chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--Dear Abby: Why did parent keep kicking me out, then begging me to return?

DEAR ABBY : When I was in my teens , I was kicked out of the house multiple times by my parent .
Mind you , I hadn ’ t done anything wrong .
To this day , I ’ m still trying to figure out what I did to deserve it because it happened so many times .
My parent would get mad , tell me to leave and then beg me to come back home — all within a three-day time span .
Luckily , other family members took me in when these episodes occurred .
The same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ siblings , and it pains me to see them go through what I did .
I try to defend and protect them .
Our parent has never been verbally or physically abusive .
It is just the kicking out that throws us off .
I ’ ve mentioned counseling to my parent , but it ’ s not an option .
I love my parent , and I forgave .
But I can ’ t speak for my siblings .
— DISCARDED IN SOUTH CAROLINA DEAR DISCARDED : If a child is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing is considered child abandonment .
IT IS AGAINST THE LAW .
Although you have been able to forgive your parent for their abuse ( that ’ s what it was ) , your younger siblings may not be so generous .
Because you are their self-appointed defender , you may have to assume responsibility for them until they become independent — either by taking them in yourself or by arranging for other relatives to do it for longer than three days .
It goes without saying that your parent ’ s behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbor or an administrator of your siblings ’ school should get wind of this , they would be required by law to report it to the authorities .
Counseling is available in many communities on a sliding financial scale .
Perhaps if your parent is reminded that there are penalties for what has been going on , they will seek the help they need .
DEAR ABBY : My 14-year-old son , “ Jeff , ” received word that one of his friends was killed in a tragic ATV accident a week ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was a sick great-grandparent we were able to say goodbye to .
Jeff and I are close , and I have let him know that however he needs to grieve is OK .
He says he ’ s “ good.
” I am concerned that my son is taking the loss harder than he lets on .
Jeff and his friend loved team sports and were in the same group for summer workouts .
Jeff has been to only one workout since his friend ’ s death .
I know this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I also know the physical activity and the camaraderie would be good for him .
I ’ m trying not to smother him or project my own grief onto him ( we are a tight sports community ) , but I ’ m unsure what to do .
Can you offer some advice on how I can best support him ?
— GRIEVING , TOO , IN OREGON DEAR GRIEVING , TOO : When a tragedy happens to someone in a teenager ’ s circle , the friends sometimes pull together to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team to which your son and his late friend belonged .
The surviving team members may need help and possibly grief counseling .
If that isn ’ t necessary , the coach may be able to offer the boys other constructive outlets for their grief or provide you with suggestions .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her favorite recipes in two booklets : “ Abby ’ s Favorite Recipes ” and “ More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 16 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Cookbooklet Set , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: When I was in my teens, I was kicked out of the house multiple times by my parent. Mind you, I hadn’t done anything wrong. To this day, I’m still trying to figure out what I did to deserve it because it happened so many times.
My parent would get mad, tell me to leave and then beg me to come back home — all within a three-day time span. Luckily, other family members took me in when these episodes occurred.
The same thing is now happening to my younger siblings, and it pains me to see them go through what I did. I try to defend and protect them. Our parent has never been verbally or physically abusive. It is just the kicking out that throws us off.
I’ve mentioned counseling to my parent, but it’s not an option. I love my parent, and I forgave. But I can’t speak for my siblings. — DISCARDED IN SOUTH CAROLINA
DEAR DISCARDED: If a child is a minor, what your parent has been doing is considered child abandonment. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW. Although you have been able to forgive your parent for their abuse (that’s what it was), your younger siblings may not be so generous. Because you are their self-appointed defender, you may have to assume responsibility for them until they become independent — either by taking them in yourself or by arranging for other relatives to do it for longer than three days.
It goes without saying that your parent’s behavior is irresponsible and erratic. If a neighbor or an administrator of your siblings’ school should get wind of this, they would be required by law to report it to the authorities. Counseling is available in many communities on a sliding financial scale. Perhaps if your parent is reminded that there are penalties for what has been going on, they will seek the help they need.
DEAR ABBY: My 14-year-old son, “Jeff,” received word that one of his friends was killed in a tragic ATV accident a week ago. His only experience with death before this was a sick great-grandparent we were able to say goodbye to.
Jeff and I are close, and I have let him know that however he needs to grieve is OK. He says he’s “good.” I am concerned that my son is taking the loss harder than he lets on.
Jeff and his friend loved team sports and were in the same group for summer workouts. Jeff has been to only one workout since his friend’s death. I know this is recent and he needs time, but I also know the physical activity and the camaraderie would be good for him.
I’m trying not to smother him or project my own grief onto him (we are a tight sports community), but I’m unsure what to do. Can you offer some advice on how I can best support him? — GRIEVING, TOO, IN OREGON
DEAR GRIEVING, TOO: When a tragedy happens to someone in a teenager’s circle, the friends sometimes pull together to support each other. Contact the coach of the team to which your son and his late friend belonged. The surviving team members may need help and possibly grief counseling. If that isn’t necessary, the coach may be able to offer the boys other constructive outlets for their grief or provide you with suggestions.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--The illogic of opposing a graduated income tax

A recent article reported on opposition by the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago to the Fair Tax Amendment .
Reading the full document , I was surprised to see that the committee is worried about the drastic reduction in social services in Illinois , admits the state needs to raise much more money than the $ 3 billion the new tax formula would provide , and concedes that it is probably necessary to tax high retirement incomes .
Despite all this , they oppose the Fair Tax based on the convoluted logic that Illinois needs to first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they “ could ” support a progressive tax if a comprehensive plan was included with the change in the tax system .
In other words , let ’ s keep the schools and social services underfunded , until such time in the future when they are satisfied with our fiscal system .
In the meantime , these millionaires and billionaires will keep their lower tax rates .
Or , if a tax hike is needed because of the current desperate economic situation , the hike will hit everyone equally — poor , middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind that passing a constitutional amendment is a long and complicated process .
If this initiative fails now it will be very difficult to revive it in some hypothetical future when the Civic Committee is satisfied with the state ’ s fiscal situation .
I would give them the benefit of the doubt of just having blundered into a logical fallacy , except that this a group of the wealthiest people in Illinois .
Indeed , most of these fellows are probably in the highest tax bracket and will pay only 7.99 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Taking into account the approximate 3 % savings they have accrued from Trump ’ s federal tax reduction , if they were genuinely worried about the fiscal situation of the state , they would offer to pay a 10.99 % marginal rate , or perhaps a one-time wealth tax to refill the state ’ s coffers .
It is particularly distressing , as a professor at the University of Chicago , to discover that several of the members of the University of Chicago Board of Trustees are members of this committee These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away millions to the institutions of their choice , but balk at having a democratically elected government that represents the people make these decisions .
Their opposition to a progressive tax is essentially a distaste for democracy .
Thanks to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Sen. Tammy Duckworth , the U.S. General Accounting Office has agreed to conduct a thorough review of compliance in major cities with federal laws requiring accessibility to people with disabilities in their affordable housing programs .
Chicago and St. Louis will be included in the study .
The request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late civil rights leader Marca Bristo , who saw , over her 40-year fight for accessible housing , that the City of Chicago has for decades failed to meet federal rules under the Federal Housing Act , Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act , and the Americans with Disabilities Act .
A 2017 study by the University of Chicago found that the distribution of affordable and accessible units in Chicago was uneven and limited , resulting in higher prices and fewer housing choice for persons with disabilities .
Chicago continues to resist the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been unwilling or unable to provide key information .
We expect that information would be readily available had the city made good-faith efforts to comply with federal housing laws for the past 30 years .
We urge Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the City of Chicago to finally take these problems seriously , correct the failures , and help us secure the civil rights we have long been guaranteed .

A recent article reported on opposition by the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago to the Fair Tax Amendment. Reading the full document, I was surprised to see that the committee is worried about the drastic reduction in social services in Illinois, admits the state needs to raise much more money than the $3 billion the new tax formula would provide and concedes that it is probably necessary to tax high retirement incomes.
Despite all this, they oppose the Fair Tax based on the convoluted logic that Illinois needs to first fix several fiscal issues. They claim they “could” support a progressive tax if a comprehensive plan was included with the change in the tax system.
In other words, let’s keep the schools and social services underfunded, until such time in the future when they are satisfied with our fiscal system. In the meantime, these millionaires and billionaires will keep their lower tax rates.
Or, if a tax hike is needed because of the current desperate economic situation, the hike will hit everyone equally — poor, middle class and wealthy alike.
Keep in mind that passing a constitutional amendment is a long and complicated process. If this initiative fails now, it will be very difficult to revive it in some hypothetical future when the Civic Committee is satisfied with the state’s fiscal situation.
I would give them the benefit of the doubt of just having blundered into a logical fallacy, except that this a group of the wealthiest people in Illinois. Indeed, most of these fellows are probably in the highest tax bracket and will pay only 7.99% on anything above the $750,000 threshold.
Taking into account the approximate 3% savings they have accrued from Trump’s federal tax reduction, if they were genuinely worried about the fiscal situation of the state, they would offer to pay a 10.99% marginal rate or perhaps a one-time wealth tax to refill the state’s coffers.
It is particularly distressing, as a professor at the University of Chicago, to discover that several of the members of the University of Chicago Board of Trustees are members of this committee.
These very wealthy people are happy to give away millions to the institutions of their choice but balk at having a democratically elected government that represents the people make these decisions. Their opposition to a progressive tax is essentially a distaste for democracy.
Yali Amit, Logan Square
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be 350 words or less.
Fix Chicago’s problems with affordable, accessible housing
Thanks to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, the U.S. General Accounting Office has agreed to conduct a thorough review of compliance in major cities with federal laws requiring accessibility to people with disabilities in their affordable housing programs. Chicago and St. Louis will be included in the study.
The request was inspired by the work of the late civil rights leader Marca Bristo, who saw, over her 40-year fight for accessible housing, that the city of Chicago has for decades failed to meet federal rules under the Federal Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A 2017 study by the University of Chicago found the distribution of affordable and accessible units in Chicago was uneven and limited, resulting in higher prices and fewer housing choice for persons with disabilities.
Chicago continues to resist the transparency required to determine compliance and has been unwilling or unable to provide key information. We expect that information would be readily available had the city made good-faith efforts to comply with federal housing laws for the past 30 years.
We urge Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the city of Chicago to finally take these problems seriously, correct the failures and help us secure the civil rights we have long been guaranteed.
Noah Ohashi, Chicago ADAPT co-coordinator


chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--Former Social Security employee gets 4 years for $732K fraud scheme

A former Social Security claims specialist was sentenced to four years in prison for collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent benefits .
Anne Aroste , 42 , of Montgomery , pleaded guilty last year to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft , according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the Northern District of Illinois .
“ In committing this crime , Aroste betrayed the public trust and stole from a program designed to assist the most vulnerable members of our community , ” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Jodrey wrote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She worked in the U.S. Social Security Administration ’ s Aurora field office processing applications for benefits through the agency ’ s electronic records system , prosecutors said .
From 2013 to 2018 , Aroste used earnings records for deceased workers to apply for benefits , according to the U.S. attorney ’ s office .
She used her credentials to approve the applications , routing $ 732,382 to her own bank accounts and using the money to make mortgage and credit card payments .
She also bought a 2015 Mercedes-Benz SUV as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cosmetics .
U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah handed down the sentence Friday during a hearing in Chicago , prosecutors said .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A former Social Security claims specialist was sentenced to four years in prison for collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent benefits.
Anne Aroste, 42, of Montgomery, pleaded guilty last year to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
“In committing this crime, Aroste betrayed the public trust and stole from a program designed to assist the most vulnerable members of our community,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Jodrey wrote in the government’s sentencing memorandum.
She worked in the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Aurora field office processing applications for benefits through the agency’s electronic records system, prosecutors said.
From 2013 to 2018, Aroste used earnings records for deceased workers to apply for benefits, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. She used her credentials to approve the applications, routing $732,382 to her own bank accounts and using the money to make mortgage and credit card payments. She also bought a 2015 Mercedes-Benz SUV as well as clothes, groceries, jewelry and cosmetics.
U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah handed down the sentence Friday during a hearing in Chicago, prosecutors said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-03--ENDORSEMENT: Dagmara “Dee” Avelar for Illinois House in 85th District

Dagmara “ Dee ” Avelar promises to bring an energetic new voice to Springfield .
She is endorsed .
She seeks policing reforms , including a statewide ban on no-knock warrants .
Avelar hopes to be an advocate for improved health care access and for the rebuilding of municipal water departments .
She has called for term limits on legislative leadership positions and believes the state should get on a path toward 100 % renewable energy by 2050 .
She favors taxing the retirement income of the “ wealthiest ” residents — seldom a popular political stand — but has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate , who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2016 , would bring to Springfield her experiences as an immigrant and in working for refugee rights .
A Democrat from Bolingbrook , Avelar seeks a seat that opened up when incumbent state Rep. John Connor decide to run for the state Senate this year .
She is endorsed over Republican Ron Doweidt and Green Party nominee Anna Schiefelbein .
To read more Sun-Times endorsements , please go to suntimes.com/political-endorsements .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and , in some cases , politically active investors ; for details , see our owner information page .

Dagmara “Dee” Avelar promises to bring an energetic new voice to Springfield. She is endorsed. She seeks policing reforms, including a statewide ban on no-knock warrants.
Avelar hopes to be an advocate for improved health care access and for the rebuilding of municipal water departments. She has called for term limits on legislative leadership positions and believes the state should get on a path toward 100% renewable energy by 2050. She favors taxing the retirement income of the “wealthiest” residents — seldom a popular political stand — but has not defined “wealthiest.”
The Ecuadorian-born candidate, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2016, would bring to Springfield her experiences as an immigrant and in working for refugee rights.
A Democrat from Bolingbrook, Avelar seeks a seat that opened up when incumbent state Rep. John Connor decide to run for the state Senate this year. She is endorsed over Republican Ron Doweidt and Green Party nominee Anna Schiefelbein.
Illinois House 85th District map Illustration by Caroline Hurley
To read more Sun-Times endorsements, please go to suntimes.com/political-endorsements. For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-03--ENDORSEMENT: Laura Hois for Illinois House in 81st District

Laura Hois has the makings of a solid lawmaker , with a background in local government and the private sector as an in-house counsel to a major corporation .
The Downers Grove Republican is endorsed over incumbent State Rep. Anne Stava-Murray , a Democrat who has not been overly visible on the campaign trail .
She did not respond to invitations to participate in our endorsement process .
Our endorsement of Hois is not without reservations .
We like that she wants to be a strong voice in Springfield for fiscal responsibility .
And she earned her way up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Republican committeeman and town clerk of Downers Grove Township .
But her lack of knowledge about laws and legislation with respect to guns and clean energy — two major issues of the day — gives us pause .
And so does this : Hois cites health care expenditures , of all things , when asked to give examples of what she called the state ’ s “ reckless ” spending .
We would never agree .
That said , we also want to note that during her 19-year career as an attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once led a team of lawyers there to do pro bono legal work on housing on behalf of the poor .
It was that experience , she told us , that prompted her to seek political office .
We ’ re hoping this proves a better indicator of what kind of lawmaker Hois might be .
To read more Sun-Times endorsements , please go to suntimes.com/political-endorsements .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , politically active investors ; for details , see our owner information page .

Laura Hois has the makings of a solid lawmaker, with a background in local government and the private sector as an in-house counsel to a major corporation.
The Downers Grove Republican is endorsed over incumbent State Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, a Democrat who has not been overly visible on the campaign trail. She did not respond to invitations to participate in our endorsement process.
Our endorsement of Hois is not without reservations. We like that she wants to be a strong voice in Springfield for fiscal responsibility. And she earned her way up the political ladder over a decade, serving as Republican committeeman and town clerk of Downers Grove Township.
But her lack of knowledge about laws and legislation with respect to guns and clean energy — two major issues of the day — gives us pause. And so does this: Hois cites health care expenditures, of all things, when asked to give examples of what she called the state’s “reckless” spending. We would never agree.
That said, we also want to note that during her 19-year career as an attorney for McDonald’s Corporation, Hois once led a team of lawyers there to do pro bono legal work on housing on behalf of the poor. It was that experience, she told us, that prompted her to seek political office. We’re hoping this proves a better indicator of what kind of lawmaker Hois might be.
Illinois House 81st District map Illustration by Caroline Hurley
To read more Sun-Times endorsements, please go to suntimes.com/political-endorsements. For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-03--ENDORSEMENT: Suzanne Ness for Illinois House in 66th District

Smart , energetic candidates with the experience to hit the ground running in Springfield don ’ t come around every day .
Democrat Suzanne Ness of Crystal Lake is that kind of candidate .
She has our endorsement .
Ness sits on the McHenry County Board , where she ’ s a member of the minority party .
She helped craft new ethics guidelines for the board , an often unpopular task , demonstrating a willingness to stand on principle .
We appreciate Ness ’ work to protect the local environment , serving on a county board committee that crafted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s water supply , and her work for education .
Ness is challenging incumbent Republican Allen Skillicorn , who has done nothing in Springfield .
He rails against taxes but passes no bills .
He mocks the state ’ s efforts against COVID-19 .
Residents of the 66th District deserve better .
To read more Sun-Times endorsements , please go to suntimes.com/political-endorsements .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investors ; for details , see our owner information page .

