chicagosun-times--2020-07-10--Cashing in on COVID-19 billions despite Medicare fraud, millions in settlements  (LIVE UPDATES)

Cashing in on COVID-19 billions despite Medicare fraud , millions in settlements A not-for-profit healthcare giant based in Chicago that ’ s paid more than $ 80 million in settlements since 2010 over Medicare and Medicaid fraud and other violations of federal law has received about $ 2 billion in federal money under a program aimed at giving businesses a boost during the coronavirus pandemic .
CommonSpirit Health has gotten the second-highest amount of federal dollars of any Illinois-based company during the COVID-19 pandemic — $ 718 million in grants and $ 1.9 billion in loans , records show .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ money under the CARES Act — the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act — was United Airlines .
CommonSpirit is one of a handful of Illinois companies that have gotten emergency funds during the coronavirus pandemic even after paying out millions in recent years to settle federal violations , according to data compiled and analyzed by Good Jobs First , a nonprofit organization focused on government and corporate accountability .
Read the full story by Stephanie Zimmerman here .
5:15 p.m. Illinois records over 1,000 new coronavirus cases for second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight day of more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for the first time since May , as officials Friday announced an additional 1,317 people have tested positive for the virus .
Another 25 people have died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours , according to new figures released by the Illinois Department of Public Health , raising the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 7,144 .
The latest cases account for 4 % of the 32,987 tests done in the past day , leaving the state with its highest single-day positivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new cases is also the most since June 2 , and has pushed the state ’ s total case count to 151,767 .
Read the full story by Nader Issa here .
4:20 p.m. As coronavirus surges in Republican territory , so does rage over masks After waiting hours for his turn to speak to the Montgomery City Council on June 16 , pulmonologist Dr. William Saliski spoke slowly and in basic terms about what he had seen on the novel coronavirus front lines in his hospital in an area hit harder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described emergency units overrun with COVID-19 patients , roughly 90-percent of whom were Black , and warned that if the spread continued , “ we will be overrun.
” He offered a simple partial solution : the council should pass the ordinance it was considering to require people to wear masks in public .
“ This mask slows that down , ” Saliski said while waving a piece of fabric .
“ Ninety-five percent protection .
Something as easy as this cloth.
” But the doctor was met with skepticism , including from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Montgomery residents to wear masks would be to “ throw our constitutional rights out the window.
” Saliski and other doctors stormed out of the meeting in disgust after the council members voted mostly along racial lines—Black members for the mandate and white members against it—and the ordinance failed .
Such combative scenes have increasingly become the norm in parts of the United States , especially as the virus has taken hold in more conservative regions in the South and West .
Face masks or coverings of the sort recommended by top health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus have become an unlikely focus of partisanship and racial division , leading to mass refusals to wear them or mandate their use even as government leaders have pushed to reopen the economy .
4:01 p.m. City Hall : COVID-19 cases stable , now most prominent among younger Chicagoans Chicago ’ s public health commissioner said Friday that coronavirus cases in the city remain stable , despite a rise in cases elsewhere in the country .
Deaths , hospitalizations and emergency room visits related to COVID-19 in Chicago are at their lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hall .
Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said the city is likely in the next few weeks to even see a day without a coronavirus death for the first time in months .
However , Arwady also said in a conference call with reporters that Chicagoans between the ages of 18 and 29 — members of Generation Z as well as young Millennials — now have the highest daily case rates in the city .
The biggest hotspots for that age group are in Lincoln Park and New City , Arwady said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Caroline Hurley here .
The U.S. Roman Catholic Church used a special and unprecedented exemption from federal rules to amass at least $ 1.4 billion in taxpayer-backed coronavirus aid , with many millions going to dioceses that have paid huge settlements or sought bankruptcy protection because of clergy sexual abuse cover-ups .
The church ’ s haul may have reached — or even exceeded — $ 3.5 billion , making a global religious institution with more than a billion followers among the biggest winners in the U.S. government ’ s pandemic relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal data released this week found .
Houses of worship and faith-based organizations that promote religious beliefs aren ’ t usually eligible for money from the U.S. Small Business Administration .
But as the economy plummeted and jobless rates soared , Congress let faith groups and other nonprofits tap into the Paycheck Protection Program , a $ 659 billion fund created to keep Main Street open and Americans employed .
By aggressively promoting the payroll program and marshaling resources to help affiliates navigate its shifting rules , Catholic dioceses , parishes , schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval for at least 3,500 forgivable loans , AP found .
2:30 p.m. All bars must now close by midnight to prevent ‘ late-night congregating , ’ city says Beginning Friday , the Riverwalk will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. , the city announced .
The Riverwalk reopened to the public in June , but with limited hours and other restrictions .
In other city coronavirus-related news , the city announced , effective immediately , all bars , restaurants , breweries and any other establishments that serve alcohol will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ While the majority of establishments are following regulations and taking important preventative steps , this directive will minimize the spread of COVID-19 by preventing late-night congregating that could occur after the cutoff of sales , ” according to a statement from the city .
“ Only curbside pickup or delivery of food can occur after midnight , provided that patrons do not enter or remain in the establishment .
Restaurants [ that ] do do not have a liquor license are not subject to the midnight closure order.
” Read more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the union representing its pilots have reached a tentative agreement governing furloughs , leaves of absence and early retirements , both sides said Friday .
The agreement is designed to reduce the number of forced job losses , said Capt .
Todd Insler , chairman of the United bargaining unit at the Air Line Pilots Association International .
The Chicago-based airline said Wednesday that up to 36,000 employees may be furloughed , including up to 2,250 pilots .
Insler said the bargaining unit ’ s board will consider the agreement next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they would not discuss details until it is approved .
“ These programs are designed to find as many volunteers as possible interested in stepping back from active flying , ” Insler said in a letter to fellow pilots Thursday night .
Read the full story from David Roeder here .
10:22 a.m. Starbucks in-store customers will be required to wear face masks starting July 15 Starbucks will now require customers and employees to wear face masks when they enter stores .
The policy applies to all company-owned café locations in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starbucks .
At select locations where a local government mandate is not in place , customers that may not be wearing a facial covering will have various options to order their Starbucks , including ordering at the drive-thru , curbside pickup through the Starbucks app or placing an order for delivery through Starbucks Delivers .
“ The company is committed to playing a constructive role in supporting health and government officials as they work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 , ” reads the statement .
8:35 a.m .
Employers report 15,600 job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in June notified the state of layoffs involving 15,600 people , the highest monthly total since the start of the coronavirus .
Dominating the list of job cuts were hotels , casinos , restaurants and caterers , all areas hit hard when the pandemic took hold in the Chicago area during March .
The layoff notices are supposed to come at least 60 days in advance of any cuts , but many employers appeared to be playing catch-up , listing reductions that they said began in March .
Many described the layoffs as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hyatt hotel chain , run by the Pritzker family , which detailed layoffs for its Hyatt Regency hotels downtown , at McCormick Place and at O ’ Hare Airport .
Among the many other hotel chains cutting jobs here were Renaissance , Marriott , Westin and Hilton .
The Hollywood casinos in Joliet and Aurora reported layoffs , as did Argosy Casino in Alton .
The largest layoff at a single location was 990 at SMG Food & Beverage , located near McCormick Place and with a business that depends on conventions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SMG told state officials the layoffs would be temporary .
Read the full report from David Roeder here .
7:18 a.m. Would you go to the beach or a public pool if you could ?
What Chicagoans told us .
With temperatures in the 90s for day after day , we asked Chicagoans whether they ’ d venture out to the city ’ s pools and beaches if they were open .
Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity .
“ I would go to a pool to swim laps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the numbers to a minimum , but hell no to any ‘ free swims.
’ I don ’ t really go to the beach because the lake is cold , and sand is annoying.
” — Shannon Heath Jeropke “ I would not because it would be flooded with people — taking no safety precautions , of course — and I ’ m trying to stay healthy !
Plus I have my own pool in my backyard.
” — Jaleesa Flores “ Ugh .
I ’ d love to go to the beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national park beaches are beautiful .
But they are totally crowded with people coming from Illinois .
Can ’ t find parking , can ’ t find a socially distanced place to sit , and everyone is leaving loads of trash behind.
” — Chris Jacobs Clark Read more responses from our readers on the topic here .
• llinois was hit with its worst day for new coronavirus cases in over a month Thursday as health officials announced an additional 1,018 people have tested positive , sending the state ’ s overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois Department of Public Health also said another 20 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19 , raising the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 7,119 .
7:52 a.m. We can ’ t fly ; we can ’ t hug ; at least let us grin When my boss asked me to gather thoughts on Alinea ’ s new novel coronavirus-shaped canapé , conscientious newsman that I am , I suggested heading over right away to try the tidbit .
To comment intelligently , I had to first sample the purplish sphere of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with freeze-dried raspberries that caused some on Instagram to grouse that lives lost to COVID-19 are being mocked by a confection .
Alas , time is of the essence .
So all I could do is acquaint myself with the thorough treatment by Block Club Chicago , which sadly chose to quote one , count ’ em , one disgruntled person , complaining on Instagram .
“ This isn ’ t ok ... this isn ’ t ‘ cute.
’ This is shameful , ” wrote the irked individual .
No , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ’ s schools re-open in the fall , pandemic be damned .
As is the same people who are willing to sacrifice Grandma to stay behind him now tossing Junior onto the pyre as well .
Our nation marinates in humiliation like Hawaiian chicken .

