chicagosun-times--2020-09-09--NFL opener pits Mahomes’ Chiefs against Watson’s Texans

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
— It has been a mere eight months since Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs from a 24-0 hole to beat Deshaun Watson and the Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs , a brutally efficient comeback that ultimately propelled Kansas City to its first Super Bowl title in 50 years .
A whole lot has changed , though .
The coronavirus pandemic effectively canceled the entire NFL offseason along with all four preseason games .
That means their rematch at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night will be the first game for anybody since February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is historically one of the toughest road venues in the league will be limited to about 17,000 fans .
The Texans no longer carry star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins or leading rusher Carlos Hyde on their roster .
Chiefs coach Andy Reid no longer carries around the heavy and ignominious tag of best coach never to win a championship .
“ You have to expect the unexpected , ” Mahomes said , “ and that ’ s what we ’ re trying to do .
We ’ re going to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m going to make adjustments as quickly as possible , so we can get off to a fast start .
Hopefully.
” There are plenty of reasons for both teams to anticipate a good start .
Sure , the Texans ’ offense underwent a dramatic makeover with the departures of Hopkins and Hyde , but in their place came wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb along with a healthy David Johnson at running back .
And their defense has a healthy J.J. Watt , something they only enjoyed for about half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have missed far too often during his outstanding career .
“ We have an opportunity going to the defending Super Bowl champs ’ home stadium right off the bat and compete with a great team ; that ’ s what you want , ” said Watson , who signed a four-year , $ 160 million contract extension last week .
“ This is the best opportunity you can have to start the season.
” That contract extension is the second-largest in NFL history .
The largest : the 10-year extension that Mahomes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could ultimately pay him about a half-billion dollars .
Nice paydays for two quarterbacks taken two picks apart in the first round of the 2017 draft .
“ These two guys are just great players and very , very dynamic players , ” Texans coach Bill O ’ Brien said .
“ It ’ s always interesting how the schedules are made that this is the game that opens up the season , especially with what ’ s gone on .
What ’ s gone on the last six months , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this game with these two quarterbacks who have done so much early in their careers .
It ’ s a great night for the league and a great night for football.
” The Chiefs are among a handful of teams cleared by local and state authorities to have fans for Week 1 , but the number was capped at 22 % of capacity .
Those who attend — almost entirely season-ticket holders —- will be required to wear face coverings whenever they are unable to maintain social-distancing .
The last time Reid could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans was as an assistant at San Francisco State in 1985 .
“ If we were playing UC Davis , we would have that , but it ’ s been awhile , ” Reid said .
The league plans to play “ Lift Every Voice and Sing , ” which is widely considered the Black national anthem , along with “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” before games this season as it recognizes social-justice initiatives across the country .
Reid and O ’ Brien were asked whether their teams plan to kneel Thursday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s plans .
“ There will definitely be conversations leading up to the game , ” Watt said , “ whether it ’ s within our team alone or with the Chiefs .
‘ ‘ However it may be , we want to make sure that whatever everybody does , we ’ re on the same page.
” The Chiefs raised their Super Bowl flag last week , when they handed out their rings during an on-field ceremony attended by players , coaches and their family members .
But they ’ ll do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregame ceremony .
The flag will join the 1969 championship flag that has flown over Arrowhead Stadium by itself for the last five decades .
Along with some new playmakers on offense , the Texans also have new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and special-teams coach Tracy Smith .
Defensive tackle Ross Blacklock , a second-round pick , was their initial selection in the draft , while ex-Chiefs safety Eric Murray is expected to start after spending last season with Cleveland .
“ You look at everything that they ’ ve done last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve played against us , [ and ] you try to formulate a game plan , ” Mahomes said .
“ There are going to be very few opportunities , so when you do have them , you need to be sure to execute .
I think that ’ s what you saw in the playoffs.
” The Chiefs also doled out big contracts to defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce , leaving little cash for free agents .
Their biggest offseason addition was first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City will play without a trio of players who opted out — right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif , running back Damien Williams and rookie offensive lineman Lucas Niang .
They also will miss cornerback Bashaud Breeland and defensive tackle Mike Pennel , who are suspended for the start of the season .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It has been a mere eight months since Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs from a 24-0 hole to beat Deshaun Watson and the Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs, a brutally efficient comeback that ultimately propelled Kansas City to its first Super Bowl title in 50 years.
A whole lot has changed, though.
The coronavirus pandemic effectively canceled the entire NFL offseason along with all four preseason games. That means their rematch at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night will be the first game for anybody since February. It also means the crowd at what is historically one of the toughest road venues in the league will be limited to about 17,000 fans.
The Texans no longer carry star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins or leading rusher Carlos Hyde on their roster. Chiefs coach Andy Reid no longer carries around the heavy and ignominious tag of best coach never to win a championship.
“You have to expect the unexpected,” Mahomes said, “and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re going to have a game plan for everything, and I’m going to make adjustments as quickly as possible, so we can get off to a fast start. Hopefully.”
There are plenty of reasons for both teams to anticipate a good start.
Sure, the Texans’ offense underwent a dramatic makeover with the departures of Hopkins and Hyde, but in their place came wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb along with a healthy David Johnson at running back. And their defense has a healthy J.J. Watt, something they only enjoyed for about half of their games last season — and have missed far too often during his outstanding career.
“We have an opportunity going to the defending Super Bowl champs’ home stadium right off the bat and compete with a great team; that’s what you want,” said Watson, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension last week. “This is the best opportunity you can have to start the season.”
That contract extension is the second-largest in NFL history. The largest: the 10-year extension that Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, signed that could ultimately pay him about a half-billion dollars.
Nice paydays for two quarterbacks taken two picks apart in the first round of the 2017 draft.
“These two guys are just great players and very, very dynamic players,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “It’s always interesting how the schedules are made that this is the game that opens up the season, especially with what’s gone on. What’s gone on the last six months, it’s unprecedented. Now you have this game with these two quarterbacks who have done so much early in their careers. It’s a great night for the league and a great night for football.”
The Chiefs are among a handful of teams cleared by local and state authorities to have fans for Week 1, but the number was capped at 22% of capacity. Those who attend — almost entirely season-ticket holders —- will be required to wear face coverings whenever they are unable to maintain social-distancing.
The last time Reid could remember coaching in front of so few fans was as an assistant at San Francisco State in 1985.
“If we were playing UC Davis, we would have that, but it’s been awhile,” Reid said.
The league plans to play “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is widely considered the Black national anthem, along with “The Star-Spangled Banner” before games this season as it recognizes social-justice initiatives across the country.
Reid and O’Brien were asked whether their teams plan to kneel Thursday night. Neither coach disclosed their team’s plans.
“There will definitely be conversations leading up to the game,” Watt said, “whether it’s within our team alone or with the Chiefs.
‘‘However it may be, we want to make sure that whatever everybody does, we’re on the same page.”
TITLETOWN
The Chiefs raised their Super Bowl flag last week, when they handed out their rings during an on-field ceremony attended by players, coaches and their family members. But they’ll do it again for the crowd during a pregame ceremony.
The flag will join the 1969 championship flag that has flown over Arrowhead Stadium by itself for the last five decades.
SCOUTING THE TEXANS
Along with some new playmakers on offense, the Texans also have new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and special-teams coach Tracy Smith. Defensive tackle Ross Blacklock, a second-round pick, was their initial selection in the draft, while ex-Chiefs safety Eric Murray is expected to start after spending last season with Cleveland.
“You look at everything that they’ve done last season and even years past that they’ve played against us, [and] you try to formulate a game plan,” Mahomes said. “There are going to be very few opportunities, so when you do have them, you need to be sure to execute. I think that’s what you saw in the playoffs.”
SCOUTING THE CHIEFS
The Chiefs also doled out big contracts to defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce, leaving little cash for free agents. Their biggest offseason addition was first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who will start at running back.
Kansas City will play without a trio of players who opted out — right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, running back Damien Williams and rookie offensive lineman Lucas Niang. They also will miss cornerback Bashaud Breeland and defensive tackle Mike Pennel, who are suspended for the start of the season.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-10--Dipping COVID-19 numbers put Illinois in ‘decent position,’ but Pritzker urges staying the course: ‘

Dipping COVID-19 numbers put Illinois in ‘decent position,’ but Pritzker urges staying the course: ‘We can’t outrun this virus’

Even as public health officials announced another 1,953 Illinoisans have contracted COVID-19 , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Thursday he ’ s “ pleased ” with the way the state ’ s coronavirus numbers have trended over the last week .
That ’ s because with a booming increase in testing , positivity rates have gone down in most regions — despite the state logging some of its largest-ever daily case numbers last weekend .
The latest caseload is about average for the state over the last month , with roughly 1,957 new coronavirus cases reported per day by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 .
They were confirmed among 48,982 tests , raising the statewide seven-day positivity rate by a tenth of a percentage point to 3.8 % .
On Wednesday , that number , which indicates how rapidly the virus is spreading , fell below 4 % for the first time in almost two months .
But officials on Thursday also announced the virus has killed 28 more residents , well above the state ’ s 30-day average of about 20 lives claimed per day — and a reminder that “ we can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It hasn ’ t gone away .
We can ’ t pretend that we can fully restore our economic vitality as long as it ’ s here without any way to temper or prevent it , ” the Democratic governor said at a Loop news conference .
“ Unless we get it under control , either by people following the doctors ’ recommended mitigations [ of wearing face masks and social distancing ] or with an effective treatment or a vaccine , we will be fighting to save the Titanic with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vitality ” won ’ t be returning soon to the downstate Metro East region .
Almost a month after Pritzker ’ s health team imposed business restrictions because the region hit a positivity rate of 8 % , it has jumped to 10.1 % .
But the governor praised the Will-Kankakee county region , which has lowered its positivity to 7.5 % after similar mitigations were imposed .
Pritzker said he hopes the far south suburban region “ might become a testament to the community ’ s ability to turn the ship around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said indoor dining eventually might be allowed to resume there “ if they keep up the good work.
” Regional positivity rates are at 5.1 % in Chicago ; 6.2 % in suburban Cook County ; 6.3 % in Lake and McHenry counties ; and 5.5 % in Kane and DuPage counties .
Pritzker bristled at the suggestion that the state ’ s summertime resurgence might be limited to young people who don ’ t suffer serious symptoms .
“ When people are just running around asymptomatic , and if they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they ’ re spreading it to other people , ” he said .
“ And the result is that [ the virus ] is going into environments in which people who are vulnerable are going to be sick and are going to go to the hospital.
” As of Wednesday night , 1,609 Illinois coronavirus patients were hospitalized , with 346 in intensive care units and 141 on ventilators .
Those numbers are well within the state ’ s hospital capacity , but COVID-19 admissions have inched upward since July .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now , but again , we have to keep our positivity rates down and our infection rates down so that we don ’ t have an increase , ” Pritzker said .
Since March , almost 4.6 million coronavirus tests have been administered in Illinois .
A total of 255,643 people have tested positive , and 8,242 of those have died .

