chicagosun-times--2020-11-24--Menu planner: No Thanksgiving is complete without pecan pie

Place baking sheet in oven .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
Arrange crust in pie pan according to directions ; set aside .
In a large bowl , whisk together butter , corn syrup , brown sugar and vanilla .
Add eggs and salt ; whisk until mixture is even .
Fold in pecan halves .
Pour mixture into pie crust and spread evenly with spatula .
Gently cover edges of crust with aluminum foil .
Place pie pan on preheated baking sheet and bake 60 to 70 minutes or until pie is set in center .
Remove foil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done .
Remove pie ; allow to cool completely before serving .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
Mix together applesauce , brown sugar , vinegar , mustard and cloves ; refrigerate half of mixture and set aside the remainder .
In a small bowl , combine flour , salt , sugar , garlic powder and pepper .
Rub flour mixture evenly over entire surface of pork .
Place pork on rack in shallow roasting pan .
Roast 40 minutes , uncovered , or until internal temperature is 135 degrees .
Spoon reserved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees ( 8 to 12 minutes ) .
Transfer roast to cutting board ; cover with foil and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing .
In a small pan , heat refrigerated applesauce mixture to a boil ; boil 1 minute .
Spoon heated applesauce mixture over pork slices and serve .
Per serving : 201 calories , 23 grams protein , 8 grams fat ( 35 % calories from fat ) , 2.8 grams saturated fat , 9 grams carbohydrate , 64 milligrams cholesterol , 133 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 3.5-ounce ) package ( about 3/4 cup ) crumbled Greek feta cheese with tomatoes and basil ( or plain ) Cook pasta according to directions .
Meanwhile , in a large bowl , combine oil , vinegar and garlic ; mix and let stand while pasta cooks .
Add cooked pasta , spinach , olives , capers and feta ; toss and serve .
Heat oven to 400 degrees .
Scrub and halve sweet potatoes lengthwise ; place in baking dish , cut side up .
Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pepper to taste .
Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until golden-brown and tender .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
Rinse and drain 2 pounds refrigerated sauerkraut and spoon into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray .
Stir in 1 teaspoon caraway seeds .
Top with sliced , cooked pork .
Cover tightly with foil .
Bake 25 minutes or until hot .
For one sandwich : Toast 2 slices sourdough bread .
Spread 2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese on the toast .
Spread both sides with 1/4 cup leftover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sliced turkey ; sprinkle with ancho chili powder and add romaine .
Cover with other toast slice and cut on diagonal .

Pecan pie
Makes 10 servings
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 60 to 70 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon granulated salt
2 1/2 cups pecan halves
Place baking sheet in oven. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange crust in pie pan according to directions; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, corn syrup, brown sugar and vanilla. Add eggs and salt; whisk until mixture is even. Fold in pecan halves. Pour mixture into pie crust and spread evenly with spatula. Gently cover edges of crust with aluminum foil. Place pie pan on preheated baking sheet and bake 60 to 70 minutes or until pie is set in center. Remove foil for browning 10 minutes before pie is done. Remove pie; allow to cool completely before serving.
Per serving: 526 calories, 5 grams protein, 32 grams fat (52% calories from fat), 8.7 grams saturated fat, 62 grams carbohydrate, 77 milligrams cholesterol, 277 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 4.
Apple and spice pork loin roast
Makes 12 servings (using a 3-pound roast)
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: about 50 to 55 minutes; standing time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 (3- to 4-pound) well-trimmed boneless pork loin roast
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together applesauce, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard and cloves; refrigerate half of mixture and set aside the remainder. In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, garlic powder and pepper. Rub flour mixture evenly over entire surface of pork. Place pork on rack in shallow roasting pan. Roast 40 minutes, uncovered, or until internal temperature is 135 degrees. Spoon reserved applesauce mixture over pork. Continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees (8 to 12 minutes). Transfer roast to cutting board; cover with foil and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. In a small pan, heat refrigerated applesauce mixture to a boil; boil 1 minute. Spoon heated applesauce mixture over pork slices and serve.
Per serving: 201 calories, 23 grams protein, 8 grams fat (35% calories from fat), 2.8 grams saturated fat, 9 grams carbohydrate, 64 milligrams cholesterol, 133 milligrams sodium, no fiber.
Carb choices: 0.5.
Penne with spinach and olives
Makes 6 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: for the pasta
INGREDIENTS
12 ounces penne or other tube-shaped pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1/4 cup kalamata olives (pitted, chopped)
2 tablespoons rinsed capers
1 (3.5-ounce) package (about 3/4 cup) crumbled Greek feta cheese with tomatoes and basil (or plain)
Cook pasta according to directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine oil, vinegar and garlic; mix and let stand while pasta cooks. Add cooked pasta, spinach, olives, capers and feta; toss and serve.
Per serving: 309 calories, 11 grams protein, 9 grams fat (27% calories from fat), 2.2 grams saturated fat, 45 grams carbohydrate, 5 milligrams cholesterol, 415 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 3.
Roasted sweet potatoes
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Scrub and halve sweet potatoes lengthwise; place in baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, chopped fresh thyme, coarse salt and pepper to taste. Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until golden-brown and tender.
Baked pork and sauerkraut
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Rinse and drain 2 pounds refrigerated sauerkraut and spoon into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Stir in 1 teaspoon caraway seeds. Top with sliced, cooked pork. Cover tightly with foil. Bake 25 minutes or until hot.
Cranberry-ancho turkey sandwiches
For one sandwich: Toast 2 slices sourdough bread. Spread 2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese on the toast. Spread both sides with 1/4 cup leftover cranberry sauce. Top one slice with sliced turkey; sprinkle with ancho chili powder and add romaine. Cover with other toast slice and cut on diagonal.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-24--Charges pending against teen who crashed stolen car in the South Loop and injured three people: poli

Charges pending against teen who crashed stolen car in the South Loop and injured three people: police

A 16-year-old boy crashed while driving a stolen car , injuring three people , Tuesday morning in the South Loop @ @ @ @ @ .
A stolen Nissan sedan was driving south on Wells Street about 1 a.m. , @ @ @ @ @ 16-year-old boy , blew through a red light and struck a Buick minivan in the @ @ @ @ @ Street , police said .
The driver of the minivan , a 49-year-old man , @ @ @ @ @ taken to Stroger Hospital for treatment and are in fair condition , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ woman , was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital , also in fair condition .
The @ @ @ @ @ in the crash and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in fair condition , police @ @ @ @ @ against him .
Two other passengers of the stolen Nissan fled the scene of the @ @ @ @ @ located , police said .

A 16-year-old boy crashed while driving a stolen car, injuring three people, Tuesday morning in the South Loop, according to Chicago police.
A stolen Nissan sedan was driving south on Wells Street about 1 a.m., when the driver, the 16-year-old boy, blew through a red light and struck a Buick minivan in the 500 block of South Wells Street, police said.
The driver of the minivan, a 49-year-old man, and a 52-year-old passenger were taken to Stroger Hospital for treatment and are in fair condition, police said. A third passenger, a woman, was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, also in fair condition.
The 16-year-old boy broke his leg in the crash and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in fair condition, police said. Charges are pending against him.
Two other passengers of the stolen Nissan fled the scene of the crash and have not been located, police said.
Area Three detectives are investigating.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-23--Horoscope for Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020

Horoscope for Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 4:30 to 9:30 a.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Pisces into Aries .
Once the moon enters your sign ( see Moon Alert ) you will feel energetic !
However , for the two days every month when the moon is in your sign , you are also a little bit luckier than all the other signs .
“ Yay me !
” Although you might feel a bit private ; nevertheless , relations with partners and close friends will be warm and friendly .
Very likely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you .
Good day to take care of red-tape issues .
A conversation with a friend might helpful to you .
Possibly , this is a someone in a group .
In either case , they might help you to define some goals or think about what you want for your future .
( We need all the help we can get . )
You are high visibility , which means people notice you , especially bosses , parents , teachers and VIPs .
Fortunately , you make a great impression on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a pet , children as well as sports and social activities are all positive .
You want to get away from it all because you want thrills and adventure !
If you can ’ t travel , you can do something that is new and fresh .
Explore new ideas through film and books .
Talk to people from other backgrounds .
Learn something different and fascinating !
Today you are involved in the wealth and resources of others , perhaps your partner or a bank .
Whatever the case , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that both Mercury and Venus are in your house of communication will help you encourage others to do your bidding .
Because the moon today is opposite your sign , you will have to go more than halfway when dealing with others .
This simply requires accommodation and compromise .
No biggie .
You are a natural arbitrator .
You might teach or enlighten someone about something today .
This is a strong day for business , commerce , your job , your work and even your health .
