chicagosun-times--2020-05-22--Horoscope for Saturday, May 23, 2020

Horoscope for Saturday, May 23, 2020

There are no restrictions for shopping and important decisions .
The moon is in Gemini .
This is a wonderful day to schmooze because you feel affectionate and warm-hearted to everyone you meet .
Naturally , because you are exuding such positive vibes , people want to be in your company .
( People are attracted to happy people . )
Enjoy your day !
This is an excellent money day for you .
Look for ways to boost your income or make a little money on the side .
Keep your pockets open !
However , this is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you truly like .
( And you like a lot ! )
The moon is lined up with Venus in your sign , which means this is an excellent time to get out and socialize .
You feel cheerful , chatty and eager to talk to others .
All get-togethers will be positive .
In fact , some of you might begin a new relationship ?
Secret love affairs are taking place for many of you .
Others might enjoy guilty pleasures in private .
Essentially , you will appreciate solitude in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kick back , relax and sort of hide somewhere .
Grab some snacks .
This is a marvelous day to enjoy the friendship of others or to interact with groups because you feel friendly and so does everyone else .
In fact , friendly could turn into flirtation , which is why a friend might become a lover !
( These things happen . )
This is an excellent day for you because you make a fantastic impression on bosses , parents , VIPs and anyone important .
In fact , others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will probably ask for your advice about how to make something look better .
Enjoy this good press .
Travel for pleasure totally appeals to you today .
You might be able to do this — you might not .
Meanwhile , romance with someone “ different ” might blossom .
Or you might develop a crush on a teacher or guru-like figure .
It ’ s an exciting day to learn something new .
Although many are in a playful mood today ( and to a certain extent , you are because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in an excellent position to negotiate financial matters with others , especially partners , because you will come out smelling like a rose .
( Laughing all the way to the bank . )
You will enjoy all your interactions with others , especially partners and close friends because both the moon and Venus are lined up directly opposite your sign .
This paves the way for cozy relations and warm feelings .
For some , it could mean a new relationship .
Your health is blessed today .
The only downside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overboard eating sweets .
( Ah yes , when all else fails , there ’ s always dark chocolate . )
Relations with coworkers are excellent .
In fact , they are so warm and friendly , a romance might develop .
This is a lovely , playful , fun-loving day !
Enjoy social outings , if it ’ s possible .
Enjoy playful activities with kids .
This is also a great date day or evening because your top priority is simply to have fun and enjoy yourself .
Life is good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do something to redecorate your digs or make where you live look more attractive .
This is also an excellent day to entertain at home , be it family or friends .
Fortunately , you have the energy to make all of this happen because fiery Mars makes you pumped !
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Melissa McBride ( 1965 ) shares your birthday .
You enjoy the company of others .
You like to laugh .
You care about what you do and are a perfectionist .
This is an exciting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You will encounter adventure and stimulating situations .
If possible , ( maybe not ) , explore opportunities to travel and expand your world through learning .
Welcome change !
Let your personal freedom be your goal this year .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions for shopping and important decisions. The moon is in Gemini.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
This is a wonderful day to schmooze because you feel affectionate and warm-hearted to everyone you meet. Naturally, because you are exuding such positive vibes, people want to be in your company. (People are attracted to happy people.) Enjoy your day!
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This is an excellent money day for you. Look for ways to boost your income or make a little money on the side. Keep your pockets open! However, this is also a lovely day to buy something beautiful that you truly like. (And you like a lot!)
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The moon is lined up with Venus in your sign, which means this is an excellent time to get out and socialize. You feel cheerful, chatty and eager to talk to others. All get-togethers will be positive. In fact, some of you might begin a new relationship?
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Secret love affairs are taking place for many of you. Others might enjoy guilty pleasures in private. Essentially, you will appreciate solitude in beautiful surroundings because you want a chance to kick back, relax and sort of hide somewhere. Grab some snacks.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
This is a marvelous day to enjoy the friendship of others or to interact with groups because you feel friendly and so does everyone else. In fact, friendly could turn into flirtation, which is why a friend might become a lover! (These things happen.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
This is an excellent day for you because you make a fantastic impression on bosses, parents, VIPs and anyone important. In fact, others are so impressed with you, they will probably ask for your advice about how to make something look better. Enjoy this good press.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Travel for pleasure totally appeals to you today. You might be able to do this — you might not. Meanwhile, romance with someone “different” might blossom. Or you might develop a crush on a teacher or guru-like figure. It’s an exciting day to learn something new.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Although many are in a playful mood today (and to a certain extent, you are because your passions are aroused), you are in an excellent position to negotiate financial matters with others, especially partners, because you will come out smelling like a rose. (Laughing all the way to the bank.)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
You will enjoy all your interactions with others, especially partners and close friends because both the moon and Venus are lined up directly opposite your sign. This paves the way for cozy relations and warm feelings. For some, it could mean a new relationship.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Your health is blessed today. The only downside is you might be tempted to go overboard eating sweets. (Ah yes, when all else fails, there’s always dark chocolate.) Relations with coworkers are excellent. In fact, they are so warm and friendly, a romance might develop.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
This is a lovely, playful, fun-loving day! Enjoy social outings, if it’s possible. Enjoy playful activities with kids. This is also a great date day or evening because your top priority is simply to have fun and enjoy yourself. Life is good.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
It will please you today to do something to redecorate your digs or make where you live look more attractive. This is also an excellent day to entertain at home, be it family or friends. Fortunately, you have the energy to make all of this happen because fiery Mars makes you pumped!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Melissa McBride (1965) shares your birthday. You enjoy the company of others. You like to laugh. You care about what you do and are a perfectionist. This is an exciting year of change and new opportunities! You will encounter adventure and stimulating situations. If possible, (maybe not), explore opportunities to travel and expand your world through learning. Welcome change! Let your personal freedom be your goal this year.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-23--Coronavirus live blog, May 23, 2020: 75 more Illinois coronavirus deaths; state testing tops 700K

Any other year , Chicagoans would be out in full force on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend , but during a pandemic , the lakefronts , beaches , restaurants and bars remain closed for now .
Here ’ s what happened in Chicago and around the state as the battle against COVID-19 continued .
Another 75 people in Illinois have died of COVID-19 , raising the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 4,790 , health officials announced Saturday .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also confirmed the latest batch of 2,352 new cases of the coronavirus among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s first case was reported in late January , a total of 107,796 people have tested positive for the virus while more than 722,000 people have been tested .
More than half the deaths have occurred during the first three weeks of May , during what Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s office has said is a plateau period for the outbreak ’ s impact on Illinois that could last through June .
5:36 p.m .
Here are the summer festivals and shows that have yet to be canceled or postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pritzker ’ s shelter-in-place order have dramatically altered everyone ’ s summer plans .
Summer festivals , a staple of Chicago neighborhoods , have been forced to cancel or move their event to later in the year .
While many shows and festivals have already been canceled or postponed , there are a number that have yet to announce their plans for the summer .
Here are the big festivals we ’ re waiting to hear about : See the full list of canceled or postponed shows and festivals here .
LOUISVILLE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge in downstate Clay County on Friday ticked off the many ways he found Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order had devolved into “ insanity ” and become “ completely devoid of anything approaching common sense.
” Clay County Judge Michael McHaney complained that recently legalized pot shops had been deemed essential over generations-old family businesses .
People had been led to believe they could avoid COVID-19 at Walmart but not at church .
And to top it off , McHaney complained that Pritzker ’ s family members had traveled between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , contrary to Pritzker ’ s own stay-at-home order .
The judge said , “ when laws do not apply to those who make them , people are not being governed , they are being ruled.
” Read reporter Jon Seidel ’ s full story and transcript of the judge ’ s ruling .
3:42 p.m .
Positive COVID-19 virus tests up by more than 500 in Indiana INDIANAPOLIS — Another 513 Indiana residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus , bringing the state ’ s total to more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Indiana State Department of Health also said Saturday that deaths attributed to the disease have risen by 21 to 1,812 .
Another 152 probable deaths have been reported based on clinical diagnoses in patients for whom no positive test is on record .
More than 214,930 tests have been reported to the health department , officials said .
That ’ s up from 208,561 reported Friday .
2:59 p.m .
Hundreds of coronavirus deaths removed from weekly nursing homes update as state changes how tally is compiled Illinois officials are no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their weekly reporting of coronavirus outbreaks at long-term care facilities , according to an analysis by the Chicago Sun-Times .
The omissions are part of a revised way COVID-19 cases and deaths at nursing homes and other facilities will now be reported , officials said .
A Sun-Times count of current and past numbers shows long-term care facilities now account for half of all coronavirus deaths in Illinois .
The Illinois Department of Public Health releases figures every Friday on the number of coronavirus cases and deaths reported at every long-term care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Issa and Caroline Hurley have the full story .
1:48 p.m. NBA says it ’ s talking with Disney about resuming season amid COVID-19 pandemic The NBA is in talks with The Walt Disney Company on a single-site scenario for a resumption of play in Central Florida in late July , the clearest sign yet that the league believes the season can continue amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The National Basketball Players Association is also part of the talks with Disney , the league said Saturday .
Games would be held at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a massive campus on the Disney property near Orlando .
NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the conversations were still “ exploratory , ” and that the Disney site would be used for practices and housing as well .
“ Our priority continues to be the health and safety of all involved , and we are working with public health experts and government officials on a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure that appropriate medical protocols and protections are in place , ” Bass said .
A federal judge has granted a “ compassionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police Officer Glenn Lewellen due to COVID-19 concerns .
In an order issued Friday , U.S. District Judge Joan Gottschall modified Lewellen ’ s 18-year sentence to time served for his role in a drug conspiracy , citing the disgraced former cop ’ s “ severe obesity , hypertension , and a heart condition.
” “ The COVID-19 pandemic , combined with Lewellen ’ s risk factors , constitute extraordinary and compelling circumstances that the court did not and could not have foreseen at sentencing , ” Gottschall wrote .
Lewellen was convicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , drug dealer Saul Rodriguez , whose tips allowed the pair to kidnap , rob or arrest rival dealers between 1998 and 2006 .
Federal prosecutors called Lewellen the “ guardian angel ” of Rodriguez and his crew , tipping them off to police operations and a federal wiretap while their shakedowns netted 250 kilos of cocaine and $ 3 million .
The judge ’ s order springs the 64-year-old from a low-security Florida prison more than six years earlier than projected by the federal Bureau of Prisons .
He had served almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release in November 2026 .
Read the full report from Mitchell Armentrout here .
12:09 p.m. Holiday amid pandemic : Americans divided on how to respond President Donald Trump visited one of his golf clubs Saturday at the start of Memorial Day weekend as he urges U.S. states to reopen after coronavirus-related lockdowns .
Yet many Americans remained cautious as the number of confirmed cases nationwide passed 1.6 million .
In California , where many businesses and recreational activities are reopening , officials in Los Angeles County said they would maintain tight restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took issue with Trump ’ s declaration that houses of worship are “ essential ” and should resume in-person services this weekend .
“ Being at the epicenter of this pandemic and in order to protect our flock , we advise that congregations remain closed until more accurate and uniform information is provided , ” said Bishop Paul Egensteiner , who oversees the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ’ s congregations in the hard-hit New York City region .
Rain dampened the start of the holiday weekend in the northeastern U.S. , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attract throngs of people and test the effectiveness of social distancing rules .
However , Trump visited one of his private golf clubs for the first time during pandemic — the Trump National Golf Club in northern Virginia .
He has been pushing for state and local leaders to fully reopen after months after closures and tight restrictions .
9:52 a.m. Players have ‘ very , very difficult decision to make ’ amid coronavirus pandemic , Ozzie Guillen says Ozzie Guillen is as conflicted and puzzled as anyone else .
The former White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known for speaking his mind and voicing firm opinions on any and all topics , doesn ’ t know if we will have baseball in 2020 .
“ You wake up in the morning and read one thing , and by the afternoon , it ’ s different , ” Guillen said this week .
“ It ’ s very confusing.
” Guillen is not alone amid the bewildered around us .
The owners and players have been divided on how to salvage a season — or half a season with an expanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial losses on both sides while safely navigating through a health pandemic .
“ The players have a very , very difficult [ decision to make ] , ” Guillen said .
Read the full story from Daryl Van Schouwen here .
8:46 a.m. Springfield springs into action : Lawmakers pass mail voting , property tax , jobless , borrowing bills — and plan to return Saturday Illinois legislators will return on Saturday for a fourth day of an unprecedented pandemic special session to iron out major legislation — including a full spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of the year and next and a package of relief efforts to aid Illinois residents and businesses .
But the wheels were rolling on Friday — all day — on several key issues , most importantly the passages of legislation to delay property tax late fees for the majority of the state during the crisis and a measure that allows a ” bridge loan ” from the federal government — up to $ 5 billion — to help fill a revenue gap caused by COVID-19 .
Both will head to Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic lawmakers are trying to revive a Chicago casino plan with a reworked tax structure .
While amendments were still brewing , the House Executive Committee on Friday night approved the latest version .
Chicago would still have the highest tax structure in the state .
Read the full report from Tina Sfondeles and Neal Earley .
8:02 a.m. Outdoors in a pandemic : Signs point to a rise in traditional outdoor pursuits , and it may stick Whether hooking a crawler piece or fathead minnow on a No .
12 hook under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mushrooms with family , people are remembering their roots in the outdoors .
With the stay-at-home edicts , the shift toward more traditional pursuits of foraging , fishing for food as much as for sport , and hunting for food as much as for sport morph into more than childhood memories .
“ Oh , yeah , I think with this whole thing going on , I noticed an increase in fishing , ’ ’ said Greg Dickson , proprietor of Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch .
“ It is like during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people come back to fishing , a grass-roots activity .
I have been doing this a long time , so it doesn ’ t seem much different than those other times [ of crisis ] .
’ ’ “ Long term , I think this will be positive , ’ ’ he said .
“ People grew up doing this , then life gets in the way , now they come back to it , a grass-roots thing.
’ ’ Read the full story from Dale Bowman here .
7:08 a.m .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Illinois coronavirus deaths ; protesters gather at Pritzker ’ s house Nursing homes now account for more than half of all coronavirus deaths in Illinois , according to a data analysis by the Chicago Sun-Times .
That updated tally came as a dozen people gathered Friday at Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s Chicago home to protest his oversight of long-term care facilities .
Nursing homes reported 1,583 new COVID-19 cases and 395 new deaths in the past week , according to data released Friday by the Illinois Department of Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stands at 2,368 deaths and 14,799 confirmed cases at long-term care facilities since the pandemic started .
The figures released by the state show lower totals , however , because officials have stopped including in their public data 74 facilities that have not had a new case in the past 28 days , an IDPH spokeswoman said Friday .
Read the full story by Nader Issa and Tyler LaRiviere here .
• Another 75 people in Illinois have died of COVID-19 , raising the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 4,790 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hall of Famer , Knicks legend and Georgetown basketball coach Patrick Ewing has tested positive for COVID-19 .
• Hecky Powell , rib king and Evanston icon , has died at 71 after being exposed to the coronavirus .
• Officials on Friday also announced the latest 110 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Illinois , along with 2,758 newly confirmed cases of the disease across the state .
• Chicago police announced Friday five more cases of COVID-19 , bringing the number of cases in the department to 538 .
3:58 p.m .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the pandemic called racism We wear the mask that grins and lies , It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes — Paul Laurence Dunbar I was born in a pandemic , shaped in the waters of strife , separated from my mother ’ s life-yielding placenta , thrust into a world infected by hate .
I am black and male .
Born in the USA .
I wear the mask .
I can not leave home without it .
This is a matter of survival .
I have learned to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fits over my nose and mouth snugly and held at my ears .
The mask that pretends that I am not who I am .
The mask that makes my male blackness less threatening , more palatable .
That projects a veiled image of me .
The pandemic called coronavirus is not my first dance .
It will not be my last .
I am well- acquainted with the pandemic that is racism .
With that unique strand of race-based hate in this land of the pilgrim ’ s pride , stricken since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A resistant virus , it was bathed more than 400 years ago in the ancestral African blood of the Middle Passage and stamps 21st century racism ’ s DNA .
7:11 a.m .
When others around the world don ’ t even have clean water and soap , we all pay the price Without better basic hygiene around the globe , we are bound to be hit by another pandemic .
Yet the World Bank this week reported that some 3 billion people around the world don ’ t even have access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most basic and effective necessities for preventing the spread of disease , including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 .
Globally , 46 % of schools don ’ t have hand-washing facilities with water and soap .
Germs , as we have come to appreciate so painfully during the current pandemic , respect no borders .
A bug in China or Italy can circle the globe in no time , especially if billions of people can ’ t even wash their hands .
Read the full editorial by the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board .

