chicagosun-times--2020-09-21--Losing pot shop hopefuls will be able to revise applications, challenge scores: Pritzker

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s office announced Monday that losing pot shop applicants will now be given the opportunity to revise their applications and challenge their scores before the state holds a lottery to determine the winners of the highly sought after licenses .
While the 21 firms that were initially selected for the lottery all received perfect scores , over 900 applicants who didn ’ t make the grade will now be provided their scoring along with a notice outlining any deficiencies , according to a statement from the governor ’ s office .
The losing firms will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or petition the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to reevaluate their original submissions if they suspect there were errors or inconsistencies .
“ As we worked with the General Assembly , equity and fairness have always been at the heart of our approach to legalizing cannabis , and when we heard significant concerns from numerous stakeholders about the process to award dispensary licenses , I said we needed to take a pause to fix their concerns , within the bounds of our landmark law , ” Pritzker said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marathon and not a sprint , we believe that these new steps will inject more equity and fairness in the first round of license awards and provide insight as we improve the process for future rounds.
” The review will be conducted by IDFPR officials and not KPMG , the global accounting firm that was awarded nearly $ 7 million in no-bid contracts to grade all the upcoming pot licenses , including those for cannabis craft cultivation , infusion and transportation .
The news comes after weeks of outcry from so-called social equity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operators went up in smoke when the state announced the finalists for the 75 dispensary licenses on Sept. 3 .
Though all the lottery contestants earned additional points by qualifying for social equity status , a designation intended to bolster diversity in the overwhelmingly white weed industry , reports have continued to emerge showing that many of those applicant groups include clouted and deep-pocketed individuals .
Meanwhile , scorned applicants have filed a growing number of lawsuits seeking to halt the lottery .
The actions outlined Monday by Pritzker mirror a proposal Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D-Chicago , and Kathleen Willis , D-Northlake , who said the attorneys representing dozens of losing firms would drop a federal lawsuit to hold up the lottery drawings .
“ Gov .
Pritzker made the right decision to stand on the side of fairness , ” Ford said Monday .
“ All of the applicants deserve a fair chance at the process — it ’ s the equitable way .
However , the applicants shouldn ’ t have been subjected to additional legal costs because of the negligence of the state.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drop the federal suit as he credited Pritzker and Ford .
Loevy added that Justice Grown , the multi-state pot company tied to his law firm , would work with Ford to provide free assistance to social equity applicants looking to correct deficiencies .
Multiple suits have also been filed in state court , but it ’ s unclear whether Pritzker ’ s plan will also appease those plaintiffs .
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy , a Chicago Democrat who led the legalization push , raised concerns last week that a compromise could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the initial finalists .
“ There ’ s always another side , ” Cassidy told the Sun-Times .
“ And that side can then take action.
” Jermell Chavis , a former Marine from North Lawndale , fell just three points short of a perfect score on his only application to open a dispensary in the Chicago area , one of the 17 regions outlined by the state .
Though Chavis now has an opportunity to revise the floor plan in his application , what ’ s unfolded so far has made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the licensing .
“ It ’ s kind of bittersweet because now you have to go into a lottery , ” he said .
“ And who ’ s to say the lottery is going to be anything like fair ?
” Chavis was granted extra points on his application for his service , like all the groups that have veterans as majority owners .
Still , he believes some of the licenses should have been allocated specifically for those who served in the military — though he questioned whether some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ names on paper.
” Chavis said he uses cannabis to treat his diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder , a byproduct of his two tours in Iraq .
Now , he hopes to open his proposed Chi Arome dispensary somewhere on the South Side or West Side , where it can serve as “ a foundation for economic development ” and help attract other businesses .
“ Through the revenue , we can then turn around and we can revitalize , ” he said .

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office announced Monday that losing pot shop applicants will now be given the opportunity to revise their applications and challenge their scores before the state holds a lottery to determine the winners of the highly sought after licenses.
While the 21 firms that were initially selected for the lottery all received perfect scores, over 900 applicants who didn’t make the grade will now be provided their scoring along with a notice outlining any deficiencies, according to a statement from the governor’s office.
The losing firms will then be able to amend their applications or petition the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to reevaluate their original submissions if they suspect there were errors or inconsistencies.
“As we worked with the General Assembly, equity and fairness have always been at the heart of our approach to legalizing cannabis, and when we heard significant concerns from numerous stakeholders about the process to award dispensary licenses, I said we needed to take a pause to fix their concerns, within the bounds of our landmark law,” Pritzker said in a statement.
“While this process remains a marathon and not a sprint, we believe that these new steps will inject more equity and fairness in the first round of license awards and provide insight as we improve the process for future rounds.”
The statement said the IDFPR “will review all timely responses to the supplemental deficiency notices” without mentioning KPMG, the global accounting firm that was awarded nearly $7 million in no-bid contracts to grade all the upcoming pot licenses, including those for cannabis craft cultivation, infusion and transportation.
On Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the governor’s office clarified that KPMG will be involved in the additional review process.
The news comes after weeks of outcry from so-called social equity applicants whose dreams of becoming pot shop operators went up in smoke when the state announced the finalists for the 75 dispensary licenses on Sept. 3.
Though all the lottery contestants earned additional points by qualifying for social equity status, a designation intended to bolster diversity in the overwhelmingly white weed industry, reports have continued to emerge showing that many of those applicant groups include clouted and deep-pocketed individuals.
Meanwhile, scorned applicants have filed a growing number of lawsuits seeking to halt the lottery.
The actions outlined Monday by Pritzker mirror a proposal Sept. 13 by state Reps. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, and Kathleen Willis, D-Northlake, who said the attorneys representing dozens of losing firms would drop a federal lawsuit to hold up the lottery drawings.
“Gov. Pritzker made the right decision to stand on the side of fairness,” Ford said Monday. “All of the applicants deserve a fair chance at the process — it’s the equitable way. However, the applicants shouldn’t have been subjected to additional legal costs because of the negligence of the state.”
Attorney Jon Loevy said he now plans to drop the federal suit as he credited Pritzker and Ford. Loevy added that Justice Grown, the multi-state pot company tied to his law firm, would work with Ford to provide free assistance to social equity applicants looking to correct deficiencies.
Multiple suits have also been filed in state court, but it’s unclear whether Pritzker’s plan will also appease those plaintiffs.
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat who led the legalization push, raised concerns last week that a compromise could give way to another round of lawsuits from the initial finalists.
“There’s always another side,” Cassidy told the Sun-Times. “And that side can then take action.”
A ‘bittersweet’ second chance
Jermell Chavis, a former Marine from North Lawndale, fell just three points short of a perfect score on his only application to open a dispensary in the Chicago area, one of the 17 regions outlined by the state. Though Chavis now has an opportunity to revise the floor plan in his application, what’s unfolded so far has made him skeptical of the state officials overseeing the licensing.
“It’s kind of bittersweet because now you have to go into a lottery,” he said. “And who’s to say the lottery is going to be anything like fair?”
Chavis was granted extra points on his application for his service, like all the groups that have veterans as majority owners. Still, he believes some of the licenses should have been allocated specifically for those who served in the military — though he questioned whether some of the veterans included on applications were merely “names on paper.”
Chavis said he uses cannabis to treat his diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, a byproduct of his two tours in Iraq. Now, he hopes to open his proposed Chi Arome dispensary somewhere on the South Side or West Side, where it can serve as “a foundation for economic development” and help attract other businesses.
“Through the revenue, we can then turn around and we can revitalize,” he said.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-21--Neglected dogs rescued at O’Hare warehouse will be deported, caretakers warn

A pack of French Bulldogs that survived a close encounter with death while stranded at O ’ Hare Airport will likely be deported in the coming days , an animal welfare group says .
Chicago French Bulldog Rescue has cared for the 15 dogs since they were found Aug. 31 , allegedly caged two-by-two in unsanitary conditions at a cargo warehouse while awaiting their medical papers after arriving from Jordan .
One of the dogs died during the three-day period before a tipster notified Chicago police .
The dogs were divided between Chicago animal control and the rescue group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay in the country .
“ We ’ re asking for amnesty for the dogs , ” said Mary Scheffke , president of Chicago French Bulldog Rescue .
“ They ’ ve been isolated and they ’ re healthy.
” Scheffke said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will likely secure a federal court order in next few days that will send the dogs back to Jordan on the same airline she accused of neglecting the dogs in the first place .
Scheffke said the CDC is supporting Royal Jordanian Airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s calling on community members to pressure the CDC to reverse its stance .
The CDC and Royal Jordanian Airlines did not immediately reply to requests seeking comment .
Scheffke said one of the French Bulldogs dogs tested positive for parvovirus but has been treated and is now healthy .
Scheffke said the airline failed by not ensuring the dogs had medical papers before transporting them .
“ If those dogs had been left in the airport , they probably all would ’ ve tested positive , ” she said .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left without food and water with a cargo handling company at O ’ Hare in late August after enduring a 13-hour flight from Amman , Jordan .
The dogs were left in the warehouse because they lacked vaccination documents and would not be released to their new owners by the CDC , police said .
In a statement , the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue said the dogs were found in crates caked with fecal matter and urine .
The dogs had skin lesions and one dog has discharge from its eye , Scheffke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dogs were in was covered in flies due to the pups being covered in feces and urine , ” one rescue volunteer said in the statement .
“ It was horrible for them .
We couldn ’ t get the smell off us for days.
” Miami-based Alliance Ground International — in charge of overseeing the Aug. 28 shipment of dogs — was cited for animal cruelty and neglect .
The company denied neglecting the dogs and claimed it had fed , given water , cleaned and moved them to an air-conditioned part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dogs in their care dying .
If the group gets amnesty for the dogs , they will be socialized and moved into foster homes , Scheffke said .