On Friday, the numbers of new cases of the coronavirus kept creeping up in Illinois — 1,317 new coronavirus cases on Friday, the highest daily total in more than five weeks and the first two-day stretch with tallies exceeding 1,000 since May and another 25 people have died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
In Chicago, the health officials released information that coronavirus cases in the city remain stable, despite a rise in cases elsewhere in the country and that Chicagoans between the ages of 18 and 29 — members of Generation Z as well as young Millennials — now have the highest daily case rates in the city.
And on Friday, the Riverwalk was opened with expanded hours — from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Riverwalk reopened to the public in June, but with limited hours and other restrictions.
Here’s what happened today in the fight against the coronavirus in the city, state and nation.
News
9 p.m. Cashing in on COVID-19 billions despite Medicare fraud, millions in settlements
CommonSpirit Health, headquartered downtown at at 444 W. Lake St., got the second-highest amount of CARES Act money among Illinois-based parent companies. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
A not-for-profit healthcare giant based in Chicago that’s paid more than $80 million in settlements since 2010 over Medicare and Medicaid fraud and other violations of federal law has received about $2 billion in federal money under a program aimed at giving businesses a boost during the coronavirus pandemic.
CommonSpirit Health has gotten the second-highest amount of federal dollars of any Illinois-based company during the COVID-19 pandemic — $718 million in grants and $1.9 billion in loans, records show.
The only Illinois parent company getting more money under the CARES Act — the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — was United Airlines.
CommonSpirit is one of a handful of Illinois companies that have gotten emergency funds during the coronavirus pandemic even after paying out millions in recent years to settle federal violations, according to data compiled and analyzed by Good Jobs First, a nonprofit organization focused on government and corporate accountability.
Read the full story by Stephanie Zimmerman here.
8 p.m. Black health, well-being were struck a brutal double blow by coronavirus, George Floyd death
Well before the resounding cries of “Black Lives Matter,” doctors have known that Black people suffer disproportionately.
As a group, they face countless challenges to good health, among them food, transportation and income. The stress of living with racism has real, physical effects. And they are especially prone to diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases that can be tricky to manage even in normal times.
Then came COVID-19 and George Floyd. It quickly became clear that institutions designed to ensure the two most important things in life — health and safety — had converged to turn against one segment of the population in a brutal blow to Black people’s well-being that has renewed calls for racial justice in all realms, including health care.
“We are exhausted, and we are not OK,” said Dr. Patrice Harris, a psychiatrist who just ended her yearlong term as president of the American Medical Association.
Read the full story here.
5:15 p.m. Illinois records over 1,000 new coronavirus cases for second straight day
Illinois has recorded its second straight day of more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for the first time since May, as officials Friday announced an additional 1,317 people have tested positive for the virus.
Another 25 people have died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, according to new figures released by the Illinois Department of Public Health, raising the state’s pandemic death toll to 7,144.
The latest cases account for 4% of the 32,987 tests done in the past day, leaving the state with its highest single-day positivity rate since early June. The number of new cases is also the most since June 2, and has pushed the state’s total case count to 151,767.
Read the full story by Nader Issa here.
4:20 p.m. As coronavirus surges in Republican territory, so does rage over masks
After waiting hours for his turn to speak to the Montgomery City Council on June 16, pulmonologist Dr. William Saliski spoke slowly and in basic terms about what he had seen on the novel coronavirus front lines in his hospital in an area hit harder than any other in Alabama.
He described emergency units overrun with COVID-19 patients, roughly 90-percent of whom were Black, and warned that if the spread continued, “we will be overrun.”
He offered a simple partial solution: the council should pass the ordinance it was considering to require people to wear masks in public.
“This mask slows that down,” Saliski said while waving a piece of fabric. “Ninety-five percent protection. Something as easy as this cloth.”
But the doctor was met with skepticism, including from a councilman who suggested that to order Montgomery residents to wear masks would be to “throw our constitutional rights out the window.”
Saliski and other doctors stormed out of the meeting in disgust after the council members voted mostly along racial lines—Black members for the mandate and white members against it—and the ordinance failed.
Such combative scenes have increasingly become the norm in parts of the United States, especially as the virus has taken hold in more conservative regions in the South and West. Face masks or coverings of the sort recommended by top health officials to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus have become an unlikely focus of partisanship and racial division, leading to mass refusals to wear them or mandate their use even as government leaders have pushed to reopen the economy.
4:01 p.m. City Hall: COVID-19 cases stable, now most prominent among younger Chicagoans
Chicago’s public health commissioner said Friday that coronavirus cases in the city remain stable, despite a rise in cases elsewhere in the country.
Deaths, hospitalizations and emergency room visits related to COVID-19 in Chicago are at their lowest levels since March, according to City Hall. Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said the city is likely in the next few weeks to even see a day without a coronavirus death for the first time in months.
However, Arwady also said in a conference call with reporters that Chicagoans between the ages of 18 and 29 — members of Generation Z as well as young Millennials — now have the highest daily case rates in the city.
The biggest hotspots for that age group are in Lincoln Park and New City, Arwady said.
Read the full story by Jon Seidel and Caroline Hurley here.
3:10 p.m. Catholic Church lobbied for taxpayer funds, got $1.4B: AP
The U.S. Roman Catholic Church used a special and unprecedented exemption from federal rules to amass at least $1.4 billion in taxpayer-backed coronavirus aid, with many millions going to dioceses that have paid huge settlements or sought bankruptcy protection because of clergy sexual abuse cover-ups.
The church’s haul may have reached — or even exceeded — $3.5 billion, making a global religious institution with more than a billion followers among the biggest winners in the U.S. government’s pandemic relief efforts, an Associated Press analysis of federal data released this week found.
Houses of worship and faith-based organizations that promote religious beliefs aren’t usually eligible for money from the U.S. Small Business Administration. But as the economy plummeted and jobless rates soared, Congress let faith groups and other nonprofits tap into the Paycheck Protection Program, a $659 billion fund created to keep Main Street open and Americans employed.
By aggressively promoting the payroll program and marshaling resources to help affiliates navigate its shifting rules, Catholic dioceses, parishes, schools and other ministries have so far received approval for at least 3,500 forgivable loans, AP found.
Read the full story here.
2:30 p.m. All bars must now close by midnight to prevent ‘late-night congregating,’ city says
Beginning Friday, the Riverwalk will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the city announced. The Riverwalk reopened to the public in June, but with limited hours and other restrictions.
In other city coronavirus-related news, the city announced, effective immediately, all bars, restaurants, breweries and any other establishments that serve alcohol will be required to close no later than midnight.
“While the majority of establishments are following regulations and taking important preventative steps, this directive will minimize the spread of COVID-19 by preventing late-night congregating that could occur after the cutoff of sales,” according to a statement from the city.
“Only curbside pickup or delivery of food can occur after midnight, provided that patrons do not enter or remain in the establishment. Restaurants [that] do do not have a liquor license are not subject to the midnight closure order.”
Read more from Stefano Esposito here.
1:47 p.m. United, pilots reach tentative furlough deal
United Airlines and the union representing its pilots have reached a tentative agreement governing furloughs, leaves of absence and early retirements, both sides said Friday.
The agreement is designed to reduce the number of forced job losses, said Capt. Todd Insler, chairman of the United bargaining unit at the Air Line Pilots Association International.
The Chicago-based airline said Wednesday that up to 36,000 employees may be furloughed, including up to 2,250 pilots.
Insler said the bargaining unit’s board will consider the agreement next week. Spokesmen for the union and United said they would not discuss details until it is approved.
“These programs are designed to find as many volunteers as possible interested in stepping back from active flying,” Insler said in a letter to fellow pilots Thursday night.
Read the full story from David Roeder here.
10:22 a.m. Starbucks in-store customers will be required to wear face masks starting July 15
Starbucks will now require customers and employees to wear face masks when they enter stores.
The policy applies to all company-owned café locations in the U.S., according to a statement by Starbucks.
At select locations where a local government mandate is not in place, customers that may not be wearing a facial covering will have various options to order their Starbucks, including ordering at the drive-thru, curbside pickup through the Starbucks app or placing an order for delivery through Starbucks Delivers.
“The company is committed to playing a constructive role in supporting health and government officials as they work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” reads the statement.
Read more here.
8:35 a.m. Employers report 15,600 job cuts to state in June
Illinois employers in June notified the state of layoffs involving 15,600 people, the highest monthly total since the start of the coronavirus.
Dominating the list of job cuts were hotels, casinos, restaurants and caterers, all areas hit hard when the pandemic took hold in the Chicago area during March. The layoff notices are supposed to come at least 60 days in advance of any cuts, but many employers appeared to be playing catch-up, listing reductions that they said began in March. Many described the layoffs as temporary.
Prominent on the list was the Hyatt hotel chain, run by the Pritzker family, which detailed layoffs for its Hyatt Regency hotels downtown, at McCormick Place and at O’Hare Airport. Among the many other hotel chains cutting jobs here were Renaissance, Marriott, Westin and Hilton.
The Hollywood casinos in Joliet and Aurora reported layoffs, as did Argosy Casino in Alton.
The largest layoff at a single location was 990 at SMG Food & Beverage, located near McCormick Place and with a business that depends on conventions, which have been shut down. SMG told state officials the layoffs would be temporary.
Read the full report from David Roeder here.
7:18 a.m. Would you go to the beach or a public pool if you could? What Chicagoans told us.
With temperatures in the 90s for day after day, we asked Chicagoans whether they’d venture out to the city’s pools and beaches if they were open. Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
“I would go to a pool to swim laps where you have a reservation to keep the numbers to a minimum, but hell no to any ‘free swims.’ I don’t really go to the beach because the lake is cold, and sand is annoying.” — Shannon Heath Jeropke
“I would not because it would be flooded with people — taking no safety precautions, of course — and I’m trying to stay healthy! Plus I have my own pool in my backyard.” — Jaleesa Flores
“Ugh. I’d love to go to the beach. I live in Indiana. The national park beaches are beautiful. But they are totally crowded with people coming from Illinois. Can’t find parking, can’t find a socially distanced place to sit, and everyone is leaving loads of trash behind.” — Chris Jacobs Clark
Read more responses from our readers on the topic here.
New cases
Brazil’s President Bolsonaro tests positive for COVID-19.
llinois was hit with its worst day for new coronavirus cases in over a month Thursday as health officials announced an additional 1,018 people have tested positive, sending the state’s overall case tally over 150,000.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also said another 20 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19, raising the state’s pandemic death toll to 7,119.
Analysis & Commentary
7:52 a.m. We can’t fly; we can’t hug; at least let us grin
When my boss asked me to gather thoughts on Alinea’s new novel coronavirus-shaped canapé, conscientious newsman that I am, I suggested heading over right away to try the tidbit. To comment intelligently, I had to first sample the purplish sphere of coconut custard with Szechuan peppercorn, dotted with freeze-dried raspberries that caused some on Instagram to grouse that lives lost to COVID-19 are being mocked by a confection.
Shoe-leather reporting. Direct experience. Can’t beat it.
Alas, time is of the essence. So all I could do is acquaint myself with the thorough treatment by Block Club Chicago, which sadly chose to quote one, count ’em, one disgruntled person, complaining on Instagram.
“This isn’t ok ... this isn’t ‘cute.’ This is shameful,” wrote the irked individual.
No, what’s shameful is Donald Trump insisting America’s schools re-open in the fall, pandemic be damned. As is the same people who are willing to sacrifice Grandma to stay behind him now tossing Junior onto the pyre as well. Our nation marinates in humiliation like Hawaiian chicken.
Read Neil Steinberg’s full column here.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Man killed in Joliet shooting

