chicagosun-times--2020-05-04--Dart touts improvements, warns of security issues as Cook County Jail battles COVID-19

New protocols put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 inside Cook County Jail may be wearing on detainees , and may not be possible to maintain if the usual summertime rise in arrests leads to an influx of inmates , lawyers for Sheriff Tom Dart said in a court-ordered report .
The report details changes made at the jail where more than 500 detainees and 300-plus jail staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Six detainees and one corrections officer have also died from complications related to coronavirus since late March .
The report given to U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 200 pages of documentation showing the twice-weekly distribution of soap and cleansers to detainees , and nearly a dozen coronavirus-related disturbances inside the jail complex within the last month .
Inmate advocates in March filed a class-action lawsuit seeking the release or transfer of elderly and medically compromised detainees , prompting Kennelly to order heightened sanitation and single cells for detainees wherever possible .
Dart has angrily contested criticism of his handling of the outbreak , citing massive efforts including reopening long-closed sections of the jail and converting a former boot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite those efforts , the number of detainees who have COVID-19 peaked at 274 on April 12 , according to data compiled from the sheriff ’ s public reports by Injustice Watch .
Changes to jail procedures have caused some to become restive over a lack of activities and anxious about catching coronavirus , Dart ’ s lawyers wrote in the report , citing coordinated protests and a destructive “ uprising ” involving more than a dozen inmates .
“ There have recently been an increasing number of incidents involving multiple detainees acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Sheriff in response to the COVID-19 outbreak , ” the report states .
The incidents include : • Detainees who had been moved into a dormitory-style housing tier in the jail ’ s Residential Treatment Unit — which typically is home to low-risk inmates with medical problems — staged an “ uprising , ” tearing apart medical equipment to use as weapons and flooding the tier with soapy water .
• Female prisoners on a tier reserved for COVID-19 positive detainees pulled off their masks and coughed on the corrections officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Inmates on a quarantine tier refused to wear surgical masks when ordered to do so by corrections officers .
• Detainees on two tiers refused dinner in their cells on separate days in April , though guards reported the detainees did eat the food they bought in the commissary .
Lawyers for the detainees declined to comment on the report , but said they would file a response in court soon .
Jail officials have been able to find space to practice social distancing by reopening portions of the jail , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and joint efforts by the public defender , state ’ s attorney and criminal court judges have reduced the number of detainees to a record low of just over 4,000 in recent weeks .
But finding room to practice social distancing will be all but impossible if the jail population rises as it typically does in the summer months , the report states .
“ The first warm Spring weekend may now be upon us , and the officers are bracing for a wave of new detainees .
However , the resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already under the court ’ s order , ” the report states .
“ A sudden spike in the jail population in the near term would upend the delicately balanced housing arrangements currently in place , and there are few alternatives left that would allow the jail to operate effectively and still permit ‘ full ’ social distancing throughout the jail .
”

New protocols put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 inside Cook County Jail may be wearing on detainees, and may not be possible to maintain if the usual summertime rise in arrests leads to an influx of inmates, lawyers for Sheriff Tom Dart said in a court-ordered report.
The report details changes made at the jail where more than 500 detainees and 300-plus jail staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. Six detainees and one corrections officer have also died from complications related to coronavirus since late March.
The report given to U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly last week includes more than 200 pages of documentation showing the twice-weekly distribution of soap and cleansers to detainees, and nearly a dozen coronavirus-related disturbances inside the jail complex within the last month.
Inmate advocates in March filed a class-action lawsuit seeking the release or transfer of elderly and medically compromised detainees, prompting Kennelly to order heightened sanitation and single cells for detainees wherever possible.
Dart has angrily contested criticism of his handling of the outbreak, citing massive efforts including reopening long-closed sections of the jail and converting a former boot camp into a 500-bed quarantine hospital. Despite those efforts, the number of detainees who have COVID-19 peaked at 274 on April 12, according to data compiled from the sheriff’s public reports by Injustice Watch.
Changes to jail procedures have caused some to become restive over a lack of activities and anxious about catching coronavirus, Dart’s lawyers wrote in the report, citing coordinated protests and a destructive “uprising” involving more than a dozen inmates.
“There have recently been an increasing number of incidents involving multiple detainees acting in concert in response to measures implemented by the Sheriff in response to the COVID-19 outbreak,” the report states. The incidents include:
• Detainees who had been moved into a dormitory-style housing tier in the jail’s Residential Treatment Unit — which typically is home to low-risk inmates with medical problems — staged an “uprising,” tearing apart medical equipment to use as weapons and flooding the tier with soapy water.
• Female prisoners on a tier reserved for COVID-19 positive detainees pulled off their masks and coughed on the corrections officers who were separating them during a brawl.
• Inmates on a quarantine tier refused to wear surgical masks when ordered to do so by corrections officers.
• Detainees on two tiers refused dinner in their cells on separate days in April, though guards reported the detainees did eat the food they bought in the commissary.
Lawyers for the detainees declined to comment on the report, but said they would file a response in court soon.
Jail officials have been able to find space to practice social distancing by reopening portions of the jail, which once housed more than 11,000 detainees, and joint efforts by the public defender, state’s attorney and criminal court judges have reduced the number of detainees to a record low of just over 4,000 in recent weeks. But finding room to practice social distancing will be all but impossible if the jail population rises as it typically does in the summer months, the report states.
“The first warm Spring weekend may now be upon us, and the officers are bracing for a wave of new detainees. However, the resources at the Jail are reaching their limit already under the court’s order,” the report states.
“A sudden spike in the jail population in the near term would upend the delicately balanced housing arrangements currently in place, and there are few alternatives left that would allow the jail to operate effectively and still permit ‘full’ social distancing throughout the jail.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-04--Man killed in Schiller Park crash

Man killed in Schiller Park crash

A 20-year-old man was killed in a crash Sunday in northwest suburban Schiller Park .
A motorcycle collided with a @ @ @ @ @ the 9500 block of Lawrence Avenue , according to the Cook County medical examiner ’ @ @ @ @ @ , of Wonder Lake , was pronounced dead about 25 minutes later , the medical @ @ @ @ @ .
An autopsy confirmed he died of injuries sustained in the crash and ruled his @ @ @ @ @ Park police did not immediately reply to a request for details on the crash .

A 20-year-old motorcyclist died after crashing into a vehicle Sunday evening in Schiller Park.
Andrew Westfallen, of Wonder Lake, collided with a vehicle about 7:45 p.m. in the 9500 block of Lawrence Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
He died at the scene, according to an emailed statement from Schiller Park Police Deputy Chief Joseph DeSimone.
A preliminary investigation shows that the motorcycle was going west on Lawrence Avenue when it collided with a 2013 Hyundai Sonata turning north on Wesley Terrace from eastbound Lawrence Avenue, DeSimone said.
The driver of the Hyundai, a 41-year-old woman from Schiller Park, was uninjured, DeSimone said.
An autopsy revealed that Westfallen died of injuries from the crash, according to the medical examiner’s office. His death was ruled accidental.
The crash remains under investigation by the Schiller Park police and the Major Case Assistance Team, DeSimone said.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-04--The Imagination Project Honorable Mentions

Illinois ‘ getting ready for point where we can begin to reopen the economy , ’ Pritzker says During an @ @ @ @ @ `` Face the Nation , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Illinois has `` really @ @ @ @ @ while noting that hospitalizations have only been `` increasing barely . ''

Join us as we recognize the talented, creative students who entered The Imagination Project, a student art contest from the Chicago Sun-Times. These young artists received honorable mentions in the contest and showed us their interpretations of our theme, Brighter Days.
Lila D. — 4th grade
Stephanie R. — 5th grade
Avery M. — 5th grade
Diviny L. — 5th grade
Mia R. — 5th grade
Addison K. — 6th grade
Emily S. — 6th grade
Anneke G. — 6th grade
Marissa M. — 7th grade
Rachel K. — 8th grade


chicagosun-times--2020-05-04--America’s road back from COVID-19 must begin with an end to the politics of division

