chicagosun-times--2020-11-30--City shuts down 300-person party in Wicker Park, other businesses for ‘egregiously’ violating COVID-

City shuts down 300-person party in Wicker Park, other businesses for ‘egregiously’ violating COVID-19 restrictions

City officials shut down a party with about 300 attendees in a basement venue in the Wicker Park neighborhood over the weekend , officials said Monday .
The venue was one of more than 300 businesses — including one that allegedly held a party with 600 people — cited for violations one month into citywide orders against indoor gatherings , dining and drinking .
Police were called to the illegal party early Sunday at The Vault in the 1600 block of West Division Street , according to a statement from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was wearing face coverings , the agency said .
Multiple citations were issued , including cease and desist orders and closure orders to the business “ for throwing a dangerous and unlicensed commercial party.
” Since restrictions went into effect in Chicago Oct. 30 , the city conducted 877 investigations and issued 20 citations and 54 notices to bars , restaurants and other businesses for allowing indoor dining or drinking .
The past weekend alone , the city conducted 93 investigations , 14 of which were done with Chicago police and other city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Chicago ’ s businesses are doing the right thing and following the COVID-19 regulations to keep Chicagoans and their employees safe , it is incredibly disheartening to see some establishments continue to egregiously and blatantly disregard the guidelines and put our entire community at risk , ” BACP Commissioner Rosa Escareno said in a statement .
“ Actions like this are a slap in the face to the thousands of businesses and millions of Chicagoans that are making sacrifices every day to keep our city safe , and we will continue cracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , the city has conducted more than 6,500 COVID-19 investigations and cited more than 330 businesses for violating the regulations .
Kevin Bethyo , owner of Wildberry Pancake in Streeterville , told the Sun-Times he knew it was against the rules to let people eat inside his restaurant ; he did it anyway .
“ People wanted to sit inside , we let them sit inside , ” Bethyo said .
“ We ’ re just trying to keep our staff employed.
” Bethyo was given repeated warnings and finally issued four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this month before he was allowed to reopen .
Each citation carries a possible fine up to $ 10,000 .
The city is also pursuing disciplinary action against Wildberry ’ s business license itself , which can lead to suspension or revocation .
“ I think that , in all honesty , people should have the information they need , and if people want to sit inside they should be able to sit inside — freedom would be ideal , ” he said .
“ People can sit in planes , go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ m not sure why they can ’ t sit at tables.
” Despite his misgivings , Bethyo said he now plans to do whatever he needs to stay in the city ’ s good graces because , ultimately , he ’ s not doing his staff any favors if the restaurant is shut down entirely .
He hopes carryout orders will help the eatery survive .
“ Thousands of restaurants have closed in Illinois .
So it ’ s getting a little bad , we ’ re trying to scrape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rough year , we have a very high rent where we are downtown , ” he said .
Other business cited by the city include : • Chicago Sports Complex ( 2600 W. 35th St. ) : Hosting a party with over 600 attendees , no face coverings or social distancing .
The business also issued a long-term closure order requiring them to remain closed until BACP approves a plan for reopening .
• The Ballroom ( 6351-59 S. Cottage Grove Ave. ) : Hosting a party with more than 200 attendees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The business was also issued a long-term closure order .
• The Delta ( 1745 W. North Ave. ) : Egregiously violating social distancing and face coverings requirements on outdoor patio .
• Effe Inc ( 4216 W. 63rd St. ) : Patrons eating indoors , no face coverings or social distancing .

City officials shut down a party with about 300 attendees in a basement venue in the Wicker Park neighborhood over the weekend, officials said Monday.
The venue was one of more than 330 businesses — including one that allegedly held a party with 600 people — cited for violations since March. The latest batch come one month into citywide orders against indoor gatherings, dining and drinking.
Police were called to the illegal party early Sunday at The Vault in the 1600 block of West Division Street, according to a statement from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
None of the 300 attendees was following social distancing protocols or wearing face coverings, the agency said. Multiple citations were issued, including cease and desist orders and closure orders to the business “for throwing a dangerous and unlicensed commercial party.”
A party was shut down Nov. 29 at The Vault, which allegedly had 300 people inside not wearing masks or social distancing. Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
Since the latest round of COVID-19 restrictions went into effect in Chicago Oct. 30, the city conducted 877 investigations and issued 20 citations and 54 notices to bars, restaurants and other businesses for allowing indoor dining or drinking.
The past weekend alone, the city conducted 93 investigations, 14 of which were done with Chicago police and other city agencies.
“While the vast majority of Chicago’s businesses are doing the right thing and following the COVID-19 regulations to keep Chicagoans and their employees safe, it is incredibly disheartening to see some establishments continue to egregiously and blatantly disregard the guidelines and put our entire community at risk,” BACP Commissioner Rosa Escareno said in a statement.
A party was shut down Nov. 29 at The Vault, which allegedly had 300 people inside not wearing masks or social distancing. Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
“Actions like this are a slap in the face to the thousands of businesses and millions of Chicagoans that are making sacrifices every day to keep our city safe, and we will continue cracking down on this inexcusable activity.”
Since March, the city has conducted more than 6,500 COVID-19 investigations and cited more than 330 businesses for violating the regulations.
Kevin Bethyo, owner of Wildberry Pancake in Streeterville, told the Sun-Times he knew it was against the rules to let people eat inside his restaurant; he did it anyway.
“People wanted to sit inside, we let them sit inside,” Bethyo said. “We’re just trying to keep our staff employed.”
Bethyo was given repeated warnings and finally issued four citations and shut down for three days earlier this month before he was allowed to reopen. Each citation carries a possible fine up to $10,000. The city is also pursuing disciplinary action against Wildberry’s business license itself, which can lead to suspension or revocation.
“I think that, in all honesty, people should have the information they need, and if people want to sit inside they should be able to sit inside — freedom would be ideal,” he said. “People can sit in planes, go to stores, do Black Friday shopping, I’m not sure why they can’t sit at tables.”
Despite his misgivings, Bethyo said he now plans to do whatever he needs to stay in the city’s good graces because, ultimately, he’s not doing his staff any favors if the restaurant is shut down entirely.
He hopes carryout orders will help the eatery survive.
“Thousands of restaurants have closed in Illinois. So it’s getting a little bad, we’re trying to scrape by, it’s been a rough year, we have a very high rent where we are downtown,” he said.
Other businesses cited by the city since Oct. 30 include:
Chicago Sports Complex (2600 W. 35th St.): Hosting a party with over 600 attendees, no face coverings or social distancing. The business also issued a long-term closure order requiring them to remain closed until BACP approves a plan for reopening.
The Ballroom (6351-59 S. Cottage Grove Ave.): Hosting a party with more than 200 attendees, no face coverings or social distancing. The business was also issued a long-term closure order.
Fat Fish Bar & Grill (234-236 W 31st St.): Egregiously violating social distancing and face coverings requirements on outdoor patio. Issued a long-term closure order.
Black Cat Lounge (1640 W. 115th St.): Patrons drinking indoors, no face coverings or social distancing.
The Delta (1745 W. North Ave.): Egregiously violating social distancing and face coverings requirements on outdoor patio.
Mariscos La Diabla (4222-24 W. 63rd St.): Patrons eating indoors, no face coverings or social distancing.
Effe Inc. (4216 W. 63rd St.): Patrons eating indoors, no face coverings or social distancing.
Linda’s Place (1044 W. 51st St.): Patrons eating indoors, no face coverings or social distancing.
Editor’s note: This article has been corrected to say over 330 businesses have been cited since March.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-01--Tim Samuelson, the city’s first and only cultural historian, retires

