chicagosun-times--2020-08-04--15 shot Monday in Chicago

15 shot Monday in Chicago

The day ’ s most recent reported shooting wounded two men in Princeton Park on the South Side .
The 24 and 40-year-old were outside with a group of people about 8:46 p.m. in the 9400 block of South Harvard Avenue when they were struck by bullets , Chicago police said .
Neither of them knew where gunfire came from or who shot them .
The younger man was hit in the shoulder , and the older man was shot in the hand , police said .
They took themselves to Roseland hospital in fair condition .
A 20-year-old man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot in Park Manor on the South Side .
He was in an alley about 7:07 p.m. in the 6800 block of South Champlain Avenue when two suspects fired shots at him , police said .
The man was shot in the back , chest and leg , police said .
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition .
About the same time , a 32-year-old man and 28-year-old woman were wounded in a shooting in Chicago Lawn on the Southwest Side .
They were on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block of South Troy Street when someone in a light-colored vehicle pulled up and fired shots , police said .
The man was struck in the leg and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where hid condition was stabilized , police said .
The woman was shot in the abdomen and is in critical condition at the same hospital .
Five minutes prior , two men were shot in Fifth City on the West Side .
The men , 18 and 38 , were on the sidewalk about 6:55 p.m. in the 3300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a dark-colored vehicle fired shots , police said .
The older man was struck in the hand and was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition , police said .
The 18-year-old was hit in the leg and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition .
Two men were shot Monday afternoon in West Garfield Park on the West Side .
They were in an alley about 12:30 p.m. in the 700 block of North Avers Avenue when a white sedan pulled up and someone inside unleashed gunfire , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven times in the chest area and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition , police said .
Another man , 27 , was grazed in the abdomen area and refused treatment .
Five minutes prior , two men were wounded in a shooting in Woodlawn on the South Side .
A 29-year-old was walking about 12:24 p.m. in the 6600 block of South Evans Avenue when someone fired 15 to 20 rounds from a passing vehicle , police said .
The man was struck in the leg and taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good condition , police said .
Another man , 33 , later showed up at the same hospital with a gunshot wound to the thigh .
A man was wounded in a shooting in Roseland on the South Side .
He was on a porch about noon in the 11000 block of South Normal Avenue when two people emerged from an alley and opened fire , police said .
The 59-year-old was shot in each leg and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where his condition was stabilized , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot in Grand Crossing on the South Side .
The 30-year-old was walking down the sidewalk at 5:30 a.m. in the 900 block of East 79th Street when a silver or gray car pulled up and someone inside started shooting at him , according to police .
He did not recognize the car or the shooter .
The man was shot in the left leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition , police said .
Minutes prior , a man was found shot multiple times in West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The man , thought to be in his 30s , was found unconscious in an alley about 5:23 a.m. in the 4600 block of West Washington Boulevard , according to police .
He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds to his right bicep , police said .
The day ’ s first reported shooting critically wounded a man in Bridgeport on the South Side .
The 37-year-old was found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds to the groin and leg about 2:16 a.m. in the 2900 block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition , police said .
Nine people were killed and 25 others wounded last weekend in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Fifteen people were shot Monday in Chicago.
The day’s most recent reported shooting wounded two men in Princeton Park on the South Side.
The 24 and 40-year-old were outside with a group of people about 8:46 p.m. in the 9400 block of South Harvard Avenue when they were struck by bullets, Chicago police said. Neither of them knew where gunfire came from or who shot them.
The younger man was hit in the shoulder, and the older man was shot in the hand, police said. They took themselves to Roseland hospital in fair condition.
A 20-year-old man is in critical condition after he was shot in Park Manor on the South Side.
He was in an alley about 7:07 p.m. in the 6800 block of South Champlain Avenue when two suspects fired shots at him, police said.
The man was shot in the back, chest and leg, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.
About the same time, a 32-year-old man and 28-year-old woman were wounded in a shooting in Chicago Lawn on the Southwest Side.
They were on the sidewalk about 7 p.m. in the 6100 block of South Troy Street when someone in a light-colored vehicle pulled up and fired shots, police said.
The man was struck in the leg and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where hid condition was stabilized, police said. The woman was shot in the abdomen and is in critical condition at the same hospital.
Five minutes prior, two men were shot in Fifth City on the West Side.
The men, 18 and 38, were on the sidewalk about 6:55 p.m. in the 3300 block of West Monroe Street when someone in a dark-colored vehicle fired shots, police said.
The older man was struck in the hand and was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition, police said. The 18-year-old was hit in the leg and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.
Two men were shot Monday afternoon in West Garfield Park on the West Side.
They were in an alley about 12:30 p.m. in the 700 block of North Avers Avenue when a white sedan pulled up and someone inside unleashed gunfire, police said.
A 24-year-old man was struck seven times in the chest area and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, police said. Another man, 27, was grazed in the abdomen area and refused treatment.
Five minutes prior, two men were wounded in a shooting in Woodlawn on the South Side.
A 29-year-old was walking about 12:24 p.m. in the 6600 block of South Evans Avenue when someone fired 15 to 20 rounds from a passing vehicle, police said.
The man was struck in the leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said. Another man, 33, later showed up at the same hospital with a gunshot wound to the thigh.
A man was wounded in a shooting in Roseland on the South Side.
He was on a porch about noon in the 11000 block of South Normal Avenue when two people emerged from an alley and opened fire, police said.
The 59-year-old was shot in each leg and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where his condition was stabilized, police said.
Monday morning a man was shot in Grand Crossing on the South Side.
The 30-year-old was walking down the sidewalk at 5:30 a.m. in the 900 block of East 79th Street when a silver or gray car pulled up and someone inside started shooting at him, according to police. He did not recognize the car or the shooter.
The man was shot in the left leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said.
Minutes prior, a man was found shot multiple times in West Garfield Park on the West Side.
The man, thought to be in his 30s, was found unconscious in an alley about 5:23 a.m. in the 4600 block of West Washington Boulevard, according to police.
He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds to his right bicep, police said.
The day’s first reported shooting critically wounded a man in Bridgeport on the South Side.
The 37-year-old was found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds to the groin and leg about 2:16 a.m. in the 2900 block of South Wallace Street, according to police.
He was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said.
Nine people were killed and 25 others wounded last weekend in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-04--White Sox can’t get comfortable, Jose Abreu says

Jose Abreu is sensing that this could be his first winning season after playing for six losing teams as a White Sox .
The Sox ( 6-4 ) came from behind to beat the Brewers 6-4 for their fifth win in a row Monday , but it ’ s no time to lay off the gas , Abreu said .
“ We can ’ t get too comfortable , ” Abreu said through translator Billy Russo .
“ We need to do our job and keep working because we need to get more results .
This is no time by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are a finished product .
We need to keep working.
” Abreu drove in a run on a groundout in a two-run first against left-hander Brett Anderson , then hit a tying two-run home run on an elevated 3-0 fastball from right-hander Corbin Burnes in the seventh .
With the Sox leading 5-4 , Yoan Moncada homered in the ninth to give the Sox an insurance run .
Moncada also singled and doubled , and scored a run in the first on Yasmani Grandal ’ s sacrifice fly .
Abreu is batting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He ’ s been playing tremendous defense for us , having some big at-bats like he did today , ” manager Rick Renteria said .
“ Just to see him experience and enjoy playing alongside some of these other guys that he ’ s playing with right now that seem to be coming into the game ... and be a part of hopefully something special here moving forward.
” Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon left after two innings with a sore shoulder and will be evaluated Tuesday .
Rodon was making his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgery .
In 2018 he was limited to 20 starts because of shoulder surgery .
Renteria said Rodon was “ fidgeting quite a bit ” in the first inning .
“ He came in , went right in , didn ’ t complain about anything , ” Renteria said .
“ He went back out , obviously his velocities were down a little bit .
“ He just said he was feeling a little something in his neck and the ball wasn ’ t coming out of his hand right , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now he ’ s got a little shoulder soreness and they ’ ll evaluate him tomorrow and then we ’ ll see where we ’ re at.
” The Sox have been such an entertaining team to watch in the first 10 games , but they can ’ t afford to lose more pitching .
Reynaldo Lopez ( shoulder ) is already on the injured list and out of the starting rotation .
But the Sox lineup has been scoring runs in bunches .
“ It ’ s always good to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Abreu said .
“ A lot of energy and passion , that motivates you more every day.
” The mood is much improved after a 1-4 start .
“ I was talking to Ricky in Cleveland , ” Abreu said .
“ I was telling him that good teams that are ready to win usually start slow and they start to hit it off as the season progresses .
I can tell you from experience that is the case .
That ’ s because you need all the pieces to fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Jose Abreu is sensing that this could be his first winning season after playing for six losing teams as a White Sox.
The Sox (6-4) came from behind to beat the Brewers 6-4 for their fifth win in a row Monday, but it’s no time to lay off the gas, Abreu said.
“We can’t get too comfortable,” Abreu said through translator Billy Russo. “We need to do our job and keep working because we need to get more results. This is no time by any means to get comfortable and think we are a finished product. We need to keep working.”
Abreu drove in a run on a groundout in a two-run first against left-hander Brett Anderson, then hit a tying two-run home run on an elevated 3-0 fastball from right-hander Corbin Burnes in the seventh.
With the Sox leading 5-4, Yoan Moncada homered in the ninth to give the Sox an insurance run. Moncada also singled and doubled, and scored a run in the first on Yasmani Grandal’s sacrifice fly.
Abreu is batting .295 with three homers and seven RBI.
“He’s been playing tremendous defense for us, having some big at-bats like he did today,” manager Rick Renteria said. “Just to see him experience and enjoy playing alongside some of these other guys that he’s playing with right now that seem to be coming into the game ... and be a part of hopefully something special here moving forward.”
Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon left after two innings with a sore shoulder and will be evaluated Tuesday. Rodon was making his second start since coming off Tommy John surgery. In 2018 he was limited to 20 starts because of shoulder surgery.
Renteria said Rodon was “fidgeting quite a bit” in the first inning.
“He came in, went right in, didn’t complain about anything,” Renteria said. “He went back out, obviously his velocities were down a little bit.
“He just said he was feeling a little something in his neck and the ball wasn’t coming out of his hand right, which is what we could see. ... So right now he’s got a little shoulder soreness and they’ll evaluate him tomorrow and then we’ll see where we’re at.”
The Sox have been such an entertaining team to watch in the first 10 games, but they can’t afford to lose more pitching. Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) is already on the injured list and out of the starting rotation.
But the Sox lineup has been scoring runs in bunches.
“It’s always good to be around this team we have right now,” Abreu said. “A lot of energy and passion, that motivates you more every day.”
The mood is much improved after a 1-4 start.
“I was talking to Ricky in Cleveland,” Abreu said. “I was telling him that good teams that are ready to win usually start slow and they start to hit it off as the season progresses. I can tell you from experience that is the case. That’s because you need all the pieces to fit and sometimes it takes a little time.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-04--Blackhawks fail to contain Connor McDavid, Oilers even series with Game 2 win