We think we can all agree that the woman who carried an “ Arbeit macht frei , JB ” sign at a downtown rally on Friday was not speaking for a significant number of people in Illinois .
She was speaking for Nazis .
But more importantly , we don ’ t believe the hundreds of demonstrators at the Thompson Center rally , or at a larger rally in Springfield on the same day , were speaking for a significant number of people — not when it comes to Illinois ’ response to COVID-19 .
The demonstrators in their foolish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing and no respect for science — were out of step with the vast majority of people in Illinois , who accept that the coronavirus is real and deadly and have been working hard to keep it at bay .
Our state , like our nation and the world , will be living with the fallout of the coronavirus for a long time — years , not months .
The pandemic , long after it has ebbed , will continue to reshape every aspect of American life , from whether we go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers to how we produce and deliver food .
Our country faces sustained high unemployment .
The practical challenges will be enormous , but the political challenges will be even greater in a nation that already is deeply divided .
We will need leaders who seek to unite us , as the current president does not , and we will need data-driven , non-ideological solutions that appeal to the widest number of Americans .
Ideological groups on the right or left can ’ t be the tail that wags the dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us Consider the demonstrators at those rallies in Chicago and Springfield on Friday — what a joke .
They waved signs that read “ Stop the shamdemic ” and “ the coronavirus is a hoax.
” If they had it their way , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order would be lifted immediately and everybody would flock to county fairs tomorrow , free to cough all over each other .
The protesters were angry and loud and claimed to speak for a lot of us , but they did not .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , working it for the cameras .
The reality is that the great majority of people in Illinois have stood firm with Pritzker in this fight against COVID-19 .
They respect the science of how the virus spreads and the necessity of the governor ’ s stay-at-home order .
They don ’ t want to get sick and they don ’ t want Grandma to die .
They understand that personal liberty doesn ’ t mean somebody gets to roll the dice with somebody else ’ s health .
As Rich Miller of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Sun-Times , a new poll has found that a “ whopping 77 % ” of Illinois residents support Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order , while only 18 % oppose it and 4 % don ’ t know .
On the other end of the political spectrum , Pritzker and other local Democrats , such as Mayor Lori Lightfoot , have been catching grief from lefties who are using the pandemic to further their own dubious , if well-intended , agenda .
They are calling for rent strikes and rent control — bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be released en masse — a dangerous idea .
They think it ’ s terrible that Lightfoot has named Sam Skinner — a known Republican !
— to head a coronavirus recovery task force .
Skinner was a chief of staff to President George H.W .
Bush .
We suppose the thinking of ideologues on both sides , right and left , is that the pandemic offers them a unique opportunity to finally make headway on longstanding aims .
Or , as Chicago ’ s most recent past mayor liked to say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste.
” And , we suppose , in our call for a more pragmatic , data-driven , science-solid , nationally unifying approach to the politics of the pandemic , we ’ re doing the same .
Maybe this public health crisis finally will drive home to more Americans how devastating the politics of division have been for our country .
At a time when tens of thousands of Americans are dying from COVID-19 , which so far has no cure , can we finally agree that there ’ s something horribly wrong with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who carry assault weapons into the state capitol in Michigan , or who mocks a former president , George W. Bush , just for calling for national unity ?
Allow us to quote from Bush ’ s offending words : “ In the final analysis , we are not partisan combatants .
We are human beings , equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God .
We rise or fall together , and we are determined to rise.
” America ’ s best chance at rebounding from the pandemic , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of us , begins with true leadership and an end to the politics of division .
If we seek common ground , all else can flow .

We think we can all agree that the woman who carried an “Arbeit macht frei, JB” sign at a downtown rally on Friday was not speaking for a significant number of people in Illinois.
She was speaking for Nazis.
But more importantly, we don’t believe the hundreds of demonstrators at the Thompson Center rally, or at a larger rally in Springfield on the same day, were speaking for a significant number of people — not when it comes to Illinois’ response to COVID-19.
The demonstrators in their foolish approach — no masks, no social distancing and no respect for science — were out of step with the vast majority of people in Illinois, who accept that the coronavirus is real and deadly and have been working hard to keep it at bay.
Our state, like our nation and the world, will be living with the fallout of the coronavirus for a long time — years, not months. The pandemic, long after it has ebbed, will continue to reshape every aspect of American life, from whether we go to concerts to the wisdom of relying on foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers to how we produce and deliver food. Our country faces sustained high unemployment.
The practical challenges will be enormous, but the political challenges will be even greater in a nation that already is deeply divided. We will need leaders who seek to unite us, as the current president does not, and we will need data-driven, non-ideological solutions that appeal to the widest number of Americans.
Ideological groups on the right or left can’t be the tail that wags the dog.
They don’t speak for us
Consider the demonstrators at those rallies in Chicago and Springfield on Friday — what a joke. They waved signs that read “Stop the shamdemic” and “the coronavirus is a hoax.” If they had it their way, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order would be lifted immediately and everybody would flock to county fairs tomorrow, free to cough all over each other.
The protesters were angry and loud and claimed to speak for a lot of us, but they did not. They were a know-nothing, right-wing fringe, working it for the cameras.
The reality is that the great majority of people in Illinois have stood firm with Pritzker in this fight against COVID-19. They respect the science of how the virus spreads and the necessity of the governor’s stay-at-home order. They don’t want to get sick and they don’t want Grandma to die. They understand that personal liberty doesn’t mean somebody gets to roll the dice with somebody else’s health.
As Rich Miller of Capitol Fax reported on Sunday in the Chicago Sun-Times, a new poll has found that a “whopping 77%” of Illinois residents support Pritzker’s stay-at-home order, while only 18% oppose it and 4% don’t know.
Dubious lefty critics
On the other end of the political spectrum, Pritzker and other local Democrats, such as Mayor Lori Lightfoot, have been catching grief from lefties who are using the pandemic to further their own dubious, if well-intended, agenda.
They are calling for rent strikes and rent control — bad ideas — and they say prisoners should be released en masse — a dangerous idea. They think it’s terrible that Lightfoot has named Sam Skinner — a known Republican! — to head a coronavirus recovery task force. Skinner was a chief of staff to President George H.W. Bush.
We suppose the thinking of ideologues on both sides, right and left, is that the pandemic offers them a unique opportunity to finally make headway on longstanding aims. Or, as Chicago’s most recent past mayor liked to say, “Never let a crisis go to waste.”
And, we suppose, in our call for a more pragmatic, data-driven, science-solid, nationally unifying approach to the politics of the pandemic, we’re doing the same. Maybe this public health crisis finally will drive home to more Americans how devastating the politics of division have been for our country.
A call for national unity
At a time when tens of thousands of Americans are dying from COVID-19, which so far has no cure, can we finally agree that there’s something horribly wrong with President Donald Trump, who cheers protesters who carry assault weapons into the state capitol in Michigan, or who mocks a former president, George W. Bush, just for calling for national unity?
Allow us to quote from Bush’s offending words:
“In the final analysis, we are not partisan combatants. We are human beings, equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God. We rise or fall together, and we are determined to rise.”
America’s best chance at rebounding from the pandemic, in a way that’s fair to all of us, begins with true leadership and an end to the politics of division. If we seek common ground, all else can flow.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-04--From the archives: Reliving episodes 5 and 6 of ‘The Last Dance’

Here ’ s how the Sun-Times originally reported some of the topics covered in episodes 5 and 6 of the @ @ @ @ @ Dance.
” From the archives : Reliving episodes 5 and 6 of ‘ The Last @ @ @ @ @ options for : From the archives : Reliving episodes 5 and 6 of ‘ The @ @ @ @ @ s installments of the “ The Last Dance , ” ESPN ’ s 10-part documentary @ @ @ @ @ championship season , touched on several topics from and leading up to that season .
@ @ @ @ @ Michael Jordan ’ s gambling to the 1992 Olympic Dream Team , here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ some of those events at the time .

Sunday’s installments of the “The Last Dance,” ESPN’s 10-part documentary on the Bulls’ final championship season, touched on several topics from and leading up to that season.
From the many stories surrounding Michael Jordan’s gambling to the 1992 Olympic Dream Team, here’s how the Sun-Times reported on some of those events at the time.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-04--Jordan’s appearance in court is brief one

CHARLOTTE , N.C. — Bulls star Michael Jordan had his day in court Thursday , and it lasted nine minutes .
On the witness stand , Jordan admitted he gave James “ Slim ” Bouler a cashier ’ s check for $ 57,000 to cover gambling losses from a weekend of high-stakes golf and poker last year in Hilton Head , S.C. Bouler , 41 , is on trial in federal court on drug and money-laundering charges .
A jury , which is expected to receive the case today after closing arguments , will consider whether Bouler , if guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jordan .
Jordan is not under federal investigation and has not been tied to any drug activity .
Wearing an olive suit , white shirt and yellow-and-black tie , Jordan appeared at the courthouse as a limousine circled the front of the building to draw media away from the entrance .
Accompanied by a three-man entourage , including his father James , Jordan was whisked into a room adjoining the courtroom .
Defense attorney James Wyatt , leaning back in his chair with his right leg resting on his left knee , began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star need not list his accomplishments .
Wyatt : “ Are you the guy on the Wheaties box ?
” Jordan spoke clearly and softly , sometimes trailing off at the end of sentences , as he answered questions regarding his relationship with Bouler and the $ 57,000 .
Jordan said he has known Bouler for four years and golfed with him eight to 10 times during that period .
He said all the meetings were arranged through a third party .
The two wagered from $ 20 to $ 1,000 a hole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the $ 57,000 was for , Jordan answered : “ For what I lost gambling on golf and later in poker when he loaned me some money .
I didn ’ t have any money.
” Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Whitney asked Jordan why he originally described the $ 57,000 as a loan to Bouler for a golf range .
“ It was not represented as a loan at all , ” Jordan said .
“ It was my immediate reaction to the media after a game to save embarrassment and pain ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who broke down in tears while testifying earlier in the day , sat passively as Jordan testified .
“ I said what I had to say , ” Jordan told reporters outside the courtroom .
“ Did you tell the truth ?
” someone yelled .
Jordan ’ s father said his son has nothing to be embarrassed about .
“ Michael is human , just like everybody else , ” James Jordan said .
“ What he did in private is not anything to be ashamed of .
People are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to .
“ But what people must realize is that he ’ s just like every other guy that walks the street .
There was only one perfect person that I ever heard talked about , and that ’ s God .
Michael is not God.
” Jordan ’ s availability for this weekend ’ s pre-season games in Albuquerque , N.M. , and Denver is still uncertain .
He said earlier in the week he would not make the trip .
“ I will talk to him and see how he feels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phil Jackson said Thursday .
“ Then we will go from there .