Tim Samuelson , the city ’ s first and only cultural historian , quietly retired this week , leaving a deep and enduring contribution to the city ’ s cultural landscape .
Samuelson , 69 , worked for the city since 2002 .
Lois Weisberg , the former commissioner of cultural affairs , got him to leave the Chicago History Museum with the promise that he would be allowed to do “ whatever you do ” as the city ’ s cultural historian .
For almost two decades , Samuelson did exactly that , assisting fellow historians , reporters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a combination spokesman , consultant , historian and storyteller .
He often showed them exhibits , many of which he acquired on his own , and enthralled them with his enthusiastic storytelling , often while taking visitors outside on his own walking tours .
Back inside his one-man office on the fifth floor office in the Cultural Center , visitors often felt like they were inside a mini Chicago history museum , with artifacts like a pair of handcuffs that belonged to famous G-man Eliot Ness , ancient floor arrows decommissioned from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with original song scrolls , a microphone used on the WLS-AM ’ s “ National Barn Dance ” show , and the doorknob of Al Capone ’ s office in his Lexington Hotel Headquarters .
Samuelson has been credited with helping save many buildings that would have been lost otherwise , including the old Chess Records headquarters and several spots in Bronzeville vital to Jazz and Black history .
Along the way , Samuelson was repeatedly recognized for his work , most notably in 2015 when nonprofit preservation group Landmarks Illinois designated Samuelson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We bestow that honor on just a few people every year who have made an incredible civic achievement or have contributed to our city , our civic environment and cultural community and we were so proud to do that in 2015 for Tim .
It was long overdue , ” said Bonnie McDonald , president and CEO of Landmarks Illinois .
Samuelson declined to be interviewed and would confirm only that Monday was his last day .
But others who love Chicago history were happy to talk about the man they described as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skerrett , who is writing a history of St. Ignatius College Prep , said Samuelson ’ s emphasis on buildings that are important to people rather than on just their architecture resonates with her .
“ He understands that churches and synagogues have been places of great beauty and really landmarks for people in their neighborhoods , built with the nickels and dimes of poor people .
And that ’ s not something that gets enough credit , ” Skerrett said .
“ His ability to really engage with people , he brings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done so much good for the city , ” Skerrett said .
Chicago historian Dominic Pacyga said Samuelson ’ s departure will leave the city with large shoes to fill .
“ He was always very kind and in that way , presented a real face for that part of the city ’ s government .
I hope that he ’ ll remain a resource for those of us who write about the city and for the city in general , ” Pacyga said .
Pacyga may be getting his wish .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post , he won ’ t be severing all ties , according to those who work with him .
He is expected to be named to an emeritus position , staying on to help consult on the restoration of GAR Hall and Rotunda , which is being facilitated by a recent $ 15 million donation , according to a Department of Cultural Affairs employee who didn ’ t want to be named because the plan has not been formally announced .
GAR Hall is located inside the Cultural Center and named for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraternal organization for Union soldiers during the Civil War .
The center is also working on a permanent exhibit called “ Inside Tim Samuelson ’ s Brain ” that will preserve Samuelson ’ s massive collection of Chicago ’ s architecture artifacts and pictorial history .
The plan is to digitize his collection , put everything online and have a permanent home inside the cultural center .

Tim Samuelson, the city’s first and only cultural historian, quietly retired this week, leaving a deep and enduring contribution to the city’s cultural landscape.
Samuelson, 69, worked for the city since 2002. Lois Weisberg, the former commissioner of cultural affairs, got him to leave the Chicago History Museum with the promise that he would be allowed to do “whatever you do” as the city’s cultural historian.
For almost two decades, Samuelson did exactly that, assisting fellow historians, reporters, businesses, architects and foreign delegations as a combination spokesman, consultant, historian and storyteller.
He often showed them exhibits, many of which he acquired on his own, and enthralled them with his enthusiastic storytelling, often while taking visitors outside on his own walking tours.
Back inside his one-man office on the fifth floor office in the Cultural Center, visitors often felt like they were inside a mini Chicago history museum, with artifacts like a pair of handcuffs that belonged to famous G-man Eliot Ness, ancient floor arrows decommissioned from the Marquette Building, a full-size player piano with original song scrolls, a microphone used on the WLS-AM’s “National Barn Dance” show, and the doorknob of Al Capone’s office in his Lexington Hotel Headquarters.
Samuelson has been credited with helping save many buildings that would have been lost otherwise, including the old Chess Records headquarters and several spots in Bronzeville vital to Jazz and Black history.
Along the way, Samuelson was repeatedly recognized for his work, most notably in 2015 when nonprofit preservation group Landmarks Illinois designated Samuelson himself a “Legendary Landmark.”
“We bestow that honor on just a few people every year who have made an incredible civic achievement or have contributed to our city, our civic environment and cultural community and we were so proud to do that in 2015 for Tim. It was long overdue,” said Bonnie McDonald, president and CEO of Landmarks Illinois.
Samuelson declined to be interviewed and would confirm only that Monday was his last day. But others who love Chicago history were happy to talk about the man they described as vital to Chicago.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot was effusive late Tuesday in her praise of Samuelson in a statement: “Over his nearly two decades as Chicago’s official cultural historian, Tim Samuelson has been a walking encyclopedia of Chicago history and an invaluable resource to both our residents and visitors alike — not to mention three mayors. As a history lover myself, I have personally relished the moments I’ve had with Tim asking him questions and swapping stories on the many events, eras and colorful personalities that’ve marked our city’s past.
“The term ‘irreplaceable’ is used a lot, but it really applies to people like Tim. Whether it’s serving mayors like myself, or by offering his expertise to fellow historians, businesses, journalists, politicians, museums and more, there’s simply no one else who offers what Tim does.”
Chicago historian Ellen Skerrett, who is writing a history of St. Ignatius College Prep, said Samuelson’s emphasis on buildings that are important to people rather than on just their architecture resonates with her.
“He understands that churches and synagogues have been places of great beauty and really landmarks for people in their neighborhoods, built with the nickels and dimes of poor people. And that’s not something that gets enough credit,” Skerrett said.
“His ability to really engage with people, he brings history to life. He’s done so much good for the city,” Skerrett said.
Chicago historian Dominic Pacyga said Samuelson’s departure will leave the city with large shoes to fill.
“He was always very kind and in that way, presented a real face for that part of the city’s government. I hope that he’ll remain a resource for those of us who write about the city and for the city in general,” Pacyga said.
Pacyga may be getting his wish. While Samuelson has retired from his cultural historian post, he won’t be severing all ties, according to those who work with him. He is expected to be named to an emeritus position, staying on to help consult on the restoration of GAR Hall and Rotunda, which is being facilitated by a recent $15 million donation, according to a Department of Cultural Affairs employee who didn’t want to be named because the plan has not been formally announced.
GAR Hall is located inside the Cultural Center and named for the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization for Union soldiers during the Civil War.
The center is also working on a permanent exhibit called “Inside Tim Samuelson’s Brain” that will preserve Samuelson’s massive collection of Chicago’s architecture artifacts and pictorial history. The plan is to digitize his collection, put everything online and have a permanent home inside the cultural center.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-01--Yarbrough eyeing Illinois secretary of state bid: ‘Everybody wants to be secretary of state’

Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough said Tuesday that she ’ s giving a run for Illinois secretary of state “ great consideration.
” “ I haven ’ t made a decision yet , but I am thinking about it — I ’ ve been thinking about it for a long time , ” Yarbrough said .
She definitely wouldn ’ t run though , should Secretary of State Jesse White decide to seek reelection to the position he ’ s held since 1998 .
“ Nobody is going to run against someone who wins all 102 counties , ” Yarbrough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2002 .
The former baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization hit what the late Sun-Times political columnist Steve Neal dubbed “ the political equivalent of a grand slam ” in his 2002 reelection bid , becoming the first African-American candidate to carry all the state ’ s counties and only the second Democrat since 1978 .
White , 86 , said last year that he would not seek a seventh term in 2022 , but the Near North Side Democrat has reversed retirement plans before .
Yarbrough is betting that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can ’ t imagine [ running against White ] but I don ’ t think he will — he ’ s served honorably and done a decent job , ” she said .
Yarbrough said she expects there to be a lot of people throwing their hats into the ring for the contest , which is a little less than two years away .
“ Everybody wants to be secretary of state , ” Yarbrough said .
That ’ s not much of an exaggeration — among politicians .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Illinois — full of easy publicity , thousands of jobs and the potential to serve as a stepping stone to the governor ’ s mansion .
Former Illinois Treasurer and U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias told Politico Tuesday he ’ s also eyeing the office , which produces $ 2 billion in annual revenue for the state , administering driver ’ s license and license plates among other services .
Yarbrough said Giannoulias called her on Monday and asked if she was also considering it .
Like White , Yarbrough has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s only been county clerk for two years .
She currently oversees elections , birth and death certificates and other public records in the county .
She ’ s also been a state representative and the county ’ s recorder of deeds — an office that will soon merge with hers .
On the political side , she ’ s a committeeperson representing west suburban Proviso Township for the Cook County Democratic Party , where she ’ s also the treasurer .
She ’ s also a member of the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as vice chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois .
Yarbrough has already started thinking about her platform , which she says would focus on technology so that people can do more online rather than waiting in lines at the secretary of state .
If Yarbrough sees the office as a stepping stone , she ’ s not volunteering that information .
White made it clear when he was first elected in 1998 that he had no interest in using the position to run for higher office .
That was significant since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Ryan and Jim Edgar — both used the office as a springboard to successful campaigns for governor .
Before Edgar , Democrat Alan Dixon used it to win a U.S. Senate seat .

Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough said Tuesday that she’s giving a run for Illinois secretary of state “great consideration.”
“I haven’t made a decision yet, but I am thinking about it — I’ve been thinking about it for a long time,” Yarbrough said.
She definitely wouldn’t run though, should Secretary of State Jesse White decide to seek reelection to the position he’s held since 1998.
“Nobody is going to run against someone who wins all 102 counties,” Yarbrough said.
White pulled off that feat in 2002.
The former baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization hit what the late Sun-Times political columnist Steve Neal dubbed “the political equivalent of a grand slam” in his 2002 reelection bid, becoming the first African-American candidate to carry all the state’s counties and only the second Democrat since 1978.
White, 86, said last year that he would not seek a seventh term in 2022, but the Near North Side Democrat has reversed retirement plans before.
Yarbrough is betting that this time, White means it.
“I can’t imagine [running against White] but I don’t think he will — he’s served honorably and done a decent job,” she said.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White throws out a ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016. David Banks/AP file
Yarbrough said she expects there to be a lot of people throwing their hats into the ring for the contest, which is a little less than two years away.
“Everybody wants to be secretary of state,” Yarbrough said.
That’s not much of an exaggeration — among politicians. It’s one of the most coveted elected offices in Illinois — full of easy publicity, thousands of jobs and the potential to serve as a stepping stone to the governor’s mansion.
Former Illinois Treasurer and U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias told Politico Tuesday he’s also eyeing the office, which produces $2 billion in annual revenue for the state, administering driver’s license and license plates among other services.
Democrat Alexi Giannoulias meets with Republican Senator-elect Mark Kirk at Billy Goat’s Tavern a day after Kirk won their 2010 election contest for U.S. Senate. Scott Stewart/Sun-Times file
Yarbrough said Giannoulias called her on Monday and asked if she was also considering it.
Like White, Yarbrough has a long history in politics and government though she’s only been county clerk for two years.
She currently oversees elections, birth and death certificates and other public records in the county. She’s also been a state representative and the county’s recorder of deeds — an office that will soon merge with hers.
On the political side, she’s a committeeperson representing west suburban Proviso Township for the Cook County Democratic Party, where she’s also the treasurer. She’s also a member of the party’s state central committee and serves as vice chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough participates in the Illinois delegation’s Call to Action during the Democratic National Convention in August. Screenshot
Yarbrough has already started thinking about her platform, which she says would focus on technology so that people can do more online rather than waiting in lines at the secretary of state.
If Yarbrough sees the office as a stepping stone, she’s not volunteering that information.
White made it clear when he was first elected in 1998 that he had no interest in using the position to run for higher office.
That was significant since the previous two secretaries of state — Republicans George Ryan and Jim Edgar — both used the office as a springboard to successful campaigns for governor. Before Edgar, Democrat Alan Dixon used it to win a U.S. Senate seat.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-01--U.S. House could vote to lift nationwide pot prohibition this week — but McConnell could block effor

U.S. House could vote to lift nationwide pot prohibition this week — but McConnell could block effort even with weed-friendly Biden presidency looming

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are expected to cast a historic vote this week to end the nationwide prohibition on pot , though local leaders and cannabis advocates predict the potentially watershed piece of legislation will likely go up in smoke should it advance to the Republican-controlled Senate .
The bill , dubbed the MORE Act , would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and effectively “ decriminalize ” the drug across the country .
Still , the drug wouldn ’ t automatically become legal nationwide , but that would instead be left up to individual states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently exists between federal law and the growing number of states that have ended their prohibitions , including in Arizona , Montana and South Dakota .
“ Nobody in America is talking about federal legislation that would force states to legalize marijuana , ” said Justin Strekal , the policy director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws .
In addition to imposing a 5 % federal tax on non-medicinal cannabis products , the MORE Act also includes social and criminal justice provisions that are strikingly similar to those embedded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like creating a system to expunge pot-related records and a grant program to benefit those adversely impacted by the drug war .
A floor debate is slated for Thursday , with a planned vote the following day .
Despite garnering 120 sponsors in the Democrat-controlled House — including Florida ’ s Matt Gaetz , the lone Republican — Strekal predicted that the measure would likely die in the Senate if it passes on Friday .
The SAFE Banking Act , which would give pot businesses access to traditional banking services , has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House last September .
Strekal specifically blamed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , claiming the Republican from Kentucky “ loves seeing Americans getting arrested for marijuana.
” “ I firmly believe there are the votes to outright end marijuana prohibition in the Senate , ” said Strekal .
“ The problem is that Mitch McConnell controls the floor.
” McConnell ’ s office didn ’ t directly respond to questions on whether he would take up either piece of legislation in the Senate in the current session .
Rep. Danny Davis , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , acknowledged that the prospect of cannabis decriminalization likely hinges on two runoff elections in Georgia that will determine control of the Senate .
But Rep. Bill Foster , another Illinois Democrat who sponsored the bill , said polling Georgia voters on cannabis decriminalization could prompt more immediate action .
“ The fastest way to get this through Congress is if someone published a poll that said that Georgia strongly favored decriminalization , ” Foster said .
“ And then Mitch McConnell would have it on the floor of the Senate so fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” While Foster agreed that Strekal ’ s outlook on the MORE Act “ seems likely , ” he also envisioned avenues for moving both pieces of pot-centric legislation before the current session of Congress comes to a close in early January .
Foster predicted that the MORE Act may get “ incorporated in one of these big end of year deals , ” noting that it could either be “ a poison pill or something that Republicans will be happy to stop being yelled at about.
” He added that Rep. Ed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infinite number of schemes ” to push through the SAFE Banking Act , which he introduced .
Meanwhile , advocates are already looking forward to President-elect Joe Biden ’ s administration , which has pledged to be pot-friendly .
Biden ’ s running mate , Kamala Harris , sponsored a version of the MORE Act that was introduced in the Senate .
And while campaigning , Biden put forth a boiled-down decriminalization plan that wouldn ’ t remove pot from the Controlled Substances Act .
“ As president , he will decriminalize cannabis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to a section on Biden ’ s campaign website .
“ And , he will support the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes , leave decisions regarding legalization for recreational use up to the states , and reschedule cannabis as a schedule II drug so researchers can study its positive and negative impacts.
” Chris Lindsey , of the Marijuana Policy Project , a group that was instrumental in crafting Illinois ’ legalization law , said there were “ a lot of promising policy changes ” put forth by a Biden-led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lindsey noted there are still “ many unanswered questions.
” “ He ’ s been the least progressive of all of his Democratic challengers in the primary and his own track record isn ’ t stellar , ” Lindsey said , pointing to his sponsorship of the controversial 1994 crime bill .
“ So we have yet to see , I think , what policies he ’ s going to support .
”

