chicagosun-times--2020-06-21--Coronavirus forcing Bears to build versatility  into their game plans

NFL coaches are paid to plan for the worst , particularly during in the offseason .
But Bill Lazor , the Bears ’ new offensive coordinator , has been forced to consider a macabre scenario that would have seemed unthinkable just last year : how will he run an offense if — more likely , when — his players are forced to miss games because of the coronavirus ?
NFLPA medical director Thom Mayer on Saturday advised players to no longer hold private workouts with each other in light of players testing positive for the disease in Southern states .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the best mitigation procedures at team facilities for both training camps and the upcoming season.
” It ’ s a near-certainty teams will be struck by the disease after they open their doors to socially-distanced training camp in late July .
Infections will continue throughout the season .
Some players that test positive will be asymptomatic , while others could have medical complications — a horrifying thought for the NFL , and one that mirrors nationwide concerns for past three-plus months .
From a purely practical standpoint , positive tests will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why Lazor — who was hired to help revamp the Bears ’ offense , though head coach Matt Nagy will call plays — is preparing now .
“ So now you take that whole philosophy of , ‘ This is a system , ’ having multiplicity .
… ” Lazor said Wednesday .
“ We haven ’ t had a chance to practice on the field and really see the guys in person … Once we do that , now you maybe start leaning toward , ‘ This is the way we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all things being perfect.
’ ” All things will not be perfect .
“ Then you add in ‘ 2020 : The Year of the Pandemic , ’ ” Lazor said .
“ I have no idea .
Who knows if you ’ re going to have to sit three wide receivers one week because they ’ re all sick ?
“ I couldn ’ t predict how this is going to go .
So you better have depth — and you better have multiplicity in your plan.
” Multiplicity means that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the same language in any personnel grouping .
In a typical season , teams that excel at multiplicity use personnel groupings to force the defense into a matchup they want .
In 2020 , though , multiplicity will be born of necessity .
Nagy has never had a problem with variety .
Only six teams used more offensive unique lineups than the Bears ’ 320 last year .
The Bears ran only 2.94 percent of their plays with their most-common lineup .
Only two teams ran a lower percentage .
The Bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , leaving Nagy to wonder after only three games last year whether he needed to scale back his personnel groupings and formations .
While coaches can scheme to help compensate for a sick player , backups eventually need to play .
That raises another concern : depth .
For defensive line coach Jay Rodgers , depth comes down to two factors : the quality of the players on his roster , and their ability to move around on the line in a pinch .
He has seven players — one more than he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roster — who have already appeared in games with the Bears .
Everyone but Akiem Hicks , who plays on the left side , and Eddie Goldman , who plays nose tackle , is used to moving around .
“ Versatility is huge , ” he said .
“ Because some people have made a living playing one position .
But there comes a point in time where you will be asked to play something else .
And you hopefully have trained at it to have a chance at success.
” In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Tabor has to replace an injured player ; the next , he ’ ll have to sub out a special teamer who might have a more prominent role on offense .
“ That ’ s part of our world , to be honest with you , ” he said .
“ With guys going down , and plugging a guy in , it can be uncomfortable .
But I ’ m comfortable being uncomfortable.
” One way he develops depth : Tabor has players to do a kick-slide , back-pedaling to block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage , before and after practice .
Each player will do 10 to the left and another 10 to the right each time .
“ That ’ s 40 extra reps that he just picked up , and he didn ’ t even know it , ” Tabor said .
“ In the short amount of time that we got it , we coached him .
You just start building that stuff so , when his number is called , he ’ s ready to go.
” Coaches are used to leaning on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most frightening reason to .
“ There ’ s no excuses , ” Tabor said .
“ If a guy has to play , it ’ s our job to make sure he is ready to play .
So we ’ ll do whatever we can to get them up to snuff .
”

NFL coaches are paid to plan for the worst, particularly during the offseason.
But Bill Lazor, the Bears’ new offensive coordinator, has been forced to consider a scenario that would have seemed unthinkable just last year: How will he run an offense if — or, more likely, when — his players are forced to miss games because of the coronavirus?
NFL Players Association medical director Thom Mayer on Saturday advised players not to hold private workouts with each other in light of players testing positive for the disease in southern states. Mayer said the union is ‘‘working on the best mitigation procedures at team facilities for both training camps and the upcoming season.’’
It’s a near-certainty teams will be struck by the disease after they open their doors to socially distanced training camp in late July. Infections will continue throughout the season. Some players who test positive will be asymptomatic, while others might have medical complications. That’s a horrifying thought for the NFL — and one that mirrors nationwide concerns for the last three-plus months.
From a purely practical standpoint, positive tests will be a game-planning catastrophe. That’s why Lazor, who was hired to help revamp the Bears’ offense, is preparing now.
‘‘We haven’t had a chance to practice on the field and really see the guys in person,’’ Lazor said Wednesday. ‘‘Once we do that, now you maybe start leaning toward, ‘This is the way we’d like to take this system, all things being perfect.’ ’’
All things will not be perfect.
‘‘Then you add in ‘2020: The Year of the Pandemic,’ ’’ Lazor said. ‘‘I have no idea. Who knows if you’re going to have to sit three wide receivers one week because they’re all sick? I couldn’t predict how this is going to go. So you better have depth and you better have multiplicity in your plan.’’
Multiplicity means a team can run the same concepts and use the same language in any personnel grouping. In a typical season, teams that excel at multiplicity use personnel groupings to force the defense into a matchup they want. In 2020, however, multiplicity will be a necessity.
Coach Matt Nagy never has had a problem with variety. Only six teams used more offensive lineups than the Bears’ 320 last season. The Bears ran only 2.94 percent of their plays with their most common lineup.
The Bears, however, struggled to be effective, leaving Nagy to wonder after only three games last season whether he needed to scale back his personnel groupings and formations.
While coaches can scheme to help compensate for a sick player, backups eventually need to play. And that raises a concern about depth.
For defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, depth comes down to two factors: the quality of the players on the roster and their ability to move around the line in a pinch. He has seven players — one more than he’s likely to keep on the roster — who already have appeared in games with the Bears. Everyone but Akiem Hicks, who plays on the left side, and Eddie Goldman, who plays nose tackle, is used to moving around.
‘‘Versatility is huge because some people have made a living playing one position,’’ Rogers said. ‘‘But there comes a point in time where you will be asked to play something else. And you hopefully have trained at it to have a chance at success.’’
In a typical week, special-teams coordinator Chris Tabor has to replace an injured player. The next week, he’ll have to sub out a special-teamer who might have a more prominent role on offense.
‘‘That’s part of our world, to be honest with you,’’ Tabor said. ‘‘With guys going down and plugging a guy in, it can be uncomfortable. But I’m comfortable being uncomfortable.’’
One way Tabor develops depth is to have players to do a kick-slide — backpedaling to block, then running forward to simulate punt coverage — before and after practice. Each player will do 10 to the left and another 10 to the right each time.
‘‘That’s 40 extra reps that he just picked up, and he didn’t even know it,’’ Tabor said. ‘‘In the short amount of time that we’ve got, we coached him. You just start building that stuff so, when his number is called, he’s ready to go.’’
Coaches are used to leaning on depth. This season will provide the most frightening reason to do so.
‘‘There’s no excuses,’’ Tabor said. ‘‘If a guy has to play, it’s our job to make sure he is ready to play. So we’ll do whatever we can to get them up to snuff.’’