Originally published Oct. 23, 1992.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bulls star Michael Jordan had his day in court Thursday, and it lasted nine minutes.
On the witness stand, Jordan admitted he gave James “Slim” Bouler a cashier’s check for $57,000 to cover gambling losses from a weekend of high-stakes golf and poker last year in Hilton Head, S.C.
Bouler, 41, is on trial in federal court on drug and money-laundering charges.
A jury, which is expected to receive the case today after closing arguments, will consider whether Bouler, if guilty, should forfeit the $57,000 from Jordan.
Jordan is not under federal investigation and has not been tied to any drug activity.
Wearing an olive suit, white shirt and yellow-and-black tie, Jordan appeared at the courthouse as a limousine circled the front of the building to draw media away from the entrance. Accompanied by a three-man entourage, including his father James, Jordan was whisked into a room adjoining the courtroom.
Defense attorney James Wyatt, leaning back in his chair with his right leg resting on his left knee, began questioning Jordan by joking the Bulls’ star need not list his accomplishments.
Wyatt: “Are you the guy on the Wheaties box?”
Jordan answered, “Yes.”
Jordan spoke clearly and softly, sometimes trailing off at the end of sentences, as he answered questions regarding his relationship with Bouler and the $57,000.
Jordan said he has known Bouler for four years and golfed with him eight to 10 times during that period. He said all the meetings were arranged through a third party. The two wagered from $20 to $1,000 a hole on golf.
When Wyatt asked what the $57,000 was for, Jordan answered: “For what I lost gambling on golf and later in poker when he loaned me some money. I didn’t have any money.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Whitney asked Jordan why he originally described the $57,000 as a loan to Bouler for a golf range.
“It was not represented as a loan at all,” Jordan said. “It was my immediate reaction to the media after a game to save embarrassment and pain ... and the connection to gambling.”
Bouler, who broke down in tears while testifying earlier in the day, sat passively as Jordan testified.
“I said what I had to say,” Jordan told reporters outside the courtroom.
“Did you tell the truth?” someone yelled.
“Oh, yeah,” Jordan said.
Jordan’s father said his son has nothing to be embarrassed about.
“Michael is human, just like everybody else,” James Jordan said. “What he did in private is not anything to be ashamed of. People are going to make of it what they want to.
“But what people must realize is that he’s just like every other guy that walks the street. There was only one perfect person that I ever heard talked about, and that’s God. Michael is not God.”
Jordan’s availability for this weekend’s pre-season games in Albuquerque, N.M., and Denver is still uncertain. He said earlier in the week he would not make the trip.
“I will talk to him and see how he feels mentally and physically,” Bulls coach Phil Jackson said Thursday. “Then we will go from there.


Jordan enjoys a gamble

Michael Jordan changed his tune Wednesday from “ The Sounds of Silence ” to the theme from “ You Bet Your Life.
” In his first interview since a self-imposed media boycott began May 26 , Jordan told NBC sportscaster Ahmad Rashad that gambling is a hobby for him and not a serious addiction .
After the game , he answered one reporter succinctly as to his why breaking the silence : “ Because I feel like talkin ’ .
” Jordan told Rashad — who played an earnest devil ’ s advocate despite the plum scoop — he ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could enjoy the history we ’ re about to make winning the third ( straight ) championship.
” This verbal explosion was on his terms , and clearly aimed at denying any wrongdoing as far as gambling .
He broke off normal relations with the media following news revelations that Jordan visited an Atlantic City casino before Game 2 of the Knicks-Bulls series two weeks ago .
The interview aired at halftime of Game 1 of the Bulls-Suns NBA Finals series .
“ It was a means of relaxing with my family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gambling .
“ It got me ready to play the game .
I think the media took it out of context.
” Jordan , in a light gray suit , black sunglasses , white shirt and patterned tie , appeared calm and smiled at one point .
“ A lot of people say well , maybe he shouldn ’ t have done it at that particular time or it was just a bad scenario .
Well , no one knows what ’ s a good and what ’ s a bad scenario unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that scenario.
” Last Friday Jordan interrupted his boycott with a five-paragraph statement that disputed claims made by a San Diego entertainment executive that he lost $ 1.25 million in golf bets .
That claim was made in a book .
“ For what I have bet , yeah , it ’ s a little more than I wanted to lose — but I have paid off all my debts , ” Jordan said .
“ A million dollars , I guess I would be sick if I lost $ 1.2 million , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he reduced $ 1.2 million to $ 300,000 .
He exaggerated to a point , and I ’ ve come to the conclusion ( why he did that ) — it sells books .
“ For a guy who makes over a million dollars , to lose $ 300,000 is easily acceptable to the public .
To say he lost $ 1.2 million , then the public ’ s going to look at it and say ` one-point-two — boy , maybe he does have a problem.
” ’ He also added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had done nothing illegal .
And in a series of remarks psychologists might find revealing , he argued that gambling was merely a “ hobby ” and that if he had a problem , someone would tell him .
”

Originally published June 10, 1993.
Michael Jordan changed his tune Wednesday from “The Sounds of Silence” to the theme from “You Bet Your Life.”
In his first interview since a self-imposed media boycott began May 26, Jordan told NBC sportscaster Ahmad Rashad that gambling is a hobby for him and not a serious addiction.
After the game, he answered one reporter succinctly as to his why breaking the silence: “Because I feel like talkin’.”
Jordan told Rashad — who played an earnest devil’s advocate despite the plum scoop — he ended his silence in part “so I could enjoy the history we’re about to make winning the third (straight) championship.”
This verbal explosion was on his terms, and clearly aimed at denying any wrongdoing as far as gambling. He broke off normal relations with the media following news revelations that Jordan visited an Atlantic City casino before Game 2 of the Knicks-Bulls series two weeks ago. The interview aired at halftime of Game 1 of the Bulls-Suns NBA Finals series.
“It was a means of relaxing with my family and friends,” Jordan said of the gambling. “It got me ready to play the game. I think the media took it out of context.”
Jordan, in a light gray suit, black sunglasses, white shirt and patterned tie, appeared calm and smiled at one point.
“A lot of people say well, maybe he shouldn’t have done it at that particular time or it was just a bad scenario. Well, no one knows what’s a good and what’s a bad scenario unless you’re the person going through that scenario.”
Last Friday Jordan interrupted his boycott with a five-paragraph statement that disputed claims made by a San Diego entertainment executive that he lost $1.25 million in golf bets. That claim was made in a book.
“For what I have bet, yeah, it’s a little more than I wanted to lose — but I have paid off all my debts,” Jordan said.
“A million dollars, I guess I would be sick if I lost $1.2 million, and he’d be sick if he reduced $1.2 million to $300,000. He exaggerated to a point, and I’ve come to the conclusion (why he did that) — it sells books.
“For a guy who makes over a million dollars, to lose $300,000 is easily acceptable to the public. To say he lost $1.2 million, then the public’s going to look at it and say `one-point-two — boy, maybe he does have a problem.”’
He also added that the coverage was “unfair” because he had done nothing illegal. And in a series of remarks psychologists might find revealing, he argued that gambling was merely a “hobby” and that if he had a problem, someone would tell him.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-05--Dear Abby: Rude customers make difficult grocery work even worse

DEAR ABBY : I work in the deli department of a grocery store and have been struggling lately .
With everything that is going on , people are overwhelmed and have been taking it out on us .
I asked one person , “ How are you doing today ?
” The response I got was , “ I ’ m not interested in conversation .
Just feed me !
” Another who came to the register didn ’ t utter a single word except to exclaim , when I offered her a bottle opener for her soda , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then she snatched her change out of my hand .
I don ’ t even get the brunt of it ; the cashiers have to handle the worst of it .
We employees are stressed out about the same things everyone else is .
We are struggling to get the same products everyone else is searching desperately for .
I had to shop at five different stores to get what I need and still haven ’ t found many things .
Between the stress of the virus and the stress of being treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running low .
I have struggled on and off with depression and anxiety , and many of my coping methods are unavailable to me due to closures .
Could you please remind your readers that we are all in the same boat and need to be kind to one another , and direct those of us who are struggling emotionally to resources we can access during this time of panic ?
— STRUGGLING IN RETAIL DEAR STRUGGLING : I agree that many people react badly when under stress , as the customers you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect and appreciate the efforts you and so many others in the food supply chain make every day — at some risk to your own health .
I am one of them .
Because you have had issues with depression and anxiety in the past , consider contacting the therapist you worked with and ask if the person is doing online sessions .
These days , many of them are .
Just talking with someone — friends or like-minded co-workers — about what you are experiencing could bring some relief .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider exploring whether there are online support groups for retail workers such as you .
If there aren ’ t , consider starting one so you and others can exchange ideas about coping with these extremely stressful circumstances in which we all find ourselves .
DEAR ABBY : My husband loves our cat too much .
He buys “ Miss Kitty ” special treats , pets her , talks nicely to her , plants quick kisses on the top of her head and lets her sit on his lap while he watches TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m nonexistent .
I wish he would be that nice to me .
He ’ s a good provider and , when we are away from the house , I have his full attention .
I ’ m resenting this queen of our home .
What should I do ?
I ’ d like to take her back to the animal shelter .
It was my sorry idea to adopt her .
— IN SECOND PLACE DEAR SECOND PLACE : My first suggestion is to find reasons to spend more time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The second would be to adopt a dog .
And if you do , make sure YOU are the one who feeds and walks it , unless your husband has such an affinity for pets that adopting another one isn ’ t worth the risk .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ 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 . )

