment failures related to your job or perhaps something related to a pet might occur. Patience is your best friend today. Oy!
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Do whatever you can to avoid conflict with family members today because it will be intense and nasty. You don’t need this. They don’t need this. No one needs this. This means you have to be patient and cooperative and not make a big deal about anything.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Be wise today. Be proactive for your own best interests. Avoid dangerous neighborhoods or places with high crime. Likewise, avoid arguments with siblings, relatives and neighbors. Be cool and cooperative.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Money squabbles might arise today because people have strong, intense feelings about everything. This is why ego battles and power struggles are taking place between many people. You might be upset about a possession or financial issues. Stay calm.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Sebastian Stan (1982) shares your birthday. You are dynamic and generous, especially to your lovers. This year you will learn something that sets you in a new direction, which could be crucial for your success next year. It’s a time of learning and perhaps teaching as well. Explore meditation, yoga or any discipline that helps you get a better understanding of who you are. Invest in your future self.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-12--The Englewood they see: Residents discuss the tension, resentment and good in their neighborhood aft

The Englewood they see: Residents discuss the tension, resentment and good in their neighborhood after police shooting

On Monday morning , at the corner of 55th & Racine , Teamwork Englewood was going about the daily business of community building .
Two blocks from where a police shooting Sunday triggered a confrontation between the community and police , Cecile DeMello and volunteers were doing voter registration , completing Census forms , dispensing food to families .
One of many grassroots organizers working for change in a community branded one of the most challenged by gang crime , DeMello wasn ’ t about to let negative spotlight turned on Englewood — after the looting that followed Sunday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re still finding out all the details of what happened Sunday , ” said DeMello , 36 , a wife and mother of three , chatting Tuesday at Teamwork ’ s offices at 815 W. 63rd St. , in the heart of Englewood ’ s 63rd & Halsted Street business district .
“ We work long hours .
We ’ re pouring our heart and soul into this work .
We see a very different Englewood than what people see .
It almost has a small town , village vibe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose group won a U.S. Department of Justice grant to implement community-driven , anti-violence initiatives in the Chicago Police Department ’ s Englewood District .
“ What we know is there ’ s continued tension around how officers interact with residents , especially during moments of crisis , ” she said .
“ This incident was an example of how much work we still have to do around helping police in this community learn how to show up in a way that is respectful and dignified when there is crisis and trauma unfolding.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when police were called about a man with a gun near the Chicago Park District ’ s Moran Park .
Finding 20-year-old Latrell Allen , they gave chase , and when Allen shot at them , they shot back , police said .
A crowd gathered , angered after word went out that Allen was unarmed when shot .
By that night , looting began on the South Side .
A caravan of criminals converged Downtown to destroy and loot stores .
Looting also occurred on the West Side Monday .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the root causes of how did we even get here ?
How do we as community members and leaders come up with solutions to prevent these kind of incidents from even happening in the future ?
” said Maurice “ Pha ’ tal ” Perkins , a 35-year-old father of three who runs the Think Outside Da Block nonprofit .
He is coordinator for Teamwork ’ s “ This Is My Englewood 2136 ” project , working to eradicate violence in the Englewood District ’ s heavily challenged police beats 725 and 712 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ll hear neither DeMello nor Perkins condemn the looters .
“ I just feel like there was a time growing up in Englewood where I made a lot of decisions that , looking back , I would probably do things different , had I had the right guidance .
So I ’ m in no position to judge .
Period , ” said Perkins .
The activists said Moran Park is long a hangout for criminal elements .
And residents in surrounding blocks , including Elizabeth Wilson , 62 , sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 56th & Aberdeen , blame such activity on historical inequities .
Englewood has a nearly 50 percent poverty rate and unemployment of 26.8 percent .
“ Englewood has been neglected a long time .
If people don ’ t have anything to do , you want to do wrong in order to provide for yourself , ” said Wilson , a physical therapist assistant .
“ I was sitting here when it happened .
I heard the shooting .
Then I see the ambulance come , and , like , 500 police .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t told what was happening.
” “ I think it ’ s sad , ” Wilson said of the looting that followed .
“ It goes back to giving people something to do , giving them jobs .
Where can you go around here and get a job ?
Where can you go around here and get a handout ?
Nowhere .
In their minds , they ’ re saying , ‘ Well , they ain ’ t giving us nothing .
We ’ ve got nothing .
They ’ re not trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , Wilson ’ s 50-year-old neighbor , Phillip Curry , out on his own porch at 56th & May , agreed .
“ I feel that the police were dirty , and they ’ ve been dirty for a whole lot of years , and nothing ’ s going to change anytime soon , ” the construction worker maintained .
“ The looting was unnecessary .
But I can understand the frustration .
People are tired , ” he said .
“ They are sick and tired of police doing what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
We ’ ve got our fair share of the gang-banging , drug dealing and shooting around here .
But overall , it ’ s better than what it used to be.
” The alderman , Stephanie Coleman ( 16th ) , who last year picked up the baton carried by her mother , who was alderman 16 years , rejects any notion tying the caravan to Englewood .
“ We get the blame for everything .
It is unfair to blame Englewood for the looting , ” she said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our community .
Englewood is resilient , ” Coleman said , noting that a day before the shooting , Mayor Lori Lightfoot was hanging out in Englewood , grilling burgers at 7th District headquarters , as part of Go Green on Racine .
“ What occurred on Sunday afternoon was a tragedy , ” Coleman said .
“ A 20-year-old did in fact shoot at police .
There were guns .
Bullets were exchanged .
Not only were police able to get the weapon , but they also got another weapon in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tragedy.
” Back at 63rd & Halsted , Department of Streets & Sanitation trucks were protecting Englewood Square Mall , the one that made national headlines in 2016 when former Mayor Rahm Emanuel secured Whole Foods as anchor .
There was no looting at Englewood Square this week , no looting there that last weekend of May when Chicago and the rest of the nation went up in protests and riots after George Floyd ’ s killing under the knee of a white officer in Minneapolis .
“ On May 31st , community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Halsted defending the mall , before law enforcement got here , ” said DeMello , who with Perkins was there that night .
Mall owner Leon Walker of DL3 Realty , was there that night as well .
