chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--Reeling Chicago communities ask, ‘Who invests in us now?’

“ They were in control .
There was more of them than there was of us .
That was the message that they were putting out.
” Melinda Kelly , executive director of the Chatham Business Association , summed up her Sunday night interaction with rioters near 83rd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue .
She has promoted business growth in the area for more than 10 years .
But that didn ’ t matter during a tense exchange when she and several allies sought to save small businesses and engaged a lawless foe .
Kelly said her group wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a “ negotiation , ” one that saved a florist — “ Just be glad we don ’ t like flowers anyway , ” one person told her .
But she said she was powerless against a mob ’ s desire to attack the PNC Bank , an AT & T store and a Nike store , among others .
“ These aren ’ t locally owned , but they have been anchors in our community for years , ” Kelly said .
She isn ’ t confident that merchants , large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the COVID-19 shutdowns , will be quick to rebuild .
The damage and the possibility that riots could be repeated compound the risk of investing in minority communities in which returns are lower even in the best of times , she said .
Two of the largest retailers , Target and Walmart , wouldn ’ t say whether they will reopen ransacked stores .
A Target spokeswoman said , “ We are providing our team members with direct communication regarding any impact to the store where they work.
” A Walmart spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Business leaders , many of them working with Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s recovery initiatives , said there is a strong corporate commitment behind investing and rebuilding in disadvantaged neighborhoods .
After the double whammy of the virus and civil unrest , “ Businesses have two choices : Give up , or double down .
And I believe people want to double down , ” said David Casper , chief executive officer of BMO Harris Bank .
“ Money will come from businesses that view this as a positive investment in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayekar , deputy mayor for economic development , said corporate leaders are giving him the same assurance .
“ We have heard a profound commitment to rebuild , ” he said .
“ We are not concerned that the business community will leave our neighborhoods.
” Some efforts could build on Lightfoot ’ s initiatives , such as her signature promise to direct $ 750 million in public improvements to low-income areas of the South Side and West Side .
BMO Harris has backed that program with a pledge of $ 10 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million loan fund for businesses affected by the coronavirus and $ 10 million in grants for those harmed in the unrest that followed George Floyd ’ s death in Minneapolis .
These stand alongside private fundraising efforts led by the Chicago Community Trust and the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago , among others .
Bank of America , declaring that the pandemic has worsened economic and racial injustices , committed $ 1 billion nationally in a four-year pledge to help businesses and improve access to health care , job training and decent housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lambert , Chicago market president for Bank of America , said it has creatively helped customers during the economic crisis and that its initiative to defer mortgage and auto-loan payments became a model for a city effort that other banks joined .
As for investment in troubled neighborhoods , he said : “ We ’ ve got to start with the dialogue first .
This is not a time to be silent.
” But some in Chicago are skeptical that the money will get where it ’ s needed or that the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , 750 million there .
Where ’ s this money coming from when the city ’ s running a huge deficit ?
” said Ald .
Anthony Beale ( 9th ) , one of Lightfoot ’ s most fervent critics on the Chicago City Council .
The Pullman Walmart in Beale ’ s ward on the far South Side was untouched by looters because he worked with police to close street access .
He said he ’ s been in touch with Walmart executives .
“ I would bet that they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not profitable , ” Beale said .
There ’ s particular concern over a heavily damaged store at 83rd Street and Stewart Avenue , once a community showpiece .
Looters also focused on drugstores , forcing people needing prescriptions to head elsewhere or do without .
The Rev .
William Hall , pastor of St. James Community Church , 8000 S. Michigan Ave. , said he toured his neighborhood and spent several hours protecting property at 47th Street and Cottage Grove during Sunday night ’ s destruction .
“ What took 20 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was destroyed in 24 hours , ” Hall said .
“ We went from pandemic to pain.
” With the Rev .
Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church , Hall has promoted the services of the independently owned 200 Pharmacy , 9133 S. Stony Island Ave. , as an alternative that can provide prescriptions to customers of Walgreens or CVS stores that have been closed .
Walgreens did not respond to questions about its reopening plans .
CVS said it intends to reopen all closed stores in the Chicago area .
South Side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers to fill his shopping plazas , said he ’ s positive about rebuilding prospects , saying neglected areas will attract investors willing to adopt a five- to seven-year timeframe for a financial return .
But others , with the destruction of last weekend still fresh in mind , might lack patience for medium-term thinking , wondering whether looters will return .
Hall said the city ’ s inequities , including poor police service on the South Side , were on vivid display , with squadrons of police in riot gear working downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his area fending for itself .
City officials have denied neglecting commercial districts in minority areas , saying officers stayed near sensitive targets while coordinated groups were trying to distract them with looting .
To Hall , it amounted to standing down amid the pillaging that will have a lasting impact .
“ There are neighborhoods in the city that will never recover , ” he said .
Despite recent progress , Hall said : “ I don ’ t have a grocery store .
I don ’ t have a local bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business , I would have to ask if I open back up in a city that betrayed me .
”

“They were in control. There was more of them than there was of us. That was the message that they were putting out.”
Melinda Kelly, executive director of the Chatham Business Association, summed up her Sunday night interaction with rioters near 83rd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue.
She has promoted business growth in the area for more than 10 years. But that didn’t matter during a tense exchange when she and several others sought to save small businesses.
Kelly described the exchange as a “negotiation,” one that saved a florist — “Just be glad we don’t like flowers anyway,” one person told her. But she said she was powerless against a mob’s desire to attack a PNC Bank, an AT&T store and a Nike store.
“These aren’t locally owned, but they have been anchors in our community for years,” Kelly said.
She isn’t confident that merchants already reeling from the COVID-19 shutdowns will be quick to rebuild. The damage and the possibility riots could resume compound the risk of investing in minority communities, where returns are lower even in the best of times, she said.
Two big retailers, Target and Walmart, wouldn’t say whether they will reopen ransacked stores.
Business leaders said there is a strong corporate commitment to invest and rebuild in disadvantaged neighborhoods. After the double whammy of the coronavirus and civil unrest, “Businesses have two choices: Give up, or double down. And I believe people want to double down,” said David Casper, BMO Harris Bank’s CEO.
Casper said corporate leaders understand social injustice impedes economic growth. “Money will come from businesses that view this as a positive investment in the future,” he said.
“We have heard a profound commitment to rebuild,” said Samir Mayekar, deputy mayor for economic development. “We are not concerned that the business community will leave our neighborhoods.”
Some efforts could build on Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s initiatives, such as her promise to direct $750 million in improvements to low-income areas on the South Side and West Side. BMO Harris has backed that with a $10 million pledge.
Lightfoot also created a $100 million loan fund for businesses affected by the coronavirus and $10 million in grants for those harmed in the unrest that followed George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. These stand alongside private fundraising efforts led by the Chicago Community Trust and the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, among others.
Bank of America committed $1 billion nationally in a four-year pledge to help businesses and improve access to health care, job training and decent housing in black and brown communities.
Chicago police officers investigate at City Sports, 2024 E. 71st St. in South Shore after the store was looted, Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times
Paul Lambert, Chicago market president for Bank of America, said it has helped customers during the economic crisis and that its initiative to defer mortgage and auto-loan payments became a model.
Regarding investment in troubled neighborhoods, Lambert said: “We’ve got to start with the dialogue first. This is not a time to be silent.”
Some are skeptical the money will go where it’s needed or that the city can follow through.
“Ten million here, 750 million there. Where’s this money coming from when the city’s running a huge deficit?” said Ald. Anthony Beale (9th), a Lightfoot critic.
The Pullman Walmart was untouched by looters because Beale worked with police to close street access. He’s been in touch with Walmart executives and said, “I would bet that they are pulling out of some stores that are not profitable.”
There’s particular concern over a heavily damaged store at 83rd Street and Stewart Avenue, once a community showpiece. Looters also focused on drugstores.
The Rev. William Hall. LinkedIn
The Rev. William Hall, pastor of St. James Community Church, 8000 S. Michigan Ave., said he spent hours protecting property at 47th Street and Cottage Grove during Sunday night’s destruction.
“What took 20 to 30 years to build in our community was destroyed in 24 hours,” Hall said. “We went from pandemic to pain.”
Hall has promoted the services of independently owned 200 Pharmacy, 9133 S. Stony Island Ave., as an alternative for customers of closed Walgreens or CVS stores.
Walgreens didn’t respond to questions about reopening plans. CVS said it intends to reopen all closed stores in the Chicago area.
Leon Walker. Brian Jackson / Sun-Times file
South Side developer Leon Walker said neglected areas will attract investors willing to adopt a five- to seven-year timeframe for a financial return.
But others might lack such patience.
Hall said inequities such as poor police service on the South Side were on vivid display last weekend, with police in riot gear working downtown and on the North Side and his area fending for itself.
“There are neighborhoods in the city that will never recover,” Hall said. “I don’t have a grocery store. I don’t have a local bank. If I were running a small business, I would have to ask if I open back up in a city that betrayed me.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--Boy, 17, shot in Englewood

Boy, 17, shot in Englewood

A teenage boy was wounded in a shooting Friday in Englewood on the South Side .
The 17-year-old was standing @ @ @ @ @ Ada Street when a male approached him from behind and fired shots , according to @ @ @ @ @ was hit in the leg and driven to St. Bernard Hospital , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ Hospital in good condition .
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate @ @ @ @ @ , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A teenage boy was wounded in a shooting Friday in Englewood on the South Side.
The 17-year-old was standing outside at 12:13 a.m. on Ada Street when a male approached him from behind and fired shots, according to Chicago police.
The boy was hit in the leg and driven to St. Bernard Hospital, police said. He was transferred to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--Reward offered for details in post office looting

