chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--Facing increased calls for reform, independent monitor finds CPD missed 70% of consent decree deadli

Facing increased calls for reform, independent monitor finds CPD missed 70% of consent decree deadlines in 2nd reporting period

The independent monitor overseeing the federal consent decree aimed at reforming the Chicago Police Department issued a new report Thursday showing that the city missed over 70 % of its court-ordered deadlines in the latest reporting period .
Monitor Maggie Hickey ’ s accounting of the second semiannual reporting period , which was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic , found that only 22 of the 74 deadlines were met between Sept. 1 of last year and Feb. 29 .
In the first year of the consent decree , the city has met 35 deadlines and missed 89 others .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit former Illinois General Lisa Madigan filed against the CPD in the wake of the killing of Laquan McDonald , a 17-year-old boy who was shot 16 times and killed by former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014 .
In a statement , Hickey referenced the current unrest spurred by the officer-involed killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and said she hopes “ the current momentum ” pushes the city and the CPD to “ accelerate its efforts.
” “ This is a critical time in history and for law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The recent grief , outrage , protest , and unrest spurred by the tragic death of George Floyd demonstrate the urgent need for police reform across the country and here in Chicago.
” In a joint statement , Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPD Supt .
David Brown acknowledged that the new report “ illustrates how the level of transformational change and reform that we are working towards can not be achieved overnight.
” “ This road toward a more transparent , accountable and professional police force began more than four years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the murder of Laquan McDonald by Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke , ” Lightfoot and Brown said .
“ While we have continued to build on a host of police reform and accountability measures since then , we have been clear that this moment is just the start , not the end of our journey .
“ We can do better , and we are redoubling our efforts to meet important milestones mandated by the consent decree.
” Despite missing the deadlines , the Independent Monitoring Team found the city has complied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first year , as well as 13 foundational paragraphs that don ’ t have deadlines .
In the most recent reporting period , the CPD met the underlying requirements for 20 of the paragraphs with deadlines in year one .
Nevertheless , the city failed to comply with 81 paragraphs with first year deadlines .
This is a developing story .
Check back for updates .

The independent monitor overseeing the federal consent decree aimed at reforming the Chicago Police Department issued a new report Thursday showing that the city missed over 70% of its court-ordered deadlines in the latest reporting period.
Independent Monitor Maggie Hickey’s accounting of the second semiannual reporting period, which was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, found that only 22 of the 74 deadlines were met between Sept. 1 of last year and Feb. 29. In the first year of the consent decree, the city has met 35 deadlines and missed 89 others.
Independent Monitoring Team
The federal consent decree was prompted by a lawsuit former Illinois General Lisa Madigan filed against the CPD in the wake of the killing of Laquan McDonald, a 17-year-old boy who was shot 16 times and killed by former Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014.
In a statement, Hickey referenced the current unrest spurred by the officer-involved killing of George Floyd and said she hopes “the current momentum” pushes the city and the CPD to “accelerate its efforts.”
“This is a critical time in history and for law enforcement,” said Hickey. “The recent grief, outrage, protest, and unrest spurred by the tragic death of George Floyd demonstrate the urgent need for police reform across the country and here in Chicago.”
Floyd died last month after an officer in Minneapolis knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Meanwhile, the report notes that CPD hasn’t met the requirements of a paragraph that prohibits officers from using carotid artery restraints, chokeholds or other maneuvers that place direct pressure on a windpipe or airway “unless deadly force is authorized.”
While the CPD issued a new use-of-force policy on the final day of the latest reporting period that complies with that provision, the department still needs to complete a community engagement requirement to come into preliminary compliance.
In a joint statement, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPD Supt. David Brown acknowledged that the new report “illustrates how the level of transformational change and reform that we are working towards cannot be achieved overnight.”
“This road toward a more transparent, accountable and professional police force began more than four years ago with the Police Accountability Task Force following the murder of Laquan McDonald by Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke,” Lightfoot and Brown said. “While we have continued to build on a host of police reform and accountability measures since then, we have been clear that this moment is just the start, not the end of our journey.
“We can do better, and we are redoubling our efforts to meet important milestones mandated by the consent decree.”
Lightfoot and Brown touted some changes that have already been made, including updated use-of-force policies emphasizing deescalation, additional training and mental health services for officers and a new emphasis on community engagement. Still, they said those reforms simply serve as “a baseline, not the ceiling, when it comes to police reform.”
“Now, more than ever, we must double down on our efforts, which is why we announced a series of reform measures that will be prioritized over the next 90 days, including crisis intervention and procedural justice training, a new recruit program on police-community relations and additional reform measures,” Lightfoot and Brown added.
In the report, Hickey notes that the recent protests across the country have revolved around calls for “varying forms of increased police accountability and reform” that relate to requirements outlined in the consent decree.
But as activists and aldermen call for the removal of officers from Chicago Public Schools, the monitor reported that the city has failed to meet certain requirements aimed at reforming how schools in the district are policed.
That includes creating a policy that clearly defines the role of school resource officers and developing screening criteria to ensure those officers “have the qualifications, skills, and abilities necessary to work safely and effectively with students, parents and guardians, and school personnel.” While those requirements don’t have a specific deadline, the city blew a recent deadline to comply with another paragraph that requires school resource officers to receive specialized training.
Among other things, the training is required to touch on cultural competency, the use of deescalation techniques and methods and tactics “that create positive interactions with specific student groups such as those with limited English proficiency, who are LGBTQI, or are experiencing homelessness.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--Man fatally stabbed in Austin

Man fatally stabbed in Austin

A man was stabbed to death Tuesday in Austin on the West Side .
The 36-year-old was attacked with a @ @ @ @ @ in the 900 block of North Lamon Avenue , Chicago police said .
He was @ @ @ @ @ taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was pronounced dead , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ Golar , the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said .
An autopsy ruled @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was stabbed to death Tuesday in Austin on the West Side.
The 36-year-old was attacked with a butcher knife about 3:50 p.m. in the 900 block of North Lamon Avenue, Chicago police said.
He was stabbed in the abdomen and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
He was identified as Tyrone Golar, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy ruled his death a homicide.
Area Four detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--On this Juneteenth, I’m resting up for the work ahead

It ’ s Juneteenth , the holiday commemorating the Texas arrival of a Union general in 1865 to inform enslaved African Americans that they were free .
If you didn ’ t know about Juneteenth , Google might have slipped it on your calendar this week as an official U.S. holiday .
Companies around the country , from Twitter to Nike from local law firms to insurance companies , are declaring Juneteenth a paid day off for its employees .
Sudden interest in Juneteenth , a day of fellowship and community celebration for many Black families , is a sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is sweeping the U.S. since the May death of George Floyd , the Black man who died at the hands of Minneapolis police in May .
Protests erupted in big cities and small towns across the nation .
Confederate statues are coming down .
Demands for more than failed police reform policies are no longer seen as radical mandates .
Support for Black Lives Matter is up .
Racism in the arts and nonprofit sectors are being exposed .
Industries are removing leaders for past racist actions .
Companies are flooding clients ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are strong while others milquetoast .
Meanwhile , Aunt Jemima won ’ t peddle pancakes anymore .
The NFL intimates Colin Kaepernick should return .
And Johnson & Johnson finally is offering Band-Aids in Black and Brown skin tones .
It only took them since 1921 .
All of this in less than a month .
Symbols and policies are being rethought .
Naturally , I question whether it ’ s en vogue for companies to espouse racial solidarity but later resume to business as usual .
I keep getting texts from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T-shirts .
I highly doubt the website is associated with the movement ; the same company is also hawking save chubby unicorn shirts .
It ’ s certainly not the first time America has had to reckon with race but what we ’ re experiencing feels novel .
We ’ re living in COVID-1619 , the words of Rev .
Otis Moss III in his virtual Trinity United Church of Christ sermon this past Sunday .
A global pandemic that ’ s disproportionately affecting Black people is colliding with a racism that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country ’ s shores to be in chattel slavery .
It ’ s a lot to process .
And as chants of “ I Can ’ t Breathe ” at protests continue in honor of Floyd , I want to breathe deeply .
In past years , I have spent Juneteenth with family at the Sweetwater Foundation ’ s community farm at 57th and Perry , enjoying cornbread , drumming and face-painting .
This year as well , Juneteenth — also known as Emancipation Day — no doubt will give Black folk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some recent victories .
And it will allow us to take a break from the grieving , deluge of suffering and emotional labor that come on the side .
Tricia Hersey today plans to grill salmon and simmer a side of collard greens .
And rest .
Lots of rest .
She is the founder of The Nap Ministry .
Rest is part of racial liberation , said Hersey , a Black woman and Chicago native now living in Atlanta .
Known as The Nap Bishop , she ’ s currently on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has shut off social media .
She made an exception to talk with me while she grieves and restores .
“ This is a good time to refuse and resist , ” Hersey said .
“ When I say refuse , [ I mean ] the day is a day to celebrate and remember .
And I ’ m all about remembrance and gaining strength from our ancestors.
” Remembering them should go beyond the trauma .
Call out their names .
Draw from their wisdom and subversiveness .
“ Gain strength and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The Nap Ministry is a balm .
Hersey facilitates nap-ins and is an evangelist for rest in a world that constantly demands labor .
She believes that our capitalistic , work and grind culture looks down on rest — or presents it as something you must earn .
“ That ’ s silly , ” Hersey said .
It ’ s your divine right , she said .
A day of rest doesn ’ t have to be a nap .
It ’ s about slow quiet moments with yourself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice , dreams and imagination are essential .
“ I want people to see rest as a key foundation for a new world , ” Hersey said .
“ We can ’ t get there if we ’ re exhausted.
” I ’ ll be resting up on this Juneteenth .
Because I ’ m tired of that old Band-Aid approach .

I’m breathing today.
It’s Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the Texas arrival of a Union general in 1865 to inform enslaved African Americans that they were free.
If you didn’t know about Juneteenth, Google might have slipped it on your calendar this week as an official U.S. holiday. Companies around the country, from Twitter to Nike from local law firms to insurance companies, are declaring Juneteenth a paid day off for its employees. Sudden interest in Juneteenth, a day of fellowship and community celebration for many Black families, is a sign of the times.
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
A white awakening is sweeping the U.S. since the May death of George Floyd, the Black man who died at the hands of Minneapolis police in May. Protests erupted in big cities and small towns across the nation. Confederate statues are coming down. Demands for more than failed police reform policies are no longer seen as radical mandates. Support for Black Lives Matter is up. Racism in the arts and nonprofit sectors are being exposed. Industries are removing leaders for past racist actions. Companies are flooding clients’ emails with solidarity statements, some of which are strong while others milquetoast.
Meanwhile, Aunt Jemima won’t peddle pancakes anymore. The NFL intimates Colin Kaepernick should return. And Johnson & Johnson finally is offering Band-Aids in Black and Brown skin tones. It only took them since 1921.
All of this in less than a month. Symbols and policies are being rethought.
Naturally, I question whether it’s en vogue for companies to espouse racial solidarity but later resume to business as usual. I keep getting texts from an unknown number selling Black Lives Matter T-shirts. I highly doubt the website is associated with the movement; the same company is also hawking save chubby unicorn shirts.
It’s certainly not the first time America has had to reckon with race but what we’re experiencing feels novel. We’re living in COVID-1619, the words of Rev. Otis Moss III in his virtual Trinity United Church of Christ sermon this past Sunday. A global pandemic that’s disproportionately affecting Black people is colliding with a racism that has persisted since the first Africans stepped on this country’s shores to be in chattel slavery.
It’s a lot to process. And as chants of “I Can’t Breathe” at protests continue in honor of Floyd, I want to breathe deeply.
In past years, I have spent Juneteenth with family at the Sweetwater Foundation’s community farm at 57th and Perry, enjoying cornbread, drumming and face-painting. This year as well, Juneteenth — also known as Emancipation Day — no doubt will give Black folk the opportunity to reflect on and toast some recent victories. And it will allow us to take a break from the grieving, deluge of suffering and emotional labor that come on the side.
Tricia Hersey today plans to grill salmon and simmer a side of collard greens. And rest. Lots of rest. She is the founder of The Nap Ministry. Rest is part of racial liberation, said Hersey, a Black woman and Chicago native now living in Atlanta. Known as The Nap Bishop, she’s currently on a three-week Sabbath in honor of Juneteenth and has shut off social media. She made an exception to talk with me while she grieves and restores.
“This is a good time to refuse and resist,” Hersey said. “When I say refuse, [I mean] the day is a day to celebrate and remember. And I’m all about remembrance and gaining strength from our ancestors.”
Remembering them should go beyond the trauma. Call out their names. Draw from their wisdom and subversiveness. “Gain strength and energy from their stories,” Hersey said.
The Nap Ministry is a balm. Hersey facilitates nap-ins and is an evangelist for rest in a world that constantly demands labor. She believes that our capitalistic, work and grind culture looks down on rest — or presents it as something you must earn.
“That’s silly,” Hersey said. It’s your divine right, she said.
A day of rest doesn’t have to be a nap. It’s about slow quiet moments with yourself.
With the uprisings and the push for justice, dreams and imagination are essential.
“I want people to see rest as a key foundation for a new world,” Hersey said. “We can’t get there if we’re exhausted.”
I’ll be resting up on this Juneteenth.
Because I’m tired of that old Band-Aid approach.
Natalie Moore is a reporter for WBEZ.org
Send letters to: letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--A big step forward for police reform in Chicago and Illinois

The idea that public records — including police misconduct records — belong to the public won a monumental round Thursday .
Now it is time to cement that concept into state law .
On Thursday , the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that misconduct records of Chicago police must remain available to the public after five years , though the contract with the union representing most police officers requires the records to be destroyed at that point .
The ruling is critically important for anyone trying to crack down on police misconduct .
It also boosts the principle of government accountability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appellate court ruled that all complaints about Chicago police misconduct and the underlying investigative files are records that must be available to the public through the Illinois Freedom of Information Act .
Before 1991 , many police misconduct records older than five years were destroyed , but the destruction of such records had been put on hold since then by a series of judicial orders .
The Fraternal Order of Police didn ’ t like that and sued .
They argued that many complaints against officers are unfounded and that the collective bargaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after five years from the date of the incidents or the date when violations were discovered , whichever is longer .
Fortunately , the Illinois Supreme Court has finally put that argument to rest .
“ This is a truly momentous decision , ” University of Chicago Law Professor Craig Futterman , who wrote a brief in the case , told us on Thursday .
“ The very information that is needed to identify officers ’ patterns and practices would have gone up in smoke forever.
” Thursday ’ s ruling is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Any effort to weed out clearly rogue police officers requires that records be available to determine their behavior over many years , not just the past five years .
• The complaints about police misconduct are essential if the city is to create an early intervention system for troubled officers , as called for in the police reform consent decree under which the city now operates .
• Many exonerations of wrongfully convicted men tortured by former Police Cmdr .
Jon Burge and his crew in the 1970s and 1980s never would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission has about 530 open cases in which men claim they were tortured by police decades ago .
Without records of past misconduct complaints , TIRC Executive Director Rob Olmstead said , the commission “ absolutely would ” have difficulty sorting those cases out .
Disturbingly , some men languishing in prison might be having an unfairly hard time making their case that they were tortured .
Without knowing what was in records that already have been destroyed , we don ’ t know .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of alleged misconduct by a Chicago police officer who does not have an obviously checkered history .
It certainly would be helpful to know whether that officer had engaged in any similar incidents in the past or had an otherwise stellar record stretching back years .
Without access to old records , no one would know .
This ruling benefits accused police officers with lengthy clean records because they can point to a long career of professional behavior , not just the past five years .
Although the Supreme Court ruling has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ override government policy , the ruling does not prevent various local officials or records commissions around the state from making their own decisions about which records to maintain .
That ’ s why this decision needs to be codified into state law .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot believes records of alleged police misconduct should be protected , but what if a future Chicago mayor or records commission is less of a public guardian ?
In the past in Springfield , it has always been difficult for a majority of legislators to summon up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police unions .
But we are living in a different moment .
Americans of all backgrounds are marching across the country in support of police reform .
The Legislature is not in session , but working groups of legislators should be drawing up police and criminal justice reform bills now .
Among those reforms should be a law explicitly requiring the preservation of police misconduct complaints across the state .
Police reform in Illinois took a big step forward on Thursday .
Let ’ s keep up the momentum .

The idea that public records — including police misconduct records — belong to the public won a monumental round Thursday. Now it is time to cement that concept into state law.
On Thursday, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that misconduct records of Chicago police must remain available to the public after five years, though the contract with the union representing most police officers requires the records to be destroyed at that point.
The ruling is critically important for anyone trying to crack down on police misconduct. It also boosts the principle of government accountability.
Editorials bug Editorials
Six years ago, a state appellate court ruled that all complaints about Chicago police misconduct and the underlying investigative files are records that must be available to the public through the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Before 1991, many police misconduct records older than five years were destroyed, but the destruction of such records had been put on hold since then by a series of judicial orders.
The Fraternal Order of Police didn’t like that and sued. They argued that many complaints against officers are unfounded and that the collective bargaining agreement requires those records to be destroyed after five years from the date of the incidents or the date when violations were discovered, whichever is longer.
Fortunately, the Illinois Supreme Court has finally put that argument to rest.
“This is a truly momentous decision,” University of Chicago Law Professor Craig Futterman, who wrote a brief in the case, told us on Thursday. “The very information that is needed to identify officers’ patterns and practices would have gone up in smoke forever.”
Thursday’s ruling is important for a number of specific reasons:
Any effort to weed out clearly rogue police officers requires that records be available to determine their behavior over many years, not just the past five years.
The complaints about police misconduct are essential if the city is to create an early intervention system for troubled officers, as called for in the police reform consent decree under which the city now operates.
Many exonerations of wrongfully convicted men tortured by former Police Cmdr. Jon Burge and his crew in the 1970s and 1980s never would have happened had no records been available. The Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission has about 530 open cases in which men claim they were tortured by police decades ago. Without records of past misconduct complaints, TIRC Executive Director Rob Olmstead said, the commission “absolutely would” have difficulty sorting those cases out. Disturbingly, some men languishing in prison might be having an unfairly hard time making their case that they were tortured. Without knowing what was in records that already have been destroyed, we don’t know.
Imagine, as well, a future case of alleged misconduct by a Chicago police officer who does not have an obviously checkered history. It certainly would be helpful to know whether that officer had engaged in any similar incidents in the past or had an otherwise stellar record stretching back years. Without access to old records, no one would know. This ruling benefits accused police officers with lengthy clean records because they can point to a long career of professional behavior, not just the past five years.
Although the Supreme Court ruling has made it clear union contracts cannot override government policy, the ruling does not prevent various local officials or records commissions around the state from making their own decisions about which records to maintain. That’s why this decision needs to be codified into state law.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot believes records of alleged police misconduct should be protected, but what if a future Chicago mayor or records commission is less of a public guardian?
In the past in Springfield, it has always been difficult for a majority of legislators to summon up the will to enact any legislation opposed by police unions. But we are living in a different moment. Americans of all backgrounds are marching across the country in support of police reform.
The Legislature is not in session, but working groups of legislators should be drawing up police and criminal justice reform bills now. Among those reforms should be a law explicitly requiring the preservation of police misconduct complaints across the state.
Police reform in Illinois took a big step forward on Thursday. Let’s keep up the momentum.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--Traditionally conservative Wheaton embraces LGBTQ+ Pride

Gay Pride will be on full display next week in Wheaton , a west suburb long known for staunch conservatism — but where many residents say attitudes are changing .
While a Pride parade would be off-limits because of COVID-19 , dozens of businesses are taking part in # WheatonProud , a campaign that ’ s led to rainbow colors flying in windows in the suburb ’ s downtown .
It ’ s the brainchild of a not-for-profit group called OUTspoken Leaders , which aims to empower the LGBTQ+ community in Wheaton and beyond .
The organization was created in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancel an elementary school visit by an author .
Canadian writer Robin Stevenson had been scheduled to talk with students about her book , “ Kid Activists : True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change , ” but the event was nixed at the last minute .
Some , including Stevenson , said it was because her book had a chapter focused on gay activist Harvey Milk .
The Wheaton school board blamed it on a procedural issue — that school officials didn ’ t follow policies to inform parents of author @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jacob Kneip , who is gay , to create OUTspoken Leaders .
In May , Kneip ’ s group began launching # WheatonProud , in which businesses could display a sticker supporting gay rights in June , the month of LGBTQ+ pride .
Kneip , a hair stylist , said he was pleasantly surprised by the reaction .
“ I started reaching out to businesses May 22 and have 40 businesses on board right now , ” he said .
“ I was expecting maybe 10 businesses but people are signing up left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now that we have a little more traction and our stickers have gone up in windows , people are finding us.
” Elle Withall , executive director of the business group Downtown Wheaton Association , said she saw the positive reaction to the # WheatonProud campaign and was inspired to do something festive .
“ We saw the list of companies participating and approached them to encourage the movement .
We contacted them to see if they wanted a graffiti artist we hired to paint their windows and they did .
It really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diane Moore , owner of Moore Toys and Gadgets in Wheaton , said she saw stickers on other businesses and reached out to OUTspoken Leaders .
She said while she didn ’ t think about the campaign ’ s effect on her business , she would welcome increased business because of her support .
“ I would think that it may translate to someone who might not have walked in my store before might think ‘ Wow , this is a welcoming place and I ’ m going to check it out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be great if it results in that.
” The stickers — which read in part “ this business proudly supports all LGBTQ+ People ” — create an atmosphere of inclusion , according to Maggie Buckley , an OUTspoken Leaders volunteer .
During her 16 years in Wheaton , she says she ’ s seen attitudes change in her community , which is home to Wheaton College , whose conservative alumni include late Christian evangelist Billy Graham .
“ The town is changing .
I think people want to be in a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be so conservative in their thinking and love everyone , ” said Buckley , who is married to the suburb ’ s first openly gay city council member , Lynn Robbins .
On Monday , Mayor Philip Suess issued Wheaton ’ s first-ever proclamation declaring June LGBTQ+ pride month in Wheaton .
Suess , who has been mayor for a year , said that although the proclamation was issued by him , it reflects a consensus of the city council .
“ Wheaton has always been a very generous and inclusive community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we were involved with the Underground Railroad .
If you look at the churches and the work they ’ ve down as far as worldwide missionaries — the work they have done bringing immigrants into the country — you ’ ll see that the perceptions that some people have are a little different than the reality , ” Suess said .
For Kneip , his work continues .
He has started a # GlenEllynProud , a similar initiative in neighboring Glen Ellyn .
His goal for next year ?
For Wheaton to @ @ @ @ @ @

