chicagosun-times--2020-08-08--Blackhawks’ Corey Crawford shows he’s back in top form with Game 4 heroics

Corey Crawford ’ s performance in the Blackhawks ’ Game 4 win over the Oilers was by no means beautiful , calming or effortless .
But it was spectacular nonetheless .
After a summer dominated by speculation of Crawford ’ s whereabouts , then concern about his health — after he revealed his bout with COVID-19 — and then skepticism about his game readiness , Crawford made it clear Friday he ’ s still the same stellar goaltender he ’ s always been .
As the Hawks advance to the Round of 16 , there ’ s no need for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was tough luck to get [ coronavirus ] right before we were starting camp , ” a reflective Crawford said Friday , minutes after the Hawks eliminated the Oilers .
“ I would have liked to have more time to get ready .
But I guess it was over with and I was starting to feel better at the right time , and [ I was ] able to start practicing hard and get into the first game.
” “ The guys played great , so I was able to kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfortable .
I still don ’ t think I ’ m at the top of my game , but it was definitely better today.
” The first three games of the series were undeniably subpar for Crawford .
He allowed 13 goals on 92 shots and appeared less confident than usual , hanging deeper into the blue paint than normal .
In Game 4 , though , Crawford challenged shots at the top of the crease , moved quickly and agilely , used his pads and glove to cover the net laterally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and battled through the rusty spots that he admitted remained .
Rebounds were clearly one of those rusty areas : after allowing just four rebounds in Games 1 and 2 combined , Crawford produced six rebounds in Game 3 and a whopping 10 rebounds in Game 4 .
But he scrambled and managed to prevent any of those from turning into Oilers goals .
“ He ’ s a huge part of our team and he played real well today , ” Dominik Kubalik said Friday .
“ Obviously [ we ] try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up too many penalties today , so I ’ m really happy that he shut the door today.
” Shut the door he did , stopping the final 34 consecutive shots on goal that the Oilers generated .
Twenty of those were in the third period alone , including some highlight-reel plays .
Crawford stretched with his left toe to stop Ryan Nugent-Hopkins , then ruthlessly stole a goal by snaring Zack Kassian ’ s elevated rebound shot , with 8:01 left .
He used his active stick to break up a juicy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — who singlehandedly had three or four decent chances in the frame — with 4:25 left .
He made a great read to center himself for a Nugent-Hopkins shot in the low slot with 2:40 left .
And lastly , he robbed Leon Draisaitl racing down the right wing with 2:15 left .
The superb Game 4 effort made his overall stats for the series actually respectable .
Looking at even-strength situations only — the Oilers ’ historically good power play created a somewhat unfair disadvantage — Crawford posted a decent .905 save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to appear in the playoffs so far .
Against high-danger chances , his save percentage was .865 , ranking 19th .
And he did it despite the matchup of shoddy defense versus deadly offense that took place around him .
The Oilers ’ average shot distance was 29.0 feet , the closest distance faced by any of those 34 goalies .
The Hawks will surely hope Crawford can further improve those numbers as the postseason rolls on , but Friday ’ s performance certainly quelled any concerns about the veteran goalie ’ s @ @ @

Goalie Corey Crawford’s performance in the Blackhawks’ Game 4 victory against the Oilers was by no means beautiful, calming or effortless.
But it was spectacular anyway.
After a summer dominated by speculation about Crawford’s whereabouts, then concern about his health — after he revealed his bout with COVID-19 — then skepticism about his readiness for games, Crawford made it clear Friday he’s the same stellar goalie he always has been.
There’s no need for any more questions in net.
‘‘It was tough luck to get [coronavirus] right before we were starting camp,’’ a reflective Crawford said minutes after the Hawks eliminated the Oilers. ‘‘I would have liked to have more time to get ready. But I guess it was over with, and I was starting to feel better at the right time. [I was] able to start practicing hard and get into the first game.
‘‘The guys played great, so I was able to kind of hide back there until I started feeling comfortable. I still don’t think I’m at the top of my game, but it was definitely better [in Game 4].’’
Crawford was subpar in the first three games of the series. He allowed 13 goals on 92 shots and appeared less confident than usual, hanging deeper in the crease than he normally does.
In Game 4, however, Crawford challenged shots at the top of the crease, moved quickly and agilely, used his pads and glove to cover the net laterally, stayed square to shots from all angles and battled through the rusty spots that he admitted remained.
Corey Crawford used a variety of tactics to stop the Oilers in Game 4. Getty
Rebounds were clearly one of those rusty areas. After allowing only four rebounds in Games 1 and 2 combined, Crawford yielded six rebounds in Game 3 and a whopping 10 in Game 4. But he scrambled and managed to prevent any of those from turning into Oilers goals.
‘‘He’s a huge part of our team, and he played real well today,’’ wing Dominik Kubalik said Friday. ‘‘Obviously, [we] try to help him, but we gave up too many penalties today, so I’m really happy that he shut the door.’’
Shut the door he did, stopping the Oilers’ last 34 shots on goal. Twenty of those were in the third period, including some highlight-reel saves.
Crawford stretched with his left toe to stop Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, then stole a goal by snaring Zack Kassian’s elevated rebound shot with 8:01 left. He used his active stick to break up a centering pass from Nugent-Hopkins to Oscar Klefbom — who had three or four decent chances in the period — with 4:25 left. He made a great read to center himself for a shot by Nugent-Hopkins from the low slot with 2:40 left. Lastly, he robbed Leon Draisaitl racing down the right wing with 2:15 left.
Crawford’s superb effort made his overall stats for the series respectable.
Looking at even-strength situations only — the Oilers’ historically good power play created some skewed numbers — Crawford posted a .905 save percentage. Against high-danger chances, his save percentage was .865.
And he did that despite the matchup of shoddy defense against deadly offense that took place around him. The Oilers’ average shot distance was 29 feet, the closest distance faced by any goalie in the playoffs.
The Hawks hope Crawford can improve those numbers as the postseason rolls on, but his performance Friday quelled any concerns about his ability to do so.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-09--Dear Abby: Since ex won’t give back the ring, maybe she still loves me

DEAR ABBY : Five months ago , after eight years , my fiancee terminated our relationship .
I still have very strong feelings for her , although she ghosted me and won ’ t communicate with me .
We agreed from the outset that should the relationship end , the ring ( or value thereof ) would be returned to me .
I have sent numerous emails and text messages and have received no response .
Her explanation for her silence for 22 days — just before she broke up with me over the phone — was because I “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selected the ring and told me repeatedly how much she loved it .
Do you think she ’ s still “ in love ” with me and that ’ s why she refuses to return the ring ?
— DUMPED WITHOUT RING DEAR DUMPED : No , I think she is still in love with the RING , which is why she refuses to return it .
Because your former fiancee has chosen to keep it rather than abide by the rules of etiquette or your verbal agreement , it ’ s time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want that ring back ( or the value thereof ) , you may have to take her to court to get it .
Be GLAD you are rid of her , even if it wasn ’ t your idea .
DEAR ABBY : I have an extremely well-educated and intelligent friend whose emotions , ideas and opinions seem to have become subjugated to the control of her relatively new spouse .
I should add that he has a bad temper , and I am afraid it could escalate .
What are my options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
It ’ s possible that she ’ s willingly submitting , but it seems uncharacteristic .
I have personal experience with this kind of situation in regard to family members , but I don ’ t want to make a fuss if I ’ m wrong .
— CARING FRIEND IN KANSAS DEAR FRIEND : Unless you have proof that your friend is being physically abused , the most helpful thing you can do is stay in close contact and make sure she knows you will always be there for her if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If she confides that her husband is emotionally abusive , support her by reminding her that , despite what her husband may have told her , she ’ s intelligent and well-educated .
Talk to her about the situations you have encountered in your own family and mention the National Domestic Violence Hotline ( thehotline.org ; 800-799-7233 ) .
If she contacts you because he has hurt her physically , get her to an emergency room right away .
They know how to handle ( and report ) domestic abuse and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Is it fair to other family members to leave dirty dishes in the sink until “ later ” ?
My wife and I have been married 15 years , but my wife still leaves dirty dishes in the sink all day , every day , “ until I can get to them.
” To me , this is rude and inconsiderate .
If I have time enough to use a dish or a glass , I have time to rinse it and put it in the dishwasher .
Who is right here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : You are .
Because you have asked your wife repeatedly not to do this , one would think she would accommodate you .
It takes only a moment to put used dishes and utensils into a dishwasher rather than leave them stacked in the sink .
Her disregard for your feelings is passive-aggressive .
Consider asking her if she does it as a way to punish you for something she ’ s not willing to discuss .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “ The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.
” To order , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Anger Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included @ @ @ @ @

