chicagosun-times--2020-06-15--Chicago to reopen Lakefront Trail next Monday (LIVE UPDATES)

Chicago ’ s Lakefront Trail , closed since March , will reopen next week , Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s office announced Monday .
The city also announced that on Wednesday , “ bars , lounges , taverns , breweries ” that don ’ t serve food can open , though only for outdoor service .
Lightfoot made the Lakefront Trail announcement on her official Facebook page : “ Excited to share the news ... our Lakefront Trail will be reopening on June 22 for exercise and transit !
“ To ensure we continue the progress we ’ ve made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be along the route to ensure a safe experience for Chicagoans.
” 7:36 p.m. MLB commissioner no longer confident there will be a season A week after saying “ we are going to play Major League Baseball this year , ” commissioner Rob Manfred on Monday told ESPN he ’ s “ not confident ” there will be a season .
In a conversation with Mike Greenberg for ESPN ’ s “ The Return of Sports ” special , Manfred said that “ as long as there ’ s no dialogue ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real risk is going to continue.
” Last week Manfred said the chances of a shortened season , due to the coronavirus , were “ 100 % .
” On Monday , the tune was different .
“ I ’ m not confident , ” he said .
“ I think there ’ s real risk .
“ It ’ s just a disaster for our game , absolutely no question about it .
It shouldn ’ t be happening , and it ’ s important that we find a way to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the field for the benefit of our fans.
” Disaster indeed .
Weeks ago , baseball was positioned to be the first major North American sport to return after it was shut down during spring training .
The expectation was that a shortened season , perhaps 50 games , would commence in early July after a three-week ‘ spring training.
’ Now , for the first time , no baseball at all has become a possibility , Manfred said .
Read the full story from Daryl Van Schouwen here .
3:25 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections in more than two and a half months Illinois logged another 19 coronavirus deaths Monday , and an additional 473 new cases of the deadly virus — the lowest number of new infections on any given day since the early days under Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order .
Those new cases bring the state ’ s total to 133,016 cases and 6,326 deaths in 101 counties in the state .
The 473 new cases is the lowest daily tally since March 30 , which saw 461 cases .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 500 new cases since late March .
Pritzker ’ s initial stay-at-home order came on March 21 , a day that saw 168 new case .
The state appeared to hit its peak for new infections on May 12 , when 4,104 were announced .
Just one week ago , Illinois Public Health Department officials announced 1,156 new cases .
Those new cases were among the 18,627 new processed tests .
The state ’ s preliminary seven-day positivity rate for cases remains at 3 % .
2:30 p.m .
US revokes emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid growing evidence they don ’ t work The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is revoking its emergency authorization for malaria drugs promoted by President Donald Trump for treating COVID-19 amid growing evidence they don ’ t work and could cause deadly side effects .
The agency said Monday that the drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating the coronavirus .
Citing reports of heart complications , the FDA said the drugs pose a greater risk to patients than any potential benefits .
The decades-old drugs , also prescribed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause heart rhythm problems , severely low blood pressure and muscle or nerve damage .
The move means that shipments of the drugs obtained by the federal government will no longer be distributed to state and local health authorities .
The drugs are still available for alternate uses , so U.S. doctors could still prescribe them for COVID-19 — a practice known as off-label prescribing .
A vaccine to protect those at risk of becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus will be tested on at least 1,000 people in Chicago beginning next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will conduct the clinical trial to determine if a vaccine developed by Massachusetts-based biotechnology company Moderna is effective in preventing people from getting the virus , which has killed more than 6,300 people in Illinois .
The researchers also will study whether the vaccine prevents people from getting severely ill from COVID-19 .
The study is expected to begin July 9 .
At least 400 of the people tested will be 65 or older and researchers hope to test a large number of African American and Latino residents because both groups have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection and death in Chicago , said Dr. Richard Novak , a UIC professor who is heading the trial .
The trial , administered by the U.S. government , will last two years , though researchers are hopeful that if the vaccine proves to be effective later this year or by early 2021 that it could be approved for use next year .
UIC is one of a number of sites across the country that will be testing the Moderna vaccine .
In all , more than 30,000 people are expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several being rushed to human testing through a U.S. government program called Operation Warp Speed .
While UIC is the first to test a COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago , Novak said he expects other Chicago hospitals will be involved in testing additional vaccines .
UIC has been involved in other coronavirus-related studies , including testing the antiviral medicine remdesivir .
There are more than 40 clinical trials that are either under way or completed at a number of sites in Chicago , according to the National Institutes of Health .
Volunteers interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UIC researchers at ( 312 ) 413-5897 or email at ProjectWishDOM @ uic.edu .
Read the full story from Brett Chase here .
In times like these , we could all use good news , especially about minority-owned businesses expanding in Chicago .
They ’ ve been dealt cruel blows lately , between the shutdowns forced by COVID-19 and the riots .
Some business owners question whether it ’ s smart to rebuild in the city even if they can .
Yet some are .
Last week , the Illinois Department of Commerce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 32 minority-owned business and business incubators who collectively were getting $ 11 million in grants to support expansions and revitalize their communities .
Twenty-one were in Chicago .
Stephanie Hart and her Brown Sugar Bakery in Grand Crossing , known for its delectable and enormous cakes , is among them .
She has both a retail store and manufacturing on 75th Street , and space was getting tight .
So one day , Hart traveled about three and a half miles due west of her bakery to see John Stefanos , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wanted to sell , and she was interested in the building .
They talked , laughed and bonded , and it ended up that Hart is acquiring Cupid Candies , the equipment and the building , ensuring a business known to generations survives while it gets a good sugar jolt of fresh inventory from her baked goods .
Hart also gets Stefanos ’ good counsel with candy and ice cream , and they are already inventing new products , such as a brownie encased in an ice cream bar and with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and good for the environment , if not the waistline .
9:15 a.m. Illinois seeing largest decrease of COVID-19 cases in U.S. , report finds For the first time in more than two months , Illinois has recorded a day with fewer than 20 new coronavirus deaths .
Public health officials announced Sunday an additional 19 deaths from COVID-19 , bringing the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 6,308 .
A Fortune magazine analysis — published Friday and touted by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Saturday — found that 26 of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases stay flat or increase over the past 14 days , contradicting the popular sentiment the pandemic is fading away .
But the report found that Illinois had seen the largest decrease in cases of any state .
That positive trend is likely at least in part due to high testing availability ; nearly 1.2 million people have been tested statewide , and Illinois ranks 10th among the 50 states in coronavirus tests per capita , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Hospital numbers are also down : 562 COVID-19 patients occupied ICU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 328 on ventilators .
8:14 a.m .
Despite pandemic , schools not taking advantage of state ’ s robust online course network With little fanfare in January , Illinois debuted an upgraded collection of online courses featuring hundreds of classes from agriscience to anthropology offered by multiple providers .
They were available to any school in the state .
Within months , the global coronavirus pandemic shut down school campuses and pushed every student in the state into remote learning .
The state ’ s fortuitously timed redesign was poised to fill a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the internet .
But oddly enough , the courses under the state umbrella have remained unused in some areas , even as school districts rushed toward remote learning .
With the redesign , Illinois kept the non-profit Illinois Virtual School that is run out of Peoria and added five private providers into the mix .
But one of those new online course providers , the experienced Arizona State University , attracted no — zero — Illinois students .
And some district leaders say they know little to nothing about the newly expanded catalog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Chalkbeat Chicago here .
7:08 a.m. Trump rally called ‘ dangerous move ’ in age of coronavirus After months away from the campaign trail , President Donald Trump plans to rally his supporters this coming Saturday for the first time since most of the country was shuttered by the coronavirus .
Trump will head to Tulsa , Oklahoma — a state that has seen relatively few COVID-19 cases .
Trump ’ s rally will be held indoors , at a 19,000-seat arena that has canceled all other events through the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far more easily in crowded enclosed spaces than it does outdoors , where circulating air has a better chance of dispersing virus particles .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines the highest risk events for transmission of the coronavirus this way : “ Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area.
” The CDC recommends cloth masks in places where people might shout or chant .
• Public health officials announced Sunday an additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s pandemic death toll to 6,308 .
• Two more detainees and an employee at Cook County Juvenile detention center tested positive for COVID-19 .
• Federal health authorities have received reports of nearly 26,000 nursing home residents dying from COVID-19 across the country .
8:10 a.m. Clinical trials press forward in age of COVID Jim Butler is receiving his monthly 45-minute infusion of drugs .
What kind of drugs ?
He doesn ’ t know .
Nor do the nurses administering them .
Could be an experimental medicine that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
Or could be a placebo that does nothing .
Only one doctor conducting the medical research at Great Lakes Clinical Trials knows what drug Butler is getting , and even he doesn ’ t know what the effect will be .
None of this influences Butler ’ s determination to be here .
” I got an Alzheimer ’ s diagnosis four years ago , ” said Butler , 71 , who describes the disease as causing “ multiple times a day , cognitive hiccups , confusion.
” One thing he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of participating in research .
” The simplest reason is I like to be very proactive about my diagnosis , ” he said .
“ My game plan is not to get overwhelmed and unsettled at these things .
To try to smile at them , dismiss them , let them go .
A clinical trial is an enormously great way to do that.
” Clinical trials are the minor leagues of medicine .
Before drug companies can sign up a star cure to wow the public , they need to know if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they spend billions of dollars and commission hundreds of small clinics like Great Lakes Clinical Trials , which opened in Andersonville in 2014 .
There is a second location in Arlington Heights .

The latest
Lakefront Trail to reopen June 22
A view of the Chicago lakefront from the observation deck of 875 North Michigan Avenue. Scott Olson/Getty Images
Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, closed since March, will reopen next week, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office announced Monday.
The city also announced that on Wednesday, “bars, lounges, taverns, breweries” that don’t serve food can open, though only for outdoor service.
Lightfoot made the Lakefront Trail announcement on her official Facebook page:
“Excited to share the news... our Lakefront Trail will be reopening on June 22 for exercise and transit!
“To ensure we continue the progress we’ve made flattening the curve, Social Distancing Ambassadors will be along the route to ensure a safe experience for Chicagoans.”
Read the full story here.
News
9:22 p.m. Public League football coaches say CPS lacks a plan for return-to-play
Multiple Public League football coaches have confirmed that they were told by Chicago Public Schools on Monday that there is no timeline for the district to allow schools to participate in Stage 1 of the Illinois High School Association’s return-to-play plan.
“I’m very worried there won’t be a season,” Clemente football coach Conell Hayes said.
The IHSA released the guidelines for Stage 1 of its return-to-play plan on June 5. Schools with district approval were allowed to being voluntary strength and conditioning sessions on June 6.
A CPS spokesperson told the Sun-Times on June 7 that it was “working diligently to develop guidance and protocols to ensure our students can safely begin training.”
Those protocols may not be coming anytime soon.
Read the full story from Michael O’Brien here.
8:52 p.m. Saliva tests for COVID-19 could replace painful nasal swabs, U. of C. researchers say
Researchers at the University of Chicago are exploring digital saliva testing for COVID-19, which could serve as a welcome alternative to the unpleasant deep nasal swabs that are currently used to get a thorough sample.
Early results show the new method is at least as accurate as the existing testing option, the researchers say. What’s more, scientists now believe saliva testing can prevent inconclusive results for those who test negative despite displaying symptoms and help ensure that patients don’t hold trace amounts of the virus before being discharged from hospitals.
U. of C. Professor Nishant Agrawal, a surgeon-scientist who is working on the study, said that the method “could provide clinicians with a quantitative measure of how much virus is present, beyond a simple yes or no.”
The new test relies on a droplet-digital polymerase chain reaction system that researchers believe could more accurately detect asymptomatic cases and positively identify cases with smaller amounts of the virus in a sample.
Read the full report from Tom Schuba here.
7:36 p.m. MLB commissioner no longer confident there will be a season
A week after saying “we are going to play Major League Baseball this year,” commissioner Rob Manfred on Monday told ESPN he’s “not confident” there will be a season.
In a conversation with Mike Greenberg for ESPN’s “The Return of Sports” special, Manfred said that “as long as there’s no dialogue” with the Players Association, “that real risk is going to continue.”
Last week Manfred said the chances of a shortened season, due to the coronavirus, were “100%.”
On Monday, the tune was different.
“I’m not confident,” he said. “I think there’s real risk.
“It’s just a disaster for our game, absolutely no question about it. It shouldn’t be happening, and it’s important that we find a way to get past it and get the game back on the field for the benefit of our fans.”
Disaster indeed. Weeks ago, baseball was positioned to be the first major North American sport to return after it was shut down during spring training. The expectation was that a shortened season, perhaps 50 games, would commence in early July after a three-week ‘spring training.’
Now, for the first time, no baseball at all has become a possibility, Manfred said.
Read the full story from Daryl Van Schouwen here.
3:25 p.m. Illinois sees lowest number of new coronavirus infections in more than two and a half months
Illinois logged another 19 coronavirus deaths Monday, and an additional 473 new cases of the deadly virus — the lowest number of new infections on any given day since the early days under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order.
Those new cases bring the state’s total to 133,016 cases and 6,326 deaths in 101 counties in the state.
The 473 new cases is the lowest daily tally since March 30, which saw 461 cases. It also marks the first day with fewer than 500 new cases since late March. Pritzker’s initial stay-at-home order came on March 21, a day that saw 168 new case. The state appeared to hit its peak for new infections on May 12, when 4,104 were announced.
Just one week ago, Illinois Public Health Department officials announced 1,156 new cases.
Those new cases were among the 18,627 new processed tests. The state’s preliminary seven-day positivity rate for cases remains at 3%.
Read the full story here.
2:30 p.m. US revokes emergency use of malaria drugs for treating COVID-19 amid growing evidence they don’t work
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is revoking its emergency authorization for malaria drugs promoted by President Donald Trump for treating COVID-19 amid growing evidence they don’t work and could cause deadly side effects.
The agency said Monday that the drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating the coronavirus. Citing reports of heart complications, the FDA said the drugs pose a greater risk to patients than any potential benefits.
The decades-old drugs, also prescribed for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause heart rhythm problems, severely low blood pressure and muscle or nerve damage.
The move means that shipments of the drugs obtained by the federal government will no longer be distributed to state and local health authorities. The drugs are still available for alternate uses, so U.S. doctors could still prescribe them for COVID-19 — a practice known as off-label prescribing.
Read the full story here.
11:15 a.m. UIC to test COVID-19 vaccine
A vaccine to protect those at risk of becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus will be tested on at least 1,000 people in Chicago beginning next month.
University of Illinois at Chicago researchers will conduct the clinical trial to determine if a vaccine developed by Massachusetts-based biotechnology company Moderna is effective in preventing people from getting the virus, which has killed more than 6,300 people in Illinois. The researchers also will study whether the vaccine prevents people from getting severely ill from COVID-19.
The study is expected to begin July 9. At least 400 of the people tested will be 65 or older and researchers hope to test a large number of African American and Latino residents because both groups have been shown to be at high risk of infection and death in Chicago, said Dr. Richard Novak, a UIC professor who is heading the trial.
The trial, administered by the U.S. government, will last two years, though researchers are hopeful that if the vaccine proves to be effective later this year or by early 2021 that it could be approved for use next year.
UIC is one of a number of sites across the country that will be testing the Moderna vaccine. In all, more than 30,000 people are expected to be tested. The vaccine is one of several being rushed to human testing through a U.S. government program called Operation Warp Speed.
While UIC is the first to test a COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago, Novak said he expects other Chicago hospitals will be involved in testing additional vaccines. UIC has been involved in other coronavirus-related studies, including testing the antiviral medicine remdesivir. There are more than 40 clinical trials that are either under way or completed at a number of sites in Chicago, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Volunteers interested in participating in the trial can contact the UIC researchers at (312) 413-5897 or email at ProjectWishDOM@uic.edu.
Read the full story from Brett Chase here.
10:15 a.m. Grant for minority business fosters sweet partnership
In times like these, we could all use good news, especially about minority-owned businesses expanding in Chicago. They’ve been dealt cruel blows lately, between the shutdowns forced by COVID-19 and the riots. Some business owners question whether it’s smart to rebuild in the city even if they can.
Yet some are. Last week, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity put out a list of 32 minority-owned business and business incubators who collectively were getting $11 million in grants to support expansions and revitalize their communities. Twenty-one were in Chicago.
Stephanie Hart and her Brown Sugar Bakery in Grand Crossing, known for its delectable and enormous cakes, is among them. She has both a retail store and manufacturing on 75th Street, and space was getting tight. So one day, Hart traveled about three and a half miles due west of her bakery to see John Stefanos, the owner of Cupid Candies. She heard he wanted to sell, and she was interested in the building.
They talked, laughed and bonded, and it ended up that Hart is acquiring Cupid Candies, the equipment and the building, ensuring a business known to generations survives while it gets a good sugar jolt of fresh inventory from her baked goods.
Hart also gets Stefanos’ good counsel with candy and ice cream, and they are already inventing new products, such as a brownie encased in an ice cream bar and with a pretzel for the stick, all edible and good for the environment, if not the waistline.
Read the full story from David Roeder.
9:15 a.m. Illinois seeing largest decrease of COVID-19 cases in U.S., report finds
For the first time in more than two months, Illinois has recorded a day with fewer than 20 new coronavirus deaths.
Public health officials announced Sunday an additional 19 deaths from COVID-19, bringing the state’s pandemic death toll to 6,308.
A Fortune magazine analysis — published Friday and touted by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Saturday — found that 26 of the 50 U.S. states had seen their COVID-19 cases stay flat or increase over the past 14 days, contradicting the popular sentiment the pandemic is fading away.
But the report found that Illinois had seen the largest decrease in cases of any state.
That positive trend is likely at least in part due to high testing availability; nearly 1.2 million people have been tested statewide, and Illinois ranks 10th among the 50 states in coronavirus tests per capita, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Hospital numbers are also down: 562 COVID-19 patients occupied ICU beds as of Saturday night, with 328 on ventilators.
Read the full story here.
8:14 a.m. Despite pandemic, schools not taking advantage of state’s robust online course network
With little fanfare in January, Illinois debuted an upgraded collection of online courses featuring hundreds of classes from agriscience to anthropology offered by multiple providers. They were available to any school in the state.
Within months, the global coronavirus pandemic shut down school campuses and pushed every student in the state into remote learning.
The state’s fortuitously timed redesign was poised to fill a desperate new need — education delivered via the internet. But oddly enough, the courses under the state umbrella have remained unused in some areas, even as school districts rushed toward remote learning.
With the redesign, Illinois kept the non-profit Illinois Virtual School that is run out of Peoria and added five private providers into the mix. But one of those new online course providers, the experienced Arizona State University, attracted no — zero — Illinois students. And some district leaders say they know little to nothing about the newly expanded catalog of courses.
Read the full story from Chalkbeat Chicago here.
7:08 a.m. Trump rally called ‘dangerous move’ in age of coronavirus
After months away from the campaign trail, President Donald Trump plans to rally his supporters this coming Saturday for the first time since most of the country was shuttered by the coronavirus. Trump will head to Tulsa, Oklahoma — a state that has seen relatively few COVID-19 cases.
Trump’s rally will be held indoors, at a 19,000-seat arena that has canceled all other events through the end of July. Scientists believe the virus spreads far more easily in crowded enclosed spaces than it does outdoors, where circulating air has a better chance of dispersing virus particles.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines the highest risk events for transmission of the coronavirus this way: “Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area.” The CDC recommends cloth masks in places where people might shout or chant.
Read the full report here.
New cases
Public health officials announced Sunday an additional 19 deaths from COVID-19, bringing the state’s pandemic death toll to 6,308.
Two more detainees and an employee at Cook County Juvenile detention center tested positive for COVID-19.
Federal health authorities have received reports of nearly 26,000 nursing home residents dying from COVID-19 across the country.
Analysis & Commentary
8:10 a.m. Clinical trials press forward in age of COVID
Jim Butler is receiving his monthly 45-minute infusion of drugs.
What kind of drugs? He doesn’t know. Nor do the nurses administering them. Could be an experimental medicine that will help his brain fight Alzheimer’s disease. Or could be a placebo that does nothing.
Only one doctor conducting the medical research at Great Lakes Clinical Trials knows what drug Butler is getting, and even he doesn’t know what the effect will be.
None of this influences Butler’s determination to be here.
”I got an Alzheimer’s diagnosis four years ago,” said Butler, 71, who describes the disease as causing “multiple times a day, cognitive hiccups, confusion.”
One thing he is not confused about is the importance of participating in research.
”The simplest reason is I like to be very proactive about my diagnosis,” he said. “My game plan is not to get overwhelmed and unsettled at these things. To try to smile at them, dismiss them, let them go. A clinical trial is an enormously great way to do that.”
Clinical trials are the minor leagues of medicine. Before drug companies can sign up a star cure to wow the public, they need to know if it can deliver. To do that, they spend billions of dollars and commission hundreds of small clinics like Great Lakes Clinical Trials, which opened in Andersonville in 2014. There is a second location in Arlington Heights.
Read Neil Steinberg’s full column here.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-15--Garth Brooks concert to stream at drive-ins, including Chicago area

Garth Brooks is putting a new spin on road trek .
The country music superstar will present a streamed “ concert event ” at 300 drive-in theaters across the country and in Canada on June 27 , in a new concert recorded in Nashville specifically for the date .
Tickets for the event , produced by Encore Live , are $ 100 ( per car or truck ) and will go on sale at 11 a.m. June 19 at Ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks .
In the Chicago area , you can attend the event at Chicago Drive-In Theaters at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 49 ’ er Drive-In Theatre in Valparaiso , Indiana .
The screening starts at 8:30 p.m. at each location , rain or shine .
No refunds will be issued .
A full list of drive-ins , including additional locations in Illinois , Indiana and Wisconsin , can be found here .
“ I am so excited to get to play again .
I have missed it so much and want to get back to it , ” Brooks said via statement .
“ This drive-in concert allows us all to get back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what would be the result to us as a community .
This is old school , new school , and perfect for the time we are in.
” The concert drive-in theaters will adhere to CDC guidelines including maintaining at least six feet of space between vehicles , the use of personal protective equipment by staff , contactless payment and ticketing systems , and limiting capacity in restrooms .
The sale of concessions will abide by individual state guidelines .

Garth Brooks is putting a new spin on road trek.
The country music superstar will present a streamed “concert event” at 300 drive-in theaters across the country and in Canada on June 27, in a new show featuring him and his band, recorded in Nashville specifically for the one-night showcase.
Tickets for the concert, produced by Encore Live, are $100 (per car or truck) and will go on sale at 11 a.m. June 19 at Ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks. In the Chicago area, you can attend the event at Chicago Drive-In Theaters at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview; the McHenry Outdoor Theater; and the 49’er Drive-In Theatre in Valparaiso, Indiana. The screening starts at 8:30 p.m. at each location, rain or shine. No refunds will be issued. A full list of drive-ins, including additional locations in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, can be found here.
“I am so excited to get to play again. I have missed it so much and want to get back to it,” Brooks said via statement. “This drive-in concert allows us all to get back to playing live music without the uncertainty of what would be the result to us as a community. This is old school, new school, and perfect for the time we are in.”
Brooks has also released a new song, “We Belong to Each Other,” which got its exclusive world release Monday on Robin Roberts’ Facebook page.
The concert drive-in theaters will adhere to CDC guidelines including maintaining at least six feet of space between vehicles, the use of personal protective equipment by staff, contactless payment and ticketing systems, and limiting capacity in restrooms. The sale of concessions will abide by individual state guidelines.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-15--How public unions can help avert furloughs and layoffs for Chicago and Illinois government workers

The budget gap for the state of Illinois is $ 5 billion .
That ’ s how much the state might have to borrow to survive the fiscal year that begins July 1 .
The budget gap for the city of Chicago is at least $ 700 million .
That ’ s the city ’ s projected revenue shortfall for the remainder of 2020 , due to the economic impact of COVID-19 .
Both the state and the city continue to hope the federal government will ride to the rescue later this summer with another stimulus package .
But nobody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely would be a partial bailout at best .
The grim truth is that the finances of Illinois and Chicago were structurally unsound long before the coronavirus pandemic hit , and major layoffs and furloughs are virtually a sure thing now — unless difficult steps are taken immediately .
Almost certainly , the state and city will have to refinance their pension debt to attempt to save hundreds of millions of dollars .
And almost certainly , there will be new and higher taxes .
What is less certain — but should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public employees will have to be reopened to reduce costs .
Every possible solution to the current crisis must be on the table , including a reconsideration of a host of contract provisions .
Union should take the lead It is , as we see it , wholly in the interest of the unions to join in this effort .
The finances of the state and city were unsustainable even before the pandemic .
Now they are close to collapsing , threatening the very existence of those good union jobs and pensions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions would be in a position to shape negotiations in ways that work best for their members .
They might reasonably insist , for example , that a big portion of any savings from contract changes be put toward paying down pension obligations .
And while we ’ ve heard the argument that reworking union contracts wouldn ’ t make a dent in the financial problems of the state and the city , we ’ re not so sure .
Let ’ s see how scalpel-like revisions in dozens of contracts add up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bargaining agreements with more than 40 union units .
The state has agreements with more than 30 union units .
Cook County , for that matter , has agreements with dozens and dozens more .
In any event , we believe Mayor Lightfoot and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , as well as Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and others , have the legal authority to compel the renegotiation of contract language .
Many of the contracts include a “ force majeure ” clause that allows for the agreement to be reopened in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is beyond the control of both sides .
If this is not an extraordinary fiscal emergency , what would be ?
To minimize the threat of layoffs and furloughs , Pritzker and Lightfoot should take one step that is obvious — stop hiring and allow natural attrition to reduce the workforce over a few years — and a second step that is less obvious — offer early retirement deals .
Shuffle the remaining workers around to do the most necessary jobs .
Beyond that , we can think of dozens of contract changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality of services .
Among them are : • End the “ traditional work ” restrictions in city union contracts that reserve certain tasks for certain union members .
The Sun-Times called attention to this rule a decade ago when we wrote about how only a Teamster driver can drive a city work crew to a work site .
Then the driver is free to stare out his truck ’ s window all day — his job duties carefully limited by his union contract — while the work crew does the job .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Ferguson estimated the city was blowing $ 20 million a year on these unnecessary drivers — $ 23.6 million in today ’ s money .
• Reduce the number of city employees kept on the payroll just for emergencies , such as some electricians .
Day in and out , there ’ s not enough work for them to do .
The city should instead bring in extra workers as sporadically needed , hiring from unionized private companies .
• Reduce staffing on fire engines and trucks , going from five-man crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s dollars , that would save the city about $ 63 million a year .
• Reduce the number of laborers on a garbage truck from 2 to 1 , which is the norm across the country .
This would save about $ 12 million .
• Reducing the number of paid city holidays from 13 to 10 , like in the rest of the world , saving $ 6 million .
• In jobs that do not require their specialized training , replace dozens of uniformed police officers and firefighters with civilians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago , and perhaps still today , uniformed firefighters were filing photos and delivering the office mail .
• Last , but not least , both the city and state should considering foregoing all employee pay raises for a year .
Don ’ t set us against each other Will all of this , plus other contract revisions , result in a financial savings big enough to pull Chicago and Illinois out of crisis ?
Further unpopular measures , such as expanding the state ’ s sales tax to include services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unionized public employees , the biggest cost of government , refuse to budge on even their contract provisions , they risking feeding a bad dynamic — union versus non-union .
Why would everybody else agree to pick up the tab ?

The budget gap for the state of Illinois is $5 billion.
That’s how much the state might have to borrow to survive the fiscal year that begins July 1.
The budget gap for the city of Chicago is at least $700 million.
That’s the city’s projected revenue shortfall for the remainder of 2020, due to the economic impact of COVID-19.
Both the state and the city continue to hope the federal government will ride to the rescue later this summer with another stimulus package. But nobody should count on that, and it likely would be a partial bailout at best.
The grim truth is that the finances of Illinois and Chicago were structurally unsound long before the coronavirus pandemic hit, and major layoffs and furloughs are virtually a sure thing now — unless difficult steps are taken immediately.
Editorials bug Editorials
Almost certainly, the state and city will have to refinance their pension debt to attempt to save hundreds of millions of dollars. And almost certainly, there will be new and higher taxes.
What is less certain — but should not be — is that union contracts for public employees will have to be reopened to reduce costs. Every possible solution to the current crisis must be on the table, including a reconsideration of a host of contract provisions.
Union should take the lead
It is, as we see it, wholly in the interest of the unions to join in this effort. The finances of the state and city were unsustainable even before the pandemic. Now they are close to collapsing, threatening the very existence of those good union jobs and pensions.
By joining in this effort, the unions would be in a position to shape negotiations in ways that work best for their members. They might reasonably insist, for example, that a big portion of any savings from contract changes be put toward paying down pension obligations.
And while we’ve heard the argument that reworking union contracts wouldn’t make a dent in the financial problems of the state and the city, we’re not so sure. Let’s see how scalpel-like revisions in dozens of contracts add up.
The city of Chicago has collective bargaining agreements with more than 40 union units. The state has agreements with more than 30 union units. Cook County, for that matter, has agreements with dozens and dozens more.
In any event, we believe Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker, as well as Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and others, have the legal authority to compel the renegotiation of contract language. Many of the contracts include a “force majeure” clause that allows for the agreement to be reopened in the event an extraordinary fiscal emergency that is beyond the control of both sides.
If this is not an extraordinary fiscal emergency, what would be?
First steps
To minimize the threat of layoffs and furloughs, Pritzker and Lightfoot should take one step that is obvious — stop hiring and allow natural attrition to reduce the workforce over a few years — and a second step that is less obvious — offer early retirement deals. Shuffle the remaining workers around to do the most necessary jobs.
Beyond that, we can think of dozens of contract changes that would cut costs without compromising the quality of services. Among them are:
End the “traditional work” restrictions in city union contracts that reserve certain tasks for certain union members. The Sun-Times called attention to this rule a decade ago when we wrote about how only a Teamster driver can drive a city work crew to a work site. Then the driver is free to stare out his truck’s window all day — his job duties carefully limited by his union contract — while the work crew does the job. Ten years ago, city Inspector General Joe Ferguson estimated the city was blowing $20 million a year on these unnecessary drivers — $23.6 million in today’s money.
Reduce the number of city employees kept on the payroll just for emergencies, such as some electricians. Day in and out, there’s not enough work for them to do. The city should instead bring in extra workers as sporadically needed, hiring from unionized private companies.
Reduce staffing on fire engines and trucks, going from five-man crews to four-man crews. In today’s dollars, that would save the city about $63 million a year.
Reduce the number of laborers on a garbage truck from 2 to 1, which is the norm across the country. This would save about $12 million.
Reducing the number of paid city holidays from 13 to 10, like in the rest of the world, saving $6 million.
In jobs that do not require their specialized training, replace dozens of uniformed police officers and firefighters with civilians, saving $10 million. Four years ago, and perhaps still today, uniformed firefighters were filing photos and delivering the office mail.
Last, but not least, both the city and state should considering foregoing all employee pay raises for a year.
Don’t set us against each other
Will all of this, plus other contract revisions, result in a financial savings big enough to pull Chicago and Illinois out of crisis?
Probably not.
Further unpopular measures, such as expanding the state’s sales tax to include services, could well be necessary.
But if unionized public employees, the biggest cost of government, refuse to budge on even their contract provisions, they risking feeding a bad dynamic — union versus non-union.
Why would everybody else agree to pick up the tab?
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-15--COPA employee fired after allegedly shooting at car thieves

An employee of Chicago ’ s Civilian Office of Police Accountability was fired amid an investigation after allegedly shooting at car thieves early Sunday in Lawndale .
The 39-year-old concealed carry holder was looking for his stolen vehicle about 5:30 a.m. when he confronted two people getting into the vehicle in the 1300 block of South Central Park Avenue , Chicago police said in a statement .
He fired shots at the pair , who drove off in the vehicle , police said .
It ’ s unclear if anyone was struck by gunfire .
Chicago police notified COPA that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s employees , and Monday evening COPA spokesman Ephraim Eaddy said the employee was terminated from their position .
“ There is a responsibility we have as employees of COPA and as law abiding residents of this great city , to use sound judgement under difficult circumstances , ” Chief Administrator Sydney Roberts said in a statement .
“ When the actions of any employee violate the policies of this agency , we will hold them accountable.
” No one is in custody in connection to the shooting or car theft , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

An employee of Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability was fired amid an investigation after allegedly shooting at car thieves early Sunday in Lawndale.
The 39-year-old concealed carry holder was looking for his stolen vehicle about 5:30 a.m. when he confronted two people getting into the vehicle in the 1300 block of South Central Park Avenue, Chicago police said in a statement.
He fired shots at the pair, who drove off in the vehicle, police said. It’s unclear if anyone was struck by gunfire.
Chicago police notified COPA that it is investigating one of the agency’s employees, and Monday evening COPA spokesman Ephraim Eaddy said the employee was terminated from their position.
“There is a responsibility we have as employees of COPA and as law abiding residents of this great city, to use sound judgement under difficult circumstances,” Chief Administrator Sydney Roberts said in a statement. “When the actions of any employee violate the policies of this agency, we will hold them accountable.”
No one is in custody in connection to the shooting or car theft, a police spokeswoman said Monday morning.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-15--Why Mayor Lightfoot cannot rely on Congress to fill her budget gap for now, and what Speaker Pelosi

Why Mayor Lightfoot cannot rely on Congress to fill her budget gap for now, and what Speaker Pelosi has to say about it

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she needs Congress to ship cash to Chicago to help replace COVID-19 pandemic lost revenues , and I asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi how that ’ s going to work since the GOP-led Senate so far won ’ t take up the HEROES Act House Democrats passed last May with money for local governments .
Since a Senate vote on the HEROES Act is unlikely , “ We have to change that reality .
We have to change that reality , ” Pelosi said , repeating for emphasis .
The Speaker commented during a Zoom interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when I asked her about Lightfoot ’ s plea for more federal funds .
Because almost every cash-starved local government would benefit , Pelosi said “ public sentiment all over the country ” will push Republicans .
“ This is not even a close call , ” said Pelosi .
Republicans “ have to do this unless they want to say to their communities , ‘ We don ’ t want you to have first responders , police and fire and the rest ; we are going to have to fire people or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of both.
” ’ Let ’ s break down why Lightfoot for now can not rely on Congress to help fill her estimated $ 700 million hole for the 2020 budget year and what else Pelosi has to say about it : WHAT THE HOUSE DID : On May 15 , the House passed , with only one GOP vote ( Rep. Peter King , R-N.Y. ) the $ 3 trillion Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act , known as the HEROES Act .
The highly partisan roll call makes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sit on the legislation .
To compare : the related Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act , known as the CARES Act , advanced through the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and President Donald Trump signed it into law March 27 .
WHAT ’ S IN IT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS : The city of Chicago ; the state of Illinois ; Cook , Lake , DuPage , Kane and Will Counties all would get extra federal money to help pay for an assortment of public services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , village and township governments in Illinois would receive funds under the HEROES Act — from Abingdon City , near Peoria to Zuma Township in Rock Island County .
That ’ s no matter if Republicans or Democrats lead these local governments .
PELOSI ’ S TAKE ON POLICE DEFUNDING : It ’ s the Republicans who are defunding the police because the HEROES Act would help local governments pay police salaries .
Said Pelosi , “ When you talk about defunding the police — you already voted against the funding of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act.
” BY THE WAY , WHAT ’ S IN IT FOR YOU : The CARES Act saved many jobless individuals from financial disaster with a $ 600-a-week payment coming on top of state jobless benefits .
The $ 600 is paid for by the federal government .
That extra cash ends July 31 .
Among other items , the HEROES Act extends the weekly $ 600 weekly federal payments for the unemployed through Jan. 31 .
ABOUT LOST REVENUE : The HEROES Act money would help replace revenue lost related to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would be taxes on sales , hotels , parking , restaurants and amusements .
Many Chicago area suburbs are taking a big hit on sales taxes .
CARES ACT MONEY FOR CHICAGO : You may have read last week about Lightfoot and her proposals to spend $ 1.13 billion the CARES Act sent to Chicago .
The grant money came with a catch — it had to be used on items directly connected to the city ’ s COVID-19 response .
TIMING : It is highly unlike McConnell would deal with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the July 4 recess , not returning until mid-July .
VOTE BY MAIL POLITICS : Democrats put in the HEROES Act requirements to encourage voting by mail in the November election .
Trump is waging a war against mail ballots on the unproven grounds they lead to substantial fraud .
That provision is a poison pill in the bill .
OTHER POLITICS : There is also money in the HEROES Act for the struggling U.S .
Postal Service Trump is opposed to helping .
Some Republicans – including in Illinois – see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out-of-control spending by Democrats running state and local governments .
PREDICTION : The looming end of the $ 600 weekly jobless benefits is the linchpin to a deal , key to getting the Senate to even consider the federal boost Lightfoot needs .
Pelosi seeks to break the McConnell blockade and force him to the bargaining table through pressure on about 20 GOP senators .
The July 31 deadline will force McConnell to negotiate .
Trump and McConnell don ’ t want to run for reelection with still jobless Republicans driven into ruin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Said Pelosi , “ I don ’ t see how that flies .
”

