chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Jumbo of jumbo perch: When a really big jumbo perch dwarfs other jumbos

Many of us know that plea .
Danny ‘ ‘ Taks ’ ’ Borgert is one of the most dedicated and best lakefront anglers .
He also is a helluva follow on Instagram because he has an artistic bent and storytelling skills .
On June 23 , he had a story to tell from fishing on the North Side .
‘ ‘ My new personal-best perch !
’ ’ he posted .
‘ ‘ Measured at 15.5 inches , which was my previous best .
But this has plenty of girth on my previous one !
‘ ‘ When I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small sheephead .
I saw it coming in and started freaking out .
‘ Please don ’ t come off , PLEASE !
’ ‘ ‘ I got on my stomach and reached in the water and grabbed it .
I screamed , ‘ That is the biggest perch I ’ ve ever seen.
’ I was by myself at about 5:45 a.m. Hahaha !
I have literally caught thousands of perch over the decades and have two over 15 inches .
To give you an idea of how rare any perch over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am getting this big old girl mounted.
’ ’ Tom Wendel , who did ‘ ‘ a great job ’ ’ on a huge pike Borgert caught a few years ago at Diversey , will do the taxidermy .
A true jumbo like that deserves some perspective .
In another photo Borgert messaged , he compared a 13.5-inch jumbo and his 15.5-incher .
The difference is astonishing .
‘ ‘ No weight , but last 15.5-incher I got was 1.86 pounds , ’ ’ Borgert messaged .
‘ ‘ This had more girth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people could [ have ] actually witnessed its size .
It was such a giant , and the pictures I got don ’ t fully do that fish justice .
Hoping the mount will.
’ ’ For perspective , the Illinois record for yellow perch remains 2 pounds , 8.75 ounces .
Joe Grega caught it Jan. 5 , 1974 , from Arrowhead Club Lake in Will County .
Tracking down Grega for a column five years ago remains one of my favorite things .
The record I really wish Borgert had broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lakefront Lip ’ ’ Schneider caught the unofficial — but verified on two certified scales — Chicago-record perch ( 2 pounds , a half-ounce ) on May 7 , 1995 , while boat fishing with Chuck Weis off Chicago Light .
I wish we could say Borgert ’ s perch topped Schneider ’ s , just to hold that over ‘ ‘ The Lip.
’ ’ In a crossing of lives , while my wife and I were taking a delayed 25th-anniversary break around St. Louis , we might have passed Wade Kaminski @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught and released a 112-pound blue catfish .
We made a long late-night drive along the Mississippi River the night Kaminski caught his blue , and I remarked to my wife how many boats were out .
Kaminski took a beautiful photo of his blue before release with the Arch in the background .
It ran on stltoday.com .
It ’ s not just me .
Others report fewer fireflies .
Something is going on .
.
.
.
On the other hand , many are seeing more rabbits than usual during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are outside more .
Saying ‘ ‘ in these unprecedented times ’ ’ when you mean ‘ ‘ during the pandemic ’ ’ is worse than saying ‘ ‘ trash fish ’ ’ for ‘ ‘ non-game fish .
’ ’

“Please don’t come off, PLEASE!’’
Many of us know that plea.
Danny ‘‘Taks’’ Borgert is one of the most dedicated and best lakefront anglers. He also is a helluva follow on Instagram because he has an artistic bent and storytelling skills.
On June 23, he had a story to tell from fishing on the North Side.
‘‘My new personal-best perch!’’ he posted. ‘‘Measured at 15.5 inches, which was my previous best. But this has plenty of girth on my previous one!
‘‘When I set the hook, I first thought small sheephead. I saw it coming in and started freaking out. ‘Please don’t come off, PLEASE!’
‘‘I got on my stomach and reached in the water and grabbed it. I screamed, ‘That is the biggest perch I’ve ever seen.’ I was by myself at about 5:45 a.m. Hahaha! I have literally caught thousands of perch over the decades and have two over 15 inches. To give you an idea of how rare any perch over 15 inches is out there. I am getting this big old girl mounted.’’
Tom Wendel, who did ‘‘a great job’’ on a huge pike Borgert caught a few years ago at Diversey, will do the taxidermy.
A true jumbo like that deserves some perspective. In another photo Borgert messaged, he compared a 13.5-inch jumbo and his 15.5-incher. The difference is astonishing.
A comparison of a 13.5-inch jumbo yellow perch and Danny “Taks” Borgert’s 15.5-inch jumbo. Photo provided by Danny “Taks” Borgert
‘‘No weight, but last 15.5-incher I got was 1.86 pounds,’’ Borgert messaged. ‘‘This had more girth. . . . I wish more people could [have] actually witnessed its size. It was such a giant, and the pictures I got don’t fully do that fish justice. Hoping the mount will.’’
For perspective, the Illinois record for yellow perch remains 2 pounds, 8.75 ounces. Joe Grega caught it Jan. 5, 1974, from Arrowhead Club Lake in Will County. Tracking down Grega for a column five years ago remains one of my favorite things.
The record I really wish Borgert had broken is unofficial. Ken ‘‘The Lakefront Lip’’ Schneider caught the unofficial — but verified on two certified scales — Chicago-record perch (2 pounds, a half-ounce) on May 7, 1995, while boat fishing with Chuck Weis off Chicago Light.
I wish we could say Borgert’s perch topped Schneider’s, just to hold that over ‘‘The Lip.’’
Other bigs
In a crossing of lives, while my wife and I were taking a delayed 25th-anniversary break around St. Louis, we might have passed Wade Kaminski. He’s the guy who caught and released a 112-pound blue catfish.
We made a long late-night drive along the Mississippi River the night Kaminski caught his blue, and I remarked to my wife how many boats were out.
Kaminski took a beautiful photo of his blue before release with the Arch in the background. It ran on stltoday.com.
Wild things
It’s not just me. Others report fewer fireflies. Something is going on. . . . On the other hand, many are seeing more rabbits than usual during the pandemic. My theory is that we are outside more.
Stray cast
Saying ‘‘in these unprecedented times’’ when you mean ‘‘during the pandemic’’ is worse than saying ‘‘trash fish’’ for ‘‘non-game fish.’’


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Dear Abby: Criminal’s teen sons hear constant bad news, can’t take any more

DEAR ABBY : Three years ago , I found out my husband had sexually abused one of his nieces .
He took a lie detector test , failed it and confessed .
Learning the truth was devastating , and I felt like a fool for having believed him .
We have two children together , both teenaged boys .
I had to give my boys the bad news about what their father had done and the reason I could no longer be with him .
He had to move out because he was restricted from being with minors .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news that their father was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison .
I was emotionally drained .
I have always been honest with my boys and have never kept anything from them .
Because I ’ ve had to give them so much bad news , I have tried my best to give them the happiest times that I could .
Soon after , he was sent away .
I received word that when he gets out , he will be deported to Mexico .
This is something I haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are talking about having a life with their father .
When he gets out , they will both be adults .
My youngest talks about living with him .
When they find out , they will be heartbroken .
They have been doing so well .
We ’ ve come a long way , and we ’ re finally in a happy place .
I don ’ t know how or when to tell them .
Should I do it now or wait until closer to his release date ?
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EMOTIONALLY DRAINED DEAR EMOTIONALLY DRAINED : Hang on to your happiness because you deserve all of it that is coming your way .
You and your sons have been put through an ordeal not of your making .
I see no reason to burden them further with this unhappy news until closer to the time of your husband ’ s release .
By then they will be older and better able to adjust to what it will mean if they choose to live with or spend time with their dad .
DEAR ABBY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not very attractive .
I didn ’ t inherit good looks .
This bothers me because all my women friends are married or have been in relationships .
People say looks don ’ t matter , but they are mistaken .
The first thing someone sees is your face and physical presence .
I keep myself neat and nicely groomed , but I ’ m not pretty .
What do I do to lift myself from this depression ?
I ’ m ashamed of my face .
— FACING IT IN CALIFORNIA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points that make them unique .
My mother used to say that the most effective cosmetic is a smile .
You might have better luck if you focus less on what you think you don ’ t have and start concentrating on what you DO have to offer .
Not everyone is a beauty contest winner , and they manage to couple up and have healthy relationships with the opposite sex ( and sometimes the same sex ) .
Do you have a special talent , a pleasing personality or a good sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a serious case of low self-esteem .
The solution to your problem might be as simple as widening your circle of acquaintances by getting involved in activities you enjoy .
But before doing that , it might be in your interest to talk with a licensed mental health professional for help in becoming less critical of yourself .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To receive a collection of Abby ’ s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: Three years ago, I found out my husband had sexually abused one of his nieces. He took a lie detector test, failed it and confessed. Learning the truth was devastating, and I felt like a fool for having believed him.
We have two children together, both teenaged boys. I had to give my boys the bad news about what their father had done and the reason I could no longer be with him. He had to move out because he was restricted from being with minors. There were so many changes.
Then came the news that their father was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison. I was emotionally drained. I have always been honest with my boys and have never kept anything from them. Because I’ve had to give them so much bad news, I have tried my best to give them the happiest times that I could. Soon after, he was sent away.
I received word that when he gets out, he will be deported to Mexico. This is something I haven’t told my boys yet. They are talking about having a life with their father. When he gets out, they will both be adults. My youngest talks about living with him. When they find out, they will be heartbroken.
They have been doing so well. We’ve come a long way, and we’re finally in a happy place. I don’t know how or when to tell them. Should I do it now or wait until closer to his release date? I’m just over the sadness. — EMOTIONALLY DRAINED
DEAR EMOTIONALLY DRAINED: Hang on to your happiness because you deserve all of it that is coming your way. You and your sons have been put through an ordeal not of your making. I see no reason to burden them further with this unhappy news until closer to the time of your husband’s release. By then they will be older and better able to adjust to what it will mean if they choose to live with or spend time with their dad.
DEAR ABBY: I am an older woman who is not very attractive. I didn’t inherit good looks. This bothers me because all my women friends are married or have been in relationships.
People say looks don’t matter, but they are mistaken. The first thing someone sees is your face and physical presence. I keep myself neat and nicely groomed, but I’m not pretty. What do I do to lift myself from this depression? I’m ashamed of my face. — FACING IT IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR FACING IT: Everyone has strong points that make them unique. My mother used to say that the most effective cosmetic is a smile. You might have better luck if you focus less on what you think you don’t have and start concentrating on what you DO have to offer.
Not everyone is a beauty contest winner, and they manage to couple up and have healthy relationships with the opposite sex (and sometimes the same sex). Do you have a special talent, a pleasing personality or a good sense of humor? You appear to have a serious case of low self-esteem.
The solution to your problem might be as simple as widening your circle of acquaintances by getting involved in activities you enjoy. But before doing that, it might be in your interest to talk with a licensed mental health professional for help in becoming less critical of yourself.
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.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Businesses robbed in Little Village, Lawndale: police