The Blackhawks ’ communication problems — an ironic downfall in an empty , dead silent arena — started immediately after puck drop Monday and lasted all night .
The Oilers capitalized , riding a Connor McDavid hat trick to a 6-3 win in Game 2 and leveling the best-of-five series at one win apiece .
“ We turned it over in our end .
We turned it over in the neutral zone .
We weren ’ t able to protect the puck in the offensive zone , ” Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton said .
“ [ That makes it ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after puck drop , a miscommunication between the Hawks ’ top defensive pair caused Adam Boqvist to leave McDavid wide open in front of goalie Corey Crawford , and the two-time Art Ross Trophy winner put the Oilers ahead .
That gaffe foretold the narrative of the game .
“ You can talk no matter what , even in the loudest buildings , ” Colliton said .
“ But it started on the first shift , with the first retrieval .
We didn ’ t talk , we turn the puck over and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our net.
” The Oilers scored their third goal when Dylan Strome and Alex Nylander both reached for a loose puck and poked it right to an unmarked Tyler Ennis at the point , who beat Crawford through traffic .
They scored their sixth goal when Boqvist , Keith and Strome all crowded around the crease , leaving Alex Chiasson alone to find the puck and rip it into the net .
In between , all of the spectacular offensive plays and embarrassing defensive breakdowns — to be expected in this series between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggressive yet imperfect teams — occurred .
McDavid ’ s second strike was a Goal of the Month candidate , a beautiful end-to-end rush that blew past Olli Maatta ; James Neal later scored after Crawford whiffed on a dump-in behind his own net .
But the theme of the night was undoubtedly the Hawks ’ poor communication .
“ You can hear everything in the building and there ’ s not a lot of talk , ” Jonathan Toews said .
“ We can do a lot better job — guys like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D ’ -men , making sure we know where the pressure ’ s coming from ... [ If ] we know where the hits are going to come from , we can break their forecheck and get out of our zone a little bit easier.
” “ We need guys talking in the ‘ D ’ zone , either at switching , where they want the puck or where an open guy is , ” Slater Koekkoek added .
“ Talking is an easy thing any guy can do , and we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hawks did fight back in the second period , with goals from two unlikely candidates — defensive partners Koekkoek and Maatta — sparking a comeback to tie the game 3-3 .
Then McDavid scored his third goal to give the Oilers the lead for good , and the Hawks completely withered .
Edmonton finished the game with a 62-53 edge in shot attempts and a 31-26 edge in scoring chances .
In the third period , though , they dominated attempts 25-14 and chances 15-5 .
“ They ’ re a good team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of good offensive players that are going to capitalize on their chances , so we ’ ll try to be better as a team defensively next game , ” Patrick Kane said .
“ That ’ s what ’ s fun about the playoffs , these highs and lows.
” Game 3 between the Hawks and Oilers is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Wednesday .
With Drake Caggiula suspended for Game 2 , Colliton made the surprising decision to fill the vacant spot in the forward lineup with John Quenneville instead of Dylan Sikura @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ poor start and overall poor performance made his presence largely pointless .
He ended up playing just 5:05 , registering no stats , while Kane frequently double-shifted in his spot alongside Kirby Dach and Alex DeBrincat .
“ We just felt that Quenneville could bring some size and physicality , ” Colliton said .
“ It was unfortunate for him , because we didn ’ t have everyone going to play a four-line game .
That ’ s where he would ’ ve been able to have more of an impact .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ because we didn ’ t have enough guys ready to play .
”

The Blackhawks’ communication problems — an ironic downfall in an empty, dead silent arena — started immediately after puck drop Monday and lasted all night.
The Oilers capitalized, riding a Connor McDavid hat trick to a 6-3 win in Game 2 and leveling the best-of-five series at one win apiece.
“We turned it over in our end. We turned it over in the neutral zone. We weren’t able to protect the puck in the offensive zone,” Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton said. “[That makes it] tough to win.”
Just 19 seconds after puck drop, a miscommunication between the Hawks’ top defensive pair caused Adam Boqvist to leave McDavid wide open in front of goalie Corey Crawford, and the two-time Art Ross Trophy winner put the Oilers ahead.
That gaffe foretold the narrative of the game.
“You can talk no matter what, even in the loudest buildings,” Colliton said. “But it started on the first shift, with the first retrieval. We didn’t talk, we turn the puck over and it’s in the back of our net.”
The Oilers scored their third goal when Dylan Strome and Alex Nylander both reached for a loose puck and poked it right to an unmarked Tyler Ennis at the point, who beat Crawford through traffic.
They scored their sixth goal when Boqvist, Keith and Strome all crowded around the crease, leaving Alex Chiasson alone to find the puck and rip it into the net.
In between, all of the spectacular offensive plays and embarrassing defensive breakdowns — to be expected in this series between two of the league’s most aggressive yet imperfect teams — occurred. McDavid’s second strike was a Goal of the Month candidate, a beautiful end-to-end rush that blew past Olli Maatta; James Neal later scored after Crawford whiffed on a dump-in behind his own net.
But the theme of the night was undoubtedly the Hawks’ poor communication.
“You can hear everything in the building and there’s not a lot of talk,” Jonathan Toews said. “We can do a lot better job — guys like myself especially — talking to our ‘D’-men, making sure we know where the pressure’s coming from... [If] we know where the hits are going to come from, we can break their forecheck and get out of our zone a little bit easier.”
“We need guys talking in the ‘D’ zone, either at switching, where they want the puck or where an open guy is,” Slater Koekkoek added. “Talking is an easy thing any guy can do, and we need more of that next game.”
The Hawks did fight back in the second period, with goals from two unlikely candidates — defensive partners Koekkoek and Maatta — sparking a comeback to tie the game 3-3.
Then McDavid scored his third goal to give the Oilers the lead for good, and the Hawks completely withered.
Edmonton finished the game with a 62-53 edge in shot attempts and a 31-26 edge in scoring chances. In the third period, though, they dominated attempts 25-14 and chances 15-5.
“They’re a good team, they’ve got a lot of good offensive players that are going to capitalize on their chances, so we’ll try to be better as a team defensively next game,” Patrick Kane said. “That’s what’s fun about the playoffs, these highs and lows.”
Game 3 between the Hawks and Oilers is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Caggiula missed
With Drake Caggiula suspended for Game 2, Colliton made the surprising decision to fill the vacant spot in the forward lineup with John Quenneville instead of Dylan Sikura.
Unfortunately for Quenneville, the Hawks’ poor start and overall poor performance made his presence largely pointless. He ended up playing just 5:05, registering no stats, while Kane frequently double-shifted in his spot alongside Kirby Dach and Alex DeBrincat.
“We just felt that Quenneville could bring some size and physicality,” Colliton said. “It was unfortunate for him, because we didn’t have everyone going to play a four-line game. That’s where he would’ve been able to have more of an impact. We had to shorten up right away because we didn’t have enough guys ready to play.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-04--Uber Eats driver carjacked in Riverside; police seeking armed suspects