Smart, energetic candidates with the experience to hit the ground running in Springfield don’t come around every day. Democrat Suzanne Ness of Crystal Lake is that kind of candidate. She has our endorsement.
Ness sits on the McHenry County Board, where she’s a member of the minority party. She helped craft new ethics guidelines for the board, an often unpopular task, demonstrating a willingness to stand on principle. We appreciate Ness’ work to protect the local environment, serving on a county board committee that crafted a plan to protect the region’s water supply, and her work for education.
Ness is challenging incumbent Republican Allen Skillicorn, who has done nothing in Springfield. He rails against taxes but passes no bills. He mocks the state’s efforts against COVID-19. Residents of the 66th District deserve better.
Illinois House 66th District map Illustration by Caroline Hurley
To read more Sun-Times endorsements, please go to suntimes.com/political-endorsements. For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-03--Debuting Joe Biden impression on ‘SNL,’ Jim Carrey hesitates, rallies for self-control

Jim Carrey unveiled his take on Joe Biden on Saturday , playing the presidential nominee as subdued , hesitant and determined not to lose his temper when provoked by his combative opponent .
The occasion was the 46th season premiere of “ Saturday Night Live , ” which wasted no time in getting the comedy superstar on the airwaves to show off the impression the show has been hyping as its major election season draw .
The inevitable debate parody kicked off the episode , with Donald Trump ( Alec Baldwin ) at first alone at the lecterns and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the intro from moderator Chris Wallace ( Beck Bennett ) .
Then Carrey entered , wearing shades ( briefly ) and firing finger guns .
When it was his turn to speak , he could barely get out two words before the next Trump interruption .
“ No , Joe , no , ” the squinty Carrey muttered as Biden airing his inner thoughts out loud .
“ Don ’ t lose control !
That ’ s what he ’ s hoping for !
The country ’ s counting on you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When Carrey ’ s raspy Biden at times took long pauses and stared into space , it was unclear whether we were seeing a spoof of Biden ’ s deliberative manner , a dig at his mental state or a forgetful moment for Carrey .
Famous for his over-the-top physical and facial contortions , Carrey played it cool throughout the sketch , Biden style .
The zaniest he got was striking a snarling animal pose when the fake Trump goaded him with a laser pointer .
The sketch ’ s premise — that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate — could have allowed it to dodge any mention of the week ’ s highly sensitive megastory : Trump ’ s positive COVID-19 test .
But they went there : As Baldwin-as-Trump promised he ’ d taken a coronavirus test , he showed his fingers were crossed , and after calling the pandemic a hoax he added , “ That ’ s a statement that probably will come back to haunt me later this week.
” And then the fake Biden , having paused Trump with a magical remote ( “ Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , mused that something could happen that would merge his belief in science and his belief in karma to illustrate the dangers of COVID-19 — a prospect that , in many eyes , came true with Trump ’ s diagnosis .
“ I ’ m not saying I want it to happen , ” said Carrey-as-Biden .
“ But just imagine if it did.
” With that barrier fallen , Weekend Update anchors Michael Che and Colin Jost had free rein to goof on the subject , and a good half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s condition .
After three stay-at-home episodes last spring , this Saturday ’ s episode was the first to be shot in “ SNL ’ s ” famed Studio 8H since the pandemic broke last spring .
While the in-studio audience was noticeably skimpier than usual , the comedy seemed unchanged as actors performed unmasked and at times huddled closely .
But show boss Lorne Michaels has said frequent testing is part of “ SNL ’ s ” new reality , as host Chris Rock confirmed in his monologue : “ I haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my nose since I shared a dressing room with Chris Farley .
”

Jim Carrey unveiled his take on Joe Biden on Saturday, playing the presidential nominee as subdued, hesitant and determined not to lose his temper when provoked by his combative opponent.
The occasion was the 46th season premiere of “Saturday Night Live,” which wasted no time in getting the comedy superstar on the airwaves to show off the impression the show has been hyping as its major election season draw.
The inevitable debate parody kicked off the episode, with Donald Trump (Alec Baldwin) at first alone at the lecterns and so eager to interrupt that he was cutting off the intro from moderator Chris Wallace (Beck Bennett).
Then Carrey entered, wearing shades (briefly) and firing finger guns. When it was his turn to speak, he could barely get out two words before the next Trump interruption.
“No, Joe, no,” the squinty Carrey muttered as Biden airing his inner thoughts out loud. “Don’t lose control! That’s what he’s hoping for! The country’s counting on you to just stand here and look lucid.”
When Carrey’s raspy Biden at times took long pauses and stared into space, it was unclear whether we were seeing a spoof of Biden’s deliberative manner, a dig at his mental state or a forgetful moment for Carrey.
Famous for his over-the-top physical and facial contortions, Carrey played it cool throughout the sketch, Biden style. The zaniest he got was striking a snarling animal pose when the fake Trump goaded him with a laser pointer.
The sketch’s premise — that it was a rebroadcast of the Tuesday debate — could have allowed it to dodge any mention of the week’s highly sensitive megastory: Trump’s positive COVID-19 test. But they went there: As Baldwin-as-Trump promised he’d taken a coronavirus test, he showed his fingers were crossed, and after calling the pandemic a hoax he added, “That’s a statement that probably will come back to haunt me later this week.”
And then the fake Biden, having paused Trump with a magical remote (“Let’s bask in the Trumplessness”), mused that something could happen that would merge his belief in science and his belief in karma to illustrate the dangers of COVID-19 — a prospect that, in many eyes, came true with Trump’s diagnosis.
“I’m not saying I want it to happen,” said Carrey-as-Biden. “But just imagine if it did.”
With that barrier fallen, Weekend Update anchors Michael Che and Colin Jost had free rein to goof on the subject, and a good half of their jokes centered on the president’s condition.
After three stay-at-home episodes last spring, this Saturday’s episode was the first to be shot in “SNL’s” famed Studio 8H since the pandemic broke last spring. While the in-studio audience was noticeably skimpier than usual, the comedy seemed unchanged as actors performed unmasked and at times huddled closely.
But show boss Lorne Michaels has said frequent testing is part of “SNL’s” new reality, as host Chris Rock confirmed in his monologue: “I haven’t had so much stuff up my nose since I shared a dressing room with Chris Farley.”


chicagosun-times--2020-10-03--Former White Sox pitcher, Cubs minor-league coach sought in woman’s killing found dead in Arizona

SCOTTSDALE , Ariz. — A former Chicago White Sox player and pitching coach for the Chicago Cubs AA affiliate who was sought in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend in a Phoenix suburb was found dead Saturday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Grand Canyon , police said .
The body of Charles Haeger , 37 , was discovered about 4 p.m. on a trail along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona , Sgt .
Ben Hoster , a Scottsdale Police Department spokesman , said in a statement Saturday night .
Police were seeking Haeger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fatal shooting Friday , Hoster said .
The victim was identified by police Saturday night as Danielle Breed , 34 .
Breed owned The Tipsy Coyote Bar and Grill in Scottsdale , the Arizona Republic reported .
Earlier Saturday , Haeger ’ s unoccupied vehicle was found near Flagstaff in northern Arizona , police said .
Flagstaff is 118 miles ( 190 kilometers ) north of Scottsdale .
According to mlb.com , Haeger was a pitcher drafted by the White Sox in 2001 , and he played 83 innings in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stints with the Boston Red Sox , Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations .
Haeger most recently served as the pitching coach for the Cubs ’ AA minor-league team , the Tennessee Smokies , according to the Smokies ’ website .
Hoster said investigators determined that a male roommate of the victim heard gunshots when he returned to the residence Friday and that moments later Haeger emerged from the victim ’ s bedroom with a handgun .
“ Haeger then pointed the handgun at the roommate .
The roommate quickly escaped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he was able to get a neighbor to call 911 , ” Hoster said in a statement .
Responding police found the victim dead in her bedroom , Hoster said .

Shortly after being pursued by police for the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend in Arizona, Cubs minor-league coach and former White Sox pitcher Charlie Haeger was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Saturday near the Grand Canyon.
Haeger’s body was discovered on a trail near the South Rim late Saturday, Scottsdale, Arizona, police said. Haeger, 37, was on the run, suspected of killing 34-year-old Danielle Breed Long, his former girlfriend, inside her home the day before.
According to the Arizona Republic, police said Long’s roommate returned home Friday afternoon and heard shots from Long’s room as he arrived. Haeger emerged from the room and pointed a handgun at the roommate, who was able to escape out the back of the house and call 911.
Haeger evaded the Scottsdale Police SWAT team, which had arrived on the scene and set up barricades to stop him from escaping. Police found Long, the owner of the Tipsy Coyote Bar and Grill in Scottsdale, dead in her bed.
Haeger’s 2020 Chrysler Voyager was found near Flagstaff in northern Arizona, 118 miles north of Scottsdale.
Haeger was hired by the Cubs last November to be the Class AA Tennessee Smokies’ pitching coach this season. He attended spring-training activities in Mesa, Arizona, but the minor-league season was canceled in June because of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Fox 10 News in Phoenix, “Long is remembered as a woman full of positivity and known for her big heart, a church volunteer who worked with children in Africa.”
Her mother, Jane Long, spoke to her an hour before she was killed.
“He broke a lot of people,” Long told Fox 10 before learning of Haeger’s death. “He shattered a lot of people today, and he knows that. He knows how close our family was. He used to come to the family gatherings.”
Long’s family said she wanted to get a restraining order against Haeger for cyberstalking her, according to Fox 10.
Haeger was selected by the Sox in the 25th round of the 2001 draft and spent parts of five seasons in the majors with the Sox, Padres and Dodgers, posting a career 6.04 ERA. He appeared in 15 games of the 2006 and 2007 seasons with ERAs of 3.44 and 7.15 for the Sox.
His debut came on May 10, 2006, after getting called up from Class AAA Charlotte. He got the start and allowed six runs in 4⅓ innings in a 12-5 loss to the Angels at U.S. Cellular Field. Haeger returned to Charlotte after that but rejoined the Sox in September, allowing two earned runs in six relief appearances. He struggled in 2007 and was claimed off waivers by the Padres in 2008.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-03--Horoscope for Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Taurus .
This is a great day and also a money day .
Look for ways to boost your income or make money on the side .
Is there a better-paying job ?
If shopping , you might score something that you like .
“ You ’ re sitting on top of the world , just rolling along.
” Wonderful day !
Whatever you do you might benefit others , and it will certainly benefit yourself .
Why not kick back and relax ?
Or perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( groups , organizations ) to benefit people of another culture .
Or someone in need .
Cool !
Today it ’ s easy to have a warm feeling in your tummy because you ’ re happy with your world .
( Everything ’ s not perfect because nothing is ever perfect . )
But on a reasonable scale of things , you feel great today !
Look for ways to enjoy the company of others .
Even though your focus is still on home and family , you are enjoying warm relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conversation with a female or a member of a group will be uplifting .
You will also enjoy involvement in charitable organization .
Great !
( What goes around , comes around . )
You are high visibility but it ’ s good news because everyone loves you .
Make the most of this .
Reach out and work to make things happen .
Be friendly with others if you want to establish a warm contact .
It ’ s a good day for your health and your work .
A fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Anything !
You want to have a fun and expand your horizons , talk to people and learn something new !
Maybe a little adventure thrown in on the side ?
Why not ?
Va , va , voom !
Go for it !
This is a strong day !
The sun is in your sign and the moon is in your money houses , dancing with moneybags Jupiter !
Now is the time to decide how to deal with inheritances , shared property or a specific amount of money .
Whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene .
Yeah !
It ’ s curious .
In many ways , you seek a low profile ; nevertheless , today you are schmoozing with everyone , and it ’ s wonderful .
They ’ re happy to see you !
Basically , this is because people are in a positive frame of mind .
( Upbeat feels good ! )
You can make great strides in your job or any task that you set for yourself .
Not only will you make progress , you might benefit others as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s possible .
Bosses and parents are pleased .
This is a creative , playful day !
Because you are in charge more than you might realize , take charge !
Today you want to have a good time !
( Nothing wrong with that .
Life is short , then your car rusts and your computer dies . )
Enjoy fun activities with kids .
Romantic dates will delight .
Even though you have a strong urge to do something different ( ideally , travel ) , you ’ re happy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You feel pleasantly supported .
This is a good thing .
We all need to know that someone has our back .
( Next week , we deal with the front . )
Today you are in such a positive frame of mind you will attract people to you because people like to be with happy people .
Relations with siblings and relatives are positive .
In particular , you will enjoy dealing with groups , perhaps even leading a group ?
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Dakota Johnson ( 1989 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a social person who is considerate and thoughtful .
This year will be more relaxed for you .
Do your best to cooperate because your interactions with others will be important .
Always look for ways to be kind and helpful .
If you are open when engaging with others , your business and personal relationships will benefit you .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Taurus.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
This is a great day and also a money day. Look for ways to boost your income or make money on the side. Is there a better-paying job? If shopping, you might score something that you like. “You’re sitting on top of the world, just rolling along.”
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Wonderful day! Whatever you do you might benefit others, and it will certainly benefit yourself. Why not kick back and relax? Or perhaps get involved in the energy of others (groups, organizations) to benefit people of another culture. Or someone in need. Cool!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Today it’s easy to have a warm feeling in your tummy because you’re happy with your world. (Everything’s not perfect because nothing is ever perfect.) But on a reasonable scale of things, you feel great today! Look for ways to enjoy the company of others.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Even though your focus is still on home and family, you are enjoying warm relations with others. Today in particular, a conversation with a female or a member of a group will be uplifting. You will also enjoy involvement in charitable organization. Great! (What goes around, comes around.)
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You are high visibility but it’s good news because everyone loves you. Make the most of this. Reach out and work to make things happen. Be friendly with others if you want to establish a warm contact. It’s a good day for your health and your work.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
A fun getaway will appeal. A mini vacation. Anything! You want to have a fun and expand your horizons, talk to people and learn something new! Maybe a little adventure thrown in on the side? Why not? Va, va, voom! Go for it!
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is a strong day! The sun is in your sign and the moon is in your money houses, dancing with moneybags Jupiter! Now is the time to decide how to deal with inheritances, shared property or a specific amount of money. Whatever happens, something will support your home scene. Yeah!
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
It’s curious. In many ways, you seek a low profile; nevertheless, today you are schmoozing with everyone, and it’s wonderful. They’re happy to see you! Basically, this is because people are in a positive frame of mind. (Upbeat feels good!)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
You can make great strides in your job or any task that you set for yourself. Not only will you make progress, you might benefit others as well as yourself through increased earnings. It’s possible. Bosses and parents are pleased.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
This is a creative, playful day! Because you are in charge more than you might realize, take charge! Today you want to have a good time! (Nothing wrong with that. Life is short, then your car rusts and your computer dies.) Enjoy fun activities with kids. Romantic dates will delight.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Even though you have a strong urge to do something different (ideally, travel), you’re happy to cocoon at home and take it easy. You feel pleasantly supported. This is a good thing. We all need to know that someone has our back. (Next week, we deal with the front.)
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today you are in such a positive frame of mind you will attract people to you because people like to be with happy people. Relations with siblings and relatives are positive. In particular, you will enjoy dealing with groups, perhaps even leading a group?
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Dakota Johnson (1989) shares your birthday. You are a social person who is considerate and thoughtful. This year will be more relaxed for you. Do your best to cooperate because your interactions with others will be important. Always look for ways to be kind and helpful. If you are open when engaging with others, your business and personal relationships will benefit you.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--Boy shot in Calumet City

Boy shot in Calumet City

A boy is recovering after being shot Friday in south suburban Calumet City .
The boy , whose exact age @ @ @ @ @ wounded in a shooting about 8:30 p.m. in the 500 block of Douglas Avenue , @ @ @ @ @ He was taken to a nearby hospital , where police said he is recovering .
@ @ @ @ @ a request for further details .
Read more on crime , and track the city @ @ @ @

A boy is recovering after being shot Friday in south suburban Calumet City.
The boy, whose exact age was not disclosed, was wounded in a shooting about 8:30 p.m. in the 500 block of Douglas Avenue, Calumet City police said.
He was taken to a nearby hospital, where police said he is recovering.
Police did not respond to a request for further details.
Calumet City detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--Everything goes wrong for Bears in humbling 19-11 loss to Colts

The offense is still stale and sloppy .
The defense is still suspect .
The Bears still aren ’ t good enough .
Everything that was true about them in their first three games was still the case in their 19-11 loss to the Colts on Sunday , and swapping in Nick Foles for Mitch Trubisky as their starting quarterback didn ’ t change a thing as they suffered their first loss of the season .
Foles made it interesting on a touchdown pass to Allen Robinson with 1:35 left , and David Montgomery cut it to a one-score deficit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Bears went for the onside kick with Cairo Santos , but the Colts caught it easily and ended the threat .
Foles will get some patience simply by being new in town , but another game or two like this will reopen the quarterback debate .
He completed 26 of 42 passes for 249 yards with a touchdown and an interception to arrive at a dismal 76.4 passer rating .
That ’ s 11 points below where Trubisky left off when the Bears pressed pause on his season .
Foles was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he faked a handoff to running back David Montgomery and the ball seemed stuck between them , then he passed it off the back of Montgomery ’ s leg as he ran out of the backfield .
On various deep shots , Foles ’ throws practiced exemplary social distancing from the receivers .
This was the Bears ’ chance to prove they were on the right track and ready to make something of that 3-0 head start they were so fortunate to get .
A solid , professional victory — the kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set the stage beautifully for their Thursday night game against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers .
Instead , they ’ ll stagger into that one as delusional underdogs thinking they ’ re ready With the benefit of the newly expanded 14-team playoff field , the Bears could probably go 6-6 the rest of the way and still reach the postseason .
They looked like exactly that kind of middling team Sunday .
They ’ ll beat bad teams and lose to good ones , with an occasional surprise thrown in either way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that all along .
The Colts were just the first opponent good enough to expose it .

The offense is still stale and sloppy.
The defense is still suspect.
The Bears still aren’t good enough.
Everything that was true about them in their first three games was still the case in their 19-11 loss Sunday to the Colts, and swapping in Nick Foles for Mitch Trubisky as their starting quarterback didn’t change a thing about their broken offense as they suffered their first loss of the season.
Foles will get some patience simply because he’s new, but another game or two like this will reopen the quarterback debate. He completed 26 of 42 passes for 249 yards with a touchdown and an interception to arrive at a dismal 76.4 passer rating. That’s 11 points worse than where Trubisky left off.
‘‘It wasn’t the best game,’’ Foles said. ‘‘I didn’t execute well enough, and we didn’t execute well enough.
‘‘I have to be better. I have to be more crisp. It’s as simple as that. And I look forward to improving.’’
Foles was inaccurate and disheveled — the opposite of how he looked when he led a magnificent comeback against the Falcons a week earlier.
On one play, Foles faked a handoff to running back David Montgomery. The ball seemed stuck between them, then Foles threw it off the back of Montgomery’s leg as he ran out of the backfield.
On various deep shots, Foles’ passes adhered to social-distancing protocols by staying at least six feet away from his receivers.
Foles got one-third of his passing yards on a field-goal drive in the second quarter that began at the Bears’ 7-yard line. He went 5-for-6 for 82 yards for a 118.8 rating on that possession but scored a 67.7 otherwise.
The low point came with 11 minutes left as Foles tried to rally the Bears back into the game from a 16-3 deficit. He got them to the Colts’ 26-yard line before his throw over the middle hit receiver Anthony Miller’s hands and ricocheted to Colts safety Julian Blackmon for an interception.
Foles took the blame, saying he threw the ball ‘‘about six inches too far.’’ While it looked as though Miller could have made the play, there was little chemistry and cohesion in the passing attack overall.
‘‘This is not gonna happen overnight with Nick,’’ coach Matt Nagy said. ‘‘This is gonna take a little bit of time as he gets going.’’
Time is another thing the Bears don’t have. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers will be here Thursday night.
This was the Bears’ chance to prove they were on the right track. The Colts are a playoff team, but they’re far from overwhelming. If the Bears want to be a good team, they need to beat teams in this weight class at home. A victory would have set the stage beautifully for Thursday. Instead, they’ll stagger in as sizable underdogs.
With the benefit of the newly expanded 14-team playoff field, the Bears probably can go 6-6 from here and still reach the postseason. They looked exactly like that kind of middling team Sunday.
Really, they’ve been that all along; the Colts were the first opponent good enough to expose it.
And if their floundering offense isn’t problematic enough for the Bears, there has been a nagging feeling all season that their defense isn’t quite right.
Holding the Colts to 19 points is fine, but the Bears aren’t getting the game-changing takeaways they need. Their defense is good, but any hope for a meaningful season depends on it being great. This was the fourth time in the last two seasons the Bears held an opponent to fewer than 20 points and lost.
Their defense is supposed to be Trubisky-proof or, now, Foles-proof. It hasn’t been.
Their most devastating shortfall came near the end, when the Colts ran 7:12 off the clock after Foles’ interception. They ran 11 times for 43 yards on that possession, converting a fourth down and a third down on their way to a field goal and a 19-3 lead with 3:47 left.
‘‘That was a tough game to be a part of,’’ said Nagy, the architect of an offense that has scored fewer than 20 points in 11 of 20 games the last two seasons.
It was tough to watch, too. Another Bears game, another afternoon searching through the thesaurus for antonyms of fun: frustration, tedium, drudgery.
That last one fits just right for an offense that struggles as much to convert a third down — they were 4-for-14, which will maintain their No. 29 ranking in that category — as viewers do to stay awake. Anyone who made it through the game without drifting off at least once has a superhuman attention span.
And now the Bears step up in degree of difficulty as they take on the Bucs, fresh off Brady throwing five touchdown passes in a 38-31 victory against the Chargers.
The Bears can’t keep up with that firepower. And it’s hard to be certain they can contain it, either.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--Chicago Reporter on ‘hiatus’ following publisher’s removal, ex-staffers say

Publication of the Chicago Reporter , an investigative news source that has probed issues of race and poverty for nearly five decades , was halted without explanation after its editor and publisher was fired last month , according to a letter sent Friday to the outlet ’ s owner .
The letter , obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times , states that former employees and contributors were “ distressed ” to learn the Reporter ’ s former publisher and sole editor Fernando Diaz had been terminated Sept. 17 as the periodical was placed on “ hiatus.
” The latest story on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day earlier .
The Reporter is owned by the Community Renewal Society , a 136-year-old faith-based organization that ’ s headquartered in the Loop .
The group that penned the letter asked the Community Renewal Society ’ s executive director , Rev .
Dr. Waltrina Middleton , and the organization ’ s board of directors for an explanation while insisting that the Reporter ’ s editor and publisher should retain “ independent editorial control.
” Laura Washington , a Sun-Times columnist who previously climbed the Reporter ’ s ranks and served as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other board members haven ’ t formally responded to Friday ’ s appeal or a similar letter she sent last Tuesday alongside Alden Loury , another former publisher , and John A. McDermott Jr. , the son of the Reporter ’ s founder .
“ That ’ s what ’ s so troubling about this : It ’ s been radio silence from the time that Fernando was terminated , ” Washington told the Sun-Times .
“ He was basically terminated with no explanation , and at the time he was told that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on hiatus .
“ We ’ re subsequently hearing from board members and other people involved that there ’ s conversation about reimagining the publication , ” added Washington , who confirmed the outlet ’ s reporting has been brought to “ a standstill.
” Diaz declined to comment on the letter or the underlying situation .
Middleton didn ’ t immediately respond to questions about the decision to remove Diaz and halt publication .
A trailblazing nonprofit newsroom , the Reporter ’ s website provides a list of nine prestigious backers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , Washington believes there ’ s still “ hundreds of thousands of dollars available to the Reporter in grants that are basically , again , at a standstill.
” “ The Reporter ’ s not in any kind of financial trouble , ” she added .
However , Washington said those benefactors could potentially claw back funding if the specific terms of the grants aren ’ t met .
‘ Movements depend on the facts dug up and revealed by journalists ’ Founded in 1972 , the Reporter has remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of race , poverty and income inequality .
An investigation in 1982 showed that Chicago cops failed to appear in court after making disorderly conduct arrests , leading to a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union that prompted a federal judge to rule the arrests were unconstitutional .
And in 2007 , a study of racially disparate mortgage lending pushed Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to file a lawsuit that led to an $ 8.7 billion settlement with Countrywide Financial , the country ’ s largest mortgage lender at the time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ police killings , the letter states there ’ s “ never been a more important time for the Chicago Reporter to be actively engaged in the work it does.
” “ Movements depend on the facts dug up and revealed by journalists about illegal , unfair and immoral acts of government and other institutions , and succeed in forcing change through the spotlight of publications such as the Reporter , ” the letter states .
Washington went a step further , characterizing a threat to the Reporter ’ s work as a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastating.
” “ The Reporter survived for 48 years for a reason — because its reporting is so important and so seminal .
And , as we ’ ve learned in the last year or so , its cause is more vital than ever.
” In addition to asking for an explanation for Diaz ’ s removal and the periodical ’ s “ hiatus , ” those who penned the letter urged Middleton and the board to “ create a transparent process for the future of the Reporter.
” They also repeatedly invoked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who led the Catholic Interracial Council during the civil rights movement and founded the Reporter in its wake .
His son , Matt McDermott , raised similar concerns about publication being halted amid the country ’ s latest race-related upheaval .
“ With the important reckoning going on around the country on racial issues , issues of racial justice this year , we need an institution like the Chicago Reporter to survive and thrive to help make real data and real change possible , ” Matt McDermott @ @

Publication of the Chicago Reporter, an investigative news source that has probed issues of race and poverty for nearly five decades, was halted without explanation after its editor and publisher was fired last month, according to a letter sent Friday to the outlet’s owner.
The letter, obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, states that former employees and contributors were “distressed” to learn the Reporter’s former publisher and sole editor Fernando Diaz had been terminated Sept. 17 as the periodical was placed on “hiatus.” The latest story on the Reporter’s website was published a day earlier.
The Reporter is owned by the Community Renewal Society, a 136-year-old faith-based organization that’s headquartered in the Loop. The group that penned the letter asked the Community Renewal Society’s executive director, Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton, and the organization’s board of directors for an explanation while insisting that the Reporter’s editor and publisher should retain “independent editorial control.”
Laura Washington, a Sun-Times columnist who previously climbed the Reporter’s ranks and served as publisher and editor, said Middleton and other board members haven’t formally responded to Friday’s appeal or a similar letter she sent last Tuesday alongside Alden Loury, another former publisher, and John A. McDermott Jr., the son of the Reporter’s founder.
“That’s what’s so troubling about this: It’s been radio silence from the time that Fernando was terminated,” Washington told the Sun-Times. “He was basically terminated with no explanation, and at the time he was told that the Reporter was going to be put on hiatus.
“We’re subsequently hearing from board members and other people involved that there’s conversation about reimagining the publication,” added Washington, who confirmed the outlet’s reporting has been brought to “a standstill.”
Diaz declined to comment on the letter or the underlying situation. Middleton didn’t immediately respond to questions about the decision to remove Diaz and halt publication.
A trailblazing nonprofit newsroom, the Reporter’s website provides a list of nine prestigious backers, including the MacArthur and Ford foundations. As a result, Washington believes there’s still “hundreds of thousands of dollars available to the Reporter in grants that are basically, again, at a standstill.”
“The Reporter’s not in any kind of financial trouble,” she added.
However, Washington said those benefactors could potentially claw back funding if the specific terms of the grants aren’t met.
‘Movements depend on the facts dug up and revealed by journalists’
Founded in 1972, the Reporter has remained committed to using data to investigate issues of race, poverty and income inequality.
An investigation in 1982 showed that Chicago cops failed to appear in court after making disorderly conduct arrests, leading to a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union that prompted a federal judge to rule the arrests were unconstitutional.
And in 2007, a study of racially disparate mortgage lending pushed Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to file a lawsuit that led to an $8.7 billion settlement with Countrywide Financial, the country’s largest mortgage lender at the time.
Amid the nationwide uprisings prompted by recent police killings, the letter states there’s “never been a more important time for the Chicago Reporter to be actively engaged in the work it does.”
“Movements depend on the facts dug up and revealed by journalists about illegal, unfair and immoral acts of government and other institutions, and succeed in forcing change through the spotlight of publications such as the Reporter,” the letter states.
Washington went a step further, characterizing a threat to the Reporter’s work as a “painful insult” that could be “devastating.”
“The Reporter survived for 48 years for a reason — because its reporting is so important and so seminal. And, as we’ve learned in the last year or so, its cause is more vital than ever.”
In addition to asking for an explanation for Diaz’s removal and the periodical’s “hiatus,” those who penned the letter urged Middleton and the board to “create a transparent process for the future of the Reporter.”
They also repeatedly invoked the legacy of McDermott, a confidante of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who led the Catholic Interracial Council during the civil rights movement and founded the Reporter in its wake. His son, Matt McDermott, raised similar concerns about publication being halted amid the country’s latest race-related upheaval.
“With the important reckoning going on around the country on racial issues, issues of racial justice this year, we need an institution like the Chicago Reporter to survive and thrive to help make real data and real change possible,” Matt McDermott said.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--1 killed, 1 wounded in Roseland shooting: police