Two businesses were robbed in June in Little Village and Lawndale on the Southwest and West Sides .
In each @ @ @ @ @ business , displayed a handgun and demanded or took property by force , according to @ @ @ @ @ police .
The robberies happened about 9:11 p.m. June 27 in the 2300 block of @ @ @ @ @ 6:20 p.m. June 29 in the 3900 block of West Ogden Avenue , police said @ @ @ @ @ asked to contact Area Four detectives at 312-746-8253 .

Two businesses were robbed in June in Little Village and Lawndale on the Southwest and West Sides.
In each incident someone walked into a business, displayed a handgun and demanded or took property by force, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The robberies happened about 9:11 p.m. June 27 in the 2300 block of South Pulaski Road and about 6:20 p.m. June 29 in the 3900 block of West Ogden Avenue, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Four detectives at 312-746-8253.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--11 shot, 2 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

11 shot, 2 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

Eleven people were shot , two fatally , Tuesday in Chicago .
A man was found shot to death inside a home in Altgeld Gardens on the Far South Side , police said .
Officers responded to gunfire about 9:30 a.m. and found a 24-year-old with multiple gunshot wounds in the 13200 block of South Greenwood Avenue , according to Chicago police .
He died at the scene .
The day ’ s first fatal shooting took the life of a person in Roseland on the Far South Side .
About 4:50 a.m. , a man called police after he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East 112th Street , looked outside and saw a male lying on the ground , police said .
Officers found him with a gunshot wound to the back of his head , police said .
He was rushed to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he was pronounced dead .
In non-fatal shootings , a man and woman were wounded in West Englewood on the South Side .
The pair were on the porch of a home about 8:20 p.m. in the 1700 block of West 71st Street when someone fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The man , 35 , was grazed on the chest while the woman , 55 , was shot in the hand and arm , police said .
Both were hospitalized in fair condition .
About 30 minutes earlier , a 60-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Avondale on the Northwest Side .
He was in an alley about 7:50 p.m. in the 3800 block of West Eddy Street when someone shot him in the knee , police said .
The man was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Minutes prior , a 21-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Englewood on the South Side .
About 7:45 p.m. , he was in the 1100 block of West 57th Street when someone shot him in the lower back , police said .
The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition .
Two people were wounded when they were shot in Ashburn on the Southwest Side .
A 30-year-old man was arguing with another male , whose age isn ’ t known , about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West 79th Street when one of them fired shots , police said .
The 30-year-old was struck in the head and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition , police said .
The other male was grazed in the arm and declined medical treatment .
Tuesday morning , a man was shot in Burnside on the South Side .
He was standing outside about 11:08 a.m. in the 800 bock of East 89th Place when someone fired shots from a passing vehicle , police said .
The 22-year-old was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and grazed in the left hand , police said .
He took himself to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where his condition was stabilized .
A man was shot in Austin on the West Side .
The 31-year-old was driving about 8:43 a.m. in the 200 block of South Cicero Avenue when another vehicle pulled alongside and someone inside opened fire , police said .
The man was struck in the thigh and crashed his vehicle into another car on Cicero Avenue , police said .
He was taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The day ’ s first reported shooting wounded a 25-year-old in Lawndale on the West Side .
Officers responding to calls of shots fired about 1:20 a.m. in the 2800 block of West Polk Street found the man with a gunshot wound to the right thigh , police said .
He was taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in good condition .
The circumstances of the shooting are unknown because the man was uncooperative with police .
Nineteen people were shot , three of them fatally , Monday in Chicago .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s homicides .

Eleven people were shot, two fatally, Tuesday in Chicago.
A man was found shot to death inside a home in Altgeld Gardens on the Far South Side, police said.
Officers responded to gunfire about 9:30 a.m. and found a 24-year-old with multiple gunshot wounds in the 13200 block of South Greenwood Avenue, according to Chicago police. He died at the scene.
The day’s first fatal shooting took the life of a person in Roseland on the Far South Side.
About 4:50 a.m., a man called police after he heard gunshots in the 400 block of East 112th Street, looked outside and saw a male lying on the ground, police said.
Officers found him with a gunshot wound to the back of his head, police said. He was rushed to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.
In non-fatal shootings, a man and woman were wounded in West Englewood on the South Side.
The pair were on the porch of a home about 8:20 p.m. in the 1700 block of West 71st Street when someone fired shots, striking them both, police said.
The man, 35, was grazed on the chest while the woman, 55, was shot in the hand and arm, police said. Both were hospitalized in fair condition.
About 30 minutes earlier, a 60-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Avondale on the Northwest Side.
He was in an alley about 7:50 p.m. in the 3800 block of West Eddy Street when someone shot him in the knee, police said.
The man was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in an unknown condition, police said.
Minutes prior, a 21-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Englewood on the South Side.
About 7:45 p.m., he was in the 1100 block of West 57th Street when someone shot him in the lower back, police said. The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.
Two people were wounded when they were shot in Ashburn on the Southwest Side.
A 30-year-old man was arguing with another male, whose age isn’t known, about 4:17 p.m. in the 4000 block of West 79th Street when one of them fired shots, police said.
The 30-year-old was struck in the head and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition, police said. The other male was grazed in the arm and declined medical treatment.
Tuesday morning, a man was shot in Burnside on the South Side.
He was standing outside about 11:08 a.m. in the 800 bock of East 89th Place when someone fired shots from a passing vehicle, police said.
The 22-year-old was struck in the right hand and foot, and grazed in the left hand, police said. He took himself to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized.
A man was shot in Austin on the West Side.
The 31-year-old was driving about 8:43 a.m. in the 200 block of South Cicero Avenue when another vehicle pulled alongside and someone inside opened fire, police said.
The man was struck in the thigh and crashed his vehicle into another car on Cicero Avenue, police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.
The day’s first reported shooting wounded a 25-year-old in Lawndale on the West Side.
Officers responding to calls of shots fired about 1:20 a.m. in the 2800 block of West Polk Street found the man with a gunshot wound to the right thigh, police said. He was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition.
The circumstances of the shooting are unknown because the man was uncooperative with police.
Nineteen people were shot, three of them fatally, Monday in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Vehicle thefts reported in Brainerd, Longwood Manor: police

Chicago police are warning residents of five vehicle thefts reported in June and July in Brainerd and Longwood Manor on @ @ @ @ @ all but one theft , victims still had possession of their car keys , according @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police .
• Between 9 p.m. June 16 and 8 a.m. June 17 in @ @ @ @ @ Wallace Street ; • About 4 p.m. June 26 in the 9500 block of South @ @ @ @ @ 10 p.m. June 27 and 6 a.m. June 28 in the 9800 block of South @ @ @ @ @ 7 p.m. June 30 and 9 a.m. July 1 in the 9800 block of South @ @ @ @ @ Between 10 p.m. July 1 and 4 a.m. July 2 in the 9800 block of @ @ @ @ @ with information is asked to contact Area Two detectives at 312-747-8273 .

Chicago police are warning residents of five vehicle thefts reported in June and July in Brainerd and Longwood Manor on the South Side.
In all but one theft, victims still had possession of their car keys, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The thefts happened:
Between 9 p.m. June 16 and 8 a.m. June 17 in the 9400 block of South Wallace Street;
About 4 p.m. June 26 in the 9500 block of South Green Street;
Between 10 p.m. June 27 and 6 a.m. June 28 in the 9800 block of South Green Street;
Between 7 p.m. June 30 and 9 a.m. July 1 in the 9800 block of South Emerald Avenue; and
Between 10 p.m. July 1 and 4 a.m. July 2 in the 9800 block of South Emerald Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Two detectives at 312-747-8273.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-07--Horoscope for Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Horoscope for Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Avoid shopping or important decisions until 1:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Aquarius into Pisces .
Delays and silly goof-ups at home are taking place now because of Mercury retrograde .
Likewise , relatives might be camped on your couch .
This could be why domestic arguments might flare up .
Try to avoid these if you can to keep happy household .
Eh wot ?
Life is frustrating for you now because Mercury retrograde is creating transportation delays , car problems , flat tires , missed buses and canceled appointments , to name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others will be confused .
Avoid arguments .
Stay frosty .
Disputes about money and possessions might arise .
In part , you are frustrated because Mercury retrograde is causing money hassles for you .
Checks in the mail will be late .
Silly errors related to money might occur .
You might even lose money .
Bummer .
Avoid arguments with parents , teachers , bosses or the police because you need this like a fish needs a bicycle .
With Mercury being retrograde in your sign , naturally you feel frustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s classic for you to misplace items , miss appointments and forget things right now .
It is what it is .
You might be doing a slow boil about something .
You ’ re unhappy or angry , but you feel you can ’ t speak up .
This is the worst , isn ’ t it ?
( Could that be a deli pun ? )
Remember what your objective is .
You want to be happy .
Being angry at someone does not make you happy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shared property , taxes , debt or insurance issues because everyone will lose .
Some people are looking for a chance for a fight .
Better step aside .
“ A lot of men didn ’ t and a lot of men died.
” Wasn ’ t Tennessee Ernie Ford great singing “ Sixteen Tons ?
” Avoid arguments with partners , close friends , bosses and parents today because they will easily arise .
Remember , you can be right or you can be in the relationship , what ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tender !
Consider today an opportunity to practice patience .
Avoid controversial subjects like politics , religion and racial issues today because people will explode .
( Yeah , it ’ s that kinda day . )
Instead , focus on schmoozing and having fun with others .
Sports events or playful activities with kids will be a particular delight .
Parents might have squabbles with their kids .
Meanwhile , lovers ’ spats will be par for the course .
Incidentally , fights among sports players are also very likely .
Oy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can steer clear of unpleasant issues .
Stay chill .
Domestic tension is likely today .
This could be related to ex-partners who are back on the scene either in person or in conversation .
It might be family related .
Whatever the case , go gently .
Everyone is happier when there is peace and harmony .
That ’ s a no-brainer .
Work-related arguments might take place today because people are impatient and annoyed .
In fact , some people are looking for a fight .
Tension about a pet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can to stay chill because you are excellent at dealing with groups and herding people with skillful means .
Parents might have difficulty dealing with kids today .
Likewise , romantic partners might be bickering or fighting .
It ’ s a touchy day !
But you always have a choice .
You can choose to get involved in a nasty way or rise above the fray .
Even in bad times , good things can happen .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Kevin Bacon ( 1958 ) shares your birthday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You always have something to say !
Exciting news for your year ahead !
You ’ re entering a year of new beginnings !
This means it ’ s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years .
Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want .
Just do it !

