chicagosun-times--2020-05-13--Politicians pushing to reopen faster are ‘idiots,’ says expert, blaming those not following rules fo

Politicians pushing to reopen faster are ‘idiots,’ says expert, blaming those not following rules for continued rise in COVID-19 cases (LIVE UPDATES)

Politicians pushing to reopen faster are ‘ idiots , ’ says expert , blaming those not following rules for continued rise in COVID-19 cases An infectious disease expert from Chicago has a simple explanation for why the number of COVID-19 cases has continued to mount after strict social restrictions have been in place for nearly two months : “ People aren ’ t following the rules.
” Dr. Robert Murphy , executive director of Northwestern University ’ s Institute of Global Health , warned that those disobeying the statewide stay-at-home order are exacerbating the public health crisis as he blasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
“ Look on the street .
Only half of the people are wearing a mask , ” Murphy said Wednesday .
“ There ’ s data from the phone companies about how people move .
They ’ re moving around more .
There ’ s definitely more traffic.
” While he said the pervasive toll is also attributable in part to increased testing and workers returning to their jobs , Murphy noted that keeping social distancing measures in place longer — and following them — is vitally important for beating back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Tom Schuba here .
MADISON , Wis. – The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down Gov .
Tony Evers ’ order shutting down daily life to limit the spread of coronavirus – marking the first time a statewide order of its kind has been knocked down by a court of last resort .
The state ’ s highest court , which is controlled by conservatives , sided with Republican lawmakers Wednesday in a decision that curbed the Evers administration ’ s power to act unilaterally during public health emergencies .
The 4-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court ’ s conservatives – Chief Justice Patience Roggensack and Justices Rebecca Bradley , Daniel Kelly and Annette Ziegler .
The court ’ s fifth conservative , Brian Hagedorn , wrote a dissent joined by the court ’ s two liberals , Ann Walsh Bradley and Rebecca Dallet .
( The Bradleys are not related . )
The ruling , for now , immediately throws out the administration ’ s tool to control the disease for which there is no vaccine and comes at a time when Evers has already begun lifting some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slows down for now .
It will force the Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature to work together on the state ’ s response to the ebbs and flows of the outbreak – a dynamic the two sides have rarely been able to achieve before .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot acknowledged Wednesday that she and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker have disagreed while waging war against coronavirus , but they ’ ve tried to keep those differences in house .
While Lightfoot was on a brief spring break trip with her daughter , Pritzker was pressuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the city ’ s St. Patrick ’ s Day Parade , which the mayor did after cutting her vacation short .
When Pritzker closed schools across the state the first time around , he did it hours after Lightfoot vowed to keep Chicago Public Schools open .
When the decision was announced , Lightfoot did not join the governor .
She told aldermen during a conference call that she was worried about security , but would have to live with Pritzker ’ s ruling and that the order was likely to drag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline the governor set .
She was right .
The governor ended up canceling in-classroom learning for the remainder of the school year , once again disappointing the mayor of a city where remote learning is more difficult because of the digital divide .
5:52 p.m. Cook County on pace to overtake Queens as county with most COVID-19 cases nationwide Cook County has been the center of Illinois ’ coronavirus outbreak , and now it ’ s on pace to become the county with the most COVID-19 cases of any across the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook County could overtake Queens County , New York , as the county with the most cases , according to a Chicago Sun-Times analysis .
On Wednesday , Queens County reported 56,899 cases , according to data kept by Johns Hopkins University , while Cook County ’ s tally stood at 56,406 confirmed to have the virus .
But while data suggests New York ’ s outbreak is on a downward trend from its peak , Wednesday marked Illinois ’ worst day yet with 192 coronavirus deaths .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in a peak through June , with one projection estimating as many as 300 deaths per day .
5 p.m. Next phase of reopening Chicago will go slowly , keep lakefront closed , Lightfoot says Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday likened reopening Chicago to “ slowly turning on a dimmer — “ not flipping a light switch ” — and said the leap to the city ’ s Phase 3 plan will not allow her to reopen the lakefront .
Last week , Lightfoot said people have been sending her “ really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lakefront — by doing it in phases and having segmented hours for particular activities.
” The mayor said she would consider those ideas whenever the city meets the rigid standards she has established to graduate to the so-called “ Cautiously Reopen ” Phase 3 of her five-step plan to slowly reopen the city .
But during a virtual speech to the Economic Club of Chicago , Lightfoot delivered a heavy dose of bad news to Chicagoans with spring and cabin fever : “ Unfortunately at this point , we will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ resurgence in cases is more than a risk .
It is a very real possibility we need to be prepared for.
” Illinois saw its deadliest day yet from COVID-19 , with another 192 Illinoisans losing their lives , officials said Wednesday .
It marks the highest death toll in a 24-hour period since the virus began its spread .
In total , 3,792 people have died from the coronavirus in Illinois .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported 1,677 new cases , bringing the state ’ s total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test results and has performed 489,359 total tests .
Wednesday also marked the 16th day with more than 100 lives lost , and resumed an especially deadly period for the virus in Illinois , bringing the number dead this month alone to 1,459 .
On Tuesday , officials reported 144 deaths , a count higher than the previous two days , when the state saw fewer than 100 deaths each day .
The governor ’ s administration released new projections on Monday from researchers that indicate the state will see a range of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July .
Northwestern University , one of three universities involved in the state ’ s projections , has predicted a more dire range of 50 to 300 deaths .
Read the full story by Tina Sfondeles here .
The DuPage County coroner is reporting an “ unusual spike ” in overdose deaths in the past month that may be tied to increased isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic .
In the last three weeks , 20 people in DuPage have died from opioid overdoses , Coroner Richard Jorgensen said in a statement .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
By comparison , in all of 2019 the west suburban county saw 96 opioid overdoses .
“ We do not know if this is due to a change in the makeup of the drugs , drug usage on the streets or due to current COVID-19 related changes in society , ” Jorgensen said .
“ After review of the social aspects of the recent deaths , many of those who died were living alone , having personal or marital difficulty , depression and recent drug rehab or treatment.
” 3:26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let churches worship despite Pritzker ’ s order A federal judge shot down Wednesday another religious challenge to Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order , this time from a pair of churches that sought to conduct worship services with social-distancing guidelines in place .
U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman denied a request for a temporary restraining order in the case , writing in a 12-page opinion that Pritzker ’ s order “ has nothing to do with suppressing religion and everything to do with reducing infections and saving lives.
” Elim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baptist Ministries in Niles asked for a temporary restraining order Friday .
Their lawsuit — one of a handful to challenge Pritzker ’ s orders — also pointed to the governor ’ s Restore Illinois plan .
It laid out proposed social distancing guidelines the churches would implement if allowed to move forward .
State lawyers objected , pointing to an earlier ruling in federal court in which a church in Lena unsuccessfully sought a temporary restraining order blocking Pritzker ’ s edicts .
3:10 p.m. 5,000 face masks handed out in Little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue surgical masks at a neighborhood bank ’ s parking lot Wednesday with the hopes of curbing the spread of COVID-19 in what has become a major hotspot for the coronavirus in Illinois .
Ald .
Mike Rodriguez ( 22nd ) said the high caseload in Little Village is a reflection of the high number of “ essential ” workers who live in the predominantly Latino neighborhood .
“ The biggest issue we have is that a lot residents who are deemed to work ‘ essential ’ jobs in industries where the proximity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , ” he said .
As of Wednesday afternoon , the ZIP code that encompasses most of Little Village reported 2,210 cases of COVID-19 — more than any other ZIP code in the state , according to data released by the Illinois Department of Public Health .
The Illinois House will reconvene next week at the Bank of Springfield Center to take up the state ’ s budget and other pressing issues during the pandemic .
House Democrats were told many of the details during a virtual caucus Wednesday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he wants legislators back to both approve a budget and try to work on a state plan to help businesses and unemployed people .
Legislators will return May 20 , according to a source .
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan ’ s chief of staff Jessica Basham outlined some rules attached to the unusual call to session , including that legislators must travel individually and also stay in individual hotel rooms .
No companions are allowed and there will be minimum number of staffers allowed on the floor of the convention center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mezzanine only , and there will be a separate entrance for staffers , the source said .
Legislators will also have to wear face coverings at all times , and “ cloth-based face masks ” will be provided to those who don ’ t have one .
Illinois State Police will serve as security for the session , the source said .
Read the full story by Tina Sfondeles here .
Homeowners would get a two-month waiver of fees on late property tax bills , under a plan unveiled Wednesday by Cook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These are incredibly difficult times for our residents and this measure creates much-needed breathing room for Cook County property owners , ” Preckwinkle said in a statement .
“ With residents and businesses facing so many challenges and difficulties because of the coronavirus , waiving late fees on property taxes is the right thing to do right now .
This can keep residents in their homes and allow businesses much needed time to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
” Second installment of property taxes are due Aug. 3 , but under the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oct. 1 , without fear of fees .
Typically , homeowners are charged a fee of 1.5 % of the total taxes owed for every month the taxes are late arriving at the Cook County treasurer ’ s office .
11:11 a.m .
Mysterious inflammatory syndrome striking kids in NY may be related to COVID-19 Amber Dean had recovered from a mild bout of the coronavirus and her family of five had just ended their home quarantine when her oldest son , 9-year-old Bobby , fell ill. “ At first it was nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bug , like he ate something that didn ’ t agree with him , ” said Dean , who lives with her husband and three young children in the western New York town of Hornell .
“ But by the next day , he couldn ’ t keep anything down and his belly hurt so bad he couldn ’ t sit up.
” At the local hospital emergency room , doctors suspected an appendix infection and sent him home with instructions to see his pediatrician .
It was only later , after Bobby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the worse , that doctors realized he was among the small but growing number of children with a mysterious inflammatory syndrome thought to be related to the virus .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that New York is now investigating about 100 cases of the syndrome , which affects blood vessels and organs and has symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock .
Three children in the state have died and Cuomo advised all hospitals to prioritize COVID-19 testing for children presenting with symptoms .
In New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 52 children sick with the syndrome , Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday urged parents to call their pediatricians promptly if their children show symptoms including persistent fever , rash , abdominal pain and vomiting .
10:13 a.m. Paul Manafort released from prison due to virus concerns Paul Manafort , Donald Trump ’ s onetime presidential campaign chairman who was convicted as part of the special counsel ’ s Russia investigation , has been released from federal prison to serve the rest of his sentence in home confinement due to concerns about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manafort , 71 , was released Wednesday morning from FCI Loretto , a low-security prison in Pennsylvania , according to his attorney , Todd Blanche .
Manafort had been serving more than seven years in prison following his conviction .
His lawyers had asked the Bureau of Prisons to release him to home confinement , arguing that he was at high risk for coronavirus because of his age and preexisting medical conditions .
Manafort was hospitalized in December with a heart-related condition , two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Status of Summer : What Chicago festivals , events are canceled , postponed The coronavirus pandemic and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s shelter-in-place order have dramatically altered everyone ’ s summer plans .
Summer festivals , a staple of Chicago neighborhoods , have been forced to cancel or move their event to later in the year .
We ’ re tracking the status of the city ’ s festival and major events throughout the area as new cancellations and postponements roll in .
We ’ ll be updating this list each time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7:40 a.m. Chinese Americans in Chicago donate 1 million surgical masks to city ’ s first-responders A group of Chinese American businessmen has donated 1 million surgical masks to first-responders and others in Chicago , saying Chicagoans did the same thing for China when the coronavirus emerged there at the beginning of the year .
“ We are grateful to the frontline responders who are risking their well-being to protect Chicago neighborhoods , ” said Citadel Securities CEO Peng Zhao , who organized the donation with his wife Cherry Chen .
The effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China for the pandemic .
On Monday , when a Chinese American reporter asked the president why he sees testing for the coronavirus as a “ global competition , ” he responded , “ Maybe that ’ s a question you should ask China.
” On Tuesday , Trump tweeted : “ Asian Americans are VERY angry at what China has done to our Country , and the World .
Chinese Americans are the most angry of all.
” Zhao and more than a dozen other Chinese American businessmen bought the masks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help distribute them .
Read the full story from Frank Main here .
Potbelly , the Chicago-based chain of sandwich shops , said Tuesday it is considering whether to close 100 locations , or about 23 % of its total , as it scrambles to cut costs because of the pandemic .
CEO Alan Johnson discussed the potential closings in his report of the company ’ s first-quarter earnings .
Potbelly said it saw a dramatic downturn in its results once the coronavirus , which has forced closure of restaurant dining rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March .
Johnson said its same-stores sales for January and February were up from the year before but then took a 68 % dive during March .
The company quickly furloughed a third of its corporate staff and cut corporate salaries , including those of top executives , by 25 % .
6:10 a.m. Chinese Americans in Chicago donate 1 million surgical masks to city ’ s first-responders A group of Chinese American businessmen has donated 1 million surgical masks to first-responders and others in Chicago , saying Chicagoans did the same thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the beginning of the year .
“ We are grateful to the frontline responders who are risking their well-being to protect Chicago neighborhoods , ” said Citadel Securities CEO Peng Zhao , who organized the donation with his wife Cherry Chen .
The effort follows months of President Donald Trump blaming China for the pandemic .
On Monday , when a Chinese American reporter asked the president why he sees testing for the coronavirus as a “ global competition , ” he responded , “ Maybe that ’ s a question you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump tweeted : “ Asian Americans are VERY angry at what China has done to our Country , and the World .
Chinese Americans are the most angry of all.
” Zhao and more than a dozen other Chinese American businessmen bought the masks and asked the University of Chicago Crime Lab to help distribute them .
Read the full story from Frank Main here .
• Another 144 people have died of COVID-19 in Illinois , raising the state ’ s death toll to 3,601 .
Tuesday also marked a record-high number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s office said that positive count came from 29,266 tests results .
• Chicago police announced Tuesday two more cases of COVID-19 , bringing the number of cases in the department to 504 .
• Seven more COVID-19 cases were reported in Chicago Police Department .
• Two people are dead among 85 workers at CPS schools who have tested positive for COVID-19 , officials say .
1:20 p.m. Future COVID-19 vaccine will be effective only if we insist on its widespread use Charles Berg , a Hyde @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sun-Times editors : In Wednesday ’ s Chicago Sun-Times , columnist Lynn Sweet wrote about the future availability of a vaccine and an editorial discussed the concept of “ herd immunity , ” in which vaccination would play a significant role .
Both pieces failed to mention one significant — and troubling — point : the strength of the anti-vaccination movement in the US .
“ Vaccine hesitancy ” has many bases .
Among them are religious and ethical concerns , anti-scientific and anti-medical biases and conspiracy theories .
Some individuals complaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our civil liberties also are active in the anti-vaccination movement .
Despite concerns , vaccination has provided significant protection in the past several centuries against many diseases that used to devastate human populations .
Polio , smallpox and measles are examples of diseases driven almost to extinction by vaccination programs .
Yet there have been recent resurgences ; for example , worldwide measles cases increased by 30 % in 2019 .
Such outbreaks can cost lives and millions of dollars to combat .
I encourage readers to consult the data in articles online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure to use an available vaccine can result in outbreaks of disease and deaths that could have been prevented .
To not vaccinate is to threaten the health of others .
That is why proof of polio vaccination is normally required of children entering school .
Once a COVID-19 vaccine is developed , we may be faced with mandating its use .
Read this and more letters to the editor here .
6:18 a.m. Can we agree — when COVID-19 vaccines arrive , they need to be free ?
Everybody agrees we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save us from the coronavirus infections are in development .
Can we agree on something else — when vaccines arrive , they need to be free ?
Don ’ t be sidetracked because it was Sen. Bernie Sanders who pressed this point at a Tuesday hearing of the Senate Health , Education , Labor and Pensions Committee .
Sanders , the Vermont Independent , made universal health insurance a centerpiece of his Democratic presidential bid .
This is not about Sanders .
This is not about overhauling our health coverage system .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine works if almost everybody gets it .
That ’ s why schools have immunization requirements .
You can ’ t enroll a kid in a Chicago Public School without a polio vaccine .
The Hispanic community in Chicago is particularly hard hit .
Rep. Jesus “ Chuy ” Garcia , D-Ill. , who has been scrambling for solutions , told me , “ Access to a future coronavirus vaccine , once it ’ s developed , must be readily available to all segments of society , including immigrants , regardless of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance , a preventative vaccine would likely be covered .
If everybody has extra cash , paying for a vaccine may not be a big deal .
But everybody doesn ’ t have insurance or cash .
Read the full column from Lynn Sweet here .

