chicagosun-times--2020-03-30--South Loop man dies after neighbors, friends honor him outside condo

William Hession , the elderly man who was honored with a small gathering outside his South Loop condo this weekend , died Monday after a five-month battle with cancer .
He was 83 .
The former high school teacher and counselor , who went by the first name Bill , spent most summer mornings checking his email while sitting on a bench in Dearborn Park with his dog , Veronica .
There , he would spark up conversations with strangers — most of whom became friends of his through the years .
“ He was a loving human being , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ And he loved people.
” After returning home from a cruise last October , Bill Hession was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia , a therapy-related cancer that resulted from the chemotherapy he received for colon cancer the year before , his daughter said .
The cancer metastasized quickly and aggressively .
He entered hospice care last week after receiving treatment at Northwestern Memorial Hospital .
Hession ’ s family was grateful he would be able to spend his final days at home surrounded by his loved ones .
But they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be able to host a proper wake and funeral due to restrictions on large gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic .
That ’ s when his Katie Hession decided to organize a small gathering of their neighbors and friends outside her father ’ s home .
More than 50 people showed up to the event to honor Bill Hession Saturday .
Most brought their dogs and held handmade signs .
“ We will miss your stories at the dog park , ” one sign read .
“ Thanks for your friendship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family waved an Irish flag as children drew a green shamrock in chalk on the pavement .
At one point , someone began singing , “ When Irish Eyes are Smiling.
” Though Hession was too weak to make it to the window to see the tribute , his wife and daughter recounted the scene when he awoke from his sleep later that day .
“ It was just a wonderful tribute , ” his daughter said .
On Sunday , she read her father the Chicago Sun-Times ’ story about the gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Katie Hession wrote in an email to the Sun-Times after he died .
“ I ’ m sure he did .
“ The parade and tributes would have warmed his heart .
”

William Hession, the elderly man who was honored with a small gathering outside his South Loop condo this weekend, died Monday after a five-month battle with cancer. He was 83.
The former high school teacher and counselor, who went by the first name Bill, spent most summer mornings checking his email while sitting on a bench in Dearborn Park with his dog, Veronica. There, he would spark up conversations with strangers — most of whom became friends of his through the years.
“He was a loving human being,” his daughter, Katie Hession, said. “And he loved people.”
After returning home from a cruise last October, Bill Hession was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a therapy-related cancer that resulted from the chemotherapy he received for colon cancer the year before, his daughter said. The cancer metastasized quickly and aggressively. He entered hospice care last week after receiving treatment at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Hession’s family was grateful he would be able to spend his final days at home surrounded by his loved ones. But they were heartbroken to find out they wouldn’t be able to host a proper wake and funeral due to restrictions on large gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic.
That’s when Katie Hession decided to organize a small gathering of their neighbors and friends outside her father’s home.
More than 50 people showed up to the event to honor Bill Hession Saturday. Most brought their dogs and held handmade signs.
“We will miss your stories at the dog park,” one sign read.
“Thanks for your friendship!” another person wrote.
More than 50 people congregated outside a South Loop condominium to say their final farewell to 83-year-old William Hession. Provided
One family waved an Irish flag as children drew a green shamrock in chalk on the pavement. At one point, someone began singing, “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.”
Though Hession was too weak to make it to the window to see the tribute, his wife and daughter recounted the scene when he awoke from his sleep later that day.
“Oh my God,” he whispered repeatedly.
“It was just a wonderful tribute,” his daughter said.
On Sunday, she read her father the Chicago Sun-Times’ story about the gathering.
“I hope he heard it,” Katie Hession wrote in an email to the Sun-Times after he died. “I’m sure he did.
“The parade and tributes would have warmed his heart.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-30--Chicago outdoors: Smelt netting or not and an update on Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Smelt netting or not in Chicago and access at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie are the updates for Monday , March 30 , around Chicago outdoors during COVID-19 .
The Chicago Park District came down with this official statement Monday afternoon on smelt netting , the tradition that usually begins on the evening of April 1 and runs through the end of the April .
Obviously , it was not going to open Wednesday night , April 1 , this year .
Here is the official statement from the park district : Last week , Mayor Lightfoot closed the Lakefront Trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all adjacent parks to the public to prevent people from engaging in large gatherings that violate Governor Pritzker ’ s Stay at Home Order .
The Lakefront will remain closed throughout the Governor ’ s order to all public activities , including smelt netting , until the Governor and the Chicago Department of Health deem it safe to reopen .
That leaves a sliver of hope for late in the month .
I had trouble deciphering if it was a go or not at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie , the great outdoor space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trails remain open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m .
There are over 30 miles of non-motorized trails .
Trail maps in English and Spanish are available online : www.fs.usda.gov/main/midewin/maps-pubs .
Self-guided tours are also available on the website that are accessible by smartphone : https : //midewin.oncell.com/en/index.html .
The health and safety of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie visitors , volunteers , staff , partners and nearby communities remains our top priority .
In accordance with direction regarding social distancing provided by our Federal partner agency , the Centers for Disease Control and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wauponsee Trailhead is temporarily unavailable for public use effective March 30 , 2020 .
Please continue to follow the guidance of our local health officials and CDC .
For more information , visit : https : //www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html .
There are options for getting outside .

Smelt netting or not in Chicago and access at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie are the updates for Monday, March 30, around Chicago outdoors during COVID-19.
The Chicago Park District came down with this official statement Monday afternoon on smelt netting, the tradition that usually begins on the evening of April 1 and runs through the end of the April. Obviously, it was not going to open Wednesday night, April 1, this year.
Here is the official statement from the park district:
Last week, Mayor Lightfoot closed the Lakefront Trail, the 606, the Riverwalk and all adjacent parks to the public to prevent people from engaging in large gatherings that violate Governor Pritzker’s Stay at Home Order. The Lakefront will remain closed throughout the Governor’s order to all public activities, including smelt netting, until the Governor and the Chicago Department of Health deem it safe to reopen.
That leaves a sliver of hope for late in the month.
Sausages grilled near Shedd Aquarium on opening night in 2019 of smelt netting on the Chicago lakefront. Dale Bowman
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the great outdoor space in Will County near Wilmington, remains fairly wide open for public use.
Monday afternoon, I received this update:
Midewin trails remain open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are over 30 miles of non-motorized trails. Trail maps in English and Spanish are available online: www.fs.usda.gov/main/midewin/maps-pubs. Self-guided tours are also available on the website that are accessible by smartphone: https://midewin.oncell.com/en/index.html. The health and safety of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie visitors, volunteers, staff, partners and nearby communities remains our top priority. In accordance with direction regarding social distancing provided by our Federal partner agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the restroom facility at the Wauponsee Trailhead is temporarily unavailable for public use effective March 30, 2020. Please continue to follow the guidance of our local health officials and CDC. For more information, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
There are options for getting outside.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-30--29 more CPD members test positive for COVID-19, raising total to 50

The Chicago Police Department on Monday announced that 29 more employees have tested positive for the coronavirus , There are @ @ @ @ @ the disease in the department , Chicago police said .
“ They are getting the @ @ @ @ @ are prioritizing infection control protocols within police facilities , ” CPD chief spokesman Anthony Guglielmi @ @ @ @ @ the cases .
Last Friday , the department said it had 29 cases of the @ @ @ @ @ in all three areas : Central , North and South .
Last week , interim @ @ @ @ @ announced new department protocols to prevent the spread of the disease among officers .
State @ @ @ @ @ 461 additional cases of COVID-19 in the state , bringing the total number of positive @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s death stands at 73 people .

The Chicago Police Department on Monday announced that 29 more employees have tested positive for the coronavirus,
There are now 50 total cases of the disease in the department, Chicago police said.
“They are getting the best care available and we are prioritizing infection control protocols within police facilities,” CPD chief spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a tweet announcing the cases.
Last Friday, the department said it had 29 cases of the disease. They were reported in all three areas: Central, North and South.
Last week, interim CPD Supt. Charlie Beck announced new department protocols to prevent the spread of the disease among officers.
State health officials on Monday announced 461 additional cases of COVID-19 in the state, bringing the total number of positive cases to 5,057. The state’s death stands at 73 people.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-30--MLB players worry about injuries in potential condensed season

As Major League Baseball and the players ’ union contemplate various ways to create a schedule for whenever the coronavirus pandemic subsides , Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart raised a concern that is surely shared by others around the sport : Could trying to cram in games , and maybe extend the season into late November or December , lead to injuries ?
“ The player safety piece is a big thing , ” Barnhart , a union representative , said Monday on a conference call with reporters .
That involves how many off-days are salvaged in 2020 , how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any given week and how 2021 could be affected if there is a shorter-than-usual offseason .
“ Moving forward , I don ’ t think you can do things that are going to compromise the integrity of next season , as well .
What I mean by that is forcing the issue of getting so many games in that you risk injury , and you risk major injury to players , because you are trying to get in as many games as you can , ” Barnhart said .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — it ’ s not from the union — but you ’ re going to have to protect us as players , ” he continued .
“ And if you can ’ t do that , I think that would be where I personally would kind of draw the line.
” That ’ s also top of mind for Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jameson Taillon , who already has been ruled out for 2020 while recovering from a second reconstructive surgery on his right elbow .
He ’ s brought up the idea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into November , but said that ’ s been “ shut down pretty quickly.
” Speaking more generally about the effect an altered season could have on guys around the majors , Taillon said : “ This is a unique situation .
We ’ re going to have to be careful health-wise.
” No one knows when baseball and other suspended sports will resume , because no one knows when life might return to normal in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Three-quarters of a million people around the world have become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a running count kept by Johns Hopkins University , counts that include more than 140,000 infections and more than 2,500 deaths in the U.S. Spring training was halted on March 12 ; opening day was supposed to be last week and won ’ t happen any earlier than mid-May .
“ At this point , it ’ s hard to say what can or should be done .
MLB is exhausting all of their brainpower and manpower , along with the 30 clubs , to come up with some ideas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play a regular season in as many games as possible and get to a playoff scenario , ” said Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo , whose team has turned over the grounds of its spring facility to public testing for the coronavirus .
“ As the commissioner said , we ’ re going to need to get creative , ” Rizzo added .
“ But beyond that , we ’ re just speculating on all of these things.
” MLB and its players are hoping to complete initial discussions on scheduling by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under consideration : pushing back the end of the season , even if it involves using neutral sites and domes to avoid colder weather in many cities ; increasing doubleheaders to get more games in per week than usual ; playing games without spectators ; changing the postseason format .
“ We ’ ve been told , ” said Taillon , a union rep , “ there ’ s no such thing as a bad idea right now .
“ Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus , also a union rep , described a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players this way : “ We were basically talking about potential scenarios and how crazy this season will be , how challenging it will be.
” Barnhart , for one , is realistic about what is going to drive the ultimate decisions about what a season might look like .
“ It goes without saying that , as players , we want to play as many games ( as possible ) , not only because we love playing , but also we want to make as much money as possible .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it , ” he said .
“ And the same goes with ownership and all of that .
So everybody wants to make money .
”

As Major League Baseball and the players’ union contemplate various ways to create a schedule for whenever the coronavirus pandemic subsides, Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart raised a concern that is surely shared by others around the sport: Could trying to cram in games, and maybe extend the season into late November or December, lead to injuries?
“The player safety piece is a big thing,” Barnhart, a union representative, said Monday on a conference call with reporters.
That involves how many off-days are salvaged in 2020, how many times teams are told to play in any given week and how 2021 could be affected if there is a shorter-than-usual offseason.
“Moving forward, I don’t think you can do things that are going to compromise the integrity of next season, as well. What I mean by that is forcing the issue of getting so many games in that you risk injury, and you risk major injury to players, because you are trying to get in as many games as you can,” Barnhart said.
“This is all assumptions and thoughts from me specifically — it’s not from the union — but you’re going to have to protect us as players,” he continued. “And if you can’t do that, I think that would be where I personally would kind of draw the line.”
That’s also top of mind for Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jameson Taillon, who already has been ruled out for 2020 while recovering from a second reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. He’s brought up the idea of trying to return if the season goes into November, but said that’s been “shut down pretty quickly.”
Speaking more generally about the effect an altered season could have on guys around the majors, Taillon said: “This is a unique situation. We’re going to have to be careful health-wise.”
No one knows when baseball and other suspended sports will resume, because no one knows when life might return to normal in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. Three-quarters of a million people around the world have become infected and over 35,000 have died, according to a running count kept by Johns Hopkins University, counts that include more than 140,000 infections and more than 2,500 deaths in the U.S.
Spring training was halted on March 12; opening day was supposed to be last week and won’t happen any earlier than mid-May.
“At this point, it’s hard to say what can or should be done. MLB is exhausting all of their brainpower and manpower, along with the 30 clubs, to come up with some ideas and what’s the best way to play a regular season in as many games as possible and get to a playoff scenario,” said Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, whose team has turned over the grounds of its spring facility to public testing for the coronavirus.
“As the commissioner said, we’re going to need to get creative,” Rizzo added. “But beyond that, we’re just speculating on all of these things.”
MLB and its players are hoping to complete initial discussions on scheduling by April 10, and among the proposals under consideration: pushing back the end of the season, even if it involves using neutral sites and domes to avoid colder weather in many cities; increasing doubleheaders to get more games in per week than usual; playing games without spectators; changing the postseason format.
“We’ve been told,” said Taillon, a union rep, “there’s no such thing as a bad idea right now. “
Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus, also a union rep, described a recent call about scheduling options with other players this way: “We were basically talking about potential scenarios and how crazy this season will be, how challenging it will be.”
Barnhart, for one, is realistic about what is going to drive the ultimate decisions about what a season might look like.
“It goes without saying that, as players, we want to play as many games (as possible), not only because we love playing, but also we want to make as much money as possible. That’s the God’s honest truth about it,” he said. “And the same goes with ownership and all of that. So everybody wants to make money.”


chicagosun-times--2020-03-31--Dear Abby: On wedding day, I got revenge on my cheating fiance

DEAR ABBY : This is an open letter to all those women who write to you knowing their men cheated on them and then ask , “ Should I marry him ?
” In their hearts they already know the answer ; they just want YOU to tell them “ NO !
” My mother saw my fiance ’ s car around town , parked at various churches and parking lots .
He parked there so I wouldn ’ t see his car at “ the other woman ’ s ” house .
Well , I showed up unexpectedly at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both asleep in his bed .
In a way , I felt relieved .
I knew I had to do something .
I immediately canceled everything , but had the wedding invitations printed and gave them to his mom and sister to send out “ right away.
” When the big day arrived , I sat across the street in Dad ’ s car with my mom , watching as only HIS side of the family showed up at the vacant church .
The note on the door read : “ Stay with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other !
Now tell your family what you did.
” I explained everything to my parents an hour later over dinner at the restaurant where we were supposed to have had our reception .
We were all relieved the wedding was canceled .
We laughed so much , and we reviewed all the signs that my mom tried to show me that I had ignored .
So don ’ t get mad , ladies .
Do what I did — dry your tears and get even .
— NEVER LOOKED BACK DEAR NEVER @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have listened to your mother .
You ’ re lucky you found out in time and didn ’ t marry your faithless fiance .
While I don ’ t normally recommend revenge , I think in this case , the man had it coming .
DEAR ABBY : I am 52 years old and have experienced chronic fatigue ( from Lyme and Epstein-Barr ) most of my adult life .
Four years ago , I discovered a wonderful medical practitioner and , by adhering to her protocol , regained such improved health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization .
Due to a recent setback , however , fatigue has prevented me from volunteering , and my absence has been noticed .
Although I am usually a private person , I decided to divulge my health issues to the leader so he wouldn ’ t think I was unhappy with my duties .
He then began asking if I had tried various health products and remedies to the point where I felt I was on trial and defending myself .
In the past , before I received an accurate diagnosis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ validity of my illness , so I am sensitive to being questioned .
Over the years , I have sought treatment from various sources , from local health stores to nationally recognized hospitals , and I don ’ t appreciate advice from healthy armchair experts .
I also don ’ t like being questioned or doubted .
Did I set myself up by disclosing my health issues , or should I have remained polite but vague ?
— SURVIVOR IN THE EAST DEAR SURVIVOR : In a sense , yes , you did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for your absence .
The medical conditions from which you suffer were poorly understood years ago , and many people — medical personnel included — were under the impression that their patients ’ problems were all in their heads .
Please try to be less defensive where this person is concerned .
From my perspective , he was only trying to be helpful .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

DEAR ABBY: This is an open letter to all those women who write to you knowing their men cheated on them and then ask, “Should I marry him?” In their hearts they already know the answer; they just want YOU to tell them “NO!”
My mother saw my fiance’s car around town, parked at various churches and parking lots. He parked there so I wouldn’t see his car at “the other woman’s” house. Well, I showed up unexpectedly at his place one night and saw them both asleep in his bed. In a way, I felt relieved.
I knew I had to do something. I immediately canceled everything, but had the wedding invitations printed and gave them to his mom and sister to send out “right away.” When the big day arrived, I sat across the street in Dad’s car with my mom, watching as only HIS side of the family showed up at the vacant church. The note on the door read: “Stay with ‘Jazmine.’ You two deserve each other! Now tell your family what you did.”
I explained everything to my parents an hour later over dinner at the restaurant where we were supposed to have had our reception. We were all relieved the wedding was canceled. We laughed so much, and we reviewed all the signs that my mom tried to show me that I had ignored.
So don’t get mad, ladies. Do what I did — dry your tears and get even. — NEVER LOOKED BACK
DEAR NEVER: Love is blind, and you should have listened to your mother. You’re lucky you found out in time and didn’t marry your faithless fiance. While I don’t normally recommend revenge, I think in this case, the man had it coming.
DEAR ABBY: I am 52 years old and have experienced chronic fatigue (from Lyme and Epstein-Barr) most of my adult life. Four years ago, I discovered a wonderful medical practitioner and, by adhering to her protocol, regained such improved health that I began volunteering with a local organization. Due to a recent setback, however, fatigue has prevented me from volunteering, and my absence has been noticed.
Although I am usually a private person, I decided to divulge my health issues to the leader so he wouldn’t think I was unhappy with my duties. He then began asking if I had tried various health products and remedies to the point where I felt I was on trial and defending myself. In the past, before I received an accurate diagnosis, some family members and physicians doubted the validity of my illness, so I am sensitive to being questioned.
Over the years, I have sought treatment from various sources, from local health stores to nationally recognized hospitals, and I don’t appreciate advice from healthy armchair experts. I also don’t like being questioned or doubted. Did I set myself up by disclosing my health issues, or should I have remained polite but vague? — SURVIVOR IN THE EAST
DEAR SURVIVOR: In a sense, yes, you did set yourself up by disclosing the reason for your absence. The medical conditions from which you suffer were poorly understood years ago, and many people — medical personnel included — were under the impression that their patients’ problems were all in their heads. Please try to be less defensive where this person is concerned. From my perspective, he was only trying to be helpful.
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--2020-03-31--Menu planner: Baked brown rice with roasted red peppers perfect for a meatless dinner

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt , plus more to taste Heat oven to 375 degrees .
Heat oil in Dutch oven on medium until shimmering .
Add onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt ; cook 12 to 14 minutes , stirring occasionally , or until softened and well browned .
Stir in water and broth ; bring to a boil .
Stir in rice , cover and transfer pot to oven .
Bake 65 to 70 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed .
Remove pot from oven .
Sprinkle red peppers over rice , cover and let sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gently with fork to combine .
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste .
Serve with parmesan and lemon wedges .
Per serving : 328 calories , 7 grams protein , 7 grams fat ( 18 percent calories from fat ) , 1 gram saturated fat , 61 grams carbohydrate , no cholesterol , 51 milligrams sodium , 6 grams fiber .
Cooking time : less than 15 minutes for polenta ; 16 to 21 minutes for steak In a 1-quart baking dish , combine water , cornmeal and salt .
Cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power ) 6 to 8 minutes , stirring every 2 minutes .
Stir in 2 tablespoons of each cheese .
Sprinkle top with remaining cheese .
Microwave , uncovered , on medium ( 50 % power ) 1 or 2 minutes , or until cheese is melted .
Cover and let stand 5 minutes .
Heat sauce ; set aside .
Meanwhile , combine Italian seasoning , garlic , salt and pepper ; press onto steak .
Place steak on rack in broiler pan so surface is 3 to 4 inches from heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medium-rare to medium , turning once .
Carve steak .
Serve with polenta and sauce .
In a 3-quart microwave-safe baking dish , place succotash and cover .
Microwave on high ( 100 % power ) 4 minutes and drain .
Put the chopped onion in a microwave-safe 1-cup measure ; cover and cook on high 1 minute .
Drain and add to the succotash .
Add the chicken broth , cooked chicken , tomatoes with liquid , sugar , black and cayenne peppers and salt ; mix well .
Cover and cook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through .
( From now on , leave the dish covered for a thinner stew or uncovered for thicker . )
Stir in the dehydrated potatoes to thicken and cook on medium ( 50 % power ) for 10 minutes , stirring once or twice .
Serve .
Whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice , 2 tablespoons canola oil , 2 teaspoons sugar , 1 1/2 teaspoons minced jalapeno pepper , 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt .
Add thinly sliced leftover steak , 4 cups fresh bean sprouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bell pepper , 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced seeded cucumber and 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves ( chopped ) ; toss to mix .
Line serving platter with 8 cups lettuce ; spoon meat mixture on top and sprinkle with chopped peanuts .
Serve with any deli soup ad crusty rolls .
Cut diagonal slashes in 8 less-sodium less-fat hot dogs and cook them according to directions .
Meanwhile , heat 1/2 cup pizza sauce .
Serve the hot dogs on whole-grain buns and top with pizza sauce and shredded 50 % light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deli carrot salad .
Heat oven to 450 degrees .
Coat 4 ( 12-by-18-inch ) pieces of foil with cooking spray .
Center several lemon slices on each sheet .
Place 4 ( 4- to 6-ounce ) halibut fillets on lemons .
Sprinkle halibut with coarse salt and pepper .
Cut into thin strips 1/2 medium zucchini , 1/2 yellow squash , 1 medium carrot and 1 medium onion ; combine vegetables .
Divide vegetable mix to top each fillet .
Sprinkle each portion with 3/4 teaspoon fresh dill ( or 1/4 teaspoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; double-fold top and ends to seal , leaving room for heat to circulate .
Bake 15 to 18 minutes on a baking sheet .
When ready to serve , open packet away from your face to allow steam to escape .
Serve the colorful entree with roasted red potatoes , mixed greens bans whole-grain rolls .

Baked brown rice with roasted red peppers and onions
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours
INGREDIENTS
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more to taste
2 1/2 cups water
1 cup unsalted vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups long-grain brown rice, rinsed
3/4 cup roasted red peppers, rinsed, patted dry and chopped
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
Black pepper to taste
Grated parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Heat oil in Dutch oven on medium until shimmering. Add onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until softened and well browned. Stir in water and broth; bring to a boil. Stir in rice, cover and transfer pot to oven. Bake 65 to 70 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove pot from oven. Sprinkle red peppers over rice, cover and let sit 5 minutes. Add parsley; fluff gently with fork to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve with parmesan and lemon wedges.
Per serving: 328 calories, 7 grams protein, 7 grams fat (18 percent calories from fat), 1 gram saturated fat, 61 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 51 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 4.
Broiled steak with cheesy polenta and pasta sauce
Makes 6 servings
Preparation time: about 10 minutes
Cooking time: less than 15 minutes for polenta; 16 to 21 minutes for steak
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE POLENTA
1 2/3 cups water
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup no-salt-added or regular red pasta sauce
FOR THE STEAK
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 clove minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1 boneless top sirloin beef steak, cut 1 inch thick (about 1 1/2 pounds)
In a 1-quart baking dish, combine water, cornmeal and salt. Cover and microwave on high (100% power) 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of each cheese. Sprinkle top with remaining cheese. Microwave, uncovered, on medium (50% power) 1 or 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Heat sauce; set aside.
Meanwhile, combine Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper; press onto steak. Place steak on rack in broiler pan so surface is 3 to 4 inches from heat. Broil 16 to 21 minutes for medium-rare to medium, turning once. Carve steak. Serve with polenta and sauce.
Per serving: 220 calories, 25 grams protein, 6 grams fat (26 percent calories from fat), 2.6 grams saturated fat, 16 grams carbohydrate, 62 milligrams cholesterol, 399 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.
Carb choices: 1.
Brunswick stew
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 (16-ounce) package frozen succotash, thawed
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 (14-ounce) can unsalted chicken broth
2 cups coarsely chopped cooked boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes with liquid
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Coarse salt to taste
1/4 cup dehydrated potatoes
In a 3-quart microwave-safe baking dish, place succotash and cover. Microwave on high (100% power) 4 minutes and drain. Put the chopped onion in a microwave-safe 1-cup measure; cover and cook on high 1 minute. Drain and add to the succotash. Add the chicken broth, cooked chicken, tomatoes with liquid, sugar, black and cayenne peppers and salt; mix well. Cover and cook on high 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. (From now on, leave the dish covered for a thinner stew or uncovered for thicker.) Stir in the dehydrated potatoes to thicken and cook on medium (50% power) for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice. Serve.
Per serving: 308 calories, 28 grams protein, 4 grams fat (10 percent calories from fat), 0.9 gram saturated fat, 41 grams carbohydrate, 60 milligrams cholesterol, 178 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 2.5
Thai beef salad
Whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons canola oil, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons minced jalapeno pepper, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Add thinly sliced leftover steak, 4 cups fresh bean sprouts, 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced seeded cucumber and 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped); toss to mix. Line serving platter with 8 cups lettuce; spoon meat mixture on top and sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Serve with any deli soup ad crusty rolls.
Pizza dogs
Cut diagonal slashes in 8 less-sodium less-fat hot dogs and cook them according to directions. Meanwhile, heat 1/2 cup pizza sauce. Serve the hot dogs on whole-grain buns and top with pizza sauce and shredded 50% light cheddar cheese. Add baked chips and deli carrot salad.
Dilled halibut with vegetables
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Coat 4 (12-by-18-inch) pieces of foil with cooking spray. Center several lemon slices on each sheet. Place 4 (4- to 6-ounce) halibut fillets on lemons. Sprinkle halibut with coarse salt and pepper. Cut into thin strips 1/2 medium zucchini, 1/2 yellow squash, 1 medium carrot and 1 medium onion; combine vegetables. Divide vegetable mix to top each fillet. Sprinkle each portion with 3/4 teaspoon fresh dill (or 1/4 teaspoon dried). Bring up foil sides; double-fold top and ends to seal, leaving room for heat to circulate. Bake 15 to 18 minutes on a baking sheet. When ready to serve, open packet away from your face to allow steam to escape. Serve the colorful entree with roasted red potatoes, mixed greens bans whole-grain rolls.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-31--5 shot Monday in Chicago

5 shot Monday in Chicago

Five people were shot Monday in Chicago .
The day ’ s most recent shooting wounded two men at a Chatham gas station near the 79th Street CTA Red Line station .
They were in a parking lot of a gas station about 2:10 p.m. in the 7800 block of South State Street when they heard gunfire , Chicago police said .
A 23-year-old was struck in the leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where his condition stabilized , police said .
A 50-year-old was grazed in the face and declined medical attention , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drive-by in Albany Park on the Northwest Side .
They were in an alley arguing with another woman about 2:15 a.m. in the 3500 block of West Montrose Avenue when a black vehicle drove by and someone inside fired shots , according to Chicago police .
One woman , 25 , was hit in the pelvis , groin , leg and backside and taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in fair condition , police said .
A 22-year-old was grazed on the shoulder and taken to the same hospital in good condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene and several people inside were taken in for questioning .
A man was shot and critically wounded while riding in a vehicle on Lake Shore Drive near the Museum Campus in the South Loop .
The 21-year-old was riding in the back seat of the northbound vehicle at just after midnight when a gray sedan pulled alongside in the 1300 block of South Lake Shore Drive , according to Chicago police .
The people in the sedan flashed gang signs at the victim ’ s vehicle before someone in the back seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the face and the driver took him to Rush University Medical Center , police said .
He was transferred to Stroger Hospital in critical condition .
Two people were killed and 18 others were wounded last weekend .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Five people were shot Monday in Chicago.
The day’s most recent shooting wounded two men at a Chatham gas station near the 79th Street CTA Red Line station.
They were in a parking lot of a gas station about 2:10 p.m. in the 7800 block of South State Street when they heard gunfire, Chicago police said.
A 23-year-old was struck in the leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where his condition stabilized, police said.
A 50-year-old was grazed in the face and declined medical attention, police said.
Two women were wounded in a drive-by in Albany Park on the Northwest Side.
They were in an alley arguing with another woman about 2:15 a.m. in the 3500 block of West Montrose Avenue when a black vehicle drove by and someone inside fired shots, according to Chicago police.
One woman, 25, was hit in the pelvis, groin, leg and backside and taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in fair condition, police said. A 22-year-old was grazed on the shoulder and taken to the same hospital in good condition.
Officers stopped a vehicle near the scene and several people inside were taken in for questioning.
A man was shot and critically wounded while riding in a vehicle on Lake Shore Drive near the Museum Campus in the South Loop.
The 21-year-old was riding in the back seat of the northbound vehicle at just after midnight when a gray sedan pulled alongside in the 1300 block of South Lake Shore Drive, according to Chicago police. The people in the sedan flashed gang signs at the victim’s vehicle before someone in the back seat opened fire.
The man was hit in the face and the driver took him to Rush University Medical Center, police said. He was transferred to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.
Two people were killed and 18 others were wounded last weekend.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-31--Girl, 17, missing from Norwood Park: police