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or important decisions until 1:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Aquarius into Pisces.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Delays and silly goof-ups at home are taking place now because of Mercury retrograde. Likewise, relatives might be camped on your couch. This could be why domestic arguments might flare up. Try to avoid these if you can to keep happy household. Eh wot?
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Life is frustrating for you now because Mercury retrograde is creating transportation delays, car problems, flat tires, missed buses and canceled appointments, to name just a few examples. Communications with others will be confused. Avoid arguments. Stay frosty.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Disputes about money and possessions might arise. In part, you are frustrated because Mercury retrograde is causing money hassles for you. Checks in the mail will be late. Silly errors related to money might occur. You might even lose money. Bummer.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Avoid arguments with parents, teachers, bosses or the police because you need this like a fish needs a bicycle. With Mercury being retrograde in your sign, naturally you feel frustrated. You’re not losing it. It’s classic for you to misplace items, miss appointments and forget things right now. It is what it is.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You might be doing a slow boil about something. You’re unhappy or angry, but you feel you can’t speak up. This is the worst, isn’t it? (Could that be a deli pun?) Remember what your objective is. You want to be happy. Being angry at someone does not make you happy.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Don’t fight today about inheritances, shared property, taxes, debt or insurance issues because everyone will lose. Some people are looking for a chance for a fight. Better step aside. “A lot of men didn’t and a lot of men died.” Wasn’t Tennessee Ernie Ford great singing “Sixteen Tons?”
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Avoid arguments with partners, close friends, bosses and parents today because they will easily arise. Remember, you can be right or you can be in the relationship, what’s your choice? Our egos are so tender! Consider today an opportunity to practice patience.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Avoid controversial subjects like politics, religion and racial issues today because people will explode. (Yeah, it’s that kinda day.) Instead, focus on schmoozing and having fun with others. Sports events or playful activities with kids will be a particular delight.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Parents might have squabbles with their kids. Meanwhile, lovers’ spats will be par for the course. Incidentally, fights among sports players are also very likely. Oy! Knowing this ahead of time, you can steer clear of unpleasant issues. Stay chill.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Domestic tension is likely today. This could be related to ex-partners who are back on the scene either in person or in conversation. It might be family related. Whatever the case, go gently. Everyone is happier when there is peace and harmony. That’s a no-brainer.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Work-related arguments might take place today because people are impatient and annoyed. In fact, some people are looking for a fight. Tension about a pet might also arise. Do what you can to stay chill because you are excellent at dealing with groups and herding people with skillful means.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Parents might have difficulty dealing with kids today. Likewise, romantic partners might be bickering or fighting. It’s a touchy day! But you always have a choice. You can choose to get involved in a nasty way or rise above the fray. Even in bad times, good things can happen.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Kevin Bacon (1958) shares your birthday. You are talkative, curious and friendly. You always have something to say! Exciting news for your year ahead! You’re entering a year of new beginnings! This means it’s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years. Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want. Just do it!


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Trump should order nation to wear masks, Pritzker says (LIVE UPDATES)

