chicagosun-times--2020-10-21--Bears arrive at pivotal stretch in quest to prove they can contend in murky NFC

In the next three weeks , the Bears could solidify their status as an NFC contender or free fall out of the playoff field entirely .
A string of narrow escapes and furious rallies has them 5-1 , second only to the Seahawks in the conference , and where they go from here is unpredictable .
If they lose to the Rams on Monday and the Saints after that , they could drop all the way to eighth heading into a game against the undefeated Titans .
But they might win any or all of those , too .
Sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanks to their 4-2 record and a top-10 defense , but all their wins are against the pitiful NFC East .
And the Saints have been a perennial powerhouse , but they ’ ve scuffled with close calls against the Lions and Chargers .
Aside from the Seahawks and Packers , it ’ s murky as to who is actually good in the NFC .
That ’ s nice for the Bears , who aren ’ t sure whether they ’ re good , either .
Matt Nagy seems to be arguing both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a question Monday about the overall direction of his team , Nagy said the Bears “ completely know ” how awful the offense is right now and that it ’ s not viable going forward , but also , “ I love where we ’ re at right now as a team.
” It ’ s hard to make sense of that , but here ’ s what he probably means : As badly as the Bears have played , they ’ re in prime position at 5-1 .
Over the last three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the playoffs 83 % of the time , and that was with six spots in each conference instead of the current seven .
That means the Bears can probably go 5-5 , or maybe even 4-6 , from here and get in .
And with some thought-to-be-strong NFC teams slipping , there ’ s a big opportunity for the Bears .
The Saints don ’ t look as scary as they did the last few seasons .
They know Tom Brady ’ s Buccaneers are beatable because they just beat them .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , are 3-3 .
And then there are the Vikings , who have plummeted to rock bottom .
They had the fifth-best record in the NFL over the previous five seasons at 50-29-1 , but are 1-5 after being clobbered by the Falcons .
So not only do the Bears not have to worry about battling them for a spot , they get to play them twice ( Weeks 10 and 15 ) .
Nobody in the NFC East is good , it seems , and that ’ s enticing to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A column in Defector laid out a scenario in which the Eagles could win that division at 4-11-1 .
Imagine opening the playoffs against a team like that .
But as sunny as all that sounds , it could go the other way on the Bears just as drastically and quickly .
They ’ ve survived solely because of their defense , and if that unit ever gets in a rut or loses a couple starters , the plunge will be harsh .
At just one game worse than the Bears , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A loss to them Monday coupled with a cocktail of results Sunday in other games would drop the Bears to sixth .
They ’ d avoid falling to seventh because they ’ ve got a sparkling 5-0 conference record — something Nagy pointed out after squeaking by the Panthers .
“ What are we , 5-0 in the conference ?
” he said , becoming perhaps the first coach in football history to mention that with 2½ months left in a season .
“ Those matter in the end when it comes down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s perfect commentary on where his team stands .
The Bears could run away from the mediocre middle ground of the NFC , or they could slide right back into it and be clinging to hope that enough tiebreakers go their way .

In the next three weeks, the Bears could solidify their status as an NFC contender or free fall out of the playoff field entirely.
A string of narrow escapes and furious rallies has them 5-1, second only to the Seahawks in the conference, and where they go from here is unpredictable. If they lose to the Rams on Monday and the Saints after that, they could drop all the way to eighth heading into a game against the undefeated Titans.
But they might win any or all of those, too.
Sure, the Rams are a home favorite thanks to their 4-2 record and a top-10 defense, but all their wins are against the pitiful NFC East. And the Saints have been a perennial powerhouse, but they’ve scuffled with close calls against the Lions and Chargers.
Aside from the Seahawks and Packers, it’s murky as to who is actually good in the NFC.
That’s nice for the Bears, who aren’t sure whether they’re good, either. Matt Nagy seems to be arguing both sides lately. Within one answer to a question Monday about the overall direction of his team, Nagy said the Bears “completely know” how awful the offense is right now and that it’s not viable going forward, but also, “I love where we’re at right now as a team.”
It’s hard to make sense of that, but here’s what he probably means: As badly as the Bears have played, they’re in prime position at 5-1.
Over the last three decades, teams that started 5-1 made the playoffs 83% of the time, and that was with six spots in each conference instead of the current seven. That means the Bears can probably go 5-5, or maybe even 4-6, from here and get in.
And with some thought-to-be-strong NFC teams slipping, there’s a big opportunity for the Bears. The Saints don’t look as scary as they did the last few seasons. They know Tom Brady’s Buccaneers are beatable because they just beat them. The 49ers, a Super Bowl team last season, are 3-3.
And then there are the Vikings, who have plummeted to rock bottom.
They had the fifth-best record in the NFL over the previous five seasons at 50-29-1, but are 1-5 after being clobbered by the Falcons. So not only do the Bears not have to worry about battling them for a spot, they get to play them twice (Weeks 10 and 15).
Nobody in the NFC East is good, it seems, and that’s enticing to the Bears as a potential wild-card team. A column in Defector laid out a scenario in which the Eagles could win that division at 4-11-1. Imagine opening the playoffs against a team like that.
But as sunny as all that sounds, it could go the other way on the Bears just as drastically and quickly. They’ve survived solely because of their defense, and if that unit ever gets in a rut or loses a couple starters, the plunge will be harsh.
At just one game worse than the Bears, the Rams sit seventh in the NFC. A loss to them Monday coupled with a cocktail of results Sunday in other games would drop the Bears to sixth.
They’d avoid falling to seventh because they’ve got a sparkling 5-0 conference record — something Nagy pointed out after squeaking by the Panthers.
“What are we, 5-0 in the conference?” he said, becoming perhaps the first coach in football history to mention that with 2½ months left in a season. “Those matter in the end when it comes down to conference records and tiebreakers.”
That’s perfect commentary on where his team stands. The Bears could run away from the mediocre middle ground of the NFC, or they could slide right back into it and be clinging to hope that enough tiebreakers go their way.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-21--3 shot by paintball guns: police

3 shot by paintball guns: police

Three people were shot by paintball guns within a three-hour span in Chicago , according to Chicago police .
The first incident happened about 10 p.m. , police said .
A 34-year-old man was riding his bicycle on the street in the 1800 block of West Hubbard Street , when someone in a passing red sedan fired a paintball gun at him .
He was struck in the right arm and groin area , police said .
The man refused treatment .
About a minute later , a man was walking his dog near Morgan Street and Monroe Street , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired a paintball gun at him , striking him multiple times , police said .
He refused treatment .
The third incident happened about 1:20 a.m. , police said .
A 61-year-old woman was standing in the 6100 block of South Ashland Avenue , when someone in a passing red SUV fired a paintball gun at her , striking her in her hand , police said .
She also refused treatment .
On Sept. 10 , two men were shot by paintballs in the 700 block of South Michigan Avenue in the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his eye and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in fair condition , police said .
The second man was struck in the chest but not injured .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Three people were shot by paintball guns within a three-hour span overnight Tuesday across Chicago.
The first incident happened about 10 p.m. in West Town, police said. A 34-year-old man was riding his bicycle on the street in the 1800 block of West Hubbard Street when someone in a passing red sedan fired a paintball gun at him, Chicago police said. He was struck in the arm and groin area, and refused treatment.
About a minute later in the West Loop, a man was walking his dog near Morgan Street and Monroe Street when someone inside a passing white sedan fired a paintball gun at him, striking him multiple times, police said. He also refused treatment.
The third incident happened about 1:20 a.m. in Englewood on the South Side, police said. A 61-year-old woman was standing in the 6100 block of South Ashland Avenue, when someone in a passing red SUV fired a paintball gun at her, striking her in her hand, police said. She also refused treatment.
The latest attacks follow a recent pattern of paintball shootings in Chicago.
On Oct. 1, a young man was shot with a paintball gun at a bus stop in the 6900 block of South Halsted Street, authorities said.
On Sept. 10, two men were shot by paintballs in the 700 block of South Michigan Avenue in the South Loop. A 29-year-old was shot in his eye and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in fair condition, police said. The second man was struck in the chest but not injured.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-21--Man who hung off Trump Tower for more than 13 hours escapes from private ambulance, located hours la

Man who hung off Trump Tower for more than 13 hours escapes from private ambulance, located hours later

The man who spent 13 hours hanging from the side of Trump Tower over the weekend escaped from a private @ @ @ @ @ transferred to another hospital , but was located hours later .
The man , 31 @ @ @ @ @ about 5:30 p.m. in the first block of West Washington Street while en route from @ @ @ @ @ medical center , Chicago police said .
Police cancelled a missing person report about 1 @ @ @ @ @ had been located .
Police sources confirmed he is the same man who dangled off @ @ @ @ @ Tower overnight Sunday , threatening to kill himself unless he could speak to President Donald @ @ @ @ @ police said that the man had been hospitalized for a mental evaluation and that he @ @ @ @ @ charges for hanging off the tower .