With 192 deaths in a 24-hour period, May 13 marked the worst single jump in fatalities during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Lori Lightfoot urged patience and warned that the reopening process of the city will be a gradual one.
Here’s what happened in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago and around the state.
News
Common. Matt Sayles/Invision/AP
NEW YORK — Rapper and activist Common went into quarantine concerned about incarcerated people he has met during visits to jails, prisons and juvenile detention centers around the U.S. and who aren’t able to maintain social distance or adopt rigorous hygiene routines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“It’s a troubling time for them,” Common said, “because they are the people who usually are overlooked.”
On Wednesday, his criminal justice reform organization Imagine Justice launched a campaign with dozens of advocacy and activist groups calling attention to the threat that the coronavirus pandemic poses on millions of men, women and youths who are incarcerated in the U.S.
Read the full story and watch the video here.
7:35 p.m. Politicians pushing to reopen faster are ‘idiots,’ says expert, blaming those not following rules for continued rise in COVID-19 cases
An infectious disease expert from Chicago has a simple explanation for why the number of COVID-19 cases has continued to mount after strict social restrictions have been in place for nearly two months: “People aren’t following the rules.”
Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of Northwestern University’s Institute of Global Health, warned that those disobeying the statewide stay-at-home order are exacerbating the public health crisis as he blasted the forces pushing to immediately reopen the economy.
“Look on the street. Only half of the people are wearing a mask,” Murphy said Wednesday. “There’s data from the phone companies about how people move. They’re moving around more. There’s definitely more traffic.”
While he said the pervasive toll is also attributable in part to increased testing and workers returning to their jobs, Murphy noted that keeping social distancing measures in place longer — and following them — is vitally important for beating back the coronavirus.
Read the full story by Tom Schuba here.
6:25 p.m. Wisconsin Supreme Court rules governor overstepped authority with stay-at-home extension
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down Gov. Tony Evers’ order shutting down daily life to limit the spread of coronavirus – marking the first time a statewide order of its kind has been knocked down by a court of last resort.
The state’s highest court, which is controlled by conservatives, sided with Republican lawmakers Wednesday in a decision that curbed the Evers administration’s power to act unilaterally during public health emergencies.
The 4-3 decision was written by four of the court’s conservatives – Chief Justice Patience Roggensack and Justices Rebecca Bradley, Daniel Kelly and Annette Ziegler.
The court’s fifth conservative, Brian Hagedorn, wrote a dissent joined by the court’s two liberals, Ann Walsh Bradley and Rebecca Dallet. (The Bradleys are not related.)
The ruling, for now, immediately throws out the administration’s tool to control the disease for which there is no vaccine and comes at a time when Evers has already begun lifting some restrictions as the spread of the virus slows down for now.
It will force the Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature to work together on the state’s response to the ebbs and flows of the outbreak – a dynamic the two sides have rarely been able to achieve before.
Read the full story here.
6:15 p.m. Lightfoot acknowledges differences with Pritzker during pandemic
Mayor Lori Lightfoot acknowledged Wednesday that she and Gov. J.B. Pritzker have disagreed while waging war against coronavirus, but they’ve tried to keep those differences in house.
While Lightfoot was on a brief spring break trip with her daughter, Pritzker was pressuring the mayor behind the scenes to call off the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which the mayor did after cutting her vacation short.
When Pritzker closed schools across the state the first time around, he did it hours after Lightfoot vowed to keep Chicago Public Schools open.
When the decision was announced, Lightfoot did not join the governor. She told aldermen during a conference call that she was worried about security, but would have to live with Pritzker’s ruling and that the order was likely to drag on for longer than the April 7 deadline the governor set.
She was right. The governor ended up canceling in-classroom learning for the remainder of the school year, once again disappointing the mayor of a city where remote learning is more difficult because of the digital divide.
Read the full story from City Hall reporter Fran Spielman.
5:52 p.m. Cook County on pace to overtake Queens as county with most COVID-19 cases nationwide
Cook County has been the center of Illinois’ coronavirus outbreak, and now it’s on pace to become the county with the most COVID-19 cases of any across the United States.
As early as Thursday, Cook County could overtake Queens County, New York, as the county with the most cases, according to a Chicago Sun-Times analysis.
On Wednesday, Queens County reported 56,899 cases, according to data kept by Johns Hopkins University, while Cook County’s tally stood at 56,406 confirmed to have the virus.
But while data suggests New York’s outbreak is on a downward trend from its peak, Wednesday marked Illinois’ worst day yet with 192 coronavirus deaths. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state health officials say the state could remain in a peak through June, with one projection estimating as many as 300 deaths per day.
Read the full story here.
5 p.m. Next phase of reopening Chicago will go slowly, keep lakefront closed, Lightfoot says
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday likened reopening Chicago to “slowly turning on a dimmer — “not flipping a light switch” — and said the leap to the city’s Phase 3 plan will not allow her to reopen the lakefront.
Last week, Lightfoot said people have been sending her “really interesting suggestions” about ways to reopen the lakefront — by doing it in phases and having segmented hours for particular activities.”
The mayor said she would consider those ideas whenever the city meets the rigid standards she has established to graduate to the so-called “Cautiously Reopen” Phase 3 of her five-step plan to slowly reopen the city.
But during a virtual speech to the Economic Club of Chicago, Lightfoot delivered a heavy dose of bad news to Chicagoans with spring and cabin fever: “Unfortunately at this point, we will not be ready to reopen our lakefront” because a “resurgence in cases is more than a risk. It is a very real possibility we need to be prepared for.”
Read the full story from City Hall reporter Fran Spielman.
4:35 p.m. Illinois suffers worst COVID-19 day yet: 192 deaths in 24 hours
An orange biohazard tag hangs from a body bag in an isolated refrigerated unit set aside for bodies infected with coronavirus at the Cook County morgue in Chicago. Charles Rex Arbogast/AP Photo (file photo)
Illinois saw its deadliest day yet from COVID-19, with another 192 Illinoisans losing their lives, officials said Wednesday. It marks the highest death toll in a 24-hour period since the virus began its spread.
In total, 3,792 people have died from the coronavirus in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported 1,677 new cases, bringing the state’s total to 84,698. The state received 17,668 test results and has performed 489,359 total tests.
Wednesday also marked the 16th day with more than 100 lives lost, and resumed an especially deadly period for the virus in Illinois, bringing the number dead this month alone to 1,459.
On Tuesday, officials reported 144 deaths, a count higher than the previous two days, when the state saw fewer than 100 deaths each day. The governor’s administration released new projections on Monday from researchers that indicate the state will see a range of 50 to 150 deaths into June or July. Northwestern University, one of three universities involved in the state’s projections, has predicted a more dire range of 50 to 300 deaths.
Read the full story by Tina Sfondeles here.
4:04 p.m. DuPage sees ‘unusual spike’ in overdose deaths during coronavirus pandemic: coroner
The DuPage County coroner is reporting an “unusual spike” in overdose deaths in the past month that may be tied to increased isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the last three weeks, 20 people in DuPage have died from opioid overdoses, Coroner Richard Jorgensen said in a statement. Some days saw multiple die from overdoses, he said.
By comparison, in all of 2019 the west suburban county saw 96 opioid overdoses.
“We do not know if this is due to a change in the makeup of the drugs, drug usage on the streets or due to current COVID-19 related changes in society,” Jorgensen said.
“After review of the social aspects of the recent deaths, many of those who died were living alone, having personal or marital difficulty, depression and recent drug rehab or treatment.”
Read the full story here.
3:26 p.m. Federal judge denies another bid to let churches worship despite Pritzker’s order
A federal judge shot down Wednesday another religious challenge to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order, this time from a pair of churches that sought to conduct worship services with social-distancing guidelines in place.
U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman denied a request for a temporary restraining order in the case, writing in a 12-page opinion that Pritzker’s order “has nothing to do with suppressing religion and everything to do with reducing infections and saving lives.”
Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church in Chicago and Logos Baptist Ministries in Niles asked for a temporary restraining order Friday. Their lawsuit — one of a handful to challenge Pritzker’s orders — also pointed to the governor’s Restore Illinois plan. It laid out proposed social distancing guidelines the churches would implement if allowed to move forward.
State lawyers objected, pointing to an earlier ruling in federal court in which a church in Lena unsuccessfully sought a temporary restraining order blocking Pritzker’s edicts.
Read the full story here.
3:10 p.m. 5,000 face masks handed out in Little Village
Little Village lawmakers handed out 5,000 blue surgical masks at a neighborhood bank’s parking lot Wednesday with the hopes of curbing the spread of COVID-19 in what has become a major hotspot for the coronavirus in Illinois.
Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22nd) said the high caseload in Little Village is a reflection of the high number of “essential” workers who live in the predominantly Latino neighborhood.
“The biggest issue we have is that a lot residents who are deemed to work ‘essential’ jobs in industries where the proximity of workers lead to higher rates of the virus,” he said.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the ZIP code that encompasses most of Little Village reported 2,210 cases of COVID-19 — more than any other ZIP code in the state, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Read the full story here.
2:25 p.m. Madigan’s office outlines rules for state legislators’ return to Springfield
The Illinois House will reconvene next week at the Bank of Springfield Center to take up the state’s budget and other pressing issues during the pandemic.