DEAR ABBY: I work in the deli department of a grocery store and have been struggling lately. With everything that is going on, people are overwhelmed and have been taking it out on us.
I asked one person, “How are you doing today?” The response I got was, “I’m not interested in conversation. Just feed me!” Another who came to the register didn’t utter a single word except to exclaim, when I offered her a bottle opener for her soda, “I’ve got it!” Then she snatched her change out of my hand. I don’t even get the brunt of it; the cashiers have to handle the worst of it.
We employees are stressed out about the same things everyone else is. We are struggling to get the same products everyone else is searching desperately for. I had to shop at five different stores to get what I need and still haven’t found many things.
Between the stress of the virus and the stress of being treated so rudely, my mental health is running low. I have struggled on and off with depression and anxiety, and many of my coping methods are unavailable to me due to closures. Could you please remind your readers that we are all in the same boat and need to be kind to one another, and direct those of us who are struggling emotionally to resources we can access during this time of panic? — STRUGGLING IN RETAIL
DEAR STRUGGLING: I agree that many people react badly when under stress, as the customers you described have done. But many others respect and appreciate the efforts you and so many others in the food supply chain make every day — at some risk to your own health. I am one of them.
Because you have had issues with depression and anxiety in the past, consider contacting the therapist you worked with and ask if the person is doing online sessions. These days, many of them are. Just talking with someone — friends or like-minded co-workers — about what you are experiencing could bring some relief.
However, if that isn’t possible, consider exploring whether there are online support groups for retail workers such as you. If there aren’t, consider starting one so you and others can exchange ideas about coping with these extremely stressful circumstances in which we all find ourselves.
DEAR ABBY: My husband loves our cat too much. He buys “Miss Kitty” special treats, pets her, talks nicely to her, plants quick kisses on the top of her head and lets her sit on his lap while he watches TV for hours. It’s like I’m nonexistent. I wish he would be that nice to me.
He’s a good provider and, when we are away from the house, I have his full attention. I’m resenting this queen of our home. What should I do? I’d like to take her back to the animal shelter. It was my sorry idea to adopt her. — IN SECOND PLACE
DEAR SECOND PLACE: My first suggestion is to find reasons to spend more time with your husband away from the house. The second would be to adopt a dog. And if you do, make sure YOU are the one who feeds and walks it, unless your husband has such an affinity for pets that adopting another one isn’t worth the risk.
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--2020-05-05--Robberies reported in Rogers Park: police

Two robberies were reported in April in Rogers Park on the North Side .
In each incident , lone victims @ @ @ @ @ of people on bikes who beat them up before stealing property , Chicago police said @ @ @ @ @ The robberies happened about 10:15 p.m. April 13 in the 6900 block of North Sheridan @ @ @ @ @ April 26 in the 2200 block of West Greenleaf Avenue , police said .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ contact Area Three detectives .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ @ @ @

Two robberies were reported in April in Rogers Park on the North Side.
In each incident, lone victims were approached by a group of people on bikes who beat them up before stealing property, Chicago police said in a community alert.
The robberies happened about 10:15 p.m. April 13 in the 6900 block of North Sheridan Road and about 10 p.m. April 26 in the 2200 block of West Greenleaf Avenue, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Three detectives.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-05--Menu planner: Chipotle honey-glazed salmon with pistachio butter will hit the spot

Heat grill for direct heat , or heat oven to 425 degrees .
In a small bowl , combine butter , pistachios and orange zest .
Chill until ready to serve .
Combine honey and orange juice .
Set aside .
Season salmon with salt , chipotle pepper and garlic powder .
Grill salmon until opaque , firm and salmon flakes with a fork , turning once and brushing with honey glaze during last 2 to 3 minutes of grill .
( For oven , bake 12 to 15 minutes on a foil-lined , rimmed baking sheet . )
Transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green onion and serve with pistachio butter .
Heat oven to 400 degrees .
Combine chipotle chili pepper seasoning , paprika , oregano , garlic powder , salt and cumin ; mix well .
In a large bowl , toss potatoes with oil and 1 teaspoon of spice mixture .
Mix brown sugar with remaining spice mixture ; set aside .
Cover large baking sheet with nonstick foil .
Rub spice mixture on both sides of chicken pieces .
Arrange chicken on one half of baking sheet .
Arrange potatoes in a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Loosely cover chicken and potatoes with foil and bake 35 to 40 minutes ; remove foil .
Turn and rearrange potatoes .
Bake , uncovered , 20 minutes or until internal temperature of chicken is 165 degrees and potatoes are tender .
Per serving ( chicken breast ) : 168 calories , 30 grams protein , 4 grams fat ( 21 % calories from fat ) , 0.8 gram saturated fat , 2 grams carbohydrate , 91 milligrams cholesterol , 295 milligrams sodium , no fiber .
Per serving ( potatoes ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 4 grams fat ( 20 % calories from fat ) , 0.3 gram saturated fat , 30 grams carbohydrate , no cholesterol , 61 milligrams sodium , 4 grams fiber .
Heat oven to 425 degrees .
Put squash , bell pepper , onion , garlic , 1 tablespoon oil , 1/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper in a roasting pan ; toss to coat .
Spread in a single layer .
Roast , turning once , 25 minutes or until vegetables are lightly browned and tender .
Meanwhile , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 teaspoon oil , cumin , curry powder and remaining salt to a boil .
Stir in couscous and raisins .
Remove from heat , cover and let stand 5 minutes .
Fluff couscous with fork ; stir in roasted vegetables and olives and serve .
NOTE : Many supermarkets offer butternut squash already peeled and cut .
Per serving : 369 calories , 9 grams protein , 7 grams fat ( 16 % calories from fat ) , 0.9 gram saturated fat , 71 grams carbohydrate , no cholesterol , 371 milligrams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shred 2 chicken breasts for the taco filling ; spoon into warmed taco shells .
Top the filling with salsa verde , shredded lettuce and reduced-fat sour cream .
Alongside , add canned reduced-sodium pinto beans .
Spread 2 ( 15-ounce ) cans of corned beef hash in a large nonstick skillet and cook 8 to 10 minutes on medium or until hot .
Using the back of a large spoon , make 4 indentations into hash .
Break 1 egg into a cup and slip into an indentation .
Repeat with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coarse salt and pepper .
Cover and cook 5 to 8 minutes or until eggs are set and cooked to desired doneness .

Chipotle honey-glazed salmon with pistachio butter
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: about 12 to 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons finely chopped shelled pistachios
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
4 (5- to 6-ounce) salmon fillets
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 green onion, sliced on diagonal
Heat grill for direct heat, or heat oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl, combine butter, pistachios and orange zest. Chill until ready to serve.
Combine honey and orange juice. Set aside. Season salmon with salt, chipotle pepper and garlic powder. Grill salmon until opaque, firm and salmon flakes with a fork, turning once and brushing with honey glaze during last 2 to 3 minutes of grill. (For oven, bake 12 to 15 minutes on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet.) Transfer salmon to serving platter. Sprinkle with green onion and serve with pistachio butter.
Per serving: 347 calories, 31 grams protein, 20 grams fat (51% calories from fat), 8.7 grams saturated fat, 11 grams carbohydrate, 97 milligrams cholesterol, 455 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.
Carb choices: 1.
Chipotle-roasted chicken with potatoes
Makes 6 servings of chicken, 4 servings of potatoes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: About 1 hour
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chili pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 pounds medium red potatoes (quartered)
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
6 (5- to 6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine chipotle chili pepper seasoning, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt and cumin; mix well. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with oil and 1 teaspoon of spice mixture. Mix brown sugar with remaining spice mixture; set aside. Cover large baking sheet with nonstick foil. Rub spice mixture on both sides of chicken pieces. Arrange chicken on one half of baking sheet. Arrange potatoes in a single layer on other half of baking sheet. Loosely cover chicken and potatoes with foil and bake 35 to 40 minutes; remove foil. Turn and rearrange potatoes. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes or until internal temperature of chicken is 165 degrees and potatoes are tender.
Per serving (chicken breast): 168 calories, 30 grams protein, 4 grams fat (21% calories from fat), 0.8 gram saturated fat, 2 grams carbohydrate, 91 milligrams cholesterol, 295 milligrams sodium, no fiber.
Carb choices: 0.
Per serving (potatoes): 163 calories, 4 grams protein, 4 grams fat (20% calories from fat), 0.3 gram saturated fat, 30 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 61 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 2.
Couscous with peppers with olives
Makes 6 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes, plus couscous
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds butternut squash (peeled, halved, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, cut into 12 wedges
6 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon curry powder
10 ounces couscous (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup halved kalamata olives
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Put squash, bell pepper, onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper in a roasting pan; toss to coat. Spread in a single layer. Roast, turning once, 25 minutes or until vegetables are lightly browned and tender. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring water, remaining 1 teaspoon oil, cumin, curry powder and remaining salt to a boil. Stir in couscous and raisins. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with fork; stir in roasted vegetables and olives and serve.
NOTE: Many supermarkets offer butternut squash already peeled and cut.
Per serving: 369 calories, 9 grams protein, 7 grams fat (16% calories from fat), 0.9 gram saturated fat, 71 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 371 milligrams sodium, 7 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 4.5.
Chicken tacos
Heat and shred 2 chicken breasts for the taco filling; spoon into warmed taco shells. Top the filling with salsa verde, shredded lettuce and reduced-fat sour cream. Alongside, add canned reduced-sodium pinto beans.
Corned beef hash and steamed eggs
Spread 2 (15-ounce) cans of corned beef hash in a large nonstick skillet and cook 8 to 10 minutes on medium or until hot. Using the back of a large spoon, make 4 indentations into hash. Break 1 egg into a cup and slip into an indentation. Repeat with 3 more eggs. Sprinkle eggs with coarse salt and pepper. Cover and cook 5 to 8 minutes or until eggs are set and cooked to desired doneness.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-05--Jerry Seinfeld daring, dazed and bemused in new Netflix special

As Jerry Seinfeld acknowledges in his Netflix comedy special “ 23 Hours to Kill , ” he doesn ’ t have to do this anymore .
He doesn ’ t have to devote endless hours to crafting jokes and rehearsing material before putting on the suit and taking the stage before a sold-out crowd at the Beacon Theatre in Manhattan .
He has all the success .
He has all the money .
He has all the cars .
He has the life .
Thing is , Jerry feels more comfortable onstage than just about anywhere else in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the day — hence the title “ Jerry Seinfeld in 23 Hours to Kill , ” which sounded so much like a 007 movie to Seinfeld he actually performs a Bond-like stunt at the outset of the special , in which he jumps from a helicopter into the Hudson River .
( Lest we doubt that ’ s really Jerry , as he takes the plunge , the camera zooms in for an extreme close-up in slow motion , and the special ends with footage of Seinfeld repeatedly rehearsing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor pool . )
In another bit of unnecessary but entertaining extravagance , a full band worthy of a Tony Bennett concert plays Jerry onstage — and then the curtains close and we never see or hear the band again .
It ’ s just Jerry with a handheld mic , bottle and glass of water on the obligatory bar stool behind him , and off we go , with Jerry congratulating the audience on overcoming the many obstacles they faced after deciding to see the show : “ Arranging , planning [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of whom you ’ re sitting with right now .
‘ What about the tickets , who ’ s got the tickets , do you have the tickets , don ’ t forget the tickets , did you get their tickets , I didn ’ t get tickets for them , they got ta get their own tickets , they didn ’ t pay me for the last time I got ’ em tickets … ’ ” The special was filmed last October , but many of Seinfeld ’ s bits take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quarantine .
He riffs about the whole notion of going out and says once we are out , we start thinking about when we can go back home , because wherever you are , you have to be somewhere else : “ Nobody wants to be anywhere.
” He talks about how annoying it is to hear the waitperson at a restaurant droning on about this dish is drizzled with this , and that dish is drizzled with that , and would we like to hear the specials ?
“ If they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the menu !
” He marvels at the implied gluttony of the buffet : “ Things are bad , how can we make it worse ?
Why don ’ t we put people who are already struggling with portion control into some kind of debauched Caligula food orgy of unlimited human consumption ?
” He rants about the “ picture bullies ” who insist on getting a group photo after every meal .
It ’ s classic cranky Seinfeld , but there ’ s such a spring in his step as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twinkle in his eye as his voice goes higher , to the point where he sounds like everyone ’ s not-good imitation of Jerry Seinfeld , that none of it comes across as angry .
This is the comedy of joyful bemusement .
“ Talking is obsolete , ” Jerry says .
“ I feel like a blacksmith up here .
I could text you this whole thing.
” But then we ’ d have at least 23½ Hours to Kill .

As Jerry Seinfeld acknowledges in his Netflix comedy special “23 Hours to Kill,” he doesn’t have to do this anymore. He doesn’t have to devote endless hours to crafting jokes and rehearsing material before putting on the suit and taking the stage before a sold-out crowd at the Beacon Theatre in Manhattan.
He has all the success. He has all the money. He has all the cars. He has the life. Thing is, Jerry feels more comfortable onstage than just about anywhere else in the world. The problem is how to spend the rest of the day — hence the title “Jerry Seinfeld in 23 Hours to Kill,” which sounded so much like a 007 movie to Seinfeld he actually performs a Bond-like stunt at the outset of the special, in which he jumps from a helicopter into the Hudson River. (Lest we doubt that’s really Jerry, as he takes the plunge, the camera zooms in for an extreme close-up in slow motion, and the special ends with footage of Seinfeld repeatedly rehearsing the stunt from a high-dive board at an indoor pool.)
‘Jerry Seinfeld in 23 Hours to Kill’
Untitled A comedy special now showing on Netflix.
In another bit of unnecessary but entertaining extravagance, a full band worthy of a Tony Bennett concert plays Jerry onstage — and then the curtains close and we never see or hear the band again. It’s just Jerry with a handheld mic, bottle and glass of water on the obligatory bar stool behind him, and off we go, with Jerry congratulating the audience on overcoming the many obstacles they faced after deciding to see the show: “Arranging, planning [with your] annoying friends, many of whom you’re sitting with right now. ‘What about the tickets, who’s got the tickets, do you have the tickets, don’t forget the tickets, did you get their tickets, I didn’t get tickets for them, they gotta get their own tickets, they didn’t pay me for the last time I got ’em tickets …’ ”
The special was filmed last October, but many of Seinfeld’s bits take on an added resonance in the Age of Quarantine. He riffs about the whole notion of going out and says once we are out, we start thinking about when we can go back home, because wherever you are, you have to be somewhere else: “Nobody wants to be anywhere.” He talks about how annoying it is to hear the waitperson at a restaurant droning on about this dish is drizzled with this, and that dish is drizzled with that, and would we like to hear the specials? “If they’re so special, put ’em on the menu!” He marvels at the implied gluttony of the buffet: “Things are bad, how can we make it worse? Why don’t we put people who are already struggling with portion control into some kind of debauched Caligula food orgy of unlimited human consumption?” He rants about the “picture bullies” who insist on getting a group photo after every meal.
It’s classic cranky Seinfeld, but there’s such a spring in his step as he moves about the stage, such a twinkle in his eye as his voice goes higher, to the point where he sounds like everyone’s not-good imitation of Jerry Seinfeld, that none of it comes across as angry. This is the comedy of joyful bemusement.
“Talking is obsolete,” Jerry says. “I feel like a blacksmith up here. I could text you this whole thing.”
But then we’d have at least 23½ Hours to Kill.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-05--Burglar strikes three homes on the same block in Englewood: police

Chicago police are warning residents of three burglaries reported on the same block in April in Englewood on the South @ @ @ @ @ someone broke into a residence or garage and stole property , Chicago police said in @ @ @ @ @ burglaries happened between 5p.m .
April 21 and 5:45 p.m. April 22 , between 10 @ @ @ @ @ a.m. April 22 and between 6 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. April 24 in the 7100 @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area One detectives at @ @ @ @ @ crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning residents of three burglaries reported on the same block in April in Englewood on the South Side.
In each incident someone broke into a residence or garage and stole property, Chicago police said in a community alert.
The burglaries happened between 5p.m. April 21 and 5:45 p.m. April 22, between 10 p.m. April 21 and 7 a.m. April 22 and between 6 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. April 24 in the 7100 block of South Princeton Avenue, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area One detectives at 312-747-8382.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-05--5 shot, 1 fatally Monday in Chicago

5 shot, 1 fatally Monday in Chicago

Five people were shot , one of the fatally Monday in Chicago .
A man was fatally shot and another wounded in Gresham on the South Side .
They were on the porch about 9:30 p.m. in the 8500 block of South Sangamon Street when someone in a vehicle fired shots , police said .
One man was shot in the head and neck , police said .
He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office hasn ’ t released details about his death .
A 22-year-old man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was taken to the same hospital in good condition , police said .
A 16-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting in Grand Crossing on the South Side .
He was standing on the sidewalk about 8:37 p.m. on South Woodlawn Avenue when he heard gunfire and felt pain , police said .
The teen was grazed in the back and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition .
A 32-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 2700 block of West 46th Street when someone in a light-colored vehicle shot at him , police said .
The man was hit in the knee and arm , and his condition was stabilized at Mount Sinai Medical Center .
A man was wounded in a shooting in Back of the Yards on the South Side .
He was traveling in a vehicle about 12:52 p.m. in the 4800 block of South Ada Street when a vehicle pulled alongside and someone inside opened fire , police said .
The 22-year-old was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stroger Hospital , where his condition was stabilized , police said .
A woman was critically wounded in a shooting in Austin on the West Side .
The 28-year-old was shot in the head about 1 a.m. in the 5600 block of West Madison Street , according to police .
Someone dropped her off at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park , and she was transferred to Stroger Hospital in critical condition , police said .
Details about the shooting are unknown as the person who dropped her off at the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been located , police said .
Monday ’ s shootings come after a violent weekend where 46 people were shot , four of them fatally citywide .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Five people were shot, one of the fatally Monday in Chicago.
A man was fatally shot and another wounded in Gresham on the South Side.
They were on the porch about 9:30 p.m. in the 8500 block of South Sangamon Street when someone in a vehicle fired shots, police said.
One man was shot in the head and neck, police said. He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as being 21-year-old Damien Howard.
A 22-year-old man, who was grazed in the chest, was taken to the same hospital in good condition, police said.
A 16-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting in Grand Crossing on the South Side.
He was standing on the sidewalk about 8:37 p.m. on South Woodlawn Avenue when he heard gunfire and felt pain, police said.
The teen was grazed in the back and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
A 32-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 3 p.m. in the 2700 block of West 46th Street when someone in a light-colored vehicle shot at him, police said. The man was hit in the knee and arm, and his condition was stabilized at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
A man was wounded in a shooting in Back of the Yards on the South Side.
He was traveling in a vehicle about 12:52 p.m. in the 4800 block of South Ada Street when a vehicle pulled alongside and someone inside opened fire, police said.
The 22-year-old was struck in the knee and taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.
A woman was critically wounded in a shooting in Austin on the West Side.
The 28-year-old was shot in the head about 1 a.m. in the 5600 block of West Madison Street, according to police.
Someone dropped her off at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, and she was transferred to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said.
Details about the shooting are unknown as the person who dropped her off at the hospital drove away and no other witnesses have been located, police said.
Monday’s shootings come after a violent weekend where 46 people were shot, four of them fatally citywide.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-05--Man, 45, missing from Rogers Park found

Man, 45, missing from Rogers Park found

Judge John Lee of the U.S. District Court denied The Beloved Church of Lena ’ s motion for a temporary @ @ @ @ @ ve allowed them to host services with 80 people .

Pvt. Travis King entered the North while on a civilian tour of a Korean border village July 18, becoming the first American detained in the North in nearly five years.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-05--Girl, 14, missing from Humboldt Park found


chicagosun-times--2020-05-04--Krause’s blocked-buster had Pippen going out, McGrady coming in

As we come to terms with a physical horizon reduced perhaps to no farther away than our front doors , many of us have sought solace in “ The Last Dance , ” ESPN ’ s 10-episode chronicle of Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Bulls .
As thorough as the documentary is , it fails to mention one little-known chapter of the tale : a scheme by Bulls general manager Jerry Krause , who died in 2017 , to swap Scottie Pippen for Tracy McGrady at the 1997 NBA Draft .
The other day , McGrady retold the story , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of days before the draft .
I flew into Chicago to meet secretly with Krause .
Before the deal got out , MJ axed the whole thing.
” Which turns out to be sort of true , but not entirely .
So I spoke to Arn Tellem , at the time McGrady ’ s agent , to set the record straight .
Krause was scouting for the White Sox when Tellem first met him in the spring of 1982 .
He recalls Krause as a short , rumpled presence with a mustard-stained polo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second helping of mashed potatoes .
“ He was a nice guy but acted like he was a CIA agent , with a touch of Maxwell Smart , ” said Tellem , now an executive with the Pistons .
Krause was so furtive that Pat Williams , the onetime Bulls GM , gave him the nickname ‘ ‘ Sleuth ’ ’ : “ Slinking , suspicious , secretive , talking low and fast , plotting , planning , hiding behind potted palms , wearing disguises.
” Indeed , while scouting college athletes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wore a trench coat and dark glasses and pulled his hat down over his forehead to throw off the competition .
In 1985 , soon after Jerry Reinsdorf and his partners bought the Bulls , Krause was named GM .
He was so single-mindedly devoted to the franchise that Reinsdorf said , “ The man is devoid of any other outside interests.
” Pretty much anytime the Los Angeles-based Tellem came to Chicago to see his clients on the Bulls , he dined with Krause .
In 1993 , they had lunch at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Krause wanted to discuss Scott Williams , a Bulls reserve .
As the lumpy GM laid waste to a Francheezie — a massive deep-fried hot dog infused with Velveeta , bound with bacon and jammed into a poppy-seed bun — melted “ cheez ” oozed out of both sides of his mouth and trickled down his chin .
“ Scott must get in better shape , ” Krause said between gulps .
“ He needs to improve his diet.
” On June 13 , 1997 , the Bulls won their fifth NBA title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of his brilliant career , Krause was eager to rebuild before the dynasty had naturally concluded .
Pippen , 31 and displeased with his relatively meager salary , had a year left on his contract and looked to become a free agent after the 1998 season .
As detailed in “ The Last Dance , ” he went public with a trade demand and lambasted Krause on the team bus .
Unable to remake the team through the draft — the Bulls ’ first pick was No .
30 — Krause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would ’ ve sent Pippen and Luc Longley to Boston for the third and sixth selections .
Privately , Krause said he intended to use one of those picks on McGrady , then 18 and fresh out of Mount Zion Christian Academy in Durham , North Carolina .
The 6-8 , 220-pound McGrady had made a name for himself the previous summer when he outplayed 6-9 Lamar Odom , then considered the country ’ s best high school talent , in a camp game .
Krause was smitten with him .
All during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to monitor the interest of other teams .
“ Tracy is one of those generational players , like Kobe Bryant , but taller and even more athletic , ” he said .
“ He could jump-start a franchise and be its cornerstone.
” The draft was held at the Charlotte Coliseum on June 25 .
At 1 that morning , Krause phoned Tellem at his hotel room .
He was overjoyed .
“ I think I ’ ve swung a deal , ” he said .
“ There ’ s just one catch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Tellem said , “ How do you expect to accomplish that on draft day ?
” An hour later , he called Tellem with the lowdown .
“ I ’ m sending a black SUV with tinted glass to meet you guys at the hotel , ” he said , mysteriously .
“ You ’ ll be driven to a place where no one will recognize Tracy.
” Escorted by a security detail Krause had hired , the SUV took Tellem and McGrady to a hospital 45 minutes away .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where a doctor was waiting to perform the physical .
Evidently , McGrady passed .
The teenager was thrilled at the prospect of joining Jordan and the defending NBA champs .
But it was not to be .
Later that morning Krause called Tellem , devastated .
Reinsdorf , he said , had run the trade by Jordan , who pleaded to keep the team ’ s nucleus together and attempt a second three-peat .
Reinsdorf called off the deal .
Krause was heartbroken but promised he ’ d someday bring McGrady to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After two relatively quiet seasons , the future Hall of Famer had a sensational 1999-2000 season , and Toronto made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history .
After the season , McGrady became a free agent .
Krause called him his top priority .
But Orlando made McGrady a priority , too .
The Magic were likely to sign free agent Grant Hill and told McGrady that the two of them would make a formidable tandem .
Still , Tellem knew that Krause remained infatuated with McGrady .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great opportunity , ” Tellem said .
He encouraged McGrady to accompany him to Chicago and hear the GM out .
When McGrady did , Krause pulled out all the stops .
He was greeted at O ’ Hare by a jazz band and a contingent of Bulls cheerleaders .
He was wined and dined at Rosebud on Rush , where Krause made a pitch as virtuosic as any in “ Glengarry Glen Ross.
” “ McGrady was impressed by how much the Bulls wanted him , ” Tellem said .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6-8 McGrady walked down Michigan Avenue , arm-in-arm .
Tellem says he has never seen a GM so in love .
Alas , after much deliberation , McGrady chose Orlando , which was closer to his home in Auburndale , Florida .
It was left to Tellem to break the news to Krause .
“ I knew that , once again , his heart would be broken , ” Tellem said .
“ During my 35 years as an agent , that was one of the toughest calls I made.
” Franz Lidz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illustrated , a current Smithsonian magazine columnist and a New York Times film , science and archeology essayist .