Pritzker says Trump should order nation to wear masks : ‘ It ’ s not too late for the federal government to make an impact ’ Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , an avid critic of President Trump and his response to the COVID-19 pandemic , called on the federal government Wednesday to require face coverings and to devise a national strategy to try to contain the virus that has killed more than 133,000 Americans .
“ We need a national masking mandate .
We instituted ours in Illinois on May 1 , the first in the nation .
And it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our infection rate , ” Pritzker said in testimony video streamed to the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security .
“ It ’ s not too late for the federal government to make an impact .
In fact , it ’ s more important than ever.
” Pritzker is not the only governor to call for a national mask mandate .
New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy has also done so .
Trump does not wear a mask and has said it is a “ voluntary ” measure , despite health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to contain the virus ’ spread .
For months , Pritzker has been a frequent critic of Trump and the Republican president ’ s response to the coronavirus , both in national television appearances and in local news briefings .
As the pandemic began to take its toll on the world and the country , the governor complained about Illinois having to secure its own tests and personal protective equipment to get ahead of the spread of the virus .
Read the full story by reporter Tina Sfondeles here .
7:16 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely reopen this fall , ex-U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says Former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Wednesday it ’ s “ too early to tell ” whether the Chicago Public Schools can safely reopen this fall to in-classroom learning .
It all depends on whether Chicago adults behave responsibly or recklessly this summer to prevent a surge in coronavirus cases that mirrors what ’ s happening in nearly two dozen other states .
“ We , as a country , haven ’ t taken the hard steps we need to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Duncan , who spent more than seven years as CPS ’ chief executive .
“ What we as a country are willing to do — what small sacrifices we ’ re willing to make so our children can safely return to school this fall — that ’ s up to us .
Schools systems can ’ t do this by themselves .
They don ’ t live in a bubble.
” “ Wear a mask .
Don ’ t hang out at the beaches .
Don ’ t go to bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at restaurants , ” he said .
Read the full story from City Hall reporter Fran Spielman or listen to the full interview on “ The Fran Spielman Show ” podcast .
5:35 p.m. United Airlines might trim nearly half of U.S. employees United Airlines said Wednesday up to 36,000 of its frontline U.S. employees , or about 45 % of its domestic workforce , could lose their jobs Oct. 1 .
The carrier said the affected employees will get a notice of what it called “ involuntary furloughs ” either from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the announcement , Chicago-based United becomes the first major U.S. airline to detail a massive downsizing due to the business decline related to the coronavirus .
The advisories are being given under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act , or WARN , which requires a 60-day notice of large-scale layoffs or furloughs .
United said not everyone who gets a notice will be forced out ; complying with the WARN act gives the company the right to cut the workers if it must .
“ We expect to offset these numbers through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs as well as continued discussions with our union partners about creative ways to help reduce furloughs , ” the company said .
“ Our primary goal throughout this crisis has been to ensure United — and the jobs it supports — are here when customers are flying again.
” 3:40 p.m. State sees biggest daily spike in COVID-19 cases in a month as Pritzker beefs up mobile testing sites Another 980 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Illinois , health officials said Wednesday , marking the largest number of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a month .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported another 36 deaths attributed to COVID-19 , raising the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 7,099 .
The 980 new cases is the most in a single day since June 5 , the last time the state ’ s daily caseload hit four digits : 1,156 .
During Illinois ’ peak month of May , an average of about 2,172 people were testing positive for COVID-19 each day .
That rate fell to about 764 new cases per day in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July , so far has risen slightly to about 781 cases per day .
Coronavirus test results have also been reported at a greater clip so far this month , though .
The latest batch of cases were detected among 32,742 tests , the fourth highest total ever received by the state .
The state has topped 30,000 daily tests nine times ; it ’ s happened five of the first eight days in July .
3:14 p.m. President Trump threatens to cut federal aid if schools don ’ t reopen in fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s schools , President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to hold back federal money if school districts don ’ t bring their students back in the fall despite coronavirus worries .
He complained that his own public health officials ’ safety guideline are impractical and too expensive .
Shortly afterward , Vice President Mike Pence announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be issuing new guidance next week “ that will give all new tools to our schools.
” Despite Trump ’ s increased his pressure on state and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that most of its students would return to classrooms only two or three days a week and would learn online in between .
“ Most schools will not be able to have all their kids in school at the same time , ” said Mayor Bill de Blasio .
For a nation that prides itself on its public school system , it ’ s a newly extraordinary situation in this pandemic-ridden year .
3 p.m. Berwyn to get biggest share of $ 51 million in federal funds Cook County is doling out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook County suburbs will receive roughly $ 51 million in federal relief dollars for personal protective equipment , hand sanitizer and other expenses related to the coronavirus , officials said Wednesday .
Of those municipalities , Berwyn will receive the most money .
A total of $ 788,000 of the funding has been allocated to that western suburb .
The county received $ 429 million through the federal Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act .
Local units of government were then allowed to distribute the money to municipalities with fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to use the funds for direct expenses related to the coronavirus , such as those associated with buying personal protective equipment .
The cities and towns must submit their expenses to the county to be reimbursed for what they spend .
To the degree that small , rural Scott County was known for anything to the rest of the state , it was for being the only Illinois county without a single case of COVID-19 .
A few weeks ago , one guy even made the trip down from the Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Illinois that had been spared .
“ He went and got his hair cut at the barbershop and walked around town , ” said Steve Granger , who owns the bowling alley in the town of Winchester .
Scott County lost that distinction last week , when a 66-year-old woman was diagnosed with the virus and was reported to be recovering at her home .
But even with the news , little has changed in the central Illinois county of 4,951 .
“ Well everybody was disappointed because we kind of liked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have a case , a confirmed case , ” said Rex McIntire , mayor of Winchester , the 1,458-population county seat .
“ But we kind of also knew it was just a matter of time , so no shock or anything.
” In fact , if anything has changed , it ’ s in the direction of reopening , along with the rest of the state .
Read reporter Neal Earley ’ s first report from Scott County here .
12:32 p.m. Lysol can kill coronavirus on surfaces , EPA says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Environmental Protection Agency to wipe out the coronavirus .
Two versions of the common household disinfectant spray were lab tested by the agency , which found they could kill the virus on surfaces , the EPA announced .
Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist can kill the virus in under 2 minutes , the agency found .
“ The EPA ’ s approval recognizes that using Lysol Disinfectant Spray can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on hard , non-porous surfaces , ” said Rahul Kadyan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s parent company Reckitt Benckiser in a statement .
“ In the face of the pandemic , Lysol continues to work with a wide range of scientific and health experts to educate the public on the importance of hygiene.
” There might not be fans in the stands but there could be faces in the crowd .
The White Sox announced a new initiative , called FANtastic Faces , allowing fans to buy a cardboard cutout of their likeness that will be displayed at Guaranteed Rate Field during the team ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sales begin at 3 p.m. today on the White Sox ’ web site .
All proceeds go to White Sox Charities .
A limited supply of FANtastic Faces are available for $ 49 each .
Fans can create their personal cutout by submitting a photo following the guidelines provided at whitesox.com/fantasticfaces .
10 a.m .
Advocacy groups call on Pritzker to move some nursing home residents to hotels to ensure social distancing Advocacy groups want Gov .
J.B. Pritzker to transfer some nursing home residents to hotels to ease crowding and ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Institutional Rescue and Recovery Coalition , composed of several senior and disability rights groups , is calling for immediate action to prevent further spread of the coronavirus among vulnerable populations at nursing homes and long-term care facilities , which account for more than half of the state ’ s virus deaths .
It ’ s impossible to social distance when multiple people often share rooms at these facilities , said Becky Ozaki , health care and economic justice organizer with the Jane Addams Senior Caucus , a nonprofit that seeks economic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Under this plan , people who don ’ t need high levels of care would be evacuated to hotels , many of which are empty right now , ” Ozaki said .
The coalition held a virtual news conference Tuesday to discuss its proposed plan .
8:04 a.m .
Suburban movie theaters to temporarily close again after 3 weeks of social distancing Suburban movie theaters in the Classic Cinemas chain , which reopened 11 days ago , will close again temporarily after the end of business on Thursday .
“ Unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra costs have made our current business model unsustainable , ” the company said in a statement Tuesday .
Classic Cinemas operates the York Theatre in Elmhurst , the Luxury 6 in North Riverside , the Charlestowne 18 in St. Charles , the Cinema 12 in Carpentersville , the Cinema 7 in Sandwich , the Elk Grove in Elk Grove Village , the Fox Lake in Fox Lake , the Paramount Theatre in Kankakee and the Woodstock in Woodstock , as well as locations in Beloit , Wisconsin , and Freeport .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
6:40 a.m. Another PPE shortage ?
Protective gear for medical workers begins to run low again The personal protective gear that was in dangerously short supply during the early weeks of the coronavirus crisis in the U.S. is running low again as the virus resumes its rapid spread and the number of hospitalized patients climbs .
A national nursing union is concerned that gear has to be reused .
A doctors association warns that physicians ’ offices are closed because they can not get masks and other supplies .
And Democratic members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to devise a national strategy to acquire and distribute gear in anticipation of the crisis worsening into the fall .
“ We ’ re five months into this and there are still shortages of gowns , hair covers , shoe covers , masks , N95 masks , ” said Deborah Burger , president of National Nurses United , who cited results from a survey of the union ’ s members .
“ They ’ re being doled out , and we ’ re still being told to reuse them.
” When the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot spots such as New York City , the situation was so desperate that nurses turned plastic garbage bags into protective gowns .
The lack of equipment forced states and hospitals to compete against each other , the federal government and other countries in desperate , expensive bidding wars .
In general , supplies of protective gear are more robust now , and many states and major hospital chains say they are in better shape .
But medical professionals and some lawmakers have cast doubt on those improvements as shortages begin to reappear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus in Illinois , raising the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 7,063 , health officials said Tuesday .
• Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced Monday that she had tested positive for COVID-19 .
• Kimberly Guilfoyle , campaign official and Donald Trump Jr. ’ s girlfriend , tests positive for coronavirus .
• Bachata singer Prince Royce revealed that he is recovering from the virus in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday .
8:24 a.m. Trump runs foreign students out of the country in a desperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have one question about a Trump administration plan to force thousands of foreign college students to leave the country should their school go online because of COVID-19 : Why now , when dozens of states are seeing skyrocketing new cases of COVID-19 and colleges are struggling with how best to serve their students during this resurgent pandemic ?
Why the rush ?
Why no advance warning ?
Why create even bigger problems for more than a million international students who already are struggling to carry on with their education in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Why is the Trump administration so eager to turn back smart and talented young people from around the world whose presence here only makes our campuses of higher learning , college towns and big cities more cosmopolitan , vibrant and diverse ?
It ’ s not as if international students have been a burden .
They pump an estimated $ 41 billion into the U.S. economy each year and support 458,290 jobs , according to NAFSA : Association of International Educators .
In Illinois , 53,724 foreign students boost the economy by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs .

Another 980 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Illinois, health officials said Wednesday, marking the largest number of new cases reported during a 24-hour period in over a month.
The battle against the coronavirus pandemic is far from over. Here’s what happened in Chicago and Illinois as officials grappled with testing, school reopenings and other pandemic problems.
News
8:55 p.m. Pritzker says Trump should order nation to wear masks: ‘It’s not too late for the federal government to make an impact’
Gov. J.B. Pritzker adjusts his face mask after a press conference in the Lawndale Plaza parking lot on the West Side, Wednesday afternoon, June 17, 2020. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, an avid critic of President Trump and his response to the COVID-19 pandemic, called on the federal government Wednesday to require face coverings and to devise a national strategy to try to contain the virus that has killed more than 133,000 Americans.
“We need a national masking mandate. We instituted ours in Illinois on May 1, the first in the nation. And it aligns with our most significant downward shifts in our infection rate,” Pritzker said in testimony video streamed to the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security. “It’s not too late for the federal government to make an impact. In fact, it’s more important than ever.”
Pritzker is not the only governor to call for a national mask mandate. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has also done so. Trump does not wear a mask and has said it is a “voluntary” measure, despite health officials urging Americans to wear face coverings to try to contain the virus’ spread.
For months, Pritzker has been a frequent critic of Trump and the Republican president’s response to the coronavirus, both in national television appearances and in local news briefings. As the pandemic began to take its toll on the world and the country, the governor complained about Illinois having to secure its own tests and personal protective equipment to get ahead of the spread of the virus.
Read the full story by reporter Tina Sfondeles here.
7:16 p.m. Too early to tell whether CPS can safely reopen this fall, ex-U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says
Former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Wednesday it’s “too early to tell” whether the Chicago Public Schools can safely reopen this fall to in-classroom learning.
It all depends on whether Chicago adults behave responsibly or recklessly this summer to prevent a surge in coronavirus cases that mirrors what’s happening in nearly two dozen other states.
“We, as a country, haven’t taken the hard steps we need to open schools and to make things safe,” said Duncan, who spent more than seven years as CPS’ chief executive.
“What we as a country are willing to do — what small sacrifices we’re willing to make so our children can safely return to school this fall — that’s up to us. Schools systems can’t do this by themselves. They don’t live in a bubble.”
Those sacrifices?
“Wear a mask. Don’t hang out at the beaches. Don’t go to bars. Don’t go eat indoors at restaurants,” he said.
Read the full story from City Hall reporter Fran Spielman or listen to the full interview on “The Fran Spielman Show” podcast.
5:35 p.m. United Airlines might trim nearly half of U.S. employees
United Airlines said Wednesday up to 36,000 of its frontline U.S. employees, or about 45% of its domestic workforce, could lose their jobs Oct. 1.
The carrier said the affected employees will get a notice of what it called “involuntary furloughs” either from the company or a union representative. With the announcement, Chicago-based United becomes the first major U.S. airline to detail a massive downsizing due to the business decline related to the coronavirus.
The advisories are being given under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act, or WARN, which requires a 60-day notice of large-scale layoffs or furloughs. United said not everyone who gets a notice will be forced out; complying with the WARN act gives the company the right to cut the workers if it must.
“We expect to offset these numbers through increased participation in new and existing voluntary programs as well as continued discussions with our union partners about creative ways to help reduce furloughs,” the company said. “Our primary goal throughout this crisis has been to ensure United — and the jobs it supports — are here when customers are flying again.”
Read the full story here.
3:40 p.m. State sees biggest daily spike in COVID-19 cases in a month as Pritzker beefs up mobile testing sites
Another 980 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Illinois, health officials said Wednesday, marking the largest number of new cases reported during a 24-hour period in over a month.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported another 36 deaths attributed to COVID-19, raising the state’s pandemic death toll to 7,099.
The 980 new cases is the most in a single day since June 5, the last time the state’s daily caseload hit four digits: 1,156.
During Illinois’ peak month of May, an average of about 2,172 people were testing positive for COVID-19 each day. That rate fell to about 764 new cases per day in June, and, a week into July, so far has risen slightly to about 781 cases per day.
Coronavirus test results have also been reported at a greater clip so far this month, though. The latest batch of cases were detected among 32,742 tests, the fourth highest total ever received by the state. The state has topped 30,000 daily tests nine times; it’s happened five of the first eight days in July.
Read the full story here.
3:14 p.m. President Trump threatens to cut federal aid if schools don’t reopen in fall because of coronavirus
Determined to reopen America’s schools, President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to hold back federal money if school districts don’t bring their students back in the fall despite coronavirus worries. He complained that his own public health officials’ safety guideline are impractical and too expensive.
Shortly afterward, Vice President Mike Pence announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be issuing new guidance next week “that will give all new tools to our schools.”
Despite Trump’s increased his pressure on state and local officials, New York City announced that most of its students would return to classrooms only two or three days a week and would learn online in between. “Most schools will not be able to have all their kids in school at the same time,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
For a nation that prides itself on its public school system, it’s a newly extraordinary situation in this pandemic-ridden year.
Read the full story here.
3 p.m. Berwyn to get biggest share of $51 million in federal funds Cook County is doling out to cover suburban COVID-19 expenses
More than 100 Cook County suburbs will receive roughly $51 million in federal relief dollars for personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer and other expenses related to the coronavirus, officials said Wednesday.
Of those municipalities, Berwyn will receive the most money. A total of $788,000 of the funding has been allocated to that western suburb.
The county received $429 million through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Local units of government were then allowed to distribute the money to municipalities with fewer than 500,000 people.
Municipalities will only be able to use the funds for direct expenses related to the coronavirus, such as those associated with buying personal protective equipment. The cities and towns must submit their expenses to the county to be reimbursed for what they spend.
Read the full story here.
1:22 p.m. Scott County’s first COVID-19 case
Neal Earley/Sun-Times
To the degree that small, rural Scott County was known for anything to the rest of the state, it was for being the only Illinois county without a single case of COVID-19.
A few weeks ago, one guy even made the trip down from the Chicago area just to visit the last corner of Illinois that had been spared.
“He went and got his hair cut at the barbershop and walked around town,” said Steve Granger, who owns the bowling alley in the town of Winchester.
Scott County lost that distinction last week, when a 66-year-old woman was diagnosed with the virus and was reported to be recovering at her home.
But even with the news, little has changed in the central Illinois county of 4,951.
“Well everybody was disappointed because we kind of liked being the only county that didn’t have a case, a confirmed case,” said Rex McIntire, mayor of Winchester, the 1,458-population county seat. “But we kind of also knew it was just a matter of time, so no shock or anything.”
In fact, if anything has changed, it’s in the direction of reopening, along with the rest of the state.
Read reporter Neal Earley’s first report from Scott County here.
12:32 p.m. Lysol can kill coronavirus on surfaces, EPA says
Lysol is the first surface disinfectant approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to wipe out the coronavirus.
Two versions of the common household disinfectant spray were lab tested by the agency, which found they could kill the virus on surfaces, the EPA announced. Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist can kill the virus in under 2 minutes, the agency found.
“The EPA’s approval recognizes that using Lysol Disinfectant Spray can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on hard, non-porous surfaces,” said Rahul Kadyan, executive vice president of hygiene for Lysol’s parent company Reckitt Benckiser in a statement.
“In the face of the pandemic, Lysol continues to work with a wide range of scientific and health experts to educate the public on the importance of hygiene.”
Read the full story here.
10:45 a.m. White Sox introduce fan cutout initiative to fill empty stands
There might not be fans in the stands but there could be faces in the crowd.
The White Sox announced a new initiative, called FANtastic Faces, allowing fans to buy a cardboard cutout of their likeness that will be displayed at Guaranteed Rate Field during the team’s first homestand against the Twins July 24-27.
Sales begin at 3 p.m. today on the White Sox’ web site. All proceeds go to White Sox Charities.
A limited supply of FANtastic Faces are available for $49 each. Fans can create their personal cutout by submitting a photo following the guidelines provided at whitesox.com/fantasticfaces.
Read the full story here.
10 a.m. Advocacy groups call on Pritzker to move some nursing home residents to hotels to ensure social distancing
Advocacy groups want Gov. J.B. Pritzker to transfer some nursing home residents to hotels to ease crowding and ensure social distancing at long-term care facilities.
The Institutional Rescue and Recovery Coalition, composed of several senior and disability rights groups, is calling for immediate action to prevent further spread of the coronavirus among vulnerable populations at nursing homes and long-term care facilities, which account for more than half of the state’s virus deaths.
It’s impossible to social distance when multiple people often share rooms at these facilities, said Becky Ozaki, health care and economic justice organizer with the Jane Addams Senior Caucus, a nonprofit that seeks economic, social and racial justice for seniors.
“Under this plan, people who don’t need high levels of care would be evacuated to hotels, many of which are empty right now,” Ozaki said.
The coalition held a virtual news conference Tuesday to discuss its proposed plan.
Read Mitch Dudek’s coverage of Tuesday’s news conference here.
8:04 a.m. Suburban movie theaters to temporarily close again after 3 weeks of social distancing
Suburban movie theaters in the Classic Cinemas chain, which reopened 11 days ago, will close again temporarily after the end of business on Thursday.
“Unfortunately, the lack of new movies and the extra costs have made our current business model unsustainable,” the company said in a statement Tuesday.
Classic Cinemas operates the York Theatre in Elmhurst, the Luxury 6 in North Riverside, the Charlestowne 18 in St. Charles, the Cinema 12 in Carpentersville, the Cinema 7 in Sandwich, the Elk Grove in Elk Grove Village, the Fox Lake in Fox Lake, the Paramount Theatre in Kankakee and the Woodstock in Woodstock, as well as locations in Beloit, Wisconsin, and Freeport.
Read the full story here by Darel Jevens.
6:40 a.m. Another PPE shortage? Protective gear for medical workers begins to run low again
The personal protective gear that was in dangerously short supply during the early weeks of the coronavirus crisis in the U.S. is running low again as the virus resumes its rapid spread and the number of hospitalized patients climbs.
A national nursing union is concerned that gear has to be reused. A doctors association warns that physicians’ offices are closed because they cannot get masks and other supplies. And Democratic members of Congress are pushing the Trump administration to devise a national strategy to acquire and distribute gear in anticipation of the crisis worsening into the fall.
“We’re five months into this and there are still shortages of gowns, hair covers, shoe covers, masks, N95 masks,” said Deborah Burger, president of National Nurses United, who cited results from a survey of the union’s members. “They’re being doled out, and we’re still being told to reuse them.”
When the crisis first exploded in March and April in hot spots such as New York City, the situation was so desperate that nurses turned plastic garbage bags into protective gowns. The lack of equipment forced states and hospitals to compete against each other, the federal government and other countries in desperate, expensive bidding wars.
In general, supplies of protective gear are more robust now, and many states and major hospital chains say they are in better shape. But medical professionals and some lawmakers have cast doubt on those improvements as shortages begin to reappear.
Read the full story here.
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
8:24 a.m. Trump runs foreign students out of the country in a desperate move to return to ‘normal’
We have one question about a Trump administration plan to force thousands of foreign college students to leave the country should their school go online because of COVID-19:
Why?
Why now, when dozens of states are seeing skyrocketing new cases of COVID-19 and colleges are struggling with how best to serve their students during this resurgent pandemic?
Why the rush? Why no advance warning? Why create even bigger problems for more than a million international students who already are struggling to carry on with their education in the United States in this time of global crisis?
Why is the Trump administration so eager to turn back smart and talented young people from around the world whose presence here only makes our campuses of higher learning, college towns and big cities more cosmopolitan, vibrant and diverse?
It’s not as if international students have been a burden. They pump an estimated $41 billion into the U.S. economy each year and support 458,290 jobs, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators. In Illinois, 53,724 foreign students boost the economy by some $1.9 billion and support 25,855 jobs.
Read the full editorial here.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Cubs’ Kyle Ryan, key piece of bullpen puzzle, finally making his way to Wrigley Field

Cubs manager David Ross was excited .
How excited ?
So excited , he raised both fists in the air and shook them — gently , but still — while sharing the news in a video conference with reporters .
“ We ’ re getting him out of Florida !
” Ross said , smiling widely .
“ He ’ s coming !
” Kyle Ryan , that is .
Somewhere along the way , the lefty reliever became a really big deal .
The Cubs see him as one of the backbone pieces of their bullpen , for sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what the Cubs have termed “ protocol technicalities ” and a “ process-based ” testing delay .
He has kept up with his throwing program in Florida and is expected to arrive Thursday in Chicago and begin the intake screening process , with a chance to be on the field with his teammates by the end of the week .
If Ross ’ positive instincts about his bullpen are on the money , Ryan , 28 , will pick up where he left off last season , when he posted a 3.54 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the true success stories of the Cubs ’ pitch lab , which helped him find a new lease on life as a pitcher after flaming out in the Tigers organization .
“ I fought from Day 1 until my last day in all my big-league camps , not knowing if I had a spot until I got on a plane to go to that certain city , ” he said during spring training in Arizona .
“ And that ’ s the mentality.
” Jon Lester , who is coming around a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the starting rotation , threw live batting practice and had one good “ inning ” but then , after retaking the mound for another , struggled with pitching from the stretch .
“ As we ramp this thing up and get him in live competition , all that stuff will fall in place , ” Ross said .
“ He ’ s a professional , been doing it a long time.
” This and that The Cubs gave first baseman Anthony Rizzo a second straight day to rest his stiff back , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caution.
” Rizzo could be back in action Thursday evening when the team hopes to get in a five- or six-inning intrasquad game .
• Hernan Perez , a utility man who was a non-roster invitee at spring training in Arizona , was added to the 60-man player pool , bringing the Cubs ’ total to 51 players currently working out at Wrigley or in South Bend , Ind .
• During Tuesday ’ s intrasquad game — with Rizzo unexpectedly sidelined — usual catchers Josh Phegley and P.J .
Higgins played first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glove .
Ross was asked if that was , according to health and safety protocols , a no-no .
“ I did see that , ” he said .
“ We talked about it , and that ’ s been addressed .
There was an issue with Rizz .
I was assured that things were sanitized.
” Still , it probably shouldn ’ t happen again .

Cubs manager David Ross was excited. How excited? So excited he raised both fists in the air and shook them — gently, but still — while sharing the news in a video conference with reporters.
‘‘We’re getting him out of Florida!’’ Ross said, smiling widely. ‘‘He’s coming!’’
Lefty reliever Kyle Ryan, that is. Somewhere along the way, Ryan became a really big deal. The Cubs see him as one of the backbone pieces of their bullpen, for sure.
Ryan is late to camp because of what the Cubs have termed ‘‘protocol technicalities’’ and a ‘‘process-based’’ testing delay. He has kept up with his throwing program in Florida and is expected to arrive Thursday in Chicago, where he will begin the intake screening process. He has a chance to be on the field with his teammates by the end of the week.
If Ross’ positive instincts about his bullpen are on the money, Ryan, 28, will pick up where he left off last season, when he posted a 3.54 ERA in 73 appearances. He remains one of the true success stories of the Cubs’ pitch lab, which helped him find a new lease on life after flaming out in the Tigers’ organization.
Ryan isn’t taking anything for granted.
‘‘I fought from Day 1 until my last day in all my big-league camps, not knowing if I had a spot until I got on a plane to go to that certain city,’’ he said during spring training in Arizona. ‘‘And that’s the mentality.’’
Lester sighting
Left-hander Jon Lester, who is coming around a bit more slowly than some other members of the starting rotation, threw live batting practice and had one good ‘‘inning’’ before struggling with pitching from the stretch after retaking the mound for another.
‘‘As we ramp this thing up and get him in live competition, all that stuff will fall in place,’’ Ross said. ‘‘He’s a professional, been doing it a long time.’’
This and that
The Cubs gave first baseman Anthony Rizzo a second consecutive day to rest his stiff back, which Ross characterized as simply ‘‘using caution.’’ Rizzo might be back Thursday evening, when the Cubs hope to get in a five- or six-inning intrasquad game.
• Hernan Perez, a utility player who was a non-roster invitee at spring training in Arizona, was added to the 60-man player pool, bringing the Cubs’ total to 51 players working out at Wrigley or in South Bend, Indiana.
• During the intrasquad game Tuesday — with Rizzo sidelined — usual catchers Josh Phegley and P.J. Higgins played first base on opposite sides and shared a glove. Ross was asked if that was, according to health and safety protocols, a no-no.
‘‘I did see that,’’ he said. ‘‘We talked about it, and that’s been addressed. There was an issue with Rizz. I was assured that things were sanitized.’’
Still, it probably shouldn’t happen again.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Teen boy missing since June located safely

Mary Trump says uncle Donald may have ‘ undiagnosed learning disability ’ in new book The president cheated to get @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Wharton School , she alleges , with someone taking his SATs for him @

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


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Jim Carrey’s wild debut novel (he’s not just a movie star) and 3 more must-read new books

Here ’ s the lowdown on some of the latest must-read new books .
‘ Memoirs and Misinformation ’ by Jim Carrey and Dana Vachon What it ’ s about : Movie star Jim Carrey pairs with a co-author for a wild fiction debut about , yes , a movie star also named Jim Carrey .
But this chaotic deconstruction of persona is no milquetoast celebrity memoir .
The buzz : “ ‘ Memoirs and Misinformation , ’ ” The Associated Press says .
“ But it ’ s also a sober meditation on mortality , selfhood and the drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a cartoonish fever dream darkened by middle-aged loneliness and existential terror.
” ‘ This Is What America Looks Like ’ by Ilhan Omar What it ’ s about : An intimate memoir from progressive political favorite Ilhan Omar , the first African refugee and Somali American to be elected to Congress , that traces her rise from a displaced child refugee of the Somali Civil War .
The buzz : “ No matter a reader ’ s personal politics , Omar ’ s life should serve as an inspiration , ” Kirkus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about : From the hilarious writers of celebrity fashion site Go Fug Yourself comes the follow-up to their winning “ The Royal We.
” After marrying the heir to the throne , Rebecca “ Bex ” Porter adjusts to life in the British royal family and must survive her own scandal .
What it ’ s about : Charlie , the Oscar-winning screenwriter of “ Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind ” and “ Being John Malkovich ” is out with his first novel , a 700-plus-page postmodern tome about a neurotic film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatest movie ever made .
The buzz : Kirkus Reviews calls it “ a wonderfully inventive yarn — and a masterwork of postmodern storytelling .
”

Here’s the lowdown on some of the latest must-read new books.
Knopf, fiction, $27.95
What it’s about: Movie star Jim Carrey pairs with a co-author for a wild fiction debut about, yes, a movie star also named Jim Carrey. But this chaotic deconstruction of persona is no milquetoast celebrity memoir.
The buzz: “ ‘Memoirs and Misinformation’ is funny,” The Associated Press says. “But it’s also a sober meditation on mortality, selfhood and the drive to entertain.” Publishers Weekly calls it “a cartoonish fever dream darkened by middle-aged loneliness and existential terror.”
Dey Street, nonfiction, $27.99
What it’s about: An intimate memoir from progressive political favorite Ilhan Omar, the first African refugee and Somali American to be elected to Congress, that traces her rise from a displaced child refugee of the Somali Civil War.
The buzz: “No matter a reader’s personal politics, Omar’s life should serve as an inspiration,” Kirkus Reviews writes.
“The Heir Affair” by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. Grand Central Publishing
‘The Heir Affair’ by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Grand Central Publishing, fiction, $28
What it’s about: From the hilarious writers of celebrity fashion site Go Fug Yourself comes the follow-up to their winning “The Royal We.” After marrying the heir to the throne, Rebecca “Bex” Porter adjusts to life in the British royal family and must survive her own scandal.
The buzz: “Royal watchers and tabloid devotees will devour this juicy look behind the gilded curtain of palace life,” Kirkus Reviews writes.
Random House, fiction, $30
What it’s about: Charlie, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “Being John Malkovich” is out with his first novel, a 700-plus-page postmodern tome about a neurotic film critic who discovers what is possibly the greatest movie ever made.
The buzz: Kirkus Reviews calls it “a wonderfully inventive yarn — and a masterwork of postmodern storytelling.”
Read more at USA Today.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Rich or poor, every Chicagoan deserves to live in an environmentally safe neighborhood

The battle for environmental justice — the idea that poorer communities should not bear an unfair share of pollution — stretches back decades , but a Little League field in Hegewisch shows how much remains to be done .
As the Sun-Times ’ Brett Chase reported this week , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials are replacing soil contaminated by lead and arsenic at the Hegewisch Little League Field , at 127th Street and Carondolet Avenue , with clean dirt .
Kids were playing on the decades-old field , now called a “ substantial threat to the public health , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are neighborhoods with limited resources still battling pollution more than three decades after the environmental justice movement formally was launched ?
It ’ s been 24 years since former President Bill Clinton signed an executive order designed to ensure that the environment and health of minority and low-income populations are safeguarded “ with the goal of achieving environmental protection for all communities.
” In Chicago , part of the problem is that City Hall hasn ’ t done enough to make sure all city departments work together to prevent environmental degradation and health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimberly Wasserman , executive director of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization .
Little Village has the second-worst air quality in the state , yet the city has approved the construction of a warehouse that will bring trucks spewing airborne particulate matter through the neighborhood .
A recent Harvard University study found that high levels of particulate matter are associated with a 15 % higher mortality rate among people who contract COVID-19 , and Little Village ’ s Zip code already is among the worst hit by the coronavirus .
“ There needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s policies across the board , ” Wasserman told us on Wednesday .
“ Other cities are having these conversations.
” Environmentalists and community activists won a victory in 2012 when two notorious coal-burning power plants in Little Village and Pilsen were closed after a long battle .
But activists still have their hands full elsewhere .
They are protesting the new MAT Asphalt plant in the McKinley Park neighborhood — right across the street from the classic Southwest Side park .
They are understandably alarmed by the presence of almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a short walk from the CHA ’ s Altgeld Gardens and Trumbull Park .
They have been battling petcoke and manganese contamination for years on the Southeast Side .
And they are fighting a plan by General Iron to move a metal shredder from Lincoln Park to the East Side , which already suffers from respiratory health issues .
A report released last month by the Shriver Center on Poverty Law documents how federal policies historically encouraged the placement of federally assisted housing developments in areas of environmental contamination — and also allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing low-income housing .
That would be the very opposite of environmental justice .
Environmental injustice is about more than direct air , water and noise pollution .
Economically challenged communities also tend to be prone to flooding and are vulnerable to heat waves , not unlike the heat wave Chicago is experiencing now , because they often lack tree cover and parks .
For a sixth straight day on Wednesday , the Illinois Environmental Protect Agency issued an air quality alert for the city .
But making communities environmentally safer has gotten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration has reversed at least 100 environmental rules .
Limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and vehicles have been weakened , for example , and power plants can more easily emit mercury .
Protecting less advantaged communities is complicated further in Illinois by a law that prohibits the state Environmental Protection Agency from considering the cumulative effect of multiple industry permits , says Jen Walling , executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council .
The effect of the prohibition is that a neighborhood might be beset by various types of pollution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants , incinerators and waste sites — that , if looked at individually , do not exceed legal limits .
But cumulatively , they can make life miserable .
Illinois should follow the lead of New Jersey , where the state Senate last week approved legislation that requires a more all-encompassing approach to assessing the impact of environmental pollution .
Economic justice can get complicated .
At times , communities are actually wary of improvements such as replacing old industrial sites with parks , worried about higher property taxes and rents .
Residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water testing could tag their neighborhood as an environmentally unsafe place to live .
But air and water pollution travel .
Less pollution in one part of town means a little less pollution in every part of town .
On June 11 , Mayor Lori Lightfoot named a policy adviser on environmental issues , Angela Tovar , which we welcome .
And the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District ’ s new watershed management ordinance for the first time requires that the disparate impact on different communities be taken into consideration .
When kids for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a field full of toxic lead and arsenic — and only now is something being done about that — it ’ s safe to say Chicago ’ s got a long way to go when it comes to environmental justice .