One man was killed and another was wounded in a shooting Sunday in Roseland on the Far South Side .
@ @ @ @ @ 18 and 50 , about 4:50 p.m. and fired shots as they hung out in @ @ @ @ @ block of South Harvard Avenue , Chicago police said .
The younger man was struck @ @ @ @ @ Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he died , police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ the same hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to the leg .
The @ @ @ @ @ s office has not released details about the death .
No one is in custody @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

One man was killed and another was wounded in a shooting Sunday in Roseland on the Far South Side.
Someone approached the men, 20 and 50, about 4:50 p.m. and fired shots as they hung out in a backyard in the 11300 block of South Harvard Avenue, Chicago police said.
The younger man was struck multiple times and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he died, police said. The older man was taken to the same hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to the leg.
The 20-year-old was identified as Marshawn Marcis Parker of Gary, Indiana, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy ruled his death a homicide.
No one is in custody as Area Two detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--Trump briefly leaves hospital to greet supporters; Walter Reed doctor calls it ‘insanity’

BETHESDA , Md .
— President Donald Trump declared , “ I get it , ” in a message to the nation Sunday evening before briefly leaving the hospital to greet cheering supporters from his motorcade , a surprising move that suggested that his health — and his understanding of the coronavirus — may be improving .
Hours earlier , the president ’ s medical team confirmed that his blood oxygen level dropped suddenly twice in recent days .
But they also said he could be discharged as early as Monday .
“ It ’ s been a very interesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID , ” Trump said , standing in his hospital room in a video posted on social media .
“ I learned it by really going to school.
” He added , “ I get it , and I understand it.
” At least one medical professional inside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , where Trump has been hospitalized since Friday evening , questioned whether Trump had really learned anything .
“ Every single person in the vehicle during that completely unnecessary presidential ‘ drive-by ’ just now has to be quarantined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick .
They may die .
For political theater .
Commanded by Trump to put their lives at risk for theater .
This is insanity , ” Dr. James P. Phillips , an attending physician at Walter Reed , tweeted .
Earlier in the day , Trump ’ s doctors revealed they gave the president a steroid treatment typically only recommended for the very sick .
But they sidestepped questions about exactly when Trump ’ s blood oxygen dropped — an episode they neglected to mention in multiple statements the day before — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was the second straight day of confusion and obfuscation from a White House already suffering from a credibility crisis .
And it raised questions about whether the doctors treating the president were sharing accurate , timely information with the American public about the severity of him condition .
Pressed about conflicting information he and the White House released on Saturday , Navy Cmdr .
Dr. Sean Conley acknowledged that he had tried to present a rosy description of the president ’ s condition .
“ I was trying to reflect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president , that his course of illness has had .
Didn ’ t want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction , ” Conley said .
“ And in doing so , came off like we ’ re trying to hide something , which wasn ’ t necessarily true .
The fact of the matter is that he ’ s doing really well.
” The briefing outside the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center lasted just 10 minutes .
Medical experts said Conley ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president was and are hard to square with the doctor ’ s upbeat assessment and talk of a discharge .
“ There ’ s a little bit of a disconnect , ” said Dr. Steven Shapiro , chief medical and scientific officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center .
Blood oxygen saturation is a key health marker for COVID-19 patients .
A normal reading is between 95 and 100 .
Conley said the president had a “ high fever ” and a blood oxygen level below 94 % on Friday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was evasive about the timing of Trump oxygen drops .
( “ It was over the course of the day , yeah , yesterday morning , ” he said ) and asked whether Trump ’ s level had dropped below 90 % , into concerning territory .
( “ We don ’ t have any recordings here on that.
” ) But he revealed that Trump was given a dose of the steroid dexamethasone in response .
At the time of the briefing , Trump ’ s blood oxygen level was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s medical team said .
Signs of pneumonia or other lung damage could be detected in scans before a patient feels short of breath , but the president ’ s doctors declined to say what those scans have revealed .
“ There ’ s some expected findings , but nothing of any major clinical concern , ” Conley said .
He declined to outline those “ expected findings.
” Asked about Conley ’ s lack of transparency , White House aide Alyssa Farah suggested the doctors were speaking as much to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ when you ’ re treating a patient , you want to project confidence , you want to lift their spirits and that was the intent.
” First he shared a video of flag-waving supporters outside the hospital , many of them not wearing face masks to prevent spread of the virus .
And later , he sent his loyalists a direct message on Twitter : “ The fact is , they really love our Country and are seeing how we are MAKING IT GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE !
” Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulled his attack ads off the air during Trump ’ s hospitalization , and on Sunday , he dispatched senior aides to deliver a largely friendly message .
“ We are sincerely hoping that the president makes a very quick recovery , and we can see him back out on the campaign trail very soon , ” Biden adviser Symone Sanders said on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
” She added , “ This is a glaring reminder that the virus is real.
” Biden was at home in Wilmington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for in-person campaigning or other public appearances .
Having already tested negative , he is expected to release the results of a new coronavirus test later in the day .
His campaign has pledged to disclose those results and all other future test results for the 77-year-old candidate .
On Saturday , White House chief of staff Mark Meadows contradicted the rosy picture painted by Trump ’ s doctors when he told reporters outside the hospital , “ We ’ re still not on a clear path yet to a full recovery.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor added that the president was “ not yet out of the woods.
” On Sunday , Conley ’ s assessment was more positive and another member of the president ’ s medical team , Dr. Brian Garibaldi , said Trump “ has been up and around ” and “ feels well.
” “ Our plan for today is to have him eat and drink , to be up out of bed as much as possible , to be mobile , ” Garibaldi said .
“ And if he continues to look and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our hope is that we can plan for a discharge as early as tomorrow to the White House where he can continue his treatment course.
” More than 209,000 Americans have been killed by the virus , by far the highest number of confirmed fatalities in the word .
In all , nearly 7.4 million people have been infected in the United States , and few have access to the kind of around-the-clock attention and experimental treatments as Trump .
Trump ’ s treatment with the steroid dexamethasone is in addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an experimental drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. that supplies antibodies to help the immune system fight the virus .
Trump on Friday also began a five-day course of remdesivir , a Gilead Sciences drug currently used for moderately and severely ill patients .
The drugs work in different ways — the antibodies help the immune system rid the body of virus , and remdesivir curbs the virus ’ ability to multiply .
Garibaldi , a specialist in pulmonary critical care , said the president was not showing any side effects of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The National Institutes of Health COVID-19 treatment guidelines recommend against using dexamethasone in patients who do not require oxygen .
It has only been proven to help in more serious cases .
Among the concerns with earlier use is that steroids tamp down certain immune cells , hindering the body ’ s own ability to fight off infection .
Trump is 74 years old and clinically obese , putting him at higher risk of serious complications .
First lady Melania Trump has remained at the White House as she recovers from her own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House officials this weekend expressed frustration with the way level of transparency and public disclosure since the president announced his diagnosis early Friday .
They were particularly upset by the whiplash between Conley ’ s rosy assessment Saturday and Meadows ’ more concerned outlook .
They privately acknowledge that the administration has little credibility on COVID-19 and that they have unnecessarily squandered what remains of it with the lack of clear , accurate updates on Trump ’ s condition .
Most of that frustration appears to be directed at Trump himself , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conley can say or that Conley has tried to appease the president by presenting an optimistic outlook .
They also blame Meadows for not establishing clear lines of communication and for making the situation worse Saturday .
Many in the White House are also shaken and scared — nervous that they have been exposed to the virus and confronting the reality that what seemed like a bubble of safety has become a COVID-19 hot spot .
There has been no mass directive sent to staff on how they should respond .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been working to trace a flurry of new infections of close Trump aides and allies , including adviser Hope Hicks , former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie , former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway and several Republican lawmakers .
The president ’ s campaign manager , Bill Stepien , and the head of the Republican National Committee , Ronna McDaniel , have also tested positive .
Peoples reported from New York .
Miller reported from Washington .
Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard and Jonathan Lemire in Washington , and Bill Barrow in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Milwaukee contributed to this report .

