chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--Man reported missing after stopping to switch trains at Union Station

Police are looking for a man who has been missing since stopping at Union Station Tuesday to transfer trains during @ @ @ @ @ Keyser , 25 , was traveling from Iowa to Baltimore when he stopped at Union @ @ @ @ @ June 30 , according to a missing person alert from Chicago police .
He was @ @ @ @ @ for his train .
Keyser is a 6-foot-2 , 120-pound man with green eyes and @ @ @ @ @ .
He was wearing tan overalls , brown work boots , a gray backpack and @ @ @ @ @ was traveling with a service dog , a German shepherd named Amy , police said @ @ @ @ @ asked to call the Area Three Special Victims Unit at 312-744-8266 .

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--2020-07-03--Violent robberies reported in Rogers Park: police

Chicago police are warning Rogers Park residents about a pair of beatings and robberies that took place recently in the @ @ @ @ @ both incidents , a group of five or six people approached someone on the street @ @ @ @ @ their wallets and cellphones , Chicago police said .
The robberies happened about 3:15 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ block of North Ashland Avenue and about 10:55 p.m. June 28 in the 1200 block @ @ @ @ @ police said .
The suspected robbers were males between 16 and 19 years old , @ @ @ @ @ information is asked to call Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 .
Read more on crime @ @ @ @ @ ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning Rogers Park residents about a pair of beatings and robberies that took place recently in the North Side neighborhood.
In both incidents, a group of five or six people approached someone on the street, beat them and stole their wallets and cellphones, Chicago police said.
The robberies happened about 3:15 p.m. June 21 in the 7000 block of North Ashland Avenue and about 10:55 p.m. June 28 in the 1200 block of West Arthur Avenue, police said.
The suspected robbers were males between 16 and 19 years old, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--Pritzker urges bars, restaurants to follow guidelines as officials announce 18 more coronavirus-rela

Pritzker urges bars, restaurants to follow guidelines as officials announce 18 more coronavirus-related deaths

As the state announced 18 more coronavirus-related deaths Friday and more than 800 new cases , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker urged bars and restaurants to continue to follow health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus .
Residents were also urged to remember to wear masks , social distance and wash their hands during the Fourth of July weekend .
“ The virus is not taking the holiday weekend off , and neither can we , ” Pritzker said in a statement .
“ Letting our guard down now would fly in the face of the progress we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen that mitigation measures have worked in our state and we ’ ve seen too many other states rapidly lose ground in the fight against the virus.
” Pritzker said he wouldn ’ t hesitate to close establishments that won ’ t follow occupancy limits laid out under Phase 4 of his reopening plan .
The warning comes a day after a Clay County judge ruled against Pritzker in a lawsuit brought by Rep. Darren Bailey , R-Xenia over the governor ’ s executive orders to slow the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McHaney ruled that emergency powers provided under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act lapsed on April 8 , and any executive orders relating to the virus in effect after that date were determined to be void .
The state has said it will appeal the ruling .
Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike , meanwhile Friday , stressed that bars , in particular , were ripe areas for the transmission of the coronavirus .
“ Bars , by design , are social settings where people gather closely together for extended periods of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Additionally , people often need to raise their voices or shout to be heard , which means droplets from seemingly well but infected individuals could spread further than the recommended 6 feet of distancing.
” The Liquor Control Commission and Gaming Board also warned local authorities and business owners that they could have their license suspended or revoked if they did not follow capacity and health guidelines .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot has also vowed to crack down on bars and restaurants that don ’ t follow local orders to cap patrons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whichever is less .
In addition to the 18 deaths , the Illinois Department of Public Health Friday announced 868 new coronavirus cases Friday , bringing the total number of 7,005 deaths and 145,750 positive cases statewide .
The deaths announced Friday included nine Cook County residents , as well as individuals living in DuPage , Kane , Kendall , Grundy and Cass counties .

As the state announced 18 more coronavirus-related deaths Friday and more than 800 new cases, Gov. J.B. Pritzker urged bars and restaurants to continue to follow health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
Residents were also urged to remember to wear masks, social distance and wash their hands during the Fourth of July weekend.
“The virus is not taking the holiday weekend off, and neither can we,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Letting our guard down now would fly in the face of the progress we’ve made over many months. We have seen that mitigation measures have worked in our state and we’ve seen too many other states rapidly lose ground in the fight against the virus.”
Pritzker said he wouldn’t hesitate to close establishments that won’t follow occupancy limits laid out under Phase 4 of his reopening plan.
The warning comes a day after a Clay County judge ruled against Pritzker in a lawsuit brought by Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia over the governor’s executive orders to slow the spread of the virus.
In his order, Judge Michael McHaney ruled that emergency powers provided under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act lapsed on April 8, and any executive orders relating to the virus in effect after that date were determined to be void.
The state has said it will appeal the ruling.
Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, meanwhile Friday, stressed that bars, in particular, were ripe areas for the transmission of the coronavirus.
“Bars, by design, are social settings where people gather closely together for extended periods of time,” Ngozi said in a statement. “Additionally, people often need to raise their voices or shout to be heard, which means droplets from seemingly well but infected individuals could spread further than the recommended 6 feet of distancing.”
The Liquor Control Commission and Gaming Board also warned local authorities and business owners that they could have their license suspended or revoked if they did not follow capacity and health guidelines.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot has also vowed to crack down on bars and restaurants that don’t follow local orders to cap patrons at 25% capacity or 50 people, whichever is less.
On Friday, The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 868 new confirmed cases among the latest 34,318 test results received by the state. The statewide rolling positivity rate over the last week is 2.6%, while just over 1.7 million tests have been administered overall.
Included in the new cases were 18 deaths, bringing the total number of deaths to 7,005 out of 145,750 total positive cases statewide.
The deaths announced Friday included nine Cook County residents, as well as individuals living in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy and Cass counties.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--High school sports moves into new phase of Return-to-Play on Monday

High school athletes will be able to participate in sport-specific activities starting on Monday .
The Illinois Department of Public Health has approved the Illinois High School Association ’ s next phase of return-to-play .
It ’ s called Phase 4 to match the state ’ s Restore Illinois plan , which is also in Phase 4 .
Athletes were previously limited to conditioning workouts in groups of 10 .
In Phase 4 , groups of 50 are allowed to workout together and balls and other gear can be used .
High school coaches will be allowed 20 contact days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Aug. 9 .
“ Safety remains at the forefront of everything that the IHSA is doing as we move into Phase 4 and beyond , ” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said .
“ Our focus now shifts to continuing to work with state leadership to determine how to provide the safest environment possible for fall sports.
” The IHSA sent the plan to the IDPH two weeks ago .
It was approved on Friday .
Each individual school district must approve the move into the next phase .
Chicago Public Schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any capacity so far .
A CPS spokesperson told the Sun-Times on June 7 that it was “ working diligently to develop guidance and protocols to ensure our students can safely begin training .
”

High school athletes will be able to participate in sport-specific activities starting on Monday.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has approved the Illinois High School Association’s next phase of return-to-play. It’s called Phase 4 to match the state’s Restore Illinois plan, which is also in Phase 4.
Athletes were previously limited to conditioning workouts in groups of 10. In Phase 4, groups of 50 are allowed to workout together and balls and other gear can be used. High school coaches will be allowed 20 contact days with their team that must be used before Aug. 9.
“Safety remains at the forefront of everything that the IHSA is doing as we move into Phase 4 and beyond,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said. “Our focus now shifts to continuing to work with state leadership to determine how to provide the safest environment possible for fall sports.”
The IHSA sent the plan to the IDPH two weeks ago. It was approved on Friday.
Each individual school district must approve the move into the next phase. Chicago Public Schools have not allowed athletes to workout in any capacity so far.
A CPS spokesperson told the Sun-Times on June 7 that it was “working diligently to develop guidance and protocols to ensure our students can safely begin training.”
Read the full Phase 4 plan: IHSA Phase 4 Return to Play Plan


chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--Man, 88, missing from Schorsch Village located

Travel advisory : City orders quarantine for anyone arriving in Chicago next week from states with COVID-19 surges Violators are @ @ @ @ @ 100- $ 500 per day , up to $ 7,000 .
The order kicks in @ @


chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo looks like a new man. Will he play like one, too?