The man who spent 13 hours hanging from the side of Trump Tower over the weekend escaped from a private ambulance Tuesday evening while being transferred to another hospital, but was located hours later.
The man, 31, escaped from the ambulance about 5:30 p.m. in the first block of West Washington Street while en route from Northwestern Memorial Hospital to another medical center, Chicago police said. Police initially said the man was in his 20s.
Police cancelled a missing person report about 1 a.m. Wednesday, saying he had been located.
Police sources confirmed he is the same man who dangled off the 16th-floor balcony of Trump Tower overnight Sunday, threatening to kill himself unless he could speak to President Donald Trump.
Earlier Tuesday, police said that the man had been hospitalized for a mental evaluation and that he would not be facing any charges for hanging off the tower.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-20--Horoscope for Wednesday, Oct 21, 2020

Horoscope for Wednesday, Oct 21, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Capricorn .
This is a powerful day at work .
Expect a few surprises , especially with bosses and people in authority — which , by the way , includes the police .
You have very definite ideas about wanting to improve your workstation , or perhaps something to do with your health .
( You might also have strong feelings about a coworker . )
This is a passionate day for romance !
( Things will be intense . )
Likewise , parents might find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite intense .
Meanwhile , travel is unpredictable .
Travel plans might be canceled or changed ; alternatively , you suddenly might have to travel when you did not expect to do so .
Issues related to home and family will be powerful .
You want to make your home scene beautiful and you want things to run smoothly , and you are determined to achieve this goal .
Meanwhile , unexpected news about shared property or banking might surprise you .
Be prepared to go along with others today because the moon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will find that interactions are intense and surprising for some reason .
Enjoy discussions with siblings , relatives and neighbors .
It ’ s a good day .
Work-related issues might hold a few surprises for you .
Fortunately , one of the surprises could be related to money and if so , it looks good .
That ’ s because you can attract money to you right now .
Stay on top of things so that you know what ’ s happening .
Ka-ching !
Romance , social events , sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intense , pleasing and possibly full of a few surprises .
Parents should be extra vigilant because this is a mildly accident-prone day for your kids .
An unexpected invitation might delight you .
Something about your home routine will be different today .
Fortunately , you will work hard to make your surroundings pleasant because this is important for you .
This is because you are affected by your environment more than other signs .
( “ That wallpaper has to go.
” ) Relations with artistic , creative people or perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and powerful today .
They might have surprising news for you , or vice versa , you might have surprising news for them .
Pay attention to everything you say and do because this is a mildly accident-prone day .
Keep an eye on your money and cash flow as well as your possessions today because something unexpected could affect them .
Fortunately , relations with bosses , parents and VIPs are excellent .
Nevertheless , guard your possessions against damage , loss or theft .
Check receipts and bills .
Today the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel every issue more intensely — no question .
You might also encounter a few surprises related to kids , social events , sports or a vacation ?
A romance with someone “ different ” could be soul-stirring .
This is a restless day for you .
Issues at home or to do with banking , shared property and insurance matters might be on your plate .
If so , you have some strong feelings about whatever is happening .
But this could be because you were caught off guard .
A friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet someone new who is unusual ?
All your dealings with those who are close to you will be a bit intense and passionate today .
Suddenly it ’ s as if everything matters .
Well , of course it does .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Ken Watanabe ( 1959 ) shares your birthday .
You are energized by social settings , which is why you enjoy the company of others .
In turn , they enjoy your witty conversation .
Ta-da !
It ’ s your time of harvest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the benefits of the efforts you made in the last decade .
You deserve this time of success !
As a result , you might enjoy increased influence and leadership in all your relationships .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Capricorn.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
This is a powerful day at work. Expect a few surprises, especially with bosses and people in authority — which, by the way, includes the police. You have very definite ideas about wanting to improve your workstation, or perhaps something to do with your health. (You might also have strong feelings about a coworker.)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This is a passionate day for romance! (Things will be intense.) Likewise, parents might find that their dealings with kids are also quite intense. Meanwhile, travel is unpredictable. Travel plans might be canceled or changed; alternatively, you suddenly might have to travel when you did not expect to do so.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Issues related to home and family will be powerful. You want to make your home scene beautiful and you want things to run smoothly, and you are determined to achieve this goal. Meanwhile, unexpected news about shared property or banking might surprise you.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Be prepared to go along with others today because the moon is opposite your sign. Nevertheless, you will find that interactions are intense and surprising for some reason. Enjoy discussions with siblings, relatives and neighbors. It’s a good day.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Work-related issues might hold a few surprises for you. Fortunately, one of the surprises could be related to money and if so, it looks good. That’s because you can attract money to you right now. Stay on top of things so that you know what’s happening. Ka-ching!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Romance, social events, sports and issues related to kids will be intense, pleasing and possibly full of a few surprises. Parents should be extra vigilant because this is a mildly accident-prone day for your kids. An unexpected invitation might delight you.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Something about your home routine will be different today. Fortunately, you will work hard to make your surroundings pleasant because this is important for you. This is because you are affected by your environment more than other signs. (“That wallpaper has to go.”)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Relations with artistic, creative people or perhaps a particular friend, will be intense and powerful today. They might have surprising news for you, or vice versa, you might have surprising news for them. Pay attention to everything you say and do because this is a mildly accident-prone day.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Keep an eye on your money and cash flow as well as your possessions today because something unexpected could affect them. Fortunately, relations with bosses, parents and VIPs are excellent. Nevertheless, guard your possessions against damage, loss or theft. Check receipts and bills.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today the moon is in your sign and you feel every issue more intensely — no question. You might also encounter a few surprises related to kids, social events, sports or a vacation? A romance with someone “different” could be soul-stirring.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
This is a restless day for you. Issues at home or to do with banking, shared property and insurance matters might be on your plate. If so, you have some strong feelings about whatever is happening. But this could be because you were caught off guard.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
A friend might surprise you or perhaps you will meet someone new who is unusual? All your dealings with those who are close to you will be a bit intense and passionate today. Suddenly it’s as if everything matters. Well, of course it does.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Ken Watanabe (1959) shares your birthday. You are energized by social settings, which is why you enjoy the company of others. In turn, they enjoy your witty conversation. Ta-da! It’s your time of harvest, which means you are starting to reap the benefits of the efforts you made in the last decade. You deserve this time of success! As a result, you might enjoy increased influence and leadership in all your relationships.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-20--Macy Gray, Andra Day, others behind ‘Rise Up and Stand,’ global virtual event to push police reform,

Macy Gray, Andra Day, others behind ‘Rise Up and Stand,’ global virtual event to push police reform, honor moms of those killed by cops

On Tuesday , Breonna Taylor ’ s mother , Tamika Palmer , got the news she ’ d prayed for , when a Kentucky judge ordered release of grand jury records in the probe into Taylor ’ s killing .
After Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron last month announced a grand jury had declined to charge the three Louisville officers involved in the killing of the 26-year-old Black emergency room technician during a botched raid on her apartment in March , Palmer put her hope in the lawsuit subsequently filed by a juror seeking permission to speak .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the juror who wants to speak out , ” Palmer told the Chicago Sun-Times in an exclusive interview Monday night , as she chatted about “ Rise Up And Stand — A Tribute To Our Mothers , ” a global , virtual event being broadcast on Facebook and Instagram simultaneously at 7 p.m. CT Friday .
“ I would hope the judge would let the jurors speak so that we know what did or did not happen in that grand jury proceeding , ” Palmer said a day before her hope was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen , ” Palmer said .
Friday ’ s event is to renew the push for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act , passed on June 8 by the U.S. House but since stuck in the Senate , and honoring mothers of those killed by police during arrest or in custody .
Produced by the Chicago-based nonprofit Truth , Hope and Justice Initiative , partnering with Grammy winner Macy Gray ’ s My Good foundation , the hourlong event will feature celebrity appearances , musical performances and inspirational messages , including from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Rev .
Otis Moss III .
More than 500 impacted mothers nationwide are expected .
“ I remember when I first saw the George Floyd video ...
I just remember being in shock , and not being able to get it out of my head , ” Gray , a mother of three , told the Sun-Times about launching her foundation this past August , dedicated strictly to assisting families of those killed by police .
“ Systematic racism definitely has something to do with it , but I think it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what some people are capable of , ” said Gray , the event ’ s host , who will also perform .
Grammy/Emmy-nominated artist Andra Day also will speak and perform .
“ My thing about Breonna ’ s case is the disinclination by a Black man , Mr. Daniel Cameron , to file charges , ” said Gray .
“ His defending his decision not to do anything about her murder bothers me .
One of our initiatives is getting him to step down , because that ’ s someone who did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even try to bring charges against those who did her harm.
” Other performers include Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago , who will join Day in singing her famous song , “ Rise Up , ” for which the event is named — in tribute to the mothers .
“ I ’ m reminded of a quote by Ella Baker , ‘ Until the killing of Black mothers ’ sons becomes as important to the rest of the country as the killing of a white mother ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not rest , ’ ” Day said .
“ Our goal is to rise up and to stand and support social justice , and to support racial equality , not just here in our justice system in America , but in the world at large.
” It was in 2016 that the Sun-Times wrote of the launch of the Truth , Hope and Justice Initiative , with a photo and video exhibit of families and victims of controversial police shootings .
Mothers flew to Chicago from across the nation to have their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that social justice project has turned into a movement .
“ It has not been easy .
I ’ ve got a divine strength coming from somewhere that ’ s holding me together , ” said Letetra Wideman , 32 , of North Chicago , sister of Jacob Blake , the 29-year-old shot in the back seven times by Kenosha , Wisconsin , police on Aug. 23 .
“ My mother is very traumatized , ” Wideman said .
“ I don ’ t think what happened to Jacob has really sunk in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moments where I feel it .
Most of the time , I ’ m just numb .
I hope when people see all these families on Friday , they ’ ll say , ‘ Something ’ s wrong with this picture.
’ ” Like Gray ’ s foundation , the Truth , Hope and Justice Initiative is strictly dedicated to supporting these families .
“ Our mothers represent the first responders and influencers in our communities .
We want to highlight the authentic stories of our mothers and how they have turned their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call-to-action for social justice and racial equity , ” said Chicago civil rights attorney Andrew M. Stroth , who founded the Truth , Hope and Justice Initiative .
“ At this historic moment in time and with our country in trauma ... we want to reimagine a world in which we have fair and equitable laws and the ability to build trusted relationships between communities of color and law enforcement .
”