Police are looking for two armed suspects who stole a vehicle from an Uber Eats delivery driver Saturday in west suburban Riverside .
The driver was making a delivery about 6:50 p.m. in the 200 block of East Quincy Street , Riverdale police said .
He was confronted by two suspects , and one of them pressed what he thought to be a gun into his back .
The suspect demanded his wallet , cellphone and vehicle , police said .
The other suspect was in a car acting as a “ look out.
” Both suspects drove off toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20-year-old man , wasn ’ t hurt , police said .
Police were able to track down the vehicles from street cameras .
The suspects are still at large and believed to be armed with semi-automatic guns , police said .
One of the suspects is believed to be a man standing 5-foot-8 , skinny , and he was wearing a black beanie , black jeans and a surgical mask .
The vehicle driven to Riverside by the suspects is described as a black Ford SUV with distinctive rims , according to police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described as a silver-colored Honda 4-door with a Panera Bread sign on the roof .
Anyone with information about is asked to call Riverside police at 708-447-2127 .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are looking for two armed suspects who stole a vehicle from an Uber Eats delivery driver Saturday in west suburban Riverside.
The driver was making a delivery about 6:50 p.m. in the 200 block of East Quincy Street, Riverdale police said. He was confronted by two suspects, and one of them pressed what he thought to be a gun into his back.
The suspect demanded his wallet, cellphone and vehicle, police said. The other suspect was in a car acting as a “look out.” Both suspects drove off toward Harlem Avenue.
The driver, a 20-year-old man, wasn’t hurt, police said. Police were able to track down the vehicles from street cameras.
The suspects are still at large and believed to be armed with semi-automatic guns, police said. One of the suspects is believed to be a man standing 5-foot-8, skinny, and he was wearing a black beanie, black jeans and a surgical mask.
Riverside police are looking for an SUV in connection with an armed carjacking Aug. 1, 2020. Riverside police
The vehicle driven to Riverside by the suspects is described as a black Ford SUV with distinctive rims, according to police. The vehicle that was stolen is described as a silver-colored Honda 4-door with a Panera Bread sign on the roof.
Anyone with information about is asked to call Riverside police at 708-447-2127.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-03--Horoscope for Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Horoscope for Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Aquarius into Pisces .
You ’ re going to be high energy for the rest of the year because Mars is in your sign for the rest of year , which is most unusual .
However , today in particular you are really pumped !
Use this energy wisely — don ’ t take a running jump into the deep end .
You feel optimistic about your future .
Family discussions are taking place , and many of you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home .
Fortunately , you can attract money to you at this time .
Nevertheless , things take planning .
This is a good time to shop for wardrobe items , except be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert .
Do not shop during that time .
Your enthusiasm will gather people together today — yes , you have this power .
Maybe you want to set your armies marching !
Your ambition is amped because you are excited about something and you believe you can pull it off .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Or not .
Don ’ t trust blind luck .
Think things out carefully and avoid making important decisions during the moon alert .
This is a powerful time with the sun and mercury in your sign .
Meanwhile , Mars is boosting your energy because it is getting a shot from Jupiter .
Oh yes , it ’ s all connected .
This is why you want to travel or do something different !
Relations with authority figures are good .
People admire you even though you want to work alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will defend yourself and stand up for your rights in disputes about shared property .
Your sex drive is amped now as well !
You enjoy interacting with others now , especially younger people .
Travel or a chance to explore your world will bring you pleasure .
Today you must be tactful and diplomatic when dealing with partners and close friends because you might feel annoyed .
( Oh well . )
You ’ re gung ho to work hard and accomplish a lot at this time .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have the energy , use it !
It ’ s a good time to ask for a loan or seek out help from others , but not during the moon alert today .
You are the traveler of the zodiac and you ’ re restless .
You need a change of scenery and you feel playful and prankish .
Don ’ t do anything you might later regret .
Be wise and be good to yourself .
Be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert today .
You ’ re dealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or within your family .
Domestic strife might exist because someone doesn ’ t agree with you .
Their wants are not your wants .
Try to find a compromise because this stress will continue for the rest of the year .
Although you need more sleep now , you ’ re energetic in all your communications with others today .
You can convince anyone of anything , which means it ’ s a strong time for those in sales , marketing , teaching and writing .
Check the moon alert today .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re getting better organized .
Nevertheless , today you might be tempted to go overboard spending money .
Admittedly , you are working hard to earn your money , so you have earned this right .
Nevertheless , be aware of the moon alert today !
( Keep your receipts . )
If Your Birthday Is Today 44th U.S. President Barack Obama ( 1961 ) shares your birthday .
You are a generous , sensitive leader who is considerate of the feelings and the welfare of others .
This year you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new direction , which could be crucial for your success next year .
It ’ s a time of learning and teaching .
Explore meditation , yoga or any discipline that helps you get a better understanding of who you are .
Invest in your future self .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Aquarius into Pisces.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
You’re going to be high energy for the rest of the year because Mars is in your sign for the rest of year, which is most unusual. However, today in particular you are really pumped! Use this energy wisely — don’t take a running jump into the deep end.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You feel optimistic about your future. Family discussions are taking place, and many of you have plans for home repairs or changes at home. Fortunately, you can attract money to you at this time. Nevertheless, things take planning.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
This is a good time to shop for wardrobe items, except be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert. Do not shop during that time. Your enthusiasm will gather people together today — yes, you have this power. Maybe you want to set your armies marching!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Your ambition is amped because you are excited about something and you believe you can pull it off. And this may well be the case. Or not. Don’t trust blind luck. Think things out carefully and avoid making important decisions during the moon alert.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
This is a powerful time with the sun and mercury in your sign. Meanwhile, Mars is boosting your energy because it is getting a shot from Jupiter. Oh yes, it’s all connected. This is why you want to travel or do something different!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Relations with authority figures are good. People admire you even though you want to work alone or behind the scenes. Nevertheless, you will defend yourself and stand up for your rights in disputes about shared property. Your sex drive is amped now as well!
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
You enjoy interacting with others now, especially younger people. Travel or a chance to explore your world will bring you pleasure. Today you must be tactful and diplomatic when dealing with partners and close friends because you might feel annoyed. (Oh well.)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You’re gung ho to work hard and accomplish a lot at this time. It’s not always this easy, so since you have the energy, use it! It’s a good time to ask for a loan or seek out help from others, but not during the moon alert today.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
You are the traveler of the zodiac and you’re restless. You need a change of scenery and you feel playful and prankish. Don’t do anything you might later regret. Be wise and be good to yourself. Be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert today.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You’re dealing with a lot of activity at home or within your family. Domestic strife might exist because someone doesn’t agree with you. Their wants are not your wants. Try to find a compromise because this stress will continue for the rest of the year.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Although you need more sleep now, you’re energetic in all your communications with others today. You can convince anyone of anything, which means it’s a strong time for those in sales, marketing, teaching and writing. Check the moon alert today.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You’re working hard and you’re getting better organized. Nevertheless, today you might be tempted to go overboard spending money. Admittedly, you are working hard to earn your money, so you have earned this right. Nevertheless, be aware of the moon alert today! (Keep your receipts.)
If Your Birthday Is Today
44th U.S. President Barack Obama (1961) shares your birthday. You are a generous, sensitive leader who is considerate of the feelings and the welfare of others. This year you will learn something that sets you in a new direction, which could be crucial for your success next year. It’s a time of learning and teaching. Explore meditation, yoga or any discipline that helps you get a better understanding of who you are. Invest in your future self.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-04--From Harvard Ave. to Harvard: CHA resident heads to Ivy Leagues with boost from Springboard to Succe

From Harvard Ave. to Harvard: CHA resident heads to Ivy Leagues with boost from Springboard to Success

Growing up , Anicia Miller ’ s mother told her she could go “ from Harvard Avenue to Harvard University ” — a motto that kept her motivated throughout school .
The motto , which referred to her extended family ’ s home on Harvard Avenue on the South Side , will come true this fall when Miller enrolls as a first-year student at the Ivy League university .
On Tuesday , Miller was one of 150 students who took part the Chicago Housing Authority ’ s 10th annual “ Take Flight ” college send-off for residents who live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vouchers .
Hosted by CHA ’ s non-profit partner Springboard to Success , the event provided students with necessities like bed sheets and toiletries , as well as a new Chromebook computers .
CHA ’ s mission to provide “ affordable , decent , safe housing ” inextricably intersects with education , new CHA CEO Tracey Scott said .
“ A child who doesn ’ t know where they ’ re going to sleep at night [ will have ] difficulty excelling at school , ” said Scott .
She said that by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aims to “ break the chain of intergenerational poverty ” by helping its students “ be pioneers for their families.
” Miller , who attended St. Ignatius College Prep , received a $ 1,000 grant that will “ help fund all of my tech needs , ” she said .
The funds for the scholarships came from the CHA ’ s first virtual fundraiser , held in July by Springboard to Success , which raised more than $ 100,000 .
The college send-off usually has more of a “ party ” atmosphere , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event took place in the parking lot of the Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center to allow for safety measures due to COVID-19 .
Students drove up to a supply tent one by one to pick up their supplies .
But there was still an atmosphere of celebration — CHA staff applauded and cheered each student as they handed out bags .
Miller plans to study bio-medical engineering , possibly with a double major in neuroscience or a minor in molecular and cellular biology .
Although she will be attending online for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has formed a community with incoming freshman through a group chat and zoom calls .

Growing up, Anicia Miller’s mother told her she could go “from Harvard Avenue to Harvard University” — a motto that kept her motivated throughout school.
The motto, which referred to her extended family’s home on Harvard Avenue on the South Side, will come true this fall when Miller enrolls as a first-year student at the Ivy League university.
On Tuesday, Miller was one of 150 students who took part in the Chicago Housing Authority’s 10th annual “Take Flight” college send-off for residents who live in public housing or who benefit from housing vouchers. Hosted by CHA’s nonprofit partner Springboard to Success, the event provided students with necessities like bed sheets and toiletries, as well as a new Chromebook computers.
CHA’s mission to provide “affordable, decent, safe housing” inextricably intersects with education, new CHA CEO Tracey Scott said.
“A child who doesn’t know where they’re going to sleep at night [will have] difficulty excelling at school,” said Scott. She said that by providing scholarships and other support, CHA aims to “break the chain of intergenerational poverty” by helping its students “be pioneers for their families.”
Miller, who attended St. Ignatius College Prep, received a $1,000 grant that will “help fund all of my tech needs,” she said.
The funds for the scholarships came from the CHA’s first virtual fundraiser, held in July by Springboard to Success, which raised more than $100,000.
The college send-off usually has more of a “party” atmosphere, Scott said, but this year, the event took place in the parking lot of the Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center to allow for safety measures due to COVID-19. Students drove up to a supply tent one by one to pick up their supplies.
But there was still an atmosphere of celebration — CHA staff applauded and cheered each student as they handed out bags.
Miller plans to study biomedical engineering, possibly with a double major in neuroscience or a minor in molecular and cellular biology. Although she will be attending online for the fall quarter, she said that she has formed a community with incoming freshmen through a group chat and zoom calls.
“I’m feeling pretty excited,” she said.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-04--Death toll expected to spike following Illinois’ rise in coronavirus cases: ‘We’re heading for anoth

Death toll expected to spike following Illinois’ rise in coronavirus cases: ‘We’re heading for another surge’

As Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and health officials sound the alarm on a rise in coronavirus cases , one look at a graph of the state ’ s COVID-19 deaths reported per day could easily give the false impression that Illinois ’ pandemic curve has flattened .
Don ’ t be fooled , experts say — more deaths are looming .
“ In the next two to four weeks , we ’ re really going to start seeing the effects , ” University of Chicago epidemiologist Dr. Emily Landon said .
“ We just started seeing an increase in patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a half .
Deaths come into the picture a couple of weeks after that.
” That means the worst could be yet to come , as the Illinois Department of Public Health on Tuesday reported the latest 1,471 cases of the disease , marking two straight weeks with four-digit daily caseloads .
Illinois has averaged about 1,500 new cases per day over those two weeks — almost double the daily case average in June — but the 19 latest COVID-19 deaths reported Tuesday are just slightly above the average of 17 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It takes some time for deaths to catch up to case trends in either direction .
When Illinois ’ coronavirus curve hit a valley with just 473 new cases reported June 15 , the state still averaged about 42 deaths per day for the following two weeks , including 84 on June 17 .
The time between coronavirus infection and death typically ranges from two to five weeks , according to Dr. Robert Murphy , executive director of Northwestern University ’ s Institute of Global Health .
After a person contracts the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to feel symptoms , another week for those symptoms to worsen to the point the person needs to be hospitalized , and another week for the person to die .
Lengthening the delay between a rise in cases and a rise in deaths is the fact that most of Illinois ’ uptick has been traced to young people , aged 29 or younger .
They ’ re much less likely to suffer severe symptoms or require a hospital bed — but are much more likely to spread the virus to older , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now we ’ re looking at lots of outbreaks at parties , weddings , graduation ceremonies and other big gatherings of young people .
Those cases are not likely to end up in the hospital , ” Landon said .
“ The first wave of people do just fine , but they pass it on .
That gives you a bigger lag time.
” There was hardly any lag time at the onset of the pandemic in March and April , when cases and deaths in Illinois seemingly skyrocketed in tandem because people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed a hospital bed , Landon said .
The state ’ s testing capacity has increased dramatically since then , with 42,598 test results reported Tuesday lowering the state ’ s rolling positivity rate over the last week a notch to 3.9 % .
At the height of Illinois ’ COVID-19 impact , about 100 people were dying per day in Mid-May , with a record-high 192 deaths reported May 13 .
The state ’ s death toll has since climbed to 7,545 , among almost 185,000 people who have tested positive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 95 % .
Murphy noted that “ doctors understand this disease much better now and are more capable of treating it , ” specifically with two proven options that have improved survival rates : remdesivir and dexamethasone .
Landon agreed “ the people who get sick today are less likely to die than people in March .
But that doesn ’ t mean it ’ ll be immediately obvious in the number of deaths.
” The state could stave off a death spike if residents — especially young people — adhere to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks , maintaining social distance , washing hands and avoiding gatherings .
Getting that message across has been a heavy lift for Pritzker ’ s office .
“ I think we ’ re heading for another surge .
These numbers aren ’ t going to go away on their own , ” Landon said .
As of Monday night , 1,496 Illinois coronavirus patients were hospitalized , with 365 in intensive care units and 125 on ventilators .

As Gov. J.B. Pritzker and health officials sound the alarm on a rise in coronavirus cases, one look at a graph of the state’s COVID-19 deaths reported per day could easily give the false impression that Illinois’ pandemic curve has flattened.
Don’t be fooled, experts say — more deaths are looming.
“In the next two to four weeks, we’re really going to start seeing the effects,” University of Chicago epidemiologist Dr. Emily Landon said. “We just started seeing an increase in patients in the hospital in the last week and a half. Deaths come into the picture a couple of weeks after that.”
That means the worst could be yet to come, as the Illinois Department of Public Health on Tuesday reported the latest 1,471 cases of the disease, marking two straight weeks with four-digit daily caseloads.
Graph not displaying properly? Click here.
Illinois has averaged about 1,500 new cases per day over those two weeks — almost double the daily case average in June — but the 19 latest COVID-19 deaths reported Tuesday are just slightly above the average of 17 deaths per day during that time frame.
It takes some time for deaths to catch up to case trends in either direction. When Illinois’ coronavirus curve hit a valley with just 473 new cases reported June 15, the state still averaged about 42 deaths per day for the following two weeks, including 84 on June 17.
The time between coronavirus infection and death typically ranges from two to five weeks, according to Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of Northwestern University’s Institute of Global Health.
After a person contracts the virus, it can take about a week to feel symptoms, another week for those symptoms to worsen to the point the person needs to be hospitalized, and another week for the person to die.
Graph not displaying properly? Click here.
Lengthening the delay between a rise in cases and a rise in deaths is the fact that most of Illinois’ uptick has been traced to young people, aged 29 or younger. They’re much less likely to suffer severe symptoms or require a hospital bed — but are much more likely to spread the virus to older, more vulnerable people who will.
“Right now we’re looking at lots of outbreaks at parties, weddings, graduation ceremonies and other big gatherings of young people. Those cases are not likely to end up in the hospital,” Landon said. “The first wave of people do just fine, but they pass it on. That gives you a bigger lag time.”
Related Chicago Public Schools will go fully remote to start the fall
There was hardly any lag time at the onset of the pandemic in March and April, when cases and deaths in Illinois seemingly skyrocketed in tandem because people weren’t being tested until they needed a hospital bed, Landon said.
The state’s testing capacity has increased dramatically since then, with 42,598 test results reported Tuesday lowering the state’s rolling positivity rate over the last week a notch to 3.9%.
At the height of Illinois’ COVID-19 impact, about 100 people were dying per day in Mid-May, with a record-high 192 deaths reported May 13.
Dr. Emily Landon, executive medical director for infection prevention and control at University of Chicago Medicine. Provided
The state’s death toll has since climbed to 7,545, among almost 185,000 people who have tested positive.
Still, the recovery rate in Illinois is 95%.
Murphy noted that “doctors understand this disease much better now and are more capable of treating it,” specifically with two proven options that have improved survival rates: remdesivir and dexamethasone.
Landon agreed “the people who get sick today are less likely to die than people in March. But that doesn’t mean it’ll be immediately obvious in the number of deaths.”
Doctors and nurses tend to a woman suffering from COVID-19 at Roseland Community Hospital on the Far South Side in April. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
The state could stave off a death spike if residents — especially young people — adhere to the public health tenets of wearing face masks, maintaining social distance, washing hands and avoiding gatherings.
Getting that message across has been a heavy lift for Pritzker’s office.
“I think we’re heading for another surge. These numbers aren’t going to go away on their own,” Landon said.
As of Monday night, 1,496 Illinois coronavirus patients were hospitalized, with 365 in intensive care units and 125 on ventilators.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-04--Chicago Public Schools will go fully remote to start the fall

Chicago Public Schools students will start the new school year at home next month as officials plan to announce as soon as Wednesday that they ’ ll back off a proposal that would have put children in classrooms two days a week , sources told the Chicago Sun-Times .
The decision to keep kids at home is an abrupt about-face from city officials who have faced heavy pressure from teachers and parents to go fully remote over health concerns during a pandemic , and who only four days ago asked families to tell CPS whether their children would opt into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The switch , spearheaded by Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s office , also comes mere hours after the city health commissioner said she was in favor of putting kids in schools with proper health protocols , and that she didn ’ t believe the risk of spread was significant .
While it isn ’ t clear when , if at all , students and teachers will return to schools this year , in-person classes aren ’ t likely to resume “ at least for the first quarter , ” which ends Nov. 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of remote learning ahead , CPS has only a few weeks left to develop a more comprehensive plan than the one the district was forced to use in the spring when the coronavirus made surprise school closures necessary .
Moving to a fully remote plan also helps City Hall avoid a drawn out public battle — and even another work stoppage — with the Chicago Teachers Union , which last fall went on strike for 11 days .
This week CTU leaders significantly ramped up their public attacks on the mayor as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept home .
Earlier Tuesday , sources told the Sun-Times that the CTU planned to convene an emergency meeting of its elected delegates early next week to discuss another strike vote that could have forced CPS ’ hand in nixing its hybrid leaning plan .
Though the union ’ s pressure campaign might have played a part the decision to back off the in-person learning proposal , sources indicated the city ’ s switch to remote learning was mostly based on the worsening health data and input from parents .
Lightfoot and CPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine how long the district , the third largest in the nation with 355,000 students , will remain in full-time remote learning , sources said .
“ The data don ’ t look great , ” a source close to the decision said .
“ We are not as bad as other places , but the daily case rate is up to 273 , and it ’ s rising .
...
There was a lot of negative feedback and parents who were saying they weren ’ t going to send their kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t going to send their kids , you can ’ t do it.
” Those factors played a bigger role than the all-out push against in-person learning by the CTU , a source said .
This is a developing story .
Check back for updates .

UPDATE: Mayor Lori Lightfoot explains the decision to keep schools closed as pandemic worsens
Chicago Public Schools students will start the new school year at home next month as officials plan to announce as soon as Wednesday that they’ll back off a proposal that would have put children in classrooms two days a week, sources told the Chicago Sun-Times.
The decision to keep kids at home is an abrupt about-face from city officials who have faced heavy pressure from teachers and parents to go fully remote over health concerns during a pandemic, and who only four days ago asked families to decide whether their children would take part in the district’s in-person plan.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
The switch, spearheaded by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office, also came mere hours after the city health commissioner said she was in favor of putting kids in schools with proper health protocols, and that she didn’t believe the risk of spread was significant.
While it isn’t clear when, if at all, students and teachers will return to schools this year, in-person classes aren’t likely to resume “at least for the first quarter,” which ends Nov. 5, a source said. With months of remote learning ahead, CPS has only a few weeks left to develop and unveil a more comprehensive plan than the one the district was forced to use in the spring when the coronavirus made surprise school closures necessary.
Lightfoot and CPS had said all along that they would decide on in-person schooling closer to the start of the school year Sept. 8. Since the hybrid plan was announced last month, CPS has held five online community meetings and conducted a survey to let stakeholders weigh in, and has been in the process of evaluating that feedback. At the end of last week, parents received an email that asked them to let the district know their choice by this Friday. News of a decision from the city Tuesday preempted those efforts before they were finished.
Moving to a fully remote plan helps City Hall avoid a drawn out public battle — or even another work stoppage — with the Chicago Teachers Union, which last fall went on strike for 11 days. This week CTU leaders significantly escalated their public attacks on the mayor as they called for teachers and students to be kept home.
Earlier Tuesday, sources told the Sun-Times that the CTU planned to convene an emergency meeting of its elected delegates early next week to discuss another strike vote that could have forced CPS’ hand in nixing its hybrid leaning plan.
After news of CPS plans broke, CTU President Jesse Sharkey proclaimed the move “a win for teachers, students and parents.”
“It’s sad that we have to strike or threaten to strike to be heard, but when we fight we win,” he wrote on Twitter.
Though the union’s pressure campaign played a part in the seemingly hasty roll-out of the altered plans, sources said, the actual decision on remote learning was more based on the worsening health data and input from parents.
Lightfoot and CPS administrators will “follow the science” to determine how long the district, the third largest in the nation with 355,000 students, will remain in full-time remote learning, sources said.
“The data don’t look great,” a source close to the decision said. “We are not as bad as other places, but the daily case rate is up to 273, and it’s rising. ... There was a lot of negative feedback and parents who were saying they weren’t going to send their kids to school. If parents aren’t going to send their kids, you can’t do it.”
Those factors played a much bigger role than the all-out push against in-person learning by the CTU, a source said.
During a news conference Tuesday about the state of the coronavirus in Chicago, Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady was asked whether it was safe for parents to send their kids back to school.
Arwady said it depends on whether the local outbreak “is under control” and whether schools have safeguards in place to control the spread.
“Our numbers are on the way up, so I have some concerns there,” she said. “I can’t say the risk is zero, of course. And again, the more our numbers are going up in Chicago, the more concern I have about this because, as our cases increase, the risk of people having COVID — especially asymptomatic COVID — does go up.”
But she quickly added, “I personally am in favor of having children in school. … Where the child is at school wearing a mask with the social distancing with the appropriate procedures in place, I honestly do not think the risk of spread is significant. I wouldn’t be promoting this if I thought it was.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-04--With ComEd sidelined, a strong clean energy bill stands its best chance in years