A pack of French Bulldogs that survived a close encounter with death while stranded at O’Hare Airport will likely be deported in the coming days, an animal welfare group says.
Chicago French Bulldog Rescue has cared for the 15 dogs since they were found Aug. 31, allegedly caged two-by-two in unsanitary conditions at a cargo warehouse while awaiting their medical papers after arriving from Jordan.
One of the dogs died during the three-day period before a tipster notified Chicago police. The dogs were divided between Chicago animal control and the rescue group, which is now pleading for the dogs to stay in the country.
“We’re asking for amnesty for the dogs,” said Mary Scheffke, president of Chicago French Bulldog Rescue. “They’ve been isolated and they’re healthy.”
Scheffke said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will likely secure a federal court order in next few days that will send the dogs back to Jordan on the same airline she accused of neglecting the dogs in the first place.
Scheffke said the CDC is supporting Royal Jordanian Airlines in their request for deportation. She’s calling on community members to pressure the CDC to reverse its stance.
The CDC and Royal Jordanian Airlines did not immediately reply to requests seeking comment.
Scheffke said one of the French Bulldogs dogs tested positive for parvovirus but has been treated and is now healthy. Scheffke said the airline failed by not ensuring the dogs had medical papers before transporting them.
“If those dogs had been left in the airport, they probably all would’ve tested positive,” she said.
According to Chicago police, 17 dogs were left without food and water with a cargo handling company at O’Hare in late August after enduring a 13-hour flight from Amman, Jordan.
The dogs were left in the warehouse because they lacked vaccination documents and would not be released to their new owners by the CDC, police said.
In a statement, the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue said the dogs were found in crates caked with fecal matter and urine. The dogs had skin lesions and one dog has discharge from its eye, Scheffke said.
“The van the rescued dogs were in was covered in flies due to the pups being covered in feces and urine,” one rescue volunteer said in the statement. “It was horrible for them. We couldn’t get the smell off us for days.”
Miami-based Alliance Ground International — in charge of overseeing the Aug. 28 shipment of dogs — was cited for animal cruelty and neglect. The company denied neglecting the dogs and claimed it had fed, given water, cleaned and moved them to an air-conditioned part of their warehouse, despite one of the dogs in their care dying.
If the group gets amnesty for the dogs, they will be socialized and moved into foster homes, Scheffke said.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-21--ATV driver killed in Washington Park crash

A 39-year-old man was killed after he crashed an ATV into parked vehicles Sunday in Washington Park on the South @ @ @ @ @ about 5 p.m. in the 6200 block of South King Drive when he hit three @ @ @ @ @ said .
The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he @ @ @ @ @ Cook County medical examiner ’ s office hasn ’ t identified the man , but @ @ @ @ @ an accident .

A 39-year-old man was killed after he crashed an ATV into parked vehicles Sunday in Washington Park on the South Side.
He was northbound about 5 p.m. in the 6200 block of South King Drive when he hit three unoccupied vehicles, Chicago police said. The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office hasn’t identified the man, but an autopsy ruled his death an accident.
Chicago police’s Major Accidents Unit is investigating.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-21--Republican Pat O’Brien cutting into Democratic State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s lead, GOP poll finds

Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx has a double-digit lead over Republican Pat O ’ Brien , but the GOP challenger is gaining ground on the Democratic incumbent , according to a poll commissioned by Republicans .
Foxx was leading the former Cook County judge , 48.1 % to 33.8 % , in the survey with 18.1 % undecided .
The Ogden and Fry poll of 447 likely voters was conducted Sept. 5 .
The margin of error was plus or minus 3.7 percentage points .
An earlier poll , conducted on Aug. 3 , found Foxx with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Brien — 65.7 % to 22 % .
The latest poll was commissioned by the Cook County Republican Party .
County GOP Chairman Sean Morrison said in a statement the poll numbers illustrate “ law-abiding residents from across Cook County have had enough of the rioting , looting , violent crime , murdered children and general lawlessness that has raged on across the city of Chicago and Cook County under the disastrous policies of Kim Foxx.
” “ The poll shows that Judge O ’ Brien has a real opportunity to upset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Toni Preckwinkle and Kim Foxx , ” Morrison ’ s statement continued .
“ Voters are looking for a candidate that will help restore law and order and bring a renewed level of professional integrity to the office of State ’ s Attorney .
Pat O ’ Brien is that candidate.
” Foxx is a former chief of staff to Preckwinkle , Cook County Board president and chair of the county Democratic Party .
O ’ Brien is a former assistant state ’ s attorney and Circuit Court judge .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switched to the GOP to take on Foxx .
Among those polled , 27.2 % were Black , 44.1 % were white , 9.4 % were Latino or Hispanic , 7.1 % identified as other and 12.3 % preferred not to say which race they most closely identify with .
Ogden and Fry is owned by Tom Swiss , a former director of the Cook County Republican Party who ran as a Democrat against former state Rep. Derrick Smith in 2012 .
The vast majority of the firm ’ s business comes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from political action committees and non-for profits , a spokesman said .
A spokeswoman for Foxx said O ’ Brien ’ s numbers will worsen in the weeks ahead .
“ The more voters learn about the stark differences between our Republican opponent and the State ’ s Attorney , will widen this margin even further , ” the spokeswoman said in a statement .
“ He continues to use ‘ Trump like ’ fear tactics and has at least 27 wrongful convictions under his watch .
Cook County voters are smart and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since the early August poll was conducted , a special prosecutor released his report finding “ substantial abuses of discretion ” in the Cook County State ’ s Attorney ’ s Office ’ s handling of former “ Empire ” actor Jussie Smollett ’ s case .
Lawyer Dan Webb ’ s findings basically ensured the first-term prosecutor would be answering questions about the matter right up until the November election .
Webb announced he ’ d concluded his investigation into Foxx ’ s office ’ s handling of the Smollett case in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office made several false and misleading statements , but also concluding that there was no evidence that would support criminal charges for the Democratic incumbent .
That hasn ’ t stopped O ’ Brien and Republicans from dinging Foxx on her handling of that case , as well as her record in the office — a tenure that O ’ Brien said has “ made us less safe.
” Foxx previously called the yearlong obsession with the Smollett case “ BS.
” Foxx evaded three opponents in the March primary , securing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move on to the November general election .

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx has a double-digit lead over Republican Pat O’Brien, but the GOP challenger is gaining ground on the Democratic incumbent, according to a poll commissioned by Republicans.
Foxx was leading the former Cook County judge, 48.1% to 33.8%, in the survey with 18.1% undecided. The Ogden and Fry poll of 447 likely voters was conducted Sept. 5. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.
An earlier poll, conducted on Aug. 3, found Foxx with an even more dominant lead over O’Brien — 65.7% to 22%.
The latest poll was commissioned by the Cook County Republican Party.
County GOP Chairman Sean Morrison said in a statement the poll numbers illustrate “law-abiding residents from across Cook County have had enough of the rioting, looting, violent crime, murdered children and general lawlessness that has raged on across the city of Chicago and Cook County under the disastrous policies of Kim Foxx.”
“The poll shows that Judge O’Brien has a real opportunity to upset Chicago’s corrupt political machine led by Toni Preckwinkle and Kim Foxx,” Morrison’s statement continued. “Voters are looking for a candidate that will help restore law and order and bring a renewed level of professional integrity to the office of State’s Attorney. Pat O’Brien is that candidate.”
Pat O’Brien, who is running for Cook County state’s attorney, speaks during a “Defend the Police” rally in Grant Park in July. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file
Foxx is a former chief of staff to Preckwinkle, Cook County Board president and chair of the county Democratic Party.
O’Brien is a former assistant state’s attorney and Circuit Court judge. He was elected judge as a Democrat, but switched to the GOP to take on Foxx.
Among those polled, 27.2% were Black, 44.1% were white, 9.4% were Latino or Hispanic, 7.1% identified as other and 12.3% preferred not to say which race they most closely identify with.
Ogden and Fry was owned by Tom Swiss, a former director of the Cook County Republican Party who ran as a Democrat against former state Rep. Derrick Smith in 2012. Swiss sold the company earlier this year, a spokesman said. The vast majority of the firm’s business comes from Republican candidates, with a fair amount from political action committees and non-for profits.
A spokeswoman for Foxx said O’Brien’s numbers will worsen in the weeks ahead.
“The more voters learn about the stark differences between our Republican opponent and the State’s Attorney, will widen this margin even further,” the spokeswoman said in a statement. “He continues to use ‘Trump like’ fear tactics and has at least 27 wrongful convictions under his watch. Cook County voters are smart and will see through his dangerous rhetoric.”
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx speaks at a news conference in August about the city’s plan to protect Chicago’s commercial corridors, following looting. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file
Since the early August poll was conducted, a special prosecutor released his report finding “substantial abuses of discretion” in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office’s handling of former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s case.
Lawyer Dan Webb’s findings basically ensured the first-term prosecutor would be answering questions about the matter right up until the November election.
Webb announced he’d concluded his investigation into Foxx’s office’s handling of the Smollett case in August, finding that Foxx and her office made several false and misleading statements, but also concluding that there was no evidence that would support criminal charges for the Democratic incumbent.
That hasn’t stopped O’Brien and Republicans from dinging Foxx on her handling of that case, as well as her record in the office — a tenure that O’Brien said has “made us less safe.”
Foxx previously called the yearlong obsession with the Smollett case “BS.”
Foxx evaded three opponents in the March primary, securing a little over 50% of the vote to move on to the November general election.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-22--Dear Abby: When Mr. Helpful goes home, he ignores his wife and looks at porn