“ I was humbled and brought to tears .
Because of the work we do , the community takes ownership , ” Walker said .
“ It just reaffirms that when you do it right , people see themselves in the project .
Unfortunately , when you have this level of coverage of a random @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it makes it far more difficult to get the next corporate investment , ” he lamented .
“ In addition to highlighting the pain , we need to celebrate the joy and successes.
” Out on her porch at 56th & May , Elendra Shirley expresses anger with Black Lives Matter , which she believes wrongfully stoked confusion and anti-police sentiments Sunday .
Others this week have echoed the sentiment that BLM had no right to speak for Englewood .
“ If you get in trouble right now — somebody ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you going to call ?
Police .
Because Black Lives Matter isn ’ t going to show up .
They can ’ t help you , ” said the 66-year-old locomotive engineer .
“ But yet , this neighborhood was full of cars we had never seen before , [ BLM ] people jumping out , starting all this hate and confusion .
They got people all riled up .
[ BLM ] misled them , ” she maintained .
“ How are you going to come out of your door with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 911 call about the suspect with a gun .
“ You ’ re going to shoot another Black person .
Did Black Lives Matter then ?
The person you were going to shoot called the people that were going to help him .
And if the guy with the gun shoots at [ police ] , what are they supposed to do ?
”

On Monday morning, at the corner of 55th & Racine, Teamwork Englewood was going about the daily business of community building.
Two blocks from where a police shooting Sunday triggered a confrontation between the community and police, Cecile DeMello and volunteers were doing voter registration, completing Census forms, dispensing food to families.
One of many grassroots organizers working for change in a community branded one of the most challenged by gang crime, DeMello wasn’t about to let negative spotlight turned on Englewood — after the looting that followed Sunday’s shooting — deter her work.
“We’re still finding out all the details of what happened Sunday,” said DeMello, 36, a wife and mother of three, chatting Tuesday at Teamwork’s offices at 815 W. 63rd St., in the heart of Englewood’s 63rd & Halsted Street business district.
“We work long hours. We’re pouring our heart and soul into this work. We see a very different Englewood than what people see. It almost has a small town, village vibe to it,” said DeMello, whose group won a U.S. Department of Justice grant to implement community-driven, anti-violence initiatives in the Chicago Police Department’s Englewood District.
“What we know is there’s continued tension around how officers interact with residents, especially during moments of crisis,” she said.
“This incident was an example of how much work we still have to do around helping police in this community learn how to show up in a way that is respectful and dignified when there is crisis and trauma unfolding.”
This week’s mayhem began when police were called about a man with a gun near the Chicago Park District’s Moran Park. Finding 20-year-old Latrell Allen, they gave chase, and when Allen shot at them, they shot back, police said.
A crowd gathered, angered after word went out that Allen was unarmed when shot.
By that night, looting began on the South Side. A caravan of criminals converged Downtown to destroy and loot stores. Looting also occurred on the West Side Monday.
“We’re just trying to get to the root causes of how did we even get here? How do we as community members and leaders come up with solutions to prevent these kind of incidents from even happening in the future?” said Maurice “Pha’tal” Perkins, a 35-year-old father of three who runs the Think Outside Da Block nonprofit.
He is coordinator for Teamwork’s “This Is My Englewood 2136” project, working to eradicate violence in the Englewood District’s heavily challenged police beats 725 and 712.
For all their hard work, you’ll hear neither DeMello nor Perkins condemn the looters.
“I just feel like there was a time growing up in Englewood where I made a lot of decisions that, looking back, I would probably do things different, had I had the right guidance. So I’m in no position to judge. Period,” said Perkins.
The activists said Moran Park is long a hangout for criminal elements.
And residents in surrounding blocks, including Elizabeth Wilson, 62, sitting with family members on her porch near 56th & Aberdeen, blame such activity on historical inequities. Englewood has a nearly 50 percent poverty rate and unemployment of 26.8 percent.
“Englewood has been neglected a long time. If people don’t have anything to do, you want to do wrong in order to provide for yourself,” said Wilson, a physical therapist assistant.
“I was sitting here when it happened. I heard the shooting. Then I see the ambulance come, and, like, 500 police. People were angry because they weren’t told what was happening.”
Elizabeth Wilson, a physical therapist assistant, says, “Englewood has been neglected a long time.” Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
“I think it’s sad,” Wilson said of the looting that followed. “It goes back to giving people something to do, giving them jobs. Where can you go around here and get a job? Where can you go around here and get a handout? Nowhere. In their minds, they’re saying, ‘Well, they ain’t giving us nothing. We’ve got nothing. They’re not trying to help me.’ ”
A block away, Wilson’s 50-year-old neighbor, Phillip Curry, out on his own porch at 56th & May, agreed. “I feel that the police were dirty, and they’ve been dirty for a whole lot of years, and nothing’s going to change anytime soon,” the construction worker maintained.
“The looting was unnecessary. But I can understand the frustration. People are tired,” he said. “They are sick and tired of police doing what they want to do and getting away with it. We’ve got our fair share of the gang-banging, drug dealing and shooting around here. But overall, it’s better than what it used to be.”
The alderman, Stephanie Coleman (16th), who last year picked up the baton carried by her mother, who was alderman 16 years, rejects any notion tying the caravan to Englewood.
“We get the blame for everything. It is unfair to blame Englewood for the looting,” she said.
“We have so many wonderful things happening in our community. Englewood is resilient,” Coleman said, noting that a day before the shooting, Mayor Lori Lightfoot was hanging out in Englewood, grilling burgers at 7th District headquarters, as part of Go Green on Racine.
“What occurred on Sunday afternoon was a tragedy,” Coleman said. “A 20-year-old did in fact shoot at police. There were guns. Bullets were exchanged. Not only were police able to get the weapon, but they also got another weapon in the household that could have prevented another tragedy.”
Back at 63rd & Halsted, Department of Streets & Sanitation trucks were protecting Englewood Square Mall, the one that made national headlines in 2016 when former Mayor Rahm Emanuel secured Whole Foods as anchor.
There was no looting at Englewood Square this week, no looting there that last weekend of May when Chicago and the rest of the nation went up in protests and riots after George Floyd’s killing under the knee of a white officer in Minneapolis.