DEAR ABBY: Five months ago, after eight years, my fiancee terminated our relationship. I still have very strong feelings for her, although she ghosted me and won’t communicate with me.
We agreed from the outset that should the relationship end, the ring (or value thereof) would be returned to me. I have sent numerous emails and text messages and have received no response. Her explanation for her silence for 22 days — just before she broke up with me over the phone — was because I “gave her an ultimatum.”
She had selected the ring and told me repeatedly how much she loved it. Do you think she’s still “in love” with me and that’s why she refuses to return the ring? — DUMPED WITHOUT RING
DEAR DUMPED: No, I think she is still in love with the RING, which is why she refuses to return it. Because your former fiancee has chosen to keep it rather than abide by the rules of etiquette or your verbal agreement, it’s time to consult a lawyer. If you want that ring back (or the value thereof), you may have to take her to court to get it. Be GLAD you are rid of her, even if it wasn’t your idea.
DEAR ABBY: I have an extremely well-educated and intelligent friend whose emotions, ideas and opinions seem to have become subjugated to the control of her relatively new spouse. I should add that he has a bad temper, and I am afraid it could escalate.
What are my options for reporting or intervening in the situation? It’s possible that she’s willingly submitting, but it seems uncharacteristic. I have personal experience with this kind of situation in regard to family members, but I don’t want to make a fuss if I’m wrong. — CARING FRIEND IN KANSAS
DEAR FRIEND: Unless you have proof that your friend is being physically abused, the most helpful thing you can do is stay in close contact and make sure she knows you will always be there for her if she needs you, day or night. If she confides that her husband is emotionally abusive, support her by reminding her that, despite what her husband may have told her, she’s intelligent and well-educated.
Talk to her about the situations you have encountered in your own family and mention the National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org; 800-799-7233). If she contacts you because he has hurt her physically, get her to an emergency room right away. They know how to handle (and report) domestic abuse and are mandated to do so.
DEAR ABBY: Is it fair to other family members to leave dirty dishes in the sink until “later”? My wife and I have been married 15 years, but my wife still leaves dirty dishes in the sink all day, every day, “until I can get to them.” To me, this is rude and inconsiderate. If I have time enough to use a dish or a glass, I have time to rinse it and put it in the dishwasher. Who is right here? — RUDE IN TEXAS
DEAR RUDE: You are. Because you have asked your wife repeatedly not to do this, one would think she would accommodate you. It takes only a moment to put used dishes and utensils into a dishwasher rather than leave them stacked in the sink. Her disregard for your feelings is passive-aggressive. Consider asking her if she does it as a way to punish you for something she’s not willing to discuss.
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.
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-08-09--Police seek car wanted in East Garfield Park hit-and-run

Police are looking for a car that hit a person in a wheelchair last week in East Garfield Park on @ @ @ @ @ gray Nissan Altima hit the male as he crossed the street at 10:59 a.m. Aug. @ @ @ @ @ California Avenue , according to a community alert from Chicago police .
The person was @ @ @ @ @ the car fled east on Madison , police said .
Police released photos of the @ @ @ @ @ a 2007 to 2012 Altima , and are asking anyone with information to call the @ @ @ @ @ 312-745-4521 .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are looking for a car that hit a person in a wheelchair last week in East Garfield Park on the West Side.
The gray Nissan Altima hit the male as he crossed the street at 10:59 a.m. Aug. 1 at Madison Street and California Avenue, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The person was injured in the crash and the car fled east on Madison, police said.
Police released photos of the car, believed to be a 2007 to 2012 Altima, and are asking anyone with information to call the Major Accident Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521.
Authorities released a surveillance image of a gray Nissan Altima taken shortly before a hit-and-run Aug. 1, 2020, at Madison Street and California Avenue. Chicago police
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-09--Teen shot in Lawndale

Teen shot in Lawndale

A 17-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting Saturday in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was outside with @ @ @ @ @ 11:26 p.m. in the 1300 block of South Christiana Avenue when he heard gunfire and @ @ @ @ @ said .
He didn ’ t see who shot him or where shots came from @ @ @ @ @ to Mount Sinai Hospital by a friend and is in fair condition , police said @ @ @ @ @ custody as Area Four detectives investigate .
Read more on crime , and track the @ @ @ @ @

A 17-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting Saturday in Lawndale on the West Side.
He was outside with a group of friends about 11:26 p.m. in the 1300 block of South Christiana Avenue when he heard gunfire and felt pain, Chicago police said. He didn’t see who shot him or where shots came from.
The teen was driven to Mount Sinai Hospital by a friend and is in fair condition, police said.
No one is in custody as Area Four detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-09--Girl, 15, grazed in Greater Grand Crossing shooting