Gay Pride will be on full display next week in Wheaton, a west suburb long known for staunch conservatism — but where many residents say attitudes are changing.
While a Pride parade would be off-limits because of COVID-19, dozens of businesses are taking part in #WheatonProud, a campaign that’s led to rainbow colors flying in windows in the suburb’s downtown. It’s the brainchild of a not-for-profit group called OUTspoken Leaders, which aims to empower the LGBTQ+ community in Wheaton and beyond.
The organization was created in November in response to a decision to cancel an elementary school visit by an author. Canadian writer Robin Stevenson had been scheduled to talk with students about her book, “Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change,” but the event was nixed at the last minute.
Some, including Stevenson, said it was because her book had a chapter focused on gay activist Harvey Milk. The Wheaton school board blamed it on a procedural issue — that school officials didn’t follow policies to inform parents of author visits.
The controversy led Wheaton resident Jacob Kneip, who is gay, to create OUTspoken Leaders. In May, Kneip’s group began launching #WheatonProud, in which businesses could display a sticker supporting gay rights in June, the month of LGBTQ+ pride.
Kneip, a hair stylist, said he was pleasantly surprised by the reaction.
“I started reaching out to businesses May 22 and have 40 businesses on board right now,” he said. “I was expecting maybe 10 businesses but people are signing up left and right. . . . And now that we have a little more traction and our stickers have gone up in windows, people are finding us.”
“Black Lives Matter, Love” is written across the window of Dry City brew works in downtown Wheaton. Annie Costabile/Sun-Times
Elle Withall, executive director of the business group Downtown Wheaton Association, said she saw the positive reaction to the #WheatonProud campaign and was inspired to do something festive.
“We saw the list of companies participating and approached them to encourage the movement. We contacted them to see if they wanted a graffiti artist we hired to paint their windows and they did. It really took off,” Withall said.
Diane Moore, owner of Moore Toys & Gadgets in Wheaton, said she saw stickers on other businesses and reached out to OUTspoken Leaders. She said while she didn’t think about the campaign’s effect on her business, she would welcome increased business because of her support.
“I would think that it may translate to someone who might not have walked in my store before might think ‘Wow, this is a welcoming place and I’m going to check it out,’” Moore said. “It would be great if it results in that.”
The stickers — which read in part “this business proudly supports all LGBTQ+ People” — create an atmosphere of inclusion, according to Maggie Buckley, an OUTspoken Leaders volunteer.
During her 16 years in Wheaton, she says she’s seen attitudes change in her community, which is home to Wheaton College, whose conservative alumni include late Christian evangelist Billy Graham.
“The town is changing. I think people want to be in a place where they can raise their kids and not be so conservative in their thinking and love everyone,” said Buckley, who is married to the suburb’s first openly gay city council member, Lynn Robbins.
On Monday, Mayor Philip Suess issued Wheaton’s first-ever proclamation declaring June LGBTQ+ pride month in Wheaton. Suess, who has been mayor for a year, said that although the proclamation was issued by him, it reflects a consensus of the city council.
“Wheaton has always been a very generous and inclusive community. If you look at the history, we were involved with the Underground Railroad. If you look at the churches and the work they’ve down as far as worldwide missionaries — the work they have done bringing immigrants into the country — you’ll see that the perceptions that some people have are a little different than the reality,” Suess said.
For Kneip, his work continues. He has started a #GlenEllynProud, a similar initiative in neighboring Glen Ellyn.
His goal for next year? For Wheaton to host its first-ever Pride Parade.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--Cheat sheet: Dr. Ngozi Ezike’s personal COVID-19 do’s and don’ts

Hugging your mother : “ I would visit her but I would not hug her ” – At least a year Visiting a parent who is over 65 : At least a year Visiting a parent who is over 65 with pre-existing conditions : At least a year “ or wait ‘ til there ’ s a cure.
” Going to a family friend ’ s pool party : “ A year or next summer ” Going to the beach : Not this summer but it can be “ safely done.
” Going to an outdoor restaurant : “ Towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an indoor restaurant : “ Maybe ” 3 to 12 months Flying on a plane : This summer if needed Playdates for kids : Outdoor only with masks and social distancing , more towards end of summer Public transportation : “ If it still was very empty , then I would [ ride a train.
” Otherwise “ no.
” Putting away groceries without cleaning them : Now Go to church : A year or more Send kids to camp : Now with individual sports drills or training , with no-contact Get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as masks and plexiglass

Handshakes: “At least a year”
Hugs from friends: “A year or two”
Hugging your mother: “I would visit her, but I would not hug her” – At least a year
Visiting a parent who is over 65: At least a year
Visiting a parent who is over 65 with pre-existing conditions: At least a year “or wait ‘til there’s a cure.”
Going to a family friend’s pool party: “A year or next summer”
Going to the beach:Not this summer but it can be “safely done.”
Going to an outdoor restaurant: “Towards the end of summer”
Going to an indoor restaurant: “Maybe” three months to a year.
Flying on a plane: This summer if needed
Visiting a friend’s rooftop deck: In three months
Going to a dinner party: A year
Playdates for kids: Outdoor only with masks and social distancing, more towards end of summer
Public transportation: “If it still was very empty, then I would [ride a train.” Otherwise “no.”
Putting away groceries without cleaning them: Now
Attending a wedding: A year or more
Going to church: A year or more
Sending kids to camp: Now with individual sports drills or training, with no-contact
Getting a manicure: Now with safety precautions such as masks and plexiglass
Read the full story on Ezike’s recommendations here.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-19--‘You Should Have Left’ should please horror fans

If only this couple with the young child had seen “ The Shining , ” the moment they came upon the isolated and ominous-looking structure tucked far away from civilization , they would have turned the Range Rover around and headed straight for the airport .
Ah , but then “ You Should Have Left ” would have been called , “ We Left Immediately , ” and it would be a 90-second video and not an effectively chilling little horror gem from writer-director David Koepp , who reunites with the ageless Kevin Bacon some 21 years after Koepp penned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although Bacon looks fantastic at 61 , the age difference between his character of Theo and Theo ’ s actress wife Susanna ( 34-year-old Amanda Seyfried ) is a point of contention and conversation .
When Theo visits Susannah on a movie set , the P.A .
guesses , “ You ’ re her dad ?
” And when the luminous Susanna emerges from the home swimming pool and kisses her husband , she says , “ Old man — sunblock.
” Not that the age differential is the most scandalous element to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precocious and adorable 6-year-old daughter named Ella ( Avery Essex ) .
Theo , a wealthy banker , was married before — and when his wife drowned in the bathtub , Theo was charged with killing her .
Even though he was acquitted , a lot of people think he literally got away with murder .
Apparently folks are still buzzing about the case years later , because out of the blue one day Ella asks her mom , “ Why do people hate Daddy so much ?
” After a prelude in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haunted by horrific nightmares , the family takes leave of the States for a getaway vacation in Wales .
The house they ’ ve chosen online is an imposing , brick-walled structure the size of a small hotel .
What ’ s more , it has labyrinthine , narrow corridors and multiple levels , as if Frank Lloyd Wright had teamed up with the architect of the Overlook Hotel and the designer of a carnival house of mirrors .
Almost immediately after the family arrives , weird things begin to happen — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where there should be no shadows .
There ’ s only one photo in the entire mansion : a creepy snapshot of an unknown person , affixed to the wall in the laundry room .
Theo goes about the house , turning off the lights for the night , and somehow loses track of five hours .
When Theo hears a strange sound and looks away from the mirror , his mirror image keeps staring at him .
One room in the house is five feet longer on the inside than it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around that one !
Also , someone has written in Theo ’ s journal : YOU SHOULD LEAVE and later , YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT .
Bacon and Seyfried are terrific together as a couple who love each other and adore their daughter , but are so caught up in their respective , selfish worlds , you often can cut the tension with a knife .
The cinematography , editing , lighting and production design all feed into the increasingly creepy and chilling atmosphere inside that strange house , which seems to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has a way of swallowing up its occupants .
With echoes of “ What Lies Beneath ” and “ The Others ” and the aforementioned “ The Shining ” informing the plot , “ You Should Have Left ” is by no means groundbreaking or wholly original — but it produces more than enough jumps and jolts to have you jumping off the couch .