On Tuesday, Breonna Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, got the news she’d prayed for, when a Kentucky judge ordered release of grand jury records in the probe into Taylor’s killing.
After Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron last month announced a grand jury had declined to charge the three Louisville officers involved in the killing of the 26-year-old Black emergency room technician during a botched raid on her apartment in March, Palmer put her hope in the lawsuit subsequently filed by a juror seeking permission to speak.
“We’re definitely still fighting and hopeful about the juror who wants to speak out,” Palmer told the Chicago Sun-Times in an exclusive interview Monday night, as she chatted about “Rise Up And Stand — A Tribute To Our Mothers,” a global, virtual event being broadcast on Facebook and Instagram simultaneously at 7 p.m. CT Friday.
“I would hope the judge would let the jurors speak so that we know what did or did not happen in that grand jury proceeding,” Palmer said a day before her hope was realized.
“Policing reform has to happen,” Palmer said.
Friday’s event is to renew the push for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, passed on June 8 by the U.S. House but since stuck in the Senate, and honoring mothers of those killed by police during arrest or in custody.
Produced by the Chicago-based nonprofit Truth, Hope and Justice Initiative, partnering with Grammy winner Macy Gray’s My Good foundation, the hourlong event will feature celebrity appearances, musical performances and inspirational messages, including from Chicago’s Rev. Michael Pfleger and Rev. Otis Moss III. More than 500 impacted mothers nationwide are expected.
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, producer and actress Macy Gray launched her new foundation, My Good, in August 2020, dedicated to assisting families of those killed by police, financially and with mental health support. Her foundation has joined forces with a Chicago-based nonprofit, Truth, Hope and Justice Initiative, for “Rise Up And Stand — A Tribute To Our Mothers,” a global, virtual event on Oct. 23. Giuliano Bekor
“I remember when I first saw the George Floyd video ... I just remember being in shock, and not being able to get it out of my head,” Gray, a mother of three, told the Sun-Times about launching her foundation this past August, dedicated strictly to assisting families of those killed by police.
“Systematic racism definitely has something to do with it, but I think it’s also a humanity thing, about what some people are capable of,” said Gray, the event’s host, who will also perform. Grammy/Emmy-nominated artist Andra Day also will speak and perform.
“My thing about Breonna’s case is the disinclination by a Black man, Mr. Daniel Cameron, to file charges,” said Gray. “His defending his decision not to do anything about her murder bothers me. One of our initiatives is getting him to step down, because that’s someone who did not do his job. He didn’t even try to bring charges against those who did her harm.”
Other performers include Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago, who will join Day in singing her famous song, “Rise Up,” for which the event is named — in tribute to the mothers.
Letetra Wideman, 32, of North Chicago, is the sister of Jacob Blake, the 29-year-old who was shot in the back seven times by Kenosha, Wisconsin, Police Officer Rusten Sheskey on Aug. 23, after walking away from police during arrest and opening his car door. Provided
“I’m reminded of a quote by Ella Baker, ‘Until the killing of Black mothers’ sons becomes as important to the rest of the country as the killing of a white mother’s son, we who believe in freedom cannot rest,’ ” Day said.
“Our goal is to rise up and to stand and support social justice, and to support racial equality, not just here in our justice system in America, but in the world at large.”
It was in 2016 that the Sun-Times wrote of the launch of the Truth, Hope and Justice Initiative, with a photo and video exhibit of families and victims of controversial police shootings. Mothers flew to Chicago from across the nation to have their stories archived. Four years later, that social justice project has turned into a movement.
“It has not been easy. I’ve got a divine strength coming from somewhere that’s holding me together,” said Letetra Wideman, 32, of North Chicago, sister of Jacob Blake, the 29-year-old shot in the back seven times by Kenosha, Wisconsin, police on Aug. 23.
“My mother is very traumatized,” Wideman said. “I don’t think what happened to Jacob has really sunk in for any of us. I have moments where I feel it. Most of the time, I’m just numb. I hope when people see all these families on Friday, they’ll say, ‘Something’s wrong with this picture.’ ”
Chicago civil rights attorney Andrew M. Stroth, who founded the Chicago-based nonprofit Truth, Hope and Justice Initiative in 2016, with Tambrasha Hudson, mother of 16-year-old Pierre Loury, killed by Chicago Police on April 11, 2016, and Loury’s aunt, Arewa Karen Winters. The family’s federal civil rights lawsuit is pending. Provided
Like Gray’s foundation, the Truth, Hope and Justice Initiative is strictly dedicated to supporting these families.
“Our mothers represent the first responders and influencers in our communities. We want to highlight the authentic stories of our mothers and how they have turned their pain into purpose, and initiate a call-to-action for social justice and racial equity,” said Chicago civil rights attorney Andrew M. Stroth, who founded the Truth, Hope and Justice Initiative.
“At this historic moment in time and with our country in trauma ... we want to reimagine a world in which we have fair and equitable laws and the ability to build trusted relationships between communities of color and law enforcement.”


chicagosun-times--2020-10-21--State’s deadliest day in months called sad result of ‘new wave’ of COVID-19 cases: ‘You will get to

State’s deadliest day in months called sad result of ‘new wave’ of COVID-19 cases: ‘You will get to more deaths’

The coronavirus claimed more lives than it has on any other day in Illinois over the past four months , as public health officials on Wednesday attributed 69 additional deaths to COVID-19 .
It ’ s the most in a single day since the 84 deaths recorded June 17 , back when the state was coming down from its initial peak of the pandemic .
More than 2,900 people have died with the virus statewide since then , and Illinois ’ overall pandemic death toll stands at 9,345 with the state facing a “ new wave ” of surging coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pritzker ’ s health team .
“ We should understand that that ’ s always the pattern : A certain number of cases will go on to be hospitalizations , a certain number of hospitalizations will go on to be deaths , ” Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said .
“ The more cases , eventually you will get to more deaths , and so the spike in cases that we ’ ve been seeing over the last six weeks , yes , unfortunately , it is turning into additional mortalities.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced 4,342 more people tested positive for the deadly virus , the second-highest daily tally of the pandemic .
That marks 15 consecutive days that the state has recorded 2,000 or more new cases .
As of Tuesday night , 2,338 Illinois coronavirus patients were hospitalized — the most being treated on any night since June 10 — while the state has averaged 34 deaths per day over the past two weeks , up from about 21 deaths per day this time last month .
While the state ’ s expanded testing capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts , the percentage of people testing positive is going “ in the wrong direction , ” Ezike said .
The latest cases were confirmed among 66,791 tests , raising the seven-day average statewide testing positivity rate to 5.7 % — up from 3.3 % a little over two weeks ago , and as high as it ’ s been since early June .
By the end of this week , COVID-19 restrictions ordered by Pritzker will be in place in four of the state ’ s 11 regions — including Chicago ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Will , Kane and DuPage counties — due to rising testing positivity rates .
All other regions are at or over 7 % positivity and trending steadily upward toward the 8 % threshold set by the Democratic governor that triggers restrictions .
That includes Chicago and the rest of its suburbs .
“ People are lowering their guard , ” Pritzker said at his latest coronavirus briefing .
“ Wear the mask .
If there ’ s nothing else that you hear me say , today and everyday , please wear the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic governor tries to rein in the viral rebound , his office also is looking ahead to preparations for distributing a potential coronavirus vaccine statewide .
Pritzker ’ s office began reaching out to local health departments Wednesday with preliminary information on the state ’ s “ vaccine rollout framework , ” much of which is still dependent on when — and if — a federally approved vaccine becomes available in the near future , and how many doses it will require .
Pritzker said the state ’ s plan is “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state , ” with priority given “ to our most vulnerable populations ” including health care workers , first responders and nursing home staffers and residents .
“ Illinois will not distribute a vaccine until we have one that is proven safe and effective , ” Pritzker said .
“ We have a highly qualified team of experts from the private and public sectors teamed up to evaluate the public data and process when the vaccine data is made available over the coming weeks or months , and I ’ ll make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the time comes.
” Since March , almost 7 million coronavirus tests have been administered statewide , with a 97 % recovery rate among 355,217 people confirmed to carry the virus .

The coronavirus claimed more lives than it has on any other day in Illinois over the past four months, as public health officials on Wednesday attributed 69 additional deaths to COVID-19.
It’s the most in a single day since the 84 deaths recorded June 17, back when the state was coming down from its initial peak of the pandemic.
More than 2,900 people have died with the virus statewide since then, and Illinois’ overall pandemic death toll stands at 9,345 with the state facing a “new wave” of surging coronavirus cases, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s health team.
“We should understand that that’s always the pattern: A certain number of cases will go on to be hospitalizations, a certain number of hospitalizations will go on to be deaths,” Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. “The more cases, eventually you will get to more deaths, and so the spike in cases that we’ve been seeing over the last six weeks, yes, unfortunately, it is turning into additional mortalities.”
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The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 4,342 more people tested positive for the deadly virus, the second-highest daily tally of the pandemic. That marks 15 consecutive days that the state has recorded 2,000 or more new cases.
As of Tuesday night, 2,338 Illinois coronavirus patients were hospitalized — the most being treated on any night since June 10 — while the state has averaged 34 deaths per day over the past two weeks, up from about 21 deaths per day this time last month.
Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike speaks at a Jan. 30 news conference. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
While the state’s expanded testing capacity is one factor behind recent sky-high case counts, the percentage of people testing positive is going “in the wrong direction,” Ezike said.
The latest cases were confirmed among 66,791 tests, raising the seven-day average statewide testing positivity rate to 5.7% — up from 3.3% a little over two weeks ago, and as high as it’s been since early June.
By the end of this week, COVID-19 restrictions ordered by Pritzker will be in place in four of the state’s 11 regions — including Chicago’s south and west suburbs in Kankakee, Will, Kane and DuPage counties — due to rising testing positivity rates.
All other regions are at or over 7% positivity and trending steadily upward toward the 8% threshold set by the Democratic governor that triggers restrictions. That includes Chicago and the rest of its suburbs.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker answers questions from the media in the South Austin neighborhood on Wednesday. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
“People are lowering their guard,” Pritzker said at his latest coronavirus briefing. “Wear the mask. If there’s nothing else that you hear me say, today and everyday, please wear the mask. Keep social distance.”
While the Democratic governor tries to rein in the viral rebound, his office also is looking ahead to preparations for distributing a potential coronavirus vaccine statewide. Pritzker’s office began reaching out to local health departments Wednesday with preliminary information on the state’s “vaccine rollout framework,” much of which is still dependent on when — and if — a federally approved vaccine becomes available in the near future, and how many doses it will require.
Pritzker said the state’s plan is “designed to provide an equitable distribution across the state,” with priority given “to our most vulnerable populations” including health care workers, first responders and nursing home staffers and residents.
“Illinois will not distribute a vaccine until we have one that is proven safe and effective,” Pritzker said. “We have a highly qualified team of experts from the private and public sectors teamed up to evaluate the public data and process when the vaccine data is made available over the coming weeks or months, and I’ll make sure that you can hear from them when the time comes.”
Since March, almost 7 million coronavirus tests have been administered statewide, with a 97% recovery rate among 355,217 people confirmed to carry the virus.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-21--Obama stumping for Biden, back on the campaign trail; records spot for Durbin