A teenage girl was grazed by a bullet Sunday during a fight in Greater Grand Crossing on the South Side @ @ @ @ @ a park about 12:44 a.m. in the 100 block of West 66th Street when the @ @ @ @ @ group of males , according to Chicago police .
Someone fired shots , grazing the @ @ @ @ @ A relative drove her to St. Bernard Hospital in fair condition , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ have been the intended target .
No one is in custody as Area One detectives @ @ @ @ @ crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A teenage girl was grazed by a bullet Sunday during a fight in Greater Grand Crossing on the South Side.
The 15-year-old was at a park about 12:44 a.m. in the 100 block of West 66th Street when the fight broke out among a group of males, according to Chicago police. Someone fired shots, grazing the girl on her face.
A relative drove her to St. Bernard Hospital in fair condition, police said.
Police said she may not have been the intended target.
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-08--Horoscope for Sunday, August 9, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, August 9, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Aries into Taurus .
Today is more tense .
Oh yeah .
People are more grouchy and critical , which means your relations with authority figures ( bosses , parents and the police ) are stiff and more strained .
Consider this an opportunity to practice patience .
Yesterday was a feel-good day .
Today not so much .
Things are not as lighthearted as they were yesterday .
Be smart and avoid controversial subjects like politics , religion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because that will just be a bummer .
You might feel at odds with someone , especially if you are sharing something or discussing an inheritance or making a decision about how to spend an allocated amount of money .
Someone in power will block you .
( Like , what ’ s with that ? )
Relations with parents , bosses , partners and spouses as well as close friends are dicey .
Someone ’ s throwing shade on you .
Or maybe they think you have an attitude ?
Whatever — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head down and your powder dry .
Expect difficulty working with coworkers or trying to do whatever you ’ re trying to do because something will oppose you .
Things will not flow as easily as you would like .
Therefore , give yourself extra room to encounter the unexpected .
Be prepared .
( This is not your first rodeo . )
You might encounter difficulty with your kids or with a romantic partner .
You might think people are stingy or you might feel stingy yourself ?
That ’ s OK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We all have shortcomings — it goes with the territory .
Do what you can to keep things smooth with partners , close friends and family members because today it ’ s easy for things to go off the rails .
( In a New York minute . )
Someone might be critical , or they could be on your case .
Nobody likes this .
( I ’ m with you on that . )
Health concerns and perhaps even increased responsibilities related to a pet or your job or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do could be frustrating .
Hey , Rome wasn ’ t built in a day .
Cope as best you can .
You are a strong sign .
Difficulties with kids , romantic partners and sports colleagues will be classic .
Criticisms and power struggles will be par for the course .
( Isn ’ t this fun ? )
But you can use these challenges to spin a new reality .
Bring something positive to the table .
( You ’ re good at this . )
Your relations with family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be challenged .
When it comes down to it , this is probably an ego battle — a test of wills .
Hey , you need this like a fish needs a bicycle .
Do not take the bait .
Be gracious .
Verbal power struggles are classic .
But hey , you have to ask yourself what do you win ?
You might have the victory ( if you will ) but do you want this at the cost of a relationship with siblings , relatives or a neighbor ?
Get real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Be reasonable with everyone .
( Your big strength . )
Money squabbles might create friction with someone .
Money is a very sensitive subject .
Did you know that people are more private about their finances than they are about their sex life ?
Wait till let next week for these discussions .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Gillian Anderson ( 1968 ) shares your birthday .
You are powerful because you are friendly , charismatic and charming .
You work hard for success .
It ’ s your turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be more popular and will enjoy warm friendships .
You will also be more grateful for your life and will appreciate the everyday happiness and beauty around you .
This year is the time for an important choice .
Choose wisely .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Aries into Taurus.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today is more tense. Oh yeah. People are more grouchy and critical, which means your relations with authority figures (bosses, parents and the police) are stiff and more strained. Consider this an opportunity to practice patience.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Yesterday was a feel-good day. Today not so much. Things are not as lighthearted as they were yesterday. Be smart and avoid controversial subjects like politics, religion and racial issues when talking to others because that will just be a bummer.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
You might feel at odds with someone, especially if you are sharing something or discussing an inheritance or making a decision about how to spend an allocated amount of money. Someone in power will block you. (Like, what’s with that?)
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Relations with parents, bosses, partners and spouses as well as close friends are dicey. Someone’s throwing shade on you. Or maybe they think you have an attitude? Whatever — you get the picture. Keep your head down and your powder dry.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Expect difficulty working with coworkers or trying to do whatever you’re trying to do because something will oppose you. Things will not flow as easily as you would like. Therefore, give yourself extra room to encounter the unexpected. Be prepared. (This is not your first rodeo.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You might encounter difficulty with your kids or with a romantic partner. You might think people are stingy or you might feel stingy yourself? That’s OK. Always forgive yourself and love yourself. We all have shortcomings — it goes with the territory.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Do what you can to keep things smooth with partners, close friends and family members because today it’s easy for things to go off the rails. (In a New York minute.) Someone might be critical, or they could be on your case. Nobody likes this. (I’m with you on that.)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Health concerns and perhaps even increased responsibilities related to a pet or your job or a task that you’re trying to do could be frustrating. Hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Cope as best you can. You are a strong sign.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Difficulties with kids, romantic partners and sports colleagues will be classic. Criticisms and power struggles will be par for the course. (Isn’t this fun?) But you can use these challenges to spin a new reality. Bring something positive to the table. (You’re good at this.)
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Your relations with family members, especially a female relative, might be challenged. When it comes down to it, this is probably an ego battle — a test of wills. Hey, you need this like a fish needs a bicycle. Do not take the bait. Be gracious.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Verbal power struggles are classic. But hey, you have to ask yourself what do you win? You might have the victory (if you will) but do you want this at the cost of a relationship with siblings, relatives or a neighbor? Get real — of course you don’t. Be reasonable with everyone. (Your big strength.)
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Money squabbles might create friction with someone. Money is a very sensitive subject. Did you know that people are more private about their finances than they are about their sex life? Wait till let next week for these discussions.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Gillian Anderson (1968) shares your birthday. You are powerful because you are friendly, charismatic and charming. You work hard for success. It’s your turn for a fun-loving year ahead! You will be more popular and will enjoy warm friendships. You will also be more grateful for your life and will appreciate the everyday happiness and beauty around you. This year is the time for an important choice. Choose wisely.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-08--Sky hit century mark in victory against Sun

BRADENTON , Fla. — Allie Quigley scored 22 points and Cheyenne Parker 20 to carry the Sky to a 100-93 victory Saturday against the Connecticut Sun .
Kahleah Copper added 17 points , Diamond DeShields a season-high 14 points and Courtney Vandersloot 11 assists for the Sky , who shot 32-for-58 from the field ( 55.2 % ) and won for the third time in their last four games .
The Sky , who had 21 assists on their 32 baskets , are off to a 5-2 start for the second consecutive season .
“ We just stuck to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” coach James Wade said .
“ You didn ’ t see any distractions .
That was like a point of concentration for the team , for myself .
We didn ’ t let distractions bother us , and we just stayed focused on the game .
We knew that two or three minutes unsettled could mean a run for them .
So it ’ s a process for us , but we ’ ll get it right.
” After a three-pointer by Bria Holmes with 1:31 left in the third quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 70-69 , the Sky went on a 9-2 run to close the quarter , with DeShields scoring on a three-point play and a jumper .
The Sun never got closer than four points the rest of the way .
The Sky bounced back from a 96-86 loss to the Mercury on Thursday , and that result was a motivating factor Sunday .
“ Yeah , definitely , ” Parker said .
“ Just our defense was not good at all , and James let us have it in film and I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film .
We were all really irritated , not just with ourselves , but just with how humiliating it is to see us on film and see like , ‘ Alright , we can give a little bit more effort.
’ I think we all had that extra motivation tonight.
” Jasmine Thomas led the Sun with 22 points .
DeWanna Bonner and Kaila Charles each added 15 , Holmes 12 and Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones 11 each .

BRADENTON, Fla. — Allie Quigley scored 22 points and Cheyenne Parker 20 to carry the Sky to a 100-93 victory Saturday against the Connecticut Sun.
Kahleah Copper added 17 points, Diamond DeShields a season-high 14 points and Courtney Vandersloot 11 assists for the Sky, who shot 32-for-58 from the field (55.2%) and won for the third time in their last four games. The Sky, who had 21 assists on their 32 baskets, are off to a 5-2 start for the second consecutive season.
“We just stuck to our game plan, and we stayed focused,” coach James Wade said. “You didn’t see any distractions. That was like a point of concentration for the team, for myself. We didn’t let distractions bother us, and we just stayed focused on the game. We knew that two or three minutes unsettled could mean a run for them. So it’s a process for us, but we’ll get it right.”
After a three-pointer by Bria Holmes with 1:31 left in the third quarter pulled the Sun -(1-6) to 70-69, the Sky went on a 9-2 run to close the quarter, with DeShields scoring on a three-point play and a jumper. The Sun never got closer than four points the rest of the way.
The Sky bounced back from a 96-86 loss to the Mercury on Thursday, and that result was a motivating factor Sunday.
“Yeah, definitely,” Parker said. “Just our defense was not good at all, and James let us have it in film and I don’t think anyone was happy leaving film. We were all really irritated, not just with ourselves, but just with how humiliating it is to see us on film and see like, ‘Alright, we can give a little bit more effort.’ I think we all had that extra motivation tonight.”
Jasmine Thomas led the Sun with 22 points. DeWanna Bonner and Kaila Charles each added 15, Holmes 12 and Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones 11 each.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-08--Man, 79, fatally shoots 72-year-old, tells friend ‘I shot the motherf——-, it’s over now,”: prosecuto

