chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Former Bears WR/TE Earl Thomas passes away at 71

Former Bears wide receiver and tight end Earl Thomas died Saturday at 71 , leaving the organization “ deeply saddened , ” it said in a statement .
The Bears drafted him out of Houston in the sixth round in 1971 , and he played three seasons for them .
He led the team with 24 catches , 343 yards and four touchdown receptions in 1973 after finishing close behind George Farmer in receiving yards the season before .
Thomas played 39 games for the Bears and totaled 47 catches , 748 yards and seven touchdowns .
They traded him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1974 season .
He played two years in St. Louis before going to his hometown Houston Oilers for his final season in 1976 .
The Herald-Banner ( Greenville , Texas ) wrote in its obituary that Thomas worked in petroleum and coached youth track and field after retiring from the NFL .
“ He was a really hard worker , ” his nephew Spencer Gilbert told the Herald-Banner .
“ He loved his family .
We all miss him .
He was overall a good guy .
He did a lot with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Thomas ’ brothers , JImmy and Mike , also played in the NFL in the 1970s and ‘ 80s .

Former Bears wide receiver and tight end Earl Thomas died Saturday at 71, leaving the organization “deeply saddened,” it said in a statement.
The Bears drafted him out of Houston in the sixth round in 1971, and he played three seasons for them. He led the team with 24 catches, 343 yards and four touchdown receptions in 1973 after finishing close behind George Farmer in receiving yards the season before.
Thomas played 39 games for the Bears and totaled 47 catches, 748 yards and seven touchdowns.
They traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals just before the 1974 season. He played two years in St. Louis before going to his hometown Houston Oilers for his final season in 1976.
The Herald-Banner (Greenville, Texas) wrote in its obituary that Thomas worked in petroleum and coached youth track and field after retiring from the NFL.
“He was a really hard worker,” his nephew Spencer Gilbert told the Herald-Banner. “He loved his family. We all miss him. He was overall a good guy. He did a lot with track. He was always helping kids.”
Thomas’ brothers, JImmy and Mike, also played in the NFL in the 1970s and ‘80s.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Man dies over a week after Englewood shooting

A man died Monday of complications from his injuries over a week after he was shot in Englewood on the @ @ @ @ @ was pronounced dead about 7 p.m. at the University of Chicago Medical Center , according @ @ @ @ @ examiner ’ s office .
He was shot in the arm and back about 3:38 @ @ @ @ @ approached him in the 6800 block of South Sangamon Street and opened fire , Chicago @ @ @ @ @ released Wednesday ruled his death a homicide , the medical examiner ’ s office said @ @ @ @ @ .
No arrests have been reported .
Area One detectives are investigating .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s homicides .

A man died Monday of complications from his injuries over a week after he was shot in Englewood on the South Side.
Donald Ghoston, 30, was pronounced dead about 7 p.m. at the University of Chicago Medical Center, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
He was shot in the arm and back about 3:38 p.m. June 28 when someone approached him in the 6800 block of South Sangamon Street and opened fire, Chicago police said.
Autopsy results released Wednesday ruled his death a homicide, the medical examiner’s office said. He lived in Englewood.
No arrests have been reported. Area One detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber will DH if need be, but he’d rather be in left field ‘going 110%’

Kyle Schwarber may be more dancing bear than Gold Glover in left field , but the man has his pride .
Not to mention a linebacker ’ s competitive streak and a deeply held belief that , given a chance , he can work on any weakness until it fades like a moon shot into the gloaming and finally disappears .
So if Cubs manager David Ross ends up yanking him out of the defensive lineup and making him the team ’ s main designated hitter this season , how ’ s he going to handle it ?
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Schwarber said after Wednesday ’ s workout at Wrigley Field .
“ Trust me , I ’ m all for whatever he wants me to do .
I ’ m just happy for the open communication that he ’ s had with me .
He ’ s been able to kind of put into my head already to just know what to expect going into the season here .
“ And as long as the name ’ s penciled in — and even if it ’ s not — I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ my ] name ’ s called upon.
” But it ’ s hard to picture Schwarber being content with a one-dimensional role .
It still bugs him that the Cubs decided years ago that he wasn ’ t up to snuff as a big-league catcher .
After butchering his way through the 2017 season in left — and hearing about it plenty — Schwarber lost 30 pounds and did so much performance training that he came back ready to make real strides in the field , and did just that .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s no butcher in the outfield anymore .
He ’ s no Gold Glover , either — far from it — but you knew that already .
Newcomer Steve Souza will get his share of at-bats at DH .
Backup catcher Victor Caratini , a switch-hitter whose simple , confident approach at the plate has made a real impression on Ross , will get his share , too .
Schwarber ’ s has been the first name to roll off everyone ’ s lips , though , when talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an every-inning player , no doubt about it .
“ My job as a player is to prepare to play the field , ” he said .
“ At the end of the day , it ’ s the manager ’ s decision to say who plays that day and who ’ s the DH .
“ But , obviously , I ’ m a guy who loves the challenge .
I ’ m going to go out there and try to prove everything that ’ s said against me to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people love to view me as a designated hitter , but I ’ m still going to go out there and play my best defense out there and make really good plays out there.
” A season with few defensive reps isn ’ t what the doctor ordered for a player who ’ s still learning to be an outfielder .
The possibility that the National League is finished for good with pitchers hitting exists , too .
It could be likelier than ever that Schwarber has a date with DH destiny .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , ” he said .
“ If I ’ m playing the field — you guys know me — I ’ m going to go 110 % .
And if I make a mistake , it ’ s because it ’ s a 110 % mistake and not a passive mistake.
” The urgency of every game , and the heightened tension of every scoring chance , in a 60-game season will shove a lot of selfish concerns into dark corners of clubhouses across baseball .
So , too , will the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposure to the coronavirus .
As Schwarber put it , it ’ ll feel like a playoff race from Game 1 .
But few players enjoy the experience of playing at Wrigley as demonstrably as Schwarber , who interacts with — and dances for — the fans in left field every game .
How will he handle it if he ’ s not out there ?
Come to think of it , the fans won ’ t be , either , maybe all season .
“ I guess the rooftops ?
” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have to launch some balls up to the rooftops.
” He ’ s going to need a bat for that .
A really big one .

Bat.
Sit.
Crazy?
Kyle Schwarber might be more dancing bear than Gold Glover in left field, but the man has his pride. Not to mention a linebacker’s competitive streak and a deeply held belief that, given a chance, he can work on any weakness until it fades like a moonshot into the gloaming and finally disappears.
So if Cubs manager David Ross ends up yanking him out of the defensive lineup and making him the team’s main designated hitter this season, how’s he going to handle it?
‘‘It’s just the way it is,’’ Schwarber said after the Cubs’ workout Wednesday at Wrigley Field. ‘‘Trust me, I’m all for whatever he wants me to do. I’m just happy for the open communication that he’s had with me. He’s been able to kind of put into my head already to just know what to expect going into the season here.
‘‘And as long as the name’s penciled in — and even if it’s not — I’m still going to be ready when [my] name’s called upon.’’
But it’s hard to picture Schwarber being content with a one-dimensional role. It still bugs him that the Cubs decided years ago that he wasn’t up to snuff as a big-league catcher. After butchering his way through the 2017 season in left — and hearing about it plenty — Schwarber lost 30 pounds and did so much performance training that he came back ready to make real strides in the field — and did just that. A better-than-average arm also helps him get by.
He’s no butcher in the outfield anymore. He’s no Gold Glover, either — far from it — but you knew that already.
Newcomer Steve Souza will get his share of at-bats at DH. Backup catcher Victor Caratini, a switch-hitter whose simple, confident approach at the plate has made a real impression on Ross, will get his share, too. Schwarber’s has been the first name to roll off everyone’s lips, though, when talking about this spot.
And Schwarber wants to be an every-inning player, no doubt about it.
‘‘My job as a player is to prepare to play the field,’’ he said. ‘‘At the end of the day, it’s the manager’s decision to say who plays that day and who’s the DH.
‘‘But, obviously, I’m a guy who loves the challenge. I’m going to go out there and try to prove everything that’s said against me to be [wrong]. I know how people love to view me as a designated hitter, but I’m still going to go out there and play my best defense out there and make really good plays out there.’’
A season with few defensive reps isn’t what the doctor ordered for a player who still is learning to be an outfielder. The possibility that the National League is finished for good with pitchers hitting exists, too. It could be likelier than ever that Schwarber has a date with DH destiny.
‘‘I’m not worried about that,’’ he said. ‘‘If I’m playing the field — you guys know me — I’m going to go 110%. And if I make a mistake, it’s because it’s a 110% mistake and not a passive mistake.’’
The urgency of every game and the heightened tension of every scoring chance in a 60-game season will shove a lot of selfish concerns into dark corners of clubhouses across baseball. So, too, will the shared goal on every team of limiting exposure to the coronavirus. As Schwarber put it, it’ll feel like a playoff race from Game 1.
But few players enjoy the experience of playing at Wrigley as demonstrably as Schwarber, who interacts with — and dances for — the fans in left field every game. How will he handle it if he’s not out there? Come to think of it, the fans won’t be, either — maybe all season.
‘‘I guess the rooftops?’’ he said. ‘‘I’m going to have to launch some balls up to the rooftops.’’
He’s going to need a bat for that. A really big one.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-09--Man killed after crashing into fence in Humboldt Park: police