WASHINGTON — Former President Barack Obama recorded a spot for Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , and with early voting taking place nationwide , kicked-off his first in-person appearance this cycle at a drive-in rally for Joe Biden in Philadelphia on Wednesday .
“ Honk if you are fired up , ” Obama said as he wrapped up his speech in swing state Pennsylvania , revamping his famous 2008 slogan into the COVID-19 2020 version .
“ Turn out like never before , ” Obama said at the Biden drive-in rally .
With President Donald Trump already saying he may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We can not leave any doubt in this election.
” Obama and former first lady Michelle still vote from their Chicago house at 5046 S. Greenwood Ave .
They have another home in Washington as well as their post-presidential offices .
According to the Chicago Board of Elections database , their vote-by-mail ballot applications were processed on Sept. 27 .
The Obama spot for Durbin will air in the Chicago market starting Thursday over cable and broadcast outlets .
While Durbin is the frontrunner in his reelection bid — and Obama is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign time , picking and choosing who he personally helps — when it comes to boosting Durbin , their long friendship comes into play .
Obama has been close to Durbin since his 2004 run for a Senate seat from Illinois , when , after Obama won his primary , Durbin , the senior senator from Illinois , took him around the state to introduce him .
“ I just wanted to let you know how proud I am to cast my ballot for my friend .
Dick Durbin , for U.S. Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He ’ s been a leader on criminal justice reform , economic opportunity and making health care a right , not a privilege .
But mostly I want you to know that Dick Durbin is a man of decency , integrity and compassion .
“ So I hope you ’ ll join me in voting to keep Dick Durbin standing up for us.
” A specific Obama focus is boosting Black male turnout for Biden and his running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , the Sun-Times has learned .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic voters ; Obama is trying to bring up the numbers when it comes to Black men .
Obama has done a variety of virtual programs and events to register new voters and to speak to young voters during the presidential campaign , and Democrats have been anxious for him to do in-person campaigning .
With the Nov. 3 election looming — and with Obama now stumping in–person — “ We are going to leave nothing on the field , ” said his spokesman , Eric Schultz .
Obama is expected to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the early vote in the handful of key swing states whose voters will determine the outcome .
According to the Biden campaign , after the Jacob Blake police shooting in Kenosha this summer — in the swing state of Wisconsin , which Trump only narrowly won in 2016 — the campaign launched their “ Shop Talk ” program to organize Black men .
“ Shop Talk roundtable discussions highlight the challenges impacting Black men across the country , ” the campaign said in a statement .
As part of his spurring Black male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , joined a “ Shop Talk ” conversation with local leaders and elected officials to discuss , according to the pool report , “ issues facing Black men in the community and the importance of voting in this election.
” Biden had no events on his Wednesday schedule , the day before the second and final presidential debate .
The last time Obama stumped in Chicago was on Sunday , Nov. 4 , 2018 , at a rally at the UIC Pavilion , 525 S. Racine Ave. , to boost the entire Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
J.B. Pritzker .

WASHINGTON — Former President Barack Obama recorded a TV spot boosting Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and with early voting taking place nationwide, kicked-off his first in-person appearance this cycle at a drive-in rally for Joe Biden in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
“Honk if you are fired up,” Obama said as he wrapped up his speech in swing state Pennsylvania, revamping his famous 2008 slogan into the COVID-19 2020 version.
“Turn out like never before,” Obama said at the Biden drive-in rally. With President Donald Trump already saying he may question the results, Obama said, “We cannot leave any doubt in this election.”
Obama and former first lady Michelle still vote from their Chicago house at 5046 S. Greenwood Ave. They have another home in Washington as well as their post-presidential offices. According to the Chicago Board of Elections database, their vote-by-mail ballot applications were processed on Sept. 27.
OBAMA AND DURBIN
The Obama spot for Durbin will air in the Chicago market starting Thursday over cable and broadcast outlets.
While Durbin is the frontrunner in his reelection bid — and Obama is very selective about how he uses his campaign time, picking and choosing who he personally helps — when it comes to boosting Durbin, their long friendship comes into play.
Obama has been close to Durbin since his 2004 run for a Senate seat from Illinois, when, after Obama won his primary, Durbin, the senior senator from Illinois, took him around the state to introduce him.
“I just wanted to let you know how proud I am to cast my ballot for my friend. Dick Durbin, for U.S. Senate,” Obama said in the spot.
“He’s been a leader on criminal justice reform, economic opportunity and making health care a right, not a privilege. But mostly I want you to know that Dick Durbin is a man of decency, integrity and compassion.
“So I hope you’ll join me in voting to keep Dick Durbin standing up for us.”
OBAMA AND TURNING OUT DEMOCRATIC VOTERS
A specific Obama focus is boosting Black male turnout for Biden and his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., the Sun-Times has learned.
Black females are among the most dependable Democratic voters; Obama is trying to bring up the numbers when it comes to Black men.
Obama has done a variety of virtual programs and events to register new voters and to speak to young voters during the presidential campaign, and Democrats have been anxious for him to do in-person campaigning.
With the Nov. 3 election looming — and with Obama now stumping in–person — “We are going to leave nothing on the field,” said his spokesman, Eric Schultz.
Obama is expected to make stops for the Biden campaign to bolster the early vote in the handful of key swing states whose voters will determine the outcome.
According to the Biden campaign, after the Jacob Blake police shooting in Kenosha this summer — in the swing state of Wisconsin, which Trump only narrowly won in 2016 — the campaign launched their “Shop Talk” program to organize Black men. “Shop Talk roundtable discussions highlight the challenges impacting Black men across the country,” the campaign said in a statement.
As part of his spurring Black male voter turnout, Obama, in Philadelphia, joined a “Shop Talk” conversation with local leaders and elected officials to discuss, according to the pool report, “issues facing Black men in the community and the importance of voting in this election.”
Biden had no events on his Wednesday schedule, the day before the second and final presidential debate.
FOOTNOTE
The last time Obama stumped in Chicago was on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at a rally at the UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave., to boost the entire Democratic ticket, then led by now Gov. J.B. Pritzker.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-21--Don’t let Trump discredit patriotism

Don’t let Trump discredit patriotism

Donald Trump has a documented history of driving Americans away from the policies he favors .
This is both good and bad .
As Catherine Rampell noted , the president has moved American public opinion toward greater approval of immigration .
The percentage of Americans who said that immigration is good for the country bounced around in the 50s and 60s in the first decade and a half of this century .
But since 2016 , the trend has been up sharply .
In 2020 , 77 % of Americans told Gallup that they think immigration is good for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that accepting refugees fleeing war or persecution should be a priority has increased from 62 % in 2016 to 73 % in 2019 .
Trump has also increased the appetite for government involvement in health care .
Since embarking on his quest for the presidency , Trump has denounced the Affordable Care Act , but only because he promised something superior .
His specific policy proposal for replacing the law was something “ terrific , ” “ phenomenal ” and “ fantastic.
” In February 2017 , having been in office a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and replacement of ObamaCare is coming fast !
” At the end of March , with negotiations bogging down , he pleaded for more time .
“ I want to have a great health care bill and plan , and we will.
” It didn ’ t happen .
Health care reform was a dead letter , except that having failed to repeal or replace the ACA through legislation , the administration joined in a legal assault on the law , challenging its constitutionality .
If the Trump administration were to get its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans would lose health insurance in the midst of a pandemic .
Oh , and on Aug. 3 of this year , the president once again promised his own health care proposal “ hopefully , prior to the end of the month.
” Amazingly , the public ’ s response to this clown show was to express increasing support for the ACA , with a solid 55 % expressing approval of the law this month , up from about 40 % in 2016 .
Trump ’ s fulminations against trade have convinced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative about NAFTA than in the pre-Trump era — but most Americans have moved in the other direction , with 74 % agreeing that trade is an opportunity for economic growth versus 21 % who view it as a threat to the economy .
As a pro-immigrant free-trader , I ’ m not sorry that Trump has driven people away from his views , though I do lament the loss of a chance for free market health reform .
Trump has driven people away from the Republican Party , and caused them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while it ’ s no loss for the nation if protectionism and nativism are discredited , there are other things that Trumpism endangers that would be serious losses .
I worry that Trump is contaminating patriotism itself .
His blatantly racist appeals combined with his crude and offensive invocations of “ America First ” run the risk of associating patriotism with whiteness .
His fondness for the Confederacy stains his embrace of the American flag .
What Trump ’ s fans on the right never seem to grapple with as they ceaselessly invoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun confiscation , is how much Trump drives the left toward extremism .
From the 1619 Project to the toppling of statues of anti-slavery heroes , there is a movement afoot that Bari Weiss calls a “ mixture of postmodernism , postcolonialism , identity politics , neo-Marxism , critical race theory , intersectionality , and the therapeutic mentality.
” Some of this predated Trump , of course , but he has turbo-charged it .
The left-wing challenge to American legitimacy has always stressed racism , colonialism , sexism and unconstrained capitalism .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of those stereotypes .
( You may object that he wasn ’ t a colonialist , but don ’ t forget , “ Take the oil !
” ) As we look to rebuild in a post-Trump world , we non-leftists must be able to make the case for American patriotism .
We can not respond to the 1619 Project with heavy-handed attempts to limit its reach , but with arguments and context .
No , this country would not be lovable if its history were one long chronicle of racism and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have much to be ashamed of in our history but much more to celebrate and be grateful for .
We have been free and a beacon of freedom for more than two centuries .
We have welcomed people from all over the globe and insisted that when they become citizens , they are the full equals of those born here .
We have confronted our past sins , imperfectly , but diligently , nevertheless .
We ’ ve given the world fantastic inventions like the airplane and the Salk vaccine , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Independence with its ringing invocation of natural rights .
Trump is a shriveled soul and tends to diminish everything and everyone he touches .
As we move out of his orbit , we can begin to recapture some of the grandeur of the nation he has led so miserably .
We can not permit American patriotism to be hijacked by yahoos and bigots .
As we start to heal from the past four years , we must rescue patriotism from Trumpism .
Mona Charen is a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public @ @ @