Man, 79, fatally shoots 72-year-old, tells friend ‘I shot the motherf——-, it’s over now,”: prosecutors

A 79-year-old man allegedly shot and killed someone he knew for decades over a gambling debt , then called 911 after firing the shots .
Willie Dunmore is charged with first-degree murder , Chicago police said .
He was ordered held without bail Saturday , according to Cook County prosecutors .
James Kelley , 72 , who went to demand money from Dunmore at his used car lot in the 7300 block of South Stony Island Avenue , was killed in the Aug. 5 attack , police and prosecutors said .
Kelley knew Dunmore for 40 years and was driven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect an old debt , prosecutors said .
His friend waited in the car while Kelley went inside .
Shortly after , Dunmore ’ s son was seen walking out of the dealership , holding his abdomen as if he had a gun before placing something in a vehicle , prosecutors said .
Dunmore , who also knew Kelley ’ s friend , told him “ I shot the motherf—— , it ’ s over now and he is dead on the floor , ” according to a bond proffer .
Dunmore then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but did not identify himself as the shooter and did not claim self-defense .
Paramedics on the scene found Kelley on the floor with a gunshot wound to the back and took him to a hospital for treatment , prosecutors said .
Dunmore told officers he and Kelley struggled over the gun and it went off accidentally .
The gun was never recovered .
At the hospital , Kelley identified Dunmore as the person who shot him , prosecutors said .
He died the next day .
Read more on crime , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A 79-year-old man allegedly shot and killed someone he knew for decades over a gambling debt, then called 911 after firing the shots.
Willie Dunmore is charged with first-degree murder, Chicago police said.
James Kelley, 72, who went to demand money from Dunmore at his used car lot in the 7300 block of South Stony Island Avenue, was killed in the Aug. 5 attack, police and prosecutors said.
Kelley knew Dunmore for 40 years and was driven to the dealership by a friend to collect an old debt, prosecutors said. His friend waited in the car while Kelley went inside.
Shortly after, Dunmore’s son was seen walking out of the dealership, holding his abdomen as if he had a gun before placing something in a vehicle, prosecutors said.
Dunmore, who also knew Kelley’s friend, told him “I shot the motherf——, it’s over now and he is dead on the floor,” according to a bond proffer. Dunmore then called 911 to report the shooting, but did not identify himself as the shooter and did not claim self-defense.
Paramedics on the scene found Kelley on the floor with a gunshot wound to the back and took him to a hospital for treatment, prosecutors said. Dunmore told officers he and Kelley struggled over the gun and it went off accidentally. The gun was never recovered.
At the hospital, Kelley identified Dunmore as the person who shot him, prosecutors said. He died the next day.
Dunmore appeared in bond court and was given $200,000 bail, prosecutors said. He is due back in court Aug. 10.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-08--After three rounds, Dustin Johnson leads the PGA Championship

SAN FRANCISCO — Dustin Johnson supplied the birdies , eight of them Saturday at the PGA Championship , the most he has ever made in his 157 rounds of major championship golf for a 5-under 65 and a one-shot lead .
Koepka recovered from three straight bogeys to salvage a 69 and stay within two shots of a leaderboard more crowded than any of San Francisco ’ s congested highways .
At stake is a chance to become only the seventh player to win the same major three straight times .
He surveyed the cast of contenders , and focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I like my chances , ” Koepka said .
“ When I ’ ve been in this position before , I ’ ve capitalized .
He ’ s only won one .
I ’ m playing good .
I don ’ t know , we ’ ll see.
” As he stepped away from the microphone , Koepka smiled and said to Jason Day , “ How about that shade ?
” They laughed .
The final round at Harding Park figures to be wide open , just like it was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had at least a share of the lead during the third round .
Johnson lost his yardage book and still found his way through an enormous crowd of contenders .
He made a double bogey on the ninth hole and still bounced back with a 31 on the tough , windy back nine .
He needed all eight of those birdies on a day of low scores , long putts and endless possibilities .
One possibility is Koepka hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy for the third straight year , which hasn ’ t happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row in the 1920s when it was match play .
The last player to win any major three straight times was Peter Thomson at the British Open in 1956 .
Koepka was two shots behind on a board that features only two major champions among the top six .
Scottie Scheffler , the PGA Tour rookie from Texas , ran off three straight birdies only to miss a 6-foot par putt on the final hole .
He still shot a 65 and was one shot behind , in the final group at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has the most powerful swing on tour , shot 67 and joined Scheffler one shot behind .
Johnson was at 9-under 201 as he goes for his second major title .
For all the chances he has had , this is only the second time he has led going into the final round .
The other was down the coast at Pebble Beach , his first chance at winning a major .
He had a three-shot lead in the 2010 U.S. Open and shot 82 .
Now he is more seasoned with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bad ( five close calls in the majors ) .
“ I ’ m going to have to play good golf if I want to win .
It ’ s simple , ” Johnson said .
“ I ’ ve got to hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens .
If I can do that tomorrow , I ’ m going to have a good chance coming down the stretch .
… I ’ m just going to have to do what I did today .
Just get it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are major champions like Koepka , Jason Day and Justin Rose , and fresh faces like Scheffler , Champ and Collin Morikawa .
Also right there was Bryson DeChambeau , thanks to a 95-foot putt for birdie on his last hole .
Turns out he can hit long putts , too .
Missing from all this action is Tiger Woods , who didn ’ t make a birdie until the 16th hole and is out of the mix for the fourth straight major since his emotional Masters victory last year .
A dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Li Haotong , the first player from China to lead after any round at a major , was leading through 12 holes until his tee shot didn ’ t come down from a tree .
He made double bogey , dropped two more shots and finished four shots out of the lead .
Johnson didn ’ t have smooth sailing , either , especially when he couldn ’ t find his yardage book .
He thinks it slipped into the bottom of the golf bag , and he didn ’ t feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground to find it .
Austin Johnson , his brother and caddie , had a spare yardage book .
Johnson shot 65 even with a double bogey on the ninth hole .
Mistakes like that might be more costly on Sunday with so many players in the mix .
Even those who struggled — Rose , Daniel Berger , Tommy Fleetwood all settled for 70 — are only three shots behind .
Adding to the drama will be the lack of atmosphere , this being the first major without spectators .
Paul Casey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nerves from the lack of people .
Perhaps that helps with younger players in the hunt for the first time .
It also could make it difficult for players to know what ’ s happening around them without any cheers .
Then again , Johnson won the U.S. Open in 2016 at Oakmont without knowing the score as the USGA tried to decide whether he should be penalized for a potential rules violation earlier in the round .
He had to play the last seven holes without knowing his score .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has endured in the majors .
There was a penalty that knocked him out of a playoff in the 2010 PGA at Whistling Straits for grounding his club in sand without realizing it was a bunker .
He had a 12-foot eagle putt to win the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay , only to three-putt for par and a silver medal .
But he ’ s back for another shot , and his game looks to be in order .
He has the power , and on this day , he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience in this situation that definitely will help tomorrow , ” Johnson said .
“ I ’ ve been in the hunt a bunch of times in a major .
I ’ ve got one major .
… Still going to have to go out and play really good golf .
”