There ’ s no non-fawning way to say it : Anthony Rizzo looks spectacular .
Much like the impression Kyle Schwarber made when he reshaped his physique a couple of years back , Rizzo , 30 , made eyeballs pop on the first day of Cubs “ summer camp ” workouts at Wrigley Field .
Hello , 220s .
And maybe even less than that .
Along with Cubs quality assurance coach Mike Napoli , Rizzo trained six times a week for much of baseball ’ s shutdown with performance coach Tom Flynn in Florida .
He got faster .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks of it , he took a bunch of miles off the ol ’ engine .
“ I looked myself in the mirror when I got home [ from spring training in March ] and said , ‘ I ’ m either going to gain 50 pounds or I ’ m going to get back into amazing shape , ’ ” Rizzo said .
“ I was in really good shape coming into the spring .
… “ I think it has paid off .
I feel really good for this year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” is a 60-game regular season that gives the Cubs and every other team , Rizzo figures , a shot at winning in 2020 .
All eyes will be on superstars Kris Bryant and Javy Baez , who may or may not be in the team ’ s long-range plans , but Rizzo has been known to carry the load before .
He sure looks like he could do it as readily as anyone in August and September .
“ Rizzo does look phenomenal , ” teammate Ian Happ said .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re locker [ neighbors ] , so I was watching him try on smaller clothes today because everything he had was a little large .
So , very nice to see him downsizing .
He looks absolutely wonderful.
” And another sweet morsel from Happ , in regard to the first baseman ’ s home run power : “ I think his pop right now — I don ’ t want to oversell it — but his pop right now , he ’ s strong , ” Happ said .
“ Very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year and 25 the year before that , after topping 30 four seasons in a row .
He won ’ t hit 30 in 60 games .
He almost certainly won ’ t hit 20 .
He ’ d settle for making hard contact from start to finish .
Then again , who wouldn ’ t ?
Before Friday ’ s practice , Cubs players sat in the stands down the first-base line and had a meeting .
Rizzo was more than happy to be back to baseball .
He was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a different perspective of the ballpark he has called home for nearly his entire career .
“ I ’ m going to apple for season tickets there ASAP , ” he said .
“ That view of Wrigley Field , I ’ ve never seen the view from that angle before.
” It was far preferable to the view he had of nasty negotiations between the players ’ union and the league as the sides tried in vain for weeks to come together on a restart deal .
Rizzo called learning of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flat-out embarrassing for me.
” “ There were a lot of leaks on the MLB side , and it seemed like there were leaks whenever [ players ] sent in a proposal , to a point where it kind of turned into a joke with the media battle , ” he said .
“ I just think that when we ’ re going through a pandemic and you have the billionaires fighting with the millionaires , it ’ s not a good look .
“ But when it ’ s all said and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the field and we play with our emotion like we know how to do , that ’ s how we ’ re going to capture a new fan base through this tough time.
” Rizzo doesn ’ t just feel the part .
He looks it .
It could make a real difference .

There’s no non-fawning way to say it: Anthony Rizzo looks spectacular.
Much like the impression Kyle Schwarber made when he reshaped his physique a couple of years back, Rizzo, 30, made eyeballs pop Friday on the first day of the Cubs’ “summer camp” workouts at Wrigley Field.
Goodbye, 240s. Hello, 220s. And maybe even less than that.
Along with Cubs quality assurance coach Mike Napoli, Rizzo trained six times a week in Florida with performance coach Tom Flynn for much of baseball’s coronavirus shutdown. He got faster. He got more flexible. By the looks of it, he took a bunch of miles off the ol’ engine.
“I looked myself in the mirror when I got home [from spring training in March] and said, ‘I’m either going to gain 50 pounds or I’m going to get back into amazing shape,’ ” Rizzo said. “I was in really good shape coming into the spring. . . .
“I think it has paid off. I feel really good for this year and for this sprint.”
The “sprint” is a 60-game regular season that gives the Cubs and every other team, Rizzo figures, a shot at winning in 2020. All eyes will be on superstars Kris Bryant and Javy Baez, who may or may not be in the Cubs’ long-range plans, but Rizzo has been known to carry the load before. He sure looks like he could do it as readily as anyone in August and September.
“Rizzo does look phenomenal,” teammate Ian Happ said. “He looks great in all clothing. We’re locker [neighbors], so I was watching him try on smaller clothes today because everything he had was a little large. So, very nice to see him downsizing. He looks absolutely wonderful.”
And another sweet morsel from Happ about the first baseman’s home run power.
“I think his pop right now — I don’t want to oversell it — but his pop right now, he’s strong,” Happ said. “Very strong.”
Rizzo hit 27 home runs last year and 25 the year before that after topping 30 four seasons in a row. He won’t hit 30 in 60 games. He almost certainly won’t hit 20. He’d settle for making hard contact from start to finish. Then again, who wouldn’t?
Before Friday’s practice, Cubs players sat in the stands down the first-base line and had a meeting. Rizzo was more than happy to be back and was “blown away” by the view — a different perspective of the ballpark he has called home for nearly his entire career.
“I’m going to apply for season tickets there ASAP,” he said. “That view of Wrigley Field, I’ve never seen the view from that angle before.”
It was far preferable to the view he had of nasty negotiations between the players’ union and the league as the sides tried for weeks to agree on a restart deal. Rizzo called it “flat-out embarrassing for me” that he learned new information about the negotiations on Twitter.
“There were a lot of leaks on the MLB side, and it seemed like there were leaks whenever [players] sent in a proposal, to a point where it kind of turned into a joke with the media battle,” he said. “I just think that when we’re going through a pandemic and you have the billionaires fighting with the millionaires, it’s not a good look.
“But when it’s all said and done, and baseball’s on the field and we play with our emotion like we know how to do, that’s how we’re going to capture a new fan base through this tough time.”
Rizzo doesn’t just feel the part. He looks it. It could make a real difference.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--Hundreds mourn 13-year-old girl killed by stray bullet while dancing in living room

Teenage girls sobbed , grown men held onto each other and others yearned to relive sweet memories Friday as they mourned 13-year-old Amaria Jones at a packed West Side church .
Amaria was killed last month when a stray bullet pierced her body while she danced in the living room of her family ’ s Austin home .
The teenager was one of the 104 victims of gun violence over a violent Father ’ s Day weekend in Chicago .
She was also among several children who have been shot or killed in the city in the past two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she got shot in the throat and fell to the floor and reached out to me .
And there was nothing I could do .
Nothing , ” Amaria ’ s mother , Lawanda Jones , said through tears outside the Greater St. John Bible Church .
“ To watch your baby bleed to death — my life will never be the same .
Never.
” Most of the crowd Friday was dressed in Amaria ’ s favorite color — purple .
Some mourners , wearing shirts , masks and headbands with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” had to pause in the lobby , bracing themselves for what they would see inside : Amaria in a purple casket covered with photos , next to the teenager ’ s No .
12 basketball jersey .
Because of coronavirus restrictions , a 100-plus crowd stood outside listening to organ music through the windows , waiting for the service to end so they could go inside Rev .
Ira Acree ’ s church , 1256 N. Waller Ave. , to pay their respects .
A distraught Jones left the service a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at her side .
Jones remembered her daughter as the most energetic person in the room , doing everything she could to make friends and family happy .
“ She loved to see people smiling , ” Jones said .
“ As long as she made you smile , she was alright , she did her job.
” While Amaria and her mom watched television June 20 , Amaria said she wanted to show off a new dance she learned on TikTok .
That ’ s when shots rang out and Amaria was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front porch were also injured but survived .
“ I wish it was me .
I ’ ve seen this world .
She had yet to see it .
And it was taken from her , ” Jones said .
“ Black lives do matter .
And I want justice .
Justice needs to be served .
Because what coward would sit up there and shoot on a porch full of kids .
And you ’ re in your own house and you ’ re not safe ?
If you can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can you be safe at ?
” Amaria had finished sixth grade at John Hay Community Academy just two days before she was killed .
She had always dreamed of being a lawyer .
Members of a local Black lawyers group who had heard about Amaria ’ s ambitions announced Friday that they would create a scholarship in her name and make her an honorary member of the organization .
“ When we heard about the news of Amaria , we were devastated , ” Kendra Spearman , a founder of the Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
“ When we heard that she wanted to grow up and be an attorney , we were further devastated because we need more black attorneys .
We need more women attorneys .
… We needed Amaria.
” Amaria ’ s older sister , Mercedes Jones , hasn ’ t felt the same since the deadly shooting .
Sitting in the front pew , a few feet away from her sister ’ s body , Mercedes let out a scream when the casket was closed before the service .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she yelled .
Mercedes , flanked by her three brothers , remembered the sisterly fights she had with Amaria when she would steal Mercedes ’ iron , nail polish and clothes .
“ She was the perfect little sister , and I didn ’ t really realize that until I was here .
And I hate that , ” Mercedes said .
“ They told me my little sister was gone .
From that moment forward , I don ’ t know why , and I ask God to help me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built up in me right now .
I get mad at the littlest things.
” Brandon Wilkerson met Amaria at her school when he went to recruit boys for his youth basketball program .
Amaria jumped into a conversation and said she wanted to join .
Soon , “ she was like family , ” said Wilkerson , the head coach of Amaria ’ s basketball team .
“ We just took her under our wing , ” Wilkerson said .
“ On the court she was just energy and fun to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just her vibe .
She just brings the best out of everybody .
She brings the fun out of everybody.
” Since the teenager was killed , Amaria ’ s team has taken a moment of silence before every practice and will keep doing so for the rest of the year .
“ Look how many people love you , ” Wilkerson said , reciting out loud what he wished he could tell Amaria one last time .
“ Look at the impact that you had .
If she was here right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basketball court .
Look at how many lives you touched.
” Outside waiting for Amaria 's casket to be carried to the hearse , Amaria ’ s mom was in disbelief that she was burying her daughter .
She cried that she ’ d “ never get her back.
” “ I just want to hold my baby one more time and treasure the moments that we did share together , ” Jones said .
“ So I ’ m asking all the parents , give your kids the flowers while they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re dead and gone , they can ’ t smell them .
They can ’ t see them bloom .
”