“On May 31st, community residents were all here at 63rd & Halsted defending the mall, before law enforcement got here,” said DeMello, who with Perkins was there that night.
Mall owner Leon Walker of DL3 Realty, was there that night as well.
“I was humbled and brought to tears. Because of the work we do, the community takes ownership,” Walker said.
“It just reaffirms that when you do it right, people see themselves in the project. Unfortunately, when you have this level of coverage of a random event that led to some organized crime, it makes it far more difficult to get the next corporate investment,” he lamented. “In addition to highlighting the pain, we need to celebrate the joy and successes.”
Englewood resident Elendra Shirley expresses frustration with Black Lives Matter. “If you get in trouble right now — somebody’s coming down the street, who are you going to call? Police. Because Black Lives Matter isn’t going to show up. They can’t help you,” said the 66-year-old locomotive engineer. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Out on her porch at 56th & May, Elendra Shirley expresses anger with Black Lives Matter, which she believes wrongfully stoked confusion and anti-police sentiments Sunday. Others this week have echoed the sentiment that BLM had no right to speak for Englewood.
“If you get in trouble right now — somebody’s coming down the street, who are you going to call? Police. Because Black Lives Matter isn’t going to show up. They can’t help you,” said the 66-year-old locomotive engineer.
“But yet, this neighborhood was full of cars we had never seen before, [BLM] people jumping out, starting all this hate and confusion. They got people all riled up. [BLM] misled them,” she maintained.
“How are you going to come out of your door with a gun?” Shirley said of the 911 call about the suspect with a gun. “You’re going to shoot another Black person. Did Black Lives Matter then? The person you were going to shoot called the people that were going to help him. And if the guy with the gun shoots at [police], what are they supposed to do?”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--Golden Knights extend series lead over Blackhawks with Game 2 overtime win

The Blackhawks can not contain Reilly Smith .
Smith found a hole in the Hawks ’ defense and scored 7:13 into overtime Thursday , lifting the top-seeded Golden Knights to a 4-3 overtime win and a commanding 2-0 series lead .
The goal spoiled a hard-working , if rarely pretty , Game 2 comeback by the Hawks .
Coach Jeremy Colliton ran the Hawks ’ depth chart through a blender prior to the game , mixing up every forward line but the top one , scratching Adam Boqvist in favor of fellow Lucas Carlsson on defense and pushing Calvin de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The changes had mixed results .
Goaltender Corey Crawford , like in Game 1 , struggled in the first period as the Hawks fell behind 2-0 , but settled down as the game went along .
The Hawks rallied back in the middle frame thanks to Kirby Dach ’ s first NHL playoff goal , a power play snipe by Dominik Kubalik and a beautiful transition attack from Alex DeBrincat , Patrick Kane and Dylan Strome that tied the game at 3-3 just 14 seconds before the second intermission .
Vegas took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 scoring chances to the Hawks ’ three in the frame , and continued that into overtime , outshooting the Hawks 7-1 in the extra period .
In a normal series , the underdog Hawks would now return to home ice for Game 3 — but it won ’ t be so in the Edmonton bubble format .
Game 3 will take place , still at Rogers Place , on Saturday at 7 p.m .
This story will be updated .

The Blackhawks played extremely well for one period and poorly for 2½ others in Game 2 of their best-of-seven playoff series Thursday night in Edmonton.
That mixed-bag effort was enough to carry the Hawks through regulation but not enough to stop the heavily favored Golden Knights from eventually winning, with forward Reilly Smith scoring 7:13 into overtime to give the Knights a 4-3 victory and a 2-0 series lead.
The blown opportunity left the Hawks muttering for the rest of the night about what might have been.
“Would have been nice to see something go in there in overtime, but it’s the way it goes, I guess,” winger Patrick Kane said. “Would have been nice to have a better third period, too, especially after we came back to tie it up and had a lot of momentum. Would have been nice to keep that momentum.”
The Hawks’ comeback in the second period — the momentum Kane referred to — was undeniably impressive.
They made brilliant use of the long change to stretch the normally stingy Knights into playing more open, transition hockey. They out-attempted the Knights 23-20 in the second, out-chanced them 14-12 and outscored them 3-1. They looked, albeit briefly, every bit the Knights’ equal.
“I really liked our first two periods,” coach Jeremy Colliton said. “We showed a lot of character to battle back a couple different times. It’s important not to give [the Knights] extra chances to have zone time, so when we were clean with it and able to advance it and drive it deep into the offensive zone — get a forecheck going, get zone time — we had some success.”
Dylan Strome celebrates his game-tying goal in the second period. Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images
But going into the third period — and later overtime — tied 3-3, the Hawks weren’t able to rediscover their intensity.
The Knights out-attempted the Hawks 36-16, out-chanced them 21-8 and eventually outscored them 1-0 over the final 27 minutes.
While goalie Corey Crawford, after shaking off another disconcerting start, did well to hold off what center Kirby Dach later described as “waves” of Knights attacks, he couldn’t singlehandedly save the game.
“For whatever reason, it just seemed like they came out better than us in the third,” Kane said. “I don’t know if we thought it was going to be a little easier than it was.”
Colliton ran the Hawks’ depth chart through a blender before the game, most notably scratching defenseman Adam Boqvist for fellow rookie Lucas Carlsson.
Some changes clicked; others did not. Unfortunately, Carlsson’s new pairing with Connor Murphy fell into the latter category. They miscommunicated twice with disastrous results, getting caught below the goal line on Paul Statsny’s goal in the first period and leaving Smith wide open in the slot on the game-winner.
“We weren’t able to get the puck in and get it deep and get our ‘D’ off, so you end up with tired guys trying to defend, and we had a breakdown,” Colliton said.
In a normal series, the underdog Hawks would now return to home ice for Game 3, looking for a much-needed boost from the United Center crowd.
But it won’t be so in the Edmonton bubble format. Game 3 will be back at Rogers Place on Saturday night, when the Hawks will need a heroic team effort to turn the series around.
