Lab animals deserve adoption or a caring retirement — not euthanasiaLetters to the Editoron June 13, 2021 at 6:04 pm

They endure such pain throughout their short lives and are given no chance for a happy ending. I am asking Sen. Dick Durbin to change that.

As an animal-loving taxpayer, I am devastated that dogs, cats and other animals who survive taxpayer-funded experiments are euthanized, even when they are healthy enough to be adopted out or retired. These innocent animals endure such pain throughout their short lives and are not given the chance for a happy ending. I am asking Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., to change that.

The National Institutes of Health, the Federal Drug Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense have all enacted policies allowing for the retirement of animals after testing ends, and Illinois has passed a law allowing for lab animal adoption.

SEND LETTERS TO: [email protected]. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be approximately 350 words or less.

I encourage Sen. Durbin to build on Illinois’ progress and join Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., in co-sponsoring the Animal Freedom from Testing, Experimentation and Research (AFTER) Act. This legislation, Senate Bill 1378, would require federal agencies to enact policies allowing for the retirement of animals no longer needed in government experimentation.

Taxpayers are forced to purchase animals for experiments, and they should have the right to adopt them.

David Kettler, Humboldt Park

Thank you, Rick Telander

It’s writers like Rick Telander who keep me subscribing to the Chicago Sun-Times. He is always so insightful and interesting, as shown in his column this last week about Kris Bryant and the Cubs. I have been reading Chicago newspapers and their sports sections for around 70 years, and Telander is right at the top of all the great sports writers. I have even gotten a print subscription to the Sun-Times for my 12-year-old grandson, who plays and loves sports, so that he can enjoy and learn about sports from insightful writers like Rick.

Thank you, Rick Telander, for all the good work.

Robert Sullivan, Downers Grove

Lab animals deserve adoption or a caring retirement — not euthanasiaLetters to the Editoron June 13, 2021 at 6:04 pm Read More »

What critical race theory defenders ignore.on June 13, 2021 at 4:08 pm

The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor

What critical race theory defenders ignore.

What critical race theory defenders ignore.on June 13, 2021 at 4:08 pm Read More »

Chicago outdoors: Grapes of robin, Fran Lebowitz, Class TA trailers, first-of-the-year firefliesDale Bowmanon June 13, 2021 at 1:10 pm

A robin feeding young grapes on Chicago’s Northside. Credit: Ron Wozny — A robin feeding young grapes on Chicago’s Northside. | Ron Wozny

Robins feeding young grapes, an outdoors thought by Fran Lebowitz, a potential savings on Class TA trailers and the first fireflies of the year are among the notes from around Chicago outdoors.

Notes come from all around Chicago outdoors and beyond.

WILD OF THE WEEK

Ron Wozny sent another one of his classic bird photos from the Northside, this one of a robin feeding grapes to young.

WOTW, the celebration of wild stories and photos around Chicago outdoors, runs most weeks in the special two-page outdoors section in the Sun-Times Sports Saturday. To make submissions, email [email protected] or contact me on Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside) or Instagram (@BowmanOutside).

WILD TIMES

WINGSHOOTING CLINICS

June 26-27: Elburn, (10-17 on 26th, girls and women on 27th), click here for details or contact [email protected] or (847) 309-1093

FISH GATHERING

Tuesday, June 15: Guide William Heim, “Summer Bass and Walleye Techniques,” Arlington Anglers, Poplar Creek Banquets, Hoffman Estates, 6:30 p.m., arlingtonanglers.com

ILLINOIS PERMITS/SEASONS

Tuesday, June 15: Bullfrog season begins

Wednesday, June 16: Perch season reopens on Lake Michigan

Friday, June 18, to June 21: Illinois Free Fishing Days, no licenses or stamps needed, other regulations apply

DALE’S MAILBAG

“Just saw a lightening bug in the back yard. The summer light show begins!” Paul Bleers on Tuesday evening

A: His email inspired me to check, but I came up empty on fireflies. Soon, very soon.

BIG NUMBER

$36 from $118: Reduction in the flat weight tax on Class TA trailers, under SB 58, which the General Assembly passed on May 31; a note of potential significance for those with boat trailers. Click here for details on SB 58.

LAST WORD

“To me the outdoors is what you must pass through in order to get from your apartment into a taxicab.”

Fran Lebowitz, via goodreads.com, perhaps explaining the difference between her life and Aldo Leopold’s

Chicago outdoors: Grapes of robin, Fran Lebowitz, Class TA trailers, first-of-the-year firefliesDale Bowmanon June 13, 2021 at 1:10 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears: 5 available players the Bears could add before campRyan Heckmanon June 13, 2021 at 1:15 pm

Coming off of a disappointing season in 2020, the Chicago Bears set out to make major changes before the 2021 campaign. General manager Ryan Pace finally had seen enough mediocrity at the quarterback position — a major reason why the Bears have been unable to get over the hump. Pace moved up for the multi-talented […]

Chicago Bears: 5 available players the Bears could add before camp – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

Chicago Bears: 5 available players the Bears could add before campRyan Heckmanon June 13, 2021 at 1:15 pm Read More »

Pandemic & School Year End Lessons Learnedon June 13, 2021 at 12:10 pm

Pandemic & School Year End Lessons Learnedon June 13, 2021 at 12:10 pm Read More »

32 shot, 3 fatally, in Chicago since Friday; including 1 killed, 9 wounded in Chatham attackSun-Times Wireon June 13, 2021 at 11:36 am

A fireworks explodes in the air as Chicago police work the scene were a 20-year-old woman was shot in 4700 block of South California Ave, in the Brighton Park neighborhood, Friday, June 11, 2021. The shooting initially took place near the 4700 block of South Rockwell. — Fireworks explode as Chicago police work the scene where a 20-year-old woman was shot in 4700 block of South California Ave, in Brighton Park neighborhood, Friday, June 11, 2021. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Early Saturday morning, two males approached a group standing on the sidewalk in the 7500 block of South Prairie Avenue and opened fire, fatally striking a 29-year-old woman and wounding nine others.

At least 32 people have been shot, three fatally, in shootings across Chicago since Friday night, including one person killed and nine wounded in a single attack in Chatham.

Just after 2 a.m, two males approached a group standing on the sidewalk in the 7500 block of South Prairie Avenue and opened fire, Chicago police said.

A 29-year-old woman was struck in the leg and abdomen and transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center where she was pronounced dead, police said. The Cook County medical examiner’s office has not yet identified her.

Nine more victims, ranging in age from 23 to 49 years old were transported to area hospitals all in fair or good condition, according to police.

There is no one in custody.

A person was fatally shot Saturday afternoon in South Loop.

About 1:20 p.m., the male, whose age is unknown, was parked on the street in the 600 block of South Wells Street when someone in a passing vehicle fired shots into his vehicle, police said.

He was struck multiple times and taken to Stroger Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. He has not yet been identified.

A 20-year-old woman was killed in a shooting Friday night in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side.

She was in a vehicle with her boyfriend about 8:50 p.m. when a gunman approached them while yelling gang slogans in the 4700 block of South Rockwell Street, police said.

The woman was sitting in the passenger seat when she was struck in the neck and hand, police said.

After the shooting, her boyfriend drove off and pulled over at a Shell gas station, 4658 S California Ave., where Chicago Fire Department paramedics arrived. The woman was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital and later pronounced dead, police said. She has not yet been identified.

In nonfatal shootings, a 14-year-old boy was wounded in an attack Saturday in West Woodlawn.

The teen boy was playing with his friends on the sidewalk about 6:45 p.m. when someone opened fire in the 6500 block of South Champlain Avenue, police said.

He suffered a graze wound on the neck and was transported to Comer Children’s Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.

Two more teen boys were hurt in a drive-by shooting Saturday in Little Village on the Southwest Side.

The teen boys, both 17, were in the alley about 3:25 p.m. when a light-colored vehicle drove past them and someone from inside fired shots in the 3500 block of West Cermak Road, police said.

One boy was shot in the shoulder and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said. The other suffered a graze wound to the arm and was taken in good condition to the same hospital.

In the weekend’s first reported shooting, two men were wounded in an attack in South Shore.

They were on the sidewalk about 6:50 p.m. Friday when someone fired shots in the 7500 block of South Kingston Avenue, police said.

The 33-year-old was struck in the arm and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said. The other, 29, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body and was taken to the same hospital in good condition.

At least 15 more people have been hurt in shootings since 5 p.m. Friday.

Last weekend nearly 60 people were shot in Chicago.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

32 shot, 3 fatally, in Chicago since Friday; including 1 killed, 9 wounded in Chatham attackSun-Times Wireon June 13, 2021 at 11:36 am Read More »

Chicago Bears: Is signing Richard Sherman a realistic possibility?Anish Puligillaon June 13, 2021 at 11:00 am

With the departure of Kyle Fuller, the Chicago Bears have a glaring lack of depth in their defensive back room. They did sign Desmond Trufant, but truth be told, that just means the top two defensive backs in the Bears secondary are extremely injury prone. The Bears do have a lot of talented young guys […]

Chicago Bears: Is signing Richard Sherman a realistic possibility? – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

Chicago Bears: Is signing Richard Sherman a realistic possibility?Anish Puligillaon June 13, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

Man critically hurt in Loop high-rise fireSun-Times Wireon June 13, 2021 at 10:07 am

A man was critically hurt in a fire June 13, 2021 in the Loop. | Chicago Fire Department

The fire broke out in a building in the 200 block of East Wacker Drive.

A man was critically hurt after a fire broke out Sunday morning in a high-rise in the Loop.

The blaze started after 4 a.m. in the building in the 200 block of East Wacker Drive, according to Chicago fire officials.

A man was transported to an area hospital in critical condition, officials said.

No other injuries have been reported.

The fire was put out just before 5 a.m., according to officials.

Man critically hurt in Loop high-rise fireSun-Times Wireon June 13, 2021 at 10:07 am Read More »

Horoscope for Sunday, June 13, 2021Georgia Nicolson June 13, 2021 at 5:01 am

Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 6 a.m to 1:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the Moon moves from Cancer into Leo.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Be aware that this is a loosey-goosey day. The sun is at odds with fuzzy Neptune, and yet, this afternoon, the moon is lined up with fiery Mars. This means you might think you know what you know — but do you really?

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

When it comes to financial matters be extra careful because some kind of confusion is present. It could be worse than confusion. There might be deceit. (Whaaat?) Don’t believe everything you see or hear.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Today the sun is in your sign at odds with fuzzy Neptune, which will drain your energy. You might feel discouraged or beaten down by the world. These feelings of inadequacy are a fleeting dark cloud on the horizon. Relax. This, too, shall pass.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This might be a challenging day because it’s easy to second-guess yourself or have doubts about something. And yet, with the moon lined up with Mars in your Money House, you might charge forward shopping or doing financial deals. Take it easy! Know what you’re doing.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You are a natural leader. This afternoon, the moon will be in your sign lined up with Mars also in your sign making you feisty and aggressive! Meanwhile, back at the lab, today is rife with confusion dealing with others. So, you might not have all your facts and yet, you’re keen to act! (Bad combo!)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

No matter what you’re doing, be very sure about what bosses and parents expect from you. Not only during the moon alert, but all day long there is an element of confusion and misunderstanding. Therefore, be clear about what authority figures want.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Mixed-up communications and confusion related to travel are classic today. Therefore, if you are traveling, double check all your facts. Be wise and give yourself extra time so that you have wiggle room to maneuver. Also be careful about endorsing ideas and philosophies that could be questionable. Be smart.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

With the sun at odds with fuzzy Neptune today, you might make a mistake about a financial matter, especially something to do with shared property, taxes, debt, the government or insurance issues. Make no assumptions. Double check everything. Forewarned is forearmed.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Very likely, you will be excited about travel plans or some ideas about philosophy, politics, religion or perhaps a racial issue. You feel there is something at stake. Meanwhile, conversations with partners and close friends are confusing. Don’t go out on a limb.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You hate waste, and, in particular, you would hate to lose money out of foolishness or carelessness. Therefore, be careful because you might have definite ideas about dealing with shared property or debt. Yet, you might not have all the facts. Tread carefully.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Be patient with partners and close friends because Mars is lined up with the moon directly opposite your sign. Conflicts are likely. Meanwhile, confusion about kids, social occasions, sports events and romance might occur. This could be an argument waiting to happen.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Something related to your health or perhaps a pet might get you emotionally excited. In turn, this could trigger some kind of confused communications with a parent or a family member. Be aware that all these things are possible. Go gently.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress Kat Dennings (1986) shares your birthday. You are bright, clever, fun-loving and spontaneous. You like to plan ahead; nevertheless, you are excellent at adapting to change. You live by your own, unique moral code. This year, your idealism will be aroused, which is why you might work on behalf of a charitable organization or do something to help society. This is the year to work hard!

Horoscope for Sunday, June 13, 2021Georgia Nicolson June 13, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »