chicagosun-times--2020-06-24--Horoscope for Thursday, June 25, 2020

Horoscope for Thursday, June 25, 2020

Wait to shop or make important decisions until 12:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Leo into Virgo .
Be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert .
Afterward , it ’ s all systems go !
Suddenly , you want to be productive and efficient in every aspect of your life — at least for today !
Make a To Do list .
Think about how you can improve your health as well .
This is a creative day .
If you work in the arts , the entertainment world or the hospitality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas because they are probably worth consideration .
This is also a playful , fun-loving day .
Enjoy !
( Treat yourself to some creature comforts . )
Resist shopping or making important decisions in the early morning .
( Check moon alert . )
After that , your focus will swing to home , family and your private life .
An interaction with a parent could be important .
You might want to cocoon at home .
Avoid financial matters and shopping in the early morning .
( See moon alert .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ keen to communicate to others .
Short trips , messages , errands and shopping will fill your day .
Good day to write or learn something new !
Today begins with the moon alert in your sign !
This is why you are emotional and unsure of things .
Fortunately , once it moves into Virgo , you will feel steady and focused again .
In particular , financial issues will catch your attention , as well as shopping .
After the moon moves into your sign today ( see moon alert ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ready for action .
In fact , things will tend to go your way , so do not be afraid to ask the universe for a favor .
This is a good day to talk to younger people .
( Younger is a relative term . )
This is a curious day .
You are high visibility because the sun is at the top of your chart .
Nevertheless , after the moon alert today , the moon moves into a hidden part of your chart .
( This could produce faintly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to be low-key ; and yet , everyone notices you . )
Oy !
Be aware of the early morning because the moon alert is still in effect .
After it is over , you might have an important discussion with a female friend .
Issues about publishing , the media and foreign countries are uppermost in your mind .
After the moon alert is over , you will be high visibility .
Whether you like it or not , people will notice you , including bosses , parents , VIPs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this because who wants to end up with egg on their face ?
Not you .
Avoid financial decisions during the early moon alert .
Afterward , you will want to explore travel opportunities as well as avenues in higher education , the media , publishing , the law and medicine .
Yes !
Wait until the moon alert is over this morning because you will find your focus is on financial matters — inheritances , wills , estates , taxes , debt , insurance issues and shared property .
Therefore , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restriction of a moon alert .
Be wise .
After the moon alert today , a conversation with a partner or close friend will be important to you .
This person might come to you or you might seek them out .
A discussion with someone close to you is definitely on your menu .
Be prepared to compromise .
If Your Birthday Is Today Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor ( 1954 ) shares your birthday .
You are creative and caring — very much in touch with your emotions .
You are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s your time of harvest , which means you are starting to reap the benefits of the efforts you made in the last decade .
You deserve this time of success !
As a result , you might enjoy increased influence and leadership in all your relationships .

Moon Alert
Wait to shop or make important decisions until 12:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Leo into Virgo.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert. Afterward, it’s all systems go! Suddenly, you want to be productive and efficient in every aspect of your life — at least for today! Make a To Do list. Think about how you can improve your health as well.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This is a creative day. If you work in the arts, the entertainment world or the hospitality industry, trust your clever, inventive ideas because they are probably worth consideration. This is also a playful, fun-loving day. Enjoy! (Treat yourself to some creature comforts.)
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Resist shopping or making important decisions in the early morning. (Check moon alert.) After that, your focus will swing to home, family and your private life. An interaction with a parent could be important. You might want to cocoon at home.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Avoid financial matters and shopping in the early morning. (See moon alert.) After that, you will be keen to communicate to others. Short trips, messages, errands and shopping will fill your day. Good day to write or learn something new!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Today begins with the moon alert in your sign! This is why you are emotional and unsure of things. Fortunately, once it moves into Virgo, you will feel steady and focused again. In particular, financial issues will catch your attention, as well as shopping.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
After the moon moves into your sign today (see moon alert), you will feel strong, focused and ready for action. In fact, things will tend to go your way, so do not be afraid to ask the universe for a favor. This is a good day to talk to younger people. (Younger is a relative term.)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is a curious day. You are high visibility because the sun is at the top of your chart. Nevertheless, after the moon alert today, the moon moves into a hidden part of your chart. (This could produce faintly a Jekyll and Hyde effect where you want to be low-key; and yet, everyone notices you.) Oy!
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Be aware of the early morning because the moon alert is still in effect. After it is over, you might have an important discussion with a female friend. Issues about publishing, the media and foreign countries are uppermost in your mind.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
After the moon alert is over, you will be high visibility. Whether you like it or not, people will notice you, including bosses, parents, VIPs and the police. Do be aware of this because who wants to end up with egg on their face? Not you.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Avoid financial decisions during the early moon alert. Afterward, you will want to explore travel opportunities as well as avenues in higher education, the media, publishing, the law and medicine. Yes!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Wait until the moon alert is over this morning because you will find your focus is on financial matters — inheritances, wills, estates, taxes, debt, insurance issues and shared property. Therefore, you want the freedom to act without the restriction of a moon alert. Be wise.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
After the moon alert today, a conversation with a partner or close friend will be important to you. This person might come to you or you might seek them out. A discussion with someone close to you is definitely on your menu. Be prepared to compromise.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (1954) shares your birthday. You are creative and caring — very much in touch with your emotions. You are a generous person. Looking good! It’s your time of harvest, which means you are starting to reap the benefits of the efforts you made in the last decade. You deserve this time of success! As a result, you might enjoy increased influence and leadership in all your relationships.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-24--Girl, 17, missing from Near West Side

Girl, 17, missing from Near West Side

A 17-year-old girl was reported missing from the Near West Side .
Zahria Smith was last seen June 21 and @ @ @ @ @ of the 2700 block of West Jackson Boulevard , Chicago police said .
She is @ @ @ @ @ black hair and brown eyes .
She was last seen wearing a red T-shirt and @ @ @ @ @ information is asked to call Area Four SVU detectives at 312-746-8255 .

A 17-year-old girl was reported missing from the Near West Side.
Zahria Smith was last seen June 21 and is missing from the area of the 2700 block of West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago police said.
She is 5-foot-2, 220 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a red T-shirt and black shorts.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Four SVU detectives at 312-746-8255.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-24--The Mix: Cool things to do in Chicago June 25-July 1

While there ’ s no parade or street festival this year , there are plenty of online celebrations for the final weekend of Pride Month : • Pride City Sounds : Chicago with Slo ’ Mo Party is a celebration of music and the LGBTQ+ community at 8 p.m. June 25 .
And celebrate with Janelle Monae when the singer performs an intimate concert at 7:30 p.m. June 28 .
For more information on both events , go to humanbyorientation.com .
• The Neo-Futurist Theater streams its annual Pride show , “ The Infinite Wrench Gets Prideful : 30 Queer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 8 p.m. June 25 .
Tickets : $ 15 .
Visit neofuturists.org .
• A Queer Pride presents Chicago Is a [ Digital ] Drag Festival , hosted by Shea Coulee ( “ Ru Paul ’ s Drag Race All Stars 5 ” ) , at 8 p.m. June 30 .
Visit twitch.tv/aqueerpride .
• “ Porch Pride : A Bluegrass Pride Queer-antine Festival ” offers more than 10 hours of music performed by two dozen musicians and singers .
Begins at 3 p.m. June 27-28 .
Visit bluegrasspride.net .
• Through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Packing , ” Scott Bradley ’ s solo piece charting his journey of self-discovery .
Tickets : $ 15 .
Visit aboutfacetheatre.com .
• Pride Films and Plays present a reading of Jonathan Tolins ’ “ Last Sunday in June ” ( 7 p.m. June 28 ) , a story of friends and lovers set amidst a Pride Parade celebration .
Tickets : $ 10 .
Visit pridearts.org .
• Playmakers Laboratory streams “ That ’ s Queer , Grandma ” ( 8 p.m. June 29 , July 6 ) , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , equality and what it means to be authentic .
Visit eventbrite.com .
With the successful opening of its SeatGeek Stadium location in Bridgeview last week , Chicago Drive-In is now inviting movie fans to catch a film under the stars at a second location , Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates .
Opening June 25 at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway , the venue will screen “ The Goonies ’ on a 70-foot screen , with audio via your car ’ s FM radio .
Doors open at 7 p.m ; show starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 50 per car , are available at www.chicagodrivein.com .
Concessions will be available from a central kiosk as well as mobile units , offering sodas , popcorn and candy .
Social distancing protocols will be in place .
The summer season won ’ t be complete without SummerDance and , in this time of temporary adjustment , the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has concocted a way to bring dancing fun into homes , backyards , porches and balconies via a live stream .
Included are a 30-minute dance lesson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more ) , followed by 60 minutes of music .
Streams Wednesday evenings beginning July 1 .
For more information , visit chicagosummerdance.org .
Award-winning jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis continues his Saturday Salon performance series at 1 p.m. June 27 .
A portion of the proceeds benefits the Jazz Foundation of America .
“ Throughout my career people have always been there to help me .
Now that I ’ ve retired from touring , my wife Jan and I thought since I ’ m still playing everyday anyways why not share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in need.
” Tickets for the streamed performance are $ 20 .
Visit ramseylewis.com .
A one-night-only Garth Brooks concert is coming to 300 drive-in theaters across North America including Chicago Drive-In Theater at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview ( 7000 S. Harlem ) .
Filmed in Nashville exclusively for this event , the concert features Brooks , the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year , and his band digging into his extensive songbook , which includes a recently released song , “ We Belong to Each Other.
” Shows begin at 9 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 100/vehicle with no more than six people ) are available at universe.com .
The Drafts & Laughs Virtual Beer & Comedy Festival is headlined by comedian Tom Green and features Ben Glieb , Ian Edwards , Jeff Richards and emcee Stephen Kramer Glickman .
Viewers will be able to interact with the comedians during their sets while enjoying a selection of local and regional beers curated for this event , which streams from 8-10 p.m. June 27 .
Tickets : $ 10- $ 45 .
For more information , visit draftsandlaughs.com .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ performs at the Ravinia Festival ’ s virtual fundraiser , “ Living Room Lawn Party , ” at 8 p.m. June 27 .
Additional performers include soprano Patricia Racette , pianist Kevin Cole , jazz artist Ramsey Lewis with trumpeter Marquis Hill , soprano Michelle DeYoung and more .
Proceeds will help support Ravinia ’ s music education programs .
Visit ravinia.org/lawnparty .
• The Lincoln Park Zoo streams a Zoomba class ( 9:30 a.m. June 28 , $ 15 ) , an upbeat dance and aerobic workout .
Visit lpzoo.org/events .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Home presents an ongoing series of workouts including pilates , zumba , tai chi and yoga from 8-9 a.m. Saturdays .
Visit millenniumpark.org .
• Every Wednesday at noon the Irish American Heritage Center streams a yoga class for all levels .
Visit irish-american.org .

Pride goes digital
While there’s no parade or street festival this year, there are plenty of online celebrations for the final weekend of Pride Month:
• Pride City Sounds: Chicago with Slo ’Mo Party is a celebration of music and the LGBTQ+ community at 8 p.m. June 25. And celebrate with Janelle Monae when the singer performs an intimate concert at 7:30 p.m. June 28. For more information on both events, go to humanbyorientation.com.
• The Neo-Futurist Theater streams its annual Pride show, “The Infinite Wrench Gets Prideful: 30 Queer Plays in 60 Straight Minutes,” at 8 p.m. June 25. Tickets: $15. Visit neofuturists.org.
• A Queer Pride presents Chicago Is a [Digital] Drag Festival, hosted by Shea Coulee (“Ru Paul’s Drag Race All Stars 5”), at 8 p.m. June 30. Visit twitch.tv/aqueerpride.
• “Porch Pride: A Bluegrass Pride Queer-antine Festival” offers more than 10 hours of music performed by two dozen musicians and singers. Begins at 3 p.m. June 27-28. Visit bluegrasspride.net.
• Through July 12, About Face Theatre streams “Packing,” Scott Bradley’s solo piece charting his journey of self-discovery. Tickets: $15. Visit aboutfacetheatre.com.
• Pride Films and Plays present a reading of Jonathan Tolins’ “Last Sunday in June” (7 p.m. June 28), a story of friends and lovers set amidst a Pride Parade celebration. Tickets: $10. Visit pridearts.org.
• Playmakers Laboratory streams “That’s Queer, Grandma” (8 p.m. June 29, July 6), a romp through student-written stories centered on inclusivity, equality and what it means to be authentic. Visit eventbrite.com.
Past participants practice salsa moves at Summerdance, which this year is a live stream. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Movies by moonlight
With the successful opening of its SeatGeek Stadium location in Bridgeview last week, Chicago Drive-In is now inviting movie fans to catch a film under the stars at a second location, Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Opening June 25 at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, the venue will screen “The Goonies’ on a 70-foot screen, with audio via your car’s FM radio. Doors open at 7 p.m; show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets, $30-$50 per car, are available at www.chicagodrivein.com. Concessions will be available from a central kiosk as well as mobile units, offering sodas, popcorn and candy. Social distancing protocols will be in place.
Dance to the music
The summer season won’t be complete without SummerDance and, in this time of temporary adjustment, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has concocted a way to bring dancing fun into homes, backyards, porches and balconies via a live stream. Included are a 30-minute dance lesson (salsa, swing, line dancing and more), followed by 60 minutes of music. Streams Wednesday evenings beginning July 1. For more information, visit chicagosummerdance.org.
Pianist Ramsey Lewis Todd Winters
Jazz legend
Award-winning jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis continues his Saturday Salon performance series at 1 p.m. June 27. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Jazz Foundation of America. “Throughout my career people have always been there to help me. Now that I’ve retired from touring, my wife Jan and I thought since I’m still playing everyday anyways why not share it with my fans and help those in need.” Tickets for the streamed performance are $20. Visit ramseylewis.com.
A Garth Brooks concert will be screened at drive-in theaters. Shannon Finney/Getty Images
Drive-in music
A one-night-only Garth Brooks concert is coming to 300 drive-in theaters across North America including Chicago Drive-In Theater at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview (7000 S. Harlem). Filmed in Nashville exclusively for this event, the concert features Brooks, the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, and his band digging into his extensive songbook, which includes a recently released song, “We Belong to Each Other.” Shows begin at 9 and 11:59 p.m. June 27. Tickets ($100/vehicle with no more than six people) are available at universe.com.
Comedian Tom Green Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Laugh in your beer
The Drafts & Laughs Virtual Beer & Comedy Festival is headlined by comedian Tom Green and features Ben Glieb, Ian Edwards, Jeff Richards and emcee Stephen Kramer Glickman. Viewers will be able to interact with the comedians during their sets while enjoying a selection of local and regional beers curated for this event, which streams from 8-10 p.m. June 27. Tickets: $10-$45. For more information, visit draftsandlaughs.com.
Kristin Chenoweth will host a virtual fundraiser for the Ravinia Festival. Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Ravinia at home
Tony Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth hosts and performs at the Ravinia Festival’s virtual fundraiser, “Living Room Lawn Party,” at 8 p.m. June 27. Additional performers include soprano Patricia Racette, pianist Kevin Cole, jazz artist Ramsey Lewis with trumpeter Marquis Hill, soprano Michelle DeYoung and more. Proceeds will help support Ravinia’s music education programs. Visit ravinia.org/lawnparty.
Fitness fun
The Lincoln Park Zoo streams a Zoomba class (9:30 a.m. June 28, $15), an upbeat dance and aerobic workout. Visit lpzoo.org/events.
Through Aug. 29, Millennium Park at Home presents an ongoing series of workouts including pilates, zumba, tai chi and yoga from 8-9 a.m. Saturdays. Visit millenniumpark.org.
Every Wednesday at noon the Irish American Heritage Center streams a yoga class for all levels. Visit irish-american.org.
Mary Houlihan is a local freelance writer.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-25--Illinois ready to step forward into Phase 4, but Pritzker unfazed about tugging it back if COVID-19

Illinois ready to step forward into Phase 4, but Pritzker unfazed about tugging it back if COVID-19 cases surge  (LIVE UPDATES)

Illinois ready to step forward into Phase 4 , but Pritzker unfazed about tugging it back if COVID-19 cases surge With all regions of the state set to advance to Phase 4 of reopening on Friday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker vowed that while Illinois has seen a “ trajectory of success , ” he ’ s not afraid to return to more restrictions should COVID-19 cases see a drastic uptick .
“ I ’ m not afraid to protect the people of Illinois by moving a region back to an earlier phase if we see a surge , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Ours will not be one of the states that takes no action in response to a return to the peak.
” Asked whether that could mean reinstating a stay-at-home order , the governor said , “ I ’ m not afraid to move us backward to the things that we ’ ve done in the past.
” He also cited once again prohibiting elective surgeries to make more space for hospital beds — as Texas has done — as another option for the state should cases go up .
Pritzker ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department announced another 894 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and 41 additional deaths – more evidence of the state ’ s improving situation , although the daily case number is the highest in nearly three weeks .
Read the full story by Tina Sfondeles here .
More than three months after the coronavirus gripped Illinois and the economy was shut down with Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order , the state will take another step toward normalcy Friday as it enters Phase 4 of the governor ’ s reopening plan .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the gym , grab a bite inside your favorite restaurant and maybe even catch a ballgame .
Just don ’ t forget your mask — and keep that social distance .
Odds are it ’ ll be the way of life for awhile .
Illinois isn ’ t expected to fully reopen until a COVID-19 vaccine or an effective treatment is available .
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here .
6:30 p.m .
Phase 4 mandates enforced by complaint only — not random inspections , top mayoral aide says Compliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity and other Phase 4 safety mandates will be policed by complaint only , a top mayoral aide said Thursday , urging Chicagoans who walk into crowded restaurants , bars and gyms to dial 311 .
On the eve of Chicago ’ s cautious next step in reopening its economy , Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Rosa Escareno said her department has issued 160 violation notices during the coronavirus pandemic .
Her inspectors are prepared to issue even more warnings and citations if Chicago businesses fighting for survival push the envelope .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on consumers to report violations .
City Hall simply doesn ’ t have the staff to conduct random inspections .
Read the full story by Fran Spielman here .
5:34 p.m. Illinois casinos back in the game next week — Pritzker deals them in with Wednesday reopening All bets are back on in Illinois starting next week .
Following an unprecedented three-month shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s administration on Thursday gave the state ’ s 10 casinos and thousands of video gambling machine operators the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
That ’ s a few days behind other crowd-dependent industries reopening Friday with the statewide introduction of Phase 4 , but it ’ s welcome news for casino executives eager to get the slots rolling again — and for the Democratic governor to jumpstart gaming revenue for a COVID-19-riddled budget .
“ I ’ m not an expert about how many times you need to wipe down a video gambling terminal to make it safe , ” Pritzker said during a Loop news conference .
“ Like other activities , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in measures , with lots of health and safety guidance .
The No .
1 driving factor is people should not get sick while doing those activities.
” Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here .
2:50 p.m .
US coronavirus cases near an all-time high as governors forced to backtrack NEW YORK — The coronavirus crisis deepened in Arizona on Thursday , and the governor of Texas began to backtrack after making one of the most aggressive pushes in the nation to reopen , as the daily number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak reached during the dark days of late April .
While greatly expanded testing probably accounts for some of the increase , experts say other measures indicate the virus is making a comeback .
Daily deaths , hospitalizations and the percentage of tests that are coming back positive have also have been rising over the past few weeks in parts of the country , mostly in the South and West .
In Arizona , 23 percent of coronavirus tests conducted over the last seven days have been positive , nearly triple the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were on ventilators .
Mississippi saw its daily count of new cases reach new highs twice this week .
Read the full story by The Associated Press here .
1:38 p.m .
Pregnant women with COVID-19 are 5 times more likely to be hospitalized Pregnant women may be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant women , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday , breaking from earlier guidance that found no difference in risk between the two groups .
The good news is that pregnant women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t at any greater risk of death than women who aren ’ t pregnant , said Dr. Dana Meaney-Delman , a COVID-19 deputy incident manager with the CDC .
The worse news is that infected pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized and are at increased risk for ICU admission and to require mechanical ventilation , according to a CDC study of thousands of women in the U.S. from January to June .
Among women with COVID-19 , about 32 % of pregnant women were reported to have been hospitalized compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the study found .
It ’ s possible , but not known , that the higher hospitalization rate might be due to doctor ’ s overall concerns for the health of pregnant women , so they could be more likely to admit them to a hospital , CDC officials said .
So far there ’ s no data on how a COVID-19 infection affects a woman ’ s pregnancy or the health outcomes of their babies , said Meaney-Delman .
Read the full story from USA Today here .
12:34 p.m. 20 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials believe U.S. officials believe as many as 20 million Americans have contracted the coronavirus , suggesting millions had the virus and never knew it .
That ’ s nearly 10 times as many infections as the 2.3 million cases that have been confirmed and comes as the Trump administration works to tamp down nationwide concern about the COVID-19 pandemic as about a dozen states are seeing worrisome increases in cases .
The administration also looks to get its scientific experts back before the public more as it tries to allay anxieties about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since mid-May , when the government began stressing the need to get the economy moving again , the panel ’ s public health experts have been far less visible than in the pandemic ’ s early weeks .
Twenty million infections would mean about 6 % of the nation ’ s 331 million people have been infected , leaving a majority of the population still susceptible to the virus .
Previously , officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the nation ’ s top infectious-disease expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 % of infected people might not have symptoms .
The new estimate is based on CDC studies of blood samples collected nationwide .
Many infections were not caught in early testing , when supplies were limited and federal officials prioritized testing for those with symptoms .
Read the full story from the Associated Press here .
11:39 a.m .
Celebrating the final weekend of Pride Month virtually While there ’ s no parade or street festival this year , there are plenty of online celebrations for the final weekend of Pride Month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Pride City Sounds : Chicago with Slo ’ Mo Party is a celebration of music and the LGBTQ+ community at 8 p.m. June 25 .
And celebrate with Janelle Monae when the singer performs an intimate concert at 7:30 p.m. June 28 .
For more information on both events , go to humanbyorientation.com .
• The Neo-Futurist Theater streams its annual Pride show , “ The Infinite Wrench Gets Prideful : 30 Queer Plays in 60 Straight Minutes , ” at 8 p.m. June 25 .
Tickets : $ 15 .
Visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Is a [ Digital ] Drag Festival , hosted by Shea Coulee ( “ Ru Paul ’ s Drag Race All Stars 5 ” ) , at 8 p.m. June 30 .
Visit twitch.tv/aqueerpride .
• “ Porch Pride : A Bluegrass Pride Queer-antine Festival ” offers more than 10 hours of music performed by two dozen musicians and singers .
Begins at 3 p.m. June 27-28 .
Visit bluegrasspride.net .
• Through July 12 , About Face Theatre streams “ Packing , ” Scott Bradley ’ s solo piece charting his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 .
Visit aboutfacetheatre.com .
• Pride Films and Plays present a reading of Jonathan Tolins ’ “ Last Sunday in June ” ( 7 p.m. June 28 ) , a story of friends and lovers set amidst a Pride Parade celebration .
Tickets : $ 10 .
Visit pridearts.org .
• Playmakers Laboratory streams “ That ’ s Queer , Grandma ” ( 8 p.m. June 29 , July 6 ) , a romp through student-written stories centered on inclusivity , equality and what it means to be authentic .
Visit eventbrite.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do in the coming week , check out our roundup .
Public pools will remain closed unless there is a “ heat emergency , ” but beaches just might open some time next month with social distancing .
Lincoln Park Zoo will remain free , but with reservations required .
Gyms will be open , but you ’ ll need to work out with a face mask .
Equipment will either be six feet apart — or , in smaller facilities , separated by clear plastic screens .
Movie theaters , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can open to audiences of 50 or fewer , but all but the smallest live theaters are likely to remain closed because production costs will far exceed the gate .
Standing-room-only live music venues will remain closed — and likely will be the last to reopen .
That ’ s just a snapshot of what will — and won ’ t — happen starting Friday , as Chicago moves into Phase 4 of Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s plan to cautiously reopen the Chicago economy .
Read the full story from Fran Spielman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depressed economy show damage from virus The number of laid-off workers seeking U.S. unemployment benefits dipped only slightly last week , and the economy shrank in the first three months of the year — evidence of the ongoing economic damage being inflicted by the viral pandemic .
The economy , which contracted 5 % in the January-March quarter , is widely expected to shrink at a roughly 30 % annual rate in the current April-June quarter .
That would be the worst quarterly contraction , by far , since record-keeping began in 1948 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of laid-off workers who applied for unemployment benefits declined slightly to 1.48 million last week .
It was the 12th straight drop .
Still , applications for jobless aid have declined just 5 % in the past two weeks , a much slower rate of improvement than in April and May .
What ’ s more , an additional 700,000 people applied for jobless benefits last week under a new program for self-employed and gig workers that made them eligible for aid for the first time .
These figures aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government doesn ’ t include them in the official count .
The steady if slow decline in applications does suggest that the job market is gradually healing from the pandemic , which shuttered businesses and sent the unemployment rate up to 14.7 % in April , its highest level since the Great Depression .
The total number of people who are receiving jobless aid also fell last week , to 19.5 million from 20.3 million , evidence that employers are rehiring some of the workers who had been laid off since mid-March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press .
8:32 a.m. University of Chicago closes special units for coronavirus patients The University of Chicago Medical Center is no longer dedicating entire floors or units solely to care for COVID-19 patients as the number of hospitalizations for the virus fell significantly .
In a sign of the dwindling number of new coronavirus cases and the eventual return to normal operations , the Hyde Park hospital said in a staff email this week that it will continue to isolate COVID-19 patients but it will no longer need to block off large portions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mid-April , there were 140 virus patients hospitalized at the South Side medical center .
As of Wednesday morning , there were 18 , a hospital spokeswoman said .
At one point , two full floors were designated for treatment of those infected with the virus .
“ Going forward , our patients and community will be better served by caring for our COVID-19 patients in appropriate isolation rooms and allowing our COVID-19 units to return to serving their regular patient populations , ” Krista Curell , vice president of risk management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email to faculty and staff .
The special units were designed to handle the onslaught of virus cases in recent months but are no longer needed , Curell said .
Returning areas of the hospital to other uses will allow admittance of more non-COVID-19 patients , she added .
The special units only applied to adult patients and did not have an impact on the university ’ s Comer Children ’ s Hospital , which has admitted a very small number of COVID-19 cases , she said .
Illinois has seen declining virus-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
The University of Chicago ’ s actions are similar to those at other medical centers across the city .
Read the full story from Brett Chase here .
8 a.m. October Chicago Marathon still on ( for now ) , organizers say The New York City Marathon scheduled for Nov. 1 was canceled Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic ; meanwhile , the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon scheduled for Oct. 11 is still on .
“ We are aware of the announcement made by the New York Road Runners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sawyer told the Sun-Times Wednesday .
“ At this time , we are unable to say definitively whether or not the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will proceed.
” Sawyer said organizers “ are committed to sharing a decision with our runners soon as possible ” and have been working with city officials to “ prepare [ e ] for both outcomes.
” The Bank of America Chicago half marathon , which had been scheduled for June 7 , was canceled in late April , and registered runners had the option to defer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request a refund of their entry fee .
Marathon officials haven ’ t announced whether the same options will be available to runners in the event of the October race ’ s cancellation , but Sawyer said organizers were exploring “ unique options outside of our standard policies.
” 7:15 a.m. Disney delays Southern California theme park reopenings because of coronavirus Disney is postponing the mid-July reopening of its Southern California theme parks until it receives guidelines from the state , the company announced Wednesday .
Disney had hoped to reopen Disneyland and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus .
But the state has indicated it won ’ t issue guidelines until after July 4 , the company said .
“ Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business , we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials , ” Disney said in a statement .
Read the full story by The Associated Press here .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people died of COVID-19 in Illinois , as an additional 715 tested positive for the virus .
• Chicago native Jabari Parker reveals he has tested positive for coronavirus • No .
1 Novak Djokovic , wife have coronavirus after his tennis exhibitions .
• Comedian D.L .
Hughley announced he tested positive for COVID-19 after collapsing onstage during a performance in Nashville , Tennessee .
7:35 a.m. Never forgive baseball ’ s owners and players for arguing over money during the pandemic I ’ ll be excited about the return of major-league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replacement owners and a replacement commissioner .
Until then , I ’ ll stick with the sentiment that has been with me since the bickering began : What a bunch of selfish , tone-deaf jerks .
After months of everyone involved revealing their true colors , all various shades of green , baseball will begin its 60-game season July 23 or July 24 .
Can I get a “ hooray ” ?
How about a “ huzzah ” ?
Didn ’ t think so .
Read the full column by Rick Morrissey here @

Everything is on course for every region of Illinois to move to Phase 4 of the reopening on Friday. Restaurants and gyms will be open Friday and even casinos will open (but on Wednesday). Nationally, many states are having to backtrack with their case numbers spiking. But for Illinois, it’s TGIF.
Here’s what happened today in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago and around the state.
News
8:45 p.m. Illinois ready to step forward into Phase 4, but Pritzker unfazed about tugging it back if COVID-19 cases surge
With all regions of the state set to advance to Phase 4 of reopening on Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker vowed that while Illinois has seen a “trajectory of success,” he’s not afraid to return to more restrictions should COVID-19 cases see a drastic uptick.
“I’m not afraid to protect the people of Illinois by moving a region back to an earlier phase if we see a surge,” Pritzker said at a Chicago news conference. “Ours will not be one of the states that takes no action in response to a return to the peak.”
Asked whether that could mean reinstating a stay-at-home order, the governor said, “I’m not afraid to move us backward to the things that we’ve done in the past.” He also cited once again prohibiting elective surgeries to make more space for hospital beds — as Texas has done — as another option for the state should cases go up.
Pritzker’s warning came as his public health department announced another 894 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and 41 additional deaths – more evidence of the state’s improving situation, although the daily case number is the highest in nearly three weeks.
Read the full story by Tina Sfondeles here.
7:15 p.m. Here’s what’s returning as Illinois enters Phase 4 of reopening Friday
More than three months after the coronavirus gripped Illinois and the economy was shut down with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order, the state will take another step toward normalcy Friday as it enters Phase 4 of the governor’s reopening plan.
That means you’ll be able to hit the gym, grab a bite inside your favorite restaurant and maybe even catch a ballgame. Just don’t forget your mask — and keep that social distance.
Odds are it’ll be the way of life for awhile. Illinois isn’t expected to fully reopen until a COVID-19 vaccine or an effective treatment is available.
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here.
6:30 p.m. Phase 4 mandates enforced by complaint only — not random inspections, top mayoral aide says
Compliance with the 25% cap on indoor capacity and other Phase 4 safety mandates will be policed by complaint only, a top mayoral aide said Thursday, urging Chicagoans who walk into crowded restaurants, bars and gyms to dial 311.
On the eve of Chicago’s cautious next step in reopening its economy, Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Rosa Escareno said her department has issued 160 violation notices during the coronavirus pandemic. Her inspectors are prepared to issue even more warnings and citations if Chicago businesses fighting for survival push the envelope.
But Escareno said the onus will be on consumers to report violations. City Hall simply doesn’t have the staff to conduct random inspections.
Read the full story by Fran Spielman here.
5:34 p.m. Illinois casinos back in the game next week — Pritzker deals them in with Wednesday reopening
All bets are back on in Illinois starting next week.
Following an unprecedented three-month shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration on Thursday gave the state’s 10 casinos and thousands of video gambling machine operators the green light to welcome back bettors next Wednesday.
That’s a few days behind other crowd-dependent industries reopening Friday with the statewide introduction of Phase 4, but it’s welcome news for casino executives eager to get the slots rolling again — and for the Democratic governor to jumpstart gaming revenue for a COVID-19-riddled budget.
“I’m not an expert about how many times you need to wipe down a video gambling terminal to make it safe,” Pritzker said during a Loop news conference. “Like other activities, we’re trying to do these things in measures, with lots of health and safety guidance. The No. 1 driving factor is people should not get sick while doing those activities.”
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here.
2:50 p.m. US coronavirus cases near an all-time high as governors forced to backtrack
NEW YORK — The coronavirus crisis deepened in Arizona on Thursday, and the governor of Texas began to backtrack after making one of the most aggressive pushes in the nation to reopen, as the daily number of confirmed cases across the U.S. closed in on the peak reached during the dark days of late April.
While greatly expanded testing probably accounts for some of the increase, experts say other measures indicate the virus is making a comeback. Daily deaths, hospitalizations and the percentage of tests that are coming back positive have also have been rising over the past few weeks in parts of the country, mostly in the South and West.
In Arizona, 23 percent of coronavirus tests conducted over the last seven days have been positive, nearly triple the national average, and a record 415 patients were on ventilators. Mississippi saw its daily count of new cases reach new highs twice this week.
Read the full story by The Associated Press here.
1:38 p.m. Pregnant women with COVID-19 are 5 times more likely to be hospitalized
Pregnant women may be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday, breaking from earlier guidance that found no difference in risk between the two groups.
The good news is that pregnant women who are infected with COVID-19 aren’t at any greater risk of death than women who aren’t pregnant, said Dr. Dana Meaney-Delman, a COVID-19 deputy incident manager with the CDC.
The worse news is that infected pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized and are at increased risk for ICU admission and to require mechanical ventilation, according to a CDC study of thousands of women in the U.S. from January to June.
Among women with COVID-19, about 32% of pregnant women were reported to have been hospitalized compared with about 6% of non-pregnant women, the study found.
It’s possible, but not known, that the higher hospitalization rate might be due to doctor’s overall concerns for the health of pregnant women, so they could be more likely to admit them to a hospital, CDC officials said.
So far there’s no data on how a COVID-19 infection affects a woman’s pregnancy or the health outcomes of their babies, said Meaney-Delman.
Read the full story from USA Today here.
12:34 p.m. 20 million Americans have had coronavirus, US health officials believe
U.S. officials believe as many as 20 million Americans have contracted the coronavirus, suggesting millions had the virus and never knew it.
That’s nearly 10 times as many infections as the 2.3 million cases that have been confirmed and comes as the Trump administration works to tamp down nationwide concern about the COVID-19 pandemic as about a dozen states are seeing worrisome increases in cases.
The administration also looks to get its scientific experts back before the public more as it tries to allay anxieties about the pandemic while states begin reopening. Since mid-May, when the government began stressing the need to get the economy moving again, the panel’s public health experts have been far less visible than in the pandemic’s early weeks.
Twenty million infections would mean about 6% of the nation’s 331 million people have been infected, leaving a majority of the population still susceptible to the virus. Previously, officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the nation’s top infectious-disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, have said that as many as 25% of infected people might not have symptoms.
The new estimate is based on CDC studies of blood samples collected nationwide. Many infections were not caught in early testing, when supplies were limited and federal officials prioritized testing for those with symptoms.
Read the full story from the Associated Press here.
11:39 a.m. Celebrating the final weekend of Pride Month virtually
While there’s no parade or street festival this year, there are plenty of online celebrations for the final weekend of Pride Month. We rounded up some options.
• Pride City Sounds: Chicago with Slo ’Mo Party is a celebration of music and the LGBTQ+ community at 8 p.m. June 25. And celebrate with Janelle Monae when the singer performs an intimate concert at 7:30 p.m. June 28. For more information on both events, go to humanbyorientation.com.
• The Neo-Futurist Theater streams its annual Pride show, “The Infinite Wrench Gets Prideful: 30 Queer Plays in 60 Straight Minutes,” at 8 p.m. June 25. Tickets: $15. Visit neofuturists.org.
• A Queer Pride presents Chicago Is a [Digital] Drag Festival, hosted by Shea Coulee (“Ru Paul’s Drag Race All Stars 5”), at 8 p.m. June 30. Visit twitch.tv/aqueerpride.
• “Porch Pride: A Bluegrass Pride Queer-antine Festival” offers more than 10 hours of music performed by two dozen musicians and singers. Begins at 3 p.m. June 27-28. Visit bluegrasspride.net.
• Through July 12, About Face Theatre streams “Packing,” Scott Bradley’s solo piece charting his journey of self-discovery. Tickets: $15. Visit aboutfacetheatre.com.
• Pride Films and Plays present a reading of Jonathan Tolins’ “Last Sunday in June” (7 p.m. June 28), a story of friends and lovers set amidst a Pride Parade celebration. Tickets: $10. Visit pridearts.org.
• Playmakers Laboratory streams “That’s Queer, Grandma” (8 p.m. June 29, July 6), a romp through student-written stories centered on inclusivity, equality and what it means to be authentic. Visit eventbrite.com.
For more ideas for things to do in the coming week, check out our roundup.
11:15 a.m. Here’s what’s reopening Friday in Chicago
Public pools will remain closed unless there is a “heat emergency,” but beaches just might open some time next month with social distancing.
Lincoln Park Zoo will remain free, but with reservations required.
Gyms will be open, but you’ll need to work out with a face mask. Equipment will either be six feet apart — or, in smaller facilities, separated by clear plastic screens.
Movie theaters, as well as other theaters and live performance venues can open to audiences of 50 or fewer, but all but the smallest live theaters are likely to remain closed because production costs will far exceed the gate. Standing-room-only live music venues will remain closed — and likely will be the last to reopen.
That’s just a snapshot of what will — and won’t — happen starting Friday, as Chicago moves into Phase 4 of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s plan to cautiously reopen the Chicago economy.
Read the full story from Fran Spielman here.
10:01 a.m. Jobless claims and depressed economy show damage from virus
The number of laid-off workers seeking U.S. unemployment benefits dipped only slightly last week, and the economy shrank in the first three months of the year — evidence of the ongoing economic damage being inflicted by the viral pandemic.
The economy, which contracted 5% in the January-March quarter, is widely expected to shrink at a roughly 30% annual rate in the current April-June quarter. That would be the worst quarterly contraction, by far, since record-keeping began in 1948.
The government reported Thursday that the number of laid-off workers who applied for unemployment benefits declined slightly to 1.48 million last week. It was the 12th straight drop. Still, applications for jobless aid have declined just 5% in the past two weeks, a much slower rate of improvement than in April and May.
What’s more, an additional 700,000 people applied for jobless benefits last week under a new program for self-employed and gig workers that made them eligible for aid for the first time. These figures aren’t adjusted for seasonal variations, so the government doesn’t include them in the official count.
The steady if slow decline in applications does suggest that the job market is gradually healing from the pandemic, which shuttered businesses and sent the unemployment rate up to 14.7% in April, its highest level since the Great Depression. The total number of people who are receiving jobless aid also fell last week, to 19.5 million from 20.3 million, evidence that employers are rehiring some of the workers who had been laid off since mid-March.
Read the full story from the Associated Press.
8:32 a.m. University of Chicago closes special units for coronavirus patients
The University of Chicago Medical Center is no longer dedicating entire floors or units solely to care for COVID-19 patients as the number of hospitalizations for the virus fell significantly.
In a sign of the dwindling number of new coronavirus cases and the eventual return to normal operations, the Hyde Park hospital said in a staff email this week that it will continue to isolate COVID-19 patients but it will no longer need to block off large portions of the medical center.
At peak in mid-April, there were 140 virus patients hospitalized at the South Side medical center. As of Wednesday morning, there were 18, a hospital spokeswoman said. At one point, two full floors were designated for treatment of those infected with the virus.
“Going forward, our patients and community will be better served by caring for our COVID-19 patients in appropriate isolation rooms and allowing our COVID-19 units to return to serving their regular patient populations,” Krista Curell, vice president of risk management and patient safety, said in the email to faculty and staff.
The special units were designed to handle the onslaught of virus cases in recent months but are no longer needed, Curell said. Returning areas of the hospital to other uses will allow admittance of more non-COVID-19 patients, she added. The special units only applied to adult patients and did not have an impact on the university’s Comer Children’s Hospital, which has admitted a very small number of COVID-19 cases, she said.
Illinois has seen declining virus-related death and case totals for five consecutive weeks.
The University of Chicago’s actions are similar to those at other medical centers across the city.
Read the full story from Brett Chase here.
8 a.m. October Chicago Marathon still on (for now), organizers say
The New York City Marathon scheduled for Nov. 1 was canceled Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic; meanwhile, the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon scheduled for Oct. 11 is still on.
“We are aware of the announcement made by the New York Road Runners today,” Chicago Marathon spokeswoman Alex Sawyer told the Sun-Times Wednesday. “At this time, we are unable to say definitively whether or not the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will proceed.”
Sawyer said organizers “are committed to sharing a decision with our runners soon as possible” and have been working with city officials to “prepare[e] for both outcomes.”
The Bank of America Chicago half marathon, which had been scheduled for June 7, was canceled in late April, and registered runners had the option to defer their registration for the 2021 race or request a refund of their entry fee.
Marathon officials haven’t announced whether the same options will be available to runners in the event of the October race’s cancellation, but Sawyer said organizers were exploring “unique options outside of our standard policies.”
— Mitch Dudek
7:15 a.m. Disney delays Southern California theme park reopenings because of coronavirus
Disney is postponing the mid-July reopening of its Southern California theme parks until it receives guidelines from the state, the company announced Wednesday.
Disney had hoped to reopen Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim on July 17 after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus. But the state has indicated it won’t issue guidelines until after July 4, the company said.
“Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials,” Disney said in a statement.
Read the full story by The Associated Press here.
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
7:35 a.m. Never forgive baseball’s owners and players for arguing over money during the pandemic
I’ll be excited about the return of major-league baseball when there are replacement players, replacement owners and a replacement commissioner.
Until then, I’ll stick with the sentiment that has been with me since the bickering began: What a bunch of selfish, tone-deaf jerks.
After months of everyone involved revealing their true colors, all various shades of green, baseball will begin its 60-game season July 23 or July 24. Can I get a “hooray”? How about a “huzzah”? Didn’t think so.
Let’s settle for a “Who cares?”
Read the full column by Rick Morrissey here.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-25--General Iron gets state OK to open on Southeast Side

General Iron will be allowed to build its new car-shredding operation on the Southeast Side , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s administration ruled Thursday , despite warnings from residents and local politicians about the health risk from added pollution in the Latino-majority community .
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency said it approved the construction and air pollution control permit for General Iron to move from Lincoln Park to the East Side neighborhood because the company met the agency ’ s guidelines for approval , though some added requirements were put in the permit to reduce emissions from the facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantive issues within its express statutory and regulatory authority , not public opposition or favor for projects , ” Illinois EPA said in an accompanying document with the permit .
“ That a project is located in one place or another , or is moving from one place to another , is properly the realm of zoning and land-use decision making .
To this end , the city of Chicago made clear decisions.
” The state ’ s decision comes as community organizers , environmental groups and Chicago politicians implored Pritzker and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the business because of a history of pollution violations and because of the potential health impacts on a community that already suffers high rates of asthma and other health problems .
Residents and elected officials have called the decision to allow the operation to move from Lincoln Park to the Latino-majority East Side environmental racism .
“ While the city is improving and investing ... we get the garbage , ” said community activist Gina Ramirez .
The state agency responded to those charges in its document , saying “ the Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played any role in the review of this permit application .
The agency ’ s review was performed strictly according to relevant legal and technical requirements.
” In a separate statement , a Pritzker spokeswoman said the governor would work with legislators to strengthen the state ’ s authority on environmental permits .
General Iron has said it will have adequate air pollution controls but environmental lawyers working with activists disagreed and called a draft permit offered earlier by the Illinois EPA extremely weak in a heavily industrial area that was formerly home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the agency said it heard the criticism and strengthened pollution control requirements , including installation of air monitoring devices and limits on emissions and hours of operation .
There was a push from Chicago politicians to deny the permit or delay a decision .
On Wednesday , six South Side lawmakers wrote a letter to the governor and to Illinois EPA urging denial of the permit because it would add pollution to the area ’ s already poor air quality .
The community groups also argued that the Pritzker administration should examine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against General Iron from the city of Chicago just since December .
Illinois EPA officials said they would not consider those violations in making their decision .
The Pritzker spokeswoman said in the statement that the agency ’ s “ hands were tied ” because of legal limitations .
“ There is a broader regulatory problem that most severely impacts the health and safety of low-income communities , especially those of color , ” she said .
“ The Environmental Protection Act needs to be modernized , including consideration for the concentration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Iron said it had little choice in leaving its longtime home on the North Side as the area around the 1909 N. Clifton Avenue site is being transformed by the $ 6 billion Lincoln Yards development .
In 2018 , General Iron announced a merger with Reserve Management Group ( RMG ) that would move the metal-shredding operation to South Burley Avenue and 116th Street along the Calumet River .
Last year , RMG completed its acquisition of the business and most of General Iron ’ s assets .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 with the most technologically advanced facility available , ” RMG said in a statement .
“ The permit imposes strict conditions that will ensure we keep our commitment to respect and protect air quality and public health.
” Brett Chase ’ s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust .

General Iron will be allowed to build its new car-shredding operation on the Southeast Side, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration ruled Thursday, despite warnings from residents and local politicians about the health risk from added pollution in the Latino-majority community.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency said it approved the construction and air pollution control permit for General Iron to move from Lincoln Park to the East Side neighborhood because the company met the agency’s guidelines for approval, though some added requirements were put in the permit to reduce emissions from the facility.
“The agency must act on substantive issues within its express statutory and regulatory authority, not public opposition or favor for projects,” Illinois EPA said in an accompanying document with the permit. “That a project is located in one place or another, or is moving from one place to another, is properly the realm of zoning and land-use decision making. To this end, the city of Chicago made clear decisions.”
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
The state’s decision comes as community organizers, environmental groups and Chicago politicians implored Pritzker and his environmental agency to deny a construction permit to the business because of a history of pollution violations and because of the potential health impacts on a community that already suffers high rates of asthma and other health problems. Residents and elected officials have called the decision to allow the operation to move from Lincoln Park to the Latino-majority East Side environmental racism.
“While the city is improving and investing ... we get the garbage,” said community activist Gina Ramirez.
The state agency responded to those charges in its document, saying “the Illinois EPA strongly rejects any insinuation that racism played any role in the review of this permit application. The agency’s review was performed strictly according to relevant legal and technical requirements.”
In a separate statement, a Pritzker spokeswoman said the governor would work with legislators to strengthen the state’s authority on environmental permits.
General Iron has said it will have adequate air pollution controls but environmental lawyers working with activists disagreed and called a draft permit offered earlier by the Illinois EPA extremely weak in a heavily industrial area that was formerly home to multiple steel makers. On Thursday, the agency said it heard the criticism and strengthened pollution control requirements, including installation of air monitoring devices and limits on emissions and hours of operation.
There was a push from Chicago politicians to deny the permit or delay a decision. On Wednesday, six South Side lawmakers wrote a letter to the governor and to Illinois EPA urging denial of the permit because it would add pollution to the area’s already poor air quality.
The community groups also argued that the Pritzker administration should examine more than 30 pollution and nuisance citations against General Iron from the city of Chicago just since December. Illinois EPA officials said they would not consider those violations in making their decision.
The Pritzker spokeswoman said in the statement that the agency’s “hands were tied” because of legal limitations. “There is a broader regulatory problem that most severely impacts the health and safety of low-income communities, especially those of color,” she said. “The Environmental Protection Act needs to be modernized, including consideration for the concentration of emitting sources in environmental justice communities.”
General Iron said it had little choice in leaving its longtime home on the North Side as the area around the 1909 N. Clifton Avenue site is being transformed by the $6 billion Lincoln Yards development. In 2018, General Iron announced a merger with Reserve Management Group (RMG) that would move the metal-shredding operation to South Burley Avenue and 116th Street along the Calumet River. Last year, RMG completed its acquisition of the business and most of General Iron’s assets.
“We are looking forward to commencing operations in early 2021 with the most technologically advanced facility available,” RMG said in a statement. “The permit imposes strict conditions that will ensure we keep our commitment to respect and protect air quality and public health.”
Brett Chase’s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-25--Looting following protests caused $20 million-plus in Cook County damage, state estimates

Looters and vandals wrought more than $ 20 million in property damage in Cook County alone during the civil unrest sparked by the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd , state officials said Thursday .
A survey of the aftermath found 40 Cook County businesses sustained major damage and uninsured losses , while another 95 businesses sustained minor damage , according to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the state Emergency Management Agency .
The figures helped the state secure low-interest federal loans for businesses and nonprofits of up to $ 2 million each from the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook , Lake , DuPage , Will , Kane and McHenry counties .
Damage assessments are still underway in those other areas where chaotic scenes sometimes played out from May 26 through June 8 alongside the widespread protests against police brutality that have continued through this month .
To be eligible for the SBA disaster declarations , counties must have seen at least 25 homes or businesses with major uninsured losses of 40 % or more .
After the dust settled on the first night of major downtown Chicago wreckage May 30-31 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been harmed , with insurance covering many of the costs .
But the destruction marked a devastating double whammy for many businesses already reeling from the coronavirus shutdown .
“ Without a question , COVID-19 has placed an unprecedented burden on businesses across our state , and recent damage sustained during civil unrest only makes matters more challenging for business owners , ” said Michael Negron , acting director of the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity .
“ These SBA disaster loans will provide an essential resource for Illinois businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reopen safely.
” In addition to businesses and nonprofits , homeowners can borrow up to $ 200,000 for real estate , and homeowners and renters can borrow up to $ 40,000 for personal property .
Those considering applying for loans can get additional information through the SBA ’ s Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov ; via email to FOCE-Help @ sba.gov ; or by phone at ( 571 ) 422-6016 or ( 470 ) 363-6079 .
The application filing deadline for physical property damage is Aug. 24 .
Economic injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2021 .

Looters and vandals wrought more than $20 million in property damage in Cook County alone during the civil unrest sparked by the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, state officials said Thursday.
A survey of the aftermath found 40 Cook County businesses sustained major damage and uninsured losses, while another 95 businesses sustained minor damage, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the state Emergency Management Agency.
The figures helped the state secure low-interest federal loans for businesses and nonprofits of up to $2 million each from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help rebuild in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, Kane and McHenry counties.
Damage assessments are still underway in those other areas where chaotic scenes sometimes played out from May 26 through June 8 alongside the widespread protests against police brutality that have continued through this month.
To be eligible for the SBA disaster declarations, counties must have seen at least 25 homes or businesses with major uninsured losses of 40% or more.
After the dust settled on the first night of major downtown Chicago wreckage May 30-31, city officials estimated more than 100 businesses had been harmed, with insurance covering many of the costs.
But the destruction marked a devastating double whammy for many businesses already reeling from the coronavirus shutdown.
“Without a question, COVID-19 has placed an unprecedented burden on businesses across our state, and recent damage sustained during civil unrest only makes matters more challenging for business owners,” said Michael Negron, acting director of the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “These SBA disaster loans will provide an essential resource for Illinois businesses who are looking ahead to make repairs and reopen safely.”
In addition to businesses and nonprofits, homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 for real estate, and homeowners and renters can borrow up to $40,000 for personal property.
Those considering applying for loans can get additional information through the SBA’s Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov; via email to FOCE-Help@sba.gov; or by phone at (571) 422-6016 or (470) 363-6079.
The application filing deadline for physical property damage is Aug. 24. Economic injury applications are being accepted through March 23, 2021.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-25--At the Virtual Table with Laura Washington & Lynn Sweet

Join Laura Washington , Lynn Sweet and special guests At The Virtual Table for a live conversation about politics in @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and the death of George Floyd .
Our newsmaker guests are two members from @ @ @ @ @ Democrat Rep. Lauren Underwood and Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger .
Our panel breaking down the @ @ @ @ @ Sfondeles and editorial writer Lee Bey .

Join Laura Washington and Lynn Sweet at the next At the Virtual Table to be part of the conversation with special guests:
Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-Ill.
David Wasserman, House Editor, Cook Political Report with Amy Walter
Rachel Hinton, Sun-Times political reporter
Watch in the player above or on Facebook.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-25--Chicago police opens strategic deployment center focusing on CTA

The Chicago Police Department and CTA Thursday formally announced the opening of a strategic deployment center that will focus on and monitor crime at bus and train stations .
The new Strategic Decision Support Center , located at the Central District police station , will help in identifying crime suspects — many who use mass transit as an “ escape route , ” officials said .
“ Offenders don ’ t have much else to say when they have been caught on video , ” Public Transportation Section Cmdr .
Matthew Cline said of the center ’ s camera-heavy technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — bankrolled by a donation from billionaire Ken Griffin — comes at the heels of the George Floyd protests , decrying police brutality and calling for the defunding of police .
The center , which has been in operation for a month , has access to the more than 32,000 CTA surveillance cameras and 30,000 cameras in the district , some of which include License Plate Readers , officials said .
The partnership between the police department and the mass transit agency will also bring CPD an additional 4,000 surveillance cameras on CTA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitor the security camera footage at the center and use their cellphones to receive the video moments after a crime has been committed , allowing for quicker response time .
Police Supt .
David Brown Thursday described the combination of resources as a “ game changer ” that will lead to “ more and longer convictions.
” When announcing plans for the center in February officials also said the department ’ s Mass Transit Unit would grow from 200 to 250 and four detectives would be assigned to exclusively solve CTA crimes .

The Chicago Police Department and CTA Thursday formally announced the opening of a strategic deployment center that will focus on and monitor crime at bus and train stations.
The new Strategic Decision Support Center, located at the Central District police station, will help in identifying crime suspects — many who use mass transit as an “escape route,” officials said.
“Offenders don’t have much else to say when they have been caught on video,” Public Transportation Section Cmdr. Matthew Cline said of the center’s camera-heavy technology.
This unveiling of the 24-hour center — bankrolled by a donation from billionaire Ken Griffin — comes at the heels of the George Floyd protests, decrying police brutality and calling for the defunding of police.
The center, which has been in operation for a month, has access to the more than 32,000 CTA surveillance cameras and 30,000 cameras in the district, some of which include License Plate Readers, officials said.
The partnership between the police department and the mass transit agency will also bring CPD an additional 4,000 surveillance cameras on CTA property.
Officers will be able to monitor the security camera footage at the center and use their cellphones to receive the video moments after a crime has been committed, allowing for quicker response time.
Police Supt. David Brown Thursday described the combination of resources as a “game changer” that will lead to “more and longer convictions.”
When announcing plans for the center in February officials also said the department’s Mass Transit Unit would grow from 200 to 250 and four detectives would be assigned to exclusively solve CTA crimes.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-25--Man shot dead in Bridgeview

Man shot dead in Bridgeview

A man was killed in a shooting Wednesday in southwest suburban Bridgeview .
Davion Butler , 20 , was shot @ @ @ @ @ p.m. in the 7300 block of West 85th Place , according to the Cook County @ @ @ @ @ .
He was pronounced dead about an hour later .
Autopsy results released Thursday ruled @ @ @ @ @ the medical examiner ’ s office said .
A Bridgeview spokesperson did not immediately respond @ @ @ @ @ .

A man was killed in a shooting Wednesday in southwest suburban Bridgeview.
Davion Butler, 20, was shot in the thigh about 11:30 p.m. in the 7300 block of West 85th Place, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. He was pronounced dead about an hour later.
Autopsy results released Thursday ruled his death a homicide, the medical examiner’s office said.
A Bridgeview spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for details.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-25--Disney to rebrand Splash Mountain from ‘Song of the South’ to ‘The Princess and the Frog’

ORLANDO , Fla. — Amid calls to remove Splash Mountain ’ s ties to “ Song of the South , ” the 1946 movie many view as racist , Disney officials said Thursday it was recasting the theme-park ride based on “ The Princess and the Frog , ” a 2009 Disney film with an African American female lead .
Changes to the ride will be made both at Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida , the company said in a post .
Disney said the changes had been in the works since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as companies across the U.S. are renaming racially charged , decades-old brands amid worldwide protests for racial justice after the police custody death of George Floyd in Minnesota last month .
“ The new concept is inclusive — one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by , and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year , ” the Disney post said .
Splash Mountain first opened as a log-flume ride at Disneyland in the late 1980s .
The revamped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animated movie “ The Princess and the Frog , ” in which actress Anika Noni Rose voices the role of a 1920s aspiring chef in New Orleans who kisses a prince that has been turned into a frog and becomes one herself .
With racist stereotypes and Old South tropes , “ Song of the South ” is a mix of live action , cartoons and music featuring an old black plantation laborer named Uncle Remus who enchants a white city boy with fables of talking animals .
Groups including the NAACP protested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The film isn ’ t available to the millions of subscribers of the company ’ s new Disney+ streaming service , and it hasn ’ t been released in theaters in decades .
“ Disney parks should be a home for all to enjoy regardless of race , age , whatever your background may be , ” said an online petition asking for the ride to be changed .
“ While the ride is considered a beloved classic , it ’ s history and storyline are steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South.
” But Splash Mountain had its supporters .
Another online petition asked that the ride remain in its current incarnation .
“ Many adults and children ride this attraction because it brings back childhood memories , ” the “ Keep Splash Mountain ” petition said .
“ Disney already took out the racist songs which was a good move on their part .
”

ORLANDO, Fla. — Amid calls to remove Splash Mountain’s ties to “Song of the South,” the 1946 movie many view as racist, Disney officials said Thursday it was recasting the theme-park ride based on “The Princess and the Frog,” a 2009 Disney film with an African American female lead.
Changes to the ride will be made both at Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, the company said in a post.
Disney said the changes had been in the works since last year, but the announcement comes as companies across the U.S. are renaming racially charged, decades-old brands amid worldwide protests for racial justice after the police custody death of George Floyd in Minnesota last month.
“The new concept is inclusive — one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year,” the Disney post said.
Splash Mountain first opened as a log-flume ride at Disneyland in the late 1980s.
The revamped ride will follow the contours of the animated movie “The Princess and the Frog,” in which actress Anika Noni Rose voices the role of a 1920s aspiring chef in New Orleans who kisses a prince that has been turned into a frog and becomes one herself.
Anika Noni Rose voices the aspiring chef in “The Princess and the Frog,” with Bruno Campos as the transformed prince. Disney
With racist stereotypes and Old South tropes, “Song of the South” is a mix of live action, cartoons and music featuring an old black plantation laborer named Uncle Remus who enchants a white city boy with fables of talking animals.
Groups including the NAACP protested the film’s initial release. The film isn’t available to the millions of subscribers of the company’s new Disney+ streaming service, and it hasn’t been released in theaters in decades.
“Disney parks should be a home for all to enjoy regardless of race, age, whatever your background may be,” said an online petition asking for the ride to be changed. “While the ride is considered a beloved classic, it’s history and storyline are steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes from the 1946 film Song of the South.”
But Splash Mountain had its supporters. Another online petition asked that the ride remain in its current incarnation.
“Many adults and children ride this attraction because it brings back childhood memories,” the “Keep Splash Mountain” petition said. “Disney already took out the racist songs which was a good move on their part.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-25--Colorado reopens inquiry into Elijah McClain’s 2019 death

DENVER — The Colorado governor told the state ’ s top prosecutor Thursday to reopen the investigation into the death of Elijah McClain , a 23-year-old Black man put into a chokehold by police who stopped him on the street in suburban Denver last year .
Gov .
Jared Polis signed an executive order directing state Attorney General Phil Weiser to investigate McClain ’ s death and possibly prosecute the three white officers involved .
McClain ’ s name has become a rallying cry during the national reckoning over racism and police brutality following the deaths of George Floyd and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive today , and we owe it to his family to take this step and elevate the pursuit of justice in his name to a statewide concern , ” Polis said in a statement .
He said he had spoken with McClain ’ s mother and was moved by her description of her son as a “ responsible and curious child … who could inspire the darkest soul.
” Police in Aurora received a call about a suspicious person wearing a ski mask and waving his arms as he walked down a street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to stop walking and fought back when officers confronted him and tried to take him into custody .
One of the officers put him in a chokehold that cuts off blood to the brain , something that has been banned in several places in the wake of Floyd ’ s death May 25 under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer and the global protests that followed .
According to police body-camera video , McClain tells officers : “ Let go of me .
I am an introvert .
Please respect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words have appeared on scores of social media posts demanding justice for McClain .
He was kept on the ground for 15 minutes , then paramedics gave him 500 milligrams of a sedative to calm him down .
He suffered cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital and was declared brain dead Aug. 27 .
He was taken off life support three days later .
A forensic pathologist could not determine what exactly led to his death but said physical exertion during the confrontation likely contributed .
His younger sister , Samara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after his death that her brother was walking to a corner store to get tea for a cousin and often wore masks when he was outside because he had a blood condition that caused him to get cold easily .
She said he was a massage therapist who planned to go to college .
In the video , McClain sobs as he repeatedly tells officers , “ I ’ m just different.
” The Police Department put the three officers on leave but they returned to the force when District Attorney Dave Young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charging them .
“ Ultimately , while I may share the vast public opinion that Elijah McClain ’ s death could have been avoided , it is not my role to file criminal charges based on opinion , but rather , on the evidence revealed from the investigation and applicable Colorado law , ” Young said shortly before Polis ordered the investigation reopened .
Mari Newman , the McClain family ’ s attorney , said she was pleased with the governor ’ s decision .
“ Clearly , Aurora has no intention of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man , ” she said .
“ Its entire effort is to defend its brutality at all costs , and to lie to the public it is supposed to serve .
It is time for a responsible adult to step in.
” Colorado ’ s attorney general said in a statement that the investigation will be thorough and “ worthy of public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system .
”

DENVER — The Colorado governor told the state’s top prosecutor Thursday to reopen the investigation into the death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man put into a chokehold by police who stopped him on the street in suburban Denver last year.
Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order directing state Attorney General Phil Weiser to investigate McClain’s death and possibly prosecute the three white officers involved. McClain’s name has become a rallying cry during the national reckoning over racism and police brutality following the deaths of George Floyd and others.
“Elijah McClain should be alive today, and we owe it to his family to take this step and elevate the pursuit of justice in his name to a statewide concern,” Polis said in a statement.
He said he had spoken with McClain’s mother and was moved by her description of her son as a “responsible and curious child … who could inspire the darkest soul.”
Police in Aurora received a call about a suspicious person wearing a ski mask and waving his arms as he walked down a street on Aug. 24. Police say McClain refused to stop walking and fought back when officers confronted him and tried to take him into custody.
One of the officers put him in a chokehold that cuts off blood to the brain, something that has been banned in several places in the wake of Floyd’s death May 25 under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer and the global protests that followed.
According to police body-camera video, McClain tells officers: “Let go of me. I am an introvert. Please respect the boundaries that I am speaking.” Those words have appeared on scores of social media posts demanding justice for McClain.
He was kept on the ground for 15 minutes, then paramedics gave him 500 milligrams of a sedative to calm him down. He suffered cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital and was declared brain dead Aug. 27. He was taken off life support three days later.
A forensic pathologist could not determine what exactly led to his death but said physical exertion during the confrontation likely contributed.
His younger sister, Samara McClain, told The Denver Post shortly after his death that her brother was walking to a corner store to get tea for a cousin and often wore masks when he was outside because he had a blood condition that caused him to get cold easily. She said he was a massage therapist who planned to go to college.
In the video, McClain sobs as he repeatedly tells officers, “I’m just different.”
The Police Department put the three officers on leave but they returned to the force when District Attorney Dave Young said there was insufficient evidence to support charging them.
“Ultimately, while I may share the vast public opinion that Elijah McClain’s death could have been avoided, it is not my role to file criminal charges based on opinion, but rather, on the evidence revealed from the investigation and applicable Colorado law,” Young said shortly before Polis ordered the investigation reopened.
Mari Newman, the McClain family’s attorney, said she was pleased with the governor’s decision.
“Clearly, Aurora has no intention of taking responsibility for murdering an innocent young man,” she said. “Its entire effort is to defend its brutality at all costs, and to lie to the public it is supposed to serve. It is time for a responsible adult to step in.”
Colorado’s attorney general said in a statement that the investigation will be thorough and “worthy of public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-25--Lake View pot shop workers become first to unionize in Illinois

Employees at a Lake View pot shop became the first workers at an Illinois dispensary to unionize in the state ’ s expanding legal cannabis industry on Thursday .
The 40 employees of the Sunnyside dispensary at 3812 N. Clark voted “ overwhelmingly ” to join Illinois ’ cannabis union , Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union , according to a statement from the union .
While the latest election was originally petitioned for in early April , the vote overseen by the National Labor Relations Board was delayed multiple times by the COVID- 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested everyone ’ s resolve , but we came through in the end , ” employee Nicholas Stankus said .
Stankus and the other workers at the shop pushed to unionize in an effort to improve working conditions at the dispensary .
Their grievances included a slow and inadequate response to the COVID-19 crisis , a lack of managerial professionalism , unclear workplace policies and procedures and a “ growing culture of disrespect for workers , ” according to the statement “ The workers at Sunnyside are a great example of what happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they want , ” said Steve Powell , president of Local 881 , “ This was a long wait , but better careers are worth fighting for .
Our Union is proud of these workers and looks forward to negotiating a contract that will be worth the wait !
” The Sunnyside shop is operated by Cresco Labs , a River North-based cannabis powerhouse that grows and sells weed across nine states .
Workers at Cresco ’ s Joliet cultivation center previously joined Local 881 in January , marking the first cannabis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks after the statewide prohibition on pot was lifted .
Cresco didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest vote .

Employees at a Lake View pot shop became the first workers at an Illinois dispensary to unionize in the state’s expanding legal cannabis industry on Thursday.
The 40 employees of the Sunnyside dispensary at 3812 N. Clark voted “overwhelmingly” to join Illinois’ cannabis union, Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, according to a statement from the union.
While the latest election was originally petitioned for in early April, the vote overseen by the National Labor Relations Board was delayed multiple times by the COVID- 19 pandemic.
“The entire process has tested everyone’s resolve, but we came through in the end,” employee Nicholas Stankus said.
Stankus and the other workers at the shop pushed to unionize in an effort to improve working conditions at the dispensary. Their grievances included a slow and inadequate response to the COVID-19 crisis, a lack of managerial professionalism, unclear workplace policies and procedures and a “growing culture of disrespect for workers,” according to the statement
“The workers at Sunnyside are a great example of what happens when workers stand together and fight for what they want,” said Steve Powell, president of Local 881, “This was a long wait, but better careers are worth fighting for. Our Union is proud of these workers and looks forward to negotiating a contract that will be worth the wait!”
The Sunnyside shop is operated by Cresco Labs, a River North-based cannabis powerhouse that grows and sells weed across nine states. Workers at Cresco’s Joliet cultivation center previously joined Local 881 in January, marking the first cannabis workforce to unionize in the state just two weeks after the statewide prohibition on pot was lifted.
Cresco spokesman Jason Erkes said the company “respected, supported and protected the rights of our employees to make this important decision through an independent, secret ballot election.
“We look forward to continuing to provide all of our employees a fair package of employee wages, health and retirement benefits and an environment that is a great, safe place to work.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-26--Paddling length of the Kankakee River: Making long river trips becomes an annual tradition

Valerie Meloun drives truck for J.B. Hunt , so taking vacation to paddle the length of the Illinois and Kankakee rivers with Kim Lockard makes sense .
“ I think that is why I like paddling so much , I don ’ t have to drive , ” Meloun said .
“ Everybody else on vacation wants to drive.
” For their starting point last year on the Kankakee , they launched at the Leo Jasinski Public Access Site , southwest of South Bend .
“ You ’ re in a ditch , ” Meloun said .
“ It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no shade .
There ’ s six-feet or higher bank on both sides , no place get out and take a break.
’ ’ They got lucky the first night to find a hidden boat launch to camp near Route 30 .
“ I got out , crawled over the logjam , then lined my kayak over , ” Meloun said .
Then she pulled up Lockard and her kayak so they could continue on .
The trip was cut short east of I-65 because of a worsening sinus condition for Lockard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Elburn .
Meloun had never been paddling until her then-boyfriend took her on a two-day trip on the Fox River , since then she bought a Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 .
Lockard found a Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 .
They , friends and a few relatives formed the informal Lady River Rats , who did day trips , garbage cleanups and an annual two-day trip on the Fox .
This year , high water pushed the completion of the Kankakee trip to June 13 .
“ The first day we only paddled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect beach with shade and no overgrowth , ” Meloun said .
“ We took that campsite .
I ’ m glad we did.
” At State Line Bridge , they were lucky .
The water dropped enough they could lean back and float under .
That evening they camped in Aroma Park .
“ The next day was the fun day , ” Meloun said .
“ Last year , we drove out to Wilmington and Kankakee beforehand to check out the dams.
” They wanted to make sure they could get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boat anglers died below the Kankakee Dam ) .
“ Just to be on the safe side , we ended up getting out far , far away , ” Meloun said .
From Cobb Park , they trekked 1.2 miles through Kankakee ’ s Riverview Historic District with their kayaks on carts , then relaunched at Jeffers Park .
Next challenge came at Wilmington , where they received permission from the police to get in and out around the dam .
Over three years of long river trips , they learned much .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ devices when paddling .
If going through treacherous water or locks , they do regular PFDs .
Daily Meloun checked in with her dad and Lockard with her husband .
They rarely made fires .
Experience has taught Meloun to value these apps : RiverLevel , NOAA weather radio , PlantNet and , “ of course , Google Maps.
” For camping , they check Google Maps for boat ramps , parks and sandy banks .
They use Navisafe lights for night paddling .
They have shovels and camping toilet paper .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trail mix , dried fruit and jerky ; for lunch , freeze-dried meals or tuna tacos ; for dinner , freeze-dried meals .
CamelBaks are for water .
“ We used to make coffee mornings , then we started to bring little cans of espresso , ” Meloun said .
“ We have almond milk in little cartons , so we don ’ t have to drink water all the time.
” Their biggest challenge on the Kankakee came in the rapids around I-55 .
“ Big boulders pop up , I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it freaked me out , ” Meloun said .
They had planned to stretch the trip out , but Meloun got heat exhaustion , so they camped on a sandy , sunny little island and decided to finish up the next day .
“ My friend is hard to get up , ” Meloun said .
“ But I woke her up at 5 a.m. and we left at 7 a.m. We went non-stop for three hours , I wanted to get done.
” They continued to the confluence with the Des @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , then to Dresden Lock and Dam , where they locked through .
Her dad picked them up in Morris on June 17 .
After finishing the length of two rivers , Meloun observed , “ Most people on the river are happy to help .
I ’ m unsure if being females helps with that , lol .
A couple times on the Illinois we asked property owners if we could camp there and they said as long as they can ’ t tell we were ever there , then it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do the Rock River and its 23 dams .

Valerie Meloun drives a truck for J.B. Hunt, so taking vacation to paddle the length of the Illinois and Kankakee rivers with Kim Lockard makes sense.
“I think that is why I like paddling so much, I don’t have to drive,” Meloun said. “Everybody else on vacation wants to drive.”
For their starting point last year on the Kankakee, they launched at the Leo Jasinski Public Access Site, southwest of South Bend.
“You’re in a ditch,” Meloun said. “It is not very kayak friendly, there is no shade. There’s six-feet or higher bank on both sides, no place get out and take a break.’’
They got lucky the first night to find a hidden boat launch to camp near Route 30.
Biggest challenge was a logjam completely blocking the river.
“I got out, crawled over the logjam, then lined my kayak over,” Meloun said.
Then she pulled up Lockard and her kayak so they could continue on. The trip was cut short east of I-65 because of a worsening sinus condition for Lockard, whose friendship goes back to younger days in Elburn.
* * *
Meloun had never been paddling until her then-boyfriend took her on a two-day trip on the Fox River, since then she bought a Wilderness Systems Pungo 120. Lockard found a Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125.
The kayaks and tents at the core of the trip Valerie Meloun and Kim Lockard made the length of the Kankakee River. Provided by Valerie Meloun
They, friends and a few relatives formed the informal Lady River Rats, who did day trips, garbage cleanups and an annual two-day trip on the Fox.
* * *
This year, high water pushed the completion of the Kankakee trip to June 13.
“The first day we only paddled for three hours and we found a perfect beach with shade and no overgrowth,” Meloun said. “We took that campsite. I’m glad we did.”
At State Line Bridge, they were lucky. The water dropped enough they could lean back and float under. That evening they camped in Aroma Park.
The State Line Bridge provided a challenge, but Valerie Meloun and Kim Lockard made it under without having to portage during their trip the length of the Kankakee River. Provided by Valerie Meloun
“The next day was the fun day,” Meloun said. “Last year, we drove out to Wilmington and Kankakee beforehand to check out the dams.”
They wanted to make sure they could get out safely (the week before two boat anglers died below the Kankakee Dam).
“Just to be on the safe side, we ended up getting out far, far away,” Meloun said.
From Cobb Park, they trekked 1.2 miles through Kankakee’s Riverview Historic District with their kayaks on carts, then relaunched at Jeffers Park.
Next challenge came at Wilmington, where they received permission from the police to get in and out around the dam.
* * *
Over three years of long river trips, they learned much.
They wear belt pack inflatable personal flotation devices when paddling. If going through treacherous water or locks, they do regular PFDs. Daily Meloun checked in with her dad and Lockard with her husband. They rarely made fires.
Experience has taught Meloun to value these apps: RiverLevel, NOAA weather radio, PlantNet and, “of course, Google Maps.”
For camping, they check Google Maps for boat ramps, parks and sandy banks. They use Navisafe lights for night paddling. They have shovels and camping toilet paper.
The gear stuffed into kayaks during the triValerie Meloun and Kim Lockard made the length of the Kankakee River. Provided by Valerie Meloun
For breakfast, they do Granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit and jerky; for lunch, freeze-dried meals or tuna tacos; for dinner, freeze-dried meals. CamelBaks are for water.
“We used to make coffee mornings, then we started to bring little cans of espresso,” Meloun said. “We have almond milk in little cartons, so we don’t have to drink water all the time.”
* * *
Their biggest challenge on the Kankakee came in the rapids around I-55.
“Big boulders pop up, I could not control where my boat was going and it freaked me out,” Meloun said.
They had planned to stretch the trip out, but Meloun got heat exhaustion, so they camped on a sandy, sunny little island and decided to finish up the next day.
“My friend is hard to get up,” Meloun said. “But I woke her up at 5 a.m. and we left at 7 a.m. We went non-stop for three hours, I wanted to get done.”
They continued to the confluence with the Des Plaines River (headwaters of the Illinois), then to Dresden Lock and Dam, where they locked through. Her dad picked them up in Morris on June 17.
After finishing the length of two rivers, Meloun observed, “Most people on the river are happy to help. I’m unsure if being females helps with that, lol. A couple times on the Illinois we asked property owners if we could camp there and they said as long as they can’t tell we were ever there, then it was fine.”
Next year they plan to do the Rock River and its 23 dams.