“The key is, how long can we stick with it?” Colliton said. “How long can we be persistent when we face adversity? We’ve faced some adversity here over the first couple of games, and do we have the character to overcome it?”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--Chicago casino’s odds improved with tax fix, Vegas consultant says, but it’s time for city to show i

Chicago casino’s odds improved with tax fix, Vegas consultant says, but it’s time for city to show its hand

Although Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s opening roll for a Chicago casino came up snake-eyes , a new tax structure keeps her in the game .
But it ’ s too early to tell whether she winds up making her point or sevens out .
That ’ s according to the Las Vegas consulting firm that previously declared that the “ exceptionally onerous ” taxes originally written into state law last summer would mean no dice for the city as it tried to attract developers to the table for a shot at the long-sought megacasino .
Union Gaming Analytics now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Legislature during a shortened spring legislative session in May is “ significantly more palatable for potential developers , ” lowering the effective tax rate on gaming revenue from a whopping 72 % to about 40 % .
That should be “ attractive enough ” to draw proposals from gaming developers — and the city should start soliciting information from them , analyst Grant Govertsen wrote for Union Gaming in a report released this week .
In other words , it ’ s time for the city to show its cards .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ old news , ’ having been signed into law in late June by Governor [ J.B. ] Pritzker , we believe it received scant attention on the part of casino developers , ” the updated report says .
“ The combination of COVID-19 casino shutdowns , emergency financings to bolster balance sheets , and putting development plans/teams on ice , has resulted in the Chicago casino opportunity largely flying under the radar.
” The firm recommended the city issue non-binding requests for information from developers this year and request formal proposals early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casino on track for Illinois Gaming Board approval by the end of 2021 and an opening by 2025 , according to Union Gaming .
A spokeswoman for Lightfoot ’ s office said the city is reviewing the firm ’ s report but declined to comment on their claims or recommendations .
Lightfoot nabbed the casino that eluded a generation of Chicago mayors before her with the passage of a massive gambling expansion signed into law last summer by Pritzker .
Revenue is earmarked for Chicago ’ s desperately underfunded police and firefighter pensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s $ 45 billion capital improvement plan .
While Union Gaming determined a downtown gambling mecca could rake in upwards of $ 1 billion annually , their initial state-mandated report claimed the tax burden would prevent any developer from turning a profit .
Lightfoot jostled state lawmakers in May to tweak the state and city takes on the Chicago casino ’ s slot and table game revenue , and to stretch out the time the developer has to pay back a hefty “ reconciliation fee.
” Now that the taxes and fees have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awaits to determine where the eventual developer will break ground in Chicago .
Lightfoot ’ s office has promised “ a robust community engagement process , ” including a series of public meetings to gather residents ’ input .
Industry insiders agree the casino must be located close to the city center to maximize profits , but last year Lightfoot offered up five South and West side sites — a list she stressed is “ not definitive ” — for Union Gaming to evaluate .
The sites included the Harborside Golf Course area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freeway ; Pershing Road and State Street ; Roosevelt Road and Kostner Avenue ; and the former U.S. Steel parcel at 80th Street and Lake Shore Drive .
Lightfoot also pinpointed the former Michael Reese hospital at 31st Street and Cottage Grove Avenue , which Union Gaming predicted would be most lucrative of the bunch drawing more than $ 800 million annually — but that site is off the board , instead pegged for a new research center .
A “ centrally-located casino that is in close proximity to high-quality hotels and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profitable , to the tune of $ 1.2 billion per year , the consultant said .
But the convention and tourism industries have opposed that idea .
The freshman mayor has said she envisions the development “ as a large entertainment district — not just the box of a casino .
”

Although Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s opening roll for a Chicago casino came up snake eyes, a new tax structure keeps her in the game.
But it’s too early to tell whether she winds up making her point or sevens out.
That’s according to the Las Vegas consulting firm that previously declared the “exceptionally onerous” taxes originally written into state law last summer would mean no dice for the city as it tried to attract developers to the table for a shot at the long-sought megacasino.
Union Gaming Analytics now says the revised Chicago structure that passed the Legislature during a shortened spring legislative session in May is “significantly more palatable for potential developers,” lowering the effective tax rate on gaming revenue from a whopping 72% to about 40%.
That should be “attractive enough” to draw proposals from gaming developers — and the city should start soliciting information from them, analyst Grant Govertsen wrote for Union Gaming in a report released this week.
In other words, it’s time for the city to show its cards.
“While the Chicago casino fix is already ‘old news,’ having been signed into law in late June by Governor [J.B.] Pritzker, we believe it received scant attention on the part of casino developers,” the updated report says. “The combination of COVID-19 casino shutdowns, emergency financings to bolster balance sheets, and putting development plans/teams on ice, has resulted in the Chicago casino opportunity largely flying under the radar.”
The firm recommended the city issue non-binding requests for information from developers this year and request formal proposals early next year. That would put the casino on track for Illinois Gaming Board approval by the end of 2021 and an opening by 2025, according to Union Gaming.
Jean Lachat/Chicago Sun-Times file
A spokeswoman for Lightfoot’s office said the city is reviewing the firm’s report but declined to comment on their claims or recommendations.
Lightfoot nabbed the casino that eluded a generation of Chicago mayors before her with the passage of a massive gambling expansion signed into law last summer by Pritzker. Revenue is earmarked for Chicago’s desperately underfunded police and firefighter pensions, and to help bankroll Pritzker’s $45 billion capital improvement plan.
While Union Gaming determined a downtown gambling mecca could rake in upwards of $1 billion annually, their initial state-mandated report claimed the tax burden would prevent any developer from turning a profit.
Lightfoot jostled state lawmakers in May to tweak the state and city takes on the Chicago casino’s slot and table game revenue, and to stretch out the time the developer has to pay back a hefty “reconciliation fee.”
Now that the taxes and fees have been hammered out, plenty of wrangling awaits to determine where the eventual developer will break ground in Chicago. Lightfoot’s office has promised “a robust community engagement process,” including a series of public meetings to gather residents’ input.
Mayor Lori Lighfoot talks to reporters in Springfield earlier this year. Neal Earley/Chicago Sun-Times
Industry insiders agree the casino must be located close to the city center to maximize profits, but last year Lightfoot offered up five South and West side sites — a list she stressed is “not definitive” — for Union Gaming to evaluate.