chicagosun-times--2020-06-21--Boy, 17, shot in Humboldt Park

Boy, 17, shot in Humboldt Park

A teenage boy was shot Sunday in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
The 17-year-old was in a vehicle @ @ @ @ @ 12:36 a.m. on West Hirsch Street when someone walked up and started shooting , according @ @ @ @ @ vehicle took off and hit several parked cars .
The four occupants got out , @ @ @ @ @ shot the teen in the abdomen , police said .
He was taken to Stroger @ @ @ @ @ No other injuries were reported and no one is in custody as Area Five detectives @ @ @ @ @ crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A teenage boy was shot Sunday in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
The 17-year-old was in a vehicle with three other people at 12:36 a.m. on West Hirsch Street when someone walked up and started shooting, according to Chicago police. The vehicle took off and hit several parked cars.
The four occupants got out, at which point the suspect shot the teen in the abdomen, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition.
No other injuries were reported and no one is in custody as Area Five detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-20--Horoscope for Sunday, June 21, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, June 21, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The new moon is in Cancer .
Today ’ s new moon is your chance to ask yourself how you can improve your relations with family members .
Also , what can you do to improve your home scene ?
How about start with finishing old projects ?
( Like we haven ’ t heard that one before . )
Today ’ s new moon is the perfect day , perhaps the best in the year , to think about your style of communicating .
Are you clear in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ?
Do you listen to them ?
Observe your style .
The new moon is a great chance to make resolutions about money : How you handle your money and also how you handle your possessions .
Do you take care of what you own ?
Do you respect your hard-earned cash ?
Examine your attitude to your assets .
The only new moon in your sign all year is taking place .
Take a realistic look in the mirror and ask yourself what you can do to improve the image you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hey — You never get a second chance to make a first impression !
Today the new moon is hiding in your chart , which means it ’ s the perfect time to think about your spiritual world , your inner world and your belief system .
What are the inner values that guide you ?
How do you make your most important decisions ?
The value of friendship is what today ’ s new moon offers for you to examine .
Certainly , we are social creatures .
We need to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen .
Are you happy with the friends you have ?
If you want more friends , be friendly !
Today the only new moon that occurs at the top of your chart all year is taking place .
This offers you a chance to think about how you react to authority .
Do you bristle or chafe ?
The truth is that we all have authority figures that we have to acknowledge .
What further education or training can you get to improve your job ?
What further experiences , perhaps travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and books will enrich and enhance your life ?
These are things to think about with today ’ s new moon .
Do not let issues regarding red-tape paperwork about inheritances , wills , estates , taxes , debt and the wealth or assets of others pile up and get dusty .
Information is power .
Roll up your sleeves and tackle these areas in your life .
Today the only new moon that is opposite your sign all year is taking place .
That means today is your best chance to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships and friendships .
These people are important to you .
How can you enrich your connection with them ?
This is a powerful new moon for your sign because it urges you to try to get better organized in every aspect of your life — in your work ; in your daily world and even in ways that affect your personal health and your hygiene .
What can you begin to do to improve your world ?
“ I ’ m on it !
” Today ’ s new moon urges you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urges and your artistic talents .
Too often we think that if we are not paid for our creative efforts , forget it .
But remember when you were a kid ?
You would draw , sing , dance and enjoy expressing your creativity !
Look for ways to do this .
If Your Birthday Is Today Prince William , Duke of Cambridge ( 1982 ) shares your birthday .
It ’ s encouraging to see that your hard work will start to pay off this year .
Channel your energy and focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future .
Work with purpose .
Physical exercise will be important , which is why you should explore something physical that you like to do .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The new moon is in Cancer.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today’s new moon is your chance to ask yourself how you can improve your relations with family members. Also, what can you do to improve your home scene? How about start with finishing old projects? (Like we haven’t heard that one before.)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today’s new moon is the perfect day, perhaps the best in the year, to think about your style of communicating. Are you clear in your communications with others? Do they understand you? Do you listen to them? Observe your style.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The new moon is a great chance to make resolutions about money: How you handle your money and also how you handle your possessions. Do you take care of what you own? Do you respect your hard-earned cash? Examine your attitude to your assets.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The only new moon in your sign all year is taking place. Take a realistic look in the mirror and ask yourself what you can do to improve the image you create on your world. Ideas? Hey — You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Today the new moon is hiding in your chart, which means it’s the perfect time to think about your spiritual world, your inner world and your belief system. What are the inner values that guide you? How do you make your most important decisions?
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
The value of friendship is what today’s new moon offers for you to examine. Certainly, we are social creatures. We need to see others and we also need to be seen. Are you happy with the friends you have? If you want more friends, be friendly!
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Today the only new moon that occurs at the top of your chart all year is taking place. This offers you a chance to think about how you react to authority. Do you bristle or chafe? The truth is that we all have authority figures that we have to acknowledge.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
What further education or training can you get to improve your job? What further experiences, perhaps travel, meeting new people and exploring film and books will enrich and enhance your life? These are things to think about with today’s new moon.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Do not let issues regarding red-tape paperwork about inheritances, wills, estates, taxes, debt and the wealth or assets of others pile up and get dusty. Information is power. Roll up your sleeves and tackle these areas in your life.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today the only new moon that is opposite your sign all year is taking place. That means today is your best chance to think about how you can improve your closest relationships and friendships. These people are important to you. How can you enrich your connection with them?
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
This is a powerful new moon for your sign because it urges you to try to get better organized in every aspect of your life — in your work; in your daily world and even in ways that affect your personal health and your hygiene. What can you begin to do to improve your world? “I’m on it!”
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today’s new moon urges you to get in touch with your creative urges and your artistic talents. Too often we think that if we are not paid for our creative efforts, forget it. But remember when you were a kid? You would draw, sing, dance and enjoy expressing your creativity! Look for ways to do this.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (1982) shares your birthday. It’s encouraging to see that your hard work will start to pay off this year. Channel your energy and focus on building solid foundations now and for the future. Work with purpose. Physical exercise will be important, which is why you should explore something physical that you like to do.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-21--Girl, 17, missing from Austin found safe

The chief of the Illinois Department of Public Health shared her personal thoughts on when she will feel safe partaking @ @ @ @ @ .
Here ’ s the Cliff ’ s Notes version .

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--2020-06-21--Positive coronavirus tests create urgency in MLB’s 2020 negotiations

Major League Baseball had 40 players and staff members test positive for COVID-19 in the past week , creating a sense of urgency in labor negotiations between the owners and players , according to two persons with direct knowledge of the situation .
They spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly .
The players postponed their vote Sunday whether to accept or reject MLB ’ s plan for a 60-game season with full pro-rated play after commissioner Rob Manfred telephoned union chief Tony Clark and e-mailed tweaks to MLB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is offering 60 games , guaranteeing the players about $ 1.5 billion , but the recent surge of positive tests now will further delay the start season .
The resumption of spring training now will be no earlier than June 29 , with the season starting July 26 .
The two sides had agreed the season would start July 19 in their last exchange of proposals .
“ I really believe we are fighting over an impossibility on games , ’ ’ Manfred said to Clark in his e-mail obtained by USA TODAY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ready for players to report is a week from Monday [ June 29 ] given the need to relocate teams from Florida .
That leaves 66 days to play 60 games .
Realistically , that is the outside of the envelope now.
’ ’ The fear among the union and players is that while they have been assured of receiving their full pro-rated salary , COVID-19 could force the season to be shortened to less than 60 games , further reducing their pay .
If the season is shortened , Manfred promised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be expanded from 10 teams to 16 teams in 2021 , and that the DH would not be used in the National League in 2021 .
Manfred also promised Clark that players on non-guaranteed contracts who are released during spring training , and who were salary-arbitration eligible in 2019 , will receive full termination pay .
If the two sides are unable to reach a deal this week , Manfred is expected to simply mandate a season of 54 to 60 games .
Positive tests in the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLB to shut down all of the spring-training facilities .
Every team , with the possible exception of the Toronto Blue Jays , will now have spring training at their own home ballparks , according to a high-ranking official .
The official spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because not every team has publicly announced its decision .
MLB , recognizing that possibility the season can ’ t be completed , offered to cancel their plans for an expanded postseason and universal DH in 2021 , if the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persons with direct knowledge confirmed to USA TODAY Sports .
MLB and the union still are finalizing health and safety protocols , but have agreed on a radical change to extra-inning games , and may even permit games to end in a tie .
Regular season games that enter extra innings will now start with a runner on base beginning in the 10th inning .
In the postseason , games will revert to traditional rules .
It ’ s possible the extra-inning rule will become permanent , but the union agreed to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union also wants to discuss with MLB the possibility of tie games in lengthy extra-inning games , as well as permitting free substitution , such as allowing players to re-enter the game , among other possibilities .
MLB and the union already agreed to implement a universal DH in 2020 and 2021 , as well as expanding the postseason to as many as 16 teams .
Also , in their latest exchange , the union is asking that players who cohabitate with “ high-risk ’ ’ individuals , including a spouse who ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to opt out of the 2020 season , and still receive their prorated salary and full-service time .
MLB has already agreed to allow “ high-risk ’ ’ players to COVID-19 to opt out and still be paid .
Other players who aren ’ t considered “ high risk ’ ’ can still opt out , but won ’ t be paid or receive service time .
Two of the game ’ s biggest stars , Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout and New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole , have wives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer .

MLB had 40 players and staff members test positive for COVID-19 in the last week, creating a sense of urgency in labor negotiations between the owners and players, according to two persons with direct knowledge of the situation.
They spoke to USA Today on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
The players postponed their vote Sunday on MLB’s plan for a 60-game season with full prorated pay after commissioner Rob Manfred telephoned union chief Tony Clark and e-mailed tweaks to MLB’s last proposal.
MLB still is offering 60 games, guaranteeing the players about $1.5 billion, but the recent surge of positive tests will further delay the start of the season. The resumption of spring training now will be no earlier than June 29, with the season starting July 26. The sides had agreed the season would start July 19 in their last exchange of proposals.
“I really believe we are fighting over an impossibility on games,’’ Manfred said to Clark in his e-mail obtained by USA Today. “The earliest we will be ready for players to report is a week from Monday [June 29] given the need to relocate teams from Florida. That leaves 66 days to play 60 games. Realistically, that is the outside of the envelope now.’’
The fear among the players is that while they have been assured of receiving their full prorated salary, COVID-19 could force the season to be shortened to fewer than 60 games, further reducing their pay.
If the season is shortened, Manfred promised Clark that the postseason would not be expanded from 10 teams to 16 teams in 2021 and that the designated hitter would not be used in the National League in 2021.
Manfred also promised Clark that players on non-guaranteed contracts who are released during spring training, and who were salary-arbitration-eligible in 2019, will receive full termination pay.
If the sides are unable to reach a deal this week, Manfred is expected to simply mandate a season of 54 to 60 games.
Positive tests in the camps of the Phillies and Yankees in the Tampa area forced MLB to shut down all the spring-training facilities. Every team, with the possible exception of the Blue Jays, will have spring training at their home ballparks, according to a high-ranking official.
MLB, recognizing the possibility that the season can’t be completed, offered to cancel its plans for an expanded postseason and universal DH in 2021, if the season is shorter than 60 games.
MLB and the union still are finalizing health and safety protocols but have agreed on a radical change to extra-inning games and might even permit games to end in ties.
Regular-season games that enter extra innings will now start with a runner on second base beginning in the 10th inning. In the postseason, games will revert to traditional rules. It’s possible the extra-inning rule will become permanent, but the union agreed to change the rule only for 2020.
The union also wants to discuss with MLB the possibility of ties in lengthy extra-inning games, as well as permitting free substitution, which would allow players to re-enter games.
MLB and the union already agreed to implement a universal DH in 2020 and 2021, as well as expanding the postseason to 16 teams.
Also, in their latest exchange, the union is asking that players who cohabitate with “high-risk’’ individuals, including a spouse who’s pregnant, would also have the right to opt out of the 2020 season and still receive their prorated salary and full-service time.
MLB already has agreed to allow “high-risk’’ players for COVID-19 to opt out and still be paid. Other players who aren’t considered “high risk’’ still can opt out but won’t be paid or receive service time. Two of the game’s biggest stars, Angels outfielder Mike Trout and Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, have wives who are pregnant and due this summer.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-21--The discourse in sports these days? It’s a pile of horse-you-know-what