BETHESDA, Md. — President Donald Trump declared, “I get it,” in a message to the nation Sunday evening before briefly leaving the hospital to greet cheering supporters from his motorcade, a surprising move that suggested that his health — and his understanding of the coronavirus — may be improving.
Hours earlier, the president’s medical team confirmed that his blood oxygen level dropped suddenly twice in recent days. But they also said he could be discharged as early as Monday.
“It’s been a very interesting journey. I learned a lot about COVID,” Trump said, standing in his hospital room in a video posted on social media. “I learned it by really going to school.”
He added, “I get it, and I understand it.”
At least one medical professional inside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where Trump has been hospitalized since Friday evening, questioned whether Trump had really learned anything.
“Every single person in the vehicle during that completely unnecessary presidential ‘drive-by’ just now has to be quarantined for 14 days. They might get sick. They may die. For political theater. Commanded by Trump to put their lives at risk for theater. This is insanity,” Dr. James P. Phillips, an attending physician at Walter Reed, tweeted.
Earlier in the day, Trump’s doctors revealed they gave the president a steroid treatment typically only recommended for the very sick. But they sidestepped questions about exactly when Trump’s blood oxygen dropped — an episode they neglected to mention in multiple statements the day before — or whether lung scans showed any damage.
It was the second straight day of confusion and obfuscation from a White House already suffering from a credibility crisis. And it raised questions about whether the doctors treating the president were sharing accurate, timely information with the American public about the severity of him condition.
Pressed about conflicting information he and the White House released on Saturday, Navy Cmdr. Dr. Sean Conley acknowledged that he had tried to present a rosy description of the president’s condition.
“I was trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team, that the president, that his course of illness has had. Didn’t want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction,” Conley said. “And in doing so, came off like we’re trying to hide something, which wasn’t necessarily true. The fact of the matter is that he’s doing really well.”
The briefing outside the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center lasted just 10 minutes.
Medical experts said Conley’s revelations raised new questions about how ill the president was and are hard to square with the doctor’s upbeat assessment and talk of a discharge.
“There’s a little bit of a disconnect,” said Dr. Steven Shapiro, chief medical and scientific officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Blood oxygen saturation is a key health marker for COVID-19 patients. A normal reading is between 95 and 100. Conley said the president had a “high fever” and a blood oxygen level below 94% on Friday and during “another episode” on Saturday.
He was evasive about the timing of Trump oxygen drops. (“It was over the course of the day, yeah, yesterday morning,” he said) and asked whether Trump’s level had dropped below 90%, into concerning territory. (“We don’t have any recordings here on that.”) But he revealed that Trump was given a dose of the steroid dexamethasone in response.
At the time of the briefing, Trump’s blood oxygen level was 98% — within normal range, Trump’s medical team said.
Signs of pneumonia or other lung damage could be detected in scans before a patient feels short of breath, but the president’s doctors declined to say what those scans have revealed.
“There’s some expected findings, but nothing of any major clinical concern,” Conley said. He declined to outline those “expected findings.”
Asked about Conley’s lack of transparency, White House aide Alyssa Farah suggested the doctors were speaking as much to the president as to the American public, “when you’re treating a patient, you want to project confidence, you want to lift their spirits and that was the intent.”
Trump was back on social media Sunday.
First he shared a video of flag-waving supporters outside the hospital, many of them not wearing face masks to prevent spread of the virus. And later, he sent his loyalists a direct message on Twitter: “The fact is, they really love our Country and are seeing how we are MAKING IT GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!”
Trump’s Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, pulled his attack ads off the air during Trump’s hospitalization, and on Sunday, he dispatched senior aides to deliver a largely friendly message.
“We are sincerely hoping that the president makes a very quick recovery, and we can see him back out on the campaign trail very soon,” Biden adviser Symone Sanders said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
She added, “This is a glaring reminder that the virus is real.”
Biden was at home in Wilmington, Delaware, on Sunday with no plans for in-person campaigning or other public appearances. Having already tested negative, he is expected to release the results of a new coronavirus test later in the day. His campaign has pledged to disclose those results and all other future test results for the 77-year-old candidate.
On Saturday, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows contradicted the rosy picture painted by Trump’s doctors when he told reporters outside the hospital, “We’re still not on a clear path yet to a full recovery.” Hours later Trump’s chief doctor added that the president was “not yet out of the woods.”
On Sunday, Conley’s assessment was more positive and another member of the president’s medical team, Dr. Brian Garibaldi, said Trump “has been up and around” and “feels well.”
“Our plan for today is to have him eat and drink, to be up out of bed as much as possible, to be mobile,” Garibaldi said. “And if he continues to look and feel as well as he does today, our hope is that we can plan for a discharge as early as tomorrow to the White House where he can continue his treatment course.”
More than 209,000 Americans have been killed by the virus, by far the highest number of confirmed fatalities in the word. In all, nearly 7.4 million people have been infected in the United States, and few have access to the kind of around-the-clock attention and experimental treatments as Trump.
Trump’s treatment with the steroid dexamethasone is in addition to the single dose he was given Friday of an experimental drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. that supplies antibodies to help the immune system fight the virus. Trump on Friday also began a five-day course of remdesivir, a Gilead Sciences drug currently used for moderately and severely ill patients. The drugs work in different ways — the antibodies help the immune system rid the body of virus, and remdesivir curbs the virus’ ability to multiply.
Garibaldi, a specialist in pulmonary critical care, said the president was not showing any side effects of the drugs “that we can tell.”
The National Institutes of Health COVID-19 treatment guidelines recommend against using dexamethasone in patients who do not require oxygen. It has only been proven to help in more serious cases. Among the concerns with earlier use is that steroids tamp down certain immune cells, hindering the body’s own ability to fight off infection.
Trump is 74 years old and clinically obese, putting him at higher risk of serious complications.
First lady Melania Trump has remained at the White House as she recovers from her own bout with the virus.
Several White House officials this weekend expressed frustration with the way level of transparency and public disclosure since the president announced his diagnosis early Friday.
They were particularly upset by the whiplash between Conley’s rosy assessment Saturday and Meadows’ more concerned outlook. They privately acknowledge that the administration has little credibility on COVID-19 and that they have unnecessarily squandered what remains of it with the lack of clear, accurate updates on Trump’s condition.
Most of that frustration appears to be directed at Trump himself, with aides believing that he has restricted what Conley can say or that Conley has tried to appease the president by presenting an optimistic outlook. They also blame Meadows for not establishing clear lines of communication and for making the situation worse Saturday.
Many in the White House are also shaken and scared — nervous that they have been exposed to the virus and confronting the reality that what seemed like a bubble of safety has become a COVID-19 hot spot. There has been no mass directive sent to staff on how they should respond.
At the same time, the White House has been working to trace a flurry of new infections of close Trump aides and allies, including adviser Hope Hicks, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway and several Republican lawmakers. The president’s campaign manager, Bill Stepien, and the head of the Republican National Committee, Ronna McDaniel, have also tested positive.
Peoples reported from New York. Miller reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard and Jonathan Lemire in Washington, and Bill Barrow in Wilmington, Del., and Marilynn Marchione in Milwaukee contributed to this report.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--1st grade CPS teacher who died after three-week battle with COVID-19 remembered as ‘fighter’

Olga Quiroga came down with cold-like symptoms last month after making a series of trips to Funston Elementary that included a back-to-school event , where the first-grade bilingual teacher met her students ’ parents and handed out supplies for the upcoming academic year , her daughters said .
Despite suffering from a heavy cough and debilitating fatigue , Quiroga , a 30-year veteran at Chicago Public Schools , continued to teach her students virtually .
One week later , however , Quiroga ’ s condition took a turn for the worse .
She called in sick to work and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room .
She was so weak she could barely walk 30 feet from the car to a wheelchair , her daughter , Giovanna Quiroga , said .
“ The nurses literally just snatched her away from me , ” Giovanna recalled .
“ And ever since Sept. 11 , she was in the intensive care unit .
She just never came home.
” After a three-week battle with COVID-19 , Olga Quiroga , a first-grade teacher who lived in Garfield Ridge , died Thursday — just one day after her 58th birthday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ media painted Quiroga to be a selfless woman whom her colleagues and students adored .
Her three daughters described their mother as a “ fighter ” and a nurturing woman who created change in and out of the classroom .
“ My mother treated everyone she came across with so much kindness and compassion , ” her youngest daughter , Genesis Quiroga , said .
“ I don ’ t believe anyone left the room without remembering who Olga was.
” Olga Quiroga made it a point to work at schools in lower-income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed the most .
“ My mom [ would tell us ] ... ‘ Those are the families that appreciate a good education ...
If I ’ m going to make a change , ’ that ’ s where she wanted to start , ” Giovanna said .
Quiroga would give out her personal phone number to her students ’ parents and tell them she was always available to them .
“ She loved every single one of her students and their families as if they were her own , ” Giovanna said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she would be getting phone calls regarding one of her students .
There were no limits really.
” It didn ’ t matter what type of music was playing — Spanish or English — the beat would consume her as she swayed side to side .
Most recently , Quiroga took a liking to learning trendy TikTok dances with her 14-year-old granddaughter .
Her favorite was “ Out West ” by Travis Scott .
After her granddaughter taught her the routine in the kitchen of her oldest daughter ’ s Texas home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed Genesis .
“ My mom was hilarious , ” Giovanna said while reminiscing about the way her mother would spontaneously break out in dance .
“ People know my mom as this professional , educated , proper woman , but she was hilarious .
She was a goofball.
” Quiroga taught her daughters to appreciate the small things in life .
She also taught them to be strong , independent women — which she had exemplified throughout her entire life .
Olga Quiroga and her husband , Juan , moved to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1985 , her daughters said .
She didn ’ t know any English and found work cleaning houses for $ 50 per week as she attended school at night .
After earning her bachelor ’ s degree in education from Chicago State University , she was hired by Chicago Public Schools to be a reading instruction assistant in 1991 .
From then on , teaching became her life passion .
“ She overcame moving to this country , starting from nothing , and just taught us that that ’ s what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Giovanna said .
“ [ Any obstacle ] just push past it and achieve that goal because it is achievable because she did it.
” Quiroga ’ s three daughters don ’ t want their mother ’ s death to be in vain .
They said they hope Chicago Public Schools officials realize they ’ re not prepared for in-person learning yet .
“ These schools are not properly equipped , they ’ re not ready , ” Giovanna said .
“ My mom , it took one time to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her story and her tragedy can save hundreds and thousands of students and teachers , then so be it because it ’ s not right .
“ This virus is very real and ...
I understand CPS wants to open , but we ’ re not at that point yet because look what happened , ” she continued .
“ According to them , they ’ re safe , they ’ re ready , and clearly they ’ re not.
” CPS spokeswoman Emily Bolton said the Funston community has been told of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school will provide support for students beginning Monday .
She also said the district ’ s contact tracing found one direct contact with Quiroga at the school , and that person was quarantined .
No other cases have been reported at Funston , Bolton said .
Quiroga is survived by her husband , Juan ; in addition to Giovanna and Genesis , another daughter , Gladys ; and her four grandchildren , Ciara , Layla , Liliana and Jaylen .
Visitation will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Blake-Lamb Funeral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service will follow , her family said .