The sites included the Harborside Golf Course area at 111th Street and the Bishop Ford Freeway; Pershing Road and State Street; Roosevelt Road and Kostner Avenue; and the former U.S. Steel parcel at 80th Street and Lake Shore Drive.
Lightfoot also pinpointed the former Michael Reese hospital at 31st Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, which Union Gaming predicted would be most lucrative of the bunch drawing more than $800 million annually — but that site is off the board, instead pegged for a new research center.
A “centrally-located casino that is in close proximity to high-quality hotels and other notable tourist attractions” would be most profitable, to the tune of $1.2 billion per year, the consultant said. But the convention and tourism industries have opposed that idea.
The freshman mayor has said she envisions the development “as a large entertainment district — not just the box of a casino.”
Read the new Union Gaming report:


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--Pritzker urges precautions, patience and prayers as Illinois’ case tally from ‘insidious virus’ pass

Pritzker urges precautions, patience and prayers as Illinois’ case tally from ‘insidious virus’ passes 200,000  (LIVE UPDATES)

Pritzker urges precautions , patience and prayers as Illinois ’ case tally from ‘ insidious virus ’ passes 200,000 More than 200,000 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 over the last five months in Illinois — about 1.6 % of the state ’ s population — as health officials on Thursday announced the latest batch of 1,834 new coronavirus cases .
Since early March , a total of 200,427 people have been confirmed to be carrying the virus , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
The state has about 12.7 million residents .
Health officials also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died , raising the statewide pandemic death toll to 7,696 .
About 95 % of the state ’ s coronavirus patients have recovered .
Read the complete story by Mitchell Armentrout here .
The NCAA called off fall championship events — a move Thursday that does not effect major college football — because not enough schools will be competing in sports such as men ’ s and women ’ s soccer and women ’ s volleyball during the first semester .
NCAA President Mark Emmert made the announcement in a video posted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was coming as more and more conference canceled fall sports seasons because of the coronvirus pandemic .
“ Sadly , tragically that ’ s going to be the case this fall .
Full stop , ” Emmert said .
“ That doesn ’ t mean we shouldn ’ t and can ’ t turn toward winter and spring and say , ‘ How can we create a legitimate championship for those students ?
’ There are ways to do this .
I am completely confident we can figure this out .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … let ’ s do it.
” Seven new state-run centers opened this summer to further support Illinois small businesses .
The additional Small Business Development Centers are in Chicago , Elgin and Joliet .
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said the $ 11.5 million effort brings the total number of centers statewide to 42 .
“ With many Illinois businesses currently facing unprecedented burdens as a result of COVID-19 and recent civil unrest , our SBDC community partners can be a lifeline for businesses working to reopen safely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the department .
President Donald Trump frankly acknowledged Thursday that he ’ s starving the U.S .
Postal Service of money in order to make it harder to process an expected surge of mail-in ballots , which he worries could cost him the election .
In an interview on Fox Business Network , Trump explicitly noted two funding provisions that Democrats are seeking in a relief package that has stalled on Capitol Hill .
Without the additional money , he said , the Postal Service won ’ t have the resources to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are seeking to avoid polling places during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ If we don ’ t make a deal , that means they don ’ t get the money , ” Trump told host Maria Bartiromo .
“ That means they can ’ t have universal mail-in voting ; they just can ’ t have it.
” 4:50 p.m. AMC Theatres to offer 15-cent tickets on first day of reopening .
AMC Theatres , the nation ’ s largest movie theater chain , will reopen in the U.S. on Aug. 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per movie .
AMC Entertainment , which owns the chain , said Thursday that it expects to open the doors to more than 100 cinemas — or about a sixth of its nationwide locations — on Aug. 20 with throwback pricing for a day .
See which Chicago-area locations will be open here .
Joe Biden is calling for a nationwide protective mask mandate , citing health experts ’ predictions that it could save 40,000 lives from coronavirus over the next three months .
” Wearing the mask is less about you contracting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s about preventing other people from getting sick.
” The Democratic presidential candidate also responded to those who push back against such mandates .
“ This is America .
Be a patriot .
Protect your fellow citizens .
Step up , do the right thing.
” 2:45 p.m. UIC workers to take strike vote over pay raise , PPE Thousands of workers at the University of Illinois at Chicago are preparing to take a strike vote over working conditions and increased pay .
About 4,000 clerical , professional , service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for access to personal protective equipment , increased staffing levels and a raised minimum hourly wage of $ 15 .
Starting next week , SEIU Local 73 , which represents the workers , will open a vote on whether to approve a strike .
“ Workers are ready to strike for their lives , ” union president Dian Palmer said at a news conference Thursday .
“ Every job and every worker matter .
We will use our collective power to win for our families and communities.
” Read the full story by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many restaurants will Illinois lose to pandemic shutdowns ?
Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia on Wednesday painted a bleaker-than-ever picture of a restaurant industry decimated by the stay-at-home shutdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic and thrown for a loop yet again by two rounds of looting .
In a virtual address to the City Club of Chicago , Toia ticked off devastating statistics telling the heartbreaking story of restaurant owners who are “ barely hanging on ” now — and will have trouble doing even that when warm weather ends and outdoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Restaurant sales are down 80 % across the board — even with 25 % indoor capacity—and at least 20 % of Illinois ’ 24,000 restaurants “ will never reopen.
” • The statewide restaurant industry has laid off or furloughed 321,000 employees , 54 % of its total workforce .
• 86 % of restaurant operators say they are “ unlikely ” to turn a profit within the next six months .
Restaurants suffered yet another devastating blow this week when a second round of looting swept through downtown , River North and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ shattered , ” dining rooms “ left in shambles ” and food and beverages stolen .
Read the full story from Fran Spielman here .
10:22 a.m. UIC to require weekly COVID-19 testing for on-campus students , staff and athletes The University of Illinois at Chicago is implementing mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing for thousands of students and employees .
All students and staff living on campus ; all athletes and athletic staff ; and all performing arts students and staff will have to be tested weekly , starting Aug. 17 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests , which will be free for students , faculty and staff , should provide results within 24 hours .
People with COVID-19 symptoms , however , aren ’ t eligible for the test and instead “ should be referred to a healthcare provider for evaluation.
” These targeted groups make up about 2,000 people who will be tested on a weekly basis , said Sherri McGinnis Gonzalez , a university spokeswoman .
The saliva samples will be analyzed in the school ’ s pathology lab on campus .
People are required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend on-campus events or classes .
About 1,700 students will live on campus this fall and have to receive regular testing , cut in half from the typical 3,400 students who normally live in the dorms , according to McGinnis Gonzalez .
Students living off campus who aren ’ t athletes or in performing arts are currently not being tested as a part of this program , McGinnis Gonzalez said , though the university plans to expand the program in coming weeks .
8:19 a.m. Illinois at ‘ make-or-break moment ?
’ Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Pritzker says , ‘ We can lick this thing ’ Another 1,645 people have contracted COVID-19 across Illinois , testing positivity rates are up across much of the state — and “ concern is growing each day about the direction our numbers are going , ” the state ’ s top doctor said Wednesday .
“ Remember that numbers increasing actually represents people infected with this new virus , ” Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said .
“ Those people infected with the new virus can go on to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick can go on to be hospitalized , and those people who are hospitalized can go on to have very severe complications up to death.
” The latest cases were confirmed among 42,098 tests , keeping the state ’ s positivity rate over the last week at 4.1 % .
That number has floated over 4 % for the past week after nearly two months without eclipsing that mark , and it ’ s up from 2.5 % a month ago .
Positivity rates have increased or stayed the same in nine of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , a red flag for a state that ’ s reached a “ make-or-break moment ” with the coronavirus on the rebound , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said .
• Another 1,645 people have contracted COVID-19 across Illinois , health officials announced Wednesday .
• Trini Lopez , a singer and guitarist who gained fame for his versions of “ Lemon Tree ” and “ If I Had a Hammer ” in the 1960s and took his talents to Hollywood , died Tuesday from complications of COVID-19 .
He was 83 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than to be first when it comes to a COVID-19 vaccine Early next year , scientists tell us , Americans can expect to hear that a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 soon will be available .
When that happens — and the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci , has said he is cautiously optimistic on the timeline for 2021 — it will be the best news possible for our pandemic-weary country .
All of us are waiting for a breakthrough that will allow daily life to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again : to go back to movies , ball games and concerts or host dinner parties without fear of catching or spreading the coronavirus .
Life may not be completely “ normal ” for a long time , but a reliable vaccine is essential to the fight .
Masks and social distancing can do only so much .
“ A vaccine will be the strongest thing we have against the disease , ” as Dr. Karen Krueger of Northwestern University ’ s Feinberg School of Medicine told us .
Read the full editorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Illinois passed another grim coronavirus milestone on Thursday — 200,000 cases have now been counted in the state. Gov. J.B. Pritzker continued to urge caution among state residents. Nationally, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden called for a national face-mask wearing mandate.
The state continued to struggle to regain its lost economic footing as well. Seven new state-run centers have opened this summer to further support Illinois small businesses. And a long-standing restaurant in the West Loop, La Sardine, announced its closing.
Here’s what we learned in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
More than 200,000 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 over the last five months in Illinois — about 1.6% of the state’s population — as health officials on Thursday announced the latest batch of 1,834 new coronavirus cases.
Since early March, a total of 200,427 people have been confirmed to be carrying the virus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The state has about 12.7 million residents.
Health officials also announced 24 more residents with COVID-19 have died, raising the statewide pandemic death toll to 7,696. About 95% of the state’s coronavirus patients have recovered.
Read the complete story by Mitchell Armentrout here.
News
9 p.m. La Sardine, a West Loop institution, permanently closes because of coronavirus
After a 22-year run, La Sardine, the noted French bistro in the West Loop, will close because of the coronavirus.
The restaurant, located at 111 N. Carpenter, called COVID-19 “and extinction event for restaurants.” Without outdoor seating or parking, La Sardine struggled with the coronavirus restrictions. The closing announcement was posted Thursday on Facebook.
“It has been a true blessing serving you all, and we are so honored that you chose to spend so many of your life’s special moments with us. Truly.”
Read the full story by John Silver here.
8 p.m. More US churches sue to challenge COVID-19 restrictions
Churches in California and Minnesota, backed by a conservative legal group, filed lawsuits this week against the governors of their states challenging restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak that they contend are violations of religious liberty.
They’re the latest in a long series of legal challenges, many of them in California, pitting clerics and houses of worship who believe they should be exempt from certain restrictions on public gatherings against governors who insist the measures are needed to rein in the pandemic. Most of the suits have been rebuffed; some have succeeded.
In Minnesota, a lawsuit was filed Thursday in federal court challenging Gov. Tim Walz’s executive orders requiring 6-foot social distancing and the wearing of face masks at worship services.
7:10 p.m. NCAA cancels fall championships as major football marches on
The NCAA called off fall championship events — a move Thursday that does not effect major college football — because not enough schools will be competing in sports such as men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball during the first semester.
NCAA President Mark Emmert made the announcement in a video posted on Twitter, but it has been clear this was coming as more and more conference canceled fall sports seasons because of the coronvirus pandemic.
“Sadly, tragically that’s going to be the case this fall. Full stop,” Emmert said. “That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t and can’t turn toward winter and spring and say, ‘How can we create a legitimate championship for those students?’ There are ways to do this. I am completely confident we can figure this out. If schools and conferences want to move forward … let’s do it.”
6:20 p.m. Illinois opens additional centers to support small businesses
Seven new state-run centers opened this summer to further support Illinois small businesses.
The additional Small Business Development Centers are in Chicago, Elgin and Joliet. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said the $11.5 million effort brings the total number of centers statewide to 42.
“With many Illinois businesses currently facing unprecedented burdens as a result of COVID-19 and recent civil unrest, our SBDC community partners can be a lifeline for businesses working to reopen safely,” said Michael Negron, acting director of the department.
Read the full story here.
5:35 p.m. Trump admits he’s blocking postal cash to stop mail-in votes
President Donald Trump frankly acknowledged Thursday that he’s starving the U.S. Postal Service of money in order to make it harder to process an expected surge of mail-in ballots, which he worries could cost him the election.
In an interview on Fox Business Network, Trump explicitly noted two funding provisions that Democrats are seeking in a relief package that has stalled on Capitol Hill. Without the additional money, he said, the Postal Service won’t have the resources to handle a flood of ballots from voters who are seeking to avoid polling places during the coronavirus pandemic.
“If we don’t make a deal, that means they don’t get the money,” Trump told host Maria Bartiromo. “That means they can’t have universal mail-in voting; they just can’t have it.”
Read the full story here.
4:50 p.m. AMC Theatres to offer 15-cent tickets on first day of reopening.
AMC Theatres, the nation’s largest movie theater chain, will reopen in the U.S. on Aug. 20 with retro ticket prices of 15 cents per movie.
AMC Entertainment, which owns the chain, said Thursday that it expects to open the doors to more than 100 cinemas — or about a sixth of its nationwide locations — on Aug. 20 with throwback pricing for a day.
4 p.m. Biden calls for nationwide mask mandate to fight coronavirus
Joe Biden is calling for a nationwide protective mask mandate, citing health experts’ predictions that it could save 40,000 lives from coronavirus over the next three months.
”Wearing the mask is less about you contracting the virus,” Biden said. “It’s about preventing other people from getting sick.”
The Democratic presidential candidate also responded to those who push back against such mandates.
“This is America. Be a patriot. Protect your fellow citizens. Step up, do the right thing.”
Read the full story here.
2:45 p.m. UIC workers to take strike vote over pay raise, PPE
Thousands of workers at the University of Illinois at Chicago are preparing to take a strike vote over working conditions and increased pay.
About 4,000 clerical, professional, service, maintenance and technical workers are calling for access to personal protective equipment, increased staffing levels and a raised minimum hourly wage of $15. Starting next week, SEIU Local 73, which represents the workers, will open a vote on whether to approve a strike.
“Workers are ready to strike for their lives,” union president Dian Palmer said at a news conference Thursday. “Every job and every worker matter. We will use our collective power to win for our families and communities.”
Read the full story by Clare Proctor here.
12:30 p.m. How many restaurants will Illinois lose to pandemic shutdowns?
Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia on Wednesday painted a bleaker-than-ever picture of a restaurant industry decimated by the stay-at-home shutdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic and thrown for a loop yet again by two rounds of looting.
In a virtual address to the City Club of Chicago, Toia ticked off devastating statistics telling the heartbreaking story of restaurant owners who are “barely hanging on” now — and will have trouble doing even that when warm weather ends and outdoor dining isn’t possible:
• Restaurant sales are down 80% across the board — even with 25% indoor capacity—and at least 20% of Illinois’ 24,000 restaurants “will never reopen.”
• The statewide restaurant industry has laid off or furloughed 321,000 employees, 54% of its total workforce.
• 86% of restaurant operators say they are “unlikely” to turn a profit within the next six months.
Restaurants suffered yet another devastating blow this week when a second round of looting swept through downtown, River North and Lincoln Park. Toia said windows were “shattered,” dining rooms “left in shambles” and food and beverages stolen.
Read the full story from Fran Spielman here.
10:22 a.m. UIC to require weekly COVID-19 testing for on-campus students, staff and athletes
The University of Illinois at Chicago is implementing mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing for thousands of students and employees.
All students and staff living on campus; all athletes and athletic staff; and all performing arts students and staff will have to be tested weekly, starting Aug. 17, according to an announcement Wednesday. The saliva-based tests, which will be free for students, faculty and staff, should provide results within 24 hours. People with COVID-19 symptoms, however, aren’t eligible for the test and instead “should be referred to a healthcare provider for evaluation.”
These targeted groups make up about 2,000 people who will be tested on a weekly basis, said Sherri McGinnis Gonzalez, a university spokeswoman. The saliva samples will be analyzed in the school’s pathology lab on campus. People are required to have a negative test result before they attend on-campus events or classes.
About 1,700 students will live on campus this fall and have to receive regular testing, cut in half from the typical 3,400 students who normally live in the dorms, according to McGinnis Gonzalez.
Students living off campus who aren’t athletes or in performing arts are currently not being tested as a part of this program, McGinnis Gonzalez said, though the university plans to expand the program in coming weeks.
Read the full report here.
8:19 a.m. Illinois at ‘make-or-break moment?’ Despite high COVID-19 caseloads, troubling positivity rates, Pritzker says, ‘We can lick this thing’
Another 1,645 people have contracted COVID-19 across Illinois, testing positivity rates are up across much of the state — and “concern is growing each day about the direction our numbers are going,” the state’s top doctor said Wednesday.
“Remember that numbers increasing actually represents people infected with this new virus,” Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. “Those people infected with the new virus can go on to get sick, and those people who are sick can go on to be hospitalized, and those people who are hospitalized can go on to have very severe complications up to death.”
The latest cases were confirmed among 42,098 tests, keeping the state’s positivity rate over the last week at 4.1%.
That number has floated over 4% for the past week after nearly two months without eclipsing that mark, and it’s up from 2.5% a month ago.
Positivity rates have increased or stayed the same in nine of Illinois’ 11 regions over the last week, a red flag for a state that’s reached a “make-or-break moment” with the coronavirus on the rebound, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.
Read the full story here.
New Cases
Legendary horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas recovering from COVID-19.
Another 1,645 people have contracted COVID-19 across Illinois, health officials announced Wednesday.
Trini Lopez, a singer and guitarist who gained fame for his versions of “Lemon Tree” and “If I Had a Hammer” in the 1960s and took his talents to Hollywood, died Tuesday from complications of COVID-19. He was 83.
Analysis & Commentary
8:05 p.m. Trump finally admits it: He’s weakening the postal service to sway elections
We’ve long said President Donald Trump is purposely sabotaging the U.S. Postal Service in a desperate attempt to steal the November election.
Now there is proof. And it comes straight from the president himself.
In a FOX Business interview Thursday, Trump admitted he is blocking the postal service from receiving $25 billion in coronavirus stimulus money because some of the funds would be used to expand mail-in voting during the pandemic.
He’s also standing in the way of an additional $3.6 billion in pandemic funding that states would get to bolster election security and mail-in voting.
8:21 a.m. Better to build trust than to be first when it comes to a COVID-19 vaccine
Early next year, scientists tell us, Americans can expect to hear that a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 soon will be available.
