chicagosun-times--2020-08-14--House edges back? Illinois casinos rake in $82.6 million in first month since coronavirus shutdown

Masks , plexi-glass shields and an ongoing pandemic haven ’ t done much to dampen the hopes of Illinois gamblers looking to score a few bucks .
The state ’ s 10 casinos are limited to half capacity in the age of COVID-19 , but they still raked in about three-quarters of the cash they did for a comparable period last year , before the virus slashed admissions .
And the looming specter of the coronavirus certainly hasn ’ t scared off bettors from returning to the thousands of slot machines that have been turned back on at bars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which have gobbled up 24 % more dollars than they did last July .
That ’ s according to the latest revenue reports from the Illinois Gaming Board , the regulator that issued guidelines for gambling operations to resume July 1 with health precautions in place following an unprecedented three-month shutdown under Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order .
The casinos racked up about $ 82.6 million as people made more than 483,000 trips through their turnstiles during the first month back .
That ’ s down about 29 % compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won about $ 115.8 million with almost double the admissions : about 931,000 .
The 50 % capacity limit set by the Gaming Board hasn ’ t been an issue for most casinos , and they ’ ve had only a handful of issues with customers refusing to wear face coverings , according to Illinois Casino Gaming Association executive director Tom Swoik .
For an industry that was brought to a full stop , “ nobody had a clue ” what to expect upon reopening , but the first-month numbers are “ somewhat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swoik said .
“ Some people were hesitant on coming back , but now that they ’ ve seen how we ’ re taking care of things , more will keep coming back , ” he said .
“ Those numbers will keep going up.
” It ’ s not clear how long it ’ ll take for numbers to get back to normal , if they ever do .
Some casinos are anticipating their revenue will be about half their usual levels the rest of the year , Swoik said .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — but they ’ re all down .
The state ’ s most lucrative , Rivers Casino in Des Plaines , took an 18 % revenue hit , taking in $ 30.3 million this July , down from about $ 37 million last July .
But Jumer ’ s Casino in Rock Island suffered the largest setback , with $ 2.7 million in revenue during the month marking a 56 % decline from the $ 6.2 million it collected in July 2019 .
Numbers are trending the other way for the 35,680 slot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside casinos statewide , though .
Gamblers lost $ 166.1 million to them in the first month after the Gaming Board gave operators the green light to resume .
Video gaming terminals sucked in just $ 133.4 million in July 2019 , though Illinois has added more than 3,000 new slots since then .
State and local governments took a bigger cut this year , too , because , with the massive gambling expansion signed last year by Pritzker , state legislators upped the tax rate on video slots from 30 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video slots came out to $ 48.2 million and $ 8.4 million for local governments this July , compared to $ 37.6 million for the state and $ 6.7 million for municipalities last July .
Meanwhile , casinos pumped $ 13.2 million into state coffers last month , down from $ 36 million last July .
Overall , casinos have made $ 333.3 million so far this year , compared to $ 778 million they made to this point during an uninterrupted 2019 gaming year .
Video slots have churned out $ 548.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , compared to $ 970.5 million over the same period last year .

Masks, plexi-glass shields and an ongoing pandemic haven’t done much to dampen the hopes of Illinois gamblers looking to score a few bucks.
The state’s 10 casinos are limited to half capacity in the age of COVID-19, but they still raked in about three-quarters of the cash they did for a comparable period last year, before the virus slashed admissions.
And the looming specter of the coronavirus certainly hasn’t scared off bettors from returning to the thousands of slot machines that have been turned back on at bars, gas stations and other establishments — and which have gobbled up 24% more dollars than they did last July.
That’s according to the latest revenue reports from the Illinois Gaming Board, the regulator that issued guidelines for gambling operations to resume July 1 with health precautions in place following an unprecedented three-month shutdown under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order.
The casinos racked up about $82.6 million as people made more than 483,000 trips through their turnstiles during the first month back.
That’s down about 29% compared to July 2019, when the house won about $115.8 million with almost double the admissions: about 931,000.
The 50% capacity limit set by the Gaming Board hasn’t been an issue for most casinos, and they’ve had only a handful of issues with customers refusing to wear face coverings, according to Illinois Casino Gaming Association executive director Tom Swoik.
The gaming floor of Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, pictured before it reopened July 1, 2020, following a three-month shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Provided to the Chicago Sun-Times by Rivers Casino
For an industry that was brought to a full stop, “nobody had a clue” what to expect upon reopening, but the first-month numbers are “somewhat better” than many were expecting, Swoik said.
“Some people were hesitant on coming back, but now that they’ve seen how we’re taking care of things, more will keep coming back,” he said. “Those numbers will keep going up.”
It’s not clear how long it’ll take for numbers to get back to normal, if they ever do. Some casinos are anticipating their revenue will be about half their usual levels the rest of the year, Swoik said.
So far, fortunes have varied by casino — but they’re all down. The state’s most lucrative, Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, took an 18% revenue hit, taking in $30.3 million this July, down from about $37 million last July.
But Jumer’s Casino in Rock Island suffered the largest setback, with $2.7 million in revenue during the month marking a 56% decline from the $6.2 million it collected in July 2019.
Numbers are trending the other way for the 35,680 slot machines that are installed at 7,137 establishments outside casinos statewide, though. Gamblers lost $166.1 million to them in the first month after the Gaming Board gave operators the green light to resume.
Video gaming terminals sucked in just $133.4 million in July 2019, though Illinois has added more than 3,000 new slots since then.
State and local governments took a bigger cut this year, too, because, with the massive gambling expansion signed last year by Pritzker, state legislators upped the tax rate on video slots from 30% to 34%.
State tax revenue from video slots came out to $48.2 million and $8.4 million for local governments this July, compared to $37.6 million for the state and $6.7 million for municipalities last July.
Meanwhile, casinos pumped $13.2 million into state coffers last month, down from $36 million last July.
Overall, casinos have made $333.3 million so far this year, compared to $778 million they made to this point during an uninterrupted 2019 gaming year.
Video slots have churned out $548.2 million in the first seven months of 2020, compared to $970.5 million over the same period last year.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-14--White Sox get answers while some questions linger

After some uncertainty , the White Sox are returning to the field .
What ’ s still unclear is whether a veteran ’ s strong words had any impact on their recent victories .
Following Friday ’ s postponement , the White Sox will face the Cardinals on Saturday in a doubleheader with seven-inning games .
Lucas Giolito will start the first matchup ( 12:10 p.m. ) and the second will be a bullpen game against St. Louis , which is playing for the first time since July 29 due to a COVID-19 outbreak .
“ It is very difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abreu said Friday through a translator .
“ I don ’ t think that we are in a position to judge anybody .
I think as a team , we are afraid , we have concerns .
But , MLB and all the protocols that have been put into place , with St. Louis , they are giving them the green light .
That ’ s good .
“ I think that we just have to take care of ourselves and protect ourselves and do the best we can under these circumstances.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gaiter scarf or something else like he has at times this year , though he wasn ’ t sure he ’ d do it because he said it ’ s difficult to play with a face mask .
“ Definitely I will try to protect myself , ” Abreu said .
“ We all have to.
” To compensate for the extra day off , the Sox worked out Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field .
And Rick Renteria mentioned the Marlins ’ strong start after their own coronavirus outbreak as a reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this weekend .
As for safety , Renteria said the team is not concerned .
“ We ’ ve continued to kind of tighten up ourselves , as well , ” Renteria said Friday .
“ At this point , I haven ’ t heard any concerns from anybody.
” On Monday , Dallas Keuchel voiced a different concern after a 5-1 loss at Detroit .
In pointed comments to the media that echoed what he told the Sox privately , Keuchel said some of his teammates were going through the motions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw “ very subpar play from everybody.
” What followed were a pair of wins .
But Abreu was not willing to link Keuchel ’ s words to the victories .
“ I don ’ t think that the team responded the way that we did because of Dallas ’ words , ” Abreu said .
“ I think that we just did what we were supposed to do and we won those two games .
We are trying to win every single game .
We are trying to do what we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it differently , that ’ s fine .
“ But I think we as players are just trying to do the job we know we can do and we are supposed to do.
” Pressed further , Abreu said he thought the Sox would play better anyway but did appreciate the conversation Keuchel had with the group .
“ It ’ s not a secret that the first game in Detroit wasn ’ t one of our best games .
That was a bad game for us , ” Abreu said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we didn ’ t want to do good .
It just was one of those games where we couldn ’ t do better in that particular time .
The next two days , we did perform and we did what we were supposed to do .
Then that ’ s why I think there ’ s no reason for people to put the spotlight on what Dallas said because we won the last two games .
I think we would do it either way.
” NOTE : No timeline has been set for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left shoulder soreness ) or Reynaldo Lopez ( right shoulder soreness ) .
Renteria said Lopez would throw two innings in a side session Friday .

