chicagosun-times--2020-06-17--Lightfoot reaffirms opposition to removing police officers from Chicago Public Schools

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday reaffirmed her opposition to yanking Chicago police officers out of all Chicago Public Schools , but said she played no role in shunting an ordinance doing just that off to the Rules Committee , the traditional burial ground for legislation the mayor opposes .
That ’ s what happened at Wednesday ’ s City Council meeting to the measure introduced by Ald .
Roderick Sawyer ( 6th ) fueled by the nationwide movement to defund police departments .
Sawyer wanted his ordinance sent to the Committee on Public Safety .
But its chairman , Ald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former CPD officer , asked that the ordinance , which would terminate the $ 33 million contract between CPS and the Chicago Police Department , be sent to the Education Committee .
Whenever two committees are called , the matter is referred to the Rules Committee .
Ald .
Jason Ervin ( 28th ) questioned if it would be referred to a joint committee , Lightfoot said no and affirmed it was going to the Rules Committee .
Afterward , a reporter asked Lightfoot if she had anything to do with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ` no ’ .
We had no hand in that .
I think that matters of public interest should see the light of day and there should be a vote , ” she said .
Thanks to reforms negotiated a year ago , Lightfoot said local school councils “ now have the option to determine for themselves whether or not they want any CPD presence in their schools.
” She added : “ That , in my view , is where it should stay .
... LSC ’ s are … elected members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stakeholders in schools .
They ’ re in a very good position to make the determination as to whether or not that ’ s something that they want .
If they choose to revisit it , then they absolutely can.
” Lightfoot stood her ground when asked why the City Council can ’ t just cancel the contract .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s appropriate for me or anyone in the City Council to usurp the authority of the duly-elected local school councils .
I ’ ve heard from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councils who are offended by the notion that their wishes and views are simply being ignored , ” she said .
Several major cities have responded to the demonstrations triggered by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis by yanking police officers out of public schools .
In Chicago , Sawyer and co-sponsor Ald .
Jeanette Taylor ( 20th ) want to divert the $ 33 million spent on cops in schools toward mental health , social workers , conflict resolution and other emotional supports for student .
At a news conference outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reed , a junior at Mather High School in West Ridge , said having police presence in schools means students are labeled as potential criminals right off the bat .
“ One thing I ’ m here to say is I ’ m proud to be a Black young man , ” Caleb said .
“ It ’ s not a good feeling to be labeled as dangerous or criminals .
Because we ’ re not .
... No Black person should ever feel like this .
”

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday reaffirmed her opposition to yanking Chicago police officers out of all Chicago Public Schools but said she played no role in shunting an ordinance doing just that off to the Rules Committee, the traditional burial ground for legislation the mayor opposes.
That’s what happened at Wednesday’s City Council meeting to the measure introduced by Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th) fueled by the nationwide movement to defund police departments.
Sawyer wanted his ordinance sent to the Committee on Public Safety. But its chairman, Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th), a former CPD officer, asked that the ordinance, which would terminate the $33 million contract between CPS and the Chicago Police Department, be sent to the Education Committee.
Whenever two committees are called, the matter is referred to the Rules Committee.
Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) questioned if it would be referred to a joint committee. Lightfoot said no and affirmed it was going to the Rules Committee.
“Let’s move on,” she said.
Afterward, a reporter asked Lightfoot if she had anything to do with that parliamentary maneuver.
“The answer is ‘no’. We had no hand in that. I think that matters of public interest should see the light of day and there should be a vote,” she said.
Thanks to reforms negotiated a year ago, Lightfoot said local school councils “now have the option to determine for themselves whether or not they want any CPD presence in their schools.”
She added: “That, in my view, is where it should stay. ... LSCs are … elected members. They’re parents and other stakeholders in schools. They’re in a very good position to make the determination as to whether or not that’s something that they want. If they choose to revisit it, then they absolutely can.”
Lightfoot stood her ground when asked why the City Council can’t just cancel the contract.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate for me or anyone in the City Council to usurp the authority of the duly-elected local school councils. I’ve heard from a number of members of local school councils who are offended by the notion that their wishes and views are simply being ignored,” she said.
Several major cities have responded to the demonstrations triggered by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis by yanking police officers out of public schools.
In Chicago, Sawyer and co-sponsor Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) want to divert the $33 million spent on cops in schools toward mental health, social workers, conflict resolution and other emotional supports for student.
At a news conference outside City Hall earlier this week, Caleb Reed, a junior at Mather High School in West Ridge, said having police presence in schools means students are labeled as potential criminals right off the bat.
“One thing I’m here to say is I’m proud to be a Black young man,” Caleb said. “It’s not a good feeling to be labeled as dangerous or criminals. Because we’re not. ... No Black person should ever feel like this.”
Contributing: Nader Issa


chicagosun-times--2020-06-17--Chicago traffic-light maintenance, management are lacking, watchdog finds

Chicago has no plan in place to effectively manage and maintain traffic lights at the city ’ s more than 2,800 intersections with signals , a weakness in oversight that can contribute to more crashes , congestion and air pollution , the city ’ s top watchdog says .
The city also falls woefully short of staffing engineers and technicians who can help improve the flow of traffic and make the streets safer , a new report from Inspector General Joe Ferguson found .
Following the findings , the Chicago Department of Transportation will develop a plan , a city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report asserts that a cohesive plan to maintain and retime traffic signals can save lives , reduce traffic jams and cut down on pollution .
“ Rather than proactively maintaining and retiming traffic signals , [ the city ] conducts most of its work in response to 311 complaints , aldermanic requests and major construction projects , ” the report concluded .
“ This approach to maintenance limits [ Chicago ’ s ] ability to address problems before they become hazardous or unnecessarily expensive to repair.
” What ’ s more , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel to cut down on traffic fatalities and injuries , promote bicycling and improve transportation in general , Ferguson ’ s report said .
“ There isn ’ t a plan in place that sets goals related to safety , congestion , air pollution and that also considers equity factors and overall mobility factors , ” Ferguson said in an interview .
“ What we found almost immediately is we don ’ t have standards to measure against because the city doesn ’ t have any standards or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to budget issues that hold back the city ’ s progress modernizing the way it controls traffic .
According to the report , the Chicago Department of Transportation installed technology at 283 intersections that both allows the city from a control center to track operation of the signals and gather traffic flow data .
The monitoring equipment will eventually allow traffic engineers to change signal timing remotely and helps technicians sort out problems with malfunctioning lights when they are responding to complaints , the report said .
By the end of this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring technology to another 229 intersections , but , according to Chicago transportation officials , “ due to cost , the city will not add this technology to all signals for several decades , ” the report said .
A department policy put in place last year requires that all new signals will have remote connectivity , spokesman Michael Claffey said .
Also , Chicago is understaffed in this area of operating traffic lights , according to Ferguson ’ s report .
The city has four traffic signal engineers while federal recommendations say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Also , Chicago has 27 traffic signal technicians , compared with a federal recommendation of 71 .
While he said he understands the budget constraints , Ferguson added that the city can not begin to address the issues unless it puts a plan in place “ that connects with broader goals ” of Chicago .
Brett Chase ’ s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust .

Chicago has no plan in place to effectively manage and maintain traffic lights at the city’s more than 2,800 intersections with signals, a weakness in oversight that can contribute to more crashes, congestion and air pollution, the city’s top watchdog says.
The city also falls woefully short of staffing engineers and technicians who can help improve the flow of traffic and make the streets safer, a new report from Inspector General Joe Ferguson found.
Following the findings, the Chicago Department of Transportation will develop a plan, a city spokesman confirmed Wednesday. Ferguson’s report asserts that a cohesive plan to maintain and retime traffic signals can save lives, reduce traffic jams and cut down on pollution.
“Rather than proactively maintaining and retiming traffic signals, [the city] conducts most of its work in response to 311 complaints, aldermanic requests and major construction projects,” the report concluded. “This approach to maintenance limits [Chicago’s] ability to address problems before they become hazardous or unnecessarily expensive to repair.”
What’s more, the traffic-light maintenance may impede goals set forth by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel to cut down on traffic fatalities and injuries, promote bicycling and improve transportation in general, Ferguson’s report said.
“There isn’t a plan in place that sets goals related to safety, congestion, air pollution and that also considers equity factors and overall mobility factors,” Ferguson said in an interview. “What we found almost immediately is we don’t have standards to measure against because the city doesn’t have any standards or a plan.”
Parts of the report point to budget issues that hold back the city’s progress modernizing the way it controls traffic.
According to the report, the Chicago Department of Transportation installed technology at 283 intersections that both allows the city from a control center to track operation of the signals and gather traffic flow data. The monitoring equipment will eventually allow traffic engineers to change signal timing remotely and helps technicians sort out problems with malfunctioning lights when they are responding to complaints, the report said.
By the end of this year, the department hopes to add the monitoring technology to another 229 intersections, but, according to Chicago transportation officials, “due to cost, the city will not add this technology to all signals for several decades,” the report said.
A department policy put in place last year requires that all new signals will have remote connectivity, spokesman Michael Claffey said.
Also, Chicago is understaffed in this area of operating traffic lights, according to Ferguson’s report. The city has four traffic signal engineers while federal recommendations say it should have 28, the report said. Also, Chicago has 27 traffic signal technicians, compared with a federal recommendation of 71.
While he said he understands the budget constraints, Ferguson added that the city cannot begin to address the issues unless it puts a plan in place “that connects with broader goals” of Chicago.
Brett Chase’s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--Dear Abby: Why is my wife’s 40-year-old son living in our basement?

DEAR ABBY : My wife and I have been married five months .
Her 40-year-old son lives in our basement .
He has a job , but I have no idea if he pays rent .
If he doesn ’ t , it really doesn ’ t bother me .
What does bother me is that at his age , he should be out on his own by now .
He ’ s trying to pay off school loans , which I understand .
However , he is the one who incurred these bills .
All he had to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had his doctorate .
Instead , he quit school and doesn ’ t plan on going back .
My wife doesn ’ t think she ’ s an enabler , but I disagree .
It ’ s getting very hard for me to put up with this situation .
— UPSET IN COLORADO DEAR UPSET : Much depends upon the reason your wife ’ s son quit school instead of getting that doctorate .
I wish you had mentioned whether he has been living in his mother ’ s house since childhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent .
He may have emotional or mental health issues that need addressing .
Because this is creating friction in your marriage , it may be something you and your wife should talk through with the help of a licensed marriage and family therapist .
DEAR ABBY : I am 30 years old and single .
I met this guy while I was working downtown three or four months ago .
He is almost twice my age .
At first I didn ’ t think of him as more than just a customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his age .
One day last month he told me he had lost his phone during my shift , so I asked him to give me his number so I could call him in case somebody found his phone , which I did .
Later that night he called me asking , “ Who is this ?
” so I told him who I was .
We have been talking ever since and I have been spending every weekend at his house .
I ’ m starting to think I can see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel butterflies in my stomach .
I like how things are between us .
I care about him and maybe want more one day .
What should I do ?
— LIKING AN OLDER MAN DEAR LIKING : What you should do is continue exploring a relationship and find out if he feels the same way you do .
But the two of you should take things slowly and discuss the age difference before making any commitments .
Although his age isn ’ t necessarily a deal-breaker , it is significant .
DEAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much with my husband of 40-plus years ?
In the evening , we ( or I ) watch TV , and he ’ s very agreeable to “ watch ” anything — mostly because he hardly watches at all .
He ’ s playing games on his iPad and glancing at the TV .
He ’ ll ask questions occasionally about the characters or the plotlines , but it ’ s obvious he ’ s not following .
For some reason , I find it disappointing that he ’ s not really watching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s shown an interest in or selected .
Should I just be grateful he ’ s in the same room with me and alive ?
— FEELING SOLO IN CALIFORNIA DEAR FEELING SOLO : Focusing on gratitude that you are together doing things you both enjoy is healthy .
If you don ’ t care for the program he isn ’ t watching , feel free to change the channel to something you prefer .
However , the two of you should make a point of doing something together in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do , it will bring you even closer to each other .
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 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been married five months. Her 40-year-old son lives in our basement. He has a job, but I have no idea if he pays rent. If he doesn’t, it really doesn’t bother me.
What does bother me is that at his age, he should be out on his own by now. He’s trying to pay off school loans, which I understand. However, he is the one who incurred these bills. All he had to do was finish his dissertation and he would have had his doctorate. Instead, he quit school and doesn’t plan on going back.
My wife doesn’t think she’s an enabler, but I disagree. It’s getting very hard for me to put up with this situation. — UPSET IN COLORADO
DEAR UPSET: Much depends upon the reason your wife’s son quit school instead of getting that doctorate. I wish you had mentioned whether he has been living in his mother’s house since childhood, or if this is something relatively recent. He may have emotional or mental health issues that need addressing.
Because this is creating friction in your marriage, it may be something you and your wife should talk through with the help of a licensed marriage and family therapist.
DEAR ABBY: I am 30 years old and single. I met this guy while I was working downtown three or four months ago. He is almost twice my age. At first I didn’t think of him as more than just a customer, but he’s very attractive for his age.
One day last month he told me he had lost his phone during my shift, so I asked him to give me his number so I could call him in case somebody found his phone, which I did. Later that night he called me asking, “Who is this?” so I told him who I was. We have been talking ever since and I have been spending every weekend at his house.
I’m starting to think I can see a future with this guy because I feel butterflies in my stomach. I like how things are between us. I care about him and maybe want more one day. What should I do? — LIKING AN OLDER MAN
DEAR LIKING: What you should do is continue exploring a relationship and find out if he feels the same way you do. But the two of you should take things slowly and discuss the age difference before making any commitments. Although his age isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it is significant.
DEAR ABBY: Am I hoping for too much with my husband of 40-plus years? In the evening, we (or I) watch TV, and he’s very agreeable to “watch” anything — mostly because he hardly watches at all. He’s playing games on his iPad and glancing at the TV. He’ll ask questions occasionally about the characters or the plotlines, but it’s obvious he’s not following.
For some reason, I find it disappointing that he’s not really watching, even if it’s something he’s shown an interest in or selected. Should I just be grateful he’s in the same room with me and alive? — FEELING SOLO IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR FEELING SOLO: Focusing on gratitude that you are together doing things you both enjoy is healthy. If you don’t care for the program he isn’t watching, feel free to change the channel to something you prefer. However, the two of you should make a point of doing something together in which you are both fully engaged because if you do, it will bring you even closer to each other.
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--2020-06-18--Dear Abby: I get good grades and provide for myself, but dad kicks me out

DEAR ABBY : I am 19 and have been kicked out of my house .
I ’ m grateful for everything my parents have done for me .
My dad continues to compare me to my older siblings , although I ’ m the exact opposite of them .
They are not going to college , they barely graduated from high school and continue to abuse alcohol and drugs .
I ’ m in college earning almost all A ’ s .
I graduated from high school with flying colors and have a steady job .
I provide for myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I need ) and pay for car insurance .
I have tried my hardest to be the best daughter and a good influence for my younger siblings .
I have asked my father multiple times during the last year to stop comparing me to my older siblings .
He hasn ’ t .
Our last conversation was a few weeks ago , when he told me to pack my stuff and get out of the house because I was an “ ungrateful daughter ” and “ hoeing around just like my older siblings.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ education and can ’ t understand how he came to that conclusion .
Frankly , I was very hurt he thought that of me .
I ’ m not my siblings ; I am myself , and I ’ m doing the best I can to give myself a successful future .
My father refuses to see that .
What should I do ?
— BEWILDERED DAUGHTER IN TEXAS DEAR DAUGHTER : I don ’ t know what ’ s wrong with your father , but something is .
You appear to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lay the foundation for a successful future .
I applaud you for it .
If it ’ s possible for you to live elsewhere , perhaps with other relatives , and avoid your father ’ s uncalled-for verbal abuse , it might be healthier for you .
Do not expect him to be pleased about it , because no matter how hard you try , you may never be able to please him , so be prepared .
DEAR ABBY : My boyfriend and I have been dating for three years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ religion .
I am a Catholic and he ’ s from another Christian denomination .
I respect all religions and am open-minded .
However , after going to his church three times , I didn ’ t like it at all .
They have many strict rules which , if not obeyed , will result in a person being shunned .
What kind of church does that ?
They compare Catholics to themselves and say everything Catholics do is wrong according to the Bible .
I have never felt so unwelcome in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want me to convert , but I don ’ t want to .
Because of this , his relationship with his parents is being affected .
He plans to quit his church and become an atheist .
I don ’ t know how to feel about this .
It would be hard to convince him to join my church .
We have had many fights over this , and I wonder if we should just break up .
That way we wouldn ’ t have to discuss who is converting or where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me some advice .
— STRESSED IN THE ISLANDS DEAR STRESSED : Considering the stance your boyfriend ’ s family ’ s religion has on marrying out of the faith , I ’ m surprised your relationship has made it this far .
Fighting benefits neither of you .
Talking about this calmly and rationally might bring you closer .
If he quits his church , his family and friends will make every effort to isolate and punish him .
He may have to completely rebuild his social relationships .
If he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than him overreacting by “ becoming an ( instant ) atheist , ” the two of you might like to explore finding a denomination together that fills your needs .
But be prepared for pushback because his parents ( and possibly yours ) are not going to like it .
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 .
Abby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recipes in two booklets : “ Abby ’ s Favorite Recipes ” and “ More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 16 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Cookbooklet Set , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I am 19 and have been kicked out of my house. I’m grateful for everything my parents have done for me. My dad continues to compare me to my older siblings, although I’m the exact opposite of them. They are not going to college, they barely graduated from high school and continue to abuse alcohol and drugs.
I’m in college earning almost all A’s. I graduated from high school with flying colors and have a steady job. I provide for myself (food, gas, buying anything I need) and pay for car insurance. I have tried my hardest to be the best daughter and a good influence for my younger siblings.
I have asked my father multiple times during the last year to stop comparing me to my older siblings. He hasn’t. Our last conversation was a few weeks ago, when he told me to pack my stuff and get out of the house because I was an “ungrateful daughter” and “hoeing around just like my older siblings.”
I have been focusing on my education and can’t understand how he came to that conclusion. Frankly, I was very hurt he thought that of me. I’m not my siblings; I am myself, and I’m doing the best I can to give myself a successful future. My father refuses to see that. What should I do? — BEWILDERED DAUGHTER IN TEXAS
DEAR DAUGHTER: I don’t know what’s wrong with your father, but something is. You appear to be mature and responsible and doing your best to lay the foundation for a successful future. I applaud you for it.
If it’s possible for you to live elsewhere, perhaps with other relatives, and avoid your father’s uncalled-for verbal abuse, it might be healthier for you. Do not expect him to be pleased about it, because no matter how hard you try, you may never be able to please him, so be prepared.
DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been dating for three years. The one issue we argue about is religion. I am a Catholic and he’s from another Christian denomination. I respect all religions and am open-minded.
However, after going to his church three times, I didn’t like it at all. They have many strict rules which, if not obeyed, will result in a person being shunned. What kind of church does that? They compare Catholics to themselves and say everything Catholics do is wrong according to the Bible. I have never felt so unwelcome in my life.
My boyfriend’s parents want me to convert, but I don’t want to. Because of this, his relationship with his parents is being affected. He plans to quit his church and become an atheist. I don’t know how to feel about this. It would be hard to convince him to join my church.
We have had many fights over this, and I wonder if we should just break up. That way we wouldn’t have to discuss who is converting or where we are going to marry. Please give me some advice. — STRESSED IN THE ISLANDS
DEAR STRESSED: Considering the stance your boyfriend’s family’s religion has on marrying out of the faith, I’m surprised your relationship has made it this far. Fighting benefits neither of you. Talking about this calmly and rationally might bring you closer.
If he quits his church, his family and friends will make every effort to isolate and punish him. He may have to completely rebuild his social relationships. If he has any sort of religious inclination, rather than him overreacting by “becoming an (instant) atheist,” the two of you might like to explore finding a denomination together that fills your needs. But be prepared for pushback because his parents (and possibly yours) are not going to like it.
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.
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--Man, 65, with Alzheimer’s, missing from hospital in Calumet Heights

A 65-year-old man has been reported missing from Calumet Heights on the South Side .
Paul Fitts was last seen @ @ @ @ @ Trinity Hospital , 2320 E. 93rd Street , according to a missing persons alert from @ @ @ @ @ who has Alzheimer ’ s disease and has balance issues , is 5-foot-3 , 120 @ @ @ @ @ , gray hair and a dark-brown complexion , police said .
He was last seen @ @ @ @ @ hooded sweatshirt and dark pants , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to @ @ @ @ @ 312-747-8380 .

A 65-year-old man has been reported missing from Calumet Heights on the South Side.
Paul Fitts was last seen about 5 p.m. Tuesday near Trinity Hospital, 2320 E. 93rd Street, according to a missing persons alert from Chicago police.
Fitts, who has Alzheimer’s disease and has balance issues, is 5-foot-3, 120 pounds, with brown eyes, gray hair and a dark-brown complexion, police said.
He was last seen wearing a blue and black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area One detectives at 312-747-8380.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--‘The Chi’ shifts in season 3 as a key actor leaves and community issues flare up

Fans of “ The Chi , ” the Chicago-based Showtime series scheduled to make its season debut Sunday , have a lot of questions regarding the fallout from incidents that took place in front of and behind the camera : • How does the show plan to move on without Brandon , the key character played by actor Jason Mitchell , who was booted from the cast after misconduct allegations surfaced ?
• Will other cast members step up in the absence of Brandon and his significant other Jerrika , played by actress Tiffany Boone , who left the show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What ’ s going to happen with Michael Epps ’ young character Jake after his older brother and de-facto parent Reg , Barton Fitzpatrick ’ s character , was the victim of a drive-by shooting ?
• How ’ s Kevin , played by Alex Hibbert , adjusting to his new North Side school ?
• What about Emmett , played by Jacob Latimore ?
How ’ s he dealing with the mothers of his children , walking in on his parents making out , and keeping his entrepreneurial spirit afloat without Brandon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , perhaps more important , will the show address police shootings , the subject of much current unrest ?
Latimore , a Milwaukee native , says the comings and goings won ’ t hurt the show because he views the cast as an ensemble , not reliant on one or two characters who everyone else feeds off .
“ There are so many different stories you could watch at one time and everybody had equal screen time .
Because there is no replacing Jason Mitchell ; he is a phenomenal actor , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like we as a cast , we have so many more colors to show .
And I just think this time around the whole entire cast — you see so much more range from everybody that we didn ’ t get to see the first two seasons because our characters are still developing .
“ And that ’ s the beauty of a series where you can not keep going back to [ an unchanged ] character every season every year .
You know , four months out [ of ] a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the character.
” Lena Waithe , the show ’ s creator , joins the cast in season three as a progressive lesbian who ’ s gearing up for a mayoral run ( sounds familiar ) .
One of the season ’ s main storylines revolves around a missing teenage girl .
The community pulls together amid the shock .
After all , many folks in the Black community are of the belief that missing Black girls aren ’ t a priority of the police .
During the search for the missing girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cops .
Last year , then-Chicago Police Supt .
Eddie Johnson announced that the police department would partner with the FBI on a Serial Killer Task Force to solve the murders of 51 women on the South and West sides .
“ The show has been always based on real stories and just inspired by real stories ; ‘ The Chi ’ is creating an art form from the streets , ” said Latimore .
“ Something relatable representing a voice that hasn ’ t been able to speak.
” Amid the outrage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd and Breonna Taylor , critics have called for police budgets to be defunded— a practice where resources are shifted to intentionally divested communities .
On “ The Chi , ” two police characters prominent in the first two seasons are absent from season three : Armando Cruz ( Armando Riesco ) and Alice Toussaint ( Crystal Dickinson ) .
Their storylines aren ’ t mentioned ; the police are only mentioned in name .
“ I think it was really strategic on Lena ’ s [ Waithe ] part , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we were filming last year I don ’ t think the message was as heavy as it is now .
… But you know when you look back and you see all the protests going on you get educated on so many different police brutality events that went on over the past few years.
” Latimore ’ s character has a lot going on for himself , including being a single dad with multiple children and checking in with some of the younger cast members on the show .
“ [ Emmett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like most young men , ” said Latimore .
“ He ’ s trying to make ends meet not only for himself but for his children , so I think what ’ s really important about him is that you really see that he ’ s trying to build a legacy more so than just making a few dollars to buy some sneakers.
” And what should fans expect from “ The Chi ” during season three ?
“ We ’ ll see this Sunday ; the show is as only as good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Latimore .
“ It ’ s just going to be powerful and sad to watch , especially to real fans who are real supporters of everybody and the characters ; you know it ’ s gon na feel like we really lost somebody for real.
” Before its premiere at 8 p.m. Sunday on Showtime , the season three opener of “ The Chi ” will be available for free viewing starting Friday on streaming platforms , on demand , on YouTube and at SHO.com .

Fans of “The Chi,” the Chicago-based Showtime series scheduled to make its season debut Sunday, have a lot of questions regarding the fallout from incidents that took place in front of and behind the camera:
• How does the show plan to move on without Brandon, the key character played by actor Jason Mitchell, who was booted from the cast after misconduct allegations surfaced?
• Will other cast members step up in the absence of Brandon and his significant other Jerrika, played by actress Tiffany Boone, who left the show amid the allegations toward Mitchell?
• What’s going to happen with Michael Epps’ young character Jake after his older brother and de-facto parent Reg, Barton Fitzpatrick’s character, was the victim of a drive-by?
• How’s Kevin, played by Alex Hibbert, adjusting to his new North Side school?
Brandon won’t be seen on “The Chi” this season because the actor who played him, Jason Mitchell (pictured on an episode last year), was fired amid misconduct allegations. Showtime
• What about Emmett, played by Jacob Latimore? How’s he dealing with the mothers of his children, walking in on his parents making out, and keeping his entrepreneurial spirit afloat without Brandon, his business partner?
• And, perhaps more important, will the show address police shootings, the subject of much current unrest?
Latimore, a Milwaukee native, says the comings and goings won’t hurt the show because he views the cast as an ensemble, not reliant on one or two characters who everyone else feeds off.
‘The Chi’ in concert ‘THE CHI’ IN CONCERT Rapper Common, an executive producer of “The Chi,” will headline a virtual concert Sunday night leading into the show’s season premiere. “The Chi With Love,” airing at 6 p.m. on the show’s YouTube page, aims to raise awareness and money for the Equal Justice Initiative, which works to end mass incarceration and excessive punishment and challenge racial and economic injustice. “The Chi” creator Lena Waithe will appear, along with star Jacob Latimore and Chicago musicians Twista, Ravyn Lenae, Jamila Woods, BJ The Chicago Kid and MFnMelo. All will be performing from home to assure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There are so many different stories you could watch at one time and everybody had equal screen time. Because there is no replacing Jason Mitchell; he is a phenomenal actor,” said Latimore. “I just feel like we as a cast, we have so many more colors to show. And I just think this time around the whole entire cast — you see so much more range from everybody that we didn’t get to see the first two seasons because our characters are still developing.
“And that’s the beauty of a series where you cannot keep going back to [an unchanged] character every season every year. You know, four months out [of] a year and dive in deeper into the development of the character.”
Lena Waithe, the show’s creator, joins the cast in season three as a progressive lesbian who’s gearing up for a mayoral run (sounds familiar).
“The Chi” creator Lena Waithe joins the cast this season as potential candidate for mayor. Showtime
One of the season’s main storylines revolves around a missing teenage girl. The community pulls together amid the shock.
After all, many folks in the Black community are of the belief that missing Black girls aren’t a priority of the police. During the search for the missing girl, several people voice their distrust of cops.
Last year, then-Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson announced that the police department would partner with the FBI on a Serial Killer Task Force to solve the murders of 51 women on the South and West sides.
“The show has been always based on real stories and just inspired by real stories; ‘The Chi’ is creating an art form from the streets,” said Latimore. “Something relatable representing a voice that hasn’t been able to speak.”
Amid the outrage over the recent police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, critics have called for police budgets to be defunded— a practice where resources are shifted to intentionally divested communities.
On “The Chi,” two police characters prominent in the first two seasons are absent from season three: Armando Cruz (Armando Riesco) and Alice Toussaint (Crystal Dickinson). Their storylines aren’t mentioned; the police are only mentioned in name.
“I think it was really strategic on Lena’s [Waithe] part,” said Latimore. “To be honest, when we were filming last year I don’t think the message was as heavy as it is now. … But you know when you look back and you see all the protests going on you get educated on so many different police brutality events that went on over the past few years.”
Latimore’s character has a lot going on for himself, including being a single dad with multiple children and checking in with some of the younger cast members on the show.
Single dad Emmett (Jacob Latimore) has children with several woman, including Tiff (Hannah Hall). Showtime
“[Emmett] has a weakness for women, like most young men,” said Latimore. “He’s trying to make ends meet not only for himself but for his children, so I think what’s really important about him is that you really see that he’s trying to build a legacy more so than just making a few dollars to buy some sneakers.”
And what should fans expect from “The Chi” during season three?
“We’ll see this Sunday; the show is as only as good as how the people receive it,” said Latimore. “It’s just going to be powerful and sad to watch, especially to real fans who are real supporters of everybody and the characters; you know it’s gonna feel like we really lost somebody for real.”
Before its premiere at 8 p.m. Sunday on Showtime, the season three opener of “The Chi” will be available for free viewing starting Friday on streaming platforms, on demand, on YouTube and at SHO.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--6 shot Wednesday in Chicago

6 shot Wednesday in Chicago

Six people were wounded Wednesday in shootings across Chicago .
Four of those people , including a 9-year-old girl , were injured in a shootout in Gresham on the South Side .
The shooting happened about 8:35 p.m. after a disagreement in the parking lot of an apartment complex near 76th Street and Loomis Boulevard , according to Chicago police .
One male fired shots into a group , and another male returned fire .
Four people were struck , including a 9-year-old girl who was shot in the leg , police said .
She was hospitalized in good condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their thighs , while a third man , 31 , was struck in the upper lip , police said .
They were also hospitalized in good condition .
In the day ’ s latest reported shooting , a person was wounded in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
The male was driving about 10:25 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Chicago Avenue when someone opened fire , striking him in the ankle , police said .
He drove himself to Mt .
Sinai Hospital , where he was in good condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting wounded a 37-year-old woman in Austin on the West Side .
Three gunmen unleashed at least 17 rounds from an orange-colored Mazda as it passed the woman about 11:20 a.m. in the 4800 block of West Adams Street , police said .
The woman was shot once in her leg , police said .
She was taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in good condition .
Ten people were shot , two of them fatally , Tuesday in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides @

Six people were wounded Wednesday in shootings across Chicago.
Four of those people, including a 9-year-old girl, were injured in a shootout in Gresham on the South Side.
The shooting happened about 8:35 p.m. after a disagreement in the parking lot of an apartment complex near 76th Street and Loomis Boulevard, according to Chicago police. One male fired shots into a group, and another male returned fire.
Four people were struck, including a 9-year-old girl who was shot in the leg, police said. She was hospitalized in good condition.
Two 19-year-old men were shot in their thighs, while a third man, 31, was struck in the upper lip, police said. They were also hospitalized in good condition.
In the day’s latest reported shooting, a person was wounded in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
The male was driving about 10:25 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Chicago Avenue when someone opened fire, striking him in the ankle, police said. He drove himself to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was in good condition.
The day’s first reported shooting wounded a 37-year-old woman in Austin on the West Side.
Three gunmen unleashed at least 17 rounds from an orange-colored Mazda as it passed the woman about 11:20 a.m. in the 4800 block of West Adams Street, police said.
The woman was shot once in her leg, police said. She was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition.
Ten people were shot, two of them fatally, Tuesday in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--Man, 67, with Alzheimer’s missing from Humboldt Park

A 67-year-old man has been reported missing from Humboldt Park on the Northwest Side .
Ronnie Bernard was last seen @ @ @ @ @ of North Ridgeway Avenue , according to a missing persons alert from Chicago police .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s disease , is 5-foot-10 , 170 pounds , with brown eyes , black @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
He was last seen wearing a green and orange hoodie , @ @ @ @ @ sneakers , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Four detectives @ @ @

A 67-year-old man has been reported missing from Humboldt Park on the Northwest Side.
Ronnie Bernard was last seen Tuesday in the 1000 block of North Ridgeway Avenue, according to a missing persons alert from Chicago police.
Bernard, who has Alzheimer’s disease, is 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair and a dark-brown complexion, police said.
He was last seen wearing a green and orange hoodie, jeans and black and gray sneakers, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Four detectives at 312-746-8255.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-17--Horoscope for Thursday, June 18, 2020

Horoscope for Thursday, June 18, 2020

Avoid shopping or major decisions from 6:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Taurus into Gemini .
This is a good money day except during the moon alert times .
Therefore , it ’ s a good day for money-making ideas or for shopping — except during the moon alert times .
During the moon alert times , don ’ t shop and don ’ t make financial decisions .
Got it ?
For most of this day , the moon is in your sign and you feel happy and upbeat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ moon alert and during that time , avoid shopping or making important decisions .
After that , it ’ s all systems go !
You are happy with the sun and fair Venus in your sign .
With Mars at the top of your chart , you ’ re also ambitious !
With all this going for you , you can make great strides today — except for the time listed in the moon alert .
This is a great day to schmooze with friends and members of groups .
You will enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , during the moon alert , don ’ t shop or agree to anything important .
Keep things light !
Do be aware that you are high visibility , which means people notice you , especially bosses , parents , teachers and people in power .
Quite likely , you will get your way .
However , avoid shopping or important decisions during the moon alert .
Forewarned is forearmed .
Today you hunger for a change of scenery and fresh stimulation !
If you can travel , by all means do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alert , delays and shortages might be a problem .
( See moon alert times above . )
Note : You make a great impression on important people right now .
Today you have an interest in financial matters , especially the wealth of others or the assets of your partner .
This could include insurance issues or wills , inheritances , taxes , debt or shared property .
Whatever the case , avoid important decisions or spending money during the moon alert .
Because the moon is opposite your sign today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halfway when dealing with others — at least , until the moon alert is over .
Nevertheless , it ’ s a positive day to schmooze with loved ones and enjoy the company of those who are closest to you .
Yay !
Your focus is on work , your health and your pet today .
The underlying energy of this day is that you want to work more efficiently and productively .
This will not be the case however , during the moon alert .
Quite the opposite !
Nevertheless , any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do creative work .
( But don ’ t shop . )
This is a playful , fun-loving day !
Enjoy schmoozing with others .
Fun activities with children will please you .
Anything related to the arts will be enjoyable , even during the moon alert .
However , during the moon alert , restrict your spending to food , gas and entertainment .
You will enjoy entertaining at home today .
Family discussions will be important and pleasant .
Nevertheless , whatever transpires , avoid important decisions or spending money during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gas . )
You have lots of energy !
Furthermore , you are keen to talk to others today because you feel optimistic and enthusiastic !
Nevertheless , avoid important decisions or shopping or agreeing to anything today during the moon alert .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Richard Madden ( 1986 ) shares your birthday .
You are practical , sensible and have clear notions about what you want to achieve in this life .
In particular , you value warm connections with family .
Exciting news !
You ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
This means it ’ s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years .
Be proactive and physically energetic about going after what you want .
Just do it !

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or major decisions from 6:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Taurus into Gemini.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
This is a good money day except during the moon alert times. Therefore, it’s a good day for money-making ideas or for shopping — except during the moon alert times. During the moon alert times, don’t shop and don’t make financial decisions. Got it?
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
For most of this day, the moon is in your sign and you feel happy and upbeat. However, do be aware of the moon alert and during that time, avoid shopping or making important decisions. After that, it’s all systems go!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
You are happy with the sun and fair Venus in your sign. With Mars at the top of your chart, you’re also ambitious! With all this going for you, you can make great strides today — except for the time listed in the moon alert.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This is a great day to schmooze with friends and members of groups. You will enjoy interacting with others all day long. However, during the moon alert, don’t shop or agree to anything important. Keep things light!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Do be aware that you are high visibility, which means people notice you, especially bosses, parents, teachers and people in power. Quite likely, you will get your way. However, avoid shopping or important decisions during the moon alert. Forewarned is forearmed.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Today you hunger for a change of scenery and fresh stimulation! If you can travel, by all means do so. Nevertheless, during the moon alert, delays and shortages might be a problem. (See moon alert times above.) Note: You make a great impression on important people right now.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Today you have an interest in financial matters, especially the wealth of others or the assets of your partner. This could include insurance issues or wills, inheritances, taxes, debt or shared property. Whatever the case, avoid important decisions or spending money during the moon alert.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Because the moon is opposite your sign today, you will have to go more than halfway when dealing with others — at least, until the moon alert is over. Nevertheless, it’s a positive day to schmooze with loved ones and enjoy the company of those who are closest to you. Yay!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Your focus is on work, your health and your pet today. The underlying energy of this day is that you want to work more efficiently and productively. This will not be the case however, during the moon alert. Quite the opposite! Nevertheless, any moon alert is a good time to do creative work. (But don’t shop.)
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
This is a playful, fun-loving day! Enjoy schmoozing with others. Fun activities with children will please you. Anything related to the arts will be enjoyable, even during the moon alert. However, during the moon alert, restrict your spending to food, gas and entertainment.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You will enjoy entertaining at home today. Family discussions will be important and pleasant. Nevertheless, whatever transpires, avoid important decisions or spending money during the moon alert (except for food and gas.)
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You have lots of energy! Furthermore, you are keen to talk to others today because you feel optimistic and enthusiastic! Nevertheless, avoid important decisions or shopping or agreeing to anything today during the moon alert.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Richard Madden (1986) shares your birthday. You are practical, sensible and have clear notions about what you want to achieve in this life. In particular, you value warm connections with family. Exciting news! You’re entering a year of new beginnings! This means it’s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years. Be proactive and physically energetic about going after what you want. Just do it!


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--Illinois attorney general makes the case for licensing police officers

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is beating the drum for licensing police officers and complaining that getting the Chicago Police Department to comply with a federal consent decree has been , at times , “ like pulling teeth.
” Federal monitor Maggie Hickey reported last fall that CPD had missed 37 of 50 deadlines to implement specific police reforms in the first six months of a court order outlining the terms of federal court oversight over the department .
On Thursday , that trend showed little improvement with Hickey ’ s latest report , which showed the city missing nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest reporting period .
Earlier this month , Hickey agreed to investigate allegations that Chicago police officers used excessive force against protesters during demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police .
After that virtual hearing before a federal judge , Raoul issued a statement saying the city “ owes the community it serves meaningful reform — not lip service , not Band-Aids and not politics.
” Now Raul is turning up the heat on Mayor Lori Lightfoot and newly-appointed CPD Supt .
David Brown to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process that , he claimed , “ hasn ’ t gotten off to a good start.
” “ Sometimes it ’ s just pulling teeth to get compliance with just producing documents .
They ’ re supposed to provide plans — whether they ’ re training plans or so forth — and sometimes it ’ s pulling teeth to get copies for our review and our feedback .
Some of it has been pulling teeth to get COPA to realize they ’ re part of the deal too .
When we talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reforming the whole thing , ” the attorney general said Thursday .
“ We ’ re not in this process to beat up the police .
We are a law enforcement agency ourselves .
We want to improve law enforcement .
We don ’ t want to fight law enforcement .
While we ’ re officially an adversary in terms of the court proceeding , we should look at this as working together toward change rather than , ‘ We don ’ t want to do this .
We want to do as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some problems to the fact that Lightfoot has been in office only a year and Brown arrived just two months ago from Dallas .
Before returning to his hometown of Los Angeles , Interim Supt .
Charlie Beck ordered a sweeping reorganization that made Barbara West the No .
3 official in the department .
She ’ s now deputy superintendent of the new Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform , which includes the police academy , overseeing consent decree compliance .
“ She had to inherit a lot of folks .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and know everybody who is efficient in moving things forward and who ’ s not and resistant .
It takes a little time to go through the process of evaluating all of that personnel , ” he said .
Five years ago , after the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson , Mo.
, Raoul , then a state senator , tried to push a police reform package through the Illinois General Assembly ; that package included licensing for police officers .
He dropped the licensing idea after resistance from law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to sink ” a package that also included body cameras , increased training requirements and a database of officers who had resigned or been fired after internal investigations .
Now , the licensing idea is gaining political momentum as part of the police reform movement triggered by Floyd ’ s death .
Lightfoot has signed on .
So has Gov .
J.B. Pritzker .
The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police , under new and more militant leadership , vows to fight the idea tooth and nail .
But Raoul said they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system “ that has failed.
” He argued the certification process for police officers “ may be enough in certain states ” like Florida , which has a “ more robust de-certification process.
” But in Illinois ?
“ You pretty much have to be convicted of certain felonies and maybe one or two misdemeanors to be de-certified , ” Raoul said .
“ Short of that , you can have repeated acts of misconduct .
...
Think about Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis .
There were 18 complaints of misconduct against him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jason Van Dyke .
If you had an opportunity to go to an independent licensing body for consideration , perhaps you would not have had the Laquan McDonald shooting .
Perhaps if the state of Minnesota had something similar , George Floyd might ” still be alive , he said .
Raoul also pushed for changes to a Chicago police contract that gives officers 24 hours before providing a statement after a shooting and prohibits anonymous complaints against officers .
The attorney general argued people are “ fearful ” to file a complaint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime example of that fear .
Three times , he was stopped and verbally harassed by police without apology because he was told he “ fit the description ” of a criminal .
In one case , he was teenager and the police officer pulled a gun on him .
In another , he was a prosecutor dressed in a suit with the key to his own car who was told he “ fit the description ” of an auto thief .
Not once did he file a report .
He was , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of it alive .

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is beating the drum for licensing police officers and complaining that getting the Chicago Police Department to comply with a federal consent decree has been, at times, “like pulling teeth.”
Federal monitor Maggie Hickey reported last fall that CPD had missed 37 of 50 deadlines to implement specific police reforms in the first six months of a court order outlining the terms of federal court oversight. That trend showed little improvement with Hickey’s latest report, which showed the city missing nearly 70% of its court-ordered deadlines.
Earlier this month, Hickey agreed to investigate allegations that Chicago police officers used excessive force against protesters during demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
After that virtual hearing before a federal judge, Raoul issued a statement saying the city “owes the community it serves meaningful reform — not lip service, not Band-Aids and not politics.”
Now Raul is turning up the heat on Mayor Lori Lightfoot and newly-appointed CPD Supt. David Brown to pick up the pace on a compliance process that, he said, “hasn’t gotten off to a good start.”
“Sometimes it’s just pulling teeth to get compliance with just producing documents. ... Some of it has been pulling teeth to get COPA to realize they’re part of the deal too. When we talk about reform, we’re talking about reforming the whole thing,” the attorney general said Thursday.
“We’re not in this process to beat up the police. We are a law enforcement agency ourselves. ... We don’t want to fight law enforcement. While we’re officially an adversary in terms of the court proceeding, we should look at this as working together toward change rather than, ‘We don’t want to do this. We want to do as little as possible.’”
Before returning to his hometown of Los Angeles, Interim Supt. Charlie Beck ordered a sweeping reorganization that made Barbara West the No. 3 official in the department. She’s now deputy superintendent of the new Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform, which includes the police academy, overseeing consent decree compliance.
“She had to inherit a lot of folks. You can’t wave a magic wand and know everybody who is efficient in moving things forward and who’s not and resistant. It takes a little time to go through the process of evaluating all of that personnel,” he said.
Five years ago, after the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, Raoul, then a state senator, tried to push a police reform package through the Illinois General Assembly; that package included licensing for police officers.
He dropped the licensing idea after resistance from law enforcement because he “didn’t want to sink” a package that also included body cameras, increased training requirements and a database of officers who had resigned or been fired after internal investigations.
Now, the licensing idea is gaining political momentum. Lightfoot has signed on. So has Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police vows to fight the idea. But Raoul said the current disciplinary system has failed. And certification alone is not enough.
“You pretty much have to be convicted of certain felonies and maybe one or two misdemeanors to be de-certified,” Raoul said.
Derek Chauvin, the officer facing multiple murder charges in Floyd’s death, had “18 complaints of misconduct against him. There were a number of complaints against Jason Van Dyke. If you had an opportunity to go to an independent licensing body for consideration, perhaps you would not have had the Laquan McDonald shooting. Perhaps if the state of Minnesota had something similar, George Floyd might” still be alive, he said.
Raoul also pushed for changes to a Chicago police contract that gives officers 24 hours before providing a statement after a shooting and prohibits anonymous complaints against officers.
The attorney general argued people are “fearful” to file a complaint against police officers and he is a prime example of that fear.
Three times, he was stopped and verbally harassed by police without apology because he was told he “fit the description” of a criminal. In one case, he was teenager and the police officer pulled a gun on him. In another, he was a prosecutor dressed in a suit with the key to his own car who was told he “fit the description” of an auto thief.
Not once did he file a report. He was, he said, just happy to come out of it alive.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--Hugs, haircuts, handshakes — Dr. Ezike’s do’s and don’t’s (LIVE UPDATES)

Hugs , haircuts , handshakes — Dr. Ezike ’ s do ’ s and don ’ t ’ s .
( Spoiler alert : Handshake time frame ‘ between a year and never again ’ ) Dr. Ngozi Ezike didn ’ t let her kids see their friends until this week .
And that was a carefully supervised backyard get-together — with masks .
She ’ s all for outdoor dining with the safety guidance she helped craft .
And she got a manicure behind plexiglass from a woman who has done her nails for 15 years .
“ Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , ” the head of the Illinois Department of Public Health told the Sun-Times in a wide-ranging interview about her personal do ’ s and don ’ ts as she helps Illinois navigate through the pandemic .
“ No , we can show love virtually .
I think that might be for a year or two , ” she said .
For months , Ezike has been the state ’ s go-to for public health guidance as Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s chief advisor on Illinois ’ response to COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bedroom ’ : Illinois attorney general describes his COVID-19 symptoms It started late Saturday night with sweating , shivering , teeth-chattering and feet that felt like they were on fire .
That was followed by a cough that wouldn ’ t quit and a sore throat Kwame Raoul described as “ out of this world.
” Raoul , Illinois attorney general , said Thursday he ’ s now “ stuck in solitary confinement in my bedroom ” as the highest-ranking Illinois politician known to have tested positive for the coronavirus .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” since he was tested late Monday .
The results came Tuesday morning .
His fever , which spiked at 101.4 degrees , has come down .
But after a “ meeting or two ” on Zoom , he feels “ exhausted afterwards , as if I played a football game.
” “ I tire very easily .
But overall , I have not had any breathing difficulties , which is a plus because I ’ ve heard of others having such breathing difficulties .
Just feeling beat down , though , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in solitary confinement in my bedroom .
It ’ s been a few days .
It ’ s not fun .
… My wife will bring in a tray .
I ’ ll send a text : ‘ Can I try some fruit ?
’ I feel guilty because I feel like I ’ m ordering room service or something.
” Read the full story from City Hall reporter Fran Spielman here .
6:30 p.m. Bears ‘ extremely hopeful , confident ’ to have fans at Soldier Field for 2020 season As sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing , the Bears are optimistic their upcoming season will look somewhat normal at Soldier Field .
Team president and CEO Ted Phillips said Thursday the organization is planning to have fans in the stadium , though that ’ s not a certainty and he didn ’ t give specifics about reducing capacity to adhere to social distancing guidelines .
“ We ’ re still extremely hopeful , confident , that we ’ re gon na have a season with fans , ” he said as part of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s only good business practice to look at contingencies , and if we ’ ve learned anything in the past three months it ’ s expect the unexpected ...
But we ’ re still extremely hopeful.
” State health officials on Thursday said another 55 people have died in Illinois of COVID-19 , as another 593 people tested positive for the coronavirus .
Both figures marked the latest relatively low counts the state has seen so far this month following the worst of the pandemic ’ s brutal impact in mid-May .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll to 6,537 among the 134,778 people confirmed to have contracted the virus so far .
The latest deaths included two young Cook County residents : a woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
The most serious cases typically have affected older people with underlying health conditions .
More than half the state ’ s COVID-19 deaths have been tied to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities , according to state data .
Illinois ’ overall recovery rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s iO Theater owner says comedy hub will not reopen due to lockdown Chicago ’ s iO Theater , the longtime comedy hub , is closing its doors indefinitely .
Charna Halpern , the founder and co-owner of the company formerly known as ImprovOlympic , told the Sun-Times on Thursday that the revenue loss brought on by the March mandated shutdown of all theaters ( and other non-essential businesses in Illinois ) was the deciding factor .
Halpern added that she was “ heartbroken ” most over the inability to continue the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famous alums include Tina Fey , Mike Myers , Bob Odenkirk , John Belushi , Bill Murray and Stephen Colbert , among others .
Halpern , who is the sole decision-maker of the company , said the financial woes also include a $ 250,000 property tax bill that is looming , which she is unable to pay .
Halpern owns the building and is in discussion with a realtor over the possible sale of the site at 1501 N. Kingsbury .
2:44 p.m. Decline in new US coronavirus deaths may be only temporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus in the U.S. has fallen in recent weeks to the lowest level since late March , even as states increasingly reopen for business .
But scientists are deeply afraid the trend may be about to reverse itself .
“ For now , it ’ s too soon to be reassured that deaths are going down and everything ’ s OK , ” said Dr. Cyrus Shahpar of Resolve to Save Lives , a nonprofit organization that works to prevent epidemics .
Deaths from COVID-19 across the country are down to about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 960 two weeks ago , according to an Associated Press analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
The analysis looked at a seven-day rolling average of deaths through Wednesday .
A multitude of reasons are believed to be at play , including the advent of effective treatments and improved efforts at hospitals and nursing homes to prevent infections and save lives .
But already there are warning signs .
12 p.m. Chicago bars reopen — no food needed — after new rules begin Wednesday Chatting with a bartender about the virtues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Christian Trezvant sat at the window of the The Green Lady tavern in Lake View with a shot and a beer in front of him .
“ Sitting in this stool is like riding a bike , ” said Trezvant , the first customer at the bar in months .
Wednesday was the first day The Green Lady and hundreds of other Chicago bars that don ’ t serve food could reopen to serve customers in an open-air setting .
Trezvant sat in one of 10 available seats by the front window @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitized everything between customers .
Even the door was propped open — one less thing to touch .
“ It feels like opening day , ” Domingues said .
“ I am very fortunate in that I was able to pivot pretty quickly.
” The green light came down from Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s office Monday , finally applying the same rules that went into effect weeks ago for restaurants and food-serving bars to alcohol-only bars and microbreweries .
The mere two-day advance notice meant that some establishments weren ’ t able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they ’ re rapidly trying to prepare their outdoor patios for this weekend or next week .
But at Four Treys Tavern in North Center , owner Colleen Flood was receiving so many texts from regulars — ‘ When are we going to be able to come back in ?
’ — that she made sure it happened .
Read the full story from Mitch Dudek and Ben Pope .
10:48 a.m .
Some aren ’ t waiting for the 606 trail ’ s Monday reopening But unofficially , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order shutting it down in March , warm weather — and plenty of opportunity — has been too tempting for some .
Several cyclists , runners and stroller-pushers were on the trail Thursday morning .
Traffic barriers meant to block people from a trail entrance at California and Bloomingdale venues lay on the pavement .
Police tape used for the same purpose had been shorn .
The Lakefront Trail also reopens .
When both are officially open , there will be restrictions , including hours of use ( 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just exercise or transit .
9:34 a.m. Indiana , Wisconsin casinos open betting with masks , hand sanitizer – while Illinois studies its cards Masks and hand sanitizer are the name of the game at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond , Indiana .
You ’ ll have to raise your COVID-19 precautionary stakes by a temperature check for a seat at the table at the Ameristar in East Chicago .
But forget the table , cards and dice altogether at the reopened Potawatomi in Milwaukee ; all bets are off except for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north of Chicago .
As gambling meccas in the region gradually welcome customers back after a three-month coronavirus shutdown , there ’ s still no clear timeline for Illinois ’ 10 casinos to reopen .
But a look at casinos in neighboring states make one thing clear : Many bettors aren ’ t hedging when it comes to the newly reshuffled action — and that could be good news for Gov .
J.B. Pritzker as his administration stares down a $ 2.7 billion state budget deficit .
Read the full story from Mitchell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Northwest Side will reopen Monday , the same day the Lakefront Trail reopens , and with the same restrictions in place .
The 2.7-mile 606 , officially the Bloomingdale Trail , has been closed since March .
Earlier this week , the city announced that when the Lakefront Trail reopens Monday , hours will be from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. , but only for exercise and transit , and with social distancing enforced by monitors along the route .
The city also announced that billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the lakefront trail that were damaged by storms and high water levels over the winter .
The contribution actually was made in April , and work started then on repaving parts of the path while the trail was closed .
The money also will go toward additional work to fortify parts of the trail , especially on the South Side , to better protect them in the future .
Griffin had donated $ 12 million in 2016 to help complete separate bike and walking paths long the 18-mile pathway .
8:23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1st wave of workers early next month The Cook County building and its administrative office building will reopen to the public early next month , which is also when the first wave of county employees will return to work , officials said Wednesday .
That return to in-person work on July 6 take place on the same day buildings like 69 W. Washington , the county ’ s administrative office building , will reopen to the public , though the county is taking precautions to try to keep people safe .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear a mask or facial covering and undergo thermal wellness and health screenings , Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Wednesday at a news conference announcing the reopening plans .
“ We ’ ve been through a difficult time , ” Preckwinkle said .
“ While we ’ ve made incredible progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19 over the last few months , the pandemic is clearly not over .
It ’ s important that we continue to follow health guidelines … as we navigate this new phase.
” Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
7:17 a.m. Pritzker announces $ 900M in COVID-19 relief grants for small businesses , struggling renters Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday announced a wide-ranging $ 900 million in grants to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19 , as well as the many Illinoisans struggling to pay mortgages and rent amid the pandemic .
In front of a North Lawndale store that was looted about three weeks ago , Pritzker said about 3,500 businesses will be able to benefit from a $ 60 million grant program , as soon as early July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would be extending a residential eviction ban until July 31 .
Pritzker first banned evictions when he issued a stay-at-home order on March 21 .
Several progressive Democratic lawmakers tried to push through a more expansive rent relief measure that would have canceled rent and mortgage payments statewide for 180 days during a shortened legislative special session last month , but found resistance from realtors .
Instead , a deal was reached to increase funds to the Illinois Housing Development Authority to administer a relief program .
Read the full story by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 87 coronavirus deaths Wednesday , putting the state total at 6,485 since the start of the pandemic .
• Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Tuesday he has tested positive for COVID-19 .
The COVID-19 crisis has shown how essential public service workers are to our communities , from public health experts tracking the virus and providing safety guidance to the now immensely overburdened workforce that processes unemployment claims to the streets and sanitation crews who pick up our trash every day .
While the vast majority of Chicagoans recognize and applaud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the front lines of this crisis , the Sun-Times Editorial Board seems to think the appropriate response to their efforts is to cut their income and increase their workload .
Not only would the austerity measures suggested by the Sun-Times fail to make any significant impact on the financial plight of state and local government — a fact the editorial board readily acknowledges — but they would demean public service and prolong the COVID-induced economic slump .
Most people understand the depth of this crisis and overwhelmingly support funding the public services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national poll , 74 % of respondents said they preferred funding for education , health care and other public services over reducing government spending or debt .
Read the full commentary by Robert G. Reiter , president of the Chicago Federation of Labor .
2:55 p.m. A ‘ last responder ’ s ’ COVID-19 message : ‘ If they won ’ t listen to a doctor , maybe they ’ ll listen to an undertaker ’ In a normal month , Symonds ’ Funeral Home in north suburban Highwood handles five to eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here in May , that number jumped to 44 .
The vast majority of those were COVID cases , said Irving Symonds III , the second-generation funeral home operator who is only just now starting to see his workload ease slightly .
“ It ’ s still busy .
It ’ s not like what it was .
We really got slammed , ” said Symonds , who spent much of May with families lined up outside his office door seeking to make arrangements while he got only three hours sleep per night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As Illinois continues with its reopening process and life returns to some semblance of normal , it would be a tragedy if people failed to keep in mind that what we ’ ve been dealing with is real — and continues to be real .
And I can ’ t think of any place better to bring home that point than a funeral home , where death gets about as real as real can get .
“ We ’ re the last responders , ” said Symonds , drawing on a reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during this pandemic .
Read the full commentary from columnist Mark Brown on a local funeral home operator at the front lines of COVID-19 .

State health officials on Thursday said another 55 people have died in Illinois of COVID-19, as another 593 people tested positive for the coronavirus.
Both figures marked the latest relatively low counts the state has seen so far this month following the worst of the pandemic’s brutal impact in mid-May.
But they raised the Illinois’ coronavirus death toll to 6,537 among the 134,778 people confirmed to have contracted the virus so far.
Here’s what else happened in Chicago and around the state as the battle against the coronavirus pandemic continued.
News
8:57 p.m. Hugs, haircuts, handshakes — Dr. Ezike’s do’s and don’t’s. (Spoiler alert: Handshake time frame ‘between a year and never again’)
Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times file
Dr. Ngozi Ezike didn’t let her kids see their friends until this week.
And that was a carefully supervised backyard get-together — with masks.
She’s all for outdoor dining with the safety guidance she helped craft. And she got a manicure behind plexiglass from a woman who has done her nails for 15 years.
But handshakes?
“Not now. Between a year and never again,” the head of the Illinois Department of Public Health told the Sun-Times in a wide-ranging interview about her personal do’s and don’ts as she helps Illinois navigate through the pandemic.
A hug from a friend?
“No, we can show love virtually. I think that might be for a year or two,” she said.
For months, Ezike has been the state’s go-to for public health guidance as Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s chief advisor on Illinois’ response to COVID-19.
Read the full story from reporter Tina Sfondeles.
8:03 p.m. Unique Chicago COVID-19 virus linked to early cases in China
A unique COVID-19 virus that spread through Chicago appears to link directly to an early outbreak in China and may not spread as easily and as rapidly as the virus prevalent in New York and elsewhere in the U.S., according to new research.
In a preliminary study of genetic makeup of the coronavirus in Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine researchers discovered a unique type that is more likely to be found locally than other parts of the country. The goal of better understanding the genetic difference in virus outbreaks is to use that information to develop effective vaccines.
After studying the genetic makeup of dozens of virus samples of nearly 90 people, the Northwestern researchers determined that there were three main types of the virus found locally.
Almost 60 percent of the samples studied were closely related to the virus that is prevalent in New York, which has been traced to Europe.
Reporter Brett Chase has the full story.
7:10 p.m. ‘Solitary confinement in my bedroom’: Illinois attorney general describes his COVID-19 symptoms
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul speaks during a news conference in Chicago earlier this year. Noreen Nasir/AP Photo (file photo)
It started late Saturday night with sweating, shivering, teeth-chattering and feet that felt like they were on fire. That was followed by a cough that wouldn’t quit and a sore throat Kwame Raoul described as “out of this world.”
Raoul, Illinois attorney general, said Thursday he’s now “stuck in solitary confinement in my bedroom” as the highest-ranking Illinois politician known to have tested positive for the coronavirus.
He’s feeling “a little bit better” since he was tested late Monday. The results came Tuesday morning. His fever, which spiked at 101.4 degrees, has come down. But after a “meeting or two” on Zoom, he feels “exhausted afterwards, as if I played a football game.”
“I tire very easily. But overall, I have not had any breathing difficulties, which is a plus because I’ve heard of others having such breathing difficulties. Just feeling beat down, though,” he said.
“I’m in solitary confinement in my bedroom. It’s been a few days. It’s not fun. … My wife will bring in a tray. I’ll send a text: ‘Can I try some fruit?’ I feel guilty because I feel like I’m ordering room service or something.”
Read the full story from City Hall reporter Fran Spielman here.
6:30 p.m. Bears ‘extremely hopeful, confident’ to have fans at Soldier Field for 2020 season
As sports leagues work through coronavirus-related issues to resume playing, the Bears are optimistic their upcoming season will look somewhat normal at Soldier Field.
Team president and CEO Ted Phillips said Thursday the organization is planning to have fans in the stadium, though that’s not a certainty and he didn’t give specifics about reducing capacity to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
“We’re still extremely hopeful, confident, that we’re gonna have a season with fans,” he said as part of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s virtual meeting. “It’s only good business practice to look at contingencies, and if we’ve learned anything in the past three months it’s expect the unexpected... But we’re still extremely hopeful.”
3:32 p.m. 55 more Illinois coronavirus deaths, 593 new cases
State health officials on Thursday said another 55 people have died in Illinois of COVID-19, as another 593 people tested positive for the coronavirus.
Both figures marked the latest relatively low counts the state has seen so far this month following the worst of the pandemic’s brutal impact in mid-May.
But they raised the Illinois’ coronavirus death toll to 6,537 among the 134,778 people confirmed to have contracted the virus so far.
The latest deaths included two young Cook County residents: a woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The most serious cases typically have affected older people with underlying health conditions. More than half the state’s COVID-19 deaths have been tied to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, according to state data. Illinois’ overall recovery rate is 93%.
Read the full story here.
2:50 p.m. Chicago’s iO Theater owner says comedy hub will not reopen due to lockdown
Chicago’s iO Theater, the longtime comedy hub, is closing its doors indefinitely.
Charna Halpern, the founder and co-owner of the company formerly known as ImprovOlympic, told the Sun-Times on Thursday that the revenue loss brought on by the March mandated shutdown of all theaters (and other non-essential businesses in Illinois) was the deciding factor.
Halpern added that she was “heartbroken” most over the inability to continue the teaching arm of the theater, whose famous alums include Tina Fey, Mike Myers, Bob Odenkirk, John Belushi, Bill Murray and Stephen Colbert, among others.
Halpern, who is the sole decision-maker of the company, said the financial woes also include a $250,000 property tax bill that is looming, which she is unable to pay. Halpern owns the building and is in discussion with a realtor over the possible sale of the site at 1501 N. Kingsbury.
Read the full story here.
2:44 p.m. Decline in new US coronavirus deaths may be only temporary
The number of deaths per day from the coronavirus in the U.S. has fallen in recent weeks to the lowest level since late March, even as states increasingly reopen for business. But scientists are deeply afraid the trend may be about to reverse itself.
“For now, it’s too soon to be reassured that deaths are going down and everything’s OK,” said Dr. Cyrus Shahpar of Resolve to Save Lives, a nonprofit organization that works to prevent epidemics.
Deaths from COVID-19 across the country are down to about 680 a day, compared with around 960 two weeks ago, according to an Associated Press analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The analysis looked at a seven-day rolling average of deaths through Wednesday.
A multitude of reasons are believed to be at play, including the advent of effective treatments and improved efforts at hospitals and nursing homes to prevent infections and save lives.
But already there are warning signs.
Read the full story here.
12 p.m. Chicago bars reopen — no food needed — after new rules begin Wednesday
Chatting with a bartender about the virtues of home field advantage in the NFL, Christian Trezvant sat at the window of the The Green Lady tavern in Lake View with a shot and a beer in front of him.
“Sitting in this stool is like riding a bike,” said Trezvant, the first customer at the bar in months.
Wednesday was the first day The Green Lady and hundreds of other Chicago bars that don’t serve food could reopen to serve customers in an open-air setting.
Trezvant sat in one of 10 available seats by the front window. Owner Melani Domingues, meanwhile, sanitized everything between customers. Even the door was propped open — one less thing to touch.
“It feels like opening day,” Domingues said. “I am very fortunate in that I was able to pivot pretty quickly.”
The green light came down from Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office Monday, finally applying the same rules that went into effect weeks ago for restaurants and food-serving bars to alcohol-only bars and microbreweries.
The mere two-day advance notice meant that some establishments weren’t able to get ready in time; many said they’re rapidly trying to prepare their outdoor patios for this weekend or next week.
But at Four Treys Tavern in North Center, owner Colleen Flood was receiving so many texts from regulars — ‘When are we going to be able to come back in?’ — that she made sure it happened.
Read the full story from Mitch Dudek and Ben Pope.
10:48 a.m. Some aren’t waiting for the 606 trail’s Monday reopening
Officially, the 606 trail on Chicago’s Northwest Side reopens Monday.
But unofficially, it’s already being used.
Despite the city order shutting it down in March, warm weather — and plenty of opportunity — has been too tempting for some.
Several cyclists, runners and stroller-pushers were on the trail Thursday morning. Traffic barriers meant to block people from a trail entrance at California and Bloomingdale venues lay on the pavement. Police tape used for the same purpose had been shorn.
The Lakefront Trail also reopens. When both are officially open, there will be restrictions, including hours of use (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and reason for use, namely, just exercise or transit.
Read the full story here.
9:34 a.m. Indiana, Wisconsin casinos open betting with masks, hand sanitizer – while Illinois studies its cards
Masks and hand sanitizer are the name of the game at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana.
You’ll have to raise your COVID-19 precautionary stakes by a temperature check for a seat at the table at the Ameristar in East Chicago.
But forget the table, cards and dice altogether at the reopened Potawatomi in Milwaukee; all bets are off except for slot machines at that casino 90 minutes north of Chicago.
As gambling meccas in the region gradually welcome customers back after a three-month coronavirus shutdown, there’s still no clear timeline for Illinois’ 10 casinos to reopen. But a look at casinos in neighboring states make one thing clear: Many bettors aren’t hedging when it comes to the newly reshuffled action — and that could be good news for Gov. J.B. Pritzker as his administration stares down a $2.7 billion state budget deficit.
Read the full story from Mitchell Armentrout here.
8:43 a.m. 606 Trail to reopen Monday
The popular 606 trail on the Northwest Side will reopen Monday, the same day the Lakefront Trail reopens, and with the same restrictions in place.
The 2.7-mile 606, officially the Bloomingdale Trail, has been closed since March.
Earlier this week, the city announced that when the Lakefront Trail reopens Monday, hours will be from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., but only for exercise and transit, and with social distancing enforced by monitors along the route.
The city also announced that billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin has donated $4.75 million to repair parts of the lakefront trail that were damaged by storms and high water levels over the winter. The contribution actually was made in April, and work started then on repaving parts of the path while the trail was closed. The money also will go toward additional work to fortify parts of the trail, especially on the South Side, to better protect them in the future.
Griffin had donated $12 million in 2016 to help complete separate bike and walking paths long the 18-mile pathway.
Read the full story here.
8:23 a.m. County buildings to reopen to public, 1st wave of workers early next month
The Cook County building and its administrative office building will reopen to the public early next month, which is also when the first wave of county employees will return to work, officials said Wednesday.
That return to in-person work on July 6 take place on the same day buildings like 69 W. Washington, the county’s administrative office building, will reopen to the public, though the county is taking precautions to try to keep people safe.
Anyone who enters the buildings will be required to wear a mask or facial covering and undergo thermal wellness and health screenings, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Wednesday at a news conference announcing the reopening plans.
“We’ve been through a difficult time,” Preckwinkle said. “While we’ve made incredible progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19 over the last few months, the pandemic is clearly not over. It’s important that we continue to follow health guidelines … as we navigate this new phase.”
Read the full story from Rachel Hinton here.
7:17 a.m. Pritzker announces $900M in COVID-19 relief grants for small businesses, struggling renters
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday announced a wide-ranging $900 million in grants to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19, as well as the many Illinoisans struggling to pay mortgages and rent amid the pandemic.
In front of a North Lawndale store that was looted about three weeks ago, Pritzker said about 3,500 businesses will be able to benefit from a $60 million grant program, as soon as early July.
The Democratic governor also announced that he would be extending a residential eviction ban until July 31. Pritzker first banned evictions when he issued a stay-at-home order on March 21.
Several progressive Democratic lawmakers tried to push through a more expansive rent relief measure that would have canceled rent and mortgage payments statewide for 180 days during a shortened legislative special session last month, but found resistance from realtors. Instead, a deal was reached to increase funds to the Illinois Housing Development Authority to administer a relief program.
Read the full story by Tina Sfondeles here.
New cases
Analysis
5:55 p.m. Public service workers essential during COVID-19 crisis
The COVID-19 crisis has shown how essential public service workers are to our communities, from public health experts tracking the virus and providing safety guidance to the now immensely overburdened workforce that processes unemployment claims to the streets and sanitation crews who pick up our trash every day.
While the vast majority of Chicagoans recognize and applaud the work of our public service heroes on the front lines of this crisis, the Sun-Times Editorial Board seems to think the appropriate response to their efforts is to cut their income and increase their workload. Not only would the austerity measures suggested by the Sun-Times fail to make any significant impact on the financial plight of state and local government — a fact the editorial board readily acknowledges — but they would demean public service and prolong the COVID-induced economic slump.
Most people understand the depth of this crisis and overwhelmingly support funding the public services needed to respond. In a recent national poll, 74% of respondents said they preferred funding for education, health care and other public services over reducing government spending or debt.
Read the full commentary by Robert G. Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor.
2:55 p.m. A ‘last responder’s’ COVID-19 message: ‘If they won’t listen to a doctor, maybe they’ll listen to an undertaker’
In a normal month, Symonds’ Funeral Home in north suburban Highwood handles five to eight funerals.
As the COVID-19 pandemic peaked here in May, that number jumped to 44.
The vast majority of those were COVID cases, said Irving Symonds III, the second-generation funeral home operator who is only just now starting to see his workload ease slightly.
“It’s still busy. It’s not like what it was. We really got slammed,” said Symonds, who spent much of May with families lined up outside his office door seeking to make arrangements while he got only three hours sleep per night trying to keep up with the work.
As Illinois continues with its reopening process and life returns to some semblance of normal, it would be a tragedy if people failed to keep in mind that what we’ve been dealing with is real — and continues to be real.
And I can’t think of any place better to bring home that point than a funeral home, where death gets about as real as real can get.
“We’re the last responders,” said Symonds, drawing on a reference to his profession that has been popularized during this pandemic.
Read the full commentary from columnist Mark Brown on a local funeral home operator at the front lines of COVID-19.