House Democrats were told many of the details during a virtual caucus Wednesday morning, a day after Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he wants legislators back to both approve a budget and try to work on a state plan to help businesses and unemployed people.
Legislators will return May 20, according to a source. Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s chief of staff Jessica Basham outlined some rules attached to the unusual call to session, including that legislators must travel individually and also stay in individual hotel rooms.
No companions are allowed and there will be minimum number of staffers allowed on the floor of the convention center. The public will be allowed in the mezzanine only, and there will be a separate entrance for staffers, the source said.
Legislators will also have to wear face coverings at all times, and “cloth-based face masks” will be provided to those who don’t have one. Illinois State Police will serve as security for the session, the source said.
1:42 p.m. Preckwinkle offers plan to delay fees on late property tax bills
Homeowners would get a two-month waiver of fees on late property tax bills, under a plan unveiled Wednesday by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
“These are incredibly difficult times for our residents and this measure creates much-needed breathing room for Cook County property owners,” Preckwinkle said in a statement. “With residents and businesses facing so many challenges and difficulties because of the coronavirus, waiving late fees on property taxes is the right thing to do right now. This can keep residents in their homes and allow businesses much needed time to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Second installment of property taxes are due Aug. 3, but under the plan, homeowners could wait to pay until Oct. 1, without fear of fees. Typically, homeowners are charged a fee of 1.5% of the total taxes owed for every month the taxes are late arriving at the Cook County treasurer’s office.
Read the full report here.
11:11 a.m. Mysterious inflammatory syndrome striking kids in NY may be related to COVID-19
Amber Dean had recovered from a mild bout of the coronavirus and her family of five had just ended their home quarantine when her oldest son, 9-year-old Bobby, fell ill.
“At first it was nothing major, it seemed like a tummy bug, like he ate something that didn’t agree with him,” said Dean, who lives with her husband and three young children in the western New York town of Hornell. “But by the next day, he couldn’t keep anything down and his belly hurt so bad he couldn’t sit up.”
At the local hospital emergency room, doctors suspected an appendix infection and sent him home with instructions to see his pediatrician.
It was only later, after Bobby’s condition took an alarming turn for the worse, that doctors realized he was among the small but growing number of children with a mysterious inflammatory syndrome thought to be related to the virus.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that New York is now investigating about 100 cases of the syndrome, which affects blood vessels and organs and has symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock. Three children in the state have died and Cuomo advised all hospitals to prioritize COVID-19 testing for children presenting with symptoms.
In New York City, which has reported at least 52 children sick with the syndrome, Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday urged parents to call their pediatricians promptly if their children show symptoms including persistent fever, rash, abdominal pain and vomiting.
Read the full report here.
10:13 a.m. Paul Manafort released from prison due to virus concerns
Paul Manafort, Donald Trump’s onetime presidential campaign chairman who was convicted as part of the special counsel’s Russia investigation, has been released from federal prison to serve the rest of his sentence in home confinement due to concerns about the coronavirus, his lawyer said Wednesday.
Manafort, 71, was released Wednesday morning from FCI Loretto, a low-security prison in Pennsylvania, according to his attorney, Todd Blanche. Manafort had been serving more than seven years in prison following his conviction.
His lawyers had asked the Bureau of Prisons to release him to home confinement, arguing that he was at high risk for coronavirus because of his age and preexisting medical conditions. Manafort was hospitalized in December with a heart-related condition, two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press at the time.
Read the full story here.
9:18 a.m. Status of Summer: What Chicago festivals, events are canceled, postponed
The coronavirus pandemic and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s shelter-in-place order have dramatically altered everyone’s summer plans. Summer festivals, a staple of Chicago neighborhoods, have been forced to cancel or move their event to later in the year.
We’re tracking the status of the city’s festival and major events throughout the area as new cancellations and postponements roll in. We’ll be updating this list each time a new schedule change is announced.
Follow our live tracker here.
7:40 a.m. Chinese Americans in Chicago donate 1 million surgical masks to city’s first-responders
A group of Chinese American businessmen has donated 1 million surgical masks to first-responders and others in Chicago, saying Chicagoans did the same thing for China when the coronavirus emerged there at the beginning of the year.
“We are grateful to the frontline responders who are risking their well-being to protect Chicago neighborhoods,” said Citadel Securities CEO Peng Zhao, who organized the donation with his wife Cherry Chen.
The effort follows months of President Donald Trump blaming China for the pandemic.
On Monday, when a Chinese American reporter asked the president why he sees testing for the coronavirus as a “global competition,” he responded, “Maybe that’s a question you should ask China.” On Tuesday, Trump tweeted: “Asian Americans are VERY angry at what China has done to our Country, and the World. Chinese Americans are the most angry of all.”
Zhao and more than a dozen other Chinese American businessmen bought the masks and asked the University of Chicago Crime Lab to help distribute them.
Read the full story from Frank Main here.
6:36 a.m. Potbelly considers shutting 100 sandwich shops amid coronavirus pandemic
Potbelly, the Chicago-based chain of sandwich shops, said Tuesday it is considering whether to close 100 locations, or about 23% of its total, as it scrambles to cut costs because of the pandemic.
CEO Alan Johnson discussed the potential closings in his report of the company’s first-quarter earnings. Potbelly said it saw a dramatic downturn in its results once the coronavirus, which has forced closure of restaurant dining rooms, spread widely in the U.S. during March.
Johnson said its same-stores sales for January and February were up from the year before but then took a 68% dive during March. The company quickly furloughed a third of its corporate staff and cut corporate salaries, including those of top executives, by 25%.
Read the full report here.
6:10 a.m. Chinese Americans in Chicago donate 1 million surgical masks to city’s first-responders
A group of Chinese American businessmen has donated 1 million surgical masks to first-responders and others in Chicago, saying Chicagoans did the same thing for China when the coronavirus emerged there at the beginning of the year.
“We are grateful to the frontline responders who are risking their well-being to protect Chicago neighborhoods,” said Citadel Securities CEO Peng Zhao, who organized the donation with his wife Cherry Chen.
The effort follows months of President Donald Trump blaming China for the pandemic.
On Monday, when a Chinese American reporter asked the president why he sees testing for the coronavirus as a “global competition,” he responded, “Maybe that’s a question you should ask China.” On Tuesday, Trump tweeted: “Asian Americans are VERY angry at what China has done to our Country, and the World. Chinese Americans are the most angry of all.”
Zhao and more than a dozen other Chinese American businessmen bought the masks and asked the University of Chicago Crime Lab to help distribute them.
Read the full story from Frank Main here.
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
1:20 p.m. Future COVID-19 vaccine will be effective only if we insist on its widespread use
Charles Berg, a Hyde Park resident, wrote this letter to the Sun-Times editors:
In Wednesday’s Chicago Sun-Times, columnist Lynn Sweet wrote about the future availability of a vaccine and an editorial discussed the concept of “herd immunity,” in which vaccination would play a significant role. Both pieces failed to mention one significant — and troubling — point: the strength of the anti-vaccination movement in the US.
“Vaccine hesitancy” has many bases. Among them are religious and ethical concerns, anti-scientific and anti-medical biases and conspiracy theories. Some individuals complaining that social-distancing measures are a plot against our civil liberties also are active in the anti-vaccination movement.
Despite concerns, vaccination has provided significant protection in the past several centuries against many diseases that used to devastate human populations. Polio, smallpox and measles are examples of diseases driven almost to extinction by vaccination programs. Yet there have been recent resurgences; for example, worldwide measles cases increased by 30% in 2019. Such outbreaks can cost lives and millions of dollars to combat. I encourage readers to consult the data in articles online.
The bottom line is that a failure to use an available vaccine can result in outbreaks of disease and deaths that could have been prevented. To not vaccinate is to threaten the health of others. That is why proof of polio vaccination is normally required of children entering school.
Once a COVID-19 vaccine is developed, we may be faced with mandating its use.
Read this and more letters to the editor here.
6:18 a.m. Can we agree — when COVID-19 vaccines arrive, they need to be free?
Everybody agrees we need a COVID-19 vaccine. Multiple potential vaccines to save us from the coronavirus infections are in development. Can we agree on something else — when vaccines arrive, they need to be free?
Don’t be sidetracked because it was Sen. Bernie Sanders who pressed this point at a Tuesday hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Sanders, the Vermont Independent, made universal health insurance a centerpiece of his Democratic presidential bid.
This is not about Sanders. This is not about overhauling our health coverage system. Don’t get distracted.
A vaccine works if almost everybody gets it. That’s why schools have immunization requirements. You can’t enroll a kid in a Chicago Public School without a polio vaccine.
The Hispanic community in Chicago is particularly hard hit. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-Ill., who has been scrambling for solutions, told me, “Access to a future coronavirus vaccine, once it’s developed, must be readily available to all segments of society, including immigrants, regardless of their ability to pay.”
If everybody has insurance, a preventative vaccine would likely be covered. If everybody has extra cash, paying for a vaccine may not be a big deal.
But everybody doesn’t have insurance or cash.
Read the full column from Lynn Sweet here.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-13--Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum set for June reopening