Even as public health officials announced another 1,953 Illinoisans have contracted COVID-19, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday he’s “pleased” with the way the state’s coronavirus numbers have trended over the last week.
That’s because with a booming increase in testing, positivity rates have gone down in most regions — despite the state logging some of its largest-ever daily case numbers last weekend.
The latest caseload is about average for the state over the last month, with roughly 1,957 new coronavirus cases reported per day by the Illinois Department of Public Health since Aug. 12.
They were confirmed among 48,982 tests, raising the statewide seven-day positivity rate by a tenth of a percentage point to 3.8%. On Wednesday, that number, which indicates how rapidly the virus is spreading, fell below 4% for the first time in almost two months.
Graph not displaying properly? Click here.
But officials on Thursday also announced the virus has killed 28 more residents, well above the state’s 30-day average of about 20 lives claimed per day — and a reminder that “we can’t outrun this virus,” Pritzker said.
“It hasn’t gone away. We can’t pretend that we can fully restore our economic vitality as long as it’s here without any way to temper or prevent it,” the Democratic governor said at a Loop news conference. “Unless we get it under control, either by people following the doctors’ recommended mitigations [of wearing face masks and social distancing] or with an effective treatment or a vaccine, we will be fighting to save the Titanic with a plastic bucket.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks Thursday at the Thompson Center in the Loop. Screenshot of State of Illinois live stream
That “economic vitality” won’t be returning soon to the downstate Metro East region. Almost a month after Pritzker’s health team imposed business restrictions because the region hit a positivity rate of 8%, it has jumped to 10.1%.
But the governor praised the Will-Kankakee county region, which has lowered its positivity to 7.5% after similar mitigations were imposed. Pritzker said he hopes the far south suburban region “might become a testament to the community’s ability to turn the ship around in the right direction” — and said indoor dining eventually might be allowed to resume there “if they keep up the good work.”
Regional positivity rates are at 5.1% in Chicago; 6.2% in suburban Cook County; 6.3% in Lake and McHenry counties; and 5.5% in Kane and DuPage counties.
Pritzker bristled at the suggestion that the state’s summertime resurgence might be limited to young people who don’t suffer serious symptoms.
“When people are just running around asymptomatic, and if they’re not getting tested but they are positive, they’re spreading it to other people,” he said. “And the result is that [the virus] is going into environments in which people who are vulnerable are going to be sick and are going to go to the hospital.”
As of Wednesday night, 1,609 Illinois coronavirus patients were hospitalized, with 346 in intensive care units and 141 on ventilators. Those numbers are well within the state’s hospital capacity, but COVID-19 admissions have inched upward since July.
“We’re in a decent position right now, but again, we have to keep our positivity rates down and our infection rates down so that we don’t have an increase,” Pritzker said.
Since March, almost 4.6 million coronavirus tests have been administered in Illinois. A total of 255,643 people have tested positive, and 8,242 of those have died.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-10--Opening arguments: GOP rival says Foxx has ‘made us less safe’ – she counters O’Brien’s style as pro

Opening arguments: GOP rival says Foxx has ‘made us less safe’ – she counters O’Brien’s style as prosecutor was ‘win at any cost’

Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx sparred Thursday with Republican challenger Pat O ’ Brien over wrongful convictions and her tenure — four years that the former judge argued has led to “ more crime and more fear.
” “ There has been a lack of integrity and professionalism in the office in the last four years .
The experiment that Kim Fox has led has failed , ” the former Cook County judge said .
“ It has made us less safe.
” The Democratic incumbent , O ’ Brien and Libertarian candidate Brian Dennehy sparred for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sun-Times Editorial Board , trying to win the newspaper ’ s endorsement .
The jabs came out early , with O ’ Brien saying in his opening remarks that Foxx ’ s time in office has infringed upon people ’ s way of life .
“ It ’ s not allowed people to exercise the kinds of freedoms given by the Constitution , simply because there ’ s more crime and more fear , ” O ’ Brien said .
“ I think the gangs have to be addressed.
” He also brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” actor Jussie Smollett , saying Foxx made “ false statements … directed to trying to make the public think that Jussie Smollett was treated like anyone else.
” “ Mr .
Smollett was treated differently than everybody else , and Ms. Foxx can talk all she wants about anything else , but she can ’ t answer those questions , because the only answer she can have is that her credibility was destroyed in how she handled that case , ” O ’ Brien said .
Foxx ’ s handling of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a blip for Foxx in the March Democratic Party .
Accused of making a false report to police alleging that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack , Smollett was indicted last year on 16 counts of disorderly conduct , but the state ’ s attorney ’ s office later abruptly dropped the charges .
Special Prosecutor Dan Webb filed a new six-count indictment against Smollett in February , and in a report released last month , found “ substantial abuses of discretion ” in the Cook County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s handling of the case .
On Thursday , Foxx went on the offense against O ’ Brien .
The first-term prosecutor said while O ’ Brien was a prosecutor in charge of the criminal prosecutions bureau , he “ oversaw at least 27 cases where people were convicted and those convictions were later exonerated.
” “ I agree , trust and transparency are critically important , and I ’ m to be held to account for what happened in that case , but the elephant in the room is not simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It is the history of wrongful convictions — win at any cost — that I believe that we have to address.
” The Democratic incumbent also pointed to O ’ Brien ’ s “ relationship with police , ” arguing during his time in the county ’ s criminal justice system , “ he did not provide a check on officers.
” In his campaign to unseat Foxx , O ’ Brien received the endorsement of the city ’ s Fraternal Order of Police and a $ 57,800 donation — the maximum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Brien said the donation doesn ’ t make him “ somehow beholden to them.
” “ Everybody will be treated the same — if they violate the law , they ’ re going to be prosecuted , ” O ’ Brien said .
“ And in terms of donors .
Let ’ s ask Ms. Foxx about Ed Burke , Martin Sandoval , Commonwealth Edison ...
They ’ ve been investigated , and , in some cases , charged by the FBI.
” Former Ald .
Edward M. Burke was charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal indictment .
Sandoval , a former state senator , has pleaded guilty to corruption charges .
And ComEd has been charged in federal court with bribery .
As for the convictions , O ’ Brien said he was assigned as a prosecutor to the rape and murder case of Lori Roscetti in the 1980s .
The former judge said “ there were two court reported confessions taken by an assistant state ’ s attorney , and they were third party admissions to persons that were in the community , from the offenders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them could have “ raised any issue they wanted to ... with regard to the confessions , ” but none did , O ’ Brien said .
“ One of the four actually testified that in the final trial , that they had committed the offense , ” O ’ Brien said .
“ So , I don ’ t know how a prosecutor could have seen it coming into the case in any other fashion than to prosecute , but I will agree that the criminal justice system failed those four men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I certainly at the time … would not have been aware that somehow these were the wrong men.
” Dennehy said he is running because he doesn ’ t “ want to be a person who sits idly by while the world burns.
” “ The overall issue is the number of people we are locking up in cages , ” the Libertarian said , arguing that prosecutors should not overcrowd the jails with those who don ’ t belong there .
“ So , when something happens like the looting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are actually harming other people and stealing other people ’ s things .
”