Any other year, Chicagoans would be out in full force on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, but during a pandemic, the lakefronts, beaches, restaurants and bars remain closed for now.
Here’s what happened in Chicago and around the state as the battle against COVID-19 continued.
News
7:02 p.m. 75 more Illinois coronavirus deaths; state testing tops 700K
A woman in the Loop wears a face mask Thursday amid growing fear about the coronavirus. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Another 75 people in Illinois have died of COVID-19, raising the state’s pandemic death toll to 4,790, health officials announced Saturday.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also confirmed the latest batch of 2,352 new cases of the coronavirus among 25,114 test results received.
Since the state’s first case was reported in late January, a total of 107,796 people have tested positive for the virus while more than 722,000 people have been tested.
More than half the deaths have occurred during the first three weeks of May, during what Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office has said is a plateau period for the outbreak’s impact on Illinois that could last through June.
Reporter Mitch Armentrout has the full story.
5:36 p.m. Here are the summer festivals and shows that have yet to be canceled or postponed
The coronavirus pandemic and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s shelter-in-place order have dramatically altered everyone’s summer plans. Summer festivals, a staple of Chicago neighborhoods, have been forced to cancel or move their event to later in the year.
While many shows and festivals have already been canceled or postponed, there are a number that have yet to announce their plans for the summer.
Here are the big festivals we’re waiting to hear about:
See the full list of canceled or postponed shows and festivals here.
4:28 p.m. Downstate judge blasts Pritzker’s stay-at-home-order: Full transcript
LOUISVILLE, Ill. — Point by point, the judge in downstate Clay County on Friday ticked off the many ways he found Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order had devolved into “insanity” and become “completely devoid of anything approaching common sense.”
Clay County Judge Michael McHaney complained that recently legalized pot shops had been deemed essential over generations-old family businesses. People had been led to believe they could avoid COVID-19 at Walmart but not at church.
And to top it off, McHaney complained that Pritzker’s family members had traveled between Illinois and Florida and Wisconsin during the coronavirus pandemic, contrary to Pritzker’s own stay-at-home order. The judge said, “when laws do not apply to those who make them, people are not being governed, they are being ruled.”
“Americans don’t get ruled,” McHaney said.
3:42 p.m. Positive COVID-19 virus tests up by more than 500 in Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS — Another 513 Indiana residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, bringing the state’s total to more than 30,900, according to health officials.
The Indiana State Department of Health also said Saturday that deaths attributed to the disease have risen by 21 to 1,812.
Another 152 probable deaths have been reported based on clinical diagnoses in patients for whom no positive test is on record.
More than 214,930 tests have been reported to the health department, officials said. That’s up from 208,561 reported Friday.
— Associated Press
2:59 p.m. Hundreds of coronavirus deaths removed from weekly nursing homes update as state changes how tally is compiled
Google Maps
Illinois officials are no longer including 216 deaths and 1,727 confirmed cases in their weekly reporting of coronavirus outbreaks at long-term care facilities, according to an analysis by the Chicago Sun-Times.
The omissions are part of a revised way COVID-19 cases and deaths at nursing homes and other facilities will now be reported, officials said. A Sun-Times count of current and past numbers shows long-term care facilities now account for half of all coronavirus deaths in Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Public Health releases figures every Friday on the number of coronavirus cases and deaths reported at every long-term care facility in the state.
Reporters Nader Issa and Caroline Hurley have the full story.
1:48 p.m. NBA says it’s talking with Disney about resuming season amid COVID-19 pandemic
The NBA is in talks with The Walt Disney Company on a single-site scenario for a resumption of play in Central Florida in late July, the clearest sign yet that the league believes the season can continue amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The National Basketball Players Association is also part of the talks with Disney, the league said Saturday. Games would be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a massive campus on the Disney property near Orlando.
NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the conversations were still “exploratory,” and that the Disney site would be used for practices and housing as well.
“Our priority continues to be the health and safety of all involved, and we are working with public health experts and government officials on a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure that appropriate medical protocols and protections are in place,” Bass said.
Read the full report here.
1:25 p.m. Crooked ex-Chicago cop gets early prison release due to coronavirus
A federal judge has granted a “compassionate” early prison release to crooked ex-Chicago police Officer Glenn Lewellen due to COVID-19 concerns.
In an order issued Friday, U.S. District Judge Joan Gottschall modified Lewellen’s 18-year sentence to time served for his role in a drug conspiracy, citing the disgraced former cop’s “severe obesity, hypertension, and a heart condition.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with Lewellen’s risk factors, constitute extraordinary and compelling circumstances that the court did not and could not have foreseen at sentencing,” Gottschall wrote.
Lewellen was convicted of teaming with his longtime paid informant, drug dealer Saul Rodriguez, whose tips allowed the pair to kidnap, rob or arrest rival dealers between 1998 and 2006.
Federal prosecutors called Lewellen the “guardian angel” of Rodriguez and his crew, tipping them off to police operations and a federal wiretap while their shakedowns netted 250 kilos of cocaine and $3 million.
The judge’s order springs the 64-year-old from a low-security Florida prison more than six years earlier than projected by the federal Bureau of Prisons. He had served almost nine years and previously was slated for release in November 2026.
Read the full report from Mitchell Armentrout here.
12:09 p.m. Holiday amid pandemic: Americans divided on how to respond
President Donald Trump visited one of his golf clubs Saturday at the start of Memorial Day weekend as he urges U.S. states to reopen after coronavirus-related lockdowns. Yet many Americans remained cautious as the number of confirmed cases nationwide passed 1.6 million.
In California, where many businesses and recreational activities are reopening, officials in Los Angeles County said they would maintain tight restrictions until July 4. Some religious leaders took issue with Trump’s declaration that houses of worship are “essential” and should resume in-person services this weekend.
“Being at the epicenter of this pandemic and in order to protect our flock, we advise that congregations remain closed until more accurate and uniform information is provided,” said Bishop Paul Egensteiner, who oversees the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s congregations in the hard-hit New York City region.
Rain dampened the start of the holiday weekend in the northeastern U.S., where newly reopened beaches had been expected to attract throngs of people and test the effectiveness of social distancing rules.
However, Trump visited one of his private golf clubs for the first time during pandemic — the Trump National Golf Club in northern Virginia. He has been pushing for state and local leaders to fully reopen after months after closures and tight restrictions.
Overseas, there was mixed news.
Read the full report here.
9:52 a.m. Players have ‘very, very difficult decision to make’ amid coronavirus pandemic, Ozzie Guillen says
Ozzie Guillen is as conflicted and puzzled as anyone else.
The former White Sox shortstop and World Series-winning manager, known for speaking his mind and voicing firm opinions on any and all topics, doesn’t know if we will have baseball in 2020.
“You wake up in the morning and read one thing, and by the afternoon, it’s different,” Guillen said this week. “It’s very confusing.”
Guillen is not alone amid the bewildered around us. The owners and players have been divided on how to salvage a season — or half a season with an expanded postseason — and how to endure significant financial losses on both sides while safely navigating through a health pandemic.
“The players have a very, very difficult [decision to make],” Guillen said.
Read the full story from Daryl Van Schouwen here.
8:46 a.m. Springfield springs into action: Lawmakers pass mail voting, property tax, jobless, borrowing bills — and plan to return Saturday
Illinois legislators will return on Saturday for a fourth day of an unprecedented pandemic special session to iron out major legislation — including a full spending plan to get the state through the rest of the year and next and a package of relief efforts to aid Illinois residents and businesses.
But the wheels were rolling on Friday — all day — on several key issues, most importantly the passages of legislation to delay property tax late fees for the majority of the state during the crisis and a measure that allows a ”bridge loan” from the federal government — up to $5 billion — to help fill a revenue gap caused by COVID-19.
Both will head to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk.
And Democratic lawmakers are trying to revive a Chicago casino plan with a reworked tax structure. While amendments were still brewing, the House Executive Committee on Friday night approved the latest version. Chicago would still have the highest tax structure in the state.
Read the full report from Tina Sfondeles and Neal Earley.
8:02 a.m. Outdoors in a pandemic: Signs point to a rise in traditional outdoor pursuits, and it may stick
Whether hooking a crawler piece or fathead minnow on a No. 12 hook under a small float or foraging for morel mushrooms with family, people are remembering their roots in the outdoors.
With the stay-at-home edicts, the shift toward more traditional pursuits of foraging, fishing for food as much as for sport, and hunting for food as much as for sport morph into more than childhood memories.
“Oh, yeah, I think with this whole thing going on, I noticed an increase in fishing,’’ said Greg Dickson, proprietor of Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch. “It is like during the oil embargo and the market crash, people come back to fishing, a grass-roots activity. I have been doing this a long time, so it doesn’t seem much different than those other times [of crisis].’’
He sees the shift.
“Long term, I think this will be positive,’’ he said. “People grew up doing this, then life gets in the way, now they come back to it, a grass-roots thing.’’
Read the full story from Dale Bowman here.
7:08 a.m. Nursing homes now account for half of all Illinois coronavirus deaths; protesters gather at Pritzker’s house
An activist with Northside Action For Justice along with a dozen other protest outside Gov. Pritzker’s Chicago home demanding those in long term care facilities get resources amid the coronavirus pandemic, Friday, May 22, 2020. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Nursing homes now account for more than half of all coronavirus deaths in Illinois, according to a data analysis by the Chicago Sun-Times.
That updated tally came as a dozen people gathered Friday at Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Chicago home to protest his oversight of long-term care facilities.
Nursing homes reported 1,583 new COVID-19 cases and 395 new deaths in the past week, according to data released Friday by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
A Sun-Times count of state totals stands at 2,368 deaths and 14,799 confirmed cases at long-term care facilities since the pandemic started. The figures released by the state show lower totals, however, because officials have stopped including in their public data 74 facilities that have not had a new case in the past 28 days, an IDPH spokeswoman said Friday.
Read the full story by Nader Issa and Tyler LaRiviere here.
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
3:58 p.m. I have learned to wear a mask against the pandemic called racism
We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes — Paul Laurence Dunbar
I was born in a pandemic, shaped in the waters of strife, separated from my mother’s life-yielding placenta, thrust into a world infected by hate.
I am black and male. Born in the USA. I wear the mask. I cannot leave home without it. This is a matter of survival.
I have learned to wear the mask. Not the one that fits over my nose and mouth snugly and held at my ears. The mask that pretends that I am not who I am. The mask that makes my male blackness less threatening, more palatable. That projects a veiled image of me.
The pandemic called coronavirus is not my first dance. It will not be my last. I am well- acquainted with the pandemic that is racism. With that unique strand of race-based hate in this land of the pilgrim’s pride, stricken since 1619 by the indelible curse called slavery. A resistant virus, it was bathed more than 400 years ago in the ancestral African blood of the Middle Passage and stamps 21st century racism’s DNA.
Read John W. Fountain’s full column here.
7:11 a.m. When others around the world don’t even have clean water and soap, we all pay the price
Without better basic hygiene around the globe, we are bound to be hit by another pandemic.
Yet the World Bank this week reported that some 3 billion people around the world don’t even have access to clean water and soap, the most basic and effective necessities for preventing the spread of disease, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Globally, 46% of schools don’t have hand-washing facilities with water and soap.
Germs, as we have come to appreciate so painfully during the current pandemic, respect no borders. A bug in China or Italy can circle the globe in no time, especially if billions of people can’t even wash their hands.
Read the full editorial by the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-23--Trees downed in Joliet following strong storm, but no tornado reported