The coronavirus didn ’ t stop the music , but it did shut down the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum to visitors .
That will change soon .
The Cleveland museum plans to reopen as soon as June 15 , Rock Hall President and CEO Greg Harris told USA TODAY on Wednesday .
Harris said the museum would create a safe environment , but not a sterile one .
“ We need to keep the DNA of rock and roll , ” he said .
Nearly 600,000 visitors annually pass through the doors of the museum , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , it ’ s been closed since March 14 .
When the museum reopens , the visitor experience will be different .
Harris said all tickets will be digital , and visitors will register for a time slot to enter the museum .
At the entrance , visitors will go to a tented area where nurses will take their temperature .
Visitors will be scanned in to enter , and will be required to wear face coverings .
Employees will wear masks , as well .
Hand sanitizer will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down surfaces frequently .
All touch screens will be covered , and interactive exhibits , such as one where visitors can play musical instruments , will remain closed .
Visitor traffic through the museum will move in one direction .
The cafe and gift shop will be open following state guidelines for social distancing .
“ We want to provide an environment that is safe as possible , ” Harris said .
Harris said an infectious disease specialist from the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic will be on site .
The goal is to operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Harris said .
The museum will reopen with shorter hours — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — to allow for extra cleaning and disinfecting .
Certain hours will be reserved for at-risk populations , including seniors and people with chronic conditions .
Harris said the facility is keeping a close eye on museums in the region and nationwide , and he ’ s been in contact with Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine .
“ We ’ re going to be very measured as we start , ” Harris said .
While digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Harris said he expects to announce when they ’ ll go on sale by June 1 .
Harris said he hopes to bring back food trucks and beer gardens to the museum ’ s plaza .
Live music will resume , though initially with soloists instead of bands .
There will also be a day reserved just for medical professionals and emergency personnel who have been on the front lines of the coronavirus response .
Some of the museum ’ s employees will continue to work remotely , and others who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re needed .
Harris said he continued to pay for health insurance for the furloughed employees .
As for the 2020 Hall of Fame induction ceremony , rescheduled for Nov. 7 , Harris said no determination has been made about how the event will proceed .
“ We ’ re holding the date , ” he said .
The Doobie Brothers , Whitney Houston , Nine Inch Nails , Depeche Mode , The Notorious B.I.G .
and T. Rex are among this year ’ s inductees .
A lot will depend on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and concerts will be handled in the coming months , Harris said .
Harris calls the Rock Hall “ the most powerful museum in the entire world ” because visitors come to it with a reservoir of memories connected to what ’ s in the building .
That could be a first love , a breakup or a memorable concert .
“ It all comes out through the triggers in our museum , ” he said .
“ Our goal is to deliver that same experience when we ’ re adhering to all @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The coronavirus didn’t stop the music, but it did shut down the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum to visitors.
That will change soon. The Cleveland museum plans to reopen as soon as June 15, Rock Hall President and CEO Greg Harris told USA TODAY on Wednesday.
Harris said the museum would create a safe environment, but not a sterile one.
“We need to keep the DNA of rock and roll,” he said.
Nearly 600,000 visitors annually pass through the doors of the museum, which opened in September 1995. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s been closed since March 14.
When the museum reopens, the visitor experience will be different. Harris said all tickets will be digital, and visitors will register for a time slot to enter the museum.
At the entrance, visitors will go to a tented area where nurses will take their temperature. Visitors will be scanned in to enter, and will be required to wear face coverings.
Employees will wear masks, as well. Hand sanitizer will be available, and museum staff will wipe down surfaces frequently. All touch screens will be covered, and interactive exhibits, such as one where visitors can play musical instruments, will remain closed.
Visitor traffic through the museum will move in one direction. The cafe and gift shop will be open following state guidelines for social distancing.
“We want to provide an environment that is safe as possible,” Harris said.
Harris said an infectious disease specialist from the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic will be on site.
The goal is to operate the museum at about 50% capacity, Harris said. The museum will reopen with shorter hours — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — to allow for extra cleaning and disinfecting. Certain hours will be reserved for at-risk populations, including seniors and people with chronic conditions.
Harris said the facility is keeping a close eye on museums in the region and nationwide, and he’s been in contact with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
“We’re going to be very measured as we start,” Harris said.
While digital tickets are not currently available to purchase, Harris said he expects to announce when they’ll go on sale by June 1.
Harris said he hopes to bring back food trucks and beer gardens to the museum’s plaza. Live music will resume, though initially with soloists instead of bands.
There will also be a day reserved just for medical professionals and emergency personnel who have been on the front lines of the coronavirus response.
Some of the museum’s employees will continue to work remotely, and others who were furloughed will be called back as they’re needed. Harris said he continued to pay for health insurance for the furloughed employees.
As for the 2020 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, rescheduled for Nov. 7, Harris said no determination has been made about how the event will proceed.
“We’re holding the date,” he said.
The Doobie Brothers, Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, The Notorious B.I.G. and T. Rex are among this year’s inductees.
A lot will depend on how large-attendance gatherings such as sports events and concerts will be handled in the coming months, Harris said.
Harris calls the Rock Hall “the most powerful museum in the entire world” because visitors come to it with a reservoir of memories connected to what’s in the building.
That could be a first love, a breakup or a memorable concert.
“It all comes out through the triggers in our museum,” he said. “Our goal is to deliver that same experience when we’re adhering to all these health and safety protocols.”
Read more at usatoday.com


chicagosun-times--2020-05-13--Man fatally shot in Dolton

Man fatally shot in Dolton

A man was killed in a shooting Tuesday in south suburban Dolton .
Leonard Wallace , 49 , was shot @ @ @ @ @ in the 14800 block of Michigan Avenue in Dolton , according to the Cook County @ @ @ @ @ .
Wallace , of south suburban Riverdale , was pronounced dead about three hours later @ @ @ @ @ s office said .
An autopsy confirmed he died of his injuries and ruled his @ @ @ @ @ police did not immediately respond to a request for details on the shooting .
Read @ @ @ @ @ track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was killed in a shooting Tuesday in south suburban Dolton.
Leonard Wallace, 49, was shot multiple times about 12:15 p.m. in the 14800 block of Michigan Avenue in Dolton, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Wallace, of south suburban Riverdale, was pronounced dead about three hours later, the medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy confirmed he died of his injuries and ruled his death a homicide.
“Multiple detectives are assigned to the case and the investigation is ongoing,” a spokesperson for the village said in a statement.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-13--Obamas and Oprah join top names reading children’s books for Chicago Public Library

The Chicago Public Library sent up a bat signal of sorts after closing all branches in March , and some big names have answered the call — including Oprah Winfrey and Barack and Michelle Obama .
Library officials asked dozens of celebrities with links to Chicago to film themselves reading children ’ s books — content that kids could watch on the library ’ s Facebook and Instagram accounts from home during the pandemic .
The library on Wednesday announced the latest additions to their growing collection : a video of the Obamas reading “ The Word Collector ” is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winfrey ’ s rendition of “ The Boy , The Mole , The Fox and the Horse ” is set to post Friday .
“ It ’ s a way to reach people , to bring the love of stories and books to families , ” said Chicago Library Commissioner Andrea Telli .
Library officials behind the “ Live From the Library ” project began posting videos in April .
The collection includes nearly 20 videos — with dozens more to come — featuring both celebrities and Chicago librarians reading stories .
Videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , actress Jane Lynch , Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cardinal Blase Cupich are already online .
Others expected to go online in the coming days and weeks are slated to include actors John C. Reilly , Henry “ The Fonz ” Winkler , Bonnie Hunt , Denise Richards and musicians Common and Pete “ Fall Out Boy ” Wentz .
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt — the Catholic nun and uber booster of Loyola University Chicago ’ s basketball program , is also on board and songstress Michelle Williams of Destiny ’ s Child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world of sports include Blackhawks player Zack Smith , former Bear Israel Idonije and former professional softball pitcher Jennie Finch .
The project is an outgrowth of virtual story sessions librarians were already hosting for local patrons combined with a request from Lightfoot for a citywide effort to get kids involved with reading .
Telli said it was a testament to the city that so many former Chicagoans chose to participate .
“ They feel the way we feel about Chicago .
I think it says a lot about roots and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Telli said .
Winfrey and the Obamas have a special connection to the city ’ s libraries .
A new library branch is slated to go inside the Obama Presidential Center when it ’ s built on the South Side .
And Winfrey donated $ 100,000 to the library ’ s fundraising arm in 1991 to fund an endowment to keep award-winning children ’ s books on library shelves that continues to be tapped to this day .

The Chicago Public Library sent up a bat signal of sorts after closing all branches in March, and some big names have answered the call — including Oprah Winfrey and Barack and Michelle Obama.
Library officials asked dozens of celebrities with links to Chicago to film themselves reading children’s books — content that kids could watch on the library’s Facebook and Instagram accounts from home during the pandemic.
The library on Wednesday announced the latest additions to their growing collection: a video of the Obamas reading “The Word Collector” that posted Thursday morning and Winfrey’s rendition of “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse” is set to post Monday.
“It’s a way to reach people, to bring the love of stories and books to families,” said Chicago Library Commissioner Andrea Telli.
Library officials behind the “Live From the Library” project began posting videos in April. The collection includes nearly 20 videos — with dozens more to come — featuring both celebrities and Chicago librarians reading stories. A new video is being posted each weekday.
Videos of musician and Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, actress Jane Lynch, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cardinal Blase Cupich are already online.
Others expected to go online in the coming days and weeks include actors John C. Reilly, Henry “The Fonz” Winkler, Bonnie Hunt, Denise Richards and musicians Common and Pete “Fall Out Boy” Wentz.
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the Catholic nun and uber booster of Loyola University Chicago’s basketball program, is also on board, and songstress Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child fame has signed on.
Participants from the world of sports include Blackhawks player Zack Smith, former Bear Israel Idonije and former professional softball pitcher Jennie Finch.
The project is an outgrowth of virtual story sessions librarians were already hosting for local patrons combined with a request from Lightfoot for a citywide effort to get kids involved with reading.
Telli said it was a testament to the city that so many former Chicagoans chose to participate.
“They feel the way we feel about Chicago. I think it says a lot about roots and the way the city stays with you,” Telli said.
Winfrey and the Obamas have a special connection to the city’s libraries.
A new library branch is slated to go inside the Obama Presidential Center when it’s built on the South Side.
And Winfrey donated $100,000 to the library’s fundraising arm in 1991 to fund an endowment to keep award-winning children’s books on library shelves that continues to be tapped to this day.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-13--Wisconsin Supreme Court rules governor  overstepped authority with stay-at-home extension

MADISON , Wis. – The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down Gov .
Tony Evers ’ order shutting down daily life to limit the spread of coronavirus – marking the first time a statewide order of its kind has been knocked down by a court of last resort .
The state ’ s highest court , which is controlled by conservatives , sided with Republican lawmakers Wednesday in a decision that curbed the Evers administration ’ s power to act unilaterally during public health emergencies .
The 4-3 decision was written by four of the court ’ s conservatives – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bradley , Daniel Kelly and Annette Ziegler .
The court ’ s fifth conservative , Brian Hagedorn , wrote a dissent joined by the court ’ s two liberals , Ann Walsh Bradley and Rebecca Dallet .
( The Bradleys are not related . )
The ruling , for now , immediately throws out the administration ’ s tool to control the disease for which there is no vaccine and comes at a time when Evers has already begun lifting some restrictions as the spread of the virus slows down for now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican-controlled Legislature to work together on the state ’ s response to the ebbs and flows of the outbreak – a dynamic the two sides have rarely been able to achieve before .
With no COVID-19 policies in place , bars , restaurants and concert halls are allowed to reopen – unless local officials put in their own restrictions .
That raises the prospect of a patchwork of policies , with rules varying significantly from one county to the next .
In the majority opinion , Roggesack determined Department of Health Services Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a process known as rule making , which gives lawmakers veto power over agency policies .
“ Palm ’ s Emergency Order 28 is declared unlawful , invalid , and unenforceable , ” Roggensack wrote for the majority .
GOP lawmakers who brought the lawsuit have said the legal challenge was necessary to get a seat at the table where Evers and state health officials make decisions about how to respond to the outbreak , which has killed 418 people in the state in two months .
The ruling giving them the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic comes a day after a new statewide poll showed the public trusts Evers more than the Republican-led Legislature on when to begin reopening and relaxing restrictions related to the outbreak .
Evers has maintained his administration needs to be nimble and is relying on health experts to guide his decisions .
He has said the procedure GOP lawmakers want will mean the state won ’ t be able to act quickly .
Hagedorn , who worked as chief legal counsel for former GOP Gov .
Scott Walker , wrote in one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the administration did not need permission to order such restrictions .
“ In striking down most of Order 28 , this court has strayed from its charge and turned this case into something quite different than the case brought to us , ” Hagedorn wrote .
“ To make matters worse , it has failed to provide almost any guidance for what the relevant laws mean , and how our state is to govern through this crisis moving forward .
The legislature may have buyer ’ s remorse for the breadth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state law ) .
But those are the laws it drafted ; we must read them faithfully whether we like them or not.
” Conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley criticized Hagedorn , typically an ally to Bradley , saying his argument “ contains no constitutional analysis whatsoever , affirmatively rejects the constitution , and subjugates liberty.
” Wisconsin was one of 43 states to be locked down by its governor and as of Wednesday , it was one of 11 with such restrictions still in place .
At the heart of the lawsuit is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , “ The department ( of Health Services ) may close schools and forbid public gatherings in schools , churches , and other places to control outbreaks and epidemics , ” and gives the department the power to “ authorize and implement all emergency measures necessary to control communicable diseases.
” The first laws providing powers to government officials were crafted in 1887 , about 30 years before the 1918 flu pandemic that epidemiologists have said is similar to this year ’ s coronavirus outbreak .
In 1981 , amid the HIV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave the power to DHS to issue orders – instead of using rulemaking .
Wednesday ’ s ruling came after a few thousand people protested against the governor ’ s restrictions at rallies across the state , some comparing Evers with a murderous dictator and others complaining the order had nearly ruined their livelihoods .
More than 500,000 people filed for unemployment since Evers ordered the closure of businesses providing what the state has defined as non-essential services , like restaurants , hair salons , and tattoo parlors .
But the orders also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A poll released Tuesday by the Marquette University Law School showed 69 % of voters surveyed believed Evers ’ actions were appropriate , though that support had decreased since March when more than 80 % supported the restrictions .
In March , 83 % of Republicans said closures were appropriate , compared with 49 % in the new poll .
Among Democrats , support slipped from 95 % in March to 90 % in the current poll while among independents support slipped from 79 % to 69 % .
The public also trusted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when to begin reopening and relaxing restrictions related to the outbreak , according to the poll .

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down Gov. Tony Evers’ order shutting down daily life to limit the spread of coronavirus – marking the first time a statewide order of its kind has been knocked down by a court of last resort.
The state’s highest court, which is controlled by conservatives, sided with Republican lawmakers Wednesday in a decision that curbed the Evers administration’s power to act unilaterally during public health emergencies.
The 4-3 decision was written by four of the court’s conservatives – Chief Justice Patience Roggensack and Justices Rebecca Bradley, Daniel Kelly and Annette Ziegler.
The court’s fifth conservative, Brian Hagedorn, wrote a dissent joined by the court’s two liberals, Ann Walsh Bradley and Rebecca Dallet. (The Bradleys are not related.)
The ruling, for now, immediately throws out the administration’s tool to control the disease for which there is no vaccine and comes at a time when Evers has already begun lifting some restrictions as the spread of the virus slows down for now.
It will force the Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature to work together on the state’s response to the ebbs and flows of the outbreak – a dynamic the two sides have rarely been able to achieve before.
With no COVID-19 policies in place, bars, restaurants and concert halls are allowed to reopen – unless local officials put in their own restrictions. That raises the prospect of a patchwork of policies, with rules varying significantly from one county to the next.
In the majority opinion, Roggesack determined Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm should have issued such restrictions through a process known as rule making, which gives lawmakers veto power over agency policies.
“Palm’s Emergency Order 28 is declared unlawful, invalid, and unenforceable,” Roggensack wrote for the majority.
GOP lawmakers who brought the lawsuit have said the legal challenge was necessary to get a seat at the table where Evers and state health officials make decisions about how to respond to the outbreak, which has killed 418 people in the state in two months.
The ruling giving them the ability to block the Evers administration during the pandemic comes a day after a new statewide poll showed the public trusts Evers more than the Republican-led Legislature on when to begin reopening and relaxing restrictions related to the outbreak.
Evers has maintained his administration needs to be nimble and is relying on health experts to guide his decisions. He has said the procedure GOP lawmakers want will mean the state won’t be able to act quickly.
Hagedorn, who worked as chief legal counsel for former GOP Gov. Scott Walker, wrote in one of the court’s two dissents that the administration did not need permission to order such restrictions.
“In striking down most of Order 28, this court has strayed from its charge and turned this case into something quite different than the case brought to us,” Hagedorn wrote. “To make matters worse, it has failed to provide almost any guidance for what the relevant laws mean, and how our state is to govern through this crisis moving forward. The legislature may have buyer’s remorse for the breadth of discretion it gave to DHS in (state law). But those are the laws it drafted; we must read them faithfully whether we like them or not.”
Conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley criticized Hagedorn, typically an ally to Bradley, saying his argument “contains no constitutional analysis whatsoever, affirmatively rejects the constitution, and subjugates liberty.”
Wisconsin was one of 43 states to be locked down by its governor and as of Wednesday, it was one of 11 with such restrictions still in place.
At the heart of the lawsuit is a state law governing communicable diseases that says, “The department (of Health Services) may close schools and forbid public gatherings in schools, churches, and other places to control outbreaks and epidemics,” and gives the department the power to “authorize and implement all emergency measures necessary to control communicable diseases.”
The first laws providing powers to government officials were crafted in 1887, about 30 years before the 1918 flu pandemic that epidemiologists have said is similar to this year’s coronavirus outbreak.
In 1981, amid the HIV and AIDS epidemic, the state Legislature gave the power to DHS to issue orders – instead of using rulemaking.
Wednesday’s ruling came after a few thousand people protested against the governor’s restrictions at rallies across the state, some comparing Evers with a murderous dictator and others complaining the order had nearly ruined their livelihoods.
More than 500,000 people filed for unemployment since Evers ordered the closure of businesses providing what the state has defined as non-essential services, like restaurants, hair salons, and tattoo parlors.
But the orders also had broad support from the public. A poll released Tuesday by the Marquette University Law School showed 69% of voters surveyed believed Evers’ actions were appropriate, though that support had decreased since March when more than 80% supported the restrictions.
In March, 83% of Republicans said closures were appropriate, compared with 49% in the new poll.
Among Democrats, support slipped from 95% in March to 90% in the current poll while among independents support slipped from 79% to 69%.
The public also trusted Evers more than the Republican-led Legislature on when to begin reopening and relaxing restrictions related to the outbreak, according to the poll.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-13--Common urges jail releases amid pandemic with #WeMatterToo video short: WATCH

NEW YORK — Rapper and activist Common went into quarantine concerned about incarcerated people he has met during visits to jails , prisons and juvenile detention centers around the U.S. and who aren ’ t able to maintain social distance or adopt rigorous hygiene routines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
“ It ’ s a troubling time for them , ” Common said , “ because they are the people who usually are overlooked.
” On Wednesday , his criminal justice reform organization Imagine Justice launched a campaign with dozens of advocacy and activist groups calling attention to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on millions of men , women and youths who are incarcerated in the U.S .
The campaign , dubbed # WeMatterToo , is urging authorities to immediately release people who have served the vast majority of their sentences , especially if they have existing health conditions that put them at greater risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 .
Although state and local correctional institutions have already released thousands of people from confinement due to the pandemic , supporters of the campaign also want governments to pay for testing and housing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he also hopes to create greater public awareness about what happens inside the nation ’ s jails and prisons and the impact that has on society .
“ We all have unanswered questions about the pandemic , ” the Grammy and Academy Award winning rapper said .
“ But being in prison adds new levels to that questioning , because of the way that people have been treated in prison.
” A two-minute video for the campaign features the voices of inmates who say jail officials are not providing protective equipment or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitized shower facilities .
The video , shared with The Associated Press ahead of the campaign ’ s launch , does not identify the inmates or where they are imprisoned .
COVID-19 outbreaks in jails and prisons around the country have caused alarm among advocates , who say inadequate mitigation protocol threatens both the lives of incarcerated people and correctional officers .
Last month , the U.S. Bureau of Prisons released data that showed more than 70 % of people in federal custody tested for COVID-19 were positive .
Similarly dire outbreaks have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correctional systems .
In Common ’ s hometown of Chicago , where the Cook County Jail is one of the nation ’ s largest jails , a federal judge last month ordered officials to ensure social distancing among the 4,000 people in custody .
As of Tuesday , 161 inmates and 81 correctional officers were positive for COVID-19 , according to the sheriff ’ s department .
Many more inmates have tested positive but recovered .
Seven inmates who have tested positive have died .
Guaranteeing prisoners ’ safety during the pandemic is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Sam Lewis , executive director of the California-based Anti-Recidivism Coalition , one of nearly 65 partner organizations in the # WeMatterToo campaign .
“ People have made mistakes that put them in jail , ” said Lewis , a former life prisoner .
“ But that does not mean they should just die in those places .
Accountability is not a death sentence.
” Before the pandemic , Common ’ s Imagine Justice group organized regular in-person visits to correctional facilities .
Since the pandemic , visitation has been cut off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Some of the strongest people I ’ ve ever met are in prison , ” Common said .
“ I believe we can come out of this greater than we were before .
”

NEW YORK — Rapper and activist Common went into quarantine concerned about incarcerated people he has met during visits to jails, prisons and juvenile detention centers around the U.S. and who aren’t able to maintain social distance or adopt rigorous hygiene routines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“It’s a troubling time for them,” Common said, “because they are the people who usually are overlooked.”
On Wednesday, his criminal justice reform organization Imagine Justice launched a campaign with dozens of advocacy and activist groups calling attention to the threat that the coronavirus pandemic poses on millions of men, women and youths who are incarcerated in the U.S.
The campaign, dubbed #WeMatterToo, is urging authorities to immediately release people who have served the vast majority of their sentences, especially if they have existing health conditions that put them at greater risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. Although state and local correctional institutions have already released thousands of people from confinement due to the pandemic, supporters of the campaign also want governments to pay for testing and housing for inmates after they are released.
Common said he also hopes to create greater public awareness about what happens inside the nation’s jails and prisons and the impact that has on society.
“We all have unanswered questions about the pandemic,” the Grammy and Academy Award winning rapper said. “But being in prison adds new levels to that questioning, because of the way that people have been treated in prison.”
A two-minute video for the campaign features the voices of inmates who say jail officials are not providing protective equipment or requiring social distancing and have not regularly sanitized shower facilities. The video, shared with The Associated Press ahead of the campaign’s launch, does not identify the inmates or where they are imprisoned.
COVID-19 outbreaks in jails and prisons around the country have caused alarm among advocates, who say inadequate mitigation protocol threatens both the lives of incarcerated people and correctional officers. Last month, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons released data that showed more than 70% of people in federal custody tested for COVID-19 were positive.
Similarly dire outbreaks have been reported in a handful of state-run correctional systems.
In Common’s hometown of Chicago, where the Cook County Jail is one of the nation’s largest jails, a federal judge last month ordered officials to ensure social distancing among the 4,000 people in custody. As of Tuesday, 161 inmates and 81 correctional officers were positive for COVID-19, according to the sheriff’s department. Many more inmates have tested positive but recovered. Seven inmates who have tested positive have died.
Guaranteeing prisoners’ safety during the pandemic is an issue of humanity, not politics, said Sam Lewis, executive director of the California-based Anti-Recidivism Coalition, one of nearly 65 partner organizations in the #WeMatterToo campaign.
“People have made mistakes that put them in jail,” said Lewis, a former life prisoner. “But that does not mean they should just die in those places. Accountability is not a death sentence.”
Before the pandemic, Common’s Imagine Justice group organized regular in-person visits to correctional facilities. Since the pandemic, visitation has been cut off or is severely limited at many facilities.
“Some of the strongest people I’ve ever met are in prison,” Common said. “I believe we can come out of this greater than we were before.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-13--Man charged with murdering grandmother of 11

A college student accused of participating in a gang-related shooting that left a 53-year-old grandmother dead at the Altgeld Gardens public housing complex was ordered held without bail Wednesday .
Kimberly Underwood was returning home on Nov. 6 when Devonte York and others affiliated with the Bar None faction of the Gangster Disciples opened fire on her 2004 Mitsubishi Galant as she drove into a parking lot in the 1000 block of East 132nd Street , Cook County prosecutors said .
Authorities and relatives said Underwood , who had moved to the public housing complex two years earlier after she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to keep her home in Hazel Crest , was apparently mistaken for a rival gang member .
“ That was a tough decision , period , ” Underwood ’ s sister , Sandra told the Chicago Sun-Times last year .
“ But you got ta live somewhere , ” she said .
“ They killed her for nothing .
It was a mistake.
” Sandra Underwood described her sister as a “ beautiful , fun , happy person ” who enjoyed playing bingo .
Kimberly Underwood had two daughters , 11 grandkids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she lived with and cared for , Sandra Underwood said .
Assistant State ’ s Attorney James Murphy said Security camera footage helped authorities identify and charge 26-year-old York with the fatal shooting .
Six others — also captured on surveillance footage heading into rival gang territory in the sprawling complex — could face charges in connection with the Underwood ’ s murder , prosecutors said .
“ While moving east , they took up positions , aimed their weapons at various locations and signaled to each other with hand gestures .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Murphy said .
When Underwood pulled up into the parking lot , one person suddenly began firing at her vehicle , allegedly leading York and the others to shoot .
The group , including York , ran off in different directions .
York was later recognized in the video footage by a Chicago police officer in the Area South Gang Investigation Unit , as well as a witness who had known him since he was a boy , Murphy said .
York was additionally identified by cellphone records , the “ distinctive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gray Jeep he was seen driving on video , Murphy said .
York was wearing the same hoodie and driving the same Jeep when he was arrested Dec. 28 on a weapons charge that is still pending in court , Murphy said .
An assistant public defender said York is a college student who most recently attended Governors State University and was 16 credits shy of obtaining a bachelor ’ s degree .
Hearing about York ’ s academic career prompted Judge John F. Lyke to say , “ Sometimes in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Are you gon na be a gangster or are you gon na be a graduate ?
” York is expected back in court on June 3 .

A college student accused of participating in a gang-related shooting that left a 53-year-old grandmother dead at the Altgeld Gardens public housing complex was ordered held without bail Wednesday.
Kimberly Underwood was returning home on Nov. 6 when Devante York and others affiliated with the Bar None faction of the Gangster Disciples opened fire on her 2004 Mitsubishi Galant as she drove into a parking lot in the 1000 block of East 132nd Street, Cook County prosecutors said.
Authorities and relatives said Underwood, who had moved to the public housing complex two years earlier after she lost her restaurant manager job and was unable to keep her home in Hazel Crest, was apparently mistaken for a rival gang member.
“That was a tough decision, period,” Underwood’s sister, Sandra told the Chicago Sun-Times last year. “But you gotta live somewhere,” she said. “They killed her for nothing. It was a mistake.”
Sandra Underwood described her sister as a “beautiful, fun, happy person” who enjoyed playing bingo.
Kimberly Underwood had two daughters, 11 grandkids and a special needs adult son who she lived with and cared for, Sandra Underwood said.
Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy said Security camera footage helped authorities identify and charge 26-year-old York with the fatal shooting.
Devante York Chicago police
Six others — also captured on surveillance footage heading into rival gang territory in the sprawling complex — could face charges in connection with the Underwood’s murder, prosecutors said.
“While moving east, they took up positions, aimed their weapons at various locations and signaled to each other with hand gestures. However, they did not encounter anyone,” Murphy said.
When Underwood pulled up into the parking lot, one person suddenly began firing at her vehicle, allegedly leading York and the others to shoot.
The group, including York, ran off in different directions. York was later recognized in the video footage by a Chicago police officer in the Area South Gang Investigation Unit, as well as a witness who had known him since he was a boy, Murphy said.
York was additionally identified by cellphone records, the “distinctive Puma hoodie” he was wearing and a gray Jeep he was seen driving on video, Murphy said.
York was wearing the same hoodie and driving the same Jeep when he was arrested Dec. 28 on a weapons charge that is still pending in court, Murphy said.
An assistant public defender said York is a college student who most recently attended Governors State University and was 16 credits shy of obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Hearing about York’s academic career prompted Judge John F. Lyke to say, “Sometimes in your life you gotta make a decision: Are you gonna be a gangster or are you gonna be a graduate?”
York is expected back in court on June 3.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-13--4 more COVID-19 cases in Chicago Police Department

Chicago police announced four more cases of COVID-19 Wednesday , bringing the number of cases in the department to 508 @ @ @ @ @ , 483 are officers and 25 are civilian employees , police said .
A total @ @ @ @ @ positive test results , but the department ’ s medical section has yet to confirm @ @ @ @ @ police said .
The department announced the death of a third officer from complications of @ @ @ @ @ .
Illinois health officials Wednesday announced another 192 COVID-19 deaths , marking the highest death @ @ @ @ @ in the state since the outbreak began .

Chicago police announced four more cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, bringing the number of cases in the department to 508.
Of the confirmed cases, 483 are officers and 25 are civilian employees, police said.
A total of 511 employees have reported positive test results, but the department’s medical section has yet to confirm three of those cases, police said.
The department announced the death of a third officer from complications of the coronavirus on April 17.
Illinois health officials Wednesday announced another 192 COVID-19 deaths, marking the highest death toll in a 24-hour period in the state since the outbreak began.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-14--Dear Abby: My kids can’t visit grandparents who flout COVID-19 rules

DEAR ABBY : My parents have strong opinions .
I don ’ t agree with them in areas such as how to raise or discipline my children .
If I try to explain why , they mock me with their tone of voice .
Then they get mad if I try to discuss it with them and won ’ t speak to me for a couple of weeks .
Currently , they are insisting that I am making a mountain out of a molehill because of the coronavirus .
I stay at home with my children and run out only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents are ignoring all the health recommendations .
They still go out in public places where people are close to each other .
They now want to have all their grandkids over to play and are upset with me because I refuse .
It has reached the point that I don ’ t answer my phone when I see Mom ’ s number because I know she ’ ll lecture me on how I am “ tearing the family apart over this nonsense that we ’ ll just laugh about next year.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect your request for social distancing ?
— DOING WHAT ’ S RIGHT FOR NOW DEAR DOING : Here ’ s how : Stick to your guns .
Remind your mother that your children ’ s welfare is your sacred responsibility .
It is your job to ensure their safety , and it ’ s no laughing matter .
Tell her this is why you have chosen to follow the directions issued by the Centers for Disease Control .
You wish she and your dad would be more careful about their own health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults making their own choices , and you expect that she will extend to you the same courtesy .
Period !
DEAR ABBY : I recently gave a family member a gift .
Immediately upon opening it , they exclaimed , “ I don ’ t want this !
I will never use this .
Can I return it and get something else ?
” This was followed by repeatedly saying they didn ’ t want the item and dragging out of the closet a similar item another family member had given them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already have almost the exact same thing , and I ’ ve never used it.
” This relative kept repeating they didn ’ t ever want anything like this and what I should always get them .
This is the same person , by the way , who buys me whatever they want to get me whether I want it or not , and refuses to listen when I state what I would like as gifts .
Am I too sensitive , or is this behavior bad manners ?
— GIFT HORSE IN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s an example of appalling bad manners and lack of gratitude .
Because the relative is also unwilling or unable to choose appropriate gifts , why not agree to stop exchanging them ?
In cases like this , a nice , neutral greeting card would cause fewer hurt feelings .
DEAR ABBY : My husband and I disagree about something , and I ’ d like you to be the tie-breaker .
One of us believes it ’ s proper to keep the title to a vehicle in the glove compartment of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The other thinks it ’ s foolish and dangerous .
What say you ?
— TIE-BREAKER IN KENTUCKY DEAR TIE-BREAKER : I say it is better to err on the side of caution and keep the title in a safe deposit box or file cabinet .
The same is true for the deed to your home , as well as other important documents .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For everything you need to know about wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My parents have strong opinions. I don’t agree with them in areas such as how to raise or discipline my children. If I try to explain why, they mock me with their tone of voice. Then they get mad if I try to discuss it with them and won’t speak to me for a couple of weeks.
Currently, they are insisting that I am making a mountain out of a molehill because of the coronavirus. I stay at home with my children and run out only to buy food. Abby, my parents are ignoring all the health recommendations. They still go out in public places where people are close to each other.
They now want to have all their grandkids over to play and are upset with me because I refuse. It has reached the point that I don’t answer my phone when I see Mom’s number because I know she’ll lecture me on how I am “tearing the family apart over this nonsense that we’ll just laugh about next year.” How do you get family members to respect your request for social distancing? — DOING WHAT’S RIGHT FOR NOW
DEAR DOING: Here’s how: Stick to your guns. Remind your mother that your children’s welfare is your sacred responsibility. It is your job to ensure their safety, and it’s no laughing matter. Tell her this is why you have chosen to follow the directions issued by the Centers for Disease Control. You wish she and your dad would be more careful about their own health, but you respect that they are adults making their own choices, and you expect that she will extend to you the same courtesy. Period!
DEAR ABBY: I recently gave a family member a gift. Immediately upon opening it, they exclaimed, “I don’t want this! I will never use this. Can I return it and get something else?” This was followed by repeatedly saying they didn’t want the item and dragging out of the closet a similar item another family member had given them, exclaiming, “See? I already have almost the exact same thing, and I’ve never used it.”
This relative kept repeating they didn’t ever want anything like this and what I should always get them. This is the same person, by the way, who buys me whatever they want to get me whether I want it or not, and refuses to listen when I state what I would like as gifts. Am I too sensitive, or is this behavior bad manners? — GIFT HORSE IN WYOMING
DEAR GIFT HORSE: It’s an example of appalling bad manners and lack of gratitude. Because the relative is also unwilling or unable to choose appropriate gifts, why not agree to stop exchanging them? In cases like this, a nice, neutral greeting card would cause fewer hurt feelings.
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I disagree about something, and I’d like you to be the tie-breaker. One of us believes it’s proper to keep the title to a vehicle in the glove compartment of the vehicle alongside the registration and insurance papers. The other thinks it’s foolish and dangerous. What say you? — TIE-BREAKER IN KENTUCKY
DEAR TIE-BREAKER: I say it is better to err on the side of caution and keep the title in a safe deposit box or file cabinet. The same is true for the deed to your home, as well as other important documents.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-05-14--‘The Great’: Would-be satire of Russian empress Catherine isn’t even good

If only “ The Great ” were as great as “ The Great ” seems to think “ The Great ” is , it ’ d be pretty great .
But this 10-part limited series from Hulu is more tiresome then clever , more sadistically off-putting than wickedly funny , more overwrought than impactful .
It desperately wants to be a witty and fanciful historical social satire about famous royalty a la “ The Favourite ” ( and in fact the show ’ s creator , Tony McNamara , co-wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for that 2018 gem ) , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Less than a year after the HBO miniseries “ Catherine the Great ” starring Helen Mirren as the Empress of Russia in the late 18th century , the American actress Elle Fanning affects a British accent to play the Prussian-born , 19-year-old Catherine , who is all quivering excitement on the day she meets her intended , Peter , the King of Russia ( Nicholas Hoult ) .
The honeymoon is literally over when Catherine learns Peter is a petulant , narcissistic , cruel and stupid man .
( On their wedding night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a kiss or making eye contact and continues a conversation with his right-hand man during the decidedly underwhelming and very quick liaison . )
As in Sofia Coppola ’ s candy-colored “ Marie Antoinette , ” the sets and costumes are a symphony of bright hues , as Catherine and the gossiping gaggle of mean girls , aka Ladies in Waiting , are forever changing in and out of elaborate outfits .
( One of the ladies starts a vicious rumor about Catherine and a horse , just to be awful to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look of an old-fashioned , live-action Disney princess , but she drops f-bombs like a character in a Scorsese film , and her sunny optimism soon gives way to a steely determination to overthrow the horrible and criminally inept Peter and take the throne , for the betterment of the Russian people .
Nicholas Hoult ( who was wonderful as Harley in “ The Favourite ” ) romps and stomps all over the place as Peter , who is one of the worst human beings ever seen in any period piece , ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domesticated bear on their wedding night — and casually shoots and kills the poor creature a while later at an indoor party .
He verbally and physically abuses her .
He takes great delight in fornicating with his best friend ’ s wife , often in view of his supposed friend .
He declares war on Sweden for no reason other than he wants to be considered as great as his late father and sends thousands of men to their deaths .
He hosts a dinner party for his top military brass and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the severed heads of Swedish soldiers .
Much of this played for black comedy , but it just ain ’ t funny .
We share Catherine ’ s disgust for this daft lout , but the complicated machinations of her plot to oust him grow more tedious with each passing episode .
As Catherine ’ s loyal maid Marial ( Phoebe Fox ) keeps telling her , just kill the idiot and get on with it .
Put us all out of our misery .

If only “The Great” were as great as “The Great” seems to think “The Great” is, it’d be pretty great.
But this 10-part limited series from Hulu is more tiresome then clever, more sadistically off-putting than wickedly funny, more overwrought than impactful. It desperately wants to be a witty and fanciful historical social satire about famous royalty a la “The Favourite” (and in fact the show’s creator, Tony McNamara, co-wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for that 2018 gem), but that very obviousness works against it.
Less than a year after the HBO miniseries “Catherine the Great” starring Helen Mirren as the Empress of Russia in the late 18th century, the American actress Elle Fanning affects a British accent to play the Prussian-born, 19-year-old Catherine, who is all quivering excitement on the day she meets her intended, Peter, the King of Russia (Nicholas Hoult). The honeymoon is literally over when Catherine learns Peter is a petulant, narcissistic, cruel and stupid man. (On their wedding night, he mounts her without so much as a kiss or making eye contact and continues a conversation with his right-hand man during the decidedly underwhelming and very quick liaison.)
‘The Great’
Untitled A 10-episode series streaming on Hulu beginning Friday.
As in Sofia Coppola’s candy-colored “Marie Antoinette,” the sets and costumes are a symphony of bright hues, as Catherine and the gossiping gaggle of mean girls, aka Ladies in Waiting, are forever changing in and out of elaborate outfits. (One of the ladies starts a vicious rumor about Catherine and a horse, just to be awful to her.) Fanning has the rosy-cheeked look of an old-fashioned, live-action Disney princess, but she drops f-bombs like a character in a Scorsese film, and her sunny optimism soon gives way to a steely determination to overthrow the horrible and criminally inept Peter and take the throne, for the betterment of the Russian people.
Nicholas Hoult (who was wonderful as Harley in “The Favourite”) romps and stomps all over the place as Peter, who is one of the worst human beings ever seen in any period piece, ever. He gifts Catherine with an apparently domesticated bear on their wedding night — and casually shoots and kills the poor creature a while later at an indoor party. He verbally and physically abuses her. He takes great delight in fornicating with his best friend’s wife, often in view of his supposed friend. He declares war on Sweden for no reason other than he wants to be considered as great as his late father and sends thousands of men to their deaths. He hosts a dinner party for his top military brass and serves dessert on platters that also contain the severed heads of Swedish soldiers.
Much of this played for black comedy, but it just ain’t funny. We share Catherine’s disgust for this daft lout, but the complicated machinations of her plot to oust him grow more tedious with each passing episode. As Catherine’s loyal maid Marial (Phoebe Fox) keeps telling her, just kill the idiot and get on with it. Put us all out of our misery.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-14--Landscapers robbed on North Side: police

Chicago police are warning landscapers about a string of recent robberies in the North Side neighborhoods of Logan Square , @ @ @ @ @ each incident , someone approached the landscapers as they worked and stole equipment from their @ @ @ @ @ a gun , Chicago police said .
• About 12:15 p.m. April 28 in the @ @ @ @ @ Avenue ; • About 1:45 p.m. May 11 in the 2700 block of North Francisco @ @ @ @ @ 12 p.m. May 12 in the 6400 block of North Le Mai Avenue .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ call Area Five detectives at 312-746-7394 .
Read more on crime , and track the @ @ @ @ @

Chicago police are warning landscapers about a string of recent robberies in the North Side neighborhoods of Logan Square, Sauganash and Edgebrook.
In each incident, someone approached the landscapers as they worked and stole equipment from their trucks, implying they had a gun, Chicago police said.
The robberies happened:
About 12:15 p.m. April 28 in the 5900 block of North Kilbourn Avenue;
About 1:45 p.m. May 11 in the 2700 block of North Francisco Avenue; and
About 12 p.m. May 12 in the 6400 block of North Le Mai Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Five detectives at 312-746-7394.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.