chicagosun-times--2020-08-31--Trump comes to Kenosha for a MAGA rally built for violence

Donald Trump , do not come to Kenosha on Tuesday .
You have done enough damage .
We suppose we might have hoped that in this crisis , just this once , you would seek to bring Americans together instead of driving them further apart .
We suppose we might have hoped , just this once , that you would not ask first and last : “ What ’ s in it for Donald Trump ?
” That you would put your country first , not your re-election .
But we knew better .
The whole country knows better .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll be in Kenosha on Tuesday because you are simply incapable of doing what ’ s noble and right .
“ The incumbent president is incapable of telling us the truth .
Incapable of facing facts .
Incapable of healing , ” Biden said on Monday , delivering a speech in which he forcefully condemned all violence , as he has done consistently .
“ He doesn ’ t want to shed light .
He wants to generate heat , ” Biden continued .
“ He ’ s stoking violence in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the matter about this perilous hour in our nation.
” And so Trump is coming to Kenosha , which has had four days of calm following the unrest sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake .
There ’ s just no stopping him .
Trump will whip up fear and chaos — count on it — while shouting “ law and order , ” solely with an eye toward the November election .
No matter that Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers has urged Trump to stay away because of the security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit .
Trump will be in Wisconsin because it ’ s a crucial swing state and he can not resist a chance to stir up his base .
All else he will say is hokum .
Trump cares nothing , make no mistake , about honoring fatigued first responders .
Or about comforting the citizens of Kenosha , who ’ ve seen their city ripped apart .
Or about consoling the families of the two young protesters who were killed in Kenosha , allegedly by a teenage “ militia member ” who once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally .
“ He may believe mouthing the words law and order makes him strong , but his failure to call on his own supporters to stop acting as an armed militia in this country shows you how weak he is , ” Biden said .
And we sure don ’ t expect to hear Trump offer any heartfelt words of support for the Blake family , with whom , as of Monday afternoon , he had no plans to meet .
Trump ’ s visit to Kenosha is nothing but another MAGA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of violence .
To that end , Trump and his GOP enablers will keep hammering home the lie that leftist barbarians are at the gates — antifa , Black Lives Matter , “ Democrat ” mayors — and that Trump alone can stand against them .
They will continue to feed the divisions roiling America because , as now-former presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway said last week : “ The more chaos and anarchy and vandalism and violence reigns , the better it is for the very clear choice on who ’ s best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Conway said this in support of Trump .
Which puzzles us .
Why would Americans choose to re-elect a president who has encouraged , even thrived on , hate and violence ?
Most recently , Trump tweeted his praise for armed Trump supporters , one of whom died , who fought with leftist demonstrators in Portland this past weekend .
He called them “ GREAT PATRIOTS !
” “ Do you seriously wonder , Mr. President , why this is the first time in decades that America has seen this level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on Sunday .
“ It ’ s you who have created the hate and the division.
” Hate and division — Trump ’ s calling card for decades .
You don ’ t have to look hard to find other examples .
On the campaign trail in Iowa in February 2016 , Trump told a crowd , “ So if you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato , knock the crap out of ‘ em , would you ?
I promise you , I will pay for the legal fees.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vegas , Trump said about a heckler , “ I ’ d like to punch him in the face , I ’ ll tell you.
” In August 2017 , Trump praised as “ very fine people ” those white supremacists who took to the streets of Charlottesville and chanted “ Jews will not replace us.
” One of them killed a young woman when he plowed his car into a peaceful crowd of counter-demonstrators .
In October 2018 , Trump praised Montana Rep. Greg Gianforte for body-slamming a reporter .
“ Any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he ’ s my kind of guy , ” he said .
And following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis this past May , Trump called the protesters “ THUGS ” in a tweet and and warned : “ When the looting starts , the shooting starts.
” A true leader calms turbulent waters .
He puts out fires .
He pulls people together .
Trumps stirs the storm .
He sets fires .
He pits us against each other .
How sad it is to dread a visit from @ @ @ @

Donald Trump, do not come to Kenosha on Tuesday. You have done enough damage.
We suppose we might have hoped that in this crisis, just this once, you would seek to bring Americans together instead of driving them further apart.
We suppose we might have hoped, just this once, that you would not ask first and last: “What’s in it for Donald Trump?” That you would put your country first, not your re-election.
But we knew better. The whole country knows better. Joe Biden certainly knows better.
You’ll be in Kenosha on Tuesday because you are simply incapable of doing what’s noble and right.
Editorials bug Editorials
“The incumbent president is incapable of telling us the truth. Incapable of facing facts. Incapable of healing,” Biden said on Monday, delivering a speech in which he forcefully condemned all violence, as he has done consistently.
“He doesn’t want to shed light. He wants to generate heat,” Biden continued. “He’s stoking violence in our cities. That is the tragic fact of the matter about this perilous hour in our nation.”
And so Trump is coming to Kenosha, which has had four days of calm following the unrest sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake. There’s just no stopping him.
Fears and chaos
Trump will whip up fear and chaos — count on it — while shouting “law and order,” solely with an eye toward the November election. No matter that Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has urged Trump to stay away because of the security burden on law enforcement of a presidential visit.
Trump will be in Wisconsin because it’s a crucial swing state and he cannot resist a chance to stir up his base. All else he will say is hokum.
Trump cares nothing, make no mistake, about honoring fatigued first responders.
Or about comforting the citizens of Kenosha, who’ve seen their city ripped apart.
Or about consoling the families of the two young protesters who were killed in Kenosha, allegedly by a teenage “militia member” who once sat front and center at a Trump rally.
“He may believe mouthing the words law and order makes him strong, but his failure to call on his own supporters to stop acting as an armed militia in this country shows you how weak he is,” Biden said.
And we sure don’t expect to hear Trump offer any heartfelt words of support for the Blake family, with whom, as of Monday afternoon, he had no plans to meet.
Trump’s visit to Kenosha is nothing but another MAGA rally. Delivered on a stage built of violence.
Hammer home lies
To that end, Trump and his GOP enablers will keep hammering home the lie that leftist barbarians are at the gates — antifa, Black Lives Matter, “Democrat” mayors — and that Trump alone can stand against them.
They will continue to feed the divisions roiling America because, as now-former presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway said last week: “The more chaos and anarchy and vandalism and violence reigns, the better it is for the very clear choice on who’s best on public safety and law and order.”
Conway said this in support of Trump. Which puzzles us. Why would Americans choose to re-elect a president who has encouraged, even thrived on, hate and violence?
Most recently, Trump tweeted his praise for armed Trump supporters, one of whom died, who fought with leftist demonstrators in Portland this past weekend. He called them “GREAT PATRIOTS!”
“Do you seriously wonder, Mr. President, why this is the first time in decades that America has seen this level of violence?” Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said on Sunday. “It’s you who have created the hate and the division.”
‘Punch him!’
Hate and division — Trump’s calling card for decades. You don’t have to look hard to find other examples.
On the campaign trail in Iowa in February 2016, Trump told a crowd, “So if you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of ‘em, would you? I promise you, I will pay for the legal fees.”
Later that month, in Las Vegas, Trump said about a heckler, “I’d like to punch him in the face, I’ll tell you.”
In August 2017, Trump praised as “very fine people” those white supremacists who took to the streets of Charlottesville and chanted “Jews will not replace us.” One of them killed a young woman when he plowed his car into a peaceful crowd of counter-demonstrators.
In October 2018, Trump praised Montana Rep. Greg Gianforte for body-slamming a reporter. “Any guy that can do a body slam, he’s my kind of guy,” he said.
And following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis this past May, Trump called the protesters “THUGS” in a tweet and and warned: “When the looting starts, the shooting starts.”
How sad a visit
A true leader calms turbulent waters. He puts out fires. He pulls people together.
Trumps stirs the storm. He sets fires. He pits us against each other.
Trump is coming to Kenosha.
How sad it is to dread a visit from an American president.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-31--Chicago lawyer David Pasulka charged with sexual assault, sexual abuse

A powerful Chicago attorney once told a woman she needed to “ do a little extra ” if she wanted to have custody of her children and then placed his hand under her dress , Cook County prosecutors said Monday .
That same 61-year-old lawyer is also accused of raping an associate and sexually abusing another female colleague .
David Pasulka , a prominent family law practitioner , is now facing criminal sexual assault , aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual abuse charges stemming from those allegations that date back to 2012 , prosecutors said .
The first incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Pasulka and a female associate at David P. Pasulka & Associates , P.C were driving to Springfield , where Pasulka was set to argue in front of the Illinois Supreme Court , Assistant State ’ s Attorney James Murphy said .
During the drive , Pasulka allegedly put his hand on the woman ’ s thigh and started to rub her legs .
The following month , Pasulka called that victim back to the office after he initially granted her half day off request , Murphy said .
When she returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there except Pasulka , who went on to push the woman onto his office couch where he sexually assaulted her , Murphy said .
Another woman alleged that Pasulka fondled and touched her without her consent during her time at his firm .
Pasulka told this woman he was looking for a “ team player ” and that she could “ always say no , ” Murphy said .
Once , when the woman told Pasulka to stop touching her , he allegedly responded by saying she was “ always saying no ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Pasulka is the former chair of the Cook County Circuit Court ’ s Child Representative Screening Committee , which vets and approves lawyers to serve as guardians ad litem or a domestic relations child representative , according to the circuit court ’ s website .
Pasulka ’ s two accusers who no longer work with him said he would always tell them how powerful he was and that if they were to report him , they would face negative consequences in their careers , Murphy said .
Pasulka also allegedly attacked another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guardian Ad Litem for her children .
During a 2017 meeting , Pasulka told that woman she had to be a “ good girl ” and that she needed to “ do a little extra ” in order to get custody of the children , Murphy said .
Pasulka then allegedly reached his hand under her bra and made skin-to-skin contact with the woman , who had to stand up to make him stop .
Pasulka told the woman she could return later that evening to uphold her end of the deal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to his office , told her attorney what had transpired and filed a police report .
But Pasulka had her sign a general release that prevented her from suing him for any “ inappropriate activity , ” Murphy said .
Pasulka ’ s attorney , Laura Morask , said her client “ vehemently disagree [ d ] ” with almost all the allegations and argued “ there ’ s an agenda ” behind the charges .
The “ self-made man , ” is an admitted alcoholic and has been undergoing treatment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pasulka is able to post bond , he would be staying in a sober living community , where he will continue to go to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and meet with a therapist , Morask added .
Pasulka was ordered held on $ 100,000 bail .
He ’ s expected back in court Sept. 18 .

A powerful Chicago attorney once told a woman she needed to “do a little extra” if she wanted to have custody of her children and then placed his hand under her dress, Cook County prosecutors said Monday.
That same 61-year-old lawyer is also accused of raping an associate and sexually abusing another female colleague.
David Pasulka, a prominent family law practitioner, is now facing criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual abuse charges stemming from those allegations that date back to 2012, prosecutors said.
The first incident allegedly occurred March 21, 2012, when Pasulka and a female associate at David P. Pasulka & Associates, P.C were driving to Springfield, where Pasulka was set to argue in front of the Illinois Supreme Court, Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy said. During the drive, Pasulka allegedly put his hand on the woman’s thigh and started to rub her legs.
The following month, Pasulka called that victim back to the office after he initially granted her half day off request, Murphy said. When she returned to the office, no other colleagues were there except Pasulka, who went on to push the woman onto his office couch where he sexually assaulted her, Murphy said.
Another woman alleged that Pasulka fondled and touched her without her consent during her time at his firm. Pasulka told this woman he was looking for a “team player” and that she could “always say no,” Murphy said. Once, when the woman told Pasulka to stop touching her, he allegedly responded by saying she was “always saying no” when she “should be saying yes.”
Pasulka is the former chair of the Cook County Circuit Court’s Child Representative Screening Committee, which vets and approves lawyers to serve as guardians ad litem or a domestic relations child representative, according to the circuit court’s website.
Pasulka’s two accusers who no longer work with him said he would always tell them how powerful he was and that if they were to report him, they would face negative consequences in their careers, Murphy said.
Pasulka also allegedly attacked another woman while he was the court appointed Guardian Ad Litem for her children. During a 2017 meeting, Pasulka told that woman she had to be a “good girl” and that she needed to “do a little extra” in order to get custody of the children, Murphy said. Pasulka then allegedly reached his hand under her bra and made skin-to-skin contact with the woman, who had to stand up to make him stop.
Pasulka told the woman she could return later that evening to uphold her end of the deal, Murphy said. That victim never went back to his office, told her attorney what had transpired and filed a police report. But Pasulka had her sign a general release that prevented her from suing him for any “inappropriate activity,” Murphy said.
Pasulka’s attorney, Laura Morask, said her client “vehemently disagree[d]” with almost all the allegations and argued “there’s an agenda” behind the charges.
The “self-made man,” is an admitted alcoholic and has been undergoing treatment, Morask said in court Monday. If Pasulka is able to post bond, he would be staying in a sober living community, where he will continue to go to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and meet with a therapist, Morask added.
Pasulka was ordered held on $100,000 bail. He’s expected back in court Sept. 18.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Dear Abby: During trips, daughter expects us to board her unruly hound dog

DEAR ABBY : My daughter and son-in-law ’ s dog , “ Zeke , ” is a poor houseguest .
We have kept him several times while they were vacationing .
This last time , a long weekend , was very stressful .
Zeke is a hound dog ( 58 pounds ) and stubborn .
He jumps on furniture , jumps up to the kitchen counter and dining table trying to steal food , urinates in the house ( not all the time , but often enough ) , doesn ’ t want to stay outside in the backyard unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when he is outside alone , he constantly howls .
He also chases our cats .
Whenever it ’ s muddy in our fenced backyard , he must be taken out to the front yard on a leash or he will catch a scent and run off .
There are also potential sparring matches with our own dog that must be monitored , and at feeding time , they have to be separated .
Our daughter ’ s last trip was to be for 12 days .
We said we didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long , but we would continue to keep him for short stays .
This has been a sore spot with her ever since .
She feels Zeke is our “ granddog , ” and we should keep him anyway .
I do not know how to handle this without causing any more bad feelings .
Please advise .
— ABOVE AND BEYOND IN TEXAS DEAR ABOVE AND BEYOND : Your daughter ’ s dog is too much dog for you to handle and , in addition , poorly trained .
He isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stand your ground and quit trying to placate your entitled daughter .
She should be grateful that you ’ re willing to take responsibility for the dog even for a short time .
If that isn ’ t enough for her , “ bow-wow ” out by refusing to take Zeke at all .
He ’ s her dog , and the problem should be hers , not yours .
DEAR ABBY : I am an empathetic person and , because of it , most of my friends and family members share things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their lives .
I feel pain with and for them , and have shed many tears with these people .
Most of the time , this is something I am happy to offer .
I understand that not everyone has the same level of empathy or the skills to “ be there ” when people are going through a rough patch .
But right now , I thought it might be good to share some things I have noticed when the roles were reversed and I found myself needing to share with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a competition !
Now is not the time to share your similar experience .
Let the person sharing just talk and resist the urge to relate your own stories .
2 .
Don ’ t try to offer solutions unless they are asked for .
The majority of the time , the person just needs to say it out loud to someone , and then they are able to get their head or heart around it and figure things out .
3 .
Just listen .
That ’ s all any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard and important and that we matter .
Listening can provide that to the person who is in pain .
Abby , thanks for letting me be heard .
Even the strongest friends sometimes need someone .
— LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE DEAR LEARNED : AMEN !
Life is about learning and growing .
There is much wisdom in your letter and a practical lesson for those who sometimes put their foot in their mouths because they only want to help .
Thank you for sharing .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets : “ Abby ’ s Favorite Recipes ” and “ More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 16 ( U.S. funds ) to : Dear Abby , Cookbooklet Set , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My daughter and son-in-law’s dog, “Zeke,” is a poor houseguest. We have kept him several times while they were vacationing. This last time, a long weekend, was very stressful.
Zeke is a hound dog (58 pounds) and stubborn. He jumps on furniture, jumps up to the kitchen counter and dining table trying to steal food, urinates in the house (not all the time, but often enough), doesn’t want to stay outside in the backyard unless someone is out there with him and, when he is outside alone, he constantly howls. He also chases our cats.
Whenever it’s muddy in our fenced backyard, he must be taken out to the front yard on a leash or he will catch a scent and run off. There are also potential sparring matches with our own dog that must be monitored, and at feeding time, they have to be separated.
Our daughter’s last trip was to be for 12 days. We said we didn’t want to keep him for that long, but we would continue to keep him for short stays. This has been a sore spot with her ever since. She feels Zeke is our “granddog,” and we should keep him anyway. I do not know how to handle this without causing any more bad feelings. Please advise. — ABOVE AND BEYOND IN TEXAS
DEAR ABOVE AND BEYOND: Your daughter’s dog is too much dog for you to handle and, in addition, poorly trained. He isn’t your “grand” anything. Stand your ground and quit trying to placate your entitled daughter. She should be grateful that you’re willing to take responsibility for the dog even for a short time. If that isn’t enough for her, “bow-wow” out by refusing to take Zeke at all. He’s her dog, and the problem should be hers, not yours.
DEAR ABBY: I am an empathetic person and, because of it, most of my friends and family members share things with me that they are going through in their lives. I feel pain with and for them, and have shed many tears with these people.
Most of the time, this is something I am happy to offer. I understand that not everyone has the same level of empathy or the skills to “be there” when people are going through a rough patch. But right now, I thought it might be good to share some things I have noticed when the roles were reversed and I found myself needing to share with others:
1. It’s not a competition! Now is not the time to share your similar experience. Let the person sharing just talk and resist the urge to relate your own stories.
2. Don’t try to offer solutions unless they are asked for. The majority of the time, the person just needs to say it out loud to someone, and then they are able to get their head or heart around it and figure things out.
3. Just listen. That’s all any of us want. We want to feel heard and important and that we matter. Listening can provide that to the person who is in pain.
Abby, thanks for letting me be heard. Even the strongest friends sometimes need someone. — LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE
DEAR LEARNED: AMEN! Life is about learning and growing. There is much wisdom in your letter and a practical lesson for those who sometimes put their foot in their mouths because they only want to help. Thank you for sharing.
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.
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Music Box of Horrors takes over Pilsen drive-in this October