A strong storm tore through the southwest suburbs Saturday afternoon , with high winds leaving downed trees and power lines in its wake in Joliet .
A tornado watch for the area is expected to last until about 8 p.m. for counties throughout Central and Northern Illinois , according to the National Weather Service .
Damage reports suggest a small tornado may have whirled through nearby Minooka , but meteorologists have not confirmed a touchdown , the weather service said .
Funnel clouds were briefly sighted in Livingston , Pontiac and Ogle counties as well .
In Joliet , powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area , the weather service said , but never formed into a tornado .
Residents took to social media to post pictures and videos of the damage .
A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 8:30 p.m. for parts of northwest Indiana and the northern suburbs , including Waukegan , Palatine and Arlington Heights , the weather service said .
The same warning was in effect for Chicago until 4:45 p.m. but forecasters now believe the worst of the storms have passed the city until the rain returns again overnight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon , but are expected to drop to about 64 degrees tonight , forecasters said .
Isolated storms are expected to continue through the weekend but temperatures are predicted to hover around 80 degrees both Sunday and Monday , forecasters said .

A strong storm tore through the southwest suburbs Saturday afternoon, with high winds leaving downed trees and power lines in its wake in Joliet.
A tornado watch for the area is expected to last until about 8 p.m. for counties throughout Central and Northern Illinois, according to the National Weather Service.
Damage reports suggest a small tornado may have whirled through nearby Minooka, but meteorologists have not confirmed a touchdown, the weather service said. Funnel clouds were briefly sighted in Livingston, Pontiac and Ogle counties as well.
In Joliet, powerful “straight-line” winds wreaked havoc on the area, the weather service said, but never formed into a tornado. Residents took to social media to post pictures and videos of the damage.
@Joliet_HN tornado damage on Buell Ave in Joliet. pic.twitter.com/CSf86OqUu6 — Allan Scarabello (@ascarabello) May 23, 2020
A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 8:30 p.m. for parts of northwest Indiana and the northern suburbs, including Waukegan, Palatine and Arlington Heights, the weather service said. The same warning was in effect for Chicago until 4:45 p.m. but forecasters now believe the worst of the storms have passed the city until the rain returns again overnight.
Temperatures remained around 75 degrees throughout the afternoon, but are expected to drop to about 64 degrees tonight, forecasters said.
Isolated storms are expected to continue through the weekend but temperatures are predicted to hover around 80 degrees both Sunday and Monday, forecasters said.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-23--Little Village residents rip Chicago officials during virtual town hall on botched smokestack demoli

Little Village residents rip Chicago officials during virtual town hall on botched smokestack demolition

A virtual town hall held Saturday morning for Little Village residents about the Crawford coal plant smokestack demolition led to a verbal backlash against city officials .
Public speakers at the town hall , held over Zoom , ripped officials for what they described as a lack of transparency and accountability .
“ I ’ m appalled that you keep lying to us and you think this town hall is enough , ” said Little Village resident Esmeralda Hernandez .
“ We know the real truth behind all this nonsense .
You say that it ’ s a dangerous building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We know the true story is the timeline for this project to be completed is coming up and it has not been completed.
” Many residents of the Southwest Side neighborhood have been up in arms since the April 11 demolition at the shuttered plant sent a dust cloud floating through nearby blocks , sparking protests against Hilco Redevelopment Partners and Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s handling of the fiasco .
Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady emphasized that tests of dust samples have shown no health risks to the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t convinced .
“ I want you to acknowledge the fact that your department was not prepared for the dust plume , ” said Kim Wasserman , executive director of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization .
“ Part of the reason why there ’ s only one dust sample was because the deputy commissioner was unprepared.
” City Buildings Department Commissioner Judy Frydland and inspector Tibaldo Alvarez , meanwhile , said there ’ s still a need to demolish the precariously situated turbine hall on the site .
But again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be stabilized and retained and built new behind it as a symbol of Hilco ’ s commitment to the community , and then giving that space to the community to identify a reuse , ” said Mary Lu Seidel of Preservation Chicago .
“ Turbine Hall is a significant historic structure… [ and ] we ’ ve seen much more unstable buildings stabilized and restored.
” Other residents bashed the city ’ s handling of the process , following a report by Block Club Chicago and the Better Government Association showing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in advance of the demolition but did not disclose those concerns publicly .
“ If this is really about public safety , then why haven ’ t those email chains been addressed ?
” Valerie Coffman said .
“ Why hasn ’ t there been more transparency on the part of the city to take ownership and to make real change here ?
This is unacceptable.
” Last week , Lightfoot acknowledged her administration “ should have done a better job ” of communicating with Little Village residents but stood her ground on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turbine .
She previously slapped Hilco with $ 68,000 in fines and vowed to overhaul a flawed city regulatory system that allowed it to happen .
Some residents demanded the city retract its contract with Hilco , or require the company to “ prove that it can be a good neighbor.
” Juan Rangel , one of the organizers of a class-action lawsuit filed against Hilco April 15 , called for the company to address its lawsuits , prioritize hiring Little Village residents , create a Little Village youth scholarship endowment and build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing on with the demolition .
Other speakers still criticized the town hall format itself , particularly for its lack of an official Spanish translator .
“ This is blatant racism , ” Ivy Czekanski said .
“ This call needed to have a professional translator .
This call has only been about 10 % in Spanish .
The Little Village residents are being left out of this so-called community meeting .
”