I ’ ve never been much for horse racing , but there was something about Tiz the Law ’ s weekend victory at the Belmont Stakes that just plain got me .
It wasn ’ t the way the 3-year-old colt exploded into the final turn and left the competition in the dust down the home stretch , though that was pretty cool .
It wasn ’ t that he proved — in the first major sporting event in New York since the coronavirus pandemic hit — that sports can get the job done even when the grandstands are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It wasn ’ t the Triple Crown dreams he inspired or the winning tickets he punched or anything like that .
You know what it was ?
It was what that handsome , reddish-brown Thoroughbred sonofagun said after he won .
Yes , I am noting the fact that a horse didn ’ t speak or even look into the television cameras and mouth , “ Hi , Mom.
” But then , these are strange times .
Bless Tiz the Law ’ s big , strong heart for keeping his yap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened in sports that wasn ’ t laden with empty rhetoric , tedious ignorance or outright lies .
Or as I like to call it , horse-you-know-what .
Man , the stuff we ’ ve had to listen to .
Where to start ?
There ’ ve been more weak threats and flimsy ultimatums in baseball than one could swing a stick at .
There ’ ve been official statements from one side of the negotiating table complaining that the other side won ’ t respond .
Statements about being “ disgusted.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Perhaps only MLB commissioner Rob Manfred could summon the fecklessness to guarantee one day that a season will happen in 2020 — “ 100 % , ” he said — and then cry from the ledge a couple of days later that everything ’ s a “ disaster.
” At last count , too , there had been approximately 8 million declarations of confidence from league commissioners , team executives , college conference commissioners , athletic directors and coaches in all sports that the games will soon go on .
They shall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than these non-scientists about what ’ s going to happen on the ol ’ global pandemic front ?
Everybody ’ s a COVID-19 expert , no one more so than Mike Gundy , who coaches football at Oklahoma State when he isn ’ t wishing away infectious diseases .
Gundy is a pioneer in the field of pretending to know what the hell he ’ s talking about when it comes to the coronavirus .
Back in early April , he had May 1 circled on his calendar as the day to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running again .
“ That ’ s the plan , ” he said .
And how did that work out , Doc ?
Also in early April , MLB and its players ’ union were focusing on a plan — reportedly with the support of federal public-health officials — to start the season as soon as May and play all games in empty stadiums in the Phoenix area .
Hey , the empty-stadiums part was right on the money .
The Arizona , part , not so much .
These days , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for confirmed coronavirus cases .
Which brings us to Florida , another state that ’ s setting daily record highs .
Wouldn ’ t that be the perfect place for the NBA to shove all its teams and resume its season ?
As Gundy might say , that ’ s the plan .
“ I have every reason to believe the setup we have in Orlando will be safer for our players and travel parties than staying in their respective cities , ” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told the New York Post this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold as Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis , who recently said : “ What I would tell commissioners of leagues is , if you have a team in an area where they just won ’ t let them operate , we ’ ll find a place for you here.
” Tiz the Law didn ’ t talk nonsense .
He just put his head down , got to the finish line first and said nary a word about when and how other sports will get going , how great Mitch Trubisky ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a steroid wing should be built at baseball ’ s Hall of Fame and named for Sammy Sosa .
Indeed , the talk here in town of late on those two topics — Trubisky and Sosa — has been rather ridiculous , too .
Here ’ s the thing about Trubisky : He ’ s a bad quarterback .
Here ’ s the thing about Sosa : He ’ s a total cheater .
Doesn ’ t that about cover it ?
It ’ s bad enough to have to hear the ninnies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some sick , twisted level , draw a line from not wearing one to being super tough to willing their favorite team and sports season back into action .
It ’ s bad enough to have to hear the indignant wails of those who believe so hard in the Land of the Free that they don ’ t think a player should be allowed to kneel during the national anthem ( contradiction , much ? )
and refuse to accept that such a protest isn ’ t about the flag .
But add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — as opposed to , say , a column about a horse not speaking — and it ’ s getting to be too much .

I’ve never been much for horse racing, but there was something about Tiz the Law’s weekend victory at the Belmont Stakes that just plain got me.
It wasn’t the way the 3-year-old colt exploded into the final turn and left the competition in the dust down the homestretch, though that was pretty cool.
It wasn’t that he proved — in the first major sporting event in New York since the coronavirus pandemic hit — that sports can get the job done even when the grandstands are a ghost town, though that he did.
It wasn’t the Triple Crown dreams he inspired or the winning tickets he punched or anything like that.
You know what it was? It was what that handsome, reddish-brown thoroughbred sonofagun said after he won.
Nothing.
Sweet, blissful silence.
Yes, I am noting the fact that a horse didn’t speak or even look into the television cameras and mouth, “Hi, Mom.” But then, these are strange times.
Bless Tiz the Law’s big, strong heart for keeping his yap shut. It was about time something happened in sports that wasn’t laden with empty rhetoric, tedious ignorance or outright lies. Or as I like to call it, horse-you-know-what.
Man, the stuff we’ve had to listen to. Where to start?
There’ve been more weak threats and flimsy ultimatums in baseball than one could swing a stick at. There’ve been official statements from one side of the negotiating table complaining that the other side won’t respond. Statements about being “disgusted.” Statements about the futility of it all.
Perhaps only MLB commissioner Rob Manfred could summon the fecklessness to guarantee one day that a season will happen in 2020 — “100%,” he said — then cry from the ledge a couple of days later that everything’s a “disaster.”
At last count, too, there had been approximately 8 million declarations of confidence from league commissioners, team executives, college conference commissioners, athletic directors and coaches in all sports that the games will soon go on. They shall! They must! Who would know better than these non-scientists about what’s going to happen on the ol’ global-pandemic front?
Zip it, Dr. Gundy. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images
Everybody’s a COVID-19 expert, no one more so than Mike Gundy, who coaches football at Oklahoma State when he isn’t wishing away infectious diseases. Gundy is a pioneer in the field of pretending to know what the hell he’s talking about when it comes to the coronavirus. Back in early April, he had May 1 circled on his calendar as the day to get football operations in Stillwater up and running again.
“That’s the plan,” he said.
And how did that work out, Doc?
Also in early April, MLB and its players’ union were focusing on a plan — reportedly with the support of federal public-health officials — to start the season as soon as May and play all games in empty stadiums in the Phoenix area. Hey, the empty-stadiums part was right on the money. The Arizona part, not so much. These days, the state is setting record highs every day for confirmed coronavirus cases.
Which brings us to Florida, another state that’s setting daily record highs. Wouldn’t that be the perfect place for the NBA to shove all its teams and resume its season? As Gundy might say, that’s the plan.
“I have every reason to believe the setup we have in Orlando will be safer for our players and travel parties than staying in their respective cities,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told the New York Post this week.
Color me not quite as sold as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who recently said: “What I would tell commissioners of leagues is, if you have a team in an area where they just won’t let them operate, we’ll find a place for you here.”
Oh, boy.
Tiz the Law didn’t talk nonsense. He just put his head down, got to the finish line first and said nary a word about when and how other sports will get going, how great Mitch Trubisky’s comeback will be and whether a steroid wing should be built at baseball’s Hall of Fame and named for Sammy Sosa.
Should be spelled C-H-E-A-T-E-R. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Indeed, the talk here in town of late on those two topics — Trubisky and Sosa — has been rather ridiculous, too. Here’s the thing about Trubisky: He’s a bad quarterback. Here’s the thing about Sosa: He’s a total cheater. Doesn’t that about cover it?
It’s bad enough to have to hear the ninnies in the no-mask brigade who, on some sick, twisted level, draw a line from not wearing one to being super tough to willing their favorite team and sports season back into action.
It’s bad enough to have to hear the indignant wails of those who believe so hard in the Land of the Free that they don’t think a player should be allowed to kneel during the national anthem (contradiction, much?) and refuse to accept that such a protest isn’t about the flag.
But add all the rest of the inane blathering — as opposed to, say, a column about a horse not speaking — and it’s getting to be too much.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-21--Belmont winner Tiz the Law now must wait 11 weeks for the Kentucky Derby

Tiz the Law has been good and lucky , two ingredients essential to success in horse racing .
He raced to a 3 3/4-length victory Saturday in the Belmont Stakes to open the rescheduled Triple Crown .
His five wins in six career starts have been by an average margin of 19 1/4 lengths .
His only loss came at Churchill Downs in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes last year , when he finished third on a sloppy track .
In 11 weeks , he ’ ll get a chance to avenge that defeat over the same track in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ambitious summer and fall campaign ahead of him if all goes according to plan .
Next up is the Travers on Aug. 8 at Saratoga , where Tiz the Law would be competing on his home turf in upstate New York .
It ’ s where he won for the first time last August .
As the first New York-bred Belmont winner since 1882 , his following only figures to get bigger .
However , it remains to be seen whether fans would be allowed to attend at any point in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ ve never won the Travers and I want to win it , ” trainer Barclay Tagg said .
Then comes the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5 and the Preakness on Oct. 3 — no word yet on spectators at either race — to close out the Triple Crown .
The bay colt would finish the year in the Breeders ’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on Nov. 7 .
Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stable — comprised of 34 partners who paid $ 110,000 for Tiz the Law — hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in person since Feb. 1 at Gulfstream in Florida .
He watched Tiz the Law win the Florida Derby on March 28 from his condo near the track and the Belmont at a restaurant in Saratoga Springs .
The colt has earned over $ 1.5 million .
“ I keep telling everybody Barclay doesn ’ t get a lot of big horses and big opportunities , ” Knowlton said about his trainer of 25 years , “ but when he gets them he knows what to do.
” Keeping Tiz the Law healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more of a challenge with this year ’ s extended Triple Crown schedule .
Instead of three races over five weeks , the coronavirus pandemic has forced the series to be run out of order over 15 weeks .
Instead of running in the Derby five weeks after his Florida Derby victory , Tiz the Law had to wait 12 weeks for the Belmont to open the Triple Crown series .
Now , the colt is facing 11 weeks between the Belmont and the Derby , with the Travers as his only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long time to train and avoid injury and illness .
In 2003 , Funny Cide got sick after losing the Haskell Invitational and didn ’ t compete in the Travers .
Tagg and Sackatoga Stable teamed up that year to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness with Funny Cide — a gelding that cost $ 75,000 — before his Triple Crown hopes were dashed with a third-place finish in the Belmont .
“ You have to pay attention to your horse .
He tells you whether it ’ s too much or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He tells you all that stuff if you pay attention to it .
You have to show up every day .
You have to see if he eats every day and if he eats every night.
” Tagg is always a man with a plan .
The 82-year-old trainer gets on a pony to accompany each of his horses to the track in the mornings .
He ’ s at the barn in the evenings , too , making sure each one empties their feed tub .
Anyone that doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t right .
Tiz the Law ’ s immediate schedule after a major race involves walking around the barn for a few days before jogging on the track , then galloping , followed by a workout at a moderate speed .
It ’ s a tricky balance of not going too fast or too slow but just right .
Injuries have already decimated the 3-year-old ranks .
Charlatan and Nadal , trainer Bob Baffert ’ s undefeated duo that each won a division of the Arkansas Derby , are out .
Charlatan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Nadal was retired .
Louisiana Derby winner Wells Bayou won ’ t make the Derby .
Maxfield is out until next year .
Tiz the Law is atop the leaderboard that determines the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field with 272 points .
Honor A. P. , in second with 120 , skipped the Belmont because it came just two weeks after he won the Santa Anita Derby .
Authentic , second in the Santa Anita Derby , is third on the leaderboard .

