chicagosun-times--2020-09-02--12 shot, 2 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

12 shot, 2 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

Twelve people were shot , two of them fatally , Tuesday in Chicago .
The day ’ s most recent reported fatal shooting killed a man who was shot on Interstate 57 on the South Side .
The man was driving north about 9:55 p.m. when someone in another vehicle opened fire between Halsted Street and the junction with Interstate 94 , Illinois State Police said .
The man was struck by gunfire and crashed , police said .
He was pronounced dead at the scene .
Three people were wounded , two critically , in a shooting in Englewood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a.m. the three men , 36 , 28 and 35 , were outside in the 6700 block of South Ada Street , when someone fired shots at them from a gangway of a home , police said .
The 36-year-old was struck in the foot and took himself to St. Bernard Hospital where he is in good condition , police said .
The 28-year-old was struck in the abdomen and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he died about two hours later , police and the Cook County medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was identified as Cinque Lee of South Shore , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
A 35-year-old man was struck in the back and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition , police said .
In non-fatal shoots , A man was wounded in a shooting in Homan Square on the West Side .
The 52-year-old was shot in the back about 6:22 p.m. in the 3800 block of West Fillmore Street , Chicago police said .
He was taken to a hospital in serious condition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man and a woman were wounded when they were shot in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side .
They were in a vehicle about 6:05 p.m. near West Lithuanian Plaza Court and South Artesian Avenue when someone on foot fired shots , police said .
The man , 23 , and the 20-year-old woman were both struck in their leg .
Both of them were taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition , police said .
About the same time a man was also shot in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in the 6300 block of South Artesian Avenue when someone opened fire , police said .
The man was struck in the body and taken to a hospital , police said .
His condition was not immediately known .
About 5:30 p.m. , he was in the 3600 block of West Huron Street when someone fired shots , police said .
The 24-year-old was struck in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition , police said .
A 15-year-old boy was shot in Pilsen on the Lower West Side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 4:15 p.m. in the 1400 block of West 17th Street when someone in a gold-colored sedan fired shots , police said .
The teen was struck in the leg and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition , police said .
The day ’ s first reported shooting wounded two people in Lawndale on the West Side .
They were traveling in a black-colored Infiniti about 1:50 p.m. in the 1900 block of South Trumbull Avenue when someone fired shots , police said .
A male was struck in the head and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition .
Another male was shot in the arm , shoulder and taken to the same hospital where he was also in critical condition , police said .
Ten people were shot , one fatally , Monday in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Twelve people were shot, two of them fatally, Tuesday in Chicago.
The day’s most recent reported fatal shooting killed a man who was shot on Interstate 57 on the South Side.
The man was driving north about 9:55 p.m. when someone in another vehicle opened fire between Halsted Street and the junction with Interstate 94, Illinois State Police said.
The man was struck by gunfire and crashed, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three people were wounded, two critically, in a shooting in Englewood on the South Side.
About 2:50 a.m. the three men, 36, 28 and 35, were outside in the 6700 block of South Ada Street, when someone fired shots at them from a gangway of a home, police said.
The 36-year-old was struck in the foot and took himself to St. Bernard Hospital where he is in good condition, police said.
The 28-year-old was struck in the abdomen and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died about two hours later, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
He was identified as Cinque Lee of South Shore, the medical examiner’s office said.
A 35-year-old man was struck in the back and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
In non-fatal shoots, A man was wounded in a shooting in Homan Square on the West Side.
The 52-year-old was shot in the back about 6:22 p.m. in the 3800 block of West Fillmore Street, Chicago police said.
He was taken to a hospital in serious condition, police said.
Minutes prior, a man and a woman were wounded when they were shot in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side.
They were in a vehicle about 6:05 p.m. near West Lithuanian Plaza Court and South Artesian Avenue when someone on foot fired shots, police said. The man, 23, and the 20-year-old woman were both struck in their leg.
Both of them were taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition, police said.
About the same time a man was also shot in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side.
About 6 p.m., the 42-year-old was in the 6300 block of South Artesian Avenue when someone opened fire, police said.
The man was struck in the body and taken to a hospital, police said. His condition was not immediately known.
Thirty minutes prior a man was shot in East Garfield Park.
About 5:30 p.m., he was in the 3600 block of West Huron Street when someone fired shots, police said.
The 24-year-old was struck in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said.
A 15-year-old boy was shot in Pilsen on the Lower West Side.
He was standing on a corner about 4:15 p.m. in the 1400 block of West 17th Street when someone in a gold-colored sedan fired shots, police said.
The teen was struck in the leg and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition, police said.
The day’s first reported shooting wounded two people in Lawndale on the West Side.
They were traveling in a black-colored Infiniti about 1:50 p.m. in the 1900 block of South Trumbull Avenue when someone fired shots, police said.
A male was struck in the head and body, police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.
Another male was shot in the arm, shoulder and taken to the same hospital where he was also in critical condition, police said.
Ten people were shot, one fatally, Monday in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Jose Martinez happy to join Cubs after being a rival with Cardinals

Jose Martinez was stunned by his trade to the Cubs , but after the initial shock wore off , his excitement grew .
Martinez , who was acquired from the Rays , has seen the Cubs a lot as an opponent with the Cardinals , and he ’ s looking forward to the opportunity to play on the North Side .
“ You ’ re always surprised to get traded , ” Martinez said Tuesday before the game against the Pirates .
“ You don ’ t expect to get traded at all .
With all the circumstances over there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ in Tampa Bay ] .
They had a lot of guys , good players over there .
.
.
.
I was happy when I got that call , for sure , and I ’ m excited to be here , 100 % .
“ You always want to play the Cubs , the atmosphere around the stadium .
The fans are into it — a lot of Cubs fans were there at Busch Stadium , too .
You always want to play them and compete because there ’ s a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s going to be better , for sure , because I ’ m here now.
” The Cubs ’ new first baseman and designated hitter is going to see some old faces real soon as the team takes on the Cardinals for five games starting Friday at Wrigley Field .
“ As soon as I got traded , everybody started sending me the schedule , like , ‘ Hey , look !
This is what you got.
’ I ’ m excited for that too , ” Martinez said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys over there .
A lot of good friends over there .
But now it ’ s about competing , and now I ’ m with a different organization .
“ It ’ s going to be fun because I ’ ve played over there , too , and I ’ m here now .
So I can feel how it is on both sides.
” Martinez went 0-for-3 in his Cubs debut .
The Cubs put right-hander Tyler Chatwood on the 10-day injured list with a strained right forearm .
Chatwood injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cubs ’ 10-1 win Sunday against the Reds before being removed from the game .
“ He ’ s gon na be a little while , ” general manager Jed Hoyer said Monday .
“ We ’ re certainly hopeful that he ’ s back this year .
.
.
.
It was largely good news with his MRI.
” Left-hander Jose Quintana said he wanted to get back into the Cubs ’ rotation as soon as possible after returning from the injured list , and he ’ s going to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chatwood and that five-game series against the Cardinals , manager David Ross indicated that Quintana will get the nod this weekend .
“ Yeah , that ’ s safe to say , ” Ross said .
“ He ’ ll start one of those games.
” Right-hander Casey Sadler was designated for assignment to make room on the active roster for left-hander Josh Osich , who was acquired from the Red Sox on Monday .
Sadler had a 5.79 ERA in 10 appearances .

Jose Martinez was stunned by his trade to the Cubs, but after the initial shock wore off, his excitement grew.
Martinez, who was acquired from the Rays, has seen the Cubs a lot as an opponent with the Cardinals, and he’s looking forward to the opportunity to play on the North Side.
“You’re always surprised to get traded,” Martinez said Tuesday before the game against the Pirates. “You don’t expect to get traded at all. With all the circumstances over there, they got a pretty good team [in Tampa Bay]. They had a lot of guys, good players over there. . . . I was happy when I got that call, for sure, and I’m excited to be here, 100%.
“You always want to play the Cubs, the atmosphere around the stadium. The fans are into it — a lot of Cubs fans were there at Busch Stadium, too. You always want to play them and compete because there’s a lot of excitement. Playing on this side, it’s going to be better, for sure, because I’m here now.”
The Cubs’ new first baseman and designated hitter is going to see some old faces real soon as the team takes on the Cardinals for five games starting Friday at Wrigley Field.
“As soon as I got traded, everybody started sending me the schedule, like, ‘Hey, look! This is what you got.’ I’m excited for that too,” Martinez said. “They have a lot of great guys over there. A lot of good friends over there. But now it’s about competing, and now I’m with a different organization.
“It’s going to be fun because I’ve played over there, too, and I’m here now. So I can feel how it is on both sides.”
Martinez went 0-for-3 in his Cubs debut.
Chatwood to IL with forearm strain
The Cubs put right-hander Tyler Chatwood on the 10-day injured list with a strained right forearm. Chatwood injured the forearm in the third inning of the Cubs’ 10-1 win Sunday against the Reds before being removed from the game.
“He’s gonna be a little while,” general manager Jed Hoyer said Monday. “We’re certainly hopeful that he’s back this year. . . . It was largely good news with his MRI.”
Quintana to start against Cardinals
Left-hander Jose Quintana said he wanted to get back into the Cubs’ rotation as soon as possible after returning from the injured list, and he’s going to get his opportunity.
With the injury to Chatwood and that five-game series against the Cardinals, manager David Ross indicated that Quintana will get the nod this weekend.
“Yeah, that’s safe to say,” Ross said. “He’ll start one of those games.”
Osich activated; Sadler DFA’d
Right-hander Casey Sadler was designated for assignment to make room on the active roster for left-hander Josh Osich, who was acquired from the Red Sox on Monday. Sadler had a 5.79 ERA in 10 appearances.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--New-look lineup shows what it can do as Cubs top Pirates 8-7 in 11 innings