U.S .
Postal Service officials are offering a reward for information about people who looted several Chicago post offices over @ @ @ @ @ .
Postal Inspection Service announced the reward of up to $ 10,000 Thursday for information @ @ @ @ @ conviction of the looters , the agency said in a statement .
The burglaries and @ @ @ @ @ and early Monday morning at the following post offices : Anyone with information is asked @ @ @ @ @ service at 877-876-2455 and reference case number 3083553 .
The Ogden Park Post Office , @ @ @ @ @ several UPS stores were closed Wednesday in the aftermath of the looting .
Looting was @ @ @ @ @ suburbs over the weekend after access to downtown Chicago was restricted following protests that turned @ @ @ @ @ the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd .
An estimated 2,000 people were arrested over @ @ @ @ @ , according to Sheriff Tom Dart .
Read more on crime , and track the @ @ @ @ @

U.S. Postal Service officials are offering a reward for information about people who looted several Chicago post offices over the weekend.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced the reward of up to $10,000 Thursday for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the looters, the agency said in a statement.
The burglaries and mail theft occurred Sunday night and early Monday morning at the following post offices:
611 W. 63rd St.;
3933 W. North Ave.;
1240 N. Ashland Ave.;
6559 S. Ashland Ave.;
1419 W. Carroll Ave.; and
4601 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Anyone with information is asked to call the postal inspection service at 877-876-2455 and reference case number 3083553.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is asking the public for information about looting reported May 31 and June 1, 2020, at multiple Chicago post offices. U.S. Postal Inspection Service
The Ogden Park Post Office, 6559 S. Ashland, and several UPS stores were closed Wednesday in the aftermath of the looting.
Looting was reported throughout the city and suburbs over the weekend after access to downtown Chicago was restricted following protests that turned violent in the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd.
An estimated 2,000 people were arrested over the weekend in Cook County, according to Sheriff Tom Dart.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--Indiana state trooper shoots man while pinned between vehicles after I-80 chase

An Indiana State Police trooper shot a man who allegedly hit him with a vehicle after a chase Tuesday on Interstate 80 in northwest Indiana .
The pursuit began at 12:27 a.m. when Munster police saw a silver Nissan sedan “ which had reportedly been involved in suspicious activity at a residence in their town , ” according to a statement from state police .
The car took off at a high speed with its headlights off and reportedly tried to ram a Munster police car before heading east on I-80 from Kennedy Avenue .
State troopers joined the pursuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it exited onto Cline Avenue and crashed into a roundabout on Columbus Drive , authorities said .
The Nissan tried to continue west on Columbus before stopping in the left lane .
A trooper pulled next to the Nissan and got out of his squad car to try to take the driver into custody , according to state police .
The car moved forward , hitting the trooper and wedging him against the squad car .
While wedged between the vehicles , the trooper shot the 30-year-old Crown Point man through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver and the trooper were both taken to hospitals with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening .
Three passengers in the Nissan were not injured .
The man was taken to the Lake County Jail on a probable cause hold for the chase and crash , according to state police .
He was also wanted on outstanding warrants from Marion and Porter counties .
The trooper , who has been with Indiana State Police for four and a half years , has been placed on administrative duties while the shooting remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

An Indiana State Police trooper shot a man who allegedly hit him with a vehicle after a chase Tuesday on Interstate 80 in northwest Indiana.
The pursuit began at 12:27 a.m. when Munster police saw a silver Nissan sedan “which had reportedly been involved in suspicious activity at a residence in their town,” according to a statement from state police. The car took off at a high speed with its headlights off and reportedly tried to ram a Munster police car before heading east on I-80 from Kennedy Avenue.
State troopers joined the pursuit on the expressway and followed the car as it exited onto Cline Avenue and crashed into a roundabout on Columbus Drive, authorities said. The Nissan tried to continue west on Columbus before stopping in the left lane.
A trooper pulled next to the Nissan and got out of his squad car to try to take the driver into custody, according to state police. The car moved forward, hitting the trooper and wedging him against the squad car.
While wedged between the vehicles, the trooper shot the 30-year-old Crown Point man through the windshield, state police said. The driver and the trooper were both taken to hospitals with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening. Three passengers in the Nissan were not injured.
The man was taken to the Lake County Jail on a probable cause hold for the chase and crash, according to state police. He was also wanted on outstanding warrants from Marion and Porter counties.
The trooper, who has been with Indiana State Police for four and a half years, has been placed on administrative duties while the shooting remains under investigation, state police said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--African American, Latina mothers come together in Lawndale after days of unrest

Doris Hernandez told a group of African-American and Latina mothers gathered in Lawndale during a call for peace that she feels like she could have been George Floyd ’ s mother .
“ We all can ’ t breathe seeing the injustices that are committed against our brown and African-American people because they want us to be invisible , ” Hernandez said in Spanish before Friday ’ s demonstration .
She was among a group of Latina mothers who gathered at St. Agnes of Bohemia Parish in Little Village and marched about a mile north to meet a group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Lawndale to call for peace .
Standing near a mural at Ogden and Central Park avenues depicting civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez , the women chanted “ Black Lives Matter , ” in Spanish and English .
The call for unity comes after days of unrest sparked by the death of Floyd in Minneapolis .
Floyd was killed after a white officer pressed a knee into his neck while taking him into custody .
Floyd was heard calling out , “ Mama ” during his final minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the women to unite South Lawndale — a predominantly Latino community with North Lawndale , which is predominantly African American .
The women , carrying white carnations to symbolize their voice , often talked about the importance of the future of their children .
Consuelo Martinez , an organizer with the Resurrection Project , said all mothers want to protect their children .
“ It is so incredibly painful to think that black mothers have to be so worried about the police killing their children , ” Martinez said in Spanish .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black lives matter.
” Heather Johnson , a mother from St. Agatha , called for the women to speak to each other and figure out ways to help each other .
“ There is no black and brown against each other , ” Johnson said .
“ We don ’ t want that , we want peace , we want justice.
” State Rep. Lisa Hernandez , D-Cicero , told the crowd that while the immigrant community struggles , the struggles of African Americans are greater .
U.S. Rep. Jesus “ Chuy ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward was to work together , “ advancing public policies like support for people to pay their rent , more food for everyone during the crisis and an unprecedented investment in disinvested communities across America starting here in the poorest communities .
Charise Walker , from the Westside Justice Center , brought her daughters — aged 8 , 11 and 22 — to the demonstration to show them the importance of unity in tackling issues like police brutality .
“ We rounded up all these people to walk , to march , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God , ” Walker said .
“ To say something about the changes that we can all make , and to demand to do better not just from police but from ourselves as a community as a whole to say we got to do better , we got to take more action , we got to be more involved so that we have a better future for those coming behind us.
” Elvia Malagón ’ s reporting on social justice and income inequality is made possible by a grant from the Chicago Community @ @

Doris Hernandez told a group of African-American and Latina mothers gathered in Lawndale during a call for peace that she feels like she could have been George Floyd’s mother.
“We all can’t breathe seeing the injustices that are committed against our brown and African-American people because they want us to be invisible,” Hernandez said in Spanish before Friday’s demonstration.
She was among a group of Latina mothers who gathered at St. Agnes of Bohemia Parish in Little Village and marched about a mile north to meet a group of African American mothers from St. Agatha Parish in Lawndale to call for peace. Standing near a mural at Ogden and Central Park avenues depicting civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez, the women chanted “Black Lives Matter,” in Spanish and English.
The call for unity comes after days of unrest sparked by the death of Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd was killed after a white officer pressed a knee into his neck while taking him into custody. Floyd was heard calling out, “Mama” during his final minutes.
Many at the demonstration called for the women to unite South Lawndale — a predominantly Latino community with North Lawndale, which is predominantly African American.
The women, carrying white carnations to symbolize their voice, often talked about the importance of the future of their children.
Consuelo Martinez, an organizer with the Resurrection Project, said all mothers want to protect their children.
“It is so incredibly painful to think that black mothers have to be so worried about the police killing their children,” Martinez said in Spanish. “I’m here to say, black lives matter.”
Heather Johnson, a mother from St. Agatha, called for the women to speak to each other and figure out ways to help each other.
“There is no black and brown against each other,” Johnson said. “We don’t want that, we want peace, we want justice.”
State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, told the crowd that while the immigrant community struggles, the struggles of African Americans are greater.
U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia told the crowd the only way forward was to work together, “advancing public policies like support for people to pay their rent, more food for everyone during the crisis and an unprecedented investment in disinvested communities across America starting here in the poorest communities.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Charise Walker, from the Westside Justice Center, brought her daughters — aged 8, 11 and 22 — to the demonstration to show them the importance of unity in tackling issues like police brutality.
“We rounded up all these people to walk, to march, to peacefully be together to say something about God,” Walker said. “To say something about the changes that we can all make, and to demand to do better not just from police but from ourselves as a community as a whole to say we got to do better, we got to take more action, we got to be more involved so that we have a better future for those coming behind us.”
Elvia Malagón’s reporting on social justice and income inequality is made possible by a grant from the Chicago Community Trust.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--Andrew Alexander, co-owner of The Second City, steps down amid accusations of racism