Pet-related issues will flow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alert is over today , it ’ s a great day to buy wardrobe items for yourself .
Today the sun is in your sign dancing with the moon , which makes everyone feel good .
It means that your intentions and your emotions are aligned .
Opportunities to socialize by Zoom or any way possible will appeal to you .
Sports , children and the arts will please you .
A family discussion or a talk with a female relative could be significant .
Fortunately , things will be positive and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the scenes , everything will go your way .
( Do your best to cope with increased activity and chaos on the home front . )
You will enjoy talking to a friend or a member of a group about your future ideas .
You might want to share your hopes for the future with someone to get their feedback ?
You might also want to sell an idea to someone ?
If so , you ’ ll be persuasive !
This is a strong time because the sun is at high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flattering spotlight .
This means you look good to others even if you don ’ t do anything special .
Use this advantage to go after what you want and push your own agenda forward .
You rock !
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Sarah Hyland ( 1990 ) shares your birthday .
You ’ re entertaining !
You are also imaginative and opinionated , and you enjoy sharing your ideas with others .
Lucky you !
You have a fun-loving year ahead !
Expect increased popularity and warm friendships .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will appreciate the everyday joys and beauty around you .
This year is the time for an important choice .
Choose wisely .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 4:30 to 9:30 a.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Pisces into Aries.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Once the moon enters your sign (see Moon Alert) you will feel energetic! However, for the two days every month when the moon is in your sign, you are also a little bit luckier than all the other signs. “Yay me!”
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Although you might feel a bit private; nevertheless, relations with partners and close friends will be warm and friendly. Very likely, you will attract someone chatty and talkative to you. Good day to take care of red-tape issues.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
A conversation with a friend might helpful to you. Possibly, this is a someone in a group. In either case, they might help you to define some goals or think about what you want for your future. (We need all the help we can get.)
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You are high visibility, which means people notice you, especially bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. Fortunately, you make a great impression on everyone! Issues related to your job, a pet, children as well as sports and social activities are all positive.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You want to get away from it all because you want thrills and adventure! If you can’t travel, you can do something that is new and fresh. Explore new ideas through film and books. Talk to people from other backgrounds. Learn something different and fascinating!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Today you are involved in the wealth and resources of others, perhaps your partner or a bank. Whatever the case, these dealings will benefit you. The fact that both Mercury and Venus are in your house of communication will help you encourage others to do your bidding.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Because the moon today is opposite your sign, you will have to go more than halfway when dealing with others. This simply requires accommodation and compromise. No biggie. You are a natural arbitrator. You might teach or enlighten someone about something today.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
This is a strong day for business, commerce, your job, your work and even your health. Pet-related issues will flow smoothly. Meanwhile, after the moon alert is over today, it’s a great day to buy wardrobe items for yourself.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Today the sun is in your sign dancing with the moon, which makes everyone feel good. It means that your intentions and your emotions are aligned. Opportunities to socialize by Zoom or any way possible will appeal to you. Sports, children and the arts will please you.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
A family discussion or a talk with a female relative could be significant. Fortunately, things will be positive and even though you might be pulling strings from behind the scenes, everything will go your way. (Do your best to cope with increased activity and chaos on the home front.)
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You will enjoy talking to a friend or a member of a group about your future ideas. You might want to share your hopes for the future with someone to get their feedback? You might also want to sell an idea to someone? If so, you’ll be persuasive!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
This is a strong time because the sun is at high noon in your chart casting you in a flattering spotlight. This means you look good to others even if you don’t do anything special. Use this advantage to go after what you want and push your own agenda forward. You rock!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Sarah Hyland (1990) shares your birthday. You’re entertaining! You are also imaginative and opinionated, and you enjoy sharing your ideas with others. Lucky you! You have a fun-loving year ahead! Expect increased popularity and warm friendships. Gratitude will be a theme because you will appreciate the everyday joys and beauty around you. This year is the time for an important choice. Choose wisely.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-23--Man choked during attempted carjacking in the Loop; 5 in custody

A man was attacked by a group of juveniles who tried to steal his car Monday in the Loop , police said .
About 5:15 p.m. , the 32-year-old was sitting in his 2020 silver-colored Dodge Charger with a 35-year-old man in the passenger seat in the 100 block of West Randolph Street when a group of four boys and one girl approached the car , Chicago police said .
The group opened the driver ’ s side door , and one of them pointed a handgun at the younger man before striking him in the head and chest multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man refused to give up his car , the group bit and choked him .