When that happens — and the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has said he is cautiously optimistic on the timeline for 2021 — it will be the best news possible for our pandemic-weary country.
All of us are waiting for a breakthrough that will allow daily life to return to some semblance of normal once again: to go back to movies, ball games and concerts or host dinner parties without fear of catching or spreading the coronavirus.
Life may not be completely “normal” for a long time, but a reliable vaccine is essential to the fight. Masks and social distancing can do only so much. “A vaccine will be the strongest thing we have against the disease,” as Dr. Karen Krueger of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine told us.
Read the full editorial from the Sun-Times editorial board here.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--NCAA cancels fall championships as major football marches on

The NCAA called off fall championship events — a move Thursday that does not effect major college football — because not enough schools will be competing in sports such as men ’ s and women ’ s soccer and women ’ s volleyball during the first semester .
NCAA President Mark Emmert made the announcement in a video posted on Twitter , but it has been clear this was coming as more and more conference canceled fall sports seasons because of the coronvirus pandemic .
“ Sadly , tragically that ’ s going to be the case this fall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That doesn ’ t mean we shouldn ’ t and can ’ t turn toward winter and spring and say , ‘ How can we create a legitimate championship for those students ?
’ There are ways to do this .
I am completely confident we can figure this out .
If schools and conferences want to move forward … let ’ s do it.
” Emmert said the NCAA would prioritize staging championships in winter and spring sports because those — including the NCAA basketball tournaments— were canceled when COVID-19 first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moving fall sports to the spring still must go through the Division I Council , which is comprised of representatives of all 32 conferences , and be approved by the DI Board of Directors .
“ If we modify the model , which we need to do anyway because of the virus , shrink the bracket sizes , do everything in predetermined sites instead of running kids around the country .
Use predetermined sites , move toward a bubble or semi-bubble models , ” Emmert said .
“ Will it be normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create other conflicts and challenges , of course .
But is it doable ?
Yeah.
” Last week the NCAA Board of Governors said championship events in a sport would canceled if fewer than 50 % of the teams competing in that sports played a regular season .
Divisions II and III almost immediately followed by canceling their fall championships .
Division I — which is comprised of 357 schools — held on , but as conference after conference canceled their fall seasons the tipping point came .
Falls sports also include field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Schools in conferences that have not yet canceled their fall seasons could conceivably try to stage regular-season competition over the next few months .
The highest tier of Division I football , the Bowl Subdivision , is not impacted .
The College Football Playoff is run by the conferences and six of those leagues are still moving toward having a season , including the Southeastern Conference , Atlantic Coast Conference and Big 12 .
Earlier in the day , the NCAA ’ s chief medical officer and two of its infectious disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 throughout the United States remains an enormous obstacle for college sports to overcome .
“ I feel like the Titanic .
We have hit the iceberg , and we ’ re trying to make decisions of what time should we have the band play , ” said Dr. Carlos Del Rio , executive associate dean at Emory University .
Del Rio , a member of the NCAA ’ s COVID-19 advisory panel , appeared with NCAA chief medical officer Dr. Brian Hainline on a webinar hosted by the Infectious Diseases Society of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big Ten and Pac-12 became the first Power Five conferences to decide not to play football , or any sports , this fall .
“ We need to focus on what ’ s important , ” Del Rio said .
“ What ’ s important right now is we need to control this virus .
Not having fall sports this year , in controlling this virus , would be to me the No .
1 priority.
” The United States has had more than 5 million COVID-19 cases .

The NCAA called off fall championship events — a move Thursday that does not effect major college football — because not enough schools will be competing in sports such as men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball during the first semester.
NCAA President Mark Emmert made the announcement in a video posted on Twitter, but it has been clear this was coming as more and more conference canceled fall sports seasons because of the coronvirus pandemic.
“Sadly, tragically that’s going to be the case this fall. Full stop,” Emmert said. “That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t and can’t turn toward winter and spring and say, ‘How can we create a legitimate championship for those students?’ There are ways to do this. I am completely confident we can figure this out. If schools and conferences want to move forward … let’s do it.”
Emmert said the NCAA would prioritize staging championships in winter and spring sports because those — including the NCAA basketball tournaments— were canceled when COVID-19 first spiked across the United States in March.
Moving fall sports to the spring still must go through the Division I Council, which is comprised of representatives of all 32 conferences, and be approved by the DI Board of Directors.
“If we modify the model, which we need to do anyway because of the virus, shrink the bracket sizes, do everything in predetermined sites instead of running kids around the country. Use predetermined sites, move toward a bubble or semi-bubble models,” Emmert said. “Will it be normal, of course not. Will it create other conflicts and challenges, of course. But is it doable? Yeah.”
Last week the NCAA Board of Governors said championship events in a sport would canceled if fewer than 50% of the teams competing in that sports played a regular season.
Divisions II and III almost immediately followed by canceling their fall championships. Division I — which is comprised of 357 schools — held on, but as conference after conference canceled their fall seasons the tipping point came.
Falls sports also include field hockey, cross country and water polo. Schools in conferences that have not yet canceled their fall seasons could conceivably try to stage regular-season competition over the next few months.
The highest tier of Division I football, the Bowl Subdivision, is not impacted. The College Football Playoff is run by the conferences and six of those leagues are still moving toward having a season, including the Southeastern Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference and Big 12.
Earlier in the day, the NCAA’s chief medical officer and two of its infectious disease expert advisers warned the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States remains an enormous obstacle for college sports to overcome.
“I feel like the Titanic. We have hit the iceberg, and we’re trying to make decisions of what time should we have the band play,” said Dr. Carlos Del Rio, executive associate dean at Emory University.
Del Rio, a member of the NCAA’s COVID-19 advisory panel, appeared with NCAA chief medical officer Dr. Brian Hainline on a webinar hosted by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Earlier this week, the Big Ten and Pac-12 became the first Power Five conferences to decide not to play football, or any sports, this fall.
“We need to focus on what’s important,” Del Rio said. “What’s important right now is we need to control this virus. Not having fall sports this year, in controlling this virus, would be to me the No. 1 priority.”
The United States has had more than 5 million COVID-19 cases.