Why isn ’ t Illinois charging ahead in reforming state policies with respect to all forms of energy — from fossil fuels to nuclear to solar to wind ?
There could be no more perfect time .
With last month ’ s slap-down of ComEd by the U.S. attorney ’ s office in Chicago , the Illinois Legislature and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker have been presented with the state ’ s best chance in decades to produce a comprehensive clean energy policy that has not been unduly shaped by the politically powerful utility companies .
The Legislature and Pritzker should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward 100 % carbon-free electricity by 2030 and 100 % renewable energy by 2050 , which could create jobs without spending taxpayer money and attract billions of dollars of private investment .
Those targets and possibilities are included in a draft Clean Energy Jobs Act bill , a promising framework for a good new law .
In short , instead of allowing utility companies to drive energy policy in Illinois , the discussion in Springfield can and should be led by a clear goal , set to an ambitious timetable , of providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy to Illinois ratepayers .
Instead , we are told by legislators and environmental advocates , the Pritzker administration last month quietly and without explanation indefinitely “ paused ” the efforts of legislative working groups that were hammering out final details of the bill .
As it happens , Gov .
Pritzker has long supported clean energy and we urge him to come around now .
At stake are the growing use of renewable energy , greater protections for ratepayers , new jobs , assistance to displaced fossil-fuel-plant workers and environmental conservation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy legislation last summer , but put off a vote until spring , likely because they couldn ’ t predict in what direction the federal investigation into ComEd might go .
Nobody wanted to sign on to a bill that might later be tainted by a scandal involving high-powered lobbyists .
Then this spring , COVID-19 swept in , forcing the Legislature to shorten its usual session , leaving little time for consideration of a complex energy bill .
And now , just as working groups of legislators were having what we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” we fear the bill is being put on the back burner again .
This , at a time when Illinois , like the whole country , should be making an all-out effort to combat climate change .
Last month , ComEd admitted to steering jobs , contracts and payments to friends and allies of House Speaker Michael J. Madigan , D-Chicago , in an effort to gain more favorable treatment .
Madigan himself has not been charged with wrongdoing , and the U.S. attorney ’ s office has presented no evidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scandal has pushed ComEd ’ s vaunted Springfield lobbying operation to the sidelines , meaning lawmakers won ’ t be feeling the usual intense pressure tactics as they attempt to draw up and vote on a progressive new energy bill .
The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition is expected to announce Wednesday that the draft Clean Energy Jobs Act has been revised to include “ utility accountability rules , ” such as ending formula rates , which have allowed companies like ComEd to raise prices without going before the Illinois Commerce Commission .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of the reforms to which ComEd has agreed as part of the deferred prosecution agreement involve self-policing .
Nuclear energy still in the mix Some lawmakers might still be reluctant to take action on the proposed energy bill because , in the end , it still will carve out a healthy role for Exelon , the owner of ComEd .
Exelon operates all the nuclear power plants in Illinois , and it will be necessary for those plants to continue generating electricity until the state can ramp up its use of renewable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As part of the last major Illinois energy bill , the 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act , Exelon secured valuable tax credits in exchange for not closing nuclear power plants , and Exelon has said it might need that help again .
Nuclear energy is environmentally objectionable in its own obvious way , but its continued use during a period of transition is no argument for voting against the Clean Energy Jobs Act .
Home electricity bills are poised to shoot up , and Illinois is at risk of falling behind other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renewable energy investment .
The Illinois Legislature should get on this during its November veto session , pandemic or no pandemic .

Why isn’t Illinois charging ahead in reforming state policies with respect to all forms of energy — from fossil fuels to nuclear to solar to wind?
There could be no more perfect time.
With last month’s slap-down of ComEd by the U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago, the Illinois Legislature and Gov. J.B. Pritzker have been presented with the state’s best chance in decades to produce a comprehensive clean energy policy that has not been unduly shaped by the politically powerful utility companies.
The Legislature and Pritzker should enact new rules that move the state toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and 100% renewable energy by 2050, which could create jobs without spending taxpayer money and attract billions of dollars of private investment. Those targets and possibilities are included in a draft Clean Energy Jobs Act bill, a promising framework for a good new law.
Editorials bug Editorials
In short, instead of allowing utility companies to drive energy policy in Illinois, the discussion in Springfield can and should be led by a clear goal, set to an ambitious timetable, of providing far more climate-friendly, efficient and cost-effective energy to Illinois ratepayers.
Why the pause?
Instead, we are told by legislators and environmental advocates, the Pritzker administration last month quietly and without explanation indefinitely “paused” the efforts of legislative working groups that were hammering out final details of the bill. As it happens, Gov. Pritzker has long supported clean energy and we urge him to come around now.
At stake are the growing use of renewable energy, greater protections for ratepayers, new jobs, assistance to displaced fossil-fuel-plant workers and environmental conservation.
Related How Springfield can put a brake on our electric bills and protect the environment
Illinois lawmakers had a chance to pass energy legislation last summer, but put off a vote until spring, likely because they couldn’t predict in what direction the federal investigation into ComEd might go. Nobody wanted to sign on to a bill that might later be tainted by a scandal involving high-powered lobbyists.
Then this spring, COVID-19 swept in, forcing the Legislature to shorten its usual session, leaving little time for consideration of a complex energy bill.
And now, just as working groups of legislators were having what we’re told were “fruitful conversations,” we fear the bill is being put on the back burner again. This, at a time when Illinois, like the whole country, should be making an all-out effort to combat climate change.
ComEd off the field
Last month, ComEd admitted to steering jobs, contracts and payments to friends and allies of House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, D-Chicago, in an effort to gain more favorable treatment. Madigan himself has not been charged with wrongdoing, and the U.S. attorney’s office has presented no evidence that the speaker pulled any strings.
But the scandal has pushed ComEd’s vaunted Springfield lobbying operation to the sidelines, meaning lawmakers won’t be feeling the usual intense pressure tactics as they attempt to draw up and vote on a progressive new energy bill.
So what’s the hold-up?
The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition is expected to announce Wednesday that the draft Clean Energy Jobs Act has been revised to include “utility accountability rules,” such as ending formula rates, which have allowed companies like ComEd to raise prices without going before the Illinois Commerce Commission. Such rules would seem essential given that many of the reforms to which ComEd has agreed as part of the deferred prosecution agreement involve self-policing.
Nuclear energy still in the mix
Some lawmakers might still be reluctant to take action on the proposed energy bill because, in the end, it still will carve out a healthy role for Exelon, the owner of ComEd. Exelon operates all the nuclear power plants in Illinois, and it will be necessary for those plants to continue generating electricity until the state can ramp up its use of renewable energy from 8% to 100%.
As part of the last major Illinois energy bill, the 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act, Exelon secured valuable tax credits in exchange for not closing nuclear power plants, and Exelon has said it might need that help again.
Nuclear energy is environmentally objectionable in its own obvious way, but its continued use during a period of transition is no argument for voting against the Clean Energy Jobs Act. Home electricity bills are poised to shoot up, and Illinois is at risk of falling behind other states in attracting billions of dollars in renewable energy investment.
The Illinois Legislature should get on this during its November veto session, pandemic or no pandemic.
Wind turbines are seen on a rural road off of Interstate 20, Wednesday near Sweetwater, Texas. Tony GutiTerrez/AP
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-04--Chicago fishing, Midwest Fishing Report: Turning kings, lakers, catfish, smallies, dogs, last blue R

Chicago fishing, Midwest Fishing Report: Turning kings, lakers, catfish, smallies, dogs, last blue Rapala