The other man tried to intervene but was punched multiple times by the group , police said .
People on the street yelled for police , causing the attackers to run away .
Officers responded and saw the group in the 100 block of West Lake Street , police said .
They were taken into custody .
Police sources said the gun used in the attempted carjacking appears to be a replica .
Charges are pending as Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Five teenagers face charges after allegedly trying to carjack a man in the Loop Monday evening, pointing a replica gun at him before beating, choking and biting him.
Two men were sitting in a Dodge Charger in the 100 block of West Randolph Street when four boys, all 16 years old, and a girl, 15, came up and opened the driver’s door, Chicago police said.
One of the teens pointed a gun at the driver, 32, before striking him in the head and chest multiple times, police said. After the man refused to give up his car, they allegedly bit and choked him.
The passenger, 35, tried to intervene but was punched multiple times by the teens, police said. People on the street yelled for police as the attackers ran away.
Officers responded at 5:15 p.m. and arrested the teens in the 100 block of West Lake Street, police said. The victims refused medical treatment.
Police sources said the teens’ gun appeared to be a replica.
The five teens each face a felony count of attempted vehicular hijacking, while the four boys also face a misdemeanor count each of battery, police said.
They are expected to appear in juvenile court later Tuesday.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-25--Coronavirus vaccine timeline remains fluid, Lightfoot expects ‘all adults to be able to get vaccinat

Coronavirus vaccine timeline remains fluid, Lightfoot expects ‘all adults to be able to get vaccinated sometime in 2021’ (LIVE UPDATES)

Highest-risk Chicagoans could begin receiving coronavirus vaccine as early as mid-December : Lightfoot Chicago health care workers could begin getting vaccinated against the coronavirus as early as mid-December , city officials said Wednesday .
And while the timelines remains fluid , Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she expects “ all adults to be able to get vaccinated sometime in 2021.
” Lightfoot said when the vaccine becomes more widely distributed , it is likely to be available at “ large , centralized sites , ” including city colleges and “ mobile sites deployed at trusted community settings.
” Chicago ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arwady , said the city has “ very specific ” plans for storage and distribution of a vaccine should the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approve one .
The Chicago Department of Public Health has already built up its “ ultra-cold ” storage in preparation for the arrival of a vaccine .
“ We are working with multiple hospitals that also have built up some of that ultra-cold storage capacity , ” Arwady said .
“ Highest-risk ” health care workers are expected to receive the vaccine , followed by distribution to nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then health care workers who see coronavirus patients outside of hospitals , Arwady said .
Rain fell on Maria Cwiklik as she waited outside her Austin apartment Wednesday afternoon for two women to bring her something her family was in need of — a warm meal .
“ Everybody is struggling , and this is a lot of help for me , ” Cwiklik said .
“ I can ’ t buy any food right now so this is a lot of help , you know ; this is what hardship looks like.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends Candace Musick and Michelle Thomas , who were delivering to her six Thanksgiving meals just before the holiday — already cooked and individually packaged .
Both Musick and Thomas work with The Night Ministry , an organization that provides housing for young people .
Wednesday , they were delivering almost 40 meals donated by Smoke Daddy Wrigleyville to those who used to be residents in their shelter , which is how Cwiklik knows the two .
Making sure people have a warm meal in the days leading up to Thanksgiving has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lingering pandemic that has triggered economic hardships has made that work even more difficult .
McHenry County ’ s top prosecutor says he won ’ t enforce Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s indoor dining ban amid the state ’ s recent efforts to rein in rising coronavirus infections and deaths .
However , State ’ s Attorney Patrick D. Kenneally on Wednesday said he would enforce capacity limits and laws requiring patrons and employees to wear masks and social distance .
Indoor dining was banned statewide after Tier 3 mitigations took effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McHenry County Public Health Department referred 11 complaints to the state ’ s attorney ’ s office about restaurants violating indoor dining restrictions , the Northwest Herald reported .
But Kenneally explained in a statement that the mitigations rested on an executive order that he believes his office isn ’ t authorized to enforce .
Kenneally also questioned if Pritzker ’ s emergency powers were constitutional under state law .
2:03 p.m. 155 more Illinois coronavirus deaths , second-worst day of this wave Illinois ’ coronavirus numbers took a slight step upward Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed another 155 residents and spread to 11,378 more .
That ’ s the second-highest daily death count the state has suffered during the second wave of the pandemic , and the fifth-worst day for coronavirus fatalities overall .