Donald Trump has a documented history of driving Americans away from the policies he favors. This is both good and bad.
As Catherine Rampell noted, the president has moved American public opinion toward greater approval of immigration. The percentage of Americans who said that immigration is good for the country bounced around in the 50s and 60s in the first decade and a half of this century. But since 2016, the trend has been up sharply. In 2020, 77% of Americans told Gallup that they think immigration is good for the country. Similarly, the percentage who believe that accepting refugees fleeing war or persecution should be a priority has increased from 62% in 2016 to 73% in 2019.
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
Trump has also increased the appetite for government involvement in health care. Since embarking on his quest for the presidency, Trump has denounced the Affordable Care Act, but only because he promised something superior. His specific policy proposal for replacing the law was something “terrific,” “phenomenal” and “fantastic.”
In February 2017, having been in office a few weeks, Trump tweeted “repeal and replacement of ObamaCare is coming fast!” At the end of March, with negotiations bogging down, he pleaded for more time. “I want to have a great health care bill and plan, and we will.”
It didn’t happen. Health care reform was a dead letter, except that having failed to repeal or replace the ACA through legislation, the administration joined in a legal assault on the law, challenging its constitutionality. If the Trump administration were to get its way at the Supreme Court, millions of Americans would lose health insurance in the midst of a pandemic. Oh, and on Aug. 3 of this year, the president once again promised his own health care proposal “hopefully, prior to the end of the month.”
Amazingly, the public’s response to this clown show was to express increasing support for the ACA, with a solid 55% expressing approval of the law this month, up from about 40% in 2016.
Trump’s fulminations against trade have convinced some — Republicans are now far more negative about NAFTA than in the pre-Trump era — but most Americans have moved in the other direction, with 74% agreeing that trade is an opportunity for economic growth versus 21% who view it as a threat to the economy.
As a pro-immigrant free-trader, I’m not sorry that Trump has driven people away from his views, though I do lament the loss of a chance for free market health reform.
Trump has driven people away from the Republican Party, and caused them to reject the label “conservative.” And while it’s no loss for the nation if protectionism and nativism are discredited, there are other things that Trumpism endangers that would be serious losses.
I worry that Trump is contaminating patriotism itself. His blatantly racist appeals combined with his crude and offensive invocations of “America First” run the risk of associating patriotism with whiteness. His fondness for the Confederacy stains his embrace of the American flag.
What Trump’s fans on the right never seem to grapple with as they ceaselessly invoke the specter of socialism, riots and gun confiscation, is how much Trump drives the left toward extremism. From the 1619 Project to the toppling of statues of anti-slavery heroes, there is a movement afoot that Bari Weiss calls a “mixture of postmodernism, postcolonialism, identity politics, neo-Marxism, critical race theory, intersectionality, and the therapeutic mentality.”
Some of this predated Trump, of course, but he has turbo-charged it.
The left-wing challenge to American legitimacy has always stressed racism, colonialism, sexism and unconstrained capitalism. Trump has lived down to each and every one of those stereotypes. (You may object that he wasn’t a colonialist, but don’t forget, “Take the oil!”)
As we look to rebuild in a post-Trump world, we non-leftists must be able to make the case for American patriotism. We cannot respond to the 1619 Project with heavy-handed attempts to limit its reach, but with arguments and context. No, this country would not be lovable if its history were one long chronicle of racism and oppression. It isn’t. We have much to be ashamed of in our history but much more to celebrate and be grateful for. We have been free and a beacon of freedom for more than two centuries. We have welcomed people from all over the globe and insisted that when they become citizens, they are the full equals of those born here. We have confronted our past sins, imperfectly, but diligently, nevertheless. We’ve given the world fantastic inventions like the airplane and the Salk vaccine, but nothing more important than the Declaration of Independence with its ringing invocation of natural rights.
Trump is a shriveled soul and tends to diminish everything and everyone he touches. As we move out of his orbit, we can begin to recapture some of the grandeur of the nation he has led so miserably.
We cannot permit American patriotism to be hijacked by yahoos and bigots. As we start to heal from the past four years, we must rescue patriotism from Trumpism.
Mona Charen is a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-21--The Mix: Chicago Home Movie Day, ‘Women of Broadway’ and more things to see and do Oct. 22-28

Northlight Theatre is one of the arts organizations participating in “ Live from the West Side : Women of Broadway , ” three evenings of music featuring three fabulous performers : Patti LuPone ( Oct. 24 ) , Laura Benanti ( Nov. 14 ) and Vanessa Williams ( Dec. 5 ) .
Expect a mix of Broadway tunes , pop songs and personal stories .
At-home audience members can email questions to be answered during the livestream .
Tickets : $ 30 per show , $ 75 for all .
Visit northlight.org/events/women-of-broadway .
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago begins its 43rd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” a new work by choreographer Rena Butler .
The 25-minute work , filmed outdoors at various Chicago locations by Talia Koylass , features the entire HSDC company with cameos by Butler , associate artistic director Jessica Tong and artistic liaison Emanuell Alsberry .
“ Amidst the multiple pandemics of this year , with protests and the attention to racial disparity , I was compelled to make a work that examined my curiosity of why Chicago constantly feels like two cities in one — from the glamour of the Magnificent Mile to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our youth and the generations to come within disparate communities.
” Stream the free performance at 6 p.m. Oct. 22 and 24 and 3 p.m. Oct. 25 .
Visit hubbardstreetdance.com .
For this year ’ s version of Chicago Home Movie Day , the Chicago Film Archives have compiled two programs of movies featuring Midwestern home movies from the 1920s to today .
The first program ( 7-9 p.m. Oct. 24 ) features Hyde Park in the ’ 20s , the Chicago Railroad Fair in the ‘ 40s , Brookfield Zoo in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60s and more .
The second program ( 7-9 p.m. Oct. 31 ) is Halloween-themed with amateur horror films , a Halloween parade , mid-century adult parties and a sure hit — a spooky baby narrating his first month of life .
Free , donations appreciated .
Visit chicagofilmarchives.org .
Like all cultural institutions , the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been hit hard by the pandemic .
To aid the museum in its ongoing work with exhibitions and educational programs , an impressive list of artists perform in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” a free fundraiser hosted by Marty Stuart and streaming at 8 p.m. Oct. 28 .
And there ’ s an interesting twist : Performers will be playing historic instruments from the collection .
Among the many performers are Miranda Lambert performing John Prine ’ s “ That ’ s the Way the World Goes ’ Round ” with Prine ’ s guitar , Lucinda Williams performing Johnny Cash ’ s “ I Still Miss Someone ” with Cash ’ s guitar and Keb Mo performing Dobie Gray ’ s “ Loving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guitar .
Visit countrymusichalloffame.org .
The city of Elmhurst has designated Oct. 24 as Frank Lloyd Wright Day .
The centerpieces of the celebration are two exhibits showcasing the great architect and his architectural footprint in Elmhurst ( home of the Henderson House , a Prairie-style home built in 1901 ) .
At the Elmhurst Art Museum , 150 Cottage Hill , “ Wright Before the ‘ Lloyd ’ ” ( To Feb. 14 , 2021 , $ 15 ) explores the early work of a young architect .
The Elmhurst History Museum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frank Lloyd Wright : Architecture of the Interior ” ( Oct. 23-Dec. 20 , free ) , which focuses on the interior design of Wright ’ s houses .
Visit elmhurstartmuseum.org and elmhursthistory.org .
Black Lives , Black Words , an initiative that provides local Black artists with a platform , continues its Plays for the People streaming series with two world premieres .
“ Call for the Wailing Women ” ( Oct. 22-25 ) , Katrina D. RiChard ’ s Afro-Centric take on Euripides ’ “ The Suppliants , ” features Allyson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who fight for their sons in different ways and for different reasons .
Valerie Curtis-Newton directs .
Wole Oguntokun ’ s “ The Emancipation of Yankee Oluwale ” ( Nov. 19-22 ) is the story of David Oluwale , a Nigerian who stowed away on a ship headed to the United Kingdom .
Directed by Harry Waters Jr. Tickets : $ 17 .
Visit blacklivesblackwords.org .
New Philharmonic ’ s virtual season opens with “ The Music of John Williams.
” The concert , filmed outdoors at the McAninch Arts Center ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scores from films such as “ ET : The Extra-Terrestrial , ” “ Jaws , ” “ Raiders of the Lost Ark ” and the “ Harry Potter ” and “ Star Wars ” series .
Includes a talk with conductor Kirk Muspratt .
Streams at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and 3 p.m. Oct. 25 .
Tickets : $ 40 ; a $ 99 subscription includes this concert plus a holiday sing-along ( Dec. 12-14 ) and New Year ’ s Eve concert .
Visit atthemac.org/new-philharmonic Halloween gets classically spooky with AstonRep Theatre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ Twisted Tales of Poe , ” a quartet of stories penned by Edgar Allan Poe , the master of the macabre .
Turn out the lights , light a candle and enjoy the dark environs of “ The Tell-Tale Heart , ” “ The Cask of Amontillado , ” “ The Black Cat ” and “ The Raven.
” The stream , Oct. 26-31 , is free , but donations are appreciated .
Visit astonrep.com .