Tiz the Law has been good and lucky, two ingredients essential to success in horse racing.
He’s been dominant, too.
He raced to a 3 3/4-length victory Saturday in the Belmont Stakes to open the rescheduled Triple Crown. His five wins in six career starts have been by an average margin of 19 1/4 lengths. His only loss came at Churchill Downs in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes last year, when he finished third on a sloppy track.
In 11 weeks, he’ll get a chance to avenge that defeat over the same track in the Kentucky Derby.
Tiz the Law has an ambitious summer and fall campaign ahead of him if all goes according to plan.
Next up is the Travers on Aug. 8 at Saratoga, where Tiz the Law would be competing on his home turf in upstate New York. It’s where he won for the first time last August. As the first New York-bred Belmont winner since 1882, his following only figures to get bigger. However, it remains to be seen whether fans would be allowed to attend at any point in the Saratoga meet, which opens July 16.
“I’ve never won the Travers and I want to win it,” trainer Barclay Tagg said.
Then comes the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5 and the Preakness on Oct. 3 — no word yet on spectators at either race — to close out the Triple Crown. The bay colt would finish the year in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on Nov. 7.
Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stable — comprised of 34 partners who paid $110,000 for Tiz the Law — hasn’t been able to cheer his colt in person since Feb. 1 at Gulfstream in Florida. He watched Tiz the Law win the Florida Derby on March 28 from his condo near the track and the Belmont at a restaurant in Saratoga Springs. The colt has earned over $1.5 million.
“I keep telling everybody Barclay doesn’t get a lot of big horses and big opportunities,” Knowlton said about his trainer of 25 years, “but when he gets them he knows what to do.”
Keeping Tiz the Law healthy and happy is key, and becomes even more of a challenge with this year’s extended Triple Crown schedule. Instead of three races over five weeks, the coronavirus pandemic has forced the series to be run out of order over 15 weeks.
Instead of running in the Derby five weeks after his Florida Derby victory, Tiz the Law had to wait 12 weeks for the Belmont to open the Triple Crown series. Now, the colt is facing 11 weeks between the Belmont and the Derby, with the Travers as his only race in between. That’s a long time to train and avoid injury and illness.
In 2003, Funny Cide got sick after losing the Haskell Invitational and didn’t compete in the Travers. Tagg and Sackatoga Stable teamed up that year to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness with Funny Cide — a gelding that cost $75,000 — before his Triple Crown hopes were dashed with a third-place finish in the Belmont.
“You have to pay attention to your horse. He tells you whether it’s too much or too little,” Tagg said. “He tells you all that stuff if you pay attention to it. You have to show up every day. You have to see if he eats every day and if he eats every night.”
Tagg is always a man with a plan. The 82-year-old trainer gets on a pony to accompany each of his horses to the track in the mornings. He’s at the barn in the evenings, too, making sure each one empties their feed tub. Anyone that doesn’t is often a sign that something isn’t right.
Tiz the Law’s immediate schedule after a major race involves walking around the barn for a few days before jogging on the track, then galloping, followed by a workout at a moderate speed. It’s a tricky balance of not going too fast or too slow but just right.
Injuries have already decimated the 3-year-old ranks. Charlatan and Nadal, trainer Bob Baffert’s undefeated duo that each won a division of the Arkansas Derby, are out. Charlatan could return in time for the Preakness; Nadal was retired. Louisiana Derby winner Wells Bayou won’t make the Derby. Maxfield is out until next year.
Tiz the Law is atop the leaderboard that determines the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field with 272 points. Honor A. P., in second with 120, skipped the Belmont because it came just two weeks after he won the Santa Anita Derby. Authentic, second in the Santa Anita Derby, is third on the leaderboard.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-21--Confederate flags seen outside of track at Talladega Superspeedway

TALLADEGA , Ala. — It cost $ 40 to get into Talladega Superspeedway if you were one of 5,000 people to purchase a ticket and live within 150 miles of the NASCAR staple .
But to get to the seat in Row 26A , Seat 12W , you first had to weave down Talladega Blvd.
, perhaps passing dozens of people lining the road and proudly waving the Confederate flag .
Look up , and you might spot a plane pulling a banner of the Southern symbol , now banned from being displayed inside race tracks , with the words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that once flew openly around the infield and stands are still for sale across the street .
NASCAR hasn ’ t disclosed how it will handle fans flying flags .
The race was pushed back to Monday afternoon because of heavy rain and lightning .
But before the rain came , the scene was a dramatic departure from the Talladega norm .
“ It ’ s weird .
It ’ s eerie , ” said David Radvansky , 32 , from suburban Atlanta , who brought his wife and boys , 3 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Talladega in the 1990s when his father parked cars at races , applauded NASCAR ’ s decision to ban the Confederate flags .
“ I don ’ t think there ’ s a place for it in NASCAR , to be honest with you , ” the 32-year-old said .
“ That doesn ’ t sit well with all the good ole boys but it is what it is.
” Fans had to go through screening and wear masks to get in for the race , though a few were walking around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed to flow quickly and the sun was shining until about an hour before the race , when rain and lightning started .
Bathrooms had arrows directing patrons which way to enter or exit , and attendants lined the way holding signs urging them to “ please wear your masks.
” Pickups truck with Confederate flags flying from the back tooled around Speedway Boulevard .
Ed Sugg ’ s merchandise tent flew them prominently in a display alongside Trump for 2020 banners and an American flag .
“ They ’ re doing very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alabama resident , who has been selling an array of wares at NASCAR races for 21 years .
“ People are disappointed that NASCAR has taken that stance .
It ’ s been around for as long as all of us have been .
I don ’ t think anybody really connects it to any kind of racism or anything .
It ’ s just a Southern thing .
It ’ s transparent .
It ’ s just a heritage thing.
” Longtime racing fan Faron Elam , meanwhile , wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimal atmosphere .
“ This ain ’ t racing , ” said Elam , a 50-year-old from Cottondale , Alabama .
“ This is nothing like it used to be .
You used to come up here and have fun , go to all the souvenir trucks , everything .
“ You ’ ve got two out front now .
That ’ s all you ’ ve got and if you don ’ t like who ’ s in it , then you don ’ t get anything.
” Then again , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fan of everything from dirt track to drag racing .
“ Just anything with speed , ” Elam said .

TALLADEGA, Ala. — It cost $40 to get into Talladega Superspeedway if you were one of 5,000 people to purchase a ticket and live within 150 miles of the NASCAR staple.
But to get to the seat in Row 26A, Seat 12W, you first likely passed dozens of people outside the track proudly displaying Confederate flags, some flying them from pickup trucks.
Look up, and you might spot a plane pulling a banner of the Southern symbol, now banned from being displayed inside race tracks, with the words “Defund NASCAR”
The Confederate flags that once flew openly around the infield and stands are still for sale across the street. NASCAR hasn’t disclosed how it will handle fans flying flags.
With the most fans allowed into a NASCAR race during the Coronavirus pandemic it put the spotlight on the Confederate flag ban. There weren’t any immediate reports of how many, if any, flags were confiscated or taken down at the venue.
NASCAR two weeks ago said it would ban the Confederate flag at its tracks and venues following a call from Bubba Wallace, the series’ only full-time Black driver in the Cup Series. The ban was not tested last week at a track near Miami, where 1,000 military members attended the race. This weekend was seen as a much bigger challenge in the heart of the South with up to 5,000 fans allowed in and a relatively small number of RVs cleared to camp nearby.
The ban drew informal protests Saturday and Sunday alike, with cars and pickup trucks driving along nearby roads flying the flag and parading past the entrance to the superspeedway, along with the plane.
NASCAR did not acknowledged the plane or its banner, though executive Steve O’Donnell Tweeted a picture of black and white hands shaking: “You won’t see a photo of a jackass flying a flag over the track here…but you will see this…Hope EVERYONE enjoys the race today.”
Rapper Ice Cube even tweeted about the plane saying, “(Expletive) him NASCAR, you got new fans in this household.”
The race was pushed back to Monday afternoon because of heavy rain and lightning. But before the rain came, the scene was a dramatic departure from the Talladega norm.
“It’s weird. It’s eerie,” said David Radvansky, 32, from suburban Atlanta, who brought his wife and boys, 3 and 6.
Radvansky, who started coming to Talladega in the 1990s when his father parked cars at races, applauded NASCAR’s decision to ban the Confederate flags.
“I don’t think there’s a place for it in NASCAR, to be honest with you,” the 32-year-old said. “That doesn’t sit well with all the good ole boys but it is what it is.”
Fans had to go through screening and wear masks to get in for the race, though a few were walking around inside without theirs on. But lines seemed to flow quickly and the sun was shining until about an hour before the race, when rain and lightning started.
Bathrooms had arrows directing patrons which way to enter or exit, and attendants lined the way holding signs urging them to “please wear your masks.”
Directly across from the track, Ed Sugg’s merchandise tent flew Confederate flags prominently in a display alongside Trump for 2020 banners and an American flag.
“They’re doing very well,” said the Helena, Alabama resident, who has been selling an array of wares at NASCAR races for 21 years. “People are disappointed that NASCAR has taken that stance. It’s been around for as long as all of us have been. I don’t think anybody really connects it to any kind of racism or anything. It’s just a Southern thing. It’s transparent. It’s just a heritage thing.”
Longtime racing fan Faron Elam, meanwhile, wasn’t thrilled by the fan restrictions and more minimal atmosphere.
“This ain’t racing,” said Elam, a 50-year-old from Cottondale, Alabama. “This is nothing like it used to be. You used to come up here and have fun, go to all the souvenir trucks, everything.
“You’ve got two out front now. That’s all you’ve got and if you don’t like who’s in it, then you don’t get anything.”
Then again, it was to provide the key element for the fan of everything from dirt track to drag racing.
“Just anything with speed,” Elam said.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-21--Local H starts reviving live music with drive-in concerts

Leave it to Local H to help bring live music back to Illinois .
After weeks of near daily streaming events and interactive activities for fans stuck at home — from crowd-sourced press conferences to cover-song showdowns with virtual tip jars for local venues and bartenders — the homegrown rock duo has arrived at its feature presentation .
On June 25 and 26 , Local H will host concerts at the Harvest Moon Drive-In Theater in Gibson City ( about a two-hour drive from Chicago ) .
It ’ s the first large staged music event of its kind in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has shuttered live venues and put a ground stop to concerts since early March .
“ I love drive-ins .
Something I ’ ve always wanted to do — even before the pandemic — was play a show at a drive-in , so this is kind of a dream come true for me , ” says frontman Scott Lucas , who co-founded the group in Zion 30 years ago.Local H gained traction in the ’ 90s with alt-rock gold like “ Bound for the Floor , ” “ Eddie Vedder ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan Harding joined in 2013 to complete the current lineup ; he and Lucas released their latest album “ Lifers ” on April 10 .
Local H had been on a national tour with Soul Asylum promoting the new album when the pandemic changed the course .
“ We had two dates left ; we were in San Diego when we got the notice , ” recalls Lucas .
“ It was a long drive home but also interesting to see the country go through those first days of nobody really knowing what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The only thing I can think of that ’ s as close to this that I ’ ve seen was Sept. 11.
” Though back then , they pushed back the release of their album “ Here Comes The Zoo , ” the band opted to change the crisis plan this time around by going forward with the new release and becoming more engaging .
“ I think people need something to do right now ; we need something to do to not give in to despair , ” Lucas said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their laptops , you get this real personal sort of interaction with people and I love it .
I hope it never goes back the other way as far as that goes.
” As Lucas saw drive-ins reopening for movie screenings several weeks back , and with other acts like Keith Urban successfully pivoting to the model , the Local H frontman posed the idea during a Facebook live-stream with fans .
“ It was pretty easy to put together , ” says Lucas , thanking Bradley-based venue Looney Bin owner Nick Huffman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we thought maybe it ’ s too far of a drive [ for Chicago-based fans ] , but then figured people wouldn ’ t mind and maybe it would be a good idea anyway.
” After the June 25 date sold out within two days , Local H announced a second date for June 26 — at press time , tickets were still on sale .
According to Ben Harroun , general manager , each date allows roughly 220 parking spots , or half of the normal car load , to allow for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have 10-12 feet of distance to fully enjoy the show , which will feature the band on a stage in front of a jumbotron carrying a live feed .
In addition to a full PA system , the show also will be broadcast on an FM dial .
“ People have to stay in or near their cars .
But they can set up chairs and blankets next to their vehicles , ” Harroun says , adding that concessions will be available onsite or fans can opt to purchase a $ 20 food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from outside vendors .
There are also camping grounds and hotels nearby , with the shows ending by midnight .
Adds Harroun , “ The biggest change is there won ’ t be any pit area where everyone gathers by the stage like a normal show.
” While Lucas waits for the day that Local H can play shows like that again , he ’ s also been taking part in the efforts of the Chicago Independent Venue League , part of the larger National Independent Venue Association , that is asking Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the country .
“ This pandemic has not only affected us as artists but affected all of my friends , too , ” says Lucas .
“ All of my friends work at venues or are bartenders or own venues .
I think that a city that doesn ’ t have music venues or doesn ’ t have movie theaters , which is another problem right now , I just don ’ t know if it ’ s worth living in .
”

Leave it to Local H to help bring live music back to Illinois. After weeks of near daily streaming events and interactive activities for fans stuck at home — from crowd-sourced press conferences to cover-song showdowns with virtual tip jars for local venues and bartenders — the homegrown rock duo has arrived at its feature presentation.
On June 25 and 26, Local H will host concerts at the Harvest Moon Drive-In Theater in Gibson City (about a two-hour drive from Chicago). It’s the first large staged music event of its kind in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shuttered live venues and put a ground stop to concerts since early March.
Untitled BOUND FOR THE DRIVE-IN WITH LOCAL H When: 7 p.m. June 25-26 Where: Harvest Moon Drive-In, 1175 S. Sangamon Ave, Gibson City Tickets: $15 per person Friday; Thursday sold out Information: outhousetickets.com
“I love drive-ins. Something I’ve always wanted to do — even before the pandemic — was play a show at a drive-in, so this is kind of a dream come true for me,” says frontman Scott Lucas, who co-founded the group in Zion 30 years ago.Local H gained traction in the ’90s with alt-rock gold like “Bound for the Floor,” “Eddie Vedder” and “Hands on the Bible.” Drummer Ryan Harding joined in 2013 to complete the current lineup; he and Lucas released their latest album “Lifers” on April 10.
Local H had been on a national tour with Soul Asylum promoting the new album when the pandemic changed the course. “We had two dates left; we were in San Diego when we got the notice,” recalls Lucas. “It was a long drive home but also interesting to see the country go through those first days of nobody really knowing what was going on or what to do. The only thing I can think of that’s as close to this that I’ve seen was Sept. 11.”
The Harvest Moon Drive-In in Gibson City, Illinois. Josh Harget
Though back then, they pushed back the release of their album “Here Comes The Zoo,” the band opted to change the crisis plan this time around by going forward with the new release and becoming more engaging. “I think people need something to do right now; we need something to do to not give in to despair,” Lucas said. “When you watch artists get out their laptops, you get this real personal sort of interaction with people and I love it. I hope it never goes back the other way as far as that goes.”
As Lucas saw drive-ins reopening for movie screenings several weeks back, and with other acts like Keith Urban successfully pivoting to the model, the Local H frontman posed the idea during a Facebook live-stream with fans. “It was pretty easy to put together,” says Lucas, thanking Bradley-based venue Looney Bin owner Nick Huffman for the introduction. “Initially, we thought maybe it’s too far of a drive [for Chicago-based fans], but then figured people wouldn’t mind and maybe it would be a good idea anyway.”
After the June 25 date sold out within two days, Local H announced a second date for June 26 — at press time, tickets were still on sale. According to Ben Harroun, general manager, each date allows roughly 220 parking spots, or half of the normal car load, to allow for social distancing. Each parking spot will have 10-12 feet of distance to fully enjoy the show, which will feature the band on a stage in front of a jumbotron carrying a live feed. In addition to a full PA system, the show also will be broadcast on an FM dial.
“People have to stay in or near their cars. But they can set up chairs and blankets next to their vehicles,” Harroun says, adding that concessions will be available onsite or fans can opt to purchase a $20 food and drink pass to bring in options from outside vendors. There are also camping grounds and hotels nearby, with the shows ending by midnight. Adds Harroun, “The biggest change is there won’t be any pit area where everyone gathers by the stage like a normal show.”
Drummer Ryan Harding (left) joined co-founder Scott Lucas in Local H in 2013. Provided
While Lucas waits for the day that Local H can play shows like that again, he’s also been taking part in the efforts of the Chicago Independent Venue League, part of the larger National Independent Venue Association, that is asking Congress for critical funding to save local music around the country.
“This pandemic has not only affected us as artists but affected all of my friends, too,” says Lucas. “All of my friends work at venues or are bartenders or own venues. I think that a city that doesn’t have music venues or doesn’t have movie theaters, which is another problem right now, I just don’t know if it’s worth living in.”
Selena Fragassi is a local freelance writer.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-21--Police release images of person sought in  deaths of 2 teens in South Chicago

Chicago police are searching for a person who they say allegedly shot and killed two teenage boys Saturday in South @ @ @ @ @ which happened about 5:10 p.m. on South Luella Avenue , left 17-year-old Jasean Francis and @ @ @ @ @ Police say the shooter was a male in a black Puma hoodie wearing ripped , @ @ @ @ @ on his left foot .
Anyone with information is asked to call Area 2 detectives @ @ @ @ @ on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are searching for a person who they say allegedly shot and killed two teenage boys Saturday in South Chicago.
The shooting, which happened about 5:10 p.m. on South Luella Avenue, left 17-year-old Jasean Francis and 16-year-old Charles Riley dead.
Police say the shooter was a male in a black Puma hoodie wearing ripped, faded jeans and one shoe on his left foot.
Surveillance photo of the person wanted for the alleged murder of two teens June 20, 2020, in South Chicago. | Chicago police 1 of 3 Surveillance photo of the person wanted for the alleged murder of two teens June 20, 2020, in South Chicago. | Chicago police 2 of 3 Surveillance photo of the person wanted for the alleged murder of two teens June 20, 2020, in South Chicago. | Chicago police 3 of 3
Anyone with information is asked to call Area 2 detectives at 312-747-8271.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-21--Man shot at North Riverside Park Mall

Man shot at North Riverside Park Mall

The North Riverside Park Mall is closed Sunday after a shooting at the west suburban shopping center left a man @ @ @ @ @ shot about 12:25 p.m. in the south end of the mall ’ s lower level @ @ @ @ @ Police Chief Carlos Garcia .
Garcia did not provide a condition for the man , @ @ @ @ @ , but said that he was conscious while being transported to a local hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ .
The mall has been closed for an investigation , Garcia said .
No one @ @ @ @ @ .
Sunday ’ s shooting marks the second such incident at the North Riverside Park @ @ @ @ @ month .
Earlier in June , a 22-year-old man was shot to death behind the @ @ @ @ @ restaurant .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

The North Riverside Park Mall is closed Sunday after a shooting at the west suburban shopping center left a man wounded.
The man was shot about 12:25 p.m. in the south end of the mall’s lower level, according to North Riverside Police Chief Carlos Garcia.
Garcia did not provide a condition for the man, who is in his 20s, but said that he was conscious while being transported to a local hospital. No other injuries were reported.
The mall has been closed for an investigation, Garcia said. No one was in custody Sunday afternoon.
Sunday’s shooting marks the second such incident at the North Riverside Park Mall in less than a month. Earlier in June, a 22-year-old man was shot to death behind the mall’s Olive Garden restaurant.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-21--Cubs, No. 1 pick Ed Howard agree to terms on bonus of $3.75 million

Some good news came Sunday for Cubs fans when shortstop Ed Howard , the team ’ s first-round selection in @ @ @ @ @ draft , agreed to terms on a bonus of just under $ 3.75 million — @ @ @ @ @ 16th pick .
There won ’ t be official minor-league games for Howard to play @ @ @ @ @ he ’ ll likely begin work in some form in Arizona as soon as that @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus pandemic .
Howard starred at Mount Carmel and before that played on @ @ @ @ @ that won the U.S. title at the Little League World Series in 2014 .
Widely @ @ @ @ @ in the draft , he should instantly become one of the top-ranked prospects in a @ @ @ @ @ behind much of baseball .
The news of Howard ’ s bonus agreement was first @ @ @ @ @

Some good news came Sunday for Cubs fans when shortstop Ed Howard, the team’s first-round selection in this month’s MLB Draft, agreed to terms on a bonus of just under $3.75 million — full slot value for the 16th pick. It became official Monday morning with a signing announced by the Cubs.
There won’t be official minor-league games for Howard to play in this season, but he’ll likely begin work in some form in Arizona as soon as that’s possible in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Howard starred at Mount Carmel, batting .421 with 11 doubles, four triples and three homers in 35 games as a junior in 2019, earning Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year honors. Before that, he played on the Jackie Robinson West team that won the U.S. title at the Little League World Series in 2014.
The 6-2, 185-pound Howard became the first Illinois high school position player to be selected in the first round since Jayson Werth in 1997. He should instantly become one of the top-ranked prospects in a Cubs system that is lagging behind much of baseball.
The news of Howard’s bonus agreement was first reported by The Bigs.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-22--CTA Red, Purple Line service suspended on North Side over mechanical problem

CTA Red and Purple line service has been disrupted because of a mechanical problem on a train near Wilson .
@ @ @ @ @ between Howard and Belmont about 4:30 a.m , according to a service alert from the @ @ @ @ @ later , Purple Line service was suspended between Howard and the Loop .
Shuttle buses @ @ @ @ @ between Howard and Belmont , the CTA said .
Commuters are also advised to use @ @ @ @ @ Broadway buses as alternate routes .

CTA Red and Purple line service was disrupted for several hours early Monday because of a mechanical problem on a train near Wilson.
Red Line service was suspended between Howard and Belmont about 4:30 a.m, according to a service alert from the CTA. About an hour later, Purple Line service was suspended between Howard and the Loop.
Trains were back in service about 8 a.m., according to the transit agency.
Shuttle buses were available for affected riders between Howard and Belmont, the CTA said. Commuters were also advised to use the 22 Clark and 36 Broadway buses as alternate routes.
[Service Disruption] Red Line service has been temporarily suspended between Howard & Belmont due to a mechanical problem on a train. Consider the #22 Clark & #36 Broadway buses. More: https://t.co/PTWLQSYrzx — cta (@cta) June 22, 2020


chicagosun-times--2020-06-22--Dear Abby: Since wife’s death, I’m yearning to have someone in my life

DEAR ABBY : My beautiful wife just passed away from ovarian cancer .
She was only 48 .
She was my perfect life partner for 28 years and everything in the world to me .
We shared every day together .
I didn ’ t have any hobbies or guy friends ; all I ever wanted was to be with her .
I ’ m not asking for help with grief , as there is no getting over what happened .
But I became so emotionally dependent on her that I find myself like an addict in withdrawal .
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will appear to be desperate if I even talk to another woman .
I need someone in my life .
I just don ’ t know how to get from hollow to whole again .
Please help me figure out how to let someone know I would be a good and faithful partner without hanging a sign around my neck that says “ Desperate !
” — IN NEED OF SOMEONE DEAR IN NEED : Allow me to offer my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved wife , but please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Before searching for another wife , it ’ s important you figure out the boundary between where you left off and your wife began .
While the closeness you shared was a special gift , I urge you to allow yourself time to heal from this great loss .
By that , I am not implying that you should go into seclusion .
Quite the contrary .
But instead of searching for someone to fill the hole in your life , it would be healthier to start by looking for friends .
Friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from friendships deeper relationships develop .
Explore activities that interest you , whether they be sports-related , continuing your education , the arts , volunteer work .
If you get stuck , ask for a referral to a grief support group or a therapist .
You WILL get through this , but it will take time for the ache to subside .
Have faith , accept it , go slow and you won ’ t regret it .
DEAR ABBY : My fiance , “ Jay , ” has a 14-year-old daughter who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and she refuses to put pants on .
When we ask her to , she gets upset .
She isn ’ t built like the average teenager .
Abby , she ’ s 5 ’ 10 ” and weighs 200 pounds , so it ’ s like seeing a grown woman in her underwear .
I think it ’ s inappropriate for a young woman her age to be unwilling to dress herself fully , and I don ’ t like seeing her like that every time I go to their house .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ says it doesn ’ t bother him , and he doesn ’ t mind when I ask her to put shorts on .
I don ’ t feel it ’ s my place at this point to dictate what she wears , but I ’ m uncomfortable .
I don ’ t know if I ’ m crossing a line or if it ’ s normal to feel this way .
Help !
— DIDN ’ T THINK I WAS A PRUDE DEAR DIDN ’ T : Your fiance is OK with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If your engagement to Jay leads to marriage , you will be living there permanently , so your opinion should be respected .
Someone has to have “ the talk ” with your fiance ’ s daughter about the fact she ’ s no longer a child ; she has become a young woman .
The person to do that is her father .
The message would be better coming from him because you ’ re not her parent , and it may help you avoid being perceived as the “ wicked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For everything you need to know about wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My beautiful wife just passed away from ovarian cancer. She was only 48. She was my perfect life partner for 28 years and everything in the world to me. We shared every day together. I didn’t have any hobbies or guy friends; all I ever wanted was to be with her.
I’m not asking for help with grief, as there is no getting over what happened. But I became so emotionally dependent on her that I find myself like an addict in withdrawal. Because of this, I’m afraid I will appear to be desperate if I even talk to another woman. I need someone in my life. I just don’t know how to get from hollow to whole again.
Please help me figure out how to let someone know I would be a good and faithful partner without hanging a sign around my neck that says “Desperate!” — IN NEED OF SOMEONE
DEAR IN NEED: Allow me to offer my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved wife, but please don’t jump the gun. Before searching for another wife, it’s important you figure out the boundary between where you left off and your wife began.
While the closeness you shared was a special gift, I urge you to allow yourself time to heal from this great loss. By that, I am not implying that you should go into seclusion. Quite the contrary. But instead of searching for someone to fill the hole in your life, it would be healthier to start by looking for friends. Friends are easy to talk to, and from friendships deeper relationships develop.
Explore activities that interest you, whether they be sports-related, continuing your education, the arts, volunteer work. If you get stuck, ask for a referral to a grief support group or a therapist. You WILL get through this, but it will take time for the ache to subside. Have faith, accept it, go slow and you won’t regret it.
DEAR ABBY: My fiance, “Jay,” has a 14-year-old daughter who has been home-schooling during the quarantine, and she refuses to put pants on. When we ask her to, she gets upset. She isn’t built like the average teenager. Abby, she’s 5’10” and weighs 200 pounds, so it’s like seeing a grown woman in her underwear.
I think it’s inappropriate for a young woman her age to be unwilling to dress herself fully, and I don’t like seeing her like that every time I go to their house. Jay doesn’t notice. He says it doesn’t bother him, and he doesn’t mind when I ask her to put shorts on. I don’t feel it’s my place at this point to dictate what she wears, but I’m uncomfortable. I don’t know if I’m crossing a line or if it’s normal to feel this way. Help! — DIDN’T THINK I WAS A PRUDE
DEAR DIDN’T: Your fiance is OK with his daughter’s attire in their home. If your engagement to Jay leads to marriage, you will be living there permanently, so your opinion should be respected. Someone has to have “the talk” with your fiance’s daughter about the fact she’s no longer a child; she has become a young woman. The person to do that is her father. The message would be better coming from him because you’re not her parent, and it may help you avoid being perceived as the “wicked stepmother-to-be.”
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-06-22--CPS student dragged down steps by CPD officers graduates; emotional scars remain