When the COVID-19 pandemic spelled doom for the Music Box Theatre ’ s annual 24-hour horror marathon this October , General Manager Ryan Oestreich was determined to see the event rise from the grave with a vengeance , in the proud tradition of Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers .
“ I kind of knew at the middle part of July that I had to cancel it , but I said to myself , ‘ I can ’ t just cancel this thing , no , it ’ s got to become something , ’ ” Oestreich said .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then every other horror thing is going to cancel their thing , and now suddenly the entire horror community has nothing to look forward to in the month of October , and that just can ’ t happen.
” This year ’ s Music Box of Horrors will be reborn as 31 nights of screenings at the ChiTown Movies Drive-In in Pilsen , with single or double features planned for every night in October .
Along with the onscreen kills and thrills , fans can expect the eclectic mix of shorts , retro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s that have become marathon tradition .
The monthlong format will allow Oestreich to screen more well-known titles , which he usually leaves out of Music Box of Horrors to make room for offbeat movies audiences may not have heard of .
“ I know that sounds crazy to say that I ’ m excited to show things like ‘ The Shining ’ and ‘ The Exorcist.
’ But we just don ’ t normally do it , so I ’ m excited to be able to envelop those movies that everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , [ without ] taking away from all the other Box of Horrors films that harder-core fans are expecting from us , ” Oestreich said .
“ I just feel like I get a bigger canvas this year.
” While they ’ re still finalizing the lineup , the Music Box fear merchants plan to use themed nights like Grindhouse Fridays , Ripoff Saturdays and Sequel Sundays to mix some deep cuts in with the marquee titles .
“ People should open their minds to Ripoff Saturdays , ” Oestreich said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alien ’ and ‘ Carrie , ’ but they don ’ t know and love the Bollywood ripoff , or the German remake , or people who made the movie without clearing the rights and did their own take on it.
” Other highlights will include “ Bones , ” a 2001 supernatural slasher starring Snoop Dogg as a resurrected gangster seeking revenge on those who wronged him .
One double feature will pair 1974 ’ s “ Black Christmas ” — widely regarded as the first slasher film — with “ Silent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toy Maker.
” “ It is a perfect f- - -ing pairing and people just have to trust me on this one , ” Oestreich insisted .
He also plans to pay tribute to the late Chicago native horror icon Stuart Gordon , but said he ’ s still trying to decide between Gordon ’ s iconic “ Re-Animator ” or a new restoration of his 1995 direct-to-video cult classic “ Castle Freak.
” The first slate of titles for Music Box of Horrors at the Drive-In will be announced Sept. 3 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

When the COVID-19 pandemic spelled doom for the Music Box Theatre’s annual 24-hour horror marathon this October, General Manager Ryan Oestreich was determined to see the event rise from the grave with a vengeance, in the proud tradition of Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers.
“I kind of knew at the middle part of July that I had to cancel it, but I said to myself, ‘I can’t just cancel this thing, no, it’s got to become something,’ ” Oestreich said. “If I’m canceling my thing, then every other horror thing is going to cancel their thing, and now suddenly the entire horror community has nothing to look forward to in the month of October, and that just can’t happen.”
This year’s Music Box of Horrors will be reborn as 31 nights of screenings at the ChiTown Movies Drive-In in Pilsen, with single or double features planned for every night in October. Along with the onscreen kills and thrills, fans can expect the eclectic mix of shorts, retro trailer reels and filmmaker Q&A’s that have become marathon tradition.
The monthlong format will allow Oestreich to screen more well-known titles, which he usually leaves out of Music Box of Horrors to make room for offbeat movies audiences may not have heard of.
“I know that sounds crazy to say that I’m excited to show things like ‘The Shining’ and ‘The Exorcist.’ But we just don’t normally do it, so I’m excited to be able to envelop those movies that everybody knows and loves into Box of Horrors, [without] taking away from all the other Box of Horrors films that harder-core fans are expecting from us,” Oestreich said. “I just feel like I get a bigger canvas this year.”
While they’re still finalizing the lineup, the Music Box fear merchants plan to use themed nights like Grindhouse Fridays, Ripoff Saturdays and Sequel Sundays to mix some deep cuts in with the marquee titles.
“People should open their minds to Ripoff Saturdays,” Oestreich said. “They know and love movies like ‘Alien’ and ‘Carrie,’ but they don’t know and love the Bollywood ripoff, or the German remake, or people who made the movie without clearing the rights and did their own take on it.”
“Bones,” with Pam Grier and Snoop Dogg, will be part of the Music Box of Horrors lineup. New Line Cinema
Other highlights will include “Bones,” a 2001 supernatural slasher starring Snoop Dogg as a resurrected gangster seeking revenge on those who wronged him. One double feature will pair 1974’s “Black Christmas” — widely regarded as the first slasher film — with “Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker.”
“It is a perfect f- - -ing pairing and people just have to trust me on this one,” Oestreich insisted.
He also plans to pay tribute to the late Chicago native horror icon Stuart Gordon, but said he’s still trying to decide between Gordon’s iconic “Re-Animator” or a new restoration of his 1995 direct-to-video cult classic “Castle Freak.”
The first slate of titles for Music Box of Horrors at the Drive-In will be announced Sept. 3, with the rest revealed Sept. 11.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--3 wounded, 2 critically, in shooting in Englewood

Three people were wounded , two critically , in a shooting Tuesday in Englewood on the South Side .
About @ @ @ @ @ , 36 , 28 and 35 , were outside in the 6700 block of South @ @ @ @ @ fired shots at them from a gangway of a home , Chicago police said .
@ @ @ @ @ the foot and took himself to St. Bernard Hospital where he is in good condition @ @ @ @ @ 28-year-old was struck in the abdomen and the 35-year-old was struck in the back , @ @ @ @ @ taken to University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition .
Area one detectives are @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Three people were wounded, two critically, in a shooting Tuesday in Englewood on the South Side.
About 2:50 a.m. the three men, 36, 28 and 35, were outside in the 6700 block of South Ada Street, when someone fired shots at them from a gangway of a home, Chicago police said.
The 36-year-old was struck in the foot and took himself to St. Bernard Hospital where he is in good condition, police said.
The 28-year-old was struck in the abdomen and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died about two hours later, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
He was identified as Cinque Lee of South Shore, the medical examiner’s office said.
A 35-year-old man was struck in the back and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
Area one detectives are investigating the shooting.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Menu Planner: Have some charred sesame pecan green beans on the side