SAN FRANCISCO — Dustin Johnson supplied the birdies, eight of them Saturday at the PGA Championship, the most he has ever made in his 157 rounds of major championship golf for a 5-under 65 and a one-shot lead.
Brooks Koepka supplied the needle.
Koepka recovered from three straight bogeys to salvage a 69 and stay within two shots of a leaderboard more crowded than any of San Francisco’s congested highways. At stake is a chance to become only the seventh player to win the same major three straight times. He surveyed the cast of contenders, and focused on the guy at the top.
“I like my chances,” Koepka said. “When I’ve been in this position before, I’ve capitalized. He’s only won one. I’m playing good. I don’t know, we’ll see.”
As he stepped away from the microphone, Koepka smiled and said to Jason Day, “How about that shade?” They laughed.
Too bad this isn’t a two-man show.
The final round at Harding Park figures to be wide open, just like it was on a Saturday so wild that eight players had at least a share of the lead during the third round.
Johnson lost his yardage book and still found his way through an enormous crowd of contenders. He made a double bogey on the ninth hole and still bounced back with a 31 on the tough, windy back nine.
He needed all eight of those birdies on a day of low scores, long putts and endless possibilities.
One possibility is Koepka hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy for the third straight year, which hasn’t happened since Walter Hagen won four in a row in the 1920s when it was match play. The last player to win any major three straight times was Peter Thomson at the British Open in 1956.
Koepka was two shots behind on a board that features only two major champions among the top six.
Scottie Scheffler, the PGA Tour rookie from Texas, ran off three straight birdies only to miss a 6-foot par putt on the final hole. He still shot a 65 and was one shot behind, in the final group at his first PGA Championship. Cameron Champ, who has the most powerful swing on tour, shot 67 and joined Scheffler one shot behind.
Johnson was at 9-under 201 as he goes for his second major title. For all the chances he has had, this is only the second time he has led going into the final round. The other was down the coast at Pebble Beach, his first chance at winning a major. He had a three-shot lead in the 2010 U.S. Open and shot 82.
Now he is more seasoned with experiences good (21 tour victories) and bad (five close calls in the majors).
“I’m going to have to play good golf if I want to win. It’s simple,” Johnson said. “I’ve got to hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens. If I can do that tomorrow, I’m going to have a good chance coming down the stretch. … I’m just going to have to do what I did today. Just get it done.”
Among the cast of contenders are major champions like Koepka, Jason Day and Justin Rose, and fresh faces like Scheffler, Champ and Collin Morikawa. Also right there was Bryson DeChambeau, thanks to a 95-foot putt for birdie on his last hole. Turns out he can hit long putts, too.
Missing from all this action is Tiger Woods, who didn’t make a birdie until the 16th hole and is out of the mix for the fourth straight major since his emotional Masters victory last year.
A dozen players were separated by three shots.
Li Haotong, the first player from China to lead after any round at a major, was leading through 12 holes until his tee shot didn’t come down from a tree. He made double bogey, dropped two more shots and finished four shots out of the lead.
Johnson didn’t have smooth sailing, either, especially when he couldn’t find his yardage book.
He thinks it slipped into the bottom of the golf bag, and he didn’t feel like dumping his 14 clubs all over the ground to find it. Austin Johnson, his brother and caddie, had a spare yardage book.
Johnson shot 65 even with a double bogey on the ninth hole. Mistakes like that might be more costly on Sunday with so many players in the mix. Even those who struggled — Rose, Daniel Berger, Tommy Fleetwood all settled for 70 — are only three shots behind.
Adding to the drama will be the lack of atmosphere, this being the first major without spectators. Paul Casey said he still didn’t feel nerves from the lack of people. Perhaps that helps with younger players in the hunt for the first time. It also could make it difficult for players to know what’s happening around them without any cheers.
Then again, Johnson won the U.S. Open in 2016 at Oakmont without knowing the score as the USGA tried to decide whether he should be penalized for a potential rules violation earlier in the round. He had to play the last seven holes without knowing his score.
It’s just one example of what Johnson has endured in the majors. There was a penalty that knocked him out of a playoff in the 2010 PGA at Whistling Straits for grounding his club in sand without realizing it was a bunker. He had a 12-foot eagle putt to win the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, only to three-putt for par and a silver medal.
But he’s back for another shot, and his game looks to be in order. He has the power, and on this day, he had the putting.
“I definitely have experience in this situation that definitely will help tomorrow,” Johnson said. “I’ve been in the hunt a bunch of times in a major. I’ve got one major. … Still going to have to go out and play really good golf.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-08--Coronavirus live blog, August 8, 2020: Trump bypasses Congress, signs executive orders to extend une

Coronavirus live blog, August 8, 2020: Trump bypasses Congress, signs executive orders to extend unemployment benefits, defer payroll tax