The Cubs ’ offense had a different look to it Tuesday .
The team made some upgrades at the trade deadline , adding Jose Martinez and Cameron Maybin to the roster , but it also got some in-house additions with Kris Bryant and Steven Souza Jr. returning after extended absences .
“ I feel like anytime the front office makes deals , like we just did address some things , that ’ s just a huge boost of confidence for us going forward , ” said starter Jon Lester , who allowed five runs over 5 1/3 innings on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more cohesive and , in the 8-7 victory in 11 innings against the Pirates , showed what kind of damage it might do down the stretch .
Manager David Ross was able to write the lineup card with everyone at his disposal , and besides the addition of Martinez , the biggest change was at the top .
Bryant slid into the 2-hole , allowing the rest of the lineup to slot down , as well .
“ I ’ m trying to find him spots to succeed , ” Ross said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeper now , and you look around , you ’ ve got veteran presence.
” Bryant was the Cubs ’ leadoff man before his 11-game absence .
While he was sidelined , Ian Happ staked his claim for that spot .
He has been the Cubs ’ best hitter and a game-changer at the top of the lineup .
Happ continued to be the catalyst against the Pirates , sending the second pitch of the game 434 feet to right field for his 10th home run .
“ Having Kris back really lengthens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Cubs ’ offense has been trying to find its way entering the second half of the season , and multiple-run innings have been hard to come by .
But the fifth inning provided the Cubs with an opportunity to witness the benefits of the roster shake-up .
Bryant led off the inning with a single and scored on Javy Baez ’ s double two batters later .
Kyle Schwarber capped the inning by crushing a two-run blast to give the Cubs a five-run lead .
The Pirates would tie the score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game into extra innings .
Happ would come through again with a a game-winning , RBI-single in the 11th inning to push the Cubs to 21-14 on the season .
“ Being able just to kind of see [ the lineup ] on paper and then have it come together in the game , ” said Happ , who finished the game 3-for-6 with a homer and 2 RBIs .
A bunch of big hits , a bunch of really good at-bats and shoot for that one through nine that was out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Ross has said for the last few weeks that the best was yet to come for his offense , and after showing flashes in Detroit and Cincinnati , the recent additions plus a healthy Bryant might be what the team needs heading into the final stretch .
“ We ’ re starting to get some of those guys healthy , and picking up a guy like Jose Martinez is obviously nice , ” Ross said Sunday .
“ We take it day to day .
Hitting is so difficult .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan each day .
I really thought things were looking good in Detroit , and you know they carried into [ Cincinnati ] .
” The Cubs scored in the first , second , fourth and fifth innings before the game was delayed because of rain in the eighth .
They ’ d score two more runs in extra innings , including a game-winning RBI-single from Happ in the 11th inning .
All nine starters for the Cubs reached base at least once .
“ We ’ ll find spots for [ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roles and how they fit in , ’ ’ Ross said .
‘ ‘ I think it ’ s a really good job by the front office to help fill some of the holes that I felt we needed to fill .
”

The Cubs’ offense had a different look to it Tuesday.
The team made some upgrades at the trade deadline, adding Jose Martinez and Cameron Maybin to the roster, but it also got some in-house additions with Kris Bryant and Steven Souza Jr. returning after extended absences.
“I feel like anytime the front office makes deals, like we just did to address some things, that’s just a huge boost of confidence for us going forward,” said starter Jon Lester, who allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings.
The Cubs’ lineup looked deeper, more cohesive and, in the 8-7 victory in 11 innings against the Pirates, showed what kind of damage it might do down the stretch.
Manager David Ross was able to write the lineup card with everyone at his disposal, and besides the addition of Martinez, the biggest change was at the top. Bryant slid into the 2-hole, allowing the rest of the lineup to slot down, as well.
“I’m trying to find him spots to succeed,” Ross said. “The bench is so much deeper now, and you look around, you’ve got veteran presence.”
Bryant was the Cubs’ leadoff man before his 11-game absence. While he was sidelined, Ian Happ staked his claim for that spot. He has been the Cubs’ best hitter and a game-changer at the top of the lineup.
Happ continued to be the catalyst against the Pirates, sending the second pitch of the game 434 feet to right field for his 10th home run.
“Having Kris back really lengthens our lineup out,” Happ said.
The Cubs’ offense has been trying to find its way entering the second half of the season, and multiple-run innings have been hard to come by. But the fifth inning provided the Cubs with an opportunity to witness the benefits of the roster shake-up.
Bryant led off the inning with a single and scored on Javy Baez’s double two batters later. Kyle Schwarber capped the inning by crushing a two-run blast to give the Cubs a five-run lead. The Pirates would tie the score with five unanswered runs to force the game into extra innings. Happ would come through again with a a game-winning, RBI-single in the 11th inning to push the Cubs to 21-14 on the season.
“Being able just to kind of see [the lineup] on paper and then have it come together in the game,” said Happ, who finished the game 3-for-6 with a homer and 2 RBIs. A bunch of big hits, a bunch of really good at-bats and shoot for that one through nine that was out there today – that’s pretty strong.”
Ross has said for the last few weeks that the best was yet to come for his offense, and after showing flashes in Detroit and Cincinnati, the recent additions plus a healthy Bryant might be what the team needs heading into the final stretch.
“We’re starting to get some of those guys healthy, and picking up a guy like Jose Martinez is obviously nice,” Ross said Sunday. “We take it day to day. Hitting is so difficult. It’s really a daily process and a plan each day. I really thought things were looking good in Detroit, and you know they carried into [Cincinnati].”
The Cubs scored in the first, second, fourth and fifth innings before the game was delayed because of rain in the eighth. They’d score two more runs in extra innings, including a game-winning RBI-single from Happ in the 11th inning.
All nine starters for the Cubs reached base at least once.
“We’ll find spots for [the new additions] and continue to define roles and how they fit in,’’ Ross said.
‘‘I think it’s a really good job by the front office to help fill some of the holes that I felt we needed to fill.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Vehicle with 4-year-old boy inside stolen, crashed in South Shore

A four-year-old boy is safe after someone stole his mother ’ s SUV and crashed it Tuesday in South Shore @ @ @ @ @ gold Kia Sportage running about 8:40 p.m. while she went inside a restaurant in the @ @ @ @ @ Shore Drive , Chicago police said .
A male leaving the restaurant hopped in the @ @ @ @ @ the boy in the backseat .
The suspect crashed the Kia a few blocks away @ @ @ @ @ boy was reunited with his mother and taken to Comer Children ’ s Hospital in @ @ @ @ @ No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate .
Read more on crime @ @ @ @ @ ’ s homicides .

A four-year-old boy is safe after someone stole his mother’s SUV and crashed it Tuesday in South Shore.
A woman left the gold Kia Sportage running about 8:40 p.m. while she went inside a restaurant in the 6900 block of South South Shore Drive, Chicago police said. A male leaving the restaurant hopped in the SUV and sped off with the boy in the backseat.
The suspect crashed the Kia a few blocks away, police said. The boy was reunited with his mother and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in good condition for evaluation.
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Man shot to death on I-57: police

Man shot to death on I-57: police

A man was killed in a shooting Tuesday on Interstate 57 on the South Side .
The man was driving @ @ @ @ @ someone in another vehicle opened fire between Halsted Street and the junction with Interstate 94 @ @ @ @ @ .
The man was struck by gunfire and crashed , police said .
He was @ @ @ @ @ .
Northbound traffic has been diverted at 111th Street for an investigation , police said @ @ @ @ @ examiner ’ s office has not released details about the death .
Read more on @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s homicides .

A man was killed in a shooting Tuesday on I-57 near the junction with the Bishop Ford Freeway on the South Side.
The 25-year-old was driving north when someone fired shots from another vehicle at 9:37 p.m. in the northbound lanes of I-57 near Halsted Street, according to a statement from Illinois State Police.
Troopers found the man’s vehicle crashed in the grassy embankment between two ramps connecting I-57 and the Bishop Ford, state police said. The man had gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Jaleel Barbee of West Pullman.
I-57 onramps at 111th and Halsted streets were closed for investigation until 11:47 p.m., according to state police. The ramp from northbound I-94 to southbound I-57 were closed until 3:14 a.m. Wednesday.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 847-294-4400.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Horoscope for Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020

Horoscope for Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in pisces .
Something unusual might affect your health or your job .
( Perhaps even your pet ? )
It will be sudden and surprising .
For many of you , it will bring increased freedom or liberation .
It might even make you feel younger !
It could also deal with new technology .
A surprise invitation might land in your lap .
( Or perhaps a social event is canceled . )
Love at first sight might occur .
Something surprising with one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be an accident-prone day for your kids , so be vigilant . )
This is not a boring day !
Your home routine will change because something unexpected will occur .
Unexpected company might drop by ?
Family news could be a surprise .
You might buy something high-tech for your home or make a sudden decision that affects home and family .
( Kinda exciting . )
Today is full of unpredictable surprises , so keep your eyes open .
You might suddenly have to travel or take a short trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relative or neighbor ) might have unexpected news .
New faces , new places and new ideas might inspire you !
Keep an eye on your money today because of surprises .
Hopefully , this will be good news — but not in all cases .
You might see a way to make more money or buy something you like , perhaps modern art or something high-tech .
You might also receive a gift or a fun , technological toy ?
This is an exciting , stimulating day , which is why you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You want to reach out to make things happen !
Someone might inspire you to do something bold and different .
Basically , you want more freedom , especially the freedom of choice .
Something going on behind the scenes will bring you a surprise .
It might be a secret that is revealed or sudden , unexpected news .
This is why you feel restless and impulsive .
However , whatever you learn might give you greater freedom in the future , which you will want .
A friend or a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be news about someone or an event that will affect you .
Someone younger might do something that causes you to widen your goals and be more adventurous .
Today you see that all things are possible !
A parent , teacher , boss or someone in authority will surprise you today .
( Incidentally , this includes the police . )
Let ’ s hope it ’ s good news like a promotion or a fresh opportunity for you to explore new direction in life !
Guard against knee-jerk reactions to unexpected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your lap today .
Possibly , a chance to get further education or training will materialize .
Whatever happens , your window of opportunity will be brief so you will have to act fast .
Others might hear surprising news from a distance or through the media .
Life is unpredictable today .
Surprising news might increase your wealth or your share of something like an inheritance or something to do a shared property .
You might get money back from the government ?
This is because something unexpected could expand your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or close friend might surprise you today or throw you a real curveball .
( Yikes ! )
Hopefully , it ’ s something you want to hear .
Meanwhile , you might also meet someone new who is unusual !
People might expand your world today !
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Keanu Reeves ( 1964 ) shares your birthday .
You are practical , serene and organized .
You also have leadership abilities .
This year you will see that service to others , especially within your family , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take care of yourself so that you are a strong resource for yourself and others .
Look around yourself and invest in the relationships that you value .
Hang out with quality people .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in pisces.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Something unusual might affect your health or your job. (Perhaps even your pet?) It will be sudden and surprising. For many of you, it will bring increased freedom or liberation. It might even make you feel younger! It could also deal with new technology.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
A surprise invitation might land in your lap. (Or perhaps a social event is canceled.) Love at first sight might occur. Something surprising with one of your kids might happen. (This could be an accident-prone day for your kids, so be vigilant.) This is not a boring day!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Your home routine will change because something unexpected will occur. Unexpected company might drop by? Family news could be a surprise. You might buy something high-tech for your home or make a sudden decision that affects home and family. (Kinda exciting.)
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Today is full of unpredictable surprises, so keep your eyes open. You might suddenly have to travel or take a short trip. A close contact (sibling or relative or neighbor) might have unexpected news. New faces, new places and new ideas might inspire you!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Keep an eye on your money today because of surprises. Hopefully, this will be good news — but not in all cases. You might see a way to make more money or buy something you like, perhaps modern art or something high-tech. You might also receive a gift or a fun, technological toy?
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
This is an exciting, stimulating day, which is why you feel restless and keen for adventure! You want to reach out to make things happen! Someone might inspire you to do something bold and different. Basically, you want more freedom, especially the freedom of choice.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Something going on behind the scenes will bring you a surprise. It might be a secret that is revealed or sudden, unexpected news. This is why you feel restless and impulsive. However, whatever you learn might give you greater freedom in the future, which you will want.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
A friend or a group will surprise you today. It could be news about someone or an event that will affect you. Someone younger might do something that causes you to widen your goals and be more adventurous. Today you see that all things are possible!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
A parent, teacher, boss or someone in authority will surprise you today. (Incidentally, this includes the police.) Let’s hope it’s good news like a promotion or a fresh opportunity for you to explore new direction in life! Guard against knee-jerk reactions to unexpected news.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Sudden travel plans might drop in your lap today. Possibly, a chance to get further education or training will materialize. Whatever happens, your window of opportunity will be brief so you will have to act fast. Others might hear surprising news from a distance or through the media. Life is unpredictable today.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Surprising news might increase your wealth or your share of something like an inheritance or something to do a shared property. You might get money back from the government? This is because something unexpected could expand your ability to do something.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
A partner or close friend might surprise you today or throw you a real curveball. (Yikes!) Hopefully, it’s something you want to hear. Meanwhile, you might also meet someone new who is unusual! People might expand your world today!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Keanu Reeves (1964) shares your birthday. You are practical, serene and organized. You also have leadership abilities. This year you will see that service to others, especially within your family, is important. This is why you must take care of yourself so that you are a strong resource for yourself and others. Look around yourself and invest in the relationships that you value. Hang out with quality people.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Walmart to launch its answer to Amazon Prime

NEW YORK — Walmart is launching a new membership service that it hopes can compete with Amazon Prime .
Called Walmart+ , it will cost $ 98 a year , or $ 12.95 a month , and give members same-day delivery on 160,000 items , a fuel discount at certain gas stations and a chance to check out at Walmart stores without having to wait at a register .
Walmart has a long way to go to catch up with Amazon Prime .
Launched in 2005 , Prime has more than 150 million members worldwide who pay $ 119 a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for faster shipping and other perks , such as discounts at Amazon ’ s Whole Foods supermarkets and access to its video streaming site .
Walmart ’ s online sales are growing rapidly , especially during the pandemic , when more people have turned to the company to order groceries online and pick them up at a store .
But the world ’ s biggest retailer is still a distant second online to Amazon .
Walmart is expected to take 6 % of all online sales in the U.S. this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to market research firm eMarketer .
Last week , Walmart emerged as a possible suitor for the U.S. business of TikTok , the fast-growing video app with more than 100 million users .
Analysts have said the bid with tech company Microsoft could be a way for Walmart to grow its online shopping business and connect with millions of young shoppers .
Janey Whiteside , Walmart ’ s chief customer officer , said it wasn ’ t launching Walmart+ to compete with any other shopping membership .
“ We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our customers , ” she said .
“ And it really was designed to make their busy lives easier.
” Walmart+ members will still have to spend at least $ 35 online to qualify for free same-day delivery .
Items are delivered from stores , which typically costs as much as $ 9.95 for non-members .
The 160,000 items that qualify include groceries , toys , electronics and household items , such as toilet paper and soap .
Members will get a discount of up to 5 cents a gallon at Murphy gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have gas pumps .
The company said it ’ s working to add more gas-station chains to its list .
At its stores , members can unlock an app to scan items as they shop and pay without having to stop at a cashier .
The Bentonville , Arkansas-based company said Walmart+ will launch Sept. 15 .

NEW YORK — Walmart is launching a new membership service that it hopes can compete with Amazon Prime.
Called Walmart+, it will cost $98 a year, or $12.95 a month, and give members same-day delivery on 160,000 items, a fuel discount at certain gas stations and a chance to check out at Walmart stores without having to wait at a register.
Walmart has a long way to go to catch up with Amazon Prime. Launched in 2005, Prime has more than 150 million members worldwide who pay $119 a year, or $12.99 a month, for faster shipping and other perks, such as discounts at Amazon’s Whole Foods supermarkets and access to its video streaming site.
Walmart’s online sales are growing rapidly, especially during the pandemic, when more people have turned to the company to order groceries online and pick them up at a store. But the world’s biggest retailer is still a distant second online to Amazon. Walmart is expected to take 6% of all online sales in the U.S. this year, compared to Amazon’s 38%, according to market research firm eMarketer.
Last week, Walmart emerged as a possible suitor for the U.S. business of TikTok, the fast-growing video app with more than 100 million users. Analysts have said the bid with tech company Microsoft could be a way for Walmart to grow its online shopping business and connect with millions of young shoppers.
Janey Whiteside, Walmart’s chief customer officer, said it wasn’t launching Walmart+ to compete with any other shopping membership.
“We’re launching it to meet the needs of our customers,” she said. “And it really was designed to make their busy lives easier.”
Walmart+ members will still have to spend at least $35 online to qualify for free same-day delivery. Items are delivered from stores, which typically costs as much as $9.95 for non-members. The 160,000 items that qualify include groceries, toys, electronics and household items, such as toilet paper and soap.
Members will get a discount of up to 5 cents a gallon at Murphy gas stations or at the 2,000 Walmart locations that have gas pumps. The company said it’s working to add more gas-station chains to its list.
At its stores, members can unlock an app to scan items as they shop and pay without having to stop at a cashier.
The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company said Walmart+ will launch Sept. 15.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Nancy Pelosi faces backlash over indoor appointment at California hair salon

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is getting heat over a solo hair salon visit in San Francisco at a time when California businesses are limited by concern over coronavirus .
But Pelosi ’ s spokesman said she was complying with the rules as presented to her by eSalon .
“ This business offered for the Speaker to come in on Monday and told her they were allowed by the city to have one customer at a time in the business , ” said spokesman Drew Hammill in a statement .
“ The Speaker complied with the rules as presented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aired by Fox News Channel shows Pelosi , her mask around her neck rather than on her face , walking through the establishment .
A stylist follows her , wearing a mask .
The salon owner said she rents chairs to stylists , one of whom let her know in advance that Pelosi wanted a wash and a blow dry .
Outdoor haircuts are allowed in California , but indoor salons have not reopened .
The owner said she considered the service “ a slap in the face ” to business owners who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Pelosi has pushed policies that would keep our economy closed and our small businesses shut down .
But for herself ?
” Senate Republicans tweeted .
“ A salon visit whenever she pleases.
” Pelosi says Republicans could help create the conditions to safely reopen if they would only “ listen to the scientists.
” “ Republicans are rejecting the funding needed for testing and tracing to crush the virus and safely reopen schools and the economy , ” she wrote in a letter Friday to her Democratic colleagues .