Laurentio Howard shudders whenever he recalls the video of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin with his hands in his pockets as George Floyd suffocated under his knees .
But the trauma of watching that video doesn ’ t compare to that experienced by his 18-year-old daughter , Dnigma Howard , who shudders every time she sees police , he says .
Dnigma can ’ t get past the day she was shoved into a stairway by a Chicago Police officer stationed within Marshall Metropolitan High School — then dragged by her leg down two flights of 30 stone steps with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unreal , to tell you the truth , as a Black man — actually seeing the police officer taking George Floyd ’ s life , and his last words , him calling out for his mother , ” the father , of the Near West Side , said last week , as he shared photos of his daughter ’ s graduation from Innovations High School , a Chicago Public Schools charter .
“ Watching the Floyd video , I felt hurt , afraid , just thinking it could have been me , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to stand back , to not be able to help my daughter being brutalized by officers sworn to protect her , was one of the hardest things I ’ ve ever experienced , ” said Howard , a sheet metal worker with the city of Chicago .
As the killing of Floyd reignites national debate over police in schools — with at least four major cities eliminating the controversial practice — we caught up with Howard , a 49-year-old single dad , and his daughter , who graduated May 20 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office has summoned lawyers and community stakeholders involved in the federal consent decree addressing racism in the Chicago Police Department to a 2 p.m. meeting Monday , focused on police-in-schools reforms .
Sources said the mayor is forming a committee to begin tackling reforms in this arena .
Dnigma , who attended school with an Individualized Education Plan — mandated for special needs students — was 16 when the incident occurred Jan. 29 , 2019 , over the student using her cellphone in class .
A federal civil rights lawsuit filed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken by another student of the violent response by the two officers — contradicting police reports — surfaced after the incident .
After it was published by the Sun-Times , Officers Johnny Pierre and Sherry Tripp were immediately removed from the school .
Two felony counts of aggravated battery lodged against the girl were subsequently dropped by Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx .
“ I just really couldn ’ t believe how my daughter was the one beaten like that , then charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could think was , ‘ She ’ s 16 , and her life is destroyed , ’ ” her father said .
“ If her friend hadn ’ t taken that cellphone video , I wouldn ’ t have been able to send it to the media after police and CPS lied about what happened , ” he said .
“ Once we got the surveillance camera , I was so happy the world could see the officer lied on my daughter.
” The police report accused Dnigma of initiating the incident , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall down the stairs .
The video shows Pierre initiating contact , shoving her into the stairway , then dragging her down .
Officers later Tased her three times .
Dnigma ’ s father chatted after a failed effort by aldermen to bring an ordinance before the City Council terminating the $ 33 million contract between Chicago Public Schools and CPD last week .
Opposed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot , the ordinance was sent to where legislation dies .
A day later , the independent monitor overseeing the federal consent decree revealed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadlines in the decree — including those to provide school officers with training in cultural competency and de-escalation techniques .
Unmet requirements also include defining the role of such officers , and screening criteria .
“ If this isn ’ t a prime example of the problem with police in schools , I don ’ t know what is , ” said Dnigma ’ s father .
“ You can clearly see the female officer punching my daughter in the face as she struggles at the bottom of the stairs , the male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A year and a half later , investigations into the officers ’ conduct by the state ’ s attorney ’ s office and Office of Police Accountability continue .
“ We are still investigating and are committed to a full and thorough investigation , ” said Ephraim Eaddy , spokesman for COPA .
“ However , since this case involves a juvenile , I can not comment further.
” CPD News Affairs spokeswoman Michelle Tannehill said Sunday both officers remain on “ full duty status.
” It was unclear whether CPS had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Inspector General .
“ The CPS OIG has not provided the district with an update on the status of the investigation or findings since it was referred to the OIG in February 2019 , ” CPS spokeswoman Emily Bolton said Sunday .
The Chicago Teachers Union plans a rally of CPS staff , parents and students Wednesday , continuing its call for removal of police from schools .
Activists cite the direct impact on the school-to-prison pipeline found in studies , calling for spending to be redirected to student support services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to local school councils .
Howard , whose daughter has suffered much tragedy , cringes at the thought of such an incident happening to another student .
Dnigma had struggled , after her 13-year-old brother , Darriel , died from an asthma attack when she was 9 .
And her mother died June 2 , just two weeks after Dnigma ’ s high-school graduation .
“ I ’ m all she has now , ” her father said .
“ To this day , she can not sleep a full night from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She wakes up screaming , so I ’ m in her room in the middle of the night , calming her .
We ’ re still going to counseling , ” he said .
“ No child should go through such police violence , and the emotional scarring — all over the use of a cellphone in class ?
”

Laurentio Howard shudders whenever he recalls the video of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin with his hands in his pockets as George Floyd suffocated under his knees.
But the trauma of watching that video doesn’t compare to that experienced by his 18-year-old daughter, Dnigma Howard, who shudders every time she sees police, he says.
Dnigma can’t get past the day she was shoved into a stairway by a Chicago Police officer stationed within Marshall Metropolitan High School — then dragged by her leg down two flights of 30 stone steps with sharp metal edges.
“It was unreal, to tell you the truth, as a Black man — actually seeing the police officer taking George Floyd’s life, and his last words, him calling out for his mother,” the father, of the Near West Side, said last week, as he shared photos of his daughter’s graduation from Innovations High School, a Chicago Public Schools charter.
“Watching the Floyd video, I felt hurt, afraid, just thinking it could have been me, because I was there at Marshall. To have to stand back, to not be able to help my daughter being brutalized by officers sworn to protect her, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced,” said Howard, a sheet metal worker with the city of Chicago.
As the killing of Floyd reignites national debate over police in schools — with at least four major cities eliminating the controversial practice — we caught up with Howard, a 49-year-old single dad, and his daughter, who graduated May 20.
The Chicago Sun-Times has learned the mayor’s office has summoned lawyers and community stakeholders involved in the federal consent decree addressing racism in the Chicago Police Department to a 2 p.m. meeting Monday, focused on police-in-schools reforms.
Sources said the mayor is forming a committee to begin tackling reforms in this arena.
Dnigma Howard, 18, graduated May 20 from Innovations High School, a Chicago Public Schools charter. She plans to attend Malcolm X College in the fall to pursue an associate’s degree in business. Provided
Dnigma, who attended school with an Individualized Education Plan — mandated for special needs students — was 16 when the incident occurred Jan. 29, 2019, over the student using her cellphone in class. A federal civil rights lawsuit filed by her father is pending.
Cellphone video taken by another student of the violent response by the two officers — contradicting police reports — surfaced after the incident. After it was published by the Sun-Times, Officers Johnny Pierre and Sherry Tripp were immediately removed from the school.
Two felony counts of aggravated battery lodged against the girl were subsequently dropped by Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
“I just really couldn’t believe how my daughter was the one beaten like that, then charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor, and taken to jail. All I could think was, ‘She’s 16, and her life is destroyed,’” her father said.
“If her friend hadn’t taken that cellphone video, I wouldn’t have been able to send it to the media after police and CPS lied about what happened,” he said. “Once we got the surveillance camera, I was so happy the world could see the officer lied on my daughter.”
The police report accused Dnigma of initiating the incident, causing her and the two officers to fall down the stairs. The video shows Pierre initiating contact, shoving her into the stairway, then dragging her down. Officers later Tased her three times.
Dnigma’s father chatted after a failed effort by aldermen to bring an ordinance before the City Council terminating the $33 million contract between Chicago Public Schools and CPD last week.
Opposed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the ordinance was sent to where legislation dies.
A day later, the independent monitor overseeing the federal consent decree revealed the city missed over 70 percent of court-ordered deadlines in the decree — including those to provide school officers with training in cultural competency and de-escalation techniques.
Unmet requirements also include defining the role of such officers, and screening criteria.
“If this isn’t a prime example of the problem with police in schools, I don’t know what is,” said Dnigma’s father. “You can clearly see the female officer punching my daughter in the face as she struggles at the bottom of the stairs, the male officer standing on her chest and legs.”
Laurentio Howard, whose daughter was dragged down two flights of stairs by Chicago police officers stationed within Marshall Metropolitan High School in January 2019, reflects after a failed effort by aldermen to bring an ordinance before the City Council ending police in schools. That debate has reignited nationally after George Floyd’s killing. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A year and a half later, investigations into the officers’ conduct by the state’s attorney’s office and Office of Police Accountability continue.
“We are still investigating and are committed to a full and thorough investigation,” said Ephraim Eaddy, spokesman for COPA. “However, since this case involves a juvenile, I cannot comment further.”
CPD News Affairs spokeswoman Michelle Tannehill said Sunday both officers remain on “full duty status.” It was unclear whether CPS had completed its own investigation by its Office of Inspector General.
“The CPS OIG has not provided the district with an update on the status of the investigation or findings since it was referred to the OIG in February 2019,” CPS spokeswoman Emily Bolton said Sunday.
The Chicago Teachers Union plans a rally of CPS staff, parents and students Wednesday, continuing its call for removal of police from schools. Activists cite the direct impact on the school-to-prison pipeline found in studies, calling for spending to be redirected to student support services. Lightfoot says the decision should be left to local school councils.
Howard, whose daughter has suffered much tragedy, cringes at the thought of such an incident happening to another student. Dnigma had struggled, after her 13-year-old brother, Darriel, died from an asthma attack when she was 9. And her mother died June 2, just two weeks after Dnigma’s high-school graduation.
“I’m all she has now,” her father said.
“To this day, she cannot sleep a full night from the nightmare of what happened that day. She wakes up screaming, so I’m in her room in the middle of the night, calming her. We’re still going to counseling,” he said.
“No child should go through such police violence, and the emotional scarring — all over the use of a cellphone in class?”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-22--How ‘The Blues Brothers’ helped fuel a blues boom in Chicago and beyond

