Jake Arrieta’s release wasn’t the only move the Cubs made before Thursday’s game against the Brewers. The team put catcher Willson Contreras on the 10-day injured list with a right knee sprain. Contreras has been a workhorse behind the plate for the Cubs this season and has started more games behind the plate that any catcher in baseball.
It’s the first time Contreras has missed time this season and with his importance to the Cubs, giving him a chance to recover was priority No. 1 for the team. Contreras is slashing .226/.333/.417 with 17 homers and 40 RBIs in 104 games season.
“Just tweaked his knee a little bit,” manager David Ross said before the game. “That’s a that’s a tricky spot for a catcher. He was doing some stuff, some pregame work in hiis normal routine to get ready. It was bothering him a little bit and was able to play through it. Just talking to the trainers it didn’t make a whole lot of sense to continue that on that path.
The Cubs activated catcher Austin Romine from the 60-day injured list to take Contreras’ place on the roster. Romine has been out with a severe left wrist sprain since the end of April.
With the team down a pitcher following Arrieta’s release, right-handed Ryan Meisinger was selected from Triple-A Iowa. Meisinger is 2-2 with a 4.25 ERA and three saves in 24 appearances in the minors this season.
Left-hander Kyle Ryan was designated for assignment, clearing space on the team’s 40-man roster. Ryan had a 6.75 ERA in 13 appearances this season.
At this very moment, Chicago Bears fans are probably all buzzing about Justin Fields’ second practice against the Miami Dolphins.
From what we’ve heard, those who were there saw something special. Fields completely torched the Dolphins, especially in the red zone drills, throwing three touchdowns on four attempts and also rushing in a score.
Saturday, he’ll have his chance to do it again. Only this time, it’ll be live action in his first preseason game as a pro.
Head coach Matt Nagy told reporters about his strategy when it came to Fields’ playing time against Miami, and he didn’t hold back. Nagy said he’d like to see Fields “get a ton of reps,” noting that he’ll have Fields play into the second half “for sure.”
ChicagoBears head coach Matt Nagy seems to have completely shifted gears on his preseason mentality.
The fact Nagy will allow his first-round rookie quarterback to play what sounds like over half of the game on Saturday is a far cry from his stance when it came to former starter Mitchell Trubisky.
If you remember, two years ago Trubisky played just one series in his first preseason action against the Carolina Panthers. That series included three handoffs and zero pass attempts.
After the game, Nagy was asked by reporters if he was comfortable with Trubisky not attempting a single pass all preseason. His response?
“Um, yes.”
Nagy was all about staying mentally prepared for the regular season with Trubisky, but never gave him a real chance to shine and get his feet wet in the preseason. After all, preseason is where you want the mistakes to happen, so that they don’t uproot themselves during the regular season.
Maybe the fact that Trubisky wasn’t Nagy’s guy to begin with had something to do with that previous mentality. Or, maybe it was due to Nagy being a first-time head coach in his second year. It’s possible he’s learned much since then.
It is also possible that Fields is simply a guy he wants to see more out of than Dalton. Maybe Nagy truly believes there’s a chance he could take the starting job before Week 1 rolls around. With a stellar performance on Saturday, Fields could get the media controversy all stirred up before the regular season even opens.
No matter what happens, what we know is this: Nagy wants to see a ton of reps from his rookie quarterback on Saturday — and that’s a good thing. Fans will be excited. Fields’ teammates will be excited. This Bears team is all about the kid. It’s Fields’ team, and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes official.
Arrieta was signed by the Cubs during the offseason with the hopes of reinventing the 2015 NL Cy Young winner, and with a 2.57 ERA over his first five starts in April it appeared things would end well. But that was the last of Arrieta’s success this season.
The right-hander had just one start after May 1 in which he reached the sixth inning and sported a 8.35 ERA over that span. Things had gotten progressively worse as the season went along and over his last five starts, Arrieta was averaging less than four innings per start with a 14.09 ERA.
Wednesday felt like the end and after a seven-run first inning and another subpar outing, Arrieta didn’t have any answers for why things had gone poorly before making an exit.
“I’ve got nothing for you, man,” he said. “I’m doing the best I can.”