A 17-year-old girl has been reported missing from Norwood Park on the Northwest Side .
Jasmine Mitlo was last seen @ @ @ @ @ of North Elston Avenue , according to a missing persons alert from Chicago police .
@ @ @ @ @ in need of medical attention , is 5-foot-7 , 100 pounds , with green eyes @ @ @ @ @ a light complexion , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area @ @ @ @ @

A 17-year-old girl has been reported missing from Norwood Park on the Northwest Side.
Jasmine Mitlo was last seen Sunday in the 6000 block of North Elston Avenue, according to a missing persons alert from Chicago police.
Mitlo, who may be in need of medical attention, is 5-foot-7, 100 pounds, with green eyes, black hair and has a light complexion, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area North detectives at 312-744-8266.


chicagosun-times--2020-03-30--Cook County medical examiner confirms 8 more coronavirus deaths, bringing total to 48

The Cook County medical examiner confirmed eight more deaths from the coronavirus after completing the day ’ s autopsies Monday , bringing the county ’ s total to 48 .
Hardwell Smith , 85 , died as a result of pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with cardiovascular disease and diabetes as contributing factors .
Smith , of Morgan Park , was pronounced dead Sunday at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn .
Michael Austin , 59 , died as a result of acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 infection .
Austin lived in Palatine and was pronounced dead Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 54 , died as a result of pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with cardiovascular disease , diabetes , pulmonary hypertension and congestive heart failure as contributing factors .
Stoudemire lived in Austin and was pronounced dead Sunday at Loretto Hospital .
Murry Altman , 64 , died as a result of pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with cardiovascular disease , obstructive pulmonary disease , pulmonary hypertension and end stage renal disease as contributing factors .
Altman , of Country Club Hills , was pronounced dead Sunday at South Suburban Hospital .
Samuel Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with cardiovascular disease and diabetes as contributing factors .
Williams , of Bridgeview , was pronounced dead Sunday at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn .
Catherine Liddell , 77 , died as a result of hypoxic respiratory failure due to pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with cardiovascular disease , diabetes , obstructive pulmonary disease and atrial fibrillation as contributing factors .
She was pronounced dead Monday at Loyola University Medical Center .
Geoffrey Eysenbach , 77 , died as a result of pneumonia due to COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease and diabetes as contributing factors .
Eysenbach was pronounced dead Monday at South Suburban Hospital .
Collins Padgett , 76 , died as a result of pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with obstructive pulmonary disease as a contributing factor .
Padgett was pronounced dead Sunday at Saint Bernard Hospital .
The new confirmed fatalities come as Gov .
JB Pritzker announced 461 new coronavirus cases Monday across Illinois , bringing the total to 5,057 .

The Cook County medical examiner confirmed eight more deaths from the coronavirus after completing the day’s autopsies Monday, bringing the county’s total to 48.
Hardwell Smith, 85, died as a result of pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with cardiovascular disease and diabetes as contributing factors. Smith, of Morgan Park, was pronounced dead Sunday at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
Michael Austin, 59, died as a result of acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 infection. Austin lived in Palatine and was pronounced dead Sunday at Glenbrook Hospital.
Asberry Stoudemire, 54, died as a result of pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pulmonary hypertension and congestive heart failure as contributing factors. Stoudemire lived in Austin and was pronounced dead Sunday at Loretto Hospital.
Murry Altman, 64, died as a result of pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with cardiovascular disease, obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension and end stage renal disease as contributing factors. Altman, of Country Club Hills, was pronounced dead Sunday at South Suburban Hospital.
Samuel Williams, 74, died as a result of pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with cardiovascular disease and diabetes as contributing factors. Williams, of Bridgeview, was pronounced dead Sunday at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
Catherine Liddell, 77, died as a result of hypoxic respiratory failure due to pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obstructive pulmonary disease and atrial fibrillation as contributing factors. She was pronounced dead Monday at Loyola University Medical Center.
Geoffrey Eysenbach, 77, died as a result of pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes as contributing factors. Eysenbach was pronounced dead Monday at South Suburban Hospital.
Collins Padgett, 76, died as a result of pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection with obstructive pulmonary disease as a contributing factor. Padgett was pronounced dead Sunday at Saint Bernard Hospital.
The new confirmed fatalities come as Gov. JB Pritzker announced 461 new coronavirus cases Monday across Illinois, bringing the total to 5,057.