A virtual town hall held Saturday morning for Little Village residents about the Crawford coal plant smokestack demolition led to a verbal backlash against city officials.
Public speakers at the town hall, held over Zoom, ripped officials for what they described as a lack of transparency and accountability.
“I’m appalled that you keep lying to us and you think this town hall is enough,” said Little Village resident Esmeralda Hernandez. “We know the real truth behind all this nonsense. You say that it’s a dangerous building, that it needs to come down. We know the true story is the timeline for this project to be completed is coming up and it has not been completed.”
Many residents of the Southwest Side neighborhood have been up in arms since the April 11 demolition at the shuttered plant sent a dust cloud floating through nearby blocks, sparking protests against Hilco Redevelopment Partners and Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s handling of the fiasco.
Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady emphasized that tests of dust samples have shown no health risks to the community. Some residents, however, weren’t convinced.
“I want you to acknowledge the fact that your department was not prepared for the dust plume,” said Kim Wasserman, executive director of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization. “Part of the reason why there’s only one dust sample was because the deputy commissioner was unprepared.”
City Buildings Department Commissioner Judy Frydland and inspector Tibaldo Alvarez, meanwhile, said there’s still a need to demolish the precariously situated turbine hall on the site. But again, some residents disagreed.
“This building could be stabilized and retained and built new behind it as a symbol of Hilco’s commitment to the community, and then giving that space to the community to identify a reuse,” said Mary Lu Seidel of Preservation Chicago. “Turbine Hall is a significant historic structure…[and] we’ve seen much more unstable buildings stabilized and restored.”
Other residents bashed the city’s handling of the process, following a report by Block Club Chicago and the Better Government Association showing that city officials exchanged emails discussing potential risks in advance of the demolition but did not disclose those concerns publicly.
“If this is really about public safety, then why haven’t those email chains been addressed?” Valerie Coffman said. “Why hasn’t there been more transparency on the part of the city to take ownership and to make real change here? This is unacceptable.”
Last week, Lightfoot acknowledged her administration “should have done a better job” of communicating with Little Village residents but stood her ground on the need to safely bring down the turbine. She previously slapped Hilco with $68,000 in fines and vowed to overhaul a flawed city regulatory system that allowed it to happen.
Some residents demanded the city retract its contract with Hilco, or require the company to “prove that it can be a good neighbor.”
Juan Rangel, one of the organizers of a class-action lawsuit filed against Hilco April 15, called for the company to address its lawsuits, prioritize hiring Little Village residents, create a Little Village youth scholarship endowment and build a welcome arch over Pulaski Road before continuing on with the demolition.
Other speakers still criticized the town hall format itself, particularly for its lack of an official Spanish translator.
“This is blatant racism,” Ivy Czekanski said. “This call needed to have a professional translator. This call has only been about 10% in Spanish. The Little Village residents are being left out of this so-called community meeting.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-23--Downstate judge blasts Pritzker’s stay-at-home-order: ‘Americans don’t get ruled’

LOUISVILLE , Ill. — Point by point , the judge in downstate Clay County on Friday ticked off the many ways he found Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order had devolved into “ insanity ” and become “ completely devoid of anything approaching common sense.
” Clay County Judge Michael McHaney complained that recently legalized pot shops had been deemed essential over generations-old family businesses .
People had been led to believe they could avoid COVID-19 at Walmart but not at church .
And to top it off , McHaney complained that Pritzker ’ s family members had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the coronavirus pandemic , contrary to Pritzker ’ s own stay-at-home order .
The judge said , “ when laws do not apply to those who make them , people are not being governed , they are being ruled.
” Despite that fiery speech given in a courtroom 230 miles south of Chicago — pleasing many in the gallery — McHaney declined to undo Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order statewide .
He instead ruled narrowly , granting a temporary restraining order only to an individual Clay City business and its owner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Justice also took Pritzker to task , filing a statement in southern Illinois ’ federal court that said state Rep. Darren Bailey had put forth a strong case in a separate lawsuit that Pritzker ’ s “ orders exceed the authority granted to the governor by the Illinois legislature.
” Read the full transcript of the judge ’ s ruling : Despite the browbeating by McHaney , and the surprise filing by the Justice Department , Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order remains intact with just a week to go until it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Pritzker said Friday , “ it ’ s clear that the judge in Clay County has his own political agenda.
” A lawyer for the Illinois attorney general ’ s office said in court it would appeal McHaney ’ s decision .
Tom DeVore , the attorney who filed the lawsuit McHaney considered Friday , said he will deliver more information to McHaney in hopes of persuading the judge to broaden his ruling .
But Pritzker ’ s order has also survived legal skirmishes in other courts , including a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals found last weekend that the stay-at-home order “ does not discriminate against religious activities.
” Another church made a bid Wednesday in federal court in Urbana for a temporary restraining order to allow outdoor religious services .
A state court judge in Sangamon County on Tuesday also denied a request for a temporary restraining order from a running store .
The judge disagreed with the argument that Pritzker ’ s emergency powers during a disaster are limited to 30 days .
In doing so , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who also recently dismissed that argument .
Both ruled contrary to the statement issued Friday by the Justice Department .
The temporary restraining order granted by McHaney on Friday went to James Mainer and his business , HCL Deluxe Tan LLC , in Clay City .
The lawsuit identified Mainer as a U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom .
McHaney had previously given a temporary restraining order to Bailey , the Republican lawmaker , though his order also applied only to Bailey .
It has since been lifted , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also represented by DeVore , and he pushed for a final ruling Friday from McHaney .
He was thwarted in that attempt by Pritzker , who filed paperwork to have that lawsuit moved to federal court in East St. Louis .
Bailey has asked the federal court to send the case back to McHaney .
The Justice Department took Bailey ’ s side when it filed its statement Friday .
“ However well-intentioned they may be , the executive orders appear to reach far beyond the scope of the 30-day emergency authority granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Steven Weinhoeft , the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Illinois , said in a news release .

LOUISVILLE, Ill. — Point by point, the judge in downstate Clay County on Friday ticked off the many ways he found Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order had devolved into “insanity” and become “completely devoid of anything approaching common sense.”
Clay County Judge Michael McHaney complained that recently legalized pot shops had been deemed essential over generations-old family businesses. People had been led to believe they could avoid COVID-19 at Walmart but not at church.
And to top it off, McHaney complained that Pritzker’s family members had traveled between Illinois and Florida and Wisconsin during the coronavirus pandemic, contrary to Pritzker’s own stay-at-home order. The judge said, “when laws do not apply to those who make them, people are not being governed, they are being ruled.”
“Americans don’t get ruled,” McHaney said.
Despite that fiery speech given in a courtroom 230 miles south of Chicago — pleasing many in the gallery — McHaney declined to undo Pritzker’s stay-at-home order statewide. He instead ruled narrowly, granting a temporary restraining order only to an individual Clay City business and its owner.
A short time later, the U.S. Department of Justice also took Pritzker to task, filing a statement in southern Illinois’ federal court that said state Rep. Darren Bailey had put forth a strong case in a separate lawsuit that Pritzker’s “orders exceed the authority granted to the governor by the Illinois legislature.”
Read the full transcript of the judge’s ruling:
Despite the browbeating by McHaney, and the surprise filing by the Justice Department, Pritzker’s stay-at-home order remains intact with just a week to go until it expires.
At his daily news briefing, Pritzker said Friday, “it’s clear that the judge in Clay County has his own political agenda.”
A lawyer for the Illinois attorney general’s office said in court it would appeal McHaney’s decision.
Tom DeVore, the attorney who filed the lawsuit McHaney considered Friday, said he will deliver more information to McHaney in hopes of persuading the judge to broaden his ruling.
But Pritzker’s order has also survived legal skirmishes in other courts, including a series of religious challenges in federal court. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found last weekend that the stay-at-home order “does not discriminate against religious activities.” Another church made a bid Wednesday in federal court in Urbana for a temporary restraining order to allow outdoor religious services.
A state court judge in Sangamon County on Tuesday also denied a request for a temporary restraining order from a running store. The judge disagreed with the argument that Pritzker’s emergency powers during a disaster are limited to 30 days. In doing so, she followed the lead of a federal judge who also recently dismissed that argument. Both ruled contrary to the statement issued Friday by the Justice Department.
The temporary restraining order granted by McHaney on Friday went to James Mainer and his business, HCL Deluxe Tan LLC, in Clay City. The lawsuit identified Mainer as a U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
McHaney had previously given a temporary restraining order to Bailey, the Republican lawmaker, though his order also applied only to Bailey. It has since been lifted, at Bailey’s request.
Bailey is also represented by DeVore, and he pushed for a final ruling Friday from McHaney. He was thwarted in that attempt by Pritzker, who filed paperwork to have that lawsuit moved to federal court in East St. Louis. Bailey has asked the federal court to send the case back to McHaney. The Justice Department took Bailey’s side when it filed its statement Friday.
“However well-intentioned they may be, the executive orders appear to reach far beyond the scope of the 30-day emergency authority granted to the governor under Illinois law,” Steven Weinhoeft, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, said in a news release.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-23--75 more Illinois coronavirus deaths; state testing tops 700K

Another 75 people in Illinois have died of COVID-19 , raising the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 4,790 , health officials announced Saturday .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also confirmed the latest batch of 2,352 new cases of the coronavirus among 25,114 test results received .
Since the state ’ s first case was reported in late January , a total of 107,796 people have tested positive for the virus while more than 722,000 people have been tested .
More than half the deaths have occurred during the first three weeks of May , during what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said is a plateau period for the outbreak ’ s impact on Illinois that could last through June .
The latest deaths includes a Cook County woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s , though the virus typically has posed a greater threat to older people .
A Chicago Sun-Times analysis found nursing home hotspots now account for more than half the state ’ s COVID-19 deaths overall so far .
The virus has also devastated the state economy under Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s executive stay-at-home order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topping 16 % and more than 1.2 million claims for jobless benefits processed by the state .
Hundreds of thousands could return to work across the state as early as next week , though , with the stay-at-home order expiring May 29 .
All four regions of the state remained on track to advance to the third phase of Pritzker ’ s reopening plan when the order lifts , which would allow most “ nonessential ” businesses to resume limited operations , including salons and bars and restaurants with outdoor seating .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus epicenter : Cook County .
The region ’ s testing positivity rate stood at 15 % , while the statewide seven-day rolling positivity rate is about 13 % .
Still , Mayor Lori Lightfoot has said Chicago ’ s bars and restaurants will lag a bit behind Pritzker ’ s reopening plan .
She said they ’ re on track to open in “ early June ” instead .
State legislators are expected to consider a COVID-19 relief package during a special session in Springfield continuing Saturday .

Another 75 people in Illinois have died of COVID-19, raising the state’s pandemic death toll to 4,790, health officials announced Saturday.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also confirmed the latest batch of 2,352 new cases of the coronavirus among 25,114 test results received.
Since the state’s first case was reported in late January, a total of 107,796 people have tested positive for the virus while more than 722,000 people have been tested.
More than half the deaths have occurred during the first three weeks of May, during what Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office has said is a plateau period for the outbreak’s impact on Illinois that could last through June.
Graph not displaying properly? Click here.
The latest deaths includes a Cook County woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s, though the virus typically has posed a greater threat to older people. A Chicago Sun-Times analysis found nursing home hotspots now account for more than half the state’s COVID-19 deaths overall so far.
The virus has also devastated the state economy under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive stay-at-home order, with Illinois’ unemployment rate now topping 16% and more than 1.2 million claims for jobless benefits processed by the state.
Hundreds of thousands could return to work across the state as early as next week, though, with the stay-at-home order expiring May 29.
All four regions of the state remained on track to advance to the third phase of Pritzker’s reopening plan when the order lifts, which would allow most “nonessential” businesses to resume limited operations, including salons and bars and restaurants with outdoor seating.
That includes the Northeast region with Illinois’ coronavirus epicenter: Cook County. The region’s testing positivity rate stood at 15%, while the statewide seven-day rolling positivity rate is about 13%.
Still, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has said Chicago’s bars and restaurants will lag a bit behind Pritzker’s reopening plan. She said they’re on track to open in “early June” instead.
State legislators are expected to consider a COVID-19 relief package during a special session in Springfield continuing Saturday.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-24--Dear Abby: Fiance says I have no responsibility for his child, and I’m fine with that

DEAR ABBY : I ’ m engaged to a younger man with a 10-year-old son from his first marriage .
My two daughters are grown .
My fiance and I have talked at length about my role in his son ’ s life after we ’ re married .
The boy ’ s mother will have him full-time ; my fiance will continue to do his part as far as picking his son up from school , taking him to baseball practices and his baseball games , taking him to movies , etc .
I have been told he and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I will not have to be responsible in any way for this child .
I have no problem with this .
In my opinion , the boy ’ s parents have the right to raise him as they please .
Plus , as an older woman , I ’ m relieved I won ’ t have to be responsible again for a child at my age .
To me , this is a win-win , but my daughters think it is odd .
Who is right ?
— HANDS OFF IN CALIFORNIA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That boy is lucky to have responsible parents who are able to cooperate with each other in raising him .
Your daughters are entitled to their opinions , of course , but you are also entitled to yours .
Ignore them .
DEAR ABBY : I went to the grocery store today .
I was wearing a mask and careful to keep my social distance .
The store employees were also wearing masks and keeping their distance .
An older woman stood in front of the chicken for at least 10 minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ went over to put some in my cart .
She came back and gave me a lecture on which chicken was the best deal .
I was horrified .
I know she was trying to be friendly , but at this time of social distancing , the best way to be friendly is to give people their space in public !
This scenario seems to happen every time I go to the store .
What ’ s the best thing to say to these people ?
— TRYING TO KEEP SAFE DEAR TRYING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moment what the new rules are .
The best thing to say in that situation would be , “ Thank you , but please , for your health and mine , step back and keep your distance.
” DEAR ABBY : I read the “ Definition of Maturity ” in your column a while ago , and I would like to share a clipping I have been saving since the 1960s .
It ’ s from the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women Newsletter and titled , “ A Short Course in Courtesy.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ words : ‘ I admit I made a mistake.
’ The FIVE most important words : ‘ You did a good job.
’ The FOUR most important words : ‘ What is your opinion ?
’ The THREE most important words : ‘ If you please.
’ The TWO most important words : ‘ Thank you.
’ The ONE most important word : ‘ We.
’ The LEAST most important word : ‘ I.
’ ” The clipping is disintegrating on my fridge , but the saying has provided a life lesson I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times of uncertainty , it ’ s a good reminder of how to treat others .
— N.Y .
TRANSPLANT IN S.C. DEAR N.Y .
TRANSPLANT : I agree with the philosophy expressed in the item you shared .
It is something to inspire us .
Thank you for writing .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I’m engaged to a younger man with a 10-year-old son from his first marriage. My two daughters are grown.
My fiance and I have talked at length about my role in his son’s life after we’re married. The boy’s mother will have him full-time; my fiance will continue to do his part as far as picking his son up from school, taking him to baseball practices and his baseball games, taking him to movies, etc.
I have been told he and his ex will continue to co-parent, and I will not have to be responsible in any way for this child. I have no problem with this. In my opinion, the boy’s parents have the right to raise him as they please. Plus, as an older woman, I’m relieved I won’t have to be responsible again for a child at my age. To me, this is a win-win, but my daughters think it is odd. Who is right? — HANDS OFF IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR HANDS OFF: You are. That boy is lucky to have responsible parents who are able to cooperate with each other in raising him. Your daughters are entitled to their opinions, of course, but you are also entitled to yours. Ignore them.
DEAR ABBY: I went to the grocery store today. I was wearing a mask and careful to keep my social distance. The store employees were also wearing masks and keeping their distance.
An older woman stood in front of the chicken for at least 10 minutes. When she finally moved aside, I went over to put some in my cart. She came back and gave me a lecture on which chicken was the best deal. I was horrified. I know she was trying to be friendly, but at this time of social distancing, the best way to be friendly is to give people their space in public!
This scenario seems to happen every time I go to the store. What’s the best thing to say to these people? — TRYING TO KEEP SAFE
DEAR TRYING: The woman may have forgotten for a moment what the new rules are. The best thing to say in that situation would be, “Thank you, but please, for your health and mine, step back and keep your distance.”
DEAR ABBY: I read the “Definition of Maturity” in your column a while ago, and I would like to share a clipping I have been saving since the 1960s. It’s from the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women Newsletter and titled, “A Short Course in Courtesy.”
”“The SIX most important words: ‘I admit I made a mistake.’ The FIVE most important words: ‘You did a good job.’ The FOUR most important words: ‘What is your opinion?’ The THREE most important words: ‘If you please.’ The TWO most important words: ‘Thank you.’ The ONE most important word: ‘We.’ The LEAST most important word: ‘I.’ ”
The clipping is disintegrating on my fridge, but the saying has provided a life lesson I’ve lived by. In these times of uncertainty, it’s a good reminder of how to treat others. — N.Y. TRANSPLANT IN S.C.
DEAR N.Y. TRANSPLANT: I agree with the philosophy expressed in the item you shared. It is something to inspire us. Thank you for writing.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-05-24--Girl, 13, missing from Aurora

Girl, 13, missing from Aurora

Authorities are looking for a 13-year-old girl who has been missing from west suburban Aurora for several days .
Lizbeth @ @ @ @ @ 10:30 p.m. May 21 in the 800 block of West Bowditch Avenue , according to @ @ @ @ @ a 5-foot-4 , 160-pound girl with black hair , police said .
She was last @ @ @ @ @ Aurora High School gym T-shirt with white lettering .
Anyone with information is asked to @ @ @ @ @

Authorities are looking for a 13-year-old girl who has been missing from west suburban Aurora for several days.
Lizbeth Alonzo was last seen about 10:30 p.m. May 21 in the 800 block of West Bowditch Avenue, according to Aurora police.
Lizbeth is a 5-foot-4, 160-pound girl with black hair, police said. She was last seen wearing a red West Aurora High School gym T-shirt with white lettering.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 630-256-5900.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-24--Austin hit-and-run leaves man in critical condition

A man was critically injured in a hit-and-run Saturday in Austin on the West Side .
The man , whose @ @ @ @ @ , was crossing the street about 11:15 p.m. in the 700 block of South Cicero @ @ @ @ @ by an orange Pontiac Grand Prix in the intersection with Lexington Street , Chicago police @ @ @ @ @ taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition , police said .
The Pontiac drove @ @ @ @ @ east on 5th Avenue , police said .
It likely has front-end damage .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ call the Major Accident Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521 .
Read more on crime , and @ @ @ @ @ homicides .