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Libra.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
With the moon in a sign that is 180 degrees opposite your sign, it means you have to be cooperative with others. You have to go more than halfway when dealing with someone, especially partners and close friends. Hey, you’ve got this.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today you have to go along to get along. You might have to be of service to someone. You might have to put the needs and wants of someone else before your own. This is no big deal; it’s just how things are unfolding. Health might be a concern today as well.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
This is a light-hearted, playful day! Accept invitations to socialize. Enjoy the company of others, especially children. In particular, you will like sportsevents, the arts and anything connected with the entertainment world. It’s a fun day!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You might prefer to cocoon at home and relax among familiar surroundings. Nevertheless, a contrary influence will make you want to talk to others and socialize. You might want to take a short trip. Therefore, it’s your call. You can be on the go — or you can hide at home.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You have strong feelings about your conversations with others. You want to establish a warm connection with someone, especially siblings, relatives or neighbors. You want them to hear you because you’re willing to hear them. You want that bond.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You have financial matters on your mind. Nevertheless, if you go shopping today, you won’t be thinking about finances, you’ll be thinking about what you want. Today you will make emotional choices rather than logical ones. (Not always wise when spending money.)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Today the moon is in your sign as it is for 2 1/2 days every month. When this happens, you are a bit more emotional than usual. You feel it. But the good news is that when the moon is in your sign, your luck is a little bit better! Ask the universe for a favor!
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
This has been a popular time for you because you’ve been more active with friends, groups and competitions. This is why today is a good day to pull in your reins and hide somewhere. Take a breather. Enjoy some privacy so that you can pull your act together before you take it on the road.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
A conversation with a female acquaintance might be important to you today. Certainly, your ambitions are aroused. You also have strong feelings about bosses and parents at this time. Perhaps you want to share your ideas with someone? If so, this is the day.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
For some reason, personal details about your private life seem to be in the public sphere. This means people notice you more than usual or they are talking about you. Just be aware of this in case you have to do some damage control.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Because you have a strong desire for a change of scenery today, indulge yourself and do something different. Go someplace you’ve never been before. Travel if possible. Talk to people from different cultures and other countries so that you can learn something new.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today, you’re interested in finances and shared property. That’s why this is a good day to check out banking details and anything to do with insurance issues, inheritances, taxes and debt. Stay on top of things. When it comes to money, don’t be caught snoozing.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Peter Krause (1965) shares your birthday. You are a busy, active person who gets things done. Nevertheless, you are playful and have a fabulous sense of humor. You are light-hearted and work to make your life interesting. Security matters to you. This year you are more in touch with your higher consciousness or your religious or spiritual beliefs. You might consider a personal makeover for yourself.
Welcome to our highlights for concerts, festivals and live music in Chicago. From free shows at Millennium Park to large festivals like Ravinia and Lollapalooza, and intimate shows at small local venues, our guide has all the latest music entertainment. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on concerts and events.
Andrew Sa and Local Universe
Andrew Sa Alexa Viscius Photo
What: The Millennium Park Music Series continues with Andrew Sa and Local Universe. A rotating cast of musicians of different backgrounds and talents share a microphone with country crooner Sa backed by an all-star band. Guest vocalists are Kelly Hogan, Liam Kazar, Sima Cunningham and Ohmme, Alex Crelle, Connie, and Hawk Colman. The musical event concludes with the debut of a sprawling film, “Andrew in Anotherland,” that utilizes Chicago artists and filmmakers to create an unearthly adventure. When: From 6-8:30 p.m. Aug. 16
Puerto Rico Symphony conductor emeritus Roselin Pabon.Provided
What: “San Juan to Chicago: Un Puente Musical” is a collaboration between the Chicago Philharmonic and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. The concert, recorded live in June at the Harris Theater features Puerto Rico Symphony conductor emeritus Roselin Pabon leading the Chicago Philharmonic orchestra and Puerto Rican soloists. Pieces performed feature the music of great Puerto Rican composers such as Rafael Hernandez, Tito Henriquez, Jose Ignacio Quinton, Antonio Caban Vales plus traditional Puerto Rican music.
When: The concert streams free for 60 days beginning August 17
There will be plenty of classical music at the Thirsty Ears Festival.Courtesy Access Contemporary Music
What: Access Contemporary Music presents the 6th annual Thirsty Ears Festival, Chicago’s only classical music street festival. Highlights include a special screening of ACM’s Sound of Silent Film Festival, a performance by five-bass ensemble the Growlers, new premieres by five Chicago composers and a classical remix from art-rock band Origin of Animal. There’s also vendors, food and children’s activities.