In a small bowl , stir together soy sauce , sesame oil and syrup .
In a large microwave-safe bowl , combine the beans and 1/4 cup water .
Cover ; microwave on high ( 100 % power ) 5 minutes or until just tender .
Drain ; pat dry with paper towel .
In a large skillet , heat canola oil on medium-high .
Add beans and cook , without stirring , 3 minutes , until charred on one side .
Stir ; continue cooking 3 more minutes or until lightly charred all over .
Remove skillet from heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tossing repeatedly to coat .
Per serving : 155 calories , 3 grams protein , 13 grams fat ( 69 % calories from fat ) , 1.2 grams saturated fat , 10 grams carbohydrate , no cholesterol , 133 milligrams sodium , 3 grams fiber .
In a large serving bowl , mix together pork , celery , onion , bell pepper , apple , basil and seasoned salt .
In a separate bowl , mix together vinegar , sour cream , mayonnaise , sugar , garlic , salt and pepper .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to coat .
Arrange greens on 4 individual plates ; top with pork mixture .
Garnish with walnuts and serve .
In a large nonstick skillet , heat canola oil on medium-high .
Add potatoes and onions ; cook 6 to 8 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and onions are softened .
Add zucchini , tomatoes , broth and Italian seasoning .
Bring to a boil ; reduce heat , cover and simmer 10 minutes on low or until zucchini is tender .
Serve hot .
Per serving : 107 calories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fat ( 21 % calories from fat ) , 0.2 gram saturated fat , 19 grams carbohydrate , no cholesterol , 50 milligrams sodium , 3 grams fiber .
Place 1 ( 1-pound ) pork tenderloin on a large piece of plastic wrap .
Rub with olive oil ; sprinkle 2 teaspoons dried oregano and 3/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning evenly over surface .
Cover tightly in plastic wrap ; refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight .
When ready to cook , heat grill to medium .
Unwrap pork .
Make lengthwise cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the way through .
Open , so pork lies flat .
Spread 3 tablespoons mixed olive tapenade on half of pork .
Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons crumbled Greek feta cheese .
Fold other half of pork over to form original shape .
Tie pork with twine at 2-inch intervals .
Grill , uncovered , 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees ; turn halfway .
Remove pork to cutting board ; cover loosely with foil and let stand 5 to 10 minutes .
To serve , remove twine and slice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dinner rolls .
In a large nonstick skillet , cook 1 pound lean ground beef for 6 minutes on medium-high or until no longer pink ; drain , wipe pan with paper towel and return meat to pan .
Stir in 1 cup pizza sauce , 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper , and cook 3 minutes on medium .
Add 2 cups hot cooked elbow macaroni ; cook 3 minutes or until hot .
Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon shredded 50 % light cheddar cheese .
( Bacon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomatoes are in the salsa ) .
Spread 4 ( 8-inch ) flour tortillas with 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese ; top with some salsa and shredded lettuce ; spread evenly .
Place 2 slices cooked bacon on each tortilla ; top each with 2 tablespoons guacamole .
Roll and serve immediately .
Combine 1 medium cucumber ( peeled , seeded and diced ) , 1/2 cup chopped fresh flatleaf parsley , 1 medium red onion ( thinly sliced ) , juice of 2 lemons , 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2 ( 15-ounce ) cans reduced-sodium cannellini beans ( rinsed ) , 3 ( 6-ounce ) cans water-packed albacore tuna ( drained and flaked ) , and 1 ( 2-ounce ) jar diced pimentos ( drained ) in a large bowl ; toss to coat and let stand 15 minutes to blend flavors ( if time permits ) .
Arrange 8 cups mixed greens on a serving platter , top with tuna mixture and serve with Italian bread .
In a large nonstick skillet on medium , cook 1/2 cup chopped Canadian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; stir frequently .
Add 1 large green bell pepper , cut into strips , 1 large red bell pepper , cut into strips , 1 ( 10-ounce ) can no-salt-added or regular diced tomatoes and green chilies , drained ; cook 5 minutes .
Add 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp , peeled and deveined ; cook 3 minutes or until shrimp are pink and opaque throughout .
Stir in 1/2 cup sliced green onions .
Meanwhile , slice and heat 1 ( 16-ounce ) package refrigerated cheese polenta according to package directions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with foil ; spread with 1 pint softened chocolate-chocolate chip ice cream .
Drizzle with 1/4 cup caramel sauce ; top with 1 pint softened butter pecan ice cream .
Repeat layers once .
Freeze until hardened .
Remove from freezer , turn upside-down , peel off foil and let stand a few minutes .
Slice and top with light whipped cream and toasted pecans .

Charred sesame pecan green beens
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: about 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
12 ounces trimmed fresh green beans
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/3 cup chopped pecans
In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, sesame oil and syrup. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the beans and 1/4 cup water. Cover; microwave on high (100% power) 5 minutes or until just tender. Drain; pat dry with paper towel. In a large skillet, heat canola oil on medium-high. Add beans and cook, without stirring, 3 minutes, until charred on one side. Stir; continue cooking 3 more minutes or until lightly charred all over. Remove skillet from heat; add the sauce mixture and pecans, tossing repeatedly to coat.
Per serving: 155 calories, 3 grams protein, 13 grams fat (69% calories from fat), 1.2 grams saturated fat, 10 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 133 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 0.5.
Pork-apple summer salad
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: to toast the walnuts
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE SALAD:
1 to 1 1/2 pounds cooked pork tenderloin, diced
2 ribs celery, chopped
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 medium Granny Smith apple, diced
2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil (or 2 teaspoons dried)
1 teaspoon less-sodium seasoned salt
6 cups salad greens
1/4 cup toasted walnut halves, for garnish
FOR THE DRESSING:
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Coarse salt and pepper to taste
In a large serving bowl, mix together pork, celery, onion, bell pepper, apple, basil and seasoned salt. In a separate bowl, mix together vinegar, sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour dressing over pork mixture and toss to coat. Arrange greens on 4 individual plates; top with pork mixture. Garnish with walnuts and serve.
Per serving: 320 calories, 34 grams protein, 13 grams fat (35% calories from fat), 3.5 grams saturated fat, 18 grams carbohydrate, 93 milligrams cholesterol, 496 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 1.
Vegetable stew
Makes 6 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: less than 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 cups diced baking potatoes
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups sliced zucchini
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes with liquid
1 cup unsalted vegetable broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
In a large nonstick skillet, heat canola oil on medium-high. Add potatoes and onions; cook 6 to 8 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and onions are softened. Add zucchini, tomatoes, broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes on low or until zucchini is tender. Serve hot.
Per serving: 107 calories, 3 grams protein, 3 grams fat (21% calories from fat), 0.2 gram saturated fat, 19 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 50 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 1.5.
Herb-crusted Mediterranean pork tenderloin
Place 1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin on a large piece of plastic wrap. Rub with olive oil; sprinkle 2 teaspoons dried oregano and 3/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning evenly over surface. Cover tightly in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight. When ready to cook, heat grill to medium. Unwrap pork. Make lengthwise cut down center of pork, but not all the way through. Open, so pork lies flat. Spread 3 tablespoons mixed olive tapenade on half of pork. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons crumbled Greek feta cheese. Fold other half of pork over to form original shape. Tie pork with twine at 2-inch intervals. Grill, uncovered, 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees; turn halfway. Remove pork to cutting board; cover loosely with foil and let stand 5 to 10 minutes. To serve, remove twine and slice. Serve with asparagus, orzo and dinner rolls.
Pizza macaroni
In a large nonstick skillet, cook 1 pound lean ground beef for 6 minutes on medium-high or until no longer pink; drain, wipe pan with paper towel and return meat to pan. Stir in 1 cup pizza sauce, 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and cook 3 minutes on medium. Add 2 cups hot cooked elbow macaroni; cook 3 minutes or until hot. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon shredded 50% light cheddar cheese.
BLT&G
(Bacon, lettuce, tomato and guacamole — the tomatoes are in the salsa). Spread 4 (8-inch) flour tortillas with 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese; top with some salsa and shredded lettuce; spread evenly. Place 2 slices cooked bacon on each tortilla; top each with 2 tablespoons guacamole. Roll and serve immediately.
Tuna and white bean salad
Combine 1 medium cucumber (peeled, seeded and diced), 1/2 cup chopped fresh flatleaf parsley, 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced), juice of 2 lemons, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 2 (15-ounce) cans reduced-sodium cannellini beans (rinsed), 3 (6-ounce) cans water-packed albacore tuna (drained and flaked), and 1 (2-ounce) jar diced pimentos (drained) in a large bowl; toss to coat and let stand 15 minutes to blend flavors (if time permits). Arrange 8 cups mixed greens on a serving platter, top with tuna mixture and serve with Italian bread.
Shrimp and peppers over polenta
In a large nonstick skillet on medium, cook 1/2 cup chopped Canadian bacon 3 minutes or until lightly browned; stir frequently. Add 1 large green bell pepper, cut into strips, 1 large red bell pepper, cut into strips, 1 (10-ounce) can no-salt-added or regular diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained; cook 5 minutes. Add 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; cook 3 minutes or until shrimp are pink and opaque throughout. Stir in 1/2 cup sliced green onions. Meanwhile, slice and heat 1 (16-ounce) package refrigerated cheese polenta according to package directions. Serve shrimp and peppers over polenta.
Turtle terrine
Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with foil; spread with 1 pint softened chocolate-chocolate chip ice cream. Drizzle with 1/4 cup caramel sauce; top with 1 pint softened butter pecan ice cream. Repeat layers once. Freeze until hardened. Remove from freezer, turn upside-down, peel off foil and let stand a few minutes. Slice and top with light whipped cream and toasted pecans.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--10 shot, 1 fatally, Monday in Chicago