Man killed in Joliet shooting

A man was found shot to death Thursday in southwest suburban Joliet .
Officers responding shortly before 8 p.m. found @ @ @ @ @ gunshot wounds on the rear porch of a home in the 200 block of Lincoln @ @ @ @ @ to a statement from Joliet police .
He was taken to Saint Joseph Medical Center @ @ @ @ @ was pronounced dead , police said .
He lived in Joliet .
Detectives are still @ @ @ @ @ the shooting , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at @ @ @ @ @ Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ @ @ @

A man was found shot to death Thursday in southwest suburban Joliet.
Officers responding shortly before 8 p.m. found the 24-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds on the rear porch of a home in the 200 block of Lincoln Street in Joliet, according to a statement from Joliet police.
He was taken to Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He lived in Joliet.
Detectives are still looking into the circumstances of the shooting, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 815-724-3020 or contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Dear Abby: On beach, do I have to cover up my tattoo of a naked angel?

DEAR ABBY : I ’ m in my early 30s .
I live and work in a beach town and visit the ocean often on my time off .
I have a large tattoo on my side , and while it ’ s tasteful and well done , it depicts nudity ( an angel ) .
It ’ s always covered by a shirt and never exposed at work .
While I know we ’ re living in a progressive era of expression , including body art , I wonder if it ’ s appropriate to go shirtless and display @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could it be considered offensive to some folks who are not as open-minded ?
I see plenty of other people display all kinds of ink at the beach , even with kids around .
I have only had positive feedback about mine .
The beachgoers I ’ ve met seem to be open-minded .
To cover up or let it show — what are your thoughts ?
— TATTED IN FLORIDA DEAR TATTED : If you want to get a tan , then go for it , but use sunscreen .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large naked angel getting roasted on the sand , so if you receive stares or critical comments , you may be more comfortable covering up .
DEAR ABBY : I am married to the kindest and most wonderful man in the world .
We are happy and enjoy each other ’ s company .
He is impotent and was taking medication to correct it while we were dating and at the beginning of our marriage .
The medication gave him terrible headaches , so we agreed to just let the sexual aspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That was 10 years ago .
I was OK with it until I started dreaming about having sex with random men .
Yikes !
I love my husband and would never cheat on him .
I ’ m at a loss .
Please help .
— JUST A DREAM DEAR JUST A DREAM : Being able to talk about these dreams may help them be less troubling and probably less frequent .
If discussing them with your husband might upset or threaten him — you know him better than I do — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relative or a licensed mental health professional so you can vent .
Of one thing I am sure : The harder one tries to suppress dreams , the more often they occur .
DEAR ABBY : I have very loud joints .
When I stretch out my neck , back , fingers , etc.
, my joints pop , click , crack , whatever you call it .
They ’ ve always done this , and it isn ’ t painful .
The noise just happens when I stretch my body .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they find it gross and don ’ t want to hear it .
I want to be considerate , but sometimes I pop my joints automatically without thinking or because I really need to stretch .
Is making this sound rude ?
I don ’ t try to make a lot of noise , but I can ’ t help it .
— NOISY LADY IN MICHIGAN DEAR NOISY LADY : According to the Cleveland Clinic , the older a person gets , the more noise one ’ s joints can make .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is pain along with it , it may be time to consult a doctor .
Because the noise is disconcerting to those around you , try to be mindful and refrain from doing it in their presence , or gently stretch the muscles around those joints , which may eliminate your need to “ pop off ” entirely .
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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90069 .
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets : “ Abby ’ s Favorite Recipes ” and “ More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 16 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Cookbooklet Set , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I’m in my early 30s. I live and work in a beach town and visit the ocean often on my time off. I have a large tattoo on my side, and while it’s tasteful and well done, it depicts nudity (an angel). It’s always covered by a shirt and never exposed at work.
While I know we’re living in a progressive era of expression, including body art, I wonder if it’s appropriate to go shirtless and display edgier graphic images like mine. Or could it be considered offensive to some folks who are not as open-minded?
I see plenty of other people display all kinds of ink at the beach, even with kids around. I have only had positive feedback about mine. The beachgoers I’ve met seem to be open-minded. To cover up or let it show — what are your thoughts? — TATTED IN FLORIDA
DEAR TATTED: If you want to get a tan, then go for it, but use sunscreen. However, not all beachgoers will be thrilled seeing a large naked angel getting roasted on the sand, so if you receive stares or critical comments, you may be more comfortable covering up.
DEAR ABBY: I am married to the kindest and most wonderful man in the world. We are happy and enjoy each other’s company.
He is impotent and was taking medication to correct it while we were dating and at the beginning of our marriage. The medication gave him terrible headaches, so we agreed to just let the sexual aspect of our marriage go by the wayside. That was 10 years ago. I was OK with it until I started dreaming about having sex with random men. Yikes!
I love my husband and would never cheat on him. I’m at a loss. Please help. — JUST A DREAM
DEAR JUST A DREAM: Being able to talk about these dreams may help them be less troubling and probably less frequent. If discussing them with your husband might upset or threaten him — you know him better than I do — then talk with a trusted friend or relative or a licensed mental health professional so you can vent. Of one thing I am sure: The harder one tries to suppress dreams, the more often they occur.
DEAR ABBY: I have very loud joints. When I stretch out my neck, back, fingers, etc., my joints pop, click, crack, whatever you call it. They’ve always done this, and it isn’t painful. The noise just happens when I stretch my body.
Some of my family and friends tell me they find it gross and don’t want to hear it. I want to be considerate, but sometimes I pop my joints automatically without thinking or because I really need to stretch. Is making this sound rude? I don’t try to make a lot of noise, but I can’t help it. — NOISY LADY IN MICHIGAN
DEAR NOISY LADY: According to the Cleveland Clinic, the older a person gets, the more noise one’s joints can make. This is normal. However, if there is pain along with it, it may be time to consult a doctor.
Because the noise is disconcerting to those around you, try to be mindful and refrain from doing it in their presence, or gently stretch the muscles around those joints, which may eliminate your need to “pop off” entirely.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Suspect fleeing Loop crash steals van with woman inside: police

Someone stole a van with a passenger still inside Saturday after fleeing a crash in the Loop .
Officers saw @ @ @ @ @ a red light and hit another vehicle at 12:34 a.m. in the 100 block of @ @ @ @ @ to Chicago police .
No injuries were reported in the crash .
Four males got @ @ @ @ @ ran away , police said .
One of them ran to the 100 block of @ @ @ @ @ got into a 2014 Kia van that was running with a 20-year-old woman in the @ @ @ @ @ off , eventually leaving the woman at a gas station in the 5900 block of @ @ @ @ @ Englewood , according to police .
She was not hurt .
One of the four @ @ @ @ @ 200 block of North Michigan Avenue , police said .
Two weapons were recovered from @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Someone stole a van with a passenger still inside Saturday after fleeing a crash in the Loop.
Officers saw a 2008 Pontiac sedan run a red light and hit another vehicle at 12:34 a.m. in the 100 block of North Wacker Drive, according to Chicago police. No injuries were reported in the crash.
Four males got out of the Pontiac and ran away, police said. One of them ran to the 100 block of East Wacker, where he got into a 2014 Kia van that was running with a 20-year-old woman in the back seat.
He drove off, eventually leaving the woman at a gas station in the 5900 block of South Ashland Avenue in West Englewood, according to police. She was not hurt.
One of the four suspects was arrested in the 200 block of North Michigan Avenue, police said. Two weapons were recovered from inside the crashed Pontiac.
Area Three detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--No bail for pair charged with gunning down man in Austin last summer