Andrew Alexander , the longtime co-owner of The Second City improv hub in Chicago , is exiting the company amid accusations of institutional racism .
In a letter to Second City staff , students , alumni and audiences , Alexander wrote , in part : “ After the fallout from the closure of the groundbreaking “ A Red Line Runs Through It , ” The Second City tried to begin to grapple with the institutionalized racism in our society and within our own walls that allowed such a traumatic event to fester and has created lasting pain for our employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The Second City can not begin to call itself anti-racist .
That is one of the great failures of my life , ” he continued .
...
There are so many things we didn ’ t do , but one of the things we did do was to engage facilitators in the field of anti-racism .
I bring this up to acknowledge that it didn ’ t work .
White employees of the Second City , myself included , participated in regular sessions taking place over months which outlined in detail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how those , consciously and unconsciously , oppress BIPOC ( Black , Indigenous and People of Color ) .
... On stage , we have always been on the right side of the issue , and of that , I am very proud .
... Offstage , it ’ s been a different story.
” Accusations or racism within the company were made by Dewayne Perkins , who took to Twitter on Thursday to call out the iconic improv company : “ You remember when the black actors wanted to put on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you said only if we gave half of the proceeds to the Chicago PD , because I will never forget , ” he wrote , in part .
Following Alexander ’ s resignation , Second City on Friday tweeted a statement of its own titled “ How The Second City Will Do Better , ” outlining some of the steps it will be taking in the wake of the fallout , including naming a member of the BIPOC community as its next executive director .
In addition , the company said it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casting and student recruitment practices to ensure we are actively identifying and removing barriers to access and opening the doors to BIPOC in every area of the company , and to company-wide anti-racist training and education.
” “ As an administrator , I have not always had good instincts , ” Alexander wrote in his letter .
“ While diversifying the theater artistically , I failed to create an anti-racist environment wherein artists of color might thrive .
I am so deeply and inexpressibly sorry .
The damage for this failure is done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legacy of the institution I love .
”

Andrew Alexander, co-owner and executive producer of The Second City improv hub in Chicago, is exiting the company amid accusations of institutional racism.
In a letter to Second City staff, students, alumni and audiences, Alexander wrote, in part:
“After the fallout from the closure of the groundbreaking ‘A Red Line Runs Through It,’ The Second City tried to begin to grapple with the institutionalized racism in our society and within our own walls that allowed such a traumatic event to fester and has created lasting pain for our employees and artists. However, we failed.
“The Second City cannot begin to call itself anti-racist. That is one of the great failures of my life,” he continued. ... There are so many things we didn’t do, but one of the things we did do was to engage facilitators in the field of anti-racism. I bring this up to acknowledge that it didn’t work.
“White employees of the Second City, myself included, participated in regular sessions taking place over months which outlined in detail the inherent biases in white society, and how those, consciously and unconsciously, oppress BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color). ... On stage, we have always been on the right side of the issue, and of that, I am very proud. ... Offstage, it’s been a different story.”
Accusations or racism within the company were made by actor and writer (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) Dewayne Perkins, who took to Twitter on Thursday to call out the iconic improv company: “You remember when the black actors wanted to put on a Black Lives Matter Benefit show and you said only if we gave half of the proceeds to the Chicago PD, because I will never forget,” he wrote, in part.
You remember when the black actors wanted to put on a Black Lives Matter Benefit show and you said only if we gave half of the proceeds to the Chicago PD, because I will never forget. Remember when you would make black people audition for job you simply just have to white people? https://t.co/LA92b13qs3 — Dewayne Perkins (@DewaynePerkins) June 4, 2020
Following Alexander’s resignation, Second City on Friday tweeted a statement of its own titled “How The Second City Will Do Better,” outlining some of the steps it will be taking in the wake of the fallout, including naming a member of the BIPOC community as its next executive director.
In addition, the company said it is committed to “reviewing internal hiring, casting and student recruitment practices to ensure we are actively identifying and removing barriers to access and opening the doors to BIPOC in every area of the company, and to company-wide anti-racist training and education.”
“As an administrator, I have not always had good instincts,” Alexander wrote in his letter. “While diversifying the theater artistically, I failed to create an anti-racist environment wherein artists of color might thrive. I am so deeply and inexpressibly sorry. The damage for this failure is done, and it’s part of the legacy of the institution I love.”
Andrew Alexander attends and event at e.t.c. theater in Chicago in 2017. Sun-Times File
In a Facebook post Friday addressing the news of Alexander’s departure, Frances Callier, who created the Second City Training Center’s Outreach Program in 1992, wrote: “Chickens say hello to the Roost. I am not surprised, Andrew Alexander has been tortured by American racism since I met him over 30 years ago. Yes, the Owner MUST own the ENTIRE history. Well done.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--Archdiocese gives its blessing for dozens of Chicago-area churches to resume mass on Sunday, but urg

Archdiocese gives its blessing for dozens of Chicago-area churches to resume mass on Sunday, but urges ‘they start slow’

As houses of worship across the country grapple with how to welcome back believers following the coronavirus shutdown , the Chicago-area faithful could be returning for mass at dozens of Catholic churches this Sunday .
About 80 parishes have been cleared by Chicago ’ s local arm of the Catholic Church to enter its next reopening phase , which allows for regular masses “ for larger groups , ” according to the Archdiocese of Chicago .
That ’ s almost a quarter of its 316 parishes , but just because churches have been certified doesn ’ t mean they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Thomas .
“ It ’ s encouraged that they start slow , ” she said .
When the pandemic hit three months ago , services were limited to 10-person weddings , funerals , reconciliations and baptisms .
That was extended to “ private prayer and adoration ” sessions last week — still capped at 10 people — as Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced a set of relaxed recommendations for houses of worship to reopen .
Now , churches certified for Phase II of Cardinal Blase Cupich ’ s reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phase 3 of Pritzker ’ s statewide reopening plan , which last week allowed thousands of restaurants and businesses to resume limited operations — will be limited the first week to 15 % capacity or 50 people maximum , easing up to 20 % if all goes well .
In addition to social distancing , face covering and sanitation guidelines , parishes will keep attendance records for contact tracing , and there won ’ t be any seat-changing , basket-passing or touching allowed .
The archdiocese wouldn ’ t provide a list of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a dozen mosques in the area have slowly begun welcoming back Muslims , while some are sticking to e-services for now , according to Abdullah Mitchell , executive director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago .
“ Figuring out the safest way to do things — that ’ s dominating everyone ’ s time , ” Mitchell said , adding that the organizations are marking social distancing points in prayer areas .
Similar precautions are still being worked out at Chicago synagogues , a handful of which have “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Rabbi Yona Reiss of the Chicago Rabbinical Council .
“ Others hoping to reopen shortly .
Everyone has the same interest in mind : to ensure the health and safety of participants , ” Reiss said .
Chicago Loop Synagogue president Lee Zoldan said she doesn ’ t expect that to happen at her sanctuary until July at the earliest , as many of her fellow congregants feel “ very guarded ” about returning .
“ I don ’ t think they want to come , ” she said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the synagogue if no one is there .
”

As houses of worship across the country grapple with how to welcome back believers following the coronavirus shutdown, the Chicago-area faithful could be returning for mass at dozens of Catholic churches this Sunday.
About 80 parishes have been cleared by Chicago’s local arm of the Catholic Church to enter its next reopening phase, which allows for regular masses “for larger groups,” according to the Archdiocese of Chicago.
That’s almost a quarter of its 316 parishes, but just because churches have been certified doesn’t mean they’ll resume mass right away, according to archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Thomas.
“It’s encouraged that they start slow,” she said.
When the pandemic hit three months ago, services were limited to 10-person weddings, funerals, reconciliations and baptisms. That was extended to “private prayer and adoration” sessions last week — still capped at 10 people — as Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a set of relaxed recommendations for houses of worship to reopen.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich speaks at Holy Name Cathedral for a special mass in 2018. Chicago. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times file
Now, churches certified for Phase II of Cardinal Blase Cupich’s reopening plan — not to be confused with Phase 3 of Pritzker’s statewide reopening plan, which last week allowed thousands of restaurants and businesses to resume limited operations — will be limited the first week to 15% capacity or 50 people maximum, easing up to 20% if all goes well.
That falls within city-specific guidelines that Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she plans to follow.
“I know people miss church. I understand that. I was brought up in the church,” Lightfoot said at a news conference Friday evening. “But we need to make sure we are doing everything we can safely and carefully.”
In addition to social distancing, face covering and sanitation guidelines, parishes will keep attendance records for contact tracing, and there won’t be any seat-changing, basket-passing or touching allowed.
The archdiocese wouldn’t provide a list of the Phase II-certified churches.
Meanwhile, about a dozen mosques in the area have slowly begun welcoming back Muslims, while some are sticking to e-services for now, according to Abdullah Mitchell, executive director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago.
Muslim women pray at the Council of Islamic Organizations headquarters in 2017. Maria Cardona/ Sun-Times file
“Figuring out the safest way to do things — that’s dominating everyone’s time,” Mitchell said, adding that the organizations are marking social distancing points in prayer areas.
Similar precautions are still being worked out at Chicago synagogues, a handful of which have “reopened with careful adherence to relevant guidelines, said Rabbi Yona Reiss of the Chicago Rabbinical Council.
“Others hoping to reopen shortly. Everyone has the same interest in mind: to ensure the health and safety of participants,” Reiss said.
Chicago Loop Synagogue president Lee Zoldan said she doesn’t expect that to happen at her sanctuary until July at the earliest, as many of her fellow congregants feel “very guarded” about returning.
“I don’t think they want to come,” she said. “There’s no point in opening the synagogue if no one is there.”
Contributing: Manny Ramos, a corps member in Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of issues affecting Chicago’s South and West sides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--EB I-80 lanes closed after crash in Hazel Crest

The tiny corner of Illinois that the coronavirus forgot : ‘ None of us are wearing masks .
... None @ @ @ @ @ ’ Scott County is the only one of Illinois ’ 102 counties that has not @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
Health official Steve Shireman said it ’ s possible some had the virus @ @ @ @ @ get tested .