Teenage girls sobbed, grown men held onto each other and others yearned to relive sweet memories Friday as they mourned 13-year-old Amaria Jones at a packed West Side church.
Amaria was killed last month when a stray bullet pierced her body while she danced in the living room of her family’s Austin home. The teenager was one of the 104 victims of gun violence over a violent Father’s Day weekend in Chicago. She was also among several children who have been shot or killed in the city in the past two weeks.
“Showing me a dance, she got shot in the throat and fell to the floor and reached out to me. And there was nothing I could do. Nothing,” Amaria’s mother, Lawanda Jones, said through tears outside the Greater St. John Bible Church. “To watch your baby bleed to death — my life will never be the same. Never.”
Most of the crowd Friday was dressed in Amaria’s favorite color — purple. Some mourners, wearing shirts, masks and headbands with the teenager’s nickname, “Ya-Ya,” had to pause in the lobby, bracing themselves for what they would see inside: Amaria in a purple casket covered with photos, next to the teenager’s No. 12 basketball jersey.
Because of coronavirus restrictions, a 100-plus crowd stood outside listening to organ music through the windows, waiting for the service to end so they could go inside Rev. Ira Acree’s church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., to pay their respects.
Mercedes Jones, 27, looks down at the casket for her sister, 13-year-old Amaria Jones, at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 1 of 23 Mourners attend the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 2 of 23 Amaria Jones’ four siblings look down at the 13-year-old’s casket during her funeral at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 3 of 23 Mercedes Jones, 27, reaches out and touches the casket for her sister, 13-year-old Amaria Jones, during her funeral at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 4 of 23 Rev. Ira Acree speaks during the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 5 of 23 Mourners pray during the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 6 of 23 Members of the Chicago Lawyer Collective receive a standing ovation as they announce that are making 13-year-old Amaria Jones an honorary member and starting a scholarship in her name during the girl’s funeral at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria, who wanted to be a lawyer when she grew up, was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 7 of 23 Mourners attend the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 8 of 23 Family members cry as they speak during the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 9 of 23 Flanked by her three siblings, Mercedes Jones, 27, speaks during the funeral for her youngest sister, 13-year-old Amaria Jones, at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 10 of 23 Lonnie Towers sings during the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 11 of 23 Mourners attend the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 12 of 23 Rev. Ira Acree speaks during the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 13 of 23 Mourners has their temperatures checked and were given hand sanitizer upon entering the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 14 of 23 Hundreds of mourners wait in line to attend the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 15 of 23 Pallbearers carry the casket to the hearse for 13-year-old Amaria Jones after her funeral at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria, whose casket was adorned with her photos, was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 16 of 23 Mourners cry after the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 17 of 23 Amaria Jones’ mother, Lawanda Jones (right), hugs a supporter after the funeral for 13-year-old daughter at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 18 of 23 Pallbearers carry the casket to the hearse for 13-year-old Amaria Jones after her funeral at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria, whose casket was adorned with her photos, was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 19 of 23 Mourners cry after the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 20 of 23 Mourners cry after the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 21 of 23 Mourners cry after the funeral for 13-year-old Amaria Jones at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 22 of 23 Pallbearers carry the casket to the hearse for 13-year-old Amaria Jones after her funeral at Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller Ave., on the West Side, Friday morning, July 3, 2020. Amaria, whose casket was adorned with her photos, was one of 12 kids among 104 shot, 15 fatally, as citywide gun violence spiked over Father’s Day weekend. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times 23 of 23
A distraught Jones left the service a few minutes early, sobbing with relatives at her side. Jones remembered her daughter as the most energetic person in the room, doing everything she could to make friends and family happy.
“She loved to see people smiling,” Jones said. “As long as she made you smile, she was alright, she did her job.”
While Amaria and her mom watched television June 20, Amaria said she wanted to show off a new dance she learned on TikTok. That’s when shots rang out and Amaria was hit. Two teenage boys on the front porch were also injured but survived.
“I wish it was me. I’ve seen this world. She had yet to see it. And it was taken from her,” Jones said. “Black lives do matter. And I want justice. Justice needs to be served. Because what coward would sit up there and shoot on a porch full of kids. And you’re in your own house and you’re not safe? If you can’t be safe in your house, where can you be safe at?”
Amaria had finished sixth grade at John Hay Community Academy just two days before she was killed. She had always dreamed of being a lawyer. Members of a local Black lawyers group who had heard about Amaria’s ambitions announced Friday that they would create a scholarship in her name and make her an honorary member of the organization.
“When we heard about the news of Amaria, we were devastated,” Kendra Spearman, a founder of the Chicago Lawyers Collective, said at the funeral Friday. “When we heard that she wanted to grow up and be an attorney, we were further devastated because we need more black attorneys. We need more women attorneys. … We needed Amaria.”
Amaria’s older sister, Mercedes Jones, hasn’t felt the same since the deadly shooting. Sitting in the front pew, a few feet away from her sister’s body, Mercedes let out a scream when the casket was closed before the service. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry,” she yelled.
Mercedes, flanked by her three brothers, remembered the sisterly fights she had with Amaria when she would steal Mercedes’ iron, nail polish and clothes.
“She was the perfect little sister, and I didn’t really realize that until I was here. And I hate that,” Mercedes said. “They told me my little sister was gone. From that moment forward, I don’t know why, and I ask God to help me, but I have so much anger built up in me right now. I get mad at the littlest things.”
Brandon Wilkerson met Amaria at her school when he went to recruit boys for his youth basketball program. Amaria jumped into a conversation and said she wanted to join. Soon, “she was like family,” said Wilkerson, the head coach of Amaria’s basketball team.
“We just took her under our wing,” Wilkerson said. “On the court she was just energy and fun to be around. She loved her teammates. Just her vibe. She just brings the best out of everybody. She brings the fun out of everybody.”
Since the teenager was killed, Amaria’s team has taken a moment of silence before every practice and will keep doing so for the rest of the year.
“Look how many people love you,” Wilkerson said, reciting out loud what he wished he could tell Amaria one last time. “Look at the impact that you had. If she was here right now, we’d be on the basketball court. Look at how many lives you touched.”
Outside waiting for Amaria's casket to be carried to the hearse, Amaria’s mom was in disbelief that she was burying her daughter. She cried that she’d “never get her back.”
“I just want to hold my baby one more time and treasure the moments that we did share together,” Jones said. “So I’m asking all the parents, give your kids the flowers while they’re still living. ‘Cus when they’re dead and gone, they can’t smell them. They can’t see them bloom.”


chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--Shortstop Tim Anderson ‘growing so much as a person, player,’ manager Rick Renteria says