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx sparred Thursday with Republican challenger Pat O’Brien over wrongful convictions and her tenure — four years that the former judge argued has led to “more crime and more fear.”
“There has been a lack of integrity and professionalism in the office in the last four years. The experiment that Kim Foxx has led has failed,” the former Cook County judge said. “It has made us less safe.”
The Democratic incumbent, O’Brien and Libertarian candidate Brian Dennehy sparred for well over an hour before the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board, trying to win the newspaper’s endorsement.
The jabs came out early, with O’Brien saying in his opening remarks that Foxx’s time in office has infringed upon people’s way of life.
“It’s not allowed people to exercise the kinds of freedoms given by the Constitution, simply because there’s more crime and more fear,” O’Brien said. “I think the gangs have to be addressed.”
He also brought up the case of former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, saying Foxx made “false statements … directed to trying to make the public think that Jussie Smollett was treated like anyone else.”
“Mr. Smollett was treated differently than everybody else, and Ms. Foxx can talk all she wants about anything else, but she can’t answer those questions, because the only answer she can have is that her credibility was destroyed in how she handled that case,” O’Brien said.
Actor Jussie Smollett, left; Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, right. Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times; Leslie Adkins/For the Sun-Times.
Foxx’s handling of the Smollett case has drawn criticism but proved to be a blip for Foxx in the March Democratic Party.
Accused of making a false report to police alleging that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack, Smollett was indicted last year on 16 counts of disorderly conduct, but the state’s attorney’s office later abruptly dropped the charges.
Special Prosecutor Dan Webb filed a new six-count indictment against Smollett in February, and in a report released last month, found “substantial abuses of discretion” in the Cook County state’s attorney’s office’s handling of the case.
On Thursday, Foxx went on the offense against O’Brien. The first-term prosecutor said while O’Brien was a prosecutor in charge of the criminal prosecutions bureau, he “oversaw at least 27 cases where people were convicted and those convictions were later exonerated.”
“I agree, trust and transparency are critically important, and I’m to be held to account for what happened in that case, but the elephant in the room is not simply Jussie Smollett,” Foxx said. “It is the history of wrongful convictions — win at any cost — that I believe that we have to address.”
Pat O’Brien, 2020 Illinois Republican nominee for Cook County state’s attorney Provided
The Democratic incumbent also pointed to O’Brien’s “relationship with police,” arguing during his time in the county’s criminal justice system, “he did not provide a check on officers.”
In his campaign to unseat Foxx, O’Brien received the endorsement of the city’s Fraternal Order of Police and a $57,800 donation — the maximum legal donation — from the group.
O’Brien said the donation doesn’t make him “somehow beholden to them.”
“Everybody will be treated the same — if they violate the law, they’re going to be prosecuted,” O’Brien said. “And in terms of donors. Let’s ask Ms. Foxx about Ed Burke, Martin Sandoval, Commonwealth Edison ... They’ve been investigated, and, in some cases, charged by the FBI.”
Ald. Edward M. Burke (14th) was charged with racketeering and bribery in a 59-page federal indictment. Sandoval, a former state senator, has pleaded guilty to corruption charges. And ComEd has been charged in federal court with bribery.
As for the convictions, O’Brien said he was assigned as a prosecutor to the rape and murder case of Lori Roscetti in the 1980s. The former judge said “there were two court reported confessions taken by an assistant state’s attorney, and they were third party admissions to persons that were in the community, from the offenders” among other evidence.
Any of them could have “raised any issue they wanted to ... with regard to the confessions,” but none did, O’Brien said.
Calvin Ollins, right, is congratulated by Omar Saunders, left, and Larry Ollins, center, as Calvin is released from the Joliet Correctional center in Joliet in 2001, after DNA tests proved there was no evidence linking the three to the rape and murder of medical student Lori Roscetti in 1986. The city of Chicago agreed to pay $1.5 million in 2003, to settle a civil rights lawsuit brought by Calvin, one of four men cleared by in the case. M. Spencer Green/AP file
“One of the four actually testified that in the final trial, that they had committed the offense,” O’Brien said. “So, I don’t know how a prosecutor could have seen it coming into the case in any other fashion than to prosecute, but I will agree that the criminal justice system failed those four men. I was part of that, but I certainly at the time … would not have been aware that somehow these were the wrong men.”
Dennehy said he is running because he doesn’t “want to be a person who sits idly by while the world burns.”
“The overall issue is the number of people we are locking up in cages,” the Libertarian said, arguing that prosecutors should not overcrowd the jails with those who don’t belong there. “So, when something happens like the looting, there’s room to put people who are actually harming other people and stealing other people’s things.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-10--President Trump’s risky strategy backfired: Granting Bob Woodward interviews for his new book, ‘Rage

President Trump’s risky strategy backfired: Granting Bob Woodward interviews for his new book, ‘Rage’

Even Sean Hannity said he was “ surprised ” President Donald Trump granted so many interviews to the Wheaton-raised author Bob Woodward for his new book , “ Rage.
” “ I don ’ t think a lot of good comes from talking to Bob Woodward , my own personal opinion , ” Hannity told Trump .
The Trump-friendly FOX News host confronted Trump during an interview on his Wednesday show over his decision to extensively cooperate with the influential journalist famed for his insider accounts of four presidencies .
Trump ’ s hubris — that he could sway Woodward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources — led him to grant Woodward 18 interviews for the book : one from 2016 and 17 from Dec. 5 , 2019 to a few weeks ago , July 8 .
Excerpts from Woodward ’ s book , to be published next Tuesday , focused on his admission , in a recorded interview , that he knew how deadly the coronavirus could be as early as February .
Trump phoned Woodward with the “ surprising detail about the virus ” at his home about 9 p.m. on Friday , Feb. 7 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woodward stemmed from a decision he regretted .
He declined to be interviewed for Woodward ’ s first book on the Trump White House , “ Fear : Trump in the White House , ” and he came off poorly .
Trump ’ s risky strategy with Woodward was a calculation that giving him access would lead to a favorable book .
That tactic backfired .
A remarkable feature of Woodward ’ s book , obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times , is how Trump ’ s feelings , musings and concerns about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the text .
After one “ free-wheeling late-night tour of the world according to Trump , ” lasting about 30 minutes — where he bragged to Woodward about dismantling ex-President Barack Obama ’ s legacy — “ he told me to come in for another interview soon.
” Said Trump , “ We ’ ll see if we can actually get a fair book.
” In another passage , Woodward counseled Trump to move past the Mueller probe because his fixation was “ getting in the way , ” Woodward offered , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books Woodward wrote on former President George W. Bush .
“ He spent all that time with you and you made him look like a fool , okay , in my opinion.
” Woodward objected to the characterization , stating Bush “ had his say .
He didn ’ t object.
” Trump added , “ And in the end you ’ ll probably write a lousy book .
What can I say ?
I respect you as an author.
” A page later Trump is asking him when the book will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October .
“ So if it ’ s a bad book — no , think of it .
If it ’ s a bad book , you ’ re right in front of my election .
That ’ s a beauty .
That ’ s terrible.
” Trump then said Woodward ’ s “ Fear ” was “ horrendous , ” and added it was his fault .
He would have “ loved ” to have talked to him , but his staff , he said , “ didn ’ t tell me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , telling him he tried to make contact with the president through six advisers for “ Fear , ” Trump said .
“ Okay , I hope you treat me better than Bush , because you made him look like a stupid moron , which he was.
” A few pages later , Trump is telling an “ utterly surprised ” Woodward his view that China ’ s president “ intentionally let the virus spread ” — and then turned to the book .
“ You ’ re probably going to screw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the way it goes .
Look Bush sat with you for hours and hours and you screwed him .
But the difference was , I ain ’ t no Bush.
” And after talking about the upcoming election , Trump — seemingly trying to work the ref — tells Woodward , “ If I have a fair book , it ’ s going to be a great book.
” In a subsequent chapter , Woodward is pressing him on race relations , and Trump denies he has been a “ privileged white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some related questions , Trump tells him , “ I hope you ’ re truthful .
If you ’ re truthful , you ’ re going to write a great book .
And if you ’ re not truthful , you ’ re going to hit me.
” On July 8 , Trump called Woodward “ unexpectedly , ” and Woodward noted this was their 17th conversation for the book .
“ All I ask is fairness .
And , you know , I ’ m sure I won ’ t get it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m used to that.
” Trump is now trying to clean up the self-inflicted fallout from the Woodward book just weeks before the election against Joe Biden .
And , yes , Trump got the hit he thought he could talk his way out of .
Wrote Woodward in his last lines , “ I can only reach one conclusion .
Trump is the wrong man for the job .
”

Even Sean Hannity said he was “surprised” President Donald Trump granted so many interviews to the Wheaton-raised author Bob Woodward for his new book, “Rage.”
“I don’t think a lot of good comes from talking to Bob Woodward, my own personal opinion,” Hannity told Trump.
The Trump-friendly FOX News host confronted Trump during an interview on his Wednesday show over his decision to extensively cooperate with the influential journalist famed for his insider accounts of four presidencies.
Trump’s hubris — that he could sway Woodward, known for his deft handling of sources — led him to grant Woodward 18 interviews for the book: one from 2016 and 17 from Dec. 5, 2019 to a few weeks ago, July 8.
Excerpts from Woodward’s book, to be published next Tuesday, focused on his admission, in a recorded interview, that he knew how deadly the coronavirus could be as early as February. Trump phoned Woodward with the “surprising detail about the virus” at his home about 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7.
The origin for Trump eagerly talking to Woodward stemmed from a decision he regretted. He declined to be interviewed for Woodward’s first book on the Trump White House, “Fear: Trump in the White House,” and he came off poorly.
Trump’s risky strategy with Woodward was a calculation that giving him access would lead to a favorable book. That tactic backfired.
A remarkable feature of Woodward’s book, obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, is how Trump’s feelings, musings and concerns about how he will be portrayed are threaded through the text.
After one “free-wheeling late-night tour of the world according to Trump,” lasting about 30 minutes — where he bragged to Woodward about dismantling ex-President Barack Obama’s legacy — “he told me to come in for another interview soon.”
Said Trump, “We’ll see if we can actually get a fair book.”
In another passage, Woodward counseled Trump to move past the Mueller probe because his fixation was “getting in the way,” Woodward offered, of handling the pandemic.
Trump mentioned the books Woodward wrote on former President George W. Bush.
“He spent all that time with you and you made him look like a fool, okay, in my opinion.” Woodward objected to the characterization, stating Bush “had his say. He didn’t object.”
Trump added, “And in the end you’ll probably write a lousy book. What can I say? I respect you as an author.”
A page later Trump is asking him when the book will be out, and Woodward said September or October.
“So if it’s a bad book — no, think of it. If it’s a bad book, you’re right in front of my election. That’s a beauty. That’s terrible.”
Trump then said Woodward’s “Fear” was “horrendous,” and added it was his fault. He would have “loved” to have talked to him, but his staff, he said, “didn’t tell me you were calling.”
After Woodward rebutted Trump, telling him he tried to make contact with the president through six advisers for “Fear,” Trump said. “Okay, I hope you treat me better than Bush, because you made him look like a stupid moron, which he was.”
A few pages later, Trump is telling an “utterly surprised” Woodward his view that China’s president “intentionally let the virus spread” — and then turned to the book.
“You’re probably going to screw me. You know, that’s the way it goes. Look Bush sat with you for hours and hours and you screwed him. But the difference was, I ain’t no Bush.”
And after talking about the upcoming election, Trump — seemingly trying to work the ref — tells Woodward, “If I have a fair book, it’s going to be a great book.”
In a subsequent chapter, Woodward is pressing him on race relations, and Trump denies he has been a “privileged white person.” After Woodward pushes him on some related questions, Trump tells him, “I hope you’re truthful. If you’re truthful, you’re going to write a great book. And if you’re not truthful, you’re going to hit me.”
On July 8, Trump called Woodward “unexpectedly,” and Woodward noted this was their 17th conversation for the book.
“All I ask is fairness. And, you know, I’m sure I won’t get it, but that’s okay, I’m used to that.”
Trump is now trying to clean up the self-inflicted fallout from the Woodward book just weeks before the election against Joe Biden.
And, yes, Trump got the hit he thought he could talk his way out of.
Wrote Woodward in his last lines, “I can only reach one conclusion. Trump is the wrong man for the job.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-10--Bears notebook: David Montgomery breathes a sigh of relief