Eastbound lanes of I-80 were reopened after a crash Friday in south suburban Hazel Crest.
The single vehicle crash happened about 5:19 p.m. on I-80 at Kedzie Avenue, Illinois State police said. All eastbound traffic was closed until about 7:48 p.m.
Further details weren’t immediately available.
This is a developing story.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--NFL won’t make amends with Colin Kaepernick, but he gains ground anyway

Amid a half-hour of giving insight on the intersection of America ’ s racial unrest and the NFL , Bears star Akiem Hicks raised the idealistic notion that the league should make things right with exiled quarterback Colin Kaepernick .
It ’ s noble and logical , but it ’ s not going to happen .
Hicks suggested a team should sign him , or the NFL should hire him to a meaningful position to address social justice issues — great ideas that are sure to die on the vine .
We ’ ve seen enough quarterback-desperate teams , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know his playing days are done .
We ’ ve also seen enough from owners — as well as the influence Donald Trump has with them — to know there will sooner be an expansion team on the moon than Kaepernick getting an office at NFL headquarters .
But Kaepernick gained ground this week nonetheless .
While he lost his career for taking a stand , it looks increasingly unlikely that other players will pay the same price for speaking out .
“ It was the reality , ” Hicks said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going forward.
” Hicks has good reason to be optimistic on that front .
The wind seems to have changed direction .
Drew Brees learned that the hard way when he encountered roaring blowback for his lack of empathy for the message black players present while kneeling during the national anthem .
The space for anything but support for social justice is gradually shrinking , both in society and in the NFL .
That ’ s good .
We need to head off prejudice and division at every turn , leaving no room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Along those lines , it ’ s becoming less acceptable and less comfortable to stand against the movement Kaepernick started .
It ’ s not political correctness .
It ’ s simply correctness .
There ’ s nothing political about protesting police brutality and racial inequality .
As Hicks thought back to Kaepernick kneeling , his mind quickly went to how few in the NFL rallied behind him .
He sounded like he wanted to do more , but was worried that it would cost him his career .
“ In talking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are several guys who ... wish they would have done something different at the time , ” Hicks said .
“ They wish they would have been more supportive .
“ And for fear — whether it was their job or fear of blackballing themselves , as that did happen to Kaepernick — a lot of people didn ’ t stand up with him , myself included.
” It doesn ’ t seem like Hicks will factor that into his thinking anymore , and it looks like a more favorable climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Would any owner , general manager or coach dare try to silence a player as some did in 2016 and ’ 17 , or as the league did in a shady , backroom vote in 2018 ?
Good luck with that now .
And that ’ s where Kaepernick will see some good come from his plight .
He cut a path for others to speak freely with less concern for consequences .
Two years ago , Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills believed he was headed toward the same fate as Kaepernick because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He predicted he would be similarly blackballed once he hit free agency , which will be after this season .
He might end up being correct , but it ’ s far less of a certainty than it must ’ ve seemed to him at the time .
Stills is 28 , and if he continues to be productive , he ’ ll probably find a home for 2021 .
Stills hasn ’ t backed down since the 2016 opener .
He pressed on even when the Dolphins ordered players to stay in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kneel .
It was no surprise recently , then , when Stills bristled at NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ’ s statement expressing condolences to George Floyd ’ s family and reiterating the league ’ s commitment to furthering social justice .
“ Save the [ expletive ] , ” Stills replied to the tweet from the league ’ s account , without fear of repercussion .
His rationale , presumably , is that there ’ s a contradiction between that statement and the message the league sent by shunning Kaepernick .
And trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national anthem .
And having just three black head coaches and two black general managers out of 32 teams in a league where roughly 70 percent of the players are black .
Stills has been working toward social justice for years and has never felt the league was an ally .
“ I just feel like from the beginning , ” Stills said in 2018 , “ if the narrative would ’ ve been set one way and the league would ’ ve had our backs and really put the message out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people on the work that we ’ re doing and why we ’ re doing it , we might be in a different place.
” Now it ’ s becoming untenable to do anything other than have their backs .
Goodell released a video Friday evening admitting the NFL was “ wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier.
” It would ’ ve been a good time to mention Kaepernick by name , but it ’ s still evidence that there ’ s only one valid side of the argument .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been as much of a topic for the Bears as other teams , but it could be soon .
Kneeling is only a symbol , but it ’ s a meaningful one .
Bears coach Matt Nagy tried to kick the issue down the road a few months when pressed on what his policy would be for player demonstrations this season .
He was optimistic that his players would agree to do something in unison , but it ’ s nearly impossible to get a unanimous vote in any room of 53 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk around it if some want to kneel and others don ’ t .
Nagy will have to declare support or disapproval , as will general manager Ryan Pace and chairman George McCaskey .
There ’ s no neutral ground .
That ’ ll go for Goodell and the owners , too .
If players kneel or otherwise demonstrate , will they do as Stills said and come alongside them ?
Will they defend players when Trump inevitably launches a barrage of tweets their way ?
Will Goodell back them even if there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so ?
The NFL didn ’ t do that for Kaepernick .
But his movement leaves little room for the league to repeat that failure .

Amid a half-hour of insight into the intersection of America’s racial unrest and the NFL, Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks raised the idealistic notion that the league should make things right with exiled quarterback Colin Kaepernick. It’s noble and logical, but it’s not going to happen.
Hicks suggested that a team should sign Kaepernick or that the NFL should hire him to a meaningful position to address social-justice issues. Those are great ideas that are sure to die on the vine.
We’ve seen enough quarterback-desperate teams, including the Bears, turn Kaepernick away to know his playing days are done. We also have seen enough from owners — as well as the influence President Donald Trump has with them — to know there sooner will be an expansion team on the moon than Kaepernick getting an office at NFL headquarters.
But Kaepernick gained ground this week nonetheless. While he lost his career for taking a stand, it looks increasingly unlikely other players will pay the same price for speaking out.
‘‘It was the reality,’’ Hicks said. ‘‘And hopefully it won’t be going forward.’’
Hicks has good reason to be optimistic on that front.
The wind seems to have changed direction. Saints quarterback Drew Brees learned that the hard way when he encountered roaring blowback for his lack of empathy for the message black players present while kneeling during the national anthem.
The space for anything but support for social justice is shrinking — in society and in the NFL. That’s good. We need to head off prejudice and division at every turn, leaving no room for it in our personal spheres. Along those lines, it’s becoming less acceptable and less comfortable to stand against the movement Kaepernick started.
It’s not political correctness; it’s simply correctness. There’s nothing political about protesting police brutality and racial inequality.
As Hicks thought back to Kaepernick kneeling, his mind quickly went to how few in the NFL rallied behind him. It sounded as though he wanted to do more but was worried it would cost him his career.
‘‘In talking to a lot of players across the league, there are several guys who . . . wish they would have done something different at the time,’’ Hicks said. ‘‘They wish they would have been more supportive.
‘‘And for fear — whether it was their job or fear of blackballing themselves, as that did happen to Kaepernick — a lot of people didn’t stand up with him, myself included.’’
It doesn’t seem as though Hicks will factor that into his thinking anymore, and it looks like a more favorable climate for him to exercise his freedom of expression. Would any owner, general manager or coach dare try to silence a player, as some did in 2016 and 2017? Or as the league did in a shady, backroom vote in 2018?
Good luck with that now.
And that’s where Kaepernick will see some good come from his plight. He cut a path for others to speak freely with less concern about consequences.
Two years ago, Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills thought he was headed toward the same fate as Kaepernick because he kneels during the anthem. He predicted he would be similarly blackballed once he hit free agency, which will be after this season.
He might end up being correct, but it’s far less of a certainty than it must have seemed to him at the time. Stills is 28, and he probably will find a home for 2021 if he continues to be productive.
Stills hasn’t backed down since the 2016 opener. He pressed on, even when the Dolphins ordered players to stay in the locker room if they wanted to kneel.
It was no surprise recently, then, when Stills bristled at commissioner Roger Goodell’s statement expressing condolences to George Floyd’s family and reiterating the NFL’s commitment to furthering social justice.
‘‘Save the [expletive],’’ Stills replied to the tweet from the NFL’s account, without fear of repercussion.
His rationale, presumably, is that there’s a contradiction between that statement and the message the league sent by shunning Kaepernick. And by trying to snuff out peaceful demonstrations during the anthem. And by having only three black head coaches and two black GMs among 32 teams in a league in which roughly 70 percent of the players are black.
Stills has been working toward social justice for years and never has felt the league was an ally.
‘‘I just feel like, from the beginning, if the narrative would’ve been set one way and the league would’ve had our backs and really put the message out there the right way and tried to educate people on the work that we’re doing and why we’re doing it, we might be in a different place,’’ Stills said in 2018.
Now it’s becoming untenable to do anything other than have their backs.
Goodell released a video Friday admitting the NFL was ‘‘wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier.’’ It would have been a good time for him to mention Kaepernick by name, but it’s still evidence there’s only one valid side of the argument.
As for kneeling, it hasn’t been as much of a topic for the Bears as it has for other teams, but it might be soon. Kneeling is only a symbol, but it’s a meaningful one.
Coach Matt Nagy tried to kick the issue down the road a few months when pressed about what his policy would be for player demonstrations this season. He was optimistic his players would agree to do something in unison, but it’s nearly impossible to get a unanimous vote in any room of 53 people.
It’ll be impossible to talk around it if some want to kneel and others don’t. Nagy will have to declare support or disapproval, as will GM Ryan Pace and chairman George McCaskey. There’s no neutral ground.
That’ll go for Goodell and the owners, too. If players kneel or otherwise demonstrate, will Goodell and the owners do as Stills said and come alongside them? Will they defend players when Trump inevitably launches a barrage of tweets their way? Will Goodell back the players, even if there’s a financial cost in doing so?
The NFL didn’t do that for Kaepernick. But his movement leaves little room for the league to repeat that failure.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--How Rand Paul blocked the Emmett Till anti-lynching bill while nation mourned George Floyd