Bail was denied Friday for two 20-year-old men charged in connection with a fatal shooting last summer in Austin on the West Side .
Romeo Langston and Jahuan Smith are each charged with first-degree murder for the Aug. 4 , 2019 , killing of Deon Nelson , according to the Cook County state ’ s attorney ’ s office .
That night , Nelson and his girlfriend , both 21 , were planning to meet up with Langston , prosecutors said .
Nelson and Langston met at North Lockwood and West Wabansia avenues .
At one point during the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people nearby , approached them , prosecutors said .
Nelson ’ s girlfriend recognized him since he dated one of her relatives in the past .
Nelson told his girlfriend that he believed Smith had shot him in January 2018 .
After the encounter , the couple pulled into a lot at a gas station at Central and Bloomingdale avenues , prosecutors said .
Nelson , worried they were being followed , left the lot without getting gas and turned onto Bloomingdale .
Nelson stopped at a red light at the intersection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Live stream , prosecutors said .
As he recorded , Langston and Smith ran up and fired shots into the car .
Nelson was struck multiple times , and bullets grazed his girlfriend , prosecutors said .
He was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital , according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office .
The woman was treated by paramedics at the scene .
Gunfire could be heard on the lie streamed video , along with Nelson and his girlfriend ’ s reactions , prosecutors said .
Surveillance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found multiple shell casings at the scene , prosecutors said .
Nelson ’ s girlfriend later identified Smith and Langston in photos .
Cell phone records show Langston and Smith were both near the original meeting spot just before the shooting , prosecutors said .
Investigators also recovered several “ incriminating ” Facebook messages in the weeks following the shooting .
Langston was on parole in an armed robbery case at the time of the shooting , according to Illinois Department of Corrections records .
He was sentenced to 10 years in prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parole in May 2019 .
Smith is currently facing felony unlawful use of a weapon charges in another case from October 2019 , according to Cook County court records .
Both men are expected to appear in court again in the murder case July 30 .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Bail was denied Friday for two 20-year-old men charged in connection with a fatal shooting last summer in Austin on the West Side.
Romeo Langston and Jahuan Smith are each charged with first-degree murder for the Aug. 4, 2019, killing of Deon Nelson, according to the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.
That night, Nelson and his girlfriend, both 21, were planning to meet up with Langston, prosecutors said. Nelson and Langston met at North Lockwood and West Wabansia avenues.
At one point during the meeting Smith, who was with a group of people nearby, approached them, prosecutors said. Nelson’s girlfriend recognized him since he dated one of her relatives in the past. Nelson told his girlfriend that he believed Smith had shot him in January 2018.
After the encounter, the couple pulled into a lot at a gas station at Central and Bloomingdale avenues, prosecutors said. Nelson, worried they were being followed, left the lot without getting gas and turned onto Bloomingdale.
Nelson stopped at a red light at the intersection with Central Avenue and started a Facebook Live stream, prosecutors said. As he recorded, Langston and Smith ran up and fired shots into the car.
Nelson was struck multiple times, and bullets grazed his girlfriend, prosecutors said. He was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital, according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. The woman was treated by paramedics at the scene.
Gunfire could be heard on the lie streamed video, along with Nelson and his girlfriend’s reactions, prosecutors said. Surveillance video also captured the incident.
Investigators found multiple shell casings at the scene, prosecutors said. Nelson’s girlfriend later identified Smith and Langston in photos.
Cell phone records show Langston and Smith were both near the original meeting spot just before the shooting, prosecutors said. Investigators also recovered several “incriminating” Facebook messages in the weeks following the shooting.
Langston was on parole in an armed robbery case at the time of the shooting, according to Illinois Department of Corrections records. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in the 2014 case and released on parole in May 2019.
Smith is currently facing felony unlawful use of a weapon charges in another case from October 2019, according to Cook County court records.
Both men are expected to appear in court again in the murder case July 30.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-10--Horoscope for Saturday, July 11, 2020

Horoscope for Saturday, July 11, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Aries .
Hold the phone !
The moon is in your sign and it ’ s lined up with your ruler Mars .
This can make you irritable , impulsive , and ready to jump the gun .
Your impulse will be to make a quick decision without getting all the facts or to rush something through .
Don ’ t be hasty .
You might be hot under the collar about something but feel that you can not speak up .
( This is always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often , you are someone who chooses the time when they decide to vent their feelings .
You are very wise this way .
You might find yourself at odds with a friend or a member of a group .
Likewise , you might be in competition with someone or they could be part of a sports team or there is some kind of athletic relationship .
Either way , you will likely butt heads .
Stay cool .
Today you might be mad at a parent , boss or someone in authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Think before you act or before you mouth off .
Do not say or do anything that you later regret .
Never underestimate the power of courtesy .
Steer clear of controversial subjects like politics , religion and racial issues because you will encourage arguments .
This is because you are opinionated and have strong views about something , and today you will express them !
( Don ’ t lose a friend over this . )
Disputes about shared property , inheritances or anything that you own jointly with someone else might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hot under the collar !
These are poor conditions to have important discussions about money or assets .
Don ’ t do it .
You might attract someone to you today who is angry and wants to let off steam .
Possibly , you are the angry person .
Maybe you both are angry !
Hopefully , none of these scenarios will take place .
But they might .
The truth is that although you ’ re a great debater , you hate fighting .
Don ’ t run roughshod over coworkers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because you have strong views about something .
Yes , this sounds harsh but today people are opinionated and pushy !
Everyone is inclined to act or speak without thinking .
Be smart .
Parents need to be patient with their kids today because this is the classic day for hissy fits and meltdowns .
Likewise , romantic partners might be at odds .
Remember that anger only makes everyone miserable .
Look for ways to keep the peace and restore harmony .
Family arguments might arise today because of ideas that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but whatever the case , there is tension !
People want their own way .
No one is willing to compromise .
In fact , people will act too quickly and too impulsively .
( Yikes ! )
This is a fast-moving , energetic day .
Meanwhile , you identify strongly with your ideas and opinions , which could make you argumentative .
If someone disagrees with me you , you might take it personally .
Relax .
Rome wasn ’ t built in a day .
In fact , I hear they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disputes about money , possessions or something that you own or an asset that you have might arise today .
Alternatively , you might have some regrets because you acted too quickly regarding money and possessions .
When it comes to your personal wealth , take a moment for a sober , second thought .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Serinda Swan ( 1984 ) shares your birthday .
Although you are a dreamer , you are thorough and pay attention to detail .
It ’ s encouraging to see that your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Channel your energy and focus on building solid foundations now and for the future .
Work with purpose .
Physical exercise will be important , which is why you should explore something physical that you like to do .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Aries.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Hold the phone! The moon is in your sign and it’s lined up with your ruler Mars. This can make you irritable, impulsive, and ready to jump the gun. Your impulse will be to make a quick decision without getting all the facts or to rush something through. Don’t be hasty.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You might be hot under the collar about something but feel that you cannot speak up. (This is always so difficult.) Nevertheless, quite often, you are someone who chooses the time when they decide to vent their feelings. You are very wise this way.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
You might find yourself at odds with a friend or a member of a group. Likewise, you might be in competition with someone or they could be part of a sports team or there is some kind of athletic relationship. Either way, you will likely butt heads. Stay cool.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Today you might be mad at a parent, boss or someone in authority or even someone in law enforcement. Think before you act or before you mouth off. Do not say or do anything that you later regret. Never underestimate the power of courtesy.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Steer clear of controversial subjects like politics, religion and racial issues because you will encourage arguments. This is because you are opinionated and have strong views about something, and today you will express them! (Don’t lose a friend over this.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Disputes about shared property, inheritances or anything that you own jointly with someone else might arise today. The fact is everyone is hot under the collar! These are poor conditions to have important discussions about money or assets. Don’t do it.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
You might attract someone to you today who is angry and wants to let off steam. Possibly, you are the angry person. Maybe you both are angry! Hopefully, none of these scenarios will take place. But they might. The truth is that although you’re a great debater, you hate fighting.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Don’t run roughshod over coworkers, customers or employees at work just because you have strong views about something. Yes, this sounds harsh but today people are opinionated and pushy! Everyone is inclined to act or speak without thinking. Be smart.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Parents need to be patient with their kids today because this is the classic day for hissy fits and meltdowns. Likewise, romantic partners might be at odds. Remember that anger only makes everyone miserable. Look for ways to keep the peace and restore harmony.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Family arguments might arise today because of ideas that you have or ideas that someone else has but whatever the case, there is tension! People want their own way. No one is willing to compromise. In fact, people will act too quickly and too impulsively. (Yikes!)
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
This is a fast-moving, energetic day. Meanwhile, you identify strongly with your ideas and opinions, which could make you argumentative. If someone disagrees with me you, you might take it personally. Relax. Rome wasn’t built in a day. In fact, I hear they’re still working on it.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Disputes about money, possessions or something that you own or an asset that you have might arise today. Alternatively, you might have some regrets because you acted too quickly regarding money and possessions. When it comes to your personal wealth, take a moment for a sober, second thought.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Serinda Swan (1984) shares your birthday. Although you are a dreamer, you are thorough and pay attention to detail. It’s encouraging to see that your hard work will start to pay off this year. Channel your energy and focus on building solid foundations now and for the future. Work with purpose. Physical exercise will be important, which is why you should explore something physical that you like to do.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-10--Cubs’ Epstein unready to discuss Bryant’s status, says coronavirus ‘in control right now’