White Sox manager Rick Renteria fixed his eyes on his shortstop on the first day of summer camp Friday and liked what he saw .
‘ ‘ This young man is — he ’ s a man , ’ ’ Renteria said of Tim Anderson .
‘ ‘ He ’ s grown so much as a person , as a player .
I ’ m looking forward to seeing what ’ s next for him.
’ ’ Part of Anderson ’ s maturity is knowing his strengths and weaknesses .
He led the majors in batting average ( .335 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Plenty has been said about both .
‘ ‘ That ’ s a part of my game that ’ s definitely lacking , ’ ’ Anderson , 27 , said of his defense after working out at the Sox ’ first session of the summer at Guaranteed Rate Field .
‘ ‘ It ain ’ t too far behind , though ; it ain ’ t too far behind .
I ’ m getting to where I need to be.
’ ’ Anderson ’ s range and quickness are better than those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mistakes on routine plays have held him back defensively .
Cleaning those up will be a point of emphasis in 2020 .
‘ ‘ I ’ ll continue to work , I ’ ll continue to get better , ’ ’ he said .
‘ ‘ I ’ m going to continue to learn the game .
Each and every day , come to the ballpark ready .
As I mature and as I grow , it ’ s going to get better .
You ’ ll see.
’ ’ ‘ ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s an All-Star-quality type of shortstop , ’ ’ said Renteria , a former infielder .
‘ ‘ When I see him working , I see some things that he does .
.
.
I ’ m impressed .
I expect a lot out of Timmy .
More important , Timmy expects a lot out of himself .
I know he wants perfection , and he ’ s growing toward that .
‘ ‘ He ’ s going to be around for a while.
’ ’ General manager Rick Hahn said the Sox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus were administered and how many were positive when their intake process is complete in the next day or two .
Results released Friday by Major League Baseball were not bad : Thirty-one players and seven staff members tested positive out of 3,185 tests ( 1.2 percent ) .
Hahn said he has been ‘ ‘ really pleased ’ ’ with what head trainer Brian Ball has told him about how things are progressing in the Sox ’ realm .
The virus and the threat it poses are front and center at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Renteria wore his mask and had these parting words : ‘ ‘ Wear your mask , for goodness ’ sake.
’ ’ Renteria and Sox coaches wore masks on the field .
This and that Hahn didn ’ t say which teams the Sox will play in the three allotted exhibitions at the end of camp — the Cubs and Brewers are good bets because of their proximity — but they will start playing intrasquad games early next week .
• Infielder Cheslor Cuthbert was absent because of travel difficulty from Nicaragua @ @ @ @ @ @ @ till Thursday or Friday .
• Anderson teamed with Mayor Lori Lightfoot on a public service announcement about gun violence for the Fourth of July weekend .
‘ ‘ It ’ s on all of us to keep our community safe , ’ ’ Anderson said .
‘ ‘ Say no to violence.
’ ’ • Sight seen : Players practicing mock celebrations without high-fives and body contact , in accordance with coronavirus guidelines .

White Sox manager Rick Renteria fixed his eyes on his shortstop on the first day of summer camp Friday and liked what he saw.
‘‘This young man is — he’s a man,’’ Renteria said of Tim Anderson. ‘‘He’s grown so much as a person, as a player. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for him.’’
Part of Anderson’s maturity is knowing his strengths and weaknesses. He led the majors in batting average (.335) and errors (26) last season. Plenty has been said about both.
‘‘That’s a part of my game that’s definitely lacking,’’ Anderson, 27, said of his defense after working out at the Sox’ first session of the summer at Guaranteed Rate Field. ‘‘It ain’t too far behind, though; it ain’t too far behind. I’m getting to where I need to be.’’
Anderson’s range and quickness are better than those of many of his peers, but his mistakes on routine plays have held him back defensively. Cleaning those up will be a point of emphasis in 2020.
‘‘I’ll continue to work, I’ll continue to get better,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m going to continue to learn the game. Each and every day, come to the ballpark ready. As I mature and as I grow, it’s going to get better. You’ll see.’’
Renteria praised Anderson’s work ethic.
‘‘I still believe that this kid’s an All-Star-quality type of shortstop,’’ said Renteria, a former infielder. ‘‘When I see him working, I see some things that he does . . . I’m impressed. I expect a lot out of Timmy. More important, Timmy expects a lot out of himself. I know he wants perfection, and he’s growing toward that.
‘‘He’s going to be around for a while.’’
Testing, testing
General manager Rick Hahn said the Sox would reveal how many tests for the coronavirus were administered and how many were positive when their intake process is complete in the next day or two.
Results released Friday by Major League Baseball were not bad: Thirty-one players and seven staff members tested positive out of 3,185 tests (1.2 percent).
Hahn said he has been ‘‘really pleased’’ with what head trainer Brian Ball has told him about how things are progressing in the Sox’ realm.
The virus and the threat it poses are front and center at this camp. On a Zoom conference call, Renteria wore his mask and had these parting words: ‘‘Wear your mask, for goodness’ sake.’’
Renteria and Sox coaches wore masks on the field.
This and that
Hahn didn’t say which teams the Sox will play in the three allotted exhibitions at the end of camp — the Cubs and Brewers are good bets because of their proximity — but they will start playing intrasquad games early next week.
• Infielder Cheslor Cuthbert was absent because of travel difficulty from Nicaragua and won’t be in Chicago till Thursday or Friday.
• Anderson teamed with Mayor Lori Lightfoot on a public service announcement about gun violence for the Fourth of July weekend.
‘‘It’s on all of us to keep our community safe,’’ Anderson said. ‘‘Say no to violence.’’
• Sight seen: Players practicing mock celebrations without high-fives and body contact, in accordance with coronavirus guidelines.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--Police seek driver in Back of the Yards hit-and-run

Police are asking the community for help finding a driver who seriously injured a man Friday in Back of the @ @ @ @ @ on the sidewalk about 1:07 p.m. in the 1600 block of West 47th Street when @ @ @ @ @ Honda CRV , Chicago police said .
The car was missing its front bumper and @ @ @ @ @ Ashland Avenue at 53rd Street , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to @ @ @ @ @ Accidents Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521 .

Police are asking the community for help finding a driver who seriously injured a man Friday in Back of the Yards.
The 24-year-old was on the sidewalk about 1:07 p.m. in the 1600 block of West 47th Street when he was struck by 1998 Honda CRV, Chicago police said.
The car was missing its front bumper and was last seen southbound on Ashland Avenue at 53rd Street, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call CPD’s Major Accidents Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--For David Ross, Day 1 of Cubs camp was a walk in (and to) the park

What better time than this to be situated close to Wrigley Field ?
That ’ s what David Ross figured when he took up residence near the ballpark for what might only be the rest of the summer .
Think : a rookie manager walking , not driving , to work .
Think : practically a ghost town with no fans in the seats , at least not for a while .
“ Well , that ’ s not really the case so far , and we haven ’ t even kicked off games , ” Ross said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
I walk to the field every day and get a lot of hellos from fans .
I think people in the community are starting to know what my mask looks like , and my bald head.
” Day 1 of Cubs workouts was , for Ross , a restart of the run-up to his managerial debut .
It was a long time coming .
Not being able to be completely alone with thoughts for a couple of blocks was more of a pleasure than anything else .
As was every step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started .
At one point , Ross , wearing a gray t-shirt , blue shorts and gym shoes , walked along the third-base line chanting and clapping : He did this while no one was manning third , second or first base or , truth be told , any other defensive position .
Rust ?
No .
Just a guy happy as heck to have some grass and dirt under his feet .
“ It ’ s nice to be outside , ” Ross said .
“ It ’ s such a beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got this gorgeous , historic venue to work from .
It ’ s nice to come to work.
” That goes for getting to work , too .
“ We ’ ve missed baseball , ” he said .
“ You guys have missed it , I ’ ve missed it and people around gere have really missed just the atmosphere.
” A day before the first workout , Ross was greeted with an update on starting pitcher Jose Quintana that had to make him shake his head .
The lefty is out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time with the dish-washing injury heard ’ round Cubdom .
“ This is a new one from the manager ’ s standpoint , where you ’ re sitting in your seat and you get a phone call that has nothing to do with COVID , but you ’ re going to be missing a player for a while , ” Ross said .
“ Yeah , it ’ s terrible to get those calls.
” Ross echoed president Theo Epstein in naming Alec Mills and Colin Rea as potential stand-ins for Quintana in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he threw in an additional name : Jharel Cotton , calling him a “ huge pickup.
” Cotton , a 28-year-old righty , was acquired from the Athletics after the 2019 season .
The Cubs will jump right into heavy action Saturday with a three-inning intrasquad scrimmage .
Pitchers haven ’ t been named , though starters Yu Darvish , Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lester all have kept up solid routines and are pretty well stretched out , according to Ross .