If only this couple with the young child had seen “The Shining,” the moment they came upon the isolated and ominous-looking structure tucked far away from civilization, they would have turned the Range Rover around and headed straight for the airport. Ah, but then “You Should Have Left” would have been called, “We Left Immediately,” and it would be a 90-second video and not an effectively chilling little horror gem from writer-director David Koepp, who reunites with the ageless Kevin Bacon some 21 years after Koepp penned the Chicago-set “Stir of Echoes.”
Although Bacon looks fantastic at 61, the age difference between his character of Theo and Theo’s actress wife Susanna (34-year-old Amanda Seyfried) is a point of contention and conversation. When Theo visits Susannah on a movie set, the P.A. guesses, “You’re her dad?” And when the luminous Susanna emerges from the home swimming pool and kisses her husband, she says, “Old man — sunblock.”
‘You Should Have Left’
Untitled Universal Pictures presents a film written and directed by David Koepp, based on the novel by Daniel Kehlmann. Rated R (for some violence, disturbing images, sexual content and language). Running time: 93 minutes. Now available on demand.
Not that the age differential is the most scandalous element to their marriage, which has produced a precocious and adorable 6-year-old daughter named Ella (Avery Essex). Theo, a wealthy banker, was married before — and when his wife drowned in the bathtub, Theo was charged with killing her. Even though he was acquitted, a lot of people think he literally got away with murder. Apparently folks are still buzzing about the case years later, because out of the blue one day Ella asks her mom, “Why do people hate Daddy so much?”
After a prelude in which both Theo and little Ella are haunted by horrific nightmares, the family takes leave of the States for a getaway vacation in Wales. The house they’ve chosen online is an imposing, brick-walled structure the size of a small hotel. What’s more, it has labyrinthine, narrow corridors and multiple levels, as if Frank Lloyd Wright had teamed up with the architect of the Overlook Hotel and the designer of a carnival house of mirrors.
Almost immediately after the family arrives, weird things begin to happen — and continue to happen. Ella sees shadows where there should be no shadows. There’s only one photo in the entire mansion: a creepy snapshot of an unknown person, affixed to the wall in the laundry room. Theo goes about the house, turning off the lights for the night, and somehow loses track of five hours. When Theo hears a strange sound and looks away from the mirror, his mirror image keeps staring at him. One room in the house is five feet longer on the inside than it is on the outside, wrap your head around that one!
Also, someone has written in Theo’s journal: YOU SHOULD LEAVE and later, YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT.
Bacon and Seyfried are terrific together as a couple who love each other and adore their daughter, but are so caught up in their respective, selfish worlds, you often can cut the tension with a knife. The cinematography, editing, lighting and production design all feed into the increasingly creepy and chilling atmosphere inside that strange house, which seems to have a mysterious and ghostly caretaker lurking about and has a way of swallowing up its occupants. With echoes of “What Lies Beneath” and “The Others” and the aforementioned “The Shining” informing the plot, “You Should Have Left” is by no means groundbreaking or wholly original — but it produces more than enough jumps and jolts to have you jumping off the couch.
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chicagosun-times--2020-06-19--Finding jobs around Chicago will be tough even as economy reopens, experts say

The economy is on the mend — sort of .
Restaurants are stirring to life for outdoor dining , stores untouched by the recent looting are back in business , and workers are venturing back to offices , even if just for a change of scenery .
So what ’ s happening to all those jobs we lost ?
Their return has been slow — agonizingly so for those desperate to work .
According to the Labor Department , the U.S. economy added 2.5 million jobs in May .
But that was just one in nine of those lost since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March .
Some analysts believe up to 40 % of those jobs could be gone for good .
Employers worried about the future are slow to hire , challenging job seekers at all levels .
“ Things are starting to reopen , but everyone is concerned about adding new team members , ” said Courtney Morrison , a Pilsen resident who ’ s wrapping up a one-year AmeriCorps internship with the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago .
The Northwestern University graduate is seeking a post in media or communications .
Following the advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Morrison said she ’ s staying positive and working her contacts while dealing with the paired stresses of a job search and a lease due for renewal .
Career Transitions Center deals with many mid-career professionals , among them one with a fresh MBA from Loyola University Chicago and experience in banking .
Asking that his name not be used , he said banks are interviewing but have been slow to hire and that one cut the salary offer twice for the open position .
“ I ’ m concerned that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of jobs , ” he said .
Marie Trzupek Lynch , chief executive officer of the job-placement service Skills for Chicagoland ’ s Future , said Cook County has 650,000 unemployed people — and about 75,000 job postings .
Lynch said that in May 2010 , when the region was coming out of the most recent previous recession , Cook County had 200,000 people unemployed — and 150,000 open positions .
It ’ s likely that recent grads will be competing for jobs with experienced applicants , especially as layoffs spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Companies such as United Airlines , Boeing and Hyatt are cutting or furloughing hundreds of employees in Chicago in their global retrenching .
In-flight entertainment provider Gogo furloughed more than 400 employees here .
Aon , the insurance broker and consulting firm headquartered downtown , has cut most staff salaries 20 % but is avoiding layoffs .
Less noticeable because they ’ re out of the public spotlight , many law , accounting and other professional services firms have reduced staff or cut salaries as their clients have faced troubles of their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some hoping to get back to work will find they have no job waiting .
Andrew Challenger , senior vice president of the Chicago outplacement firm Challenger , Gray & Christmas , said some companies are limping through the summer with bailout money from the federal Payroll Protection Program .
And more bad news could rip through the economy if there isn ’ t much progress in containing the pandemic and consumers stay nervous , according to Challenger .
“ There are a lot of jobs that are basically on life support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If the demand doesn ’ t come back , they will be gone.
” At this early stage in the recovery , some bar and restaurant workers around Chicago have been going back to work .
But some of them say only the most experienced people , those who don ’ t need training , are getting the calls to come back .
Sam Toia , head of the Illinois Restaurant Association , said some owners have found their kitchen staffers moved to other states that reopened their economies sooner .
Temporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factory jobs .
Tim Bell , executive director of the pro-labor Chicago Workers ’ Collaborative , said he ’ s noticed the staffing firms putting out lawn signs in manufacturing areas to attract workers .
But Bell said some have been shut out of work because of child-care responsibilities with schools shut down because of the pandemic .
More health-care businesses have been hiring as elective procedures and routine doctor visits make a comeback .
And the start of summer has brought steady demand for construction labor .
State government data show Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push toward stay-at-home shopping , wants to fill 1,400 jobs in Illinois .
But if your line of work involves gathering a crowd into an enclosed space , the outlook isn ’ t good .
Chicago ’ s convention business is close to writing off the rest of this year .
The major hotels that cater to conventions mostly remain closed .
And some could end up staying closed until next year , said Michael Jacobson , chief executive officer of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association , who said some of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no end in sight for this , ” Jacobson said .
Travel , particularly aviation , is down for the count .
And employment in the arts doesn ’ t look much better .
The Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet have scrapped their 2020 dates , and other arts and theatrical programming for the city ’ s normally full autumn season is sure to follow .
Economists struggle to compute the uncertainty of it all .
Nobody knows whether there will be a vaccine or an effective treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be reluctant to hop on a plane , attend a banquet or return to a crowded office .
“ We saw a lot of hiring in May , but we ’ re still not close to where we were.
” said Bill Adams , senior economist at PNC Financial Services .
“ It will be a long and uncertain road to a full recovery , ” probably extending “ well into 2021.
” That ’ s a point that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized in a report to Congress on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ add to its already record package of economic aid because “ a full recovery is unlikely ” without confidence that COVID-19 is contained .
The nation ’ s recession officially began in February .
The longer it stretches , the more lasting its damage will be , Powell said .
“ If a small or medium-sized business becomes insolvent because the economy recovers too slowly , we lose more than just that business , ” he said .
“ These businesses are the heart of our economy and often embody the work of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment has fallen by nearly 35 % for workers who previously were in the bottom fourth of wage-earners , a group that ’ s disproportionately Black and Hispanic .
By comparison , the Fed said , employment among high-wage earners is down just 5 % .

The economy is on the mend — sort of. Restaurants are stirring to life for outdoor dining, stores untouched by the recent looting are back in business, and workers are venturing back to offices, even if just for a change of scenery.
So what’s happening to all those jobs we lost?
Their return has been slow — agonizingly so for those desperate to work.
According to the Labor Department, the U.S. economy added 2.5 million jobs in May. But that was just one in nine of those lost since the pandemic led to rapid shutdowns in March. Some analysts believe up to 40% of those jobs could be gone for good.
Employers worried about the future are slow to hire, challenging job seekers at all levels. “Things are starting to reopen, but everyone is concerned about adding new team members,” said Courtney Morrison, a Pilsen resident who’s wrapping up a one-year AmeriCorps internship with the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago.
Courtney Morrison Provided
The Northwestern University graduate is seeking a post in media or communications. Following the advice of the Career Transitions Center of Chicago, Morrison said she’s staying positive and working her contacts while dealing with the paired stresses of a job search and a lease due for renewal.
Career Transitions Center deals with many mid-career professionals, among them one with a fresh MBA from Loyola University Chicago and experience in banking. Asking that his name not be used, he said banks are interviewing but have been slow to hire and that one cut the salary offer twice for the open position.
“I’m concerned that the economic conditions may be depressing salaries for a lot of jobs,” he said.
Marie Trzupek Lynch, chief executive officer of the job-placement service Skills for Chicagoland’s Future, said Cook County has 650,000 unemployed people — and about 75,000 job postings.
Lynch said that in May 2010, when the region was coming out of the most recent previous recession, Cook County had 200,000 people unemployed — and 150,000 open positions.
It’s likely that recent grads will be competing for jobs with experienced applicants, especially as layoffs spread at professional firms and corporate offices. Companies such as United Airlines, Boeing and Hyatt are cutting or furloughing hundreds of employees in Chicago in their global retrenching. In-flight entertainment provider Gogo furloughed more than 400 employees here. Aon, the insurance broker and consulting firm headquartered downtown, has cut most staff salaries 20% but is avoiding layoffs.
Less noticeable because they’re out of the public spotlight, many law, accounting and other professional services firms have reduced staff or cut salaries as their clients have faced troubles of their own.
So even with the economy reopens, some hoping to get back to work will find they have no job waiting.
Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of the Chicago outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, said some companies are limping through the summer with bailout money from the federal Payroll Protection Program. And more bad news could rip through the economy if there isn’t much progress in containing the pandemic and consumers stay nervous, according to Challenger.
“There are a lot of jobs that are basically on life support right now,” he said. “If the demand doesn’t come back, they will be gone.”
At this early stage in the recovery, some bar and restaurant workers around Chicago have been going back to work. But some of them say only the most experienced people, those who don’t need training, are getting the calls to come back.
Sam Toia, head of the Illinois Restaurant Association, said some owners have found their kitchen staffers moved to other states that reopened their economies sooner.
Temporary staffing firms are stepping up recruitment for factory jobs. Tim Bell, executive director of the pro-labor Chicago Workers’ Collaborative, said he’s noticed the staffing firms putting out lawn signs in manufacturing areas to attract workers. But Bell said some have been shut out of work because of child-care responsibilities with schools shut down because of the pandemic.
A worker recruitment sign in an industrial area of Itasca. Tim Bell
More health-care businesses have been hiring as elective procedures and routine doctor visits make a comeback. And the start of summer has brought steady demand for construction labor. State government data show Amazon, benefiting from the pandemic’s push toward stay-at-home shopping, wants to fill 1,400 jobs in Illinois.
But if your line of work involves gathering a crowd into an enclosed space, the outlook isn’t good. Chicago’s convention business is close to writing off the rest of this year.
The major hotels that cater to conventions mostly remain closed. And some could end up staying closed until next year, said Michael Jacobson, chief executive officer of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, who said some of them are making their furloughs permanent.
“There is no end in sight for this,” Jacobson said.
Travel, particularly aviation, is down for the count. And employment in the arts doesn’t look much better. The Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet have scrapped their 2020 dates, and other arts and theatrical programming for the city’s normally full autumn season is sure to follow.
Economists struggle to compute the uncertainty of it all. Nobody knows whether there will be a vaccine or an effective treatment for COVID-19. Without those, people could be reluctant to hop on a plane, attend a banquet or return to a crowded office.
“We saw a lot of hiring in May, but we’re still not close to where we were.” said Bill Adams, senior economist at PNC Financial Services. “It will be a long and uncertain road to a full recovery,” probably extending “well into 2021.”
Bill Adams, senior economist at PNC Financial Services Provided
That’s a point that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized in a report to Congress on Tuesday. Powell said Congress might need to add to its already record package of economic aid because “a full recovery is unlikely” without confidence that COVID-19 is contained.
The nation’s recession officially began in February. The longer it stretches, the more lasting its damage will be, Powell said.
“If a small or medium-sized business becomes insolvent because the economy recovers too slowly, we lose more than just that business,” he said. “These businesses are the heart of our economy and often embody the work of generations.”
According to the Fed, employment has fallen by nearly 35% for workers who previously were in the bottom fourth of wage-earners, a group that’s disproportionately Black and Hispanic. By comparison, the Fed said, employment among high-wage earners is down just 5%.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-19--Chicago Fire Lt. Leroy Hearon, who traveled the world to tango, has died at 63

Between alarms , you might have seen Lt. Leroy Hearon gliding around his Chicago firehouse , perfecting the steps to the tango , a dance that whirled him around the world .
Tango first entranced Mr. Hearon more than 25 years ago , when he arrived at Club 720 on Wells Street expecting some bubbly , bouncy salsa .
When he saw the Argentinian art form — sensual , melancholy and urgent — he instantly was determined to learn it .
“ I call it a tangasm , ” he said in a 2002 story in the Los Angeles Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If I ’ m not at the firehouse , I ’ m at tango , ” according to his friend Phoebe Grant , a fellow tango instructor .
Eventually , he taught tango and would travel every year to Buenos Aires , staying for weeks to take lessons and perform at dance halls .
“ He would dance at as many as five places , tango dance halls , different places in town , till 6 in the morning , ” said his friend Maroc “ Rocky ” Howard , a Dallas financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 63 , who also danced in Amsterdam , Munich and Paris , died June 11 at Saints Mary and Elizabeth Hospital Center of pneumonia after contracting the coronavirus , according to his sister Felicia Hearon , who said he also had other health issues .
“ Everybody in Buenos Aires knew him , ” said his friend Ray Barbosa , a Chicago lawyer and tango dancer .
“ He was always taking classes.
” “ Always the first on the dance floor , embracing everyone , ” said tango instructor Fabian Salas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world tango festival known as Congreso Internacional de Tango Argentino , or CITA .
“ Leroy Hearon was a true milonguero ” — a devotee of the chest-to-chest , “ close embrace ” style of tango .
“ Leroy had a fan club that was global , ” Howard said .
“ Leroy would dance with anybody at any level and make them feel like a queen.
” “ Unlike the vast majority of experienced dancers , ” Grant said , “ Leroy paid attention to those women who weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and made a point of dancing with them as well as beginners.
” Tango “ lets a man showcase a woman and make himself absolutely invisible , ” Mr. Hearon told the Christian Science Monitor in a 1997 story about ballroom dance .
“ It is also a very happy dance .
There is no way a man can be a gentleman doing the tango with a lady.
“ Even when his weight approached 300 pounds , “ He was absolutely catlike , ” Howard said .
His 84-year-old mother Ernestine died April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his sister , and he fell three days later .
He was hospitalized for about 45 days .
“ Every day , my heart was breaking , ” she said .
During a final visit , all she could do was “ look through a window ” and see him there , sedated .
Young Leroy grew up in public housing at Cabrini-Green on the Near North Side .
His mother , a data entry operator , was from Greenwood , Mississippi .
His father Leroy Sr. , from the nearby town of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver for Inland Steel .
He attended St. Joseph ’ s grade school at 1065 N. Orleans St .
When he wasn ’ t involved in soccer and hockey , he liked playing at Seward Park and eating his mother ’ s rice pudding and peach cobbler .
He also was a devoted “ Star Trek ” fan who , when he watched science fiction movies , would complain if they got warp speed wrong , his sister said .
After graduating from Gordon Tech High School , he attended the prep school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Point in New York .
He returned home after a year or so , his sister said , after the death of their father .
At 22 , he scored high on both the Chicago police and fire exams , his sister said , but the Chicago Fire Department was taking recruits at the time , so he entered the fire academy .
He climbed the ranks to lieutenant , and his assignments included stints in Uptown and at O ’ Hare Airport and Midway Airport , Grant said .
Before retiring at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prevention Bureau .
Besides tango , he was a regular in the 1980s and early 1990s at the Midtown Athletic Club , where , Grant said , “ He played 20 hours of tennis a week.
” In the late 1990s , he started going to Buenos Aires for the yearly world tango festival .
On his last trip for that , in 2017 , he collapsed as a result of diabetes at the apartment where he was staying .
Some of his international tango buddies realized he was missing and convinced authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They all broke the door down , ” Grant said , and his friends got him to a hospital , negotiated his care and arranged his trip home to the United States .

Between alarms, you might have seen Lt. Leroy Hearon gliding around his Chicago firehouse, perfecting the steps to the tango, a dance that whirled him around the world.
Tango first entranced Mr. Hearon more than 25 years ago, when he arrived at Club 720 on Wells Street expecting some bubbly, bouncy salsa. When he saw the Argentinian art form — sensual, melancholy and urgent — he instantly was determined to learn it.
“I call it a tangasm,” he said in a 2002 story in the Los Angeles Times.
He used to say, “If I’m not at the firehouse, I’m at tango,” according to his friend Phoebe Grant, a fellow tango instructor.
Leroy Hearon demonstrating tango with Phoebe Grant. Phoebe Grant
Eventually, he taught tango and would travel every year to Buenos Aires, staying for weeks to take lessons and perform at dance halls.
“He would dance at as many as five places, tango dance halls, different places in town, till 6 in the morning,” said his friend Maroc “Rocky” Howard, a Dallas financial adviser and tango dancer.
Mr. Hearon, 63, who also danced in Amsterdam, Munich and Paris, died June 11 at Saints Mary and Elizabeth Hospital Center of pneumonia after contracting the coronavirus, according to his sister Felicia Hearon, who said he also had other health issues.
“Everybody in Buenos Aires knew him,” said his friend Ray Barbosa, a Chicago lawyer and tango dancer. “He was always taking classes.”
“Always the first on the dance floor, embracing everyone,” said tango instructor Fabian Salas, a Buenos Aires native and organizer of the world tango festival known as Congreso Internacional de Tango Argentino, or CITA. “Leroy Hearon was a true milonguero” — a devotee of the chest-to-chest, “close embrace” style of tango.
Leroy Hearon with tango instructor Andrea Monti. Phoebe Grant
“Leroy had a fan club that was global,” Howard said. “Leroy would dance with anybody at any level and make them feel like a queen.”
“Unlike the vast majority of experienced dancers,” Grant said, “Leroy paid attention to those women who weren’t dancing much on any given evening and made a point of dancing with them as well as beginners.”
Tango “lets a man showcase a woman and make himself absolutely invisible,” Mr. Hearon told the Christian Science Monitor in a 1997 story about ballroom dance. “It is also a very happy dance. There is no way a man can be a gentleman doing the tango with a lady.“
Even when his weight approached 300 pounds, “He was absolutely catlike,” Howard said.
His 84-year-old mother Ernestine died April 29 of natural causes, according to his sister, and he fell ill three days later. He was hospitalized for about 45 days.
“Every day, my heart was breaking,” she said.
During a final visit, all she could do was “look through a window” and see him there, sedated.
Young Leroy grew up in public housing at Cabrini-Green on the Near North Side. His mother, a data entry operator, was from Greenwood, Mississippi. His father Leroy Sr., from the nearby town of Drew, Mississippi, was a truck driver for Inland Steel.
He attended St. Joseph’s grade school at 1065 N. Orleans St. When he wasn’t involved in soccer and hockey, he liked playing at Seward Park and eating his mother’s rice pudding and peach cobbler.
He also was a devoted “Star Trek” fan who, when he watched science fiction movies, would complain if they got warp speed wrong, his sister said.
After graduating from Gordon Tech High School, he attended the prep school at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in New York. He returned home after a year or so, his sister said, after the death of their father.
At 22, he scored high on both the Chicago police and fire exams, his sister said, but the Chicago Fire Department was taking recruits at the time, so he entered the fire academy.
He climbed the ranks to lieutenant, and his assignments included stints in Uptown and at O’Hare Airport and Midway Airport, Grant said. Before retiring at 55, he worked in the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Leroy Hearon and Phoebe Grant. Phoebe Grant
Besides tango, he was a regular in the 1980s and early 1990s at the Midtown Athletic Club, where, Grant said, “He played 20 hours of tennis a week.”
In the late 1990s, he started going to Buenos Aires for the yearly world tango festival. On his last trip for that, in 2017, he collapsed as a result of diabetes at the apartment where he was staying. Some of his international tango buddies realized he was missing and convinced authorities to enter the Argentinian apartment.
“They all broke the door down,” Grant said, and his friends got him to a hospital, negotiated his care and arranged his trip home to the United States.
Services are pending.
Leroy Hearon (center, in maroon shirt) with tango instructor Nina Tatarowicz. Phoebe Grant


chicagosun-times--2020-06-19--Man tried to lure kids to car in Logan Square: police

Police are looking for a man who tried to lure two children to his car Thursday in Logan Square on @ @ @ @ @ boy and girl , both 13 , were leaving a store about 3:50 p.m. in @ @ @ @ @ Moffat Street when the man asked them if they wanted a ride home , according @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police .
The children refused and the man followed them about two blocks to @ @ @ @ @ .
He offered to give them a skateboard but drove away after a neighbor came @ @ @ @ @ described as a 5-foot-8 , 230-pound man about 30 years old with a long ponytail @ @ @ @ @ a mustache , according to police .
He wore a white T-shirt and an unbuttoned @ @ @ @ @ driving a gold 2005 Toyota Camry with an Illinois license plate of AT74273 , police @ @ @ @ @ is asked to call Area Five detectives at 312-746-6554 .
Read more on crime , @ @ @ @ @ s homicides .

Police are looking for a man who tried to lure two children to his car Thursday in Logan Square on the Northwest Side.
The boy and girl, both 13, were leaving a store about 3:50 p.m. in the 2400 block of West Moffat Street when the man asked them if they wanted a ride home, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The children refused and the man followed them about two blocks to their home, police said. He offered to give them a skateboard but drove away after a neighbor came outside.
The suspect was described as a 5-foot-8, 230-pound man about 30 years old with a long ponytail, a short beard and a mustache, according to police. He wore a white T-shirt and an unbuttoned tan shirt.
He was driving a gold 2005 Toyota Camry with an Illinois license plate of AT74273, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Five detectives at 312-746-6554.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-19--Man wanted for trying to lure 11-year-old girl in Hermosa

Police are searching for a man who tried to lure an 11-year-old girl Wednesday in Hermosa on the Northwest Side @ @ @ @ @ girl about 5:30 p.m. as she waited outside a home in the 2200 block of @ @ @ @ @ police said .
He spoke to her in Spanish “ with the intention of luring @ @ @ @ @ , ” but the girl fled , police said .
Police described the suspect as @ @ @ @ @ 40s with short , dark hair wearing baggy jeans and a dark shirt .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ call Area Five detectives at 312-746-6554 .
Read more on crime , and track the @ @ @ @ @

Police are searching for a man who tried to lure an 11-year-old girl Wednesday in Hermosa on the Northwest Side.
The man approached the girl about 5:30 p.m. as she waited outside a home in the 2200 block of North Tripp Avenue, Chicago police said.
He spoke to her in Spanish “with the intention of luring her to go with him,” but the girl fled, police said.
Police described the suspect as a man in his early 40s with short, dark hair wearing baggy jeans and a dark shirt.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Five detectives at 312-746-6554.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-18--Horoscope for Friday, June 19, 2020

Horoscope for Friday, June 19, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Gemini .
This is a fabulous day to schmooze with others because you ’ re in a warm , friendly mood !
Not only will you enjoy talking to neighbors , siblings and relatives , in some manner , you can make money from your words .
( Writing ?
Selling ?
Acting ? )
You appreciate your daily surroundings .
You will attract money to you , which means this is a good day for financial negotiations .
However , on the other end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freely , especially on buying beautiful things for yourself and loved ones .
“ OMG , I have to have it !
” The moon is in your sign lined up with fair Venus .
The sun is also in your sign , which makes this a winning day for you !
Everyone you meet you will think you are charming , diplomatic and attractive .
( Yes , your bathroom mirror is covered in kisses . )
Solitude in beautiful surroundings will appeal to you .
Let yourself have some quiet time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps in an attractive setting — something like this will restore your soul and replenish your energy .
Try it !
You ’ re so friendly with others , for some of you — friend could become a lover !
You will particularly enjoy talking to creative , artistic people .
Because you feel so warm-hearted to everyone — the world is your friend !
( Sometimes you ’ re a bit over-the-top . )
You make a fabulous impression on bosses , parents , teachers and VIPs , which is why they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about you .
Meanwhile , others see you as talented in some creative way , which is why they want your artistic input on something .
Travel for pleasure will totally please you today .
You might not be able to physically travel , in which case , do whatever you can to explore your world online or by talking to people who have traveled or lived elsewhere .
Intellectual discussions about profound topics will be fun .
( “ I read books and I know things.
” ) Keep your pockets open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and resources of someone else today , especially a partner .
It ’ s a great day to negotiate with others .
It ’ s also an excellent day to get a loan or mortgage from a bank .
( “ Gim me all you got !
” ) Relations with partners and close friends are warm and charming today simply because you are warm and charming !
Admittedly , someone else might be equally warm and charming .
What a happy coincidence !
“ Let ’ s get together and be warm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are excellent today because you appreciate them , and , vice versa , they appreciate you .
You might also do something to make your workstation look more attractive .
Meanwhile , today you might get a raise or at least , praise !
This is wonderful day to schmooze with others .
Enjoy social outings , playful activities with kids or anything to do with the arts or perhaps sports .
Basically , the bottom line for your day is , “ I want to have fun !
” Romance is favored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You will enjoy doing something to make your home look more attractive today .
You might also want to shop for beautiful things for your home .
Quite possibly , this is also a good day to check out real estate opportunities either to buy and sell or to rent a better place .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Hugh Dancy ( 1975 ) shares your birthday .
You are goal-oriented and eager to prove your worth .
Perhaps this is why you don ’ t mind being in the spotlight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
Do your best to cooperate because your interactions with others will be important .
Always look for ways to be kind and helpful .
If you are open when engaging with others , your business and personal relationships will benefit you .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Gemini.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
This is a fabulous day to schmooze with others because you’re in a warm, friendly mood! Not only will you enjoy talking to neighbors, siblings and relatives, in some manner, you can make money from your words. (Writing? Selling? Acting?) You appreciate your daily surroundings.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You will attract money to you, which means this is a good day for financial negotiations. However, on the other end of the spectrum, you will also spend freely, especially on buying beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. “OMG, I have to have it!”
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The moon is in your sign lined up with fair Venus. The sun is also in your sign, which makes this a winning day for you! Everyone you meet you will think you are charming, diplomatic and attractive. (Yes, your bathroom mirror is covered in kisses.)
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Solitude in beautiful surroundings will appeal to you. Let yourself have some quiet time, perhaps with food and drink, perhaps in an attractive setting — something like this will restore your soul and replenish your energy. Try it!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You’re so friendly with others, for some of you — friend could become a lover! You will particularly enjoy talking to creative, artistic people. Because you feel so warm-hearted to everyone — the world is your friend! (Sometimes you’re a bit over-the-top.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You make a fabulous impression on bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs, which is why they will praise you and say good things about you. Meanwhile, others see you as talented in some creative way, which is why they want your artistic input on something.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Travel for pleasure will totally please you today. You might not be able to physically travel, in which case, do whatever you can to explore your world online or by talking to people who have traveled or lived elsewhere. Intellectual discussions about profound topics will be fun. (“I read books and I know things.”)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Keep your pockets open because you can benefit from the wealth and resources of someone else today, especially a partner. It’s a great day to negotiate with others. It’s also an excellent day to get a loan or mortgage from a bank. (“Gimme all you got!”)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Relations with partners and close friends are warm and charming today simply because you are warm and charming! Admittedly, someone else might be equally warm and charming. What a happy coincidence! “Let’s get together and be warm and charming!”
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Relations with coworkers are excellent today because you appreciate them, and, vice versa, they appreciate you. You might also do something to make your workstation look more attractive. Meanwhile, today you might get a raise or at least, praise!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
This is wonderful day to schmooze with others. Enjoy social outings, playful activities with kids or anything to do with the arts or perhaps sports. Basically, the bottom line for your day is, “I want to have fun!” Romance is favored. Great day for a date!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You will enjoy doing something to make your home look more attractive today. You might also want to shop for beautiful things for your home. Quite possibly, this is also a good day to check out real estate opportunities either to buy and sell or to rent a better place.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Hugh Dancy (1975) shares your birthday. You are goal-oriented and eager to prove your worth. Perhaps this is why you don’t mind being in the spotlight. This year will be more relaxed for you. Do your best to cooperate because your interactions with others will be important. Always look for ways to be kind and helpful. If you are open when engaging with others, your business and personal relationships will benefit you.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-19--Soccer kicks aside PGA golf and Korean baseball in Day 1 mobile sports betting popularity

With the coronavirus shutdown top of mind and the state ’ s first online sportsbook in hand , Illinois bettors have turned to footy .
Overseas soccer matches drew 78 % of the money wagered Thursday on BetRivers.com with the launch of legal , mobile sports betting in Illinois through Rivers Casino .
Representatives for the Des Plaines gambling house declined to share the inaugural handle or the overall number of bets placed .
But beyond the soccer-happy handle percentage , they said about 60 % of the Illinoisans who created accounts to plunk money down put at least some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that money — 56 % — was placed on La Liga Spanish football and Real Madrid ’ s winning matchup against Valencia .
As for the rest of the action , bettors chipped in about 17 % of the handle on PGA Tour golf and threw 5 % on Korean baseball .
The bullish market for soccer — or football as the rest of the world calls it — is expected to even out as more sports return to the board following months of inaction due to the pandemic .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , NBA and MLB to hammer out deals with their respective players ’ associations to return to action this summer .
After its retail sportsbook launch in March was spoiled by the shutdown , Rivers became the first of the state ’ s seven licensed casinos to offer online sports betting , a crucial market that draws the vast majority of the handle in other states where it ’ s legal .
About three-quarters of Rivers ’ Day 1 bets were made from cellphones as opposed to computers , a figure that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to casinos and racetracks , sports arenas such as Soldier Field and the United Center are eligible to apply for sports betting licenses under Illinois ’ new gambling law , but they have yet to do so .

With the coronavirus shutdown top of mind and the state’s first online sportsbook in hand, Illinois bettors have turned to footy.
Overseas soccer matches drew 78% of the money wagered Thursday on BetRivers.com with the launch of legal, mobile sports betting in Illinois through Rivers Casino.
Representatives for the Des Plaines gambling house declined to share the inaugural handle or the overall number of bets placed. But beyond the soccer-happy handle percentage, they said about 60% of the Illinoisans who created accounts to plunk money down put at least some of their money on soccer.
Most of that money — 56% — was placed on La Liga Spanish football and Real Madrid’s winning matchup against Valencia.
As for the rest of the action, bettors chipped in about 17% of the handle on PGA Tour golf and threw 5% on Korean baseball.
Coilin Morikawa misses a putt on the 17th green during a playoff round at the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday. David J. Phillip/AP file
The bullish market for soccer — or football as the rest of the world calls it — is expected to even out as more sports return to the board following months of inaction due to the pandemic. There are varying levels of optimism for the NHL, NBA and MLB to hammer out deals with their respective players’ associations to return to action this summer.
After its retail sportsbook launch in March was spoiled by the shutdown, Rivers became the first of the state’s seven licensed casinos to offer online sports betting, a crucial market that draws the vast majority of the handle in other states where it’s legal. About three-quarters of Rivers’ Day 1 bets were made from cellphones as opposed to computers, a figure that’s expected to rise.
In addition to casinos and racetracks, sports arenas such as Soldier Field and the United Center are eligible to apply for sports betting licenses under Illinois’ new gambling law, but they have yet to do so.