Catfish , largemouth and smallmouth headline inland rivers and lakes while lake trout and turning Chinook do so for southern Lake Michigan in this sprawling raw-fie Midwest Fishing Report .
And there are some hidden tidbits , a tale of a last blue Rapala , a dog photo and kids taking a break from fishing to swim .
Marcus Benesch posted the photo at the top on Instagram and this : The power of bowfin .
I should ask Joe Bucher what he thinks .
Bullfrog-only season runs through Oct. 15 in Illinois .
Daily bag is eight .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking lots are not being sold while the lakefront remains officially closed .
Closures are on for the Dresden Island , Marseilles , Starved Rock , Peoria and LaGrange locks on the Illinois River to facilitate major repairs .
Here are the two lead paragraphs from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers : Click here for details on the timing and other details on the closures .
Lots of people , particularly kids and family , for largemouth bass and bluegill generally .
Then there is a Jeffrey Williams , who caught the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lagoon .
The cooling lake in the southwest corner of Will County is open daily 6 a.m. to sunset .
Staff at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said most everything slowed down with the cold front , even the catfish ; but some crappie picked up .
Water cooled into the low 70s .
NOTE : Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or ( 847 ) 587-8540 .
NOTE 2 : The Stratton Lock and Dam is closed Mondays and Tuesdays , operating Wednesday through Sunday , 8 a.m. to midnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer patterns .
The water temperatures have increased so most of the fish are in the deeper water and aggressively hitting .
With the excessive rains we had a couple of weeks ago , there is a severe algae bloom on the lake .
Northern Pike fishing has been a bit slow .
The fish seem to be very particular about the size of the sucker they are biting on .
It seems that they want the bigger suckers , about 9 inches .
Look for the fish in 22-25 ft of water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been catching have been on the deep end of that range .
My favorite spot last week was by the gray condos or by the Marina on the north shore .
Largemouth bass still remain in their summer schools .
Look for the fish off of main lake points or in areas of hard sand bottom with scattered weeds .
One thing that has started to happen is that they are actively feeding on small suckers fished beneath a slip bobber in 8-9 ft of water .
When you find an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will hit the water and the bobber will go under almost immediately .
Bluegill fishing remain excellent .
Once you get on a school of larger fish , it takes very little time to catch as many as you want to clean .
I constantly am amazed with all of the pressure that the bluegills get and yet the quality of the fish is still strong .
Most of the fish I ’ ve been keeping for clients are in excess of 8 inches .
The best approach has been leaf worms fished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bobber .
Most of the success is coming off of Assembly Park or the west end by the island .
In the last week , I have caught only a few smallmouth bass .
I think the fish are scattered in the open water away from the structure .
I haven ’ t been looking for them exclusively .
The jumbo perch are starting to show themselves .
The best depth for them is the 7-9 ft range .
I ’ ve caught quite a few by the Yacht Club and by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Either use hellgrammites or small nightcrawlers for the best bite .
You want to use slip bobbers , with the bait positioned about one foot off the weeds .
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water .
For guide parties , please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050 See photo at the top by Marcus Benesch .
George Peters emailed the photo above and this : That ’ s getting it done right .
That ’ s how you take kids outdoors .
HENNEPIN-HOPPER : Here is the word from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , go to the launch .
General information at http : //experienceemiquon.com/sites/default/files/LakeAccessRules.pdf .
SHELBYVILLE : Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service .
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS : Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing .
Only a moving water report this week-didn ’ t go after largemouths or bluegills .
I fished a couple of Fox tribs and moved around more than usual .
Water was clear , as low as I ’ ve ever seen it and COLD .
It was a real mixed bag : some smallmouths , which were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about that in a moment ) ; lots of tiny sunfish , which may have been pumpkinseeds based on their gill plates but it ’ s hard to be certain with such small fish and the channel cat in the enclosed image .
I ’ m not sure channel cats will ever be popular with the fly rodders ( I guess we ’ d know if Scientific Anglers or Rio ever comes up with a catfish taper fly line ) but some patterns are starting to emerge : they like deeper and slower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend a lot of time around rocks where available but do better than smallmouths over silt and sand bottoms ; they usually feed deep , especially when eating leeches and crayfish , but will feed just under the surface and the middle of the water column if targeting baitfish feeding on an insect hatch , especially in low light .
As far as the largemouth I caught in the stream , he wasn ’ t especially large .
What was notable was the beating he took from a big smallmouth in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big smallmouth at the tailout of a pool and couldn ’ t get her to eat , no matter what I tried .
But I did hook the largemouth and a different smallmouth and the big smallmouth responded to their thrashing by chasing them around the pool , biting them and ramming them with her snout .
I thought she might have been agitated enough to eat a fly after that , but it didn ’ t happen .
The only thing I didn ’ t try was a salt water or musky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bass , only because I didn ’ t have any with me .
I enjoy following how Lamar breaks things down .
Fishing on Lake Geneva , remains a very consistent bite .
Most fish species are very active and able to be caught .
Northern Pike fishing has been the most consistent pattern .
The fish are now positioned from 32-35 ft .
Most of the fish are averaging around 26 inches with several legal fish taken throughout the week .
I ’ ve been using small suckers fished on a lindy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with only Geneva Bait and Tackle having any at all .
The best location has been in Williams Bay and Fontana .
Walleye fishing has been very good this last week , with both size and numbers being caught .
All of the fish are being taken at night .
Most of the fish have been caught on lindy rigs fished with either leeches or nightcrawlers .
The best depth has been 14-17 ft. right on the weed line .
Look for the fish by Abbey Springs and Fontana Beach .
Largemouth bass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fish are in the 10-13 ft. range .
They are very catchable in the morning and late afternoon .
Most of the success is coming on top water lures .
The best choice is either a chug bug or a Pop-R .
The best location has been Williams Bay or by Trinkes .
With the warming water , they can also be caught on the deep weed lines using Carolina rigs .
I prefer a 2 ft. leader fished with a ½ oz weight .
Either use green pumpkin lizards or an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location has been the narrows or by Colemans Point .
I position the boat in about 20 ft of water and cast in toward the structure .
Lake Trout fishing has been very good .
Basically the same pattern as last week .
The fish are located 3-4 ft. off bottom in about 108-112 ft. of water .
The best location is by Yerkes Observatory or Uhline ’ s Creek .
Panfish have been biting well .
You will have to sort through a bunch of fish to catch the ones with decent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come from deeper water , the 15-18 ft. range .
The most active specie has been the bluegill .
Rock bass fishing is becoming a bit more limited .
Look for the fish by the Elgin Club or in Geneva Bay , outside the buoys .
Good Luck and I hope to see you on the water .
For guide parties , please call Dave Duwe at 262-728-8063 Click here for the Wisconsin DNR weekly report .
The reports have restarted .
The former cooling lake near Morris is open daily 6 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fishin Friend Guide Service on Facebook ) texted the photo above and this : That ’ s how you motivate me .
Ken “ Husker ” O ’ Malley emailed the photo above and this : I have a sand bar in Aroma Park that I use to judge proper time to wade .
When I checked Monday , the sand bar was long and wide as a road .
George Peters emailed the photo above and this : Jeff Tempus emailed a bunch of photos , including the one below , last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ohio DNR Report .
The lakefront remains officially closed , but people are doing a lot of things on the lakefront , including fishing by walking or biking in .
Fisherman ’ s parking passes are not being sold while the lakefront remains officially closed .
With all that , the Chicago lakefront has maintained good smallmouth fishing as John Saban checked in last week with the photo below and this : Yeah , I know dogs are not fish , though we did have a bowfin ( sometimes called a dogfish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can I say ?
I ’ m a sucker for dog photos .
Summer is fleeting .
It is just weeks until the youngest is back in high school ( at least I think he will be ) .
Capt .
Bob Poteshman of Confusion Charters said before the blow , out of Chicago it was excellent for lake trout , “ Stupendous ” ; and the ocassional steelhead , coho and Chinook in 95-140 feet , depending on the day , fishing on the bottom .
Mornings are better than afternoons and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Point before the blow , “ has been great ” for a mixed bag of lake trout , all different sizes , and some steelhead and coho and an occasional king .
There ’ s some nice cohos ( “ We had a 10-pound coho a couple days ago.
” ) It ’ s 50 feet down and down to the bottom in 140 and deeper .
“ It will change with all these north winds , ” Poteshman said .
“ We had a good summer fishery so far.
” Capt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this : Waukegan fishing was excellent for lake trout and fair for other species offshore .
For anglers who adamantly do not want lakers , offshore waters from 170 to 220 north of the harbor to the state line have had decent catches of steelhead , coho and some kings .
Leadcores , divers and downriggers from 25 to 70 feet with both spoons and flasher flys have taken fish .
No real best set up .
Covering water and looking for pockets of colder water with a temperature gauge worked best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 110 to 125 with laker limits every trip and some trips also taking kings , coho and steelhead .
The fish wanted a fast troll this week with 2.5 to 3.3 mph speeds .
Small spoons were best on copper lines with Warrior Flutter and Warrior XL in Steelhead Candy , Jamaican Sunrise , Colville Crusher , Green Spoiler and Green Menace all working for lakers , coho and steelhead .
Flasher and fly rigs from Jimmy Fly and Smokin Fish in Aqua and Aqua/LBB patterns on wire divers and downriggers took lakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Jimmy Fly Caitlyn Jenner Mo rig on wire divers and downriggers took as many lakers as you can catch .
Several trips saw us take our laker limits in an hour with 3-4 on at a time .
Biggest was 23 pounds .
In the harbor northern were very active on rapalas and silver minnows dressed with pork .
If any readers get a 40 inch northern with a 30 year old Blue Rapala in its mouth , call me .
I got taken around a post and that was my last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Capt .
Mike Fuys ( my boat partner ) with a king caught Saturday .
You will see it ’ s darkening but also has an adipose fin .
Presence of the fin means to a 97 % certainty its natural from a Michigan or Wisconsin River .
This means they are getting ready to run but not yet far enough along to stage outside the river or harbor .
To me this means we are about two weeks from the king staging and then the first really cold water due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ d expect 3 - 4 weeks and Waukegan Harbor will see some , 4-5 for Jackson Park .
Another sign of soon time for fall kings .
Also , that last blue Rapala story is my kind of tale .
The cooling lake , south of Seneca , is open daily 6 a.m. to sunset .
Click here for the update from D & S Bait .
Lakes are open daily for fishing 6 a.m. to sunset .
Click here for the Wisconsin DNR ’ s report , usually on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started again .
Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said a few steelhead are being caught off the pier , boaters doing OK on walleye in the river , which is now high and muddy .
Before Saturday , boaters were going to 110-150 feet for lakers with some kings and coho .
Staff at Lakeside said fishing slowed with the cold front , but some crappie are being caught in the deep trees ; catfish along the dam and the weed lines ; for a few bass , trythe dam face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walleye are being caught on the drop-offs ; water cooled into the mid-70s .
Site hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Lakeside ( 6 a.m.-7 p.m. ) is open with boat rentals ( 6 a.m.-6 p.m. ) .
Pokanoka ’ s Cafe is open daily , 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday , 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday .
The camp store is open 5-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday , noon-8 p.m. , Friday and Saturday , and 8 a.m.-noon Sunday .
Click here for the southern Lake Michigan reports from the Wisconsin DNR .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this : It was a great decision to participate in the Multispecies fishing tournament on Alexander Flowage in Merrill on Saturday .
I had Larry Lixx LoCascio along for the event as he has a nack for catching a big one from time to time .
We pre fished Friday afternoon and I noticed the moon being close to full .
There was a bug hatch occurring as we drove back to the house on the river and I had thoughts of top water action in the Morning .
Saturday morning the flowage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast a nice smallie hit .
Larry said isn ’ t that bad luck ... ?
I said not today .
We released the fish and headed to the event at Rock Island .
20 Boats were in the tournament with the entry fee $ 10 per angler , with , prizes , raffles , and pay outs for biggest Smallmouth Bass , Pike , Walleye and Muskie .
The bass action was excellent all day for different sizes and numbers of Smallmouth Bass .
The Biggest bass of the day for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a local angler .
Larry had a nice 18.5 bass caught from a dock on a 4 inch stick worm .
Bass were hitting wacky rigged Senkos , strike king bitsy bug with small rodent and a Live target popper with feather tail hook .
The big surprise came when I caught a 17.5 inch keeper walleye on a wacky rigged senko in 2 feet of water in eel grass .
That would be the only keeper walleye brought to the scales and good for $ 80 .
Another big surprise came when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a slop lily pad bed .
I thought it was the long sought after Muskie but it was a 31.5 inch Northern .
The fish turned out to be the biggest Pike of the day and good for $ 90 .
It really was a great day on the water .
As we made our final pass of the tournament I flipped my Senko into some sparse pads and was quickly bitten off .
I think it was my Musky on a Senko .
Now I know where it lives !
Best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shore stations .
Also wood and rock areas in shade .
Topwater action early was good but quickly ended with high sun .
Pike and Walleye were good around mixed weed areas near rock bottom .
Flip ino holes in weeds , and edges of the eel grass .