What better time than this to be situated close to Wrigley Field?
That’s what David Ross figured when he took up residence near the ballpark for what might only be the rest of the summer.
Think: a rookie manager walking, not driving, to work.
Think: practically a ghost town with no fans in the seats, at least not for a while.
“Well, that’s not really the case so far, and we haven’t even kicked off games,” Ross said. “There may be a little adjustment in that. I walk to the field every day and get a lot of hellos from fans. I think people in the community are starting to know what my mask looks like, and my bald head.”
Day 1 of Cubs workouts was, for Ross, a restart of the run-up to his managerial debut. It was a long time coming. Not being able to be completely alone with thoughts for a couple of blocks was more of a pleasure than anything else.
As was every step he took on the field after drills started. At one point, Ross, wearing a gray t-shirt, blue shorts and gym shoes, walked along the third-base line chanting and clapping:
“De-fense! De-fense!” Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap. And repeat.
He did this while no one was manning third, second or first base or, truth be told, any other defensive position. Rust? No. Just a guy happy as heck to have some grass and dirt under his feet.
“It’s nice to be outside,” Ross said. “It’s such a beautiful day in Chicago. We’ve got this gorgeous, historic venue to work from. It’s nice to come to work.”
That goes for getting to work, too.
“We’ve missed baseball,” he said. “You guys have missed it, I’ve missed it and people around gere have really missed just the atmosphere.”
Dishing on Q’s replacement
A day before the first workout, Ross was greeted with an update on starting pitcher Jose Quintana that had to make him shake his head. The lefty is out of action for an indeterminate length of time with the dish-washing injury heard ’round Cubdom.
“This is a new one from the manager’s standpoint, where you’re sitting in your seat and you get a phone call that has nothing to do with COVID, but you’re going to be missing a player for a while,” Ross said. “Yeah, it’s terrible to get those calls.”
Ross echoed president Theo Epstein in naming Alec Mills and Colin Rea as potential stand-ins for Quintana in the rotation when the season starts, and he threw in an additional name: Jharel Cotton, calling him a “huge pickup.” Cotton, a 28-year-old righty, was acquired from the Athletics after the 2019 season.
Game on
The Cubs will jump right into heavy action Saturday with a three-inning intrasquad scrimmage. Pitchers haven’t been named, though starters Yu Darvish, Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lester all have kept up solid routines and are pretty well stretched out, according to Ross.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--31 MLB players, 7 staff test positive for COVID-19

NEW YORK — Thirty-one Major League Baseball players and seven staff members tested positive for COVID-19 during intake for the resumption of training , a rate of 1.2 % .
MLB and the players ’ association announced the results Friday as teams resumed workouts for the first time since the coronavirus interrupted spring training on March 12 , two weeks before the season was to start .
Opening Day has been reset for July 23 , the latest in baseball history , and the regular season has been reduced to 60 games in the shortest schedule since 1878 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 teams , according to results of the samples sent to the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory in South Jordan , Utah .
There were 3,185 samples collected and tested through the first week of intake testing .
Individual players who test positive are not identified by MLB or the union .
Cleveland outfielder Delino DeShields Jr. gave the Indians permission to say he tested positive .
“ I think he ’ s getting frustrated because he ’ s starting to feel better and he wants to get back here , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He seems to be feeling much better , which is good news .
There ’ s just the protocols that you have to follow and he ’ s going to have to do that , and he understands that.
” MLB and the union established a COVID-19 related injured list with no specific minimum days .
There are three reasons specified for placement on that IL : a positive test , exposure to coronavirus or symptoms that require isolation or additional assessment .
Philadelphia put infielder Scott Kingery and pitchers Hector Neris , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10-day IL with no specified injuries on Thursday .
The Phillies had seven players test positive for COVID-19 last month , but manager Joe Girardi couldn ’ t answer whether any of the players were among them because of medical privacy .
New Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said on a Boston call there have been “ some positive tests ” but didn ’ t give any names .

NEW YORK — Thirty-one Major League Baseball players and seven staff members tested positive for COVID-19 during intake for the resumption of training, a rate of 1.2%.
MLB and the players’ association announced the results Friday as teams resumed workouts for the first time since the coronavirus interrupted spring training on March 12, two weeks before the season was to start. Opening Day has been reset for July 23, the latest in baseball history, and the regular season has been reduced to 60 games in the shortest schedule since 1878.
The positive tests occurred among 19 of the 30 teams, according to results of the samples sent to the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory in South Jordan, Utah. There were 3,185 samples collected and tested through the first week of intake testing.
Individual players who test positive are not identified by MLB or the union. Cleveland outfielder Delino DeShields Jr. gave the Indians permission to say he tested positive.
“I think he’s getting frustrated because he’s starting to feel better and he wants to get back here,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “He seems to be feeling much better, which is good news. There’s just the protocols that you have to follow and he’s going to have to do that, and he understands that.”
MLB and the union established a COVID-19 related injured list with no specific minimum days. There are three reasons specified for placement on that IL: a positive test, exposure to coronavirus or symptoms that require isolation or additional assessment.
Philadelphia put infielder Scott Kingery and pitchers Hector Neris, Ranger Suarez and Tommy Hunter on the 10-day IL with no specified injuries on Thursday. The Phillies had seven players test positive for COVID-19 last month, but manager Joe Girardi couldn’t answer whether any of the players were among them because of medical privacy.
New Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said on a Boston call there have been “some positive tests” but didn’t give any names.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--Right-hander Michael Kopech absent from White Sox camp because of personal matter

As White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said , summarizing for anyone who has missed baseball these last few months , it was good to see players on a field again , doing things players do .
One was missing from the Sox , however , and it was a big name at that : right-hander Michael Kopech .
That took some of the starch out of the Sox ’ first workout Friday in preparation for an abbreviated 60-game season .
The reason was a personal matter , and with no timeline for his return , it had the look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a 24-year-old who touched 100 mph numerous times in his one spring-training inning in March , out for a while .
An extended absence would be unfortunate for Kopech and a Sox pitching staff that had been stacking up as a potential strength , with seven or eight possible starters .
‘ ‘ I do not have a timeline for his return , and given the personal nature of the matter he ’ s tending to , I won ’ t provide updates until we know the actual plan for Michael going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Zoom call between the morning and afternoon workouts Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field .
To alleviate fears of a physical issue amid the coronavirus pandemic , Hahn emphasized Kopech , who has recovered from Tommy John surgery , is healthy .
‘ ‘ It ’ s never ideal when any individual is dealing with off-field matters , ’ ’ Hahn said .
‘ ‘ It ’ s easy to lose sight of the fact you ’ re dealing with human beings who have lives , families and the same assortment of items @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is obviously a very unique time we ’ re all living through .
‘ ‘ I ’ m not going to get more specific than that , other than we fully support Michael and are going to provide him whatever time and resources he needs and look forward to seeing him in the future.
’ ’ The seriousness of the issue will be open to speculation , especially because Kopech freely has discussed anxiety issues in the past and successfully worked his way through them .
The only certainty is that Kopech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about him as a person first and foremost .
The Sox held morning workouts with half their squad and afternoon workouts with the other half .
The sight of masked media , who were allowed in only for the morning session , taking photos from the 100 level of seats — seats that likely will be empty when games begin in late July — was a picture of the current sports landscape .
Favorite photo subjects included right-handers Lucas Giolito and Dylan Cease and prospect Jimmy Lambert , one of several Sox pitchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John surgery .
In the context of not having Kopech up and running , Hahn reminded media of the Sox ’ objective : While being built to be a contender this season , it ’ s more about the years that follow .
‘ ‘ Whatever happens tomorrow or over the next two or three months into October , whatever we ’ ve tried to do here was never about one specific season , ’ ’ Hahn said .
‘ ‘ So any hiccups we have along the way in 2020 , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time that we ’ re all experiencing right now , is something that we ’ re going to be flexible and deal with and hopefully get through flawlessly.
’ ’ That said , the Sox have ‘ ‘ come together as grown men ’ ’ in 2020 , shortstop Tim Anderson said , and are thinking about the playoffs now .
This is how you talk on the first day of spring training — or , in this case , summer camp .
‘ ‘ Anything is possible in 60 games , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ ve seen the lineup .
From top to bottom , you know the names .
It ’ s there .
All we ’ ve got to do is go out and play hard every day and pick one another up and take off running when it ’ s time to go .
’ ’