As we come to terms with a physical horizon reduced perhaps to no farther away than our front doors, many of us have sought solace in “The Last Dance,” ESPN’s 10-episode chronicle of Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Bulls.
As thorough as the documentary is, it fails to mention one little-known chapter of the tale: a scheme by Bulls general manager Jerry Krause, who died in 2017, to swap Scottie Pippen for Tracy McGrady at the 1997 NBA Draft.
The other day, McGrady retold the story, adding: “It was a couple of days before the draft. I flew into Chicago to meet secretly with Krause. Before the deal got out, MJ axed the whole thing.”
Which turns out to be sort of true, but not entirely. So I spoke to Arn Tellem, at the time McGrady’s agent, to set the record straight.
Krause was scouting for the White Sox when Tellem first met him in the spring of 1982. He recalls Krause as a short, rumpled presence with a mustard-stained polo shirt and a body that looked like a second helping of mashed potatoes.
“He was a nice guy but acted like he was a CIA agent, with a touch of Maxwell Smart,” said Tellem, now an executive with the Pistons. Krause was so furtive that Pat Williams, the onetime Bulls GM, gave him the nickname ‘‘Sleuth’’: “Slinking, suspicious, secretive, talking low and fast, plotting, planning, hiding behind potted palms, wearing disguises.”
Indeed, while scouting college athletes, ‘‘Sleuth’’ often wore a trench coat and dark glasses and pulled his hat down over his forehead to throw off the competition.
In 1985, soon after Jerry Reinsdorf and his partners bought the Bulls, Krause was named GM. He was so single-mindedly devoted to the franchise that Reinsdorf said, “The man is devoid of any other outside interests.”
Pretty much anytime the Los Angeles-based Tellem came to Chicago to see his clients on the Bulls, he dined with Krause.
In 1993, they had lunch at Ada’s Deli in Deerfield. Krause wanted to discuss Scott Williams, a Bulls reserve. As the lumpy GM laid waste to a Francheezie — a massive deep-fried hot dog infused with Velveeta, bound with bacon and jammed into a poppy-seed bun — melted “cheez” oozed out of both sides of his mouth and trickled down his chin.
“Scott must get in better shape,” Krause said between gulps. “He needs to improve his diet.”
On June 13, 1997, the Bulls won their fifth NBA title. With Jordan, 34, nearing the end of his brilliant career, Krause was eager to rebuild before the dynasty had naturally concluded. Pippen, 31 and displeased with his relatively meager salary, had a year left on his contract and looked to become a free agent after the 1998 season. As detailed in “The Last Dance,” he went public with a trade demand and lambasted Krause on the team bus.
Unable to remake the team through the draft — the Bulls’ first pick was No. 30 — Krause negotiated a trade with the Celtics that would’ve sent Pippen and Luc Longley to Boston for the third and sixth selections. Privately, Krause said he intended to use one of those picks on McGrady, then 18 and fresh out of Mount Zion Christian Academy in Durham, North Carolina.
The 6-8, 220-pound McGrady had made a name for himself the previous summer when he outplayed 6-9 Lamar Odom, then considered the country’s best high school talent, in a camp game. Krause was smitten with him. All during the 1997 playoffs, he called Tellem to monitor the interest of other teams.
“Tracy is one of those generational players, like Kobe Bryant, but taller and even more athletic,” he said. “He could jump-start a franchise and be its cornerstone.”
The draft was held at the Charlotte Coliseum on June 25. At 1 that morning, Krause phoned Tellem at his hotel room. He was overjoyed.
“I think I’ve swung a deal,” he said. “There’s just one catch: Tracy has to take a physical.”
Tellem said, “How do you expect to accomplish that on draft day?”
Krause said: “I’ll figure it out.”
An hour later, he called Tellem with the lowdown.
“I’m sending a black SUV with tinted glass to meet you guys at the hotel,” he said, mysteriously. “You’ll be driven to a place where no one will recognize Tracy.”
‘‘Sleuth’’ was afraid of leaks.
Escorted by a security detail Krause had hired, the SUV took Tellem and McGrady to a hospital 45 minutes away. They were ushered in through a back entrance, where a doctor was waiting to perform the physical. Evidently, McGrady passed.
The teenager was thrilled at the prospect of joining Jordan and the defending NBA champs. But it was not to be. Later that morning Krause called Tellem, devastated. Reinsdorf, he said, had run the trade by Jordan, who pleaded to keep the team’s nucleus together and attempt a second three-peat. Reinsdorf called off the deal. Krause was heartbroken but promised he’d someday bring McGrady to Chicago.
The Raptors chose McGrady. After two relatively quiet seasons, the future Hall of Famer had a sensational 1999-2000 season, and Toronto made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
After the season, McGrady became a free agent. Krause called him his top priority. But Orlando made McGrady a priority, too. The Magic were likely to sign free agent Grant Hill and told McGrady that the two of them would make a formidable tandem. Still, Tellem knew that Krause remained infatuated with McGrady.
“I told Tracy that playing in Chicago was a great opportunity,” Tellem said.
He encouraged McGrady to accompany him to Chicago and hear the GM out.
When McGrady did, Krause pulled out all the stops. He was greeted at O’Hare by a jazz band and a contingent of Bulls cheerleaders. He was wined and dined at Rosebud on Rush, where Krause made a pitch as virtuosic as any in “Glengarry Glen Ross.”
“McGrady was impressed by how much the Bulls wanted him,” Tellem said.
After dinner, the 5-5 Krause and the 6-8 McGrady walked down Michigan Avenue, arm-in-arm. Tellem says he has never seen a GM so in love.
Alas, after much deliberation, McGrady chose Orlando, which was closer to his home in Auburndale, Florida. It was left to Tellem to break the news to Krause.
“I knew that, once again, his heart would be broken,” Tellem said. “During my 35 years as an agent, that was one of the toughest calls I made.”
Franz Lidz is a former senior writer for Sports Illustrated, a current Smithsonian magazine columnist and a New York Times film, science and archeology essayist.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-05--Young mom, a nurse at Bolingbrook nursing home with soaring COVID-19 toll, is the latest to die

Ninety-three cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths had been reported at Meadowbrook Manor nursing home in Bolingbrook as of the first of the month .
They ’ ll need to add Krist Angielen Castro Guzman to the list .
Guzman was a 35-year-old nurse at the facility and the mother of three young children who cared passionately for her patients and feared greatly for her safety during this pandemic .
Guzman died Saturday at AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center in Bolingbrook , where , less than five months earlier , she had given birth to her youngest child .
Guzman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus just one day after being admitted to the hospital and barely a week after falling ill , according to her family .
I wonder how many of the people who are so righteously concerned about their right NOT to stay home or NOT wear a face mask in public ever pause to consider the ramifications for health care professionals like Guzman who are duty-bound to attend to the sick .
It ’ s shameful enough that they pretend it ’ s OK for the people in nursing homes to die because , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But to cavalierly sacrifice the nurses and doctors and support personnel as well is beyond all reason .
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that at least 25 people who work in health care settings have died from COVID .
But the state has information on the occupations of only about one-sixth of those who have tested positive .
So the real death tally is surely much higher .
Among the 10,607 COVID-positive cases in Illinois where the occupation is known , nearly half work in health care .
Though the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks might not ever consider the plight of Guzman and other health workers , she definitely was thinking about them .
“ She wouldn ’ t be happy about people coming out of this early , ” said Jeschelyn Pilar , her cousin .
“ She wanted people to stay home.
” Guzman ’ s Facebook posts indicate the dangers of COVID-19 were very much on her mind in the weeks before her death .
On April 15 , she reposted the popular meme : “ ‘ Essential workers ’ sounds so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we shall be known as the ‘ Suicide Squad.
’ ” Guzman also posted this admonition : “ Keep washing your hands , people , ” as well as instructions on how to make your own mask at home .
Her last posting , from April 23 , just nine days before she died : “ These are the Days of Our Lives # CovidSucks # AvengersAssemble # PPEs # ProudNurse # PrayingForMyPatients # SaveLivesStayHome # DontBeALame # FlattenTheCurve ” A masked smiley face tucked between “ Our Lives ” and # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guzman was a military brat , her father a retired U.S. Navy senior chief petty officer from the Philippines , where she was born .
The family moved around the world while she was growing up : Japan , California , Iceland and Virginia .
“ I think Krist really loved that part about herself , ” Pilar said .
“ She was really great about connecting with people and keeping in touch with people .
She liked that part about being a DOD brat .
It made her a better person.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Illinois-Chicago and settled in Bolingbrook with husband Omar Guzman , who ’ s a certified nursing assistant at Meadowbrook .
They had three children : Livvy Rogue , 6 , Xavi Lionel , 5 , and Leandro Christiano , 5 months old on Friday — the day the family plans to have Guzman ’ s funeral .
Guzman became concerned about her health in late March after an uncle who was a surgeon in the Philippines died from COVID-19 .
She tested negative but learned she had strep throat and missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her job on April 20 and had been back just four days when she developed a cough and diarrhea .
She was tested again and checked herself in to a hotel to protect her children .
This time , the results came back positive , but she was advised not to come to the hospital unless her symptoms worsened .
When they did , it was too late .
AMITA Bolingbrook is just steps from Meadowbrook , a longterm-care facility that opened a dedicated wing for COVID-19 patients being released from hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that wing .
But she told her family she regularly came in contact with COVID patients , said her sister , Kayla Aleksei Clayton , who also is studying to become a nurse .
Clayton said her sister didn ’ t believe the facility was providing adequate personal protective equipment .
Neither the hospital nor the nursing home responded to me Tuesday .
A GoFundMe page for the family has raised more than $ 35,000 .
Not long before her death , Guzman turned down an offer to work extra shifts for bonus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to be on the Suicide Squad .