Sixty-four of the latest victims came from the Chicago area .
The state reported 168 deaths Nov. 19 , and an all-time worst 191 deaths May 13 .
COVID-19 has claimed 2,084 lives in Illinois so far this month , or 336 more than during the previous two months combined .
The new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s average positivity rate over the last week to 10.6 % .
The caseload also ended a two-day stretch in which the state reported fewer than 10,000 cases .
Nearly 268,000 new cases have been logged this month , compared to about 175,000 in all of September and October .
12:47 p.m .
Wiping down groceries ?
Airing out the mail ?
Experts say it can be overkill NEW YORK — Cleaning wipes are harder to find on store shelves , and businesses are reassuring customers with stepped up sanitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subway system is shut down nightly for disinfecting .
To avoid any traces of the coronavirus that might be lurking on surfaces , Americans have been wiping down groceries , wearing surgical gloves when they go out and leaving mail packages out for an extra day or two .
But experts say the national fixation on scrubbing sparked by the pandemic can sometimes be overkill .
“ It ’ s important to clean surfaces , but not to obsess about it too much in a way that can be unhealthy , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the COVID-19 response at the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control .
Health officials knew less about the virus in the early days of the pandemic , but say it ’ s become clearer the main way it spreads is between people — through the respiratory droplets they spray when talking , coughing , sneezing or singing .
It ’ s why officials emphasize the importance of wearing masks and social distancing .
That doesn ’ t mean surfaces don ’ t pose any risk — cleaning is still recommended — especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevator buttons that infected people might have recently touched .
Other germs that sicken people , like gastrointestinal bugs , haven ’ t gone away either .
But with COVID-19 , experts say to keep the risk in perspective : The virus is fragile and doesn ’ t survive easily outside the body for long .
Early studies finding it could linger on surfaces for days used large viral loads and were in laboratory conditions , not the real world .
Other tests might just detect remnants of the virus , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11:39 a.m. As state logs 125 more coronavirus deaths , Pritzker offers Thanksgiving warning : ‘ Skip the big group dinner this year ’ As Illinois reported 9,469 more coronavirus cases and 125 deaths Tuesday , officials said they ’ re “ cautiously optimistic ” the state ’ s massive viral resurgence might finally be leveling off — but warned that any progress will be wiped out if families don ’ t cancel plans for holiday gatherings this week .
“ Thanksgiving this year needs to be different , ” Gov .
J.B. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t yet changed your plans , the doctors are asking all of us to skip the big group dinner this year .
The vaccines that seem to be on the horizon can ’ t help you if you get sick now.
” Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike cautioned that “ without even knowing it , you could be putting your friends and family , or yourself in grave danger.
” “ We have to accept what we ’ re dealing with : a global pandemic , the likes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That does deserve a change from the norm , ” Ezike said .
Alabama coach Nick Saban has tested positive for COVID-19 just days before the Iron Bowl .
Team physician Dr. Jimmy Robinson and head trainer Jeff Allen said in a joint statement that the positive test came Wednesday morning .
“ He has very mild symptoms , so this test will not be categorized as a potential false positive , ” the statement said .
“ He will follow all appropriate guidelines and isolate at home.
” The 69-year-old Saban previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game with Georgia , but didn ’ t have any symptoms .
He was cleared to coach in the game after subsequent tests leading up to the game came out negative .
10:10 a.m. Keep the mask : A COVID-19 vaccine won ’ t end the pandemic crisis right away NEW YORK — Don ’ t even think of putting the mask away anytime soon .
Despite the expected arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in just a few weeks , it could take several months — probably well into 2021 — before things get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. and Americans can once again go to the movies , cheer at an NBA game or give Grandma a hug .
The first , limited shipments of the vaccine would mark just the beginning of what could be a long and messy road toward the end of the pandemic that has upended life and killed more than a quarter-million people in the U.S .
In the meantime , Americans are being warned not to let their guard down .
“ If you ’ re fighting a battle and the cavalry is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t stop shooting ; you keep going until the cavalry gets here , and then you might even want to continue fighting , ” Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious-disease expert , said last week .
This week , AstraZeneca became the third vaccine maker to say early data indicates its shots are highly effective .
Pfizer last week asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization to begin distributing its vaccine , and Moderna is expected to do the same any day .
Federal officials say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day of authorization .
But most people will probably have to wait months for shots to become widely available .