Rep. Bobby Rush , D-Ill. , has been trying to pass a federal anti-lynching bill named after Emmett Till and now it ’ s suddenly in limbo , because in an outrageous move , Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. blocked the Senate version of the measure Thursday .
Paul ’ s legislative chop came as a memorial service for George Floyd was being held in Minneapolis .
Floyd , an African American , died after Derek Chauvin , a white police officer , brutally pinned him down with his knee on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ black boy from Chicago ’ s South Side visiting Mississippi , was kidnapped and savagely murdered by white men .
Till ’ s mother insisted on an open casket at his funeral at the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ , 4021 S. State St. , so the world could see his mutilated body and witness the deadly results of race-based violence .
That ’ s what it took to be believed in the era before ubiquitous video .
Till ’ s original casket is on display at the National Museum of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rush ’ s 2018 anti-lynching bill – his first – went nowhere in the GOP controlled House .
Meanwhile , on the Senate side , the three African Americans — Kamala Harris , of California , and Cory Booker , of New Jersey , both Democrats , with Republican Tim Scott , of South Carolina , won approval of similar anti-lynching legislation on Feb. 14 , 2019 — with Paul not raising any public objection .
Once the Democrats took the House , Rush ’ s second try , this time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act , passed on a 410-4 bipartisan roll call on Feb. 26 .
In a compromise , Rush ’ s House bill adopted the less tough Senate language but kept Till ’ s name on the legislation , which meant the Senate had to vote on it again in order to make the title change .
Approval this week should have been a mere formality , since it was basically the Senate bill approved in 2019 revised to name after Till .
Any senator can block legislation — and that ’ s what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was still in play .
He said he takes lynching seriously , calling it a “ tool of terror ” but didn ’ t agree with its approach .
“ This bill would cheapen the meaning of lynching by defining it so broadly as to include a minor bruise or abrasion , ” Paul said from the Senate floor .
“ Our nation ’ s history of racial terrorism demands more seriousness from us than that.
” Harris delivered a strong rebuke to Paul ’ s move in her Senate speech .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking the issue of lynching seriously is an insult , an insult to Senator Booker , to Senator Tim Scott and myself and all of the senators past and present who have understood this is part of the great stain of America ’ s history , ” she said .
“ To suggest that anything short of pulverizing someone so much that the casket would otherwise be closed except for the heroism and courage of Emmett Till ’ s mother ; to suggest that lynching would only be a lynching if someone ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and displayed to someone else is ridiculous.
” Referring to the 2019 Senate passage , Harris said , Paul “ is now trying to weaken a bill that was already passed .
There ’ s no reason for this .
There is no reason for this .
Paul ’ s amendment would place a greater burden on victims of lynching than is currently required under federal hate crimes for this .
There is no reason for this .
“ There is no reason other than cruel and deliberate obstruction on a day of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Floyd ’ s memorial service was taking place “ on this very day , at this very hour.
” Since the founding of this country , Harris said , “ Black lives have not been taken seriously as being fully human and deserving of dignity .
And it should not require a maiming or torture in order for us to recognize a lynching when we see it and recognize it by federal law.
” Rush , in an Axios interview , said Paul wanted to do more than modify the measure — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill.
” Rush noted that he had already made a deal with his compromise , to back the Senate version of the anti-lynching bill .
If the GOP run-Senate can ’ t outmaneuver Paul , then the Till measure will remain in limbo .
Said Rush , Paul “ is acting as a scoundrel here , ” [ standing ] in the pathway , standing in the doorway of passing a federal anti-lynching bill .
”

Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., has been trying to pass a federal anti-lynching bill named after Emmett Till and now it’s suddenly in limbo, because in an outrageous move, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. blocked the Senate version of the measure Thursday.
Paul’s legislative chop came as a memorial service for George Floyd was being held in Minneapolis. Floyd, an African American, died after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, brutally pinned him down with his knee on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
In 1955, Till, a 14-year-old black boy from Chicago’s South Side visiting Mississippi, was kidnapped and savagely murdered by white men.
Till’s mother insisted on an open casket at his funeral at the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, 4021 S. State St., so the world could see his mutilated body and witness the deadly results of race-based violence.
That’s what it took to be believed in the era before ubiquitous video. Till’s original casket is on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington.
Rush’s 2018 anti-lynching bill – his first – went nowhere in the GOP controlled House.
Meanwhile, on the Senate side, the three African Americans — Kamala Harris, of California, and Cory Booker, of New Jersey, both Democrats, with Republican Tim Scott, of South Carolina, won approval of similar anti-lynching legislation on Feb. 14, 2019 — with Paul not raising any public objection.
Once the Democrats took the House, Rush’s second try, this time in a bill named the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, passed on a 410-4 bipartisan roll call on Feb. 26.
In a compromise, Rush’s House bill adopted the less tough Senate language but kept Till’s name on the legislation, which meant the Senate had to vote on it again in order to make the title change.
Approval this week should have been a mere formality, since it was basically the Senate bill approved in 2019 revised to name after Till.
Any senator can block legislation — and that’s what Paul did Thursday, since the bill was still in play. He said he takes lynching seriously, calling it a “tool of terror” but didn’t agree with its approach.
“This bill would cheapen the meaning of lynching by defining it so broadly as to include a minor bruise or abrasion,” Paul said from the Senate floor. “Our nation’s history of racial terrorism demands more seriousness from us than that.”
Harris delivered a strong rebuke to Paul’s move in her Senate speech.
“The idea that we would not be taking the issue of lynching seriously is an insult, an insult to Senator Booker, to Senator Tim Scott and myself and all of the senators past and present who have understood this is part of the great stain of America’s history,” she said.
“To suggest that anything short of pulverizing someone so much that the casket would otherwise be closed except for the heroism and courage of Emmett Till’s mother; to suggest that lynching would only be a lynching if someone’s heart was pulled out and reduced and displayed to someone else is ridiculous.”
Referring to the 2019 Senate passage, Harris said, Paul “is now trying to weaken a bill that was already passed. There’s no reason for this. There is no reason for this. Paul’s amendment would place a greater burden on victims of lynching than is currently required under federal hate crimes for this. There is no reason for this.
“There is no reason other than cruel and deliberate obstruction on a day of mourning,” Harris said, noting that Floyd’s memorial service was taking place “on this very day, at this very hour.”
Since the founding of this country, Harris said, “Black lives have not been taken seriously as being fully human and deserving of dignity. And it should not require a maiming or torture in order for us to recognize a lynching when we see it and recognize it by federal law.”
Rush, in an Axios interview, said Paul wanted to do more than modify the measure — he was “trying to gut the bill.” Rush noted that he had already made a deal with his compromise, to back the Senate version of the anti-lynching bill.
If the GOP run-Senate can’t outmaneuver Paul, then the Till measure will remain in limbo. Said Rush, Paul “is acting as a scoundrel here,” [standing] in the pathway, standing in the doorway of passing a federal anti-lynching bill.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--Roger Goodell: NFL ‘wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier’

The NFL was wrong to not listen to players who peacefully protested , NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement and video issued by the league .
The statement was stronger than the one he issued last week in the wake of the George Floyd killing and the subsequent protests .
But Goodell did not mention 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick by name Friday , and the release came at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time — a slot that typically earns fewer media views than the rest of the work week .
“ It has been a difficult time for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our country , ” Goodell said .
“ First , my condolences to the families of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , Ahmuad Arbery and all the families , who have endured police brutality .
“ We , the National Football League , comdemn racism and the systematic oppression , of black people .
We , the National Football League , admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier , and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest .
We , the National Football League , believe Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you and wanted to be part of the much-needed change in this country .
“ Without black players , there would be no National Football League .
And the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence , inequality and oppression of black players , coaches , fans and staff .
We are listening .
I am listening .
And I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united NFL family.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the league would react more favorably to protests this year than they did in 2016 , when Kaepernick began keeling during the national anthem .
He hasn ’ t played in the league since the end of that season .
The NFL passed a rule to regulate what players do during the anthem , but , after union pushback , never attached punishments to violations .
Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks said Wednesday the NFL “ attempted to silence ” Kaepernick and said that he , and other NFL players , did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The NFL was wrong to not listen to players who peacefully protested, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement and video issued by the league.
The statement was stronger than the one he issued last week in the wake of the George Floyd killing and the subsequent protests. But Goodell did not mention 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick by name Friday, and the release came at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time — a slot that typically earns fewer media views than the rest of the work week.
“It has been a difficult time for our country — in particular, black people in our country,” Goodell said. “First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmuad Arbery and all the families, who have endured police brutality.
“We, the National Football League, comdemn racism and the systematic oppression, of black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier, and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter. I personally protest with you and wanted to be part of the much-needed change in this country.
“Without black players, there would be no National Football League. And the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff. We are listening. I am listening. And I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united NFL family.”
We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChange pic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv — NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2020
This week, Bears players suspected the league would react more favorably to protests this year than they did in 2016, when Kaepernick began keeling during the national anthem. He hasn’t played in the league since the end of that season. The NFL passed a rule to regulate what players do during the anthem, but, after union pushback, never attached punishments to violations.
Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks said Wednesday the NFL “attempted to silence” Kaepernick and said that he, and other NFL players, did not protest for fear of losing his job.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--Eddie Johnson grieves over unrest that has torn through city: ‘But we will endure’