As White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said, summarizing for anyone who has missed baseball these last few months, it was good to see players on a field again, doing things players do.
One was missing from the Sox, however, and it was a big name at that: right-hander Michael Kopech. That took some of the starch out of the Sox’ first workout Friday in preparation for an abbreviated 60-game season.
The reason was a personal matter, and with no timeline for his return, it had the look of an absence that could keep Kopech, a 24-year-old who touched 100 mph numerous times in his one spring-training inning in March, out for a while.
An extended absence would be unfortunate for Kopech and a Sox pitching staff that had been stacking up as a potential strength, with seven or eight possible starters.
‘‘I do not have a timeline for his return, and given the personal nature of the matter he’s tending to, I won’t provide updates until we know the actual plan for Michael going forward,’’ Hahn said on a Zoom call between the morning and afternoon workouts Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field.
To alleviate fears of a physical issue amid the coronavirus pandemic, Hahn emphasized Kopech, who has recovered from Tommy John surgery, is healthy.
‘‘It’s never ideal when any individual is dealing with off-field matters,’’ Hahn said. ‘‘It’s easy to lose sight of the fact you’re dealing with human beings who have lives, families and the same assortment of items to attend to that people have. This is obviously a very unique time we’re all living through.
‘‘I’m not going to get more specific than that, other than we fully support Michael and are going to provide him whatever time and resources he needs and look forward to seeing him in the future.’’
The seriousness of the issue will be open to speculation, especially because Kopech freely has discussed anxiety issues in the past and successfully worked his way through them. The only certainty is that Kopech’s teammates and Sox management care about him as a person first and foremost.
The Sox held morning workouts with half their squad and afternoon workouts with the other half. The sight of masked media, who were allowed in only for the morning session, taking photos from the 100 level of seats — seats that likely will be empty when games begin in late July — was a picture of the current sports landscape. Favorite photo subjects included right-handers Lucas Giolito and Dylan Cease and prospect Jimmy Lambert, one of several Sox pitchers ready to roll after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
In the context of not having Kopech up and running, Hahn reminded media of the Sox’ objective: While being built to be a contender this season, it’s more about the years that follow.
‘‘Whatever happens tomorrow or over the next two or three months into October, whatever we’ve tried to do here was never about one specific season,’’ Hahn said.
‘‘So any hiccups we have along the way in 2020, which are going to be inevitable, given the time that we’re all experiencing right now, is something that we’re going to be flexible and deal with and hopefully get through flawlessly.’’
That said, the Sox have ‘‘come together as grown men’’ in 2020, shortstop Tim Anderson said, and are thinking about the playoffs now. This is how you talk on the first day of spring training — or, in this case, summer camp.
‘‘Anything is possible in 60 games,’’ Anderson said. ‘‘You’ve seen the lineup. From top to bottom, you know the names. It’s there. All we’ve got to do is go out and play hard every day and pick one another up and take off running when it’s time to go.’’


chicagosun-times--2020-07-04--Dear Abby: Son’s wife angry that we had his ex over for a visit

DEAR ABBY : I have a daughter-in-law I love to pieces and would NEVER intentionally hurt in any way .
I recently had contact with my son ’ s ex-girlfriend , “ Kayley.
” She had seen me at church with them , contacted me and came by our house for a visit .
She and my son were very young when they dated ( high school ) and haven ’ t spoken to each other in years .
I stayed in contact with her off and on over the years because I always thought a lot of her .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ created their own lives .
Our son and his wife live next door to us and were out of town the day Kayley stopped by , but returned before she left .
My son chewed me out , and now my daughter-in-law won ’ t speak to me .
I tried to talk to her and would apologize if I had the chance , but she sent me a text saying I had crossed a line and how inconsiderate it was of me having Kayley drop by .
She said it made her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw her from a distance and didn ’ t even know who it was at first ) .
Was I wrong for staying in contact with my son ’ s high school ex-girlfriend ?
Was I wrong for inviting her to come by ?
What ’ s the best way to handle this because I want to keep peace in our family ?
— MONSTER-IN-LAW IN TEXAS DEAR M.I.L .
: You weren ’ t wrong to stay in touch with someone you liked .
And you should be free to entertain anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strikes me as sad that your daughter-in-law would react the way she has .
It shows how deeply insecure she is .
Because you want to keep peace in the family , refrain from having Kayley over , and see her elsewhere .
And if she asks you why , explain that it made your daughter-in-law uncomfortable .
DEAR ABBY : Years ago , my wife and I decided together that I would work and she would raise the kids .
Well , times and the economy have changed .
We need a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job would help tremendously right now .
I have made countless sacrifices to keep our home and lifestyle afloat .
All the while she refuses to pursue anything except what she believes to be “ her purpose ” or what represents her “ best self.
” What about me ?
My health ?
Our home ?
Our children and their education ?
How about a job that she might not be crazy about for a decent paycheck so we can save a little and not have to worry about how much our prescription @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I work 60 hours a week and gave up a career I loved .
Am I asking too much ?
— RESENTFUL IN THE MIDWEST DEAR RESENTFUL : No , you are not asking too much .
Times have indeed changed , and your wife needs to wake up and accept that her dream job may have to be postponed because of circumstances beyond her ( and your ) control .
Successful marriages are partnerships , and because being the sole wage earner has become so stressful that you would write to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time your wife took her head out of the clouds and faced reality .
If a second income will take some of the stress off your shoulders , she needs to step forward for the sake of you and the children .
DEAR READERS : Have a very happy and healthy Fourth of July , everyone .
And please , be safe !
— LOVE , ABBY Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 . )

DEAR ABBY: I have a daughter-in-law I love to pieces and would NEVER intentionally hurt in any way. I recently had contact with my son’s ex-girlfriend, “Kayley.” She had seen me at church with them, contacted me and came by our house for a visit.
She and my son were very young when they dated (high school) and haven’t spoken to each other in years. I stayed in contact with her off and on over the years because I always thought a lot of her. Both of them have married others and created their own lives.
Our son and his wife live next door to us and were out of town the day Kayley stopped by, but returned before she left. My son chewed me out, and now my daughter-in-law won’t speak to me. I tried to talk to her and would apologize if I had the chance, but she sent me a text saying I had crossed a line and how inconsiderate it was of me having Kayley drop by. She said it made her feel small and uncomfortable (they only saw her from a distance and didn’t even know who it was at first).
Was I wrong for staying in contact with my son’s high school ex-girlfriend? Was I wrong for inviting her to come by? What’s the best way to handle this because I want to keep peace in our family? — MONSTER-IN-LAW IN TEXAS
DEAR M.I.L.: You weren’t wrong to stay in touch with someone you liked. And you should be free to entertain anyone you like in your home. It strikes me as sad that your daughter-in-law would react the way she has. It shows how deeply insecure she is.
Because you want to keep peace in the family, refrain from having Kayley over, and see her elsewhere. And if she asks you why, explain that it made your daughter-in-law uncomfortable.
DEAR ABBY: Years ago, my wife and I decided together that I would work and she would raise the kids. Well, times and the economy have changed. We need a second income. Even a part-time retail job would help tremendously right now. I have made countless sacrifices to keep our home and lifestyle afloat. All the while she refuses to pursue anything except what she believes to be “her purpose” or what represents her “best self.”
What about me? My health? Our home? Our children and their education? How about a job that she might not be crazy about for a decent paycheck so we can save a little and not have to worry about how much our prescription costs are? My resentment is growing. I work 60 hours a week and gave up a career I loved. Am I asking too much? — RESENTFUL IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR RESENTFUL: No, you are not asking too much. Times have indeed changed, and your wife needs to wake up and accept that her dream job may have to be postponed because of circumstances beyond her (and your) control. Successful marriages are partnerships, and because being the sole wage earner has become so stressful that you would write to me about it, it’s time your wife took her head out of the clouds and faced reality. If a second income will take some of the stress off your shoulders, she needs to step forward for the sake of you and the children.
DEAR READERS: Have a very happy and healthy Fourth of July, everyone. And please, be safe! — LOVE, ABBY
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--2020-07-04--Evanston man charged after Rogers Park SWAT standoff

A north suburban Evanston man is facing a felony weapons charge after an hours-long armed standoff with a SWAT team @ @ @ @ @ on the North Side .
Kyle Samuels , 29 , is charged with a felony @ @ @ @ @ habitual criminal , according to Chicago police .
He also faces a misdemeanor count of @ @ @ @ @ seen going into an apartment complex with a gun about 9:50 p.m. in the 7600 @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
SWAT units were called to the scene when he refused to @ @ @ @ @ taken into custody about 12:30 a.m. Thursday without a struggle , police said .
No @ @ @ @ @ remains in custody at the Cook County Jail on $ 1 million bail , according @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office .
His next court date is scheduled for July 9 .
Read @ @ @ @ @ track the city ’ s homicides .