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is getting heat over a solo hair salon visit in San Francisco at a time when California businesses are limited by concern over coronavirus.
But Pelosi’s spokesman said she was complying with the rules as presented to her by eSalon.
“This business offered for the Speaker to come in on Monday and told her they were allowed by the city to have one customer at a time in the business,” said spokesman Drew Hammill in a statement. “The Speaker complied with the rules as presented to her by this establishment.”
Footage aired by Fox News Channel shows Pelosi, her mask around her neck rather than on her face, walking through the establishment. A stylist follows her, wearing a mask.
The salon owner said she rents chairs to stylists, one of whom let her know in advance that Pelosi wanted a wash and a blow dry. Outdoor haircuts are allowed in California, but indoor salons have not reopened. The owner said she considered the service “a slap in the face” to business owners who have been forced to close.
Conservatives pounced, casting Pelosi as a hypocrite.
“Speaker Pelosi has pushed policies that would keep our economy closed and our small businesses shut down. But for herself?” Senate Republicans tweeted. “A salon visit whenever she pleases.”
Pelosi says Republicans could help create the conditions to safely reopen if they would only “listen to the scientists.”
“Republicans are rejecting the funding needed for testing and tracing to crush the virus and safely reopen schools and the economy,” she wrote in a letter Friday to her Democratic colleagues.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-01--Twins snap six-game losing streak, drop White Sox into first-place tie

First baseman Jose Abreu wouldn ’ t have objected to the front office adding a pitcher before the trade deadline Monday , but the White Sox are ‘ ‘ happy ’ ’ to bring on September with whom they have , he said .
‘ ‘ I can only control what I can control , ’ ’ Abreu said before the Sox lost to the host Twins 3-2 on Tuesday .
‘ ‘ I ’ m sure the team did a good job trying to pursue more talent to help us.
’ ’ Left-hander Dallas Keuchel would have welcomed some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why the Sox stood pat .
‘ ‘ Guys would like to see a trade come true , especially when a lot of trades are being made , ’ ’ Keuchel said .
‘ ‘ But do you sacrifice the future of this team for a win now , or do you roll with the team we have ?
‘ ‘ Honestly , with Carlos Rodon coming back and Dane Dunning stepping up , we ’ re in a very good spot.
’ ’ The Sox ( 22-14 ) were in a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Twins after Eloy Jimenez roped a two-run double against Michael Pineda in the first inning to give them an early lead .
But the high-powered Sox offense was silent thereafter , managing only four singles in the last eight innings against Pineda and the Twins ’ bullpen .
The loss , coupled with the Indians ’ victory against the Royals , left the Sox and Indians in a first-place tie in the American League Central .
The defending champion Twins snapped a six-game losing streak and are 1œ games behind .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nick Madrigal that would have completed a difficult double play started by third baseman Yolmer Sanchez to end the fifth inning without a run .
The error , however , allowed Jorge Polanco to score the only run — unearned — against Keuchel in five innings .
Keuchel was feeling the effects from an overnight stomach issue and didn ’ t have the strength to go past five innings .
The Twins tied the score at 2 in the sixth on a triple by pinch hitter Jake Cave and a double by pinch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who now has allowed runs in each of his last three appearances .
Byron Buxton ’ s RBI single in the seventh against Evan Marshall put the Twins in front 3-2 .
That run also was charged to Cordero .
Third baseman Yoan Moncada hit in the cages but missed a third consecutive start with a sore left hamstring .
‘ ‘ There ’ s an optimistic hope that he ’ ll be back in there [ Wednesday ] , but I can ’ t guarantee it , ’ ’ manager Rick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the 10-day injured list because ‘ ‘ there ’ s still an expectation that we can go through this process of trying to isolate and control some of the soreness in his leg — in a good way — that would allow him to come back and be here and play , ’ ’ Renteria said .
This and that Dylan Cease , Dunning , Lucas Giolito and Keuchel ( in order ) are the scheduled starters for the series Thursday through Sunday against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was sent outright to the Sox ’ training facility in Schaumburg .
• Rookie center fielder Luis Robert ’ s 108.9 mph average exit velocity on his 10 home runs was the highest in the majors among those with a minimum of 10 homers .
• Renteria , shortstop Tim Anderson and first-base coach Daryl Boston visited the memorial to George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Floyd died at the hands of police on May 25 .
‘ ‘ It was important to go out there , ’ ’ Renteria said .

First baseman Jose Abreu wouldn’t have objected to the front office adding a pitcher before the trade deadline Monday, but the White Sox are ‘‘happy’’ to bring on September with whom they have, he said.
‘‘I can only control what I can control,’’ Abreu said before the Sox lost to the host Twins 3-2 on Tuesday. ‘‘I’m sure the team did a good job trying to pursue more talent to help us.’’
Left-hander Dallas Keuchel would have welcomed some help, too. But he understands why the Sox stood pat.
‘‘Guys would like to see a trade come true, especially when a lot of trades are being made,’’ Keuchel said. ‘‘But do you sacrifice the future of this team for a win now, or do you roll with the team we have?
‘‘Honestly, with Carlos Rodon coming back and Dane Dunning stepping up, we’re in a very good spot.’’
The Sox (22-14) were in a good spot to win their second consecutive game against the Twins after Eloy Jimenez roped a two-run double against Michael Pineda in the first inning to give them an early lead. But the high-powered Sox offense was silent thereafter, managing only four singles in the last eight innings against Pineda and the Twins’ bullpen.
The loss, coupled with the Indians’ victory against the Royals, left the Sox and Indians in a first-place tie in the American League Central. The defending champion Twins snapped a six-game losing streak and are 1œ games behind.
Abreu dropped a throw from second baseman Nick Madrigal that would have completed a difficult double play started by third baseman Yolmer Sanchez to end the fifth inning without a run. The error, however, allowed Jorge Polanco to score the only run — unearned — against Keuchel in five innings.
Keuchel was feeling the effects from an overnight stomach issue and didn’t have the strength to go past five innings.
The Twins tied the score at 2 in the sixth on a triple by pinch hitter Jake Cave and a double by pinch hitter Luis Arraez against reliever Jimmy Cordero, who now has allowed runs in each of his last three appearances.
Byron Buxton’s RBI single in the seventh against Evan Marshall put the Twins in front 3-2. That run also was charged to Cordero.
Moncada still out
Third baseman Yoan Moncada hit in the cages but missed a third consecutive start with a sore left hamstring.
‘‘There’s an optimistic hope that he’ll be back in there [Wednesday], but I can’t guarantee it,’’ manager Rick Renteria said.
Moncada was not put on the 10-day injured list because ‘‘there’s still an expectation that we can go through this process of trying to isolate and control some of the soreness in his leg — in a good way — that would allow him to come back and be here and play,’’ Renteria said.
This and that
Dylan Cease, Dunning, Lucas Giolito and Keuchel (in order) are the scheduled starters for the series Thursday through Sunday against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
• Outfielder Nicky Delmonico cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Sox’ training facility in Schaumburg.
• Rookie center fielder Luis Robert’s 108.9 mph average exit velocity on his 10 home runs was the highest in the majors among those with a minimum of 10 homers.
• Renteria, shortstop Tim Anderson and first-base coach Daryl Boston visited the memorial to George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd died at the hands of police on May 25.
‘‘It was important to go out there,’’ Renteria said.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-02--Blues Brothers weed strain — grown by Jim Belushi — to go on sale at massive new suburban pot shop

Blues Brothers John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd made cinematic history when they tore through Harvey ’ s Dixie Square Mall in a Dodge Monaco police cruiser .
Fast forward 40 years and Jim Belushi , the late Blues Brother ’ s brother , now plans to drive a replica of the famed Bluesmobile to Thursday ’ s opening of a massive pot shop across the street from another suburban mall .
The “ According to Jim ” star , who has been growing cannabis at his Oregon farm for around five years , has partnered with Grassroots Cannabis to exclusively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new dispensary , located in an old bank steps from the Old Orchard shopping center in Skokie .
Though he plans to pull up to the shop and hand deliver the bud , don ’ t expect any high-speed theatrics .
“ What I wanted to do is drive through the Old Orchard mall , like they did in the ‘ Blues Brothers , ’ but I think that got a little too costly , ” a laughing Jim Belushi said in an interview with the Sun-Times Wednesday .
He noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago area for the opening , but coronavirus-related travel restrictions would have complicated a trip from his native Canada .
Still , Aykroyd offered his blessing during a conversation Jim Belushi recounted .
“ Jimmy , I know you can drive it , ” Jim Belushi said , doing a spot-on impersonation of the original Saturday Night Live cast mate .
“ You ’ re an Illinois alpha male , you know how to drive a police car.
” Jim Belushi , who grew up in the western suburbs , said he started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School .
Taken by the plant ’ s healing and medicinal effects , and the fact that it simply “ makes you feel good , ” he now prefers to “ micro dose ” cannabis as a sleep aid and to manage anxiety .
In recent years , Jim Belushi broke into the pot industry when he started cultivating weed at his namesake farm in Eagle Point , Oregon , a process that ’ s been documented in the Discovery Channel show “ Growing Belushi.
” Growing weed is deeply personal for Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Blues Brothers varietal as the “ marriage counselor ” after finding it improved his relationship with his wife .
“ If you take one little hit , and your wife didn ’ t even know you did , all of a sudden everything she says is beautiful , ” he noted .
The indica strain , a cross between Bubba Kush and Triangle Kush grown at Grassroots ’ cultivation center in far downstate Litchfield , was touted by Jim Belushi for its high level of THC , the mind-altering compound found in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expand his Grassroots brand to include other strains he ’ s grown at his farm , like Cherry Pie .
Jim Belushi said his decision to team with Chicago-based Grassroots was sealed in a handshake deal with the company ’ s CEO Mitchell Kahn , who he met over a year ago .
Lisa Hurwitz , Grassroots ’ chief marketing and innovation officer , said it “ was a natural decision ” for the Chicago-based company to partner with a figure who “ works tirelessly to change the way people see cannabis.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues Brothers back where they belong : sweet home , Chicago , ” Hurwitz said in a statement .
The Skokie dispensary is part of Grassroots ’ efforts to increase its footprint in Illinois after being acquired in July by Massachusetts-based Curaleaf in a blockbuster $ 875 million deal .
Grassroots , which also has operations in four other states , currently runs the Litchfield grow facility and four Illinois dispensaries .
The company is also building another giant dispensary in north suburban Northbrook .
With sales of legal weed booming nine months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois , Grassroots and other local pot firms fighting for market share have begun rolling out brand partnerships and opening colossal cannabis dispensaries .
New York-based Ascend Wellness has started selling pot products from Cookies Enterprises , the vaunted California cannabis company owned by the rapper Berner .
And Cresco Labs , another Chicago-based firm , opened an enormous pot store last month next to the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg .
The interior of Grassroots ’ 15,000-square-foot Greenhouse dispensary in Skokie — the company ’ s first Illinois store to sell only recreational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a major tech firm than a weed store .
The shop will be equipped with enough point-of-sale systems to serve a dozen customers at once .
“ As our largest dispensary to date , this flagship location further expands our presence in Illinois , ” Kahn , the company ’ s chief executive , said in a statement .
On Thursday afternoon , Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen will join Belushi and company leaders following a ribbon-cutting ceremony .

Blues Brothers John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd made cinematic history when they tore through Harvey’s Dixie Square Mall in a Dodge Monaco police cruiser.
Fast forward 40 years and Jim Belushi, the late Blues Brother’s brother, now plans to drive a replica of the famed Bluesmobile to Thursday’s opening of a massive pot shop across the street from another suburban mall.
The “According to Jim” star, who has been growing cannabis at his Oregon farm for around five years, has partnered with Grassroots Cannabis to exclusively sell a Blues Brothers weed strain at the new dispensary, located in an old bank steps from the Old Orchard shopping center in Skokie. Though he plans to pull up to the shop and hand deliver the bud, don’t expect any high-speed theatrics.
“What I wanted to do is drive through the Old Orchard mall, like they did in the ‘Blues Brothers,’ but I think that got a little too costly,” a laughing Jim Belushi said in an interview with the Sun-Times Wednesday.
Grassroots Cannabis will begin selling a Blues Brothers weed strain at the company’s new Skokie dispensary, which opens Thursday. Provided
He noted that Aykroyd was planning to travel to the Chicago area for the opening, but coronavirus-related travel restrictions would have complicated a trip from his native Canada. Still, Aykroyd offered his blessing during a conversation Jim Belushi recounted.
“Jimmy, I know you can drive it,” Jim Belushi said, doing a spot-on impersonation of the original Saturday Night Live cast mate. “You’re an Illinois alpha male, you know how to drive a police car.”
Jim Belushi, who grew up in the western suburbs, said he started smoking weed while attending Wheaton Central High School. Taken by the plant’s healing and medicinal effects, and the fact that it simply “makes you feel good,” he now prefers to “micro dose” cannabis as a sleep aid and to manage anxiety.
In recent years, Jim Belushi broke into the pot industry when he started cultivating weed at his namesake farm in Eagle Point, Oregon, a process that’s been documented in the Discovery Channel show “Growing Belushi.”
Growing weed is deeply personal for Jim Belushi, who also refers to the new Blues Brothers varietal as the “marriage counselor” after finding it improved his relationship with his wife.
“If you take one little hit, and your wife didn’t even know you did, all of a sudden everything she says is beautiful,” he noted.
The indica strain, a cross between Bubba Kush and Triangle Kush grown at Grassroots’ cultivation center in far downstate Litchfield, was touted by Jim Belushi for its high level of THC, the mind-altering compound found in weed. Ultimately, he plans to expand his Grassroots brand to include other strains he’s grown at his farm, like Cherry Pie.
Jim Belushi said his decision to team with Chicago-based Grassroots was sealed in a handshake deal with the company’s CEO Mitchell Kahn, who he met over a year ago. Lisa Hurwitz, Grassroots’ chief marketing and innovation officer, said it “was a natural decision” for the Chicago-based company to partner with a figure who “works tirelessly to change the way people see cannabis.”
“We’re proud to bring Blues Brothers back where they belong: sweet home, Chicago,” Hurwitz said in a statement.
The Skokie dispensary is part of Grassroots’ efforts to increase its footprint in Illinois after being acquired in July by Massachusetts-based Curaleaf in a blockbuster $875 million deal.
Grassroots Cannabis is opening a massive new Greenhouse cannabis store Thursday near the Old Orchard mall in Skokie. Provided
Grassroots, which also has operations in four other states, currently runs the Litchfield grow facility and four Illinois dispensaries. The company is also building another giant dispensary in north suburban Northbrook.
With sales of legal weed booming nine months after the drug was fully legalized in Illinois, Grassroots and other local pot firms fighting for market share have begun rolling out brand partnerships and opening colossal cannabis dispensaries.
New York-based Ascend Wellness has started selling pot products from Cookies Enterprises, the vaunted California cannabis company owned by the rapper Berner.
And Cresco Labs, another Chicago-based firm, opened an enormous pot store last month next to the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.
The interior of Grassroots’ 15,000-square-foot Greenhouse dispensary in Skokie — the company’s first Illinois store to sell only recreational weed — looks more like the offices of a major tech firm than a weed store. The shop will be equipped with enough point-of-sale systems to serve a dozen customers at once.
“As our largest dispensary to date, this flagship location further expands our presence in Illinois,” Kahn, the company’s chief executive, said in a statement.
On Thursday afternoon, Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen will join Belushi and company leaders following a ribbon-cutting ceremony.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-02--‘Dangerous and irresponsible’ behavior at UIUC could lead to end of in-person semester after COVID-1

‘Dangerous and irresponsible’ behavior at UIUC could lead to end of in-person semester after COVID-19 cases spike, officials warn   (LIVE UPDATES)

‘ Dangerous and irresponsible ’ behavior at UIUC could lead to end of in-person semester after COVID-19 cases spike , officials warn Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign could be suspended for not following the school ’ s quarantine guidelines , officials said after a spike in COVID-19 cases since the semester began .
More than 400 people have tested positive at UIUC since the first day of classes Aug. 24 , and about 800 people are currently quarantining , according to a Wednesday press release .
If the current trends continue , the school will have double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , per the release , leading to as many as 8,000 cases fall semester .
School administration says parties and other large gatherings over the weekend are to blame for the high number of students testing positive for the virus , as well as disregarding guidance to self-isolate after testing positive or being exposed to someone who tests positive .
Two students have been suspended , and 100 more are facing school discipline .
Read the full story by Clare Proctor here .
A most overused coaching cliche has never been so relevant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 : Take it one day at a time .
With so much uncertainty , trying to figure how this will go is impossible .
But there will be games , including a few this weekend , though the usual Labor Day grand opening has been scrapped .
The 2020 season will be a story about what was lost , what was salvaged and what was gained in reaction to all the disorder .
This also could be the first of two over the next eight months .
Mental health therapists ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointments are growing .
And anxiety and depression are rising among Americans amid the coronavirus crisis , research suggests .
In the latest study to suggest an uptick , half of U.S. adults surveyed reported at least some signs of depression , such as hopelessness , feeling like a failure or getting little pleasure from doing things .
That ’ s double the rate from a different survey two years ago , Boston University researchers said Wednesday in the medical journal JAMA Network Open .
The study did not ask about any diagnosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people , the problem is mostly angst rather than full-blown psychiatric illness .
But experts say the feeling is genuine and deserving of professional help .
Millions of Americans are counting on a COVID-19 vaccine to curb the global pandemic and return life to normal .
While one or more options could be available toward the end of this year or early next , the path to delivering vaccines to 330 million people remains unclear for the local health officials expected to carry out the work .
“ We haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is going to roll out , ” said Dr. Umair Shah , executive director of Texas ’ Harris County Public Health department , which includes Houston .
SIOUX FALLS , S.D .
— A Minnesota man who attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota last month has died from COVID-19 , Minnesota health officials reported on Wednesday .
The death is the first reported from the biker rally that drew hundreds of thousands of people .
Infections linked to the event have been reported among people in states spanning coast to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears it could become a super-spread event , with South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem welcoming bikers and the tourist dollars they spend .
Rallygoers crowded into bars and rock shows , mostly ignoring social distancing recommendations .
Few wore masks .
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Wednesday announced another 2,128 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 27 dying from the virus .
As of Wednesday , the state ’ s positivity rate was 4.5 % , according to the IDPH .
As of Tuesday night , 1,596 people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital with COVID-19 ; of those , 347 patients were in intensive care and 142 were on ventilators .
Since the pandemic first took hold , 8,091 Illinoisans have died from the virus .
The state has seen 238,643 cases .
Read the full story by Stefano Esposito here .
America ’ s live event industry , like many other industries , continues to take a devastating hit due to COVID-19 .
The live event industry is normally an $ 877 billion industry , according to the U.S. Department of Commerce ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Chicago Theatre , Wintrust Arena , the Aragon Ballroom and more live music and event venues across Chicago glowed red Tuesday night as part of # WeMakeEvents ’ Red Alert campaign , a nationwide effort to motivate Congress to pass the Reviving the Economy Sustainably Towards A Recovery in Twenty-twenty ( RESTART ) Act , a bill that guarantees loans to small businesses hit hard by COVID-19 .
The bill aims to provide assistance to venues , which can be used for payroll , rent , bills , and personal protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 500 full-time employees and endured a revenue decline of at least 25 % .
# WeMakeEvents , the event ’ s sponsor , is encouraging supporters to contact their local representatives via its website and post red-tinted photos ( via LunaPic ) of themselves at their favorite venue to their social media platforms utilizing the # RedAlertRESTART hashtag .
Read the full story from Evan F. Moore here .
11:34 a.m. United plans to furlough 16,000 workers , fewer than expected United Airlines said Wednesday it plans to furlough 16,370 employees in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 36,000 after thousands of workers took early retirement , buyouts or long-term leaves of absence with the industry facing a slow recovery from the pandemic .
Airline officials said the final number could come down further before Oct. 1 , when a prohibition on furloughs ends .
They said the furloughs would be postponed if Washington approves another $ 25 billion to help passenger airlines cover payroll costs .
Flight attendants will bear the brunt of the cuts , with 6,920 getting furlough notices .
About 2,850 pilots , 2,010 maintenance workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also lose their jobs .
The level of cuts , however , is 55 % lower than the number of layoff warnings that United sent to employees in July .
The reduction was possible because 7,400 employees took buyouts or early retirement , and up to 20,000 more accepted reduced work schedules or took voluntary leaves lasting up to 13 months .
Read the full report here for more details .
8:26 a.m. Apple , Google team up to alert you — via cell phone — if you ’ ve been exposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop push notifications that let iOS and Android users know if they might have been exposed to COVID-19 .
The companies announced the news on Tuesday and the effort is called Exposure Notifications Express .
It ’ s an opt-in based system that lets your local public health agency alert you to potential coronavirus exposure via a notice on your smartphone .
It ’ ll also allow the agency to guide residents on actions to take if they ’ ve been exposed , according to Apple and Google .
The development picks up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort left off .
They previously worked together to create Bluetooth technology that helped health agencies develop mobile apps that can identify people who ’ ve been near with someone infected with the coronavirus .
Constant digital surveillance raises a number of questions regarding privacy : Will your location data be sold ?
How will it be used , and who has access to it ?
• Dwayne “ The Rock ” Johnson , wife and two daughters tested positive for COVID-19 .
• The Illinois Department of Public Health on Tuesday announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for COVID-19 , with another 39 dying of the virus in the last day .
8:40 a.m .
If you , an ‘ essential ’ worker , have been treated poorly — get organized On March 20 , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot held a joint news conference , which I listened to on the radio , to announce the shutdown of the state and city due to COVID-19 .
I was struck by their matter-of-fact tone in regards to their ability to shut down the state and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their ability to decide who would be able to work and who wouldn ’ t .
And I became quite uneasy with their use of the word “ essential.
” That uneasy feeling stayed with me as I read various articles ( including some in this newspaper ) that gave advice on how to work from home .
I found such advice to be shallow , smirky , and a bit smug , and I wondered if a shift were underway in how we view work , a shift favoring those who do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the expense of “ essential ” workers who can ’ t .
Such an attitude suggests a category of worker that stands in opposition to an essential worker : a privileged worker .
Read the full guest column from John Vukmirovich here .

As we move closer to Labor Day weekend, public health officials urged residents to follow social distancing guidelines as people prepare to gather. Gov. J.B. Pritzker cautioned against listening to the “virus deniers.”
“Their new argument is, ‘It’s just new cases that are rising — not deaths — and the hospitals are fine so we don’t have to worry,’” Pritzker said. “As the White House’s own Dr. [Deborah] Birx said [Tuesday], Florida, Texas, Arizona and other southern sunbelt states thought that their increasing infection rates were unimportant and then, in no time at all, their hospitals were overrun. When that happens, a lot more people die. I won’t let that happen here.”
Here’s what we learned today in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
9 p.m. ‘Dangerous and irresponsible’ behavior at UIUC could lead to end of in-person semester after COVID-19 cases spike, officials warn
Sun-Times file photo
Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign could be suspended for not following the school’s quarantine guidelines, officials said after a spike in COVID-19 cases since the semester began.
More than 400 people have tested positive at UIUC since the first day of classes Aug. 24, and about 800 people are currently quarantining, according to a Wednesday press release. If the current trends continue, the school will have double the number of COVID-19 cases every week, per the release, leading to as many as 8,000 cases fall semester.
School administration says parties and other large gatherings over the weekend are to blame for the high number of students testing positive for the virus, as well as disregarding guidance to self-isolate after testing positive or being exposed to someone who tests positive. Two students have been suspended, and 100 more are facing school discipline.
Read the full story by Clare Proctor here.
8:30 p.m. Critics: Eviction ban may only delay wave of homelessness
BOSTON — Housing advocates say the Trump administration’s surprise national moratorium on evictions only delays a wave of crushing debt and homelessness, and an attorney representing landlords questions whether the measure is aimed at voters ahead of the November election.
The White House announced Tuesday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would act under its broad powers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The measure would forbid landlords from evicting anyone for failure to pay rent, providing the renter meets four criteria.
Read the full story here.
6:35 p.m. College football embarks on uncertain season of COVID-19
A most overused coaching cliche has never been so relevant as college football embarks on a season of COVID-19: Take it one day at a time.
With so much uncertainty, trying to figure how this will go is impossible. But there will be games, including a few this weekend, though the usual Labor Day grand opening has been scrapped.
The 2020 season will be a story about what was lost, what was salvaged and what was gained in reaction to all the disorder. This also could be the first of two over the next eight months.
Read the full story here.
5:45 p.m. Depression, anxiety spike amid coronavirus outbreak and turbulent times
Mental health therapists’ caseloads are bulging. Waiting lists for appointments are growing. And anxiety and depression are rising among Americans amid the coronavirus crisis, research suggests.
In the latest study to suggest an uptick, half of U.S. adults surveyed reported at least some signs of depression, such as hopelessness, feeling like a failure or getting little pleasure from doing things. That’s double the rate from a different survey two years ago, Boston University researchers said Wednesday in the medical journal JAMA Network Open.
The study did not ask about any diagnosis they might have received, and for many people, the problem is mostly angst rather than full-blown psychiatric illness. But experts say the feeling is genuine and deserving of professional help.
Read the full story here.
3:20 p.m. Health officials worry nation not ready for COVID-19 vaccine
Millions of Americans are counting on a COVID-19 vaccine to curb the global pandemic and return life to normal.
While one or more options could be available toward the end of this year or early next, the path to delivering vaccines to 330 million people remains unclear for the local health officials expected to carry out the work.
“We haven’t gotten a lot of information about how this is going to roll out,” said Dr. Umair Shah, executive director of Texas’ Harris County Public Health department, which includes Houston.
Read the full story here.
2:30 p.m. COVID-19 death tied to Sturgis Rally reported in Minnesota
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A Minnesota man who attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota last month has died from COVID-19, Minnesota health officials reported on Wednesday.
The death is the first reported from the biker rally that drew hundreds of thousands of people. Infections linked to the event have been reported among people in states spanning coast to coast. The rally went forward despite fears it could become a super-spread event, with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem welcoming bikers and the tourist dollars they spend.
Rallygoers crowded into bars and rock shows, mostly ignoring social distancing recommendations. Few wore masks.
Read the full story here.
1:40 p.m. Illinois sees 2,128 new coronavirus cases, 27 deaths
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Wednesday announced another 2,128 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 27 dying from the virus.
As of Wednesday, the state’s positivity rate was 4.5%, according to the IDPH. As of Tuesday night, 1,596 people in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19; of those, 347 patients were in intensive care and 142 were on ventilators.
Since the pandemic first took hold, 8,091 Illinoisans have died from the virus. The state has seen 238,643 cases.
Read the full story by Stefano Esposito here.
12:05 p.m. Why Chicago’s music venues are glowing red
America’s live event industry, like many other industries, continues to take a devastating hit due to COVID-19. The live event industry is normally an $877 billion industry, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Allstate Arena, the Chicago Theatre, Wintrust Arena, the Aragon Ballroom and more live music and event venues across Chicago glowed red Tuesday night as part of #WeMakeEvents’ Red Alert campaign, a nationwide effort to motivate Congress to pass the Reviving the Economy Sustainably Towards A Recovery in Twenty-twenty (RESTART) Act, a bill that guarantees loans to small businesses hit hard by COVID-19.
The bill aims to provide assistance to venues, which can be used for payroll, rent, bills, and personal protective equipment to would-be recipients that have less than 500 full-time employees and endured a revenue decline of at least 25%.
#WeMakeEvents, the event’s sponsor, is encouraging supporters to contact their local representatives via its website and post red-tinted photos (via LunaPic) of themselves at their favorite venue to their social media platforms utilizing the #RedAlertRESTART hashtag.
Read the full story from Evan F. Moore here.
11:34 a.m. United plans to furlough 16,000 workers, fewer than expected
United Airlines said Wednesday it plans to furlough 16,370 employees in October, down from an earlier target of 36,000 after thousands of workers took early retirement, buyouts or long-term leaves of absence with the industry facing a slow recovery from the pandemic.
Airline officials said the final number could come down further before Oct. 1, when a prohibition on furloughs ends. They said the furloughs would be postponed if Washington approves another $25 billion to help passenger airlines cover payroll costs.
Flight attendants will bear the brunt of the cuts, with 6,920 getting furlough notices. About 2,850 pilots, 2,010 maintenance workers and 1,400 management and support staff would also lose their jobs.
The level of cuts, however, is 55% lower than the number of layoff warnings that United sent to employees in July. The reduction was possible because 7,400 employees took buyouts or early retirement, and up to 20,000 more accepted reduced work schedules or took voluntary leaves lasting up to 13 months.
Read the full report here for more details.
8:26 a.m. Apple, Google team up to alert you — via cell phone — if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19
Apple and Google teamed up to develop push notifications that let iOS and Android users know if they might have been exposed to COVID-19.
The companies announced the news on Tuesday and the effort is called Exposure Notifications Express. It’s an opt-in based system that lets your local public health agency alert you to potential coronavirus exposure via a notice on your smartphone. It’ll also allow the agency to guide residents on actions to take if they’ve been exposed, according to Apple and Google.
The development picks up where the company’s other collaborative effort left off. They previously worked together to create Bluetooth technology that helped health agencies develop mobile apps that can identify people who’ve been near with someone infected with the coronavirus.
Constant digital surveillance raises a number of questions regarding privacy: Will your location data be sold? How will it be used, and who has access to it?
Read the full report here.
New Cases
Tom Seaver, the Hall of Fame pitcher who was the heart of the Miracle Mets team, has died at 75 of lewy body dementia and COVID-19.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, wife and two daughters tested positive for COVID-19.
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Tuesday announced that another 1,492 state residents have tested positive for COVID-19, with another 39 dying of the virus in the last day.
Claudio Velez, Chicago’s beloved ‘Tamale Guy,’ remains in intensive care with COVID-19
Analysis & Commentary
8:40 a.m. If you, an ‘essential’ worker, have been treated poorly — get organized
On March 20, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot held a joint news conference, which I listened to on the radio, to announce the shutdown of the state and city due to COVID-19.
I was struck by their matter-of-fact tone in regards to their ability to shut down the state and the city, but also in regards to their ability to decide who would be able to work and who wouldn’t.
And I became quite uneasy with their use of the word “essential.”
That uneasy feeling stayed with me as I read various articles (including some in this newspaper) that gave advice on how to work from home. I found such advice to be shallow, smirky, and a bit smug, and I wondered if a shift were underway in how we view work, a shift favoring those who do, or could, work from home at the expense of “essential” workers who can’t.
Such an attitude suggests a category of worker that stands in opposition to an essential worker: a privileged worker.
Read the full guest column from John Vukmirovich here.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-02--Girl, 10, killed by car fleeing traffic stop was headed to school to get laptop for e-learning, mom

Girl, 10, killed by car fleeing traffic stop was headed to school to get laptop for e-learning, mom says

A 10-year-old girl — killed after police say a car fleeing a traffic stop crashed into the car she was in — was heading to school to get a computer to use for remote learning , which starts next week , her mom said .
Darnesha Johnson said her daughter , Da ’ Karia Spicer , and son , Dhaamir , were on their way to get a laptop for the girl when the crash happened in Gresham on the South Side .
Dhaamir , 5 , is now in critical condition .
Police said officers tried to pull over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 12:27 p.m. near 80th and Halsted streets .
The car took off heading west and hit a gray car headed northbound on Halsted and a tan sedan that was pulled over on westbound 80th , police said .
Three people then got out of the black car and ran .
The 10-year-old girl who was in the tan sedan was taken to Comer Children ’ s Hospital and pronounced dead , police said .
Another passenger , a 5-year-old boy , was also taken to Comer in critical condition , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a 43-year-old man , was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition .
The 57-year-old woman driving the gray car was also taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition .
Johnson said Dhaamir has a gash to his head that doctors stitched up , but no head trauma .
She also said her son was intubated because he had trouble breathing .
Johnson said her daughter was starting 5th grade at Foster Park elementary and was a straight-A student .
She also was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scouts .
“ That was my little girl , that was my little best friend , ” Johnson said as tears rolled down her face .
“ She was just so lovable , anybody she ’ d meet or got to know her loved her .
And they just took my baby away from me like that .
The Chicago Police Department released a statement calling the accident a “ devastating loss of life.
” “ Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and all those impacted by this tragic incident , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detectives are questioning a person of interest in the crash , police said .
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating .
Although police did not release details on whether officers pursued the initial car for any distance , Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced she was formulating policies to limit police chases after a woman was killed during a pursuit earlier this year .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 10-year-old girl — killed Wednesday after police say a car fleeing a traffic stop crashed into the car she was in — was heading to school to get a computer to use for remote learning, which starts next week, her mom said.
Darnesha Johnson said her daughter, Da’Karia Spicer, and son, Dhaamir, were on their way to get a laptop for the girl when the crash happened in Gresham on the South Side. Dhaamir, 5, is now in critical condition.
“Worst day of my life,” Johnson told reporters.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Police said officers tried to pull over a black sedan for a traffic violation at 12:27 p.m. near 80th and Halsted streets.
The car took off heading west and hit a gray car headed north on Halsted and a tan sedan that was pulled over on westbound 80th, police said. Three people then got out of the black car and ran.
The scene of a crash at 80th and Halsted that killed a girl, 10, and injured her brother, 5. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Da’Karia, who was in the tan sedan, was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital and pronounced dead, police said.
Her brother was also taken to Comer in critical condition, police said. The driver of the tan car, a 43-year-old man, was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
The 57-year-old woman driving the gray car was also taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
Johnson said Dhaamir has a gash to his head that doctors stitched up but no head trauma. She also said her son was intubated because he had trouble breathing.
Johnson said her daughter was starting 5th grade at Foster Park Elementary School and was a straight-A student. She also was “her little cheerleader” and loved Girl Scouts.
“That was my little girl, that was my little best friend,” Johnson said as tears rolled down her face. “She was just so lovable, anybody she’d meet or got to know her loved her. And they just took my baby away from me like that.
“It’s just sad, it’s just sad.”
The Chicago Police Department released a statement calling the accident a “devastating loss of life.”
“Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and all those impacted by this tragic incident,” the statement said.
Area Two detectives are questioning a person of interest in the crash, police said.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating.
Although police did not release details on whether officers pursued the initial car for any distance, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced she was formulating policies to limit police chases after a woman was killed during a pursuit earlier this year.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-02--By not collecting tickets, Union Pacific hurts everybody who rides Metra

Mark Twain once wrote about ticket-punching train conductors who “ punch with care [ and ] punch in the presence of the passenjare !
” But you won ’ t see such ticket-punching these days — either with paper tickets or virtually on the mobile phone app — on the three Metra commuter lines operated by the Union Pacific .
The UP , which operates lines from Chicago to Harvard , Kenosha and Elburn , is declining to sell tickets at stations along the lines — and to collect tickets on the train .
The UP says it is worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But as a result , people are pretty much riding those lines for free .
It ’ s costing Metra an estimated $ 1 million a month .
This is bad for public transit and bad for the region .
The Union Pacific needs to figure out a way to safely sell tickets and collect fares .
The BNSF Railway does so on the Metra line it runs from Chicago to Aurora , which in normal times carries the most passengers of any Metra line .
Metra , which directly operates the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also has found a way to safely sell and collect tickets .
So why is the Union Pacific placidly operating , pardon us , a “ laissez-fare ” system ?
Why are UP conductors on the trains — who wear Metra uniforms and operate Metra equipment — not walking through the coaches to make sure everyone has a ticket ?
Why aren ’ t ticket agents selling tickets , though they are shielded by glass windows from the public ?
If we were cynics , we might think this has something to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it would like to walk away from providing the commuter service .
The UP now operates the trains through a purchase-of-service agreement with Metra , But the UP and Metra are haggling over a new arrangement in talks that started last summer .
Although it ’ s hard to tell what is a negotiating tactic , the UP has said it would rather just run its freight trains , let Metra run the commuter trains , and charge Metra for use of the tracks , which the UP owns .
The question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in federal court , but no resolution is expected soon .
Making such a change would be complicated .
A whole new set of collective bargaining agreements would have to be negotiated .
And the big question would be how much Metra would have to pay to continue using the Union Pacific tracks .
The UP has made it clear that either way Metra service will continue .
We ’ d hate to think the Union Pacific believes it could make more money by running just freight trains and is using the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The UP says there is no connection between its talks with Metra and the decision not to sell and collect tickets .
When the Union Pacific bought the old Chicago & North Western , it purchased an operation that was a national leader in developing modern commuter trains .
Railroad historian H. Roger Grant told us Wednesday , “ The [ C & NW ’ s ] greatest improvement involved double-deck coaches and push-pull trains.
” Keeping such a storied service going was part of the deal , at least from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run trains through our backyards and communities for decades .
They have a civic duty to keep doing so .
“ The Union Pacific has run trains through our backyards and communities for decades , ” Kirk Dillard , chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority , told us .
“ They have a civic duty to keep doing so since we as citizens tolerate their noise and traffic delays , allow them to make a profit and let them operate freight yards in our communities .
They just can ’ t walk away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties solely based on profit.
“ Right now , Metra is getting by with about $ 480 million from the CARES Act .
That ’ s part of the $ 1.4 billion that went to the RTA , which is planning its 2021 budget and is preparing to meet next week to set funding allocations for Metra , the CTA and Pace .
The RTA , which oversees all three services , is required to have a balanced budget .
Any losses for Metra are a loss for the entire system .
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are riding Metra these days , so social distancing is not an issue .
With all the extra scrubbing that goes on daily , Metra ’ s trains are probably cleaner today than at any time in history .
Dillard said he confidently allowed his daughters to ride Metra over the summer .
COVID-19 has been a big challenge for all sorts of businesses , but we can ’ t think of any others that allow customers to help themselves to merchandise or services without paying .
The Union Pacific should figure out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Mark Twain once wrote about ticket-punching train conductors who “punch with care [and] punch in the presence of the passenjare!”
But you won’t see such ticket-punching these days — either with paper tickets or virtually on the mobile phone app — on the three Metra commuter lines operated by the Union Pacific. The UP, which operates lines from Chicago to Harvard, Kenosha and Elburn, is declining to sell tickets at stations along the lines — and to collect tickets on the train.
The UP says it is worried about COVID-19. They are not alone. But as a result, people are pretty much riding those lines for free. It’s costing Metra an estimated $1 million a month.
Editorials bug Editorials
This is bad for public transit and bad for the region. The Union Pacific needs to figure out a way to safely sell tickets and collect fares. The BNSF Railway does so on the Metra line it runs from Chicago to Aurora, which in normal times carries the most passengers of any Metra line. Metra, which directly operates the other seven Chicago area commuter lines, also has found a way to safely sell and collect tickets.
What’s the full motive?
So why is the Union Pacific placidly operating, pardon us, a “laissez-fare” system? Why are UP conductors on the trains — who wear Metra uniforms and operate Metra equipment — not walking through the coaches to make sure everyone has a ticket? Why aren’t ticket agents selling tickets, though they are shielded by glass windows from the public?
If we were cynics, we might think this has something to do with the Union Pacific’s suggestion that it would like to walk away from providing the commuter service. The UP now operates the trains through a purchase-of-service agreement with Metra, but the UP and Metra are haggling over a new arrangement in talks that started last summer.
Although it’s hard to tell what is a negotiating tactic, the UP has said it would rather just run its freight trains, let Metra run the commuter trains, and charge Metra for use of the tracks, which the UP owns. The question of whether the UP can do that is in federal court, but no resolution is expected soon.
Making such a change would be complicated. A whole new set of collective bargaining agreements would have to be negotiated. And the big question would be how much Metra would have to pay to continue using the Union Pacific tracks. The UP has made it clear that either way Metra service will continue.
We’d hate to think the Union Pacific believes it could make more money by running just freight trains and is using the COVID-19 pandemic to get a financial edge. The UP says there is no connection between its talks with Metra and the decision not to sell and collect tickets.
A storied service
When the Union Pacific bought the old Chicago & North Western, it purchased an operation that was a national leader in developing modern commuter trains. Railroad historian H. Roger Grant told us Wednesday, “The [C&NW’s] greatest improvement involved double-deck coaches and push-pull trains.” Keeping such a storied service going was part of the deal, at least from a civic-mindedness standpoint.
The Union Pacific has run trains through our backyards and communities for decades. They have a civic duty to keep doing so.
“The Union Pacific has run trains through our backyards and communities for decades,” Kirk Dillard, chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority, told us. “They have a civic duty to keep doing so since we as citizens tolerate their noise and traffic delays, allow them to make a profit and let them operate freight yards in our communities. They just can’t walk away from their civic, contractual and legal duties solely based on profit.“
Entire system harmed
Right now, Metra is getting by with about $480 million from the CARES Act. That’s part of the $1.4 billion that went to the RTA, which is planning its 2021 budget and is preparing to meet next week to set funding allocations for Metra, the CTA and Pace. The RTA, which oversees all three services, is required to have a balanced budget. Any losses for Metra are a loss for the entire system.
Because of the pandemic, far fewer passengers are riding Metra these days, so social distancing is not an issue. With all the extra scrubbing that goes on daily, Metra’s trains are probably cleaner today than at any time in history. Dillard said he confidently allowed his daughters to ride Metra over the summer.
COVID-19 has been a big challenge for all sorts of businesses, but we can’t think of any others that allow customers to help themselves to merchandise or services without paying.
The Union Pacific should figure out a safe way to get this right.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-02--While we march against police brutality, guns are killing our children

While we march against police brutality , guns are killing our children Share All sharing options for : While we march against police brutality , guns are killing our children It is unimaginable to me .
Caleb Reed , a teen celebrated for his activism on the issue of removing police from Chicago Public Schools , was accidentally killed by his friend , Genove Martin , who was allegedly aiming at someone else , prosecutors say .
On July 31 , in the early afternoon , Reed was walking in the 1900 block of West Granville Avenue with a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gray Chevrolet Malibu “ slowly rolled past , ” and the shooting started .
Surveillance video showed the teens “ running ” and “ ducking ” and Martin allegedly firing a weapon at the vehicle , ” prosecutors said .
“ He turns his shoulders and kind of fires right over his shoulder with both hands , ” Assistant State ’ s Attorney James Murphy said .
But instead of Martin hitting his enemies , the bullet struck Reed in the forehead , Murphy said .
On Tuesday , Martin , 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 17-year-old friend ’ s death .
He is being held on a $ 300,000 bail .
If convicted , Martin could face life in prison .
It is unimaginable to me .
Those acts underscore the futility of asking shooters to turn themselves in .
Gun violence is now being endured in too many communities as a fact of life .
Sadly , in July when this tragedy occurred , it was widely reported that Reed “ was found on a sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the head … and no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his tribe ?
The police — the very people that so many young people are disparaging as the enemy of Black people — had to track down Reed ’ s killer by piecing together surveillance videos .
This tragedy also counters the myths many of us hold about the young Black men who commit these horrendous acts , and the people who are taking so many of these Black lives .
Many of us can recite the names of the latest Black man or woman killed unjustifiably by police officers .
The pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearts of many , irrespective of race and ethnicity , as is evidenced by the protesters in Kenosha demanding change in wake of the brutal police shooting of Jacob Blake .
But the names of the hundreds of innocent Black men , women and children who have been killed in our communities are forgotten as soon as the cameras are turned off .
Martin doesn ’ t have a criminal background that would suggest he was headed in the wrong direction .
He was on his way to college , was involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But like too many of his peers , he was also a victim of gun violence , having survived a shooting in November .
This tragedy represents such a waste of human potential that we should all be stunned .
On a hot summer day , a gun took one promising life and changed another forever .
Gun owners will argue it wasn ’ t the gun that killed Reed .
It was the shooter .
And that is true .
But guns have become such a part of our culture , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they cause .
“ What happened to Caleb is not a unique situation , ” said Voices of Youth in Chicago Education ( VOYCE ) in a statement on Tuesday .
“ The tragic action that led to Caleb ’ s death is undeniably a call to invest in Black Lives , ” the officials said .
But we can ’ t protect Black lives when they can be so easily taken .
We were waiting at a nail salon , and we were both impatient .
I was getting ready for my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting ready for a nephew ’ s funeral .
He was only 19 and waiting at a bus stop along with a 72-year-old woman .
A car pulled up , and someone inside the vehicle fired .
The 72-year-old woman survived .
The 19-year-old did not .
I don ’ t think the shooting even made the news .
What would have happened if no one in Reed ’ s group had a gun when the Malibu rolled up ?
Would Reed still be alive ?
Would his friend , Martin , be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have we finally gotten to the point where not having a gun is unimaginable ?

It is unimaginable to me.
Caleb Reed, a teen celebrated for his activism on the issue of removing police from Chicago Public Schools, was accidentally killed by his friend, Genove Martin, who was allegedly aiming at someone else, prosecutors say.
On July 31, in the early afternoon, Reed was walking in the 1900 block of West Granville Avenue with a group that included Martin and two others when a gray Chevrolet Malibu “slowly rolled past,” and the shooting started.
Opinion bug Opinion
Surveillance video showed the teens “running” and “ducking” and Martin allegedly firing a weapon at the vehicle,” prosecutors said.
“He turns his shoulders and kind of fires right over his shoulder with both hands,” Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy said.
But instead of Martin hitting his enemies, the bullet struck Reed in the forehead, Murphy said.
On Tuesday, Martin, 18, was charged with first-degree murder in his 17-year-old friend’s death.
He is being held on a $300,000 bail. If convicted, Martin could face life in prison.
It is unimaginable to me.
Martin attended Reed’s funeral and a memorial balloon release honoring his friend.
Those acts underscore the futility of asking shooters to turn themselves in. Gun violence is now being endured in too many communities as a fact of life.
Sadly, in July when this tragedy occurred, it was widely reported that Reed “was found on a sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the head … and no one was in custody.”
Where was his tribe?
The police — the very people that so many young people are disparaging as the enemy of Black people — had to track down Reed’s killer by piecing together surveillance videos.
This tragedy also counters the myths many of us hold about the young Black men who commit these horrendous acts, and the people who are taking so many of these Black lives.
Many of us can recite the names of the latest Black man or woman killed unjustifiably by police officers.
The pain of these killings weigh heavily on the hearts of many, irrespective of race and ethnicity, as is evidenced by the protesters in Kenosha demanding change in wake of the brutal police shooting of Jacob Blake.
But the names of the hundreds of innocent Black men, women and children who have been killed in our communities are forgotten as soon as the cameras are turned off.
It is unimaginable.
Martin doesn’t have a criminal background that would suggest he was headed in the wrong direction.
He was on his way to college, was involved in sports and had performed community service.
But like too many of his peers, he was also a victim of gun violence, having survived a shooting in November.
This tragedy represents such a waste of human potential that we should all be stunned.
On a hot summer day, a gun took one promising life and changed another forever.
Gun owners will argue it wasn’t the gun that killed Reed. It was the shooter. And that is true. But guns have become such a part of our culture, we are no longer shocked by the carnage they cause.
“What happened to Caleb is not a unique situation,” said Voices of Youth in Chicago Education (VOYCE) in a statement on Tuesday.
“The tragic action that led to Caleb’s death is undeniably a call to invest in Black Lives,” the officials said.
But we can’t protect Black lives when they can be so easily taken.
I’m reminded of a woman I recently met by chance.
We were waiting at a nail salon, and we were both impatient.
I was getting ready for my daughter’s wedding. She was getting ready for a nephew’s funeral.
He was only 19 and waiting at a bus stop along with a 72-year-old woman. A car pulled up, and someone inside the vehicle fired. The 72-year-old woman survived. The 19-year-old did not.
I don’t think the shooting even made the news.
Imagine this.
What would have happened if no one in Reed’s group had a gun when the Malibu rolled up?
Would Reed still be alive?
Would his friend, Martin, be on his way to college?
Or have we finally gotten to the point where not having a gun is unimaginable?