The battle for environmental justice — the idea that poorer communities should not bear an unfair share of pollution — stretches back decades, but a Little League field in Hegewisch shows how much remains to be done.
As the Sun-Times’ Brett Chase reported this week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials are replacing soil contaminated by lead and arsenic at the Hegewisch Little League Field, at 127th Street and Carondolet Avenue, with clean dirt. Kids were playing on the decades-old field, now called a “substantial threat to the public health,” as recently as last summer.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Why are neighborhoods with limited resources still battling pollution more than three decades after the environmental justice movement formally was launched? It’s been 24 years since former President Bill Clinton signed an executive order designed to ensure that the environment and health of minority and low-income populations are safeguarded “with the goal of achieving environmental protection for all communities.”
Editorials bug Editorials
Pollution and COVID-19
In Chicago, part of the problem is that City Hall hasn’t done enough to make sure all city departments work together to prevent environmental degradation and health threats in economically challenged neighborhoods, says Kimberly Wasserman, executive director of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization.
Little Village has the second-worst air quality in the state, yet the city has approved the construction of a warehouse that will bring trucks spewing airborne particulate matter through the neighborhood. A recent Harvard University study found that high levels of particulate matter are associated with a 15% higher mortality rate among people who contract COVID-19, and Little Village’s Zip code already is among the worst hit by the coronavirus.
“There needs to be a systemic look at the city’s policies across the board,” Wasserman told us on Wednesday. “Other cities are having these conversations.”
Environmentalists and community activists won a victory in 2012 when two notorious coal-burning power plants in Little Village and Pilsen were closed after a long battle. But activists still have their hands full elsewhere.
They are protesting the new MAT Asphalt plant in the McKinley Park neighborhood — right across the street from the classic Southwest Side park.
They are understandably alarmed by the presence of almost 90 acres of former toxic-waste dumps just a short walk from the CHA’s Altgeld Gardens and Trumbull Park. They have been battling petcoke and manganese contamination for years on the Southeast Side.
And they are fighting a plan by General Iron to move a metal shredder from Lincoln Park to the East Side, which already suffers from respiratory health issues.
Rafael Cervantes, 72, of Little Village, protests against a new warehouse near the site of the closed Crawford power plant near West 33rd Street and South Pulaski Road on May 7, 2020. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
A report released last month by the Shriver Center on Poverty Law documents how federal policies historically encouraged the placement of federally assisted housing developments in areas of environmental contamination — and also allowed industries that pollute to be built near existing low-income housing.
That would be the very opposite of environmental justice.
More than a pollution threat
Environmental injustice is about more than direct air, water and noise pollution.
Economically challenged communities also tend to be prone to flooding and are vulnerable to heat waves, not unlike the heat wave Chicago is experiencing now, because they often lack tree cover and parks. For a sixth straight day on Wednesday, the Illinois Environmental Protect Agency issued an air quality alert for the city.
But making communities environmentally safer has gotten tougher under President Donald Trump. His administration has reversed at least 100 environmental rules. Limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and vehicles have been weakened, for example, and power plants can more easily emit mercury.
Protecting less advantaged communities is complicated further in Illinois by a law that prohibits the state Environmental Protection Agency from considering the cumulative effect of multiple industry permits, says Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council. The effect of the prohibition is that a neighborhood might be beset by various types of pollution — from power plants, sewage treatment plants, incinerators and waste sites — that, if looked at individually, do not exceed legal limits. But cumulatively, they can make life miserable.
Illinois should follow the lead of New Jersey, where the state Senate last week approved legislation that requires a more all-encompassing approach to assessing the impact of environmental pollution.
New city adviser on environment
Economic justice can get complicated. At times, communities are actually wary of improvements such as replacing old industrial sites with parks, worried about higher property taxes and rents.
Residents also sometimes are wary that air and water testing could tag their neighborhood as an environmentally unsafe place to live. But air and water pollution travel. Less pollution in one part of town means a little less pollution in every part of town.
On June 11, Mayor Lori Lightfoot named a policy adviser on environmental issues, Angela Tovar, which we welcome. And the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s new watershed management ordinance for the first time requires that the disparate impact on different communities be taken into consideration.
But let’s face it.
When kids for decades are allowed to play baseball on a field full of toxic lead and arsenic — and only now is something being done about that — it’s safe to say Chicago’s got a long way to go when it comes to environmental justice.
Related A pandemic is no excuse for rolling back environmental protections
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--The Mix: Cool things to do in Chicago July 9-15

A new platform , Future Galerie , debuts with an online art auction donating 100 % of the proceeds to support social justice organizations taking action to end systemic racism .
The artist list includes Max Sansing , Adam Lucas ( formerly Hanksy ) , JC Rivera , Kate Lynn Lewis , Dont Fret , Mauricio Ramirez , Marco Miller and more .
Each online auction lasts 8-10 days .
Throughout the auction , artists will go live on their Instagram pages to offer insight about their work .
For more information , visit futuregalerie.com .
After offering a successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berlin ” in May , the Chicago favorite returns with his tribute to Ludwig Van Beethoven .
Streaming live from Felder ’ s home in Florence , Italy , “ Hershey Felder : Beethoven ” brings the composer to life through the eyes of Dr. Gerhard von Breuning , who spent his boyhood by the aging maestro ’ s side .
The one-man musical play features some of the composer ’ s iconic works including the “ Emperor Concerto , ” the 5th and 9th Symphonies and chamber music selections .
A portion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations .
Streams at 7 p.m. July 12 ; tickets are $ 55 .
Visit hersheyfelder.net .
While New York ’ s Public Theater has cancelled its annual Shakespeare in the Park festival , it hasn ’ t given up on “ Richard II.
” Originally scheduled as the season opener , the history drama will instead be presented over four nights as a radio play conceived and directed by Saheem Ali and streamed via the public radio station WNYC .
Most of the cast scheduled to perform in Central Park , predominantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andre Holland ( “ Moonlight ” ) as Richard and Phylicia Rashad as the Duchess of Gloucester .
What unfolds is a story of the rise of the House of Lancaster , one filled with violence and revenge .
Streams at 7 p.m. July 13-16 on wnyc.org .
For more information , visit publictheater.org .
The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival , the annual celebration held in Okemah , Oklahoma , on and around the legendary songwriter ’ s birthday ( 108 on July 14 ) , is a free virtual event this summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americana artists performing includes Arlo Guthrie , the Burns Sisters , Butch Hancock , Glen Hansard , Graham Nash , Jason Mraz , John Fullbright , Mary Gauthier , Paul Burch , Sarah Lee Guthrie , Tim Easton and many more .
The festival streams from 7-9:30 p.m. July 14 , 7-11 p.m. July 18 and 2-4:30 p.m. July 19 with panels and workshops from noon-7 p.m. July 18 .
For more information , visit woodyfest.com .
The Museum of Contemporary Photography has reopened with the exhibit “ Temporal : Puerto Rican Resistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s contemporary history documenting protests , life during and after Hurricane María and the art of the resistance .
Artists include Christopher Gregory-Rivera , Natalia Lassalle-Morillo , Mari B. Robles López , Eduardo Martínez , Ojos Nebulosos , Adriana Parrilla , Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo , Erika P. Rodríguez , Edra Soto , SUPAKID , and Rogelio Báez Vega .
To ensure a socially distanced viewing experience , there is timed ticketing ; face masks are mandatory .
To Aug. 30 at Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College , 600 S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mocp.org .
Michael J .
Miles celebrates the release of “ Mississippi River Suite , ” a song cycle inspired by a concert he performed at the East Moline Correctional Center .
Inspired by the river that cuts the country in two , he creates an evocative portrait of a divided nation and what it will take to set it right .
It ’ s “ political art with a shoutout to those who care and do good , ” says Miles .
Performing with Miles ( banjo , guitar ) are Zahra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brodnax King ( flute ) and Nora Barton ( cello ) .
All funds benefit the Old Town School Staff and Faculty Assistance Program .
The livestream begins at 7:30 p.m. July 10 .
Visit oldtownschool.org .
While the National Museum of Mexican Art remains closed , the staff has found creative ways for families to stay busy .
The At Home with NMMA site includes a variety of coloring sheets that feature classic Mexican figures like Alebrijes ( folk art creatures ) , Otomi-inspired textile designs and Calaveras ( skulls ) as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , word searches and craft activities .
For more information , visit nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org .
The Bucktown Garden Walk & Block Party is now the Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk .
It ’ s morphed into a self-guided socially responsible celebration of all things Bucktown .
Beginning July 11 , a downloadable map of public art , landmarks , schools , churches , parks , gardens ( along parkways and in front yards only ) and other notable places is available .
Also musicians will be performing porch concerts throughout the weekend .
For @ @ @ @ @ @