A north suburban Evanston man is facing a felony weapons charge after an hours-long armed standoff with a SWAT team Wednesday night in Rogers Park on the North Side.
Kyle Samuels, 29, is charged with a felony count of being an armed habitual criminal, according to Chicago police. He also faces a misdemeanor count of reckless conduct.
Samuels was seen going into an apartment complex with a gun about 9:50 p.m. in the 7600 block of North Ashland Avenue, police said. SWAT units were called to the scene when he refused to come out.
He was taken into custody about 12:30 a.m. Thursday without a struggle, police said. No injuries were reported.
Samuels remains in custody at the Cook County Jail on $1 million bail, according to the Cook County sheriff’s office. His next court date is scheduled for July 9.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-04--Numbers are not the only way to measure good police work

In an article last week on police morale , Mayor Lori Lightfoot touted that morale is good because during a 10-day period in June , CPD took 600 guns off the street .
That ’ s the first thing that destroys police morale — the fact that the mayor and the top brass try to “ quantify ” crime based on mere metrics .
How many guns did you seize ?
How many stops did you make ?
How many traffic tickets did you write ?
Ludicrous .
Here ’ s my question to them : If CPD seized 600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrests to go with them ?
There had better be .
Because guns , an inanimate object , can be replaced by the bad guys , who will just continue the mayhem .
So , how many arrests were made ?
What were the charges ?
How many arrestees were convicted felons , on probation or parole , on home monitoring or habitual offenders ?
Getting guns off the street is somewhat a moot point .
You have to get the shooters off the street .
And with a growing animosity from all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s not about to happen soon .
So the cycle of violence will continue .
In the meantime , I ’ ll be waiting for those arrest numbers .
To some Americans : I am ashamed of you .
You ignore and mock caring about others .
You live as though your freedom does not include responsibility and sacrifice .
You act like self-serving adolescents instead of mature adults who reason and act according to science and with the capacity to learn and understand .
Those of you who will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are potentially dooming others to suffering and death .
Those of you who support a do-nothing-except-for-self person as president seem to think you are still in the school cafeteria , wanting to join the bullies .
You have watched your country become isolated from the rest of the world .
The so-called President dreams of being a dictator .
But in the United States , that will never happen because we can speak out and vote , and because some Americans believe in our country and celebrate our potential even though our president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us very little to celebrate .
With this virus , where has your concern for someone other than yourself gone ?
Help one another .
Pay it forward .
Make us whole again as a caring , responsible and devoted nation filled with respectful differences and the pride in being an American .
Please — wear a mask , practice social distance and take our country back by voting in November .
Facebook plans to build an $ 800 million data center in DeKalb .
I would like to know if Facebook Vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or South Side of Chicago for this center ?
These areas have access to the same qualities that DeKalb offers , and more .

In an article last week on police morale, Mayor Lori Lightfoot touted that morale is good because during a 10-day period in June, CPD took 600 guns off the street.
That’s the first thing that destroys police morale — the fact that the mayor and the top brass try to “quantify” crime based on mere metrics. How many guns did you seize? How many stops did you make? How many traffic tickets did you write? Ludicrous.
Here’s my question to them: If CPD seized 600 guns, are there close to 600 arrests to go with them? There had better be. Because guns, an inanimate object, can be replaced by the bad guys, who will just continue the mayhem. So, how many arrests were made? What were the charges? How many arrestees were convicted felons, on probation or parole, on home monitoring or habitual offenders?
Getting guns off the street is somewhat a moot point. You have to get the shooters off the street. And with a growing animosity from all sides toward police and police work, that’s not about to happen soon. So the cycle of violence will continue.
In the meantime, I’ll be waiting for those arrest numbers.
Robert Stasch, retired CPD lieutenant, O’Hare
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes.
Wear a mask. Vote.
To some Americans: I am ashamed of you. You ignore and mock caring about others. You live as though your freedom does not include responsibility and sacrifice. You act like self-serving adolescents instead of mature adults who reason and act according to science and with the capacity to learn and understand.
Those of you who will not respectfully wear masks and implement social distancing are potentially dooming others to suffering and death. Those of you who support a do-nothing-except-for-self person as president seem to think you are still in the school cafeteria, wanting to join the bullies. You have watched your country become isolated from the rest of the world.
The so-called President dreams of being a dictator. But in the United States, that will never happen because we can speak out and vote, and because some Americans believe in our country and celebrate our potential even though our president, his administration and this virus leave us very little to celebrate.
With this virus, where has your concern for someone other than yourself gone? Help one another. Pay it forward. Make us whole again as a caring, responsible and devoted nation filled with respectful differences and the pride in being an American.
Please — wear a mask, practice social distance and take our country back by voting in November.
Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow, Lakeview
That Facebook center...
Facebook plans to build an $800 million data center in DeKalb. I would like to know if Facebook Vice President Rachel Peterson ever considered the West or South Side of Chicago for this center?
These areas have access to the same qualities that DeKalb offers, and more.
Michael Lorenzi, Oak Park


chicagosun-times--2020-07-04--2 Chicago police officers hurt in Humboldt Park crash

Two Chicago police officers were injured when their squad car crashed into a pole Saturday in Humboldt Park on the @ @ @ @ @ in the squad car heading west through an intersection at 2:45 a.m. in the 4000 @ @ @ @ @ when they swerved to avoid another vehicle , according to Chicago police .
The officers @ @ @ @ @ car crashed into a pole , police said .
Both officers were taken to Stroger @ @ @ @ @ but their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening , police said .

Two Chicago police officers were injured when their squad car crashed into a pole Saturday in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
They were in the squad car heading west through an intersection at 2:45 a.m. in the 4000 block of West Chicago Avenue when they swerved to avoid another vehicle, according to Chicago police.
The officers lost control and the squad car crashed into a pole, police said.
Both officers were taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition, but their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening, police said.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-04--Car sought in fatal West Pullman shooting

Police are asking for the public ’ s help identifying a car wanted in connection with a fatal shooting last @ @ @ @ @ the Far South Side .
Terron S. Tate , 24 , was shot about 8:40 @ @ @ @ @ 12100 block of South Michigan Avenue , authorities said .
He was walking when someone @ @ @ @ @ him in the head , according to Chicago police .
He was pronounced dead at @ @ @ @ @ in West Pullman , according to the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office .
@ @ @ @ @ car wanted in connection with the shooting and are asking anyone with information to call @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a car wanted in connection with a fatal shooting last week in West Pullman on the Far South Side.
Terron S. Tate, 24, was shot about 8:40 p.m. June 28 in the 12100 block of South Michigan Avenue, authorities said.
He was walking when someone in a black car shot him in the head, according to Chicago police. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tate lived in West Pullman, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Police released photos of the car wanted in connection with the shooting and are asking anyone with information to call Area Two Detectives at 312-747-8271.
Chicago police are looking for a black car wanted in connection with a fatal shooting June 28, 2020, in the 12100 block of South Michigan Avenue. Chicago police
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-04--Missing girl, 13, may be on South Side

Missing girl, 13, may be on South Side

Police are looking for a 13-year-old girl who has been missing since last month and might be on the city @ @ @ @ @ Marshae Rogers was last seen June 16 , according to a missing person alert from @ @ @ @ @ a 5-foot-7 , 140-pound girl with brown eyes and black hair , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ areas near the 7100 block of South Ridgeland Avenue or the area between South Damen @ @ @ @ @ the 5700 and 6900 blocks , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to @ @ @ @ @ Victims Unit at 312-747-8380 .

Police are looking for a 13-year-old girl who has been missing since last month and might be on the city’s South Side.
Marshae Rogers was last seen June 16, according to a missing person alert from Chicago police.
She is a 5-foot-7, 140-pound girl with brown eyes and black hair, police said.
She may be in the areas near the 7100 block of South Ridgeland Avenue or the area between South Damen and South Hoyne avenues between the 5700 and 6900 blocks, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Area Central Special Victims Unit at 312-747-8380.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-04--Missing 62-year-old woman last seen in Englewood

Police are asking the community for help finding a missing 62-year-old woman last seen in Englewood on the South Side @ @ @ @ @ seen Friday in the area of 64th and Carpenter streets , Chicago police said in @ @ @ @ @ She suffers from dementia and may need medical attention , police said .
She is @ @ @ @ @ black hair and brown eyes .
She was last seen wearing a black dress and @ @ @ @ @ information is asked to call Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 .

Police are asking the community for help finding a missing 62-year-old woman last seen in Englewood on the South Side.
Shirley Tripplet was last seen Friday in the area of 64th and Carpenter streets, Chicago police said in a missing person alert.
She suffers from dementia and may need medical attention, police said.
She is 5-foot-6, 150 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black dress and black leggings.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area One detectives at 312-747-8380.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-03--Donald Trump pushes racial division, flouts virus rules at Mount Rushmore

MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL , S.D .
— At the foot of Mount Rushmore on the eve of Independence Day , President Donald Trump made a direct appeal to disaffected white voters four months before Election Day , accusing protesters who have pushed for racial justice of engaging in a “ merciless campaign to wipe out our history.
” The president dug further into American divisions Friday , offering a discordant tone to an electorate battered by a pandemic and wounded by racial injustice following the high-profile killings of Black people .
He zeroed in on the desecration by some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country that honor those who have benefited from slavery , including some past presidents .
“ This movement is openly attacking the legacies of every person on Mount Rushmore , ” Trump said .
He lamented “ cancel culture ” and charged that some on the political left hope to “ defame our heroes , erase our values and indoctrinate our children.
” He said Americans should speak proudly of their heritage and shouldn ’ t have to apologize for its history .
“ We will not be terrorized , we will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be intimidated by bad , evil people , ” Trump added .
“ It will not happen.
” The speech and fireworks at Mount Rushmore came against the backdrop of a pandemic that has killed over 125,000 Americans .
The president flew across the nation to gather a big crowd of supporters , most of them maskless and all of them flouting public health guidelines that recommend not gathering in large groups .
The discord was heightened as the Trump campaign confirmed during the president ’ s speech that Kimberly Guilfoyle , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girlfriend of Trump ’ s eldest son Donald Trump Jr. , had tested positive for the coronavirus while in South Dakota .
Both Guilfoyle and Trump Jr. , who serves as a top surrogate for the president , are isolating themselves and have canceled public events , according to Sergio Gor , chief of staff to the Trump campaign ’ s finance committee .
During the speech , the president announced he was signing an executive order to establish the National Garden of American Heroes , a vast outdoor park that will feature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ever live.
” Amid the campaign headwinds , the president has sharpened his focus on his most ardent base of supporters as concern grows inside his campaign that his poll numbers in the battleground states that will decide the 2020 election are slipping .
Trump in recent weeks has increasingly lashed out at “ left-wing mobs , ” used a racist epithet to refer to the coronavirus and visited the nation ’ s southern border to spotlight progress on his 2016 campaign promise to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall .
The event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the feel of one as the friendly crowd greeted Trump with chants of “ Four more years !
” and cheered enthusiastically as he and first lady Melania Trump took the stage .
“ They think the American people are weak and soft and submissive , ” Trump said .
“ But no , the American people are strong and proud , and they will not allow our country and all of its values , history and culture to be taken from them.
” Republican Gov .
Kristi Noem echoed Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trying to wipe away the lessons of history.
” “ Make no mistake : This is being done deliberately to discredit America ’ s founding principles by discrediting the individuals who formed them , ” she said .
The small town of Keystone , which lies a couple of miles from the monument , was buzzing with people Friday hoping to catch a glimpse of the fireworks and the president .
Many wore pro-Trump T-shirts and hats .
Few wore masks .
“ This is going to rank up in the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Mike Stewhr , who brought his family from Nebraska .
Mike Harris of Rapid City , who said he was a Republican , wore a mask and waved an anti-Trump flag .
He also was sporting a handgun on each hip .
He said he was worried the event would spark a COVID-19 outbreak .
“ I think it ’ s a bad example being set by our president and our governor , ” Harris said .
Leaders of several Native American tribes in the region raised concerns that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their members , who they say are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of an underfunded health care system and chronic health conditions .
“ The president is putting our tribal members at risk to stage a photo op at one of our most sacred sites , ” said Harold Frazier , chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe .
Some Native American groups used Trump ’ s visit to protest the Mount Rushmore memorial itself , pointing out that the Black Hills were taken from the Lakota people .
More than 100 protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading from Keystone to the monument holding signs and playing Lakota music in 95-degree heat .
Some held their fists in the air as cars loaded with event attendees passed by .
Others held signs that read “ Protect SoDak ’ s First People , ” “ You Are On Stolen Land ” and “ Dismantle White Supremacy.
” “ The president needs to open his eyes .
We ’ re people , too , and it was our land first , ” said Hehakaho Waste , a spiritual elder with the Oglala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested after blocking a road and missing a police-imposed deadline to leave .
Several people who once oversaw fire danger at the national memorial had said setting off fireworks over the forest was a bad idea that could lead to a large wildfire .
Fireworks were called off after 2009 because a mountain pine beetle infestation increased the fire risks .
Noem pushed to get the fireworks resumed soon after she was elected , and enlisted Trump ’ s help .
The president brushed aside fire concerns earlier this year , saying : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s stone.
” Trump has presided over a several large-crowd events — in Tulsa , Oklahoma , and at an Arizona megachurch — even as health officials warn against large gatherings and recommend face masks and social distancing .
He plans a July Fourth celebration on the National Mall in Washington despite health concerns from D.C. ’ s mayor .
Trump and Melania Trump plan to host events from the White House South Lawn and from the Ellipse .
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin and Aamer Madhani in Washington and Todd Richmond in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report .

MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, S.D. — At the foot of Mount Rushmore on the eve of Independence Day, President Donald Trump made a direct appeal to disaffected white voters four months before Election Day, accusing protesters who have pushed for racial justice of engaging in a “merciless campaign to wipe out our history.”
The president dug further into American divisions Friday, offering a discordant tone to an electorate battered by a pandemic and wounded by racial injustice following the high-profile killings of Black people. He zeroed in on the desecration by some protesters of monuments and statues across the country that honor those who have benefited from slavery, including some past presidents.
“This movement is openly attacking the legacies of every person on Mount Rushmore,” Trump said. He lamented “cancel culture” and charged that some on the political left hope to “defame our heroes, erase our values and indoctrinate our children.” He said Americans should speak proudly of their heritage and shouldn’t have to apologize for its history.
“We will not be terrorized, we will not be demeaned, and we will not be intimidated by bad, evil people,” Trump added. “It will not happen.”
The speech and fireworks at Mount Rushmore came against the backdrop of a pandemic that has killed over 125,000 Americans. The president flew across the nation to gather a big crowd of supporters, most of them maskless and all of them flouting public health guidelines that recommend not gathering in large groups.
The discord was heightened as the Trump campaign confirmed during the president’s speech that Kimberly Guilfoyle, a top fundraiser for the campaign and the girlfriend of Trump’s eldest son Donald Trump Jr., had tested positive for the coronavirus while in South Dakota. Both Guilfoyle and Trump Jr., who serves as a top surrogate for the president, are isolating themselves and have canceled public events, according to Sergio Gor, chief of staff to the Trump campaign’s finance committee.
During the speech, the president announced he was signing an executive order to establish the National Garden of American Heroes, a vast outdoor park that will feature the statues of the “greatest Americans to ever live.”
Amid the campaign headwinds, the president has sharpened his focus on his most ardent base of supporters as concern grows inside his campaign that his poll numbers in the battleground states that will decide the 2020 election are slipping.
Trump in recent weeks has increasingly lashed out at “left-wing mobs,” used a racist epithet to refer to the coronavirus and visited the nation’s southern border to spotlight progress on his 2016 campaign promise to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall.
The event, while not a campaign rally, had the feel of one as the friendly crowd greeted Trump with chants of “Four more years!” and cheered enthusiastically as he and first lady Melania Trump took the stage.
“They think the American people are weak and soft and submissive,” Trump said. “But no, the American people are strong and proud, and they will not allow our country and all of its values, history and culture to be taken from them.”
Republican Gov. Kristi Noem echoed Trump’s attacks against his opponents who “are trying to wipe away the lessons of history.”
“Make no mistake: This is being done deliberately to discredit America’s founding principles by discrediting the individuals who formed them,” she said.
The small town of Keystone, which lies a couple of miles from the monument, was buzzing with people Friday hoping to catch a glimpse of the fireworks and the president. Many wore pro-Trump T-shirts and hats. Few wore masks.
“This is going to rank up in the top Fourth of Julys that I talk about,” said Mike Stewhr, who brought his family from Nebraska.
Mike Harris of Rapid City, who said he was a Republican, wore a mask and waved an anti-Trump flag. He also was sporting a handgun on each hip. He said he was worried the event would spark a COVID-19 outbreak.
“I think it’s a bad example being set by our president and our governor,” Harris said.
Leaders of several Native American tribes in the region raised concerns that the event could lead to virus outbreaks among their members, who they say are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of an underfunded health care system and chronic health conditions.
“The president is putting our tribal members at risk to stage a photo op at one of our most sacred sites,” said Harold Frazier, chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
Some Native American groups used Trump’s visit to protest the Mount Rushmore memorial itself, pointing out that the Black Hills were taken from the Lakota people.
More than 100 protesters, many Lakota, lined the road leading from Keystone to the monument holding signs and playing Lakota music in 95-degree heat. Some held their fists in the air as cars loaded with event attendees passed by. Others held signs that read “Protect SoDak’s First People,” “You Are On Stolen Land” and “Dismantle White Supremacy.”
“The president needs to open his eyes. We’re people, too, and it was our land first,” said Hehakaho Waste, a spiritual elder with the Oglala Sioux tribe.
About 15 protesters were arrested after blocking a road and missing a police-imposed deadline to leave.
Several people who once oversaw fire danger at the national memorial had said setting off fireworks over the forest was a bad idea that could lead to a large wildfire. Fireworks were called off after 2009 because a mountain pine beetle infestation increased the fire risks.
Noem pushed to get the fireworks resumed soon after she was elected, and enlisted Trump’s help. The president brushed aside fire concerns earlier this year, saying: “What can burn? It’s stone.”
Trump has presided over a several large-crowd events — in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and at an Arizona megachurch — even as health officials warn against large gatherings and recommend face masks and social distancing. He plans a July Fourth celebration on the National Mall in Washington despite health concerns from D.C.’s mayor. Trump and Melania Trump plan to host events from the White House South Lawn and from the Ellipse.
___
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin and Aamer Madhani in Washington and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wis., contributed to this report.