DEAR ABBY : I have been married for 14 years to a man a lot of people in our town think has no flaws .
He helps a lot of people , and he is also a pastor , but he ignores me and takes me for granted , personally , emotionally and sexually .
He ’ d rather watch TV until he falls asleep on the couch .
He looks at pornography online , and I catch him often .
Even if he ’ s busy at work , he finds time for everybody but me .
He always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I have supported him and have gone the extra mile in all aspects — his work , church activities .
I have waited on him and made sure all his needs were met .
Now I have reached the end of the line , and I want to leave .
But if I do , people who know him will make me the villain .
Although we still live under one roof for financial reasons , now I separate myself from him , look after him less and sleep in another room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , give me your views .
— DONE WITH IT IN MAINE DEAR DONE : It appears your husband has already checked out of this marriage-in-name-only .
Stop being afraid of being labelled a villain and offer your husband the option of couples counseling to see if the two of you can reconnect .
Take into consideration that there may be more involved than you are aware of ( ED problems , another woman ) .
If your husband refuses , and you haven ’ t already done so , confide what has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female friends .
They can then spread the word that there is more than one side to the story .
Then talk to an attorney .
DEAR ABBY : Two years ago , my mother-in-law moved into a nursing home and was very sad to be leaving the house she had lived in for 50 years .
My husband , devastated at the thought of someone else owning his childhood home , convinced me to sell our house and buy the house from my mother-in-law .
We moved in and began renovating it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our forever home .
The problem is , everyone regards it as THEIR home , not ours .
His adult children , his brother and his nieces all come and go as they please .
I have talked to my husband about locking the front door , but he often forgets .
His family members come into our house and make a mess or eat our food or sit out on our deck .
Then they act like I need to accept it , as it ’ s their family house .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the house , but we pay the mortgage on it .
I ’ m out of patience .
How do I get my in-laws to once and for all see that this house is not theirs but ours ?
— DESPERATE IN THE MIDWEST DEAR DESPERATE : I assume you have been hesitant to tell these in-laws that the names on the deed to the house are yours and your husband ’ s .
If you haven ’ t said it plainly , the time to do it is now .
You don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but you do have to convey that you would like guests to call before coming over to be sure it ’ s convenient .
This is not too much to ask .
It goes without saying ( I sincerely hope ) that they shouldn ’ t mess the place up or help themselves to your food uninvited .
Your husband should back you up on this .
Because he sometimes forgets to lock the door , that responsibility is one you will have to assume .
You have my sympathy .
Dear Abby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
To receive a collection of Abby ’ s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 14 years to a man a lot of people in our town think has no flaws. He helps a lot of people, and he is also a pastor, but he ignores me and takes me for granted, personally, emotionally and sexually. He’d rather watch TV until he falls asleep on the couch.
He looks at pornography online, and I catch him often. Even if he’s busy at work, he finds time for everybody but me. He always has excuses.
Since I married him, I have supported him and have gone the extra mile in all aspects — his work, church activities. I have waited on him and made sure all his needs were met. Now I have reached the end of the line, and I want to leave. But if I do, people who know him will make me the villain.
Although we still live under one roof for financial reasons, now I separate myself from him, look after him less and sleep in another room with my dog. Please, Abby, give me your views. — DONE WITH IT IN MAINE
DEAR DONE: It appears your husband has already checked out of this marriage-in-name-only. Stop being afraid of being labelled a villain and offer your husband the option of couples counseling to see if the two of you can reconnect. Take into consideration that there may be more involved than you are aware of (ED problems, another woman). If your husband refuses, and you haven’t already done so, confide what has been happening in two or three close female friends. They can then spread the word that there is more than one side to the story. Then talk to an attorney.
DEAR ABBY: Two years ago, my mother-in-law moved into a nursing home and was very sad to be leaving the house she had lived in for 50 years. My husband, devastated at the thought of someone else owning his childhood home, convinced me to sell our house and buy the house from my mother-in-law. We moved in and began renovating it with the intention that it would become our forever home.
The problem is, everyone regards it as THEIR home, not ours. His adult children, his brother and his nieces all come and go as they please. I have talked to my husband about locking the front door, but he often forgets.
His family members come into our house and make a mess or eat our food or sit out on our deck. Then they act like I need to accept it, as it’s their family house. I could maybe understand if we had inherited the house, but we pay the mortgage on it.
I’m out of patience. How do I get my in-laws to once and for all see that this house is not theirs but ours? — DESPERATE IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR DESPERATE: I assume you have been hesitant to tell these in-laws that the names on the deed to the house are yours and your husband’s. If you haven’t said it plainly, the time to do it is now. You don’t have to be nasty, but you do have to convey that you would like guests to call before coming over to be sure it’s convenient. This is not too much to ask.
It goes without saying (I sincerely hope) that they shouldn’t mess the place up or help themselves to your food uninvited. Your husband should back you up on this. Because he sometimes forgets to lock the door, that responsibility is one you will have to assume. You have my sympathy.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-22--‘Dreaming Grand Avenue’: There’s poetry in the emotion of a transcendental Chicago story

She is the woman of his dreams , and he is the man of her dreams — literally .
They ’ ve never met in real life .
Jimmy lives in Chicago and Maggie lives in Chicago , but they ’ re traveling their respective journeys on parallel tracks — at least during the day .
They HAVE met , when both were dreaming .
Perhaps they ’ ll find each other one day in the real world , in waking life .
We shall see .
This is the intriguing setup to writer-director Hugh Schulze ’ s “ Dreaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitious and metaphysical and deeply poetic ( in more ways than one ) gem with big ideas , stunningly original visuals of Chicago — and beautifully honed performances from a cast that includes talented young actors and some veteran performers who bring a grounded , real-world , seen-it-all wisdom to their respective and somewhat mystical roles .
Jackson Rathbone brings a kind of young Skeet Ulrich vibe ( and I like Skeet Ulrich so I ’ m saying this is a good thing ) to his performance as Jimmy , a talented but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world .
Bryce Gangel does fine work as Jimmy ’ s girlfriend Amy , who has a grown-up job and exists in the grown-up world and has been supportive of Jimmy chasing his dreams , but can only hold on for so long before she has to get on with her life .
Elsewhere in Chicago , Maggie ( a luminous and authentic Andrea Londo ) loves her job at a day care center where the children adore her — but Maggie has a heavy heart , as every report on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the crossfire of gun violence hits her as if these kids were her own .
Maggie can ’ t even escape her troubles by drifting off to sleep , as her dreams are so intense and so real , she ’ s even agreed to be the subject of an ongoing and perhaps pioneering dream study led by Dr. Emily Wandervogel ( Tiffany Bedwell , excellent ) who has her own ulterior motives for trying to get inside Maggie ’ s head .
In a development straight out of a “ Twilight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by one Jack Yancy , who is a “ dream detective , ” and it ’ s great to see Chicago ’ s own artist/actor/wearer-of-many-hats Tony Fitzpatrick as Yancy , who looks and sounds like he ’ s in a 1950s film noir as he barks out lines such as , “ You want a juice ?
I ’ ve been juicing , ” and , “ I ’ m a dream detective , Ace.
” What does that mean , exactly ?
Let ’ s just say Yancy sends Jimmy on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confronting demons from his past and reconsidering his purpose in this world .
Meanwhile , Maggie can ’ t shake herself free from dreams in which bodies float in a lagoon , and her own hands are covered in blood .
“ Dreaming Grand Avenue ” takes on the nightmarish qualities of a supernatural horror film , with shape-shifting crows and a primordial black ooze seeping through the walls of a cell-like structure , and we haven ’ t even yet mentioned Wendy Robie ( “ Twin Peaks , ” “ The People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a kind of guardian angel of the dream world , and how about Walt Whitman ( Troy West ) hanging out at the Green Mill Lounge on Poetry Slam night ?
( In a later scene , asked if he ’ s THE Walt Whitman , the poet replies : It ’ s a big world .
I ’ m A Walt Whitman… ) It all ties together , promise .
“ Dreaming Grand Avenue ” consistently paints Chicago in a unique light ; even the obligatory L transition shots are executed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lesser-known pockets of the city , with cinematographer Christopher Rejano always finding fresh angles and compelling tones of light to help paint the picture .
The fragments of this story shine like broken glass in the late afternoon sun ; eventually , some of these elements will be glued together by a common thread , while others will simply … be .
A late montage set to “ There Was a Child Went Forth ” by Walt Whitman — THE Walt Whitman — is among the most moving and lasting sequences in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
There was a child went forth every day , and the first object he looked upon , that object he became … “ Dreaming Grand Avenue ” will have its world premiere at 7 p.m. Wednesday , with a second showing at 10 p.m. , at ChiTown Movies , 2343 S. Throop St .
The director and several stars will be present .
For tickets , go to dreaminggrandavenue.com

She is the woman of his dreams, and he is the man of her dreams — literally. They’ve never met in real life.
Jimmy lives in Chicago and Maggie lives in Chicago, but they’re traveling their respective journeys on parallel tracks — at least during the day. They HAVE met, when both were dreaming.
Perhaps they’ll find each other one day in the real world, in waking life. We shall see.
‘Dreaming Grand Avenue’
Untitled NewCity Chicago Film Project presents a film written and directed by Hugh Schulze. No MPAA rating. Running time: 99 minutes. Opens Friday at Showplace Icon and the Music Box and at musicboxtheatre.com.
This is the intriguing setup to writer-director Hugh Schulze’s “Dreaming Grand Avenue,” a small but ambitious and metaphysical and deeply poetic (in more ways than one) gem with big ideas, stunningly original visuals of Chicago — and beautifully honed performances from a cast that includes talented young actors and some veteran performers who bring a grounded, real-world, seen-it-all wisdom to their respective and somewhat mystical roles.
Jackson Rathbone brings a kind of young Skeet Ulrich vibe (and I like Skeet Ulrich so I’m saying this is a good thing) to his performance as Jimmy, a talented but struggling artist trying to find his place in the world. Bryce Gangel does fine work as Jimmy’s girlfriend Amy, who has a grown-up job and exists in the grown-up world and has been supportive of Jimmy chasing his dreams, but can only hold on for so long before she has to get on with her life.
Elsewhere in Chicago, Maggie (a luminous and authentic Andrea Londo) loves her job at a day care center where the children adore her — but Maggie has a heavy heart, as every report on the local news about another child caught in the crossfire of gun violence hits her as if these kids were her own. Maggie can’t even escape her troubles by drifting off to sleep, as her dreams are so intense and so real, she’s even agreed to be the subject of an ongoing and perhaps pioneering dream study led by Dr. Emily Wandervogel (Tiffany Bedwell, excellent) who has her own ulterior motives for trying to get inside Maggie’s head.
In a development straight out of a “Twilight Zone” episode, Jimmy is recruited by one Jack Yancy, who is a “dream detective,” and it’s great to see Chicago’s own artist/actor/wearer-of-many-hats Tony Fitzpatrick as Yancy, who looks and sounds like he’s in a 1950s film noir as he barks out lines such as, “You want a juice? I’ve been juicing,” and, “I’m a dream detective, Ace.”
What does that mean, exactly? Let’s just say Yancy sends Jimmy on a dark and strange mission that has Jimmy confronting demons from his past and reconsidering his purpose in this world. Meanwhile, Maggie can’t shake herself free from dreams in which bodies float in a lagoon, and her own hands are covered in blood.
Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick plays a guy calling himself a “dream detective” in “Dreaming Grand Avenue.” NewCity Chicago Film Project
“Dreaming Grand Avenue” takes on the nightmarish qualities of a supernatural horror film, with shape-shifting crows and a primordial black ooze seeping through the walls of a cell-like structure, and we haven’t even yet mentioned Wendy Robie (“Twin Peaks,” “The People Under the Stairs”) as Andromeda, a kind of guardian angel of the dream world, and how about Walt Whitman (Troy West) hanging out at the Green Mill Lounge on Poetry Slam night? (In a later scene, asked if he’s THE Walt Whitman, the poet replies: It’s a big world. I’m A Walt Whitman…)
It all ties together, promise.
“Dreaming Grand Avenue” consistently paints Chicago in a unique light; even the obligatory L transition shots are executed with originality. We visit familiar landmarks and lesser-known pockets of the city, with cinematographer Christopher Rejano always finding fresh angles and compelling tones of light to help paint the picture. The fragments of this story shine like broken glass in the late afternoon sun; eventually, some of these elements will be glued together by a common thread, while others will simply … be. A late montage set to “There Was a Child Went Forth” by Walt Whitman — THE Walt Whitman — is among the most moving and lasting sequences in any film I’ve seen this year. There was a child went forth every day, and the first object he looked upon, that object he became …
Beautiful stuff.
“Dreaming Grand Avenue” will have its world premiere at 7 p.m. Wednesday, with a second showing at 10 p.m., at ChiTown Movies, 2343 S. Throop St. The director and several stars will be present. For tickets, go to dreaminggrandavenue.com


chicagosun-times--2020-09-22--Menu planner: Chickpea salad with carrots provides lots of flavor, protein without meat

In a medium bowl , microwave chickpeas on high ( 100 % power ) about 1 1/2 minutes or until hot .
Stir in oil , juice , salt , black pepper and cayenne pepper and let sit 30 minutes .
Add carrots and olives and toss to combine .
Bring to room temperature before adding arugula .
Toss and serve .
Per serving : 408 calories , 12 grams protein , 20 grams fat ( 44 % calories from fat ) , 2.5 grams saturated fat , 45 grams carbohydrate , no cholesterol , 737 milligrams sodium , 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ larger slow cooker , mix onion , zucchini , carrots , lentils , broth , salt and pepper .
Top with chicken .
Cover ; cook on low 5 to 6 hours .
Remove chicken from cooker to plate .
Shred , using 2 forks ; return chicken to cooker .
Stir in mushrooms and tomatoes .
Cover ; cook about 15 minutes longer or until thoroughly heated .
Top each serving with basil and parmesan .
Heat oil in Dutch oven on medium .
Add onion and carrot ; cook and stir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Increase heat to medium-high .
Add broth , corn , peas , raisins ( or cranberries ) , curry powder , cumin and red pepper ; mix well .
Bring to a boil .
Stir in couscous .
Cover , remove from heat and let stand 5 to 7 minutes or until liquid is absorbed .
Garnish with almonds .
Per serving : 185 calories , 6 grams protein , 3 grams fat ( 13 % calories from fat ) , 0.3 gram saturated fat , 33 grams carbohydrate , no cholesterol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fiber .
Grill the 6- to 8-ounce steaks on medium 13 to 15 minutes for medium-rare to medium .
While you ’ re at it , grill your own fresh asparagus and potatoes for some add-ons , and serve mixed greens and sourdough bread alongside .
Combine 2 cups water with 2 ( 0.87-ounce ) packages less-sodium brown gravy mix ; mix well .
Pour mixture into a Dutch oven and add 1 ( 14.5-ounce ) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes , 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 ( 16-ounce ) package frozen vegetables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celery and onion ) ; bring to a boil on medium-high .
Add chopped steaks ; reduce heat to low , cover and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender .
Season to taste with coarse salt and pepper .
For something different , serve the stew in bread bowls ( follow directions on bread dough package ) , or serve with refrigerated crusty French loaf .
Add a fresh spinach salad .
A torta is a warm and filling sandwich .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
In a small bowl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tablespoon fresh lime juice ; set aside .
In a medium bowl , beat 3 eggs with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt ; fold in 1 ( 4-ounce ) can drained chopped chilies .
In medium nonstick skillet , melt 2 teaspoons butter over medium-high heat .
Add eggs and chilies ; cook , stirring until desired consistency .
Spread avocado mixture on inside surfaces of 4 split , soft sandwich rolls .
Spoon hot eggs onto rolls .
Top each with a tomato slice and cover with tops of rolls .
Place tortas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or until rolls begin to toast .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 7-by-11-inch baking dish in oven .
Place 4 ( 4- to 6-ounce ) tilapia fillets in dish ; turn to coat .
Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon dried dill and coarse salt and pepper to taste .
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until fish is opaque throughout .
Meanwhile , melt 1 1/2 teaspoons butter in small skillet over medium heat .
Add 2 tablespoons unseasoned dry bread crumbs ; cook until crumbs are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sprinkle over fish during the last 3 minutes of baking .

Chickpea salad with carrots, arugula and olives
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: about 1 1/2 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 (15-ounce) cans reduced-sodium chickpeas, rinsed
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper
3 carrots, peeled and shredded
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
1 cup baby arugula, chopped
In a medium bowl, microwave chickpeas on high (100% power) about 1 1/2 minutes or until hot. Stir in oil, juice, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper and let sit 30 minutes. Add carrots and olives and toss to combine. Bring to room temperature before adding arugula. Toss and serve.
Per serving: 408 calories, 12 grams protein, 20 grams fat (44% calories from fat), 2.5 grams saturated fat, 45 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 737 milligrams sodium, 10 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 3.
Italian chicken-lentil soup
Makes 8 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 to 6 hours, plus 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium zucchini, chopped (about 3 cups)
3 cups sliced carrots
12 ounces dried lentils, sorted and rinsed
6 1/4 cups unsalted chicken broth
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
3 (14.5-ounce) cans no-salt-added fire-roasted or regular tomatoes, with liquid
5 teaspoons dried basil
Shredded parmesan, if desired
In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, mix onion, zucchini, carrots, lentils, broth, salt and pepper. Top with chicken. Cover; cook on low 5 to 6 hours. Remove chicken from cooker to plate. Shred, using 2 forks; return chicken to cooker. Stir in mushrooms and tomatoes. Cover; cook about 15 minutes longer or until thoroughly heated. Top each serving with basil and parmesan.
Per serving: 336 calories, 29 grams protein, 5 grams fat (14% calories from fat), 1.4 grams saturated fat, 42 grams carbohydrate, 79 milligrams cholesterol, 442 milligrams sodium, 9 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 3.
Sweet and spicy vegetable couscous
Makes 10 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: about 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 large carrot, shredded
2 1/2 cups unsalted chicken broth
1 (11-ounce) can Mexican-style corn, rinsed
1 (9-ounce) package frozen tiny green peas
2 tablespoons golden raisins or dried cranberries
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 1/2 cups couscous
2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds
Heat oil in Dutch oven on medium. Add onion and carrot; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until softened. Increase heat to medium-high. Add broth, corn, peas, raisins (or cranberries), curry powder, cumin and red pepper; mix well. Bring to a boil. Stir in couscous. Cover, remove from heat and let stand 5 to 7 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Garnish with almonds.
Per serving: 185 calories, 6 grams protein, 3 grams fat (13% calories from fat), 0.3 gram saturated fat, 33 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 167 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 2.
Flat iron steaks (also called shoulder top blade steaks.
Grill the 6- to 8-ounce steaks on medium 13 to 15 minutes for medium-rare to medium. While you’re at it, grill your own fresh asparagus and potatoes for some add-ons, and serve mixed greens and sourdough bread alongside.
Beef stew
Combine 2 cups water with 2 (0.87-ounce) packages less-sodium brown gravy mix; mix well. Pour mixture into a Dutch oven and add 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 (16-ounce) package frozen vegetables for stew (potatoes, carrots, celery and onion); bring to a boil on medium-high. Add chopped steaks; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Season to taste with coarse salt and pepper.
For something different, serve the stew in bread bowls (follow directions on bread dough package), or serve with refrigerated crusty French loaf. Add a fresh spinach salad.
Tortas de huevos con aguacate (egg and avocado torta)
A torta is a warm and filling sandwich. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mash 1 peeled avocado with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; set aside. In a medium bowl, beat 3 eggs with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt; fold in 1 (4-ounce) can drained chopped chilies. In medium nonstick skillet, melt 2 teaspoons butter over medium-high heat. Add eggs and chilies; cook, stirring until desired consistency. Spread avocado mixture on inside surfaces of 4 split, soft sandwich rolls. Spoon hot eggs onto rolls. Top each with a tomato slice and cover with tops of rolls. Place tortas on baking sheet; bake 5 minutes or until rolls begin to toast.
Baked tilapia with dill butter
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 7-by-11-inch baking dish in oven. Place 4 (4- to 6-ounce) tilapia fillets in dish; turn to coat. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon dried dill and coarse salt and pepper to taste. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until fish is opaque throughout. Meanwhile, melt 1 1/2 teaspoons butter in small skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons unseasoned dry bread crumbs; cook until crumbs are light golden brown, stirring constantly. Sprinkle over fish during the last 3 minutes of baking.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-22--Bears TEs short on yards, big on blocks

Bears TEs short on yards, big on blocks

Through two games , Bears tight ends have totaled only five catches for 55 yards .
Rookie Cole Kmet has @ @ @ @ @ , and free agent addition Jimmy Graham has the rest .
“ Production-wise and stat @ @ @ @ @ you probably don ’ t see — and you for sure don ’ t see @ @ @ @ @ be at , ” Bears coach Matt Nagy Monday said .
“ But I ’ @ @ @ @ @ because of the way that these two first games have gone.
” Nagy was pleased @ @ @ @ @ Demetrius Harris and JP Holtz blocked in the run game Sunday .
Through two weeks @ @ @ @ @ seems more stable than it was at any time last year .
Nagy even credited @ @ @ @ @ not known for his blocking , with good hits during Sunday ’ s 17-13 win @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s a huge part of this run game .
… ” he said @ @ @ @ @ are getting after it and they ’ re enjoying it .
”

Through two games, Bears tight ends have totaled only five catches for 55 yards. Rookie Cole Kmet has one catch for 12 yards, and free agent addition Jimmy Graham has the rest.
“Production-wise and stat line-wise, right now, you probably don’t see — and you for sure don’t see what we want it to be at,” Bears coach Matt Nagy said Monday. “But I’m OK with that just because of the way that these two first games have gone.”
Nagy was pleased with how Graham, Kmet, Demetrius Harris and JP Holtz blocked in the run game Sunday. Through two weeks, the Bears rushing attack seems more stable than it was at any time last year.
Nagy even credited Graham, who’s not known for his blocking, with good hits during Sunday’s 17-13 win against the Giants.
“That’s a huge part of this run game. …” he said. “Those tight ends are getting after it and they’re enjoying it.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-22--14 shot, 3 fatally, Monday in Chicago

14 shot, 3 fatally, Monday in Chicago

Fourteen people were shot , three of them fatally , Monday in Chicago .
The day ’ s most recent reported fatal shooting killed a 17-year-old boy in West Rogers Park on the North Side .
He was standing in an alley about 2:50 a.m. in the 6400 block of North Hamilton Avenue when someone fired shots , according to a statement from Chicago police .
His friends nearby heard him call for help and they called 911 , police spokeswoman Sally Bown said .
The 17-year-old was shot in the back and taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified him as Arturo Munoz of Evanston .
About thirty minutes prior a man was shot to death and another was injured in North Park on the Northwest Side .
They were sitting in a parked vehicle at 2:13 a.m. when someone fired shots in the 3400 block of West Carmen Avenue , according to police .
They drove themselves to Swedish Covenant Hospital .
A 25-year-old man was shot in the head and died at the hospital , police said .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said .
A 29-year-old man was killed in a shooting in Dunning on the Northwest Side .
He was parking his vehicle about 1:40 a.m. in the 3200 block of North Nagle Avenue when someone in a white sedan fired shots , police said .
The man was shot multiple times and was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified him as Nabil Marhouar of Dunning .
In non-fatal shootings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition after she was shot in Chatham on the South Side .
She was standing in a hallway of an apartment building about 9:40 p.m. in the 600 block of East 81st Street when a male suspect fired shots , hitting her in the abdomen , police said .
The woman was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition , police said .
About an hour prior three people , including a 10-year-old girl , were shot in Fifth City on the West Side .
They were on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block of West Van Buren Street when gunfire erupted , police said .
The girl , who was inside a vehicle , was hit in the knee and was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition , police said .
A 31-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were standing outside when they were shot , police said .
The man was shot in the face and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition .
The woman was struck in the back and leg , police said .
She was taken to Mount Sinai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were shot in Lawndale on the West Side .
About 6:15 p.m. , the men , 28 and 31 , were in the 3600 block of West Douglas Boulevard when they heard gunfire and felt pain , police said .
The older man was hit in the buttocks and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition , police said .
The younger man was shot in the armpit area and was taken to the same hospital in critical condition .
Minutes prior a 15-year-old boy was wounded when he was shot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on the street about 6:08 p.m. in the 6000 block of South Morgan Street when someone in a vehicle shot him in the buttocks , police said .
He was taken to St. Bernard Hospital in good condition .
A 24-year-old man was shot multiple times in Austin on the West Side .
He was shot about 11:40 a.m. in the 4800 block of West Washington Boulevard , according to police .
He showed up at Stroger Hospital with gunshot wounds to his arm , hand and finger , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ A 21-year-old man was shot in his earlobe Monday morning in Rogers Park .
He was inside a vehicle about 9:05 a.m. while speaking with three or four males standing outside in the 2000 block of West Touhy Avenue , Chicago police said .
One of the males in the group pulled out a gun and opened fire , police said .
They ran off down an alley .
The 21-year-old took himself to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston , where he was treated for a gunshot wound , police said .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day ’ s first reported shooting injured a 35-year-old man near Goose Island on the Near North Side .
He was walking on the sidewalk at 3:11 a.m. in the 600 block of West Division Street when a male fired shots , police said .
The man was hit in the left foot and someone drove him to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition , police said .
Forty-five people were shot , ten of them fatally , last weekend in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ @ @ @

Fourteen people were shot Monday in Chicago, including three homicides that all happened on the North Side within three hours after midnight.
Among the wounded were a 10-year-old girl and a 25-year-old woman hurt in a triple shooting on the West Side.
The gun violence comes after at the heels of a weekend in which 45 people were shot, 10 of them fatally.
About 2:50 a.m., a 17-year-old boy was shot in West Rogers Park on the North Side. He was standing in an alley in the 6400 block of North Hamilton Avenue when someone fired shots, according to Chicago police.
His friends nearby heard him call for help and they called 911, police said. Arturo Munoz of Evanston was shot in the back and taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, where he died, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
A half hour earlier, a man was shot to death and another injured in North Park on the Northwest Side. They were sitting in a parked vehicle at 2:13 a.m. when someone fired shots in the 3400 block of West Carmen Avenue, police said. They drove themselves to Swedish Hospital. Eduardo Triano, 25, of Cicero, was shot in the head and died at the hospital, officials said.
About 1:40 a.m., a 29-year-old man was killed in a shooting in Dunning on the Northwest Side. He was parking his vehicle in the 3200 block of North Nagle Avenue when someone in a white sedan fired shots, police said. Nabil Marhouar of Dunning was shot multiple times and was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, officials said.
In non-fatal shootings, a 29-year-old woman is in critical condition after she was shot in Chatham on the South Side. She was standing in a hallway of an apartment building about 9:40 p.m. in the 600 block of East 81st Street when a male suspect fired shots, hitting her in the abdomen, police said. The woman was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
About an hour prior three people, including a 10-year-old girl, were shot in Fifth City on the West Side. They were on the street about 8:30 p.m. in the 3300 block of West Van Buren Street when gunfire erupted, police said. The girl, who was inside a vehicle, was hit in the knee and was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition, police said.
A 31-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were standing outside when they were shot, police said. The man was shot in the face and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition. The woman was struck in the back and leg, police said. She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition.
About 6:15 p.m., two men were shot in Lawndale on the West Side. The men, 28 and 31, were in the 3600 block of West Douglas Boulevard when they heard gunfire and felt pain, police said.
The older man was hit in the buttocks and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said. The younger man was shot in the armpit area and was taken to the same hospital in critical condition.
Minutes prior a 15-year-old boy was wounded when he was shot in Englewood on the South Side. He was on the street about 6:08 p.m. in the 6000 block of South Morgan Street when someone in a vehicle shot him in the buttocks, police said. He was taken to St. Bernard Hospital in good condition.
About 11:40 a.m., a 24-year-old man was shot multiple times in Austin on the West Side. He was shot in the 4800 block of West Washington Boulevard, according to police. He showed up at Stroger Hospital with gunshot wounds to his arm, hand and finger, police said. He was listed in good condition.
At 9:05 a.m., a 21-year-old man was shot in his earlobe Monday morning in Rogers Park. He was inside a vehicle while speaking with three or four males standing outside in the 2000 block of West Touhy Avenue, police said.
One of the males in the group pulled out a gun and opened fire, police said. They ran off down an alley. The 21-year-old took himself to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, where he was treated for a gunshot wound, police said. He was listed in good condition.
The day’s first reported shooting injured a 35-year-old man near Goose Island on the Near North Side. He was walking on the sidewalk at 3:11 a.m. in the 600 block of West Division Street when a male fired shots, police said. The man was hit in the left foot and someone drove him to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-22--Man fatally shot in Homan Square: police

A 24-year-old man was fatally shot Tuesday in Homan Square on the West Side .
About 12:30 a.m. he was @ @ @ @ @ in the 600 block of South Spaulding Avenue , when he was shot , Chicago @ @ @ @ @ was pronounced dead at the scene .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ of his death .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s @ @

A 31-year-old man was fatally shot Tuesday in Homan Square on the West Side.
About 12:30 a.m. he was sitting in a parked vehicle in the 600 block of South Spaulding Avenue, when he was shot, Chicago police said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as being Darryl Barfield. He lived in Homan Square.
Area Four detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-21--Lightning hang on after fast start to beat Stars 3-2, even Stanley Cup Final

EDMONTON , Alberta — Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning got themselves up off the ice to get even in the Stanley Cup Final .
After the Lightning got knocked around in Game 1 , and Kucherov took some more hard hits early in Game 2 , he had the primary assists on power-play goals by Brayden Point and Ondrej Palat in the first period .
Kevin Shattenkirk then scored for an early three-goal lead and Tampa Bay held on for a 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday night .
“ It was a tough start I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s the playoffs , you have to play , it doesn ’ t matter what happened.
” All of Tampa Bay ’ s goals came in a span of four shots in less than four minutes against Anton Khudobin , who made a Stanley Cup Final-record 22 saves in the third period for the Stars in their 4-1 win in Game 1 .
It was the first time in seven games that Tampa Bay scored the opening goal .
Joe Pavelski and Mattias Janmark scored for Dallas on passes from John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on both .
“ After that , we really got back to what makes us successful as a team , we got pucks deep , we were good on the forecheck , we got some good opportunities , ” said Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman , who had two assists .
“ I liked the way we responded … to close them out.
” Kucherov left the bench momentarily early in the game after slamming into the boards during a collision with defenseman Jamie Oleksiak after trying to block a shot .
Kucherov had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before , when he was popped by Dallas captain Jamie Benn and when he drew a high-sticking penalty against Janmark .
He was back quickly .
“ I left because my visor was broken or something , ” Kucherov insisted .
“ I went back in the room and changed it , nothing bad happened.
” On their second power play in Game 2 , the Lightning cycled the puck to set up Kucherov ’ s pass to Point to open the scoring 11:23 into the game .
Three minutes later with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nice passing sequence , taking advantage of a half-open net and another setup by Kucherov .
‘ ” It ’ s easy to explain : we lost faceoffs and we were turning the puck over and we were taking penalties , ” Stars interim head coach Rick Bowness said .
“ It was an even game until we started taking penalties .
It ’ s faceoffs , turnovers and penalties — things you can ’ t afford to do against an elite team like that.
” Shattenkirk scored less than a minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 27 shots for Tampa Bay .
Khudobin had 28 saves .
Tampa Bay had failed to score on its previous 14 power-play chances with the man advantage , since Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finale , until the Kucherov-assisted goals with a man advantage .
“ There ’ s a couple good teams that have somewhat of a foundation to win games and how you play , ” Pavelski said .
“ We definitely were closer to ours in Game 1 , and we got away from it early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally got on the board on a power play with 5:17 left in the second .
Klingberg took a shot from near the blue line , and Pavelski redirected the puck with his raised stick even with Ryan McDonagh all over him in front of the net .
In the third period , Klingberg was in the right circle , when instead of taking a shot as Vasilevskiy expected , passed to Janmark , who had charged and suddenly stopped behind Shattenkirk just beyond the crease to score .
The Lightning looked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead , with just under 11 minutes left when Mikhail Sergachev shot from the point and got the puck through traffic past Khudobin .
Bowness challenged and replay clearly showed Blake Coleman was offside .
The hits showed no sign of slowing down in this rugged final : Late in the second period , Pat Maroon decked Khudobin after taking a shot and got a goalie interference penalty .
Earlier in the shift , McDonagh knocked Blake Comeau down and out with a questionable hit .
Corey Perry and Cedric Paquette went at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in a headlock before an angry Paquette flipped him over .
NOTES : Pavelski ’ s 10th goal this postseason was No .
58 in his career , matching former Stars standout Mike Modano for second-most by a U.S. born-player .
Joe Mullen ’ s 60 is the most , still less than half of the overall record of 122 for Wayne Gretzky .
… Kucherov ’ s 28 points ( six goals , 22 assists ) are the most ever in a postseason for a Tampa Bay player .
Point now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 assists ) , matching the previous record set by Brad Richards ( 12 goals , 14 assists ) during the 2004 championship run .
… The Lightning have started all three of the Stanley Cup Final appearances the same way , losing Game 1 and then winning Game 2 .
They were the 2004 champion when they beat Calgary in a seven-game series , and lost the 2015 final in six games against Chicago .

EDMONTON, Alberta — Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning got themselves up off the ice to get even in the Stanley Cup Final.
After the Lightning got knocked around in Game 1, and Kucherov took some more hard hits early in Game 2, he had the primary assists on power-play goals by Brayden Point and Ondrej Palat in the first period. Kevin Shattenkirk then scored for an early three-goal lead and Tampa Bay held on for a 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday night.
“It was a tough start I guess,” Kucherov said. “It’s the playoffs, you have to play, it doesn’t matter what happened.”
All of Tampa Bay’s goals came in a span of four shots in less than four minutes against Anton Khudobin, who made a Stanley Cup Final-record 22 saves in the third period for the Stars in their 4-1 win in Game 1. It was the first time in seven games that Tampa Bay scored the opening goal.
Game 3 is Wednesday night.
Joe Pavelski and Mattias Janmark scored for Dallas on passes from John Klingberg, with Alexander Radulov also assisting on both.
“After that, we really got back to what makes us successful as a team, we got pucks deep, we were good on the forecheck, we got some good opportunities,” said Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, who had two assists. “I liked the way we responded … to close them out.”
Kucherov left the bench momentarily early in the game after slamming into the boards during a collision with defenseman Jamie Oleksiak after trying to block a shot. Kucherov had already ended up on the ice twice before, when he was popped by Dallas captain Jamie Benn and when he drew a high-sticking penalty against Janmark. He was back quickly.
“I left because my visor was broken or something,” Kucherov insisted. “I went back in the room and changed it, nothing bad happened.”
On their second power play in Game 2, the Lightning cycled the puck to set up Kucherov’s pass to Point to open the scoring 11:23 into the game. Three minutes later with a a man advantage again, Palat finished a nice passing sequence, taking advantage of a half-open net and another setup by Kucherov.
‘”It’s easy to explain: we lost faceoffs and we were turning the puck over and we were taking penalties,” Stars interim head coach Rick Bowness said. “It was an even game until we started taking penalties. It’s faceoffs, turnovers and penalties — things you can’t afford to do against an elite team like that.”
Shattenkirk scored less than a minute after Palat to make it 3-0. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 27 shots for Tampa Bay. Khudobin had 28 saves.
Tampa Bay had failed to score on its previous 14 power-play chances with the man advantage, since Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finale, until the Kucherov-assisted goals with a man advantage.
“There’s a couple good teams that have somewhat of a foundation to win games and how you play,” Pavelski said. “We definitely were closer to ours in Game 1, and we got away from it early tonight and it cost us.”
Dallas finally got on the board on a power play with 5:17 left in the second. Klingberg took a shot from near the blue line, and Pavelski redirected the puck with his raised stick even with Ryan McDonagh all over him in front of the net.
In the third period, Klingberg was in the right circle, when instead of taking a shot as Vasilevskiy expected, passed to Janmark, who had charged and suddenly stopped behind Shattenkirk just beyond the crease to score.
The Lightning looked to have another goal, and a two-goal lead, with just under 11 minutes left when Mikhail Sergachev shot from the point and got the puck through traffic past Khudobin. Bowness challenged and replay clearly showed Blake Coleman was offside.
The hits showed no sign of slowing down in this rugged final: Late in the second period, Pat Maroon decked Khudobin after taking a shot and got a goalie interference penalty. Earlier in the shift, McDonagh knocked Blake Comeau down and out with a questionable hit. Corey Perry and Cedric Paquette went at it, too, with Perry putting him in a headlock before an angry Paquette flipped him over.
NOTES: Pavelski’s 10th goal this postseason was No. 58 in his career, matching former Stars standout Mike Modano for second-most by a U.S. born-player. Joe Mullen’s 60 is the most, still less than half of the overall record of 122 for Wayne Gretzky. … Kucherov’s 28 points (six goals, 22 assists) are the most ever in a postseason for a Tampa Bay player. Point now has 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists), matching the previous record set by Brad Richards (12 goals, 14 assists) during the 2004 championship run. … The Lightning have started all three of the Stanley Cup Final appearances the same way, losing Game 1 and then winning Game 2. They were the 2004 champion when they beat Calgary in a seven-game series, and lost the 2015 final in six games against Chicago.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-21--Horoscope for Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020

Horoscope for Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Sagittarius .
Today is the Fall Equinox , which means the sun is opposite your sign .
For the next four weeks , your focus will be on partnerships and close friendships .
This is your best chance of the year to learn more about yourself through your intimate one-to-one encounters with others .
For the next four weeks , you will want to manage your life efficiently .
You will work hard for yourself and others .
You will strive to make every action count @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bang for your buck .
( Why not improve your health as well ? )
The next four weeks are fabulous for you because the sun is in your fellow air sign !
Plus , it will travel through the most fun part of your chart !
Accept invitations to party .
Enjoy sports , social time and fun activities with kids .
Yippee !
Your attention now shifts to home , family and your private life in the next four weeks .
Many of you will be involved with a parent more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relax and cocoon at home among familiar surroundings .
“ Alone , at last.
” The next four weeks are fast-paced and busy !
Short trips , errands , appointments , plus increased reading , writing and studying will accelerate the tempo of your days .
This is a good time to express your opinions and enlighten others about what matters to you .
“ Now hear this ... ” Finances and money issues are your focus for the next four weeks .
Think about your earnings and assets , and also your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own your stuff or does it own you ?
Obviously , what you own should make your life easier .
Does it ?
The sun is in your sign for the next four weeks , giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year .
It will attract important people and favorable circumstances to you .
It will also encourage you to express yourself and tell it like it is !
Enjoy !
Your birthday is approaching , which means your personal year is coming to an end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about what you want for your new year ahead .
Define some goals because they help to clarify future decision-making .
They give you a sense of purpose and help to keep you on track .
Your popularity is strong in the next four weeks .
Everyone wants you on their team Enjoy schmoozing with others because if you socialize extensively , it will benefit you .
( Also examine your friends because they are a reflection of who you are . )
For the next four weeks , the sun is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is the only time all year this happens .
When this occurs , it ( symbolically ) shines a spotlight on you that is flattering !
Bosses , parents , teachers and VIPs are impressed !
Expect to be asked to take on increased responsibilities .
You want to do something different in the next four weeks .
You want to get outta Dodge for a change of scenery !
You want stimulation and adventure !
At the very least , learn something new .
Sign up for a course .
Talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You will be more passionate and intense in the next four weeks in part because you will deal with financial issues and something to do with shared property .
You might also deal with shared responsibilities .
Meanwhile , your sex drive is hot !
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Michael Rainey Jr. ( 2000 ) shares your birthday .
You are brainy , powerful and academic .
Generally , you are in demand because of your talents .
Looking good !
It ’ s your time of harvest , which means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the efforts you vacuumed you that you were you made in the last decade .
You deserve this time of success !
As a result , you might enjoy increased influence and leadership in all your relationships .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Sagittarius.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today is the Fall Equinox, which means the sun is opposite your sign. For the next four weeks, your focus will be on partnerships and close friendships. This is your best chance of the year to learn more about yourself through your intimate one-to-one encounters with others.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
For the next four weeks, you will want to manage your life efficiently. You will work hard for yourself and others. You will strive to make every action count because you want to get the most bang for your buck. (Why not improve your health as well?)
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The next four weeks are fabulous for you because the sun is in your fellow air sign! Plus, it will travel through the most fun part of your chart! Accept invitations to party. Enjoy sports, social time and fun activities with kids. Yippee!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Your attention now shifts to home, family and your private life in the next four weeks. Many of you will be involved with a parent more than usual. Grab every opportunity to relax and cocoon at home among familiar surroundings. “Alone, at last.”
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
The next four weeks are fast-paced and busy! Short trips, errands, appointments, plus increased reading, writing and studying will accelerate the tempo of your days. This is a good time to express your opinions and enlighten others about what matters to you. “Now hear this ...”
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Finances and money issues are your focus for the next four weeks. Think about your earnings and assets, and also your possessions. For example, do you own your stuff or does it own you? Obviously, what you own should make your life easier. Does it?
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
The sun is in your sign for the next four weeks, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. It will attract important people and favorable circumstances to you. It will also encourage you to express yourself and tell it like it is! Enjoy!
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Your birthday is approaching, which means your personal year is coming to an end. Use the next four weeks to think about what you want for your new year ahead. Define some goals because they help to clarify future decision-making. They give you a sense of purpose and help to keep you on track.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Your popularity is strong in the next four weeks. Everyone wants you on their team Enjoy schmoozing with others because if you socialize extensively, it will benefit you. (Also examine your friends because they are a reflection of who you are.)
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
For the next four weeks, the sun is at the top of your chart, which is the only time all year this happens. When this occurs, it (symbolically) shines a spotlight on you that is flattering! Bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs are impressed! Expect to be asked to take on increased responsibilities.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You want to do something different in the next four weeks. You want to get outta Dodge for a change of scenery! You want stimulation and adventure! At the very least, learn something new. Sign up for a course. Talk to someone who knows big words.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You will be more passionate and intense in the next four weeks in part because you will deal with financial issues and something to do with shared property. You might also deal with shared responsibilities. Meanwhile, your sex drive is hot!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Michael Rainey Jr. (2000) shares your birthday. You are brainy, powerful and academic. Generally, you are in demand because of your talents. Looking good! It’s your time of harvest, which means you are starting to reap the benefits of the efforts you vacuumed you that you were you made in the last decade. You deserve this time of success! As a result, you might enjoy increased influence and leadership in all your relationships.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-21--Cam and went: Looks like Bears missed on another quarterback

We ’ ll likely be talking about the Bears ’ quarterback “ situation ” forever .
Or we will until Nick Foles gets on the field and proves he ’ s either as erratic as Mitch Trubisky or as skilled as he was when he once won a Super Bowl .
It ’ s probable that Foles is somewhere in between — full of ups and downs , like the teeter-totter Trubisky is strapped to — and that the Bears ’ 70-year search for the next Sid Luckman will continue unscathed .
But let ’ s throw out a bone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was available during the offseason search for a Trubisky replacement or backup ?
No , not talking about ancient Tom Brady — though he was on the Bears ’ radar before he signed with the Buccaneers in March .
The former Panthers quarterback was coming off injuries and was not going back to Carolina , where he ’ d played for nine years .
Pretty much any team in the NFL could have signed him .
That means the Bears could have him right now .
Why bother , you say .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday night against the Seahawks in Seattle ?
Yes , his new team — Brady ’ s old Patriots , interestingly — lost 35-30 .
But not before Newton engineered a couple of late drives that combined great passing and running and ended only when he was stopped a yard short of the goal line on a keeper on the final play of the game .
Is Newton better than Trubisky ?
Better question : Is there any quarterback out there who isn ’ t , at times in every game , better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us the same thing over and over about him .
Here ’ s an example .
In the previous two seasons — 2018 and 2019 — every NFL quarterback who started at least eight games had , at some time or other , a passer rating in the 90s .
Except Trubisky .
He was either better than that rating ( up in the 100s ) or worse ( down in the 80s , 70s or below ) .
The average rating for all starting quarterbacks in that period was 93.4 .
Trubisky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steady , he is as undependable as good/bad Rex Grossman was back when the Bears made their last Super Bowl appearance after the 2006 season .
It ’ s what makes Bears fans uneasy — schizoid , even — despite a 2-0 record this year .
There are no more improvements to come with Trubisky .
To slightly amend the favorite jock cliché/truism of the era , he is what he is .
Newton ?
The veteran was pretty much counted out because of a slew of injuries and , to be honest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t sit well in conservative quarters .
He has had ankle , back and shoulder problems and , most recently , a Lisfranc injury to his left foot that kept him out for almost all of the 2019 season .
Because of coronavirus concerns and the basic societal shutdown this past spring , a lot of Newton ’ s return to health flew under the radar .
Understandable .
But this man , who is only 31 , led his Panthers team to three division titles and four playoff appearances from 2013 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL in 2015 .
He didn ’ t abruptly fold up and blow away .
That he is Black can ’ t be ruled out as at least a subliminal factor in the disregard Newton finds himself in .
How much disregard ?
Consider that Newton ’ s base salary makes him the 50th highest-paid quarterback in the league .
Overall , he is the 750th-highest-paid NFL player .
Chew on that .
Seven-hundred-forty-nine players make more in base pay than he does .
Yes , he has salary incentives , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there for the taking .
Again , it ’ s interesting that the two now-superstar QBs the Bears could have taken in the 2017 draft — Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson — are Black .
Trubisky , of course , is white .
As is Foles .
None of this is to say the Bears are a racist organization — not at all .
It only suggests we all have our blind spots , our comfort zones , our normal ways of doing things , of conducting business .
And sometimes those things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play out in real time and affect the product we offer to the paying public .
Newton scored a touchdown Sunday and posed in front of the TV camera and mock-ripped open his jersey to reveal , we ’ ll assume , a Superman “ S. ” He wears outlandish clothes that could make a canary blush .
He ’ s outspoken .
He ’ s cocky .
His posed photo on the Pro Football Reference site shows him with his dreads flung straight up in the air .
Low profile he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still good .

We’ll likely be talking about the Bears’ quarterback “situation” forever.
Or we will until Nick Foles gets on the field and proves he’s either as erratic as Mitch Trubisky or as skilled as he was when he once won a Super Bowl.
It’s probable that Foles is somewhere in between — full of ups and downs, like the teeter-totter Trubisky is strapped to — and that the Bears’ 70-year search for the next Sid Luckman will continue unscathed.
But let’s throw out a bone to chew on here.
You know who was available during the offseason search for a Trubisky replacement or backup?
No, not talking about ancient Tom Brady — though he was on the Bears’ radar before he signed with the Buccaneers in March.
The answer is Cam Newton.
The former Panthers quarterback was coming off injuries and was not going back to Carolina, where he’d played for nine years. Pretty much any team in the NFL could have signed him. That means the Bears could have him right now.
Why bother, you say. Well, did you see Newton on Sunday night against the Seahawks in Seattle?
Yes, his new team — Brady’s old Patriots, interestingly — lost 35-30. But not before Newton engineered a couple of late drives that combined great passing and running and ended only when he was stopped a yard short of the goal line on a keeper on the final play of the game.
Is Newton better than Trubisky? Better question: Is there any quarterback out there who isn’t, at times in every game, better than Trubisky? Four seasons have shown us the same thing over and over about him.
Here’s an example. In the previous two seasons — 2018 and 2019 — every NFL quarterback who started at least eight games had, at some time or other, a passer rating in the 90s. Except Trubisky.
He was either better than that rating (up in the 100s) or worse (down in the 80s, 70s or below). The average rating for all starting quarterbacks in that period was 93.4. Trubisky’s average was 88.7.
Never steady, he is as undependable as good/bad Rex Grossman was back when the Bears made their last Super Bowl appearance after the 2006 season. It’s what makes Bears fans uneasy — schizoid, even — despite a 2-0 record this year.
There are no more improvements to come with Trubisky. To slightly amend the favorite jock cliché/truism of the era, he is what he is.
Newton? The veteran was pretty much counted out because of a slew of injuries and, to be honest, a perceived attitude that didn’t sit well in conservative quarters. He has had ankle, back and shoulder problems and, most recently, a Lisfranc injury to his left foot that kept him out for almost all of the 2019 season. Because of coronavirus concerns and the basic societal shutdown this past spring, a lot of Newton’s return to health flew under the radar. Understandable.
But this man, who is only 31, led his Panthers team to three division titles and four playoff appearances from 2013 to 2017 and was the consensus MVP in the NFL in 2015. He didn’t abruptly fold up and blow away.
That he is Black can’t be ruled out as at least a subliminal factor in the disregard Newton finds himself in. How much disregard? Consider that Newton’s base salary makes him the 50th highest-paid quarterback in the league. Overall, he is the 750th-highest-paid NFL player. Chew on that. Seven-hundred-forty-nine players make more in base pay than he does.
Yes, he has salary incentives, but you get the point. Newton was there for the taking.
Again, it’s interesting that the two now-superstar QBs the Bears could have taken in the 2017 draft — Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson — are Black. Trubisky, of course, is white. As is Foles.
None of this is to say the Bears are a racist organization — not at all. It only suggests we all have our blind spots, our comfort zones, our normal ways of doing things, of conducting business. And sometimes those things we aren’t consciously aware of play out in real time and affect the product we offer to the paying public.
Newton scored a touchdown Sunday and posed in front of the TV camera and mock-ripped open his jersey to reveal, we’ll assume, a Superman “S.”
He wears outlandish clothes that could make a canary blush. He’s outspoken. He’s cocky. His posed photo on the Pro Football Reference site shows him with his dreads flung straight up in the air.
Low profile he’s not. But he’s still good.
Are the Bears’ quarterbacks?


chicagosun-times--2020-09-21--Man dies after being pulled from Monroe Harbor: police

A 24-year-old man died after he was pulled from the water Monday near Monroe Harbor .
Two witnesses told investigators @ @ @ @ @ about 9:15 p.m. , Chicago police said .
The man was rescued by Chicago police @ @ @ @ @ the Chicago fire department .
He was taken to northwestern Memorial Hospital where he was @ @ @ @ @ .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office hasn ’ t released details about @ @ @

A 24-year-old man died after he was pulled Monday night from Monroe Harbor in Lake Michigan.
Two witnesses told investigators he jumped into the water about 9:15 p.m. near Monroe Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago police said. The man was pulled from the water by police and fire department divers.
He was taken in critical condition to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified the man as Loyal Ware of West Town. An autopsy ruled his death an accident.
Three other people have drowned this year in Monroe Harbor.
On Sept. 3, divers found the body of 32-year-old man in the water, days after he went into Lake Michigan from a boat.
On Aug. 25, Carlton Hughes drowned in Monroe Harbor after going in the water near the Museum Campus. The 41-year-old Gresham resident died a day later at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
On July 7, Ameera Muhammad, 24, of Bronzeville drowned after swimming in the harbor during bad weather, officials said.
In 2020, at least 50 people have drowned in Lake Michigan, according to the Great Lake Surf Rescue Project, which tracks drownings.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-22--The choices are in the mail? Nearly a quarter of a million ballots to start hitting Chicago mailboxe

The choices are in the mail? Nearly a quarter of a million ballots to start hitting Chicago mailboxes

City election officials plan to drop about 245,000 ballots in the mail Thursday , the launch day of an unprecedented effort to give voters the tools to decide the November election from the safety of their own homes .
As of Tuesday morning , 406,857 Chicagoans have applied to vote by mail , a spokeswoman for the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners said .
Thursday is the first day that election authorities can begin to mail out ballots to those who have requested them over the summer .
“ We are working long hours seven days a week to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final weeks leading up to Nov. 3 , ” Board Chairwoman Marisel Hernandez said in a statement .
“ We are encouraging people to plan their vote — whether Voting By Mail , using the US mail to return it , or at an Early Voting Secured Drop Box Box — or whether using Early Voting — well ahead of Election Day.
” Hernandez is advising those who vote by mail to return their ballots by Oct. 14 .
Mailing out the ballots is one piece of the city ’ s early voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site , at 175 W. Washington , opens to early voters on Oct. 1 .
And on Oct. 14 , early voting begins in the city ’ s 50 wards .
Concerns about crowded polling places in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic are fueling voters to look for safer options .
Statewide , nearly 1.8 million people have requested to vote by mail as of Tuesday , said Matt Dietrich , a spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Elections .
Given the state ’ s numbers , it ’ s likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be cast by mail , Dietrich said .
In the 2016 presidential election , less than 7 % of the 5,666,118 ballots actually completed came through the mail .
Preparing for the upcoming general election has “ presented challenges that no one has ever seen before — and that goes beyond the election system , ” Dietrich said .
The state ’ s election authority , as well as others , has had to come up with contingency plans , including cybersecurity concerns , how to handle an outbreak in a local election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do if election judges don ’ t show up at polling places .
The state ’ s election board is attempting to help municipal election agencies plan for the second election during the pandemic .
Local election boards can offer incentive pay to their poll workers and the state will reimburse the municipality through federal dollars from the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security , or CARES , Act .
“ We ’ re trying to plan as best we can , but you ’ re also trying to plan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unknown , ” Dietrich said .
“ We ’ re trying to foresee situations that are unprecedented .
For the Super Bowl , you basically know what the components of the Super Bowl are ... but to an extent , it ’ s really difficult to do that in a pandemic , because you just don ’ t know how people are going to react.
” The push to vote by mail — and the large number of applications municipal election agencies are receiving — stems from a temporary expansion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
J.B. Pritzker signed into law this summer .
For voters who do choose to cast their ballots in person , the Illinois Department of Public Health issued safety guidelines .
Polling booths and election officials must be stationed at least six feet apart .
Polling places are also encouraged to keep a supply of face coverings for voters who arrive without one , although election authorities are prohibited from stopping a noncompliant voter from casting their ballot for refusing to wear a mask .
Frequently touched surfaces should be “ routinely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say .
Dietrich said the board is trying to “ mitigate the potential congestion ” at early voting sites and polling locations , something he thinks the board has succeeded in though there ’ s no clear way to tell “ how it ’ s going to break down.
” “ We ’ re trying to encourage people to think about voting , not just voting early , but vote very early , it starts this week and we know from past elections that most of the early voting happens in those few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Dietrich said .
“ Early voting sites can get congested as well [ and ] we ’ d rather not have that happen .
So we ’ re trying to encourage voters to get out and vote as early as possible , if you don ’ t want to vote by mail , but we also don ’ t want to scare people away from exercising their right to vote .
”

City election officials plan to drop about 245,000 ballots in the mail Thursday, the launch day of an unprecedented effort to give voters the tools to decide the November election from the safety of their own homes.
As of Tuesday morning, 406,857 Chicagoans have applied to vote by mail, a spokeswoman for the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners said. Thursday is the first day that election authorities can begin to mail out ballots to those who have requested them over the summer.
“We are working long hours seven days a week to ensure a safe and secure election in these final weeks leading up to Nov. 3,” Board Chairwoman Marisel Hernandez said in a statement. “We are encouraging people to plan their vote — whether Voting By Mail, using the US mail to return it, or at an Early Voting Secured Drop Box — or whether using Early Voting — well ahead of Election Day.”
Hernandez is advising those who vote by mail to return their ballots by Oct. 14.
Mailing out the ballots is one piece of the city’s early voting apparatus. The city’s super site, at 191 N. Clark St., opens to early voters on Oct. 1. And on Oct. 14, early voting begins in the city’s 50 wards.
In this July 7, 2020, file photo a woman drops off a mail-in ballot at a drop box in New Jersey. AP file photo
Concerns about crowded polling places in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic are fueling voters to look for safer options.
Statewide, nearly 1.8 million people have requested to vote by mail as of Tuesday, said Matt Dietrich, a spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Elections. Given the state’s numbers, it’s likely that a third of the vote will be cast by mail, Dietrich said.
In the 2016 presidential election, less than 7% of the 5,666,118 ballots actually completed came through the mail.
Preparing for the upcoming general election has “presented challenges that no one has ever seen before — and that goes beyond the election system,” Dietrich said.
The state’s election authority, as well as others, has had to come up with contingency plans, including cybersecurity concerns, how to handle an outbreak in a local election authority’s office and what to do if election judges don’t show up at polling places.
Voting begins at a 1st Ward polling place on March 17. James Foster/For the Sun-Times
The state’s election board is attempting to help municipal election agencies plan for the second election during the pandemic.
Local election boards can offer incentive pay to their poll workers and the state will reimburse the municipality through federal dollars from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act.
“We’re trying to plan as best we can, but you’re also trying to plan, in a lot of cases, for the unknown,” Dietrich said. “We’re trying to foresee situations that are unprecedented. For the Super Bowl, you basically know what the components of the Super Bowl are ... but to an extent, it’s really difficult to do that in a pandemic, because you just don’t know how people are going to react.”
The push to vote by mail — and the large number of applications municipal election agencies are receiving — stems from a temporary expansion of the state’s mail-in ballot program that Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law this summer.
For voters who do choose to cast their ballots in person, the Illinois Department of Public Health issued safety guidelines. Polling booths and election officials must be stationed at least six feet apart.
Polling places are also encouraged to keep a supply of face coverings for voters who arrive without one, although election authorities are prohibited from stopping a noncompliant voter from casting their ballot for refusing to wear a mask. Frequently touched surfaces should be “routinely” cleaned and disinfected, the guidelines say.
Dietrich said the board is trying to “mitigate the potential congestion” at early voting sites and polling locations, something he thinks the board has succeeded in though there’s no clear way to tell “how it’s going to break down.”
“We’re trying to encourage people to think about voting, not just voting early, but vote very early, it starts this week and we know from past elections that most of the early voting happens in those few days immediately ahead of the election,” Dietrich said.
“Early voting sites can get congested as well [and] we’d rather not have that happen. So we’re trying to encourage voters to get out and vote as early as possible, if you don’t want to vote by mail, but we also don’t want to scare people away from exercising their right to vote.”