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are expected to cast a historic vote this week to end the nationwide prohibition on pot, though local leaders and cannabis advocates predict the potentially watershed piece of legislation will likely go up in smoke should it advance to the Republican-controlled Senate.
The bill, dubbed the MORE Act, would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and effectively “decriminalize” the drug across the country.
Still, the drug wouldn’t automatically become legal nationwide — that would instead be left up to individual states. It would end the contradiction that currently exists between federal law and the growing number of states that have ended their prohibitions, including in Arizona, Montana and South Dakota.
“Nobody in America is talking about federal legislation that would force states to legalize marijuana,” said Justin Strekal, the policy director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
In addition to imposing a 5% federal tax on non-medicinal cannabis products, the MORE Act also includes social and criminal justice provisions that are strikingly similar to those embedded in Illinois’ cannabis legalization law, like creating a system to expunge pot-related records and a grant program to benefit those adversely impacted by the drug war. A floor debate is slated for Thursday, with a planned vote the following day.
Despite garnering 120 sponsors in the Democrat-controlled House — including Florida’s Matt Gaetz, the lone Republican — Strekal predicted that the measure would likely die in the Senate if it passes on Friday. The SAFE Banking Act, which would give pot businesses access to traditional banking services, has also languished there after being approved by the House last September.
The Mitch McConnell ‘problem’
Strekal specifically blamed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, claiming the Republican from Kentucky “loves seeing Americans getting arrested for marijuana.”
“I firmly believe there are the votes to outright end marijuana prohibition in the Senate,” said Strekal. “The problem is that Mitch McConnell controls the floor.”
McConnell’s office didn’t directly respond to questions on whether he would take up either piece of legislation in the Senate in the current session.
Rep. Danny Davis, an Illinois Democrat who co-sponsored the MORE Act, acknowledged that the prospect of cannabis decriminalization likely hinges on two runoff elections in Georgia that will determine control of the Senate. But Rep. Bill Foster, another Illinois Democrat who co-sponsored the bill, said polling Georgia voters on cannabis decriminalization could prompt more immediate action.
“The fastest way to get this through Congress is if someone published a poll that said that Georgia strongly favored decriminalization,” Foster said. “And then Mitch McConnell would have it on the floor of the Senate so fast it’d make your head spin.”
While Foster agreed that Strekal’s outlook on the MORE Act “seems likely,” he also envisioned avenues for moving both pieces of pot-centric legislation before the current session of Congress comes to a close in early January.
Foster predicted that the MORE Act may get “incorporated in one of these big end of year deals,” noting that it could either be “a poison pill or something that Republicans will be happy to stop being yelled at about.” He added that Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Co, has “an infinite number of schemes” to push through the SAFE Banking Act, which he introduced.
Biden Administration will be pot friendly
Meanwhile, advocates are already looking forward to President-elect Joe Biden’s administration, which has pledged to be pot-friendly.
Biden’s running mate, Kamala Harris, sponsored a version of the MORE Act that was introduced in the Senate. And while campaigning, Biden put forth a boiled-down decriminalization plan that wouldn’t remove pot from the Controlled Substances Act.
“As president, he will decriminalize cannabis use and automatically expunge prior convictions,” according to a section on Biden’s campaign website. “And, he will support the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes, leave decisions regarding legalization for recreational use up to the states, and reschedule cannabis as a schedule II drug so researchers can study its positive and negative impacts.”
Chris Lindsey, of the Marijuana Policy Project, a group that was instrumental in crafting Illinois’ legalization law, said there were “a lot of promising policy changes” put forth by a Biden-led task force. But despite that potential, Lindsey noted there are still “many unanswered questions.”
“He’s been the least progressive of all of his Democratic challengers in the primary and his own track record isn’t stellar,” Lindsey said, pointing to his sponsorship of the controversial 1994 crime bill. “So we have yet to see, I think, what policies he’s going to support.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-01--A national pandemic plan — finally — comes to the rescue first of health care workers and the elderl

A national pandemic plan — finally — comes to the rescue first of health care workers and the elderly

An advisory panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted Tuesday in favor of a policy every American should be able to get behind : CDC Director Robert Redfield is expected to approve the recommendations by the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices .
States will have the final say on who gets a vaccine first , once a vaccine is approved and the federal government begins shipments .
But , for once , they ’ re getting sound guidance from Washington .
Our country sorely needs a national strategy , based on science , to rein in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might finally have the beginnings of one , just as the single most powerful tool against the disease — a safe , highly effective vaccine — is within reach .
It ’ s essential that every state follows the CDC guidelines , as Illinois plans to do .
With vaccines expected to be in extremely short supply for months , setting priorities for immunization is critical .
And it makes perfect sense that front-line workers in health care settings , followed by those who live in nursing homes , should be at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to our nation ’ s 21 million health care workers , which includes doctors , nurses , technicians , therapists , emergency services personnel , clerical workers , janitors and thousands of others in related health and health support professions .
Every one of those workers has put his or her health in jeopardy to protect the rest of us .
More than 230,000 health care workers have contracted COVID-19 and , as of late November , 822 have died .
More hospitals are becoming overwhelmed as the pandemic surges , running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers are likely to grow worse this month as the nation faces a post-Thanksgiving surge on top of the surge , as Dr. Anthony Fauci warned earlier this week .
To the rescue of nursing homes We owe it , as well , to those living in nursing homes that , to our national shame and horror , became hotspots for the deadly disease early on .
Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities account for just 1 % of the population nationwide — 3 million people — but 8 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of deaths , Those numbers , too , are likely to worsen .
In 20 states experiencing the worst of the surge , new coronavirus cases in nursing homes have skyrocketed from 1,083 a week in May to 4,274 a week in October .
Weekly deaths more than doubled from 318 to 699 .
New cases among staff soared from 855 a week to 4,050 a week .
America can not combat this virus without a national strategy for distributing a vaccine , starting with those most at risk of severe illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a coordinated federal strategy , of any sort , against COVID-19 .
No strategy on testing .
No federal guidelines on when or how to restrict or close businesses .
No coordination on buying and distributing personal protective equipment .
No national effort to promote mask-wearing .
Instead , the Trump administration left it to the states to figure it all out on their own — and , often , to compete among themselves to buy protective equipment , driving up prices — with predictable results .
Many states have failed miserably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around , states must follow sensible , science-based recommendations to distribute a vaccine .
Doing so will be a huge practical and symbolic step toward ending this pandemic .
Sensible .
Science-based .
Coordinated .
Responsible .
Our nation has had none of that under a Trump administration .
We must have it , moving forward .
By Friday , states must submit their vaccine distribution plans to the federal government , so shipments of the first approved vaccine can begin .
Illinois ’ distribution plan will follow the CDC guidelines , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes into account the disparate impact of the virus on communities of color and in poorer areas of the state , a spokeswoman for Gov .
J.B. Pritzker told us .
Pritzker said Tuesday that Illinois expects its first vaccine shipment to include 109,000 doses , enough for just 54,500 people at two required doses each .
Soon after its Dec. 10 meeting , the Food and Drug Administration could grant emergency authorization to the vaccine developed by pharmaceutical firm Pfizer .
A second vaccine developed by Moderna is also in the FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , but most of us have months to wait before we can get the shots .
We can not say this often enough : Get the shot .
If the treatment regimen requires , get the two shots .
And until then , bear with the drudgery and follow the rules to curb the spread of the virus .
There ’ s a vaccine coming , even multiple vaccines .
We see a light at the end of the tunnel .

An advisory panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted Tuesday in favor of a policy every American should be able to get behind:
Giving front-line health care workers and nursing home residents top priority for a COVID-19 vaccine.
CDC Director Robert Redfield is expected to approve the recommendations by the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices. States will have the final say on who gets a vaccine first, once a vaccine is approved and the federal government begins shipments. But, for once, they’re getting sound guidance from Washington.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Our country sorely needs a national strategy, based on science, to rein in this pandemic. With these recommendations, we might finally have the beginnings of one, just as the single most powerful tool against the disease — a safe, highly effective vaccine — is within reach.
Critical priorities
It’s essential that every state follows the CDC guidelines, as Illinois plans to do. With vaccines expected to be in extremely short supply for months, setting priorities for immunization is critical. And it makes perfect sense that front-line workers in health care settings, followed by those who live in nursing homes, should be at the top of the list.
Editorials bug Editorials
We owe it to our nation’s 21 million health care workers, which includes doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, emergency services personnel, clerical workers, janitors and thousands of others in related health and health support professions. Every one of those workers has put his or her health in jeopardy to protect the rest of us.
More than 230,000 health care workers have contracted COVID-19 and, as of late November, 822 have died.
More hospitals are becoming overwhelmed as the pandemic surges, running short on beds and manpower. Those numbers are likely to grow worse this month as the nation faces a post-Thanksgiving surge on top of the surge, as Dr. Anthony Fauci warned earlier this week.
Opinion Newsletter
To the rescue of nursing homes
We owe it, as well, to those living in nursing homes that, to our national shame and horror, became hotspots for the deadly disease early on. Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities account for just 1% of the population nationwide — 3 million people — but 8% of coronavirus cases and a shocking 40% of deaths,
Those numbers, too, are likely to worsen. In 20 states experiencing the worst of the surge, new coronavirus cases in nursing homes have skyrocketed from 1,083 a week in May to 4,274 a week in October. Weekly deaths more than doubled from 318 to 699. New cases among staff soared from 855 a week to 4,050 a week.
America cannot combat this virus without a national strategy for distributing a vaccine, starting with those most at risk of severe illness or death.
Our nation has never had a coordinated federal strategy, of any sort, against COVID-19. No strategy on testing. No federal guidelines on when or how to restrict or close businesses. No coordination on buying and distributing personal protective equipment. No national effort to promote mask-wearing.
Instead, the Trump administration left it to the states to figure it all out on their own — and, often, to compete among themselves to buy protective equipment, driving up prices — with predictable results. Many states have failed miserably at stopping the virus.
This time around, states must follow sensible, science-based recommendations to distribute a vaccine. Doing so will be a huge practical and symbolic step toward ending this pandemic.
Sensible. Science-based. Coordinated. Responsible. Our nation has had none of that under a Trump administration.
We must have it, moving forward.
Friday deadline
By Friday, states must submit their vaccine distribution plans to the federal government, so shipments of the first approved vaccine can begin.
Illinois’ distribution plan will follow the CDC guidelines, “with an equity lens” that also takes into account the disparate impact of the virus on communities of color and in poorer areas of the state, a spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker told us.
Pritzker said Tuesday that Illinois expects its first vaccine shipment to include 109,000 doses, enough for just 54,500 people at two required doses each.
Soon after its Dec. 10 meeting, the Food and Drug Administration could grant emergency authorization to the vaccine developed by pharmaceutical firm Pfizer. A second vaccine developed by Moderna is also in the FDA approval pipeline.
Vaccines are on the way, but most of us have months to wait before we can get the shots.
We cannot say this often enough: Get the shot. If the treatment regimen requires, get the two shots.
And until then, bear with the drudgery and follow the rules to curb the spread of the virus.
There’s a vaccine coming, even multiple vaccines. We see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com


chicagosun-times--2020-12-01--CDC to shorten COVID-19 quarantine to 10 days, 7 with test

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to shorten the recommended length of quarantine after exposure to someone who is positive for COVID-19 , as the virus rages across the nation .
According to a senior administration official , the new guidelines , which are set to be released as soon as Tuesday evening , will allow people who have come in contact to someone infected with the virus to resume normal activity after 10 days , or 7 days if they receive a negative test result .
That ’ s down from the 14-day period recommended since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official , who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the announcement , said the policy change has been discussed for some time , as scientists have studied the incubation period for the virus .
The policy would hasten the return to normal activities by those deemed to be “ close contacts ” of those infected with the virus , which has infected more than 13.5 million Americans and killed at least 270,000 .
While the CDC had said the incubation period for the virus was thought to extend to 14 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms between 4 and 5 days after exposure .
The new guidance was presented Tuesday at a White House coronavirus task force meeting for final approval .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to shorten the recommended length of quarantine after exposure to someone who is positive for COVID-19, as the virus rages across the nation.
According to a senior administration official, the new guidelines, which are set to be released as soon as Tuesday evening, will allow people who have come in contact to someone infected with the virus to resume normal activity after 10 days, or 7 days if they receive a negative test result. That’s down from the 14-day period recommended since the onset of the pandemic.
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the announcement, said the policy change has been discussed for some time, as scientists have studied the incubation period for the virus. The policy would hasten the return to normal activities by those deemed to be “close contacts” of those infected with the virus, which has infected more than 13.5 million Americans and killed at least 270,000.
While the CDC had said the incubation period for the virus was thought to extend to 14 days, most individuals became infectious and developed symptoms between 4 and 5 days after exposure.
The new guidance was presented Tuesday at a White House coronavirus task force meeting for final approval.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-01--AIDS activism sharpened state and local response to coronavirus pandemic, Lightfoot says

Lessons learned decades ago from the activism spawned by the anemic government response to the AIDS pandemic helped sharpen the state and local response to the coronavirus , Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday .
Lightfoot drew what she called a “ straight line ” between the two pandemics during a “ virtual conversation ” with other mayors to commemorate World AIDS Day 2020 .
The forum was sponsored by the National AIDS Memorial and included New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Robert Garcia , their counterpart in Long Beach , Ca .
Chicago ’ s first openly-gay mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a Pride Parade shortly after coming out to her parents .
She said a “ huge swell ” of parade participants , some from the AIDS activist group , ACT UP , were chanting , “ How many more have to die ?
” “ Just retelling the story now gives me chills .
... Too many government actors were ignoring this horrible pandemic that was sweeping through — not just gay and lesbian communities across the country and across the world .
It was affecting lots of other folks , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this moment where we ’ re facing another pandemic of global proportions .
Put aside the federal government .
But at least at the state and local level , where we have been all in on the front lines — the difference is profound .
The difference really is because of those early AIDS activists who were out in the streets.
” Lightfoot noted that New York City was “ Ground Zero ” for the AIDS epidemic and AIDS activism that changed everything .
“ A lot of the things that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is ... attributable to the focus and the dedication of those early pioneers who were demanding that the scourge that was robbing people of their lives at such a young age had to be acknowledged .
That there had to be a fulsome government response , ” she said .
De Blasio noted that ACT UP activists were “ shunned , denied and belittled , ” even within parts of the gay community .
To some extent , the “ voices of people of color ” and women were “ often not heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Even within the struggle , there was a fight for fairness and equality .
But what we can say is that struggle changed everything .
And what it led to is government finally owning the situation and doing the things we have to do to invest in reaching people , ” de Blasio said .
“ Well , finally it started to happen with HIV and AIDS and it ’ s made a profound difference .
... We can say the words , ‘ End the epidemic ’ and mean it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when HIV and AIDS doesn ’ t afflict anyone .
That ’ s a believable concept now , which would not have been at the time Mayor Lightfoot was describing.
” Garcia ’ s participation was particularly poignant .
Earlier this year , Garcia ’ s mother and step-father died from COVID-19 within a two-week period .
Yet , he somehow managed to endure those personal tragedies and continue to lead his city through the pandemic .
“ Even though sometimes it is hard and painful , I try to use that experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how serious it is .
Even a health care worker like my mom , who wore PPE and took care of herself and has been in the medical profession for 25 years .
If it can happen to her , it can happen to anyone , ” Garcia said .

Lessons learned decades ago from the activism spawned by the anemic government response to the AIDS pandemic helped sharpen the state and local response to the coronavirus, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday.
Lightfoot drew what she called a “straight line” between the two pandemics during a “virtual conversation” with other mayors to commemorate World AIDS Day 2020.
The forum was sponsored by the National AIDS Memorial and included New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Robert Garcia, their counterpart in Long Beach, Ca.
Chicago’s first openly-gay mayor recalled having traveled to New York City for a Pride Parade shortly after coming out to her parents. She said a “huge swell” of parade participants, some from the AIDS activist group, ACT UP, were chanting, “How many more have to die?”
“Just retelling the story now gives me chills. ... Too many government actors were ignoring this horrible pandemic that was sweeping through — not just gay and lesbian communities across the country and across the world. It was affecting lots of other folks,” Lightfoot said.
“Then, come to this moment where we’re facing another pandemic of global proportions. Put aside the federal government. But at least at the state and local level, where we have been all in on the front lines — the difference is profound. The difference really is because of those early AIDS activists who were out in the streets.”
Lightfoot noted that New York City was “Ground Zero” for the AIDS epidemic and AIDS activism that changed everything.
“A lot of the things that we have done in our public health response is ... attributable to the focus and the dedication of those early pioneers who were demanding that the scourge that was robbing people of their lives at such a young age had to be acknowledged. That there had to be a fulsome government response,” she said.
De Blasio noted that ACT UP activists were “shunned, denied and belittled,” even within parts of the gay community. To some extent, the “voices of people of color” and women were “often not heard enough,” de Blasio said.
“Even within the struggle, there was a fight for fairness and equality. But what we can say is that struggle changed everything. And what it led to is government finally owning the situation and doing the things we have to do to invest in reaching people,” de Blasio said.
“Well, finally it started to happen with HIV and AIDS and it’s made a profound difference. ... We can say the words, ‘End the epidemic’ and mean it. We can actually work towards the day when HIV and AIDS doesn’t afflict anyone. That’s a believable concept now, which would not have been at the time Mayor Lightfoot was describing.”
Garcia’s participation was particularly poignant. Earlier this year, Garcia’s mother and step-father died from COVID-19 within a two-week period. Yet, he somehow managed to endure those personal tragedies and continue to lead his city through the pandemic.
“Even though sometimes it is hard and painful, I try to use that experience when I am talking to our community about how serious it is. Even a health care worker like my mom, who wore PPE and took care of herself and has been in the medical profession for 25 years. If it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone,” Garcia said.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-01--Man fatally shot in Gary: autopsy

Man fatally shot in Gary: autopsy

A 22-year-old man was fatally shot Saturday night in Gary , according to the Cook County medical examiner ’ s @ @ @ @ @ 22 , was shot in the head about 9:10 p.m. in the 1700 block of @ @ @ @ @ Indiana , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
He was brought to the @ @ @ @ @ where he pronounced dead Monday about 1:15 p.m. , according to the medical examiner ’ @ @ @ @ @ were not available for comment Tuesday afternoon .

A 22-year-old man was fatally shot Saturday night in Gary, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Dejuan Key, 22, was shot in the head about 9:10 p.m. in the 1700 block of Ellsworth Street in Gary, Indiana, the medical examiner’s office said.
He was brought to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he pronounced dead Monday about 1:15 p.m., according to the medical examiner’s office.
An autopsy released Tuesday ruled his death a homicide.
Gary police were not available for comment Tuesday afternoon.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-01--BookExpo, annual publishing convention, may be coming to an end

NEW YORK — The annual publishing convention and trade show known as BookExpo , a decades-old tradition where guest speakers have ranged from Bill Clinton to Margaret Atwood , may be coming to an end .
ReedPop , which has managed BookExpo for a quarter century , announced Tuesday that effective immediately it was “ retiring ” the event , along with the fan-based BookCon and merchandise-based UnBound .
Any future for the convention depends on the wishes of the book community .
As in other industries , publishers have debated the necessity of holding BookExpo when much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thousands would gather each year at BookExpo , which used to be rotated around the country , from Los Angeles to Chicago to Washington .
D.C .
But over the past decade , after the financial crisis of 2008-2009 , it was held almost exclusively in Manhattan ’ s Jacob Javits Center as New York publishers looked to cut costs .
Even in New York , they sharply reduced how much space they purchased on the convention floor and scaled back on lunches and dinners and other promotional events .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus .
The status for next year ’ s show was already in doubt .
“ The pandemic arrived at a time in the life cycle of BookExpo and BookCon where we were already examining the restructure of our events to best meet our community ’ s need , ” Reed event director Jennifer Martin said in a statement .
“ This has led us to make the difficult decision to retire the events in their current formats , as we take the necessary time to evaluate the best way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will better serve the industry and reach more people than we were able to before .
We remain committed to serving the book community and look forward to sharing more information in the future.
” Fiona McRae , executive director of the Minneapolis-based Graywolf Press , said she valued the contacts made at BookExpo and felt sorry for younger people in publishing who might not have the same chance .
Penguin Random House CEO Markus Dohle , who has praised BookExpo as a chance for the industry to gather under one roof , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such occasions would happen again .
“ Among the many traditions we greatly missed this year was having an industry event that brings together booksellers , authors and publishers , ” he said .
“ In this virtual world , Penguin Random House is continuously investing in innovative ways to connect our community members with one another , and we look forward to working with our industry partners to explore a newly imagined event where we all can come together to celebrate books and their essential role in our society and culture.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early 20th century , although the modern convention dates back to 1947 and the founding of the American Booksellers Association Convention and Trade Show .
The ABA , the trade group for independent owners , served as host until the mid-1990s , when tensions with the superstore chain Barnes & Noble and some publishers led to legal action and to the association ’ s selling the show to Reed .
Usually held in late spring , BookExpo was once a prime venue for upcoming books to “ break out , ” and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring in top authors to meet with store officials , agents , librarians and journalists .
At a given convention , a dais might be shared by Atwood , William Styron and Margaret Thatcher , or by Bill Murray and Julia Child .
At a 2006 luncheon in Washington , speakers included Amy Sedaris and John Updike , whose elegy for all the Manhattan bookstores now closed so moved the audience that few remembered what was said by the third featured author , a first-term senator from Illinois , Barack Obama .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authors lacked the star power of previous guests , and attendance fell to the point where sizable parts of the Javits center floor were empty .
In 2018 , when Michelle Obama was looking to promote the fall release of her memoir “ Becoming , ” she didn ’ t come to BookExpo , but instead addressed the convention of the American Library Association .
And this year highlighted doubts over whether an in-person gathering raises sales : The market has remained stable despite the pandemic and the convention being held online .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ including regional shows and the increasingly popular Winter Institute , managed by the American Booksellers Association .
The Winter Institute will be held virtually in February 2021 .
“ The retirement of BookExpo feels like the end of an era , ” ABA CEO Allison K. Hill told the AP , adding that the need for booksellers to gather was as strong as ever .
“ ABA is exploring new ways to bring booksellers , publishers , and authors together in the future .
For now , we ’ ll keep bringing everyone @ @ @ @

NEW YORK — The annual publishing convention and trade show known as BookExpo, a decades-old tradition where guest speakers have ranged from Bill Clinton to Margaret Atwood, may be coming to an end.
ReedPop, which has managed BookExpo for a quarter century, announced Tuesday that effective immediately it was “retiring” the event, along with the fan-based BookCon and merchandise-based UnBound. Any future for the convention depends on the wishes of the book community. As in other industries, publishers have debated the necessity of holding BookExpo when much of the business once conducted there has moved online.
Thousands would gather each year at BookExpo, which used to be rotated around the country, from Los Angeles to Chicago to Washington. D.C. But over the past decade, after the financial crisis of 2008-2009, it was held almost exclusively in Manhattan’s Jacob Javits Center as New York publishers looked to cut costs. Even in New York, they sharply reduced how much space they purchased on the convention floor and scaled back on lunches and dinners and other promotional events.
Earlier this year, BookExpo was held virtually because of the coronavirus. The status for next year’s show was already in doubt.
“The pandemic arrived at a time in the life cycle of BookExpo and BookCon where we were already examining the restructure of our events to best meet our community’s need,” Reed event director Jennifer Martin said in a statement.
“This has led us to make the difficult decision to retire the events in their current formats, as we take the necessary time to evaluate the best way to move forward and rebuild our events that will better serve the industry and reach more people than we were able to before. We remain committed to serving the book community and look forward to sharing more information in the future.”
Fiona McRae, executive director of the Minneapolis-based Graywolf Press, said she valued the contacts made at BookExpo and felt sorry for younger people in publishing who might not have the same chance. Penguin Random House CEO Markus Dohle, who has praised BookExpo as a chance for the industry to gather under one roof, said in a statement that he hoped such occasions would happen again.
“Among the many traditions we greatly missed this year was having an industry event that brings together booksellers, authors and publishers,” he said. “In this virtual world, Penguin Random House is continuously investing in innovative ways to connect our community members with one another, and we look forward to working with our industry partners to explore a newly imagined event where we all can come together to celebrate books and their essential role in our society and culture.”
Booksellers have been meeting annually since the early 20th century, although the modern convention dates back to 1947 and the founding of the American Booksellers Association Convention and Trade Show. The ABA, the trade group for independent owners, served as host until the mid-1990s, when tensions with the superstore chain Barnes & Noble and some publishers led to legal action and to the association’s selling the show to Reed.
Usually held in late spring, BookExpo was once a prime venue for upcoming books to “break out,” and for publishers to place orders with booksellers and bring in top authors to meet with store officials, agents, librarians and journalists.
At a given convention, a dais might be shared by Atwood, William Styron and Margaret Thatcher, or by Bill Murray and Julia Child. At a 2006 luncheon in Washington, speakers included Amy Sedaris and John Updike, whose elegy for all the Manhattan bookstores now closed so moved the audience that few remembered what was said by the third featured author, a first-term senator from Illinois, Barack Obama.
But over the past few years, visiting authors lacked the star power of previous guests, and attendance fell to the point where sizable parts of the Javits center floor were empty.
In 2018, when Michelle Obama was looking to promote the fall release of her memoir “Becoming,” she didn’t come to BookExpo, but instead addressed the convention of the American Library Association. And this year highlighted doubts over whether an in-person gathering raises sales: The market has remained stable despite the pandemic and the convention being held online.
Meanwhile, other industry meetings continue, including regional shows and the increasingly popular Winter Institute, managed by the American Booksellers Association. The Winter Institute will be held virtually in February 2021.
“The retirement of BookExpo feels like the end of an era,” ABA CEO Allison K. Hill told the AP, adding that the need for booksellers to gather was as strong as ever. “ABA is exploring new ways to bring booksellers, publishers, and authors together in the future. For now, we’ll keep bringing everyone together virtually.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--Madigan confidant, others set for arraignment in bribery case Wednesday

A close confidant of House Speaker Michael Madigan is due for arraignment in federal court Wednesday , two weeks after a grand jury accused him and three others of a long-running bribery scheme designed to curry favor with the powerful Southwest Side Democrat .
Lobbyist Michael McClain , onetime ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore , ex-ComEd vice president John Hooker and former City Club President Jay Doherty are all set to appear by video before U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber .
The remote hearing due to the coronavirus pandemic means the four will not be forced to stroll past what likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cameras at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse .
However , their defense attorneys have already issued combative statements declaring their innocence .
The 50-page indictment filed last month does not accuse Madigan of a crime .
But in the time since its filing , several House Democrats have said they won ’ t vote for Madigan to keep the speaker ’ s gavel .
On Tuesday , state Rep. Kathleen Willis became the first House Democratic leader to break ranks with Madigan .
A special legislative panel looking into Madigan ’ s dealings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emails and other documents last week shedding further light on the federal investigation .
Meanwhile , Madigan has repeatedly denied wrongdoing , insisting that “ helping people find jobs is not a crime.
” McClain , Pramaggiore , Hooker and Doherty are each charged with bribery conspiracy , bribery and willfully falsifying ComEd books and records .
ComEd was also charged earlier this year with bribery , entering into a so-called deferred-prosecution agreement that could lead to its bribery charge being dismissed .
Another ex-ComEd executive , Fidel Marquez , has pleaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cooperate with federal prosecutors .
The latest indictment alleges McClain , Pramaggiore , Hooker and Doherty arranged for Madigan ’ s associates and allies to get jobs , contracts and money — even while doing little or no work — “ for the purpose of influencing and rewarding ” Madigan .
It focuses on the retention of the Reyes Kurson law firm , the favoring of intern applicants from Madigan ’ s 13th Ward , Madigan ’ s attempt to have former McPier CEO Juan Ochoa appointed to ComEd ’ s board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals associated with Madigan .
It also says the four would conceal the nature of their conduct by referring to Madigan not by name , but as “ our friend ” or “ a friend of ours.
” The indictment alleged payments totaling more than $ 2 million between Jan. 27 , 2014 , and May 3 , 2019 , were made to Doherty ’ s firm , Jay D. Doherty & Associates .
Then , it said Doherty made $ 256,000 in payments to an unnamed individual identified by the Sun-Times as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 325,000 in payments to a second unnamed individual , and $ 144,000 in payments to a third .
It said potential intern applicants from the 13th Ward identified by McClain did not need to compete against the general intern pool in ComEd ’ s internship program .
They allegedly received favorable treatment and did not have to meet certain academic requirements .
It alleged Pramaggiore signed a false document in support of the renewal of a contract for Doherty ’ s firm , making it falsely seem the large amount of money paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insight & perspective to promote ComEd and its business matters.
” The indictment also expanded on a notorious quote from the ComEd bribery case , in which McClain complained about efforts to cut back on the number of hours worked by the Reyes Kurson law firm .
He allegedly told Pramaggiore and Hooker in an email that , “ I know the drill and so do you , ” and that “ Our Friend will call me and then I will call you .
Is this a drill we must go through ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ why we have to spend valuable minutes on items like this when we know it will provoke a reaction from our Friend , ” McClain allegedly wrote .

The leader of Illinois’ House GOP followed the first highly anticipated — but uneventful — court appearance Wednesday for four indicted members of Speaker Michael Madigan’s inner circle by calling for Madigan’s resignation and declaring his own candidacy for speaker.
That amounted to the latest in the steady drip-drip-drip of developments in the two weeks since federal prosecutors charged Madigan confidant Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and two others in an alleged long-term bribery scheme designed to curry favor with the man who has led the Illinois House of Representatives for decades.
McClain, Pramaggiore and their co-defendants — former ComEd vice president John Hooker and ex-City Club President Jay Doherty — formally pleaded not guilty by video Wednesday morning before U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber. The remote hearing, due to the coronavirus pandemic, meant the four did not have to take the awkward stroll before reporters at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse that scores of public corruption defendants have faced in the past.
Ex-top ComEd official John Hooker, onetime lobbyist and Madigan confidant Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, and ex-City Club President Jay Doherty. Sun-Times file photos
However, they could still be seen on video. Some appeared alone on screen. Hooker wore a mask at times. McClain was seated in a room with a large bookshelf. Doherty appeared along with his attorney. And Leinenweber could be seen in front of what appeared to be photos of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush.
When the hearing began, Leinenweber noted that he served in the Illinois General Assembly from 1973 until 1983 — around the same time McClain, a former lawmaker, also served. The judge said he did not expect that to be an issue in the case, and the lawyers did not disagree.
The hearing otherwise offered no surprises. But it was followed by a news conference held by House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and GOP members of a special legislative committee that has been looking into Madigan’s dealings with ComEd, which was also charged with bribery in July.
So far 19 House Democrats — including a member of the House Democratic leadership — have said they will not vote for Madigan to remain speaker in January. During Wednesday’s news conference, Durkin said he had 45 of the 60 votes required to become speaker, and he said he planned to appeal to 15 “reform-minded” Democrats in an unlikely bid to get them to support his ascension to speaker.
Durkin also called on Madigan to resign. Madigan, who has not been criminally charged, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has said he will seek re-election as speaker in January.
State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, the Democrat who chairs the special committee, later alleged in a statement that the only goal of Durkin and his fellow Republicans “has been political theater, even if that means dragging this committee into the middle of the federal prosecutor’s case against ComEd associates.”
Asked during Wednesday’s news conference about his name appearing in a trove of documents from ComEd related to the federal investigation released last week, Durkin said he “did not have any involvement” in making calls to get friends or others employed at the utility company.
David Glockner, ComEd’s executive vice president of compliance and audit, testified in September he wasn’t aware of any “direct communication” from Durkin in regards to hiring matters but his “recollection is that we have a communication from a third party… indicating that Leader Durkin had recommended” Tom Walsh, a former state senator and ally of Durkin.
Glockner went on to say he was “not aware that that particular hire was with an effort to curry favor” with Durkin.
One of the emails released last week mentions an “agent” working on behalf of Durkin. Durkin didn’t address the potential third party weighing in on his behalf, but a spokeswoman said the Republican was not aware of that if it was the case.
“The purpose of the federal investigation and also the special investigative committee is not about job recommendations,” Durkin said Wednesday. “It is about a nine-year bribery scandal between Commonwealth Edison and Mike Madigan, pure and simple. And that’s what we’re trying to get at.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--Dear Abby: Every relationship gets ruined when I push the guy away

DEAR ABBY : Marriage is considered to be imperative in my religion and culture .
I ’ m 29 and still not married .
I have commitment and trust issues with guys .
I have been in only three relationships my entire life .
Every time things are going well , I tend to self-sabotage and make excuses to push the guy away .
I start arguments for no reason or create problems or issues that I fabricate out of thin air .
I think it has a lot to do with the fact that my past relationships were toxic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liars .
I have carried that baggage into my relationship with my new partner by not believing a lot of the things he says .
For example , I doubt his feelings for me .
When things are going smoothly between us , I always take five or 10 steps back .
It isn ’ t fair that I put him through the wringer , but I don ’ t know any other way .
How can I get past this continuous issue ?
— PROBLEM TRUSTING IN CALIFORNIA DEAR PROBLEM TRUSTING : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be to talk about this destructive pattern with a licensed mental health adviser .
If you do , it may help you rid yourself of the “ baggage ” you are carrying , understand why you chose the men you did before , and make it easier to evaluate any new relationships that start to develop .
DEAR ABBY : I have known my friend “ Matt ” for more than 20 years .
We ’ ve been close for most of those years .
Matt is gay , and early in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend , “ Gary , ” who used a gay epithet often , even though he knew Matt is gay .
It hurt Matt , but he wasn ’ t comfortable speaking to Gary about it , so I did .
Gary not only apologized to Matt but to this day ( some 18 years later ) , I haven ’ t heard Gary say that word in our company .
Recently , Matt has started using the N-word .
I have told him that not only is it disgusting and offensive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Gary .
Matt laughed it off and continues to use the word with no regard for me .
I have started spending less time with him because of it because I don ’ t want him to think I condone his racist language .
Is it time to sever ties with Matt ?
— DISAPPOINTED IN MARYLAND DEAR DISAPPOINTED : I think so .
The next time Matt uses the N-word , make clear to him that if you ever hear it from him again , your friendship will be OVER .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I feel horrible about my “ first time.
” It was with my boyfriend , and it happened in the back seat of his car .
I had always dreamed of my first time being special , but after realizing we didn ’ t have many options , we decided the car was fine .
Now I feel ashamed and guilty .
Can you advise me ?
— NOT LIKE I IMAGINED IN TEXAS DEAR NOT : I will try .
When did your first time happen ?
Last weekend ?
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was , it is in the past .
Experience teaches us what works for us and what doesn ’ t .
Learn from it , but don ’ t preoccupy yourself with regret over something you can ’ t change .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Us and How to Deal With It.
” To order , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Anger Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: Marriage is considered to be imperative in my religion and culture. I’m 29 and still not married. I have commitment and trust issues with guys. I have been in only three relationships my entire life.
Every time things are going well, I tend to self-sabotage and make excuses to push the guy away. I start arguments for no reason or create problems or issues that I fabricate out of thin air. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that my past relationships were toxic and tumultuous. They were cheaters and liars.
I have carried that baggage into my relationship with my new partner by not believing a lot of the things he says. For example, I doubt his feelings for me. When things are going smoothly between us, I always take five or 10 steps back. It isn’t fair that I put him through the wringer, but I don’t know any other way. How can I get past this continuous issue? — PROBLEM TRUSTING IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR PROBLEM TRUSTING: The most effective way to do that would be to talk about this destructive pattern with a licensed mental health adviser. If you do, it may help you rid yourself of the “baggage” you are carrying, understand why you chose the men you did before, and make it easier to evaluate any new relationships that start to develop.
DEAR ABBY: I have known my friend “Matt” for more than 20 years. We’ve been close for most of those years.
Matt is gay, and early in our friendship, we had a mutual friend, “Gary,” who used a gay epithet often, even though he knew Matt is gay. It hurt Matt, but he wasn’t comfortable speaking to Gary about it, so I did. Gary not only apologized to Matt but to this day (some 18 years later), I haven’t heard Gary say that word in our company.
Recently, Matt has started using the N-word. I have told him that not only is it disgusting and offensive, but I compared it to the situation with Gary. Matt laughed it off and continues to use the word with no regard for me. I have started spending less time with him because of it because I don’t want him to think I condone his racist language. Is it time to sever ties with Matt? — DISAPPOINTED IN MARYLAND
DEAR DISAPPOINTED: I think so. The next time Matt uses the N-word, make clear to him that if you ever hear it from him again, your friendship will be OVER. And then follow through.
DEAR ABBY: I feel horrible about my “first time.” It was with my boyfriend, and it happened in the back seat of his car. I had always dreamed of my first time being special, but after realizing we didn’t have many options, we decided the car was fine. Now I feel ashamed and guilty. Can you advise me? — NOT LIKE I IMAGINED IN TEXAS
DEAR NOT: I will try. When did your first time happen? Last weekend? Last month? Last year? Whenever it was, it is in the past. Experience teaches us what works for us and what doesn’t. Learn from it, but don’t preoccupy yourself with regret over something you can’t change.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--‘Wander’: Aaron Eckhart makes a great conspiracy theorist, and he isn’t acting alone

One of Mel Gibson ’ s most memorable crazy-eyed loose cannon roles post- “ Lethal Weapon ” was the paranoid cabbie Jerry Fletcher in the 1997 thriller “ Conspiracy Theory , ” a well-made mess with an absurd ending that must have pleased the tinfoil-hat community .
The admirably ambitious albeit ultimately bonkers conspiracy thriller “ Wander ” sometimes plays like a lower-budget , Southwestern variation on “ Conspiracy Theory , ” with Aaron Eckhart hurling himself into the role of a tortured man who never met a secret plot he didn ’ t believe in , and can I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comic book-style names assigned to the stellar supporting cast ?
• Katheryn Winnick is Elsa Viceroy , a mysterious government operative who may or may not be part of the vast conspiracy .
• Heather Graham is Arthur ’ s loyal and long-suffering best friend and attorney Shelly Luscomb , who is always there when Arthur needs him .
• Raymond Cruz is Sheriff Luis Santiago , the no-nonsense head lawman in the remote and eerie town of Wander , where you can check out any time you like , but you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the beer-chugging , back-slapping , story-spinning Jimmy Cleats , who ’ s been around longer than Area 51 and co-hosts a late-night conspiracy podcast with Arthur , I kid you not .
Shot in saturated tones favoring blood-reds , cool blues and disturbingly vibrant greens , “ Wander ” takes us into the world of one Arthur Bretnik ( Eckhart ) , who is experiencing PTSD and frightening flashbacks after his young daughter was killed and his wife was rendered catatonic by a horrific automobile accident that Arthur believes was not an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by unseen forces who control nearly everything .
After a mysterious and violent death on a lonely stretch of highway — a young woman ’ s chest literally explodes , as if a bomb had been implanted in her — Arthur and his loyal sidekick Jimmy Cleats are hired to investigate the murder , which brings them to the town of Wander , where everything is shrouded in secretiveness and almost no one is who they appear to be , leading Arthur to believe he has finally found a key outpost in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Or maybe Arthur is just imagining everything .
It could be the stress and the medication and the grief talking .
Director April Mullen shoots “ Wander ” like a kinetic horror film , which results in some pretty cool sequences but also far too many quick-cut flashbacks to the deadly auto accident , which results in us feeling more annoyed and manipulated than intrigued .
Aaron Eckhart has had an up-and-down career but remains a compelling presence ; no doubt he worked hard on his madman cackle and his thousand-yard stare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Katheryn Winnick are their usual reliable selves in standard supporting roles , and Tommy Lee Jones is such a hoot as Jimmy Cleats I wouldn ’ t mind seeing an entire movie about this seemingly crazy old codger and how his wanderings eventually brought him to Wander .

One of Mel Gibson’s most memorable crazy-eyed loose cannon roles post-“Lethal Weapon” was the paranoid cabbie Jerry Fletcher in the 1997 thriller “Conspiracy Theory,” a well-made mess with an absurd ending that must have pleased the tinfoil-hat community.
The admirably ambitious albeit ultimately bonkers conspiracy thriller “Wander” sometimes plays like a lower-budget, Southwestern variation on “Conspiracy Theory,” with Aaron Eckhart hurling himself into the role of a tortured man who never met a secret plot he didn’t believe in, and can I just tell you about the fantastic, comic book-style names assigned to the stellar supporting cast?
‘Wander’
Untitled Saban Films presents a film directed by April Mullen and written by Tim Doiron. Rated R (for violence and bloody images). Running time: 93 minutes. Opens Friday on demand.
Katheryn Winnick is Elsa Viceroy, a mysterious government operative who may or may not be part of the vast conspiracy.
Heather Graham is Arthur’s loyal and long-suffering best friend and attorney Shelly Luscomb, who is always there when Arthur needs her.
Raymond Cruz is Sheriff Luis Santiago, the no-nonsense head lawman in the remote and eerie town of Wander, where you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
Tommy Lee Jones is the beer-chugging, back-slapping, story-spinning Jimmy Cleats, who’s been around longer than Area 51 and co-hosts a late-night conspiracy podcast with Arthur, I kid you not.
Shot in saturated tones favoring blood-reds, cool blues and disturbingly vibrant greens, “Wander” takes us into the world of one Arthur Bretnik (Eckhart), who is experiencing PTSD and frightening flashbacks after his young daughter was killed and his wife was rendered catatonic by a horrific automobile accident that Arthur believes was not an accident but a deliberate hit carried out by unseen forces who control nearly everything. After a mysterious and violent death on a lonely stretch of highway — a young woman’s chest literally explodes, as if a bomb had been implanted in her — Arthur and his loyal sidekick Jimmy Cleats are hired to investigate the murder, which brings them to the town of Wander, where everything is shrouded in secretiveness and almost no one is who they appear to be, leading Arthur to believe he has finally found a key outpost in the government’s vast and nefarious plan.
Or maybe Arthur is just imagining everything. It could be the stress and the medication and the grief talking.
Director April Mullen shoots “Wander” like a kinetic horror film, which results in some pretty cool sequences but also far too many quick-cut flashbacks to the deadly auto accident, which results in us feeling more annoyed and manipulated than intrigued. Aaron Eckhart has had an up-and-down career but remains a compelling presence; no doubt he worked hard on his madman cackle and his thousand-yard stare for this role. Heather Graham and Katheryn Winnick are their usual reliable selves in standard supporting roles, and Tommy Lee Jones is such a hoot as Jimmy Cleats I wouldn’t mind seeing an entire movie about this seemingly crazy old codger and how his wanderings eventually brought him to Wander.