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she needs Congress to ship cash to Chicago to help replace COVID-19 pandemic lost revenues, and I asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi how that’s going to work since the GOP-led Senate so far won’t take up the HEROES Act House Democrats passed last May with money for local governments.
Since a Senate vote on the HEROES Act is unlikely, “We have to change that reality. We have to change that reality,” Pelosi said, repeating for emphasis.
The Speaker commented during a Zoom interview with several columnists. That’s when I asked her about Lightfoot’s plea for more federal funds.
Because almost every cash-starved local government would benefit, Pelosi said “public sentiment all over the country” will push Republicans.
“This is not even a close call,” said Pelosi. Republicans “have to do this unless they want to say to their communities, ‘We don’t want you to have first responders, police and fire and the rest; we are going to have to fire people or going to raise taxes or some combination of both.”’
Let’s break down why Lightfoot for now cannot rely on Congress to help fill her estimated $700 million hole for the 2020 budget year and what else Pelosi has to say about it:
WHAT THE HOUSE DID: On May 15, the House passed, with only one GOP vote (Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y.), the $3 trillion Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, known as the HEROES Act.
The highly partisan roll call makes it easy for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to sit on the legislation. To compare: the related Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, known as the CARES Act, advanced through the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, and President Donald Trump signed it into law March 27.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: The city of Chicago; the state of Illinois; Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane and Will Counties all would get extra federal money to help pay for an assortment of public services. In all, some 2,904 state, city, village and township governments in Illinois would receive funds under the HEROES Act — from the city of Abingdon, near Peoria to Zuma Township in Rock Island County. That’s no matter if Republicans or Democrats lead these local governments.
PELOSI’S TAKE ON POLICE DEFUNDING: It’s the Republicans who are defunding the police because the HEROES Act would help local governments pay police salaries. Said Pelosi, “When you talk about defunding the police — you already voted against the funding of police when you voted against the HEROES Act.”
BY THE WAY, WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU: The CARES Act saved many jobless individuals from financial disaster with a $600-a-week payment coming on top of state jobless benefits. The $600 is paid for by the federal government. That extra cash ends July 31.
Among other items, the HEROES Act extends the weekly $600 federal payments for the unemployed through Jan. 31.
ABOUT LOST REVENUE: The HEROES Act money would help replace revenue lost related to the COVID-19 economic meltdown. In Chicago, that would be taxes on sales, hotels, parking, restaurants and amusements. Many Chicago-area suburbs are taking a big hit on sales taxes.
CARES ACT MONEY FOR CHICAGO: You may have read last week about Lightfoot and her proposals to spend $1.13 billion the CARES Act sent to Chicago. The grant money came with a catch — it had to be used on items directly connected to the city’s COVID-19 response.
TIMING: It is highly unlike McConnell would deal with the HEROES Act before the Senate takes off for the July 4 recess, not returning until mid-July.
VOTE BY MAIL POLITICS: Democrats put in the HEROES Act requirements to encourage voting by mail in the November election. Trump is waging a war against mail ballots on the unproven grounds they lead to substantial fraud. That provision is a poison pill in the bill.
OTHER POLITICS: There is also money in the HEROES Act for the struggling U.S. Postal Service Trump is opposed to helping. Some Republicans – including in Illinois – see HEROES Act funding as a bailout for out-of-control spending by Democrats running state and local governments.
PREDICTION: The looming end of the $600 weekly jobless benefits is the linchpin to a deal, key to getting the Senate to even consider the federal boost Lightfoot needs.
Pelosi seeks to break the McConnell blockade and force him to the bargaining table through pressure on about 20 GOP senators. The July 31 deadline will force McConnell to negotiate. Trump and McConnell don’t want to run for reelection with still jobless Republicans driven into ruin because the $600 payments ended. Said Pelosi, “I don’t see how that flies.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-15--White Sox VP Ken Williams speaks out: ‘Black people alone can’t erase racism’

“ I ’ ve been struggling with how to start this whole conversation , ” the White Sox executive vice president said .
The conversation has been about race , equality and violence and social unrest across a struggling nation .
The Sox have been relatively quiet since George Floyd ’ s death at the knee of a Minneapolis police officer , but Williams finally spoke out with 35 compelling minutes on SoxTV Monday .
He has been watching , and listening .
On Monday , it was his turn to speak .
Fighting tears on occasion , Williams went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how his father taught him to conduct himself as a black man in America , and discussions he needed to have with his own sons when hate was splashed on his house after Jerry Reinsdorf hired him to be the Sox general manager in 2000 .
Williams said when a white friend asked him what it ’ s like to be black , his answer was “ exhausting.
” He also says he sees reasons for hope like he hasn ’ t seen before .
“ I ’ ve got to say ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with all different backgrounds I ’ ve seen out in the streets saying ‘ Black Lives Matter , ’ ” Williams said .
“ Black people alone can not erase racism .
No more than black people could have solved slavery .
We need white people to do that.
” Williams said his father wisely told him as a youngster “ to fight for what ’ s right.
” “ So when I was named general manager and I go home and on the side of my house is ‘ No n -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sox , capital W-H-I-T-E , ’ it hurt .
… It hurt.
” Williams was the first African-American GM in Chicago sports history and third in major league history .
“ I called my father and he told me to get my sons , who were 9 , 11 and 13 , and show them what was written and what it meant , what it meant for them tomorrow , ” he said .
“ And I had to take some of their innocence away .
You have to protect your kids .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that innocence away to make sure they ’ re saying the right things out there so they ’ re not the next of what has become a long line of victims.
” Williams learned at an early age about taking a stand and the need to protect .
He was 5 when his godfather , John Carlos , famously raised his fist on the medal stand at the 1968 Olympics , a bold declaration of black power .
When Williams was 9 , his father sued the city of San Jose , Calif. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camping trip , Jerry Williams showed Williams how to shoot a .22 caliber rifle .
“ I had a responsibility to protect the household , ” Williams said .
“ That was the first time the color of my skin made me different.
” Now 56 , Williams shared what it was like to see a woman step off an elevator at the sight of him , apparently in fear .
And just when he was giving up hope that he would “ see substantial gains ” for social change , the reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death in recent weeks has given him newfound hope .
“ It appears to me that people have seen enough , ” he said .
“ I just hope it also leads to some of these marches heading down to the registration booth and people showing up to vote .
“ Is it OK to feel optimism about what we see or should we exercise a little caution and not get overly excited , and is this going to go away in a couple weeks ?
I don ’ t know how this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you white people can march you ’ re a—off , ” he said with a smile .
“ I am impressed with the unity that has come about .
Maybe that lady will get on the elevator with me next time .
”

White Sox executive vice president Ken Williams needed time.
“I’ve been struggling with how to start this whole conversation,” he said.
The conversation has been about race, equality, violence and social unrest across a struggling nation.
The Sox have been relatively quiet since George Floyd’s death at the knee of a Minneapolis police officer, but Williams finally spoke out for 35 compelling minutes on SoxTV. He has been watching and listening.
On Monday, it was his turn to speak.
Fighting tears on occasion, Williams went into a deep dive, talking about how his father taught him to conduct himself as a Black man in America and the discussions he needed to have with his own sons when hate was splashed on his house after chairman Jerry Reinsdorf hired him to be the Sox’ general manager in 2000.
Williams said when a white friend asked him what it’s like to be Black, his answer was: “exhausting.” He also says he sees reasons for hope like he hasn’t seen before.
“I’ve got to say thank you to all the people with all different backgrounds I’ve seen out in the streets saying, ‘Black lives matter,’ ’’ Williams said. “Black people alone cannot erase racism. No more than Black people could have solved slavery. We need white people to do that.”
Williams said his father wisely told him as a youngster “to fight for what’s right.”
“So when I was named general manager [he was the first African American GM in Chicago sports history and the third in major-league history], and I go home and on the side of my house is ‘No n----- should run the Chicago WHITE Sox, capital W-H-I-T-E,’ it hurt. . . . It hurt.
“I called my father, and he told me to get my sons, who were 9, 11 and 13, and show them what was written and what it meant, what it meant for them tomorrow. And I had to take some of their innocence away. You have to protect your kids. You have to take a little of that innocence away to make sure they’re saying the right things out there, so they’re not the next of what has become a long line of victims.”
Williams learned at an early age about taking a stand and the need to protest. He was 5 when his godfather, John Carlos, famously raised his fist on the medal stand at the 1968 Olympics, a bold declaration of black power. When Williams was 9, his father Jerry sued San Jose, California, to become a fireman.
“We got death threats,” Williams said.
On a camping trip, Jerry Williams showed Ken Williams how to shoot a .22-caliber rifle.
“I had a responsibility to protect the household,” Williams said. “That was the first time the color of my skin made me different.”
Now 56, Williams shared what it was like to see a woman step off an elevator at the sight of him, apparently in fear. It pained him. And just when he was giving up hope that he would “see substantial gains” for social change, the reaction from all races to Floyd’s death in recent weeks has given him newfound hope.
“It appears that people have seen enough,” he said. “I just hope it also leads to some of these marches heading down to the registration booth and people showing up to vote.
“Is it OK to feel optimism about what we see or should we exercise a little caution and not get overly excited, and is this going to go away in a couple of weeks? I don’t know how this is going to come off, but you white people can march your ass off,” he said with a smile.
“I am impressed with the unity that has come about. Maybe that lady will get on the elevator with me next time.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-15--3 aldermen push to kick cops out of schools, plan to introduce ordinance at council meeting this wee

3 aldermen push to kick cops out of schools, plan to introduce ordinance at council meeting this week

Three aldermen are proposing the termination of a $ 33 million contract between the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Public Schools after two weeks of widespread protests have rejuvenated efforts to remove officers from schools .
The aldermen plan to introduce an ordinance at Wednesday ’ s City Council meeting that would permanently end the relationship between the police department and public school system and prevent another contract from being signed .
But the proposal faces a tall task : convincing Mayor Lori Lightfoot , whose support will likely be necessary for the ordinance to pass .
The mayor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Board president , and earlier this month , in the face of protests , she opposed the removal of cops from schools .
Activists across the country have demanded police-free schools for years , pointing to detrimental impacts on students of color whose behavior in school is criminalized and leads to a “ school-to-prison pipeline , ” in which in-school incidents lead directly to criminal charges and jail .
Social injustice demonstrations in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd have prompted a closer look at the police presence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Denver have since voted to kick out their police officers .
Seattle and Oakland have also followed through with similar measures .
Ald .
Rod Sawyer ( 6th ) , Ald Jeanette Taylor ( 20th ) and Ald .
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa ( 35th ) are joining the calls for Chicago to do the same .
“ The trauma and harm that was done by this practice can never be erased , ” Taylor said in a statement .
“ The money we spend on CPD in CPS can be used for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice programs that our students will need once returning to school.
” The ordinance , introduced as part of a series of actions being taken by Black and Brown students this week to bring attention to the cause , reads in part : “ The presence of Chicago police inside of schools creates dangerous conditions for students that have led to the criminalization , mass incarceration , harassment , death , and heinous use of force against Brown and predominantly Black students.
” Until this school year , there hadn ’ t been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in schools .
CPS and CPD held a series of community input sessions last year to establish guidelines for the program in an attempt to allay concerns .
Officers last summer also got specific training on working with students and in a school setting , which at the time was the first such training in at least a decade , officials said .
CPS has left the choice to remove officers up to each individual Local School Council , an elected body of parents , teachers and community members .
Lightfoot earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of officers from schools and said she wouldn ’ t consider ending the contract between CPD and CPS .
“ Unfortunately , we need security in our schools , ” the mayor said June 5 .
“ We spent a lot of time a year ago working through challenges that we have seen with police officers in schools .
I think we ’ ve got a very good track record this school year making sure that CPS is in control — that officers are there for a limited purpose .
That CPS personnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students.
” CPS and CPD officials couldn ’ t immediately be reached for comment .