10 shot, 1 fatally, Monday in Chicago

Ten people were shot , one fatally , Monday in Chicago .
A 26-year-old man was killed in Homan Square on the West Side in the day ’ s only reported fatal shooting .
About 10:55 p.m. he was standing outside in the 3500 block of West Polk Street , when someone walked up to him and fired shots , Chicago police said .
He was struck in the chest and taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in critical condition , but later died , police said .
In non-fatal shootings , a 32-year-old man was shot while he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Side .
About 11 p.m. he was riding his bike in the 1400 block of South Drake Avenue , when he heard gunshots and felt a pain , police said .
He was struck in the lower backside , but continued to ride to the 3900 block of West Grenshaw Avenue , where Chicago fire officials responded , police said .
He was taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital and is in fair condition , police said .
A 22-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Lawndale on the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station about 9:45 p.m. in the 3900 block of West Ogden Avenue when three people got out of a blue SUV and fired shots at him , police said .
The man was shot in the chest and back and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition , police said .
About forty-five minutes prior , a 28-year-old woman was wounded when she was shot in Gresham on the South Side .
She was on a porch about 9 p.m. in the 8700 block of South Sangamon Street when someone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The woman was hit in the buttocks and was taken to an unknown hospital in good condition , police said .
Thirty minutes before then , a 36-year-old man person was shot in Chicago Lawn on the Southwest Side .
He was shot in the hip about 8:30 p.m. in the 6200 block of South Rockwell Street , Chicago police said .
They were taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition .
A 32-year-old man was shot in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1300 block of South Albany Avenue when someone got out of a silver SUV and shot him in the head and thigh , police said .
The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition .
Earlier in the afternoon , a person was critically wounded when they were shot in Lawndale on the West Side .
About 1:05 p.m. , a male was shot in the head in the 1800 block of South Kedzie Avenue , police said .
He was rushed to the hospital for treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a shooting in Bronzeville on the South Side .
About 12:43 p.m. , the 33-year-old was in the 600 block of East 40th St. when someone opened fire , striking him in the hip and abdomen , police said .
The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition , police said .
A 26-year-old man was wounded in a drive-by on the border of Morgan Park and West Pullman on the Far South Side .
He was in the 1400 block of West 115th Street about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vehicle , according to police .
Struck in the groin , he was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where his condition stabilized , police said .
The shooter was seen driving east in a green SUV or truck , police said .
A man was critically injured in a shooting in Bronzeville on the South Side .
Officers responding to reports of a person shot at 3:36 a.m. found the man in his 20s with a gunshot wound in the 400 block of East Pershing Road , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition , police said .
The day ’ s first reported shooting injured a man in Uptown on the North Side .
The 34-year-old was riding a bicycle at 12:18 a.m. in the 1100 block of West Winona Street when a white sedan approached , according to police .
A male inside the car asked him about his gang affiliation before firing shots .
The man was hit in the ankle and taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition , police said .
Fifty-five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatally , last weekend .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Ten people were shot, one fatally, Monday in Chicago.
A 26-year-old man was killed in Homan Square on the West Side in the day’s only reported fatal shooting.
About 10:55 p.m. he was standing outside in the 3500 block of West Polk Street, when someone walked up to him and fired shots, Chicago police said.
He was struck in the chest and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition, but later died, police said.
In non-fatal shootings, a 32-year-old man was shot while he was riding his bike in Lawndale on the West Side.
About 11 p.m. he was riding his bike in the 1400 block of South Drake Avenue, when he heard gunshots and felt a pain, police said.
He was struck in the lower backside, but continued to ride to the 3900 block of West Grenshaw Avenue, where Chicago fire officials responded, police said.
He was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital and is in fair condition, police said.
A 22-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Lawndale on the West Side.
He was leaving a gas station about 9:45 p.m. in the 3900 block of West Ogden Avenue when three people got out of a blue SUV and fired shots at him, police said.
The man was shot in the chest and back and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, police said.
About forty-five minutes prior, a 28-year-old woman was wounded when she was shot in Gresham on the South Side.
She was on a porch about 9 p.m. in the 8700 block of South Sangamon Street when someone in a silver Jeep fired shots, police said. The woman was hit in the buttocks and was taken to an unknown hospital in good condition, police said.
Thirty minutes before then, a 36-year-old man person was shot in Chicago Lawn on the Southwest Side.
He was shot in the hip about 8:30 p.m. in the 6200 block of South Rockwell Street, Chicago police said. They were taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition.
A 32-year-old man was shot in Lawndale on the West Side.
He was a passenger in a vehicle about 7:35 p.m. in the 1300 block of South Albany Avenue when someone got out of a silver SUV and shot him in the head and thigh, police said. The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition.
Earlier in the afternoon, a person was critically wounded when they were shot in Lawndale on the West Side.
About 1:05 p.m., a male was shot in the head in the 1800 block of South Kedzie Avenue, police said. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Minutes prior, a man was wounded in a shooting in Bronzeville on the South Side.
About 12:43 p.m., the 33-year-old was in the 600 block of East 40th St. when someone opened fire, striking him in the hip and abdomen, police said.
The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition, police said.
A 26-year-old man was wounded in a drive-by on the border of Morgan Park and West Pullman on the Far South Side.
He was in the 1400 block of West 115th Street about 9:50 a.m. when someone shot him from a vehicle, according to police.
Struck in the groin, he was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where his condition stabilized, police said.
The shooter was seen driving east in a green SUV or truck, police said.
A man was critically injured in a shooting in Bronzeville on the South Side.
Officers responding to reports of a person shot at 3:36 a.m. found the man in his 20s with a gunshot wound in the 400 block of East Pershing Road, police said.
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
The day’s first reported shooting injured a man in Uptown on the North Side.
The 34-year-old was riding a bicycle at 12:18 a.m. in the 1100 block of West Winona Street when a white sedan approached, according to police. A male inside the car asked him about his gang affiliation before firing shots.
The man was hit in the ankle and taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition, police said.
Fifty-five people were shot, ten of them fatally, last weekend.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Bears camp: Who makes the roster?

Bears camp: Who makes the roster?

The NFL ’ s cuts , which are due by 3 p.m. Saturday , will be different than any in league history .
Teams will , as always , be able to keep 53 players on the active roster .
As a hedge against the ravages of the coronavirus , teams for the first time will be able to stash 16 more players on the practice squad — provided they ’ re not picked up by other clubs first .
And even that would be a crapshoot .
With no preseason games this year , player acquisition will be based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hunch .
With Saturday looming , here ’ s a look at whom the Bears will keep , stash and cut : How they ’ ve looked : Underwhelming .
Neither Trubisky nor Foles has run away with the starting job , but each has one week left to try to make an impression .
The Bears clearly would have preferred that one make the decision easy on them .
The question left to answer : The most important question the Bears will face all year : Who ’ s the starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Out of sorts .
With Montgomery out two to four weeks with a groin injury , the Bears ’ other complementary pieces — Cohen and Patterson , whom we ’ re calling a running back for this exercise — will have to take on a larger role .
The question left to answer : Will the Bears be tempted by a free-agent running back — cough , Leonard Fournette , cough — even for a few weeks ?
How they ’ ve looked : Incomplete .
Robinson ’ s ankle injury last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depth at outside receiver — and reinforced the belief that they need to hand him a contract extension before the season opener .
The question left to answer : What does Ginn have left ?
In 2017 , he caught 53 balls for 787 yards .
After an injury-riddled 2018 , he caught 30 balls for 421 yards last year .
The Bears need him to be far closer to the 2017 version of himself .
How they ’ ve looked : Healthy .
The Bears won ’ t take that for granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the position last season .
The question left to answer : Can Kmet adjust to the NFL on the fly ?
In-line tight end is a difficult position for rookies to learn — they have to master pass routes like receivers and blocking schemes like linemen — much less in a truncated preseason .
How they ’ ve looked : About the same .
After all , four of the five starters from the disappointing 2019 unit will start again this season .
The question left to answer : How much impact will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Coach Matt Nagy praises Castillo at every turn .
If the unit improves , it will be in part because they have a new voice to listen to .
How they ’ ve looked : Thin .
When nose tackle Eddie Goldman opted out , the Bears were optimistic they would be able to fill in for him .
Hicks missing half the padded practices with a quad injury didn ’ t help matters .
The question left to answer : Will Hicks stay healthy ?
Perhaps some time without practicing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much time he missed last season .
But he needs to ready by Week 1 .
How they ’ ve looked : Motivated .
Khalil Mack knows he and the Bears had a disappointing 2019 .
The question left to answer : Is Quinn ready to go ?
A ‘ ‘ personal issue ’ ’ put him behind during the early part of training camp , and he didn ’ t participate in full team drills until the scrimmage Saturday .
A player whose stated preference is to play in a 4-3 defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many reps with his teammates as he can get .
How they ’ ve looked : Fast .
Perhaps it ’ s a function of not having to play preseason games , but the Bears ’ starters are flying around in practice .
The question left to answer : Is this the year Smith becomes a star ?
Or will he have his third bizarre season in a row after holding out as a rookie and being a late scratch because of personal reasons last year ?
How they ’ ve looked : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in training camp , but Johnson ’ s recovery from shoulder surgery , Artie Burns ’ season-ending knee injury and Toliver ’ s lackluster showing has muddied the starting question .
The question left to answer : Who starts outside in Week 1 ?
The finalists seem to be Johnson and Skrine .
If Skrine starts outside , he ’ ll bump inside to cover the slot in nickel coverage , with Johnson taking the field to play outside .
And the Bears will play a lot of nickel coverage against the Lions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ruthless .
Jackson has been the best defensive player in camp , and Bush wants the world to know he intends on being a thumper .
His tackle of tough guy Graham — and the scrap it started — wasn ’ t an accident .
The question left to answer : Who starts , Gipson or Bush ?
The Bears have to choose between the veteran ballhawk and the more physical Bush .
How they ’ ve looked : Fine , but that doesn ’ t mean anything .
Santos being perfect during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing a Bears kicker has come to having to perform in a pressure situation .
The question left to answer : Will Pineiro be healthy by Sept. 13 ?
A groin injury has sidelined him during camp .
Still , the Bears plan to keep two kickers — with one on the practice squad — this season .