After some uncertainty, the White Sox are returning to the field. What’s still unclear is whether a veteran’s strong words had any impact on their recent victories.
Following Friday’s postponement, the White Sox will face the Cardinals on Saturday in a doubleheader with seven-inning games. Lucas Giolito will start the first matchup (12:10 p.m.) and the second will be a bullpen game against St. Louis, which is playing for the first time since July 29 due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
“It is very difficult to think about that,” Jose Abreu said Friday through a translator. “I don’t think that we are in a position to judge anybody. I think as a team, we are afraid, we have concerns. But, MLB and all the protocols that have been put into place, with St. Louis, they are giving them the green light. That’s good.
“I think that we just have to take care of ourselves and protect ourselves and do the best we can under these circumstances.”
For Abreu, that might mean wearing a gaiter scarf or something else like he has at times this year, though he wasn’t sure he’d do it because he said it’s difficult to play with a face mask.
“Definitely I will try to protect myself,” Abreu said. “We all have to.”
To compensate for the extra day off, the Sox worked out Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field. And Rick Renteria mentioned the Marlins’ strong start after their own coronavirus outbreak as a reason not to take the Cardinals for granted this weekend.
As for safety, Renteria said the team is not concerned.
“We’ve continued to kind of tighten up ourselves, as well,” Renteria said Friday. “At this point, I haven’t heard any concerns from anybody.”
On Monday, Dallas Keuchel voiced a different concern after a 5-1 loss at Detroit.
In pointed comments to the media that echoed what he told the Sox privately, Keuchel said some of his teammates were going through the motions. He said the Sox looked flat and saw “very subpar play from everybody.”
What followed were a pair of wins. But Abreu was not willing to link Keuchel’s words to the victories.
“I don’t think that the team responded the way that we did because of Dallas’ words,” Abreu said. “I think that we just did what we were supposed to do and we won those two games. We are trying to win every single game. We are trying to do what we are supposed to do. And if people think it differently, that’s fine.
“But I think we as players are just trying to do the job we know we can do and we are supposed to do.”
Pressed further, Abreu said he thought the Sox would play better anyway but did appreciate the conversation Keuchel had with the group.
“It’s not a secret that the first game in Detroit wasn’t one of our best games. That was a bad game for us,” Abreu said. “But it wasn’t because we didn’t want to do good. It just was one of those games where we couldn’t do better in that particular time. The next two days, we did perform and we did what we were supposed to do. Then that’s why I think there’s no reason for people to put the spotlight on what Dallas said because we won the last two games. I think we would do it either way.”
NOTE: No timeline has been set for the return of starters Carlos Rodon (left shoulder soreness) or Reynaldo Lopez (right shoulder soreness). Renteria said Lopez would throw two innings in a side session Friday.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-14--Americans are drinking more during the COVID-19 pandemic. But how much alcohol is too much?

The coronavirus pandemic has Americans drinking more .
Sales of at-home alcohol , according to a Nielsen report from June , have spiked nearly 27 % since the start of the pandemic .
And while this doesn ’ t take into account shutdowns of bars and restaurants nationwide , it suggests people are turning to alcohol to cope with a life-altering global crisis .
Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz , assistant secretary at Department of Health and Human Services and head of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration , told USA TODAY in May that more people reportedly sought treatment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the hardest .
A drink or two to take the edge off may seem like a harmless idea .
And given historic unemployment rates , a pandemic that shows no signs of slowing down and the ceaseless specter of racial inequality , a couple more bottles of beer or glasses of wine might sound appealing .
After all , Dr. George F. Koob , the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ( NIAAA ) , told USA TODAY that past research has found people are more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during times of uncertainty and duress.
” But he warns against turning to the liquor cabinet for comfort .
“ Any increases in alcohol use during the pandemic could be a cause for concern , particularly if the increases stem from an attempt to cope with negative emotions associated with the crisis , ” he told USA TODAY .
Excessive alcohol is linked to liver damage and some forms of cancer , including liver , breast and colon cancer .
Per the World Health Organization , the effects of alcohol consumption contribute to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Individuals with a history of substance use disorders , anxiety or depression , cautions Dr. Victor Karpyak , a Mayo Clinic psychiatrist , should be especially wary of turning to alcohol as a de-stressor .
How much alcohol is too much per week ?
Currently , the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism guidelines advise limiting alcohol consumption to no more than three to four drinks per “ occasion.
” Men should have no more than 14 standard drinks per week ; women should have no more than seven .
U.S. Dietary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommending no more than one drink a day for women and two for men .
Keep in mind that a standard “ drink ” serving is a 12 ounce beer or hard seltzer with 5 % alcohol , a 5 ounce glass of wine with 12 % alcohol , or a 1.5 ounce shot of 40 % alcohol , or 80 proof , liquor .
Of course , pregnant women , people taking medications and those recovering from alcohol use disorder should not be drinking alcohol .
Is drinking alcohol to cope with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It can be very tempting to reach for alcohol during times of high stress , ” Koob said .
“ Alcohol temporarily dampens anxiety and other uncomfortable emotions.
” That said , he warns , the relief is only temporary — and may end up worsening after the buzz has faded .
“ Using alcohol to dampen emotional misery tends to make people more miserable and motivates them to drink again , ” he said , “ so it is not a safe or lasting solution for the emotional strain many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in fact , using alcohol to cope may lead to substance use disorders , warns Karpyak , especially if family and friends begin to voice their concern about your well-being .
“ We often hear from patients treated for alcohol use disorders that , in retrospect , they see how this coping strategy evolved into alcohol abuse and dependence , ” he said .
These are especially hard times , particularly for people in recovery for alcohol misuse .
“ Stress is a major trigger for relapse , ” Koob said .

The coronavirus pandemic has Americans drinking more.
Sales of at-home alcohol, according to a Nielsen report from June, have spiked nearly 27% since the start of the pandemic. And while this doesn’t take into account shutdowns of bars and restaurants nationwide, it suggests people are turning to alcohol to cope with a life-altering global crisis.
Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, assistant secretary at Department of Health and Human Services and head of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, told USA TODAY in May that more people reportedly sought treatment for alcohol misuse in regions where coronavirus has hit the hardest.
A drink or two to take the edge off may seem like a harmless idea. And given historic unemployment rates, a pandemic that shows no signs of slowing down and the ceaseless specter of racial inequality, a couple more bottles of beer or glasses of wine might sound appealing.
After all, Dr. George F. Koob, the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), told USA TODAY that past research has found people are more likely to drink — and drink more — “during times of uncertainty and duress.”
But he warns against turning to the liquor cabinet for comfort.
“Any increases in alcohol use during the pandemic could be a cause for concern, particularly if the increases stem from an attempt to cope with negative emotions associated with the crisis,” he told USA TODAY.
Excessive alcohol is linked to liver damage and some forms of cancer, including liver, breast and colon cancer. Per the World Health Organization, the effects of alcohol consumption contribute to more than 3 million deaths worldwide.
Individuals with a history of substance use disorders, anxiety or depression, cautions Dr. Victor Karpyak, a Mayo Clinic psychiatrist, should be especially wary of turning to alcohol as a de-stressor.
How much alcohol is too much per week?
Currently, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism guidelines advise limiting alcohol consumption to no more than three to four drinks per “occasion.” Men should have no more than 14 standard drinks per week; women should have no more than seven.
U.S. Dietary Guidelines are a bit more stringent, recommending no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
Keep in mind that a standard “drink” serving is a 12 ounce beer or hard seltzer with 5% alcohol, a 5 ounce glass of wine with 12% alcohol, or a 1.5 ounce shot of 40% alcohol, or 80 proof, liquor.
Of course, pregnant women, people taking medications and those recovering from alcohol use disorder should not be drinking alcohol.
Is drinking alcohol to cope with stress or anxiety bad for you?
Unequivocally, yes.
“It can be very tempting to reach for alcohol during times of high stress,” Koob said. “Alcohol temporarily dampens anxiety and other uncomfortable emotions.”
That said, he warns, the relief is only temporary — and may end up worsening after the buzz has faded. “Using alcohol to dampen emotional misery tends to make people more miserable and motivates them to drink again,” he said, “so it is not a safe or lasting solution for the emotional strain many people are experiencing during the pandemic.
And, in fact, using alcohol to cope may lead to substance use disorders, warns Karpyak, especially if family and friends begin to voice their concern about your well-being.
“We often hear from patients treated for alcohol use disorders that, in retrospect, they see how this coping strategy evolved into alcohol abuse and dependence,” he said.
These are especially hard times, particularly for people in recovery for alcohol misuse. “Stress is a major trigger for relapse,” Koob said.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Dear Abby: Marriage’s flaws become more obvious now that son is grown

DEAR ABBY : I ’ m married to a great husband .
We worked well together in our business .
He ’ s loyal and dependable , and was a great stepfather when my son was young , etc .
When we were younger , we were always very busy working on the house , raising a family and starting a small business .
My son is now grown and has moved away , the house needs little work , we no longer have the business and we both work part-time .
The problem is , we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot alone or with friends , but many of them have moved or become very settled down .
I rarely have anyone to do anything with unless it ’ s something that interests my husband .
It ’ s hard to get him to do anything I want to do .
He either complains or refuses .
Looking back , I think he was always like this , but we were too busy to notice .
I feel very alone now .
I feel like time is ticking by , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , etc .
Many days I think I should leave , but leaving would change our lifestyle dramatically .
Sometimes I feel we only stay together for the lifestyle .
I have tried to talk to him about this many times , but I get nowhere .
Suggestions ?
— TIME TICKS BY IN NEW ENGLAND DEAR TIME TICKS BY : You feel alone and adrift because you are .
The glue that held your marriage together seems to have been your son , who is now grown and has moved away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself how important your “ lifestyle ” is .
It ’ s possible that if you remain in this marriage , you can find what you are looking for by becoming more independent .
Travel , join special interest clubs , cultivate new friends , take classes that interest you and live your life .
You might also visit meetup.com to get involved in activities in your area with like-minded people .
There is no guarantee your husband will ever be the partner you fantasize he should be .
Some sessions with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarify your thinking , and that ’ s what I ’ m suggesting .
DEAR ABBY : I am a 13-year-old who wants to be an individual .
My 10-year-old brother constantly copies me and mocks me , yet he gets upset whenever I point it out .
The last straw was when I went through his YouTube and found almost all of the same music I like .
My parents always say I should be flattered , or he ’ s just looking up to me .
I am tired of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and the way I say them ) , the music I like and my hobbies .
It ’ s very , very annoying , and I guarantee that is why he continues to do it .
I ’ ve tried telling him to stop , but somehow , in any conversation relating to that , I end up being the bad guy .
Should I just throw away my entire collection of interests , enjoyments and hobbies ?
— LOSING MY INDIVIDUALITY DEAR LOSING : On the contrary .
Accept that because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the leader , and your younger brother will continue to follow you and mimic you .
He may not do it to annoy you but because he lacks your imagination and interests of his own .
Your mistake is letting what he does affect you .
The sooner you overcome that impulse , the better off you will be .
You may not be able to control your brother , but you can control the way you react to him , and that ’ s a skill that will serve you well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person , order “ How to Be Popular.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) to : Dear Abby , Popularity Booklet , P.O .
Box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I’m married to a great husband. We worked well together in our business. He’s loyal and dependable, and was a great stepfather when my son was young, etc.
When we were younger, we were always very busy working on the house, raising a family and starting a small business. My son is now grown and has moved away, the house needs little work, we no longer have the business and we both work part-time.
The problem is, we don’t have the same interests. I do a lot alone or with friends, but many of them have moved or become very settled down. I rarely have anyone to do anything with unless it’s something that interests my husband. It’s hard to get him to do anything I want to do. He either complains or refuses.
Looking back, I think he was always like this, but we were too busy to notice. I feel very alone now. I feel like time is ticking by, and I’m wasting my life, my time, etc. Many days I think I should leave, but leaving would change our lifestyle dramatically. Sometimes I feel we only stay together for the lifestyle. I have tried to talk to him about this many times, but I get nowhere. Suggestions? — TIME TICKS BY IN NEW ENGLAND
DEAR TIME TICKS BY: You feel alone and adrift because you are. The glue that held your marriage together seems to have been your son, who is now grown and has moved away. It’s time to ask yourself how important your “lifestyle” is.
It’s possible that if you remain in this marriage, you can find what you are looking for by becoming more independent. Travel, join special interest clubs, cultivate new friends, take classes that interest you and live your life. You might also visit meetup.com to get involved in activities in your area with like-minded people.
There is no guarantee your husband will ever be the partner you fantasize he should be. Some sessions with a therapist might be useful to help you clarify your thinking, and that’s what I’m suggesting.
DEAR ABBY: I am a 13-year-old who wants to be an individual. My 10-year-old brother constantly copies me and mocks me, yet he gets upset whenever I point it out. The last straw was when I went through his YouTube and found almost all of the same music I like.
My parents always say I should be flattered, or he’s just looking up to me. I am tired of it! He copies the things I say (and the way I say them), the music I like and my hobbies. It’s very, very annoying, and I guarantee that is why he continues to do it.
I’ve tried telling him to stop, but somehow, in any conversation relating to that, I end up being the bad guy. Should I just throw away my entire collection of interests, enjoyments and hobbies? — LOSING MY INDIVIDUALITY
DEAR LOSING: On the contrary. Accept that because you are older, you may always be the leader, and your younger brother will continue to follow you and mimic you. He may not do it to annoy you but because he lacks your imagination and interests of his own. Your mistake is letting what he does affect you. The sooner you overcome that impulse, the better off you will be. You may not be able to control your brother, but you can control the way you react to him, and that’s a skill that will serve you well as you go through life.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks: Closures related to storm damage will hold through weekend

If your weekend included plans to go to the complex around Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks , better come up with plan B. Matthiessen is closed until further notice while the trails and main areas of Starved Rock are closed .
And the Illinois Department of Natural Resources tweeted Friday that those closures would hold at least through the weekend .
Camping and the conference center at Starved Rock are open , but call first for details .
If considering or headed to other sites , especially in northern Illinois , it would probably be a good idea to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closures .
Here is the latest from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources : Main Areas , Trails at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks Closed Due to Storm Damage SPRINGFIELD , Ill. – Following severe weather which included heavy rains and 80 to 100 mile per hour winds , main areas and trails at Starved Rock State Park will be closed until further notice to clear downed trees , limbs and debris .
Matthiessen State Park , which also experienced significant damage , will remain fully closed until further notice .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant amount of damage – mostly from downed trees and limbs – during the derecho which swept through northern Illinois , ” said Von Bandy , director of the Office of Land Management for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ( IDNR ) .
“ As our staff continues to clear main areas and trails at both parks , we ’ ll reassess the possibility of reopening these areas of the park.
” While trails , picnic and fishing areas , and the boat ramp are closed , the Starved Rock Lodge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have reservations at the lodge are asked to use Starved Rock ’ s south entrance off of Illinois Rte .
71 .
The campground at Starved Rock State Park also is open , though campers who wish to change their reservations are welcome to do so by accessing their reservations using ReserveAmerica.com .
Several state parks , fish and wildlife areas and recreational areas across the state experienced various levels of weather-related damage .
Guests interested in visiting specific parks should call ahead to check closures and availability of recreational opportunities .

If your weekend included plans to go to the complex around Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks, better come up with plan B.
Blame the storm, the derecho, Monday afternoon.
Matthiessen is closed until further notice while the trails and main areas of Starved Rock are closed. And the Illinois Department of Natural Resources tweeted Friday that those closures would hold at least through the weekend. Camping and the conference center at Starved Rock are open, but call first for details.
If considering or headed to other sites, especially in northern Illinois, it would probably be a good idea to call on ahead, there are other closures.
Here is the latest from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--2 women hurt in Eisenhower Expressway shooting

Two women were shot Saturday on the Eisenhower Expressway in Austin on the West Side .
The shooting happened at @ @ @ @ @ lanes of I-290 near Laramie , according to Illinois State Police .
A 25-year-old woman @ @ @ @ @ in critical condition , Chicago Fire Department officials said .
A second woman , 21 @ @ @ @ @ same hospital in fair-to-serious condition .
Three of the four eastbound lanes are closed near @ @ @ @ @ state police said .
The left lane remains open .
Read more on crime , @ @ @ @ @ s homicides .

The eastbound lanes of the Eisenhower Expressway were closed after a shooting that injured two women Saturday in Austin on the West Side.
They were shot at 4:13 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-290 near Laramie, according to Illinois State Police.
A 25-year-old woman was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, Chicago Fire Department officials said. A second woman, 21, was taken to the same hospital in fair-to-serious condition.
All eastbound lanes were closed between Austin and Central avenues shortly before 5:30 a.m. and reopened about 8:30 a.m., state police said. The shooting remains under investigation.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Former Gov. James Thompson, a giant of Illinois politics, dead at 84

Back when there was such a thing as a liberal Republican politician , James Thompson was the GOP ’ s rising star .
“ Big Jim ” — he stood 6 feet 6 inches — was Illinois ’ longest-serving governor .
The native Chicagoan was elected four times and served 14 years .
Though the most popular governor of the past half century , talk of his running as a Republican candidate for president in the late 1970s was scuttled in part by his strong convictions , beliefs that he refused to abandon merely to achieve his lifelong dream .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-choice position is not only right but is a majority view of my party , ” he once said .
“ But it ’ s not the majority view of the people who control my party.
” Thompson died Friday , according to his wife , Jayne Thompson .
He was 84 .
As a zealous federal prosecutor in the early 1970s , he sped the collapse of Cook County ’ s Democratic machine .
Early in his career Thompson helped put one Illinois governor in prison and toward his career ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to keep another out of jail .
As governor , Thompson spurred construction of more highways and prisons than any other governor — he needed those prisons to house all the inmates incarcerated after he pushed through Class X mandatory minimums in his first term .
Thompson expanded McCormick Place , fought to keep the White Sox in Chicago when the team was practically on a plane to Florida , and built the $ 173 million salmon-and-blue Loop government office building later named for him .
He also supported legislation that cleared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Center .
To do all this , however , he had to raise taxes — the largest increase up to that point in state history — which caused his popularity to suffer in his last term , particularly after he arranged for the legislature to double his own pension .
For more than two decades after leaving office , Thompson led the powerful law firm of Winston & Strawn as chairman and CEO , bringing enormous growth and profitability , though questions were raised by the millions of dollars worth of billable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — specifically , is this being done out of public spirit or self-interest ?
Thompson ’ s record is also marred by his presence on corporate boards of several companies that became mired in scandal , including Hollinger International when it owned the Chicago Sun-Times .
Spending the second half of his career in the law was an unwished-for departure for Thompson , who always saw himself at the summit of politics .
“ Ever since I was 11 years old , I ’ ve said I wanted to be president of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
James Robert Thompson Jr. was born on the West Side of Chicago on May 8 , 1936 .
His mother , Agnes Swanson , of Swedish descent , grew up on a farm in DeKalb .
She met his father , whom everyone called “ Bob ” and , later , “ Tommy , ” at the DeKalb Library .
They moved to Chicago where Bob Thompson worked as an attendant at the morgue and studied to be a doctor .
He got his medical license when the boy they called “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The family lived in Garfield Park , and Thompson attended Morse Elementary then North Park Academy , a private school .
He did not date in high school and was remembered by classmates as “ girl shy.
” His 1953 yearbook lists his interests as “ Magic Club , Press Club , Science Club , current events ” and his ambition as “ President-Politician.
” Thompson was sincere about that — he signed one classmate ’ s yearbook : “ Jim Thompson , Pres .
of U.S. 1984-1992.
” Thompson attended the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pier ; in his junior year , he transferred to Washington University in St. Louis .
He then went to law school at Northwestern University , graduating in 1959 .
After college , he become an prosector in the Cook County State ’ s Attorney ’ s office , headed by Benjamin Adamowski , a Republican reformer with mayoral ambitions who happily pursued Democratic corruption .
In 1961 , Thompson worked for the new state ’ s attorney , Democrat and future Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Daniel Ward .
As a young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a name for himself as a foe of obscenity , fighting pornography and prosecuting foul-mouthed comedian Lenny Bruce , who was arrested in Chicago after holding up a photograph of a woman ’ s breast onstage at The Gate of Horn in 1962 .
Thompson pursued Bruce with a zeal he was called upon to defend in later years .
“ I ’ m not ashamed of what I did , ” Thompson said .
“ We acted properly under the law as it was at the time.
” Thompson argued two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lost both ; one was the well-known Escobedo v. Illinois , where the court ruled it is a violation of a defendant ’ s 6th Amendment rights if police deny the opportunity for legal counsel during questioning .
In 1964 , Thompson joined Northwestern University Law School as an assistant professor .
” He was excellent , ” remembered sports lawyer Frank Murtha , who had Thompson as a teacher .
“ He inspired many of us young lawyers who had an interest in criminal law to continue to pursue that.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then was tapped to head the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney ’ s office in 1969 .
In 1970 , he became first assistant under William J. Bauer with the understanding that Bauer wouldn ’ t hold the office long .
He didn ’ t , becoming a judge the next year , elevating Thompson at age 35 to U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois .
Thompson was appointed to the post by President Richard Nixon and worked closely with his Attorney General John Mitchell , pursuing Democratic targets such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had become a federal appeals judge .
Thompson sent Kerner to prison for swapping favorable horse racing dates in return for being allowed to buy racetrack stock at bargain prices , the opening salvo in an astounding half decade of corruption prosecutions .
Thompson joined with the IRS to create a public corruption unit , the unfortunately-named CRIMP — for “ Crime , Racketeering , Influence , Money and Politicians.
” It went after figures including Cook County Clerk Edward Barrett , snared for accepting bribes .
He also argued the appeal after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was one of the finest oral advocates I ever watched , particularly the Chicago Seven contempt appeals , ” said retired Judge Paul Biebel , the former head of the Cook County Criminal Court .
Biebel called him “ a master.
” Thompson also uncovered voter fraud in the 1972 primary .
His staff found 50 % of the votes cast in some Chicago precincts were bogus .
He prosecuted precinct captains and election judges — 83 indictments in all , though Thompson said fraud was so pervasive that , if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed 1,000 indictments .
Sixty six of the accused pleaded guilty or were convicted .
The noose of prosecution seemed to possibly be tightening around Richard J. Daley — in February 1974 , Thompson indicted Earl Bush , the mayor ’ s former speech writer and personal press secretary , for owning an advertising firm that held city contracts .
Ald .
Paul Wigoda ( 49th ) and Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Matt Danaher , who lived on the same block as Daley , were both indicted for tax evasion within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also charged with conspiracy ) .
In May , the biggest fish of all , Ald .
Tom Keane ( 31st ) — the most powerful politician in Chicago other than Daley , who had worked closely with the mayor since 1955 and ran the City Council ’ s Finance Committee — was charged with 17 counts of mail fraud and a count of conspiracy related to the city purchasing real estate in which he had a hidden interest .
Keane , Wigoda , and Bush all were convicted that November , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most incredible week in Chicago judicial history.
” Danaher died of a heart attack that December , at age 47 .
Not that everyone Thompson prosecuted was a Democrat .
In the fall of 1973 , he took part in the investigation of Spiro T. Agnew .
When the vice president pleaded no contest to corruption charges , Thompson uttered the harshest public assessment delivered by a Republican official : “ The man is a crook ; no question about that.
” This show of independence immediately sparked talk of Thompson as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1976 Republican presidential nomination .
Thompson also led a 15-month investigation in 1975 into drug dealing within the Playboy organization , which Playboy founder Hugh Hefner called a “ witch hunt.
” The probe was eventually dropped without charges against Hefner or the organization , though Hefner ’ s secretary was convicted and subsequently killed herself .
The governor at the time was Dan Walker , an iconoclastic Democratic reformer who , in the grand tradition of political outsiders — being elected governor of Illinois in 1972 was his first and last electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the office he had won .
Party in-fighting created an opportunity for Thompson to take the governor ’ s office .
Richard J. Daley threw his energies against Walker , seen at the time as payback for Walker ’ s opposition to the never-built Crosstown Expressway , and for his role as author of the Walker Report on the 1968 Democratic National Convention , which coined the infamous term “ police riot.
” Daley backed Secretary of State Michael Howlett in the March 1976 Democratic primary , and Howlett defeated Walker .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ opponent , wealthy Chicago businessman Richard Cooper , who founded Weight Watchers and had the self-destructive habit of lecturing farm wives on the campaign trail that they were eating too much pie .
During the campaign , Thompson married a former student of his at Northwestern , Jayne Carr .
They had one child , a daughter , Samantha .
A change in Illinois law shifted the governor ’ s term , so it would no longer line up with presidential races .
Thus the 1976 term Thompson won to become Illinois ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was re-elected , defeating Illinois comptroller Michael Bakalis .
It was in that campaign Thompson , who had a flair for campaigning — south of I-80 his accent would change — upstaged Bakalis by riding a show horse that happened to be visiting the capital .
Though Thompson cruised to victory in 1976 with more than 3 million votes , the 1982 election was the tightest in gubernatorial history .
Thompson was running against Adlai Stevenson III , the namesake of the former governor who also had been a two-time presidential candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” insisting “ government was for sale.
” Thompson received 1,816,101 votes , a mere 5,074 votes more than Stevenson , who filed a lawsuit , claiming voter fraud .
The Illinois Supreme Court threw out the recount statue as unconstitutional by a 4-to-3 vote , the Friday before Thompson ’ s third inaugural .
Thompson was a vocal supporter of Ronald Reagan ’ s re-election in 1984 .
In 1985 , Thompson personally presided over a lurid clemency hearing that captivated public attention .
Gary Dotson had been convicted of raping Cathleen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testimony .
The circus-like hearing lasted three days and featured graphic sexual evidence that the public at the time was not accustomed to seeing .
( Columnist Mike Royko called it “ Gov .
Thompson ’ s panty show , ” radio host Steve Dahl recorded a mocking song ) .
Thompson refused to grant clemency to Dotson but reduced his sentence to time served .
Thompson made a hobby of collecting antiques and would accept them as gifts , which led to criticism .
The Tribune noted that “ his office was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currying his favor.
” The fight to keep the White Sox Toward the end of his third full term , Thompson almost single-handedly prevented the White Sox from fleeing Chicago .
It was a done deal — the Sox would leave crumbling Comiskey Park and relocate to a new domed stadium in St. Petersburg , Florida .
The Illinois legislative debate was carried live by TV stations in the Tampa Bay area .
But the statehouse clock was stopped just before midnight while Thompson twisted the arms of reluctant state senators until they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We wouldn ’ t let another state steal a factory , we wouldn ’ t let them steal The Art Institute , ” Thompson said at the time .
“ We wouldn ’ t let them steal one of our cultural crown jewels , and we can ’ t let them steal the Sox , part of Chicago ’ s very fabric.
” Thompson was national co-chair for George H.W .
Bush ’ s successful 1988 presidential race , and though rumors were that a cabinet post was his for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In July 1989 , after months of speculation , and facing a tough re-election campaign against putative Democratic nominee Neil Hartigan , Thompson announced he would not run for a fifth term because “ you can ’ t be here forever.
” Moments before , he had phoned his secretary of state , Jim Edgar , and said : “ It ’ s yours.
” Edgar replaced him as governor in January 1991 .
Thompson left the door open to run for public office again , perhaps even a certain Oval Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
But he never did .
In truth , he felt that , at 53 , it was time to start earning serious money .
“ My family may need financial stability more than my psyche needs me to continue as governor , ” he told the Tribune .
Toward that end , he joined Chicago ’ s oldest law firm , Winston & Strawn , which reached out to him while he was governor .
” He already had ties here , ” said Dan K. Webb , co-executive chairman of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very close friends .
He had to come to Winston ; we told him he couldn ’ t go anyplace else .
I and Tommy Reynolds went to see Thompson while he was still governor .
We told him we were going to make him chairman.
” Thompson indeed became chairman in 1993 , replacing Reynolds .
He guided the firm through a period of “ enormous growth , ” Webb said , as it acquired a number of overseas offices and competed on the national scene for lucrative clients .
He remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time the firm ’ s revenues more than tripled , from $ 145 million to $ 570 million per year .
” He put us on the national marketplace , competing for some of the biggest cases in the country , ” said Webb .
“ I would take him on marketing trips , and my greatest asset was Thompson himself .
It could be to New York or Mississippi .
You walk into the room , because of his friendliness , you wanted to like him immediately .
He was one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Strawn , Thompson would later represent one of his successors , ex-Gov .
George Ryan , pro bono , directing an estimated $ 10 million in free legal work — representing a loss of 2 % of the firm ’ s annual revenue — toward what would prove a futile fight to keep Ryan out of prison on corruption charges .
” We don ’ t walk away from clients , ” Thompson said , defending the decision .
“ Winston & Strawn doesn ’ t shy away from tough cases.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boards and commissions , including the official investigation of the Sept. 11 , 2001 , terrorist attacks .
Thompson was chairman of the audit committee of the board of directors at Hollinger International — which at the time owned the Sun-Times — and was later criticized for signing off on what were later determined to be fraudulent deals that eventually sent owners Conrad Black and David Radler to prison .
Thompson said that he “ skimmed ” the reports and didn ’ t notice the illegal details .
” I missed them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 2007 trial , pointing out that the documents he was supposed to review were “ very long.
” Thompson retired from Winston & Strawn at the end of 2015 .

Back when there was such a thing as a liberal Republican politician, James Thompson was the GOP’s rising star.
“Big Jim” — he stood 6 feet 6 inches — was Illinois’ longest-serving governor. The native Chicagoan was elected four times and served 14 years. Though the most popular governor of the past half century, talk of his running as a Republican candidate for president in the late 1970s was scuttled in part by his strong convictions, beliefs that he refused to abandon merely to achieve his lifelong dream.
“I still believe that a reasonable pro-choice position is not only right but is a majority view of my party,” he once said. “But it’s not the majority view of the people who control my party.”
Thompson died Friday of heart failure at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, where he was undergoing treatment after being hospitalized, according to his wife, Jayne Thompson. He was 84.
“Part of his legacy being a man from Chicago — who loves Chicago — was that he also loved every part of the state, and spent tremendous time in southern and western Illinois. He didn’t neglect them,” Jayne Thompson said. “He was dedicated to building infrastructure in Illinois.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thompson “was known to treat people he encountered with kindness and decency. He dedicated himself to building positive change for Illinois, and he set an example for public service of which Illinoisans should be proud. He will be remembered and revered as one of the titans in the history of state government.”
As a zealous federal prosecutor in the early 1970s, he sped the collapse of Cook County’s Democratic machine. Early in his career Thompson helped put one Illinois governor in prison and, toward his career’s end, he worked tirelessly and in vain trying to keep another out of jail.
As governor, Thompson spurred construction of more highways and prisons than any other governor — he needed those prisons to house all the inmates incarcerated after he pushed through Class X mandatory minimums in his first term.
Thompson expanded McCormick Place, fought to keep the White Sox in Chicago when the team was practically on a plane to Florida, and built the $173 million salmon-and-blue Loop government office building later named for him. He also supported legislation that cleared the way for what would become the United Center.
To do all this, however, he had to raise taxes — the largest increase up to that point in state history — which caused his popularity to suffer in his last term, particularly after he arranged for the legislature to double his own pension.
For more than two decades after leaving office, Thompson led the powerful law firm of Winston & Strawn as chairman and CEO, bringing enormous growth and profitability, though questions were raised by the millions of dollars worth of billable hours spent defending former governor George Ryan — specifically, is this being done out of public spirit or self-interest? Thompson’s record is also marred by his presence on corporate boards of several companies that became mired in scandal, including Hollinger International when it owned the Chicago Sun-Times.
Spending the second half of his career in the law was an unwished-for departure for Thompson, who always saw himself at the summit of politics.
“Ever since I was 11 years old, I’ve said I wanted to be president of the United States,” he once recalled.
Big ambitions from the beginning
James Robert Thompson Jr. was born on the West Side of Chicago on May 8, 1936.
His mother, Agnes Swanson, of Swedish descent, grew up on a farm in DeKalb. She met his father, whom everyone called “Bob” and, later, “Tommy,” at the DeKalb Library. They moved to Chicago where Bob Thompson worked as an attendant at the morgue and studied to be a doctor. He got his medical license when the boy they called “Jimmy” was 8 years old.
The family lived in Garfield Park, and Thompson attended Morse Elementary then North Park Academy, a private school. He did not date in high school and was remembered by classmates as “girl shy.”
His 1953 yearbook lists his interests as “Magic Club, Press Club, Science Club, current events” and his ambition as “President-Politician.” Thompson was sincere about that — he signed one classmate’s yearbook: “Jim Thompson, Pres. of U.S. 1984-1992.”
Thompson attended the University of Illinois at its campus on Navy Pier; in his junior year, he transferred to Washington University in St. Louis. He then went to law school at Northwestern University, graduating in 1959.
After college, he become a prosecutor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, headed by Benjamin Adamowski, a Republican reformer with mayoral ambitions who happily pursued Democratic corruption.
In 1961, Thompson worked for the new state’s attorney, Democrat and future Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Daniel Ward.
As a young prosecutor in the early 1960s, Thompson made a name for himself as a foe of obscenity, fighting pornography and prosecuting foul-mouthed comedian Lenny Bruce, who was arrested in Chicago after holding up a photograph of a woman’s breast onstage at The Gate of Horn in 1962. Thompson pursued Bruce with a zeal he was called upon to defend in later years.
“I’m not ashamed of what I did,” Thompson said. “We acted properly under the law as it was at the time.”
Thompson argued two cases before the United States Supreme Court and lost both; one was the well-known Escobedo v. Illinois, where the court ruled it is a violation of a defendant’s 6th Amendment rights if police deny the opportunity for legal counsel during questioning.
In 1964, Thompson joined Northwestern University Law School as an assistant professor.
”He was excellent,” remembered sports lawyer Frank Murtha, who had Thompson as a teacher. “He inspired many of us young lawyers who had an interest in criminal law to continue to pursue that.”
Thompson taught at NU for five years then was tapped to head the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s office in 1969. In 1970, he became first assistant under William J. Bauer with the understanding that Bauer wouldn’t hold the office long. He didn’t, becoming a judge the next year, elevating Thompson at age 35 to U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
A record of prosecuting corruption
Thompson was appointed to the post by President Richard Nixon and worked closely with his Attorney General John Mitchell, pursuing Democratic targets such as former Gov. Otto Kerner, who had become a federal appeals judge. Thompson sent Kerner to prison for swapping favorable horse racing dates in return for being allowed to buy racetrack stock at bargain prices, the opening salvo in an astounding half decade of corruption prosecutions.
Thompson joined with the IRS to create a public corruption unit, the unfortunately-named CRIMP — for “Crime, Racketeering, Influence, Money and Politicians.” It went after figures including Cook County Clerk Edward Barrett, snared for accepting bribes. He also argued the appeal after the Chicago Seven Conspiracy trial.
“He was one of the finest oral advocates I ever watched, particularly the Chicago Seven contempt appeals,” said retired Judge Paul Biebel, the former head of the Cook County Criminal Court. Biebel called him “a master.”
Thompson also uncovered voter fraud in the 1972 primary. His staff found 50% of the votes cast in some Chicago precincts were bogus. He prosecuted precinct captains and election judges — 83 indictments in all, though Thompson said fraud was so pervasive that, if he had the manpower, he could have filed 1,000 indictments. Sixty six of the accused pleaded guilty or were convicted.
Then-U.S. Attorney James Thompson discusses the sentencing of Ald. Thomas Keane in 1974. Sun Times file photo
Thompson’s noose of prosecution at one point seemed to possibly be tightening around Richard J. Daley: In February 1974, Thompson indicted Earl Bush, the mayor’s former speech writer and personal press secretary, for owning an advertising firm that held city contracts. Ald. Paul Wigoda (49th) and Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Matt Danaher, who lived on the same block as Daley, were both indicted for tax evasion within the same week in April 1974 (Danaher was also charged with conspiracy).
In May, the biggest fish of all, Ald. Tom Keane (31st) — the most powerful politician in Chicago other than Daley, who had worked closely with the mayor since 1955 and ran the City Council’s Finance Committee — was charged with 17 counts of mail fraud and a count of conspiracy related to the city purchasing real estate in which he had a hidden interest.
Keane, Wigoda and Bush all were convicted that November, in what the Sun-Times called “the most incredible week in Chicago judicial history.” Danaher died of a heart attack that December, at age 47.
Not that everyone Thompson prosecuted was a Democrat. In fall 1973, he took part in the investigation of Spiro T. Agnew. When the vice president pleaded no contest to corruption charges, Thompson uttered the harshest public assessment delivered by a Republican official: “The man is a crook; no question about that.” This show of independence immediately sparked talk of Thompson as a “dark horse” candidate for the 1976 Republican presidential nomination.
Thompson also led a 15-month investigation in 1975 into drug dealing within the Playboy organization, which Playboy founder Hugh Hefner called a “witch hunt.” The probe was eventually dropped without charges against Hefner or the organization, though Hefner’s secretary was convicted and subsequently killed herself.
The governor at the time was Dan Walker, an iconoclastic Democratic reformer who, in the grand tradition of political outsiders — being elected governor of Illinois in 1972 was his first and last electoral victory — had difficulty accomplishing anything significant with the office he had won.
Decisive win for the governor’s office
Party infighting created an opportunity for Thompson to take the governor’s office. Richard J. Daley threw his energies against Walker, seen at the time as payback for Walker’s opposition to the never-built Crosstown Expressway, and for his role as author of the Walker Report on the 1968 Democratic National Convention, which coined the infamous term “police riot.” Daley backed Secretary of State Michael Howlett in the March 1976 Democratic primary, and Howlett defeated Walker.
Meanwhile, Thompson prevailed over his Republican opponent, wealthy Chicago businessman Richard Cooper, who founded Weight Watchers and had the self-destructive habit of lecturing farm wives on the campaign trail that they were eating too much pie.
That fall, Thompson crushed Howlett.
Gov. James Thompson, shown at a suburban 4th of July parade in 1977, was known as a master campaigner. Sun-Times file photo
During the campaign, Thompson married a former student of his at Northwestern, Jayne Carr. They had one child, a daughter, Samantha.
A change in Illinois law shifted the governor’s term, so it would no longer line up with presidential races. Thus the 1976 term Thompson won to become Illinois’ 37th governor ended in 1978, when he was re-elected, defeating Illinois comptroller Michael Bakalis. It was in that campaign Thompson, who had a flair for campaigning — south of I-80 his accent would change — upstaged Bakalis by riding a show horse that happened to be visiting the capital.
Though Thompson cruised to victory in 1976 with more than 3 million votes, the 1982 election was the tightest in gubernatorial history. Thompson was running against Adlai Stevenson III, the namesake of the former governor who also had been a two-time presidential candidate. Stevenson railed against “pinstripe patronage” insisting “government was for sale.”
Thompson received 1,816,101 votes, a mere 5,074 votes more than Stevenson, who filed a lawsuit, claiming voter fraud. The Illinois Supreme Court threw out the recount statute as unconstitutional by a 4-to-3 vote, the Friday before Thompson’s third inaugural.
Thompson was a vocal supporter of Ronald Reagan’s re-election in 1984. In 1985, Thompson personally presided over a lurid clemency hearing that captivated public attention. Gary Dotson had been convicted of raping Cathleen Crowell Webb, who later recanted her testimony. The circus-like hearing lasted three days and featured graphic sexual evidence that the public at the time was not accustomed to seeing. (Columnist Mike Royko called it “Gov. Thompson’s panty show”; radio host Steve Dahl recorded a mocking song). Thompson refused to grant clemency to Dotson but reduced his sentence to time served.
Gov. James Thompson, far right, asks a question during the clemency hearing of Gary Dotson before the Illinois Prisoner Review Board in 1985. UPI
Thompson made a hobby of collecting antiques and would accept them as gifts, which led to criticism. The Tribune noted that “his office was stuffed with pricey trinkets courtesy of those currying his favor.”
The fight to keep the White Sox
Toward the end of his third full term, Thompson almost single-handedly prevented the White Sox from fleeing Chicago. It was a done deal — the Sox would leave crumbling Comiskey Park and relocate to a new domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Illinois legislative debate was carried live by TV stations in the Tampa Bay area.
But the statehouse clock was stopped just before midnight while Thompson twisted the arms of reluctant state senators until they supported a new ballpark for the team.
“We wouldn’t let another state steal a factory, we wouldn’t let them steal The Art Institute,” Thompson said at the time. “We wouldn’t let them steal one of our cultural crown jewels, and we can’t let them steal the Sox, part of Chicago’s very fabric.”
Thompson was national co-chair for George H.W. Bush’s successful 1988 presidential race, and though rumors were that a cabinet post was his for the asking, he did not take one.
In July 1989, after months of speculation, and facing a tough re-election campaign against putative Democratic nominee Neil Hartigan, Thompson announced he would not run for a fifth term because “you can’t be here forever.” Moments before, he had phoned his secretary of state, Jim Edgar, and said: “It’s yours.”
Edgar replaced him as governor in January 1991.
Thompson left the door open to run for public office again, perhaps even a certain Oval Office he’d aspired to all his life. But he never did. In truth, he felt that, at 53, it was time to start earning serious money.
“My family may need financial stability more than my psyche needs me to continue as governor,” he told the Tribune.
Toward that end, he joined Chicago’s oldest law firm, Winston & Strawn, which reached out to him while he was governor.
”He already had ties here,” said Dan K. Webb, co-executive chairman of Winston & Strawn. “We were very close friends. He had to come to Winston; we told him he couldn’t go anyplace else. I and Tommy Reynolds went to see Thompson while he was still governor. We told him we were going to make him chairman.”
Running a powerhouse law firm
Thompson indeed became chairman in 1993, replacing Reynolds. He guided the firm through a period of “enormous growth,” Webb said, as it acquired a number of overseas offices and competed on the national scene for lucrative clients. He remained chairman until 2006, and during this time the firm’s revenues more than tripled, from $145 million to $570 million per year.
”He put us on the national marketplace, competing for some of the biggest cases in the country,” said Webb. “I would take him on marketing trips, and my greatest asset was Thompson himself. It could be to New York or Mississippi. You walk into the room, because of his friendliness, you wanted to like him immediately. He was one of our major marketing tools.”
At Winston & Strawn, Thompson would later represent one of his successors, ex-Gov. George Ryan, pro bono, directing an estimated $10 million in free legal work — representing a loss of 2% of the firm’s annual revenue — toward what would prove a futile fight to keep Ryan out of prison on corruption charges.
”We don’t walk away from clients,” Thompson said, defending the decision. “Winston & Strawn doesn’t shy away from tough cases.”
Former Gov. James Thompson talks to reporters in 2008 at his law firm, Winston & Strawn, about a critical legal defeat for his client, ex-Gov. George Ryan, whom he fought aggressively to keep out of prison. Sun-Times file photo
He also served on a variety of boards and commissions, including the official investigation of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Thompson was chairman of the audit committee of the board of directors at Hollinger International — which at the time owned the Sun-Times — and was later criticized for signing off on what were later determined to be fraudulent deals that eventually sent owners Conrad Black and David Radler to prison. Thompson said that he “skimmed” the reports and didn’t notice the illegal details.
”I missed them,” he said, at Conrad Black’s 2007 trial, pointing out that the documents he was supposed to review were “very long.”
Thompson retired from Winston & Strawn at the end of 2015.
Survivors include his wife and daughter. A memorial service is expected to be scheduled at a later date.
Contributing: Michael Sneed