What: Blending fierce, massive vocals and raw bluesy guitar with introspective lyrics and electronic textures, Elizabeth Moen “showcases both strength and vulnerability, reminding us that these traits often go hand in hand,” says NPR Music. A native of Vinton, Iowa, now residing in Chicago, Moen plays a hometown show before heading out on tour opening for Ani Di Franco. Reno Cruz and Nathan Graham open.
When: beginning at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 14
Where: The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western.
Tickets: $12. For updated information regarding the venue’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit emptybottle.com.
Brandi Carlile
Brandi CarlileNeil Krug Photo
What: While much music is returning to live stage shows, there are a few events still on the streaming schedule and Brandi Carlile’s “Echoes Through the Canyon” a livestream from Washington’s legendary Gorge Amphitheatre is one not to be missed. The Grammy-winning artist is joined by friend and collaborator Sheryl Crow and emerging songwriter-musician Amythyst Kiah. The performance is in advance of Carlile’s highly anticipated new album “In These Silent Days” due out Oct. 1. She says the new songs were written during “a time of such uncertainty and quiet solitude…This album is what drama mixed with joy sounds like. It’s resistance and gratitude, righteous anger and radical forgiveness.”
What: Platinum-selling artist Lindsey Stirling, known for her futuristic violin-driven electronic music and unique live show; her music incorporates elements of classical music, hip-hop, pop and dubstep. Also on the bill: electro-pop artist Kiesza.
What: Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaretreopens with Joan Curto’s “Back in Business” (8 p.m. Aug. 5-8, $30), featuring vocalist Curto with Beckie Menzie (piano), Jim Cox (bass) and Tim Davis (percussion). Other performers in the Cabaret include Cathy Glickman and Anna Palermo with “Judy and Liza, Don’t Tell Mama” (8 p.m. Aug. 14, 7 p.m. Aug. 15, $25) a tribute to Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli; singer-songwriter Kelly Tansor (8 p.m. Aug. 19, $10) performing songs by Billy Joel, Regina Spektor, Olivia Rodrigo and more; and David Edelfelt with “Broadway Baritones: The Men, the Music, the Magic” (8 p.m. Aug. 20-22, $25). Cabaret shows require advance tickets and a two drink minimum for each show. The Piano Bar has a variety of performances each week that do not require advance tickets. Masks optional for the vaccinated; the non-vaccinated must wear a mask.
What: The Departments of Cultural Affairs and Special Event’s tribute to house music continues with House City, a new series of free events popping up throughout the summer in the neighborhoods that helped create the house music genre over 35 years ago.
When/Where: vent dates and communities are July 23 in South Shore, July 31 on the Southeast Side, Aug. 14 in Humboldt Park, Aug. 28 in Englewood, Aug. 29 in Lakeview, Sept. 12 in South Shore and Sept.19 in Bronzeville. DJs playing include Traxman, Lori Branch, Deeon, Elbert Philips, Duane Powell and more.
What: The Green Mill has reopened and that means the return of Chris Foreman, a Friday night fixture at the popular jazz club. Foreman, a jazz organist blind since birth, is a master on the Hammond B3 and regarded as Chicago’s best. His playing is a blend of blues-gospel and jazz honed in his professional experience, which has included work with Hank Crawford, Albert Collins, Bernard Purdie, The Deep Blue Organ Trio and The Mighty Blue Kings.
What: The Ravinia Festival, the oldest outdoor music festival in the country, returns with reduced capacity. As usual, the lineup is a varied slate of music from classical to pop, jazz and rock. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns for a six-week run with conductor Marin Alsop leading seven concerts in her first season as Ravinia’s chief conductor. Also on the roster are: Garrick Ohlsson,Cynthia Erivo, Counting Crows, Kurt Elling, Brian McKnight, John Hiatt and the Jerry Douglas Band, The Roots, John Legend, Madeleine Peyroux, Midori, Joshua Bell, Pinchas Zukerman, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Joffrey Ballet.
Adrian Dunn will conduct the Chicago Philharmonic in “Redemption,” June 29-Aug. 27.Courtesy of AdrianDunn.com
What: Chicago Philharmonic returns with a three-concert outdoor chamber series at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts parking lot, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. The opening performance at 7 p.m. June 27 is “Chicago Phil Brass: Brass with Sass” and features Edward Elgar’s “Chanson du Matin,” Astor Piazzolla’s “Oblivion,” Fats Waller’s “That’s a Plenty,” Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” and more. There’s also a free streaming concert “Redemption” (June 29-Aug. 27), which features spirituals and gospel songs conducted by Adrian Dunn.
What: Summer Nights with Northlight is a cabaret series held at Evanston restaurants to benefit Northlight Theatre. The performers are Alexis J. Roston and Kelvin Roston Jr. (June 10, Good to Go Jamaican, 711 W. Howard), Linda Solotaire (July 27, Sketchbook Brewing Company, 4901 Main, Skokie) and Heidi Kettenring (Aug. 24, Peckish Pig, 623 W. Howard).
When: Performances times are 6 p.m.
Tickets: $60 includes light dinner and select drinks. Visit northlight.org.
Tuesdays on the Terrace
“Tuesdays on the Terrace” at the MCA in Chicago.Copyright MCA
When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays June 1-Aug. 31
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art’s outdoor sculpture garden, 220 E. Chicago
What: Tuesdays on the Terrace returns to the Museum of Contemporary Art’s outdoor sculpture garden. The popular jazz concert series features an array of Chicago jazz musiciansFirst up on June 1 is Alexis Lombre’s Ancestral Awakenings. Free with advance reservations. Visit mcachicago.org.
Welcome to our highlights of events and entertainment on stage at Chicago’s theaters. From local productions to Broadway hits, our guide has the latest on shows in the city. Bookmark this page and check back for updates and ticket information.
Michael Wordly makes his Paramount Theatre debut as Lola in “Kinky Boots.”Thomas J. King
What: Live performances return for a new season at the Paramount Theatre with Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein’s high-kicking “Kinky Boots.” This first regional production of the Broadway musical, directed by Trent Stork, stars Devin DeSantis as Charlie, the shoemaker attempting to save his failing shoe factory, and Michael Wordly as Lola, the fierce drag queen who shows him the way.
When: Aug. 18-Oct. 17
Where: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena, Aurora
Tickets: $36-$74
For updated information regarding the theater’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit paramountaurora.com.
What: Those crazy characters in blue return for more goofy fun when Blue Man Group reopens on Aug. 18. The show, which encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner child, is a combination of art, music, comedy and technology.
When: Aug. 18 – ongoing
Where: Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted.
Tickets: $49-$89
For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit blueman.com.
‘Higher and Higher: A Rock ‘n’ Soul Party
Chester Gregory Amy Boyle Photography
What: The Marriott Theatre concert series presents “Higher and Higher: A Rock ‘n’ Soul Party” featuring musical theater artist Chester Gregory performing the hits of greats like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, James Brown and more. The star of “Motown: The Musical,” “Hairspray” and “Dreamgirls,” Gregory first won acclaim locally for his outstanding portrayal of Jackie Wilson in The Jackie Wilson Story at Black Ensemble Theater.
When: Performances are at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 and 3 p.m. Aug. 15
“Why Dogs Don’t Talk” will stream beginning July 27 at First Folio Theatre. D. Rice Photo
When: July 27-Aug. 8
Where: Online
What: First Folio Theatre presents an online production of David Rice’s adaptation of a short story by Dean Monti. Filmed in an Evanston apartment, the comedy ponders the question: Is man a dog’s best friend? The cast includes Landree Fleming as Hubert the dog and August Forman as the bewildered dog owner Mel. Tickets: a sliding scale of pay-what-you-can.
What: For its latest performance, Trap Door Theatre, the company dedicated to staging challenging yet obscure works, has devised a piece using text from the works of Chuck Mee, Gertrude Stein and Matei Visniec. In the absence of humans, the stage has gained the ability to put on mechanized performances to please only itself. In a series of theatrical dares, the actors of Trap Door attempt to retake the stage, confronting notions of live performance, automation and the cycles we perpetuate. Devised and directed by Skye Fort and Mike Steele. Tickets: $10, $15.
What: Live comedy shows have returned to The Annoyance, including a one-night performance of “Messing With a Friend” (9:30 p.m. July 22, $10) featuring improv great Susan Messing performing with another favorite, Rachael Mason. Also on the lineup is Annoyance artistic director Mick Napier’s new solo sketch revue, “System of a Clown” (8 p.m. Friday-Saturday through September, $10, $20), plus returning favorites including “Green Show Live,” “Trigger Happy,” “Hitch*Cocktails,” “Cigarette Sandwich” and more.
What: The comprehensive festival of tap returns under the direction of Jumaane Taylor. This year’s 30th anniversary event offers three weeks of classes and performances. An array of performers will take to the stage at the Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth (July 27, Aug. 3, 10; $30, $60), Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand (July 28, free), DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place (Aug. 7, $30) and the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago (Aug. 14, $30).
“Whale Song” in the “Sea Change” seriesChristopher Andrew
When: July 15-25
Where: BRNDHAUS PL-ZEN, 1727 W. 21st.
What: Cabinet of Curiosity presentsan outdoor series of puppet shows that explore the power of the sea and the feminine divine. The wild and strange pieces are mostly written by emerging female playwrights and lyricists: “Whale Song” by Lindsey Noel Whiting, “A Mermaid’s Tail (If There’s a God)” by Bethany Thomas and Liz Chidester, “More” by Kasey Foster and “The Lookout” by Seth Bockley.
Bernell Lassai (left) as Ariel and Kevin Theis as Prospero in “The Tempest.”Maia Rosenfeld
When: July 15-Aug. 21
Where: Austin Gardens, 167 Forest, Oak Park
What: Oak Park Festival Theatre returns to outdoor performances at Austin Gardens with what is thought to be one of Shakespeare’s final masterpieces, a story of shipwreck, romance and magic. Artistic director Barbara Zahora directs, and the cast includes Kevin Theis as Prospero, Bernell Lassai as Ariel, Matt Gall as Caliban and Deanalis Resto as Miranda.
Jan Slavin (left) and Carla GordonMadKap Productions
When: To Aug. 22
Where: Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln, Skokie
What: MadKap Productions and Orchard Street Productions present Jay Kholos’ new musical set at a fictional TV cooking show where everyone’s favorite Jewish grandmother entertains with an old-fashioned variety revue with dancers, music and comedy. Chicago comedian Jan Slavin and Gold Coast Cabaret Award-winner Carla Gordon alternate in the role of the Bubbie.
The artistry and the excitement of Teatro ZinZanni returns to Chicago starting July 8. Pictured: Lea Hinz.Michael Doucet
What: The immersive, whirlwind theater experience that is Teatro ZinZanni has reopened featuring a new show with a cast of comedians, aerialists, acrobats, singers, dancers and a gourmet meal, it brings comedy, music and cirque back after a long pandemic hiatus. Included among the performers are powerhouse vocalists Storm Marrero and Cunio, aerial acts Lea Hinz and Duo 19, veteran comedians Frank Ferrante and Joe DePaul and acrobatic dancers Mickael and Vita.
When: Ongoing
Where: Spiegeltent ZaZou on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, 32 W. Randolph
What: The Artistic Home presents “Summer on the Patio,” a seasonlong event which invites theatergoers to share in the creative workshop process via free staged readings and open rehearsals of three contemporary plays: Maria Irene Fornes’ “Mud” (To Aug. 27), Martyna Majok’s “Ironbound” (To Aug. 28) and Craig Wright’s “The Pavilion” (To Aug. 22).
Where: It all takes place at the company’s new space at 3054 N. Milwaukee with rehearsals in July and staged readings in August.
What: Brightside Theatre and the Naperville Park District present “Summer in the Parks: The Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein.” The free hourlong revue features tunes from the iconic composers’ musicals including “The King and I,” “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma,” “The Sound of Music” and more.
When: Performances are at 7 p.m. June 30, July 21 and Aug. 11
Where: Wagner Family Pavilion in the 95th Street Community Plaza, 3109 Cedar Glade Dr., Naperville.
Donnetta Lavinia Grays in “Where We Stand”Joan Marcus/WP Theater
What: The final entry in the Steppenwolf NOW virtual season is “Where We Stand,” a storytelling tour-de-force about community and accountability written and performed by Donnetta Lavinia Grays. Through poetic verse and music, the drama challenges our ability to forgive and our ideas of mercy and who might deserve it. The filmed play captures a performance originally presented at Baltimore Center Stage co-produced with WP Theater.
When/tickets: A $75 ticket includes all six of the productions in the NOW series available online through Aug. 31
Kamal Angelo Bodden in “Ride Share”Michael Halberstam
What: In Reginald Edmund’s“Ride Share,”a co-production of Black Lives, Black Words and Writers Theatre, everything in Marcus’ (Kamal Angelo Bolden) life is going smoothly until he’s laid off from his job. To make ends meet, he becomes a ride share driver. Edmund says the drama, directed by Simeilia Hodge-Dallaway, “takes us on a journey into the depths of the Black male experience in America.”
What: Summer Nights with Northlight is a cabaret series held at Evanston restaurants to benefit Northlight Theatre. The performers are Alexis J. Roston and Kelvin Roston Jr. (June 10, Good to Go Jamaican, 711 W. Howard), Linda Solotaire (July 27, Sketchbook Brewing Company, 4901 Main, Skokie) and Heidi Kettenring (Aug. 24, Peckish Pig, 623 W. Howard).
When: Performances times are 6 p.m.
Tickets: $60 includes light dinner and select drinks. Visit northlight.org.
Labyrinth Arts and Performance Collective
What: Labyrinth Arts and Performance Collective presents “Emerge,” a cabaret series featuring music, drag performance, comedy and spoken word.
If Todd Ricketts is curious — and I doubt he is, but let’s pretend — about how history might someday view him, he can get a hint by looking at the reputation of a previous Cubs co-owner, Charles Weeghman.
“The Quick Lunch King” made a fortune selling fast eats to harried downtown workers and bought the Cubs in 1916 when they played on the West Side. He moved the team to its current location at the corner of Clark and Addison. He didn’t own it long: the economy went bad and he brought in partners, including William Wrigley.
I wish I could say Weeghman is remembered for that or for starting the practice of allowing fans to keep baseballs batted into the stands rather than having ushers retrieve them.
But what really radiates across the years about Weeghman is that he was a supporter of the Ku Klux Klan. On Aug. 16, 1921, — 100 years ago Monday — the largest rally of the Klan ever on Illinois soil took place on Weeghman’s Lake Zurich farm.
How does that balance with Todd Ricketts — not to be confused with his brother, Cubs Chairman Tom, more circumspect about his politics — being the finance chairman of the Trump Victory Committee? Plus various fundraisers held for the toxic fraud, white supremacist and fomenter of rebellion against the United States. suppose that depends whether we are at the end of our nation’s shredding of its democratic values and traditions or only the beginning. The Klan also tried to keep minorities from voting, but Trumpers are more methodical about it.
In Ricketts’ defense — I try to be fair — the family isn’t all evil. His mom, Marlene, gave $3 million to an anti-Trump campaign. Plus there is an element of prejudice in every human heart.
There is a moment in the Klan rally on Weeghman’s farm a century ago that deserves to be shared, even savored.
Rain fell steadily as the autos pulled onto the meadow on a 250-acre farm near the intersection of what is now U.S. 12 and Old Rand Road, between Lake Zurich and Barrington. Men muddied their white costumes rescuing vehicles from ruts, but most of the cars finally came together just before midnight to form a circle nearly a quarter of a mile in diameter. Headlights were turned toward the center. Flames from two bonfires, their wood soaked with fuel, leaped into the air. Some 10,000 men draped in white, peering through eyeholes in hoods, sang “Onward Christian Soldiers” as they picked up torches and marched into the circle to form the shape of a cross. About 2,300 blindfolded men were led by torch-carrying comrades to a makeshift altar, where they were to undergo initiation rites.
“My terrors and Klansmen,” Imperial Wizard William Joseph Simmons bellowed. “Make ready. Prepare the sacred altar.”
Then the kneeling supplicants were questioned. Oakley writes:
“Do you believe in and will you faithfully strive for the eternal maintenance of white supremacy?”
“Yes” came back the 2,300-voice response.
“Are you a native-born or naturalized white, Christian American citizen?”
Simmons was taken aback by the smattering of “noes.” A handful of blindfolded men stood up to ask if it was OK to be Jewish. The Illinois Klan officials standing at Simmons’ side whispered back and forth until one stepped into the crowd, gathered up the non-Christians, and led them to a corner of the pasture to inform them that their membership applications had been rejected.
Don’t you just love that? The image of a knot of Jewish Chicagoans deciding to spend a rainy Tuesday night up in Lake Zurich, pledging allegiance to a group that views them as subhuman?
In all times, there are people who know what is right and do it. And people — of all races, religions and ethnicities — who become lost and embrace what is morally wrong. Maybe history will forgive Todd Ricketts for taking money from Cubs fans and using it to underwrite sedition. Odds are, like Charlie Weeghman, he will become a mostly forgotten figure whose moment of glory, the 2016 World Series, is mitigated in the next sentence by his bankrolling the humiliation of our country. Time will tell.
LOS ANGELES — AEG Presents, a major tour and festival promoter, announced that COVID-19 vaccines would be required for concertgoers at its clubs, theaters and festivals.
The vaccine requirement is set to go into full effect no later than Oct. 1, the company said in a news release on Thursday. The decision comes as coronavirus cases are surging throughout the United States.
AEG is either an owner or a partner in Webster Hall and Brooklyn Steel in New York, The Roxy in Los Angeles, The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Coachella Music & Arts Festival.
The company said the policy would also apply to event staff and anyone who enters their venues or festivals. Leading up to Oct. 1, AEG said it would implement a policy of showing proof of vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours of a show date.
Jay Marciano, chief operating officer and chairman, cited the delta variant and vaccine hesitancy as reasons for the policy.
“We also are aware that there might be some initial pushback, but I’m confident and hopeful that, at the end of the day, we will be on the right side of history and doing what’s best for artists, fans, and live event workers,” Marciano said.
An electronic device that warns of divers of diminishing air supplies would have benefitted ChicagoFire Department diver Juan Bucio the night tried to rescue a boater who’d fallen in the Chicago River, according to a new report.
Bucio ran out of air and failed to switch to a backup supply in May of 2018.
He’d just surfaced and signaled he was OK before pulling the mask off a fellow diver and disappearing below the water.
Among the key recommendations in the report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health was that divers use dive computer technology that provides audio and visual air level alerts.
“An audible alarm may have helped the diver know his air pressure without having to read a gauge in near-zero visibility water using a flashlight,” the report states. “It is unclear if the diver was able to read the gauge correctly in the zero-visibility water.”
The Chicago Fire Department does not use dive computers, the report states.
A fire department spokesman did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
In addition to a lack of air from his depleted tank, an autopsy found a rare heart condition that can commonly go unnoticed until a major health event was a key factor in his death.
Bucio was “distressed due to the heart condition,” a Cook County medical examiner’s spokeswoman said after his autopsy.
The NIOSH report, which is dated June 28 but was released Wednesday, also states that communication between fire and police marine units at the scene was lacking and could have benefited from costly but effective military-grade equipment.
“At the incident scene, the communication between the fire and police marine units took place by either face-to-face communications or a patch-through dispatch. No interoperability occurred with the radios at the incident scene. This impacts real-time communications and the command structure,” the report stated.
Communications between divers and boats was also unreliable, it said.
“Better communications are needed between the fire and police marine units. They need to ensure they have the proper equipment (radios, etc.) and a better real-time understanding of the plan and operational situation,” according to the report.
The moment Bucio went under the water was caught on video by WBBM-TV (Channel 2), showing confusion in the moments before fellow divers located him.
“During the interview process, several interviewees had mentioned that the wireless communications equipment used by Fire and Police Marine Units was subpar. The communications between divers and the boats were unreliable,” the report states.
Bucio, a 46-year-old firefighter who specialized in diving, lost contact with his partner as they attempted to rescue 28-year-old Alberto Lopez, who fell overboard while boating with friends in the river’s South Branch.
Lopez’s body was found in the river four days later by his friends.
Bucio was recovered from a depth of 17 to 19 feet, about 10 to 15 minutes after sinking. His diving equipment was intact, his mask sealed on his face.
Paramedics performed CPR but Bucio was “pulseless” on the way to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The review of Bucio’s diving equipment showed it appeared “used but well maintained” and “functioned as designed.”
Some two weeks after the opening day of Lollapalooza, the music festival shows no signs of having been a “super spreader event,” the city’s top public health official said Thursday.
Of the approximately 385,000 people who attended, 203 attendees have been diagnosed with COVID-19, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said Thursday during a news conference at City Hall. As of Wednesday, none of those who tested positive have had to be hospitalized or have died, Arwady said.
“The bottom line is we’ve not seen anything that has surprised us related to the Lollapalooza outbreak,” Arwady said.
Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public HealthAshlee Rezin/Sun-Times file
Of the 203 cases, 127 were among vaccinated attendees and 76 were among unvaccinated attendees, Arwady said.
Fifty-eight of the cases are Chicago residents, she said; of those, 13 people reported attending Lollapalooza on or after their symptoms began, Arwady said.
“This is a really important reminder that we need everybody in Chicago not to ignore symptoms, assume it’s a summer cold, regardless of your vaccination status because we know the vaccines aren’t 100% protective,” she said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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