chicagosun-times--2020-06-03--Ogden Park Post Office, three UPS stores closed

Mail and package delivery has been interrupted following weekend protests , but is returning to normal in some cases .
The Ogden Park Post Office , 6559 S. Ashland Ave. , was closed Wednesday due to damage from looters , officials said , while the James E. Worsham postal facility at 7715 S. Cottage Grove Ave. reopened after a closure .
Ogden Park postal service staffers were working temporarily at another facility , a postal service spokesman said .
“ Mail deliveries will continue , although some disruptions may occur in isolated areas experiencing civil unrest , ” the spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finds conditions to be unsafe for delivery , they are authorized to return to their office .
Their personal safety comes first .
Mail delivery will resume to any impacted area when safe to do so .
USPS apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thank customers for their understanding at this time.
” Here ’ s a look at other delivery services : Amazon : According to a report by Bloomberg , the company told drivers to stop delivering in Chicago on Saturday as unrest unfolded in the city , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some customers said they received items scheduled to arrive over the weekend today .
“ We are monitoring the situation closely and have adjusted routes or scaled back typical delivery operations in the affected areas to ensure the safety of our teams , ” a spokesman said Wednesday .
Some “ adjustments ” are due to local curfews , the spokesman said .
“ If we believe the area for a delivery is unsafe , we will cancel the delivery block .
In some areas where it is safe and we are allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivering past curfew.
” UPS : Three UPS Stores are closed , at 192 N. Wells St. , 40 E. Chicago and 17 E. Monroe St. “ We are serving all Chicago , ” UPS spokesman Matthew O ’ Connor said — and have been since the demonstrations broke out .
He said drivers “ have the autonomy ” to , for their “ own personal safety , ” not to deliver in a specific area if they don ’ t feel safe .
That is a “ hyperlocal decision that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Store locations that will remain closed as UPS work with “ authorities , ” the company said .

Mail and package delivery has been interrupted following weekend protests, but is returning to normal in some cases.
The Ogden Park Post Office, 6559 S. Ashland Ave., was closed Wednesday due to damage from looters, officials said, while the James E. Worsham postal facility at 7715 S. Cottage Grove Ave. reopened after a closure.
Ogden Park postal service staffers were working temporarily at another facility, a postal service spokesman said.
“Mail deliveries will continue, although some disruptions may occur in isolated areas experiencing civil unrest,” the spokesman said.
“If a letter carrier finds conditions to be unsafe for delivery, they are authorized to return to their office. Their personal safety comes first. Mail delivery will resume to any impacted area when safe to do so. USPS apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thank customers for their understanding at this time.”
Here’s a look at other delivery services:
Amazon: According to a report by Bloomberg, the company told drivers to stop delivering in Chicago on Saturday as unrest unfolded in the city, but a spokesman would not confirm that and some customers said they received items scheduled to arrive over the weekend today.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and have adjusted routes or scaled back typical delivery operations in the affected areas to ensure the safety of our teams,” a spokesman said Wednesday.
Some “adjustments” are due to local curfews, the spokesman said.
“If we believe the area for a delivery is unsafe, we will cancel the delivery block. In some areas where it is safe and we are allowed to do so, we may continue delivering past curfew.”
UPS: Three UPS Stores are closed, at 192 N. Wells St., 40 E. Chicago and 17 E. Monroe St.
“We are serving all Chicago,” UPS spokesman Matthew O’Connor said — and have been since the demonstrations broke out. He said drivers “have the autonomy” to, for their “own personal safety,” not to deliver in a specific area if they don’t feel safe. That is a “hyperlocal decision that’s made on the go.”
The UPS Store locations that will remain closed as UPS work with “authorities,” the company said.
Contributing: Lynn Sweet


chicagosun-times--2020-06-03--Churches prepare for in-person worship

Churches prepare for in-person worship

Churches in the Chicago area are gearing up to have restricted in-person services for the first time in nearly three months .
Though Gov .
J.B. Pritzker last week decided to allow in-person worship services , many churches proceeded cautiously .
And restrictions remain in Chicago , though some congregations have gathered in defiance of that order , risking citations and fines .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday said she is continuing to talk to religious leaders to develop rules for in-person services , and hopes to issue those guidelines by this weekend , so restrictions could be eased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Archdiocese of Chicago , sent a letter to church leaders this week with a series of guidelines they must follow as in-person Sunday Mass .
The plan is part of the church ’ s Phase 2 of reopening which allows for modified public Masses as well as increased attendance for weddings , baptisms and funerals .
“ We recognize the desire to know the specific guidelines for other sacraments and celebrations such as quinceañeras , which will be permitted in Phase 2 , ” Hicks said in the letter .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our focus is on resuming the celebration of Masses.
” The Chicago Archdiocese said it will limit attendance to 15 % of total seating capacity , but no more than 50 attendees — at least the first week .
The reason is to allow reopening teams experience in managing and keeping safe its churchgoers , Hicks said .
After the first week , seating can increase up to 20 % of a church ’ s capacity .
Parishes must use a reservation system of some sort , whether online or over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendance .
Reservation systems will vary from church to church .
Parishes will also need to retain attendance records for contract tracing if a COVID-19 case is confirmed in the congregation .
Churches are required to maintain social distancing guidelines and have asked volunteers to sanitize constantly .
Still , elderly people and those living with underlying medical conditions are asked to stay home and continue partaking in live-streamed or televised Masses .
Parishioners also must follow some rules , including wearing face masks , using only in marked doorways , waiting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being ushered to pews that are marked to show where to sit .
Parishioners can ’ t change seats during the service .
There will be no offering basket passed , and no touching .
Catholic bishops throughout Illinois worked together with health experts to develop this plan .
In Joliet , the plan is very similar .
“ The plans , while unique to each diocese , request that each parish develop a plan which includes procedures for sanitizing worship spaces and controlling the seating and entry/exit in a way that minimizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reduced capacity , ” said Alex Rechenmacher , a spokesman for the Diocese of Joliet .
Rev .
Floyd James with Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church will hold a virtual service Sunday , but will allow 10 people into his church .
“ We will be doing a temperature check at the door , everyone coming in will need a mask or we will provide them with one and we are practicing social distancing with our seating , ” James said .
“ We are taking precautions because we all want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if restrictions ease in Chicago , Rev .
Reginald Bachus said he isn ’ t ready to have in-person services .
Most of his congregation at Friendship Baptist Church , 5200 W. Jackson Blvd , are over the age of 60 years old .
“ We are hoping to start having in-person services by July and we will likely have two services and require people to register a head of time , ” Bachus said .
“ We will also collect phone numbers and names of people attending just in case there is @ @ @

Churches in the Chicago area are gearing up to have restricted in-person services for the first time in nearly three months.
Though Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week decided to allow in-person worship services, many churches proceeded cautiously. And restrictions remain in Chicago, though some congregations have gathered in defiance of that order, risking citations and fines.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday said she is continuing to talk to religious leaders to develop rules for in-person services, and hopes to issue those guidelines by this weekend, so restrictions could be eased.
Bishop Ron Hicks, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago, sent a letter to church leaders this week with a series of guidelines they must follow as in-person Sunday Mass.
The plan is part of the church’s Phase 2 of reopening which allows for modified public Masses as well as increased attendance for weddings, baptisms and funerals.
“We recognize the desire to know the specific guidelines for other sacraments and celebrations such as quinceañeras, which will be permitted in Phase 2,” Hicks said in the letter. “These will be forthcoming. Right now, our focus is on resuming the celebration of Masses.”
The Chicago Archdiocese said it will limit attendance to 15% of total seating capacity, but no more than 50 attendees — at least the first week. The reason is to allow reopening teams experience in managing and keeping safe its churchgoers, Hicks said.
After the first week, seating can increase up to 20% of a church’s capacity. Parishes must use a reservation system of some sort, whether online or over the phone, to properly monitor and limit attendance. Reservation systems will vary from church to church.
Parishes will also need to retain attendance records for contract tracing if a COVID-19 case is confirmed in the congregation.
Churches are required to maintain social distancing guidelines and have asked volunteers to sanitize constantly. Still, elderly people and those living with underlying medical conditions are asked to stay home and continue partaking in live-streamed or televised Masses.
Parishioners also must follow some rules, including wearing face masks, using only in marked doorways, waiting to be checked in by a greeter and being ushered to pews that are marked to show where to sit.
Parishioners can’t change seats during the service. There will be no offering basket passed, and no touching.
Catholic bishops throughout Illinois worked together with health experts to develop this plan. In Joliet, the plan is very similar.
“The plans, while unique to each diocese, request that each parish develop a plan which includes procedures for sanitizing worship spaces and controlling the seating and entry/exit in a way that minimizes any close contact, so there will be reduced capacity,” said Alex Rechenmacher, a spokesman for the Diocese of Joliet.
Rev. Floyd James with Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church will hold a virtual service Sunday, but will allow 10 people into his church.
“We will be doing a temperature check at the door, everyone coming in will need a mask or we will provide them with one and we are practicing social distancing with our seating,” James said. “We are taking precautions because we all want to protect our members and community.”
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Even if restrictions ease in Chicago, Rev. Reginald Bachus said he isn’t ready to have in-person services.
Most of his congregation at Friendship Baptist Church, 5200 W. Jackson Blvd, are over the age of 60 years old.
“We are hoping to start having in-person services by July and we will likely have two services and require people to register a head of time,” Bachus said. “We will also collect phone numbers and names of people attending just in case there is exposure.”
Contributing: Fran Spielman


chicagosun-times--2020-06-03--Return to Springfield? Three lawmakers say yes, to deal with ‘state of emergency’ – but legislative

Return to Springfield? Three lawmakers say yes, to deal with ‘state of emergency’ – but legislative leaders largely mum

SPRINGFIELD — Some ten days after lawmakers left town following a brief legislative session held along strict public health guidelines , three state representatives on Wednesday called for for a “ special emergency legislative session ” to address “ the rebuilding of our communities and the pursuit of justice and equity.
” In a letter to state House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President Don Harmon , the three members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus – state Representatives Kam Buckner , Curtis Tarver and Lamont Robinson – wrote that both the COVID-19 pandemic and the “ national uproar against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement ” have instigated a “ state of emergency ” that the state Legislature needs to address .
“ Our communities simply can not wait until the November veto session to address these systemic failures and the eroded trust of our neighborhoods when it comes to government , law enforcement and the criminal justice system as well as economic development , ” the three Chicago Democrats wrote .
“ We are in a state of emergency and need to act immediately.
” The COVID-19 pandemic has kept the General Assembly away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with lawmakers only making their way to the state capital in late May for a quick , four-day session to pass a budget and a few other pieces of legislation , including a measure designed to pave the way for a Chicago casino .
When lawmakers – required to wear face coverings and submit to temperature checks and other precautions — ended their session in the early hours of the morning on May 24 , they did not expect to return to Springfield until the fall veto session .
Asked that day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session to pass ethics reform , Harmon said , “ I don ’ t think anyone is eager for us to call everyone back here.
” But the following day , George Floyd died in Minneapolis , with a police officer ’ s knee on his neck .
The killing sparked outrage , protests and calls for criminal justice reform across the nation .
Looting and vandalism also broke out in Chicago and other Illinois cities .
In a statement Wednesday , a spokesman said “ President Harmon has been contacting caucus members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an agenda for action , ” but he did not clarify whether that means the Oak Park Democrat supports a special session .
Spokesmen for Madigan , House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and Senate GOP Leader Bill Brady could not be immediately reached for comment .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker could call the Legislature back to Springfield for a special legislative session , but spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh would only say that the governor will support a special session if legislative leaders request one .
“ The Governor will support the Leaders if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
“ Gov .
Pritzker firmly believes real structural change comes from protest paired with policy .
The Governor ’ s office is in close contact with members of the black caucus to discuss their priorities for police reform with genuine investigations , transparency , and accountability.
” Not everyone is ready to return to Springfield just yet .
At an Illinois Legislative Black Caucus news conference on the South Side on Tuesday , Rep. La Shawn Ford , D-Chicago , said that “ we need to call the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is out of the bag.
” The West Side Democrat said he would prefer the governor to act through an executive order rather than wait for the Legislature to convene .
“ I think it ’ s important to have us back in Springfield to work , but the quickest relief for the problems in the state is an executive order to deal with the problems , ” Ford said in a statement .
“ The legislative process becomes political , and it ’ s hard to get things passed .
”

SPRINGFIELD — Some ten days after lawmakers left town following a brief legislative session held along strict public health guidelines, three state representatives on Wednesday called for for a “special emergency legislative session” to address “the rebuilding of our communities and the pursuit of justice and equity.”
In a letter to state House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President Don Harmon, the three members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus – state Representatives Kam Buckner, Curtis Tarver and Lamont Robinson – wrote that both the COVID-19 pandemic and the “national uproar against the killing of an unarmed African-American by law enforcement” have instigated a “state of emergency” that the state Legislature needs to address.
“Our communities simply can not wait until the November veto session to address these systemic failures and the eroded trust of our neighborhoods when it comes to government, law enforcement and the criminal justice system as well as economic development,” the three Chicago Democrats wrote. “We are in a state of emergency and need to act immediately.”
State Rep. Lamont J. Robinson, left, in 2018; State Rep. Kam Buckner, center; State Rep. Curtis J. Tarver II, right, in 2018. Rich Hein/Sun-Times; Facebook; Rich Hein/Sun-Times
The COVID-19 pandemic has kept the General Assembly away from Springfield for much of the spring session, with lawmakers only making their way to the state capital in late May for a quick, four-day session to pass a budget and a few other pieces of legislation, including a measure designed to pave the way for a Chicago casino.
When lawmakers – required to wear face coverings and submit to temperature checks and other precautions — ended their session in the early hours of the morning on May 24, they did not expect to return to Springfield until the fall veto session. Asked that day whether he would support a special legislative session to pass ethics reform, Harmon said,“I don’t think anyone is eager for us to call everyone back here.”
But the following day, George Floyd died in Minneapolis, with a police officer’s knee on his neck. The killing sparked outrage, protests and calls for criminal justice reform across the nation.
Looting and vandalism also broke out in Chicago and other Illinois cities.
In a statement Wednesday, a spokesman said “President Harmon has been contacting caucus members and is eager to engage in building an agenda for action,” but he did not clarify whether that means the Oak Park Democrat supports a special session.
Spokesmen for Madigan, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and Senate GOP Leader Bill Brady did not respond to requests for comment.
House Speaker Mike Madigan, D-Chicago, left, speaks with House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, on the floor of the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield last month. Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register via AP
Gov. J.B. Pritzker could call the Legislature back to Springfield for a special legislative session, but spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh would only say that the governor will support a special session if legislative leaders request one.
“The Governor will support the Leaders if they request a special session,” Abudayyeh said in a statement. “Gov. Pritzker firmly believes real structural change comes from protest paired with policy. The Governor’s office is in close contact with members of the black caucus to discuss their priorities for police reform with genuine investigations, transparency, and accountability.”
Not everyone is ready to return to Springfield just yet.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
At an Illinois Legislative Black Caucus news conference on the South Side on Tuesday, Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, said that “we need to call the governor and let him know the cat is out of the bag.”
The West Side Democrat said Wednesday that he would prefer the governor to act through an executive order rather than wait for the Legislature to convene.
“I think it’s important to have us back in Springfield to work, but the quickest relief for the problems in the state is an executive order to deal with the problems,” Ford said in a statement. “The legislative process becomes political, and it’s hard to get things passed.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-03--Oak Park reports no new COVID-19 cases for the first time since March

Officials reported no new cases of the coronavirus in west suburban Oak Park Wednesday — a first since March 25 @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 was reported in the suburb March 18 and the village declared a state of @ @ @ @ @ at home order that same day .
Since then , 293 residents have tested positive @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , Illinois health officials announced 982 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ death toll is 5,621 .

Officials reported no new cases of the coronavirus in west suburban Oak Park Wednesday — a first since March 25.
The first case of COVID-19 was reported in the suburb March 18 and the village declared a state of emergency and implemented a stay at home order that same day. Since then, 293 residents have tested positive, according to officials.
Meanwhile, Illinois health officials announced 982 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Wednesday. The state’s current death toll is 5,621.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-04--Dear Abby: Friend insulted when told not to enter during my quarantine

DEAR ABBY : I am self-quarantined for a number of reasons because of the virus .
I am 87 and live alone .
My daughter is very concerned that I not become ill because her husband is in treatment for cancer .
Obviously , she doesn ’ t want to have to come care for me and endanger her husband ’ s already reduced immunity .
A friend called to ask how I am doing .
I told her I was self-quarantined , and she asked if I needed anything .
I told her I didn ’ t have eggs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said she would bring me some .
I sent her a text and asked her to leave them on the porch , and she said , “ You mean you won ’ t let me in the house ?
” She said she isn ’ t sick and can ’ t understand why I ’ m doing this .
I tried to explain that you can be contagious without symptoms , but she was still insulted .
I thought everyone in the world knew the basics of quarantine , but apparently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She hasn ’ t called for three days , and I ’ m heartsick .
Advice ?
— SHUT IN IN ARIZONA DEAR SHUT IN : In spite of the fact that the federal , state and local governments are releasing information on a daily basis about the importance of social distancing and self-quarantining , there is still confusion in the minds of some of the public .
Your friend is a perfect example of this .
You are doing what you ’ re doing for the right reason , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for your son-in-law ’ s sake , but also for your own .
DEAR ABBY : My friend “ Kate ” has had a lot of trauma in her life , and she feels things very deeply .
She has experienced assault , the suicide of a close friend and the death of several family members ; discovered she can ’ t have children , and managed to escape an abusive relationship , all in the last five years or so .
Kate does all the things people are supposed to do when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
The problem is me .
I find it hard to be around her because of all the drama .
Intellectually , I understand none of this is Kate ’ s fault .
She isn ’ t being attention-seeking or deliberately causing drama .
But I find myself becoming impatient with her ongoing discussion of feelings .
I ’ m not someone who feels deeply or is easily traumatized .
Bad things happen , I get over it and move on .
How can I learn to be the patient , caring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BE A BETTER FRIEND DEAR TRYING : Quit being so hard on yourself .
You are and have been a good friend .
It ’ s important that you not allow Kate ’ s burdens to “ sink ” you .
The two of you are very different people , and you should explain that to her as you have to me .
If her trauma and drama become more than you can healthfully absorb , step back and tell her you will talk with her later , tomorrow or when it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow you time to come up for air .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ ve been married five years , and I just discovered that my husband still has several text messages from his late wife .
He thinks I shouldn ’ t be upset about it .
Am I wrong for asking him to delete them ?
— FEELING BETRAYED IN THE SOUTH DEAR FEELING BETRAYED : Yes , you are !
Do not compete with a deceased spouse .
Hanging on to mementos is a way many people grieve .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let him have them .
You ’ re his wife now , and that ’ s what matters .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Popularity Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I am self-quarantined for a number of reasons because of the virus. I am 87 and live alone. My daughter is very concerned that I not become ill because her husband is in treatment for cancer. Obviously, she doesn’t want to have to come care for me and endanger her husband’s already reduced immunity.
A friend called to ask how I am doing. I told her I was self-quarantined, and she asked if I needed anything. I told her I didn’t have eggs, but it was no big deal. She said she would bring me some.
I sent her a text and asked her to leave them on the porch, and she said, “You mean you won’t let me in the house?” She said she isn’t sick and can’t understand why I’m doing this. I tried to explain that you can be contagious without symptoms, but she was still insulted.
I thought everyone in the world knew the basics of quarantine, but apparently she’s still taking it personally. She hasn’t called for three days, and I’m heartsick. Advice? — SHUT IN IN ARIZONA
DEAR SHUT IN: In spite of the fact that the federal, state and local governments are releasing information on a daily basis about the importance of social distancing and self-quarantining, there is still confusion in the minds of some of the public. Your friend is a perfect example of this. You are doing what you’re doing for the right reason, and I hope you will continue, not only for your son-in-law’s sake, but also for your own.
DEAR ABBY: My friend “Kate” has had a lot of trauma in her life, and she feels things very deeply. She has experienced assault, the suicide of a close friend and the death of several family members; discovered she can’t have children, and managed to escape an abusive relationship, all in the last five years or so.
Kate does all the things people are supposed to do when coping with grief and is doing very well. The problem is me. I find it hard to be around her because of all the drama.
Intellectually, I understand none of this is Kate’s fault. She isn’t being attention-seeking or deliberately causing drama. But I find myself becoming impatient with her ongoing discussion of feelings. I’m not someone who feels deeply or is easily traumatized. Bad things happen, I get over it and move on.
How can I learn to be the patient, caring friend she needs? — TRYING TO BE A BETTER FRIEND
DEAR TRYING: Quit being so hard on yourself. You are and have been a good friend. It’s important that you not allow Kate’s burdens to “sink” you. The two of you are very different people, and you should explain that to her as you have to me. If her trauma and drama become more than you can healthfully absorb, step back and tell her you will talk with her later, tomorrow or when it is convenient for you both, which will allow you time to come up for air.
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been married five years, and I just discovered that my husband still has several text messages from his late wife. He thinks I shouldn’t be upset about it. Am I wrong for asking him to delete them? — FEELING BETRAYED IN THE SOUTH
DEAR FEELING BETRAYED: Yes, you are! Do not compete with a deceased spouse. Hanging on to mementos is a way many people grieve. If the texts hold significance for him, let him have them. You’re his wife now, and that’s what matters.
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--2020-06-04--‘Becky’: Kevin James slays as a killer who tangles with the wrong teenage girl

You ’ d be hard-pressed to come up with a more benign , vanilla , likable presence than Kevin James , star of the benign-vanilla-likable TV series “ King of Queens ” and movies such as “ I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry , ” “ Zookeeper , ” “ Paul Blart : Mall Cop ” and “ Grown-Ups.
” I mean geez , Tim Conway had an edgier resume .
And yet from the moment in the insanely gory and darkly effective horror thriller “ Becky ” when we see James in a prison yard , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitcher , a shaved head and swastika tattoos , we hesitate for all of five seconds before buying into his frighteningly effective performance as a stone-cold racist killer who will snap your neck as casually as you ’ d snap a twig if you ’ re standing in his way .
It ’ s a ferocious and raw and even occasionally wickedly funny performance in a gory , blood-spattered , fever-dream take on “ Home Alone.
” Let ’ s put it this way : We ’ ve seen more than a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A Clockwork Orange ” to “ Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ” to “ Die Hard 2 ” to “ Minority Report ” to “ Kill Bill Volume 2 ” to “ Un Chien Andalou.
” In “ Becky , ” they take it to the next , cringe-inducing , horrifying wrong level .
Like many a horror movie , “ Becky ” kicks off with a family trip to the country .
Joel McHale is Jeff , a widower who has his hands full with his adolescent daughter Becky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been acting out at school and exhibiting disturbing behavior at home ever since her mother died .
The amiable and utterly clueless Jeff waits until they ’ ve arrived at their lake house before telling Becky he ’ s invited his girlfriend Kayla ( Amanda Brugel ) and Kayla ’ s young son Ty ( Isaiah Rockcliffe ) to spend the weekend with them .
They haven ’ t even unpacked before Becky goes ballistic and runs away to the makeshift “ fort ” in the woods where she used to hang out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Enter the escaped convicts Dominick ( Kevin James ) and Apex ( Robert Maillet ) and their partners in crime Cole ( Ryan McDonald ) and Hammond ( James McDougall ) , who show up at the lake house in search of a key that unlocks … well … something of great value to Dominick .
They ’ ve already left a trail of bodies in their path , and they won ’ t hesitate to torture and kill Jeff , Kayla and Ty if that ’ s what it takes .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Becky Factor .
At first they don ’ t even know she ’ s out there in the woods , and once they DO tangle with her , they continually underestimate Becky ’ s capacity for ingenious and sadistic revenge .
This kid is like John McClane in “ Die Hard ” if McClane was a cute little girl who loves the taste of blood .
“ Becky ” is a deeply fractured fairy tale that leaves logic at the door and revels in elaborate set pieces that usually wind up with someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , so to speak , as one of those self-absorbed villains who is prone to speech-making and fancies himself as some sort of next world prophet but is really nothing more than a psycho who ’ s spent a lot of time on the Internet .
Lulu Wilson will give you chills as Becky , who can turn on the innocent charm when necessary but has a long , cold stare that makes us believe she was actually pleased to welcome a quartet of hardcore criminals to her world .
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

You’d be hard-pressed to come up with a more benign, vanilla, likable presence than Kevin James, star of the benign-vanilla-likable TV series “King of Queens” and movies such as “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” “Zookeeper,” “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” and “Grown-Ups.” I mean geez, Tim Conway had an edgier resume.
And yet from the moment in the insanely gory and darkly effective horror thriller “Becky” when we see James in a prison yard, with the long beard of a major league relief pitcher, a shaved head and swastika tattoos, we hesitate for all of five seconds before buying into his frighteningly effective performance as a stone-cold racist killer who will snap your neck as casually as you’d snap a twig if you’re standing in his way. It’s a ferocious and raw and even occasionally wickedly funny performance in a gory, blood-spattered, fever-dream take on “Home Alone.”
‘Becky’
Untitled Quiver Distribution presents a film directed by Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott and written by Nick Morris, Ruckus Skye and Lane Skye. Rated R (for strong bloody violence, grisly images, and language). Running time: 93 minutes. Available Friday on demand.
Let’s put it this way: We’ve seen more than a few movies with gross-out eyeball scenes, from “A Clockwork Orange” to “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” to “Die Hard 2” to “Minority Report” to “Kill Bill Volume 2” to “Un Chien Andalou.” In “Becky,” they take it to the next, cringe-inducing, horrifying wrong level.
Like many a horror movie, “Becky” kicks off with a family trip to the country. Joel McHale is Jeff, a widower who has his hands full with his adolescent daughter Becky (Lulu Wilson), who has been acting out at school and exhibiting disturbing behavior at home ever since her mother died. The amiable and utterly clueless Jeff waits until they’ve arrived at their lake house before telling Becky he’s invited his girlfriend Kayla (Amanda Brugel) and Kayla’s young son Ty (Isaiah Rockcliffe) to spend the weekend with them. They haven’t even unpacked before Becky goes ballistic and runs away to the makeshift “fort” in the woods where she used to hang out with Mom and draw and paint.
Joel McHale plays the widower who springs a surprise on his daughter in “Becky.” Quiver Distribution
Enter the escaped convicts Dominick (Kevin James) and Apex (Robert Maillet) and their partners in crime Cole (Ryan McDonald) and Hammond (James McDougall), who show up at the lake house in search of a key that unlocks … well … something of great value to Dominick. They’ve already left a trail of bodies in their path, and they won’t hesitate to torture and kill Jeff, Kayla and Ty if that’s what it takes.
What they haven’t considered is the Becky Factor. At first they don’t even know she’s out there in the woods, and once they DO tangle with her, they continually underestimate Becky’s capacity for ingenious and sadistic revenge. This kid is like John McClane in “Die Hard” if McClane was a cute little girl who loves the taste of blood.
“Becky” is a deeply fractured fairy tale that leaves logic at the door and revels in elaborate set pieces that usually wind up with someone maimed or dead. Kevin James kills it, so to speak, as one of those self-absorbed villains who is prone to speech-making and fancies himself as some sort of next world prophet but is really nothing more than a psycho who’s spent a lot of time on the Internet. Lulu Wilson will give you chills as Becky, who can turn on the innocent charm when necessary but has a long, cold stare that makes us believe she was actually pleased to welcome a quartet of hardcore criminals to her world. They’ll never know what hit them.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-04--Bears concerned about return amid virus? Depends whom you ask

The coronavirus has made Bears defensive tackle Akiem Hicks concerned about the team ’ s return to practice — whenever that may be — even if he believes the NFL will do its best to protect its players .
“ I ’ ll say this , it is scary , ” Hicks said Wednesday .
“ It ’ s scary to think that most of my job is physical contact with other players .
And so , boy , I don ’ t know .
I don ’ t know .
I want to be safe , and I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do their best to make sure we ’ re in the best possible situation in order to be able to play this game and do it , right ?
But it ’ s scary .
That ’ s how I feel.
” The Bears don ’ t know when they ’ ll return to Halas Hall as a team .
It figures to be for training camp in late July , at the earliest .
Bears receiver Allen Robinson , though , said he was “ not too concerned ” that the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I think that , if we ’ re going to be put back in the facility , I think that measures are going to be taken , ” he said .
“ I think that a plan will be had — and , you know , I think that enough research and stuff will have been done to put I think everybody in the best kind of situation .
“ Again , we are all in close proximity in the locker room .
But I think that not even in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any kind of work environment — whether that ’ s a plant , whether that ’ s an office building .
You know , people are close up on each other .
Every day they ’ re working together .
“ So I think that once everybody kind of gets back to work , I think that with a good plan and everything like that , I think that everything will be fine .
And I ’ m not too worried about that , and things in my control of that nature .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the locker room , my level of concern is pretty low.
” Robinson has left the house to play catch with quarterback Mitch Trubisky four times a week .
Hicks said he ’ s mostly stayed home .
He invented a cocktail : a “ quarantini , ” which contains tequila .
He then learned , though , that drinking alcohol increased the chances of contracting the coronavirus .
“ That kinda went down the drain at that point , ” he said .

Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan had poured out his soul Wednesday when someone asked whether it was going to be hard for him to focus on football after the killing of George Floyd, subsequent protests and difficult, emotional national conversations about race.
I’m more worried about corona[virus] than I’m worried about that in football,” he said. “I mean, it still exists in the world — so let’s not forget about corona, bro.
“You know, I might go to camp and somebody might have that — and I might not be able to play no more.”
Like that, Trevathan issued a reminder of the other national crisis: a pandemic for which there is no cure.
Whether because of blind optimism or genuine hope, though, the NFL is inching closer to business as usual. Thursday, the league sent a memo to all 32 teams stating that their coaches were allowed inside their facilities starting Friday, subsequent to local laws. Bears coaches, a source said, still planned to work from home until further notice.
Eventually — most likely in late July for the start of training camp — Bears players will be called back to Halas Hall and expected to practice.
“I’ll say this, it is scary,” defensive lineman Akiem Hicks said Wednesday. “It’s scary to think that most of my job is physical contact with other players. And so, boy, I don’t know. I don’t know. I want to be safe, and I’m sure they’re going to do their best to make sure we’re in the best possible situation in order to be able to play this game and do it, right? But it’s scary. That’s how I feel.”
Hicks has been vigilant about quarantining. He invented a tequila cocktail called a “quarantini” — but the coronavirus wouldn’t even let him enjoy that. He stopped drinking them, he said, when he read that alcohol consumption increased the chances of getting sick.
Bears receiver Allen Robinson has been leaving the house four times a week to play catch with quarterback Mitch Trubisky in the suburbs.
Robinson said he wasn’t “too concerned” the virus would be spread in the locker room whenever the Bears return.
“I think that, if we’re going to be put back in the facility, I think that measures are going to be taken,” he said. “I think that a plan will be had — and, you know, I think that enough research and stuff will have been done to put I think everybody in the best kind of situation
“Again, we are all in close proximity in the locker room. But I think that not even in the locker room, but that’s any kind of work environment — whether that’s a plant, whether that’s an office building. You know, people are close up on each other. Every day they’re working together.”
Earlier this week, the league announced that all teams must hold training camp from their home facilities this year. While there has been no official announcement, fans likely won’t be allowed to watch in person. Joint practices with other teams were banned, too, scrapping the Bears’ August trip to the Broncos’ facility. More changes are likely to come.
Still, NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills told ESPN this week he was “very optimistic we’ll be playing football in the fall of 2020.” That leaves wiggle room, of course, and the NFL schedule was constructed in a way that would allow the league to move back the season’s start. Each team shares a bye week with its Week 2 opponent, for example, baking in a makeup date were the game postponed.
“I think that once everybody kind of gets back to work, I think that with a good plan and everything like that, I think that everything will be fine,” Robinson said. “And I’m not too worried about that, and things in my control of that nature. So if I’m back in the locker room, my level of concern is pretty low.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-04--Robberies reported in Cragin, Belmont Heights

Two robberies were reported recently in Cragin and Belmont Heights on the Northwest Side .
In both incidents , two @ @ @ @ @ or pushed a person and stole their purse , Chicago police said .
The first @ @ @ @ @ May 22 in the 5100 block of West Belmont Avenue .
The second happened about @ @ @ @ @ the 7400 block of West Belmont Avenue .
Anyone with information is asked to call @ @ @ @ @ .

Two robberies were reported recently in Cragin and Belmont Heights on the Northwest Side.
In both incidents, two males wearing black masks punched or pushed a person and stole their purse, Chicago police said.
The first robbery happened about 2:50 p.m. May 22 in the 5100 block of West Belmont Avenue. The second happened about 10:30 a.m. May 30 in the 7400 block of West Belmont Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Five detectives at 312-746-7394.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-04--2 wanted in connection with NW Indiana homicide

Authorities are looking for two men suspected of killing a 22-year-old man Sunday in northwest Indiana .
Dorell Townsend , @ @ @ @ @ after 5 p.m. in the 2700 block of West 5th Avenue , Gary police said @ @ @ @ @ at the scene .
Investigators are looking for two males police said .
In photos @ @ @ @ @ white shirt and red baseball cap , and the other was wearing a black shirt @ @ @ @ @ shorts .
Anyone with information is asked to call Gary police at 219-755-3855 .

Authorities are looking for two men suspected of killing a 22-year-old man Sunday in northwest Indiana.
Dorell Townsend, 22, was shot just after 5 p.m. in the 2700 block of West 5th Avenue, Gary police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators are looking for two males police said. In photos, one was wearing a white shirt and red baseball cap, and the other was wearing a black shirt, black hat and black shorts.
Anyone with information is asked to call Gary police at 219-755-3855.
Gary police


chicagosun-times--2020-06-03--Horoscope for Thursday, June 4, 2020

Horoscope for Thursday, June 4, 2020

Avoid shopping or important decisions from 6:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius .
After the moon alert is over this morning , it ’ s an excellent time to study or to make plans concerning medical or legal matters because you will be in a sensible frame of mind .
You might seek the advice of someone older or more experienced to help you .
( Why not ? )
Once the moon alert is over , it ’ s an excellent time to take care of red-tape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or anything to do with shared property or inheritances .
Your mind will be focused and detail oriented .
The moon is opposite your sign dancing with Saturn .
This will encourage calm , practical discussions with partners and close friends , especially concerning the duties or obligations you have .
You will be careful in everything you do .
Your approach to your work will be thorough and detail oriented .
Because of this , you will not have to do things over again .
You will be like a wise carpenter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Someone older or more experienced might help you today .
This is the ideal day to practice a technique in order to perfect it .
You might want to hone a skill like playing a musical instrument or exploring the arts or perfecting your sports moves .
Whatever the case , you will persevere in whatever you do until you get it right .
Practice makes perfect !
A discussion with a family member will be about practical matters today .
Very possibly , you will seek out the advice of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in whatever it is that you want to do .
Any project that you do at home will be done carefully and thoroughly .
You won ’ t mind taking on routine chores today because you ’ re in a practical frame of mind .
You ’ re willing to accept duties and obligations because you know they have to be done .
If you have to do some careful planning for the future , you will take a thorough approach to everything .
You won ’ t miss a thing !
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , practical items because you will not be frivolous with your hard-earned money .
You will also take a serious look at your assets and earnings to get a realistic picture of what is happening financially .
Information is power .
After the moon alert today , the moon moves into your sign where it will line up with Saturn .
This makes you practical and sensible in your approach to everything .
You will be productive because you will put responsibilities and obligations first .
“ Let ’ s get this done.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ study because your mind is persevering and detail oriented .
You will be diligent in your efforts to find solutions to problems or answers to questions .
Furthermore , you will keep looking until you find what you need to know .
You ’ ll get results !
A mentor figure or someone older or more experienced might have wise advice for you today .
What this person offers might actually cause you to rethink some future goals , because today you are seeing things in a more realistic , practical way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , parents and teachers today because they see you as down to earth and full of common sense .
Because of this , they will trust you to take care of something important or assume increased responsibilities .
( Cool ! )
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Angelina Jolie ( 1975 ) shares your birthday .
You are creative and artistic .
You also have the ability to influence others .
This is an exciting year of change and new opportunities !
You will encounter adventure and stimulating situations .
If possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your world through learning .
Welcome change !
Let your personal freedom be your goal this year .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or important decisions from 6:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
After the moon alert is over this morning, it’s an excellent time to study or to make plans concerning medical or legal matters because you will be in a sensible frame of mind. You might seek the advice of someone older or more experienced to help you. (Why not?)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Once the moon alert is over, it’s an excellent time to take care of red-tape details concerning government matters, insurance issues or anything to do with shared property or inheritances. Your mind will be focused and detail oriented.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The moon is opposite your sign dancing with Saturn. This will encourage calm, practical discussions with partners and close friends, especially concerning the duties or obligations you have. You will be careful in everything you do.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Your approach to your work will be thorough and detail oriented. Because of this, you will not have to do things over again. You will be like a wise carpenter: “Measure twice, cut once.” Someone older or more experienced might help you today.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
This is the ideal day to practice a technique in order to perfect it. You might want to hone a skill like playing a musical instrument or exploring the arts or perfecting your sports moves. Whatever the case, you will persevere in whatever you do until you get it right. Practice makes perfect!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
A discussion with a family member will be about practical matters today. Very possibly, you will seek out the advice of a parent or someone older or more experienced in whatever it is that you want to do. Any project that you do at home will be done carefully and thoroughly.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
You won’t mind taking on routine chores today because you’re in a practical frame of mind. You’re willing to accept duties and obligations because you know they have to be done. If you have to do some careful planning for the future, you will take a thorough approach to everything. You won’t miss a thing!
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
If shopping today, you will buy long-lasting, practical items because you will not be frivolous with your hard-earned money. You will also take a serious look at your assets and earnings to get a realistic picture of what is happening financially. Information is power.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
After the moon alert today, the moon moves into your sign where it will line up with Saturn. This makes you practical and sensible in your approach to everything. You will be productive because you will put responsibilities and obligations first. “Let’s get this done.”
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
This is an excellent day for study because your mind is persevering and detail oriented. You will be diligent in your efforts to find solutions to problems or answers to questions. Furthermore, you will keep looking until you find what you need to know. You’ll get results!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
A mentor figure or someone older or more experienced might have wise advice for you today. What this person offers might actually cause you to rethink some future goals, because today you are seeing things in a more realistic, practical way.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You make a great impression on bosses, parents and teachers today because they see you as down to earth and full of common sense. Because of this, they will trust you to take care of something important or assume increased responsibilities. (Cool!)
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Angelina Jolie (1975) shares your birthday. You are creative and artistic. You also have the ability to influence others. This is an exciting year of change and new opportunities! You will encounter adventure and stimulating situations. If possible, explore opportunities to travel and expand your world through learning. Welcome change! Let your personal freedom be your goal this year.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-04--Black Lives Matter protesters march in Garfield Ridge: ‘This isn’t a place to be scared of’ (LIVE UP

Black Lives Matter protesters march in Garfield Ridge: ‘This isn’t a place to be scared of’ (LIVE UPDATES)

7:32 p.m .
When it comes to black/brown racial tensions , no one wins in the ‘ Oppression Olympics ’ Before friction between black and brown communities in Chicago gets more out of hand , African American and Hispanic elected officials gathered on the West Side on Thursday to plead for unity in the wake of the brutal death of George Floyd .
Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford , D-Maywood , said there was no point for either group “ to stand here and fight each other for crumbs — for crumbs .
None of us win if we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of focusing on getting our fair share.
” Lightford plus other black and brown city , state and congressional leaders — all Democrats — gathered outside the aptly named Healing Temple Church of God in Christ , 4941 W. Chicago Ave. , on a hot day to turn down the heat .
They came together as protests continue in Chicago and other cities because Floyd , an African American , died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him down with his knee for 8 minutes and 26 seconds .
6:49 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ridge : ‘ This isn ’ t a place to be scared of ’ Black Lives Matter activists brought their message for police reform Thursday to the heart of a Southwest Side neighborhood that ’ s home to thousands of Chicago police officers .
About 300 protesters rallied outside Kennedy High School , 6325 W. 56th St. , before marching peacefully through Garfield Ridge , once home to Jason Van Dyke , the ex-officer now behind bars for killing Laquan McDonald .
A bastion of “ white flight ” dating back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now mostly white and Latino — and a key place to try to change attitudes in the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd , activists said .
“ This neighborhood isn ’ t a place to be scared of , ” marcher and Garfield Ridge resident Crystal Gonzalez said .
“ Black people and all people of color shouldn ’ t feel like , ‘ Oh , that ’ s a part of town I can ’ t come by.
’ This turnout is important because it shows this isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and maybe we can take a small step in the right direction of more peace , more friendliness.
” Cheerful photos of this year ’ s graduating class at Leo High School lined a fence at the Auburn Gresham school Thursday as part of its efforts to clean up after some of the unrest in this week ’ s mostly peaceful protests over George Floyd ’ s killing .
The private all-boys Catholic school , at 7901 S. Sangamon St. , wasn ’ t damaged or vandalized , but its faculty and predominately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help tidy up the neighborhood , in part , to combat the images of those who broke into businesses and destroyed properties .
“ It ’ s so damaging to the image of young African American males , ” Leo High School President Dan McGrath said .
“ We work with young African American males every single day , and we know that they almost start out with two strikes against them because of the justice system.
” 5:27 p.m. Man who tried to tackle Chicago police is the latest to face federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men and boys were silent Thursday as they stopped traffic and formed three lines in the intersection of 79th Street and Racine Avenue on the South Side .
Soon , they all took a knee , raised fists into the air and reverberated their message through the Gresham neighborhood : “ Stop killing us.
” The demonstration organized by St. Sabina church comes 10 days after George Floyd was killed after a white officer pressed a knee into his neck while taking him into custody in Minnesota .
Floyd ’ s death was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago and other cities across the nation .
The Rev .
Michael Pfleger , of the Faith Community of Saint Sabina , said the crowd of African American men and boys wanted to refocus the protests after attention has turned to those who have used the unrest to break into businesses and vandalize property .
Pfleger said it was time for the country to listen to the men , warning that what is happening now is only a glimpse of what could happen .
“ What started this was decades of black men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nobody did a damn thing about it , ” Pfleger said .
4:22 p.m. Man who tried to tackle Chicago police is the latest to face federal gun charge after weekend violence A man who allegedly tried to tackle a Chicago police officer after he was caught inside a looted liquor store is the latest to face a federal gun charge in connection with the violence last weekend .
The feds say police called to the liquor store in the 5500 block of West North Avenue around 6 p.m. Sunday because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 21 , inside .
Police said the front door was damaged .
Officers told Scott to leave the liquor store , but as he did so , he tried to run away , according to a five-page criminal complaint filed Thursday .
Then , when police tried to take him into custody , Scott allegedly tried to tackle an officer to the ground by grabbing both of the officer ’ s legs .
3:10 p.m. What do protests do ?
Quite a bit So what do these protests do ?
Good question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s get to it .
1 ) .
Protests provoke the wrong being protested , flushing it into the light .
Civil rights demonstrations worked because Southern sheriffs broke out the dogs and firehoses and showed America exactly what these marchers were talking about .
Had they broken out trays of pralines instead , we might still have segregated lunch counters .
Protests against police brutality wouldn ’ t be half as dramatic if some police didn ’ t , on cue , start being brutal , on camera , blasting peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — most showed admirable professionalism and restraint .
But it only takes a little spit to spoil the soup .
2 ) .
Protests benefit the protesters themselves .
Not content to sit at home watching Netflix after — oh , for instance — a police officer is captured on video slowly strangling a black man who may have passed a bogus $ 20 bill , they leap up , make signs , pour into the street , march , raise their voices .
They ’ re doing something .
True , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the day .
But it isn ’ t as if they didn ’ t try .
So points for trying ; it ’ s more than most do .
Read the other four purposes in Neil Steinberg ’ s latest column .
BRUNSWICK , Ga. — Evidence revealed in court Thursday in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery alleges that the young black man was repeatedly boxed in by two pickup trucks as he desperately tried to escape .
A Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent says a white man then shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of three shots with a pump-action shotgun .
Agent Richard Dial testified that the driver of the second pickup truck , Roddie Bryan , said Travis McMichael then stood over Arbery ’ s body and said a racial epithet before police arrived .
The evidence was presented to support murder charges against McMichael and his father as well as Bryan .
It also could factor into a federal investigation into whether hate crime charges are warranted .
12:24 p.m. Family of Mia Wright wants a criminal investigation into officers at Brickyard Mall The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx to open a criminal investigation into the conduct of a police officer who dragged Wright by the hair from a vehicle and knelt on her neck at a West Side mall over the weekend .
“ There has to be justice for the family , ” family attorney Nenye Uche said Thursday at a news conference held in the parking lot of the Brickyard Mall , a few steps from where the encounter with police took place Sunday afternoon .
Uche also called for the disorderly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped .
The family still doesn ’ t understand why police targeted their car in the first place and is demanding answers .
Wright was in the front passenger seat of her cousin ’ s car Sunday when police , for no apparent reason , began to smash the windows of the vehicle with batons and order everyone out .
An officer grabbed Wright ’ s hair , which had been wound into a bun , and yanked her from the car , Wright said .
While Wright was on the ground , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neck .
Wright , who got a piece of glass in her eye during from the shattered window , was held overnight at a nearby police station , she said .
“ All I thought about was what happened to George Floyd and it could have been another situation like that , ” Wright said Thursday .
9:45 a.m. As city tries to heal , two major police brutality allegations come to light As Chicago tries to heal , two major police brutality allegations have come to light .
A woman and and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mall on the West Side Sunday afternoon since stores were closed in North Lawndale as shops feared looting , she said .
But after they realized the Target they wanted to visit was closed , and they tried to exit the parking lot .
“ There was a lot of confusion , police had a lot of exits and entrances blocked off and we were stopped at a stop sign about to leave , with a car in front of us , when all this happened , ” Mia Wright said .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cops surrounding their car and pulling people out .
Wright said a white police officer yanked her by the hair to get her out of a car , put her in handcuffs on the ground and then knelt on her back and neck , even though she was complying with their demands .
In the process , a piece of glass from the shattered window got in her eye , she said .
In a separate incident , another video shows an officer chasing down and punching a protester following a demonstration Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil rights group called “ horrific.
” In the video , posted to Twitter , dozens of officers are seen herding a group of protesters north in the 4600 block of North Broadway .
About 30 seconds into the video , after a glass bottle shatters and a loud thud is heard , an officer begins rushing toward a male traveling with the group .
The officer weaves around other cops and protesters before pushing the male to the ground and striking him twice in the head with his fist as another person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grab the officer from behind , the officer swings his arm back and strikes his colleague ’ s helmet .
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating both incidents .
8:52 a.m .
In wake of George Floyd , Obama ’ s bite-size suggestion for immediate change : end police strangleholds Former President Barack Obama on Wednesday made his first public remarks since George Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer pinned him down with a knee to his neck .
He made a bite-size suggestion : the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Chokeholds and strangleholds , just saying , that ’ s not what we do .
We don ’ t need that in order to effectively restrain someone , ” Obama said .
7:40 a.m .
Hundreds of protesters pause for 9 minutes to remember George Floyd at Dunbar Park rally Hundreds of protesters filled Douglas ’ Dunbar Park on Wednesday afternoon on the sixth consecutive day of George Floyd protests across Chicago .
But for nine minutes — the length of time ex-Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death last week — the only sounds heard in the park were of honking cars and television helicopters as protesters kneeled and held a moment of silence .
“ The only way you can take nine minutes to kill someone while they ’ re pleading for their life is if you don ’ t think that they ’ re human , ” protest organizer Kobi Guillory said .
“ This is something we need to do to put this in perspective and humanize ourselves.
” Guillory and others from the Chicago Alliance Against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through social media Wednesday .

Protests continued across Chicago for the sixth straight day with many targeting neighborhoods where police officers live and CPD headquarters itself.
Here’s what happened in the city Thursday.
8:36 p.m. Kanye West joins South Side march to CPD headquarters
Chicago native and rapper Kanye West marched along with protesters Thursday to Chicago Police Department headquarters on the South Side as part of the “Justice for George Floyd/CPD out of CPS” rally.
Videos posted to Twitter show West among the crowd wearing a black hoodie pulled up over his head with a black mask across his mouth.
According to a Facebook event hosted by activist Ja’Mal Green, the protest aims to call attention to the Minneapolis school district’s decision to cancel its contract with the city’s police department, effectively removing officers from their schools. Protesters are urging Chicago Public Schools to do the same.
A few hundred protesters march toward the Chicago Police headquarters on Chicago’s South Side demanding justice for George Floyd, Thursday, June 4, 2020. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Kanye West is here at a “Justice for George Floyd/CPD out of CPS” rally on Chicago’s South Side, where protesters plan to walk to CPD headquarters. Organizers say West called yesterday and said he wanted to join a protest. — Grace Hauck (@grace_hauck) June 5, 2020
8:11 p.m. Engelbert hosts virtual town hall to listen to players as some express frustration with WNBA’s short statement
No group of professional athletes has been more committed to social activism than the WNBA.
Players have been outspoken about racial injustices on social media over the last two weeks, but one important voice that has been missing publicly is commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
All 12 teams have released statements or videos condemning racism and police brutality in light of the death of George Floyd, a black man who died at the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer last week. The Lynx turned their words into action Wednesday by entering a multi-year partnership with The Minneapolis Foundation to address systemic inequities.
Meanwhile, Engelbert, who took over last July, has not given a public statement, though she has listened and spoken to players in private.
The WNBA, a league that prides itself on its diversity and inclusivity, has remained relatively quiet, with the exception of one short and vague statement.
“The time for change is now. Enough is enough.” the WNBA wrote in a May 29 tweet, which was accompanied with a graphic that read, “Bigger than ball.”
Reporter Madeline Kenney has the full story.
7:32 p.m. When it comes to black/brown racial tensions, no one wins in the ‘Oppression Olympics’
Before friction between black and brown communities in Chicago gets more out of hand, African American and Hispanic elected officials gathered on the West Side on Thursday to plead for unity in the wake of the brutal death of George Floyd.
Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, said there was no point for either group “to stand here and fight each other for crumbs — for crumbs. None of us win if we are too busy competing in the Oppression Olympics instead of focusing on getting our fair share.”
Lightford plus other black and brown city, state and congressional leaders — all Democrats — gathered outside the aptly named Healing Temple Church of God in Christ, 4941 W. Chicago Ave., on a hot day to turn down the heat.
They came together as protests continue in Chicago and other cities because Floyd, an African American, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him down with his knee for 8 minutes and 26 seconds.
Reporter Lynn Sweet has the full story.
6:49 p.m. Black Lives Matter protesters march in Garfield Ridge: ‘This isn’t a place to be scared of’
Black Lives Matter activists brought their message for police reform Thursday to the heart of a Southwest Side neighborhood that’s home to thousands of Chicago police officers.
About 300 protesters rallied outside Kennedy High School, 6325 W. 56th St., before marching peacefully through Garfield Ridge, once home to Jason Van Dyke, the ex-officer now behind bars for killing Laquan McDonald.
A bastion of “white flight” dating back to the Civil Rights Movement, the neighborhood is now mostly white and Latino — and a key place to try to change attitudes in the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, activists said.
“This neighborhood isn’t a place to be scared of,” marcher and Garfield Ridge resident Crystal Gonzalez said. “Black people and all people of color shouldn’t feel like, ‘Oh, that’s a part of town I can’t come by.’ This turnout is important because it shows this isn’t that type of neighborhood, and maybe we can take a small step in the right direction of more peace, more friendliness.”
Reporter Mitch Dudek has the full report.
6:10 p.m. Leo High School students help clean up Auburn Gresham
Cheerful photos of this year’s graduating class at Leo High School lined a fence at the Auburn Gresham school Thursday as part of its efforts to clean up after some of the unrest in this week’s mostly peaceful protests over George Floyd’s killing.
The private all-boys Catholic school, at 7901 S. Sangamon St., wasn’t damaged or vandalized, but its faculty and predominately African American student body was deployed to help tidy up the neighborhood, in part, to combat the images of those who broke into businesses and destroyed properties.
“It’s so damaging to the image of young African American males,” Leo High School President Dan McGrath said. “We work with young African American males every single day, and we know that they almost start out with two strikes against them because of the justice system.”
Reporter Elvia Malagón has the full story.
5:27 p.m. Man who tried to tackle Chicago police is the latest to face federal gun charge after weekend violence
About 200 men and boys were silent Thursday as they stopped traffic and formed three lines in the intersection of 79th Street and Racine Avenue on the South Side.
Soon, they all took a knee, raised fists into the air and reverberated their message through the Gresham neighborhood: “Stop killing us.”
The demonstration organized by St. Sabina church comes 10 days after George Floyd was killed after a white officer pressed a knee into his neck while taking him into custody in Minnesota. Floyd’s death was captured on video, sparking protests in Chicago and other cities across the nation.
The Rev. Michael Pfleger, of the Faith Community of Saint Sabina, said the crowd of African American men and boys wanted to refocus the protests after attention has turned to those who have used the unrest to break into businesses and vandalize property. Pfleger said it was time for the country to listen to the men, warning that what is happening now is only a glimpse of what could happen.
“What started this was decades of black men being killed like animals in America, and nobody did a damn thing about it,” Pfleger said.
Reporter Elvia Malagón has the full story.
4:22 p.m. Man who tried to tackle Chicago police is the latest to face federal gun charge after weekend violence
A man who allegedly tried to tackle a Chicago police officer after he was caught inside a looted liquor store is the latest to face a federal gun charge in connection with the violence last weekend.
The feds say police called to the liquor store in the 5500 block of West North Avenue around 6 p.m. Sunday because of looting and shooting found Jeremiah J. Scott, 21, inside. Police said the front door was damaged.
Officers told Scott to leave the liquor store, but as he did so, he tried to run away, according to a five-page criminal complaint filed Thursday. Then, when police tried to take him into custody, Scott allegedly tried to tackle an officer to the ground by grabbing both of the officer’s legs.
Reporter Jon Seidel has the full story.
3:10 p.m. What do protests do? Quite a bit
So what do these protests do?
Good question. Space is limited, so let’s get to it.
Six purposes:
1). Protests provoke the wrong being protested, flushing it into the light. Civil rights demonstrations worked because Southern sheriffs broke out the dogs and firehoses and showed America exactly what these marchers were talking about. Had they broken out trays of pralines instead, we might still have segregated lunch counters. Protests against police brutality wouldn’t be half as dramatic if some police didn’t, on cue, start being brutal, on camera, blasting peaceful protesters with tear gas. Not many — most showed admirable professionalism and restraint. But it only takes a little spit to spoil the soup.
2). Protests benefit the protesters themselves. Not content to sit at home watching Netflix after — oh, for instance — a police officer is captured on video slowly strangling a black man who may have passed a bogus $20 bill, they leap up, make signs, pour into the street, march, raise their voices. They’re doing something. True, the problem being protested is never fixed by the end of the day. But it isn’t as if they didn’t try. So points for trying; it’s more than most do.
Read the other four purposes in Neil Steinberg’s latest column.
1:33 p.m. Prosecutors describe racial slur as Ahmaud Arbery lay dying
BRUNSWICK, Ga. — Evidence revealed in court Thursday in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery alleges that the young black man was repeatedly boxed in by two pickup trucks as he desperately tried to escape.
A Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent says a white man then shot him in the chest, the first of three shots with a pump-action shotgun. Agent Richard Dial testified that the driver of the second pickup truck, Roddie Bryan, said Travis McMichael then stood over Arbery’s body and said a racial epithet before police arrived.
The evidence was presented to support murder charges against McMichael and his father as well as Bryan. It also could factor into a federal investigation into whether hate crime charges are warranted.
Read the full report here.
12:24 p.m. Family of Mia Wright wants a criminal investigation into officers at Brickyard Mall
The family of Mia Wright called for Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx to open a criminal investigation into the conduct of a police officer who dragged Wright by the hair from a vehicle and knelt on her neck at a West Side mall over the weekend.
“There has to be justice for the family,” family attorney Nenye Uche said Thursday at a news conference held in the parking lot of the Brickyard Mall, a few steps from where the encounter with police took place Sunday afternoon.
Uche also called for the disorderly conduct charge against Wright to be immediately dropped.
The family still doesn’t understand why police targeted their car in the first place and is demanding answers.
Wright was in the front passenger seat of her cousin’s car Sunday when police, for no apparent reason, began to smash the windows of the vehicle with batons and order everyone out. An officer grabbed Wright’s hair, which had been wound into a bun, and yanked her from the car, Wright said.
While Wright was on the ground, the officer knelt on her back and neck. Wright, who got a piece of glass in her eye during from the shattered window, was held overnight at a nearby police station, she said.
“All I thought about was what happened to George Floyd and it could have been another situation like that,” Wright said Thursday.
Read the full story from Mitch Dudek.
9:45 a.m. As city tries to heal, two major police brutality allegations come to light
As Chicago tries to heal, two major police brutality allegations have come to light.
A woman and and her family members had gone to Brickyard Mall on the West Side Sunday afternoon since stores were closed in North Lawndale as shops feared looting, she said. But after they realized the Target they wanted to visit was closed, and they tried to exit the parking lot. “There was a lot of confusion, police had a lot of exits and entrances blocked off and we were stopped at a stop sign about to leave, with a car in front of us, when all this happened,” Mia Wright said. A chaotic video of the encounter showed multiple cops surrounding their car and pulling people out.
Wright said a white police officer yanked her by the hair to get her out of a car, put her in handcuffs on the ground and then knelt on her back and neck, even though she was complying with their demands. In the process, a piece of glass from the shattered window got in her eye, she said.
In a separate incident, another video shows an officer chasing down and punching a protester following a demonstration Monday night in Uptown — a scene a civil rights group called “horrific.”
In the video, posted to Twitter, dozens of officers are seen herding a group of protesters north in the 4600 block of North Broadway.
About 30 seconds into the video, after a glass bottle shatters and a loud thud is heard, an officer begins rushing toward a male traveling with the group. The officer weaves around other cops and protesters before pushing the male to the ground and striking him twice in the head with his fist as another person begins screaming. When another cop tries to grab the officer from behind, the officer swings his arm back and strikes his colleague’s helmet.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating both incidents.
8:52 a.m. In wake of George Floyd, Obama’s bite-size suggestion for immediate change: end police strangleholds
Former President Barack Obama on Wednesday made his first public remarks since George Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer pinned him down with a knee to his neck.
He made a bite-size suggestion: the nation’s mayors should immediately ban choke- and strangleholds.
“Chokeholds and strangleholds, just saying, that’s not what we do. We don’t need that in order to effectively restrain someone,” Obama said.
Read the full story from Lynn Sweet.
7:40 a.m. Hundreds of protesters pause for 9 minutes to remember George Floyd at Dunbar Park rally
Hundreds of protesters filled Douglas’ Dunbar Park on Wednesday afternoon on the sixth consecutive day of George Floyd protests across Chicago.
But for nine minutes — the length of time ex-Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck prior to the latter’s death last week — the only sounds heard in the park were of honking cars and television helicopters as protesters kneeled and held a moment of silence.
“The only way you can take nine minutes to kill someone while they’re pleading for their life is if you don’t think that they’re human,” protest organizer Kobi Guillory said. “This is something we need to do to put this in perspective and humanize ourselves.”
Guillory and others from the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression planned the protest through social media Wednesday.
Read the full story by Ben Pope.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-04--Lightfoot to change police pursuit policy after fatal crash

Before a crash involving police killed a woman in Lake View Wednesday night , Chicago Police radio traffic indicates the officers had been told to stop pursuing a fleeing suspect .
Officers were told at least four times to terminate the pursuit , according to the radio traffic .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Police Supt .
David Brown declined to discuss any specifics of the pursuit during a news conference Thursday .
In light of that crash , Lightfoot said more changes will soon come to CPD ’ s policy on pursuits .
“ I ’ ve been very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor , ” Lightfoot said .
“ The frequency of them , that they cause death , they cause injury , property damage , the whole works.
” Though the CPD ’ s policy on pursuits was updated just 14 months ago , Lightfoot said she ordered another evaluation of the policy last year after she took office .
“ We will be making an announcement shortly about what the new policy is and what the training plan is , ” the mayor said .
“ Police pursuits are , obviously , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that police officers are engaged in and we want to make sure that , if that is necessary , it ’ s done in very limited circumstances , under full direction of a supervisor , and done only with marked vehicles with lights and sirens so that when they ’ re racing through the streets , people know that there ’ s an emergency that ’ s happening.
” The pursuit Wednesday night spanned well over 30 miles and began on the Far South Side .
The chase began about 8:15 p.m. near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers noticed a vehicle possibly wanted for several crimes in nearby suburbs .
Illinois State Police said the Jeep was wanted in connection with at least one homicide .
The Jeep eventually led officers to the Northwest Side where , according to police radio traffic , the pursuit was ordered terminated .
The Jeep later crashed near Irving Park Road and Keystone Avenue .
The driver ran to a nearby gas station and stole an idling Nissan SUV , according to police .
He then took off east on Irving Park Road .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ activated , a marked squad car slammed into a Ford Explorer traveling north on Ashland Avenue , police said .
The driver , a 37-year-old woman , was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center , where she died .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified her as Guadalupe Francisco-Martinez .
A GoFundMe page set up in her name said she had six children .
“ She was such a strong , amazing and funny mother , friend and sister to everyone , ” wrote the fundraiser ’ s organizer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request .
The driver of the stolen Nissan SUV then led police to Bridgeport on the South Side , where he crashed into a pole in the 900 block of West Pershing Road , police said .
He tried to run from the scene but was taken into custody nearby .
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition .
Sustained high-speed pursuits by Chicago police are relatively rare , though they can prove costly for the city .
Chequita Adams was killed in a West Side crash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her family sued and was eventually awarded a nearly $ 5 million settlement .
Two years earlier , police were pursuing a vehicle fleeing a shooting on the South Side when the driver of the fleeing vehicle jumped a curb and ran over 13-month-old Dillan Harris , killing him .
The boy ’ s family filed a lawsuit against the city , involved officers and the driver , Antoine Watkins .
The suit is still pending .
The CPD ’ s directive on pursuits states officers and their supervisors must perform a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursue a fleeing vehicle that ’ s wanted in connection with a serious crime , such as a shooting .
“ All [ police department ] members involved in or supervising a motor vehicle pursuit must be prepared to justify their actions , ” the directive states .

Before a crash involving police killed a woman in Lake View on Wednesday night, Chicago Police radio traffic indicates the officers had been told to stop pursuing a fleeing suspect.
Officers were told at least four times to terminate the pursuit, according to the radio traffic. Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Police Supt. David Brown declined to discuss any specifics of the pursuit during a news conference Thursday.
In light of that crash, Lightfoot said more changes will soon come to CPD’s policy on pursuits.
“I’ve been very concerned about police pursuits since I became mayor,” Lightfoot said. “The frequency of them, that they cause death, they cause injury, property damage, the whole works.”
Though the CPD’s policy on pursuits was updated just 14 months ago, Lightfoot said she ordered another evaluation of the policy last year after she took office.
“We will be making an announcement shortly about what the new policy is and what the training plan is,” the mayor said. “Police pursuits are, obviously, one of the most deadly and dangerous exercises that police officers are engaged in and we want to make sure that, if that is necessary, it’s done in very limited circumstances, under full direction of a supervisor, and done only with marked vehicles with lights and sirens so that when they’re racing through the streets, people know that there’s an emergency that’s happening.”
The pursuit Wednesday night spanned well over 30 miles and began on the Far South Side.
The chase began about 8:15 p.m. near 115th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue when officers noticed a vehicle possibly wanted for several crimes in nearby suburbs. Illinois State Police said the Jeep was wanted in connection with at least one homicide.
The Jeep eventually led officers to the Northwest Side where, according to police radio traffic, the pursuit was ordered terminated. The Jeep later crashed near Irving Park Road and Keystone Avenue. The driver ran to a nearby gas station and stole an idling Nissan SUV, according to police. He then took off east on Irving Park Road.
While chasing the Nissan with their sirens activated, a marked squad car slammed into a Ford Explorer traveling north on Ashland Avenue, police said. The driver, a 37-year-old woman, was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where she died.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified her as Guadalupe Francisco-Martinez. A GoFundMe page set up in her name said she had six children. “She was such a strong, amazing and funny mother, friend and sister to everyone,” wrote the fundraiser’s organizer, who did not respond to an interview request.
The driver of the stolen Nissan SUV then led police to Bridgeport on the South Side, where he crashed into a pole in the 900 block of West Pershing Road, police said. He tried to run from the scene but was taken into custody nearby. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition.
Sustained high-speed pursuits by Chicago police are relatively rare, though they can prove costly for the city.
Chequita Adams was killed in a West Side crash in 2017 related to a police pursuit. Her family sued and was eventually awarded a nearly $5 million settlement.
Two years earlier, police were pursuing a vehicle fleeing a shooting on the South Side when the driver of the fleeing vehicle jumped a curb and ran over 13-month-old Dillan Harris, killing him. The boy’s family filed a lawsuit against the city, involved officers and the driver, Antoine Watkins. The suit is still pending.
The CPD’s directive on pursuits states officers and their supervisors must perform a “balancing test” when deciding to pursue a fleeing vehicle that’s wanted in connection with a serious crime, such as a shooting.
“All [police department] members involved in or supervising a motor vehicle pursuit must be prepared to justify their actions,” the directive states.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-04--Engelbert hosts virtual town hall to listen to players as some express frustration with WNBA’s short

Engelbert hosts virtual town hall to listen to players as some express frustration with WNBA’s short statement

No group of professional athletes has been more committed to social activism than the WNBA .
Players have been outspoken about racial injustices on social media over the last two weeks , but one important voice that has been missing publicly is commissioner Cathy Engelbert .
All 12 teams have released statements or videos condemning racism and police brutality in light of the death of George Floyd , a black man who died at the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer last week .
The Lynx turned their words into action Wednesday by entering a multi-year partnership with The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , Engelbert , who took over last July , has not given a public statement , though she has listened and spoken to players in private .
The WNBA , a league that prides itself on its diversity and inclusivity , has remained relatively quiet , with the exception of one short and vague statement .
“ The time for change is now .
Enough is enough.
” the WNBA wrote in a May 29 tweet , which was accompanied with a graphic that read , “ Bigger than ball.
” Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — or lack thereof — isn ’ t enough .
“ I ’ ve spent a lot of time on Instagram and Twitter just assessing people ’ s apologies or solidarity posts , ” guard Sydney Colson said .
“ It ’ s one thing to retweet and agree with other people , but ... our league is [ more than 70 % ] black women and so it should be pretty clear where we stand.
” “ You can ’ t tip-toe around it , like , it ’ s frustrating , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s beyond frustration , though , you know what I mean ?
For me to say , ‘ I ’ m frustrated ’ is me putting it very lightly and nicely.
” DeShields added that she ’ s “ not waiting for the league to say anything because at this point , it ’ s a little too late for that.
” The WNBA has been accused of silencing its players who speak out on racial injustice issues in the past .
In 2016 , the WNBA disciplined three teams for wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Black Lives Matter movement .
Each team was fined $ 5,000 , and each player was charged $ 500 for violating the league ’ s uniform policy , though the fines were eventually rescinded after the league received immense backlash .
DeShields thinks there should be a more “ open dialogue ” between players and league officials .
“ Change will start with a conversation , ” DeShields said .
“ There are players who are carrying the burden of social injustices in many different ways and so to have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only be refreshing but also allow us to begin our work within the league which [ is ] a place we all love and hold very dear to our hearts.
” The WNBA held a virtual town hall with players this week , giving players an opportunity to share their thoughts on systemic racism and the Floyd protests .
“ I do think that they want us to be heard , they want us to use our platforms , ” Colson said .
“ I think players just want to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platforms that we are fully supported.
” Asked if she felt supported , Colson said : “ I have to wait until we have a bigger conversation about what steps we plan to take and what they plan to do if we take those steps .
“ But whether I feel supported and stuff or not , I ’ m going to post what I want to post about black people dying no matter what anybody tells me .
So I don ’ t have to feel supported if I want to talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I was ever a part of something that did not want me to speak of a thing that is the most important to my identity then I wouldn ’ t need to be a part of that thing .
”

No group of professional athletes has been more committed to social activism than the WNBA.
Players have been outspoken about racial injustices on social media over the last two weeks, but one important voice that had been missing publicly until Thursday night was commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
All 12 teams had released statements or videos condemning racism and police brutality in light of the death of George Floyd. The Lynx turned their words into action Wednesday by entering a multiyear partnership with The Minneapolis Foundation to address systemic inequities.
Meanwhile, Engelbert, who listened and talked to players in private over the last week, didn’t give a public statement until Thursday, when she announced the league would donate proceeds from its “Bigger Than Ball” merchandise to groups working against racial inequities.
“We will build on this commitment and support WNBA players in the fight against racial inequality,” Engelbert wrote. “Enough is enough.”
Before that, the WNBA, a league that prides itself on being diverse and inclusive, had remained relatively quiet, with the exception of one short and vague statement.
The WNBA wrote in a May 29 tweet, “The time for change is now. Enough is enough.” It was accompanied with a graphic that read, “Bigger than ball.”
Some players believe the WNBA’s initial response wasn’t enough.
The time for change is now. Enough is enough. pic.twitter.com/hXbSgppm5T — WNBA (@WNBA) May 29, 2020
“I’ve spent a lot of time on Instagram and Twitter just assessing people’s apologies or solidarity posts,” Sky guard Sydney Colson said. “It’s one thing to retweet and agree with other people, but . . . our league is [more than 70%] black women, and so it should be pretty clear where we stand.”
“You can’t tip-toe around it, like, it’s frustrating,” Sky guard Diamond DeShields said. “It’s beyond frustration, though, you know what I mean? For me to say ‘I’m frustrated’ is me putting it very lightly and nicely.”
DeShields added that she wasn’t “waiting for the league to say anything because . . . it’s a little too late for that.”
The WNBA has been accused of silencing players who speak out on racial injustice issues in the past.
Related Players send video message to NFL about racial inequality
In 2016, the WNBA disciplined three teams and their players with hefty fines for violating the league’s uniform policy by wearing black T-shirts during pregame warmups in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, though the fines were eventually rescinded after the league received immense backlash.
DeShields thinks there should be a more “open dialogue” between players and league officials.
“Change will start with a conversation,” DeShields said. “There are players who are carrying the burden of social injustices in many different ways, and so to have an opportunity to voice that for once would not only be refreshing but also allow us to begin our work within the league, which [is] a place we all love and hold very dear to our hearts.”
The WNBA held a virtual town hall with players this week, giving players an opportunity to share their thoughts on systemic racism and the Floyd protests.
“I do think that they want us to be heard, they want us to use our platforms,” Colson said. “I think players just want to make sure that while we’re using our platforms that we are fully supported.”
Asked if she felt supported, Colson said, “I have to wait until we have a bigger conversation about what steps we plan to take and what they plan to do if we take those steps.
“But whether I feel supported and stuff or not, I’m going to post what I want to post about black people dying no matter what anybody tells me.”