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines also each require two doses , meaning people will have to go back for a second shot after three and four weeks , respectively , to get the full protection .
9:31 a.m. No new talks planned as Infinity nursing home strike continues for a 2nd day , union says Union officials representing nearly 700 nursing home workers who hit the picket lines this week said the owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they aren ’ t sure when negotiations for a new contract will resume .
“ The employer has refused to make a move , ” said Shaba Andrich , vice president for nursing homes at SEIU Healthcare Illinois .
Infinity Healthcare Management Owner Moishe Gubin “ had indicated to some people that he would be available to negotiate last Sunday , but then left the state and has not been able to negotiate.
” Nursing home workers at Infinity locations in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs entered their second day on strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonexistent .
Members have been fighting for improved working conditions , base salaries for between $ 15 and $ 15.50 an hour ( up from $ 11.50 to $ 13.50 , depending on location ) and hazard pay for the duration of the pandemic .
But union members claim their employer has completely walked away from the table and negotiating sessions haven ’ t been scheduled for the near future .
“ We want to get back to negotiations , we want him to come back with different solutions and different ideas about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Andrich said during a Zoom call Tuesday afternoon .
“ There is none [ no meetings ] happening now , there is none on the calendar.
” 9:27 a.m. State launches investigation into coronavirus outbreak at LaSalle Veterans ’ Home , where 27 died of COVID-19 Ineffective hand sanitizer , employees showing up for work after testing positive for the coronavirus and inadequate “ hand hygiene ” are all under scrutiny as possible sources of a COVID-19 outbreak that has left 27 residents of an Illinois veterans ’ home dead .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and state veterans officials to launch an investigation into the circumstances around the spread of the deadly virus at the LaSalle Veterans ’ Home .
The reports released by the Illinois Department of Veterans ’ Affairs found employees of the home attended the same Halloween gathering and later tested positive for the virus .
The veterans ’ home in LaSalle was also stocked earlier this month with hand sanitizer found not to be effective against COVID-19 , and some staff were observed touching patients and surfaces without changing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to one report released Tuesday .
Those were just some of the findings from one site visit on Nov. 12 — a second visit five days later found many of the initial recommendations were followed , a second report found .
But cases at the home some 95 miles southwest of Chicago have ballooned over the course of the month , and 27 residents have died , a spokeswoman for the veterans ’ affairs department said .
• Two more employees at the Cook County chief judge ’ s office have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total number of employees infected to 173 since the start of the pandemic , with 73 of those employees working at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center .
• Chicago R & B artist Jeremih was reportedly transferred to a regular hospital room Saturday after spending at least a week in intensive care undergoing treatment for COVID-19 .
• The World Health Organization has recorded 65 cases of the coronavirus among staff based at its headquarters , including five people who worked on the premises and were in contact with one another .
3:14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can we keep from warehousing the elderly ?
Every once in a while , the governor of New York , Andrew Cuomo , says something I absolutely agree with .
At the beginning of the pandemic , he went on and on about how every human life matters .
I prayed : If he means this , maybe we can see that reflected in our politics .
As it happens , with all the death this year , my friends in the religious order Sisters of Life tell me that some pregnant women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need is more death .
Wouldn ’ t a newfound commitment to protecting human life be something healthy to come from the COVID-19 ordeal ?
But we seem to be heading in the wrong direction .
The Associated Press recently reported on the staggering number of Americans dying in nursing homes during the pandemic , not just from the coronavirus , but from neglect .
“ As more than 90,000 of the nation ’ s long-term care residents have died in a pandemic that has pushed staffs to the limit , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elderly say a tandem wave of death separate from the virus has quietly claimed tens of thousands more , often because overburdened workers haven ’ t been able to give them the care they need.
” 9:33 a.m. Why I am asking you to support one of the most painful budgets in Chicago ’ s history I want to speak directly to Chicagoans about our city ’ s budget , which will come up for a vote before the full City Council today .
Long before I formally introduced this budget in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic path out of the COVID-19 pandemic would require us to make some extraordinarily difficult decisions .
It was a matter of when , not if , these decisions would be made , and how we would make them — all while holding firm to our core values of equity , inclusion and transparency .
COVID-19 has not only upended all our lives from a health perspective , it also has devastated significant parts of our economy .
This has resulted in an $ 800 million loss of revenues for the 2020 budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for next year , 65 % of which is directly tied to COVID-19 .
Dealing with a $ 1.2 billion gap means there were no easy decisions .