Former Chicago Police Supt .
Eddie Johnson is a man with a broken heart .
“ I still love the city and the ( police ) department , and this is absolutely breaking my heart to see the violence happening in the city , ” texted the former African American top cop who grew up in Cabrini-Green housing projects .
Johnson has kept silent since his dramatic firing in December 2019 , a month earlier than his planned retirement , by a visibly angry Mayor Lori Lightfoot claiming he had lied to her in the midst of a preliminary probe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us should stand for no violence in Chicago , ” Johnson said , referring to the looting and burning of Chicago shops and businesses following peaceful marches protesting the monstrous Minneapolis cop killing of African American George Floyd .
In August 2018 , Johnson , who has remained mum awaiting the release of a final report on the incident by City Inspector General Joe Ferguson — melded into top cop and a protester at the same time .
That ’ s when Johnson decided to march arm-in-arm with the Rev .
Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Eisenhower Expressway after an August 2018 weekend of bloody carnage in Chicago ’ s violence-torn black neighborhoods .
Johnson claimed then he never intended that to happen .
“ It was a last-minute decision , ” he told Sneed .
“ It turned out to be the right thing to do , but I agonized over those few decisive seconds.
” “ I suppose you could say it was like an epiphany , ” Johnson said back then .
“ There was conflict within me doing that .
.
.
and only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my job .
.
.
but here ’ s what won the day , ” he said .
“ I wondered what my mom and dad would want me to do .
What the man in me would have done .
And the police side of me .
“ But all of these parts added up to this answer : to be against violence .
“ I remember watching Rev .
Jesse Jackson ’ s face when I joined the march .
It was something to see .
We should all be about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be in it together , ” he said then .
“ And we can ’ t ignore the elephant in the room : the fact many people in the black community don ’ t trust the police , their fear of retribution from gang-bangers for cooperating in investigations , or fear the detectives won ’ t do their jobs if they do cooperate , ” he said .
“ We know we ’ ve all got to work on and repair these relationships and develop trust in being able to keep people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court.
” Has he marched this time ?
“ Remember , Mike , my immune system is compromised by my kidney transplant , so I can ’ t afford COVID right now.
” It was love in the time of the coronavirus .
Thus , restaurateur Phil Stefani stepped up to the plate and at his calculation put his free food truck in gear and sped 15,000 free meals to the city ’ first responders , which included hospitals ; and all the police and fire stations minus three during the first three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right thing to do .
No regrets , ” said Stefani , who owns or manages 14 eateries in Chicago and its suburbs .
On Saturday night — in the midst of “ rioters ” looting during the peaceful protests — all hell broke loose when he video checked their River North property , Bar Cargo , minutes after they sent their employees home at 9 p.m. “ Fifteen seconds into the video , we watched car after car pull up and break into the bar and load up with our specialty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iPads ; and computers , ” said Stefani .
“ Then they trashed a restaurant across the street.
” “ These people weren ’ t the protesters with a righteous cause , ” he said .
“ These were rioters ; white as well as black ; organized and on a mission to steal.
” Does Stefani regret the largess of his donation ?
“ I have no regrets helping heroes , ” he added .
Memo to the big bunches of men and women in blue gabbing it up in less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic entrances at Oak Street and Lake Shore Drive : No masks either ?
.
.
.
.
Saturday ’ s birthdays : Carole Baskin , 59 ; Vic Mensa , 27 ; and DeAndre Hopkins , 28. .
.
.
Sunday ’ s birthdays : Liam Neeson , 68 ; Allen Iverson , 45 ; and Mike Pence , 61 .

Time marches on.
Former Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson is a man with a broken heart.
“I still love the city and the (police) department, and this is absolutely breaking my heart to see the violence happening in the city,” texted the former African American top cop who grew up in Cabrini-Green housing projects.
Johnson has kept silent since his dramatic firing in December 2019, a month earlier than his planned retirement, by a visibly angry Mayor Lori Lightfoot claiming he had lied to her in the midst of a preliminary probe of a drinking-and-driving incident.
“All of us should stand for no violence in Chicago,” Johnson said, referring to the looting and burning of Chicago shops and businesses following peaceful marches protesting the monstrous Minneapolis cop killing of African American George Floyd.
Let’s march back in time.
In August 2018, Johnson, who has remained mum awaiting the release of a final report on the incident by City Inspector General Joe Ferguson — melded into top cop and a protester at the same time.
That’s when Johnson decided to march arm-in-arm with the Rev. Michael Pfleger alongside thousands of anti-violence protesters down the Dan Ryan Expressway after an August 2018 weekend of bloody carnage in Chicago’s violence-torn black neighborhoods.
Johnson claimed then he never intended that to happen.
“It was a last-minute decision,” he told Sneed. “It turned out to be the right thing to do, but I agonized over those few decisive seconds.”
“I suppose you could say it was like an epiphany,” Johnson said back then.
“There was conflict within me doing that . . . and only for a second did I wonder about my job. . . but here’s what won the day,” he said. “I wondered what my mom and dad would want me to do. What the man in me would have done. And the police side of me.
“But all of these parts added up to this answer: to be against violence.
“I remember watching Rev. Jesse Jackson’s face when I joined the march. It was something to see. We should all be about non-violence and saving lives. We have to be in it together,” he said then.
Father Michael Pfleger (2nd left) and Reverend Jesse Jackson (2nd right) walk with Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson during an anti-violence protest, which shut down the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago, July 7, 2018. Jim Young/AFP via Getty Images
“And we can’t ignore the elephant in the room: the fact many people in the black community don’t trust the police, their fear of retribution from gang-bangers for cooperating in investigations, or fear the detectives won’t do their jobs if they do cooperate,” he said.
“We know we’ve all got to work on and repair these relationships and develop trust in being able to keep people safe if they decide to testify in court.”
Has he marched this time?
“No, I haven’t,” he texted.
“Just watching from afar.
“Remember, Mike, my immune system is compromised by my kidney transplant, so I can’t afford COVID right now.”
“But,” he added. “We will endure.”
Breaking bad . . .
It was love in the time of the coronavirus.
One plate at a time.
Thus, restaurateur Phil Stefani stepped up to the plate and at his calculation put his free food truck in gear and sped 15,000 free meals to the city’s first responders, which included hospitals and all the police and fire stations minus three, during the first three months of COVID-19.
“It was the right thing to do. No regrets,” said Stefani, who owns or manages 14 eateries in Chicago and its suburbs.
Then it happened.
On Saturday night — in the midst of “rioters” looting during the peaceful protests — all hell broke loose when he video checked their River North property, Bar Cargo, minutes after they sent their employees home at 9 p.m.
“Fifteen seconds into the video, we watched car after car pull up and break into the bar and load up with our specialty Roman pizzas; liquor; wine; iPads; and computers,” said Stefani. “Then they trashed a restaurant across the street.”
“These people weren’t the protesters with a righteous cause,” he said. “These were rioters; white as well as black; organized and on a mission to steal.”
Does Stefani regret the largess of his donation?
“I have no regrets helping heroes,” he added.
Amen.
Sneedlings . . .
Memo to the big bunches of men and women in blue gabbing it up in less than arm’s length groups at monitored traffic entrances at Oak Street and Lake Shore Drive: No masks either? . . . . Saturday’s birthdays: Carole Baskin, 59; Vic Mensa, 27; and DeAndre Hopkins, 28. . . . Sunday’s birthdays: Liam Neeson, 68; Allen Iverson, 45; and Mike Pence, 61.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--WATCH: Mayor Lightfoot holds Friday evening news conference

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is holding a news conference Friday to announce plans for combating potential violence over the upcoming weekend @ @ @ @ @ over the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police turned violent and led to rioting @ @ @ @ @ as on the South and West Sides , leading Lightfoot to impose an ongoing 9 @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , Chicago saw 85 people shot , 24 of them fatally @ @ @ @ @ the weekend ’ s victims were shot on Sunday as the city reeled from violent @ @ @ @ @ to hundreds of arrests .

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is holding a news conference Friday to announce plans for combating potential violence over the upcoming weekend.
Peaceful protests last weekend over the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police turned violent and led to rioting and looting downtown as well as on the South and West Sides, leading Lightfoot to impose an ongoing 9 p.m. curfew Saturday night.
At the same time, Chicago saw 85 people shot, 24 of them fatally. More than half of the weekend’s victims were shot on Sunday as the city reeled from violent protests Saturday night that led to hundreds of arrests.
Watch the live news conference here:


chicagosun-times--2020-06-05--Online sports betting could soon be in hand for Illinois gamblers

When legal sports betting launched in Illinois three months ago , some gamblers might ’ ve expected they ’ d be placing wagers on the White Sox from inside Guaranteed Rate Field by mid-June .
Instead , they soon could be betting on an unprecedented mid-summer Blackhawks playoff series from the phones in the palms of their hands .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order Thursday that allows bettors to register for online sports wagering accounts from home , providing an earlier restart for the rookie industry that saw its planned kickoff blocked by the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Pritzker last year requires bettors to register in person at casinos , racetracks or sports facilities before they can place wagers on mobile applications that are managed by those brick-and-mortar gambling meccas .
The Democratic governor ’ s latest order temporarily removes that in-person registration requirement as part of the state ’ s coronavirus response .
“ Governor Pritzker ’ s executive order allows Illinois sports fans to temporarily place wagers from the safety of their own home , protecting a revenue source that is critical as the state begins to recover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Illinois Gaming Board administrator Marcus Fruchter said in a Friday announcement .
“ The Illinois Gaming Board looks forward to welcoming patrons back to casinos when it is safe to do so.
” The state ’ s 10 casinos have been shut down since March 16 , just a week after Blackhawks announcer Eddie Olczyk placed the state ’ s first-ever legal sports bet at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines .
But even with Pritzker ’ s latest change , fans won ’ t be able to get in on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casinos and three racetracks that so far have applied for sports betting licenses , only Rivers and the downstate Argosy Casino Alton have been granted temporary operating permits by the Gaming Board .
And those are only good for laying odds inside their now-shuttered establishments .
They still need to request Gaming Board approval to offer online sports wagering , requests that hadn ’ t been submitted as of Friday afternoon .
Spokesmen for Rivers and Argosy declined to comment .
The Gaming Board will hold a virtual meeting June 11 , its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is it clear what sports will be on the board whenever Illinoisans can wager from home .
The Blackhawks are in line for a playoff spot under a proposed NHL season restart , but that schedule is in flux along with most other major American sports .
A handful of European soccer leagues were on the board Friday along with a smattering of other contests .
Casino industry leaders still applauded Pritzker ’ s order as a lifeline for a market that was down more than $ 100 million in the first month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes sense with everything going on , ” Illinois Casino Gaming Association executive director Tom Swoik said .
“ If we ’ d had online wagering this whole time , we could ’ ve still been making a little money and the state could ’ ve been making a little money , at least.
” Swoik said he hopes the state ’ s casinos will be able to reopen in late June under the fourth phase of Pritzker ’ s reopening plan , but the governor wasn ’ t showing his cards Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to casinos and with video [ gaming ] terminals has got to be done with the thought in mind that the states and the cities that keep their people safest — this is the history of pandemics — the states and the cities that keep their people safest are the ones that do the best economically coming out of it , ” he said .
The Gaming Board said Pritzker ’ s order is effective until the regulating agency formally issues a master sports wagering license , beyond the temporary permits like those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also start the clock on the 18-month “ penalty box ” period included in Illinois ’ gambling law for online-only sports betting giants such as DraftKings and FanDuel .
The state ’ s law was written to give casinos a head start over those operators who previously ran daily fantasy contests in an online betting gray area that former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan deemed illegal gambling .
Illinois ’ penalty box incensed the online companies , but they ’ re still trying to lay whatever claim they can to a sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival Nevada ’ s .
DraftKings and FanDuel each have applied to the Gaming Board for licenses as management services providers — and the latter reportedly could be making a play for an inside track to an actual sports betting license .
The betting news website Sports Handle has reported FanDuel is in talks to buy the downstate Fairmount Park Racetrack , which would let them bypass the penalty box .

When legal sports betting launched in Illinois three months ago, some gamblers might’ve expected they’d be placing wagers on the White Sox from inside Guaranteed Rate Field by mid-June.
Instead, they soon could be betting on an unprecedented mid-summer Blackhawks playoff series from the phones in the palms of their hands.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order Thursday that allows bettors to register for online sports wagering accounts from home, providing an earlier restart for the rookie industry that saw its planned kickoff blocked by the coronavirus pandemic.
The gaming expansion bill signed into law by Pritzker last year requires bettors to register in person at casinos, racetracks or sports facilities before they can place wagers on mobile applications that are managed by those brick-and-mortar gambling meccas.
State Rep. Bob Rita (right) chats with Marcus Fruchter, administrator of the Illinois Gaming Board, at the opening of the Rivers Casino sportsbook March 9. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
The Democratic governor’s latest order temporarily removes that in-person registration requirement as part of the state’s coronavirus response.
“Governor Pritzker’s executive order allows Illinois sports fans to temporarily place wagers from the safety of their own home, protecting a revenue source that is critical as the state begins to recover from the damaging financial impact of COVID-19,” Illinois Gaming Board administrator Marcus Fruchter said in a Friday announcement. “The Illinois Gaming Board looks forward to welcoming patrons back to casinos when it is safe to do so.”
The state’s 10 casinos have been shut down since March 16, just a week after Blackhawks announcer Eddie Olczyk placed the state’s first-ever legal sports bet at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.
But even with Pritzker’s latest change, fans won’t be able to get in on the action just yet.
Of the seven casinos and three racetracks that so far have applied for sports betting licenses, only Rivers and the downstate Argosy Casino Alton have been granted temporary operating permits by the Gaming Board.
Blackhawks announcer Eddie Olczyk makes Illinois’ first sportsbook wager and puts $100 down on his hometown White Sox to win the American League pennant March 9 at Rivers Casino. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
And those are only good for laying odds inside their now-shuttered establishments. They still need to request Gaming Board approval to offer online sports wagering, requests that hadn’t been submitted as of Friday afternoon.
Spokesmen for Rivers and Argosy declined to comment. The Gaming Board will hold a virtual meeting June 11, its first meeting since Jan. 30.
Nor is it clear what sports will be on the board whenever Illinoisans can wager from home. The Blackhawks are in line for a playoff spot under a proposed NHL season restart, but that schedule is in flux along with most other major American sports. A handful of European soccer leagues were on the board Friday along with a smattering of other contests.
Casino industry leaders still applauded Pritzker’s order as a lifeline for a market that was down more than $100 million in the first month of the shutdown alone.
“It makes sense with everything going on,” Illinois Casino Gaming Association executive director Tom Swoik said. “If we’d had online wagering this whole time, we could’ve still been making a little money and the state could’ve been making a little money, at least.”
Swoik said he hopes the state’s casinos will be able to reopen in late June under the fourth phase of Pritzker’s reopening plan, but the governor wasn’t showing his cards Friday.
“Whatever we do with regard to casinos and with video [gaming] terminals has got to be done with the thought in mind that the states and the cities that keep their people safest — this is the history of pandemics — the states and the cities that keep their people safest are the ones that do the best economically coming out of it,” he said.
The Gaming Board said Monday that the latest change is effective until either the governor’s disaster proclamation expires or the regulating agency formally issues a master sports wagering license, beyond the temporary permits such as those held by Rivers and Argosy.
That will also start the clock on the 18-month “penalty box” period included in Illinois’ gambling law for online-only sports betting giants such as DraftKings and FanDuel. The state’s law was written to give casinos a head start over those operators who previously ran daily fantasy contests in an online betting gray area that former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan deemed illegal gambling.
Illinois’ penalty box incensed the online companies, but they’re still trying to lay whatever claim they can to a sports betting market some analysts think could eventually rival Nevada’s.
DraftKings and FanDuel each have applied to the Gaming Board for licenses as management services providers — and the latter reportedly could be making a play for an inside track to an actual sports betting license. The betting news website Sports Handle has reported FanDuel is in talks to buy the downstate Fairmount Park Racetrack, which would let them bypass the penalty box.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-06--3 shot in Longwood Manor

3 shot in Longwood Manor

Three men were injured in a shooting Saturday in Longwood Manor on the South Side .
They were shot about @ @ @ @ @ block of South Loomis Street , according to Chicago police .
A 27-year-old man was @ @ @ @ @ went to the University of Chicago Medical Center on his own , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ condition .
A 30-year-old man was hit in the arm and taken to Christ Medical @ @ @ @ @ fair condition , police said .
The third man , 29 , was grazed on @ @ @ @ @ treatment .
Investigators recovered a handgun in the street near the scene , police said @ @ @ @ @ shooting were not available as the victims have been uncooperative with police .
No one @ @ @ @ @ Two detectives investigate .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s @ @

Three men were injured in a shooting Saturday in Longwood Manor on the South Side.
They were shot about 3:45 a.m. in the 9600 block of South Loomis Street, according to Chicago police.
A 27-year-old man was shot in the leg and went to the University of Chicago Medical Center on his own, police said. He was listed in fair condition.
A 30-year-old man was hit in the arm and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in fair condition, police said. The third man, 29, was grazed on the neck and declined medical treatment.
Investigators recovered a handgun in the street near the scene, police said. Further details about the shooting were not available as the victims have been uncooperative with police.
No one is in custody as Area Two detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-06--Wild Game: Venison Beginner Bratwurst Tips in “Braising the Wild”

Jack Hennessy brings precision this week to making sausage .
I particularly enjoyed deciphering the spice chart .
Here is this week ’ s recipe and tips : In early March I visited Barred Owl Butcher & Table in Columbia , Mo.
, for the MEAT !
processing equipment launch party .
The restaurant specializes in farm-to-table whole-animal butchery and craft charcuterie .
Guests were treated to a demo on how to make sausage by owners Joshua Smith and Ben Parks .
Upon leaving , we were given brat spice mix for 10 pounds of meat .
I recently used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venison brats and was very impressed , so I reached out to Smith for the recipe .
He was kind enough to share the finer details regarding the precision of making bratwurst .
“ I prefer to use metric weights and a good digital scale ( bonus points if it is accurate to the half or tenth of a gram ) for measurement in my sausage and charcuterie projects , ” Smith said , “ as I find it to be much more reliable that a system of cups and tablespoons as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decimal point ) and because volume and weight don ’ t directly correspond from one brand/style of salt to the next.
” He even shared the ingredient chart with me .
The only thing I altered for my recipe was the meat used ( venison instead of pork meat ) .
AMOUNT ( in grams ) INGREDIENT CHARCUTIER ’ S PERCENTAGE 10,000 g 60:40 Venison to Pork Fat 100 % 180 g Fine Sea Salt ( or pure Kosher salt ) 1.8 % 30 g Ground White Pepper 0.3 % 20 g @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nutmeg 0.2 % 10 g Ground Marjoram 0.1 % 10 g Ground Celery Seed 0.1 % As needed 29-32mm Hog Casings n/a Meat is always 100 % and ingredients are based on that , so in when I made 5 pounds of venison bratwurst ( 3 pounds venison , 2 pounds pork fat ) , 5 pounds would read 2268g on the scale , so I would need : “ I would round all of these to the nearest whole , half or tenth of a gram depending on the capabilities of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with your local butcher about picking up pork fat ( not pork meat , but just the fat ) , as it is a must for quality wild sausage .
Call around to locate authentic hog intestines .
Some butcher shops may have in-stock or even outdoor retail stores can sell .
There is always Amazon.com , too .
Hog casings are hands-down better than collagen , in my opinion .
Use quality equipment .
MEAT !
( madewithmeat.com ) sells commercial-grade tools direct to consumers so there are offerings at a lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply leads to quicker frustration .
Invest in a meat mixer , versus your hands , to mix together ground meat and spices .

VENISON BEGINNER BRATWURST TIPS In early March I visited Barred Owl Butcher & Table in Columbia, Mo., for the MEAT! processing equipment launch party. The restaurant specializes in farm-to-table whole-animal butchery and craft charcuterie. Guests were treated to a demo on how to make sausage by owners Joshua Smith and Ben Parks. Upon leaving, we were given brat spice mix for 10 pounds of meat. I recently used this spice mix for a batch of venison brats and was very impressed, so I reached out to Smith for the recipe. He was kind enough to share the finer details regarding the precision of making bratwurst. I prefer to use metric weights and a good digital scale (bonus points if it is accurate to the half or tenth of a gram) for measurement in my sausage and charcuterie projects, Smith said, as I find it to be much more reliable that a system of cups and tablespoons as it is both easily scalable (just move a decimal point) and because volume and weight don’t directly correspond from one brand/style of salt to the next. He even shared the ingredient chart with me. The only thing I altered for my recipe was the meat used (venison instead of pork meat). AMOUNT (in grams) INGREDIENT CHARCUTIER’S PERCENTAGE 10,000 g 60:40 Venison to Pork Fat 100% 180 g Fine Sea Salt (or pure Kosher salt) 1.8% 30 g Ground White Pepper 0.3% 20 g Ground Ginger 0.2% 20 g Ground Nutmeg 0.2% 10 g Ground Marjoram 0.1% 10 g Ground Celery Seed 0.1% As needed 29-32mm Hog Casings n/a Meat is always 100% and ingredients are based on that, so in when I made 5 pounds of venison bratwurst (3 pounds venison, 2 pounds pork fat), 5 pounds would read 2268g on the scale, so I would need: 40.824g fine sea salt 6.804g white pepper 4.536g each ginger and nutmeg 2.268g each marjoram and celery seed I would round all of these to the nearest whole, half or tenth of a gram depending on the capabilities of my scale, Smith suggested. BRATS- AND SAUSAGE-MAKING TIPS Inquire with your local butcher about picking up pork fat (not pork meat, but just the fat), as it is a must for quality wild sausage. Call around to locate authentic hog intestines. Some butcher shops may have in-stock or even outdoor retail stores can sell. There is always Amazon.com, too. Hog casings are hands-down better than collagen, in my opinion. Use quality equipment. MEAT! (madewithmeat.com) sells commercial-grade tools direct to consumers so there are offerings at a lower cost. I have found lower-quality equipment simply leads to quicker frustration. Invest in a meat mixer, versus your hands, to mix together ground meat and spices.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-06--Dear Abby: Daughter is about to make the same mistake I did — marrying young

DEAR ABBY : I have been divorced for 18 years .
The main reason for my divorce was that I married too young and wasn ’ t ready to be a wife and mother .
My daughter has just announced her engagement to a truly wonderful man , but she ’ s only 19 .
I want to support her , but I ’ m afraid she ’ s making the same mistake I did .
I have tried talking to her about it , but she is sure she is making the right decision .
I am tight on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to pay for an expensive wedding if it ’ s going to be a waste later on if my daughter gets a divorce .
But I do want to be by her side and support her during one of the most important times of her life .
What should I do ?
— EXPERIENCED MOM DEAR MOM : Your daughter already knows you ’ re concerned about her marrying so young and the reasons why .
Ultimately , this is her decision — or mistake — to make .
Explain that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribute financially to her wedding because money is tight right now , but that you are there to support her emotionally now and forever .
Tell her , too , that many successful marriages begin at a courthouse , and you wish her better luck than you had .
DEAR ABBY : My wife of 38 years passed away a year and a half ago .
My ex-wife , to whom I was married for 14 years , and who is the mother of our adult kids , is single again after four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overtures about getting together again .
She is assertive , likes to spend and was very jealous .
At my age , I could use the help , but it would require selling my house and moving several states away .
She ’ s really pushing , but I ’ m just not sure .
It would be nice to have someone around because I am lonely .
She is a neat lady , but I just don ’ t know .
Help !
— PROPOSITIONED IN THE MIDWEST DEAR PROPOSITIONED : Surely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loneliness other than a woman you divorced for at least two solid reasons .
I have four words of advice for you : When in doubt — DON ’ T !
Your common sense is fueling your ambivalence .
Please pay attention to it .
At most , maintain a long-distance friendship with her .
DEAR ABBY : During a recent trip to the supermarket , I noticed a couple in their 50s who were shopping for produce .
The woman picked up eight different avocados before selecting one .
( I counted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bags of oranges before placing one in their cart .
This was repeated with each item they shopped for !
I considered asking them to stop touching the food , but I didn ’ t want a confrontation .
How would you have handled this ?
Can you please encourage your readers to minimize what they touch for the sake of public safety ?
— CONCERNED SHOPPER DEAR CONCERNED : I would have handled it by talking about it to the store manager .
In California , signs are posted asking customers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and shoppers are encouraged not only to wear masks and practice social distancing while shopping for groceries , but also to wear gloves .
Once you bring your groceries home , you should wipe them down , and ALWAYS wash your hands thoroughly for the recommended 20 seconds .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I have been divorced for 18 years. The main reason for my divorce was that I married too young and wasn’t ready to be a wife and mother. My daughter has just announced her engagement to a truly wonderful man, but she’s only 19. I want to support her, but I’m afraid she’s making the same mistake I did. I have tried talking to her about it, but she is sure she is making the right decision.
I am tight on money now, and I don’t want to pay for an expensive wedding if it’s going to be a waste later on if my daughter gets a divorce. But I do want to be by her side and support her during one of the most important times of her life. What should I do? — EXPERIENCED MOM
DEAR MOM: Your daughter already knows you’re concerned about her marrying so young and the reasons why. Ultimately, this is her decision — or mistake — to make. Explain that you won’t be able to contribute financially to her wedding because money is tight right now, but that you are there to support her emotionally now and forever. Tell her, too, that many successful marriages begin at a courthouse, and you wish her better luck than you had.
DEAR ABBY: My wife of 38 years passed away a year and a half ago. My ex-wife, to whom I was married for 14 years, and who is the mother of our adult kids, is single again after four failed marriages. She’s making overtures about getting together again. She is assertive, likes to spend and was very jealous.
At my age, I could use the help, but it would require selling my house and moving several states away. She’s really pushing, but I’m just not sure. It would be nice to have someone around because I am lonely. She is a neat lady, but I just don’t know. Help! — PROPOSITIONED IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR PROPOSITIONED: Surely you can find someone to fill your loneliness other than a woman you divorced for at least two solid reasons. I have four words of advice for you: When in doubt — DON’T! Your common sense is fueling your ambivalence. Please pay attention to it. At most, maintain a long-distance friendship with her.
DEAR ABBY: During a recent trip to the supermarket, I noticed a couple in their 50s who were shopping for produce. The woman picked up eight different avocados before selecting one. (I counted.) The man touched three different bags of oranges before placing one in their cart. This was repeated with each item they shopped for!
I considered asking them to stop touching the food, but I didn’t want a confrontation. How would you have handled this? Can you please encourage your readers to minimize what they touch for the sake of public safety? — CONCERNED SHOPPER
DEAR CONCERNED: I would have handled it by talking about it to the store manager. In California, signs are posted asking customers to please handle merchandise as little as possible, and shoppers are encouraged not only to wear masks and practice social distancing while shopping for groceries, but also to wear gloves.
Once you bring your groceries home, you should wipe them down, and ALWAYS wash your hands thoroughly for the recommended 20 seconds.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)