When running back David Montgomery suffered a groin injury , even he thought it was as bad as the media made it out to be .
Maybe worse .
“ I thought I tore something , actually — just how it happened , ” Montgomery said .
“ Really just trying to be sure that it wasn ’ t as serious as I thought it was .
Luckily there wasn ’ t a tear , so to the grace of God , I ’ m able to get back to rehab and training so I can get back on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Von Miller suffered a dislocated tendon in an ankle that likely will end his season , the Bears look like they got a relative break after Montgomery practiced in full Thursday and showed no ill effects of the groin injury he suffered on Aug. 26 during individual drills at practice .
Bears coach Matt Nagy and Montgomery played it coy when asked about Montgomery ’ s status for Sunday ’ s season opener against the Lions at Ford Field .
But his full participation in practice Thursday after being limited Wednesday seemed like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For Montgomery , it ’ s a delicate balance between in eagerness to play — “ Your best ability is availability , ” — and avoiding the risk of aggravating the injury by coming back too soon .
“ I ’ d be hurting the team more if I was to come back earlier than I was supposed to and continue to be hurt and hurt myself again , ” Montgomery said .
“ The biggest thing is being smart with myself , being smart with my body and being sure I communicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to let them know how I feel.
” Outside linebacker Robert Quinn ( ankle ) did not practice Thursday .
Khalil Mack ( knee ) had limited participation .
Quinn is of particular concern because he has practiced little during the entire training camp — due to a “ ramp-up ” after taking care of a personal issue .
Nagy said the ankle injury is unrelated to the ramp-up .
But he would not comment further on Quinn ’ s status for Sunday ’ s game .
Running back Cordarrelle Patterson ( knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achilles ) and offensive lineman Jason Spriggs ( knee ) had full participation Thursday after being limited Wednesday .
For the Lions , wide receiver Kenny Golladay ( hamstring ) and right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai ( foot ) did not practice .
Rookie cornerback Jeff Okudah ( hamstring ) , the No .
3 overall pick in the draft , was limited .

When running back David Montgomery suffered a groin injury, even he thought it was as bad as the media made it out to be. Maybe worse.
“I thought I tore something, actually — just how it happened,” Montgomery said. “Really just trying to be sure that it wasn’t as serious as I thought it was. Luckily there wasn’t a tear, so to the grace of God, I’m able to get back to rehab and training so I can get back on the field.”
Two days after Broncos linebacker Von Miller suffered a dislocated tendon in an ankle that likely will end his season, the Bears look like they got a relative break after Montgomery practiced in full Thursday and showed no ill effects of the groin injury he suffered on Aug. 26 during individual drills at practice.
Bears coach Matt Nagy and Montgomery played it coy when asked about Montgomery’s status for Sunday’s season opener against the Lions at Ford Field. But his full participation in practice Thursday after being limited Wednesday seemed like a step in the right direction.
For Montgomery, it’s a delicate balance between in eagerness to play — “Your best ability is availability,” — and avoiding the risk of aggravating the injury by coming back too soon.
“I’d be hurting the team more if I was to come back earlier than I was supposed to and continue to be hurt and hurt myself again,” Montgomery said. “The biggest thing is being smart with myself, being smart with my body and being sure I communicate with the training staff and the coaches to let them know how I feel.”
Quinn in limbo
Outside linebacker Robert Quinn (ankle) did not practice Thursday. Khalil Mack (knee) had limited participation. Quinn is of particular concern because he has practiced little during the entire training camp — due to a “ramp-up” after taking care of a personal issue. Nagy said the ankle injury is unrelated to the ramp-up. But he would not comment further on Quinn’s status for Sunday’s game.
Injury report
Running back Cordarrelle Patterson (knee), wide receiver Javon Wims (achilles) and offensive lineman Jason Spriggs (knee) had full participation Thursday after being limited Wednesday.
For the Lions, wide receiver Kenny Golladay (hamstring) and right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (foot) did not practice. Rookie cornerback Jeff Okudah (hamstring), the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, was limited.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-10--Dipping COVID-19 numbers put Illinois in ‘decent position,’ but Pritzker urges staying the course: ‘

Dipping COVID-19 numbers put Illinois in ‘decent position,’ but Pritzker urges staying the course: ‘We can’t outrun this virus’ (LIVE UPDATES)

Dipping COVID-19 numbers put Illinois in ‘ decent position , ’ but Pritzker urges staying the course : ‘ We can ’ t outrun this virus ’ Even as public health officials announced another 1,953 Illinoisans have contracted COVID-19 , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Thursday he ’ s “ pleased ” with the way the state ’ s coronavirus numbers have trended over the last week .
That ’ s because with a booming increase in testing , positivity rates have gone down in most regions — despite the state logging some of its largest-ever daily case numbers last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average for the state over the last month , with roughly 1,957 new coronavirus cases reported per day by the Illinois Department of Public Health since Aug. 12 .
They were confirmed among 48,982 tests , raising the statewide seven-day positivity rate by a tenth of a percentage point to 3.8 % .
On Wednesday , that number , which indicates how rapidly the virus is spreading , fell below 4 % for the first time in almost two months .
6:27 p.m .
The ‘ Quarantine 15 ’ weight gain is real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it If your life these days is anything like mine , a pre-pandemic routine that included regular exercise and disciplined eating has probably given way to sedentary evenings , binge-watching TV while guzzling ice cream or mac ’ n ’ cheese .
Doctors say many of their patients are struggling to maintain healthy habits amid the anxiety of the pandemic .
“ The Quarantine 15 ” — pounds , that is — is a real phenomenon .
The challenge of protecting our health while battling unhealthy temptations “ is a struggle everyone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kilgore , director of the integrative medicine program at the University of California-Irvine .
Well before COVID-19 , more than 40 % of U.S. adults were obese , which puts them at risk for the worst outcomes .
But even people accustomed to physical fitness and good nutrition are having trouble breaking bad habits they ’ ve developed since the pandemic .
Johari Cole-Kweli grew up in the West Side K-Town neighborhood , got her microbiology degree from Michigan State University , then worked for pharmaceutical firms before realizing Big Pharma couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black community .
Her solution ?
The 50-acre Iyabo Farms she owns in Pembroke Township , an hour and a half south of Chicago .
The 28-year-old farm run with her husband and two children is among 27 statewide recently awarded $ 250,000 in grants from the Illinois Stewardship Alliance , to meet skyrocketing demand for local food spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Demand has grown nationwide .
Three of the 27 are in Chicago : Catatumbo Cooperative Farm , at 2232 S. Marshall Blvd .
; Closed Loop Farms , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farm Chicago , at 934 W. 50th Place .
Along with Cole-Kweli ’ s farm and Broadview Farm and Gardens in Marengo , those three are among the five owned/operated by persons of color , whose grants are seeded by a new Fresh Food from Farmers of Color Fund established by the Illinois Department of Human Services , with federal Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act ( CARES ) monies .
Read the full column from Maudlyne Ihejirika here .
Doctors from the Chicagoland Children ’ s Health Alliance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtually Thursday to share the importance for children to get a flu shot by the end of October , especially during the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ With the pandemic this year , it puts an extra layer of concern across the Chicagoland area , ” said Dr. Frank Belmonte , co-chief medical officer of CCHA and chief medical officer at Advocate Children ’ s Hospital .
According to the Centers for Disease Control , 188 flu-related deaths were reported among children under the age of 18 during the 2019-2020 flu season .
Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID and over 8,000 deaths .
Dr. Michael Caplan , co-chief medical officer of CCHA and a pediatric doctor at NorthShore University Healthsystem , said going into the fall months means doctors will see patients with both the coronavirus and the flu .
12:40 p.m .
Poll finds 1 in 3 Chicagoans have emptied their savings to survive coronavirus hardships The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating effect on the nation ’ s economy , with half of Chicago households surveyed in a recent poll reporting they ’ re facing serious financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half of Black and Latino families surveyed said they were particularly hard-hit .
That ’ s according to a new poll , published Wednesday , by NPR , the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health .
The poll , which was conducted from July 1 through Aug. 3 , received responses from more than 3,400 people in four major U.S. cities , including 529 adults living in Chicago .
During the pandemic , many Chicagoans have experienced job or wage losses , which has made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , more than 1 in 3 Chicagoans report using up all or most of their savings , according to the poll .
Still , many have fallen behind in rent and mortgage payments , with 1 in 4 Chicagoans reportedly having trouble paying their rent or mortgages .
And about 20 % of people reported skipping or delaying major bill payments to ensure everyone had food to eat .
Read the full report from Madeline Kenney here .
10:01 a.m. We asked Chicagoans how the first day of school went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a first day back unlike any other , Chicago Public Schools students , parents and teachers launched the school year remotely on Tuesday .
We asked Chicagoans how it went .
Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity .
“ No real issues but very stressful .
It was impossible to work from home at the same time , especially with four kids having to be logged in and on camera all at once .
Luckily , I had my dad here to help , but not sure how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lynn Battaglia-Pinaglia “ Stressful .
I work at a learning center .
I had three students , three different age groups , three different schools , three different electronic devices , three different portals/apps .
Most links worked .
Others didn ’ t .
I ’ m emotionally drained.
” — Jennifer Landin Hurt “ Three kids , I ’ m working remote , and I only got interrupted once by my fourth-grader .
I call that a success.
” — Bri Yount “ Pretty good .
I encouraged him to get up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was a bit more difficult to get him back in his seat afterwards.
” — Shelly Rachal Estrada Read the full story by Alice Bazerghi here .
7:36 a.m. ‘ Many more ’ CPS child care sites to come after the first 6 open this week Chicago Public Schools officials are operating child care services at six schools across the city for families who are strained by the return to remote learning this fall .
So far there are 111 students registered for the program , with children who are 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic hardship receiving first priority , officials said .
“ Many more sites ” are set to open Sept. 21 , schools chief Janice Jackson said this week .
“ We ’ re going to serve thousands of families , I think that ’ s important , ” Jackson said .
“ But Mayor [ Lori ] Lightfoot wanted to make sure we had something ready on day one.
” The district surveyed families ’ needs in the weeks leading up to the school year as the details of the plan continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The priority deadline was Sept. 1 for the survey through which families could indicate interest in the service , but it ’ ll remain open for additional sign-ups — though space could run out .
• Public health officials announced another relatively low batch of 1,337 newly diagnosed cases of COVID-19 statewide on Wednesday , offering some rare signs of optimism toward the end of a resurgent summer .
• Tom Seaver , the Hall of Fame pitcher who was the heart of the Miracle Mets team , has died at 75 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dwayne “ The Rock ” Johnson , wife and two daughters tested positive for COVID-19 .
8:34 a.m. Are video arcades more dangerous than casinos during a pandemic ?
Casinos and video arcades , both of which feature rows of electronic games that people use in close proximity to each other , pose similar risks of COVID-19 transmission .
Yet in Massachusetts , casinos have been open for two months , while video arcades remain closed under an order that Gov .
Charlie Baker originally issued in March .
Like many of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all but a few governors imposed last spring , this one makes no medical sense .
A federal lawsuit filed last week argues that Baker ’ s discrimination against video arcades is unconstitutional because it is scientifically indefensible .
Baker originally included video arcades in Phase III of his reopening plan , which took effect on July 6 , but changed course without explanation on July 2 .
In response to a state legislator ’ s inquiry , the governor offered nothing but boilerplate about “ the latest science ” and “ input @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full column from Jacob Sullum here .

Even as public health officials announced another 1,953 Illinoisans have contracted COVID-19, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday he’s “pleased” with the way the state’s coronavirus numbers have trended over the last week.
Here’s what else happened in Chicago and around the state as the coronavirus pandemic continued.
News
8:54 p.m. Dipping COVID-19 numbers put Illinois in ‘decent position,’ but Pritzker urges staying the course: ‘We can’t outrun this virus’
An elderly lady walks across the usually busy Columbus Drive that splits Chicago’s Grant Park in half, on the first work day since Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave a shelter in place order last week, Monday, March 23, 2020, photo, in Chicago. Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois is not receiving enough medical supplies in its fight against the coronavirus. Pritzker tells CNN’s “State of The Union” that Illinois got a recent supply but it was a fraction of what was requested from the federal government. The comments prompted angry tweets from President Donald Trump who says governors should not be “blaming the federal government for their own shortcomings.”(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) ORG XMIT: ILCA101 AP Photos
Even as public health officials announced another 1,953 Illinoisans have contracted COVID-19, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday he’s “pleased” with the way the state’s coronavirus numbers have trended over the last week.
That’s because with a booming increase in testing, positivity rates have gone down in most regions — despite the state logging some of its largest-ever daily case numbers last weekend.
The latest caseload is about average for the state over the last month, with roughly 1,957 new coronavirus cases reported per day by the Illinois Department of Public Health since Aug. 12.
They were confirmed among 48,982 tests, raising the statewide seven-day positivity rate by a tenth of a percentage point to 3.8%. On Wednesday, that number, which indicates how rapidly the virus is spreading, fell below 4% for the first time in almost two months.
Reporter Mitch Arementrout has the full story.
7:56 p.m. Ex-Bears WR Josh Bellamy charged with coronavirus loan fraud
Former Bears receiver Josh Bellamy was arrested Thursday has been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly participating in a scheme to receive more than $24 million from the Paycheck Protection Program through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities act.
Bellamy, who is injured and was cut by the Jets this week, was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit both in a federal criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida.
Bellamy allegedly received a PPP loan worth $1,246,565 for his company, Drip Entertainment LLC, and spent it on Dior and Gucci items, as well as jewelry. He allegedly spent $62,774 in PPP loan money at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in South Florida, and withdrew more than $302,000 more.
Reporter Patrick Finley has the full story.
6:27 p.m. The ‘Quarantine 15’ weight gain is real — some tips on how to fight it
If your life these days is anything like mine, a pre-pandemic routine that included regular exercise and disciplined eating has probably given way to sedentary evenings, binge-watching TV while guzzling ice cream or mac ’n’ cheese.
Doctors say many of their patients are struggling to maintain healthy habits amid the anxiety of the pandemic. “The Quarantine 15” — pounds, that is — is a real phenomenon.
The challenge of protecting our health while battling unhealthy temptations “is a struggle everyone is dealing with,” says Dr. David Kilgore, director of the integrative medicine program at the University of California-Irvine.
Well before COVID-19, more than 40% of U.S. adults were obese, which puts them at risk for the worst outcomes. But even people accustomed to physical fitness and good nutrition are having trouble breaking bad habits they’ve developed since the pandemic.
Read the full report here.
5:03 p.m. Grant funding for urban, Downstate farmers targets nutrition crisis worsened by COVID-19
Stephanie Dunn, owner of Star Farm Chicago, at 934 W. 50th Place in Back of the Yards, and Johari Cole-Kweli, owner of Iyabo Farms in Pembroke Township, Ill., pose for a photo at Star Farm Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 9, 2020. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Johari Cole-Kweli grew up in the West Side K-Town neighborhood, got her microbiology degree from Michigan State University, then worked for pharmaceutical firms before realizing Big Pharma couldn’t solve nagging health disparities in the Black community.
Her solution? The 50-acre Iyabo Farms she owns in Pembroke Township, an hour and a half south of Chicago.
The 28-year-old farm run with her husband and two children is among 27 statewide recently awarded $250,000 in grants from the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, to meet skyrocketing demand for local food spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Demand has grown nationwide.
Three of the 27 are in Chicago: Catatumbo Cooperative Farm, at 2232 S. Marshall Blvd.; Closed Loop Farms, at 1400 W. 46th St.; and Star Farm Chicago, at 934 W. 50th Place.
Along with Cole-Kweli’s farm and Broadview Farm and Gardens in Marengo, those three are among the five owned/operated by persons of color, whose grants are seeded by a new Fresh Food from Farmers of Color Fund established by the Illinois Department of Human Services, with federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) monies.
Read the full column from Maudlyne Ihejirika here.
3:15 p.m. Doctors emphasize importance of flu shot for children amid COVID-19 pandemic
Doctors from the Chicagoland Children’s Health Alliance, a system of pediatric experts, met virtually Thursday to share the importance for children to get a flu shot by the end of October, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With the pandemic this year, it puts an extra layer of concern across the Chicagoland area,” said Dr. Frank Belmonte, co-chief medical officer of CCHA and chief medical officer at Advocate Children’s Hospital.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 188 flu-related deaths were reported among children under the age of 18 during the 2019-2020 flu season. Illinois has seen more than 250,000 positive cases of COVID and over 8,000 deaths.
Dr. Michael Caplan, co-chief medical officer of CCHA and a pediatric doctor at NorthShore University Healthsystem, said going into the fall months means doctors will see patients with both the coronavirus and the flu.
Read the full report here.
12:40 p.m. Poll finds 1 in 3 Chicagoans have emptied their savings to survive coronavirus hardships
The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating effect on the nation’s economy, with half of Chicago households surveyed in a recent poll reporting they’re facing serious financial problems because of it. More than half of Black and Latino families surveyed said they were particularly hard-hit.
That’s according to a new poll, published Wednesday, by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The poll, which was conducted from July 1 through Aug. 3, received responses from more than 3,400 people in four major U.S. cities, including 529 adults living in Chicago.
During the pandemic, many Chicagoans have experienced job or wage losses, which has made it difficult to make ends meet.
As a result, more than 1 in 3 Chicagoans report using up all or most of their savings, according to the poll. Still, many have fallen behind in rent and mortgage payments, with 1 in 4 Chicagoans reportedly having trouble paying their rent or mortgages. And about 20% of people reported skipping or delaying major bill payments to ensure everyone had food to eat.
Read the full report from Madeline Kenney here.
10:01 a.m. We asked Chicagoans how the first day of school went. Here’s what you said
In a first day back unlike any other, Chicago Public Schools students, parents and teachers launched the school year remotely on Tuesday. We asked Chicagoans how it went. Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
“No real issues but very stressful. It was impossible to work from home at the same time, especially with four kids having to be logged in and on camera all at once. Luckily, I had my dad here to help, but not sure how long that will last.” — Joey Lynn Battaglia-Pinaglia
“Stressful. I work at a learning center. I had three students, three different age groups, three different schools, three different electronic devices, three different portals/apps. Most links worked. Others didn’t. I’m emotionally drained.” — Jennifer Landin Hurt
“Three kids, I’m working remote, and I only got interrupted once by my fourth-grader. I call that a success.” — Bri Yount
“Pretty good. I encouraged him to get up in between classes to stretch his legs. It was a bit more difficult to get him back in his seat afterwards.” — Shelly Rachal Estrada
7:36 a.m. ‘Many more’ CPS child care sites to come after the first 6 open this week
Chicago Public Schools officials are operating child care services at six schools across the city for families who are strained by the return to remote learning this fall.
So far there are 111 students registered for the program, with children who are 14 or younger, homeless or facing other economic hardship receiving first priority, officials said. “Many more sites” are set to open Sept. 21, schools chief Janice Jackson said this week.
“We’re going to serve thousands of families, I think that’s important,” Jackson said. “But Mayor [Lori] Lightfoot wanted to make sure we had something ready on day one.”
The district surveyed families’ needs in the weeks leading up to the school year as the details of the plan continue to be worked out on the fly. The priority deadline was Sept. 1 for the survey through which families could indicate interest in the service, but it’ll remain open for additional sign-ups — though space could run out.
Reporter Nader Issa has the full story.
New Cases
Public health officials announced another relatively low batch of 1,337 newly diagnosed cases of COVID-19 statewide on Wednesday, offering some rare signs of optimism toward the end of a resurgent summer.
Tom Seaver, the Hall of Fame pitcher who was the heart of the Miracle Mets team, has died at 75 of lewy body dementia and COVID-19.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, wife and two daughters tested positive for COVID-19.
Analysis & Commentary
8:34 a.m. Are video arcades more dangerous than casinos during a pandemic?
Casinos and video arcades, both of which feature rows of electronic games that people use in close proximity to each other, pose similar risks of COVID-19 transmission. Yet in Massachusetts, casinos have been open for two months, while video arcades remain closed under an order that Gov. Charlie Baker originally issued in March.
Like many of the distinctions drawn by the COVID-19 lockdowns that all but a few governors imposed last spring, this one makes no medical sense. A federal lawsuit filed last week argues that Baker’s discrimination against video arcades is unconstitutional because it is scientifically indefensible.
Baker originally included video arcades in Phase III of his reopening plan, which took effect on July 6, but changed course without explanation on July 2. In response to a state legislator’s inquiry, the governor offered nothing but boilerplate about “the latest science” and “input from public health experts.”
Read the full column from Jacob Sullum here.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-10--Panel probing Madigan’s ComEd dealings demonstrates that ‘bipartisan’ doesn’t mean  ‘nonpartisan’