Streaming divas
Northlight Theatre is one of the arts organizations participating in “Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway,” three evenings of music featuring three fabulous performers: Patti LuPone (Oct. 24), Laura Benanti (Nov. 14) and Vanessa Williams (Dec. 5). Expect a mix of Broadway tunes, pop songs and personal stories. At-home audience members can email questions to be answered during the livestream. Tickets: $30 per show, $75 for all. Visit northlight.org/events/women-of-broadway.
Dancing in the city
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago begins its 43rd season with “A Tale of Two,” a new work by choreographer Rena Butler. The 25-minute work, filmed outdoors at various Chicago locations by Talia Koylass, features the entire HSDC company with cameos by Butler, associate artistic director Jessica Tong and artistic liaison Emanuell Alsberry. “Amidst the multiple pandemics of this year, with protests and the attention to racial disparity, I was compelled to make a work that examined my curiosity of why Chicago constantly feels like two cities in one — from the glamour of the Magnificent Mile to the rampant gun violence that heavily affects our youth and the generations to come within disparate communities.” Stream the free performance at 6 p.m. Oct. 22 and 24 and 3 p.m. Oct. 25. Visit hubbardstreetdance.com.
“Chicago Home Movie Day” will be presented Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. Pictured is “Halloween Fun” (ca. 1952). The Margaret Conneely Collection at Chicago Film Archive
Glimpses of real life
For this year’s version of Chicago Home Movie Day, the Chicago Film Archives have compiled two programs of movies featuring Midwestern home movies from the 1920s to today. The first program (7-9 p.m. Oct. 24) features Hyde Park in the ’20s, the Chicago Railroad Fair in the ‘40s, Brookfield Zoo in the ‘50s, Lawndale in the ’60s and more. The second program (7-9 p.m. Oct. 31) is Halloween-themed with amateur horror films, a Halloween parade, mid-century adult parties and a sure hit — a spooky baby narrating his first month of life. Free, donations appreciated. Visit chicagofilmarchives.org.
A Nashville gem
Like all cultural institutions, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been hit hard by the pandemic. To aid the museum in its ongoing work with exhibitions and educational programs, an impressive list of artists perform in “Big Night (At the Museum),” a free fundraiser hosted by Marty Stuart and streaming at 8 p.m. Oct. 28. And there’s an interesting twist: Performers will be playing historic instruments from the collection. Among the many performers are Miranda Lambert performing John Prine’s “That’s the Way the World Goes ’Round” with Prine’s guitar, Lucinda Williams performing Johnny Cash’s “I Still Miss Someone” with Cash’s guitar and Keb Mo performing Dobie Gray’s “Loving Arms” with Jimmie Rodgers’ Weymann guitar. Visit countrymusichalloffame.org.
Elmhurst is celebrating “Frank Lloyd Wright Day” with an exhibit at the Elmhurst Art Museum. Pictured from the exhibit is a photograph of the dining room of Wright’s Edward E. Boynton House in Rochester, New York, 1908. © Paul Rocheleau
The Wright way
The city of Elmhurst has designated Oct. 24 as Frank Lloyd Wright Day. The centerpieces of the celebration are two exhibits showcasing the great architect and his architectural footprint in Elmhurst (home of the Henderson House, a Prairie-style home built in 1901). At the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill, “Wright Before the ‘Lloyd’” (To Feb. 14, 2021, $15) explores the early work of a young architect. The Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park, offers “Frank Lloyd Wright: Architecture of the Interior” (Oct. 23-Dec. 20, free), which focuses on the interior design of Wright’s houses. Visit elmhurstartmuseum.org and elmhursthistory.org.
Playwright Katrina D. RiChard’s “The Suppliants” is among the works featured in the “Black Lives, Black Words” initiative. Charlita Williams
Modern-day Greek tragedy
Black Lives, Black Words, an initiative that provides local Black artists with a platform, continues its Plays for the People streaming series with two world premieres. “Call for the Wailing Women” (Oct. 22-25), Katrina D. RiChard’s Afro-Centric take on Euripides’ “The Suppliants,” features Allyson Brown and Bianca Laverne Jones as mothers who fight for their sons in different ways and for different reasons. Valerie Curtis-Newton directs. Wole Oguntokun’s “The Emancipation of Yankee Oluwale” (Nov. 19-22) is the story of David Oluwale, a Nigerian who stowed away on a ship headed to the United Kingdom. Directed by Harry Waters Jr. Tickets: $17. Visit blacklivesblackwords.org.
The New Philharmonic performs outdoors for a filmed concert at the McAninch Arts Center Lakeside Pavilion. John Cebula
Cinematic sounds
New Philharmonic’s virtual season opens with “The Music of John Williams.” The concert, filmed outdoors at the McAninch Arts Center’s Lakeside Pavilion, features Williams’ cinematic scores from films such as “ET: The Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jaws,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and the “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” series. Includes a talk with conductor Kirk Muspratt. Streams at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and 3 p.m. Oct. 25. Tickets: $40; a $99 subscription includes this concert plus a holiday sing-along (Dec. 12-14) and New Year’s Eve concert. Visit atthemac.org/new-philharmonic
Black cats and ravens
Halloween gets classically spooky with AstonRep Theatre’s free streaming radio play adaptation of “Twisted Tales of Poe,” a quartet of stories penned by Edgar Allan Poe, the master of the macabre. Turn out the lights, light a candle and enjoy the dark environs of “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Black Cat” and “The Raven.” The stream, Oct. 26-31, is free, but donations are appreciated. Visit astonrep.com.
Mary Houlihan is a local freelance writer.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-21--Mailing it in? Sluggish processing of suburban Cook County ballots making it more like vote-by-snail

More than 225,000 mail ballots from Chicago voters have been returned and processed compared to barely 61,000 from suburban Cook County voters , according to data released Wednesday by state election officials .
That ’ s despite the fact that more suburban Cook voters have applied to vote by mail than have city voters — 546,656 to 524,451 .
The disparity is primarily the result of delays by the Cook County Clerk ’ s office , which administers suburban voting , in sending ballots to voters .
James Nally , a lawyer for the clerk ’ s election division , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleared its backlog of vote by mail applications and that anyone who has requested a mail ballot should either have received one or soon will .
Yet to be seen is what effect those delays are going to have downstream in the election process as ballots are returned , but it ’ s plain from the numbers that the clerk ’ s office has a lot of catching up to do by Nov. 3 .
When suburban Cook is excluded , the rest of the state is reporting a 44 % return rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 % for suburban Cook .
The city is at 43 % returned .
Nally said the clerk ’ s office has a backlog of more than 42,000 mail ballots that have been returned but are not included in the county ’ s total because they still need to be processed .
He said he expects election workers to process those ballots by the end of the week , pushing Cook County ’ s total ballots returned above 100,000 , which will still be far short of the city ’ s tally .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to catch up on this , ” Nally promised .
While conceding that the county missed its legal deadline for mailing out ballots , Nally expressed confidence that everyone will have a fair opportunity to vote and can be assured that their vote will be counted .
I ’ m not too concerned about that , given the state ’ s liberal vote-by-mail laws , which allow votes to be counted as long as they are postmarked or placed in an approved dropbox by Election Day — and received by Nov. 17 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a factor .
Eventually , every vote should be counted .
I ’ m more concerned about the uncertainty that could result if we go into Election Night with tens of thousands of mail ballots backed up in processing or in transit because voters didn ’ t receive them sooner .
That could have a big effect on the outcome of the Cook County state ’ s attorney contest or the judges facing retention , possibly even the constitutional amendment on the graduated income tax .
It also could cause problems on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail ballot are still waiting to learn whether it was received and accepted .
On top of that , it ’ s a little disconcerting that these problems occurred in suburban Cook , home to most of the county ’ s Republican voters .
As I ’ ve said , Illinois made a sensible move to emphasize mail voting after the coronavirus pandemic threw a pall over the March primary with both poll workers and voters fearing for their health .
But everyone is still getting used to it .
Under Illinois law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedures to determine whether mail ballots have been properly completed as soon as they are received .
That includes checking the signature on the ballot envelope to make sure it matches the voter ’ s registration .
Actual tabulation of mail ballots has to wait until Election Day .
City elections officials say they are processing mail ballots as quickly as they are being returned by voters .
So far , the city has rejected 1,001 or less than one-half percent of mail ballots that have been completed while the clerk ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the suburban Cook ballots it has processed .
Nally said he expects half of the rejected ballots will be counted after voters are given an opportunity to fix errors , such as forgetting to sign the ballot envelope .
The clerk ’ s office has blamed its belated ballot mailings on several factors , including the need to shut down the office for two weeks in August when an employee tested positive for COVID-19 .
The county also was overrun with ballot applications submitted on paper , instead of online , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nally said .
In-person early voting also has remained popular with 129,385 city voters and 70,799 suburban Cook voters casting ballots through Tuesday .
It ’ s funny .
Here we are voting earlier and earlier , yet the results could come later and later .

More than 225,000 mail ballots from Chicago voters have been returned and processed compared to barely 61,000 from suburban Cook County voters, according to data released Wednesday by state election officials.
That’s despite the fact that more suburban Cook voters have applied to vote by mail than have city voters — 546,656 to 524,451.
The disparity is primarily the result of delays by the Cook County Clerk’s office, which administers suburban voting, in sending ballots to voters.
Opinion bug Opinion
James Nally, a lawyer for the clerk’s election division, said Wednesday that the office has finally cleared its backlog of vote by mail applications and that anyone who has requested a mail ballot should either have received one or soon will.
Yet to be seen is what effect those delays are going to have downstream in the election process as ballots are returned, but it’s plain from the numbers that the clerk’s office has a lot of catching up to do by Nov. 3.
Exclucing suburban Cook County, the rest of the state is reporting a 44% return rate on its mail ballots. That compares to just 11% for suburban Cook County. The city of Chicago is at 43% returned.
Nally said the clerk’s office has a backlog of more than 42,000 mail ballots that have been returned but are not included in the county’s total because they still need to be processed.
He said he expects election workers to process those ballots by the end of the week, pushing Cook County’s total ballots returned above 100,000, which will still be far short of the city’s tally.
“Everybody is working overtime and weekends to catch up on this,” Nally promised.
While conceding that the county missed its legal deadline for mailing out ballots, Nally expressed confidence that everyone will have a fair opportunity to vote and can be assured that their vote will be counted.
I’m not too concerned about that, given the state’s liberal vote-by-mail laws, which allow votes to be counted as long as they are postmarked or placed in an approved dropbox by Election Day — and received by Nov. 17.
That pretty much eliminates slow mail service as a factor. Eventually, every vote should be counted.
I’m more concerned about the uncertainty that could result if we go into Election Night with tens of thousands of mail ballots backed up in processing or in transit because voters didn’t receive them sooner. That could have a big effect on the outcome of the Cook County state’s attorney contest or the judges facing retention, possibly even the constitutional amendment on the graduated income tax.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker outlines his plan to replace Illinois’ flat-rate income tax with a graduated rate structure, at a news conference in 2019. John O’Connor/AP file
It also could cause problems on Election Day if those who cast a mail ballot are still waiting to learn whether it was received and accepted.
On top of that, it’s a little disconcerting that these problems occurred in suburban Cook, home to most of the county’s Republican voters.
As I’ve said, Illinois made a sensible move to emphasize mail voting after the coronavirus pandemic threw a pall over the March primary with both poll workers and voters fearing for their health. But everyone is still getting used to it.
Under Illinois law, election authorities are allowed to conduct procedures to determine whether mail ballots have been properly completed as soon as they are received. That includes checking the signature on the ballot envelope to make sure it matches the voter’s registration. Actual tabulation of mail ballots has to wait until Election Day.
Van Soil, 69, of West Ridge, shows off his “I Voted!” sticker after early voting in the West Rogers Park neighborhood last week. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
City elections officials say they are processing mail ballots as quickly as they are being returned by voters.
So far, the city has rejected 1,001 or less than one-half percent of mail ballots that have been completed while the clerk’s office has rejected 1,721 or about 2.5% of the suburban Cook ballots it has processed.
Nally said he expects half of the rejected ballots will be counted after voters are given an opportunity to fix errors, such as forgetting to sign the ballot envelope.
The clerk’s office has blamed its belated ballot mailings on several factors, including the need to shut down the office for two weeks in August when an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
The county also was overrun with ballot applications submitted on paper, instead of online, which required time-consuming data entry efforts, Nally said.
In-person early voting also has remained popular with 129,385 city voters and 70,799 suburban Cook voters casting ballots through Tuesday.
It’s funny. Here we are voting earlier and earlier, yet the results could come later and later.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-21--Crystal Lake woman charged with falsely reporting daughter missing

A Crystal Lake woman has been charged with falsely reporting her 3-year-old daughter missing Wednesday in the northwest suburb .
@ @ @ @ @ , faces a felony count of disorderly conduct for making a false police report , @ @ @ @ @ Crystal Lake police .
Shader is accused of calling police about 12:15 p.m. to report @ @ @ @ @ and Somerset lanes , police said .
During the investigation , authorities learned the girl @ @ @ @ @ was at the Crystal Lake home of someone Shader knows , police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ unharmed.
” Shader was taken into custody and charged , according to police .
The @ @ @ @ @ her father at the recommendation of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services .
@ @ @ @ @ an “ active investigation.
” Read more on crime , and track the city ’ @ @ @

A Crystal Lake woman has been charged with falsely reporting her 3-year-old daughter missing Wednesday in the northwest suburb.
Lisa N. Shader, 38, faces a felony count of disorderly conduct for making a false police report, according to a statement from Crystal Lake police.
Shader is accused of calling police about 12:15 p.m. to report the child missing near Berkshire and Somerset lanes, police said.
During the investigation, authorities learned the girl was not missing, but was at the Crystal Lake home of someone Shader knows, police said. The girl was “safe and unharmed.”
Shader was taken into custody and charged, according to police. The child was turned over to her father at the recommendation of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Police said the case remains an “active investigation.”
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-21--Inspector General should probe Cook County commissioner, chief of staff amid pot firm revelations, e

Inspector General should probe Cook County commissioner, chief of staff amid pot firm revelations, ethics experts say

A Cook County commissioner and her chief of staff should be investigated for joining a fledgling pot company after serving as state cannabis regulators , government ethics experts said .
Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen , a Chicago Democrat representing the 12th District , acknowledged this month that she ’ s working with Americanna Dream , a startup seeking 10 licenses to operate recreational marijuana dispensaries .
The Sun-Times has since learned that her chief of staff and general counsel , Tara Meyer , is also partnered with the company , which is among 21 finalists in a process that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Former state Sen. Susan Garrett ( D-29th ) , now chair of the Center for Illinois Politics , said there are simply “ too many missing pieces to this puzzle ” and recommended that the Illinois Office of the Executive Inspector General probe the matter .
“ Because this is an emerging lucrative industry in Illinois , we must protect the integrity of how licensing decisions are made and who benefits from them , ” Garrett said .
Meyer succeeded Degnen as that state ’ s deputy director of medical cannabis but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve in her current role .
Meyer and Degnen said they locked into agreements last December to write applications for AmeriCanna Dream that could net them equity in the company .
Based on Meyer ’ s account , she appears to have narrowly avoided violating the state ’ s “ revolving door ” law when she jumped from serving as a top cannabis regulator to a potential stakeholder in the industry .
Meyer holds that she was “ fully compliant ” with the law and “ did not violate the revolving door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 36 perfect applications for dispensary licenses , which were due by Jan. 2 .
The upcoming licenses will be issued by the same agency that employed Meyer and Degnen , the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation .
Meyer and Degnen also manage a limited liability company that was registered last year — though Degnen insisted it was never used for anything .
Nevertheless , Garrett specifically raised alarms about that company .
“ There are clearly legitimate issues as to the timeline and nature of Degnen ’ s LLC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third party review — such as requesting the office of the inspector general to rule on the revolving door process Degnen and Meyer pursued along with a ruling on potential conflicts of interest , ” she said .
Former Ald .
Dick Simpson ( 44th ) , now a professor of political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago , noted that Meyer ’ s work in the cannabis industry “ is clearly a conflict of interest ” as he echoed Garrett ’ s call for an investigation .
“ I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inspector general can also widen the investigation to see if they used any undue influence in filling out the application and making the bid , ” Simpson said .
Under the “ revolving door ” law , former state workers are prohibited from accepting a job or compensation from an employer affected by their regulatory or licensing decisions over the previous year .
Starting next year , former state employees involved in cannabis licensing will have to wait two years to hold a stake in a pot company after leaving their state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained by the Sun-Times , Meyer announced that her last day at the IDFPR was Nov. 28 , 2018 .
Her LinkedIn profile states that she remained at the agency until December of that year .
In a statement , Meyer said she “ received payment and signed the operating agreement ” with AmeriCanna Dream in December of 2019 .
“ I received a stipend and if licensed will receive a small percentage of equity , ” Meyer told the Sun-Times .
“ I have not completed any other work on behalf of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t formally join AmeriCanna Dream until late last year , she and Degnen were allegedly involved in the push to obtain cannabis licenses before then .
They also took the steps to register their company , TMBD LLC , on Aug. 26 , 2019 .
Just two days after that company was organized , Nonna and David Knapp emailed Degnen to ask for a letter of recommendation to include in their own dispensary application .
The couple previously owned New Age Care , a medical marijuana shop in Mount Prospect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ September and told her that neither she nor Meyer could write a letter in support because they had “ a conflict of interest due to another commitment ” with an applicant .
That call came after Degnen pitched herself as an expert and offered application help to another group in June .
One of the applicants who met with Degnen said she somehow “ knew how these [ applications ] were going to get scored ” — down to “ every little detail.
” On Wednesday , that applicant ’ s partner said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with “ a team ” but didn ’ t specifically mention Meyer .