Catfish, largemouth and smallmouth headline inland rivers and lakes while lake trout and turning Chinook do so for southern Lake Michigan in this sprawling raw-fie Midwest Fishing Report.
And there are some hidden tidbits, a tale of a last blue Rapala, a dog photo and kids taking a break from fishing to swim.
Marcus Benesch posted the photo at the top on Instagram and this:
Dog dayz #nofilter #bowfin #freecrotchshot
Later, he messaged:
Caught with a Joe Bucher Slop Master and it was destroyed after landing the bowfin.
The power of bowfin. I should ask Joe Bucher what he thinks.
ILLINOIS FROGGING
Bullfrog-only season runs through Oct. 15 in Illinois. Daily bag is eight.
A couple key notes from the Illinois DNR:
A sport fishing license is required to harvest bullfrogs. Bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, gig, pitchfork, spear, bow and arrow, hand, or landing net. No person shall harvest bullfrogs or any other reptile or amphibian by commercial fishing devices, including, hoop nets, traps or seines or by the use of firearms, air guns or gas guns or during bowfishing tournaments.
CHICAGO FISHING PARKING PASSES
The parking passes for the fisherman’s parking lots are not being sold while the lakefront remains officially closed.
ILLINOIS RIVER LOCKS
Closures are on for the Dresden Island, Marseilles, Starved Rock, Peoria and LaGrange locks on the Illinois River to facilitate major repairs.
Here are the two lead paragraphs from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
ROCK ISLAND, Illinois – Beginning July 1, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District is temporarily closing the Dresden Island, Marseilles, Starved Rock, Peoria and LaGrange locks on the Illinois Waterway to facilitate needed repairs and maintenance. The closures, which will be conducted simultaneously to limit impacts to navigation, are scheduled to last through late October. During the closures, no vessels will be able to pass through the closed locks. Navigation on the rest of the river, between the locks, will be able to continue without impact as water levels will be maintained at a normal level throughout the season.
Click here for details on the timing and other details on the closures.
AREA LAKES
Lots of people, particularly kids and family, for largemouth bass and bluegill generally.
Then there is a Jeffrey Williams, who caught the beautiful koi below at a catch-and-release Chicago lagoon.
Koi from a Chicago lagoon. Provided by Jeffrey Willaims
BRAIDWOOD LAKE
The cooling lake in the southwest corner of Will County is open daily 6 a.m. to sunset.
CHAIN O’LAKES AREA
Staff at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said most everything slowed down with the cold front, even the catfish; but some crappie picked up. Water cooled into the low 70s.
NOTE: Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or (847) 587-8540.
NOTE 2: The Stratton Lock and Dam is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, operating Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to midnight.
DELAVAN LAKE, WISCONSIN
Dave Duwe emailed:
Delavan Lake 8/03/20 through 8/10/20 The fish are in their mid summer patterns. The water temperatures have increased so most of the fish are in the deeper water and aggressively hitting. With the excessive rains we had a couple of weeks ago, there is a severe algae bloom on the lake. Northern Pike fishing has been a bit slow. The fish seem to be very particular about the size of the sucker they are biting on. It seems that they want the bigger suckers, about 9 inches. Look for the fish in 22-25 ft of water off the weedline. The fish I’ve been catching have been on the deep end of that range. My favorite spot last week was by the gray condos or by the Marina on the north shore. Largemouth bass still remain in their summer schools. Look for the fish off of main lake points or in areas of hard sand bottom with scattered weeds. One thing that has started to happen is that they are actively feeding on small suckers fished beneath a slip bobber in 8-9 ft of water. When you find an area of active fish, the sucker will hit the water and the bobber will go under almost immediately. Bluegill fishing remain excellent. Once you get on a school of larger fish, it takes very little time to catch as many as you want to clean. I constantly am amazed with all of the pressure that the bluegills get and yet the quality of the fish is still strong. Most of the fish I’ve been keeping for clients are in excess of 8 inches. The best approach has been leaf worms fished on a small hook without any kind of bobber. Most of the success is coming off of Assembly Park or the west end by the island. In the last week, I have caught only a few smallmouth bass. I think the fish are scattered in the open water away from the structure. I haven’t been looking for them exclusively. The jumbo perch are starting to show themselves. The best depth for them is the 7-9 ft range. I’ve caught quite a few by the Yacht Club and by the outlet by Lake Lawn Lodge. Either use hellgrammites or small nightcrawlers for the best bite. You want to use slip bobbers, with the bait positioned about one foot off the weeds. Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050
DES PLAINES RIVER
See photo at the top by Marcus Benesch.
DOWNSTATE
George Peters took two grandkids fishing and swimming in western Illinois. Provided
George Peters emailed the photo above and this:
Hi dale, what with the pools closed I took my grandchildren Brianna and Quinn out to do some creek fishing in western Illinois. We had lots of fun and when we got hot we went swimming! G . Peters
That’s getting it done right. That’s how you take kids outdoors.
HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Here is the word from The Wetlands Initiative:
Paddling and Fishing at the Dixon Refuge Hennepin & Hopper Lakes are now open for summer paddling and fishing! The opening was delayed this year because of COVID-19 but you still have plenty of time to enjoy the lakes before the season ends on September 7. As usual, the lakes are closed on Mondays during the summer season except for Labor Day. For all other paddling and fishing rules, please click here. And many thanks to everyone who has been following the special health guidelines while using the Refuge trails during the COVID-19 epidemic. We want all our visitors and restoration staff to stay healthy!
EMIQUON: Basically, go to the launch. General information at http://experienceemiquon.com/sites/default/files/LakeAccessRules.pdf.
SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing.
FOX RIVER
Pete Lamar emailed:
Hi Dale, Only a moving water report this week-didn’t go after largemouths or bluegills. I fished a couple of Fox tribs and moved around more than usual. Water was clear, as low as I’ve ever seen it and COLD. It was a real mixed bag: some smallmouths, which were the target species; a largemouth (more about that in a moment); lots of tiny sunfish, which may have been pumpkinseeds based on their gill plates but it’s hard to be certain with such small fish and the channel cat in the enclosed image. I’m not sure channel cats will ever be popular with the fly rodders (I guess we’d know if Scientific Anglers or Rio ever comes up with a catfish taper fly line) but some patterns are starting to emerge: they like deeper and slower water than smallmouths; they’ll spend a lot of time around rocks where available but do better than smallmouths over silt and sand bottoms; they usually feed deep, especially when eating leeches and crayfish, but will feed just under the surface and the middle of the water column if targeting baitfish feeding on an insect hatch, especially in low light. As far as the largemouth I caught in the stream, he wasn’t especially large. What was notable was the beating he took from a big smallmouth in the same pool. I was casting to the big smallmouth at the tailout of a pool and couldn’t get her to eat, no matter what I tried. But I did hook the largemouth and a different smallmouth and the big smallmouth responded to their thrashing by chasing them around the pool, biting them and ramming them with her snout. I thought she might have been agitated enough to eat a fly after that, but it didn’t happen. The only thing I didn’t try was a salt water or musky pattern about the size of the smaller bass, only because I didn’t have any with me. Pete
I enjoy following how Lamar breaks things down.
GENEVA LAKE, WISCONSIN
Dave Duwe emailed:
Lake Geneva 8/3/20 through 8/10/20 Fishing on Lake Geneva, remains a very consistent bite. Most fish species are very active and able to be caught. Northern Pike fishing has been the most consistent pattern. The fish are now positioned from 32-35 ft. Most of the fish are averaging around 26 inches with several legal fish taken throughout the week. I’ve been using small suckers fished on a lindy rig. Chubs have become very scarce with only Geneva Bait and Tackle having any at all. The best location has been in Williams Bay and Fontana. Walleye fishing has been very good this last week, with both size and numbers being caught. All of the fish are being taken at night. Most of the fish have been caught on lindy rigs fished with either leeches or nightcrawlers. The best depth has been 14-17 ft. right on the weed line. Look for the fish by Abbey Springs and Fontana Beach. Largemouth bass have been very active. Most of the fish are in the 10-13 ft. range. They are very catchable in the morning and late afternoon. Most of the success is coming on top water lures. The best choice is either a chug bug or a Pop-R. The best location has been Williams Bay or by Trinkes. With the warming water, they can also be caught on the deep weed lines using Carolina rigs. I prefer a 2 ft. leader fished with a ½ oz weight. Either use green pumpkin lizards or an Arkie salty crawling grub. The best location has been the narrows or by Colemans Point. I position the boat in about 20 ft of water and cast in toward the structure. Lake Trout fishing has been very good. Basically the same pattern as last week. The fish are located 3-4 ft. off bottom in about 108-112 ft. of water. The best location is by Yerkes Observatory or Uhline’s Creek. Panfish have been biting well. You will have to sort through a bunch of fish to catch the ones with decent size. The bigger fish seem to come from deeper water, the 15-18 ft. range. The most active specie has been the bluegill. Rock bass fishing is becoming a bit more limited. Look for the fish by the Elgin Club or in Geneva Bay, outside the buoys. Good Luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 262-728-8063
GREEN/STURGEON BAYS, WISCONSIN
Click here for the Wisconsin DNR weekly report. The reports have restarted.
HEIDECKE LAKE
The former cooling lake near Morris is open daily 6 a.m. to sunset.
ILLINOIS RIVER
Pete Riedesel with a topwater catch from the Illinois River. Provided
Pete Riedesel (see Fishin Friend Guide Service on Facebook) texted the photo above and this:
I’ve found my pet bass on the Illinois. You should come over for a quick morning run. Topwater!
That’s how you motivate me.
KANKAKEE RIVER
Ken “Husker” O’Malley with a Kankakee River smallmouth bass. Provided
Ken “Husker” O’Malley emailed the photo above and this:
Hey Dale, Here is a recap of this past week’s fishing. Kankakee River-River is very wadeable right now. Water clarity is slightly stained, which is perfect. Working a Bandit 100 along current seams took the larger smallmouth. Pitching a TRD along current breaks took good numbers of bass. — Ken Husker O’Malley Husker Outdoors Waterwerks fishing team
I have a sand bar in Aroma Park that I use to judge proper time to wade. When I checked Monday, the sand bar was long and wide as a road.
George Peters with a Kankakee River bounty. Provided
George Peters emailed the photo above and this:
Kankakee river in best shape this summer. Fishing pressure heavy, all lures working now. Area near Desplains conservation has been good. G. Peters
Jeff Tempus emailed a bunch of photos, including the one below, last week and this:
That time of year ...I 57 bridge on fire.... He’s right. And I am a sucker for fish jumping out of hand.
Nothing like a photo with a jumping fish. Provided by Jeff Tempus
LAKE ERIE
Click here for the Ohio DNR Report.
LAKEFRONT
The lakefront remains officially closed, but people are doing a lot of things on the lakefront, including fishing by walking or biking in. Fisherman’s parking passes are not being sold while the lakefront remains officially closed.
With all that, the Chicago lakefront has maintained good smallmouth fishing as John Saban checked in last week with the photo below and this:
Hey Dale, Smallie fishing on lakefront has been phenomenal this year. Lots of 3 to 4 lb fish Catching them on all breakwalls, tubes, senkos, and drifting large roaches working best. My buds were out today and boated 25+ fish. My other summer project is a new puppy. I got another Griffon , if new one is half as good as my old girl , I’ll be happy. Stay well JS
Dogs in a fishing report. Provided by John Saban
Yeah, I know dogs are not fish, though we did have a bowfin (sometimes called a dogfish) as the lead photo. What can I say? I’m a sucker for dog photos.
Andy Mikos emailed:
I was out on Sunday and killed the lakers between 115’ and 130’ dead east of the R4. We only fished from about 5:30 to 9 and quit because we actually got tired of reeling them in. We had 15 lakers that we got to the back of the boat(most released) and lost about 10. We also had 2 cohos. I had everything up higher trying to avoid the lakers and catch more salmon but they are just stacked up out there like cordwood and VERY aggressive. Take care. Unfortunately summer is fleeting.
Summer is fleeting. It is just weeks until the youngest is back in high school (at least I think he will be).
Capt. Bob Poteshman of Confusion Charters said before the blow, out of Chicago it was excellent for lake trout, “Stupendous”; and the ocassional steelhead, coho and Chinook in 95-140 feet, depending on the day, fishing on the bottom. Mornings are better than afternoons and action is deeper afternoons.
Out of North Point before the blow, “has been great” for a mixed bag of lake trout, all different sizes, and some steelhead and coho and an occasional king. There’s some nice cohos (“We had a 10-pound coho a couple days ago.”) It’s 50 feet down and down to the bottom in 140 and deeper.
“It will change with all these north winds,” Poteshman said. “We had a good summer fishery so far.”
Capt. Scott Wolfe emailed the photo below and this:
Hi Dale Waukegan fishing was excellent for lake trout and fair for other species offshore. For anglers who adamantly do not want lakers, offshore waters from 170 to 220 north of the harbor to the state line have had decent catches of steelhead, coho and some kings. Leadcores, divers and downriggers from 25 to 70 feet with both spoons and flasher flys have taken fish. No real best set up. Covering water and looking for pockets of colder water with a temperature gauge worked best. More consistent catches were taken in 110 to 125 with laker limits every trip and some trips also taking kings, coho and steelhead. The fish wanted a fast troll this week with 2.5 to 3.3 mph speeds. Small spoons were best on copper lines with Warrior Flutter and Warrior XL in Steelhead Candy, Jamaican Sunrise, Colville Crusher, Green Spoiler and Green Menace all working for lakers, coho and steelhead. Flasher and fly rigs from Jimmy Fly and Smokin Fish in Aqua and Aqua/LBB patterns on wire divers and downriggers took lakers, kings and coho. As always the Jimmy Fly Caitlyn Jenner Mo rig on wire divers and downriggers took as many lakers as you can catch. Several trips saw us take our laker limits in an hour with 3-4 on at a time. Biggest was 23 pounds. In the harbor northern were very active on rapalas and silver minnows dressed with pork. If any readers get a 40 inch northern with a 30 year old Blue Rapala in its mouth, call me. I got taken around a post and that was my last blue Rapala. Attached is a picture of Capt. Mike Fuys (my boat partner) with a king caught Saturday. You will see it’s darkening but also has an adipose fin. Presence of the fin means to a 97% certainty its natural from a Michigan or Wisconsin River. This means they are getting ready to run but not yet far enough along to stage outside the river or harbor. To me this means we are about two weeks from the king staging and then the first really cold water due to rain or West wind bringing them in. I’d expect 3 - 4 weeks and Waukegan Harbor will see some, 4-5 for Jackson Park. Capt. Scott Wolfe School Of Fish Charters schooloffishcharters.com 630-341-0550
Capt. Mike Fuys with a turning Chinook. Provided by Capt. Scott Wolfe
Another sign of soon time for fall kings.
Also, that last blue Rapala story is my kind of tale.
LaSALLE LAKE
The cooling lake, south of Seneca, is open daily 6 a.m. to sunset.
MADISON LAKES, WISCONSIN
Click here for the update from D&S Bait.
MAZONIA
Lakes are open daily for fishing 6 a.m. to sunset.
NORTHERN WISCONSIN
Kurt Justice at Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua emailed:
The previous week’s poor fishing looks good now! Cooling water temps due to night time lows below 50 degrees have lakes going through a major chill, many loosing 10 degrees or more of surface temps in the past couple days. Northern Pike: Fair – On windy or cloud covered days, Pike moving up to weed tops to take spinner baits, chatter baits or swim baits. On calm, clear days, anglers having to jig chubs or suckers into cabbage flats to entice bites. Bluegill: Fair – Active in shallows and deep coontail edges (a sign the larger predator fish are NOT present)! Small jigs tipped with plastics or small leeches best. Largemouth Bass: Fair-Poor – Fish not numerous, seems to be a bite here…a bite there. Signs of feeding on crayfish (look down mouth when unhooking-antenae piking out) so there is a clue to lure choices. Smallmouth Bass: Fair-Poor – Some nice fish, along coontail edges of 14-18’ as well as rock humps. Puking out small fish-so drop shotting 3 imitation minnows makes sense. Crappie: Fair-Poor – Have to find in right conditions. Cooler water seems to be pushing them down into thick weeds, not as aggressive. Musky: Fair-Poor – A few reports on smaller bucktails, for mid 30 fish. Anglers plying deeper water using rubber baits for larger, suspending fish. Walleye: Poor – Spotty bites dependent on cloud cover, wind. Leeches and crawlers best over eel grass on warmer days, cabbage on cooler and deep rocks where applicable. Yellow Perch: Poor – Not much of late. Small Perch on crawlers meant for Walleye. An overall cool week ahead, until weekend. Hopefully, rise in temps will bring back rise in fish activity. Kurt Justice Kurt’s Island Sport Shop Like us on FaceBook
NORTHWEST INDIANA
Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:
Steelhead pushing up trail creek at a good pace now spawn sacks, spinners best to try Over weekend best for boats trolling was offshore in 100 to 140 ft mix bag of fish fishing 55 ft to the bottom spoons and spin doctors and flys best baits Willow slough giving up nice gills and a few crappie for those in boats and moving around crickets,jumbo red wrigglers and beemoth best baits Evening into dark crappie at pine lake in LaPorte has been good for those fishing into the night in 22 to 25 ft of water 15 to 18 ft down fishing minnows having lights in the water help the bite Perch fishing has slowed not a lot even trying as of late new buffalo and st joe Michigan pretty good when wind allows u to get out From the ditch to Michigan city not to many even trying lately wind and slower perch bite has put it to a stand still as of late
Christina Petritesat Stan’s Bait & Tackle Center in Hammond emailed:
Hi, Dale; this is what I got for this week: ~ The cold water has brought in some Kings into 80-100 FOW ~Lake trout are being caught in 110-140 FOW ~South some steelhead caught off piers ~Walleye are still good in river ~Perch have slowed down but still catching them 40-45 FOW, mostly on minnows & softshell ~Catfish going strong on stinkbait, liver, & cutbait ~Bluegills great on worms & smaller crankbaits
ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN
Click here for the Wisconsin DNR’s report, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday. The reports have started again.
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said a few steelhead are being caught off the pier, boaters doing OK on walleye in the river, which is now high and muddy. Before Saturday, boaters were going to 110-150 feet for lakers with some kings and coho.
SHABBONA LAKE
Staff at Lakeside said fishing slowed with the cold front, but some crappie are being caught in the deep trees; catfish along the dam and the weed lines; for a few bass, trythe dam face and rocky points; and a few walleye are being caught on the drop-offs; water cooled into the mid-70s.
Site hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Lakeside (6 a.m.-7 p.m.) is open with boat rentals (6 a.m.-6 p.m.). Pokanoka’s Cafe is open daily, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The camp store is open 5-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m.-noon Sunday.
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN LAKEFRONT
Click here for the southern Lake Michigan reports from the Wisconsin DNR.
WISCONSIN RIVER
Wisconsin River fish and fashion. Provided by Rob Abouchar
Rob Abouchar emailed the photo above and this: