chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--Coronavirus live blog, June 12, 2020: Chicago on pace for next reopening phase July 1

Chicago and the state continued trending in the right direction as it emerges from the coronavirus pandemic .
The state confirmed 595 new cases of COVID-19 , which is the lowest total for new cases since March 30 .
Health officials say the city remains on pace to move on to the next phase in July .
The Chicago Riverwalk opened up and restaurants began set up their outdoor seating in the cordoned off sections that are closed for vehicles .
Here ’ s what we learned today in the fight against coronavirus in Chicago and around the state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening phase July 1 : ‘ If people can hang in there ’ Chicago ’ s top health official expects the city to advance to the next phase of reopening from the coronavirus shutdown on July 1 .
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Friday it ’ s not out of the question Chicago could keep pace with the rest of the state in moving to Phase 4 as early as June 26 — but that it could take even longer if pandemic conditions deteriorate .
“ The real question will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few weeks , ” Arwady said at a news conference announcing a new city coronavirus data portal .
The next reopening phase allows for gatherings of up to 50 people and lets museums , gyms , restaurants and additional businesses and institutions resume indoor operations at limited capacities .
But city and state officials are waiting to see the potential impact on the spread of the virus following limited Phase 3 reopenings of restaurants and businesses , as well as days of large protests following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remind people that there are risks , and so the fact that protesters broadly in Chicago have been wearing face coverings — I ’ ve been pleased to see that , ” Arwady said , urging protesters to keep 6 feet of social distance and self-quarantine for two weeks .
Read the full report from Mitchell Armentrout here .
SPRINGFIELD — For the first time since World War II , Illinoisans will not be able to look forward to a summer filled with corn dogs , lemon shake-ups , the Butter Cow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease in their summer togs and wingtips at the state fair .
After suggesting the possibility weeks ago , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced Friday he was pulling the plug on the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fair in deep southern Illinois , making them the latest events canceled because of public safety concerns over the coronavirus .
The decision drew the ire of some downstate Republicans .
It ’ s the first time the fair in Springfield has been canceled since 1945 , the final year of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read the full story by Neil Earley here .
Oprah Winfrey is the commencement speaker for Sunday ’ s Chicago Public Schools ’ citywide high school graduation , with Chicago native and “ Hamilton ” star Miguel Cervantes emceeing the 1 p.m. virtual ceremony that ’ s being held online because of coronavirus restrictions .
The “ Graduation 2020 ” ceremony will be hosted by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and also feature rapper and Chicago native Common .
Others set to make appearances during the hourlong program , according to the mayor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jason Heyward and Kyle Schwarber from the Cubs ; Tim Anderson from the White Sox ; the Bears ’ Charles Leno ; Blackhawks star Patrick Kane ; the Sky ’ s Diamond Deshields and Cheyenne Parker ; the Bulls ’ Daniell Gafford ; and “ The Voice ” finalist Katie Kadan ; with “ after-party ” appearances by DJ Khaled , Ellie King , X Ambassadors , “ Jagged Little Pill ” musicians , The Second City , Thomas Rhett , Andy Grammer and , Louis the Child .
Beside coverage on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be streamed live on the city ’ s website and the mayor ’ s social media channels .
CPS students have been remote-learning since Gov .
J.B. Pritzker closed schools statewide in March to try to limit the spread of COVID-19 .
3:50 p.m. Chicagoans flock to stretch of Broadway closed off for pedestrians in Lake View Sarah Kraus was supposed to be on vacation in Italy now , with her buddy , Chelsea Stoyanoff .
Instead , the 30-somethings from Lake View found themselves sipping beers outside Dry Hop Brewers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If I can ’ t be in Rome drinking wine and eating pizza , I guess being on a street drinking some beers in Chicago is as good a second best as you can get , ” said Kraus , 31 .
There were very few complaints , as long cooped-up Chicagoans flocked to a stretch of Broadway between Belmont and Diversey avenues closed off for pedestrians as part of the city ’ s cautious reopening .
Tables were all widely spaced apart and signs were posted every few feet , reminding patrons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so great today .
You can see the energy on the street , ” said Martin Cournane , co-owner of Wilde Bar & Restaurant .
“ The weather is beautiful .
There ’ s a lot of hope from this .
I ’ m really grateful to the mayor ( Lori Lightfoot ) for choosing us as one of the streets for this pilot program.
” A Cook County judge Friday denied granting bail to a former Northwestern University microbiologist accused of murder .
Wyndham Lathem , who is charged with murdering his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released from Cook County Jail so he could assist in the battle against the coronavirus .
Prosecutors argued strenuously against granting Lathem release , saying he was adept at hiding his “ digital footprints , ” had previously evaded capture while on the run and had made a video-recording confessing his role in the murder to his mother .
Judge Charles Burns denied Lathem ’ s request to be released on $ 1 million bail once before in April .
When denying Lathem ’ s request again Friday , Burns said allowing Lathem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the internet would unleash a “ plethora of problems.
” The judge also seemed skeptical that Lathem , a renowned infectious disease expert , could be of much help in battling the coronavirus , particularly with the significant restrictions Lathem ’ s attorneys had offered to impose upon him .
“ Dr .
Lathem alone is not going to get us out of this situation , ” Burns said of the coronavirus pandemic and any help Lathem could offer .
Lathem ’ s attorneys , this time , were hoping their client could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read the full report from Matthew Hendrickson here .
The city of Chicago launched a virtual memorial Friday as part of its its coronavirus communication portal and is inviting residents who have lost loved ones to the disease to share their stories .
A form on the website invites users to submit the name of someone lost to COVID-19 , a photo of them , and asks “ How did he/she/they bring joy to your life or the lives of others ?
” Submissions will be displayed on the website to serve as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light of the current situation , the way we mourn and celebrate one ’ s life needs to be reimagined , ” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a city release announcing the project .
“ The Virtual Memorial is just one way to help Chicagoans cope with the sudden loss of their loved one to COVID-19 , but also to celebrate their lives and memories.
” Scientists at the University of Chicago are exploring a new saliva-based test for COVID-19 that could be an effective and less intrusive alternative to the standard nasal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information about the virus and the course of the disease .
Researchers have set up a booth at UChicago Medicine ’ s curbside testing center , where they ’ re asking volunteers to spit in a tube after undergoing a second nasal swab .
In comparing the two methods , researchers have found the results to match up with the hospital ’ s results , the university said .
“ The beauty of it is that it ’ s less invasive , and you could allow people to collect their own samples ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistant professor and UChicago Medicine geneticist Evgeny Izumchenko said in a statement .
The saliva-test system could also eliminate inconclusive test results for patients who test negative but still show symptoms , the university said .
Researchers believe by using a digital system that they could get a positive reading even if there are lower amounts of the virus in the sample .
It could also provide a more accurate identification of asymptomatic cases , the university said .
“ It could provide clinicians with a quantitative measure of how much virus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no , ” said professor Nishant Agrawal , a UChicago surgeon-scientist and an investigator on the study who has been working on digital PCR and saliva for over a decade .
“ The amount of virus detected among these symptomatic patients varies by up to a million-fold , ” associate professor and UChicago pathologist Jeremy Segal said in a statement .
“ There ’ s so much we don ’ t know about that , in terms of its relationship to what part of the infection cycle the patient is in , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by different sampling methods .
But the extreme range and variability present a substantial challenge from a diagnostics standpoint.
” Though coronavirus case numbers have slowed in recent weeks , the university said the team will continue to research automated methods to conduct digital tests , which will be able to conduct tests faster , and with a larger group of people at a time , if the U.S. sees a future spike in cases .
12:18 p.m .
The new coronavirus normal : An inside look at Chicago Christian athletes ’ Stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotters in the weight room .
No crowding around the water fountain .
Will the new normal for prep football workouts take some getting used to ?
“ It ’ s gon na take a lot of getting used to , ” Chicago Christian junior Tony Barclay said when the Knights resumed strength and conditioning work on Monday .
“ But you know , we ’ ll adapt , do what we have to do just to get back as a team and get back in shape.
” On June 5 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how high school sports could resume team activities after being idled since mid-March by the coronavirus pandemic .
Under Phase 3 of Illinois ’ reopening plan , prep teams are allowed to do strength and conditioning with the now-familiar limitations : small groups , social distancing , masks where possible .
While some programs were still working this week on plans that would meet school district and local guidelines , the Knights were ready to get out of the gate fast .
Read the full article from Mike Clark here .
10:57 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but with strict guidelines Starting Friday , the Riverwalk will be open to the public from 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. , according to the city .
Visitors must wear a face mask and maintain social distance from others , and bars and restaurants must space out tables at least six feet apart .
For now , the Riverwalk will only be accessible via Lake Street and through ramps between Franklin and Lake streets and State and Columbus streets .
To limit crowding , the city has established designated hours for certain activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Riverwalk will be open for running , walking and biking between Lake Shore Drive and Lake Street .
At 10 a.m. , it will close for cleaning .
Then , from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. , the Riverwalk ’ s bars and restaurants will be open by reservation only .
Those businesses won ’ t all reopen at once , but will instead be phased in during the next few weeks .
During this block of time , the city said there will also be several “ passive recreation areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full story here , and see a list of restaurants that are open .
9:41 a.m. How do you plan to spend your ( coronavirus ) summer vacation ?
We asked , you answered Summer ’ s just about here , and , with the coronavirus pandemic still gripping Illinois , we asked Chicagoans what they plan to do for their summer vacations this year .
Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity .
“ Staying in Chicago , supporting as many local businesses we can .
If COVID-19 continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a driving trip within 250-300 miles in September or October.
” — Robert Smolen “ All of my daughter ’ s travel softball games in Missouri and Indiana.
” — Jim Cooper “ As much as I LOVE to travel , it won ’ t be happening this summer.
” — Jo Ann Fields “ Same as the last three months : staying in the house , rewatching the same thing on Netflix over and over.
” — Kristin Annicks 8:05 a.m. McCormick Place , Park District fieldhouses could be alternative sites for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the City Council ’ s Education Committee on Thursday said McCormick Place , Navy Pier , Park District fieldhouses and public libraries could be used as alternative sites to safely reopen Chicago Public Schools this fall .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is determined to reopen the Chicago Public Schools on time this fall but do it safely , perhaps by using staggered schedules to maintain social distance and limit the number of students in classrooms at any given time .
She has promised to be creative in crafting plans in concert with neighborhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as alternate learning sites .
Now , Lightfoot ’ s hand-picked Education Committee chairman is being really creative — by suggesting the massive McCormick Place complex .
McCormick Place can ’ t host conventions until there ’ s a vaccine for the coronavirus , or a “ highly effective treatment widely available ” or the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period .
Read the full story from City Hall reporter Fran Spielman here .
7:07 a.m. MacArthur Foundation , 4 other groups pledge $ 1.7 billion to support nonprofits battered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the Chicago-based John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation , say they plan to donate $ 1.7 billion over the next three years to help nonprofit organizations around the globe that have been crippled by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
In the United States alone , nonprofits employ about 10 % of the private workforce , and in a recent survey , 73 % of those organizations said they expect to see a 20 % drop in revenue in the coming year , according to the MacArthur Foundation .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we see opportunity , ” MacArthur Foundation President John Palfrey said in a statement .
“ The pandemic is wreaking tragedy across the world and , in particular , in African American communities .
In the face of an extraordinary social and economic crisis , our city , country , and global communities require a transformation .
Our response to the pandemic will focus on supporting the reinvention of systems that create a more just , equitable , and resilient world.
” The money is expected to fund efforts that would tackle topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and climate change .
• Health officials on Thursday announced 91 more people have died in Illinois of COVID-19 , as another 766 tested positive for the coronavirus .
• “ Days of Our Lives ” star Judi Evans has been diagnosed with COVID-19 , and nearly lost her legs due to related blood clots , her publicist says .
• Another employee at the Cook County Circuit Court clerk ’ s office has tested positive for COVID-19 , bringing the overall total to 25 , and three workers have received positive antibody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an employee at Cook County Juvenile detention center tested positive for COVID-19 .
• Federal health authorities have received reports of nearly 26,000 nursing home residents dying from COVID-19 across the country .
8:17 a.m .
The NFL can guard against COVID-19 all it wants , but players still have to tackle each other The NFL really has this pandemic thing figured out , doesn ’ t it ?
The latest science-driven protocols will be in place when players return to team facilities in the coming weeks .
Testing for COVID-19 will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing will be observed .
Masks will be mandatory at team meetings .
Locker rooms will be cleansed and disinfected so often you might mistake them for operating rooms .
We expect that from a league that prides itself on military-like precision .
But there ’ s one little thing that keeps tugging at the sleeve : Eventually , the players are going to have to touch each other .
Touching is sort of a necessity when it comes to huddling and blocking and — this is a biggie — hitting , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Touching goes against the concept of keeping 6 feet away from the person closest to you .
Tackling sneers at social distancing and , further , would blow it up like a defenseless receiver if it could .
And what ’ s gang tackling but a renunciation of everything we ’ ve learned about keeping the coronavirus at bay ?
A football game is a buffet table of germs .
This virus will be on the menu .
There are too many people involved in the NFL for it not to be .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rick Morrissey here .


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--CPS to require face masks, temperature checks when school resumes next fall

Chicago Public Schools students , teachers and staff members will be required to wear face coverings in school buildings and submit to daily temperature checks should classes resume in person in the fall , new health and safety guidelines show .
A final draft of CPS ’ guidelines is still in the works , according to a statement from the district , but a preview released Friday on social media offers students , teachers and parents a glimpse of what school could look like in September : • Everyone will be required to wear face coverings .
Schools will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students and staff members at the beginning of the year .
• Hand sanitizer will be made available throughout all CPS buildings .
• Strict cleaning and disinfection rules will be in place .
• Students and staff members will receive temperature checks every day .
The district said it would consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s established guidelines when finalizing its own regulations .
“ A school district as large and complex as ours requires thorough guidelines that account for the wide variety of needs in our schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we are working through those scenarios so that in the weeks ahead we can present you with draft guidelines for reopening school buildings .
”

Chicago Public Schools students, teachers and staff members will be required to wear face coverings in school buildings and submit to daily temperature checks should classes resume in person in the fall, new health and safety guidelines show.
A final draft of CPS’ guidelines is still in the works, according to a statement from the district, but a preview released Friday on social media offers students, teachers and parents a glimpse of what school could look like in September:
Everyone will be required to wear face coverings. Schools will be given a limited amount of coverings for students and staff members at the beginning of the year.
Hand sanitizer will be made available throughout all CPS buildings.
Strict cleaning and disinfection rules will be in place.
Students and staff members will receive temperature checks every day.
The district said it would consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s established guidelines when finalizing its own regulations.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
“A school district as large and complex as ours requires thorough guidelines that account for the wide variety of needs in our schools,” the statement said, “and we are working through those scenarios so that in the weeks ahead we can present you with draft guidelines for reopening school buildings.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-13--West Town porch collapse injures 2: fire officials

Two people were injured Saturday when a porch collapsed in West Town .
Crews were called to the scene about @ @ @ @ @ block of North Armour Street , the Chicago Fire Department said .
A 36-year-old man @ @ @ @ @ collapsed .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital with back pain in serious-to-critical condition , @ @ @ @ @ , fire officials said .

Two people were injured Saturday when a porch collapsed in West Town.
Crews were called to the scene about 6:32 p.m. in the 400 block of North Armour Street, the Chicago Fire Department said. A 36-year-old man was grilling when the porch collapsed.
He was taken to Stroger Hospital with back pain in serious-to-critical condition, and another person refused treatment, fire officials said.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-13--Would-be revolutionaries, advocates for police reform march downtown on 2-week anniversary of massiv

Would-be revolutionaries, advocates for police reform march downtown on 2-week anniversary of massive George Floyd protest

A march led by Revolution Club Chicago wove through the streets of downtown Chicago for several hours Saturday and blocked traffic on Lake Shore Drive for about 20 minutes .
At least one protestor was taken into police custody during a skirmish between protesters and police on Monroe Street , but the march was otherwise peaceful .
Revolution Club Chicago , which describes itself as a communist organization dedicated to resisting oppression , organized the march in response to outrage over the death of George Floyd at the knee of a Minneapolis police officer last month , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impending international revolution .
“ We ’ re talking about a global revolution , not just overthrowing the United States , ” Revolution Club member John Packard said .
“ But we have to do that because the United States is controlling everybody else.
” Packard also voiced concerns about President Donald Trump refusing to leave office if he is voted out in November and what he believes is a brewing civil war in the country .
Speeches outside the still-closed Millennium Park entrance on Michigan Avenue focused on criticism of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s connection to international atrocities .
Marchers walked to Wacker Drive and Wabash Avenue , where they were blocked by police from crossing the river to Trump Tower , before turning south on State Street and meandering to Lake Shore Drive , where the group briefly shut down traffic near Jackson Drive .
About 100 people were present at the start of the March , but as the crowd grew into the hundreds as additional people joined , chants turned to focus largely on issues of police reform and accountability .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive protest on May 30 that devolved into theft and vandalism and led Mayor Lori Lightfoot to impose an overnight curfew for a week after stores were looted and police SUVs were set on fire .
Of the marchers , Packard said : “ We ’ ve got diverse groups of people — white , black , Hispanic — a rainbow coalition of people out here saying , ‘ Enough is enough.
’ ” “ We ’ re tired of the police beating and killing us over simple [ things ] , ” @ @ @

A march led by Revolution Club Chicago wove through the streets of downtown Chicago for several hours Saturday and blocked traffic on Lake Shore Drive for about 20 minutes.
At least one protestor was taken into police custody during a skirmish between protesters and police on Monroe Street, but the march was otherwise peaceful.
Revolution Club Chicago, which describes itself as a communist organization dedicated to resisting oppression, organized the march in response to outrage over the death of George Floyd at the knee of a Minneapolis police officer last month, as well as to prepare for what they foresee as an impending international revolution.
“We’re talking about a global revolution, not just overthrowing the United States,” Revolution Club member John Packard said. “But we have to do that because the United States is controlling everybody else.”
Hundreds of protesters march Saturday along State Street. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Packard also voiced concerns about President Donald Trump refusing to leave office if he is voted out in November and what he believes is a brewing civil war in the country.
Speeches outside the still-closed Millennium Park entrance on Michigan Avenue focused on criticism of Trump’s presidency and accusations of the country’s connection to international atrocities.
Marchers walked to Wacker Drive and Wabash Avenue, where they were blocked by police from crossing the river to Trump Tower, before turning south on State Street and meandering to Lake Shore Drive, where the group briefly shut down traffic near Jackson Drive.
About 100 people were present at the start of the March, but as the crowd grew into the hundreds as additional people joined, chants turned to focus largely on issues of police reform and accountability.
Saturday marked the two-week anniversary of a massive protest on May 30 that devolved into theft and vandalism and led Mayor Lori Lightfoot to impose an overnight curfew for a week after stores were looted and police SUVs were set on fire.
Of the marchers, Packard said: “We’ve got diverse groups of people — white, black, Hispanic — a rainbow coalition of people out here saying, ‘Enough is enough.’”
“We’re tired of the police beating and killing us over simple [things],” he added.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-13--Curbside diploma service for Chicago high schoolers graduating in the age of COVID-19  (LIVE UPDATES

Curbside diploma service for Chicago high schoolers graduating in the age of COVID-19  (LIVE UPDATES)

Curbside diploma service for Chicago high schoolers graduating in the age of COVID-19 Thousands of students in Chicago and beyond are marking a key milestone this weekend — and they ’ re finding out what socially distant celebrations look like in a world upended by the coronavirus .
That was the case Saturday morning at Whitney Young Magnet High School , which held a drive-thru ceremony for the Class of 2020 on the Near West Side campus .
Students arrived by car with their families at staggered times and , with face masks in tow , crossed the makeshift stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And instead of a handshake , each graduate got a spritz of hand sanitizer .
Check out our gallery from Saturday ’ s event here .
Public health officials on Saturday announced the latest 29 deaths attributed to the coronavirus in Illinois , raising the state ’ s toll to 6,289 .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also said an additional 673 people tested positive for COVID-19 .
A total of 131,871 people have contracted the virus since late January .
That capped a week of relatively low coronavirus numbers that continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-May .
Saturday marked eight straight days the state has reported fewer than 1,000 new cases , and nine consecutive days with fewer than 100 deaths .
And it followed a Friday case total of 595 , which was Illinois ’ lowest since March 30 .
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here .
12:27 p.m. Chicago on pace for next reopening phase July 1 : ‘ If people can hang in there ’ Chicago ’ s top health official expects the city to advance to the next phase of reopening from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Friday it ’ s not out of the question Chicago could keep pace with the rest of the state in moving to Phase 4 as early as June 26 — but that it could take even longer if pandemic conditions deteriorate .
“ The real question will be of course what happens over the next few weeks , ” Arwady said at a news conference announcing a new city coronavirus data portal .
The next reopening phase allows for gatherings of up to 50 people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional businesses and institutions resume indoor operations at limited capacities .
But city and state officials are waiting to see the potential impact on the spread of the virus following limited Phase 3 reopenings of restaurants and businesses , as well as days of large protests following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd .
“ I think the protests have served to remind people that there are risks , and so the fact that protesters broadly in Chicago have been wearing face coverings — I ’ ve been pleased to see that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep 6 feet of social distance and self-quarantine for two weeks .
Read the full report from Mitchell Armentrout here .
Pharma giant AstraZeneca has struck a deal with Europe ’ s Inclusive Vaccines Alliance to supply up to 400 million doses of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine .
The alliance forged by Germany , France , Italy and the Netherlands to speed up production of a coronavirus vaccine is set to take delivery by the end of 2020 of a vaccine being tested by the University of Oxford .
The agreement struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to other European countries that wish to take part .
The cost is expected to be offset by funding from the governments .
AstraZeneca , an Anglo-Swedish company , recently completed similar agreements with Britain , the United States the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations , and Gavi , the Vaccine Alliance for 700 million doses .
A license also has been agreed with the Serum Institute of India for another 1 billion doses .
Other companies , including Moderna and Sanofi , are racing to develop and produce a vaccine against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be crucial to easing restrictions on public life and preventing additional waves of infections .
9:12 a.m. CPS to require face masks , temperature checks when school resumes next fall Chicago Public Schools students , teachers and staff members will be required to wear face coverings in school buildings and submit to daily temperature checks should classes resume in person in the fall , new health and safety guidelines show .
A final draft of CPS ’ guidelines is still in the works , according to a statement from the district , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media offers students , teachers and parents a glimpse of what school could look like in September : • Everyone will be required to wear face coverings .
Schools will be given a limited amount of coverings for students and staff members at the beginning of the year .
• Hand sanitizer will be made available throughout all CPS buildings .
• Strict cleaning and disinfection rules will be in place .
• Students and staff members will receive temperature checks every day .
Read the full report from Alison Martin here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ candy bars — Illinois State Fair nixed over COVID-19 concerns SPRINGFIELD — For the first time since World War II , Illinoisans will not be able to look forward to a summer filled with corn dogs , lemon shake-ups , the Butter Cow – or politicians trying to look at ease in their summer togs and wingtips at the state fair .
After suggesting the possibility weeks ago , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced Friday he was pulling the plug on the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fair in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest events canceled because of public safety concerns over the coronavirus .
The decision drew the ire of some downstate Republicans .
It ’ s the first time the fair in Springfield has been canceled since 1945 , the final year of a four-year hiatus during the second World War .
Read the full story by Neil Earley here .
• “ Days of Our Lives ” star Judi Evans has been diagnosed with COVID-19 , and nearly lost her legs due to related blood clots , her publicist says .
• Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clerk ’ s office has tested positive for COVID-19 , bringing the overall total to 25 , and three workers have received positive antibody test results .
• Two more detainees and an employee at Cook County Juvenile detention center tested positive for COVID-19 .
• Federal health authorities have received reports of nearly 26,000 nursing home residents dying from COVID-19 across the country .
7:04 a.m .
The NFL can guard against COVID-19 all it wants , but players still have to tackle each other The NFL really has this pandemic thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The latest science-driven protocols will be in place when players return to team facilities in the coming weeks .
Testing for COVID-19 will be a regular occurrence .
Proper social distancing will be observed .
Masks will be mandatory at team meetings .
Locker rooms will be cleansed and disinfected so often you might mistake them for operating rooms .
We expect that from a league that prides itself on military-like precision .
But there ’ s one little thing that keeps tugging at the sleeve : Eventually , the players are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Touching is sort of a necessity when it comes to huddling and blocking and — this is a biggie — hitting , which is the whole point of football .
Touching goes against the concept of keeping 6 feet away from the person closest to you .
Tackling sneers at social distancing and , further , would blow it up like a defenseless receiver if it could .
And what ’ s gang tackling but a renunciation of everything we ’ ve learned about keeping the coronavirus at bay ?
A football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This virus will be on the menu .
There are too many people involved in the NFL for it not to be .
Read the full commentary from sports columnist Rick Morrissey here .

It’s graduation season and with the coronavirus and at-home learning, graduation season is unlike anyone has ever seen. Curbside diplomas and Zoom ceremonies have tried to make graduation as special as any year.
Illinois keeps trending in the right direction. This week has seen relatively low coronavirus numbers that continue to decline from an apparent peak in mid-May. According to Fortune magazine, Illinois has seen the largest decrease of any state in the nation in average daily coronavirus caseloads over the last two weeks.
Here’s what’s happening in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago and around the state.
News
7 p.m. Curbside diploma service for Chicago high schoolers graduating in the age of COVID-19
Joshua Bobbitt walks to the stage during the drive-thru graduation at Whitney Young Magnet High School on Saturday. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Thousands of students in Chicago and beyond are marking a key milestone this weekend — and they’re finding out what socially distant celebrations look like in a world upended by the coronavirus.
That was the case Saturday morning at Whitney Young Magnet High School, which held a drive-thru ceremony for the Class of 2020 on the Near West Side campus.
Students arrived by car with their families at staggered times and, with face masks in tow, crossed the makeshift stage one by one to receive diplomas.
And instead of a handshake, each graduate got a spritz of hand sanitizer.
Check out our gallery from Saturday’s event here.
5:15 p.m. 29 more Illinois coronavirus deaths, 673 new cases
Public health officials on Saturday announced the latest 29 deaths attributed to the coronavirus in Illinois, raising the state’s toll to 6,289.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also said an additional 673 people tested positive for COVID-19. A total of 131,871 people have contracted the virus since late January.
That capped a week of relatively low coronavirus numbers that continue to decline from an apparent peak in mid-May. Saturday marked eight straight days the state has reported fewer than 1,000 new cases, and nine consecutive days with fewer than 100 deaths. And it followed a Friday case total of 595, which was Illinois’ lowest since March 30.
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here.
12:27 p.m. Chicago on pace for next reopening phase July 1: ‘If people can hang in there’
Chicago police blocked access to the Lake Shore Drive pedestrian bridge leading to the Lakefront Trail at North Avenue Beach in March after the city closed the area to pedestrians amid fears of the coronavirus pandemic. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Chicago’s top health official expects the city to advance to the next phase of reopening from the coronavirus shutdown on July 1.
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Friday it’s not out of the question Chicago could keep pace with the rest of the state in moving to Phase 4 as early as June 26 — but that it could take even longer if pandemic conditions deteriorate.
“The real question will be of course what happens over the next few weeks,” Arwady said at a news conference announcing a new city coronavirus data portal.
The next reopening phase allows for gatherings of up to 50 people and lets museums, gyms, restaurants and additional businesses and institutions resume indoor operations at limited capacities.
But city and state officials are waiting to see the potential impact on the spread of the virus following limited Phase 3 reopenings of restaurants and businesses, as well as days of large protests following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd.
“I think the protests have served to remind people that there are risks, and so the fact that protesters broadly in Chicago have been wearing face coverings — I’ve been pleased to see that,” Arwady said, urging protesters to keep 6 feet of social distance and self-quarantine for two weeks.
Read the full report from Mitchell Armentrout here.
11:11 a.m. European nations sign 400M-dose vaccine deal
Pharma giant AstraZeneca has struck a deal with Europe’s Inclusive Vaccines Alliance to supply up to 400 million doses of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine.
The alliance forged by Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands to speed up production of a coronavirus vaccine is set to take delivery by the end of 2020 of a vaccine being tested by the University of Oxford. The agreement struck Saturday aims to make the vaccine available to other European countries that wish to take part.
The cost is expected to be offset by funding from the governments.
AstraZeneca, an Anglo-Swedish company, recently completed similar agreements with Britain, the United States the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance for 700 million doses. A license also has been agreed with the Serum Institute of India for another 1 billion doses.
Other companies, including Moderna and Sanofi, are racing to develop and produce a vaccine against the new coronavirus, a step experts say will be crucial to easing restrictions on public life and preventing additional waves of infections.
— Associated Press
9:12 a.m. CPS to require face masks, temperature checks when school resumes next fall
Chicago Public Schools students, teachers and staff members will be required to wear face coverings in school buildings and submit to daily temperature checks should classes resume in person in the fall, new health and safety guidelines show.
A final draft of CPS’ guidelines is still in the works, according to a statement from the district, but a preview released Friday on social media offers students, teachers and parents a glimpse of what school could look like in September:
Everyone will be required to wear face coverings. Schools will be given a limited amount of coverings for students and staff members at the beginning of the year.
Hand sanitizer will be made available throughout all CPS buildings.
Strict cleaning and disinfection rules will be in place.
Students and staff members will receive temperature checks every day.
Read the full report from Alison Martin here.
7:15 a.m. Hold the deep fried candy bars — Illinois State Fair nixed over COVID-19 concerns
SPRINGFIELD — For the first time since World War II, Illinoisans will not be able to look forward to a summer filled with corn dogs, lemon shake-ups, the Butter Cow – or politicians trying to look at ease in their summer togs and wingtips at the state fair.
After suggesting the possibility weeks ago, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Friday he was pulling the plug on the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fair in deep southern Illinois, making them the latest events canceled because of public safety concerns over the coronavirus.
The decision drew the ire of some downstate Republicans.
It’s the first time the fair in Springfield has been canceled since 1945, the final year of a four-year hiatus during the second World War.
Read the full story by Neil Earley here.
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
7:04 a.m. The NFL can guard against COVID-19 all it wants, but players still have to tackle each other
The NFL really has this pandemic thing figured out, doesn’t it?
The latest science-driven protocols will be in place when players return to team facilities in the coming weeks. Testing for COVID-19 will be a regular occurrence. Proper social distancing will be observed. Masks will be mandatory at team meetings. Locker rooms will be cleansed and disinfected so often you might mistake them for operating rooms.
We expect that from a league that prides itself on military-like precision.
But there’s one little thing that keeps tugging at the sleeve: Eventually, the players are going to have to touch each other. Touching is sort of a necessity when it comes to huddling and blocking and — this is a biggie — hitting, which is the whole point of football.
Touching goes against the concept of keeping 6 feet away from the person closest to you. Tackling sneers at social distancing and, further, would blow it up like a defenseless receiver if it could. And what’s gang tackling but a renunciation of everything we’ve learned about keeping the coronavirus at bay?
A football game is a buffet table of germs. This virus will be on the menu. There are too many people involved in the NFL for it not to be.
Read the full commentary from sports columnist Rick Morrissey here.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-13--MLB players’ union rejects proposal, asks ‘when and where’ to begin season

The MLB players ’ union rejected the league ’ s latest economic proposal to start the season and will not counter .
In a letter to the league , the union asked MLB to let it know how many games it intends to play and when players should report .
“ It unfortunately appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile , ” MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said in a statement .
“ It ’ s time to get back to work .
Tell us when and where.
” MLB offered players 80 % of their prorated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 in an effort to start the pandemic-delayed season , according to details of the proposal obtained by the Associated Press .
Players would get 70 % of their prorated salaries during the regular season and the rest for completion of the postseason under MLB ’ s plan , given to the union Friday .
But reduced prorated pay has been a non-starter for the union since talks reopened , and the owners have made it a part of each proposal .
“ Players want to play .
It ’ s who we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clark said in the statement .
“ Since March , the Association has made it clear that our No.1 focus is playing the fullest season possible , as soon as possible , as safely as possible .
Players agreed to billions in monetary concessions as a means to that end , and in the face of repeated media leaks and misdirection we made additional proposals to inject new revenues into the industry — proposals that would benefit the owners , players , broadcast partners , and fans alike .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallen upon deaf ears .
In recent days , owners have decried the supposed unprofitability of owning a baseball team and the Commissioner has repeatedly threatened to schedule a dramatically shortened season unless players agree to hundreds of millions in further concessions .
Our response has been consistent that such concessions are unwarranted , would be fundamentally unfair to players , and that our sport deserves the fullest 2020 season possible .
These remain our positions today , particularly in light of new reports regarding MLB ’ s national television rights — information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but were never provided .
This story will be updated as information becomes available .

When and where?
For the MLB players’ union, it has boiled down to that.
The players are done with what they call “futile” negotiations with the league. They’ve had enough of frustrating — and alienating — fans with a keen inability to get things done and clear a path once and for all to a 2020 season.
On a Saturday night that heated up in a hurry, the MLB Players Association rejected the league’s latest economic proposal to start the season and made it clear it will not counter. In a letter to the league, the union demanded MLB let it know how many games will be played and when players should report.
If owners want to keep crying poor, fine. If they refuse to pay salaries at 100% pro rata for a respectable number of games played, so be it.
For now.
“It unfortunately appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile,” MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said Saturday in a statement. “It’s time to get back to work. Tell us when and where.”
MLB responded with: “We are disappointed that the MLBPA has chosen not to negotiate in good faith over resumption of play. . . . We will evaluate the union’s refusal to adhere to the terms of the March agreement, and after consulting with ownership, determine the best course to bring baseball back to our fans.”
So there will be baseball this season. Hear that, Cubs and White Sox fans? In some form or fashion — perhaps as few as 48-50 games, with no expanded playoffs — there will be baseball.
But the players won’t be happy about the terms they’re playing under. And — the scary part — a bigger, longer, more contentious dispute between management and the union could be just around the corner.
MLB offered players 80% of their prorated salaries and a 72-game schedule beginning July 14 in an effort to start the pandemic-delayed season, according to details of the proposal obtained by the Associated Press. Players would get 70% of their prorated salaries during the regular season and the rest for completion of the postseason under MLB’s plan, given to the union Friday.
But reduced prorated pay has been a non-starter for the union since talks reopened, and the owners have made it a part of each proposal. The union first proposed 114 games and since has come down to as few as 89.
Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark today released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/d1p3Oj4K70 — MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) June 13, 2020
“In recent days, owners have decried the supposed unprofitability of owning a baseball team, and the commissioner has repeatedly threatened to schedule a dramatically shortened season unless players agree to hundreds of millions in further concessions,” Clark said in the statement. “Our response has been consistent that such concessions are unwarranted, would be fundamentally unfair to players, and that our sport deserves the fullest 2020 season possible. These remain our positions today, particularly in light of new reports regarding MLB’s national television rights — information we requested from the league weeks ago but were never provided.’’
And there’s what could be the key to it all — the television rights.
A couple of hours before the MLBPA released Clark’s statement, the New York Post reported that the league had reached a new billion-dollar deal with Turner Sports to keep a package that includes one of the league championship series on the network. The annual payout likely will be far higher than it is under the current deal, which ends in 2021.
Don’t forget, too, that MLB is looking into expanding its postseason. More playoff games could mean more networks bidding against one another, driving up revenues dramatically.
Guess who will want a big chunk of that? Yes, the players. Their collective bargaining agreement with the league — reached in March, before either side knew empty ballparks would be a reality once play starts — runs through 2021.
The fight then between the sides could be — to borrow a word from Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts — biblical.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-13--2 wounded in I-94 shooting near Englewood, local southbound lanes closed for investigation

Two people were wounded in a shooting Saturday on Interstate 94 , leading southbound lanes near Englewood to be shut @ @ @ @ @ The shooting happened at 4:48 p.m. near 59th Street , Illinois State police said .
@ @ @ @ @ area hospitals for serious injuries , but they were expected to survive .
Local lanes @ @ @ @ @ but traffic is being diverted to express lanes , state police said , while the @ @ @ @ @ on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Two men were wounded in a shooting Saturday on Interstate 94, leading southbound lanes near Englewood to be shut down for more than three hours while authorities investigated.
Illinois State police responded about 4:48 p.m. to the shooting near 59th Street, and found the two men inside a vehcle with gunshot wounds, Illinois State police said. They were taken to the hospital for serious injuries, but are expected to survive.
A preliminary investigation found that the two men were driving south on Interstate 94 when a passing vehicle fired shots at them near 59th Street, state police said.
Local lanes were closed at 59th Street as authorities investigated, state police said. They were reopened about 8:10 p.m.
The shooting remains under investigation, state police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Illinois State police at 847-294-4400.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-13--Atlanta police chief resigns one day after officer kills black man

ATLANTA — Atlanta ’ s police chief resigned Saturday hours after a black man was fatally shot by officers in a struggle following a field sobriety test .
Authorities said the slain man had grabbed an officer ’ s Taser , but was running away when he was shot .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the resignation of Police Chief Erika Shields at a Saturday news conference as roughly 150 protesters marched outside the Wendy ’ s restaurant where 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks was fatally shot late Friday .
The mayor also said she called for the immediate firing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force and have called for the immediate termination of the officer , ” Bottoms said .
She said it was Shields ’ own decision to step aside as police chief and that she would remain with the city in an undetermined role .
Interim Corrections Chief Rodney Bryant would serve as interim police chief until a permanent replacement is found .
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation , which is investigating the shooting , said the deadly confrontation started with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man was sleeping in a car blocking the restaurant ’ s drive-thru lane .
The GBI said Brooks failed a field sobriety test and then resisted officers ’ attempts to arrest him .
The GBI released security camera video of the shooting Saturday .
The footage shows a man running from two police officers as he raises a hand , which is holding some type of object , toward an officer a few steps behind him .
The officer draws his gun and fires as the man keeps running , then falls to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GBI Director Vic Reynolds said Brooks had grabbed a Taser from one of the officers and appeared to point it at the officer as he fled , prompting the officer to reach for his gun .
“ In a circumstance like this where an officer is involved in the use of deadly force , the public has a right to know what happened , ” GBI Director Vic Reynolds told a news conference on a day when protesters gathered at the scene of the shooting and in other areas of Atlanta .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ initial struggle with police .
The shooting came at a time of heightened tension over police brutality and calls for reforms across the U.S. following the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Atlanta was among U.S. cities where large crowds of protesters took to the streets .
A crowd of roughly 150 demonstrators , including members of Brooks ’ family , gathered Saturday outside the restaurant where he was shot .
Police shut down streets for several blocks around the restaurant as protesters marched peacefully in the streets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Georgia state troopers who lined up to block protesters as they tried to march onto a nearby interstate highway .
The demonstrators eventually turned away .
Among those protesting was Crystal Brooks , who said she is Rayshard Brooks ’ sister-in-law .
“ He wasn ’ t causing anyone any harm , ” she said .
“ The police went up to the car and even though the car was parked they pulled him out of the car and started tussling with him.
” She added : “ He did grab the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taser and ran.
” Shields , Atlanta ’ s police chief for less than four years , was initially praised in the days following Floyd ’ s death last month .
She said the Minnesota officers involved should go to prison and walked into crowds of protesters in downtown Atlanta , telling demonstrators she understood their frustrations and fears .
She appeared at Bottoms ’ side as the mayor made an impassioned plea for protesters to go home when things turned violent with smashed storefronts and police cruisers set ablaze .
Days later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three others caught on video May 30 in a hostile confrontation with two college students whose car was stuck in traffic caused by the protests .
The officers shouted at the pair , fired Tasers at them and dragged them from the vehicle .
When prosecutors charged six officers with crimes in the incident , however , Shields openly questioned the timing and appropriateness of the charges .
The shooting of Brooks two weeks later raised further questions about the Atlanta department .
In a statement , Shields said she chose to resign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love for this city and this department.
” “ It is time for the city to move forward and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve , ” Shields said .
Reynolds said his agents worked through the night interviewing witnesses and reviewing video .
He said their findings show that Brooks tried to fight off two officers when they tried to arrest him and at one point managed to take a Taser away from one of them .
A security camera recorded Brooks “ running or fleeing from Atlanta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It appears that he has in his hand a Taser.
” During a short foot chase Brooks “ turns around and it appears at that time he points a Taser at an Atlanta officer , ” Reynolds said .
That ’ s when the officer drew his gun and shot Brooks , he said , estimating the officer fired three times .
Reynolds said his agents will turn over results of their investigation to Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard , whose office will decide whether criminal charges are warranted against either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his office “ has already launched an intense , independent investigation of the incident ” without waiting for the GBI ’ s results .
The officers involved in the shooting were not identified .
Brooks died after being taken to an Atlanta hospital .
One of the officers was treated and released for unspecified injuries .

ATLANTA — Atlanta’s police chief resigned Saturday hours after a black man was fatally shot by officers in a struggle following a field sobriety test. Authorities said the slain man had grabbed an officer’s Taser, but was running away when he was shot.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the resignation of Police Chief Erika Shields at a Saturday news conference as roughly 150 protesters marched outside the Wendy’s restaurant where 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks was fatally shot late Friday. The mayor also said she called for the immediate firing of the officer who opened fire at Brooks.
“I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force and have called for the immediate termination of the officer,” Bottoms said.
She said it was Shields’ own decision to step aside as police chief and that she would remain with the city in an undetermined role. Interim Corrections Chief Rodney Bryant would serve as interim police chief until a permanent replacement is found.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating the shooting, said the deadly confrontation started with officers responding to a complaint that a man was sleeping in a car blocking the restaurant’s drive-thru lane. The GBI said Brooks failed a field sobriety test and then resisted officers’ attempts to arrest him.
The GBI released security camera video of the shooting Saturday. The footage shows a man running from two police officers as he raises a hand, which is holding some type of object, toward an officer a few steps behind him. The officer draws his gun and fires as the man keeps running, then falls to the ground in the parking lot.
GBI Director Vic Reynolds said Brooks had grabbed a Taser from one of the officers and appeared to point it at the officer as he fled, prompting the officer to reach for his gun.
“In a circumstance like this where an officer is involved in the use of deadly force, the public has a right to know what happened,” GBI Director Vic Reynolds told a news conference on a day when protesters gathered at the scene of the shooting and in other areas of Atlanta.
The security camera video does not show Brooks’ initial struggle with police.
The shooting came at a time of heightened tension over police brutality and calls for reforms across the U.S. following the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Atlanta was among U.S. cities where large crowds of protesters took to the streets.
A crowd of roughly 150 demonstrators, including members of Brooks’ family, gathered Saturday outside the restaurant where he was shot. Police shut down streets for several blocks around the restaurant as protesters marched peacefully in the streets. There was a short, tense standoff with Georgia state troopers who lined up to block protesters as they tried to march onto a nearby interstate highway. The demonstrators eventually turned away.
Among those protesting was Crystal Brooks, who said she is Rayshard Brooks’ sister-in-law.
“He wasn’t causing anyone any harm,” she said. “The police went up to the car and even though the car was parked they pulled him out of the car and started tussling with him.”
She added: “He did grab the Taser, but he just grabbed the Taser and ran.”
Shields, Atlanta’s police chief for less than four years, was initially praised in the days following Floyd’s death last month. She said the Minnesota officers involved should go to prison and walked into crowds of protesters in downtown Atlanta, telling demonstrators she understood their frustrations and fears. She appeared at Bottoms’ side as the mayor made an impassioned plea for protesters to go home when things turned violent with smashed storefronts and police cruisers set ablaze.
Days later, Shields fired two officers and benched three others caught on video May 30 in a hostile confrontation with two college students whose car was stuck in traffic caused by the protests. The officers shouted at the pair, fired Tasers at them and dragged them from the vehicle. When prosecutors charged six officers with crimes in the incident, however, Shields openly questioned the timing and appropriateness of the charges.
The shooting of Brooks two weeks later raised further questions about the Atlanta department. In a statement, Shields said she chose to resign “out of a deep and abiding love for this city and this department.”
“It is time for the city to move forward and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” Shields said.
Reynolds said his agents worked through the night interviewing witnesses and reviewing video. He said their findings show that Brooks tried to fight off two officers when they tried to arrest him and at one point managed to take a Taser away from one of them.
A security camera recorded Brooks “running or fleeing from Atlanta police officers,” Reynolds said. “It appears that he has in his hand a Taser.”
During a short foot chase Brooks “turns around and it appears at that time he points a Taser at an Atlanta officer,” Reynolds said. That’s when the officer drew his gun and shot Brooks, he said, estimating the officer fired three times.
Reynolds said his agents will turn over results of their investigation to Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, whose office will decide whether criminal charges are warranted against either of the officers.
Howard said Saturday his office “has already launched an intense, independent investigation of the incident” without waiting for the GBI’s results.
The officers involved in the shooting were not identified.
Brooks died after being taken to an Atlanta hospital. One of the officers was treated and released for unspecified injuries.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-13--Fox News removes altered photos of Seattle protest zone

SEATTLE — Fox News has removed digitally altered photos from its website after the Seattle Times on Friday noted misleading images used in the network ’ s coverage about a Seattle neighborhood that ’ s become a protest center against police brutality and racial injustice .
As of Saturday , Fox News included an editors note posted at the top of at least three stories on its website covering the protest zone , saying it replaced a “ home page photo collage ” because it “ did not clearly delineate between these images ” and that it “ mistakenly ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo in a slideshow about Seattle .
The Seattle Times reports Fox News ’ website featured at least two photos on Friday that inserted an image of a man standing with a military-style rifle , and that there were no disclaimers on how they were manipulated when featured on the network ’ s website for most of the day Friday .
The image of the gunman is from a Getty Images photo that was taken on June 10 at what is known as the “ Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone ” protest area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a green mask who was carrying a weapon while standing in front of a car .
The Seattle Times said Fox ’ s website used that gunman image for the network ’ s coverage of the protest zone , but the image was included in a mashup of other photos from May 30 that depicted smashed windows in downtown Seattle — before the protest zone was set up and in a different neighborhood .
The Seattle Times said Fox took down the photos after the newspaper inquired and a Fox News spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falsely claimed all photos were from the same week and the same location .
“ We have replaced our photo illustration with the clearly delineated images of a gunman and a shattered storefront , ” the Fox statement read in part .
The standards of journalism require photo illustrations to be clearly marked , and caution against using photos from different times and locations unless they are clearly marked because it can be misleading to the reader or viewer .
The gunman image was also inserted into a different June 10 Getty Images @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone that reads : “ YOU ARE NOW ENTERING FREE CAP HILL.
” The gunman and sign photos were taken by Seattle freelance photographer David Ryder , who then distributed the photo through Getty Images .
“ It is definitely Photoshopped , ” Ryder told the Seattle Times .
“ To use a photo out of context in a journalistic setting like that seems unethical.
” The Seattle Times also reported that Fox ’ s package of stories on Seattle ’ s protest zone included a May 30 photo taken by an Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car that was in St. Paul , Minnesota .
Fox has also since removed that image .
The Capitol Hill protest zone east of downtown Seattle has evolved this week into a festival-like scene after police on June 8 removed barricades near the East Precinct and largely abandoned the station in an effort to de-escalate tensions between officers and demonstrators .
The largely peaceful zone has drawn the ire of President Donald Trump , who fumed on Twitter that the city had been taken over by “ anarchists.
” Meanwhile , a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporarily stop using tear gas , pepper spray and flash-bang devices to break up largely peaceful protests .

SEATTLE — Fox News has removed digitally altered photos from its website after the Seattle Times on Friday noted misleading images used in the network’s coverage about a Seattle neighborhood that’s become a protest center against police brutality and racial injustice.
As of Saturday, Fox News included an editors note posted at the top of at least three stories on its website covering the protest zone, saying it replaced a “home page photo collage” because it “did not clearly delineate between these images” and that it “mistakenly” included a St. Paul, Minnesota, photo in a slideshow about Seattle.
The Seattle Times reports Fox News’ website featured at least two photos on Friday that inserted an image of a man standing with a military-style rifle, and that there were no disclaimers on how they were manipulated when featured on the network’s website for most of the day Friday.
The image of the gunman is from a Getty Images photo that was taken on June 10 at what is known as the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” protest area. The original photo showed an unidentified man wearing a green mask who was carrying a weapon while standing in front of a car.
The Seattle Times said Fox’s website used that gunman image for the network’s coverage of the protest zone, but the image was included in a mashup of other photos from May 30 that depicted smashed windows in downtown Seattle — before the protest zone was set up and in a different neighborhood.
As part of a package of stories about Seattle's CHAZ, Fox News published digitally altered and misleading photos in what photojournalism experts called a clear violation of ethical standards for news organizations. https://t.co/GEtYlpu2vm — The Seattle Times (@seattletimes) June 13, 2020
The Seattle Times said Fox took down the photos after the newspaper inquired and a Fox News spokeswoman acknowledged the issue in a statement that falsely claimed all photos were from the same week and the same location.
“We have replaced our photo illustration with the clearly delineated images of a gunman and a shattered storefront,” the Fox statement read in part.
The standards of journalism require photo illustrations to be clearly marked, and caution against using photos from different times and locations unless they are clearly marked because it can be misleading to the reader or viewer.
The gunman image was also inserted into a different June 10 Getty Images photo showing a sign from the protest zone that reads: “YOU ARE NOW ENTERING FREE CAP HILL.”
The gunman and sign photos were taken by Seattle freelance photographer David Ryder, who then distributed the photo through Getty Images.
“It is definitely Photoshopped,” Ryder told the Seattle Times. “To use a photo out of context in a journalistic setting like that seems unethical.”
The Seattle Times also reported that Fox’s package of stories on Seattle’s protest zone included a May 30 photo taken by an Associated Press photographer depicting a burning building and car that was in St. Paul, Minnesota. Fox has also since removed that image.
The Capitol Hill protest zone east of downtown Seattle has evolved this week into a festival-like scene after police on June 8 removed barricades near the East Precinct and largely abandoned the station in an effort to de-escalate tensions between officers and demonstrators.
The largely peaceful zone has drawn the ire of President Donald Trump, who fumed on Twitter that the city had been taken over by “anarchists.”
Meanwhile, a U.S. judge on Friday ordered Seattle police to temporarily stop using tear gas, pepper spray and flash-bang devices to break up largely peaceful protests.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-13--Notre Dame’s Louis Lesmond commits to Harvard

He was fresh off a sophomore season in which he played a small role , averaging 4.4 points for a Wildkits team that finished second in the state .
Despite the modest start to his high school career , Lesmond flashed all the tools and upside of a potential high-major player .
There was buzz surrounding the ultra-promising Lesmond , who was still getting acclimated to living in the United States after moving here from France .
He was already a City/Suburban Hoops Report top five prospect in the Class of 2021 , set to make a name for himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring and summer .
The 6-5 wing generated a ton of interest last summer and has reeled in high-major offers since .
Nebraska , Illinois , Oklahoma , Xavier , Marquette , DePaul and Wisconsin all offered .
But Lesmond chose a different path , combining high-level academics with Ivy League basketball .
He committed to Harvard Saturday afternoon .
“ Harvard is a high-major program that plays in the Ivy League , ” Lesmond said .
“ It ’ s a program that plays a high-level schedule , operates like a high-major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competing for a NCAA Tournament berth.
” Lesmond admits at the start of the recruiting process he was like many players around the country .
He thought about the high-major programs in Power Five conferences .
“ When Harvard wasn ’ t initially recruiting me , I did only think about conferences like the Big East , Big Ten and Big 12 , ” Lesmond said .
“ But when Harvard shows interest , you can ’ t ignore it .
The Harvard name carries a lot of weight .
I also looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best opportunities for me after basketball .
I get the best of both worlds at Harvard.
” Lesmond said he sat down with family , coaches and those closest to him to discuss the option of playing at Harvard and what it would mean to graduate with an Ivy League degree .
Notre Dame coach Kevin Clancy recognized his star player was looking at his college choice with a wide lens .
“ He ’ s someone who is looking at the bigger picture and life after basketball , ” Clancy said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long way when basketball is over .
Louis had a few things that were very important to him and Harvard provides all of those for him.
” That includes a head coach who Lesmond said he felt extremely comfortable with .
Coach Tommy Amaker has turned Harvard into an Ivy League power with four NCAA Tournament appearances and three trips to the NIT in his 13 years there .
“ Coach Amaker became very involved and did a really good job of recruiting me , ” Lesmond said .
“ He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfortable with and who has done a very good job of recruiting .
This is a great opportunity.
” The addition of Lesmond could go a long way in ending a current five-year NCAA Tournament drought for the Crimson .
Amaker brought in a much-talked about recruiting class in 2020 , which included four-star prospect Justice Ajogbor , a 6-9 center and top 100 prospect nationally .
Lesmond is the third Harvard commit in the Class of 2021 but one who clearly elevates the future of Harvard basketball .
This past season Lesmond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top teams in the state , in scoring with 16.5 points a game while adding 5.3 rebounds , 2.3 steals and shooting 44 percent from the three-point line .
The big wing has an enticing blend of athleticism , size and scoring ability with his shooting and offensive versatility .
“ Harvard is getting a kid who is a two-way player , ” Clancy said .
“ He shoots it at a high level and with range .
But he also has the ability to showcase great athleticism while being a willing and @ @ @ @ @

A year ago Louis Lesmond was a rising junior leaving Evanston for Niles Notre Dame.
He was fresh off a sophomore season in which he played a small role, averaging 4.4 points for a Wildkits team that finished second in the state.
Despite the modest start to his high school career, Lesmond flashed all the tools and upside of a potential high-major player. There was buzz surrounding the ultra-promising Lesmond, who was still getting acclimated to living in the United States after moving here from France.
He was already a City/Suburban Hoops Report top five prospect in the Class of 2021, set to make a name for himself among college coaches and other evaluators last spring and summer.
The 6-5 wing generated a ton of interest last summer and has reeled in high-major offers since. Nebraska, Illinois, Oklahoma, Xavier, Marquette, DePaul and Wisconsin all offered.
But Lesmond chose a different path, combining high-level academics with Ivy League basketball. He committed to Harvard Saturday afternoon.
“Harvard is a high-major program that plays in the Ivy League,” Lesmond said. “It’s a program that plays a high-level schedule, operates like a high-major program and is always right there, competing for a NCAA Tournament berth.”
Lesmond admits at the start of the recruiting process he was like many players around the country. He thought about the high-major programs in Power Five conferences.
“When Harvard wasn’t initially recruiting me, I did only think about conferences like the Big East, Big Ten and Big 12,” Lesmond said. “But when Harvard shows interest, you can’t ignore it. The Harvard name carries a lot of weight. I also looked at the big picture after basketball, the best opportunities for me after basketball. I get the best of both worlds at Harvard.”
Lesmond said he sat down with family, coaches and those closest to him to discuss the option of playing at Harvard and what it would mean to graduate with an Ivy League degree. Notre Dame coach Kevin Clancy recognized his star player was looking at his college choice with a wide lens.
“He’s someone who is looking at the bigger picture and life after basketball,” Clancy said. “That Harvard degree will go a long way when basketball is over. Louis had a few things that were very important to him and Harvard provides all of those for him.”
That includes a head coach who Lesmond said he felt extremely comfortable with. Coach Tommy Amaker has turned Harvard into an Ivy League power with four NCAA Tournament appearances and three trips to the NIT in his 13 years there.
“Coach Amaker became very involved and did a really good job of recruiting me,” Lesmond said. “He’s a coach I trust, feel comfortable with and who has done a very good job of recruiting. This is a great opportunity.”
Notre Dame’s Louis Lesmond (23) shoots the ball over Curie’s Armond Williams (25). Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times
The addition of Lesmond could go a long way in ending a current five-year NCAA Tournament drought for the Crimson. Amaker brought in a much-talked about recruiting class in 2020, which included four-star prospect Justice Ajogbor, a 6-9 center and top 100 prospect nationally.
Lesmond is the third Harvard commit in the Class of 2021 but one who clearly elevates the future of Harvard basketball.
This past season Lesmond led Notre Dame, one of the top teams in the state, in scoring with 16.5 points a game while adding 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals and shooting 44 percent from the three-point line.
The big wing has an enticing blend of athleticism, size and scoring ability with his shooting and offensive versatility.
“Harvard is getting a kid who is a two-way player,” Clancy said. “He shoots it at a high level and with range. But he also has the ability to showcase great athleticism while being a willing and able defensive player.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-13--29 more Illinois coronavirus deaths, 673 new cases

Public health officials on Saturday announced the latest 29 deaths attributed to the coronavirus in Illinois , raising the state ’ s toll to 6,289 .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also said an additional 673 people tested positive for COVID-19 .
A total of 131,871 people have contracted the virus since late January .
That capped a week of relatively low coronavirus numbers that continue to decline from an apparent peak in mid-May .
Saturday marked eight straight days the state has reported fewer than 1,000 new cases , and nine consecutive days with fewer than 100 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 595 , which was Illinois ’ lowest since March 30 .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s office touted a Fortune magazine analysis that found Illinois has seen the largest decrease of any state in the nation in average daily coronavirus caseloads over the last two weeks .
The vast majority of those who ’ ve been infected — about 93 % — have recovered , while nursing homes continue to account for an outsize portion of the pandemic ’ s impact on Illinois , according to statistics on long-term care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A total of 3,433 have died of COVID-19 among the 20,550 who have been infected at long-term care facilities , the health department said .
That ’ s an increase in 380 deaths and 1,713 cases since the state released its last snapshot of the nursing home situation a week ago .
They now make up 55 % of the state death toll and 16 % of the total case tally .
Cook County — which has logged the most coronavirus cases of any county in the nation with more than 84,000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Illinois epicenter for nursing home cases as well .
State figures show 1,959 people have died among the 11,768 cases that have been tied to the county ’ s long-term care facilities .
Testing positivity rates continued trending in the right direction , though officials have warned that limited reopenings and widespread protests this month could potentially result in a case spike over the next few weeks .
Illinois ’ rolling positivity rate over the last week is 3 % .
That keeps all regions of the state on track for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s reopening plan June 26 , though Chicago officials say the city will likely trail slightly behind that with a July 1 advancement .

Public health officials on Saturday announced the latest 29 deaths attributed to the coronavirus in Illinois, raising the state’s toll to 6,289.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also said an additional 673 people tested positive for COVID-19. A total of 131,871 people have contracted the virus since late January.
That capped a week of relatively low coronavirus numbers that continue to decline from an apparent peak in mid-May. Saturday marked eight straight days the state has reported fewer than 1,000 new cases, and nine consecutive days with fewer than 100 deaths. And it followed a Friday case total of 595, which was Illinois’ lowest since March 30.
Graph not displaying properly? Click here.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office touted a Fortune magazine analysis that found Illinois has seen the largest decrease of any state in the nation in average daily coronavirus caseloads over the last two weeks.
The vast majority of those who’ve been infected — about 93% — have recovered, while nursing homes continue to account for an outsize portion of the pandemic’s impact on Illinois, according to statistics on long-term care facilities released by the state Friday.
A total of 3,433 have died of COVID-19 among the 20,550 who have been infected at long-term care facilities, the health department said.
That’s an increase in 380 deaths and 1,713 cases since the state released its last snapshot of the nursing home situation a week ago. They now make up 55% of the state death toll and 16% of the total case tally.
Cook County — which has logged the most coronavirus cases of any county in the nation with more than 84,000, according to Johns Hopkins University — remains the Illinois epicenter for nursing home cases as well. State figures show 1,959 people have died among the 11,768 cases that have been tied to the county’s long-term care facilities.
Testing positivity rates continued trending in the right direction, though officials have warned that limited reopenings and widespread protests this month could potentially result in a case spike over the next few weeks. Illinois’ rolling positivity rate over the last week is 3%.
That keeps all regions of the state on track for more reopenings with Phase 4 of Pritzker’s reopening plan June 26, though Chicago officials say the city will likely trail slightly behind that with a July 1 advancement.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-14--Business robberies reported in Rogers Park

Police are warning businesses about a pair of robberies last week in the same Rogers Park block on the North @ @ @ @ @ , a man entered a store in the 7000 block of North Sheridan Road and @ @ @ @ @ had a gun before demanding cash or taking it from the register , according to @ @ @ @ @ police .
The first robbery happened at 8:53 p.m. June 9 , during which the @ @ @ @ @ victim , police said .
The robber was described as a 5-foot-10 man about 25 @ @ @ @ @ second robbery , about 10:50 p.m. June 10 , the suspect was described as a @ @ @ @ @ 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds , police said .
A second suspect , described as a @ @ @ @ @ weighing 170 pounds , waited outside the store and both men drove off in a @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with information is asked to call Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s homicides .

Police are warning businesses about a pair of robberies last week in the same Rogers Park block on the North Side.
In each case, a man entered a store in the 7000 block of North Sheridan Road and displayed or implied that he had a gun before demanding cash or taking it from the register, according to a business alert from Chicago police.
The first robbery happened at 8:53 p.m. June 9, during which the suspect used force on a victim, police said. The robber was described as a 5-foot-10 man about 25 years old.
In the second robbery, about 10:50 p.m. June 10, the suspect was described as a 25- to 30-year-old man about 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, police said. A second suspect, described as a 25-year-old man standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 170 pounds, waited outside the store and both men drove off in a red van or SUV.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-14--Dear Abby: Instead of conversing, parents complain about politics — every time

DEAR ABBY : How can I converse with my parents who can not and will not keep their political opinions to themselves ?
They literally can not have a conversation of more than a few minutes that doesn ’ t spiral into a litany of complaints about the government .
I end every conversation angry , either at myself for not speaking up or at them for not shutting up .
It does no good to ask them not to discuss politics .
They say they ’ ll discuss what they want in their own home or remind me that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiated the call — I ’ m the one who can end it if I don ’ t like what I ’ m hearing .
Heaven forbid anyone disagree with their opinions .
They have cut off family and friends for decades over differences of opinion .
I suggested they volunteer in their political community in hopes of redirecting their obsessions into something positive , but they refuse .
I ’ m at a loss .
I no longer hope for a relationship with them .
I need tips on how to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OFF IN TENNESSEE DEAR TURNED OFF : If what your parents do all day is listen to political talk shows , it may account for their “ obsession.
” When you call them , keep a list close by of things you want to tell them .
Ask if they need anything you can provide , how they are doing healthwise , how they are managing with the social disruption that has taken place .
Tell them how you are , what you have been doing and what you might have heard about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then , if the conversation veers into a political polemic , do as they have suggested .
Make an excuse to end the conversation before it turns ugly .
DEAR ABBY : My 30-year-old daughter and her husband separated three months ago .
After three years of marriage and months of counseling , she moved in with my husband and me .
We were delighted .
She started spending a lot of time helping a male friend renovate his house and has essentially been living with him since the COVID outbreak .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I have been open about my concern that she ’ s rushing into this relationship .
I encouraged her to see a counselor on her own , which she is doing .
Tonight she shared that she is excited that he booked a trip for them for late summer .
I ’ m struggling because she is still married , and I feel uncomfortable about her relationship with this new guy .
Am I too old-fashioned ?
— WORRYING MOM IN PENNSYLVANIA DEAR MOM : You are not too old-fashioned .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is on the rebound .
Could it be she was already having feelings for this man as she was ending her marriage ?
I ’ m glad she listened to you and was willing to seek counseling .
You gave her good advice .
May I suggest you offer her more ?
Suggest she talk to a lawyer about how her current arrangement might affect a divorce if she and her husband choose to go through with one .
That she is essentially living with someone could be construed as having abandoned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an amicable settlement .
DEAR ABBY : Is it appropriate to eat off a commemorative plate ?
— WONDERING IN CALIFORNIA DEAR WONDERING : If the plate can be washed without damaging it , it ’ s fine , unless it ’ s a Dear Abby commemorative plate , of course , in which case it should be treated with the same veneration one would treat a religious relic .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person , order “ How to Be Popular.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Popularity Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: How can I converse with my parents who cannot and will not keep their political opinions to themselves? They literally cannot have a conversation of more than a few minutes that doesn’t spiral into a litany of complaints about the government. I end every conversation angry, either at myself for not speaking up or at them for not shutting up.
It does no good to ask them not to discuss politics. They say they’ll discuss what they want in their own home or remind me that — when I was the one who initiated the call — I’m the one who can end it if I don’t like what I’m hearing. Heaven forbid anyone disagree with their opinions. They have cut off family and friends for decades over differences of opinion.
I suggested they volunteer in their political community in hopes of redirecting their obsessions into something positive, but they refuse. I’m at a loss. I no longer hope for a relationship with them. I need tips on how to speak to them with grace. — TURNED OFF IN TENNESSEE
DEAR TURNED OFF: If what your parents do all day is listen to political talk shows, it may account for their “obsession.”
When you call them, keep a list close by of things you want to tell them. Ask if they need anything you can provide, how they are doing healthwise, how they are managing with the social disruption that has taken place. Tell them how you are, what you have been doing and what you might have heard about family members or friends they know. Then, if the conversation veers into a political polemic, do as they have suggested. Make an excuse to end the conversation before it turns ugly.
DEAR ABBY: My 30-year-old daughter and her husband separated three months ago. After three years of marriage and months of counseling, she moved in with my husband and me. We were delighted.
She started spending a lot of time helping a male friend renovate his house and has essentially been living with him since the COVID outbreak. It’s clearly more than a friendship. I have been open about my concern that she’s rushing into this relationship. I encouraged her to see a counselor on her own, which she is doing.
Tonight she shared that she is excited that he booked a trip for them for late summer. I’m struggling because she is still married, and I feel uncomfortable about her relationship with this new guy. Am I too old-fashioned? — WORRYING MOM IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR MOM: You are not too old-fashioned. You are the concerned mom of a woman who is on the rebound. Could it be she was already having feelings for this man as she was ending her marriage?
I’m glad she listened to you and was willing to seek counseling. You gave her good advice. May I suggest you offer her more? Suggest she talk to a lawyer about how her current arrangement might affect a divorce if she and her husband choose to go through with one. That she is essentially living with someone could be construed as having abandoned her husband, and it might prevent an amicable settlement.
DEAR ABBY: Is it appropriate to eat off a commemorative plate? — WONDERING IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR WONDERING: If the plate can be washed without damaging it, it’s fine, unless it’s a Dear Abby commemorative plate, of course, in which case it should be treated with the same veneration one would treat a religious relic.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)