A Cook County commissioner and her chief of staff should be investigated for joining a fledgling pot company after serving as state cannabis regulators, government ethics experts said.
Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen, a Chicago Democrat representing the 12th District, acknowledged this month that she’s working with Americanna Dream, a startup seeking 10 licenses to operate recreational marijuana dispensaries. The Sun-Times has since learned that her chief of staff and general counsel, Tara Meyer, is also partnered with the company, which is among 21 finalists in a process that was designed to favor social equity candidates.
Tara Meyer Twitter
Former state Sen. Susan Garrett (D-29th), now chair of the Center for Illinois Politics, said there are simply “too many missing pieces to this puzzle” and recommended that the Illinois Office of the Executive Inspector General probe the matter.
“Because this is an emerging lucrative industry in Illinois, we must protect the integrity of how licensing decisions are made and who benefits from them,” Garrett said.
Meyer succeeded Degnen as the state’s deputy director of medical cannabis but eventually left that post in December 2018 to serve in her current role. Meyer and Degnen said they locked into agreements last December to write applications for AmeriCanna Dream that could net them equity in the company.
Based on Meyer’s account, she appears to have narrowly avoided violating the state’s “revolving door” law when she jumped from serving as a top cannabis regulator to a potential stakeholder in the industry. Meyer holds that she was “fully compliant” with the law and “did not violate the revolving door clause.”
Meyer and Degnen ultimately penned at least 36 perfect applications for dispensary licenses, which were due by Jan. 2. The upcoming licenses will be issued by the same agency that employed Meyer and Degnen, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Meyer and Degnen also manage a limited liability company that was registered last year — though Degnen insisted it was never used for anything. Nevertheless, Garrett specifically raised alarms about that company.
“There are clearly legitimate issues as to the timeline and nature of Degnen’s LLC’s work that warrant an independent third party review — such as requesting the office of the inspector general to rule on the revolving door process Degnen and Meyer pursued along with a ruling on potential conflicts of interest,” she said.
Former Ald. Dick Simpson (44th), now a professor of political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago, noted that Meyer’s work in the cannabis industry “is clearly a conflict of interest” as he echoed Garrett’s call for an investigation.
“I think it’s an appropriate step and the inspector general can also widen the investigation to see if they used any undue influence in filling out the application and making the bid,” Simpson said.
Under the “revolving door” law, former state workers are prohibited from accepting a job or compensation from an employer affected by their regulatory or licensing decisions over the previous year. Starting next year, former state employees involved in cannabis licensing will have to wait two years to hold a stake in a pot company after leaving their state jobs.
According to a resignation letter obtained by the Sun-Times, Meyer announced that her last day at the IDFPR was Nov. 28, 2018. Her LinkedIn profile states that she remained at the agency until December of that year.
In a statement, Meyer said she “received payment and signed the operating agreement” with AmeriCanna Dream in December of 2019.
“I received a stipend and if licensed will receive a small percentage of equity,” Meyer told the Sun-Times. “I have not completed any other work on behalf of AmeriCanna Dream.”
While Meyer said she didn’t formally join AmeriCanna Dream until late last year, she and Degnen were allegedly involved in the push to obtain cannabis licenses before then. They also took the steps to register their company, TMBD LLC, on Aug. 26, 2019.
Just two days after that company was organized, Nonna and David Knapp emailed Degnen to ask for a letter of recommendation to include in their own dispensary application. The couple previously owned New Age Care, a medical marijuana shop in Mount Prospect.
Nonna Knapp said Degnen called back in September of that year and told her that neither she nor Meyer could write a letter in support because they had “a conflict of interest due to another commitment” with an applicant.
That call came after Degnen pitched herself as an expert and offered application help to another group in June 2019. One of the applicants who met with Degnen said she somehow “knew how these [applications] were going to get scored” — down to “every little detail.”
On Wednesday, that applicant’s partner said Degnen informed them that she was working with “a team” but didn’t specifically mention Meyer.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-21--Key player in Bridgeport bank case seeks to exhume bank prez’s body, is locked up for contacting wid

Key player in Bridgeport bank case seeks to exhume bank prez’s body, is locked up for contacting widow

A federal judge Wednesday locked up a key player in a fraud investigation that revolves around a clout-heavy Bridgeport bank because he allegedly reached out to the bank president ’ s widow over a lawsuit he filed seeking to have the president ’ s body exhumed .
That was among several violations U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall ticked off at the end of a lengthy hearing before she ordered Robert Kowalski taken into custody .
John Gembara , the president of Washington Federal Bank for Savings , was found dead in 2017 of what was ruled to be a suicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bank customer .
“ The most salacious detail about the case is that the president of the bank committed suicide , right ?
” Kendall told Kowalski during the hearing .
“ That was the most significant detail that hit every news channel and every newspaper.
” The judge added that Kowalski tried to get the widow , Theresa Gembara , to side with him “ in order to investigate the death as a murder as opposed to as a suicide.
” It ’ s a strange new twist in a case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared to have hanged himself in a bedroom in the Park Ridge home .
They show Gembara ’ s body was discovered Dec. 3 , 2017 , in a seated position , fully clothed , with his glasses on and a green rope wrapped around his neck and tied to the bannister of a spiral staircase .
Prosecutors asked Kendall this week to throw Kowalski in jail for writing to Gembara ’ s widow .
They consider her a potential witness in the case that has so far led to the indictment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed his lawsuit against Park Ridge last week , questioning the nature of Gembara ’ s death .
It asked a judge to force the Park Ridge Police Department to release more information about its investigation — and to order the exhumation of Gembara ’ s body .
In the lawsuit , Kowalski said Gembara and his widow were godparents to one of Kowalski ’ s children , and it said their families “ shared a multi-generational association.
” On Wednesday , Kowalski insisted he “ knew this man for 30 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ didn ’ t make a whole lot of sense.
” He told the judge that he wanted to let Gembara ’ s widow know about his lawsuit , explaining .
“ I really didn ’ t want to see her , but I wanted to advise her that I was going forward with this.
” Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Petersen said Kowalski wrote “ please meet with me ” on a document sent to the widow .
Prosecutors shared the documents with the judge under seal .
Imani Chiphe , Kowalski ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been unclear that Gembara ’ s widow was considered a potential witness , but Kendall told Kowalski his explanation for reaching out to her revealed how critical she might be .
“ You are trying hard to find out something about this suicide and turning it into a murder or saying it is a murder , ” Kendall said .
The feds also said last week that Kowalski should be locked up over a separate alleged incident involving Kowalski ’ s sister — Jan Kowalski — and Kowalski ’ s girlfriend — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngest child .
Robert and Jan Kowalski have faced federal bankruptcy fraud charges since March 2019 .
This summer , the feds expanded the case against them with an indictment alleging four employees of Gembara ’ s bank helped Kowalski and others embezzle at least $ 29 million .
Federal regulators abruptly shut down the bank in December 2017 amid a massive fraud investigation .

A federal judge Wednesday locked up a key player in a fraud investigation that revolves around a clout-heavy Bridgeport bank because he allegedly reached out to the bank president’s widow over a lawsuit he filed seeking to have the president’s body exhumed.
That was among several violations U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall ticked off at the end of a lengthy hearing before she ordered Robert Kowalski taken into custody. John Gembara, the president of Washington Federal Bank for Savings, was found dead in 2017 of what was ruled to be a suicide inside the million-dollar Park Ridge home of a bank customer.
“The most salacious detail about the case is that the president of the bank committed suicide, right?” Kendall told Kowalski during the hearing. “That was the most significant detail that hit every news channel and every newspaper.”
The judge added that Kowalski tried to get the widow, Theresa Gembara, to side with him “in order to investigate the death as a murder as opposed to as a suicide.”
It’s a strange new twist in a case that began when police reports show Gembara appeared to have hanged himself in a bedroom in the Park Ridge home. They show Gembara’s body was discovered Dec. 3, 2017, in a seated position, fully clothed, with his glasses on and a green rope wrapped around his neck and tied to the bannister of a spiral staircase.
The Park Ridge home of a Washington Federal Bank for Savings customer where bank chief John F. Gembara was found dead. Kevin Tanaka / Sun-Times
Prosecutors asked Kendall this week to throw Kowalski in jail for writing to Gembara’s widow. They consider her a potential witness in the case that has so far led to the indictment of six people, including Kowalski. He filed his lawsuit against Park Ridge last week, questioning the nature of Gembara’s death. It asked a judge to force the Park Ridge Police Department to release more information about its investigation — and to order the exhumation of Gembara’s body.
In the lawsuit, Kowalski said Gembara and his widow were godparents to one of Kowalski’s children, and it said their families “shared a multi-generational association.”
On Wednesday, Kowalski insisted he “knew this man for 30 years,” adding that Gembara’s suicide “didn’t make a whole lot of sense.” He told the judge that he wanted to let Gembara’s widow know about his lawsuit, explaining. “I really didn’t want to see her, but I wanted to advise her that I was going forward with this.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Petersen said Kowalski wrote “please meet with me” on a document sent to the widow. Prosecutors shared the documents with the judge under seal.
Imani Chiphe, Kowalski’s attorney, told the judge it had been unclear that Gembara’s widow was considered a potential witness, but Kendall told Kowalski his explanation for reaching out to her revealed how critical she might be.
“You are trying hard to find out something about this suicide and turning it into a murder or saying it is a murder,” Kendall said.
The feds also said last week that Kowalski should be locked up over a separate alleged incident involving Kowalski’s sister — Jan Kowalski — and Kowalski’s girlfriend — who is also the mother of his youngest child.
Robert and Jan Kowalski have faced federal bankruptcy fraud charges since March 2019. This summer, the feds expanded the case against them with an indictment alleging four employees of Gembara’s bank helped Kowalski and others embezzle at least $29 million. Federal regulators abruptly shut down the bank in December 2017 amid a massive fraud investigation.