A 36-year-old man was killed after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a fence Thursday in Humboldt Park on @ @ @ @ @ 3:45 a.m. he was seen driving a Ford Focus at “ a high rate of @ @ @ @ @ into a fence in the 4000 block of West Chicago Avenue , and he was @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police said .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital and was pronounced dead , @ @ @ @ @ else was in the vehicle and no other injuries were reported , police said .

A 36-year-old man died after he crashed into a fence early Thursday in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
He was driving alone at a high rate of speed at 3:45 a.m. before crashing in the 4000 block of West Chicago Avenue, Chicago police said.
He was ejected from the vehicle and then taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Nobody else was hurt.
He was identified as Jason Flynn Sr., the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy confirmed he died of injuries from the crash and ruled his death an accident.
The Chicago Police Department’s Major Accidents Unit is investigating.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-09--Dear Abby: People think my friend and I date, and we don’t, but we should

DEAR ABBY : My longtime friend “ Bonnie ” and I have been reconnecting during COVID , mostly via text and video chatting .
She ’ s recently moved back to my area ( she ’ s in the military ) , so we spent a weekend together helping her move in .
It was exhausting and stressful , and her drinking concerned me .
I know drinking is prevalent in the military , and as a relatively high-ranking officer , she ’ s under a lot of pressure all the time .
I ’ m more aware of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m a queer lady .
Bonnie is gay , and over the last couple months I ’ ve been nursing a crush on her .
She ’ s very supportive of my artwork , and over the years has been the one doing the work to keep our friendship alive despite our lives going in different directions .
I told her I had a crush on her during the stressful moving weekend and asked her to please not tell me about all the girls she texts .
She responded that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me .
But we talk on the phone for hours at night , and she calls me “ Baby ” sometimes .
She also tells me I ’ m sexually magnetic .
Our lives are intertwined enough that both our parents think we ’ re dating , and Bonnie frequently says things like , “ My neighbor thinks we ’ re dating.
” How do I keep both our friendship and my sanity ?
— CRUSHING IN PENNSYLVANIA DEAR CRUSHING : Regardless of what others might think , you and Bonnie are NOT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plainly that she ’ s not physically attracted to you .
She was honest with you , I ’ ll give her marks for that .
Whether she ’ s being completely honest with herself , however , is anyone ’ s guess .
My advice is to stop allowing her to monopolize as much of your time as she has been .
It isn ’ t good for you because it keeps you from looking for a companion who can reciprocate your feelings .
If you continue as things are , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the confusion you are feeling now .
DEAR ABBY : My wife of 46 years keeps telling me about her deprived childhood .
Everybody else had a color TV ; the one she grew up with was a black-and-white .
Granny didn ’ t have a dryer ; she had to use a clothesline .
They didn ’ t have a car , and when they finally got one , it was a used car .
Finally , they had a new car , but it was stolen two weeks later .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the other girls were in Brownies .
When Granny finally signed her up , it was too late .
My wife had to get a used Brownie uniform that didn ’ t fit , and they put her in a troop with Girl Scouts much older .
She always wanted a swing-set , but never got one .
Is there counseling and group therapy for this self-pity condition ?
I ’ m laughing to myself and my tears are getting into my beer .
— HAD IT ROUGH , TOO DEAR HAD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your wife has it a lot better now , but to be married to someone as insensitive as you appear to be can hardly be an upper .
Go pour yourself another pilsner before your tears dilute this one and bring you down further , Laughing Boy .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
What teens need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “ What Every Teen Should Know.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Teen Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My longtime friend “Bonnie” and I have been reconnecting during COVID, mostly via text and video chatting. She’s recently moved back to my area (she’s in the military), so we spent a weekend together helping her move in. It was exhausting and stressful, and her drinking concerned me. I know drinking is prevalent in the military, and as a relatively high-ranking officer, she’s under a lot of pressure all the time. I’m more aware of it because my sister is a recovering addict.
I’m a queer lady. Bonnie is gay, and over the last couple months I’ve been nursing a crush on her. She’s very supportive of my artwork, and over the years has been the one doing the work to keep our friendship alive despite our lives going in different directions.
I told her I had a crush on her during the stressful moving weekend and asked her to please not tell me about all the girls she texts. She responded that she does not return those feelings for me. But we talk on the phone for hours at night, and she calls me “Baby” sometimes. She also tells me I’m sexually magnetic. Our lives are intertwined enough that both our parents think we’re dating, and Bonnie frequently says things like, “My neighbor thinks we’re dating.”
How do I keep both our friendship and my sanity? — CRUSHING IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR CRUSHING: Regardless of what others might think, you and Bonnie are NOT dating, and she has told you plainly that she’s not physically attracted to you. She was honest with you, I’ll give her marks for that. Whether she’s being completely honest with herself, however, is anyone’s guess.
My advice is to stop allowing her to monopolize as much of your time as she has been. It isn’t good for you because it keeps you from looking for a companion who can reciprocate your feelings. If you continue as things are, you will only subject yourself to more of the confusion you are feeling now.
DEAR ABBY: My wife of 46 years keeps telling me about her deprived childhood. Everybody else had a color TV; the one she grew up with was a black-and-white. Granny didn’t have a dryer; she had to use a clothesline. They didn’t have a car, and when they finally got one, it was a used car. Finally, they had a new car, but it was stolen two weeks later.
All the other girls had ballet lessons; all the other girls were in Brownies. When Granny finally signed her up, it was too late. My wife had to get a used Brownie uniform that didn’t fit, and they put her in a troop with Girl Scouts much older. She always wanted a swing-set, but never got one.
Is there counseling and group therapy for this self-pity condition? I’m laughing to myself and my tears are getting into my beer. — HAD IT ROUGH, TOO
DEAR HAD IT: I would like to think your wife has it a lot better now, but to be married to someone as insensitive as you appear to be can hardly be an upper. Go pour yourself another pilsner before your tears dilute this one and bring you down further, Laughing Boy.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-07-09--On ‘Expecting Amy,’ pregnant Schumer works on her delivery

Amy Schumer is a pregnant movie and TV star who is experiencing nausea unlike anything we usually see pregnant women endure in the movies or on TV .
As Schumer points out in the three-part HBO Max bio-doc “ Expecting Amy , ” in the movies , the heroine experiences some nausea at home in the morning or at work , dashes off to the bathroom for a discreet bit of throwing up , subsequently learns she ’ s expecting — and that ’ s the end of the morning sickness portion of the pregnancy .
In Schumer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she learned she was having a baby , she started throwing up , and kept throwing up — sometimes for hours at a time .
It ’ s like having food poisoning all the time , Schumer explains , and we believe it , and we feel for her , even more so after Amy is diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum , which causes severe nausea , vomiting , weight loss and dehydration .
Like many ( including this viewer ) , Schumer had never even heard of the condition until the diagnosis — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like every waking moment of the arduous and exhausting journey , Schumer leans on her bottomless supply of quick wit and soldier-through-this humor , as well as a loyal team of supporters led by her husband , as she copes with the physical and emotional rollercoaster she ’ s riding , and continues to tour the country , deliver a podcast and work on a stand-up special for Netflix .
As one would expect , so to speak , “ Expecting Amy ” is a funny , frank , open book of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of “ Truth or Dare , ” only with the lead wearing a sweatpants instead of stilettos , and the man behind the woman a regular guy in a stocking cap as opposed to Warren Beatty .
With a combination of standard , fly-on-the-wall documentary footage blended with self-shot , amateur clips by Schumer and her husband , Chris Fischer , it ’ s a treat to see how Schumer and her creative team work out the details of a routine , from intimate sets at small clubs such as the Comedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas — all with an eye toward a Netflix special to be recorded at the Chicago Theatre .
Schumer ’ s routines might seem like casual observations when she ’ s onstage , but as is the case with Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock and so many other top-tier comics , nearly every turn of phrase , every bit of physical business , has been finely honed through constant rewrites and dozens of performances .
Lots of funny stuff — but there ’ s also a ton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited to Schumer ’ s exhausting and difficult pregnancy .
( Spoiler alert : She gives birth to a healthy baby boy , Gene , and yes , the cameras are there right until the moment of delivery and immediately thereafter . )
We learn Amy ’ s mother , who has been married four times , left her father , who has MS , when Amy was a little girl .
While Schumer ’ s husband , a renowned chef , is incredibly supportive and literally there with Schumer on nearly plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment at home , there are moments when he can be infuriatingly obstinate , as when he keeps checking his phone while driving , even as his pregnant wife grows more and more frustrated and angry , deservedly so .
Chris also has rather … odd reactions to certain emotional moments .
His father explains he ’ s been like this his whole life — but it ’ s only now , during the course of filming , that Chris is diagnosed with Asperger ’ s Syndrome .
Schumer works Chris ’ condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship — into her routines .
He ’ s fine with it , until he ’ s not fine with it .
They have a heated conversation in their kitchen that ’ s so intimate we almost feel bad about listening in — but of course it ’ s Amy ’ s and Chris ’ decision to include that footage in the film .
“ Expecting Amy ” doesn ’ t try to hide the circumstances of Schumer ’ s life .
Yes , she walks around in a big giant parka and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s a telling moment on the subway when an obnoxious troll takes her photo and Schumer calls him out , and he ’ s even more obnoxious when she engages with him .
The clown clearly doesn ’ t think of her as an actual person . )
But she also travels via private jet , and lives in an enormous penthouse on the Upper West Side , has a support team catering to her every need and can afford the best medical care .
That doesn ’ t make her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any less palpable , her rock-bottom moments any less dark — and her unbridled exhilaration upon meeting her son any less real .

Amy Schumer is a pregnant movie and TV star who is experiencing nausea unlike anything we usually see pregnant women endure in the movies or on TV.
As Schumer points out in the three-part HBO Max bio-doc “Expecting Amy,” in the movies, the heroine experiences some nausea at home in the morning or at work, dashes off to the bathroom for a discreet bit of throwing up, subsequently learns she’s expecting — and that’s the end of the morning sickness portion of the pregnancy. In Schumer’s real life, from almost the moment she learned she was having a baby, she started throwing up, and kept throwing up — sometimes for hours at a time. It’s like having food poisoning all the time, Schumer explains, and we believe it, and we feel for her, even more so after Amy is diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss and dehydration.
‘Expecting Amy’
Untitled A three-part documentary available for streaming starting Thursday on HBO Max.
Like many (including this viewer), Schumer had never even heard of the condition until the diagnosis — but with cameras recording what sometimes feels like every waking moment of the arduous and exhausting journey, Schumer leans on her bottomless supply of quick wit and soldier-through-this humor, as well as a loyal team of supporters led by her husband, as she copes with the physical and emotional rollercoaster she’s riding, and continues to tour the country, deliver a podcast and work on a stand-up special for Netflix.
As one would expect, so to speak, “Expecting Amy” is a funny, frank, open book of a documentary — sort of like a stand-up-comic version of “Truth or Dare,” only with the lead wearing a sweatpants instead of stilettos, and the man behind the woman a regular guy in a stocking cap as opposed to Warren Beatty. With a combination of standard, fly-on-the-wall documentary footage blended with self-shot, amateur clips by Schumer and her husband, Chris Fischer, it’s a treat to see how Schumer and her creative team work out the details of a routine, from intimate sets at small clubs such as the Comedy Cellar through big-ticket venues such as the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas — all with an eye toward a Netflix special to be recorded at the Chicago Theatre. Schumer’s routines might seem like casual observations when she’s onstage, but as is the case with Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock and so many other top-tier comics, nearly every turn of phrase, every bit of physical business, has been finely honed through constant rewrites and dozens of performances.
Lots of funny stuff — but there’s also a ton of drama, most prominently but not limited to Schumer’s exhausting and difficult pregnancy. (Spoiler alert: She gives birth to a healthy baby boy, Gene, and yes, the cameras are there right until the moment of delivery and immediately thereafter.) We learn Amy’s mother, who has been married four times, left her father, who has MS, when Amy was a little girl.
Amy Schumer’s battle with severe nausea is part of her rollercoaster pregnancy on “Expecting Amy.” HBO Max
While Schumer’s husband, a renowned chef, is incredibly supportive and literally there with Schumer on nearly plane ride, every concert stop and every moment at home, there are moments when he can be infuriatingly obstinate, as when he keeps checking his phone while driving, even as his pregnant wife grows more and more frustrated and angry, deservedly so. Chris also has rather … odd reactions to certain emotional moments. His father explains he’s been like this his whole life — but it’s only now, during the course of filming, that Chris is diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Footage from “Expecting Amy” shows husband Chris Fischer helping Amy Schumer through her pregnancy. HBO Media
Schumer works Chris’ condition — and some embarrassing details about their relationship — into her routines. He’s fine with it, until he’s not fine with it. They have a heated conversation in their kitchen that’s so intimate we almost feel bad about listening in — but of course it’s Amy’s and Chris’ decision to include that footage in the film.
“Expecting Amy” doesn’t try to hide the circumstances of Schumer’s life. Yes, she walks around in a big giant parka and she sometimes takes the train. (There’s a telling moment on the subway when an obnoxious troll takes her photo and Schumer calls him out, and he’s even more obnoxious when she engages with him. The clown clearly doesn’t think of her as an actual person.) But she also travels via private jet, and lives in an enormous penthouse on the Upper West Side, has a support team catering to her every need and can afford the best medical care. That doesn’t make her condition any less excruciating, her fears any less palpable, her rock-bottom moments any less dark — and her unbridled exhilaration upon meeting her son any less real.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-09--9 shot Wednesday in Chicago

9 shot Wednesday in Chicago

Nine people were shot Wednesday in Chicago .
A 7-month-old boy was shot in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was riding in a vehicle with two family members about 10 p.m. in the 1100 block of South Albany Avenue when a black SUV pulled up alongside and someone inside opened fire at a group standing on the corner , Chicago police said .
A stray bullet grazed the baby on the ankle , and he was taken to Stroger Hospital , where he was listed in fair condition , police said .
No other injuries were reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounded a 50-year-old man was in Gresham on the South Side .
About 10:20 p.m. he was driving in the 8700 block of South Laflin Street , when he heard gunshots and felt pain , police said .
He drove himself to a fire station in the 1700 block of West 95th Street , and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition , police said .
The man told officers he did not see the shooter or where shots came from , police said .
About 30 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving through Washington Heights on the South Side .
He was traveling about 9:43 p.m. in the 9900 block of South Halsted Street when someone opened fire , police said .
The 29-year-old was struck in the head and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition , police said .
Two men were shot during a fight in West Englewood on the South Side .
The men , 21 and 22 , got into a fight with another person about 7:30 p.m. in the 6300 block of South Honore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person pulled out a gun and fired shots , striking them both .
The 22-year-old was hit in the neck and thigh , and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , police said .
He was in critical condition .
The younger man was shot in the leg and arm and taken to the same hospital in good condition , police said .
A man was wounded in a shooting in Austin on the West Side .
He was traveling in a vehicle about 6:30 p.m. in the 700 block of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and someone inside opened fire , police said .
The 22-year-old was struck in the head and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition , police said .
A 35-year-old man was shot and wounded Wednesday morning in Englewood on the South Side .
He was sitting in a vehicle about 9:25 a.m. in the 1000 block of West 72nd Street when someone fired shots from outside , police said .
He was shot in the leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting left two men in critical condition they were shot in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side .
About 3:05 a.m. the men , 38 and 41 , were sitting in a vehicle in the 4000 block of South Kedzie Avenue , when a silver sedan approached and someone opened fire , police said .
The 38-year-old was struck once in the right temple and four times in the right shoulder , police said .
The 41-year-old was struck in the right elbow , chest and left side of the neck .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital in critical condition , police said .
Eleven people were shot , two of them fatally , Tuesday in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Nine people were shot Wednesday in Chicago.
A 7-month-old boy was shot in Lawndale on the West Side.
He was riding in a vehicle with two family members about 10 p.m. in the 1100 block of South Albany Avenue when a black SUV pulled up alongside and someone inside opened fire at a group standing on the corner, Chicago police said.
A stray bullet grazed the baby on the ankle, and he was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was listed in fair condition, police said. No other injuries were reported.
The day’s most recent shooting wounded a 50-year-old man was in Gresham on the South Side.
About 10:20 p.m. he was driving in the 8700 block of South Laflin Street, when he heard gunshots and felt pain, police said.
He drove himself to a fire station in the 1700 block of West 95th Street, and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition, police said.
The man told officers he did not see the shooter or where shots came from, police said.
About 30 minutes prior, a man was shot while driving through Washington Heights on the South Side.
He was traveling about 9:43 p.m. in the 9900 block of South Halsted Street when someone opened fire, police said.
The 29-year-old was struck in the head and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition, police said.
Two men were shot during a fight in West Englewood on the South Side.
The men, 21 and 22, got into a fight with another person about 7:30 p.m. in the 6300 block of South Honore Street, police said. The other person pulled out a gun and fired shots, striking them both.
The 22-year-old was hit in the neck and thigh, and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said. He was in critical condition.
The younger man was shot in the leg and arm and taken to the same hospital in good condition, police said.
A man was wounded in a shooting in Austin on the West Side.
He was traveling in a vehicle about 6:30 p.m. in the 700 block of South Cicero Avenue when another vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire, police said.
The 22-year-old was struck in the head and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said.
A 35-year-old man was shot and wounded Wednesday morning in Englewood on the South Side.
He was sitting in a vehicle about 9:25 a.m. in the 1000 block of West 72nd Street when someone fired shots from outside, police said.
He was shot in the leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said.
The day’s first reported shooting left two men in critical condition they were shot in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side.
About 3:05 a.m. the men, 38 and 41, were sitting in a vehicle in the 4000 block of South Kedzie Avenue, when a silver sedan approached and someone opened fire, police said.
The 38-year-old was struck once in the right temple and four times in the right shoulder, police said. The 41-year-old was struck in the right elbow, chest and left side of the neck.
They both were taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition, police said.
Eleven people were shot, two of them fatally, Tuesday in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Infant grazed by stray bullet in Lawndale

A 7-month-old boy was shot Wednesday in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was riding in a vehicle with @ @ @ @ @ p.m. in the 1100 block of South Albany Avenue when a black SUV pulled up @ @ @ @ @ fire at a group standing on the corner , Chicago police said .
A stray @ @ @ @ @ the ankle , and he was taken to Stroger Hospital , where he was listed @ @ @ @ @ said .
No other injuries were reported .
The shooting is the latest in a @ @ @ @ @ that have left several children dead or wounded across Chicago in recent weeks .
Over @ @ @ @ @ Wallace was fatally shot while at a Fourth of July party in Austin .
Read @ @ @ @ @ track the city ’ s homicides .

A 7-month-old boy was shot Wednesday in Lawndale on the West Side.
He was riding in a vehicle with two family members about 10 p.m. in the 1100 block of South Albany Avenue when a black SUV pulled up alongside and someone inside opened fire at a group standing on the corner, Chicago police said.
A stray bullet grazed the baby on the ankle, and he was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was listed in fair condition, police said. No other injuries were reported.
Area Four detectives are investigating.
The shooting is the latest in a series of gun violence incidents that have left several children dead or wounded across Chicago in recent weeks.
Over the weekend, 7-year-old Natalia Wallace was fatally shot while at a Fourth of July party in Austin.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Horoscope for Thursday, July 9, 2020

Horoscope for Thursday, July 9, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Pisces .
Although Mercury retrograde has some frustrating drawbacks because of confused communications and transportation delays , it can also work miracles in wrapping up old business and finishing what was already on your plate .
Today you might see this happy aspect in action .
Someone might surprise you today or you might meet someone who is a real character .
Whatever happens could ultimately encourage you to do something or finish something or see an existing situation with new eyes .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today you can impress bosses , parents and people in authority with your ability to wrap up a project that has been ongoing .
You might also have some fabulous creative ideas that someone likes .
This is the day to run something up the flagpole to see if anyone salutes !
You are a tenacious sign .
You don ’ t give up .
You hold on .
In fact , you hold on to a lot of things , including people .
Today you will see how your ability to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to follow through on something in a perfect way to get the results you want .
Bravo !
You might surprise yourself ( and others ) with your ability to deal with red-tape details about wills , inheritances , estates , taxes , debt and insurance matters .
Suddenly , you ’ re like a hot knife cutting through butter !
People will admire your ability to do this — and so will you .
( Your bathroom mirror is covered in kisses . )
Today is a good time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wind for a while .
In fact , a partner or close friend might surprise you with their suggestions or their willingness to go along with something .
It ’ s also possible that a friend will have an interesting , creative idea !
This will be a productive day at work for you because you are full of innovative ideas , which will allow you to wrap up or finish something .
You might see a new way to deal with something .
Furthermore , because you are high visibility now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excellent timing !
You might surprise yourself and others with your inspired , creative ideas today .
Your imagination is in overdrive .
Meanwhile , surprise invitations might come your way .
( Admittedly , social plans could change . )
Parents should be vigilant because this is an accident-prone day for your kids .
A family member might surprise you today , but hopefully , in a delightful way .
You might want to spontaneously entertain at home .
Your urge to socialize is strong .
Not only do you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arts and sports .
“ Let ’ s have fun !
” Today is definitely your turn to have original , clever ideas !
This could be because you are inspired by meeting new faces and seeing new places ?
Whatever the source , this is an exciting day because you feel stimulated by life !
Keep an eye in your money today .
You might find money or you might lose money .
However , you might also have some excellent , original , money-making ideas .
You might see how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s advantage .
( They will love you . )
Today the moon is in your sign dancing with wild , wacky Uranus .
This makes you feel alive and electric .
You feel ambitious , independent and up for anything !
In particular , your psychic abilities are highly tuned !
Go do that voodoo that you do so well !
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Tom Hanks ( 1956 ) shares your birthday .
You are a kind-hearted , caring individual .
You will always help someone if you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relaxed for you .
Do your best to cooperate because your interactions with others will be important .
Always look for ways to be kind and helpful .
If you are open when engaging with others , your business and personal relationships will benefit you .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Pisces.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Although Mercury retrograde has some frustrating drawbacks because of confused communications and transportation delays, it can also work miracles in wrapping up old business and finishing what was already on your plate. Today you might see this happy aspect in action.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Someone might surprise you today or you might meet someone who is a real character. Whatever happens could ultimately encourage you to do something or finish something or see an existing situation with new eyes. It’s refreshing to be inspired this way!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Today you can impress bosses, parents and people in authority with your ability to wrap up a project that has been ongoing. You might also have some fabulous creative ideas that someone likes. This is the day to run something up the flagpole to see if anyone salutes!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You are a tenacious sign. You don’t give up. You hold on. In fact, you hold on to a lot of things, including people. Today you will see how your ability to be tenacious has paid off. You might be able to follow through on something in a perfect way to get the results you want. Bravo!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You might surprise yourself (and others) with your ability to deal with red-tape details about wills, inheritances, estates, taxes, debt and insurance matters. Suddenly, you’re like a hot knife cutting through butter! People will admire your ability to do this — and so will you. (Your bathroom mirror is covered in kisses.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Today is a good time to resolve something that has been hanging in the wind for a while. In fact, a partner or close friend might surprise you with their suggestions or their willingness to go along with something. It’s also possible that a friend will have an interesting, creative idea!
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This will be a productive day at work for you because you are full of innovative ideas, which will allow you to wrap up or finish something. You might see a new way to deal with something. Furthermore, because you are high visibility now and bosses admire you. This is excellent timing!
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You might surprise yourself and others with your inspired, creative ideas today. Your imagination is in overdrive. Meanwhile, surprise invitations might come your way. (Admittedly, social plans could change.) Parents should be vigilant because this is an accident-prone day for your kids.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
A family member might surprise you today, but hopefully, in a delightful way. You might want to spontaneously entertain at home. Your urge to socialize is strong. Not only do you want to socialize, you also want to explore the arts and sports. “Let’s have fun!”
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today is definitely your turn to have original, clever ideas! This could be because you are inspired by meeting new faces and seeing new places? Whatever the source, this is an exciting day because you feel stimulated by life!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Keep an eye in your money today. You might find money or you might lose money. However, you might also have some excellent, original, money-making ideas. You might see how to wrap up something to everyone’s advantage. (They will love you.)
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today the moon is in your sign dancing with wild, wacky Uranus. This makes you feel alive and electric. You feel ambitious, independent and up for anything! In particular, your psychic abilities are highly tuned! Go do that voodoo that you do so well!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Tom Hanks (1956) shares your birthday. You are a kind-hearted, caring individual. You will always help someone if you can. This year will be a more relaxed for you. Do your best to cooperate because your interactions with others will be important. Always look for ways to be kind and helpful. If you are open when engaging with others, your business and personal relationships will benefit you.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-08--Man, 80, reported missing from Glenview located

Mary Trump says uncle Donald may have ‘ undiagnosed learning disability ’ in new book The president cheated to get @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Wharton School , she alleges , with someone taking his SATs for him @

Pvt. Travis King entered the North while on a civilian tour of a Korean border village July 18, becoming the first American detained in the North in nearly five years.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-09--Suburbanite charged with murdering man who tried to stop him from looting West Side store

A north suburban man allegedly shot three people who tried to stop him from looting a West Side liquor store as civil unrest unfolded across the city in the wake of protests against the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd .
The alleged May 31 attack left 27-year-old Tommie Gatewood dead .
Now , North Chicago resident Andrew Sneed , 36 , faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm , Chicago police announced Thursday .
Gatewood and several other people in the Austin neighborhood saw Sneed about 6:30 p.m. sizing up the store in the 5100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan said at a news conference .
Hundreds of other businesses across the Chicago area were smashed and plundered that day .
“ Several community members confronted [ Sneed ] , and they basically told him to leave the store alone and just kind of go away , just leave the store alone , because the community members knew what this guy was trying to do , ” Deenihan said .
Sneed couldn ’ t figure out a way into the “ buttoned up ” store anyway , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after , a fire was set in a second-floor unit above the shop .
Firefighters came , forced their way into the liquor store on the first floor to extinguish it , and then left , leaving the store vulnerable to Sneed , who was allegedly back within two hours to loot it , Deenihan said .
Sneed allegedly saw Gatewood and the others who had tried to thwart his looting earlier , and he allegedly walked across the street and shot three of them , Deenihan said .
Gatewood , a Fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
An 18-year-old woman shot three times in the leg and a 21-year-old man shot in the foot were each hospitalized in fair condition .
Deenihan called them “ good community members who were trying to do the right thing.
” Surveillance video and eyewitnesses led investigators to Sneed , who was arrested Wednesday morning in North Chicago by the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force .
He ’ s due in bond court Friday .
Sneed is not charged with the arson .
Authorities are seeking tips from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during that week of unrest .

A north suburban man allegedly shot three people who tried to stop him from looting a West Side liquor store as civil unrest unfolded across the city in the wake of protests against the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd.
The alleged May 31 attack left 27-year-old Tommie Gatewood dead. Now, North Chicago resident Andrew Sneed, 36, faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm, Chicago police announced Thursday.
Gatewood and several other people in the Austin neighborhood saw Sneed about 6:30 p.m. sizing up the store in the 5100 block of West Madison, Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan said at a news conference. Hundreds of other businesses across the Chicago area were smashed and plundered that day.
“Several community members confronted [Sneed], and they basically told him to leave the store alone and just kind of go away, just leave the store alone, because the community members knew what this guy was trying to do,” Deenihan said.
Andrew Sneed Chicago police
Sneed couldn’t figure out a way into the “buttoned up” store anyway, so he left, Deenihan said.
Soon after, a fire was set in a second-floor unit above the shop. Firefighters came, forced their way into the liquor store on the first floor to extinguish it, and then left, leaving the store vulnerable to Sneed, who was allegedly back within two hours to loot it, Deenihan said.
Sneed allegedly saw Gatewood and the others who had tried to thwart his looting earlier, and he allegedly walked across the street and shot three of them, Deenihan said.
Gatewood, a Fifth City resident, died at Stroger Hospital, authorities said. An 18-year-old woman shot three times in the leg and a 21-year-old man shot in the foot were each hospitalized in fair condition. Deenihan called them “good community members who were trying to do the right thing.”
Surveillance video and eyewitnesses led investigators to Sneed, who was arrested Wednesday morning in North Chicago by the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. He’s due in bond court Friday.
Sneed is not charged with the arson. Authorities are seeking tips from the public on dozens of arsons that occurred during that week of unrest.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-09--Fake fans are chanting his name at Wrigley, but will Javy Baez be the Cubs’ top priority?

Fake news !
Sorry , meant to say fake noise .
Or , to put it a different way , the Cubs are busy spewing alternative yaks .
Like a lot of other teams around the major leagues , the Cubs have people working hard at their home ballpark on how to create — with no fans in the seats — something vaguely resembling a normal game-day environment .
The routine sound of a buzzing crowd is being piped over the public-address system during intrasquad scrimmages .
Walk-up songs are playing .
The huge videoboard in left field has come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ functions .
And then there ’ s the sound that reminds us there ’ s one player on this team of well-known names whose boundless talent just might set him apart from everybody else .
He ’ s the one whose name the pretend crowd has been chanting .
‘ ‘ It was kind of funny to me , ’ ’ shortstop Javy Baez said .
‘ ‘ You know , the sound was kind of weird to be playing with , but , you know , we ’ re obviously used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd .
So , as long as it ’ s similar , we ’ re OK with it .
But we need something that doesn ’ t bother us.
’ ’ Imagine being so good that you can quibble with the sound of your name being chanted .
Baez , a 27-year-old two-time-All-Star , met Thursday with reporters , via video conference , for the first time since spring training was shut down in Arizona in March .
He discussed how he stayed ready for the restart , how he ’ s handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the field and how much starting a season in the blistering heat suits him .
He also addressed what happens after 2021 , the final season Baez will be under team control .
Will the Cubs do what it takes to hold on to one of the most dynamic players in the sport and find out just how far he can take what to this point has been continuous improvement ?
General manager Jed Hoyer said this week it will be difficult for the Cubs to talk dollars and cents with third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else at such a complicated moment — and with so much economic uncertainty — in baseball .
‘ ‘ Obviously , everybody wants to get paid , ’ ’ Baez said .
‘ ‘ But we ’ ve got to wait for the right time .
Both sides are going to see and going to know what ’ s right for each other .
I ’ m not in a rush .
I ’ m right now worried about getting back to the field and playing regular games and , obviously , trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front , the mercury is rising and Baez , no fan of the cold ( though what baseball player is ? )
, is loving it .
‘ ‘ When we talk about weather , we ’ re talking Spanish with me because I ’ m coming from the hot , ’ ’ he said .
‘ ‘ I obviously like being hot.
’ ’ As far out in front of some other Cubs hitters as Baez has looked so far in camp , it ’ s easy to let the mind wander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 60-game sprint of a regular season .
He came in ready , thanks in part to the regular rounds of live batting practice he took with Twins All-Star Jose Berrios — his brother-in-law — while quarantining in Puerto Rico .
By the way , Baez also donned the tools of ignorance and caught Berrios a time or two .
‘ ‘ It was great , ’ ’ he said .
‘ ‘ I thought it was going to be harder .
It was simple .
Not simple , but catching the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Imagine being so talented that you can crouch behind the plate and make it look like you ’ ve been doing it your whole life .
That ’ s just how unusual Baez is .
This is one guy the Cubs aren ’ t going to be able to keep at arm ’ s length for long without inviting heavy criticism .
‘ ‘ They know me , ’ ’ Baez said .
‘ ‘ I ’ m pretty sure every team knows me .
They all know what I can do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rush .
’ ’

Fake news! Sorry, meant to say fake noise.
Or, to put it a different way, the Cubs are busy spewing alternative yaks.
Like a lot of other teams around the major leagues, the Cubs have people working hard at their home ballpark on how to create — with no fans in the seats — something vaguely resembling a normal game-day environment. The routine sound of a buzzing crowd is being piped over the public-address system during intrasquad scrimmages. Walk-up songs are playing. The huge videoboard in left field has come somewhat alive with a handful of basic functions.
And then there’s the sound that reminds us there’s one player on this team of well-known names whose boundless talent just might set him apart from everybody else.
He’s the one whose name the pretend crowd has been chanting.
‘‘Javy! Javy! Javy!’’
‘‘It was kind of funny to me,’’ shortstop Javy Baez said. ‘‘You know, the sound was kind of weird to be playing with, but, you know, we’re obviously used to the sound of the fans and the crowd. So, as long as it’s similar, we’re OK with it. But we need something that doesn’t bother us.’’
Imagine being so good that you can quibble with the sound of your name being chanted.
Baez, a 27-year-old two-time-All-Star, met Thursday with reporters, via video conference, for the first time since spring training was shut down in Arizona in March. He discussed how he stayed ready for the restart, how he’s handling the demands of health-and-safety protocols on and off the field and how much starting a season in the blistering heat suits him.
He also addressed what happens after 2021, the final season Baez will be under team control. Will the Cubs do what it takes to hold on to one of the most dynamic players in the sport and find out just how far he can take what to this point has been continuous improvement?
General manager Jed Hoyer said this week it will be difficult for the Cubs to talk dollars and cents with third baseman Kris Bryant, Baez or anyone else at such a complicated moment — and with so much economic uncertainty — in baseball.
‘‘Obviously, everybody wants to get paid,’’ Baez said. ‘‘But we’ve got to wait for the right time. Both sides are going to see and going to know what’s right for each other. I’m not in a rush. I’m right now worried about getting back to the field and playing regular games and, obviously, trying to win this season.”
On that front, the mercury is rising and Baez, no fan of the cold (though what baseball player is?), is loving it.
‘‘When we talk about weather, we’re talking Spanish with me because I’m coming from the hot,’’ he said. ‘‘I obviously like being hot.’’
As far out in front of some other Cubs hitters as Baez has looked so far in camp, it’s easy to let the mind wander to how hot he could get in a 60-game sprint of a regular season. He came in ready, thanks in part to the regular rounds of live batting practice he took with Twins All-Star Jose Berrios — his brother-in-law — while quarantining in Puerto Rico.
By the way, Baez also donned the tools of ignorance and caught Berrios a time or two.
‘‘It was great,’’ he said. ‘‘I thought it was going to be harder. It was simple. Not simple, but catching the ball wasn’t that hard.’’
Imagine being so talented that you can crouch behind the plate and make it look like you’ve been doing it your whole life.
That’s just how unusual Baez is. This is one guy the Cubs aren’t going to be able to keep at arm’s length for long without inviting heavy criticism.
‘‘They know me,’’ Baez said. ‘‘I’m pretty sure every team knows me. They all know what I can do. So I’m not in a rush.’’


chicagosun-times--2020-07-09--Video gambling kingpin Rick Heidner ‘not a target’ of federal investigation

Federal investigators might have been interested in Rick Heidner ’ s ties to a crooked ex-state senator , but the video gambling kingpin is not in the crosshairs of the feds himself .
But that could change , the area ’ s top fed says .
Ten months after FBI agents went looking through ex-state Sen. Martin Sandoval ’ s offices for documents related to dozens of people and businesses including Heidner ’ s lucrative Gold Rush Amusements slot machine firm , Chicago ’ s top federal prosecutor sent a letter assuring Heidner ’ s attorneys that the beleaguered entrepreneur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sweeping public corruption investigation that has ensnared some of Illinois biggest political heavyweights .
“ In the context of a criminal investigation , a ‘ target ’ is a person who is linked by substantial evidence to the commission of a crime and who , in the prosecutor ’ s judgment , is likely to be charged , ” U.S. Attorney John Lausch wrote in a June 26 letter , provided by Heidner ’ s team and first reported by WTTW .
“ At this time , your client is not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this representation is based on the information known to this office as of the date of this letter and could change , ” Lausch wrote .
When authorities raided Sandoval ’ s offices in September 2019 , Heidner had been poised to launch an ambitious new horse racing track and casino project in southwest suburban Tinley Park .
But when Heidner ’ s name surfaced in search warrants released publicly a month later , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker pulled the plug on Heidner ’ s “ racino , ” refusing to sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key part of the Democratic governor ’ s massive state gambling expansion .
Sandoval has since pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from a red-light camera company , in return for blocking legislation that would ’ ve put the brakes on its business .
And Heidner , whose slots sit in more than 500 bars , restaurants and lounges across the state , has never been accused of any wrongdoing .
“ A media spotlight has been on Mr. Heidner and Gold Rush Amusements since October 2019 when their names appeared in conjunction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inaccurate speculation about Mr. Heidner , ” his spokesman said in an email .
“ Mr .
Heidner is confident that he and Gold Rush have acted properly and he will continue to take appropriate action to restore his reputation against the false and misleading narrative that has been advanced publicly since last year.
” Even out from under the federal microscope , Heidner is entrenched in a lengthy legal fight to keep his multi-million-dollar business alive .
The Illinois Gaming Board filed a disciplinary action against Heidner in December seeking to revoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 5 million “ illegal inducement ” to the owner of a gambling parlor chain that planned to remove Heidner ’ s machines .
Heidner ’ s team has said it ’ s all part of a “ smear campaign ” orchestrated by a competitor with whom he ’ s also wrangling in civil court .
The feud with the regulatory agency was ratcheted up in February , when Heidner sued the Gaming Board for allegedly leaking loads of his sensitive personal information to three government agencies in violation of state privacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deemed it “ an isolated incident involving one employee who acted alone and outside the scope of their duties.
” On top of that , like all other gaming operators in Illinois , Heidner lost more than three months of business due to the COVID-19 shutdown .
With Heidner ’ s machines turned off from March 16 through July 1 , records show Heidner secured a federal PPP loan of between $ 1 million and $ 2 million to keep his Hoffman Estates business afloat .
The Gold Rush application indicated the loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retain 120 jobs .

Federal investigators might have been interested in Rick Heidner’s ties to a crooked ex-state senator, but the video gambling kingpin is not in the crosshairs of the feds himself.
But that could change, the area’s top fed says.
Ten months after FBI agents went looking through ex-state Sen. Martin Sandoval’s offices for documents related to dozens of people and businesses including Heidner’s lucrative Gold Rush Amusements slot machine firm, Chicago’s top federal prosecutor sent a letter assuring Heidner’s attorneys that the beleaguered entrepreneur “is not a target” of a sweeping public corruption investigation that has ensnared some of Illinois biggest political heavyweights.
“In the context of a criminal investigation, a ‘target’ is a person who is linked by substantial evidence to the commission of a crime and who, in the prosecutor’s judgment, is likely to be charged,” U.S. Attorney John Lausch wrote in a June 26 letter, provided by Heidner’s team and first reported by WTTW.
U.S Attorney John Lausch Sun-Times file
“At this time, your client is not a target of this investigation. Of course, this representation is based on the information known to this office as of the date of this letter and could change,” Lausch wrote.
It’s unusual for top prosecutors to write letters such as the one Lausch sent.
When authorities raided Sandoval’s offices in September 2019, Heidner had been poised to launch an ambitious new horse racing track and casino project in southwest suburban Tinley Park.
But when Heidner’s name surfaced in search warrants released publicly a month later, Gov. J.B. Pritzker pulled the plug on Heidner’s “racino,” refusing to sell state land for the project that represented a key part of the Democratic governor’s massive state gambling expansion.
Sandoval has since pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from a red-light camera company, in return for blocking legislation that would’ve put the brakes on its business.
And Heidner, whose slots sit in more than 500 bars, restaurants and lounges across the state, has never been accused of any wrongdoing.
“A media spotlight has been on Mr. Heidner and Gold Rush Amusements since October 2019 when their names appeared in conjunction with government search warrants that resulted in inaccurate speculation about Mr. Heidner,” his spokesman said in an email. “Mr. Heidner is confident that he and Gold Rush have acted properly and he will continue to take appropriate action to restore his reputation against the false and misleading narrative that has been advanced publicly since last year.”
Even out from under the federal microscope, Heidner is entrenched in a lengthy legal fight to keep his multi-million-dollar business alive.
The Illinois Gaming Board filed a disciplinary action against Heidner in December seeking to revoke his gambling license for allegedly offering up a $5 million “illegal inducement” to the owner of a gambling parlor chain that planned to remove Heidner’s machines. Heidner’s team has said it’s all part of a “smear campaign” orchestrated by a competitor with whom he’s also wrangling in civil court.
The feud with the regulatory agency was ratcheted up in February, when Heidner sued the Gaming Board for allegedly leaking loads of his sensitive personal information to three government agencies in violation of state privacy laws. Gaming Board administrator Marcus Fruchter deemed it “an isolated incident involving one employee who acted alone and outside the scope of their duties.”
On top of that, like all other gaming operators in Illinois, Heidner lost more than three months of business due to the COVID-19 shutdown.
With Heidner’s machines turned off from March 16 through July 1, records show Heidner secured a federal PPP loan to keep his Hoffman Estates business afloat. His spokesman said Heidner received just under $1 million. The Gold Rush application indicated the loan through Parkway Bank and Trust Company helped retain 120 jobs.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-09--A new road map for Chicago proposes great destinations — but how do we get there?

When Chicago thinks big , it ’ s almost always in pursuit of an architectural feat or a triumph in urban planning .
So we ’ re happy to see Mayor Lori Lightfoot is reaching beyond some sort of expensive grand project as a way to spark a much-needed recovery from the city ’ s legion of COVID-19-related setbacks and the civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd .
But Lightfoot ’ s proposed path toward rebound , as outlined in a mayoral task force report released on Thursday , “ Forward Together , Building a Stronger Chicago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustratingly lacking in particulars such as timetables and costs .
The report has a good soul .
And that ’ s no small matter if it becomes a real working guide to Chicago ’ s future .
It ’ s a document worthy of respect , not a place on a back shelf .
The mayor ’ s plan envisions a city revival brought about by improving the social , economic and cultural landscape , with a particular focus on improving Black and Latino communities , which have been hardest hit by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document , COVID-19 Recovery Task Force chairman Sam Skinner called the report “ the best I ’ ve ever seen ” and a “ roadmap.
” But you could get lost with a map like this , which reads more like a set of great destinations .
Exactly how we get there , when we get there , and at what cost — especially given the city ’ s massive financial challenges even before the pandemic hit — that ’ s anybody ’ s guess .
The plan is admirable , wide-ranging—and frustratingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timetable and costs .
The 105-page report lays out 17 objectives .
A number of them seek to address needs borne out of the current crisis , such as a call for subsidized child care , a ‘ 211 ’ phone line dedicated to mental health emergencies , and holding a youth summit informed by the recent protests and civil disturbances after Floyd ’ s death .
The report also calls for significantly improved access to mental and emotional health facilities , but — again — it neglects to say how this could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city mental health clinics closed in 2012 by her predecessor — as she promised during her campaign ?
The report is characteristically mum on that .
The report calls for rebuilding Chicago ’ s health care system , but the city had better hurry .
Four long-struggling South Side hospitals are in peril right now thanks to state lawmakers who blocked a planned merger two months ago .
One of the four , Mercy Hospital & Medical Center , told state officials last fall that it could close by the end of 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks began .
More aspirational than operational , the report has the feel of a “ to do ” list rather than an action plan .
It ’ s an expression of values and priorities — laudable ones — but bereft of specific marching orders .
And though COVID-19 and the recent urban unrest are cited as pretexts for the report , some recommendations significantly predate — or have no direct connection — to the current troubles of our day .
For instance , “ expanding the region ’ s transportation , distribution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the localization of supply chains ” is a potentially rich source of shipping-related jobs , but businesspeople have been clamoring for that for years .
And passages in the report smack of hackneyed corporate feel-good talk , such as a call to revive the city ’ s pandemic-stricken convention and tourism industry by showing “ the world Chicago is open for business.
” Along those lines , the report also calls for introducing “ Chicago ’ s master brand.
” Do you know what that means ?
We can understand why previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their hats on large built projects .
You get a budget , a set beginning and an end date .
Lightfoot , though , is envisioning something conceptually more socially meaningful than a rebuilt Loop or a fancy urban park .
She ’ s been mayor for little more than a year , but she ’ s got her sites set on systemic changes that Chicago has needed for decades .
This is a plan steeped in values of racial , economic and neighborhood equity .
“ If we do this right — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure we do — this will be the kind of transformation that generations from now , we ’ ll be talking about as the second Chicago renaissance , ” Lightfoot said in announcing the report ’ s release .
If that ’ s the case , given the gravity of it all , we think this report could have stood more time in the oven .
The task force ’ s work began only in April , and the result feels rushed and incomplete , with woefully too little detail .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in the oven .

When Chicago thinks big, it’s almost always in pursuit of an architectural feat or a triumph in urban planning.
So we’re happy to see Mayor Lori Lightfoot is reaching beyond some sort of expensive grand project as a way to spark a much-needed recovery from the city’s legion of COVID-19-related setbacks and the civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd.
But Lightfoot’s proposed path toward rebound, as outlined in a mayoral task force report released on Thursday, “Forward Together, Building a Stronger Chicago,” is admirable, wide-ranging — and frustratingly lacking in particulars such as timetables and costs.
Editorials bug Editorials
The report has a good soul. And that’s no small matter if it becomes a real working guide to Chicago’s future. It’s a document worthy of respect, not a place on a back shelf.
The mayor’s plan envisions a city revival brought about by improving the social, economic and cultural landscape, with a particular focus on improving Black and Latino communities, which have been hardest hit by the pandemic. In an event announcing the document, COVID-19 Recovery Task Force chairman Sam Skinner called the report “the best I’ve ever seen” and a “roadmap.”
But you could get lost with a map like this, which reads more like a set of great destinations.
Exactly how we get there, when we get there, and at what cost — especially given the city’s massive financial challenges even before the pandemic hit — that’s anybody’s guess.
The plan is admirable, wide-ranging—and frustratingly lacking in any real particulars such the timetable and costs.
A to-do list, not an action plan
The 105-page report lays out 17 objectives. A number of them seek to address needs borne out of the current crisis, such as a call for subsidized child care, a ‘211’ phone line dedicated to mental health emergencies, and holding a youth summit informed by the recent protests and civil disturbances after Floyd’s death.
The report also calls for significantly improved access to mental and emotional health facilities, but — again — it neglects to say how this could happen. Will Lightfoot reopen the six city mental health clinics closed in 2012 by her predecessor — as she promised during her campaign? The report is characteristically mum on that.
The report calls for rebuilding Chicago’s health care system, but the city had better hurry. Four long-struggling South Side hospitals are in peril right now thanks to state lawmakers who blocked a planned merger two months ago. One of the four, Mercy Hospital & Medical Center, told state officials last fall that it could close by the end of 2019; it held off only when merger talks began.
More aspirational than operational, the report has the feel of a “to do” list rather than an action plan. It’s an expression of values and priorities — laudable ones — but bereft of specific marching orders.
And though COVID-19 and the recent urban unrest are cited as pretexts for the report, some recommendations significantly predate — or have no direct connection — to the current troubles of our day.
For instance, “expanding the region’s transportation, distribution and logistics sector by leveraging new trends in the localization of supply chains” is a potentially rich source of shipping-related jobs, but businesspeople have been clamoring for that for years.
And passages in the report smack of hackneyed corporate feel-good talk, such as a call to revive the city’s pandemic-stricken convention and tourism industry by showing “the world Chicago is open for business.”
How?
Along those lines, the report also calls for introducing “Chicago’s master brand.”
Do you know what that means?
We don’t, either.
City deserves better
We can understand why previous Chicago mayors and civic leaders have hung their hats on large built projects. You get a budget, a set beginning and an end date.
Lightfoot, though, is envisioning something conceptually more socially meaningful than a rebuilt Loop or a fancy urban park. She’s been mayor for little more than a year, but she’s got her sites set on systemic changes that Chicago has needed for decades. This is a plan steeped in values of racial, economic and neighborhood equity.
“If we do this right — and I’m committed to making sure we do — this will be the kind of transformation that generations from now, we’ll be talking about as the second Chicago renaissance,” Lightfoot said in announcing the report’s release.
If that’s the case, given the gravity of it all, we think this report could have stood more time in the oven. The task force’s work began only in April, and the result feels rushed and incomplete, with woefully too little detail.
It’s not too late to pop it back in the oven.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-09--2 Chicago cops hurt in Park Manor crash

2 Chicago cops hurt in Park Manor crash

A crash Thursday in Park Manor left two Chicago police officers hurt on the South Side .
They were northbound @ @ @ @ @ about 4:30 p.m. in the 7300 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue when they were @ @ @ @ @ east on 73rd Street , Chicago police said .
The officers lost control of their @ @ @ @ @ pole on the street , police said .
Both officers suffered minor injuries and were @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Medical Center , where they were stabilized .
The 32-year-old man driving the other @ @ @ @ @ police said .
He was issued citations for driving on a revoked license and failure @ @ @ @ @ , three officers were hospitalized after a crash in West Pullman that killed a 33-year-old @ @ @ @ @ motorized scooter .

A crash Thursday in Park Manor left two Chicago police officers hurt on the South Side.
They were northbound in a marked squad car about 4:30 p.m. in the 7300 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue when they were struck by a vehicle traveling east on 73rd Street, Chicago police said.
The officers lost control of their car and struck a light pole on the street, police said. Both officers suffered minor injuries and were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where they were stabilized.
The 32-year-old man driving the other vehicle refused medical attention, police said. He was issued citations for driving on a revoked license and failure to yield.
On Wednesday, three officers were hospitalized after a crash in West Pullman that killed a 33-year-old man who was riding a motorized scooter.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-09--‘Boystown’ nickname for North Side neighborhood sparks dueling online petitions

An online petition battle is brewing over whether to stop using the nickname “ Boystown ” for Chicago ’ s eastern Lake View neighborhood .
It started two weeks ago , with Devlyn Camp ’ s petition to stop using the nickname because , according to the petition , it ’ s “ one form of bigotry [ that ] perpetuates others.
” The petition , which reached its goal of 1,000 signatures by Thursday evening , argues that the nickname started as “ a joke ” but now is “ a marketing tool used by the Northalsted Business Alliance.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the business alliance , which organizes LGBTQ events such as Pride Fest , uses the nickname to appeal to gay men in a way that excludes lesbian , nonbinary , transgender and intersex people .
“ I ’ ve seen lesbian friends told in gay bars , ‘ Why are you here , this our neighborhood ” by gay men , and this is because we have signs in our street [ that say Boystown ] ” said Camp .
“ The ‘ Boystown ’ signs lead people to assume the neighborhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And so “ even though [ the name change is ] a symbolic change , it represents a lot of other issues that we need to address , ” said Camp , adding that includes racism and transphobia from North Halsted businesses .
A competing “ Keep Boystown !
” petition started Wednesday declared the name is “ not meant to be sexist or racist.
” It had 75 signatures by Thursday evening , with a goal of 100 .
Brad Balof , a board member of the Northalsted Business Alliance , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea of coming up with a name that is more inclusive , ” though he can ’ t speak for the entire board , which is all male .
The most challenging part , according to Balof , will be picking a new name that “ honors the LGBTQ history of the neighborhood as well as expands its inclusivity.
” Balof also noted the name “ Boystown ” has spread not just through the city , but internationally due to tourism , meaning that even if the business alliance refrained from using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone to change is going to be a much bigger endeavor.
” Still , Balof has talked to people on the street and seen online posts that indicate many in the North Halsted community are amenable to the change .

An online petition battle is brewing over whether to stop using the nickname “Boystown” for Chicago’s eastern Lake View neighborhood.
It started two weeks ago, with Devlyn Camp’s petition to stop using the nickname because, according to the petition, it’s “one form of bigotry [that] perpetuates others.”
That petition, which reached its goal of getting 1,000 signatures by Thursday evening of this week, argues that the nickname started as “a joke” but now is “a marketing tool used by the Northalsted Business Alliance.”
LGBTQ activists Camp and Jen Freitag say the business alliance, which organizes LGBTQ events such as Pride Fest, uses the nickname to appeal to gay men in a way that excludes lesbian, nonbinary, transgender and intersex people.
“I’ve seen lesbian friends told in gay bars, ‘Why are you here, this our neighborhood’ by gay men, and this is because we have signs in our street” that say Boystown, said Camp. “The ‘Boystown’ signs lead people to assume the neighborhood is set up for the boys.”
And so “even though [the name change is] a symbolic change, it represents a lot of other issues that we need to address,” said Camp, adding that includes racism and transphobia from North Halsted businesses.
A competing “Keep Boystown!” petition started Wednesday declared the name is “not meant to be sexist or racist.” It had 75 signatures by Thursday evening, with a goal of 100.
Brad Balof, a board member of the Northalsted Business Alliance, said he’s “excited to explore the idea of coming up with a name that is more inclusive,” though he can’t speak for the entire board.
The most challenging part, according to Balof, will be picking a new name that “honors the LGBTQ history of the neighborhood as well as expands its inclusivity.” Balof also noted the name “Boystown” has spread not just through the city, but internationally due to tourism, meaning that even if the business alliance refrained from using the name in advertising, getting “everyone to change is going to be a much bigger endeavor.”
Still, Balof has talked to people on the street and seen online posts that indicate many in the North Halsted community are amenable to the change.