Ninety-three cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths had been reported at Meadowbrook Manor nursing home in Bolingbrook as of the first of the month.
They’ll need to add Krist Angielen Castro Guzman to the list.
Guzman was a 35-year-old nurse at the facility and the mother of three young children who cared passionately for her patients and feared greatly for her safety during this pandemic.
Guzman died Saturday at AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center in Bolingbrook, where, less than five months earlier, she had given birth to her youngest child.
Guzman died of cardiac arrest an hour after being intubated for respiratory problems caused by the coronavirus, just one day after being admitted to the hospital and barely a week after falling ill, according to her family.
I wonder how many of the people who are so righteously concerned about their right NOT to stay home or NOT wear a face mask in public ever pause to consider the ramifications for health care professionals like Guzman who are duty-bound to attend to the sick.
It’s shameful enough that they pretend it’s OK for the people in nursing homes to die because, well, they’re really old. But to cavalierly sacrifice the nurses and doctors and support personnel as well is beyond all reason.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that at least 25 people who work in health care settings have died from COVID. But the state has information on the occupations of only about one-sixth of those who have tested positive. So the real death tally is surely much higher.
Among the 10,607 COVID-positive cases in Illinois where the occupation is known, nearly half work in health care.
Though the people who won’t wear their face masks might not ever consider the plight of Guzman and other health workers, she definitely was thinking about them.
“She wouldn’t be happy about people coming out of this early,” said Jeschelyn Pilar, her cousin. “She wanted people to stay home.”
Guzman’s Facebook posts indicate the dangers of COVID-19 were very much on her mind in the weeks before her death.
On April 15, she reposted the popular meme: “‘Essential workers’ sounds so lame. So from this day forward, we shall be known as the ‘Suicide Squad.’ ”
Guzman also posted this admonition: “Keep washing your hands, people,” as well as instructions on how to make your own mask at home.
Her last posting, from April 23, just nine days before she died:
“These are the Days of Our Lives #CovidSucks #AvengersAssemble #PPEs #ProudNurse #PrayingForMyPatients#SaveLivesStayHome #DontBeALame #FlattenTheCurve”
A masked smiley face tucked between “Our Lives” and #CovidSucks suggested her sense of irony.
Guzman was a military brat, her father a retired U.S. Navy senior chief petty officer from the Philippines, where she was born.
The family moved around the world while she was growing up: Japan, California, Iceland and Virginia.
“I think Krist really loved that part about herself,” Pilar said. “She was really great about connecting with people and keeping in touch with people. She liked that part about being a DOD brat. It made her a better person.”
She got her nursing degree from Brown Mackie College in Indiana and settled in Bolingbrook with husband Omar Guzman, who’s a certified nursing assistant at Meadowbrook.
They had three children: Livvy Rogue, 6, Xavi Lionel, 5, and Leandro Christiano, 5 months old on Friday — the day the family plans to have Guzman’s funeral.
Guzman became concerned about her health in late March after an uncle who was a surgeon in the Philippines died from COVID-19. She tested negative but learned she had strep throat and missed three weeks of work.
She returned to her job on April 20 and had been back just four days when she developed a cough and diarrhea. She was tested again and checked herself in to a hotel to protect her children.
This time, the results came back positive, but she was advised not to come to the hospital unless her symptoms worsened. When they did, it was too late.
AMITA Bolingbrook is just steps from Meadowbrook, a longterm-care facility that opened a dedicated wing for COVID-19 patients being released from hospitals.
Guzman didn’t work on that wing. But she told her family she regularly came in contact with COVID patients, said her sister, Kayla Aleksei Clayton, who also is studying to become a nurse.
Clayton said her sister didn’t believe the facility was providing adequate personal protective equipment.
Neither the hospital nor the nursing home responded to me Tuesday.
A GoFundMe page for the family has raised more than $35,000.
Not long before her death, Guzman turned down an offer to work extra shifts for bonus pay.
Her family said she loved her job and was proud to be doing her part in the crisis, but nobody should have to be part of a Suicide Squad.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-05--Thankfully, Pritzker’s ‘Restore Illinois’ plan relies on science, not politics

Just yesterday , we wrote that America ’ s road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will be faster , smoother and fairer if we can all , finally , reject the politics of division and find common ground .
We need leaders who seek to unite us , we wrote .
We need a plan to reopen the country that is objective , measurable and rooted in science , rather than politics .
And we need a plan that recognizes one size does not fit all — if we ’ re serious about appealing to the good sense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker presented a framework for reopening Illinois that fits squarely with this way of thinking .
The governor ’ s plan lays out five phases for returning life to some semblance of normalcy in Illinois , with the move to each happier phase dependent on measurable progress — hard metrics — in beating back the coronavirus .
Equally important , the plan divides the state into four regions for purposes of reopening : Northeast Illinois , North Central Illinois , Central Illinois and Southern Illinois .
Why are these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan — measurable triggers between phases and regionalism — so important ?
Because as much as those angry demonstrators who demand that Illinois and the rest of the nation reopen immediately are dangerously wrong , some of their underlying complaints are not entirely off base .
There has , in fact , been a degree of arbitrariness in the lockdown orders of some states , and not every state or region has faced the same level of threat at the same time .
Because Pritzker ’ s recovery plan takes into account the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would hope that it will be easier for people to buy into , from Zion to Cairo .
We say that knowing that it is already drawing fire , especially from Downstate Republican legislators who say they weren ’ t invited to offer much input .
Illinois already has soldiered through “ phase one ” of Pritzker ’ s Restore Illinois plan , during which stay-at-home orders were strict and only essential businesses could open their doors .
Now the state is in “ phase two , ” during which non-essential retail stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery , and people can , once again , enjoy outdoor activities such as golfing , boating and fishing — so long as they practice social distancing .
But before any region of Illinois can move up to “ phase three ” — retail stores , barber shops and salons reopening with restrictions and public gatherings of up to 10 allowed — it must reach explicit benchmarks of progress in the fight against COVID-19 .
The share of people testing positive for the coronavirus must be under 20 % and increase by no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
There must be no overall increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 for 28 days .
There must be enough ICU capacity to handle a 14 % surge .
These are hard-and-fast metrics , spelled out upfront for each of the five phases , based on expert guidance on how to reopen Illinois in a reasonably safe way .
The standards won ’ t please everybody , but we see nothing overtly punishing or political about them .
On the contrary , because the reopening of Illinois is to be phased in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we would hope not to hear so much complaining from downstaters that their freedoms are being tread upon because of a health scare that ’ s mostly a problem for Cook County .
If folks in Southern Illinois hit their numbers , they ’ ll be going to stock car races again long before South Siders in Chicago go to White Sox games .
What Restore Illinois does not include is a timetable .
That would be impossible .
The coronavirus doesn ’ t wear a watch .
The number of confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climb , meaning in all likelihood that Pritzker ’ s current stay-at-home order , scheduled to run through at least through May , is not going to be lifted early anywhere in Illinois .
Restore Illinois is a framework for recovery , not a promise of good times to come .
It is one governor ’ s effort to balance public health with other imperatives , like people ’ s need to earn a paycheck , in a fair and predictable manner .
The same Restore Illinois metrics that might allow a region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as its numbers improve , could also force it to lock down more , if its numbers grow worse .
Restore Illinois may well need tinkering .
We ’ ll hear more about that in the next few days .
But it already offers our state an honest and informed framework for re-starting its economy and keeping us safe as we wrestle with all the problems the coronavirus pandemic has caused .

Just yesterday, we wrote that America’s road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will be faster, smoother and fairer if we can all, finally, reject the politics of division and find common ground.
We need leaders who seek to unite us, we wrote. We need a plan to reopen the country that is objective, measurable and rooted in science, rather than politics. And we need a plan that recognizes one size does not fit all — if we’re serious about appealing to the good sense of all kinds of folks.
On Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker presented a framework for reopening Illinois that fits squarely with this way of thinking. The governor’s plan lays out five phases for returning life to some semblance of normalcy in Illinois, with the move to each happier phase dependent on measurable progress — hard metrics — in beating back the coronavirus. Equally important, the plan divides the state into four regions for purposes of reopening: Northeast Illinois, North Central Illinois, Central Illinois and Southern Illinois.
Acknowledging complaints
Why are these two features of the governor’s plan — measurable triggers between phases and regionalism — so important?
Because as much as those angry demonstrators who demand that Illinois and the rest of the nation reopen immediately are dangerously wrong, some of their underlying complaints are not entirely off base. There has, in fact, been a degree of arbitrariness in the lockdown orders of some states, and not every state or region has faced the same level of threat at the same time.
Because Pritzker’s recovery plan takes into account the most legitimate gripes about lockdowns, we would hope that it will be easier for people to buy into, from Zion to Cairo. We say that knowing that it is already drawing fire, especially from Downstate Republican legislators who say they weren’t invited to offer much input.
Illinois in phase two
Illinois already has soldiered through “phase one” of Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan, during which stay-at-home orders were strict and only essential businesses could open their doors. Now the state is in “phase two,” during which non-essential retail stores are allowed to offer curbside pickup and delivery, and people can, once again, enjoy outdoor activities such as golfing, boating and fishing — so long as they practice social distancing.
But before any region of Illinois can move up to “phase three” — retail stores, barber shops and salons reopening with restrictions and public gatherings of up to 10 allowed — it must reach explicit benchmarks of progress in the fight against COVID-19. The share of people testing positive for the coronavirus must be under 20% and increase by no more than 10 percentage points over 14 days. There must be no overall increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 for 28 days. There must be enough ICU capacity to handle a 14% surge.
Coronavirus Data The numbers that tell the story: Our coronavirus data tracking On our Coronavirus Data page, you’ll find a collection of graphs, charts and maps tracing the spread of the virus, tracking test results and plotting the impact on individual counties. Check back daily for updated totals.
These are hard-and-fast metrics, spelled out upfront for each of the five phases, based on expert guidance on how to reopen Illinois in a reasonably safe way. The standards won’t please everybody, but we see nothing overtly punishing or political about them.
On the contrary, because the reopening of Illinois is to be phased in region by region, rather than statewide, we would hope not to hear so much complaining from downstaters that their freedoms are being tread upon because of a health scare that’s mostly a problem for Cook County.
If folks in Southern Illinois hit their numbers, they’ll be going to stock car races again long before South Siders in Chicago go to White Sox games.
Not a timetable
What Restore Illinois does not include is a timetable. That would be impossible. The coronavirus doesn’t wear a watch. The number of confirmed cases of infection in Illinois continues to climb, meaning in all likelihood that Pritzker’s current stay-at-home order, scheduled to run through at least through May, is not going to be lifted early anywhere in Illinois.
Restore Illinois is a framework for recovery, not a promise of good times to come. It is one governor’s effort to balance public health with other imperatives, like people’s need to earn a paycheck, in a fair and predictable manner.
The same Restore Illinois metrics that might allow a region of the state to reopen more, as its numbers improve, could also force it to lock down more, if its numbers grow worse.
Restore Illinois may well need tinkering. We’ll hear more about that in the next few days. But it already offers our state an honest and informed framework for re-starting its economy and keeping us safe as we wrestle with all the problems the coronavirus pandemic has caused.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.