chicagotribune--2020-05-29--Column: Minneapolis riots, George Floyd, Trump’s vile tweet and Chicago violence: White America refu

Column: Minneapolis riots, George Floyd, Trump’s vile tweet and Chicago violence: White America refuses to look racism in the eye

Discussing the protests and looting that followed Floyd ’ s killing , Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke empathetically , calling @ @ @ @ @ so much built-up anger and sadness , anger and sadness that has been ingrained in @ @ @ @ @ just because of five minutes of horror but 400 years .
If you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ anger , it ’ s not only understandable , it ’ s right .
It @ @ @ @ @ the truth that our black community has lived .
While not from lived experience , @ @ @ @ @ understood by our nonblack communities .
To ignore , to toss it out would be @ @ @ @ @ all claim to have .
”

A portrait of George Floyd hangs on a streetlight pole as police officers stand guard at the 3rd Precinct police station during a face-off with on Wednesday May 27, 2020, in Minneapolis. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
We’ll see the video of George Floyd being killed over and over again.
Each time, anyone with a shred of humanity will recoil watching a black man, handcuffed and face down on the asphalt, slowly and painfully die with a white Minneapolis police officer’s knee on his neck.
Advertisement
It’s a slow-motion murder. And like the videotaped deaths of Laquan McDonald in Chicago, Eric Garner on Staten Island and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, it’s an explosive and visceral reminder of American racism. Each tragedy pulls back the curtain on a cultural crime scene few do more than glance at — we walk away from the scene, unsettled but unwilling to do the hard work of solving the crime.
So racism lingers. In our criminal justice system. In our politics. In our social media feeds and tucked in the back of the minds of white people who swear up and down they’re not racist, right up until the moment they’re caught on video calling the police because they’re frightened by a black man bird-watching in the park.
Advertisement
Amy Cooper became nationally reviled when, while walking her dog Monday morning in New York City’s Central Park, she called the police on Christian Cooper, a black bird-watching enthusiast, after he asked her to leash the dog. He recorded her panicked call to police. We saw her frantically and inexplicably claiming a black man was threatening her life. The video went viral, launching a million conversations about casual racism.
On Monday evening, Floyd was killed in Minneapolis, and the conversations quickly switched to police brutality against black men.
Both events came on the heels of the deadliest and most violent Memorial Day weekend Chicago has had in five years. There were at least 10 people gunned down and 40 others wounded, prompting Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to criticize the city’s new police superintendent, David Brown.
“While I know that there was a lot of energy and coordination among a variety of groups, what I said to the superintendent this morning is this was a fail,” Lightfoot said. “And whatever the strategy is, it didn’t work. … This weekend’s violence was out of control.”
Chicago’s endemic violence, like racism in America, exists because people refuse to take the lengthy trek to its root causes. And too often they do what Lightfoot did and lay the blame at the feet of police, or place the blame solely on the violent perpetrators while ignoring the circumstances that led those people to become violent.
I know the mayor recognizes the underlying issues. She explained them clearly as a mayoral candidate when responding to questions from the Illinois Justice Project: “…we cannot arrest our way out of our violence problem. Instead, the city and its partners must treat this epidemic of violence as the public health crisis that it is. This means addressing the root causes of violence by revitalizing economically distressed neighborhoods, ensuring access to quality schools in every neighborhood, eliminating food and medical deserts, and providing a pathway to good jobs that pay a living wage.”
The root causes. Those are what matter, whether you’re taking about violence on Chicago streets or cops killing unarmed black men or protesters in Minneapolis lashing out in bursts of rage.
Discussing the protests and looting that followed Floyd’s killing, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke empathetically, calling it “the result of so much built-up anger and sadness, anger and sadness that has been ingrained in our black community, not just because of five minutes of horror but 400 years. If you’re feeling that sadness and that anger, it’s not only understandable, it’s right. It’s a reflection of the truth that our black community has lived. While not from lived experience, that sadness must also be understood by our nonblack communities. To ignore, to toss it out would be to ignore the values we all claim to have.”
Advertisement
And therein lies the problem. We do ignore the sadness and anger in the black community, as well as the fear. We rush in expressing shock and outrage when a black man is killed by a white police officer, but we don’t collectively plumb the depths of the racial disparities in our justice system. We feel a temporary upset over violence in minority communities without recognizing the privilege that our upset is temporary.
And we get defensive. When black people chant “Black Lives Matter,” some white people reflexively respond by saying “ALL Lives Matter,” or show solidarity with police officers by shouting, “Blue Lives Matter!” Instead of deflecting, perhaps it would be better to work on understanding why black people need to point out that their lives matter.
Instead of hoping the police will magically solve Chicago violence, trace the history of who lives in the city’s most violent neighborhoods, the intentional, long-ago segregation of people of color and the distinct lack of educational and economic resources that have eviscerated hope and opportunity and fostered fear and violence.
Rather than listen to a president rage-tweeting violent statements like “When the looting starts, the shooting starts,” consider why his reaction was so dramatically different when heavily armed white protesters tried to intimidate lawmakers in Michigan’s statehouse.
These things matter. Ignoring them brings the predictable result of history repeating.
Advertisement
White people in America have to look inward. We have work to understand — honestly understand — what Mayor Frey in Minneapolis called “the truth that our black community has lived.”
We have to demand better of our police, our politicians and ourselves.
Without that, the killing of George Floyd, like a violent weekend in Chicago, will just be supplanted by another tragedy.
And then another.
And it will not end.
Advertisement
rhuppke@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-05-29--52 suburban Chicago restaurants reopening for outdoor dining beginning today

All guests and restaurants are expected to abide by the regulations issued by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker .
Guests are @ @ @ @ @ times , only removing them while they ’ re at a table .
Parties are @ @ @ @ @ fewer ; tables are mandated to be 6 feet apart , ideally separated by barriers @ @ @ @ @ adhere to safety and sanitations rules , such as disinfecting tables and chairs between every @ @ @ @ @ going above and beyond to ensure customer safety , like only using disposable flatware .

Adam Lukach, Grace Wong, Laura Rodríguez Presa, Holly Baumbach

Allegory restaurant chef-owner Chris Mason makes picnic tables on May 27, 2020, behind his Naperville restaurant. He's building five tables to accommodate outdoor diners starting Friday. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)
Though Chicago restaurants won’t be able to open for outdoor dining until June 3 or later, dozens of suburban restaurants began reopening their patios and rooftops May 29, the first time they have been allowed since the pandemic shutdown.
All guests and restaurants are expected to abide by the regulations issued by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Guests are to wear masks at all times, only removing them while they’re at a table. Parties are limited to six people or fewer; tables are mandated to be 6 feet apart, ideally separated by barriers. Restaurants are expected to adhere to safety and sanitations rules, such as disinfecting tables and chairs between every party, and some are going above and beyond to ensure customer safety, like only using disposable flatware.
Advertisement
Here is a running list of suburban restaurants that have reopened for outdoor dining, plus some beginning this week. We will continue to update the list. If you own or manage a restaurant that is not included here, please let us know at food@chicagotribune.com.
[ For more details on dining outside this weekend, check out our FAQ here. ]
Arlington Heights
Passero Enjoy brunch outside on one of two patios, which seats a total of 56 people. Guests are encouraged to wear PPE, like the staff, and will used disposable flatware. 3 S. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights, 224-857-8900, eatpassero.com
Advertisement
Berwyn
Buona About five tables of four will be available. Though the restaurant will continue to focus on pick-up and delivery, it will open the patio for those who wish to use it. 6801 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, 708-749-2555, buona.com
Fill Up Station The neighborhood bar will open its patio with tables featuring cleaning wipes and hand sanitizers so that guests can enjoy the beer garden safely. 2627 Ridgeland Ave., Berwyn, 708-795-6744, fillupstationbar.com
Lavergne’s Tavern Patio is open daily for outdoor dining. First come, first served. 6546 Windsor Ave., Berwyn, 708-956-7405, lavergnes.com
Burr Ridge
Topaz Cafe You can have dinner and cocktails on the patio, where tables are placed six feet apart. You’ll enter and exit through separate areas to minimize contact and you’ll be greeted with hand sanitizer when you arrive. 780 Village Center Dr, Burr Ridge, 630-654-1616, topazcafe.com
Countryside
7 Gates Restaurant The restaurant built out a side patio that it hopes will be able to accommodate up to five four-person tables. 7 Gates had not yet decided at publication time if it will take reservations this weekend. 10050 55th St., Countryside, 708-582-6800, 7gatesrestaurant.com
Elmwood Park
Jim and Pete’s Last year the restaurant added a new “spacious and safe” patio which will be put to use this Friday. The restaurant will also convert its parking lot into an outdoor dining area that will open for lunch and dinner. 7806 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park, 708-453-5204, jimandpetes.com
Massa Cafe Italiano Guests can dine at the sidewalk patio with eight tables available overlooking Elmwood’s “Restaurant Road.” First come, first served. 7434 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park, 708-583-1111, massacafe.com
Trattoria Peppino Up to 60 people on the patio, masks will be available. First come, first served. 7440 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park, 708-453-2155, peppinotrattoria.com
Advertisement
Evanston
Good to Go Jamaican Cuisine owner Lenice Levy sets up additional outdoor space on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant Thursday, May 28, 2020, in Evanston. Starting Friday, the patio will be open to dine-in customers as well as some tables near the open garage door and additional sidewalk space. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)
The Barn Steakhouse Full outside dining service at one of six tables in the garden patio. 1016 Church St. Rear, Evanston, 847-868-8041, thebarnsteakhouse.com
Good to Go Jamaican Cuisine The patio will be open Friday, plus additional space near the open garage door and additional sidewalk space, providing potentially enough seats for 40 people. 711 Howard St., Evanston, 847-868-8226, .goodtogorestaurant.com
Glen Ellyn
Ellyn’s Tap & Grill Bar food and craft beer. Seating is first come, first served. 940 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn, 630-942-0940, ellyns.com
Highland Park
Max’s Deli Once you’ve finished your meal of corned beef sandwiches, lox platters or fresh bagels, you can even pick up a Max’s Deli face mask. The patio will seat 25 people. 191 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park, 847-831-0600, maxs-deli.com
Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar Guests are encouraged to order online and their food will be brought out to you. All of the regular menu items will be available, like char burgers, hot dogs, wraps, salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, baked potatoes, milkshakes and Kosher items. The sidewalk patio has nine tables and can seat a total of 54 people. 1879 2nd St., Highland Park, 847-432-3338, eatmichaels.online
Hinsdale
Egg Harbor Cafe Guests are encouraged to add their name to a virtual waiting list online, so they can get a better estimate of potential waiting times. The breakfast cafe’s front patio should seat about 40 people in groups of four. 777 N. York Road, Hinsdale, 630-920-1344, eggharborcafe.com/location/hinsdale
Advertisement
Il Poggiolo Ristorante The italian restaurant will extend its outdoor seating area in the front, with up to 14 tables, a mix of six-tops and four-tops. Walk-ins only. 8 E. 1st St., Hinsdale, 630-734-9400, ilpoggiolohinsdale.com
Kildeer
Fresh Stack Burger During peak hours, a walk-up menu board will greet guests, who will give orders to a “Covid Concierge.” Diners will be seated at outdoor dining tables where they will be notified when their orders are ready to be picked up at the counter inside the restaurant, with the concierge ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Staff will manage guest flow and capacities. During non-peak hours, orders will be taken at the counter. 20413 N. Rand Road, Kildeer, 847-847-7223, freshstackburger.com
La Grange
1416 Restaurant Reservations required, and the restaurant is already booked out for the May 29 weekend. 1416 will be seating guests in three areas: an indoor/outdoor space with open garage door, patio and rooftop. 14 W. Calendar Ave., La Grange, 708-469-7896, 1416lagrange.com
Balkan Bakery Patio seating opens for burek, desserts and more. 541 S. LaGrange Road, La Grange, 708-588-1899, facebook.com/BalkanBakery
Barrel House Social The beer garden will seat approximately 40 guests, with some additional seating in front. Availability will be half reservations, half walk-ins. Food menu will be limited. 100 W. Burlington Ave., La Grange, 708-469-7529, bhsociallagrange.com
Casa Margarita The Mexican restaurant will have about 16 tables on a front patio, plus a small side-lot expansion. Reservataions recommended. 32 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange, 708-354-2272, casamargarita.com
Advertisement
The Elm The rooftop will seat up to 70 people and is reservation only. The restaurant will serve sandwiches and salads. 23 W Harris Ave., La Grange, 708-639-4068, theelmlagrange.com
Kama Bistro The Indian restaurant will operate at approximately 25% capacity, with up to 15 tables in the front and back, as well as a section with large open windows. Reservations recommended. 9 S. La Grange Road, La Grange, 708-352-3300, kamabistro.com
Little Joe’s The burger joint with a small sidewalk patio is planning for up to six tables. 20 E. Plainfield Road, La Grange, 708-352-9696, littlejoesbeef.net
MAK’S House The casual American fare spot hopes for up to five four-peron tables on its sidewalk patio. Walk-ins only. 46 S. La Grange Road., La Grange, 708-469-7264, makshouse.com
Palmer Place Restaurant and Biergarten The large, three-level outdoor space includes a patio and rooftop. No reservations, and Palmer Place will encourage considerate table turnover times, with up to six guests per table. 56 S. La Grange Road, La Grange, 708-482-7127, palmerslagrange.com
Posto 31 A true backyard patio will seat about 80 guests. Reservations required. 1017 E. 31st St.,, La Grange, 708-469-7233, posto31.com
Advertisement
Q-BBQ The patio will be open with an outdoor host stand to greet guests. Walk-ins only. 70 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange, 708-482-8700, q-bbq.com
Santiago’s Up to eight four-person tables will be set up along Santiago’s sidewalk and its parking lot in back. Walk-ins only. 24 Calendar Court, La Grange, 708-354-0700, santiagosatlagrange.com
Steak + Vine The steakhouse is planning for eight four-person tables at its sidewalk cafe. Reservations recommended. 37 S. La Grange Road, La Grange, 708-579-0520, steakandvine.com
Libertyville
Cafe Pomigliano Tables for outdoor dining open Friday. Reservations required. 160 E. Cook Ave., Libertyville, 847-247-2208, cafepomigliano.com
Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant Reservations are highly encouraged as only one to two tables are available for walk-in customers. Seating is limited to 75-minutes for brunch/lunch and 90-minutes for dinner. 633 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, 847-362-4400, casabonitalibertyville.com
Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant In the quaint outdoor dining area, the tables have been spaced at a safe distance and sanitation protocols are in place. 101 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville, 224-206-7282, dosamigosmexrestaurant.com
Advertisement
Milwalky Taco Outdoor seating through reservations only. All reservations last 1 ½ hours at tables that have been safely spaced apart. 605 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, 224-513-5766, milwalkytaco.com
O’Tooles of Libertyville Outdoor seating has been reconfigured to meet social distancing guidelines. Floor decals have been placed throughout public areas to maintain distance protocols. 90-minute maximum at tables to allow every guest the opportunity to dine out. 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, 847-984-2599, timothyotooles.com/libertyville
Lincolnwood
L. Woods It’s first come, first served at this barbecue restaurant, which seats up to 28 people outside. 7110 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood, 847-677-3350, lwoodsrestaurant.com
Stefani Prime Tables will be spread 6 feet apart and the restaurant will serve its regular menu of steak, seafood and Italian dishes and daily specials. The capacity is about 52 seats. 6755 N. Cicero Ave., Lincolnwood, 847-696-6755, stefaniprime.com
Naperville
Allegory With picnic tables just built by the chef and owner, diners can enjoy farm-to-table fare outside and in the parking lot. 224 S. Main Street, Naperville, 630-536-8862, allegorynaperville.com
Empire Burgers & Brew You won’t be able to bring in large bags to this burger restaurant, but you should keep your phone with you to look at the menu online. The bar is closed to guests, but you’ll still be able to sit on the spacious patio overlooking the river. The restaurant can seat a maximum of 140 people, and hopes to add tables outside the front on the street. 48 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville, 630-355-9000, empireburgerbar.com
Advertisement
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar When you arrive at the restaurant, you’ll be asked for your information and asked to sit in your car or at one of the socially distant waiting areas before being seated. The patio, opening June 1, has 10 tables and you can figure out what to eat by getting a single-use menu or reading the menu on your phone. You can also make a reservation. 436 S. Illinois Rte 59, Naperville, 630-481-7301, lazydogrestaurants.com
Schmaltz’s Deli While remaining open for carry out and pickup, the Jewish deli will also put out four picnic tables in the front of the restaurant for diners to sit and enjoy their food. 1512 N. Naper Blvd. #152, Naperville, 630-245-7595, schmaltzdeli.com
Taps N Tenders Outdoor patio seating, drive-through pickup and expanded curbside pickup with three covered lanes. 3320 S. IL-59, Naperville, 630-961-8277, tapsntenders.com
Northbrook
Allgauer’s on the Riverfront The 26-seat patio will serving its regular and brunch menus with grilling specials beginning Saturday. The temperatures of restaurant staff will be taken before each shift and all kitchen staff and servers will wear gloves and masks. Contactless menus and contactless payment options will also be available. 2855 N Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, 847-664-7999, allgauers-on-the-riverfront.business.site
Northfield
Happ Inn Bar & Grill The carryout has resumed, plus limited outdoor seating has opened. In addition, a tent will offer additional al fresco seating. Reservations required. 305 Happ Road, Northfield, 847-784-9200, happinn.com
Oak Brook
Antico Posto Enjoy pasta, weekend specials, fresh salads and more at this Italian restaurant’s patio, which seats up to 36 people. Seating is first come, first served. 118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-586-9200, antico-posto.com
Advertisement
Mon Ami Gabi The patio will open, but only half of it will seat customers. Reservations are required, as distanced dine-in spots are limited. Enjoy a prixe-fixe lunch menu as well as an all day a la carte menu. The restaurant is also doing carryout and delivery. 260 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-472-1900, monamigabi.com
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille You can still experience Perry’s signature tableside carving demonstration, but now from a safe distance. The patio menu features pork chops, whipped potatoes, soups, salads and desserts. Reservations recommended. 5 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-571-1808, perryssteakhouse.com
Table at Crate With a 40-seat patio, this restaurant at Crate & Barrel beginning Saturday will serve salads, tartines and a kid’s menu, plus wine, beer, canned cocktails and coffee. The restaurant will also have single-use menus and check presenters, as well as hand sanitizers for staff and guests. 35 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-590-9444, tableatcrate.com
Oakbrook Terrace
Brook’s Kitchen & Tap Spacious outdoor patio with large awning. Credit cards only. Reservations highly encouraged. 1919 S. Meyers Road, Oakbrook Terrace, 630-613-9588, brooks-obt.com
Oak Lawn
Deja Brew Bar & Grille The bar and grill will only be seat guests through reservations that can be made through email. The restaurant will limit six guests per table on the patio and will allow a 90-minute time slot. 5219 95th St., Oak Lawn, 708-423-0484, dejabrewbargrille.com
Rosemont
Bub City Guests can order sandwiches, cocktails and milkshakes from an outdoor counter before finding a table on the patio. First come, first served. 5441 Park Place, Rosemont, 847-261-0399, bub-city.com/rosemont
Advertisement
Schaumburg
Shaw’s Crab House Dine on oysters, hand-rolled sushi and other seafood dishes on this patio starting June 2. First come, first served. 1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, 847-517-2722, shawscrabhouse.com/schaumburg
Skokie
Epic Burger This fast-casual burger joint set up santizing stations and PathSpot at each store, which scans employee’s hands post-wash to monitor how effective they are washing their hands. If you don’t want to go inside the restaurant, you can order from an app and have your food brought out to you. 4999 Old Orchard Shop Center East Ring Road, Skokie, 847-933-9013, epicburger.com
Wheaton
Warren’s Ale House. Seating is first come, first served. 51 Town Square, Wheaton, 630-462-5126. warrensalehouse.com
Wheeling
Saranello’s Choose from a patio menu or enjoy Saranello’s classics at dinnertime at this Italian restaurant’s patio. Reservations are required. 601 N. Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, 847-777-6878, saranellos.com
Tuscany Tables will be 8 feet apart with a two-guest maximum in the building to use restrooms. No waiting in the building or outside in line, and the restaurant will seat 96 people. The restaurant will serve an updated regular menu featuring pasta and wood-fired pizza. 550 S. Milwaukee Ave. Wheeling, 847-465-9988, TuscanyChicago.com
Western Springs
Davanti Enoteca This location of the Italian restaurant plans to seat about 24 people on a front patio with an awning. Reservations highly recommended. 800 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, 708-783-1060, davantienoteca.com/location/western-springs
Advertisement
Winnetka
Avli The full menu — plus cocktails, beer and wine — will be available at this Greek restaurant’s patio, which will have 11 tables of two and four. Reservations are recommended. 566 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-446-9300, avli.us
George Trois Group, Aboyer The patio will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting June 5 with expanded hours to come. There are 20 seats available. The restaurant will have stands with liquid hand sanitizer and only four people are allowed into the restaurant at one time. Enjoy a new grill menu with Michael Lachowicz and Charlett Perez cooking outside on the patio. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-441-3100, georgetroisgroup.com
Rise n Dine Pancake Cafe Patio open for dining daily. 102 S. Milwaukee Ave., 847-541-4900, risendinecafe.com


chicagotribune--2020-05-29--Restaurants, retail reopen in Illinois

Restaurants, retail reopen in Illinois

Erick Granada Ocampo a server at Egg Harbor Cafe , left , waits on Robin and Mike Weseen on the @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , in Barrington .
The Weseens were the first customers served when they opened @ @ @ @ @ said , `` We usually come here three times a week .
They are like @ @ @ @ @ them .
`` ( Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune )

Ruth Reynolds, of Shorewood, looks over books at her Anderson Bookshop on May 29, 2020 in Naperville. "I'm so happy to come and look through books. I'm tired of using Amazon and seeing their book recommendations." (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)


chicagotribune--2020-05-29--Chicago Police Department says it’s pulling 100 officers from desk jobs and putting them on the stre

Chicago Police Department says it’s pulling 100 officers from desk jobs and putting them on the street

The new assignments come as the warmer weather brings the threat of more violence .
During the long Memorial Day @ @ @ @ @ people were shot in the city .
The following day , at least 28 more @ @ @ @

Police officers depart in patrol SUVs after a press conference to announce the launch of the 2020 Summer Mobile Patrol Unit at McCormick Place on May 28, 2020, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
The Chicago Police Department is adding 100 officers to patrol the streets beginning next month, pulling them from desk jobs, officials said Friday.
The new assignments come as the warmer weather brings the threat of more violence. During the long Memorial Day weekend, more than 50 people were shot in the city. The following day, at least 28 more people were shot.
Advertisement
Fifteen percent of sworn officers currently working at police headquarters will be permanently reassigned to the city’s 22 patrol districts on June 7. This will not include officers working on functions related to a federally mandated consent decree to improve the city’s policing practices.
Officers tapped to work the streets from headquarters will be deployed “on a rotating two-week schedule,” according to a statement from the department.
Advertisement
More than 80 unmarked Chicago police vehicles will be converted into marked squad cars, the department said.


chicagotribune--2020-05-29--‘Can you please get them?’  5-year-old girl asks Chicago cops after getting shot in the leg. ‘We got

‘Can you please get them?’  5-year-old girl asks Chicago cops after getting shot in the leg. ‘We got you,’ they promise

“ The boys weren ’ t doing anything wrong , ” she said .
“ But if a car drives @ @ @ @ @ .
… Any male that walks from this project to the gas station .
A @ @ @ @ @ your life is just in danger .
If someone happens to be driving past and @ @ @ @ @ ’ t care who it is .
Any man .
’ ’

Kaidence Lasenby plays with a doll at home in Chicago on May 28, 2020. She was given the dolls as a present after she was shot and wounded while playing with four other girls two days earlier in the 200 block of West Pershing Road in Chicago. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Tiana Lasenby kept an eye on the teenage boys across the street as her 5-year-old daughter and four friends played in front of her home.
“Move closer to me,’’ she told Kaidence and the others.
Advertisement
The two boys walked to the corner gas station in the 200 block of West Pershing Road and were headed back when a dark-colored car stopped in the street about 10:40 p.m. Tuesday. More than a dozen shots were fired and both boys fell to the ground. One of the bullets hit Kaidence in the leg.
“There were so many kids out there,’’ Lasenby said. “Once they started shooting, it was like a sudden freeze.’’
Advertisement
She said the gunman was still firing when she jumped from the porch and scooped up her daughter and other kids and dragged them into her home. Inside, the little girl started complaining of pain. “Something is hurting. My leg, my leg.”
Lasenby said she looked down and thought her daughter got hurt rushing into the house. “It just looked like a scrape.”
Her husband picked up the girl and told his wife, “She’s been shot.” He called a relative who drove them to Mercy Hospital & Medical Center. She was later transferred to Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Paramedics transport Kaidence Lasenby from Mercy Hospital & Medical Center to Lurie Children’s Hospital after she was shot in the leg on the 200 block of West Pershing Road on May 26, 2020. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)
X-rays showed a bullet lodged in her upper right thigh. Doctors told the family the bullet did little damage, but the tissue around the wound was severely bruised. They didn’t want to risk infection, so they will wait until next week to remove it.
Her daughter’s spirits have been good and Lasenby doesn’t think she realizes she’ll have to undergo surgery. “Just give her some jelly fruits and she’ll do it,’’ Lasenby said, laughing a little.
The boys, 15 and 16, are also expected to survive. Police have said they don’t believe they were the targets, but Lasenby said any young male living in the Wentworth Gardens housing complex across the street takes a risk being on the street.
“The boys weren’t doing anything wrong,” she said. “But if a car drives past, they will shoot. … Any male that walks from this project to the gas station. A male coming or going, your life is just in danger. If someone happens to be driving past and see it. They don’t care who it is. Any man.’’
The two boys were almost back inside the housing complex when the car stopped. Lasenby said everything happened so quickly. One moment her daughter was bent down playing, her back to the street, and then there were so many shots she lost count.
Advertisement
Her daughter and her friends, all between 3 and 9, thought it was fireworks and just stood there. “After the third shot, everything went blank and everybody just scattered,’’ Lasenby said.
Kaidence was released from the hospital hours after the attack. “She’s doing better, she’s playing, but I think she’s still in shock,’’ Lasenby said Thursday.
She can walk a little on her wounded leg and play with her twin brother and sister, who are 3. She was even able to see visitors, such as teachers and police. “A boy shot me,’’ she volunteers.
When police officer spoke to her, she asked, “Did you all get the two boys that shot me in the leg? Can you please get them?”
The officers told her they would do their best, according to her mother. “We got you,’’ they said.
rsobol@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-05-29--We’ve lowered the paywall on this essential coronavirus coverage

Testing for COVID-19 has greatly expanded in Illinois , with the state announcing more than 10,000 test results a day @ @ @ @ @ expansion has allowed the state to open up its guidance for who should be able @ @ @ @ @ .
The Illinois Department of Public Health is saying that testing is available without a @ @ @ @ @ anyone with coronavirus symptoms or an underlying risk factor .
Tests are also provided to @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic , such as medical workers , first responders and employees of prisons @ @ @ @ @ the map for coronavirus testing site near you .

As a public service to our readers and community, we have lowered the paywall on some of our most critical stories so everyone can access this important information. We rely on the support of our subscribers to fund our journalism. If you’re not already signed up, we hope you will consider subscribing.
We are updating a daily live blog with the latest developments on the reopening of Chicago and Illinois. This is where you’ll find updates on the number of COVID-19 cases in our area, as well as the most up-to-date recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Public Health, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Advertisement
As summer nears, Chicagoans are desperate to get out and about — to have a summer picnic with family, to get back to work, to get a haircut. Here’s how and when you might be able to do those things.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Tuesday a five-phase plan to get Illinois reopened as the COVID-19 pandemic slows its toll on health care providers. The plan, from “Rapid Spread” to “Illinois Restored,” splits the state up into regions and allows each region to open a different phase should the impact of the pandemic be different throughout the state. The plan also emphasizes that a region can move backward if the health metrics indicate enough risk. Read more.
Advertisement
Testing for COVID-19 has greatly expanded in Illinois, with the state announcing more than 10,000 test results a day since April 24. The expansion has allowed the state to open up its guidance for who should be able to get a coronavirus test. The Illinois Department of Public Health is saying that testing is available without a doctor’s order to anyone with coronavirus symptoms or an underlying risk factor. Tests are also provided to people on the front lines of the pandemic, such as medical workers, first responders and employees of prisons or nursing homes. Search the map for coronavirus testing site near you.
All Illinois residents over age 2 must wear a face mask when they can’t maintain a 6-foot social distance in public. Studies show that the coronavirus can spread between people interacting in close proximity, including people who are not showing symptoms. Here’s where you can find them, what kind to get and how to make your own.
Americans are brainstorming with neighbors, posting questions on social media, and googling for tips and advice. The question at the center of all the hand wringing and head scratching: How do you thank the essential workers who remain out in the world, exposing themselves to greater risk of contracting the novel coronavirus, so that we can buy our groceries, receive our mail, travel by public transportation, and get health care if we need it? Here are some creative ideas to inspire you.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 68 (Chicago Tribune)
They were mothers and fathers, daughters and sons. Many were proud grandparents. Two were sisters from a tight-knit South Side family. All were loved, relatives say, and will be forever missed. As the number of deaths attributable to the coronavirus ticks upward, the Tribune is working to chronicle those who have lost their lives in the Chicago area or who have connections to our region. These are some of those victims.
Hundreds of Chicago restaurants have pivoted their operations to delivery, takeout or curbside pickup after Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that all bars and restaurants in Illinois are closed for dining-in service through April 30. We’re collecting information on restaurants across the area that are still open for delivery or take out. Find a restaurant near you.
Advertisement
A sign in the windows of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, seen on March 11, 2020, reminds people to wash their hands. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
You wake up with a sore, scratchy throat, and begin coughing and sneezing. It’s probably a run-of-the-mill cold, or it could be the beginning of a bout of seasonal flu. But with dozens of cases of the novel coronavirus surfacing in Illinois, some people are bound to wonder: Could this be the coronavirus? Here’s what experts advise for Illinoisans who fear they are showing signs of coronavirus.
The spread of the coronavirus pandemic has placed an extra burden on Chicagoland nonprofit organizations. Here is an evolving list of where you can make donations to organizations helping those in need.


chicagotribune--2020-05-29--Is child abuse going unnoticed during the coronavirus pandemic? Calls to Illinois’ hotline and sexua

Is child abuse going unnoticed during the coronavirus pandemic? Calls to Illinois’ hotline and sexual misconduct reports in CPS have plummeted.

Of cases closed during that time frame , 85 were substantiated , including six findings of a sexual act against @ @ @ @ @ sexual abuse .
Another 142 cases were not substantiated , and 39 were referred to @ @ @ @ @ the substantiated cases ended up in a different category than the allegation .
For example @ @ @ @ @ were categorized after the investigation as “ other , ” defined as “ leering , @ @ @ @ @ potentially concerning behavior '' that is not considered sexual misconduct .
`` Other ” continues @ @ @ @ @ of complaints .

Chicago Public Schools saw reports of sexual misconduct drop since schools shut down because of the coronavirus. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune)
Sexual misconduct allegations in Chicago Public Schools had been on the rise this year until the coronavirus pandemic forced school buildings to close. Since then, the reports have plummeted, with fewer than half as many allegations against adults working in schools made this March and April than during the same months last year.
“When the schools closed and the students were sent home for remote learning, those numbers dropped significantly," said Interim Inspector General Philip Wagenknecht, whose office investigates misconduct allegations against CPS-affiliated adults involving students or other minors.
Advertisement
Working remotely presents a challenge to Wagenknecht’s office, too, he said at Wednesday’s virtual Chicago Board of Education meeting. While investigators are conducting as many phone and video interviews as they can and continue to issue subpoenas, some parts of the job must be done in person, which may result in some cases taking longer than usual to resolve, Wagenknecht said.
Then there are concerns about abuse going underreported nationwide during stay-at-home orders.
Advertisement
“We have those concerns as well,” Wagenknecht said. With students out of sight of teachers and others who are mandated by law to report suspected child abuse, there are fewer opportunities for in-person abuse to occur outside the home— but also fewer chances for an observer to catch anything that does happen.
With many students spending more time online amid the school shutdown, board member Lucino Sotelo asked what could be done to protect them from cyber predators and bullies.
Camie Pratt, who leads the CPS Office of Student Protections, said teachers are still being relied upon to monitor students' well-being and to report any suspected child abuse. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
Camie Pratt, who leads the CPS Office of Student Protections, said her office is working on preventive training that will be available next school year.
“We are still relying on educators ... to notice signs,” Pratt said. That could include normally attentive students not logging into online classes. “We are still encouraging (teachers) to call (the Department of Children and Family Services) if they have any concerns at all.”
In April, Illinois DCFS Acting Director Marc Smith sent a letter to educators stating that since schools closed in mid-March, hotline calls have “dramatically” decreased, and asking for help.
“With physical school buildings closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the added stress that families are experiencing with the outbreak, your vulnerable students are at greater risk of harm,” Smith wrote. “... As a mandated reporter, your assessment of the safety of our most vulnerable children is needed now more than ever.”
At the Office of Student Protections, a similar decline in complaints occurred when schools went remote, Pratt said.
Of complaints lodged against students this school year through April 24, 634 involved allegations of sexual or gender harassment, 428 inappropriate touching, 386 sexual electronic communication, 171 sexual violence, 129 dating violence, and 111 exposure, voyeurism or masturbation.
Advertisement
Complaints against adults included 207 cases of alleged grooming, 95 reports of inappropriate touching, 90 cases of sexual violence, 72 allegations of sexual or gender harassment and 19 claims of sexual electronic communication.
After monthly sexual misconduct complaints to the CPS inspector general peaked at 80 in February, they were down to 35 in March and 18 in April, or 1.1 per school day on average, Wagenknecht reported. Before schools closed March 17, the inspector general’s office was opening an average 3.3 cases per day.
In all, the inspector general’s office opened 406 cases from last July 1 to April 30. It currently has 338 active cases and 96 considered “closing,” or “substantially complete.”
Of cases closed during that time frame, 85 were substantiated, including six findings of a sexual act against a child and three of sexual abuse. Another 142 cases were not substantiated, and 39 were referred to another agency. Many of the substantiated cases ended up in a different category than the allegation. For example, 20 allegations of grooming were categorized after the investigation as “other,” defined as “leering, 'creepy’ behavior or other potentially concerning behavior" that is not considered sexual misconduct. "Other” continues to be the biggest category of complaints.
Teachers were by far the most common subjects of allegations, with 170, followed by security guards at 36 and paraprofessionals or aides at 30. Wagenknecht noted the significant decline in allegations against security guards, who between Oct. 1 and April 30 had 53 sexual misconduct complaints last year compared with 22 this year.
As of April 30, 126 adults, including 40 teachers, were at that time pulled from schools because of alleged staff-on-student misconduct. Twenty-eight adults who were pulled from classrooms have been reinstated since July, and 35 others who were subjects of investigations either were fired, quit or retired, according to the report.
Advertisement
Police have become involved in at least three aggravated or predatory sexual assault investigations and one aggravated criminal sexual abuse case where a CPS teacher or security guard is suspected and the alleged victims are students. Chicago police are also investigating 20 other cases involving CPS staff or vendors, the inspector general reported.
The office has also updated job categories to be more specific to each case, according to the presentation by Wagenknecht, who took over when Nicholas Schuler in February said Mayor Lori Lightfoot asked him to resign.
Before, a teacher who also coached could have been categorized using either title. Now, that will be based on the role most relevant to the allegation.
“Thus, a teacher who happens to coach, but who was not in a coaching role when the alleged conduct occurred, is categorized as ‘teacher,’” the report details. "Had the same individual been serving in a coaching role when the conduct occurred, the OIG would apply the ‘teacher-coach’ category.”
CPS has overhauled the way it handles sexual misconduct claims in recent years. In 2018, the Tribune’s “Betrayed” investigation documented widespread failures by school officials to prevent and address child sexual abuse. CPS has pledged additional reforms, with federal oversight, through a 2019 agreement with the U.S. Department of Education.
hleone@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-05-29--How to hang out with 10 people or fewer as Illinois and Chicago reopen

With the state on track to reopen Friday , and Chicago ’ s reopening set for June 3 , many @ @ @ @ @ state will now be able to gather in groups of 10 or fewer .
But @ @ @ @ @ restlessness of being able to see and spend time with loved ones after being isolated @ @ @ @ @ two months , there are still a few safety precautions to keep in mind .

With the state on track to reopen Friday, and Chicago’s reopening set for June 3, many folks throughout the city and state will now be able to gather in groups of 10 or fewer. But with all the excitement and restlessness of being able to see and spend time with loved ones after being isolated from them for more than two months, there are still a few safety precautions to keep in mind.
The general rule of thumb is that outside is better than inside, and masks are better than no masks, said Dr. Emily Landon, executive medical director of Infection Prevention and Control at the University of Chicago Medicine.
Advertisement
“Indoor activities that involve eating and drinking are sort of the last thing you want to do,” she said.
It seems safe for us to start having more contact with people we haven’t been quarantined with since certain regions of the state have met Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s measurements to move into the next phase, but we want to use these new human encounters sparingly and carefully, almost looking at the governor’s stipulation of 10 or fewer as a guide, Landon said.
Advertisement
“I wouldn’t go from the next 10 people to the next 10 people,” she said. “I think we should take that as the spirit of, and we can have contact with 10 people — total.”
The reason behind this suggestion is to decrease your social net and risk of contracting COVID-19. For instance, if you have unprotected contact with a group of people, you’re taking on some amount of risk, and not only does that risk stay with you, but you pass it on to the next group of people you’re with, explained Landon.
“As we go forward, and we have our first ventures out with people who we weren’t quarantining with, or staying home with in the stay-at-home period, those activities are going to be more risky than we might imagine,” she said.
These precautions don’t have to end any interactions though, especially if you know how to take activities and make them lower risk, such as changing a backyard barbecue into a backyard games tournament instead — all while wearing masks.
Low to medium risk activities
You and your best friend going for a walk, then sitting on a bench to talk, is considered a pretty low-risk activity, Landon explained. Similarly, two parents meeting up in the park with their older children, who kick around a soccer ball in an open area, and everyone is wearing a mask, would be considered a low- to medium-risk activity.
Having dinner with your mother at her home, for example, without a mask, if you haven’t spent much time with other people, is probably a low-risk situation.
Swimming pools for fitness, not recreation, are OK, too, especially if it’s an outdoor pool. And Landon thinks it is possible to socially distance on a beach — you just have to be careful.
“If you show up at the beach and there’s not room for you to have a big space around you, then you need to go home — or get there earlier next time,” said Landon. “Bring a big blanket so people won’t get too close to you.”
Advertisement
Less safe
Hangouts like having three to four friends over for drinks on your balcony are less ideal.
“They’re going to need to be in your house, and outside on your balcony, so you’ve got them in an enclosed space eating and drinking, and if those three or four friends also hung out earlier in the week on their balcony with three or four other friends, all of a sudden it’s starting to look like less safe activity,” said Landon.
She said a person can pick up the virus in minutes, but is less likely to contract it if outside and practicing social distancing.
When it comes to physical greetings, like hugs, Landon said to be “really careful with casual contact,” and to think about people in two categories: those you are willing to have unprotected contact with, like a family member you haven’t seen in two months, and those you are not.
Having a family picnic in the park is a low-risk activity, according to one expert. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)
If hugs or other forms of contact greetings are outside the bounds of your personal risk tolerance, communicate those boundaries.
“Once you acknowledge what level of risk tolerance you’re willing to accept for yourself and your unprotected contact — that’s the key here — then you can spend that risk in a way that makes you get the most back, the best return on that investment,” said Landon.
Advertisement
Higher-risk individuals
People who are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, like the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions, should be the most cautious when it comes to being in public spaces and gathering with more people. It’s also important for the individuals who live with those who are higher-risk to follow the same restrictions in an effort to protect them, said Landon. “It’s kind of like having a newborn baby.”
Because people who may have COVID-19 can be asymptomatic, Landon urges everyone to be wary of others, even if your friends or family appear healthy.
“It’s important that even as we spend time with other people, that we try and keep our distance and wear our masks,” said Landon.
Good summer behavior will determine the next wave of the virus, Landon said. And as the state begins to transition into new phases, and we slowly start to increase the number of people we spend time with, Landon says we have to get used to wearing masks and adopting them as a personal tool that keeps everyone safe.
“We’re fighting a virus, not an ideology,” she said. “Masks are not an infringement of your freedom any more than pants are. It’s clothing that you put on your face to try to protect other people and to protect yourself.”
chrjohnson@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-05-29--Two teens charged after they allegedly stole an SUV and struck a man riding a Divvy bike in West Tow

Two teens charged after they allegedly stole an SUV and struck a man riding a Divvy bike in West Town

Elias Quinones Figueroa , 19 , and a 16-year-old boy were speeding east on Hubbard Street when they hit the @ @ @ @ @ 6:15 p.m. Wednesday .
The biker flew onto a gray car in another lane of @ @ @ @ @ He was taken to Stroger Hospital , where his condition had stabilized , police said @

Two teens have been charged after they stole an SUV and later struck a man riding a Divvy bike, throwing him onto the hood of another car in West Town, according to Chicago police.
Elias Quinones Figueroa, 19, and a 16-year-old boy were speeding east on Hubbard Street when they hit the bicyclist near Ogden Avenue about 6:15 p.m. Wednesday. The biker flew onto a gray car in another lane of traffic, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition had stabilized, police said.
Advertisement
Officers caught up to the white Chevrolet Tahoe and took Figueroa and the boy into custody. Police learned the Tahoe was reported stolen in a carjacking hours earlier about a mile and a half away in the 1200 block of North Cleaver Avenue in the Noble Square neighborhood.
The 45-year-old owner of the Tahoe was cleaning the car when the two teens approached about 3:20 p.m., pulled out handguns and demanded the SUV, police said.
Advertisement
Two guns were recovered after the Figueroa and the boy were arrested, police said.
Both were charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking. Figueroa was also charged with aggravated reckless driving and aggravated use of a weapon.
Chicago Tribune’s Charles J. Johnson contributed.
rsobol@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-05-30--Sewage may help predict future virus outbreaks. Chicago researchers aim to test hundreds or thousand

Sewage may help predict future virus outbreaks. Chicago researchers aim to test hundreds or thousands of manholes at a time.

`` You won ’ t be able to say precisely how many cases there are in a community , at @ @ @ @ @ ” Peter Grevatt , president of the Water Research Foundation , said in a recent @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But you will be able to see when that signal appears and you @ @ @ @ @ see if it is changing in terms of an upward trend or a downward trend @ @

In the global effort to stem the novel coronavirus, every toilet flush reveals a vital clue.
Droplets we breathe, sneeze or cough through our mouths and noses aren’t the only source of SARS-CoV-2. Bits of genetic material from the virus also end up in our waste, offering local health departments life-saving opportunities to track, trace and prevent outbreaks.
Advertisement
Researchers and technology startups involved in the rapidly developing science are finding signs of the virus in raw sewage days before people overwhelm hospitals with symptoms of COVID-19, the respiratory disease driving a pandemic that already has killed more than 100,000 Americans and another 256,000 combined in other countries.
With the United States woefully behind on testing individuals, collecting samples from municipal sewers on a regular basis could give cities early warnings about where the disease is spreading. It also could indicate whether community lockdowns can be eased or if more stringent restrictions on daily life are needed.
Advertisement
"You won’t be able to say precisely how many cases there are in a community, at least at this point,” Peter Grevatt, president of the Water Research Foundation, said in a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune. “But you will be able to see when that signal appears and you’ll be able to see if it is changing in terms of an upward trend or a downward trend.”
During a virtual congressional briefing last week, Grevatt and other experts shared what they’ve learned during the past few months and outlined what it would take to escalate sewage monitoring for the virus.
One of the teams developing new methods is based at Northwestern University, where researchers are attempting to find alternatives to the 20 million tests of Americans that a recent Harvard University study projected are needed by midsummer.
A for-profit spinoff from a Northwestern laboratory is pushing to have methods in place by the end of the summer that could zoom in on neighborhoods, nursing homes, factories, warehouses and meat-packing plants by collecting sewage samples from nearby manholes.
“We know we can detect SARS-CoV-2 in what comes into a sewage treatment plant,” said Khalid Alam, the CEO of Stemloop Inc. “If we could test on a far larger scale — in hundreds or thousands of manholes at a time — we could begin to understand from a public health and an epidemiology perspective where these problems are at a more granular level.”
The Terrence J. O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant on May 27, 2020, in Skokie. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)
Investigating public health threats by analyzing human and industrial waste isn’t new. Governments and nonprofit organizations have traced diseases and toxic pollution for decades by sampling sewers, identifying hot spots and exposing scofflaws who illegally dump chemicals and heavy metals down the drain.
In 2013, researchers traced a polio outbreak in Israel by monitoring sewage. Others have found the residue of pharmaceutical drugs, illegal narcotics and persistent chemicals known as PFAS that were used for years to make Teflon and Scotchgard coatings.
“Looking in the sewer is like looking in the mirror of society,” Gertjan Medema, principal microbiologist at the KWR Water Research Institute in the Netherlands, said during a mid-April webinar.
Advertisement
Medema described how he and his colleagues found growing numbers of virus genes in sewage from Amsterdam and Utrecht, two Dutch cities where confirmed cases of COVID-19 increased exponentially in early March.
When they sampled smaller towns that had appeared to have been spared from the disease, they discovered RNA of the virus up to six days before the first confirmed cases were recorded.
It remains unclear if the virus is infectious in sewage, though early signs suggest it isn’t. Among other challenges: reaching consensus on analytical methods and developing rapid, cost-effective techniques to safely collect and analyze samples.
The Northwestern team is led by Julius Lucks, a chemistry and biological engineering professor who recently secured a National Science Foundation grant to determine if synthetic molecules can detect SARS-CoV-2 in a nasal swab, saliva or sewage.
Previous testing for more conventional forms of water pollution suggests promising results for the coronavirus as well, Lucks said in an interview.
The Northwestern team has assembled a library containing the molecular signatures of substances that act as defense mechanisms to specific metals or chemicals. By adding a few drops of water or sewage to a test tube containing a reagent for a particular substance, the researchers have found they can determine whether it exists in the sample.
Advertisement
“Natural organisms have all sorts of machinery that they use to monitor their own environment,” Lucks said. “We’ve rewired them so they produce a color instead of their defense mechanisms if say, something like lead or a certain pesticide is present."
Perfecting the methods for the coronavirus could be a game changer.
Laboratories are swamped with nasal swabs and other tests that can take days or weeks to analyze. If all goes well, Lucks said, the tests being developed at Northwestern could generate results within a few hours after samples are collected.
Lucks has a financial interest in the spinoff founded by Alam, a former post-doctoral fellow who spent years at Northwestern and Argonne National Laboratory working on quick, low-cost methods to test for environmental hazards in water.
Stemloop is in the early stages of a coronavirus pilot project with Lucks and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, the government agency that collects and treats sewage in Chicago and the Cook County suburbs.
Developing ways to predict future outbreaks is crucial. Many experts believe there will be a new surge of COVID-19 cases later this year.
Advertisement
With Chicago and other parts of lllinois still locked down, the water reclamation district so far has limited its sampling to a single vial of sewage collected once a week from each of its treatment plants and sent off for analysis by researchers at Stanford University.
Testing other parts of the system is necessary, Grevatt said, because researchers still don’t have a handle on the average number of viruses infected people shed in their feces, or how many viral genes survive the trip from a toilet to a sewage treatment plant.
Answering those questions could help determine if person-to-person contact still needs to be restricted in certain neighborhoods or at particular businesses. Monitoring sewage also could help determine if it is safe to resume relatively normal activity in some communities until a vaccine is available.


chicagotribune--2020-05-30--Animals at university research labs still get care during the pandemic — but scores have been euthan

Animals at university research labs still get care during the pandemic — but scores have been euthanized to conserve ‘critical resources’

At Loyola , spokeswoman Anna Shymanski said the school follows federal guidelines for its work with animals and only uses @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t available .
In response to PETA ’ s May 5 letter , @ @ @ @ @ : “ Specially trained veterinarians and animal-care technicians provide for the care and well-being of @ @ @ @ @ care committees regulate and monitor laboratories regularly , ” she said in an email .
@ @ @ @ @ it is a privilege to use animals for the advancement of scientific discovery . ''

A veterinarian and a technician perform a health check of laboratory mice kept at the Biologic Resources Laboratory at University of Illinois at Chicago. The school advised reseearchers that the pandemic might be a good time to cull their mice colonies. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
As researchers wrapped up their experiments in March to comply with the state’s stay-at-home order, another problem dogged the University of Illinois at Chicago: How would it continue tending to the 40,000 lab animals housed on campus?
Veterinarians and maintenance staff were deemed essential workers to handle the cage cleaning, feeding and daily health checks required for animals used in federally sponsored research. They are given personal protective equipment and instructed to follow social distancing.
Advertisement
But other aspects of UIC’s response ― including a recent memo that asked scientists to consider euthanizing older rodents ― are likely to stir more controversy, especially from organizations that have long opposed the use of animals in research.
The March 19 memo to researchers said it was a “good time to critically look at colonies and cull aged breeders or nonproductive cages,” citing the need to “preserve critical resources.” Though projects that began before the shutdown were allowed to be completed, all others that weren’t deemed critical or related to COVID-19 were put on hold, and new animal orders were temporarily suspended.
Advertisement
“We feel that there’s a moral and ethical responsibility to make sure the animals are used appropriately and judiciously," said Jeffrey Fortman, director of the UIC’s Biologic Resources Laboratory, where the animal researchers work. “Because we’ve asked principal investigators not to initiate new research projects, we don’t want them unnecessarily producing animals that cannot be used.”
Rodents at other major institutions are also being put down in droves. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard and Johns Hopkins each have needed to cull hundreds of mice when laboratories abruptly shut down, according to media reports. Most commonly, rodents are euthanized with carbon dioxide or anesthetic gases.
Researchers characterize the jump in euthanization as a difficult but necessary step to prepare for a protracted pandemic. Universities have sought to limit the number of employees in the facilities, allowing them to work in staggered shifts. And lab operators want to maintain enough supplies for the animals — food, bedding, medication — in case there are long-term shortages. Administrators also fear a worst-case scenario in which workers fall ill and there aren’t enough staff for daily rounds.
A veterinary technician checks on laboratory mice kept at the Biologic Resources Laboratory at University of Illinois at Chicago. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
Still, the recent moves have only heightened tensions with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a historic foe to many in the scientific community. Referring to downsizing efforts as a “killing spree,” PETA launched a new campaign to voice its fierce objection to animal research as a whole.
As PETA learned of lab shutdowns, often from notices posted on university websites, the activist group wrote to schools — Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago among them — urging them to stop using animals once and for all.
“PETA has been questioning why any of these animals are being bought, bred, trapped or experimented on in the first place since they are now so easily being disposed of and since experiments are now being ended or delayed,” Shalin Gala, PETA’s vice president for international laboratory methods, told the Tribune.
Researchers couldn’t disagree more. They counter that animal experiments help lead to live-saving advances in medicine and will be crucial as scientists race to discover treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. Already, a study spearheaded by Oxford University showed encouraging results that a potential vaccine injected into monkeys helped them develop antibodies to attack the virus.
‘We had to eliminate so many mice’
A researcher at U. of C. said she reduced her mouse population by more than half after the school began warning of a looming shutdown. By the end of March, the school had restricted lab access, and she began working from home.
Advertisement
The researcher, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation from animals rights groups, said she had more than 400 cages of mice, with two to five per cage. She only had about a week to euthanize the animals.
“Before the shutdown there was a decision, and I think this is consistent across all universities, that they wanted to lower the essential workforce that was required to go in ... and one essential workforce is the people who take care of our animals,” the researcher said.
The researcher and U. of C. officials were hesitant to share details of her work, such as how the mice are used. Others contacted by the Tribune also said they were reluctant to speak about their studies because of PETA, which has been using Twitter to single out scientists during the pandemic.
Some learned the hard way. The official PETA Twitter account started replying to researchers who lamented on social media about putting down mice with comments such as, “Sad to have killed a bunch of animals? What if you never did it again?” That’s caused some researchers to delete the original posts.
As part of its new letter-writing campaign, PETA also sent messages to more than 70 universities, demanding the schools shut down their animals labs, divulge how many animals have been euthanized — though there’s no indication that animals other than mice or rats have been affected.
Northwestern, which received a letter March 31, declined to comment. The letter also mentioned several animal care violations found by inspectors prior to the pandemic, including an incident in which more than 1,000 mice were given expired medication.
Advertisement
At Loyola, spokeswoman Anna Shymanski said the school follows federal guidelines for its work with animals and only uses them in cases when alternates aren’t available. In response to PETA’s May 5 letter, she said in an email: “Specially trained veterinarians and animal-care technicians provide for the care and well-being of the animals, and animal care committees regulate and monitor laboratories regularly,” she said in an email. “Our faculty understand that it is a privilege to use animals for the advancement of scientific discovery."
A spokeswoman for U. of C., which received a letter April 15, said the school has also developed contingency plans “to ensure humane care and comfort of research animals during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Though U. of C. has launched dozens of new studies related to COVID-19, all labs working on other topics were closed.
The U. of C. researcher said she’s not sure when she’ll be able to return and worries about the impact of the delay on graduate students who work in her lab and were relying on results to finish their degrees.
She predicts further setbacks, because it will take time to breed the colonies again once everyone is allowed back. Graduate students typically spend about four years in the lab working to earn a doctorate, she said.
“It is a big issue that we had to eliminate so many mice,” she said. “If we could go back to the lab full time this summer, we would still be another six months behind.”
Advertisement
Freezing mouse sperm
Even as researchers scramble to shrink their rodent colonies now, they also need to keep enough on hand in case studies resume on short notice.
Many are looking to cryopreservation ― a process that involves freezing mouse sperm or embryos and storing them in liquid nitrogen ― as a kind of insurance policy. Since lab mice are typically bred with particular genetic profiles that researchers isolate in their experiments, those unique DNA strains need to be protected.
The Jackson Laboratory, a nonprofit biomedical research institution based in Maine, has seen “a sudden spike in demand” for cryopreservation, said senior manager Robert Taft.
As shelter-in-place orders took effect, the Jackson Laboratory dispatched trucks to Chicago and elsewhere to retrieve mice for cryopreservation.
“We were getting these panicked calls from folks because they were uncertain what was going to happen,” Taft said.
'Natural social distancing’ in UIC animal labs
Unlike schools that pulled the plug on all studies, UIC made an exception for research projects started before the state’s stay-at-home order on March 21. Some other special projects, clinical trials and research related to COVID-19 were also permitted to move forward if they were considered essential, said Joanna Groden, vice chancellor for research.
Advertisement
At the sprawling Biologic Resources Laboratory, staffing levels have remained close to normal, Fortman said. Researchers approved to continue their projects use rotations to avoid contact with others and were required to wear face coverings.
“We have 137,000 square feet of space for housing animals, and it’s pretty easy to have your staff in different facilities, buildings and in different services areas, so there’s a lot of natural social distancing in how we operate,” Fortman said.
A veterinarian and veterinary technician examine mice at the Biologic Resources Laboratory at University of Illinois at Chicago. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
One project allowed to continue was a 12-week study that started in January, testing a possible vaccine for a type of human papillomavirus on rabbits, Fortman said. Results from the study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, will be used in the coming years as the vaccine is considered for federal approval.
“If we had to shut down on March 19, we would have had to euthanize these animals,” Fortman said. But after the study ended recently, Fortman said, “this researcher popped by my office and said how appreciative they were that we allowed them to complete this project."
Of all the animals housed at UIC, more than 99% are rodents and fish, Fortman said. The school also has about 80 primates, 25 dogs and eight pigs, Fortman said.
But the numbers have dropped in recent weeks. From late February to late April, the animal population declined by about 11%, Fortman said. While he attributed the gap to restrictions on breeding and new animal orders, Fortman said he could not rule out that euthanization also played a role. The researchers act autonomously, making decisions about colony size on their own, Fortman said.
Advertisement
“UIC did not track how many rodents were euthanized by investigators as a result of the pandemic but the number is thought to be low,” said spokeswoman Sherri McGinnis Gonzalez.
Now, with the Monday expiration date for the stay-at-home order in sight, Groden and Fortman have turned their attention to the future. They are brainstorming what procedures will be necessary when the Biologic Resources Laboratory fully reopens, and researchers are eager to resume their work. At least six projects using animals have been proposed for COVID-19 research, according to UIC.
“I hope this (time period) inspires people to continue to work in clinics and hospitals and studies that will help us understand disease and how to treat it,” Groden said. “It’s very important for us to keep the pilot light going here in research, to provide a safe path forward."
On May 18, UIC announced an array of new protocols for animal researchers when state restrictions are lifted, according to its website. Those working in the Biologic Resources Laboratory will need to continue wearing face coverings, comply with temperature checks at entrances and practice social distancing throughout the facility, including in elevators and rooms with animals. It will also start accepting requests for new animal purchases.
echerney@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-05-30--More than 700 nurses at Joliet hospital move toward possible strike

The nurses at Amita Health Saint Joseph Medical Center Joliet have been working without a contract since May 9 and @ @ @ @ @ since February , said Pat Meade , a longtime nurse at the hospital and a @ @ @ @ @ Nurses Association , which is part of the Illinois Nurses Association .
The nurses have @ @ @ @ @ date , and plan to continue negotiations in hopes of averting one , she said @

More than 700 nurses at a Joliet hospital could soon walk off the job after they voted late Friday to authorize a strike.
The nurses at Amita Health Saint Joseph Medical Center Joliet have been working without a contract since May 9 and have been in contract negotiations since February, said Pat Meade, a longtime nurse at the hospital and a member of the Saint Joseph Nurses Association, which is part of the Illinois Nurses Association. The nurses have not yet set a strike date and plan to continue negotiations in hopes of averting one, she said.
Advertisement
Sticking points include higher levels of nurse staffing, benefits and pay, she said.
If the nurses go on strike, the action would come as hospitals across the state, including Saint Joseph, continue to care for COVID-19 patients.
Advertisement
“It’s a nightmare, actually, to even have to consider (a strike), but we have to have adequate staff to give excellent care to our patients,” Meade said. “That’s the bottom line.”
The Illinois Nurses Association said it has also filed three unfair labor practice complaints against the hospital with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing a supervisor at the hospital of asking nurses to waive COVID incentive pay in exchange for certain additional shifts, contrary to an agreement with the union, and interrogating and intimidating nurses about their union activity, among other allegations.
AMITA Health spokesman Tim Nelson said in an email earlier in the week: “As discussions toward a new contract continue, we negotiate in good faith, honoring the hard work and sacrifice of our nurses and looking forward to a contract that supports all.”
Additional bargaining sessions are scheduled for the first three weeks of June.
The Illinois Nurses Association had previously warned in March that it was concerned about the Joliet hospital becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients as it treated inmates and employees from the Stateville Correctional Center.
Meade, however, said nurses are no longer concerned about patients from the prison straining the hospital’s resources, though the hospital continues to treat many COVID-19 patients. She said the issues in the contract are separate from those related to the illness.
“We were short-staffed before COVID,” she said. “COVID just escalated it, just put it way in the forefront.”
Nurses in unions across the country have cited staffing levels as they’ve voted to go on strike. Last year, more than 2,200 nurses at the University of Chicago Medical Center went on strike, seeking lower nurse-to-patient ratios. That strike lasted one day but was followed by a four-day lockout. Those nurses were part of the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United.
Advertisement
The hospital maintained that its staffing levels were not a problem. During that strike and lockout, the hospital moved babies and children in intensive care units to other hospitals, canceled and rescheduled elective surgeries, and asked ambulances to take patients elsewhere.
lschencker@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-05-30--Volunteers clean up Minneapolis area

Volunteers clean up Minneapolis area

Stacker collected the top 100 narrative fiction films over 165 minutes , according to IMDb .
To qualify , the @ @ @ @ @ least 3,500 user votes .

This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as marketing, personalization, and analytics. By remaining on this website, you indicate your consent.


chicagotribune--2020-05-30--Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot spent months working both sides of the aisle in Springfield to secure c

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot spent months working both sides of the aisle in Springfield to secure casino votes

“ We really tried to limit this legislation as much as possible to ensure that a Chicago casino was done @ @ @ @ @ “ I think many of us understand the importance of the Chicago casino when it @ @ @ @ @ entire state , and the fees and the revenue , the money that comes out @ @ @ @ @ go to pay for construction across the entire state , and that ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ , why I ’ ve been supportive of this .
”

Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago, speaks with Rep. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, during debate of SB516, a gambling bill involving a Chicago casino, during an extended session of the Illinois House of Representatives at the Bank of Springfield Center on May 23, 2020. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register/AP)
After months of behind-the-scenes lobbying, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot scored a major victory in Springfield during the legislature’s pandemic-driven special session by convincing enough suburban and Downstate lawmakers to support her plan to overhaul the taxes for a long-discussed city casino.
In addition to a couple of perks for downstate gambling interests, the legislation’s passage benefited from an increased urgency for funds to support a statewide capital construction plan, which relies on gambling revenue.
Advertisement
The bill approved with bipartisan support in the Illinois House and Senate potentially puts a project that has eluded mayors for decades on a clearer path toward becoming reality.
Supporters say it’s also a big win for the rest of the state, which would benefit from hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue for public buildings, parks and other projects through Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s $45 billion “Rebuild Illinois” infrastructure plan.
Advertisement
At the same time, questions remain about how lucrative a new gambling emporium will be as state revenue from existing casinos has been in decline for a decade, even before COVID-19 choked the economy and led to the temporary closure of Illinois casinos.
Lightfoot came up short in her campaign to get lawmakers to amend the casino taxes during their fall veto session. She had to convince enough suburban and Downstate lawmakers to vote for what opponents — and even some legislators who voted in favor of the bill — characterized as a special deal for the city.
The bill “wasn’t just a sweetheart deal for Chicago,” said Democratic state Rep. Bob Rita of Blue Island, the measure’s lead sponsor. “It’s a big deal for Chicago, but it’s also a big deal for each and every one of their districts and projects in their districts.”
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle credited Lightfoot and her team for doing the work necessary to marshal enough support for her plan.
“She wasn’t afraid to call, whether Democrats or Republicans,” Rita said.
The measure amends a number of items in the landmark gambling legislation passed in the spring 2019 legislative session.
The legislation, which still requires Pritzker’s signature, would do away with a 33.3% city tax on post-payout revenue in favor of a graduated tax structure on slot machines and table games.
The city’s cut from slots, for example, would range from 10.5% on revenue up to $25 million to 34.7% on revenue above $1 billion. Outside the city, local governments only get a 5% cut from their casinos and in some cases have to split that with other nearby localities.
Advertisement
After legislators approved the Chicago license last spring, Lightfoot said she would have preferred a city-owned casino but cast the legislation as a win after decades of inaction in Springfield.
An August report by a gambling consultant — required in the legislation at the city’s request — threw cold water on the plan. The consultant said what it called a “very onerous” tax structure meant five sites the Lightfoot administration identified on the South and West sides weren’t viable because they wouldn’t attract enough tourists, leading to low single-digit profit margins, at best, for any operator.
Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons.
The casino study pointed to the merits of a downtown location close to hotels and other attractions, instead of in outlying neighborhoods that out-of-towners with money to spend might deem unsafe.
But backing a mega-casino and entertainment complex in the touristy part of the city would be particularly tricky for Lightfoot, who ran for mayor promising to turn City Hall’s focus to helping struggling Chicagoans after her predecessor, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, was seen as favoring the wealthier parts of town.
The mayor headed back to Springfield in the fall veto session, vowing to find the votes to get the tax structure for the casino changed. She came up empty and was left making the case to reporters that the attempt hadn’t been a failure. “I wouldn’t say that we struck out. We actually came quite close,” Lightfoot said in November.
Advertisement
The mayor ascribed her success in Springfield this time to repeatedly making her case to lawmakers who got to know her and her casino message better with each conversation.
“Really we just kept working it since December,” Lightfoot said. “We did kind of a postmortem with a number of members after the veto session last year. We continued to talk to them and kept the message simple, simple, simple about what the needs were.”
For a mayor who has drawn criticism from some Chicago aldermen for not doing enough to reach out to them to listen to their concerns, the talk of a dogged campaign to win over fence-sitting Downstate legislators is striking.
“I made a lot of calls. I took a lot of meetings pre-COVID,” Lightfoot said. “I went down to Peoria and met with two state reps and a state senator down there. There was nobody I wouldn’t call to make the case for the Chicago casino."
Republican Rep. Tim Butler of Springfield said increased communication from Lightfoot and her team played a significant role in the passage of the Chicago casino legislation this spring.
In November, Butler, who has led gambling negotiations for his caucus, expressed frustration on the House floor that Lightfoot’s team hadn’t reached out to him — “not a phone call, not an email, not a meeting — to talk about the Chicago casino."
Advertisement
This winter, Butler met with Lightfoot and her team to discuss the city’s proposal when he was in Chicago. And in February, Lightfoot traveled to Springfield to meet with lawmakers from both parties before the coronavirus led legislative leaders to cancel much of the spring session. Lighfoot said at the time that the casino dominated those discussions.
Lightfoot met with House Republicans for about an hour in February, which “did a lot of good,” Butler said this week.
“The mayor and her team worked diligently on this and got people involved, and honestly, I think at the end of the day that’s why it was able to get through,” Butler said.
The economic catastrophe of the pandemic also made it harder for members of the General Assembly to vote against the casino money the state is counting on to help pay for its capital spending plan, as well as the union construction jobs that will be created when it gets built, Lightfoot said.
“I think the COVID reality of the state economy hit home for folks, really hammered home that this was about jobs, about opportunity, about funding the vertical capital projects that legislators wanted,” she said.
“It didn’t mean that the bias that some people have against Chicago disappeared. It didn’t,” Lightfoot added. “But I think the economic realities that everyone is facing became even more focused because of the COVID impact."
Advertisement
Still, Lightfoot’s sales pitch wasn’t convincing to everyone, including one key lawmaker who nonetheless voted in favor of the bill.
“I still thought the Chicago portion of it was clearly unfair to all the other communities that have casinos,” said Republican Sen. Dave Syverson of Rockford, a longtime proponent of a casino in his city that also was approved in last year’s gambling expansion. “They are getting a far better deal than other cities like Rockford that are economically struggling much worse.”
In the end, other components of the bill were enough to win his support, Syverson said.
One was a measure allowing video gambling machines at the state fairs in Springfield and Du Quoin. Another — backed by supporters of a proposed Danville casino, among others — would allow the application process to start over if the Illinois Gaming Board hasn’t awarded a license within the time frame outlined in last year’s expansion.
Despite the inclusion of a handful of side issues, another key to passing the bill was keeping it focused narrowly on the Chicago casino.
“We really tried to limit this legislation as much as possible to ensure that a Chicago casino was done,” Butler said. “I think many of us understand the importance of the Chicago casino when it comes to capital around the entire state, and the fees and the revenue, the money that comes out of the Chicago casino will go to pay for construction across the entire state, and that’s a really important reason for me, why I’ve been supportive of this.”
Advertisement
The limited scope meant one key issue, explicitly banning sweepstakes gambling machines, which regulators and some lawmakers have been pushing for years, was not acted on.
Looking ahead, Lightfoot would like to move quickly to start hearing from prospective operators, but right now the pandemic makes that a losing proposition.
“My understanding is that some of the Las Vegas casinos are going to start coming back online next week, so we’ll be watching that with great interest,” she said. “But right now, if we went into the marketplace, we probably wouldn’t get any bidders because the gaming market is so unsettled right now.”
Instead, Lightfoot said she’ll start working to identify potential sites and drafting bidding documents so that when the city feels like the market is in a better spot, they can move fast.
Potential developers must reach agreements with the city before the state’s gambling regulator, the Gaming Board, can award a license to operate. The new legislation also requires interested developers to make public presentations on their plans and post summaries on the city website.
dpetrella@chicagotribune.com
Advertisement
jebyrne@chicagotribune.com
jmunks@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-05-30--Man, 26, who died after being pushed in front of Red Line train at 87th Street station identified

Smith got into an argument with another man about 12:15 a.m. and was punched in the face and then pushed @ @ @ @ @ train was pulling in , police said .

A man who died after he was pushed in front of a Red Line train at the 87th Street station early Friday has been identified, according to officials.
Joseph R. Smith, of the 8400 block of South Escanaba Avenue, was pronounced dead at 1:13 a.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Advertisement
Smith got into an argument with another man about 12:15 a.m. and was punched in the face and then pushed onto the tracks as a train was pulling in, police said.
Fire crews worked to remove the victim from underneath the train, and Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
Advertisement
According to a police report, the 19-year-old suspect walked up to a responding police officer on the scene and, “while pointing” at the crime scene, told the officer he ‘did that’ after Smith and he "had words.''
It was not clear what they were arguing about but the 19-year-old was taken into custody and had not been charged as of late Friday.
Check back for updates.


chicagotribune--2020-05-29--Lightfoot to Trump: ‘What I really want to say ... begins with F and it ends with U’

“ I don ’ t take the bait every time , but this time , when we are suffering pain @ @ @ @ @ of a black man in the street , to try to , for political gain @ @ @ @ @ whistle to his base , I ’ m a black woman , and a leader @ @ @ @ @ obligation to speak out when something as offensive as that is said by anyone , @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
“ And I make no apologies whatsoever for my word choice @ @ @ @ @ which I ’ m calling him out for what he said .
”

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Friday ripped President Donald Trump, saying he’s fomenting violence and playing to racist urges for political gain in response to the killing of a black man by a Minneapolis police officer and subsequent rioting.
Lightfoot’s comments were an apparent response to Trump tweeting a message that included “When the looting starts, the shooting starts” in reply to rioting in Minneapolis and elsewhere following the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck while he was in custody. Lightfoot said the president cannot be allowed to divide and destabilize the country.
Advertisement
....These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
“He wants to show failures on the part of Democratic local leaders, to throw red meat to his base,” Lightfoot said in opening remarks at an afternoon news conference. “His goal is to polarize, to destabilize local government and inflame racist urges. We can absolutely not let him prevail. And I will code what I really want to say to Donald Trump. It’s two words. It begins with F and it ends with U.”
Asked later whether she should have used that language toward Trump, in light of former first lady Michelle Obama’s “when they go low, we go high” mantra, Lightfoot didn’t back down.
Advertisement
“I don’t take the bait every time, but this time, when we are suffering pain and trauma at the killing of a black man in the street, to try to, for political gain, and blow the dog whistle to his base, I’m a black woman, and a leader, and I feel an obligation to speak out when something as offensive as that is said by anyone, but particularly the president,” she said. “And I make no apologies whatsoever for my word choice, and the way in which I’m calling him out for what he said.”
The angry reaction to Trump from Illinois Democrats wasn’t contained to City Hall.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he’s “outraged by what (Trump) does in response to these situations.”
“From the very moment that I announced my decision to run for governor three-plus years ago, I said that this president was a racist, misogynist, homophobe, a xenophobe, and I was right then and I’m right now," Pritzker said. “His tweets, his reaction, his failure to address the racism that exists in America, his stoking of the flames in sometimes subtle, sometimes not so subtle, ways is completely unacceptable. It’s reprehensible, in fact.”
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said in a statement that she’s “disgusted by our president’s hateful and racist rhetoric in the wake of the uprisings in Minneapolis.”
And Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle released a statement saying there’s “a pervasive and tragic history of racism in our country, and a United States president who provokes it."
“As we grieve Mr. Floyd’s death, President Trump is inciting violence against the protesters,” Preckwinkle said. “We cannot stand idly by as he does this, and must affirm the right to peaceful, open protests of police brutality.”
Looting leads to shooting, and that’s why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night - or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot. I don’t want this to happen, and that’s what the expression put out last night means.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
Trump later tweeted again, saying in two tweets: "Looting leads to shooting, and that’s why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night - or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot. I don’t want this to happen, and that’s what the expression put out last night means....
Advertisement
“....It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement. It’s very simple, nobody should have any problem with this other than the haters, and those looking to cause trouble on social media. Honor the memory of George Floyd!”
Chicago Tribune’s Alice Yin contributed.
jebyrne@chicagotribune.com
jmunks@chicagotribune.com