Three aldermen are proposing the termination of a $33 million contract between the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Public Schools after two weeks of widespread protests have rejuvenated efforts to remove officers from schools.
The aldermen plan to introduce an ordinance at Wednesday’s City Council meeting that would permanently end the relationship between the police department and public school system and prevent another contract from being signed.
But the proposal faces a tall task: convincing Mayor Lori Lightfoot, whose support will likely be necessary for the ordinance to pass. The mayor’s background includes a stint as the Police Board president, and earlier this month, in the face of protests, she opposed the removal of cops from schools.
Activists across the country have demanded police-free schools for years, pointing to detrimental impacts on students of color whose behavior in school is criminalized and leads to a “school-to-prison pipeline,” in which in-school incidents lead directly to criminal charges and jail.
Social injustice demonstrations in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd have prompted a closer look at the police presence in American schools, and districts in Minneapolis and Denver have since voted to kick out their police officers. Seattle and Oakland have also followed through with similar measures.
Ald. Rod Sawyer (6th), Ald Jeanette Taylor (20th) and Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) are joining the calls for Chicago to do the same.
“The trauma and harm that was done by this practice can never be erased,” Taylor said in a statement. “The money we spend on CPD in CPS can be used for a nurse, counselor, and real restorative justice programs that our students will need once returning to school.”
The ordinance, introduced as part of a series of actions being taken by Black and Brown students this week to bring attention to the cause, reads in part: “The presence of Chicago police inside of schools creates dangerous conditions for students that have led to the criminalization, mass incarceration, harassment, death, and heinous use of force against Brown and predominantly Black students.”
Until this school year, there hadn’t been a uniform set of rules for cops in schools. CPS and CPD held a series of community input sessions last year to establish guidelines for the program in an attempt to allay concerns. Officers last summer also got specific training on working with students and in a school setting, which at the time was the first such training in at least a decade, officials said.
CPS has left the choice to remove officers up to each individual Local School Council, an elected body of parents, teachers and community members.
Lightfoot earlier this month was adamant against a blanket removal of officers from schools and said she wouldn’t consider ending the contract between CPD and CPS.
“Unfortunately, we need security in our schools,” the mayor said June 5. “We spent a lot of time a year ago working through challenges that we have seen with police officers in schools. I think we’ve got a very good track record this school year making sure that CPS is in control — that officers are there for a limited purpose. That CPS personnel will deal with ... basic issues regarding students.”
CPS and CPD officials couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-15--To our readers: Why we’re now capitalizing the ‘B’ in Black

On Monday , we joined the growing list of news organizations around the country that have opted to capitalize Black when using the word to describe a culture , ethnicity or community of people .
We made this decision after engaging in dialogues with people inside and outside our newsroom and company , including readers and employees .
We also instructed our journalists that in the event the terms Black and Brown are used together to collectively describe a group , we will capitalize the “ B ” in both words , such as “ Black and Brown communities.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level as Hispanic , Latino , Asian , African American and other descriptors .
We also told our journalists to continue to lowercase the “ w ” in white .
Our decision to capitalize Black is an acknowledgment of the long-standing inequities that have existed in our country , and the unique role that Black art and culture have played in our society .
Cultural trends among white people , e.g .
Italian Americans , Irish Americans , etc.
, are much more disparate , which was a key factor in our decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re hopeful that you , our readers , will understand — and appreciate — this distinction .

To our readers:
On Monday, we joined the growing list of news organizations around the country that have opted to capitalize Black when using the word to describe a culture, ethnicity or community of people. We made this decision after engaging in dialogues with people inside and outside our newsroom and company, including readers and employees.
We also instructed our journalists that in the event the terms Black and Brown are used together to collectively describe a group, we will capitalize the “B” in both words, such as “Black and Brown communities.”
Our decision puts Black on the same level as Hispanic, Latino, Asian, African American and other descriptors.
We also told our journalists to continue to lowercase the “w” in white.
Our decision to capitalize Black is an acknowledgment of the long-standing inequities that have existed in our country, and the unique role that Black art and culture have played in our society. Cultural trends among white people, e.g. Italian Americans, Irish Americans, etc., are much more disparate, which was a key factor in our decision not to capitalize white.
We’re hopeful that you, our readers, will understand — and appreciate — this distinction.
Nykia Wright, CEO
Chris Fusco, Executive Editor


chicagosun-times--2020-06-16--Dear Abby: I don’t support older brother’s run for office because he’s terrible

DEAR ABBY : My oldest brother is running for a state office .
Unlike me , he does not like animals .
He has “ hauled ” litters of puppies off and shot at cats .
In addition , he refuses to help our elderly parents .
Family or not , I don ’ t want someone to be a leader in our state capital who exhibits such poor moral and unethical behavior .
He has been married several times , and I know for a fact he cheated on one of his wives .
I avoid attending his fundraisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family members keep telling me that “ blood is thicker than water , ” and that I “ must ” vote for him regardless of his behavior .
Of course , behind the curtain I can vote for whoever I want , but should I cave to the pressure to show up in support of him at public events ?
Even my husband said I should donate money to his campaign because he is family .
What is your opinion ?
— NON-SUPPORTER IN THE SOUTH DEAR NON-SUPPORTER : If you do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed .
And as to showing up to endorse your brother ’ s run for office , continue to refrain and cross your fingers that your absence won ’ t be noticed amidst all the excitement .
If your husband wants to donate to your morally degenerate brother ’ s campaign , it is his choice , and he has a right to it just as you have a right to yours .
P.S .
Anyone who would shoot at a defenseless animal and neglect his aged parents ( “ Honor thy father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t belong in ANY office .
DEAR ABBY : My wife of 39 years decided two weeks ago to cease all communication with me .
We had a sometimes-rocky marriage , but since becoming empty-nesters six months ago , we have enjoyed a rebirth of our relationship — long walks , games , fun meals , concerts , etc .
Two weeks ago , we had what I thought was a minor disagreement about the use of a credit card .
Since then she has treated me like I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one word only or no response .
I have begged her to talk to me about what ’ s wrong ; she just turns away .
She has altered her daily schedule to avoid having contact with me .
I am shattered .
What can I do ?
— CLUELESS IN TENNESSEE DEAR CLUELESS : It ’ s time to review why your marriage to this woman was “ rocky.
” Stop begging , step back and count yourself fortunate that you have had this reminder .
Counseling might help you and your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if she is willing to try .
However , if she isn ’ t , you will have to decide how much more “ punishment ” you are willing to tolerate when you disagree , and what is realistic to do about it if you aren ’ t .
DEAR ABBY : We have a neighbor whose adult son has gotten into trouble with the law .
His mom and dad are devastated and have withdrawn from all of us .
How do we handle it when we see them around the neighborhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and just say hi ?
Do we ask them how their son is doing ?
It ’ s so sad to see them suffer , and we don ’ t know what to do .
— WHAT TO DO IN THE EAST DEAR WHAT TO DO : When you see your neighbors , be cordial .
Make polite conversation , and if they mention their son , listen to what they have to say and be supportive , but not judgmental .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
What teens need to know about sex , drugs , AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “ What Every Teen Should Know.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Teen Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )

DEAR ABBY: My oldest brother is running for a state office. Unlike me, he does not like animals. He has “hauled” litters of puppies off and shot at cats. In addition, he refuses to help our elderly parents. Family or not, I don’t want someone to be a leader in our state capital who exhibits such poor moral and unethical behavior.
He has been married several times, and I know for a fact he cheated on one of his wives. I avoid attending his fundraisers and asking for votes, but other family members keep telling me that “blood is thicker than water,” and that I “must” vote for him regardless of his behavior. Of course, behind the curtain I can vote for whoever I want, but should I cave to the pressure to show up in support of him at public events? Even my husband said I should donate money to his campaign because he is family. What is your opinion? — NON-SUPPORTER IN THE SOUTH
DEAR NON-SUPPORTER: If you do not support a candidate, keep your checkbook closed. And as to showing up to endorse your brother’s run for office, continue to refrain and cross your fingers that your absence won’t be noticed amidst all the excitement. If your husband wants to donate to your morally degenerate brother’s campaign, it is his choice, and he has a right to it just as you have a right to yours.
P.S. Anyone who would shoot at a defenseless animal and neglect his aged parents (“Honor thy father and thy mother”) really doesn’t belong in ANY office.
DEAR ABBY: My wife of 39 years decided two weeks ago to cease all communication with me. We had a sometimes-rocky marriage, but since becoming empty-nesters six months ago, we have enjoyed a rebirth of our relationship — long walks, games, fun meals, concerts, etc.
Two weeks ago, we had what I thought was a minor disagreement about the use of a credit card. Since then she has treated me like I don’t exist. She answers my questions with one word only or no response. I have begged her to talk to me about what’s wrong; she just turns away. She has altered her daily schedule to avoid having contact with me. I am shattered. What can I do? — CLUELESS IN TENNESSEE
DEAR CLUELESS: It’s time to review why your marriage to this woman was “rocky.” Stop begging, step back and count yourself fortunate that you have had this reminder. Counseling might help you and your wife to communicate in a healthier way if she is willing to try. However, if she isn’t, you will have to decide how much more “punishment” you are willing to tolerate when you disagree, and what is realistic to do about it if you aren’t.
DEAR ABBY: We have a neighbor whose adult son has gotten into trouble with the law. His mom and dad are devastated and have withdrawn from all of us. How do we handle it when we see them around the neighborhood? Do we ignore “the elephant” and just say hi? Do we ask them how their son is doing? It’s so sad to see them suffer, and we don’t know what to do. — WHAT TO DO IN THE EAST
DEAR WHAT TO DO: When you see your neighbors, be cordial. Make polite conversation, and if they mention their son, listen to what they have to say and be supportive, but not judgmental.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-06-16--Man arrested after hostage situation in Burnside

A 26-year-old man was arrested Monday after a hostage situation in Burnside on the South Side .
About 10:55 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ in the 9300 block of South Greenwood Avenue , where a 26-year-old man was threatening @ @ @ @ @ his family , while holding them at gun point and refusing to let them leave @ @ @ @ @ A relative called police and said that inside the home were eight other relatives , @ @ @ @ @ was later seen leaving the home and officers pulled it over , police said , @ @ @ @ @ was the same man from inside the home .
He was taken into custody and @ @ @ @ @ for a mental health evaluation , police said .
No one was injured in the @ @ @ @ @ was found in the home , police said .

A 26-year-old man was arrested Monday after a hostage situation in Burnside on the South Side.
About 10:55 p.m. officers responded to a home in the 9300 block of South Greenwood Avenue, where a 26-year-old man was threatening to commit suicide and kill his family, while holding them at gun point and refusing to let them leave, Chicago police said.
A relative called police and said that inside the home were eight other relatives, police said.
A vehicle was later seen leaving the home and officers pulled it over, police said, and confirmed that the driver was the same man from inside the home.
He was taken into custody and taken to Jackson Park Hospital for a mental health evaluation, police said.
No one was injured in the incident, but a handgun was found in the home, police said.
Area Two detectives continue to investigate.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-16--Likable ‘Love, Victor’ returns to the school — and the plot — of ‘Love, Simon’

When I saw “ Love , Simon ” in 2018 , I wanted to wrap my arms around the movie and give it a great big hug .
This was a sweet , knowing , funny and emotionally involving 21st century take on a John Hughes high school movie — only this time the romantic lead was a closeted gay teen searching for his soulmate , known only as “ Blue ” to him online .
Yes , Simon was living in upper-middle-class comfort and he had the most understanding parents in the world and eventually the support of pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a meeting with Blue at the Ferris wheel — but it ’ s not as if “ Ferris Bueller ’ s Day Off ” or “ Mean Girls ” or any other beloved favorites of the genre were any grittier , right ?
“ Love , Simon ” was still a groundbreaking and lovely gem .
Now comes the Hulu series “ Love , Victor , ” a spiritual sequel featuring a whole new cast of characters — although Simon remains in the picture , sort of .
We pick up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the magical night when Simon learned Blue was in fact a classmate named Bram whom he had a crush on .
They ’ re still a couple , but they ’ ve moved on to college in New York City .
Enter Latino high school sophomore Victor ( Michael Cimino ) , who has just moved from Texas with his parents Isabel ( Ana Ortiz ) and Armando ( James Martinez ) , his younger sister Pilar ( Isabella Ferreira ) and little brother Adrian ( Mateo Fernandez ) .
Victor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least he tells himself that ) , but he knows if and when he does come out , it will come as a shock to his religious parents and even more religious grandparents .
He connects with Simon on Instagram , saying : “ Dear Simon … I just want to say , screw you .
Screw you for having the world ’ s most perfect , accepting parents , the world ’ s most supportive friends .
Because for some of us , it ’ s not that easy.
” Throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , Victor pours his heart out to Simon ( with Nick Robinson of “ Love , Simon ” providing the voiceover for his replies ) .
There ’ s even a road trip to New York City in which we reconnect with a couple of main characters from the film .
Mostly , though , “ Love , Victor ” is a sequel that almost plays as a reboot , despite the cultural and economic differences between Simon and Victor .
( Whereas Simon lived in a beautifully appointed suburban home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cozy apartment on the “ other ” side of town . )
On Victor ’ s very first day of school , he strikes a connection with Rachel Naomi Hilson ’ s Mia , a beautiful and popular and kind rich girl who swoons the moment she sets eyes on him .
Victor likes Mia — who wouldn ’ t , she ’ s a spectacular kid — but HE swoons when he catches a glimpse of the handsome Benji ( George Sear ) , who looks like Edward Cullen from “ Twilight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has come out relatively recently .
Not only that , Victor already has a new best friend in his geeky upstairs neighbor Felix ( Anthony Turpel ) , who ’ s doing a modern take on Jon Cryer ’ s Ducky from “ Pretty in Pink , ” AND he cringes when he hears casual homophobic comments in the locker room AND he ’ s bullied by the macho jock Andrew ( Mason Gooding ) , who publicly humiliates Victor and mocks his financial situation .
With fade-outs and fade-ins reminiscent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Victor ” follows multiple storylines , from the increasing tension between Victor ’ s parents ; to Felix secretly hooking up with Mia ’ s wisecracking and social media-fixated best friend Lake ( Bebe Wood ) , who is too embarrassed by Felix to be seen with him in public ; to the budding romance between Victor and Mia , even as Victor dreams of connecting with Benji .
At times characters talk as if they ’ ve been scripted by adults trying to sound like teenagers , but for the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a breezy , likable vibe .
As was the case with “ Love , Simon , ” we feel for the protagonist but we ’ re ticked at him for not considering how much he ’ s hurting others by living a lie .
The most likable character in “ Love , Victor ” isn ’ t Victor ( though he ’ s a good guy and we ’ re rooting for him ) — it ’ s Mia , who falls in love with a boy who knows he can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but allows her heart to shatter .
“ Love , Victor ” ends on a cliffhanger note that makes it all but certain it ’ ll be back for a second season .
We wish Victor the best , but it wouldn ’ t be a bad thing if Season Two made room for a “ Love , Mia ” storyline as well .

When I saw “Love, Simon” in 2018, I wanted to wrap my arms around the movie and give it a great big hug. This was a sweet, knowing, funny and emotionally involving 21st century take on a John Hughes high school movie — only this time the romantic lead was a closeted gay teen searching for his soulmate, known only as “Blue” to him online.
Yes, Simon was living in upper-middle-class comfort and he had the most understanding parents in the world and eventually the support of pretty much the entire school when he set up a meeting with Blue at the Ferris wheel — but it’s not as if “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” or “Mean Girls” or any other beloved favorites of the genre were any grittier, right? “Love, Simon” was still a groundbreaking and lovely gem.
‘Love, Victor’
Untitled Streaming on Hulu beginning Wednesday
Now comes the Hulu series “Love, Victor,” a spiritual sequel featuring a whole new cast of characters — although Simon remains in the picture, sort of. We pick up the story with Creekwood High School still buzzing about the magical night when Simon learned Blue was in fact a classmate named Bram whom he had a crush on. They’re still a couple, but they’ve moved on to college in New York City.
Enter Latino high school sophomore Victor (Michael Cimino), who has just moved from Texas with his parents Isabel (Ana Ortiz) and Armando (James Martinez), his younger sister Pilar (Isabella Ferreira) and little brother Adrian (Mateo Fernandez). Victor is unsure of his sexuality (or at least he tells himself that), but he knows if and when he does come out, it will come as a shock to his religious parents and even more religious grandparents. He connects with Simon on Instagram, saying: “Dear Simon … I just want to say, screw you. Screw you for having the world’s most perfect, accepting parents, the world’s most supportive friends. Because for some of us, it’s not that easy.”
Throughout the 10 episodes (each about a half-hour), Victor pours his heart out to Simon (with Nick Robinson of “Love, Simon” providing the voiceover for his replies). There’s even a road trip to New York City in which we reconnect with a couple of main characters from the film. Mostly, though, “Love, Victor” is a sequel that almost plays as a reboot, despite the cultural and economic differences between Simon and Victor. (Whereas Simon lived in a beautifully appointed suburban home, Victor’s family is in a cozy apartment on the “other” side of town.)
On Victor’s very first day of school, he strikes a connection with Rachel Naomi Hilson’s Mia, a beautiful and popular and kind rich girl who swoons the moment she sets eyes on him. Victor likes Mia — who wouldn’t, she’s a spectacular kid — but HE swoons when he catches a glimpse of the handsome Benji (George Sear), who looks like Edward Cullen from “Twilight” only a little less pale, and has come out relatively recently. Not only that, Victor already has a new best friend in his geeky upstairs neighbor Felix (Anthony Turpel), who’s doing a modern take on Jon Cryer’s Ducky from “Pretty in Pink,” AND he cringes when he hears casual homophobic comments in the locker room AND he’s bullied by the macho jock Andrew (Mason Gooding), who publicly humiliates Victor and mocks his financial situation.
Shew. What a first day!
With fade-outs and fade-ins reminiscent of an old-fashioned broadcast program, “Love, Victor” follows multiple storylines, from the increasing tension between Victor’s parents; to Felix secretly hooking up with Mia’s wisecracking and social media-fixated best friend Lake (Bebe Wood), who is too embarrassed by Felix to be seen with him in public; to the budding romance between Victor and Mia, even as Victor dreams of connecting with Benji, to Mia’s wealthy, single father (Mekhi Phifer) getting serious with his new girlfriend (Sophia Bush).
At times characters talk as if they’ve been scripted by adults trying to sound like teenagers, but for the most part “Love, Victor” has a breezy, likable vibe. (When Victor writes to Simon, “I am what you think I am but I hate it. I don’t want my life to be this hard,” Simon responds, “Even with parents so liberal they have special sneakers just for protesting, it was hard.”) There’s even a nice little “Breakfast Club” homage when some of the main characters have to serve detention.
As was the case with “Love, Simon,” we feel for the protagonist but we’re ticked at him for not considering how much he’s hurting others by living a lie. The most likable character in “Love, Victor” isn’t Victor (though he’s a good guy and we’re rooting for him) — it’s Mia, who falls in love with a boy who knows he can’t love her back in the same way but allows her heart to shatter.
“Love, Victor” ends on a cliffhanger note that makes it all but certain it’ll be back for a second season. We wish Victor the best, but it wouldn’t be a bad thing if Season Two made room for a “Love, Mia” storyline as well.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-16--Menu planner: Lemon chicken and orzo a tasty treat that doesn’t take much time

Heat oven to 400 degrees .
In ovenproof skillet , heat oil on medium-high .
Cook chicken 6 to 8 minutes or until browned on both sides .
Add broth , carrots or zucchini , orzo , olives , lemon wedges , lemon juice , oregano and pepper .
Bring to a boil , then reduce heat to simmer .
Cover with a lid ; bake 20 to 25 minutes or until the orzo is done and internal temperature of chicken is 165 degrees .
Remove pan from oven .
Fluff the orzo and vegetables .
Serve right from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus more for garnish Heat oven to 400 degrees .
Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray .
Layer corn , onions and beans in pie plate .
Sprinkle with cheese .
In a small bowl , stir together baking mix , milk , 1/2 cup salsa and the eggs until blended .
Pour into pie plate .
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean .
Cool 5 minutes .
Slice into wedges and garnish with extra salsa .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spray .
In a large bowl , mix together beans , pasta sauce , carrots , zucchini and water .
Set aside .
In another bowl , combine the egg , ricotta and parmesan .
Cover bottom of baking dish with 1 cup pasta sauce mix ; top with 4 noodles .
Spread the ricotta mixture over all ; top with 1 cup sauce and remaining noodles .
Pour remaining sauce over all ; sprinkle with mozzarella .
Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 minutes .
Uncover and let stand 15 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degrees .
Stir 1 ( 2-layer size ) package yellow cake mix and 1/2 cup melted butter in a large bowl until crumbly ; set aside .
Spoon 1 ( 21-ounce ) can cherry pie filling ( light or regular ) and 1 ( 21-ounce ) can blueberry pie filling ( light or regular ) randomly into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray .
( Do not mix the two flavors . )
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over fillings ; then spread cake mix evenly over pie fillings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ golden-brown .
TIP : If you have only one oven , bake the dessert before the entree or the day before .
For each burrito , spoon canned chili beans with sauce down center of flour tortilla ; sprinkle with shredded 50 % light cheddar cheese ; roll .
Place seam-side down in baking dish .
Spoon additional chili beans with sauce over tortillas ; sprinkle with more cheese .
Cover and microwave on high ( 100 % power ) 3 minutes ( for 4 burritos ) or until cheese is melted and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salsa and reduced-fat sour cream .
In a blender , combine 2 cups frozen raspberries or strawberries , 1 ripe banana ( cut in chunks ) and 1 cup vanilla yogurt .
Blend until smooth .
Stir together 1 ( 26-ounce ) jar tomato-basil pasta sauce , 1 teaspoon dried basil and 24 frozen cooked meatballs ( thawed ) ; simmer 10 minutes or until hot .
Serve over cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese .
Prepare 1 ( 3.4-ounce ) package instant banana pudding mix according to directions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cup ( of 1 cup total ) vanilla wafer cookie crumbs , half of the pudding and 1 1/2 ( of 3 total ) sliced ripe medium bananas in a 2-quart serving bowl .
Repeat layers .
Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 4 hours .
Top with light whipped cream .

Lemon chicken and orzo
Makes 6 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: about 25 to 35 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
1 3/4 cups unsalted chicken broth
2 cups carrots or zucchini, sliced 1/4 inch thick
2/3 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, drained
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In ovenproof skillet, heat oil on medium-high. Cook chicken 6 to 8 minutes or until browned on both sides. Add broth, carrots or zucchini, orzo, olives, lemon wedges, lemon juice, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover with a lid; bake 20 to 25 minutes or until the orzo is done and internal temperature of chicken is 165 degrees. Remove pan from oven. Fluff the orzo and vegetables. Serve right from the skillet.
Per serving: 400 calories, 35 grams protein, 19 grams fat (44% calories from fat), 4 grams saturated fat, 20 grams carbohydrate, 176 milligrams cholesterol, 371 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 1.5.
Southwestern pie
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: less than 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 to 40 minutes; cooling time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
8 green onions, sliced
1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium pinto beans, rinsed
1/3 cup shredded 50% light cheddar cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat baking mix (such as Bisquick Heart Smart)
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup chunky salsa, plus more for garnish
2 eggs
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Layer corn, onions and beans in pie plate. Sprinkle with cheese. In a small bowl, stir together baking mix, milk, 1/2 cup salsa and the eggs until blended. Pour into pie plate. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Slice into wedges and garnish with extra salsa.
Per serving: 278 calories, 15 grams protein, 6 grams fat (20% calories from fat), 2.7 grams saturated fat, 44 grams carbohydrate, 102 milligrams cholesterol, 593 milligrams sodium, 9 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 3.
Garden lasagna
Makes 8 servings
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes; standing time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 (15-ounce) can-rinsed reduced-sodium black beans
1 (24- to 26-ounce) jar reduced-sodium or regular red pasta sauce
2 medium carrots, grated
1 medium zucchini, grated
1 cup water
1 egg, lightly beaten
16 ounces fat-free or reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
8 lasagna noodles, uncooked
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together beans, pasta sauce, carrots, zucchini and water. Set aside. In another bowl, combine the egg, ricotta and parmesan. Cover bottom of baking dish with 1 cup pasta sauce mix; top with 4 noodles. Spread the ricotta mixture over all; top with 1 cup sauce and remaining noodles. Pour remaining sauce over all; sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and let stand 15 minutes before serving.
Per serving: 275 calories, 19 grams protein, 4 grams fat (14% calories from fat), 1.8 grams saturated fat, 40 grams carbohydrate, 37 milligrams cholesterol, 362 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 2.5.
Double berry crisp
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Stir 1 (2-layer size) package yellow cake mix and 1/2 cup melted butter in a large bowl until crumbly; set aside. Spoon 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling (light or regular) and 1 (21-ounce) can blueberry pie filling (light or regular) randomly into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. (Do not mix the two flavors.) Sprinkle 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over fillings; then spread cake mix evenly over pie fillings. Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until golden-brown.
TIP: If you have only one oven, bake the dessert before the entree or the day before.
Chili-bean burritos
For each burrito, spoon canned chili beans with sauce down center of flour tortilla; sprinkle with shredded 50% light cheddar cheese; roll. Place seam-side down in baking dish. Spoon additional chili beans with sauce over tortillas; sprinkle with more cheese. Cover and microwave on high (100% power) 3 minutes (for 4 burritos) or until cheese is melted and burritos are hot. Serve with mild salsa and reduced-fat sour cream.
Fruit smoothie
In a blender, combine 2 cups frozen raspberries or strawberries, 1 ripe banana (cut in chunks) and 1 cup vanilla yogurt. Blend until smooth.
Spaghetti and meatballs
Stir together 1 (26-ounce) jar tomato-basil pasta sauce, 1 teaspoon dried basil and 24 frozen cooked meatballs (thawed); simmer 10 minutes or until hot. Serve over cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Banana cream pie in a bowl
Prepare 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant banana pudding mix according to directions, using 1% milk. Layer 1/2 cup (of 1 cup total) vanilla wafer cookie crumbs, half of the pudding and 1 1/2 (of 3 total) sliced ripe medium bananas in a 2-quart serving bowl. Repeat layers. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 4 hours. Top with light whipped cream.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-15--Teen boy among 4 shot in Montclare

Teen boy among 4 shot in Montclare

A 15-year-old boy is among four people shot Monday in Montclare on the Northwest Side .
About 9:45 p.m. , @ @ @ @ @ with on West Diversey Avenue when someone in a passing black sedan fired shots , @ @ @ @ @ boy was grazed in the leg and declined medical attention , police said .
A @ @ @ @ @ the back and also declined treatment .
A 32-year-old man and 20-year-old woman were both @ @ @ @ @ were taken to Loyola University Medical Center in good condition .
No one is in @ @ @ @ @ investigate .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 15-year-old boy is among four people shot Monday in Montclare on the Northwest Side.
About 9:45 p.m., they were outside an apartment on West Diversey Avenue when someone in a passing black sedan fired shots, Chicago police said.
The boy was grazed in the leg and declined medical attention, police said. A 28-year-old woman was grazed in the back and also declined treatment.
A 32-year-old man and 20-year-old woman were both shot in the leg and were taken to Loyola University Medical Center in good condition.
No one is in custody as Area Five detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.