chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Illinois remembers former Gov. ‘Big Jim’ Thompson, a ‘hard-nosed political leader’ with ‘kindness’

Tributes poured in Saturday for former Illinois Gov .
James Thompson , the state ’ s longest-serving governor — and one of its most popular .
Thompson died at a Chicago rehabilitation center Friday evening , several weeks after suffering a fall .
He was 84 .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said “ ‘ Big Jim ’ was known to treat people he encountered with kindness and decency .
“ He dedicated himself to building positive change for Illinois , and he set an example for public service of which Illinoisans should be proud , ” Pritzker said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and revered as one of the titans in the history of state government.
” “ The passing of Jim Thompson brings great sadness to our family .
He was a cherished friend , ” the Madigans said in a statement .
“ Jim Thompson should be credited with the modernization of Illinois government as best illustrated by the structure that bears his name .
“ His pioneering commitment to the arts strengthened the fabric of our state .
He was a hard-nosed political figure and a compassionate leader .
We were honored to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ On behalf of our children , Lisa , Tiffany , Nicole , and Andrew , we offer our deepest sympathies to [ Thompson ’ s wife ] Jayne and [ daughter ] Samantha .
We offer them prayers of comfort and strength in these sad times .
Illinois is a better place because of Jim Thompson ’ s work.
” Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin called Thompson “ a friend , mentor and an exemplary statesman who loved Illinois .
“ He was a hands-on governor who loved the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and his accomplishments still stand strong today .
Our state was fortunate to have such a dedicated leader , ” Durkin said .
Former Gov .
Pat Quinn hailed his late predecessor from the other side of the aisle for working to root out corruption both as governor and as a federal prosecutor .
“ From the time he signed the Political Honesty Initiative — to stop legislative conflicts of interest , double dipping , and advance pay for politicians — when he was first running for governor in 1976 , Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corruption in Illinois politics and government , ” Quinn said in a statement .
“ As U.S. attorney , he brought to justice scores of corrupt public officials .
As governor of Illinois for a record 14 years , Jim Thompson always remained true to his conscience and convictions .
“ Jim Thompson generously helped me when I was governor of Illinois from 2009 to 2015 , ” Quinn continued .
“ For the past four decades , he has strengthened the annual conference of U.S. Midwest states and the people and businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friendship that created and maintained thousands of jobs in Illinois .
“ The people of Illinois owe a permanent debt of gratitude to Gov .
James R. ‘ Big Jim ’ Thompson , ” Quinn said .
Federal district Judge James Zagel , who led the state revenue department and the Illinois State Police under Thompson , said he “ admired him for his talents , his accomplishments and unwavering dedication to public service .
“ He has left a wonderful legacy for the State of Illinois , and , for hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memories of a wonderful colleague , boss and governor , ” Zagel said .
“ Today the Illinois Republican Party mourns the loss of a great leader in Illinois ’ storied history .
Governor ‘ Big Jim ’ Thompson exemplified a state government that worked , treated others with legendary kindness , and created lasting positive change for Illinois over his 14 years as governor , ” Schneider said .
“ He helped send a corrupt governor to jail as a prosecutor , rebuilt the state ’ s infrastructure , saved the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosperous Illinois .
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jayne and his family at this time.
” White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said Thompson ’ s “ commitment to keeping the White Sox in Chicago is legendary , ” referring to his brokerage of a deal for a new ballpark that kept the team from moving to Florida in 1988 .
“ Only someone with Big Jim ’ s passion and outsized character could make projects happen on such a grand scale across Illinois , ” Reinsdorf said .
“ Throughout his life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Illinois , a fan of the little guy , and his mark on this state will be long lasting to the benefit of us all.
” Sen. Dick Durbin said his relationship with Thompson called back to a time of less partisan acrimony .
“ We were political adversaries yet personal friends back in the day when that was not uncommon , ” Durbin tweeted .
“ Try as we might , we Democrats just could not beat Big Jim.
” Democratic Illinois Senate President Don Harmon said “ no one enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our state lost a true giant , and he will be missed .
My condolences go out to his family and friends.
” State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said the former governor “ leaves a proud legacy of working across party lines to make Illinois a great state .
Thank you for your service and for keeping the White Sox in Chicago , Big Jim.
” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul commended Thompson for “ dedicating many years to serving the people of Illinois and working toward making our state a better place to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayers are with Jayne Thompson and all who knew and loved Governor Thompson .
”

Tributes poured in Saturday for former Illinois Gov. James Thompson, the state’s longest-serving governor — and one of its most popular.
Thompson died at a Chicago rehabilitation center Friday evening, several weeks after suffering a fall. He was 84.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said “‘Big Jim’ was known to treat people he encountered with kindness and decency.
“He dedicated himself to building positive change for Illinois, and he set an example for public service of which Illinoisans should be proud,” Pritzker said in a statement. “He will be remembered and revered as one of the titans in the history of state government.”
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his wife Shirley Madigan called Thompson “a hard-nosed political leader.”
“The passing of Jim Thompson brings great sadness to our family. He was a cherished friend,” the Madigans said in a statement. “Jim Thompson should be credited with the modernization of Illinois government as best illustrated by the structure that bears his name.
The James R. Thompson Center, the former governor’s namesake state government building in the Loop. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
“His pioneering commitment to the arts strengthened the fabric of our state. He was a hard-nosed political figure and a compassionate leader. We were honored to serve with him,” the Madigans said. “On behalf of our children, Lisa, Tiffany, Nicole, and Andrew, we offer our deepest sympathies to [Thompson’s wife] Jayne and [daughter] Samantha. We offer them prayers of comfort and strength in these sad times. Illinois is a better place because of Jim Thompson’s work.”
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin called Thompson “a friend, mentor and an exemplary statesman who loved Illinois.
“He was a hands-on governor who loved the process of getting things done in Springfield, and his accomplishments still stand strong today. Our state was fortunate to have such a dedicated leader,” Durkin said.
Former Gov. Pat Quinn hailed his late predecessor from the other side of the aisle for working to root out corruption both as governor and as a federal prosecutor.
“From the time he signed the Political Honesty Initiative — to stop legislative conflicts of interest, double dipping, and advance pay for politicians — when he was first running for governor in 1976, Gov. Jim Thompson stood for cleaning up corruption in Illinois politics and government,” Quinn said in a statement. “As U.S. attorney, he brought to justice scores of corrupt public officials. As governor of Illinois for a record 14 years, Jim Thompson always remained true to his conscience and convictions.
“Jim Thompson generously helped me when I was governor of Illinois from 2009 to 2015,” Quinn continued. “For the past four decades, he has strengthened the annual conference of U.S. Midwest states and the people and businesses of Japan, an international legacy of friendship that created and maintained thousands of jobs in Illinois.
“The people of Illinois owe a permanent debt of gratitude to Gov. James R. ‘Big Jim’ Thompson,” Quinn said.
James Thompson claims victory on Election night in 1986. Sun-Times file
Federal district Judge James Zagel, who led the state revenue department and the Illinois State Police under Thompson, said he “admired him for his talents, his accomplishments and unwavering dedication to public service.
“He has left a wonderful legacy for the State of Illinois, and, for hundreds of us who worked with him, lasting memories of a wonderful colleague, boss and governor,” Zagel said.
A moderate Republican, Thompson “created lasting positive change,” Illinois GOP Party Chairman Tim Schneider said.
“Today the Illinois Republican Party mourns the loss of a great leader in Illinois’ storied history. Governor ‘Big Jim’ Thompson exemplified a state government that worked, treated others with legendary kindness, and created lasting positive change for Illinois over his 14 years as governor,” Schneider said. “He helped send a corrupt governor to jail as a prosecutor, rebuilt the state’s infrastructure, saved the White Sox and presided over a healthy and prosperous Illinois. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jayne and his family at this time.”
White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said Thompson’s “commitment to keeping the White Sox in Chicago is legendary,” referring to his brokerage of a deal for a new ballpark that kept the team from moving to Florida in 1988.
“Only someone with Big Jim’s passion and outsized character could make projects happen on such a grand scale across Illinois,” Reinsdorf said. “Throughout his life, Gov. Thompson remained a fan of Illinois, a fan of the little guy, and his mark on this state will be long lasting to the benefit of us all.”
Sen. Dick Durbin said his relationship with Thompson called back to a time of less partisan acrimony.
“We were political adversaries yet personal friends back in the day when that was not uncommon,” Durbin tweeted. “Try as we might, we Democrats just could not beat Big Jim.”
Democratic Illinois Senate President Don Harmon said “no one enjoyed being governor more than Jim Thompson. Our state lost a true giant, and he will be missed. My condolences go out to his family and friends.”
State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said the former governor “leaves a proud legacy of working across party lines to make Illinois a great state. Thank you for your service and for keeping the White Sox in Chicago, Big Jim.”
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul commended Thompson for “dedicating many years to serving the people of Illinois and working toward making our state a better place to live and work. My thoughts and prayers are with Jayne Thompson and all who knew and loved Governor Thompson.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--‘Big Jim’ Thompson ‘was a tall man, but he never looked down on anyone,’ George Ryan recalls

Former Gov .
James R. Thompson was a man of many parts .
All of them moving at the speed of light .
On Friday evening , after years of public service , private acclaim and a retirement spent rejoicing in life with his only grandchild , Persephone , “ Big Jim ” died at the age of 84 .
“ I got a call his heart had simply stopped , ” said his wife , Jayne Thompson .
“ It was so unexpected .
He didn ’ t have a heart problem we knew about .
We thought he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be doing so well.
” Restricted to a wheelchair and walker due to back problems , Thompson died at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab after weeks recovering at Northwestern Memorial Hospital following an earlier fall at his daughter ’ s house .
“ We quarantined for three months [ during COVID-19 ] and wore masks , ” said Jayne Thompson , who claimed subsequent visitation restrictions limited the family primarily to video chats .
“ It never replaces personal visits , ” she said .
“ Taking our granddaughter there would have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , Thompson had it all .
His resume includes serving as U.S. attorney for Illinois ’ northern district , governor of Illinois and chairman of the prestigious Winston & Strawn law firm .
An iconic Loop building , the James R. Thompson Center , still bears his name .
“ He was advised early in his law career to become a prosecutor first so he ’ d know how to effectively defend people , ” Jayne Thompson said .
In his private life , Thompson had it all , too .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got his greatest gift , his granddaughter , by his adored only child , Samantha .
In his personal world , Thompson had a reputation for having a legion of friends “ who stuck like glue , ” said attorney Dan K. Webb , a powerhouse in the legal world and , like Thompson , a former U.S. attorney .
“ His friendships were worldwide and forever , ” said Webb , one of a cadre of legal eagles Thompson hired during his years in federal office .
Described as a rainmaker and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who brought everyone together , ” Webb recalled .
“ And we ’ ve been swapping hilarious stories about our years together for decades .
“ He was my mentor .
I don ’ t think I ’ ve made an important decision in my entire life that I haven ’ t talked to him about first , ” Webb said .
Thompson was also a man who loved pomp and circumstance .
“ He loved flags and whistles and sirens and parades and working a crowd , ” according to former Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his former boss on numerous visits to the Justice Department in Washington , D.C. , when Thompson was U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois .
“ Back then I watched him artfully snag rides back to the airport in the U.S. attorney ’ s big black limo with sirens blowing and flags fluttering all the way through the nation ’ s capital , ” he said .
Webb recalled a story Thompson told about getting stopped by a state police officer while driving U.S. Attorney William French Smith to a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been driving his own car with his siren blazing on top of it , ” said Webb .
“ The cop had told Jim it was illegal to use a siren — and William French Smith told Jim under no circumstances should he be identified as the passenger in Jim ’ s car .
“ So Jim got out of the car and immediately informed the police officer that U.S. Attorney William French was in his car ; they were late for an important meeting .
.
.
.
He got to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One of Thompson ’ s closest friends was former Gov .
George Ryan , whose federal extortion trial involving Ryan ’ s time as Secretary of State could have ended their relationship .
Instead , Thompson , then the chairman of his law firm , agreed to have his firm represent Ryan pro bono .
For free .
Webb , the firm ’ s managing partner , was Ryan ’ s defense attorney .
Saddened by the news of Thompson ’ s death , Ryan told Sneed : “ He was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down on anyone .
He was a tower of courage.
” Ryan said he and Thompson , both Republicans , were not only close personal friends , but colleagues in government , where Thompson “ got things done for the state.
” “ He was also a dear friend , ” Ryan said .
“ Years ago , my daughter was involved in a serious accident in Springfield .
In a coma .
I wasn ’ t in Springfield at the time .
Thompson and Jayne went to the hospital that night and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Jayne and I talked three days ago , and she was excited he was feeling better , ” Ryan said .
“ Then she called me early this morning to tell me the news .
“ It ’ s a heartbreak .
But life goes on , ” added Ryan , who lost his beloved wife , Lura Lynn , to cancer while he was in prison .

Former Gov. James R. Thompson was a man of many parts.
All of them moving at the speed of light.
On Friday evening, after years of public service, private acclaim and a retirement spent rejoicing in life with his only grandchild, Persephone, “Big Jim” died at the age of 84.
“I got a call his heart had simply stopped,” said his wife, Jayne Thompson. “It was so unexpected. He didn’t have a heart problem we knew about. We thought he had turned the corner. He seemed to be doing so well.”
Restricted to a wheelchair and walker due to back problems, Thompson died at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab after weeks recovering at Northwestern Memorial Hospital following an earlier fall at his daughter’s house.
“We quarantined for three months [during COVID-19] and wore masks,” said Jayne Thompson, who claimed subsequent visitation restrictions limited the family primarily to video chats. “It never replaces personal visits.”
“Taking our granddaughter there would have been asking for trouble.”
In his public life, Thompson had it all. His resume includes serving as U.S. attorney for Illinois’ northern district, governor of Illinois and chairman of the prestigious Winston & Strawn law firm. An iconic Loop building, the James R. Thompson Center, still bears his name.
“He was advised early in his law career to become a prosecutor first so he’d know how to effectively defend people,” Jayne Thompson said.
In his private life, Thompson had it all, too. He married the love of his life and got his greatest gift, his granddaughter, by his adored only child, Samantha.
In his personal world, Thompson had a reputation for having a legion of friends “who stuck like glue,” said attorney Dan K. Webb, a powerhouse in the legal world and, like Thompson, a former U.S. attorney.
“His friendships were worldwide and forever,” said Webb, one of a cadre of legal eagles Thompson hired during his years in federal office.
Described as a rainmaker and kingmaker, “Thompson was the person who brought everyone together,” Webb recalled. “And we’ve been swapping hilarious stories about our years together for decades.
“He was my mentor. I don’t think I’ve made an important decision in my entire life that I haven’t talked to him about first,” Webb said.
Thompson was also a man who loved pomp and circumstance.
“He loved flags and whistles and sirens and parades and working a crowd,” according to former Illinois Attorney General Ty Fahner, who accompanied his former boss on numerous visits to the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., when Thompson was U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
“Back then, I watched him artfully snag rides back to the airport in the U.S. attorney’s big black limo with sirens blowing and flags fluttering all the way through the nation’s capital,” he said.
Webb recalled a story Thompson told about getting stopped by a state police officer while driving U.S. Attorney General William French Smith to a big meeting in Springfield.
“Jim had been driving his own car with his siren blazing on top of it,” said Webb. “The cop had told Jim it was illegal to use a siren — and William French Smith told Jim under no circumstances should he be identified as the passenger in Jim’s car.
“So Jim got out of the car and immediately informed the police officer that U.S. Attorney William French was in his car; they were late for an important meeting. ... He got to the meeting in time,” Webb said.
One of Thompson’s closest friends was former Gov. George Ryan, whose federal extortion trial involving Ryan’s time as secretary of state could have ended their relationship.
Instead, Thompson, then the chairman of his law firm, decided to have his firm represent Ryan pro bono. For free. Webb, the firm’s managing partner, was Ryan’s defense attorney.
Saddened by the news of Thompson’s death, Ryan told Sneed: “He was a tall man, but he never looked down on anyone. He was a tower of courage.”
Ryan said he and Thompson, both Republicans, were not only close personal friends but colleagues in government, where Thompson “got things done for the state.”
“He was also a dear friend,” Ryan said. “Years ago, my daughter was involved in a serious accident in Springfield. In a coma. I wasn’t in Springfield at the time. Thompson and Jayne went to the hospital that night and stayed there until I got there.
“Jayne and I talked three days ago, and she was excited he was feeling better,” Ryan said. “Then she called me early this morning to tell me the news.
“It’s a heartbreak. But life goes on,” added Ryan, who lost his beloved wife, Lura Lynn, to cancer while he was in prison.
“But Jim Thompson was a giant the state won’t forget.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Colin Rea makes first start since 2016 vs. Brewers

It had been four years since Colin Rea had pitched in the big leagues before his first appearance in Kansas City on Aug. 5 .
Rea got the nod for the Cubs in Saturday ’ s 6-5 loss to the Brewers and did what the team asked him to do in an abbreviated start .
“ I ’ m happy , ” Rea said after his first start since July 30 , 2016 .
“ We didn ’ t get the result we wanted today , but , early , I felt like we made some really good plays and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unfortunately , we didn ’ t win , but it was a good game.
” The right-hander allowed three runs on four hits over 3 1/3 innings .
“ I mean , all credit goes to him , ” manager David Ross said .
“ This guy has worked his tail off and continued to get better and add confidence himself .
Never wavered .
I ’ ve seen the same guy since spring training as far as just the mentality , the attitude and work ethic , all those things he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role for the Cubs continues to grow as the team ’ s sixth starter or swingman out of the bullpen with the evolving schedule during the shortened season .
If the Cubs have future postponements and doubleheaders , his role may prove to be valuable as the season rolls on .
“ Whatever they ultimately decide , I ’ m good with , ” Rea said of his role .
“ I ’ m just happy to be here and contribute to the team any way I can .
… I like starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve done in the past .
As little experience I ’ ve had in the bullpen it ’ s , it ’ s kind of been nice at the same time .
For me , it ’ s whatever they want and whatever they think is gon na be beneficial for me and the team.
” The Cubs can breathe a sigh of relief as Cubs manager David Ross announced that right-hander Tyler Chatwood will start on Monday against the Cardinals .
Chatwood missed his scheduled start on Friday after experiencing mid-back tightness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by right-hander Alec Mills .
The right-hander played catch in the outfield prior to Saturday ’ s game against the Brewers while under close watch of the team ’ s training staff and showed no signs of pain .
The Cubs play their first of two doubleheaders against the Cardinals on Monday .
Left-hander Brad Wieck ’ s return to the Cubs bullpen will have to be delayed a little longer .
Wieck suffered a setback in his recovery from a right-hamstring strain he sustained on July 25 .
“ Brad ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that kind of set him back a little bit longer that we ’ re taking a look , ” Ross said before the game .
“ They ’ re on their rehab programs to get back and the training staff and everybody ’ s doing a good job of communicating that .
I get reports daily on those things.
” Wieck ’ s right hamstring had progressed well and threw a bullpen session on Tuesday , but the left-hander started experiencing some left-knee soreness , which has led to the setback , according @ @ @ @

It had been four years since right-hander Colin Rea had pitched in the big leagues before his first appearance for the Cubs on Aug. 5 against the Royals.
The Cubs called on Rea to start what turned out to be a 6-5 loss Saturday to the Brewers, and he did what they asked him to do in an abbreviated outing.
‘‘I’m happy,’’ Rea said after his first big-league start since July 30, 2016. ‘‘We didn’t get the result we wanted today, but I felt like we made some really good plays and were in the game throughout. So, unfortunately, we didn’t win, but it was a good game.’’
Rea allowed three runs and four hits in 3 1/3 innings.
‘‘I mean, all credit goes to him,’’ manager David Ross said. ‘‘This guy has worked his tail off and continued to get better and add confidence in himself. Never wavered. I’ve seen the same guy since spring training as far as just the mentality, the attitude and the work ethic, all those things he brings every day.’’
Rea’s role for the Cubs might continue to grow with the evolving schedule during the shortened season. If the Cubs have future postponements and doubleheaders, he might prove to be valuable as the season rolls on.
‘‘Whatever they ultimately decide, I’m good with,’’ Rea said. ‘‘I’m just happy to be here and contribute to the team any way I can. . . .
‘‘I like starting. It’s what I’ve done in the past. As little experience as I’ve had in the bullpen, it’s kind of been nice at the same time.
‘‘For me, it’s whatever they want and whatever they think is gonna be beneficial for me and the team.’’
Chatwood to start Monday
The Cubs breathed a sigh of relief after Ross announced right-hander Tyler Chatwood will start one of the games of their doubleheader Monday against the Cardinals.
Chatwood missed his scheduled start Friday against the Brewers with mid-back tightness and was replaced by right-hander Alec Mills.
Chatwood played catch in the outfield before the game Saturday while under the close watch of the Cubs’ training staff and showed no signs of pain.
Wieck has setback in rehab
Left-hander Brad Wieck’s return to the bullpen will be delayed a little longer after he suffered a setback in his recovery from a strained right hamstring that has idled him since July 25.
‘‘Brad’s had a couple of things pop up that kind of set him back a little bit longer that we’re taking a look at,’’ Ross said. ‘‘Everybody’s doing a good job of communicating that. I get reports daily on those things.’’’
Wieck threw a bullpen session Tuesday but started having some soreness in his left knee, which has led to the setback, the Cubs said.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Public health officials announce another 1,828 test positive for COVID-19 across Illinois (LIVE UPDA

Public health officials announce another 1,828 test positive for COVID-19 across Illinois (LIVE UPDATES)

Public health officials on Saturday announced another 1,828 people have tested positive for COVID-19 across Illinois , as five additional deaths were attributed to the virus .
Since the coronavirus pandemic gripped the state in early March , a total of 7,726 people have died among at least 204,519 who have contracted the respiratory disease .
Elderly residents accounted for Saturday ’ s fatalities , including a Cook County man in his 80s and a DuPage woman in her 90s .
But the Illinois Department of Public Health has attributed most of the state ’ s case rise over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mostly clustered downstate .
Read more from Mitchell Armentrout here .
The oldest continuously held Black rodeo in the U.S. rode on in eastern Oklahoma despite months of uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic , though this year some cowboys wore face masks along with boots .
The 65th annual Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo took place Aug. 7-8 in Okmulgee , about 90 miles ( 145 kilometers ) east of Oklahoma City , with a crowd of about 1,000 and some 200 Black cowboys competing , according to co-owner Kenneth LeBlanc .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ practiced social distancing , LeBlanc told The Associated Press 5:05 p.m. Nobody wants to take a COVID-19 test in Texas Anyone can get a coronavirus test at the CentroMed clinic in San Antonio , but on a recent day , the drive-thru was empty .
Finally two masked people in a maroon SUV pulled straight on through with no wait .
With hundreds of deaths reported each day , students returning to class and football teams charging ahead with plans to play , Texas leaders who grappled with testing shortages for much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem : not enough takers .
“ We ’ re not having enough people step forward , ” Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott said .
The number of coronavirus tests being done each day in Texas has dropped by the thousands in August , mirroring nationwide trends that has seen daily testing averages in the U.S. fall nearly 9 % since the end of July , according to The COVID Tracking Project .
The problem is dwindling demand : Testing centers like CentroMed are no longer inundated by long lines that stretch for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests run out .
Zita Robinson , who ’ s 77 and diabetic , has been careful around her granddaughter since the coronavirus pandemic took hold .
A door connects Robinson ’ s apartment in Phoenix to the main house where 8-year-old Traris “ Trary ” Robinson-Newman and her mother live , but it mostly stays shut .
Their only physical contact is if Trary walks in with her back toward Grandma .
Then Robinson will kiss her own hand and lightly touch Trary ’ s back — “ like I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ It ’ s very hard , ” Robinson said .
“ We live together , but we live apart.
” Not hugging Grandma is hard for Trary , too : “ It ’ s like I can ’ t see her anymore.
” 1:52 p.m. House edges back ?
Illinois casinos rake in $ 82.6 million in first month since coronavirus shutdown Masks , plexi-glass shields and an ongoing pandemic haven ’ t done much to dampen the hopes of Illinois gamblers looking to score a few bucks .
The state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half capacity in the age of COVID-19 , but they still raked in about three-quarters of the cash they did for a comparable period last year , before the virus slashed admissions .
And the looming specter of the coronavirus certainly hasn ’ t scared off bettors from returning to the thousands of slot machines that have been turned back on at bars , gas stations and other establishments — and which have gobbled up 24 % more dollars than they did last July .
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear of the government delay contact-tracing Only a handful of contact tracers working to slow COVID-19 in 125 communities near Chicago speak Spanish , despite significant Hispanic populations .
Churches and advocacy groups in the Houston area are trying to convince immigrants to cooperate when health officials call .
And in California , immigrants are being trained as contact tracers to ease mistrust .
The crucial job of reaching people who test positive for the coronavirus and those they ’ ve come in contact with is proving especially difficult in immigrant communities because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the government .
The failure of health departments across the U.S. to adequately investigate coronavirus outbreaks among non-English speakers is all the more fraught given the soaring and disproportionate case counts among Latinos in many states .
Four of the hardest-hit states — Florida , Texas , Arizona and California — have major Spanish-speaking populations .
In the ZIP code with the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Maryland , 56 % of adults speak Spanish .
But only 60 of Maryland ’ s 1,350 contact tracers speak Spanish .
And the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs tracers who also speak Somali , Oromo and Hmong , Chicago needs Polish speakers and Houston ’ s Harris County is grappling with a population that includes Vietnamese , Chinese and Hindi speakers .
But even when health officials overcome language barriers , they still must dispel the deep suspicions raised among immigrants when someone with the government calls to ask about their movements in an era of hardline immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump .
7:35 a.m. Americans are drinking more during the COVID-19 pandemic .
But how much alcohol is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans drinking more .
Sales of at-home alcohol , according to a Nielsen report from June , have spiked nearly 27 % since the start of the pandemic .
And while this doesn ’ t take into account shutdowns of bars and restaurants nationwide , it suggests people are turning to alcohol to cope with a life-altering global crisis .
Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz , assistant secretary at Department of Health and Human Services and head of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration , told USA TODAY in May that more people reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where coronavirus has hit the hardest .
A drink or two to take the edge off may seem like a harmless idea .
And given historic unemployment rates , a pandemic that shows no signs of slowing down and the ceaseless specter of racial inequality , a couple more bottles of beer or glasses of wine might sound appealing .
Read the full story from USA Today here .
Mayo Clinic researchers reported a strong hint that blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors helps other patients recover , but it ’ s not proof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clamor for the treatment , they ’ ll ever get a clear answer .
More than 64,000 patients in the U.S. have been given convalescent plasma , a century-old approach to fend off flu and measles before vaccines .
It ’ s a go-to tactic when new diseases come along , and history suggests it works against some , but not all , infections .
There ’ s no solid evidence yet that it fights the coronavirus and , if so , how best to use it .
But preliminary data from 35,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayo lead researcher Dr. Michael Joyner on Friday called “ signals of efficacy.
” • More than 2,200 new coronavirus cases , most for Illinois in 3 months ; State teetering toward conditions during the peak month of May .
• More than 200,000 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 over the last five months in Illinois — about 1.6 % of the state ’ s population — as health officials on Thursday announced the latest batch of 1,834 new coronavirus cases .
7:05 a.m. Lakefront ’ s usual array of walks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid the pandemic On a typical weekend morning from early spring to late fall , Chicago ’ s lakefront normally hosts a never-ending array of charity walks and runs .
There ’ s the Walk for This and the Race for That , each dedicated to its own worthy cause , all sharing the common goals of fundraising and community building .
You probably know the drill .
Participants , who are often survivors of the particular illness being recognized , join together with family and friends , then don commemorative T-shirts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sprint in mass through the parks as giant speakers blast rock music .
But not in 2020 .
Read the full column by columnist Mark Brown here .

The month of August hasn’t been a good one for Illinois and the coronavirus. In the first half of the month, the state has seen some of its highest case counts in nearly three months, surpassing 2,000 daily cases three times. Previously, the state hadn’t eclipsed that mark since late May.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has attributed most of the state’s case rise over the last month to outbreaks among young people, mostly clustered downstate. However, the positivity rate has inched lower over the last week to 4%.
Here’s what happened today in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
9 p.m. Illinois tallies 1,828 more coronavirus cases, 5 additional deaths
People take a stroll along the Riverwalk Friday afternoon, July 10, 2020. The Riverwalk is now open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. When the Riverwalk re-opened in June, hours were limited to prevent crowding and the spread of COVID-19. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Public health officials on Saturday announced another 1,828 people have tested positive for COVID-19 across Illinois, as five additional deaths were attributed to the virus.
Since the coronavirus pandemic gripped the state in early March, a total of 7,726 people have died among at least 204,519 who have contracted the respiratory disease.
Elderly residents accounted for Saturday’s fatalities, including a Cook County man in his 80s and a DuPage woman in her 90s.
But the Illinois Department of Public Health has attributed most of the state’s case rise over the last month to outbreaks among young people, mostly clustered downstate.
Read more from Mitchell Armentrout here.
8 p.m. In first games in 17 days because of COVID-19 outbreak, Cardinals sweep doubleheader from White Sox
The White Sox seemed to be catching the Cardinals at the right time — the visiting Redbirds hadn’t played since July 29 because of 18 positive coronavirus tests — but it was the Sox, with their ace right-hander on the mound, who looked rusty, sloppy and offensively weak in getting swept in a doubleheader.
The Sox lost 5-1 loss in Game 1 with their ace, Lucas Giolito, then fell 6-3 in the nightcap. They dropped to 10-11, mustering three hits in each seven-inning game.
Read the full story by Daryl Van Schouwen here.
6:55 p.m. Long-running Oklahoma Black rodeo rides on despite COVID-19
The oldest continuously held Black rodeo in the U.S. rode on in eastern Oklahoma despite months of uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic, though this year some cowboys wore face masks along with boots.
The 65th annual Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo took place Aug. 7-8 in Okmulgee, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of Oklahoma City, with a crowd of about 1,000 and some 200 Black cowboys competing, according to co-owner Kenneth LeBlanc.
Most at the event wore masks and practiced social distancing, LeBlanc told The Associated Press
Read the full story here.
5:05 p.m. Nobody wants to take a COVID-19 test in Texas
Anyone can get a coronavirus test at the CentroMed clinic in San Antonio, but on a recent day, the drive-thru was empty. Finally two masked people in a maroon SUV pulled straight on through with no wait.
With hundreds of deaths reported each day, students returning to class and football teams charging ahead with plans to play, Texas leaders who grappled with testing shortages for much of the pandemic are now facing the opposite problem: not enough takers.
“We’re not having enough people step forward,” Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said.
The number of coronavirus tests being done each day in Texas has dropped by the thousands in August, mirroring nationwide trends that has seen daily testing averages in the U.S. fall nearly 9% since the end of July, according to The COVID Tracking Project. The problem is dwindling demand: Testing centers like CentroMed are no longer inundated by long lines that stretch for blocks, or closing hours early because tests run out.
Read the full story here.
3:30 p.m. Homes with grandparents weigh coronavirus risk as school starts
Zita Robinson, who’s 77 and diabetic, has been careful around her granddaughter since the coronavirus pandemic took hold.
A door connects Robinson’s apartment in Phoenix to the main house where 8-year-old Traris “Trary” Robinson-Newman and her mother live, but it mostly stays shut. Their only physical contact is if Trary walks in with her back toward Grandma. Then Robinson will kiss her own hand and lightly touch Trary’s back — “like I’m sending her a kiss with my hand.”
“It’s very hard,” Robinson said. “We live together, but we live apart.”
Not hugging Grandma is hard for Trary, too: “It’s like I can’t see her anymore.”
Read the full story here.
1:52 p.m. House edges back? Illinois casinos rake in $82.6 million in first month since coronavirus shutdown
Masks, plexi-glass shields and an ongoing pandemic haven’t done much to dampen the hopes of Illinois gamblers looking to score a few bucks.
The state’s 10 casinos are limited to half capacity in the age of COVID-19, but they still raked in about three-quarters of the cash they did for a comparable period last year, before the virus slashed admissions.
And the looming specter of the coronavirus certainly hasn’t scared off bettors from returning to the thousands of slot machines that have been turned back on at bars, gas stations and other establishments — and which have gobbled up 24% more dollars than they did last July.
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here.
11:57 a.m. Language barriers, fear of the government delay contact-tracing
Only a handful of contact tracers working to slow COVID-19 in 125 communities near Chicago speak Spanish, despite significant Hispanic populations. Churches and advocacy groups in the Houston area are trying to convince immigrants to cooperate when health officials call. And in California, immigrants are being trained as contact tracers to ease mistrust.
The crucial job of reaching people who test positive for the coronavirus and those they’ve come in contact with is proving especially difficult in immigrant communities because of language barriers, confusion and fear of the government.
The failure of health departments across the U.S. to adequately investigate coronavirus outbreaks among non-English speakers is all the more fraught given the soaring and disproportionate case counts among Latinos in many states. Four of the hardest-hit states — Florida, Texas, Arizona and California — have major Spanish-speaking populations.
In the ZIP code with the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Maryland, 56% of adults speak Spanish. But only 60 of Maryland’s 1,350 contact tracers speak Spanish.
And the language barriers go beyond Spanish: Minneapolis needs tracers who also speak Somali, Oromo and Hmong, Chicago needs Polish speakers and Houston’s Harris County is grappling with a population that includes Vietnamese, Chinese and Hindi speakers.
But even when health officials overcome language barriers, they still must dispel the deep suspicions raised among immigrants when someone with the government calls to ask about their movements in an era of hardline immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.
Read the full story here.
7:35 a.m. Americans are drinking more during the COVID-19 pandemic. But how much alcohol is too much?
The coronavirus pandemic has Americans drinking more.
Sales of at-home alcohol, according to a Nielsen report from June, have spiked nearly 27% since the start of the pandemic. And while this doesn’t take into account shutdowns of bars and restaurants nationwide, it suggests people are turning to alcohol to cope with a life-altering global crisis.
Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, assistant secretary at Department of Health and Human Services and head of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, told USA TODAY in May that more people reportedly sought treatment for alcohol misuse in regions where coronavirus has hit the hardest.
A drink or two to take the edge off may seem like a harmless idea. And given historic unemployment rates, a pandemic that shows no signs of slowing down and the ceaseless specter of racial inequality, a couple more bottles of beer or glasses of wine might sound appealing.
Read the full story from USA Today here.
7:05 a.m. Study: Survivor plasma fights COVID-19 — but can’t prove definitively
Mayo Clinic researchers reported a strong hint that blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors helps other patients recover, but it’s not proof and some experts worry if, amid clamor for the treatment, they’ll ever get a clear answer.
More than 64,000 patients in the U.S. have been given convalescent plasma, a century-old approach to fend off flu and measles before vaccines. It’s a go-to tactic when new diseases come along, and history suggests it works against some, but not all, infections.
There’s no solid evidence yet that it fights the coronavirus and, if so, how best to use it. But preliminary data from 35,000 coronavirus patients treated with plasma offers what Mayo lead researcher Dr. Michael Joyner on Friday called “signals of efficacy.”
Read the full story here.
New Cases
Analysis & Commentary
7:05 a.m. Lakefront’s usual array of walks, runs for charity have gone virtual amid the pandemic
On a typical weekend morning from early spring to late fall, Chicago’s lakefront normally hosts a never-ending array of charity walks and runs.
There’s the Walk for This and the Race for That, each dedicated to its own worthy cause, all sharing the common goals of fundraising and community building.
You probably know the drill. Participants, who are often survivors of the particular illness being recognized, join together with family and friends, then don commemorative T-shirts and race bibs to amble, jog or sprint in mass through the parks as giant speakers blast rock music.
But not in 2020.
Read the full column by columnist Mark Brown here.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--TCF Bank robbed in Oak Lawn

TCF Bank robbed in Oak Lawn

The FBI is searching for a man who robbed a TCF Bank Friday in southwest suburban Oak Lawn .
The @ @ @ @ @ bank , 8424 S. Pulaski Rd.
, dressed in a black t-shirt , a construction @ @ @ @ @ mask , sunglasses and a light-colored hat with a black circle , the FBI said @ @ @ @ @ a watch on his left wrist .
The man implied that he had a weapon @ @ @ @ @ of cash , the FBI said .
Further details were not immediately available .
Read @ @ @ @ @ track the city ’ s homicides .

The FBI is searching for a man who robbed a TCF Bank Friday in southwest suburban Oak Lawn.
The man showed up at the bank, 8424 S. Pulaski Rd., dressed in a black t-shirt, a construction vest, a white surgical mask, sunglasses and a light-colored hat with a black circle, the FBI said. He was also wearing a watch on his left wrist.
The man implied that he had a weapon and stole an unknown amount of cash, the FBI said.
A man wanted for robbing the TCF Bank, 9424 S. Pulaski Rd., Aug. 14, 2020, in Oak Lawn. FBI
Further details were not immediately available.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Long-running Oklahoma Black rodeo rides on despite COVID-19

OKMULGEE , Okla. — The oldest continuously held Black rodeo in the U.S. rode on in eastern Oklahoma despite months of uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic , though this year some cowboys wore face masks along with boots .
The 65th annual Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo took place Aug. 7-8 in Okmulgee , about 90 miles ( 145 kilometers ) east of Oklahoma City , with a crowd of about 1,000 and some 200 Black cowboys competing , according to co-owner Kenneth LeBlanc .
Most at the event wore masks and practiced social distancing , LeBlanc told The Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state were shut down during spring in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus , but began reopening in April .
The Oklahoma State Department of Health on Saturday reported 47,798 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state and 657 deaths .
“ Fans and cowboys were calling , asking if we were going to have it , ” LeBlanc said .
“ The cowboys , they were looking for somewhere to go.
” Cowboys came from as far away as North Carolina , Indiana and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nebraska and Arizona made the trek .
Steer wrestler Rodney Demery of Beggs near Okmulgee , said the crowd in the approximately 2,500 seat arena seemed smaller than before , but that most people wore masks as did he and the other competitors .
“ Some people seemed a little leery of getting out and getting about with what ’ s going on , ” with the coronavirus , said Demery , whose two sons also compete .
“ There ’ s always that little thought in the back of your mind , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to get it , you ’ re going to get it .
I wasn ’ t worried about getting it at the rodeo , you just say a prayer and go on.
” Demery said he and his sons didn ’ t win money but it was good to be there because they “ just want to rodeo.
” “ Cowboys are like a family , ” Demery said , “ there is a camaraderie and we take care of each other.
” LeBlanc ’ s father , grandfather and several friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LeBlanc said .
They made it an invitational for Black cowboys in an effort to set it apart from other rodeos and to attract sponsors .
“ So many people got to where they wanted to see the Black cowboys we just kept it an invitational rodeo for Black cowboys , ” LeBlanc said .
This year may have been different , but the rodeo went on .

OKMULGEE, Okla. — The oldest continuously held Black rodeo in the U.S. rode on in eastern Oklahoma despite months of uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic, though this year some cowboys wore face masks along with boots.
The 65th annual Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo took place Aug. 7-8 in Okmulgee, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of Oklahoma City, with a crowd of about 1,000 and some 200 Black cowboys competing, according to co-owner Kenneth LeBlanc.
Most at the event wore masks and practiced social distancing, LeBlanc told The Associated Press
Many businesses and events in the state were shut down during spring in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, but began reopening in April. The Oklahoma State Department of Health on Saturday reported 47,798 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state and 657 deaths.
“Fans and cowboys were calling, asking if we were going to have it,” LeBlanc said. “The cowboys, they were looking for somewhere to go.”
Cowboys came from as far away as North Carolina, Indiana and California, LeBlanc said. Fans from Nebraska and Arizona made the trek.
Steer wrestler Rodney Demery of Beggs near Okmulgee, said the crowd in the approximately 2,500 seat arena seemed smaller than before, but that most people wore masks as did he and the other competitors.
Pony Express racers pass the baton during competition at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 1 of 28 Colby Walker chases a steer in the Bull Doggin competition at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 2 of 28 Treshon Warrior, age four, walks past his family’s RV at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 3 of 28 Tank Lyons is led around the first barrel as she competes in the Junior Barrel Race at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 4 of 28 Trenton Whayne, age seven, loses his hat as he competes in the Mutton Bustin competition at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 5 of 28 Eddie “Bull” Taylor, left, and Terrell Dewberry, right, wait for their turn in the Mutton Bustin competition at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 6 of 28 Kenneth LeBlanc takes a break outside the office as a cowboy checks the bulletin board behind him at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 7 of 28 Wefus Tyus participates in the Bull Doggin event at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 8 of 28 Cowboys bow their heads in prayer at the start of the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 9 of 28 Dorian Autman competes in the Bull Doggin event at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 10 of 28 Damon Hopkins rides in the Ranch Bronx Riding event at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 11 of 28 Jamel Knight competes in the Bull Riding competition at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 12 of 28 Denesha Henderson competes in the Ladies Barrel Race event at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 13 of 28 Eric Bagby, right, hands off to Eric Talton, second from left, as the Wild Bunch and the 918 Boyz teams battle to make the exchange in the Pony Express event, which the Wild Bunch won at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 14 of 28 Future cowboys wait for their turn at the Mutton Bustin event at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 15 of 28 Cowboys participate in the Grand Parade at the start of the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 16 of 28 Wefus Tyus participates in the Bull Doggin event at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 17 of 28 Dorian Autman competes in the Bull Doggin event at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 18 of 28 Shae Threatt rides to the finish in the Ladies Barrel Race at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 19 of 28 Lamar Hawkins competes in the Ranch Bronx Riding event at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 20 of 28 Wild Bunch team members pass the baton in front of Country Boyz team members as they compete in the Pony Express event at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 21 of 28 Spanky Williams falls off his ride as he competes in the Mutton Bustin event atthe 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 22 of 28 Marcel Atman competes in the Bull Riding event at the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 23 of 28 Horses wear fly masks to protect their eyes from flies before the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 24 of 28 Young boys watch the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 25 of 28 A cowboy bows his head in prayer at the start of the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 26 of 28 Spectators watch the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) ORG XMIT: OKSO208 | Sue Ogrocki/AP 27 of 28 A Wild Bunch team member drops the baton into the barrel as Wild Bunch wins the Pony Express competition at the the 65th annual Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest all-black professional rodeo event, in Okmulgee, Okla., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. | Sue Ogrocki/AP 28 of 28
“Some people seemed a little leery of getting out and getting about with what’s going on,” with the coronavirus, said Demery, whose two sons also compete. “There’s always that little thought in the back of your mind, but I think if you’re going to get it, you’re going to get it. I wasn’t worried about getting it at the rodeo, you just say a prayer and go on.”
Demery said he and his sons didn’t win money but it was good to be there because they “just want to rodeo.”
“Cowboys are like a family,” Demery said, “there is a camaraderie and we take care of each other.”
LeBlanc’s father, grandfather and several friends founded the rodeo in 1956, Kenneth LeBlanc said. They made it an invitational for Black cowboys in an effort to set it apart from other rodeos and to attract sponsors.
“So many people got to where they wanted to see the Black cowboys we just kept it an invitational rodeo for Black cowboys,” LeBlanc said.
This year may have been different, but the rodeo went on.
“We paid expenses,” LeBlanc said. “It was a success.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Protesters march through Bronzeville after police block them from Dan Ryan

Chicago police and Illinois State Police troopers blocked a group of protesters from marching onto the Dan Ryan Expressway Saturday afternoon .
Instead , the protesters took their message against police brutality through the Bronzeville neighborhood along Indiana Avenue , with many carrying signs bearing the names of people previously killed in police custody .
Though the protest remained peaceful , Illinois State Police lined some streets and intersections decked out in full riot gear .
“ I don ’ t see no riot here , why you got that riot gear ?
” protesters chanted .
Emotions ran high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about their loved ones who allegedly died at the hands of police .
Latoya Howell ’ s son Justus was fatally shot by an officer in north suburban Zion in 2014 .
“ Every day is a struggle for me .
Everyday I ’ m fighting for justice , ” said Howell , who lost her civil case against the suburb in 2018 .
“ I ’ m here because I need people to wake up .
I ’ m tired of all these murders continuously happening and then there ’ s justified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need them to be held accountable in every city , every state .
“ This movement is not just about anger and bitterness , it ’ s routed from love — for the love of my child and for the love of yours , ” she said .
Activist and organizer Michael Ben Yosef said state police officials told him the protest had to draw at least 2,200 supporters to go onto the Dan Ryan .
In the end , the rally was well below that amount .
It started about noon at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of police officers walled them off from walking onto Interstate 90/94 at 47th Street .
By 4 p.m. , a group of about 200 stopped at the intersection of Roosevelt Rd .
and Michigan Ave. Yosef , who works as a Rabbi , mainly online , said protesters shut down the Dan Ryan in spirit , calling it “ a humanitarian thing.
” “ It was not a defeat… It wasn ’ t a loss , it was a blessing , ” said Yosef , who had hoped to draw about 3,000 demonstrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of police before the march , counter-protesters chimed in , claiming it was contradicting their movement because they were helping police notch overtime pay .
“ Stop coming into our neighborhood , ” community activist Yashua Aton of Englewood said .
“ This isn ’ t how you get justice.
” Aton said the community had been planning a Black business crawl , but the streets to some of the businesses were blocked by police due to the protest .
“ We didn ’ t ask people to protest , ” Aton said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crawl , not the Dan Ryan.
” One business owner said the protest wasn ’ t an inconvenience .

Chicago police and Illinois State Police troopers blocked protesters Saturday afternoon from marching onto the Dan Ryan Expressway before a second demonstration in the city’s downtown turned violent and led to dozens of arrests.
Police Supt. David Brown said the initial march, which started about noon at Robert Taylor Park in Bronzeville, “began peacefully on the South Side as our officers ensured that demonstrators were able to have the opportunity to exercise their First Amendment right.”
That was in contrast, Brown said, to the events downtown Saturday night, where the superintendent said one demonstrator struck an officer with a skateboard and others used pepper spray against police.
Brown said 24 people were arrested during the later march and 17 police officers were injured.
“It was not until later this afternoon, during a separate protest downtown where multiple agitators downtown hijacked this peaceful protest,” Brown said. “This group deployed large, black umbrellas, changed their appearance and began pushing our officers and eventually assaulting them.”
Brown said officers responded “proportionally” to “protect the peaceful protesters” and get the situation under control.
Altercation between police and protesters on Michigan and Wacker pic.twitter.com/CznXvUTC9W — Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) August 15, 2020
Those tactics included aggressively patrolling the crowd, including ripping umbrellas and bikes from the hands of demonstrators, spraying a chemical irritant of their own and rushing and striking protesters with batons.
About 4 p.m., the second, larger demonstration began forming in Millennium Park as marchers from the earlier demonstration were disbanding at Roosevelt Road and Michigan Avenue.
Organized by six youth-led organizations, including Good Kids Mad City, the second group marched to Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue where they chanted before one of many downtown bridges ordered raised by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, following unrest and looting that began last Sunday night.
Marchers moved on, but confrontations with police continued sporadically, leading to arrests when police ordered the demonstration to disperse.
Brown said police are seeking felony charges against four protesters for aggravated battery against a police officer.
Officers suffered injuries, which Brown described as mostly “bumps and bruises,” during the demonstration when protesters used pepper spray and threw objects, including “bottles and bicycles” at police. The superintendent said the department would also release video Sunday of a demonstrator hitting an officer in their protective helmet with a skateboard — an incident widely shared on social media before it was taken down by the poster.
“I stood with the men and women of this department as this event moved throughout the downtown area and I am so very proud of the professionalism and their patience during a very, very difficult and tenuous event,” Brown said.
Protesters criticized the department’s tactics, including the “kettling” of demonstrators — confining them in a small area and not allowing them to leave or continue to march. Activists accused police of randomly beating and shoving demonstrators and called the arrests made at the protest “illegal.”
“CPD rioted again tonight. They prove over and over that they do not keep us safe,” Black Lives Matter Chicago wrote on Twitter.
Brown said two protesters were treated downtown for injuries.
Protesters march Saturday in Bronzeville. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
No arrests were made during the earlier march, which organizers planned to include a march on the Dan Ryan Expressway.
Activist Michael Ben Yosef said state police officials told him the protest had to draw at least 2,200 supporters to go onto the Dan Ryan.
In the end, the rally was well below that amount.
Yosef, who works as a Rabbi, mainly online, said protesters shut down the Dan Ryan in spirit.
“It was not a defeat … It wasn’t a loss, it was a blessing,” said Yosef, who had hoped to draw about 3,000 demonstrators.
Instead, the protesters took their calls for police reform through the Bronzeville neighborhood along Indiana Avenue, with many carrying signs bearing the names of people killed in police custody.
“I don’t see no riot here, why you got that riot gear?” protesters chanted at body armor-clad officers.
Emotions ran high at times, including for Latoya Howell, whose son Justus was fatally shot by an officer in north suburban Zion in 2014.
“Every day is a struggle for me. Everyday I’m fighting for justice,” said Howell, who lost her civil case against the suburb in 2018. “I’m here because I need people to wake up. I’m tired of all these murders continuously happening and then there’s justified qualified immunity for every officer. We need them to be held accountable in every city, every state.
“This movement is not just about anger and bitterness, it’s routed from love — for the love of my child and for the love of yours,” Howell added.
Illinois State Police block protesters from the Dan Ryan Expressway Saturday on the South Side. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
As organizers called for the defunding Saturday afternoon, counter-protesters chimed in, claiming the demonstrators were contradicting their movement because they were helping police notch overtime pay.
“Stop coming into our neighborhood,” said Yashua Aton, a community activist who lives in Englewood. “This isn’t how you get justice.”
Aton said a Black business crawl had been planned for the afternoon, which was disrupted when streets were blocked by police due to the marchers.
Trez Pugh, owner of Sip and Savor coffee shop in Bronzeville, said he didn’t find the afternoon protest disrupted business.
“Usually people that walk come to my place,” Pugh said. “For some businesses, where people come get food and they’re traveling from some other places, it probably inconveniences them.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Man live-streamed self on social media using hammer to break into ATM: police

A 20-year-old man faces charges after live-streaming video of himself on social media as he tried to break into an ATM with a hammer Monday during looting and civil unrest downtown .
Arron Neal , of West Englewood , now faces felony charges of burglary and criminal damage to property for the alleged incident in the 800 block of North State , Chicago police announced Saturday .
Police were able to identify and arrest Neal after he “ stared directly into a cellphone camera , smiled and brazenly went back to breaking into an ATM with a hammer early Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown said .
Investigators received tips through a new online portal where video footage has been uploaded from the widespread theft and property damage that overtook the downtown area and other neighborhoods .
“ We posted this video on our website and within 90 minutes , members of the community contacted us and solved this crime , ” Brown said .
“ What happened downtown and on the West Side last week had nothing to do with protesting , it was criminal behavior , and it will not be tolerated in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lori Lightfoot announced additional measures the city is taking to prevent further mayhem , including a social media task force scouting the web for any hint looting might be in the works .
At least 42 felony cases have been filed in connection with the looting incidents , according to Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx ’ s office .
Police are continuing to post videos and photos of individuals “ who have already committed criminal acts , ” and are asking the community and business owners to come forward and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Detectives Brendan Deenihan said .
“ That ’ s the way the system is supposed to work , but it will not work unless people go to our website , view the videos and give us tips , ” Deenihan added .
Neal was due in bond court Saturday on the charges .

A 20-year-old man faces charges after live-streaming video of himself on social media as he tried to break into an ATM with a hammer Monday during looting and civil unrest downtown.
Arron Neal, of West Englewood, now faces felony charges of burglary and criminal damage to property for the alleged incident in the 800 block of North State, Chicago police announced Saturday.
Police were able to identify and arrest Neal after he “stared directly into a cellphone camera, smiled and brazenly went back to breaking into an ATM with a hammer early Monday,” Chicago Police Supt. David Brown said.
Arron Neal. Chicago police
Investigators received tips through a new online portal where video footage has been uploaded from the widespread theft and property damage that overtook the downtown area and other neighborhoods.
“We posted this video on our website and within 90 minutes, members of the community contacted us and solved this crime,” Brown said. “What happened downtown and on the West Side last week had nothing to do with protesting, it was criminal behavior, and it will not be tolerated in the city of Chicago.”
Chicago Police Supt. David Brown walks to a press conference outside Chicago Police Department’s headquarters Saturday morning, Aug. 15, 2020. Brown announced the felony charges that were made against Arron Neal, who allegedly live streamed an attempt to break an ATM during last weekend’s looting spree. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
On Friday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced additional measures the city is taking to prevent further mayhem, including a social media task force scouting the web for any hint looting might be in the works.
At least 42 felony cases have been filed in connection with the looting incidents, according to Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office.
Police are continuing to post videos and photos of individuals “who have already committed criminal acts,” and are asking the community and business owners to come forward and help identify the suspects, CPD Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan said.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
“That’s the way the system is supposed to work, but it will not work unless people go to our website, view the videos and give us tips,” Deenihan added.
Neal was ordered held on $100,000 bond Saturday, according to the Cook County state’s attorney’s office. He is due back in court Aug. 24th.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-16--Dear Abby: I feel guilty about hospital error that cut short my wife’s life

DEAR ABBY : I would like to address a problem I ’ ve never seen in your column .
A lot of people have living wills but most don ’ t remember what ’ s in them .
My wife went to the hospital for a routine procedure that required anesthesia .
After three hours of what was supposed to be a one-hour procedure , a nurse came out , said there was “ a problem ” and took me back to the recovery room .
My wife was writhing on the bed and kept rasping , “ I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to put an oxygen mask over her face , but she kept fighting them , trying to rip it off .
I was in total shock .
I didn ’ t know how to help her , so I asked the anesthesiologist standing there to do something , and he said her living will was a DNR ( do not resuscitate ) .
She remained in cardiac and respiratory distress for eight hours before a pulmonologist was mercifully called and she was put on a ventilator .
I went home and pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I quote , “ the individual so named must be terminally ill or permanently unconscious.
” I had no idea .
She was neither of those things .
If I ’ d had a copy of the living will WITH me , I ’ m sure she would have immediately been put on a ventilator .
I lost her six months later , on Christmas morning .
I urge everyone who goes to the hospital for any procedure to make sure the person accompanying them has a copy of their advance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her outcome could have been so much different , and she might have lived much longer .
— GRIEVING HUSBAND DEAR GRIEVING HUSBAND : Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your wife .
Suffering as much pain as you are over her death , please don ’ t torture yourself further over what you “ would have , could have , should have ” done .
I appreciate your taking the time to share this important information with me and my readers .
Your letter serves as a reminder that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be sure they reflect current thinking .
Thank you .
DEAR ABBY : I have a large extended family who all live a few states away .
I didn ’ t grow up with any of them , as I ’ ve never lived near them .
I see or speak to them maybe once a decade .
We don ’ t exchange emails , and we aren ’ t friends on Facebook .
This isn ’ t because I don ’ t like them ; they are pleasant strangers .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family tree is perceived as the affluent one , and I sometimes receive life-event announcements from cousins and their children I haven ’ t seen in years and don ’ t know .
In truth , I think I receive them only for the possibility of receiving something from me .
Am I obligated to send a gift just because I received an invitation to events they know I will never attend — such as graduations , baby showers , etc.
?
— PURSUED RELATIVE DEAR RELATIVE : You are not obligated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people you have barely met .
You are also not obligated to send gifts to people you haven ’ t had contact with in a decade .
The announcements should not , however , go unacknowledged .
Send a nice card with a congratulatory note , and you may find yourself receiving fewer of these invitations as postage becomes increasingly expensive .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CA 90069 .
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets : “ Abby ’ s Favorite Recipes ” and “ More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 16 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Cookbooklet Set , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I would like to address a problem I’ve never seen in your column. A lot of people have living wills but most don’t remember what’s in them.
My wife went to the hospital for a routine procedure that required anesthesia. After three hours of what was supposed to be a one-hour procedure, a nurse came out, said there was “a problem” and took me back to the recovery room. My wife was writhing on the bed and kept rasping, “I can’t breathe!” Six nurses tried to put an oxygen mask over her face, but she kept fighting them, trying to rip it off. I was in total shock.
I didn’t know how to help her, so I asked the anesthesiologist standing there to do something, and he said her living will was a DNR (do not resuscitate). She remained in cardiac and respiratory distress for eight hours before a pulmonologist was mercifully called and she was put on a ventilator.
I went home and pulled out our living wills. Hers stated, and I quote, “the individual so named must be terminally ill or permanently unconscious.” I had no idea. She was neither of those things. If I’d had a copy of the living will WITH me, I’m sure she would have immediately been put on a ventilator. I lost her six months later, on Christmas morning.
I urge everyone who goes to the hospital for any procedure to make sure the person accompanying them has a copy of their advance directive. I still feel guilty. Her outcome could have been so much different, and she might have lived much longer. — GRIEVING HUSBAND
DEAR GRIEVING HUSBAND: Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your wife. Suffering as much pain as you are over her death, please don’t torture yourself further over what you “would have, could have, should have” done. I appreciate your taking the time to share this important information with me and my readers. Your letter serves as a reminder that all end-of-life documents should be reviewed regularly to be sure they reflect current thinking. Thank you.
DEAR ABBY: I have a large extended family who all live a few states away. I didn’t grow up with any of them, as I’ve never lived near them. I see or speak to them maybe once a decade. We don’t exchange emails, and we aren’t friends on Facebook. This isn’t because I don’t like them; they are pleasant strangers.
I get the impression that my limb of the family tree is perceived as the affluent one, and I sometimes receive life-event announcements from cousins and their children I haven’t seen in years and don’t know. In truth, I think I receive them only for the possibility of receiving something from me. Am I obligated to send a gift just because I received an invitation to events they know I will never attend — such as graduations, baby showers, etc.? — PURSUED RELATIVE
DEAR RELATIVE: You are not obligated to send a gift or money to people you have barely met. You are also not obligated to send gifts to people you haven’t had contact with in a decade. The announcements should not, however, go unacknowledged. Send a nice card with a congratulatory note, and you may find yourself receiving fewer of these invitations as postage becomes increasingly expensive.
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.
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-08-16--Driver arrested after crash with IDOT truck blocking Dan Ryan exit ramp

A driver was taken into custody after crashing into an Illinois Department of Transportation truck that was blocking a Dan @ @ @ @ @ on the Near West Side .
A vehicle hit the IDOT truck shortly before 2 @ @ @ @ @ near Roosevelt Road and Desplaines Street , according to Illinois State Police .
The driver @ @ @ @ @ Mercy Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries , state police said .
No other injuries were reported @ @ @ @ @ blocking the exit ramp as part of ongoing nightly closures blocking access to the downtown @ @ @ @ @ 10 in the wake of a police shooting the day before .
City officials said @ @ @ @ @ in place until 6 a.m. Monday , Aug. 17 .
State police said the crash @ @ @ @ @ was not immediately clear whether the driver hit the barricade intentionally .

A driver was taken into custody after crashing into an Illinois Department of Transportation truck that was blocking a Dan Ryan Expressway exit ramp Sunday on the Near West Side.
Just before 2 a.m. a fully marked Chicago police squad car and an IDOT maintenance truck were parked blocking the lanes of I-94 exit ramp towards Roosevelt Road, when a 2005 blue-colored Dodge Caravan failed to stop and crashed into the truck, Illinois State police said.
The driver of the IDOT truck, a 70-year-old man, was inside the truck when it was struck, state police said. He was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The driver of the Dodge, 52-year-old Darrel Sims of Chicago, was not injured, state police said. Sims was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, being in possession of a controlled substance, as well as multiple moving violations.
The IDOT truck was blocking the exit ramp as part of ongoing nightly closures blocking access to the downtown area after widespread looting Aug. 10 in the wake of a police shooting the day before. City officials said the downtown restrictions will remain in place until 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-16--4 hurt in Dan Ryan crash

4 hurt in Dan Ryan crash

Four people were injured in a crash Sunday on the Dan Ryan Expressway near Chatham on the South Side .
@ @ @ @ @ 2:18 a.m. on northbound I-94 near 87th Street , according to Illinois State Police .
@ @ @ @ @ the University of Chicago Medical Center and two others were taken to Christ Medical Center @ @ @ @ @ police said .
Their injuries were serious , but were not considered life-threatening .
The @ @ @ @ @ under investigation .

Four people were injured in a crash Sunday on the Dan Ryan Expressway near Chatham on the South Side.
The two-vehicle crash happened at 2:18 a.m. on northbound I-94 near 87th Street, according to Illinois State Police.
Two people were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center and two others were taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, state police said. Their injuries were serious, but were not considered life-threatening.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-16--Shutting down public transit is unfair to Chicagoans who need it most

Public transit provides access to opportunity for thousands of working-class Chicagoans .
Buses , trains , paratransit and bike share services connect people to their jobs , health care appointments , grocery stores and families .
When all that ’ s taken away , riders are cut off from where they need to go , or forced to pay much more for a taxi or ride-hail trip .
The repeated evening and overnight shutdowns of CTA , Divvy , and paratransit service in the downtown area set an alarming precedent .
City officials are making this call without providing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limiting mobility across the city is necessary .
They say this is part of a broader strategy to “ protect Chicago communities and neighborhood businesses , ” but they don ’ t explain how shutting down transit helps achieve their goals .
The decision-making process is neither transparent nor inclusive .
Think of the Roseland resident who rides the Red Line downtown to work the night shift in building maintenance or security .
Or the Garfield Park resident who takes a Divvy bike to work the early shift at a Loop coffee shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Blue Line to work overnight at a downtown health care center or nursing home .
Or the Chinatown resident with a disability who needs paratransit for any planned and unplanned trips outside the home .
Black and Brown people — who are more likely to ride transit and less likely to work a 9-to-5 job — are disproportionately impacted .
The city ’ s most vulnerable residents without access to a car suffer the most .
Cutting off transit options for thousands of Chicagoans can not become a regular , accepted practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Land Bank Authority ’ s board of directors , I feel compelled to set the record straight about the Sun-Times ’ Watchdogs coverage .
First , an independent auditor earlier this year found that we ’ ve violated no laws or guidelines .
Second , the Land Bank does not receive any taxpayer support or subsidy to do its work .
The Land Bank boldly democratizes access to distressed properties and creates wealth-building opportunities , especially and effectively for people of color .
We acquire distressed properties , remove barriers such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small , local developers and first-time homeowners committed to stabilizing their neighborhoods .
Grassroots development is more important than ever , because wealth generated in a community remains in and benefits that community .
The Land Bank ’ s approach to development has generated $ 85 million in community wealth .
The Land Bank considers various factors in evaluating property development plans , including the strength of the plan , its positive impact on the community , the developer ’ s capacity to perform the work and ability to pay for it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditionally blocked equitable participation by Black and Latinx people .
We do not exclude people with a prior criminal conviction .
We do not require a lobbyist , a lawyer or minimum net worth , a minimum credit score or a special designation to purchase properties .
I am proud that we actively work to remove systemic barriers and to provide fair opportunity for all — developers , homeowners , entrepreneurs and neighborhoods .
Our staff conducts business ethically and in a manner that has earned the praise and respect of economic development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bank leadership is respected by the local community development community .
The work of the organization is a national model for inclusive economic development .

Public transit provides access to opportunity for thousands of working-class Chicagoans. Buses, trains, paratransit and bike share services connect people to their jobs, health care appointments, grocery stores and families. When all that’s taken away, riders are cut off from where they need to go, or forced to pay much more for a taxi or ride-hail trip.
The repeated evening and overnight shutdowns of CTA, Divvy and paratransit service in the downtown area set an alarming precedent. City officials are making this call without providing the public a clear understanding of why severely limiting mobility across the city is necessary.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
They say this is part of a broader strategy to “protect Chicago communities and neighborhood businesses,” but they don’t explain how shutting down transit helps achieve their goals.
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be approximately 350 words or less.
The decision-making process is neither transparent nor inclusive.
Think of the Roseland resident who rides the Red Line downtown to work the night shift in building maintenance or security.
Or the Garfield Park resident who takes a Divvy bike to work the early shift at a Loop coffee shop.
Or the Avondale resident who rides the Blue Line to work overnight at a downtown health care center or nursing home.
Or the Chinatown resident with a disability who needs paratransit for any planned and unplanned trips outside the home.
Black and Brown people — who are more likely to ride transit and less likely to work a 9-to-5 job — are disproportionately impacted. The city’s most vulnerable residents without access to a car suffer the most.
Cutting off transit options for thousands of Chicagoans cannot become a regular, accepted practice.
Amy Rynell
Executive Director, Active Transportation Alliance
Land Bank is a national model
As a member of the Cook County Land Bank Authority’s board of directors, I feel compelled to set the record straight about the Sun-Times’ Watchdogs coverage.
First, an independent auditor earlier this year found that we’ve violated no laws or guidelines. Second, the Land Bank does not receive any taxpayer support or subsidy to do its work.
The Land Bank boldly democratizes access to distressed properties and creates wealth-building opportunities, especially and effectively for people of color. We acquire distressed properties, remove barriers such as back taxes and transfer them to small, local developers and first-time homeowners committed to stabilizing their neighborhoods.
Grassroots development is more important than ever, because wealth generated in a community remains in and benefits that community. The Land Bank’s approach to development has generated $85 million in community wealth.
The Land Bank considers various factors in evaluating property development plans, including the strength of the plan, its positive impact on the community, the developer’s capacity to perform the work and ability to pay for it.
We do not consider factors that have traditionally blocked equitable participation by Black and Latinx people. We do not exclude people with a prior criminal conviction. We do not require a lobbyist, a lawyer or minimum net worth, a minimum credit score or a special designation to purchase properties.
I am proud that we actively work to remove systemic barriers and to provide fair opportunity for all — developers, homeowners, entrepreneurs and neighborhoods.
Our staff conducts business ethically and in a manner that has earned the praise and respect of economic development advocates in Cook County. The Land Bank leadership is respected by the local community development community. The work of the organization is a national model for inclusive economic development.
Lyneir Richardson
CEO, Chicago TREND and assistant professor, Rutgers Business School


chicagosun-times--2020-08-16--Man hit by vehicle in West Garfield Park

A man was critically injured in a hit-and-run Saturday in West Garfield Park on the West Side .
He was @ @ @ @ @ about 10:40 p.m. in the 4400 block of West Lake Street when the westbound vehicle @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police .
The vehicle drove off and the man was taken to Mount Sinai @ @ @ @ @ police said .
No one is in custody as Area Four detectives and the Major @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was critically injured in a hit-and-run Saturday in West Garfield Park on the West Side.
He was walking north across the street about 10:40 p.m. in the 4400 block of West Lake Street when the westbound vehicle hit him, according to Chicago police.
The vehicle drove off and the man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, police said.
No one is in custody as Area Four detectives and the Major Accidents unit investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Man killed, teen hurt in Homan Square shooting

A man was shot to death and a teenage boy was injured Saturday in Homan Square on the West Side @ @ @ @ @ ShotSpotter alert found the 18-year-old lying on the sidewalk about 10:25 p.m. in the 3500 @ @ @ @ @ , Chicago police said .
He had gunshot wounds to his chest and head and @ @ @ @ @ scene .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified him as Tamyreon Jordan @ @ @ @ @ Square .
A 14-year-old boy was also shot in the left arm and was driven @ @ @ @ @ fair condition , police said .
He told investigators he was standing on the sidewalk @ @ @ @ @ felt pain .
No arrests have been reported as Area Four detectives investigate .
Read @ @ @ @ @ track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was shot to death and a teenage boy was injured Saturday in Homan Square on the West Side.
Officers responding to a ShotSpotter alert found the 18-year-old lying on the sidewalk about 10:25 p.m. in the 3500 block of West Flournoy Street, Chicago police said. He had gunshot wounds to his chest and head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Tamyreon Jordan. He lived in Homan Square.
An autopsy conducted Sunday confirmed Jordan died of his gunshot wounds, the medical examiner’s office said. His death was ruled a homicie.
A 14-year-old boy was also shot in the left arm and was driven to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition, police said. He told investigators he was standing on the sidewalk when he heard gunshots and felt pain.
No arrests have been reported as Area Four detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Teen boy shot in Bronzeville

Teen boy shot in Bronzeville

A teenage boy was shot Saturday in Bronzeville on the South Side .
Several people got out of a dark-colored @ @ @ @ @ shot the 16-year-old as he stood outside in the 500 block of East 47th Street @ @ @ @ @ The teen was struck in the leg and taken to Comer Children ’ s Hospital @ @ @ @ @ stabilized , police said .
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate @ @ @ @ @ , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A teenage boy was shot Saturday in Bronzeville on the South Side.
Several people got out of a dark-colored vehicle about 10 p.m. and shot the 16-year-old as he stood outside in the 500 block of East 47th Street, Chicago police said.
The teen was struck in the leg and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Horoscope for Sunday, August 16, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, August 16, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 6:15 p.m. for the rest of the day .
After that , the moon moves from Cancer into Leo .
Today is a mixed bag .
You have lots of energy to play !
This means sports and social occasions will appeal .
Nevertheless , you might have a standoff with a female family member — an ego battle .
You have energy to devote to home and family because you are physically pumped .
But don ’ t get hung up with a power struggle with someone , especially about controversial issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and exploring new places and ideas will please you .
Avoid squabbles about money and possessions , because who cares ?
You feel good about your finances and belongings .
Therefore , don ’ t get caught up in a power struggle with a partner or close friend .
Let it be .
( Whisper words of wisdom . )
Today the sun in your sign is lined up with fiery Mars , which boosts your energy and confidence .
Therefore , don ’ t let minor squabbles in the back of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
You feel confident in yourself and firm about your ideas .
That ’ s why a difference of opinion with a friend , probably a female , shouldn ’ t ruffle your feathers .
This is a popular day for you , which means you will enjoy the company of others , especially partners and close friends .
Don ’ t let family stress take over your mood .
Relax .
You shine in the eyes of others , which is why this is also a good day to make your pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slices !
It dices !
It cuts shoe leather !
” Stay calm when traveling and dealing with foreign situations .
A chance to travel will rev your engines because you want to explore your world and have some adventure !
Don ’ t make a big deal about disputes regarding shared property or something that is jointly held with others .
Be patient with partners and close friends because the moon is opposite your sign .
However , it ’ s a solid day to discuss inheritances and shared property .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners and close friends are excellent , you might run afoul of a coworker or someone who is discussing health issue with you .
Take it easy .
This is a productive day for you because you want to work !
Don ’ t be demanding of kids .
In fact , romance and relations with kids are a bit sensitive .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Angela Bassett ( 19758 ) shares your birthday .
You love adventure and are dedicated to achieving your goals .
You also welcome the opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re entering a year of new beginnings !
This means it ’ s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years .
Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want .
Just do it !

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 6:15 p.m. for the rest of the day. After that, the moon moves from Cancer into Leo.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today is a mixed bag. You have lots of energy to play! This means sports and social occasions will appeal. Nevertheless, you might have a standoff with a female family member — an ego battle.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You have energy to devote to home and family because you are physically pumped. But don’t get hung up with a power struggle with someone, especially about controversial issues.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Short trips, conversations with others and exploring new places and ideas will please you. Avoid squabbles about money and possessions, because who cares?
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You feel good about your finances and belongings. Therefore, don’t get caught up in a power struggle with a partner or close friend. Let it be. (Whisper words of wisdom.)
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Today the sun in your sign is lined up with fiery Mars, which boosts your energy and confidence. Therefore, don’t let minor squabbles in the back of your mind ruin anything. Seize the day!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You feel confident in yourself and firm about your ideas. That’s why a difference of opinion with a friend, probably a female, shouldn’t ruffle your feathers.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is a popular day for you, which means you will enjoy the company of others, especially partners and close friends. Don’t let family stress take over your mood. Relax.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You shine in the eyes of others, which is why this is also a good day to make your pitch to an authority figure. “Its slices! It dices! It cuts shoe leather!” Stay calm when traveling and dealing with foreign situations.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
A chance to travel will rev your engines because you want to explore your world and have some adventure! Don’t make a big deal about disputes regarding shared property or something that is jointly held with others.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Be patient with partners and close friends because the moon is opposite your sign. However, it’s a solid day to discuss inheritances and shared property. (Go figure.)
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Although relationships with partners and close friends are excellent, you might run afoul of a coworker or someone who is discussing health issue with you. Take it easy.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
This is a productive day for you because you want to work! Don’t be demanding of kids. In fact, romance and relations with kids are a bit sensitive.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Angela Bassett (19758) shares your birthday. You love adventure and are dedicated to achieving your goals. You also welcome the opinion of others. Exciting news! You’re entering a year of new beginnings! This means it’s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years. Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want. Just do it!


chicagosun-times--2020-08-15--Police warn of vehicle thefts in Englewood

Police are warning Englewood residents about a string of recent vehicle thefts in the South Side neighborhood .
In each @ @ @ @ @ s owner returned to their parking spot to find their vehicle missing , Chicago police @ @ @ @ @ p.m. July 19 and 12 p.m. July 20 in the 7100 block of South Normal @ @ @ @ @ a.m. July 31 in the 7000 block of South Parnell Avenue ; • Between 10 @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Aug. 2 in the 700 block of West 71st Street ; • Between 7 @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Aug. 3 in the 6900 block of South Eggleston Avenue ; and • Between @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 8 in the 7000 block of South Normal Boulevard .
Police did not provide @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyone with information is asked to call Area One detectives at 312-747-8382 .
Read @ @ @ @ @ track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are warning Englewood residents about a string of recent vehicle thefts in the South Side neighborhood.
In each incident, the vehicle’s owner returned to their parking spot to find their vehicle missing, Chicago police said.
The thefts happened:
Between 12 p.m. July 19 and 12 p.m. July 20 in the 7100 block of South Normal Boulevard;
At 6 a.m. July 31 in the 7000 block of South Parnell Avenue;
Between 10 p.m. Aug. 1 and 7 a.m. Aug. 2 in the 700 block of West 71st Street;
Between 7 p.m. Aug. 2 and 4 a.m. Aug. 3 in the 6900 block of South Eggleston Avenue; and
Between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m. Aug. 8 in the 7000 block of South Normal Boulevard.
Police did not provide a description of any suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area One detectives at 312-747-8382.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.