Complaints of political posturing created some bumps in the road Thursday for the bipartisan state House committee during its first meeting investigating Speaker Michael Madigan .
The nearly half-hour meeting went smoothly until state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst said she and the other two Republican state representatives on the committee —Tom Demmer of Dixon and Grant Wehrli of Naperville — prepared letters to ask people to hand over documents and appear as witnesses “ to ensure that this committee can proceed expeditiously while [ state Rep. Emanuel “ Chris ” Welch ] and spokesman Demmer reach out to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Democratic chair of the panel , pushed back on that move , saying the committee needed to follow the precedent of the 2012 panel investigating the conduct of then state Rep. Derrick Smith — waiting for a response from U.S. Attorney John Lausch before moving forward .
Despite the squabble — the lone divisive moment during the meeting — the letters were entered into the public record .
In a news conference after the meeting , Welch said the committee ’ s job is “ not a legal proceeding — it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t think it ’ s the job of the Illinois House of Representatives to do a criminal investigation — that ’ s what the US Attorney ’ s office is doing , ” the Hillside Democrat said .
“ I respect that process , and I think that ’ s why it was important for us to take the action we did today , and it passed unanimously , so we ’ re gon na move quickly , and we ’ re gon na reach out to [ Lausch ] and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says.
” Asked whether he feels the committee ’ s work could affect the upcoming election , Welch said there ’ s a “ posturing element involved here.
” “ I ’ m going to do the job , try to be as fair as possible , make sure we ’ re as open and as transparent as possible , and I ’ ll let you ask Rep. Durkin why he appointed top two … Tier One Republicans who are up for election to the committee , and why he filed it at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a question more suited for them , ” Welch said , using the term for legislative seats the opposing party is competing hardest to win .
Mazzochi said the Democrats on the committee are “ people who are loyalists to Madigan.
” The deferred-prosecution agreement in the ComEd case has “ taken an incredible amount of work off the table because those are admitted facts , ” The Elmhurst lawmaker said at a separate news conference after the meeting .
“ This is not a political stunt , ” Mazzochi said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the petition that led to Thursday ’ s proceedings .
“ This is a truth hunt .
This is what we ’ re trying to do — we ’ re trying to get to the truth of what actually happened here because it shouldn ’ t happen again .
… The speaker may have a good explanation for all of this and if he does , bring it forward .
Please.
” The special bipartisan legislative panel is looking into any potential wrongdoing on Madigan ’ s part after an explosive federal court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme .
In that court filing , ComEd is accused of sending $ 1.3 million to Madigan ’ s associates for doing little or no work for the utility .
In response to that federal court document , Durkin and two other Republican House members called for the legislative investigation , invoking the House rule for “ disciplinary proceedings ” against the powerful Southwest Side Democrat .
It ’ s only the third time in the past two decades that the rare move has been triggered .
Unlike Madigan ’ s case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers who had been charged with crimes – Smith and then state Rep. Luis Arroyo .
Arroyo stepped down last November , on the same day the newly formed legislative committee was scheduled to hold its first hearing looking into allegations of wrongdoing on the Northwest Side Democrat ’ s part .
“ Arroyo ’ s resignation shouldn ’ t distract from the fact that the allegations contained in this criminal complaint go beyond anything that could be considered a lapse of judgment or minor indiscretion , ” Madigan said at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is why it called for the creation of the Special Investigative Committee and possible disciplinary action.
” Smith was expelled by the Illinois House in a 2012 vote after allegedly accepting a $ 7,000 cash bribe from an undercover FBI informant .
The indicted West Side Democrat reclaimed his House seat later that year , but lost the 2014 primary — despite having Madigan ’ s endorsement and financial backing .
A few months later , Smith lost his House seat after a federal jury convicted him of bribery and attempted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madigan has not been charged with a crime and has denied any wrongdoing .
The speaker recused himself from the committee ’ s proceedings , but not before taking a shot at the Republicans who petitioned for the committee , calling it “ a political stunt only months away from one of the most consequential elections of our lifetimes.
” Demmer said he believes the committee will be able to wrap up its work by Election Day .
The committee also expects Madigan to testify to “ either contest the facts that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facts , ” Demmer said .
Welch stressed that the committee ’ s work would follow the pattern of previous panels before it .
“ What we do not want to do here with this process is interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation , ” Welch said .
“ We have to remember that speaker Madigan is entitled to due process , and we ’ re going to make sure that he gets the due process in this committee .
”

Complaints of political posturing created some bumps in the road Thursday for the bipartisan state House committee during its first meeting investigating Speaker Michael Madigan.
The nearly half-hour meeting went smoothly until state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst said she and the other two Republican state representatives on the committee —Tom Demmer of Dixon and Grant Wehrli of Naperville — prepared letters to ask people to hand over documents and appear as witnesses “to ensure that this committee can proceed expeditiously while [state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch] and spokesman Demmer reach out to the US Attorney’s Office.”
Welch, the Democratic chair of the panel, pushed back on that move, saying the committee needed to follow the precedent of the 2012 panel investigating the conduct of then-state Rep. Derrick Smith — waiting for a response from U.S. Attorney John Lausch before moving forward.
Despite the squabble — the lone divisive moment during the meeting — the letters were entered into the public record.
In a news conference after the meeting, Welch said the committee’s job is “not a legal proceeding — it is a political proceeding.”
State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, answers questions from the media following a meeting of the Special Investigating Committee at the Illinois Capitol on Thursday. Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register via AP
“I don’t think it’s the job of the Illinois House of Representatives to do a criminal investigation — that’s what the US Attorney’s office is doing,” the Hillside Democrat said. “I respect that process, and I think that’s why it was important for us to take the action we did today, and it passed unanimously, so we’re gonna move quickly, and we’re gonna reach out to [Lausch] and seek his guidance and see what he says.”
Asked whether he feels the committee’s work could affect the upcoming election, Welch said there’s a “posturing element involved here.”
“I’m going to do the job, try to be as fair as possible, make sure we’re as open and as transparent as possible, and I’ll let you ask Rep. Durkin why he appointed top two … Tier One Republicans who are up for election to the committee, and why he filed it at this time. I think that’s a question more suited for them,” Welch said, using the term for legislative seats the opposing party is competing hardest to win.
Mazzochi said the Democrats on the committee are “people who are loyalists to Madigan.”
The deferred-prosecution agreement in the ComEd case has “taken an incredible amount of work off the table because those are admitted facts,” the Elmhurst lawmaker said at a separate news conference after the meeting.
State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, left, and state Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, center, talk tor reporters on Thursday in Springfield; state Rep. Grant Wehrli, R-Naperville, right, listens Thursday during the first meeting of the Special Investigating Committee. Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register via AP
“This is not a political stunt,” Mazzochi said, referring to Madigan’s comment about the petition that led to Thursday’s proceedings. “This is a truth hunt. This is what we’re trying to do — we’re trying to get to the truth of what actually happened here because it shouldn’t happen again. … The speaker may have a good explanation for all of this and if he does, bring it forward. Please.”
The special bipartisan legislative panel is looking into any potential wrongdoing on Madigan’s part after an explosive federal court filing implicated him in an alleged bribery scheme. In that court filing, ComEd is accused of sending $1.3 million to Madigan’s associates for doing little or no work for the utility.
In response to that federal court document, Durkin and two other Republican House members called for the legislative investigation, invoking the House rule for “disciplinary proceedings” against the powerful Southwest Side Democrat.
It’s only the third time in the past two decades that the rare move has been triggered.
Unlike Madigan’s case, the two past legislative investigations involved Democratic lawmakers who had been charged with crimes – Smith and then-state Rep. Luis Arroyo.
Arroyo stepped down last November, on the same day the newly formed legislative committee was scheduled to hold its first hearing looking into allegations of wrongdoing on the Northwest Side Democrat’s part.
“Arroyo’s resignation shouldn’t distract from the fact that the allegations contained in this criminal complaint go beyond anything that could be considered a lapse of judgment or minor indiscretion,” Madigan said at the time. “These allegations are beyond extraordinary, which is why it called for the creation of the Special Investigative Committee and possible disciplinary action.”
Smith was expelled by the Illinois House in a 2012 vote after allegedly accepting a $7,000 cash bribe from an undercover FBI informant. The indicted West Side Democrat reclaimed his House seat later that year, but lost the 2014 primary — despite having Madigan’s endorsement and financial backing.
A few months later, Smith lost his House seat after a federal jury convicted him of bribery and attempted extortion.
In the current investigation, Madigan has not been charged with a crime and has denied any wrongdoing.
House Speaker Mike Madigan, D-Chicago, talks on his cellphone from his desk during a session of the Illinois House of Representatives at the Bank of Springfield Center in May. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP
The speaker recused himself from the committee’s proceedings, but not before taking a shot at the Republicans who petitioned for the committee, calling it “a political stunt only months away from one of the most consequential elections of our lifetimes.”
Demmer said he believes the committee will be able to wrap up its work by Election Day. The committee also expects Madigan to testify to “either contest the facts that have been laid out or not contest those facts,” Demmer said.
Welch stressed that the committee’s work would follow the pattern of previous panels before it.
“What we do not want to do here with this process is interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation,” Welch said. “We have to remember that speaker Madigan is entitled to due process, and we’re going to make sure that he gets the due process in this committee.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-10--CPS rules against conducting IHSA-permitted off-season practices

High school teams all around the state held practices this week .
The Illinois High School Association allowed off-season sports 20 days of practice with their coaches , starting on Monday .
Twitter was full of masked basketball and football teams finally getting some action in .
Chicago Public Schools teams were told to wait and see .
Then on Thursday evening the announcement came : CPS will not allow any practices .
“ With the support of the Office of Student Health and Wellness , we made this decision with the health , safety and welfare of our student-athletes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports Director David Rosengard wrote in an email .
Phillips football coach Troy McAllister was planning to start his team ’ s 20 days on Sept. 22 .
“ We had set our schedule , ” McAllister said .
“ We wanted to give everyone a chance to get used to remote learning .
“ It ’ s obviously really disappointing .
When you look at trying to give young men something to do to be productive and to help them stay focused academically , even just the social component , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistently been more cautious during COVID-19 than the IHSA and the Illinois Department of Health .
“ They are just doing what they think is best for the students and athletes , ” Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith said .
“ I understand it .
Our seniors and other students are going to be hurt by it but it is better safe than sorry .
They have taken this stance ever since it started .
We ’ ve been behind on everything .
I kind of get it .
I have a teenage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I ’ m concerned about her safety.
” Taft basketball coach Jason Tucker was planning on conducting most of his practices outside .
“ Obviously with this whole thing we want to play it safe and do things the right way , ” Tucker said .
“ The number one priority should always be our kids ’ health but it is disappointing .
Talking to my kids I know they need this right now.
” Tucker is concerned the CPS will cancel the basketball season entirely .
“ This is heartbreaking , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to get together with the team just for their mental health .
I think that is something that is not being mentioned enough in all of this .
And now I won ’ t be surprised if there is some movement with transfers to the suburbs .
This makes it sounds like there just won ’ t be a season.
” It certainly seems possible that CPS won ’ t be willing to host indoor sporting events in two months , when basketball is scheduled to begin .
Football won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McAllister mainly have to worry about the competition getting an advantage .
“ Teams not too far away are practicing and about to get into pads and we are stuck not having any contact with our young men at all , ” McAllister said .
“ Obviously they are prioritizing safety , which you can ’ t disagree with .
But it is frustrating and disappointing .
”

High school teams all around the state held practices this week. The Illinois High School Association allowed off-season sports 20 days of practice with their coaches, starting on Monday. Twitter was full of masked basketball and football teams finally getting some action in.
Chicago Public Schools teams were told to wait and see. Then on Thursday evening the announcement came: CPS will not allow any practices.
“With the support of the Office of Student Health and Wellness, we made this decision with the health, safety and welfare of our student-athletes and coaches in mind,” CPS Sports Director David Rosengard wrote in an email.
Phillips football coach Troy McAllister was planning to start his team’s 20 days on Sept. 22.
“We had set our schedule,” McAllister said. “We wanted to give everyone a chance to get used to remote learning.
“It’s obviously really disappointing. When you look at trying to give young men something to do to be productive and to help them stay focused academically, even just the social component, it is really, really disappointing.”
It was great to get back on the field with our guys last night. pic.twitter.com/kiboNKORgH — Marist Football (@RedHawkFB) September 10, 2020
CPS has consistently been more cautious during COVID-19 than the IHSA and the Illinois Department of Health.
“They are just doing what they think is best for the students and athletes,” Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith said. “I understand it. Our seniors and other students are going to be hurt by it but it is better safe than sorry. They have taken this stance ever since it started. We’ve been behind on everything. I kind of get it. I have a teenage daughter that is playing high school basketball and I’m concerned about her safety.”
Taft basketball coach Jason Tucker was planning on conducting most of his practices outside.
“Obviously with this whole thing we want to play it safe and do things the right way,” Tucker said. “The number one priority should always be our kids’ health but it is disappointing. Talking to my kids I know they need this right now.”
Tucker is concerned the CPS will cancel the basketball season entirely.
“This is heartbreaking,” Tucker said. “I was willing to get together with the team just for their mental health. I think that is something that is not being mentioned enough in all of this. And now I won’t be surprised if there is some movement with transfers to the suburbs. This makes it sounds like there just won’t be a season.”
It certainly seems possible that CPS won’t be willing to host indoor sporting events in two months, when basketball is scheduled to begin.
Football won’t start until mid-February, so coaches like McAllister mainly have to worry about the competition getting an advantage.
“Teams not too far away are practicing and about to get into pads and we are stuck not having any contact with our young men at all,” McAllister said. “Obviously they are prioritizing safety, which you can’t disagree with. But it is frustrating and disappointing.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-10--Court order prohibits COPA from releasing video in shootout at Northwest Side police station

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability announced Thursday it is barred from releasing video and other “ materials ” in connection with a gun battle that left a suspect and several officers wounded at a Northwest Side police station over the summer .
In a statement , COPA , which received a court order prohibiting it and other entities from releasing the footage and other items tied to the July 30 incident , cited “ the pendency of the criminal matter.
” “ COPA remains committed to transparency and conducting a full investigation into the officer ’ s use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accordance with Department policy and training , ” the agency said .
COPA , which investigates shootings involving Chicago police officers , is required to release video relevant to an investigation within 60 days of the incident .
The court order prohibiting the agency from releasing video of the shooting isn ’ t unusual , and happens in every case where a person is shot by police , survives and is eventually charged .
Lovelle Jordan , 25 , is accused of opening fire at officers as he sat in the back seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he kept hidden when he was taken into custody for allegedly getting into a stolen Porsche in Austin .
In addition to an officer who was shot , two other officers suffered less serious wounds : One was shot in his protective vest , but the bullet didn ’ t penetrate ; the other officer was wounded in the hip .
Two other officers were taken to a hospital for chest pains .
Jordan was shot multiple times when officers returned fire , and is paralyzed from the chest down , Cook County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with attempted murder , possession of a controlled substance , unlawful use of a weapon , possession of stolen vehicle , being an armed habitual criminal , and two misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest .

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability announced Thursday it is barred from releasing video and other “materials” in connection with a gun battle that left a suspect and several officers wounded at a Northwest Side police station over the summer.
In a statement, COPA, which received a court order prohibiting it and other entities from releasing the footage and other items tied to the July 30 incident, cited “the pendency of the criminal matter.”
“COPA remains committed to transparency and conducting a full investigation into the officer’s use of force to determine if they were in accordance with Department policy and training,” the agency said.
COPA, which investigates shootings involving Chicago police officers, is required to release video relevant to an investigation within 60 days of the incident.
The court order prohibiting the agency from releasing video of the shooting isn’t unusual, and happens in every case where a person is shot by police, survives and is eventually charged.
Lovelle Jordan, 25, is accused of opening fire at officers as he sat in the back seat of a police vehicle using a handgun he kept hidden when he was taken into custody for allegedly getting into a stolen Porsche in Austin.
In addition to an officer who was shot, two other officers suffered less serious wounds: One was shot in his protective vest, but the bullet didn’t penetrate; the other officer was wounded in the hip. Two other officers were taken to a hospital for chest pains.
Jordan was shot multiple times when officers returned fire, and is paralyzed from the chest down, Cook County prosecutors said.
Jordan has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon, possession of stolen vehicle, being an armed habitual criminal, and two misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest.
Contributing: Sam Charles


chicagosun-times--2020-09-10--Pot shop licenses to promote social equity could go to firms tied to co-founder of $3B cannabis gian

Pot shop licenses to promote social equity could go to firms tied to co-founder of $3B cannabis giant

Two shadowy companies vying for multiple licenses in the upcoming pot shop lottery share the same west suburban address as an investment firm led by the co-founder of Green Thumb Industries , a River North-based power player in the weed industry .
Matt Estep was among a group of investors who started GTI in 2014 , the same year medical cannabis was legalized in Illinois .
The firm , which has since blossomed into a publicly traded behemoth valued at roughly $ 3 billion , has operations in multiple states and runs two cultivation centers and six dispensaries in Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although Estep no longer works at GTI , he told the Sun-Times earlier this year that he was still a shareholder .
Now , he appears connected to two finalists that each submitted 38 perfect applications for 75 new dispensary permits that will be awarded via a lottery later this month .
Of the 19 other applicants that received the most points in a process that is supposed to prioritize social equity candidates , only one other firm submitted that many perfect applications .
The two companies tied to Estep — Dealership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both list Clean Slate Holdings LLC as their registered manager , according to records kept by the Illinois secretary of state ’ s office .
All three share the same Western Springs address as Bosworth Capital Partners , an investment group Estep leads .
They also share the same registered agent , ACFB Incorporated , which lists in state filings its agent and officers as three attorneys for Benesch , a major law firm headquartered in Ohio with offices in the Loop .
It ’ s unclear how exactly Estep is tied to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which hasn ’ t registered in Illinois , state records show .
On Thursday , Estep didn ’ t respond to questions , saying in an email , “ At this time I am not able to discuss matters related to Clean Slate Holdings.
” State officials have said the finalists for dispensary licenses all met the social equity criteria by having a majority owner who lives in an area that ’ s been adversely impacted by the drug war or who has an expungeable cannabis offense or a family member who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hiring a workforce of more than 10 people that mostly includes individuals who check those boxes .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and other lawmakers in Springfield framed the social equity program as a way to bolster minority ownership in a booming industry overwhelmingly controlled by white men .
Estep , who is white , also didn ’ t answer questions about how Dealership and Clean Slate Opco earned social equity status .
Neither did a spokeswoman for Pritzker ’ s office .
“ From the beginning we have stated that it takes time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in diversity not just in Illinois , but worldwide , ” the governor ’ s top pot adviser , Toi Hutchinson , said in a statement Thursday .
Hutchinson added that 60 % of the applicants who qualified for the lottery “ are majority owned by people of color.
” Estep , who earned a master ’ s degree from Harvard Business School and previously worked at Peoples Energy , launched GTI six years ago alongside the firm ’ s chief executive Ben Kovler and Ari Levy , whose father founded Levy Restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed a lawsuit after Kovler moved to remove them from the company ’ s board of directors , according to a former GTI employee familiar with the situation .
The source said Estep and Levy ultimately settled for equity in a GTI entity and left the company .
But Estep was still an investor when applications for the second round of pot shop licenses were due on Jan. 2 , the day after recreational sales kicked off across Illinois , including at GTI ’ s Rise dispensaries , ending decades of prohibition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new dispensary licenses were initially set to be issued , Estep told the Sun-Times he remained close to Kovler .
“ Ben Kovler and I maintain numerous successful business relationships today and I remain a happy and supportive GTI shareholder , ” Estep said in an email .
‘ Too much abuse in the past ’ The revelation about Estep ’ s connection to Dealership and Clean Slate Opco comes as lawmakers and losing applicants are calling on the governor to halt the lottery over concerns that the application process apparently allowed clouted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto the next phase .
With just 21 lottery contenders , applicants like Dealership and Clean Slate Opco who shelled out fees of $ 2,500 each for multiple applications — with no guarantee of success — will have a clear advantage .
Both companies will have 10 chances to win dispensary licenses .
Pritzker told reporters earlier this week that the law wouldn ’ t allow officials to hold up the lottery , though some applicants have filed suit to do just that .
During a press conference with losing applicants Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for a thorough review of “ who truly are the officers of these corporations that won the bids.
” “ Are they in name only or are they actually operating officers ?
That ’ s truly important to us , ” Willis said .
“ And we ’ ve seen that there are some star names in some of these that we question , did they just fall into the category because they were African American , Hispanic , women , veterans ?
Or are they actually investors and going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these dispensaries once they get up and running ?
“ We ’ ve seen too much abuse in the past to just take it on paper.
” State Rep. La Shawn Ford ( D-Chicago ) said the answers need to come before the winners of the lottery are announced , otherwise “ it ’ s too late .
And so it ’ s better that we know up front if there ’ s true social equity in the ownership of these licenses.
” Ford and Willis now plan to introduce legislation during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that true social equity is achieved.
” Hutchinson ’ s statement said the governor will work with “ the General Assembly to address any challenges to equity as we move forward in implementing the law .
”

Two shadowy companies vying for multiple licenses in the upcoming pot shop lottery share the same west suburban address as an investment firm led by the co-founder of Green Thumb Industries, a River North-based power player in the weed industry.
Matt Estep was among a group of investors who started GTI in 2014, the same year medical cannabis was legalized in Illinois. The firm, which has since blossomed into a publicly traded behemoth valued at roughly $3 billion, has operations in multiple states and runs two cultivation centers and six dispensaries in Illinois, including Rise Joliet and Rise Mundelein.
Although Estep no longer works at GTI, he told the Sun-Times earlier this year that he was still a shareholder.
Now, he appears connected to two finalists that each submitted 38 perfect applications for 75 new dispensary permits that will be awarded via a lottery later this month. Of the 19 other applicants that received the most points in a process that is supposed to prioritize social equity candidates, only one other firm submitted that many perfect applications.
The two companies tied to Estep — Dealership LLC and Clean Slate Opco LLC — both list Clean Slate Holdings LLC as their registered manager, according to records kept by the Illinois secretary of state’s office. All three share the same Western Springs address as Bosworth Capital Partners, an investment group Estep leads.
They also share the same registered agent, ACFB Incorporated, which lists in state filings its agent and officers as three attorneys for Benesch, a major law firm headquartered in Ohio with offices in the Loop.
Bosworth Capital Partners shares the same Western Springs address as the managers of two companies that are finalists for new pot shop licenses. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
It’s unclear how exactly Estep is tied to the applicant companies or Clean Slate Holdings, which hasn’t registered in Illinois, state records show.
On Thursday, Estep didn’t respond to questions, saying in an email, “At this time I am not able to discuss matters related to Clean Slate Holdings.”
State officials have said the finalists for dispensary licenses all met the social equity criteria by having a majority owner who lives in an area that’s been adversely impacted by the drug war or who has an expungeable cannabis offense or a family member who does. Applicants can also qualify by hiring a workforce of more than 10 people that mostly includes individuals who check those boxes.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other lawmakers in Springfield framed the social equity program as a way to bolster minority ownership in a booming industry overwhelmingly controlled by white men.
Estep, who is white, also didn’t answer questions about how Dealership and Clean Slate Opco earned social equity status. Neither did a spokeswoman for Pritzker’s office.
“From the beginning we have stated that it takes time to transform an industry that is lacking in diversity not just in Illinois, but worldwide,” the governor’s top pot adviser, Toi Hutchinson, said in a statement Thursday. Hutchinson added that 60% of the applicants who qualified for the lottery “are majority owned by people of color.”
The first batch of customers enter Rise Joliet, a cannabis dispensary in southwest suburban Joliet, on the first day of legalized recreational marijuana in Illinois, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
‘Happy and supportive GTI shareholder’
Estep, who earned a master’s degree from Harvard Business School and previously worked at Peoples Energy, launched GTI six years ago alongside the firm’s chief executive Ben Kovler and Ari Levy, whose father founded Levy Restaurants.
In 2017, Estep and Levy filed a lawsuit after Kovler moved to remove them from the company’s board of directors, according to a former GTI employee familiar with the situation. The source said Estep and Levy ultimately settled for equity in a GTI entity and left the company.
But Estep was still an investor when applications for the second round of pot shop licenses were due on Jan. 2, the day after recreational sales kicked off across Illinois, including at GTI’s Rise dispensaries, ending decades of prohibition.
On May 26, weeks after the new dispensary licenses were initially set to be issued, Estep told the Sun-Times he remained close to Kovler.
“Ben Kovler and I maintain numerous successful business relationships today and I remain a happy and supportive GTI shareholder,” Estep said in an email.
Linda Marsicano, a GTI spokeswoman, said the firm “does not have ties, financial or otherwise, to Dealership LLC or Clean Slate Opco LLC.”
“Green Thumb’s LEAP program provided pro bono assistance to hundreds of social equity applicants navigating the license application process, none of whom are on the state’s list of potential license winners,” Marsicano said in a statement. “ Green Thumb Industries Inc. is a publicly traded company and, as such, has a wide base of shareholders able to buy and sell our stock on the open market.”
State Rep. La Shawn Ford Sun-Times Media
‘Too much abuse in the past’
The revelation about Estep’s connection to Dealership and Clean Slate Opco comes as lawmakers and losing applicants are calling on the governor to halt the lottery over concerns that the application process apparently allowed clouted and seemingly well capitalized firms to move onto the next phase.
With just 21 lottery contenders, applicants like Dealership and Clean Slate Opco who shelled out fees of $2,500 each for multiple applications — with no guarantee of success — will have a clear advantage. Both companies will have 10 chances to win dispensary licenses.
Pritzker told reporters earlier this week that the law wouldn’t allow officials to hold up the lottery, though some applicants have filed suit to do just that.
During a press conference with losing applicants Wednesday, state Rep. Kathleen Willis (D-Northlake) called for a thorough review of “who truly are the officers of these corporations that won the bids.”
“Are they in name only or are they actually operating officers? That’s truly important to us,” Willis said. “And we’ve seen that there are some star names in some of these that we question, did they just fall into the category because they were African American, Hispanic, women, veterans? Or are they actually investors and going to be part of the day-in, day-out operations of these dispensaries once they get up and running?
“We’ve seen too much abuse in the past to just take it on paper.”
State Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) said the answers need to come before the winners of the lottery are announced, otherwise “it’s too late. And so it’s better that we know up front if there’s true social equity in the ownership of these licenses.”
Ford and Willis now plan to introduce legislation during an upcoming veto session to “make sure that true social equity is achieved.”
Hutchinson’s statement said the governor will work with “the General Assembly to address any challenges to equity as we move forward in implementing the law.”