The NFL’s cuts, which are due by 3 p.m. Saturday, will be different than any in league history.
Teams will, as always, be able to keep 53 players on the active roster. As a hedge against the ravages of the coronavirus, teams for the first time will be able to stash 16 more players on the practice squad — provided they’re not picked up by other clubs first.
And even that would be a crapshoot. With no preseason games this year, player acquisition will be based on old film, scouting reports and a hunch.
With Saturday looming, here’s a look at whom the Bears will keep, stash and cut:
OFFENSE (26 players kept)
Quarterbacks
They’ll likely keep: 2.
They’re in: Mitch Trubisky, Nick Foles.
They’re on the practice squad: Tyler Bray.
How they’ve looked: Underwhelming. Neither Trubisky nor Foles has run away with the starting job, but each has one week left to try to make an impression. The Bears clearly would have preferred that one make the decision easy on them.
The question left to answer: The most important question the Bears will face all year: Who’s the starting quarterback?
Running backs
They’ll likely keep: 5.
They’re in: David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen, Cordarrelle Patterson, Ryan Nall, Artavis Pierce.
They’re on the practice squad: Napoleon Maxwell.
How they’ve looked: Out of sorts. With Montgomery out two to four weeks with a groin injury, the Bears’ other complementary pieces — Cohen and Patterson, whom we’re calling a running back for this exercise — will have to take on a larger role.
The question left to answer: Will the Bears be tempted by a free-agent running back — cough, Leonard Fournette, cough — even for a few weeks?
Wide receivers
They’ll likely keep: 6.
They’re in: Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Ted Ginn, Darnell Mooney, Riley Ridley, Javon Wims.
They’re on the practice squad: Reggie Davis, Thomas Ives.
They’re out: Rodney Adams, Ahmad Wagner, Alex Wesley.
How they’ve looked: Incomplete. Robinson’s ankle injury last week exposed the Bears’ lack of depth at outside receiver — and reinforced the belief that they need to hand him a contract extension before the season opener.
The question left to answer: What does Ginn have left? In 2017, he caught 53 balls for 787 yards. After an injury-riddled 2018, he caught 30 balls for 421 yards last year. The Bears need him to be far closer to the 2017 version of himself.
Tight ends
They’ll likely keep: 5.
They’re in: Jimmy Graham, Cole Kmet, Demetrius Harris, J.P. Holtz, Eric Saubert.
They’re on the practice squad: Jesper Horsted.
How they’ve looked: Healthy. The Bears won’t take that for granted after Trey Burton’s injury muddled the position last season.
The question left to answer: Can Kmet adjust to the NFL on the fly? In-line tight end is a difficult position for rookies to learn — they have to master pass routes like receivers and blocking schemes like linemen — much less in a truncated preseason.
Offensive line
They’ll likely keep: 8.
They’re in: Charles Leno, James Daniels, Cody Whitehair, Germain Ifedi, Bobby Massie, Jason Spriggs, Rashaad Coward, Alex Bars.
They’re on the practice squad: Lachavious Simmons, Arlington Hambright, Corey Levin.
They’re out: Dieter Eiselen, Sam Mustipher, Badara Traore.
How they’ve looked: About the same. After all, four of the five starters from the disappointing 2019 unit will start again this season.
The question left to answer: How much impact will new offensive line coach Juan Castillo have? Coach Matt Nagy praises Castillo at every turn. If the unit improves, it will be in part because they have a new voice to listen to.
DEFENSE (24 players kept)
Defensive line
They’ll likely keep: 5.
They’re in: Akiem Hicks, Roy Robertson-Harris, Bilal Nichols, John Jenkins, Brent Urban.
They’re on the practice squad: Abdullah Anderson.
They’re out: Lee Autry, Trevon McSwain.
How they’ve looked: Thin. When nose tackle Eddie Goldman opted out, the Bears were optimistic they would be able to fill in for him. Hicks missing half the padded practices with a quad injury didn’t help matters.
The question left to answer: Will Hicks stay healthy? Perhaps some time without practicing is a blessing for Hicks, given how much time he missed last season. But he needs to ready by Week 1.
Outside linebackers
They’ll likely keep: 5.
They’re in: Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn, Barkevious Mingo, Isaiah Irving, Trevis Gipson.
They’re on the practice squad: James Vaughters, Ledarius Mack.
They’re out: LaCale London.
How they’ve looked: Motivated. Khalil Mack knows he and the Bears had a disappointing 2019.
The question left to answer: Is Quinn ready to go? A ‘‘personal issue’’ put him behind during the early part of training camp, and he didn’t participate in full team drills until the scrimmage Saturday. A player whose stated preference is to play in a 4-3 defense, not a 3-4, needs as many reps with his teammates as he can get.
Inside linebackers
They’ll likely keep: 4.
They’re in: Danny Trevathan, Roquan Smith, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Josh Woods.
They’re on the practice squad: Rashad Smith.
They’re out: Keandre Jones.
How they’ve looked: Fast. Perhaps it’s a function of not having to play preseason games, but the Bears’ starters are flying around in practice.
The question left to answer: Is this the year Smith becomes a star? Or will he have his third bizarre season in a row after holding out as a rookie and being a late scratch because of personal reasons last year?
Cornerbacks
They’ll likely keep: 5.
They’re in: Kyle Fuller, Jaylon Johnson, Buster Skrine, Kevin Toliver, Kindle Vildor.
They’re on the practice squad: Duke Shelley, Stephen Denmark.
They’re out: Xavier Crawford.
How they’ve looked: Meh. Fuller has been a star in training camp, but Johnson’s recovery from shoulder surgery, Artie Burns’ season-ending knee injury and Toliver’s lackluster showing has muddied the starting question.
The question left to answer: Who starts outside in Week 1? The finalists seem to be Johnson and Skrine. If Skrine starts outside, he’ll bump inside to cover the slot in nickel coverage, with Johnson taking the field to play outside. And the Bears will play a lot of nickel coverage against the Lions.
Safeties
They’ll likely keep: 5.
They’re in: Eddie Jackson, Deon Bush, Tashaun Gipson, DeAndre Houston-Carson, Sherrick McManis.
They’re on the practice squad: Marqui Christian.
How they’ve looked: Ruthless. Jackson has been the best defensive player in camp, and Bush wants the world to know he intends on being a thumper. His tackle of tough guy Graham — and the scrap it started — wasn’t an accident.
The question left to answer: Who starts, Gipson or Bush? The Bears have to choose between the veteran ballhawk and the more physical Bush.
SPECIALISTS
They’ll likely keep: 3.
They’re in: P Pat O’Donnell, K Cairo Santos, LS Patrick Scales.
They’re on the practice squad: K Eddy Pineiro.
How they’ve looked: Fine, but that doesn’t mean anything. Santos being perfect during the Soldier Field scrimmage was the closest thing a Bears kicker has come to having to perform in a pressure situation.
The question left to answer: Will Pineiro be healthy by Sept. 13? A groin injury has sidelined him during camp. Still, the Bears plan to keep two kickers — with one on the practice squad — this season.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Man shot, killed in Homan Square: police

A 26-year-old man was fatally shot Monday in Homan Square on the West Side .
About 10:55 p.m. he was @ @ @ @ @ block of West Polk Street , when someone walked up to him and fired shots @ @ @ @ @ He was struck in the chest and taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in critical @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office has not released @ @ @ @ @

A 26-year-old man was fatally shot Monday in Homan Square on the West Side.
About 10:55 p.m. he was standing outside in the 3500 block of West Polk Street, when someone walked up to him and fired shots, Chicago police said.
He was struck in the chest and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition, but later died, police said.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Haasan Readers of Woodlawn. An autopsy ruled his death a homicide.
Area Four detectives are investigating.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-31--Courtney Vandersloot sets WNBA record with 18 assists in Sky’s victory

BRADENTON , Fla. — Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot set the WNBA record with 18 assists in a game , helping the team to a 100-77 victory against the Fever on Monday .
Vandersloot tied the record , held by Ticha Penicheiro , at 16 on a drive to the basket , drawing two defenders and finding Ruthy Hebard under the hoop for a 89-74 lead with 3:22 left .
“ I thought this record was untouchable .
Ticha set the bar very , very high , ” Vandersloot said .
“ I don ’ t think this one will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough to get 16 assists in a game .
“ This one is really special .
My teammates were knocking down shots .
They were as happy as I was , and it makes it that much enjoyable for me.
” Vandersloot had gotten 15 assists three times and looked like she might have to settle for that again as she left the game with a few minutes left .
After a brief rest on the bench , Vandersloot found her wife , Allie Quigley , in the corner for a three-pointer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she connected with Quigley again for a three-pointer and a 25-point lead .
“ It puts a little cherry on top .
I know she was happy for me , ” Vandersloot said of her wife hitting the record shot .
“ She wanted to do that for me .
It was initially for Ruthy , but the backup plan was always Allie .
You can always count on Allie to knock down some late shots.
” Penicheiro , who reached 16 assists in 1998 and 2002 , tweeted a congratulatory note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished with 13 points and is averaging 9.3 assists this season , which would break her own mark of 9.1 , set last year .
Gabby Williams and Kahleah Copper each scored 21 points for the Sky ( 11-6 ) .
Quigley added 19 .
Teaira McCowan had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Fever ( 5-11 ) .
The Sky , who were down to nine players , signed 6-1 forward Alisia Jenkins to a seven-day contract before the game .
She originally was signed by the Fever on Aug. 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
Last winter , she averaged 22.4 points and 12.3 rebounds in Hungry .

BRADENTON, Fla. — Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot set the WNBA record with 18 assists in a game, helping the team to a 100-77 victory against the Fever on Monday.
Vandersloot tied the record, held by Ticha Penicheiro, at 16 on a drive to the basket, drawing two defenders and finding Ruthy Hebard under the hoop for a 89-74 lead with 3:22 left.
“I thought this record was untouchable. Ticha set the bar very, very high,” Vandersloot said. “I don’t think this one will be touched very often. It’s tough to get 16 assists in a game.
“This one is really special. My teammates were knocking down shots. They were as happy as I was, and it makes it that much enjoyable for me.”
Vandersloot had gotten 15 assists three times and looked like she might have to settle for that again as she left the game with a few minutes left.
After a brief rest on the bench, Vandersloot found her wife, Allie Quigley, in the corner for a three-pointer to break the record. Two possessions later, she connected with Quigley again for a three-pointer and a 25-point lead.
“It puts a little cherry on top. I know she was happy for me,” Vandersloot said of her wife hitting the record shot. “She wanted to do that for me. It was initially for Ruthy, but the backup plan was always Allie. You can always count on Allie to knock down some late shots.”
Penicheiro, who reached 16 assists in 1998 and 2002, tweeted a congratulatory note to Vandersloot after the game. Vandersloot finished with 13 points and is averaging 9.3 assists this season, which would break her own mark of 9.1, set last year.
Gabby Williams and Kahleah Copper each scored 21 points for the Sky (11-6). Quigley added 19. Teaira McCowan had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Fever (5-11).
The Sky, who were down to nine players, signed 6-1 forward Alisia Jenkins to a seven-day contract before the game. She originally was signed by the Fever on Aug. 17, but they waived her 11 days later. Last winter, she averaged 22.4 points and 12.3 rebounds in Hungry.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-31--Luis Robert powers White Sox’ come-from-behind victory over Twins

There was no no-hitter — not even close — from Lucas Giolito on Monday .
But there was Luis Robert .
In what was said to be the White Sox ’ biggest series in recent memory and with their ace on the mound to start it off against the defending American League Central champion Twins , the Sox dropped the ball early on , making three errors in the second inning and falling behind by four runs .
But Robert , the Sox ’ sensational rookie center fielder , made all of it moot in an 8-5 victory over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) into sole possession of first place in the AL Central .
“ With the lineup we have , four runs is nothing , ” Robert said through a translator .
Robert slammed his 10th home run , most among AL rookies , against Trevor May to tie the score at 5 in the seventh , then added a go-ahead RBI double in the ninth against Taylor Rogers .
after right fielder Max Kepler dropped Edwin Encarnacion ’ s routine fly and James McCann ’ s single .
Nomar Mazara provided insurance with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the 12th time in 14 games .
Robert ’ s homer traveled 449 feet and left the park at 111 mph .
“ This speaks to what kind of team we are , ” said Robert , whose walk-off homer Sunday beat the Royals .
“ We never put our head down.
” Right fielder Adam Engel ( ball between his legs ) , second baseman Nick Madrigal ( bad throw ) and Giolito ( muffed play on slow tap near the mound ) lowlighted a messy three-run Twins second .
Miguel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slider made it 4-0 in the third inning .
But the Sox got two back in the fourth on a two-run single by Engel against left-hander Rich Hill , and Jose Abreu collected his 31st and 32nd RBI with a two-out double against Tyler Clippard in the sixth .
Giolito , coming off his no-hitter that featured 13 strikeouts and one walk against the Pirates last Tuesday , struck out eight but needed 94 pitches to get through five innings .
He allowed four runs ( two earned ) , four hits and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by retiring seven of the last eight batters face .
“ This is the most fun I ’ ve ever had playing baseball , ” Giolito said .
“ It ’ s not even close.
” Matt Foster ( 4-0 , 1.13 ERA ) pitched a perfect eighth with two strikeouts and Alex Colome collected his seventh save in as many opportunities .
The Sox have a one-game lead over the Indians and lead the Twins by 2½ games .
Robert ’ s homer was their 54th in August , a club record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s contract was purchased from the Schaumburg training facility , and infielder Ryan Goins was designated for assignment .
Sanchez , 28 , was signed by the Sox as a free agent Aug. 26 .
He won a Gold Glove for AL second basemen last season with the Sox but was nontendered in the offseason He signed a minor-league deal with the Giants but was released last week .
Left-hander Aaron Bummer , on the injured list since Aug. 8 with a strained left biceps , has a nerve issue near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The biceps muscle is healed , but with the nerve problem , “ we aren ’ t quite certain exactly when he ’ s going to be able to return , ” Hahn said .
“ It really comes down to getting that nerve calmed down , and then as we ramp him up , which we have started to do on a throwing program , how the nerve responds .
So it ’ s quite possible , based on how the throwing program lays out , that you see us at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IL .
But that ’ s simply because the program is very slow and deliberate , and his return is scheduled for the other side of the 45-day absence.
” Bummer signed a five-year , $ 16 million extension in the offseason and would be a vital piece in the bullpen .
That is , if he returns this season .
“ There is no long-term concern with Aaron , ” Hahn said .
“ If for whatever reason this throwing program doesn ’ t work or he doesn ’ t return this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him when we report to spring training next year.
” Third baseman Yoan Moncada missed his second straight start with a tight hamstring .

There was no no-hitter — not even close — from Lucas Giolito on Monday.
But there was Luis Robert.
In what was said to be the White Sox’ biggest series in recent memory and with their ace on the mound to start it off against the defending American League Central champion Twins, the Sox dropped the ball early on, making three errors in the second inning and falling behind by four runs. But Robert, the Sox’ sensational rookie center fielder, made all of it moot in an 8-5 victory over the Twins that lifted the Sox (22-13) into sole possession of first place in the AL Central.
“With the lineup we have, four runs is nothing,” Robert said through a translator.
Robert slammed his 10th home run, most among AL rookies, against Trevor May to tie the score at 5 in the seventh, then added a go-ahead RBI double in the ninth against Taylor Rogers. after right fielder Max Kepler dropped Edwin Encarnacion’s routine fly and James McCann’s single. Nomar Mazara provided insurance with a two-run single as the Sox won for the 12th time in 14 games.
Robert’s homer traveled 449 feet and left the park at 111 mph.
“This speaks to what kind of team we are,” said Robert, whose walk-off homer Sunday beat the Royals. “We never put our head down.”
Right fielder Adam Engel (ball between his legs), second baseman Nick Madrigal (bad throw) and Giolito (muffed play on slow tap near the mound) lowlighted a messy three-run Twins second. Miguel Sano’s homer on a hanging slider made it 4-0 in the third inning.
But the Sox got two back in the fourth on a two-run single by Engel against left-hander Rich Hill, and Jose Abreu collected his 31st and 32nd RBI with a two-out double against Tyler Clippard in the sixth.
Giolito, coming off his no-hitter that featured 13 strikeouts and one walk against the Pirates last Tuesday, struck out eight but needed 94 pitches to get through five innings. He allowed four runs (two earned), four hits and a walk but got through five innings by retiring seven of the last eight batters face.
“This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball,” Giolito said. “It’s not even close.”
Matt Foster (4-0, 1.13 ERA) pitched a perfect eighth with two strikeouts and Alex Colome collected his seventh save in as many opportunities.
The Sox have a one-game lead over the Indians and lead the Twins by 2½ games. Robert’s homer was their 54th in August, a club record for one month.
Yolmer joins the club
Infielder Yolmer Sanchez’s contract was purchased from the Schaumburg training facility, and infielder Ryan Goins was designated for assignment.
Sanchez, 28, was signed by the Sox as a free agent Aug. 26.
He won a Gold Glove for AL second basemen last season with the Sox but was nontendered in the offseason He signed a minor-league deal with the Giants but was released last week.
Bummer has nerve issue
Left-hander Aaron Bummer, on the injured list since Aug. 8 with a strained left biceps, has a nerve issue near the biceps, general manager Rick Hahn revealed. The biceps muscle is healed, but with the nerve problem, “we aren’t quite certain exactly when he’s going to be able to return,” Hahn said.
“It really comes down to getting that nerve calmed down, and then as we ramp him up, which we have started to do on a throwing program, how the nerve responds. So it’s quite possible, based on how the throwing program lays out, that you see us at some point put him on the 45-day IL. But that’s simply because the program is very slow and deliberate, and his return is scheduled for the other side of the 45-day absence.”
Bummer signed a five-year, $16 million extension in the offseason and would be a vital piece in the bullpen. That is, if he returns this season.
“There is no long-term concern with Aaron,” Hahn said. “If for whatever reason this throwing program doesn’t work or he doesn’t return this year, it should be fully behind him when we report to spring training next year.”
No Moncada again
Third baseman Yoan Moncada missed his second straight start with a tight hamstring.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Black former franchisees sue McDonald’s for discrimination

More than 50 Black former McDonald ’ s franchise owners are suing the burger chain , saying the company steered them to less-profitable restaurants and didn ’ t give them the same support and opportunities given white franchisees .
The 52 plaintiffs , who owned around 200 U.S. stores before being forced to sell them over the last decade , are seeking compensation of $ 4 million to $ 5 million per store , according to the lawsuit .
The suit was filed Tuesday in federal court in Chicago , where McDonald ’ s is based .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ franchisees to stores in inner-city neighborhoods with lower sales volumes and higher security and insurance costs .
The company would provide them with misleading financial information or push them to decide quickly when a store became available , the lawsuit says .
Once Black franchisees owned a store , they would be asked to rebuild or remodel within a shorter period of time than white franchisees without the rent relief and other financial support given to white franchisees , the lawsuit says .
Black franchise owners were also denied the chance to buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it says .
As a result , the plaintiffs averaged sales of $ 2 million per year .
By comparison , McDonald ’ s average U.S. store brought in $ 2.7 million annually between 2011 and 2016 and $ 2.9 million in 2019 , the lawsuit says .
“ Revenue is determined by one thing and one thing only : location , ” said James Ferraro , the Miami-based attorney representing the plaintiffs .
“ It ’ s a Big Mac .
They ’ re the same everywhere.
” Ferraro also noted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has fallen by half over the last two decades .
The chain had 377 Black franchisees in 1998 ; it has 186 now .
At the same time , the number of franchised restaurants has more than doubled to 36,000 .
McDonald ’ s Corp. denied the allegation and defended its history with black franchisees .
“ These allegations fly in the face of everything we stand for as an organization and as a partner to communities and small business owners around the world , ” the company said .
“ Not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these franchisees were unable to succeed because of any form of discrimination by McDonald ’ s , we are confident that the facts will show how committed we are to the diversity and equal opportunity of the McDonald ’ s System , including across our franchisees , suppliers and employees.
” McDonald ’ s has a troubled history with Black franchisees .
In 1969 , activists boycotted four McDonald ’ s in Cleveland until the company sold them to Black owners .
In 1983 , a Black franchise owner from Los Angeles sued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s eventually paid him $ 4.5 million .
In 1996 , McDonald ’ s leadership acknowledged that Black franchisees weren ’ t achieving parity with their white counterparts and resolved to make changes .
Don Thompson , the company ’ s first Black president and CEO , served from 2012 to 2015 .
But charges of discrimination continued .
In January , two Black McDonald ’ s executives sued the company .
They claimed McDonald ’ s shifted advertising away from Black customers , graded Black-owned stores more harshly than white ones and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on Black franchisees .
At the time , McDonald ’ s said it disagreed with the characterization of its actions .
It noted that 45 % of its corporate officers and all of its field vice presidents are people of color .

More than 50 Black former McDonald’s franchise owners are suing the burger chain, saying the company steered them to less-profitable restaurants and didn’t give them the same support and opportunities given white franchisees.
The 52 plaintiffs, who owned around 200 U.S. stores before being forced to sell them over the last decade, are seeking compensation of $4 million to $5 million per store, according to the lawsuit. The suit was filed Tuesday in federal court in Chicago, where McDonald’s is based.
According to the lawsuit, McDonald’s steered Black franchisees to stores in inner-city neighborhoods with lower sales volumes and higher security and insurance costs. The company would provide them with misleading financial information or push them to decide quickly when a store became available, the lawsuit says.
Once Black franchisees owned a store, they would be asked to rebuild or remodel within a shorter period of time than white franchisees without the rent relief and other financial support given to white franchisees, the lawsuit says. Black franchise owners were also denied the chance to buy more profitable stores in better neighborhoods, it says.
As a result, the plaintiffs averaged sales of $2 million per year. By comparison, McDonald’s average U.S. store brought in $2.7 million annually between 2011 and 2016 and $2.9 million in 2019, the lawsuit says.
“Revenue is determined by one thing and one thing only: location,” said James Ferraro, the Miami-based attorney representing the plaintiffs. “It’s a Big Mac. They’re the same everywhere.”
Ferraro also noted the number of Black McDonald’s franchisees has fallen by half over the last two decades. The chain had 377 Black franchisees in 1998; it has 186 now. At the same time, the number of franchised restaurants has more than doubled to 36,000.
McDonald’s Corp. denied the allegation and defended its history with black franchisees.
“These allegations fly in the face of everything we stand for as an organization and as a partner to communities and small business owners around the world,” the company said. “Not only do we categorically deny the allegations that these franchisees were unable to succeed because of any form of discrimination by McDonald’s, we are confident that the facts will show how committed we are to the diversity and equal opportunity of the McDonald’s System, including across our franchisees, suppliers and employees.”
McDonald’s has a troubled history with Black franchisees. In 1969, activists boycotted four McDonald’s in Cleveland until the company sold them to Black owners. In 1983, a Black franchise owner from Los Angeles sued the company for discrimination; McDonald’s eventually paid him $4.5 million.
In 1996, McDonald’s leadership acknowledged that Black franchisees weren’t achieving parity with their white counterparts and resolved to make changes. Don Thompson, the company’s first Black president and CEO, served from 2012 to 2015.
But charges of discrimination continued. In January, two Black McDonald’s executives sued the company. They claimed McDonald’s shifted advertising away from Black customers, graded Black-owned stores more harshly than white ones and implemented business plans that had a discriminatory impact on Black franchisees.
At the time, McDonald’s said it disagreed with the characterization of its actions. It noted that 45% of its corporate officers and all of its field vice presidents are people of color.