A man was critically injured in a hit-and-run Saturday in Austin on the West Side.
The man, whose age isn’t known, was crossing the street about 11:15 p.m. in the 700 block of South Cicero Avenue when he was hit by an orange Pontiac Grand Prix in the intersection with Lexington Street, Chicago police said.
The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, police said.
The Pontiac drove off south on Cicero and east on 5th Avenue, police said. It likely has front-end damage.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Accident Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-23--Horoscope for Sunday, May 24, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, May 24, 2020

Caution : Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Gemini into Cancer .
Be careful and mindful of everything you do because you feel restless .
( You might not even know why . )
Nevertheless , your ability to be impulsive is strong at the same time as a moon alert is in place for most of the day .
Loosey-goosey combo !
Think twice before you speak or act today because you might impulsively do or say something that you regret , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a friend or you have aggressive dealings with a group .
Don ’ t shoot from the hip .
Be cautious .
This is a tricky day , especially with money .
Please note that this is moon alert for most of the day .
Therefore , restrict your spending to food , gas and entertainment .
Don ’ t make sudden suggestions to parents and bosses , although you might .
( Sigh . )
Today you feel restless .
Please take note of the fact that most of this day is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a poor time to make important decisions .
Don ’ t volunteer for anything .
Restrict spending to food , gas and entertainment .
Take it easy .
You might be tempted to do something sudden or impulsive , especially with a friend or a member of a group .
This could involve a certain amount of money for an organization , or something to do with shared property or your partner ’ s wealth .
Note : This is a poor day for any of those decisions .
( See @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions or words when dealing with partners and close friends .
Who wants to end up regretting what they said or did ?
Not you .
( Check moon alert . )
Your work routine will be interrupted .
Very possibly , something related to your health will catch you off guard .
Another area that is unpredictable is related to pets .
Therefore , be vigilant and keep your eyes open .
( Check moon alert . )
Parents should know that this is an accident-prone day for your kids — possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra vigilant .
Know where they are at all times .
Remove young children from potential hazardous situations .
Social activities might be canceled or changed .
Do what you can to avoid family conflicts , which might flare up perhaps because of something unusual taking place at home .
Small appliances might break down or minor breakages could occur .
Something unexpected might affect your family or where you live .
Be careful , because this is an accident-prone day for you .
An accident does not have to happen : however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will tend to act quickly or speak without thinking because your energy is hyped .
Slow down .
Tread carefully .
Know what you ’ re doing .
( Check moon alert . )
Keep an eye on your money and your assets because something unexpected might affect them .
You might find money ; you might lose money .
Something you own might be stolen , damaged or lost .
Guard against impulse shopping — not today !
Restrict spending to food , gas and entertainment .
You are really pumped now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosting your energy as never before .
However , today Mars is aligned with wild , wacky Uranus , which makes you impulsive and overly spontaneous .
Slow down and make sure you know what you ’ re doing .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Alfred Molina ( 1953 ) shares your birthday .
You have a changeable personality .
You think very carefully before you act .
This year you will see that service to others , especially within your family , is important .
This is why you must take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong resource for yourself and others .
Look around you and invest in the relationships that you value .
Hang out with quality people .

Moon Alert
Caution: Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Gemini into Cancer.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Be careful and mindful of everything you do because you feel restless. (You might not even know why.) Nevertheless, your ability to be impulsive is strong at the same time as a moon alert is in place for most of the day. Loosey-goosey combo!
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Think twice before you speak or act today because you might impulsively do or say something that you regret, especially if you’re in competition with a friend or you have aggressive dealings with a group. Don’t shoot from the hip. Be cautious.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
This is a tricky day, especially with money. Please note that this is moon alert for most of the day. Therefore, restrict your spending to food, gas and entertainment. Don’t make sudden suggestions to parents and bosses, although you might. (Sigh.)
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Today you feel restless. Please take note of the fact that most of this day is a moon alert, which means it’s a poor time to make important decisions. Don’t volunteer for anything. Restrict spending to food, gas and entertainment. Take it easy.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You might be tempted to do something sudden or impulsive, especially with a friend or a member of a group. This could involve a certain amount of money for an organization, or something to do with shared property or your partner’s wealth. Note: This is a poor day for any of those decisions. (See moon alert.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Guard against impulsive actions or words when dealing with partners and close friends. Who wants to end up regretting what they said or did? Not you. (Check moon alert.)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Your work routine will be interrupted. Very possibly, something related to your health will catch you off guard. Another area that is unpredictable is related to pets. Therefore, be vigilant and keep your eyes open. (Check moon alert.)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Parents should know that this is an accident-prone day for your kids — possibly tomorrow as well. Therefore, be extra vigilant. Know where they are at all times. Remove young children from potential hazardous situations. Social activities might be canceled or changed.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Do what you can to avoid family conflicts, which might flare up perhaps because of something unusual taking place at home. Small appliances might break down or minor breakages could occur. Something unexpected might affect your family or where you live.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Be careful, because this is an accident-prone day for you. An accident does not have to happen: however, you might be impulsive. You will tend to act quickly or speak without thinking because your energy is hyped. Slow down. Tread carefully. Know what you’re doing. (Check moon alert.)
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Keep an eye on your money and your assets because something unexpected might affect them. You might find money; you might lose money. Something you own might be stolen, damaged or lost. Guard against impulse shopping — not today! Restrict spending to food, gas and entertainment.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You are really pumped now because fiery Mars is in your sign boosting your energy as never before. However, today Mars is aligned with wild, wacky Uranus, which makes you impulsive and overly spontaneous. Slow down and make sure you know what you’re doing.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Alfred Molina (1953) shares your birthday. You have a changeable personality. You think very carefully before you act. This year you will see that service to others, especially within your family, is important. This is why you must take care of yourself so that you are a strong resource for yourself and others. Look around you and invest in the relationships that you value. Hang out with quality people.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-23--Girl, 6, among 2 shot at Berwyn family gathering

A 6-year-old girl and a woman were shot Saturday in west suburban Berwyn .
The pair were at a family @ @ @ @ @ someone fired shots into the basement windows of a home in the 1200 block of @ @ @ @ @ police said .
The girl was shot in the foot and the woman , whose @ @ @ @ @ was struck in the ankle , police said .
The family has not been cooperating @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 6-year-old girl and a woman were shot Saturday in west suburban Berwyn.
The pair were at a family gathering about 1:35 a.m. when someone fired shots into the basement windows of a home in the 1200 block of South Wenonah Avenue, Berwyn police said.
The girl was shot in the foot and the woman, whose age was not known, was struck in the ankle, police said.
The family has not been cooperating with investigators, police said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-24--Suburbs poised to begin outdoor dining before city: Social distancing on Gov. Pritzker’s menu

Dining outdoors is back , starting as soon as Friday in many Chicago suburbs , ahead of the city in planning for cash-starved restaurants to reopen in this COVID-19 era .
“ We have to pray for June to be dry , ” said Richard Holleb , co-owner of Norton ’ s , a popular restaurant regarded as the “ Cheers ” of Highland Park , at 1905 Sheridan Rd .
On Sunday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker gave Norton ’ s — well known for its charbroiled burgers and salads — and thousands of other Illinois restaurants the green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eased shut-down restrictions for 10 suffering industries including restaurants , issuing detailed guidelines for employers , staff and customers to prevent the spread of coronavirus infections .
“ Applications for outdoor dining will be available from the city of Highland Park on Wednesday , ” Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering told the Chicago Sun-Times on Sunday , shortly after Pritzker released the guidelines .
Creating at least six feet of social distancing space between tables is key to the new normal in outdoor dining — an enormous advantage for some Chicago ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — so restaurants need lots more space for proper spacing .
When restaurants are allowed to offer inside dining once again , the seating capacity will be vastly diminished .
Outdoors is potentially different .
A new streetscape will be emerging , as suburbs are willing to let restaurants place tables on public land near their eateries .
That means closing roads or using parks or public plazas or allowing restaurants to set up tables on parking spaces .
Last week , Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Chicago won ’ t be ready for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suburbs , Chicago has a vexing parking meter problem which vastly complicates letting city restaurants put tables on many city streets .
Unless the deal is revised , the city will have to pay the private group leasing the meters to the city for lost compensation .
The “ nimble ” suburbs “ are far better situated than the city to be able to explore and understand and design things that are unique to its communities , ” said attorney Steven Elrod .
His firm , Elrod Friedman LLC , represents Glencoe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bluff , Lincolnwood , Northbrook , Deerfield , Winnetka , LaGrange and Warrenville and has been working with those municipalities so they can move quickly on restaurant outdoor dining plans .
Elrod added , in the suburbs “ the geography is different .
Many of the restaurants in the suburbs have off-street parking already , ” land that can be converted to outdoor dining .
The village of Arlington Heights already approved an outdoor dining plan for its downtown restaurants dubbed “ Arlington Al Fresco.
” Parts of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can add tables .
Mayor Thomas Hayes told the Sun-Times on Friday that the “ Al Fresco ” plan could kick off on June 1 or early that week .
On Tuesday , the Northbrook Village Board will vote on an outdoor dining program designed to relax a series of rules to help its restaurants offer outdoor dining .
Rotering said Highland Park may consider a “ street share ” because retail businesses need daytime curbside access for its customers .
Street closings could take place “ for the dinner hour.
” Holleb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both restaurant industry veterans , opened Norton ’ s 21 years ago this July .
Holleb and Mages at first kept Norton ’ s open for carryout and delivery ; they totally closed on March 22 , worried about the health of their staff .
Norton ’ s reopened May 9 with curbside carryout and delivery service .
Business is about 25 % of its pre-COVID-19 days .
Holleb said Norton ’ s could not have survived this long without a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan .
The PPP loan allowed Norton ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the payroll .
If used as intended , mainly to meet payroll and cover some business costs , the PPP loan turns into a grant .
For the May 9 relaunch , the partners purchased — and this is a partial list — 2,000 masks for Norton ’ s staffers ; five cases of hand sanitizers ; three cases of disinfectant sanitizing wipes ; and “ cases and cases of gloves.
” Everything is continually being sanitized .
In anticipation of outdoor dining , Holleb said he bought “ thousands ” of plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mustard on the table will be eliminated as well as salt and pepper shakers .
Norton ’ s will have hand sanitizers on each table .
Holleb said he will be printing 4,000 one-use disposable menus .
That ’ s all in line with the “ Phase 3 Restore Illinois ” outdoor dining guidelines Pritzker released Sunday .
What ’ s left to do , Holleb said , is work out a plan with Highland Park to find new space to add tables .
Warm weather outdoor dining could bring Norton ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s if it does not rain a lot .
Looking ahead to reopening the inside of the restaurant — that could be months away — on Wednesday , Norton ’ s installed two new medical grade air filtration and disinfection systems , Holleb said .
Said Holleb , “ Outdoor seating is not the panacea .
We ’ re going to have to open up indoors sooner or later .
”

Dining outdoors is back, starting as soon as Friday in many Chicago suburbs, ahead of the city in planning for cash-starved restaurants to reopen in this COVID-19 era.
“We have to pray for June to be dry,” said Richard Holleb, co-owner of Norton’s, a popular restaurant regarded as the “Cheers” of Highland Park, at 1905 Sheridan Rd.
On Sunday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave Norton’s — well known for its charbroiled burgers and salads — and thousands of other Illinois restaurants the green light to allow outdoor dining.
Pritzker eased shut-down restrictions for 10 suffering industries including restaurants, issuing detailed guidelines for employers, staff and customers to prevent the spread of coronavirus infections.
“Applications for outdoor dining will be available from the city of Highland Park on Wednesday,” Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering told the Chicago Sun-Times on Sunday, shortly after Pritzker released the guidelines.
NEW NORMAL: FLEXIBLE STREETSCAPES
Creating at least six feet of social distancing space between tables is key to the new normal in outdoor dining — an enormous advantage for some Chicago’s suburbs.
More tables mean more money — so restaurants need lots more space for proper spacing.
When restaurants are allowed to offer inside dining once again, the seating capacity will be vastly diminished. Outdoors is potentially different.
A new streetscape will be emerging, as suburbs are willing to let restaurants place tables on public land near their eateries. That means closing roads or using parks or public plazas or allowing restaurants to set up tables on parking spaces.
Last week, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Chicago won’t be ready for outdoor dining until early June.
Unlike the suburbs, Chicago has a vexing parking meter problem which vastly complicates letting city restaurants put tables on many city streets.
Unless the deal is revised, the city will have to pay the private group leasing the meters to the city for lost compensation.
The “nimble” suburbs “are far better situated than the city to be able to explore and understand and design things that are unique to its communities,” said attorney Steven Elrod. His firm, Elrod Friedman LLC, represents Glencoe, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lincolnwood, Northbrook, Deerfield, Winnetka, LaGrange and Warrenville and has been working with those municipalities so they can move quickly on restaurant outdoor dining plans.
Elrod added, in the suburbs “the geography is different. Many of the restaurants in the suburbs have off-street parking already,” land that can be converted to outdoor dining.
The village of Arlington Heights already approved an outdoor dining plan for its downtown restaurants dubbed “Arlington Al Fresco.” Parts of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street will be closed to vehicles so restaurants can add tables.
Mayor Thomas Hayes told the Sun-Times on Friday that the “Al Fresco” plan could kick off on June 1 or early that week.
On Tuesday, the Northbrook Village Board will vote on an outdoor dining program designed to relax a series of rules to help its restaurants offer outdoor dining.
Rotering said Highland Park may consider a “street share” because retail businesses need daytime curbside access for its customers. Street closings could take place “for the dinner hour.”
NORTON’S STORY
Holleb and his partner, Jeff Mages, both restaurant industry veterans, opened Norton’s 21 years ago this July.
Holleb and Mages at first kept Norton’s open for carryout and delivery; they totally closed on March 22, worried about the health of their staff.
Norton’s reopened May 9 with curbside carryout and delivery service. Business is about 25% of its pre-COVID-19 days.
Holleb said Norton’s could not have survived this long without a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan. The PPP loan allowed Norton’s to keep its 22 employees on the payroll. If used as intended, mainly to meet payroll and cover some business costs, the PPP loan turns into a grant.
For the May 9 relaunch, the partners purchased — and this is a partial list — 2,000 masks for Norton’s staffers; five cases of hand sanitizers; three cases of disinfectant sanitizing wipes; and “cases and cases of gloves.”
Everything is continually being sanitized.
In anticipation of outdoor dining, Holleb said he bought “thousands” of plastic cutlery kits. Bottles of ketchup and mustard on the table will be eliminated as well as salt and pepper shakers.
Norton’s will have hand sanitizers on each table. Holleb said he will be printing 4,000 one-use disposable menus.
That’s all in line with the “Phase 3 Restore Illinois” outdoor dining guidelines Pritzker released Sunday.
What’s left to do, Holleb said, is work out a plan with Highland Park to find new space to add tables.
Warm weather outdoor dining could bring Norton’s business up another 10% — and that’s if it does not rain a lot.
Looking ahead to reopening the inside of the restaurant — that could be months away — on Wednesday, Norton’s installed two new medical grade air filtration and disinfection systems, Holleb said.
Said Holleb, “Outdoor seating is not the panacea. We’re going to have to open up indoors sooner or later.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-24--Singer Morgan Wallen apologizes after ‘horseplaying’ ends in arrest

NASHVILLE , Tenn. — Country music singer Morgan Wallen apologized Sunday following his weekend arrest on public intoxication and disorderly @ @ @ @ @ 27 , was arrested Saturday night after he was kicked out of Kid Rock ’ @ @ @ @ @ Rock N ’ Roll Steakhouse in downtown Nashville , news outlets reported .
Wallen said @ @ @ @ @ some friends were “ horseplaying ” after a few bar stops .
“ We didn @ @ @ @ @ , and we want to say sorry to any bar staff or anyone that was @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Thank you to the local authorities for being so professional and doing their @ @ @ @ @ y ’ all.
” Wallen ’ s hits include “ Whiskey Glasses ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ competed on “ The Voice ” in 2014 and co-wrote songs for Jason Aldean and @ @ @

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music singer Morgan Wallen apologized Sunday following his weekend arrest on public intoxication and disorderly conduct charges.
Wallen, 27, was arrested Saturday night after he was kicked out of Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse in downtown Nashville, news outlets reported.
Wallen said on Twitter that he and some friends were “horseplaying” after a few bar stops.
“We didn’t mean any harm, and we want to say sorry to any bar staff or anyone that was affected,” Wallen tweeted. “Thank you to the local authorities for being so professional and doing their job with class. Love y’all.”
Wallen’s hits include “Whiskey Glasses” and “Chasin’ You.” He competed on “The Voice” in 2014 and co-wrote songs for Jason Aldean and Kane Brown.