After weeks of not being able to come to an agreement , President Donald Trump unilaterally acted and signed an executive order that exentened unemployment benefits to those effected by the coronavirus pandemic .
Democrats were unhappy with the cut in the weekly payment .
The benefits were reduced from $ 600 to $ 400 , with the states picking up $ 100 of that tab .
It was unclear where the money was coming from .
Here ’ s what happened today in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago , the state and the nation .
Seizing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , President Donald Trump on Saturday moved to bypass the nation ’ s elected lawmakers as he claimed the authority to defer payroll taxes and extend an expired unemployment benefit after negotiations with Congress on a new coronavirus rescue package collapsed .
At his private country club in Bedminster , New Jersey , Trump signed four executive orders to act where Congress hasn ’ t , contending Washington ’ s gridlock had compelled him to act as the pandemic undermined the country ’ s economy and imperiled his November reelection hopes .
Perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying a supplemental federal unemployment benefit for millions of Americans out of work during the outbreak .
Congress allowed those payments to lapse on Aug. 1 , and negotiations to extend them have been mired in partisan gridlock , with the White House and Democrats miles apart .
Trump largely stayed on the sidelines during the administration ’ s negotiations with congressional leaders , leaving the talks on his side to chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin .
7 p.m. How safe is voting by mail ?
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many states Brace yourself for what ’ s expected to be the first U.S. presidential election conducted mostly by mail .
It could be messy .
Amid the coronavirus pandemic , voting by mail in a contactless and socially distant way seems like a no-brainer .
States have made the option widely available — only 10 now require voters to provide an excuse beyond fear of COVID-19 when requesting a ballot by mail — and some three in four Americans are expected to embrace the option for the Nov. 3 presidential election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 contest .
But running a vote-by-mail election is surprisingly complicated , and there ’ s a lot of room for things to go wrong .
Validating and counting a deluge of posted ballots in an open and accountable way presents a major challenge , one that only about a half dozen states are fully prepared for .
5:45 p.m. Cubs plan workouts to stay sharp with weekend series postponed due to COVID-19 Saturday was a quiet day for the Cubs after Friday ’ s whirlwind in St. Louis .
The Cubs three-game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three more members of the Cardinals tested positive for COVID-19 .
The positive tests increased the number of Cardinals players and staff infected during the latest outbreak to 16 .
The weekend postponement was the first time the Cubs have experienced a change in their schedule due to coronavirus .
“ I think overall , it ’ s just another one of those reminders of how quick things can get out of control right now in this environment , ” manager David Ross said .
“ I think it ’ s a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a couple of days and we ’ ll get back to get some workouts in and then get back to focus on Cleveland when we play on Tuesday .
Read the full story by Russell Dorsey here .
Illinois logged more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases for a second straight day Saturday , once again ratcheting up concerns of a severe viral resurgence across the state .
Over the last 10 days , the state has recorded six of its highest daily caseloads since Memorial Day weekend , with the latest 2,190 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Public Health setting yet another two-month high .
Illinois has averaged 1,733 new cases per day over the first eight days of August — almost a thousand more cases per day than the state averaged over the first eight days of July .
The newest cases were confirmed among more than 48,000 tests , raising the statewide positivity rate over the last week to 4.2 % .
More than 3 million people have been tested overall .
Read more from Mitchell Armentrout here .
Reopening schools is easy .
Keeping them open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educators prepare to welcome students back to class for the first time in months , schools ’ ability to quickly identify and contain coronavirus outbreaks before they get out of hand will be put to the test in thousands of districts around the country .
Newly reopened schools in Mississippi , Indiana and Georgia have already reported infections just days into the academic year , triggering virus protocols that include swiftly isolating infected students , tracing their contacts and quarantining people they exposed .
12:33 p.m. Mid-American Conference becomes first FBS conference to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Mid-American Conference on Saturday became the first league at college football ’ s highest level to cancel its fall season because of the pandemic .
“ I ’ m heartbroken we are in this place , ” MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said .
With the MAC ’ s 12 schools facing a significant financial burden by trying to maintain costly coronavirus protocols , and the uncertainty that campuses can be opened safely , the conference ’ s university presidents made the decision to cancel all fall sports — including soccer and volleyball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spring season .
Though postponing could also prove costly without revenue generated by football media rights deals and ticket sales .
“ It would be naive to say that you don ’ t give thought and consideration to what the financial ramifications or any decision are , but this was a health and well-being decision first and foremost , ” Steinbrecher said .
“ As we sit here today we don ’ t know what this will mean financially and how the rest of the fall plays out.
” Read more from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robert Beric eager to play in front of Fire fans ... when that ’ s possible Striker Robert Beric is the type of figure who builds strong relationships with fans .
He ’ s just waiting for the chance to play in front of Fire supporters in Chicago and bond with them in person .
When the Fire announced his signing in January from French side Saint-Etienne , they did so with a video of Beric downing a shot of Malort , which turned into one of the team ’ s best-received posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick with a joke and speaks five languages .
On the field , Beric has scored twice in five games and has shown signs of being a dependable forward worthy of his designated player spot .
At 6-2 and 183 pounds , Beric ’ s ability to leap for crosses figures to be an advantage for the Fire , while his strength gives them reliable hold-up play as teammates arrive into the attacking third of the field .
But because of circumstances beyond his control , Beric hasn ’ t played once in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games before the pandemic paused the season were on the road , their next three were in Florida during the MLS is Back tournament , and if the 2020 season resumes in home markets it ’ s hard to picture fans being allowed in to watch .
Read more from Brian Sandalow here .
8:26 a.m .
In praise of Bud Billiken , banished in 2020 by COVID-19 Saturday was Bud Billiken Day .
This year , “ The Bud ” was banished .
Since 1929 , the annual Bud Billiken Parade has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sunny , sultry summers , an iconic South Side celebration of Black children as they head back to school .
This year , the largest African American parade in the United States was cancelled , for the first time in 91 years , called off by the merciless restrictions of COVID-19 .
In 1929 Robert S. Abbott , founder and publisher of the legendary Chicago Defender newspaper , launched the parade to celebrate childhood and the joys of summer .
It was sponsored by the Chicago Defender Charities .
According to the parade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s , a Billiken “ was a charm doll embodiment of good luck and fortune and was also regarded as the guardian of children.
” Read more from Laura Washington here .
7:45 a.m .
Last-ditch virus aid talks collapse ; no help for jobless now WASHINGTON — A last-ditch effort by Democrats to revive collapsing Capitol Hill talks on vital COVID-19 rescue money ended in disappointment on Friday , making it increasingly likely that Washington gridlock will mean more hardship for millions of people who are losing enhanced jobless benefits and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the still-raging coronavirus .
“ It was a disappointing meeting , ” declared top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer , saying the White House had rejected an offer by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to curb Democratic demands by about $ 1 trillion .
He urged the White House to “ negotiate with Democrats and meet us in the middle .
Don ’ t say it ’ s your way or no way.
” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said , “ Unfortunately we did not make any progress today.
” With the collapse of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was now likely to issue executive orders on home evictions and on student loan debt .
Read the full story from the Associated Press here .
• Public health officials announced the state ’ s largest new caseload in more than 10 weeks on Friday — 2,084 new cases — as well as 21 additional deaths attributed to COVID-19 .
• Cubs ’ weekend series in St. Louis postponed after Cardinals player tests positive for COVID-19 • 2nd federal prisoner at Marion dies this week of COVID-19 8:45 a.m. Go ahead and laugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to COVID-19 will help during the season These are strange times for everybody but perhaps strangest for NFL coaches , who normally would be screaming at players to their heart ’ s desire during training camp but instead are reduced to watching them do jumping jacks these days .
OK , maybe not jumping jacks .
But strength and conditioning work .
And walkthrough choreography .
Certainly not hitting or blocking , those activities commonly associated with football .
COVID-19 has forced the NFL to ease into tough-guy activities this summer .
Hitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin Aug. 17 .
This probably doesn ’ t need to be pointed out , but football is a contact sport and social distancing isn ’ t .
What are football coaches without large human beings smacking other large human beings ?
Coaches without nourishment , that ’ s what .
But coaches are coaches .
They can find meaning in anything .
An offensive lineman is busy clipping his toenails , and his position coach is amazed by the attention to detail .
A quarterback sits reading something other than the playbook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned about communist tendencies , raves about the kid ’ s intelligence .
The Bears are very proud of their response to the pandemic , with players dutifully wearing masks and avoiding each other like the … coronavirus .
They also think their approach to COVID-19 might be a competitive advantage this season .
My initial response : That ’ s such a Bears thing to think .
Over the years , I ’ ve railed against the franchise ’ s preoccupation with things that are secondary ( team history , practice facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at things that should be primary ( winning games ) .
I ’ ve criticized coach Matt Nagy for praising quarterback Mitch Trubisky for his leadership skills , his devotion to football and his desire to be great .
What about , you know , his ability to play quarterback , we ’ ve asked and asked .
Any news on that front , coach ?
Read more from Rick Morrissey here .
7:50 a.m. Preschool programs forge ahead during the COVID-19 pandemic but raise a warning flag It ’ s been seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Learning reopened its early childhood education programs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic , and it hasn ’ t been easy .
There were new safety procedures for staff , extra responsibilities for everyone plus added costs for protective equipment , cleaning and staffing requirements .
On three occasions , someone contracting the virus necessitated the closing of an entire classroom , requiring all students and teachers in the class to stay home for two weeks .
When that happens , other families often choose to keep their children home for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s tied to enrollment and attendance dwindles as a result .
But even as the Chicago Public Schools will be keeping classrooms closed this fall , the Carole Robertson Center and other nonprofit organizations that form the backbone of Chicago ’ s early childhood education network are forging ahead .
Read the full column from Mark Brown here .