Olga Quiroga came down with cold-like symptoms last month after making a series of trips to Funston Elementary that included a back-to-school event, where the first-grade bilingual teacher met her students’ parents and handed out supplies for the upcoming academic year, her daughters said.
Despite suffering from a heavy cough and debilitating fatigue, Quiroga, a 30-year veteran at Chicago Public Schools, continued to teach her students virtually.
One week later, however, Quiroga’s condition took a turn for the worse. She called in sick to work and had her daughter take her to the emergency room. She was so weak she could barely walk 30 feet from the car to a wheelchair, her daughter, Giovanna Quiroga, said.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
“The nurses literally just snatched her away from me,” Giovanna recalled. “And ever since Sept. 11, she was in the intensive care unit. She just never came home.”
After a three-week battle with COVID-19, Olga Quiroga, a first-grade teacher who lived in Garfield Ridge, died Thursday — just one day after her 58th birthday.
Olga Quiroga had been married to her husband, Juan Quiroga, for more than 35 years, her daughters said. Provided
A series of tribute posts on social media painted Quiroga to be a selfless woman whom her colleagues and students adored. Her three daughters described their mother as a “fighter” and a nurturing woman who created change in and out of the classroom.
“My mother treated everyone she came across with so much kindness and compassion,” her youngest daughter, Genesis Quiroga, said. “I don’t believe anyone left the room without remembering who Olga was.”
Olga Quiroga made it a point to work at schools in lower-income neighborhoods, where she said she was needed the most.
“My mom [would tell us] ... ‘Those are the families that appreciate a good education ... If I’m going to make a change,’ that’s where she wanted to start,” Giovanna said.
Quiroga would give out her personal phone number to her students’ parents and tell them she was always available to them.
“She loved every single one of her students and their families as if they were her own,” Giovanna said. “We would be home and she would be getting phone calls regarding one of her students. There were no limits really.”
Olga Quiroga also loved to dance.
It didn’t matter what type of music was playing — Spanish or English — the beat would consume her as she swayed side to side.
Most recently, Quiroga took a liking to learning trendy TikTok dances with her 14-year-old granddaughter.
Her favorite was “Out West” by Travis Scott. After her granddaughter taught her the routine in the kitchen of her oldest daughter’s Texas home, Quiroga flew back to Chicago and eagerly showed Genesis.
“My mom was hilarious,” Giovanna said while reminiscing about the way her mother would spontaneously break out in dance. “People know my mom as this professional, educated, proper woman, but she was hilarious. She was a goofball.”
Funston Elementary School
Quiroga taught her daughters to appreciate the small things in life. She also taught them to be strong, independent women — which she had exemplified throughout her entire life.
Olga Quiroga and her husband, Juan, moved to the United State from Tamaulipas, Mexico, in 1985, her daughters said. She didn’t know any English and found work cleaning houses for $50 per week as she attended school at night. After earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Chicago State University, she was hired by Chicago Public Schools to be a reading instruction assistant in 1991. From then on, teaching became her life passion.
“She overcame moving to this country, starting from nothing, and just taught us that that’s what we should strive for no matter what,” Giovanna said. “[Any obstacle] just push past it and achieve that goal because it is achievable because she did it.”
Quiroga’s three daughters don’t want their mother’s death to be in vain. They said they hope Chicago Public Schools officials realize they’re not prepared for in-person learning yet.
“These schools are not properly equipped, they’re not ready,” Giovanna said. “My mom, it took one time to be in that building to contract it. If her story and her tragedy can save hundreds and thousands of students and teachers, then so be it because it’s not right.
“This virus is very real and ... I understand CPS wants to open, but we’re not at that point yet because look what happened,” she continued. “According to them, they’re safe, they’re ready, and clearly they’re not.”
CPS spokeswoman Emily Bolton said the Funston community has been told of Olga Quiroga’s death and the school will provide support for students beginning Monday. She also said the district’s contact tracing found one direct contact with Quiroga at the school, and that person was quarantined. No other cases have been reported at Funston, Bolton said.
Quiroga is survived by her husband, Juan; in addition to Giovanna and Genesis, another daughter, Gladys; and her four grandchildren, Ciara, Layla, Liliana and Jaylen.
Visitation will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn. A memorial service will follow, her family said.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--Halftime: Bears trail Colts 13-3 as defense, QB Nick Foles struggle

The Bears haven ’ t looked great on either side of the ball and trail the Colts 13-2 at halftime .
New quarterback Nick Foles , making his debut as the Bears ’ starter , has completed 10 of 17 passes for 107 yards and a 77.3 passer rating .
Foles ’ best stretch was an 84-yard drive from his own 7-yard line to set up Cairo Santos ’ 27-yard field goal .
He completed 5 of 6 passes for 82 yards on that possession .
Prior to that , Foles had completed 5 of 10 passes for 25 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems all over the field .
After a fruitless first drive by the offense , punter Pat O ’ Donnell ’ s punt was deflected and the Colts started at their own 47-yard line .
Philip Rivers needed just six plays to get them in the end zone on a touchdown pass to tight end Mo Alie-Cox .
The Colts also drove from their own 30 to the Bears ’ 3 late in the second quarter for a field goal .
On second-and-goal from the 3 , Roquan Smith intercepted Rivers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was out of bounds and it was changed to an incomplete pass .
The Colts , who snuck a field goal just before halftime thanks to a pass interference penalty by Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller , get the ball to begin the second half .

The Bears haven’t looked great on either side of the ball and trail the Colts 13-2 at halftime.
New quarterback Nick Foles, making his debut as the Bears’ starter, has completed 10 of 17 passes for 107 yards and a 77.3 passer rating.
Foles’ best stretch was an 84-yard drive from his own 7-yard line to set up Cairo Santos’ 27-yard field goal. He completed 5 of 6 passes for 82 yards on that possession.
Prior to that, Foles had completed 5 of 10 passes for 25 yards.
The Bears opened the game with problems all over the field. After a fruitless first drive by the offense, punter Pat O’Donnell’s punt was deflected and the Colts started at their own 47-yard line. Philip Rivers needed just six plays to get them in the end zone on a touchdown pass to tight end Mo Alie-Cox.
The Colts also drove from their own 30 to the Bears’ 3 late in the second quarter for a field goal. On second-and-goal from the 3, Roquan Smith intercepted Rivers in the end zone, but replay review showed he was out of bounds and it was changed to an incomplete pass.
The Colts, who snuck a field goal just before halftime thanks to a pass interference penalty by Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller, get the ball to begin the second half.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--3 wounded in Englewood shootout

3 wounded in Englewood shootout

Three people were wounded in an exchange of gunfire Sunday in Englewood on the South Side .
The shootout happened @ @ @ @ @ police said .
A 24-year-old man who was driving in the 5800 block of South @ @ @ @ @ a pair of men , 20 and 26 , who then returned fire .
The @ @ @ @ @ shot in the head and throat and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center @ @ @ @ @ said .
The 20-year-old on the street was struck in the leg , while the @ @ @ @ @ arm , police said .
Both were also taken to the University of Chicago Medical @ @ @ @ @ man was stabilized .
The younger man ’ s condition was not known .
Read @ @ @ @ @ track the city ’ s homicides .

Three people were wounded in an exchange of gunfire Sunday in Englewood on the South Side.
The shootout happened about 3:05 p.m., Chicago police said. A 24-year-old man who was driving in the 5800 block of South Ashland Avenue opened fire on a pair of men, 20 and 26, who then returned fire.
The man in the vehicle was shot in the head and throat and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
The 20-year-old on the street was struck in the leg, while the 26-year-old was struck in the arm, police said. Both were also taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where the older man was stabilized. The younger man’s condition was not known.
Area One detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.