Editor ’ s note : The story was originally published on June 22 , 2005 , as part of a weeklong series to commemorate the 25th anniversary of “ The Blues Brothers.
” The Sun-Times is republishing the stores to mark the 40th anniversary of the movie in 2020 .
What impact did “ The Blues Brothers ” have on the blues ?
“ It made the blues come alive , ” said James Wheeler , a local blues musician who goes by the stage name Piano C. Red .
“ It turned a lot of people on to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a local guitarist and son of blues great Lonnie Brooks .
Jim O ’ Neal , who founded Living Blues magazine in Chicago in 1966 , said the movie “ was one of the factors that contributed to a blues boom ” in the 1980s .
The movie soundtrack sold more than a million copies .
“ It was the original that set the bar , ” said Angela Mclain , director of soundtracks for Atlantic Recording .
For artists Aretha Franklin and John Lee Hooker , who already had accomplished careers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were featured on the big screen .
“ It broadened my audience and it certainly introduced people to me who were not aware of who I was , ” Franklin said in a 1998 documentary .
Still , Mike Kappus , Hooker ’ s agent at the time , said while Hooker greatly appreciated the high-profile appearance , “ the impact of the movie on his career was almost nonexistent.
” And O ’ Neal said there is a downside .
Now , “ The image of blues bands to many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
But Blues Brothers creator Dan Aykroyd said the movie , along with the House of Blues that he directs , sought to shine a spotlight on Black musicians and their music , which he calls “ America ’ s primary export.
” “ I want people to fill [ blues ] showrooms and bars and buy their records .
That ’ s my mission , ” Aykroyd said .
5 .
“ Everybody Needs Somebody To Love ” ( Blues Brothers ) 6 .
“ The Old Landmark ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Cleveland Choir )

Editor’s note: The story was originally published on June 22, 2005, as part of a weeklong series to commemorate the 25th anniversary of “The Blues Brothers.” The Sun-Times is republishing the stories to mark the 40th anniversary of the movie in 2020.
What impact did “The Blues Brothers” have on the blues?
“It made the blues come alive,” said James Wheeler, a local blues musician who goes by the stage name Piano C. Red.
“It turned a lot of people on to the blues,” said Wayne Baker Brooks, a local guitarist and son of blues great Lonnie Brooks.
Jim O’Neal, who founded Living Blues magazine in Chicago in 1966, said the movie “was one of the factors that contributed to a blues boom” in the 1980s.
The movie soundtrack sold more than a million copies.
“It was the original that set the bar,” said Angela Mclain, director of soundtracks for Atlantic Recording.
For artists Aretha Franklin and John Lee Hooker, who already had accomplished careers, it was nevertheless the first time they were featured on the big screen.
“It broadened my audience and it certainly introduced people to me who were not aware of who I was,” Franklin said in a 1998 documentary.
Still, Mike Kappus, Hooker’s agent at the time, said while Hooker greatly appreciated the high-profile appearance, “the impact of the movie on his career was almost nonexistent.”
And O’Neal said there is a downside. Now, “The image of blues bands to many people are two white guys in hats,” he said.
But Blues Brothers creator Dan Aykroyd said the movie, along with the House of Blues that he directs, sought to shine a spotlight on Black musicians and their music, which he calls “America’s primary export.”
“I want people to fill [blues] showrooms and bars and buy their records. That’s my mission,” Aykroyd said.
A Rhythm and Blues Soundtrack from “The Blues Brothers”
1. “She Caught the Katy” (performed by Blues Brothers)
2. “Peter Gunn Theme” (Blues Brothers)
3. “Gimme Some Lovin’” (Blues Brothers)
4. “Shake A Tail Feather” (Ray Charles)
5. “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” (Blues Brothers)
6. “The Old Landmark” (James Brown with the Rev. James Cleveland Choir)
7. “Think” (Aretha Franklin)
8. “Theme From Rawhide” (Blues Brothers)
9. “Minnie the Moocher” (Cab Calloway)
10. “Sweet Home Chicago” (Blues Brothers)
11. “Jailhouse Rock” (Blues Brothers)


chicagosun-times--2020-06-22--Locals ‘Shake A Tail Feather’ at Ray’s Music Exchange — a long-time 47th St. pawn shop

Editor ’ s note : This article was originally published on June 22 , 2005 , as part of a weeklong series to commemorate the 25th anniversary of “ The Blues Brothers.
” The Sun-Times is republishing the stores to mark the 40th anniversary of the movie in 2020 .
You can still pawn just about anything in the store where Ray Charles was pictured singing a spirited “ Shake A Tail Feather ” as hundreds danced to the beat outside .
The Bronzeville store — re-created on a Hollywood set for “ The Blues Brothers ” — was renamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movie and set in Calumet City .
But for more than half a century , the store actually has been known as Shelly ’ s Loan and Jewelry at 300 E. 47th .
Its original owner has died , but you can still buy guitars , horns and even keyboards like the one Charles tickled for the movie and then sold to the Blues Brothers band .
You also can get electronics like DVD players and big-screen TVs .
The store still advertises “ Cash in a Flash , ” as it did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store could soon be out of place in Bronzeville , which is beginning to show signs of a revival .
Many of its shelves , formerly stocked with pawned goods for sale , are now bare .
Across the street from Shelly ’ s , a sign on a remodeled greystone boasts , “ Luxury has a new address.
” An art gallery , spoken word cafe and posh eatery sit across the street from the year-old , $ 19.5 million Harold Washington Cultural Center on Martin Luther King Drive .
Those all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 47th Street Green Line L station from Shelly ’ s — the same train station that filled with dancers , despite the chilly weather on the day it was filmed in 1979 .
Movie director John Landis said those dancers weren ’ t hired — they just got off the train and started to boogie .
Changes in the neighborhood But while residents said they welcome safer streets — made possible in part by a police camera recently placed on 47th — they also lament the lack of affordable housing .
Median @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1990s , according to the Chicago Rehab Network .
“ The people that were around during the movie won ’ t be there long , ” said the Rev .
David Fields , whose Tremont Missionary Baptist Church can be seen in the movie .
One of those longtime residents , 53-year-old Michael Brown , who was pawning a bracelet at Shelly ’ s recently , said very few families without dual incomes can afford to stick around .
But he sees the change as for the better — he remembers countless drive-by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He hopes the area — now dubbed a Blues District — can regain its status as home to some of the liveliest blues clubs in the city , such as the Checkerboard and Theresa ’ s Lounge .
Brown remembers the filming of the movie — he tried to get hired as a dancer but was rebuffed — and also remembers artists painting the mural of rhythm and blues greats that occupies a wall outside Shelly ’ s .
The store ’ s current owner , Patricia Lowis , said she has had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a target of graffiti artists .
Although it ’ s now faded , the larger-than-life pictures of Muddy Waters , B.B .
King and Charles still occasionally attract tourists .
Sheldon Zuchman , store manager at the time , remembers the mural took a month to paint .
The scene cost $ 600,000 to produce .
In the movie , the mural was backdrop to a spectacular dance number that featured hundreds of extras “ shaking their tailfeathers ” as Charles sang .

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on June 22, 2005, as part of a weeklong series to commemorate the 25th anniversary of “The Blues Brothers.” The Sun-Times is republishing the stores to mark the 40th anniversary of the movie in 2020.
You can still pawn just about anything in the store where Ray Charles was pictured singing a spirited “Shake A Tail Feather” as hundreds danced to the beat outside.
The Bronzeville store — re-created on a Hollywood set for “The Blues Brothers” — was renamed Ray’s Music Exchange for the movie and set in Calumet City.
But for more than half a century, the store actually has been known as Shelly’s Loan and Jewelry at 300 E. 47th.
Its original owner has died, but you can still buy guitars, horns and even keyboards like the one Charles tickled for the movie and then sold to the Blues Brothers band. You also can get electronics like DVD players and big-screen TVs. The store still advertises “Cash in a Flash,” as it did in the movie.
But the aging store could soon be out of place in Bronzeville, which is beginning to show signs of a revival. Many of its shelves, formerly stocked with pawned goods for sale, are now bare. Across the street from Shelly’s, a sign on a remodeled greystone boasts, “Luxury has a new address.”
A mural of Stevie Wonder once covered the facade of Shelly’s Loan and Jewelry on 47th Street, which was used for a scene in “The Blues Brothers.” Rich Hein/Sun-Times
An art gallery, spoken word cafe and posh eatery sit across the street from the year-old, $19.5 million Harold Washington Cultural Center on Martin Luther King Drive. Those all lie just on the other side of the 47th Street Green Line L station from Shelly’s — the same train station that filled with dancers, despite the chilly weather on the day it was filmed in 1979.
Movie director John Landis said those dancers weren’t hired — they just got off the train and started to boogie.
Dancers take to the street for a huge dance number on 47th Street during the filming of “The Blues Brothers.” Blues Brothers/Sun-Times Files
Changes in the neighborhood
But while residents said they welcome safer streets — made possible in part by a police camera recently placed on 47th — they also lament the lack of affordable housing. Median home values jumped 170 percent in the 1990s, according to the Chicago Rehab Network.
“The people that were around during the movie won’t be there long,” said the Rev. David Fields, whose Tremont Missionary Baptist Church can be seen in the movie.
One of those longtime residents, 53-year-old Michael Brown, who was pawning a bracelet at Shelly’s recently, said very few families without dual incomes can afford to stick around. But he sees the change as for the better — he remembers countless drive-by shootings in the 1980s and 1990s.
He hopes the area — now dubbed a Blues District — can regain its status as home to some of the liveliest blues clubs in the city, such as the Checkerboard and Theresa’s Lounge.
Brown remembers the filming of the movie — he tried to get hired as a dancer but was rebuffed — and also remembers artists painting the mural of rhythm and blues greats that occupies a wall outside Shelly’s.
The store’s current owner, Patricia Lowis, said she has had to restore the mural because it has been a target of graffiti artists. Although it’s now faded, the larger-than-life pictures of Muddy Waters, B.B. King and Charles still occasionally attract tourists.
Sheldon Zuchman, store manager at the time, remembers the mural took a month to paint. The scene cost $600,000 to produce. In the movie, the mural was backdrop to a spectacular dance number that featured hundreds of extras “shaking their tailfeathers” as Charles sang.