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Projecting the Bears’ 53-man roster

Projecting the Bears’ 53-man roster

The Bears ’ training camp math is different this year .
Rather than starting with a 90-man roster , they began training camp with 80 .
After they cut the roster down to 53 on Sept. 5 , they ’ ll be able to invite more people back .
Practice squads will have 16 players this year , up from 10 .
The reasons : to save money , and then retain flexibility , in the face of the coronavirus .
That won ’ t make the decisions easy , though .
With the Bears preparing to hold their first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sun-Times ’ Patrick Finley handicaps who will make the 53-man roster : Battle to watch : There ’ s no greater Bears bellwether than the team ’ s starting competition between Trubisky and Foles .
The former Super Bowl MVP entered camp at a disadvantage because he was unable to throw with his new teammates during the offseason .
But he can erase that gap in mere days .
The big number : 0 — Career completions by Bray , who will be important nonetheless .
General manager Ryan Pace said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the other quarterbacks as insurance in case of a coronavirus outbreak .
He said it : “ The evaluation process that we ’ re all trying to watch and look for and search for really isn ’ t gon na start until you put some people on the other side.
” — coach Matt Nagy Battle to watch : Cohen vs. the “ walk ” year .
Cohen , who calls his expiring contract a “ motivating factor , ” needs to improve over last year , when he became the highest-volume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5.77 yards per catch .
The big number : 4 — No NFL team is carrying fewer running backs .
One reason : Cordarrelle Patterson , whom the Bears label a receiver , can slide into the position .
He said it : “ We evaluated our run game and said it needed to be better.
” — running backs coach Charles London Battle to watch : Robinson vs. an extension .
Pace likes to hand out contract extensions days before the opener , and no one is more deserving than his best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 154 — Robinson had 154 targets last year ; Miller , Patterson , Ginn and Ridley had 165 combined .
The Bears need help from those receivers to diversify their passing attack .
He said it : “ You could sense the possibility of having a huge jump.
” — receivers coach Mike Furrey on Ridley Battle to watch : Graham vs. Father Time .
Throw out his rookie season , and Graham set career lows for catches , targets , receiving yards and first downs last year .
The big number : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who began last training camp with the Bears .
He said it : “ That ’ s everything — my ability to still separate from people and run down seams .
I know I still have that.
” — Graham Battle to watch : Ifedi vs. penalties .
He led the Seahawks in each of the past three seasons .
The big number : 6 — Games missed by Massie last year after sitting only four times over five seasons .
He said it : “ When y ’ all get to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gon na see something that ’ s on a different level .
I don ’ t need to say much more .
You ’ ll see it .
You ’ ll feel it.
” — Nagy on new offensive line coach Juan Castillo Battle to watch : Bears vs. the open market .
They ’ ll have to decide whether they ’ re willing to spend to replace nose tackle Eddie Goldman , who opted out .
The big number : 11 — Games Hicks missed last year , one because of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grisly dislocated elbow .
He said it : “ I think here are some guys on our team that do some things that Eddie does , just as well , — they just haven ’ t done it in that position for as long.
” — defensive line coach Jay Rodgers Battle to watch : Quinn vs. the 3-4 defense .
After spending his career as a 4-3 defensive end , Quinn is learning outside linebacker .
In nickel packages , though , he ’ ll be comfortable with his hand in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ½ — Sacks by Mack last season , his fewest since his rookie year in 2014 .
From 2015 to 2018 , he averaged 12.25 .
He said it : “ I think that it would be safe to say that every year Khalil Mack has something to prove .
And I would say that the volume has been cranked to about a 9 or 10 in terms of that this year.
” — outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino Battle to watch : Roquan Smith vs expectations .
After a bizarre sophomore year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Pro Bowl player .
The big number : 725 — Defensive snaps played by Nick Kwiatkoski and Kevin Pierre-Louis last season before signing with the Raiders and Washington , respectively .
Iyiegbuniwe and Woods played three .
He said it : “ This is such a great tradition of linebackers the Bears have .
I want to be up there.
” — Trevathan Battle to watch : Johnson , a second-round pick , has the edge to start over Toliver as long as he ’ s recovered from shoulder surgery .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last three years by Prince Amukamara , whom the Bears cut in February .
He said it : “ He ’ s got ta come in here and earn his way every single day , and if he does that , he ’ ll have a chance to be really good.
” — defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano on Johnson Battle to watch : Gipson has started 101 games and intercepted 22 balls in the last seven seasons .
He has the starting edge over Bush , who ’ s started eight times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The big number : 2 — Christian , signed this week , has been suspended for the season ’ s first two games .
He said it : “ Year 2 [ under Pagano ] is gon na be amazing for our defense .
Just being here already understanding guys ’ positions and where your help is , that helps you play more freely.
” — Jackson Battle to watch : Pineiro against himself after the Bears cut Ramiz Ahmed on Tuesday .
The big number : 11 — Pineiro , who went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 field goals .
He said it : “ We ’ ll ratchet things up in practice .
He knows that he has to produce.
” — special teams coordinator Chris Tabor , on Pineiro .

The Bears’ training camp math is different this year.
Rather than starting with a 90-man roster, they began training camp with 80. After they cut the roster down to 53 on Sept. 5, they’ll be able to invite more people back. Practice squads will have 16 players this year, up from 10.
The reasons: to save money, and then retain flexibility, in the face of the coronavirus.
That won’t make the decisions easy, though. With the Bears preparing to hold their first padded practice Monday at Halas Hall, the Sun-Times’ Patrick Finley handicaps who will make the 53-man roster:
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks (3 players)
They’ll likely keep: 2.
In: Mitch Trubisky, Nick Foles
On the bubble: Tyler Bray.
Battle to watch: There’s no greater Bears bellwether than the team’s starting competition between Trubisky and Foles. The former Super Bowl MVP entered camp at a disadvantage because he was unable to throw with his new teammates during the offseason. But he can erase that gap in mere days.
The big number: 0 — Career completions by Bray, who will be important nonetheless. General manager Ryan Pace said the team will be creative in separating him from the other quarterbacks as insurance in case of a coronavirus outbreak.
He said it: “The evaluation process that we’re all trying to watch and look for and search for really isn’t gonna start until you put some people on the other side.” — coach Matt Nagy
Running backs (4)
They’ll likely keep: 3
In: David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen
On the bubble: Ryan Nall, Artavis Pierce
Battle to watch: Cohen vs. the “walk” year. Cohen, who calls his expiring contract a “motivating factor,” needs to improve over last year, when he became the highest-volume receiver to ever average as few as 5.77 yards per catch.
The big number: 4 — No NFL team is carrying fewer running backs. One reason: Cordarrelle Patterson, whom the Bears label a receiver, can slide into the position.
He said it: “We evaluated our run game and said it needed to be better.” — running backs coach Charles London
Wide receivers (11)
They’ll likely keep: 7
In: Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Ted Ginn, Cordarrelle Patterson, Riley Ridley
On the bubble: Javon Wims, Darnell Mooney, Trevor Davis, Reggie Davis
Out: Ahmad Wagner, Thomas Ives
Battle to watch: Robinson vs. an extension. Pace likes to hand out contract extensions days before the opener, and no one is more deserving than his best offensive player.
The big number: 154 — Robinson had 154 targets last year; Miller, Patterson, Ginn and Ridley had 165 combined. The Bears need help from those receivers to diversify their passing attack.
He said it: “You could sense the possibility of having a huge jump.” — receivers coach Mike Furrey on Ridley
Tight ends (7)
They’ll likely keep: 5
In: Jimmy Graham, Demetrius Harris, Cole Kmet
On the bubble: Jesper Horsted, Eric Saubert, J.P. Holtz
Out: Darion Clark
Battle to watch: Graham vs. Father Time. Throw out his rookie season, and Graham set career lows for catches, targets, receiving yards and first downs last year.
The big number: 1 —Horsted is the only tight end who began last training camp with the Bears.
He said it: “That’s everything — my ability to still separate from people and run down seams. I know I still have that.” — Graham
Offensive line (14)
They’ll likely keep: 8
In: Charles Leno, James Daniels, Cody Whitehair, Germain Ifedi, Bobby Massie, Jason Spriggs
On the bubble: Rashaad Coward, Alex Bars
Out: Corey Levin, Arlington Hambright, Dieter Eiselen, Sam Mustipher, Lachavious Simmons, Badara Traore
Battle to watch: Ifedi vs. penalties. He led the Seahawks in each of the past three seasons.
The big number: 6 — Games missed by Massie last year after sitting only four times over five seasons.
He said it: “When y’all get to see this guy coach, you’re gonna see something that’s on a different level. I don’t need to say much more. You’ll see it. You’ll feel it.” — Nagy on new offensive line coach Juan Castillo
DEFENSE
Defensive line (8)
They’ll likely keep: 5
In: Akiem Hicks, Bilal Nichols, Roy Robertson-Harris, John Jenkins
On the bubble: Abdullah Anderson, Brent Urban
Out: Lee Autry, Trevon McSwain
Battle to watch: Bears vs. the open market. They’ll have to decide whether they’re willing to spend to replace nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who opted out.
The big number: 11 — Games Hicks missed last year, one because of a knee injury and 10 because of a grisly dislocated elbow.
He said it: “I think here are some guys on our team that do some things that Eddie does, just as well, — they just haven’t done it in that position for as long.” — defensive line coach Jay Rodgers
Outside linebackers (8)
They’ll likely keep: 5
In: Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn, Barkevious Mingo
On the bubble: Isaiah Irving, Trevis Gipson, James Vaughters
Out: Ledarius Mack, LaCale London
Battle to watch: Quinn vs. the 3-4 defense. After spending his career as a 4-3 defensive end, Quinn is learning outside linebacker. In nickel packages, though, he’ll be comfortable with his hand in the dirt.
The big number: 8 ½ — Sacks by Mack last season, his fewest since his rookie year in 2014. From 2015 to 2018, he averaged 12.25.
He said it: “I think that it would be safe to say that every year Khalil Mack has something to prove. And I would say that the volume has been cranked to about a 9 or 10 in terms of that this year.” — outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino
Inside linebackers (6)
They’ll likely keep: 4
In: Roquan Smith, Danny Trevathan, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Josh Woods
Out: Keandre Jones, Rashad Smith
Battle to watch: Roquan Smith vs expectations. After a bizarre sophomore year, the Bears believe he can be a Pro Bowl player.
The big number: 725 — Defensive snaps played by Nick Kwiatkoski and Kevin Pierre-Louis last season before signing with the Raiders and Washington, respectively. Iyiegbuniwe and Woods played three.
He said it: “This is such a great tradition of linebackers the Bears have. I want to be up there.” — Trevathan
Cornerbacks (10)
They’ll likely keep: 6
In: Kyle Fuller, Jaylon Johnson, Buster Skrine, Kevin Toliver
On the bubble: Artie Burns, Duke Shelley, Kindle Vildor
Out: Stephen Denmark, Xavier Crawford, Michael Joseph
Battle to watch: Johnson, a second-round pick, has the edge to start over Toliver as long as he’s recovered from shoulder surgery.
The big number: 42 – Games started the last three years by Prince Amukamara, whom the Bears cut in February.
He said it: “He’s gotta come in here and earn his way every single day, and if he does that, he’ll have a chance to be really good.” — defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano on Johnson
Safeties (6)
They’ll likely keep: 5
In: Eddie Jackson, Tashaun Gipson, Deon Bush, DeAndre Houston-Carson, Sherrick McManis
On the bubble: Marqui Christian
Battle to watch: Gipson has started 101 games and intercepted 22 balls in the last seven seasons. He has the starting edge over Bush, who’s started eight times in four years with the Bears.
The big number: 2 — Christian, signed this week, has been suspended for the season’s first two games.
He said it: “Year 2 [under Pagano] is gonna be amazing for our defense. Just being here already understanding guys’ positions and where your help is, that helps you play more freely.” — Jackson
SPECIALISTS (3)
They’ll likely keep: 3
In: K Eddy Pineiro, P Pat O’Donnell, LS Patrick Scales
Battle to watch: Pineiro against himself after the Bears cut Ramiz Ahmed on Tuesday.
The big number: 11 — Pineiro, who went 23-for-28 last year, made his last 11 field goals.
He said it: “We’ll ratchet things up in practice. He knows that he has to produce.” — special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, on Pineiro.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--We Chicago teachers did our best with remote learning last spring. We’ll do even better this fall.

As an educator and proud Chicago Teachers Union member , I found Andy Shaw ’ s August 12 op-ed on remote learning to be insulting .
Shaw insinuated that our union does not have students ’ best interests at heart , and that educators did not work hard to provide a good education in the spring .
Neither is true .
The union ’ s guiding principle throughout this pandemic has been our responsibility to advocate for educators , students and their families , and the communities we serve .
We did our absolute best last spring in the midst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enrichment to students , while not implementing punitive grading systems that would penalize children most affected by the pandemic .
Many educators — like many CPS parents — also didn ’ t have the benefit of grandparents like Shaw to watch their children while they worked .
Educators were also painfully aware that the pandemic ’ s most brutal effects — in terms of infections , deaths and job losses — were felt by Black and Brown communities , which includes most CPS students .
They started mutual aid groups and solidarity funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiencing hardship .
Our union collaborated with My50 Chicago to televise lessons for families without Internet .
Unfortunately , it did not feel like we had a strong partner in Chicago Public Schools , or in many charter organizations , where management stalled negotiations on remote learning — including Chicago International Charter Schools , where Shaw ’ s daughter Elizabeth is CEO .
CPS and many charter operators remain woefully underprepared for staff and students to return to buildings , and need substantial funding to create safe environments for students .
But with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer , educators are working hard to prepare for remote learning — participating in professional development , researching websites and apps to help us teach remote effectively , creating digital lessons and classrooms , and overhauling curriculum to respond to the trauma our students have experienced the last several months .
We want children to learn and to be cared for in the midst of this pandemic , and we will continue to do our best to ensure that happens .
I appreciated Mark Brown ’ s column , “ Preschool programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise a warning flag.
” I am a home-based family child care provider who continued to work during the mandatory shutdown to care for the children of essential workers .
Lack of access to PPE , low enrollment , and colleagues and loved ones becoming infected with COVID-19 are issues that affect not only centers , but home providers as well .
Many of them are the heads of their households and depend on the income from their services to survive and pay loyal staff .
Currently , there is little support being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning , some of them will be in our homes .
Nothing has been put in place to ensure that we have the technology , Wi-Fi access and support we will need to assist these children .
Home-based providers have safeguards in place for cleaning and sanitation , such as wearing PPE , monitoring temperatures , and social distancing .
However , we need guidance and transparency .
We need data on how COVID-19 is affecting the early childhood field so we can make informed decisions and monitor whether cases are on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-risk age group or have underlying health issues , and we are putting our very lives on the line .
In response to Phil Kadner ’ s recent column on looting and violence , stating “ But why is it that people in Chicago have so little regard for human life ?
“ I ask : Why is it that those like Kadner tend to generalize an entire city due to the actions of a few ?
Mr. Kadner , maybe you should personally visit some of the communities that you refer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , activists such as myself , and see how we feel .

As an educator and proud Chicago Teachers Union member, I found Andy Shaw’s August 12 op-ed on remote learning to be insulting. Shaw insinuated that our union does not have students’ best interests at heart, and that educators did not work hard to provide a good education in the spring. Neither is true.
The union’s guiding principle throughout this pandemic has been our responsibility to advocate for educators, students and their families, and the communities we serve. We did our absolute best last spring in the midst of a crisis to provide lessons and enrichment to students, while not implementing punitive grading systems that would penalize children most affected by the pandemic. Many educators — like many CPS parents — also didn’t have the benefit of grandparents like Shaw to watch their children while they worked.
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be approximately 350 words or less.
Educators were also painfully aware that the pandemic’s most brutal effects — in terms of infections, deaths and job losses — were felt by Black and Brown communities, which includes most CPS students. They started mutual aid groups and solidarity funds to help students and families who were experiencing hardship. Our union collaborated with My50 Chicago to televise lessons for families without Internet. Unfortunately, it did not feel like we had a strong partner in Chicago Public Schools, or in many charter organizations, where management stalled negotiations on remote learning — including Chicago International Charter Schools, where Shaw’s daughter Elizabeth is CEO.
CPS and many charter operators remain woefully underprepared for staff and students to return to buildings, and need substantial funding to create safe environments for students. But with the few weeks we have left in the summer, educators are working hard to prepare for remote learning — participating in professional development, researching websites and apps to help us teach remote effectively, creating digital lessons and classrooms, and overhauling curriculum to respond to the trauma our students have experienced the last several months.
We want children to learn and to be cared for in the midst of this pandemic, and we will continue to do our best to ensure that happens.
Jennifer Conant, math teacher, Chicago International Charter School — Northtown Academy
Home-based child care needs help
I appreciated Mark Brown’s column, “Preschool programs forge ahead during the COVID-19 pandemic but raise a warning flag.” I am a home-based family child care provider who continued to work during the mandatory shutdown to care for the children of essential workers.
Lack of access to PPE, low enrollment, and colleagues and loved ones becoming infected with COVID-19 are issues that affect not only centers, but home providers as well. Many of them are the heads of their households and depend on the income from their services to survive and pay loyal staff. Currently, there is little support being offered.
When school-aged children begin online learning, some of them will be in our homes. Nothing has been put in place to ensure that we have the technology, Wi-Fi access and support we will need to assist these children.
Home-based providers have safeguards in place for cleaning and sanitation, such as wearing PPE, monitoring temperatures, and social distancing. However, we need guidance and transparency. We need data on how COVID-19 is affecting the early childhood field so we can make informed decisions and monitor whether cases are on the rise.
Many providers are in a high-risk age group or have underlying health issues, and we are putting our very lives on the line.
Patricia Twymon, Calumet City
‘Contempt before investigation’
In response to Phil Kadner’s recent column on looting and violence, stating “ But why is it that people in Chicago have so little regard for human life?“ I ask: Why is it that those like Kadner tend to generalize an entire city due to the actions of a few?
Mr. Kadner, maybe you should personally visit some of the communities that you refer to. Talk to affected residents community leaders, activists such as myself, and see how we feel.
Norman Littlejohn, Kenwood


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Boy, 17, shot in West Lawn

Boy, 17, shot in West Lawn

A 17-year-old boy was injured by gunfire Saturday in West Lawn on the Southwest Side .
He was on the @ @ @ @ @ people at 12:14 a.m. in the 3600 block of West 70th Street when a male @ @ @ @ @ SUV and started shooting , according to Chicago police .
The boy was shot in @ @ @ @ @ Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition , police said .
The shooter @ @ @ @ @ and fled the scene , police said .
No one is in custody as Area @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 17-year-old boy was injured by gunfire Saturday in West Lawn on the Southwest Side.
He was on the sidewalk with a group of people at 12:14 a.m. in the 3600 block of West 70th Street when a male got out of a white SUV and started shooting, according to Chicago police.
The boy was shot in the leg and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition, police said.
The shooter got back in the SUV and fled the scene, police said. No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Teen boy hurt in Back of the Yards shooting

A teenage boy was shot Friday in Back of the Yards on the South Side .
The 16-year-old was outside @ @ @ @ @ 4400 block of South Hermitage Avenue when he heard gunshots and felt pain , Chicago @ @ @ @ @ investigators he didn ’ t see the shooter or know where the shots came from @ @ @ @ @ the hip and went to Stroger Hospital on his own in fair condition , police @ @ @ @ @ in custody as Area One detectives investigate .
Read more on crime , and track @ @ @ @ @ .

A teenage boy was shot Friday in Back of the Yards on the South Side.
The 16-year-old was outside at 11:48 p.m. in the 4400 block of South Hermitage Avenue when he heard gunshots and felt pain, Chicago police said. He told investigators he didn’t see the shooter or know where the shots came from.
He was hit in the hip and went to Stroger Hospital on his own in fair condition, police said.
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Man killed in Morgan Park shooting

Man killed in Morgan Park shooting

A man was found shot to death Friday in Morgan Park on the Far South Side .
The 28-year-old was @ @ @ @ @ with gunshot wounds to his arm and chest in the driver ’ s seat of @ @ @ @ @ 1100 block of West 110th Place , according to Chicago police .
He was pronounced @ @ @ @ @ The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified him as Jeremy Curry .
He @ @ @ @ @ No one is in custody as Area Two detectives investigate .
Read more on crime @ @ @ @ @ ’ s homicides .

A man was found shot to death Friday in Morgan Park on the Far South Side.
The 28-year-old was found unresponsive at 11:17 p.m. with gunshot wounds to his arm and chest in the driver’s seat of a parked car in the 1100 block of West 110th Place, according to Chicago police. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Jeremy Curry. He lived in Morgan Park.
An autopsy conducted Saturday confirmed Curry died of his gunshot wounds, the medical examiner’s office said. His death was ruled a homicide.
No one is in custody as Area Two detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Thief crashes stolen cop car into parked vehicle in South Shore: police

A person stole a police car and crashed it into another vehicle Friday in South Shore .
Two officers were @ @ @ @ @ about 9:03 p.m. in the 7800 block of South Kingston Avenue , Chicago police said @ @ @ @ @ of their unmarked squad car , a male got in and started driving away .
@ @ @ @ @ about a block and a half before jumping out , police said .
The SUV @ @ @ @ @ vehicle .
No one was injured .
The person officers originally were searching for was @ @ @ @ @ said .
The person who stole the SUV has not been arrested .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s homicides .

A person stole a police car and crashed it into another vehicle Friday in South Shore.
Two officers were pursuing a possible gun suspect about 9:03 p.m. in the 7800 block of South Kingston Avenue, Chicago police said. When they got out of their unmarked squad car, a male got in and started driving away.
He drove the police SUV about a block and a half before jumping out, police said. The SUV rolled into an unoccupied parked vehicle. No one was injured.
The person officers originally were searching for was taken into custody, police said. The person who stole the SUV has not been arrested.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.