Social action artwork auction
A new platform, Future Galerie, debuts with an online art auction donating 100% of the proceeds to support social justice organizations taking action to end systemic racism. The artist list includes Max Sansing, Adam Lucas (formerly Hanksy), JC Rivera, Kate Lynn Lewis, Dont Fret, Mauricio Ramirez, Marco Miller and more. Each online auction lasts 8-10 days. Throughout the auction, artists will go live on their Instagram pages to offer insight about their work. For more information, visit futuregalerie.com.
Hershey Felder Hershey Felder Presents
Beethoven’s life & legacy
After offering a successful stream of “Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin” in May, the Chicago favorite returns with his tribute to Ludwig Van Beethoven. Streaming live from Felder’s home in Florence, Italy, “Hershey Felder: Beethoven” brings the composer to life through the eyes of Dr. Gerhard von Breuning, who spent his boyhood by the aging maestro’s side. The one-man musical play features some of the composer’s iconic works including the “Emperor Concerto,” the 5th and 9th Symphonies and chamber music selections. A portion of the proceeds benefits theater and arts organizations. Streams at 7 p.m. July 12; tickets are $55. Visit hersheyfelder.net.
Phylicia Rashad David Becker/Getty Images
Streaming Shakespeare
While New York’s Public Theater has cancelled its annual Shakespeare in the Park festival, it hasn’t given up on “Richard II.” Originally scheduled as the season opener, the history drama will instead be presented over four nights as a radio play conceived and directed by Saheem Ali and streamed via the public radio station WNYC. Most of the cast scheduled to perform in Central Park, predominantly actors of color, are featured including Andre Holland (“Moonlight”) as Richard and Phylicia Rashad as the Duchess of Gloucester. What unfolds is a story of the rise of the House of Lancaster, one filled with violence and revenge. Streams at 7 p.m. July 13-16 on wnyc.org. For more information, visit publictheater.org.
Woody Guthrie Sun-Times file
Celebrating Woody
The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, the annual celebration held in Okemah, Oklahoma, on and around the legendary songwriter’s birthday (108 on July 14), is a free virtual event this summer. The long list of folk and Americana artists performing includes Arlo Guthrie, the Burns Sisters, Butch Hancock, Glen Hansard, Graham Nash, Jason Mraz, John Fullbright, Mary Gauthier, Paul Burch, Sarah Lee Guthrie, Tim Easton and many more. The festival streams from 7-9:30 p.m. July 14, 7-11 p.m. July 18 and 2-4:30 p.m. July 19 with panels and workshops from noon-7 p.m. July 18. For more information, visit woodyfest.com.
Mari B. Robles López’s “Paro Nacional, julio 24.” Museum of Contemporary Photography
Images of Puerto Rico
The Museum of Contemporary Photography has reopened with the exhibit “Temporal: Puerto Rican Resistance,” an exploration of Puerto Rico’s contemporary history documenting protests, life during and after Hurricane María and the art of the resistance. Artists include Christopher Gregory-Rivera, Natalia Lassalle-Morillo, Mari B. Robles López, Eduardo Martínez, Ojos Nebulosos, Adriana Parrilla, Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo, Erika P. Rodríguez, Edra Soto, SUPAKID, and Rogelio Báez Vega. To ensure a socially distanced viewing experience, there is timed ticketing; face masks are mandatory. To Aug. 30 at Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College, 600 S. Michigan. Admission is free. Visit mocp.org.
Michael J. Miles Charles Osgood
Mississippi music
Michael J. Miles celebrates the release of “Mississippi River Suite,” a song cycle inspired by a concert he performed at the East Moline Correctional Center. Inspired by the river that cuts the country in two, he creates an evocative portrait of a divided nation and what it will take to set it right. It’s “political art with a shoutout to those who care and do good,” says Miles. Performing with Miles (banjo, guitar) are Zahra Glenda Baker (vocals), Lloyd Brodnax King (flute) and Nora Barton (cello). All funds benefit the Old Town School Staff and Faculty Assistance Program. The livestream begins at 7:30 p.m. July 10. Visit oldtownschool.org.
Family activities
While the National Museum of Mexican Art remains closed, the staff has found creative ways for families to stay busy. The At Home with NMMA site includes a variety of coloring sheets that feature classic Mexican figures like Alebrijes (folk art creatures), Otomi-inspired textile designs and Calaveras (skulls) as well as puzzles, I Spy games, word searches and craft activities. For more information, visit nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.
Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk Bucktown Community Organization
Explore Bucktown
The Bucktown Garden Walk & Block Party is now the Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk. It’s morphed into a self-guided socially responsible celebration of all things Bucktown. Beginning July 11, a downloadable map of public art, landmarks, schools, churches, parks, gardens (along parkways and in front yards only) and other notable places is available. Also musicians will be performing porch concerts throughout the weekend. For more information, visit bucktown.org.
Mary Houlihan is a local freelance writer.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Too early to tell whether CPS can safely reopen this fall, ex-U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan s

Too early to tell whether CPS can safely reopen this fall, ex-U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says

Former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Wednesday it ’ s “ too early to tell ” whether the Chicago Public Schools can safely reopen this fall to in-classroom learning .
It all depends on whether Chicago adults behave responsibly or recklessly this summer to prevent a surge in coronavirus cases that mirrors what ’ s happening in nearly two dozen other states .
“ We , as a country , haven ’ t taken the hard steps we need to open schools and to make things safe , ” said Duncan , who spent more than seven years as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we as a country are willing to do — what small sacrifices we ’ re willing to make so our children can safely return to school this fall — that ’ s up to us .
Schools systems can ’ t do this by themselves .
They don ’ t live in a bubble.
” “ Wear a mask .
Don ’ t hang out at the beaches .
Don ’ t go to bars .
Don ’ t go eat indoors at restaurants , ” he said .
Duncan said he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care about kids , then forge ahead with the same selfish and reckless behavior that will make it impossible for students who have been out of their classrooms for months to return to school this fall .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot told the Chicago Sun-Times in early May that she was determined to reopen CPS on time this fall because “ students need their teachers.
” She later backtracked , saying CPS would only open if health circumstances allowed .
On Wednesday , the mayor ridiculed this week ’ s decision by President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ratchet up the pressure on local districts to fully open schools and not allow a hybrid of in-classroom and remote learning .
“ Making those kinds of decisions has to lie with the local school districts because we and they are the ones that know what ’ s actually happening in local circumstances , ” Lightfoot said .
“ Making some broad decision at the federal level and ignoring the particular circumstances of the locality where they are in the arc of their virus , what their plans are , eliminating the possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — that doesn ’ t make any sense.
” Lightfoot said her overarching goal is to “ do what is in the best interest of our children.
” That ’ s “ got to be dictated by the public health guidance , ” she said .
CPS officials have said they plan to release a draft of their guidance for the fall in the coming weeks , then hold community meetings to hear input .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and state education officials have already paved the way for schools to reopen as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
Stacy Davis Gates , the vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union , said Wednesday that talks with CPS and the city over the district ’ s fall plan are “ not productive enough.
” “ It feels very similar to the talks we were having in July 2019 , ” Davis Gates said , referencing the unfruitful and slow lead-up to the union ’ s eventual strike .
“ And that makes me anxious .
I do not see enough urgency over creating plans that reflect the on-the-ground realities that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to school buildings.
” Davis Gates said she finds it “ hard to believe ” that schools will be ready in time for the fall .
“ Very basic questions around safety , around health , have yet to be answered , ” she said .
“ And it ’ s July .
So we ’ re nervous .
”

Former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Wednesday it’s “too early to tell” whether the Chicago Public Schools can safely reopen this fall to in-classroom learning.
It all depends on whether Chicago adults behave responsibly or recklessly this summer to prevent a surge in coronavirus cases that mirrors what’s happening in nearly two dozen other states.
“We, as a country, haven’t taken the hard steps we need to open schools and to make things safe,” said Duncan, who spent more than seven years as CPS’ chief executive.
“What we as a country are willing to do — what small sacrifices we’re willing to make so our children can safely return to school this fall — that’s up to us. Schools systems can’t do this by themselves. They don’t live in a bubble.”
Those sacrifices?
“Wear a mask. Don’t hang out at the beaches. Don’t go to bars. Don’t go eat indoors at restaurants,” he said.
Duncan said he’s tired of hearing people say they care about kids, then forge ahead with the same selfish and reckless behavior that will make it impossible for students who have been out of their classrooms for months to return to school this fall.
Lightfoot blasts pressure from Trump
Mayor Lori Lightfoot told the Chicago Sun-Times in early May that she was determined to reopen CPS on time this fall because “students need their teachers.” She later backtracked, saying CPS would only open if health circumstances allowed.
On Wednesday, the mayor ridiculed this week’s decision by President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to ratchet up the pressure on local districts to fully open schools and not allow a hybrid of in-classroom and remote learning.
“Making those kinds of decisions has to lie with the local school districts because we and they are the ones that know what’s actually happening in local circumstances,” Lightfoot said. “Making some broad decision at the federal level and ignoring the particular circumstances of the locality where they are in the arc of their virus, what their plans are, eliminating the possibility for some kind of a hybrid model — that doesn’t make any sense.”
Lightfoot said her overarching goal is to “do what is in the best interest of our children.” That’s “got to be dictated by the public health guidance,” she said.
CPS officials have said they plan to release a draft of their guidance for the fall in the coming weeks, then hold community meetings to hear input. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state education officials have already paved the way for schools to reopen as long as specific safety measures are in place.
Union: Major questions remain
Stacy Davis Gates, the vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union, said Wednesday that talks with CPS and the city over the district’s fall plan are “not productive enough.”
“It feels very similar to the talks we were having in July 2019,” Davis Gates said, referencing the unfruitful and slow lead-up to the union’s eventual strike. “And that makes me anxious. I do not see enough urgency over creating plans that reflect the on-the-ground realities that workers and students will encounter if they return to school buildings.”
Davis Gates said she finds it “hard to believe” that schools will be ready in time for the fall.
“Very basic questions around safety, around health, have yet to be answered,” she said. “And it’s July. So we’re nervous.”