Cubs president Theo Epstein isn ’ t ready to talk about the future of All-Star third baseman Kris Bryant .
Epstein isn ’ t even ready to talk wins and losses in 2020 .
“ Right now , it ’ s hard enough to predict what tomorrow or next week will look like , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a fool ’ s errand , I think , to try to predict what next year will look like or the next five years .
That ’ s just the reality of the world we ’ re in.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bitter mouthful : Every team in the majors is a house of cards right now .
That includes the Cubs , who are believed to be the only National League team without a positive test for COVID-19 among its players .
There ’ s a lot of pride around Wrigley Field in how players have adhered to health-and-safety protocols , but that and a bag of baseballs won ’ t buy them a moment of breathing easy .
“ We can ’ t allow the good results thus far to create the illusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control , because we ’ re not , ” Epstein said .
“ The virus is the only thing in control right now.
” Bryant said this week that he hoped the Cubs wouldn ’ t trade him during a pandemic and expressed renewed interest in speaking with the club about a possible contract extension .
He ’ s under contract through 2021 .
“ Honestly , I appreciate Kris ’ comments , ” he said .
“ I know that he loves being here , and he knows that we love having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
.
.
“ [ But ] to delve too deeply into that and discuss contractual situations , it gets to a point where if you talk too much about it , it becomes inappropriate given the realities of everything going on in the world and where our focus truly is right now .
So there will be a time to discuss those things later , but I personally don ’ t feel comfortable talking about that right now.
” Outfielder Albert Almora left the simulated game Friday night at Wrigley Field after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure looked like it when Almora raced straight back on a shot by Bryant off Craig Kimbrel but was unable to snare the ball before his momentum led him into the ivy-covered brick wall .
Outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Jason Heyward rushed to Almora , who remained facedown on the warning track for about two minutes as two trainers and manager David Ross tended to him .
After walking about 25 feet toward the dugout , Almora , hat and glove off , went down to a knee for a few seconds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under his own power — he took a slow , ginger walk to the dugout , down the steps and into the clubhouse .
Not 10 minutes later , word came from a Cubs spokesman that Almora had mildly bruised his ribs and could be back in action at camp on Saturday .
Not a minute after that , Almora was standing in the on-deck circle with a bat in his hand .
He walked to the plate and hit an RBI single .
It was a third consecutive day on the shelf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a sore back .
There isn ’ t a lot of concern about him , either , though .
“ Rizz is getting better , ” Epstein said .
“ It seems like a minor and very manageable issue , something that he ’ s gotten through in the past .
He looks to be on that same timetable.
” Tyler Chatwood saw enough of Schwarber to last him awhile .
The slugger homered deep to right and added a two-run double that ended Chatwood ’ s night .
Schwarber , Willson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apiece in intrasquad games since camp started at Wrigley .
After the long one off Chatwood , Ross met Schwarber halfway between the top dugout step and the on-deck circle for an air-arm bash or something of the sort .

Cubs president Theo Epstein isn’t ready to talk about the future of All-Star third baseman Kris Bryant.
Epstein isn’t even ready to talk wins and losses in 2020.
“Right now, it’s hard enough to predict what tomorrow or next week will look like,” he said. “It’s a fool’s errand, I think, to try to predict what next year will look like or the next five years. That’s just the reality of the world we’re in.”
Reality? Here’s a bitter mouthful: Every team in the majors is a house of cards right now. That includes the Cubs, who are believed to be the only National League team without a positive test for COVID-19 among its players.
There’s a lot of pride around Wrigley Field in how players have adhered to health-and-safety protocols, but that and a bag of baseballs won’t buy them a moment of breathing easy.
“We can’t allow the good results thus far to create the illusion for us that we’re in control, because we’re not,” Epstein said. “The virus is the only thing in control right now.”
Bryant said this week that he hoped the Cubs wouldn’t trade him during a pandemic and expressed renewed interest in speaking with the club about a possible contract extension. He’s under contract through 2021.
Epstein isn’t there yet.
“Honestly, I appreciate Kris’ comments,” he said. “I know that he loves being here, and he knows that we love having him as part of the organization. . . .
“[But] to delve too deeply into that and discuss contractual situations, it gets to a point where if you talk too much about it, it becomes inappropriate given the realities of everything going on in the world and where our focus truly is right now. So there will be a time to discuss those things later, but I personally don’t feel comfortable talking about that right now.”
Off-the-wall night
Outfielder Albert Almora left the simulated game Friday night at Wrigley Field after crashing into the center-field wall.
Uh-oh?
It sure looked like it when Almora raced straight back on a shot by Bryant off Craig Kimbrel but was unable to snare the ball before his momentum led him into the ivy-covered brick wall. Outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Jason Heyward rushed to Almora, who remained facedown on the warning track for about two minutes as two trainers and manager David Ross tended to him.
After walking about 25 feet toward the dugout, Almora, hat and glove off, went down to a knee for a few seconds, appearing to collect himself. Then — under his own power — he took a slow, ginger walk to the dugout, down the steps and into the clubhouse.
Not 10 minutes later, word came from a Cubs spokesman that Almora had mildly bruised his ribs and could be back in action at camp on Saturday. Not a minute after that, Almora was standing in the on-deck circle with a bat in his hand. He walked to the plate and hit an RBI single.
Uh-oh? Guess not.
Rizzo still out
It was a third consecutive day on the shelf for first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who has a sore back. There isn’t a lot of concern about him, either, though.
“Rizz is getting better,” Epstein said. “It seems like a minor and very manageable issue, something that he’s gotten through in the past. He looks to be on that same timetable.”
Schwar-bombed
Tyler Chatwood saw enough of Schwarber to last him awhile. The slugger homered deep to right and added a two-run double that ended Chatwood’s night.
Schwarber, Willson Contreras and Josh Phegley have two homers apiece in intrasquad games since camp started at Wrigley. After the long one off Chatwood, Ross met Schwarber halfway between the top dugout step and the on-deck circle for an air-arm bash or something of the sort.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-10--Little Village rallies in memory of Vanessa Guillén, against sexual violence in the military

A few hundred people marched through Little Village ’ s main business corridor Friday evening to call for justice for Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén , the 20-year-old soldier who was missing for two months and suspected to have been harassed and killed by a fellow serviceman .
The crowd of young and old protested sexual violence against women in the military , marching east on 26th Street , blocking a lane of traffic and stopping to take a knee in each major intersection along the way to the predominantly Mexican American neighborhood ’ s famed arch .
Laura Rodriguez , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally .
She said she couldn ’ t sit at home and stay quiet after reading about Guillén ’ s suspected murder .
“ Vanessa was a U.S. solider fighting for our country .
I think it ’ s only fair to be out here asking for justice , asking for the country to do its job , ” Rodriguez , 30 , said .
“ There are definitely parallels with Black Lives Matter .
The big issue is injustice .
I was out here protesting for George Floyd .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to come out here for my sister Vanessa.
” Guillén ’ s suspected killer — Army Specialist Aaron David Robinson of south suburban Calumet City — shot himself to death July 1 as police were about to arrest him for killing Guillen at Fort Hood in Texas .
The case has captured national attention .
Guillén ’ s family has said she reported sexual harassment before she disappeared April 22 , and that they ’ ve been treated disrespectfully by military officials stonewalling their effort to find out what happened to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found in several pieces June 30 , more than two months after she disappeared .
Army officials have said they have no evidence Guillén was sexually harassed , but on Friday acknowledged she faced “ potentially some harassment , not of a sexual nature.
” Rodriguez said she wants sexual violence allegations to be taken out of the hands of military leadership and entrusted to an independent prosecutor ’ s office .
Friday ’ s event started with a rally at Manuel Pérez Jr. Memorial Plaza , a Little Village site honoring a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War II and posthumously received the Medal of Honor .
Most in the crowd wore white shirts — instead of black attire typical at funerals — to support peace and honor Guillén ’ s life .
Chants in Spanish included : “ What do we want ?
Justice .
When do we want it ?
Now.
” Signs in both Spanish and English called for “ justice for Vanessa ” and said “ no soldier gets left behind .
”

A few hundred people marched through Little Village’s main business corridor Friday evening to call for justice for Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén, the 20-year-old soldier who was missing for two months and suspected to have been harassed and killed by a fellow serviceman.
The crowd of young and old protested sexual violence against women in the military, marching east on 26th Street, blocking a lane of traffic and stopping to take a knee in each major intersection along the way to the predominantly Mexican American neighborhood’s famed arch.
Laura Rodriguez, a high school counselor, organized the rally. She said she couldn’t sit at home and stay quiet after reading about Guillén’s suspected murder.
“Vanessa was a U.S. solider fighting for our country. I think it’s only fair to be out here asking for justice, asking for the country to do its job,” Rodriguez, 30, said.
“There are definitely parallels with Black Lives Matter. The big issue is injustice. I was out here protesting for George Floyd. There’s no way that I’m not going to come out here for my sister Vanessa.”
Guillén’s suspected killer — Army Specialist Aaron David Robinson of south suburban Calumet City — shot himself to death July 1 as police were about to arrest him for killing Guillen at Fort Hood in Texas. The case has captured national attention.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Guillén’s family has said she reported sexual harassment before she disappeared April 22, and that they’ve been treated disrespectfully by military officials stonewalling their effort to find out what happened to their daughter.
Hundreds of people rallied and marched though Little Village demanding justice for Vanessa Guillen, Friday, July 10, 2020. Guillen was a U.S. Army Soldier who was killed on April 22, in Fort Hood, Texas. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times 1 of 5 Hundreds of people rallied and marched though Little Village demanding justice for Vanessa Guillen, Friday, July 10, 2020. Guillen was a U.S. Army Soldier who was killed on April 22, in Fort Hood, Texas. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times 2 of 5 Hundreds of people rallied and marched though Little Village demanding justice for Vanessa Guillen, Friday, July 10, 2020. Guillen was a U.S. Army Soldier who was killed on April 22, in Fort Hood, Texas. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times 3 of 5 Hundreds of people rallied and marched though Little Village demanding justice for Vanessa Guillen, Friday, July 10, 2020. Guillen was a U.S. Army Soldier who was killed on April 22, in Fort Hood, Texas. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times 4 of 5 Hundreds of people rallied and marched though Little Village demanding justice for Vanessa Guillen, Friday, July 10, 2020. Guillen was a U.S. Army Soldier who was killed on April 22, in Fort Hood, Texas. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times 5 of 5
Guillén’s remains were found in several pieces June 30, more than two months after she disappeared. Army officials have said they have no evidence Guillén was sexually harassed, but on Friday acknowledged she faced “potentially some harassment, not of a sexual nature.”
Rodriguez said she wants sexual violence allegations to be taken out of the hands of military leadership and entrusted to an independent prosecutor’s office.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Friday’s event started with a rally at Manuel Pérez Jr. Memorial Plaza, a Little Village site honoring a Mexican American soldier who died in World War II and posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
Most in the crowd wore white shirts — instead of black attire typical at funerals — to support peace and honor Guillén’s life.
Chants in Spanish included: “What do we want? Justice. When do we want it? Now.”
Signs in both Spanish and English called for “justice for Vanessa” and said “no soldier gets left behind.”


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Longtime prison chaplain ‘Queen Mother’ celebrates 100th birthday

The Rev .
Helen Sinclair , known as “ Queen Mother , ” is three days away from her 100th birthday — but she doesn ’ t feel like it .
“ It kind of feels like it did when I was 40 , ” she said with laugh and beaming smile while surrounded by friends and family who gathered Saturday to celebrate the momentous occasion .
The longtime prison chaplain said she often seems to have more energy than other members of her team when she visits inmates in the state ’ s penal institutions — still standing when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit down .
“ That shows me that there ’ s something a little different about me , ” Sinclair said .
There was something a little different about her pioneering mother , too .
Rev .
Jesse “ Ma ” Houston was instrumental in prison reform and was the first woman allowed to serve as a minister to prisoners on death row in Illinois .
Sinclair ’ s celebration took place at Houston ( Jessie “ Ma ” ) Park , which is named in honor of her mother in Bronzeville .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember her courage .
That was a brave woman , ” Sinclair said of her mom .
A vegan , Sinclair partly credits her vigor and longevity to the diet , which she said she got from her mother .
“ I ’ ve been eating very well , “ she said .
“ In fact my momma always ate very carefully , too.
” Sinclair ’ s birthdate is July 14 , but festivities were held over the weekend to make it easier for people to attend the celebration .
One her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drove up from Jacksonville , Florida , and said believes his mother ’ s long life is attributable to her being able to stay level-headed even when things around her are stormy .
“ She lives the serenity prayer , ” he said , which asks God to grant wisdom and courage in the face of challenges .
“ She accepts what she can ’ t change , changes what she can and has the wisdom to know the difference .
She doesn ’ t dwell a lot on stuff she can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Rev .
Marie Buscemi , said officials and inmates alike adore Sinclair and throw out the red carpet for her when she visits .
“ We went to Pinckneyville and they drove her up to the door of the gym .
Inside the penitentiary she had all the corrections officers come pick us up , ” Buscemi said .
The pair were heartbroken at not being able to minister to inmates when the state shut down prison to visitors due to concern over the spread of the coronavirus .
Some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long , but she ’ s still managed to make an impression .
Elliott Watson , 57 , who lives in Indiana , found out only last year that Sinclair was his great aunt after a niece went on Ancestry.com and made the connection .
Watson says he tries to see her at least once a month .
“ She ’ s a beautiful person ; what I like about her most is she ’ s sharp , ” he said .
“ She ’ s been everywhere.
” Greeting his aunt with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Well , how you doing ?
” “ I ’ m doing marvelous , “ she replied quickly .
“ You know I always do marvelous .
That ’ s what I do , is do marvelous .
”

The Rev. Helen Sinclair, known as “Queen Mother,” is three days away from her 100th birthday — but she doesn’t feel like it.
“It kind of feels like it did when I was 40,” she said with laugh and beaming smile while surrounded by friends and family who gathered Saturday to celebrate the momentous occasion.
The longtime prison chaplain said she often seems to have more energy than other members of her team when she visits inmates in the state’s penal institutions — still standing when others need to take a breather and sit down.
“That shows me that there’s something a little different about me,” Sinclair said.
There was something a little different about her pioneering mother, too.
Rev. Jesse “Ma” Houston was instrumental in prison reform and was the first woman allowed to serve as a minister to prisoners on death row in Illinois.
Sinclair’s celebration took place at Houston (Jessie “Ma”) Park, which is named in honor of her mother in Bronzeville.
“I remember her passion. I remember her courage. That was a brave woman,” Sinclair said of her mom.
A vegan, Sinclair partly credits her vigor and longevity to the diet, which she said she got from her mother.
“I’ve been eating very well, “ she said. “In fact my momma always ate very carefully, too.”
The Rev. Helen “Queen Mother” Sinclair, a long-time prison chaplain, talks to her friends during her 100th birthday celebration Saturday. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Sinclair’s birthdate is July 14, but festivities were held over the weekend to make it easier for people to attend the celebration.
One her six children, 65-year-old Ryan Sinclair, drove up from Jacksonville, Florida, and said believes his mother’s long life is attributable to her being able to stay level-headed even when things around her are stormy.
“She lives the serenity prayer,” he said, which asks God to grant wisdom and courage in the face of challenges.
“She accepts what she can’t change, changes what she can and has the wisdom to know the difference. She doesn’t dwell a lot on stuff she can’t do anything about.”
Her driver, Rev. Marie Buscemi, said officials and inmates alike adore Sinclair and throw out the red carpet for her when she visits.
“We went to Pinckneyville and they drove her up to the door of the gym. Inside the penitentiary she had all the corrections officers come pick us up,” Buscemi said.
The pair were heartbroken at not being able to minister to inmates when the state shut down prison to visitors due to concern over the spread of the coronavirus.
Some of the party guests haven’t known Sinclair long, but she’s still managed to make an impression.
“Queen Mother” Helen Sinclair speaks to her great nephew Elliott Watson on Saturday. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Elliott Watson, 57, who lives in Indiana, found out only last year that Sinclair was his great aunt after a niece went on Ancestry.com and made the connection.
Watson says he tries to see her at least once a month.
“She’s a beautiful person; what I like about her most is she’s sharp,” he said. “She’s been everywhere.”
Greeting his aunt with a hug Saturday, Watson asked, “Well, how you doing?”
“I’m doing marvelous, “she replied quickly. “You know I always do marvelous. That’s what I do, is do marvelous.”


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Coronavirus live blog, July 11, 2020: Illinois tops more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for 3rd st

Coronavirus live blog, July 11, 2020: Illinois tops more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for 3rd straight day

New coronavirus continued to rise in Illinois continuing an slowly growing trend in the last few days .
Nationally , in the south and west , cases are surging leading to long lines at COVID-19 testing sites and delays in getting results .
President Trump made his first public appearance wearing a face mask on Saturday .
He donned a mask while making a visit to Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda , Maryland .
Here ’ s what we learned today about the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago , the state and the nation .
7:30 p.m. Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 3rd straight day Illinois health officials Saturday reported 1,195 new cases of the coronavirus , marking the third day in a row that daily tallies have exceeded 1,000 , a stretch not seen since May .
Officials also reported another 24 deaths attributed to COVID-19 , raising the state ’ s death toll to 7,168 , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
The newly confirmed cases raise the state ’ s total case count to 152,962 .
So far this month , an average of about 888 new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full story by Emmanuel Camarillo here .
America ’ s testing system is once again strained and labs are struggling to keep pace as coronavirus rages faster than ever in the South and West .
From Florida to California , large and small labs running 24/7 can ’ t process samples quickly enough from millions of Americans tested every week .
That means COVID-19 test results are delayed a week or longer in hotspot communities , undercutting public health efforts to track , isolate and prevent spread .
The number of daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 719,000 on July 3 and averaged nearly 640,000 each day this past week , according to data from the COVID Tracking Project .
Testing centers in Sunbelt cities such as Tallahassee , Florida and Phoenix , Arizona routinely attract long lines and at times must turn away people .
Other than hospital patients , whom labs are prioritizing , delays are widespread in the South and West at drive-thru and walk-up testing centers , urgent care , doctor ’ s offices and government-supported testing sites .
5:30 p.m. Trump wears a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to visit military hospital WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump wore a mask during a visit to a military hospital on Saturday , the first time the president has been seen in public with the type of facial covering recommended by health officials as a precaution against spreading or becoming infected by the novel coronavirus .
Trump flew by helicopter to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in suburban Washington to meet wounded service members and health care providers caring for COVID-19 patients .
As he left the White House , he told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hospital , especially … I think it ’ s expected to wear a mask.
” 3 p.m. No free Slurpees at 7-Eleven on 7-11 this year because of coronavirus Add another event to the long list of coronavirus cancellations : 7-Eleven Day .
The nation ’ s largest convenience store chain has announced that it ’ s canceling its in-store birthday celebration and Free Slurpee Day because of “ the uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
” The annual tradition has been held on July 11 , aka 7/11 , since 2002 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has been the company ’ s busiest day of the year , with millions of visitors , Marissa Jarratt , the chain ’ s senior vice president and chief marketing officer , said in a news release .
However , 7-Eleven isn ’ t cancelling free Slurpee drinks altogether .
To help with social distancing , members of the free 7Rewards loyalty program will get a coupon for a free medium Slurpee redeemable once in July .
Jasmin Pierre was 18 when she tried to end her life , overdosing on whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depression and anxiety , she survived two more attempts at suicide , which felt like the only way to stop her pain .
Years of therapy brought progress , but the 31-year-old Black woman ’ s journey is now complicated by a combination of stressors hitting simultaneously : isolation during the pandemic , a shortage of mental health care providers and racial trauma inflicted by repeated police killings of Black people .
“ Black people who already go through mental health issues , we ’ re even more triggered , ” said Pierre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t think my mental health issues have ever , ever been this bad before.
” Health experts have warned of a looming mental health crisis linked to the coronavirus outbreak , and the federal government rolled out a broad anti-suicide campaign .
But doctors and researchers say the issues reverberate deeper among Black people , who ’ ve seen rising youth suicide attempts and suffered disproportionately during the pandemic .
Mental health advocates are calling for more specialized federal attention on Black suicides , including research funding .
Counselors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help .
And Black churches are finding new ways to address suicide as social distancing has eroded how people connect .
“ There has been a lot of complex grief and loss related to death , related to loss of jobs and loss of income , ” said Sean Joe , an expert on Black suicides at Washington University in St. Louis .
“ There ’ s a lot of hurt and pain in America going on right now , and you only are getting a sense of depth in the months ahead.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-expected turn for the worse NEW YORK — A long-expected upturn in U.S. coronavirus deaths has begun , driven by fatalities in states in the South and West , according to data on the pandemic .
The number of deaths per day from the virus had been falling for months , and even remained down as states like Florida and Texas saw explosions in cases and hospitalizations — and reported daily U.S. infections broke records several times in recent days .
Scientists warned it wouldn ’ t last .
A coronavirus death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks after a person is first infected .
And experts predicted states that saw increases in cases and hospitalizations would , at some point , see deaths rise too .
Now that ’ s happening .
“ It ’ s consistently picking up .
And it ’ s picking up at the time you ’ d expect it to , ” said William Hanage , a Harvard University infectious diseases researcher .
According to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University , the seven-day rolling average for daily reported deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks ago to 664 on July 10 — still well below the heights hit in April .
Daily reported deaths increased in 27 states over that time period , but the majority of those states are averaging under 15 new deaths per day .
A smaller group of states has been driving the nationwide increase in deaths .
11 a.m .
Cashing in on COVID-19 billions despite Medicare fraud , millions in settlements A not-for-profit healthcare giant based in Chicago that ’ s paid more than $ 80 million in settlements since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other violations of federal law has received about $ 2 billion in federal money under a program aimed at giving businesses a boost during the coronavirus pandemic .
CommonSpirit Health has gotten the second-highest amount of federal dollars of any Illinois-based company during the COVID-19 pandemic — $ 718 million in grants and $ 1.9 billion in loans , records show .
The only Illinois parent company getting more money under the CARES Act — the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act — was United Airlines .
CommonSpirit is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have gotten emergency funds during the coronavirus pandemic even after paying out millions in recent years to settle federal violations , according to data compiled and analyzed by Good Jobs First , a nonprofit organization focused on government and corporate accountability .
Read the full story by Stephanie Zimmerman here .
10:30 a.m. COVID-19 in Chicago : numbers stable , 18- to 29-year-olds now have most daily cases Chicago ’ s public health commissioner said Friday that coronavirus cases in the city remain stable , despite a rise in cases elsewhere in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room visits related to COVID-19 in Chicago are at their lowest levels since March , according to City Hall .
Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said the city is likely in the next few weeks to even see a day without a coronavirus death for the first time since March 20 .
However , Arwady also said in a conference call with reporters that Chicagoans between the ages of 18 and 29 — members of Generation Z as well as young Millennials — now have the highest daily case rates in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group are in Lincoln Park and New City , Arwady said .
“ Of course , younger individuals are perfectly capable of transmitting that disease to people in those older age categories , people with underlying conditions , ” Arwady said .
A surge in that young population would be cause for concern , Arwady said .
But that hasn ’ t happened yet .
Read the full report from Jon Seidel and Caroline Hurley here .
8:32 a.m .
Dozens of US Marines in Japan ’ s Okinawa get coronavirus TOKYO — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the coronavirus at two bases on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa in what is feared to be a massive outbreak , Okinawan officials said Saturday , demanding an adequate explanation from the U.S. military .
Okinawa prefectural officials said they could say only that a “ few dozen ” cases had been found recently because the U.S. military asked that the exact figure not be released .
The outbreaks occurred at Marine Corps .
Air Station Futenma , which is at the center of a relocation dispute , and Camp Hansen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , citing unnamed sources , said about 60 people had been infected .
7:14 a.m. Black health , well-being were struck a brutal double blow by coronavirus , George Floyd death Well before the resounding cries of “ Black Lives Matter , ” doctors have known that Black people suffer disproportionately .
As a group , they face countless challenges to good health , among them food , transportation and income .
The stress of living with racism has real , physical effects .
And they are especially prone to diabetes , hypertension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tricky to manage even in normal times .
Then came COVID-19 and George Floyd .
It quickly became clear that institutions designed to ensure the two most important things in life — health and safety — had converged to turn against one segment of the population in a brutal blow to Black people ’ s well-being that has renewed calls for racial justice in all realms , including health care .
“ We are exhausted , and we are not OK , ” said Dr. Patrice Harris , a psychiatrist who just ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Medical Association .
• Illinois has recorded its second straight day of more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for the first time since May , as officials Friday announced an additional 1,317 people have tested positive for the virus .
• The Illinois Department of Public Health also said another 20 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19 , raising the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 7,119 .
7:16 a.m. We can ’ t fly ; we can ’ t hug ; at least let us grin When my boss asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s new novel coronavirus-shaped canapé , conscientious newsman that I am , I suggested heading over right away to try the tidbit .
To comment intelligently , I had to first sample the purplish sphere of coconut custard with Szechuan peppercorn , dotted with freeze-dried raspberries that caused some on Instagram to grouse that lives lost to COVID-19 are being mocked by a confection .
Alas , time is of the essence .
So all I could do is acquaint myself with the thorough treatment by Block Club Chicago , which sadly chose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one disgruntled person , complaining on Instagram .
“ This isn ’ t ok ... this isn ’ t ‘ cute.
’ This is shameful , ” wrote the irked individual .
No , what ’ s shameful is Donald Trump insisting America ’ s schools re-open in the fall , pandemic be damned .
As is the same people who are willing to sacrifice Grandma to stay behind him now tossing Junior onto the pyre as well .
Our nation marinates in humiliation like Hawaiian chicken .

New coronavirus continued to rise in Illinois continuing an slowly growing trend in the last few days. Nationally, in the south and west, cases are surging leading to long lines at COVID-19 testing sites and delays in getting results.
President Trump made his first public appearance wearing a face mask on Saturday. He donned a mask while making a visit to Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Here’s what we learned today about the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
7:30 p.m. Illinois tops more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for 3rd straight day
| Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Illinois health officials Saturday reported 1,195 new cases of the coronavirus, marking the third day in a row that daily tallies have exceeded 1,000, a stretch not seen since May.
Officials also reported another 24 deaths attributed to COVID-19, raising the state’s death toll to 7,168, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The newly confirmed cases raise the state’s total case count to 152,962. So far this month, an average of about 888 new cases have been reported each day.
Read the full story by Emmanuel Camarillo here.
6:30 p.m. Long lines for COVID tests nationwide, stressed labs delay results as demand spikes
America’s testing system is once again strained and labs are struggling to keep pace as coronavirus rages faster than ever in the South and West.
From Florida to California, large and small labs running 24/7 can’t process samples quickly enough from millions of Americans tested every week. That means COVID-19 test results are delayed a week or longer in hotspot communities, undercutting public health efforts to track, isolate and prevent spread.
The number of daily tests reached an all-time high of more than 719,000 on July 3 and averaged nearly 640,000 each day this past week, according to data from the COVID Tracking Project.
Testing centers in Sunbelt cities such as Tallahassee, Florida and Phoenix, Arizona routinely attract long lines and at times must turn away people. Other than hospital patients, whom labs are prioritizing, delays are widespread in the South and West at drive-thru and walk-up testing centers, urgent care, doctor’s offices and government-supported testing sites.
Read the full story here.
5:30 p.m. Trump wears a mask in public for first time during pandemic to visit military hospital
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump wore a mask during a visit to a military hospital on Saturday, the first time the president has been seen in public with the type of facial covering recommended by health officials as a precaution against spreading or becoming infected by the novel coronavirus.
Trump flew by helicopter to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in suburban Washington to meet wounded service members and health care providers caring for COVID-19 patients. As he left the White House, he told reporters: “When you’re in a hospital, especially … I think it’s expected to wear a mask.”
Read the full story here.
3 p.m. No free Slurpees at 7-Eleven on 7-11 this year because of coronavirus
Add another event to the long list of coronavirus cancellations: 7-Eleven Day.
The nation’s largest convenience store chain has announced that it’s canceling its in-store birthday celebration and Free Slurpee Day because of “the uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The annual tradition has been held on July 11, aka 7/11, since 2002, 7-Eleven’s 75th birthday. It has been the company’s busiest day of the year, with millions of visitors, Marissa Jarratt, the chain’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, said in a news release.
However, 7-Eleven isn’t cancelling free Slurpee drinks altogether. To help with social distancing, members of the free 7Rewards loyalty program will get a coupon for a free medium Slurpee redeemable once in July.
Read the full story here.
1:15 p.m. Pandemic, racism compound worries about Black suicide rate
Jasmin Pierre was 18 when she tried to end her life, overdosing on whatever pills she could find. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety, she survived two more attempts at suicide, which felt like the only way to stop her pain.
Years of therapy brought progress, but the 31-year-old Black woman’s journey is now complicated by a combination of stressors hitting simultaneously: isolation during the pandemic, a shortage of mental health care providers and racial trauma inflicted by repeated police killings of Black people.
“Black people who already go through mental health issues, we’re even more triggered,” said Pierre, who lives in New Orleans. “I don’t think my mental health issues have ever, ever been this bad before.”
Health experts have warned of a looming mental health crisis linked to the coronavirus outbreak, and the federal government rolled out a broad anti-suicide campaign. But doctors and researchers say the issues reverberate deeper among Black people, who’ve seen rising youth suicide attempts and suffered disproportionately during the pandemic.
Mental health advocates are calling for more specialized federal attention on Black suicides, including research funding. Counselors focusing on Black trauma are offering free help. And Black churches are finding new ways to address suicide as social distancing has eroded how people connect.
“There has been a lot of complex grief and loss related to death, related to loss of jobs and loss of income,” said Sean Joe, an expert on Black suicides at Washington University in St. Louis. “There’s a lot of hurt and pain in America going on right now, and you only are getting a sense of depth in the months ahead.”
Read the full report here.
11:35 a.m. Coronavirus deaths take a long-expected turn for the worse
NEW YORK — A long-expected upturn in U.S. coronavirus deaths has begun, driven by fatalities in states in the South and West, according to data on the pandemic.
The number of deaths per day from the virus had been falling for months, and even remained down as states like Florida and Texas saw explosions in cases and hospitalizations — and reported daily U.S. infections broke records several times in recent days.
Scientists warned it wouldn’t last. A coronavirus death, when it occurs, typically comes several weeks after a person is first infected. And experts predicted states that saw increases in cases and hospitalizations would, at some point, see deaths rise too. Now that’s happening.
“It’s consistently picking up. And it’s picking up at the time you’d expect it to,” said William Hanage, a Harvard University infectious diseases researcher.
According to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University, the seven-day rolling average for daily reported deaths in the U.S. has increased from 578 two weeks ago to 664 on July 10 — still well below the heights hit in April. Daily reported deaths increased in 27 states over that time period, but the majority of those states are averaging under 15 new deaths per day. A smaller group of states has been driving the nationwide increase in deaths.
Read the full report here.
11 a.m. Cashing in on COVID-19 billions despite Medicare fraud, millions in settlements
A not-for-profit healthcare giant based in Chicago that’s paid more than $80 million in settlements since 2010 over Medicare and Medicaid fraud and other violations of federal law has received about $2 billion in federal money under a program aimed at giving businesses a boost during the coronavirus pandemic.
CommonSpirit Health has gotten the second-highest amount of federal dollars of any Illinois-based company during the COVID-19 pandemic — $718 million in grants and $1.9 billion in loans, records show.
The only Illinois parent company getting more money under the CARES Act — the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — was United Airlines.
CommonSpirit is one of a handful of Illinois companies that have gotten emergency funds during the coronavirus pandemic even after paying out millions in recent years to settle federal violations, according to data compiled and analyzed by Good Jobs First, a nonprofit organization focused on government and corporate accountability.
Read the full story by Stephanie Zimmerman here.
10:30 a.m. COVID-19 in Chicago: numbers stable, 18- to 29-year-olds now have most daily cases
Chicago’s public health commissioner said Friday that coronavirus cases in the city remain stable, despite a rise in cases elsewhere in the country.
Deaths, hospitalizations and emergency room visits related to COVID-19 in Chicago are at their lowest levels since March, according to City Hall. Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said the city is likely in the next few weeks to even see a day without a coronavirus death for the first time since March 20.
However, Arwady also said in a conference call with reporters that Chicagoans between the ages of 18 and 29 — members of Generation Z as well as young Millennials — now have the highest daily case rates in the city.
The biggest hotspots for that age group are in Lincoln Park and New City, Arwady said.
“Of course, younger individuals are perfectly capable of transmitting that disease to people in those older age categories, people with underlying conditions,” Arwady said.
A surge in that young population would be cause for concern, Arwady said. But that hasn’t happened yet.
Read the full report from Jon Seidel and Caroline Hurley here.
8:32 a.m. Dozens of US Marines in Japan’s Okinawa get coronavirus
TOKYO — Dozens of U.S. Marines have been infected with the coronavirus at two bases on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa in what is feared to be a massive outbreak, Okinawan officials said Saturday, demanding an adequate explanation from the U.S. military.
Okinawa prefectural officials said they could say only that a “few dozen” cases had been found recently because the U.S. military asked that the exact figure not be released. The outbreaks occurred at Marine Corps. Air Station Futenma, which is at the center of a relocation dispute, and Camp Hansen, Okinawan officials said.
Local media, citing unnamed sources, said about 60 people had been infected.
Read the full report here.
7:14 a.m. Black health, well-being were struck a brutal double blow by coronavirus, George Floyd death
Well before the resounding cries of “Black Lives Matter,” doctors have known that Black people suffer disproportionately.
As a group, they face countless challenges to good health, among them food, transportation and income. The stress of living with racism has real, physical effects. And they are especially prone to diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases that can be tricky to manage even in normal times.
Then came COVID-19 and George Floyd. It quickly became clear that institutions designed to ensure the two most important things in life — health and safety — had converged to turn against one segment of the population in a brutal blow to Black people’s well-being that has renewed calls for racial justice in all realms, including health care.
“We are exhausted, and we are not OK,” said Dr. Patrice Harris, a psychiatrist who just ended her yearlong term as president of the American Medical Association.
Read the full story here.
New cases
Former Cubs pitcher, current Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has COVID-19.
Brazil’s President Bolsonaro tests positive for COVID-19.
Illinois has recorded its second straight day of more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for the first time since May, as officials Friday announced an additional 1,317 people have tested positive for the virus.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also said another 20 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19, raising the state’s pandemic death toll to 7,119.
Analysis & Commentary
7:16 a.m. We can’t fly; we can’t hug; at least let us grin
When my boss asked me to gather thoughts on Alinea’s new novel coronavirus-shaped canapé, conscientious newsman that I am, I suggested heading over right away to try the tidbit. To comment intelligently, I had to first sample the purplish sphere of coconut custard with Szechuan peppercorn, dotted with freeze-dried raspberries that caused some on Instagram to grouse that lives lost to COVID-19 are being mocked by a confection.
Shoe-leather reporting. Direct experience. Can’t beat it.
Alas, time is of the essence. So all I could do is acquaint myself with the thorough treatment by Block Club Chicago, which sadly chose to quote one, count ’em, one disgruntled person, complaining on Instagram.
“This isn’t ok ... this isn’t ‘cute.’ This is shameful,” wrote the irked individual.
No, what’s shameful is Donald Trump insisting America’s schools re-open in the fall, pandemic be damned. As is the same people who are willing to sacrifice Grandma to stay behind him now tossing Junior onto the pyre as well. Our nation marinates in humiliation like Hawaiian chicken.
Read Neil Steinberg’s full column here.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Woman struck in Dan Ryan hit-and-run dies 5 days later

A woman who was struck in a hit-and-run on the Dan Ryan Expressway last weekend has died of her injuries @ @ @ @ @ a vehicle that broke down about 4:45 a.m. Sunday in the southbound lanes of Interstate @ @ @ @ @ according to Illinois State Police .
The vehicle pulled over , partially on the left @ @ @ @ @ left lane , police said .
When the woman got out , she was struck @ @ @ @ @ did not stop .
The woman , identified by the Cook County medical examiner ’ @ @ @ @ @ , was hospitalized and pronounced dead five days later , the medical examiner ’ s @ @ @ @ @ said she died of her injuries , and her death was ruled an accident , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office .
An investigation is ongoing , police said .

A woman who was struck in a hit-and-run on the Dan Ryan Expressway last weekend has died of her injuries.
The 19-year-old was in a vehicle that broke down about 4:45 a.m. Sunday in the southbound lanes of Interstate 94 near Garfield Boulevard, according to Illinois State Police.
The vehicle pulled over, partially on the left shoulder and partially in the left lane, police said. When the woman got out, she was struck by a gold SUV that did not stop.
The woman, identified by the Cook County medical examiner’s office as Deja Bowdry, was hospitalized and pronounced dead five days later, the medical examiner’s office said.
An autopsy said she died of her injuries, and her death was ruled an accident, according to the medical examiner’s office.
An investigation is ongoing, police said.