After weeks of not being able to come to an agreement, President Donald Trump unilaterally acted and signed an executive order that exentened unemployment benefits to those effected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Democrats were unhappy with the cut in the weekly payment. The benefits were reduced from $600 to $400, with the states picking up $100 of that tab. It was unclear where the money was coming from.
Here’s what happened today in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
9 p.m. Trump bypasses Congress, signs executive orders to extend unemployment benefits, defer payroll tax
US President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in Bedminster, New Jersey, on August 8, 2020. Jim Watson/Getty Images
Seizing the power of his podium and his pen, President Donald Trump on Saturday moved to bypass the nation’s elected lawmakers as he claimed the authority to defer payroll taxes and extend an expired unemployment benefit after negotiations with Congress on a new coronavirus rescue package collapsed.
At his private country club in Bedminster, New Jersey, Trump signed four executive orders to act where Congress hasn’t, contending Washington’s gridlock had compelled him to act as the pandemic undermined the country’s economy and imperiled his November reelection hopes.
Perhaps most crucially, Trump moved to continue paying a supplemental federal unemployment benefit for millions of Americans out of work during the outbreak. Congress allowed those payments to lapse on Aug. 1, and negotiations to extend them have been mired in partisan gridlock, with the White House and Democrats miles apart. Trump largely stayed on the sidelines during the administration’s negotiations with congressional leaders, leaving the talks on his side to chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.
7 p.m. How safe is voting by mail? It’s a ‘leaky pipeline’ in many states
Brace yourself for what’s expected to be the first U.S. presidential election conducted mostly by mail. It could be messy.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, voting by mail in a contactless and socially distant way seems like a no-brainer. States have made the option widely available — only 10 now require voters to provide an excuse beyond fear of COVID-19 when requesting a ballot by mail — and some three in four Americans are expected to embrace the option for the Nov. 3 presidential election, up from one in four in the 2018 contest.
But running a vote-by-mail election is surprisingly complicated, and there’s a lot of room for things to go wrong. Validating and counting a deluge of posted ballots in an open and accountable way presents a major challenge, one that only about a half dozen states are fully prepared for.
5:45 p.m. Cubs plan workouts to stay sharp with weekend series postponed due to COVID-19
Saturday was a quiet day for the Cubs after Friday’s whirlwind in St. Louis. The Cubs three-game series against the Cardinals was postponed after three more members of the Cardinals tested positive for COVID-19.
The positive tests increased the number of Cardinals players and staff infected during the latest outbreak to 16. The weekend postponement was the first time the Cubs have experienced a change in their schedule due to coronavirus.
“I think overall, it’s just another one of those reminders of how quick things can get out of control right now in this environment,” manager David Ross said. “I think it’s a little bit of a reset for us, take a couple of days and we’ll get back to get some workouts in and then get back to focus on Cleveland when we play on Tuesday.
Read the full story by Russell Dorsey here.
3:30 p.m. Illinois’ COVID-19 rise continues with second straight 2,000-case day
Illinois logged more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases for a second straight day Saturday, once again ratcheting up concerns of a severe viral resurgence across the state.
Over the last 10 days, the state has recorded six of its highest daily caseloads since Memorial Day weekend, with the latest 2,190 additional cases confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health setting yet another two-month high.
Illinois has averaged 1,733 new cases per day over the first eight days of August — almost a thousand more cases per day than the state averaged over the first eight days of July.
The newest cases were confirmed among more than 48,000 tests, raising the statewide positivity rate over the last week to 4.2%. More than 3 million people have been tested overall.
Read more from Mitchell Armentrout here.
2 p.m. Schools face big coronavirus test as students return to classroom
Reopening schools is easy. Keeping them open will be the hard part.
As educators prepare to welcome students back to class for the first time in months, schools’ ability to quickly identify and contain coronavirus outbreaks before they get out of hand will be put to the test in thousands of districts around the country.
Newly reopened schools in Mississippi, Indiana and Georgia have already reported infections just days into the academic year, triggering virus protocols that include swiftly isolating infected students, tracing their contacts and quarantining people they exposed.
Read the full story here.
12:33 p.m. Mid-American Conference becomes first FBS conference to cancel fall football season due to COVID-19
The Mid-American Conference on Saturday became the first league at college football’s highest level to cancel its fall season because of the pandemic.
“I’m heartbroken we are in this place,” MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said.
With the MAC’s 12 schools facing a significant financial burden by trying to maintain costly coronavirus protocols, and the uncertainty that campuses can be opened safely, the conference’s university presidents made the decision to cancel all fall sports — including soccer and volleyball — and explore making them up in the spring season.
Though postponing could also prove costly without revenue generated by football media rights deals and ticket sales.
“It would be naive to say that you don’t give thought and consideration to what the financial ramifications or any decision are, but this was a health and well-being decision first and foremost,” Steinbrecher said. “As we sit here today we don’t know what this will mean financially and how the rest of the fall plays out.”
Read more from the Associated Press here.
8:45 a.m. Robert Beric eager to play in front of Fire fans... when that’s possible
Striker Robert Beric is the type of figure who builds strong relationships with fans. He’s just waiting for the chance to play in front of Fire supporters in Chicago and bond with them in person.
When the Fire announced his signing in January from French side Saint-Etienne, they did so with a video of Beric downing a shot of Malort, which turned into one of the team’s best-received posts on social media. Beric is also quick with a joke and speaks five languages.
On the field, Beric has scored twice in five games and has shown signs of being a dependable forward worthy of his designated player spot. At 6-2 and 183 pounds, Beric’s ability to leap for crosses figures to be an advantage for the Fire, while his strength gives them reliable hold-up play as teammates arrive into the attacking third of the field.
But because of circumstances beyond his control, Beric hasn’t played once in Chicago. The Fire’s two games before the pandemic paused the season were on the road, their next three were in Florida during the MLS is Back tournament, and if the 2020 season resumes in home markets it’s hard to picture fans being allowed in to watch.
Read more from Brian Sandalow here.
8:26 a.m. In praise of Bud Billiken, banished in 2020 by COVID-19
Saturday was Bud Billiken Day. This year, “The Bud” was banished.
Since 1929, the annual Bud Billiken Parade has been the apex of Chicago’s sunny, sultry summers, an iconic South Side celebration of Black children as they head back to school.
This year, the largest African American parade in the United States was cancelled, for the first time in 91 years, called off by the merciless restrictions of COVID-19.
In 1929 Robert S. Abbott, founder and publisher of the legendary Chicago Defender newspaper, launched the parade to celebrate childhood and the joys of summer. It was sponsored by the Chicago Defender Charities.
According to the parade’s website, in the 1900’s, a Billiken “was a charm doll embodiment of good luck and fortune and was also regarded as the guardian of children.”
Read more from Laura Washington here.
7:45 a.m. Last-ditch virus aid talks collapse; no help for jobless now
WASHINGTON — A last-ditch effort by Democrats to revive collapsing Capitol Hill talks on vital COVID-19 rescue money ended in disappointment on Friday, making it increasingly likely that Washington gridlock will mean more hardship for millions of people who are losing enhanced jobless benefits and further damage for an economy pummeled by the still-raging coronavirus.
“It was a disappointing meeting,” declared top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, saying the White House had rejected an offer by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to curb Democratic demands by about $1 trillion. He urged the White House to “negotiate with Democrats and meet us in the middle. Don’t say it’s your way or no way.”
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said, “Unfortunately we did not make any progress today.”
With the collapse of the talks, he said President Donald Trump was now likely to issue executive orders on home evictions and on student loan debt.
Read the full story from the Associated Press here.
New Cases
Public health officials announced the state’s largest new caseload in more than 10 weeks on Friday — 2,084 new cases — as well as 21 additional deaths attributed to COVID-19.
Cubs’ weekend series in St. Louis postponed after Cardinals player tests positive for COVID-19
2nd federal prisoner at Marion dies this week of COVID-19
Analysis & Commentary
8:45 a.m. Go ahead and laugh, but maybe the Bears’ approach to COVID-19 will help during the season
These are strange times for everybody but perhaps strangest for NFL coaches, who normally would be screaming at players to their heart’s desire during training camp but instead are reduced to watching them do jumping jacks these days.
OK, maybe not jumping jacks. But strength and conditioning work. And walkthrough choreography. Certainly not hitting or blocking, those activities commonly associated with football. COVID-19 has forced the NFL to ease into tough-guy activities this summer. Hitting won’t commence until padded practices begin Aug. 17.
This probably doesn’t need to be pointed out, but football is a contact sport and social distancing isn’t. What are football coaches without large human beings smacking other large human beings? Coaches without nourishment, that’s what.
But coaches are coaches. They can find meaning in anything. An offensive lineman is busy clipping his toenails, and his position coach is amazed by the attention to detail. A quarterback sits reading something other than the playbook, and his coach, while slightly concerned about communist tendencies, raves about the kid’s intelligence.
The Bears are very proud of their response to the pandemic, with players dutifully wearing masks and avoiding each other like the … coronavirus. They also think their approach to COVID-19 might be a competitive advantage this season. My initial response: That’s such a Bears thing to think. Over the years, I’ve railed against the franchise’s preoccupation with things that are secondary (team history, practice facilities, etc.) and its failure at things that should be primary (winning games). I’ve criticized coach Matt Nagy for praising quarterback Mitch Trubisky for his leadership skills, his devotion to football and his desire to be great. What about, you know, his ability to play quarterback, we’ve asked and asked. Any news on that front, coach?
Read more from Rick Morrissey here.
7:50 a.m. Preschool programs forge ahead during the COVID-19 pandemic but raise a warning flag
It’s been seven weeks now since the Carole Robertson Center for Learning reopened its early childhood education programs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it hasn’t been easy.
There were new safety procedures for staff, extra responsibilities for everyone plus added costs for protective equipment, cleaning and staffing requirements.
On three occasions, someone contracting the virus necessitated the closing of an entire classroom, requiring all students and teachers in the class to stay home for two weeks.
When that happens, other families often choose to keep their children home for a while, too. Government funding that’s tied to enrollment and attendance dwindles as a result.
But even as the Chicago Public Schools will be keeping classrooms closed this fall, the Carole Robertson Center and other nonprofit organizations that form the backbone of Chicago’s early childhood education network are forging ahead.
Read the full column from Mark Brown here.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-09--34 shot, 3 fatally, in Chicago so far this weekend

Three people have been killed and at least 31 others have been wounded in shootings across Chicago over the weekend so far .
The latest fatal attack happened early Sunday in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side .
Officers responding to reports of gunfire at 2:59 a.m. found the 31-year-old man unresponsive on a porch in the 6700 block of South Maplewood Avenue , according to Chicago police .
He was shot multiple times and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he was pronounced dead .
A man was killed and two others were wounded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South Side .
Someone shot them after an argument at 3:53 a.m. in the 1300 block of West 64th Street , police said .
A 29-year-old man was shot multiple times and taken to Saint Bernard Hospital , where he died .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified him as Keith Richmond , of Austin .
A 20-year-old man was hit in the shoulder and went to the University of Chicago Medical Center on his own in good condition , police said .
A 21-year-old man was shot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same hospital in critical condition .
About an hour earlier , a 20-year-old man was shot dead in Belmont Cragin on the Northwest Side .
Hugo Tecomateco was found unresponsive on the sidewalk about 2:18 a.m. in the 2100 block of North Parkside Avenue , authorities said .
He was taken to Loyola University Medical Center with gunshot wounds to the head and lower back .
He was later pronounced dead .
Three teenagers were among those injured by gunfire over the weekend .
A 15-year-old girl was grazed in a shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South Side .
She was at a park about 12:44 a.m. in the 100 block of West 66th Street when a fight broke out among a group of males , according to police .
Someone fired shots , grazing the girl on her face .
A relative drove her to St. Bernard Hospital in fair condition .
Police said she may not have been the intended target .
Just over an hour before that , a 17-year-old boy was shot in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was outside with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1300 block of South Christiana Avenue when he heard gunfire and felt pain , police said .
He didn ’ t see who shot him or where shots came from .
A friend drove him to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was in fair condition .
Early Saturday morning , a 14-year-old boy was wounded in West Pullman on the Far South Side .
The 14-year-old walked into Roseland Community Hospital at 4:28 a.m. with a gunshot wound to his shoulder , according to police .
He was transferred to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition .
He told investigators the shooting may have happened in the 11500 block of South Yale Avenue , but was uncooperative regarding details , police said .
At least 26 other people have been injured by gun violence in Chicago since 5 p.m. Friday .
Last weekend , nine people were shot to death across the city and 25 others were hurt .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Four people were killed and at least 36 others were wounded in shootings across Chicago over the weekend.
The latest fatal attack happened early Monday in Grand Crossing on the South Side.
A 22-year-old man was shot in the chest about 3 a.m. in the 7700 block of South Ingleside Avenue, according to Chicago police. He went to Jackson Park Hospital on his own and was pronounced dead.
Another man was killed Sunday in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side.
Officers responding to reports of gunfire at 2:59 a.m. found the 31-year-old man unresponsive on a porch in the 6700 block of South Maplewood Avenue, police said. He was shot multiple times and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.
A man was killed and two others were wounded in a shooting Saturday morning in Englewood on the South Side.
Someone shot them after an argument at 3:53 a.m. in the 1300 block of West 64th Street, police said. A 29-year-old man was shot multiple times and taken to Saint Bernard Hospital, where he died. The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Keith Richmond, of Austin.
A 20-year-old man was hit in the shoulder and went to the University of Chicago Medical Center on his own in good condition, police said. A 21-year-old man was shot in the groin and leg and went to the same hospital in critical condition.
About an hour earlier, a 20-year-old man was shot dead in Belmont Cragin on the Northwest Side.
Hugo Tecomateco was found unresponsive on the sidewalk about 2:18 a.m. in the 2100 block of North Parkside Avenue, authorities said. He was taken to Loyola University Medical Center with gunshot wounds to the head and lower back. He was later pronounced dead.
Two men were critically wounded early Monday amid widespread looting and property damage downtown.
A security guard was wounded in a shooting shortly before 4 a.m. in the 400 block of North Clark Street, according to Chicago Fire Department officials. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
A second man was shot about 2 a.m. near Madison and Wabash, fire officials said. He was also taken to Northwestern in critical condition.
Three teenagers were among those injured by gunfire over the weekend.
A 15-year-old girl was grazed in a shooting early Sunday in Greater Grand Crossing on the South Side.
She was at a park about 12:44 a.m. in the 100 block of West 66th Street when a fight broke out among a group of males, according to police. Someone fired shots, grazing the girl on her face. A relative drove her to St. Bernard Hospital in fair condition.
Police said she may not have been the intended target.
Just over an hour before that, a 17-year-old boy was shot in Lawndale on the West Side.
He was outside with a group of friends about 11:26 p.m. Saturday in the 1300 block of South Christiana Avenue when he heard gunfire and felt pain, police said. He didn’t see who shot him or where shots came from. A friend drove him to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was in fair condition.
Early Saturday morning, a 14-year-old boy was wounded in West Pullman on the Far South Side.
The 14-year-old walked into Roseland Community Hospital at 4:28 a.m. with a gunshot wound to his shoulder, according to police. He was transferred to Comer Children’s Hospital in fair condition.
He told investigators the shooting may have happened in the 11500 block of South Yale Avenue, but was uncooperative regarding details, police said.
At least 29 other people have been injured by gun violence in Chicago between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.
Last weekend, nine people were shot to death across the city and 25 others were hurt.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.