None .
And while the prospect of better times comes closer into view , particularly because of a new partner in the White House , along with the prospect of a nationwide COVID-19 response plan rooted in science and data , we must face the reality in front of us right now .
To put it bluntly , this is likely the most painful budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And it comes after the many difficult and painful choices we ’ ve already had to make over the last eight months .
So , if there were a responsible way to close our budget gap that didn ’ t involve raising taxes or requiring some level of furloughs for our City employees , we would have already taken it .
But among the many thing this pandemic has taken from us is our ability to make decisions without sacrificing something in return .
America got more good news about a COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine shown to be at least 90 % effective against the disease in early data from clinical trials .
If the Food and Drug Administration grants emergency use authorization to one or both vaccines , doses could be distributed beginning in late Decembe , r and the country will have its most powerful tool yet against the pandemic .
But no vaccine , no matter how effective it is or how quickly it becomes available , will be a powerful tool against the pandemic if too few people — especially African Americans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe illness or death from COVID-19 — get the shot .
And as the Sun-Times ’ Brett Chase reported Sunday , distrust of a COVID-19 vaccine runs deep among Black Americans .
They ’ re less likely to volunteer for clinical trials to test vaccine safety and effectiveness .
Public opinion polls , too , have consistently shown African Americans are less likely to say they would take a coronavirus vaccine .
The health care system has a lot of work to do to get past that lingering distrust .
As states and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to urge people to take a vaccine , extra effort must be made to reach the African American community , get people vaccinated and save lives .

Illinois’ coronavirus numbers took a slight step upward Wednesday as public health officials announced COVID-19 has killed another 155 residents and spread to 11,378 more.
Here’s what you need to know in coronavirus-related news.
News
8:55 p.m. Highest-risk Chicagoans could begin receiving coronavirus vaccine as early as mid-December: Lightfoot
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Chicago health care workers could begin getting vaccinated against the coronavirus as early as mid-December, city officials said Wednesday.
And while the timelines remains fluid, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she expects “all adults to be able to get vaccinated sometime in 2021.”
Lightfoot said when the vaccine becomes more widely distributed, it is likely to be available at “large, centralized sites,” including city colleges and “mobile sites deployed at trusted community settings.”
Chicago’s top public health official, Dr. Allison Arwady, said the city has “very specific” plans for storage and distribution of a vaccine should the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approve one.
The Chicago Department of Public Health has already built up its “ultra-cold” storage in preparation for the arrival of a vaccine.
“We are working with multiple hospitals that also have built up some of that ultra-cold storage capacity,” Arwady said.
“Highest-risk” health care workers are expected to receive the vaccine, followed by distribution to nursing home and long-term care facilities, and then health care workers who see coronavirus patients outside of hospitals, Arwady said.
Read the full story here.
7:33 p.m. Delivering free Thanksgiving meals amid pandemic offers glimpse of ‘what hardship looks like’
Rain fell on Maria Cwiklik as she waited outside her Austin apartment Wednesday afternoon for two women to bring her something her family was in need of — a warm meal.
“Everybody is struggling, and this is a lot of help for me,” Cwiklik said. “I can’t buy any food right now so this is a lot of help, you know; this is what hardship looks like.”
Cwiklik was waiting for her old friends Candace Musick and Michelle Thomas, who were delivering to her six Thanksgiving meals just before the holiday — already cooked and individually packaged.
Both Musick and Thomas work with The Night Ministry, an organization that provides housing for young people. Wednesday, they were delivering almost 40 meals donated by Smoke Daddy Wrigleyville to those who used to be residents in their shelter, which is how Cwiklik knows the two.
Making sure people have a warm meal in the days leading up to Thanksgiving has always been a tough task, but a lingering pandemic that has triggered economic hardships has made that work even more difficult.
Reporter Manny Ramos has the full story.
4:11 p.m. McHenry County won’t prosecute violations of Gov. Pritzker’s indoor dining ban
McHenry County’s top prosecutor says he won’t enforce Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s indoor dining ban amid the state’s recent efforts to rein in rising coronavirus infections and deaths.
However, State’s Attorney Patrick D. Kenneally on Wednesday said he would enforce capacity limits and laws requiring patrons and employees to wear masks and social distance.
Indoor dining was banned statewide after Tier 3 mitigations took effect last Friday. Since then, the McHenry County Public Health Department referred 11 complaints to the state’s attorney’s office about restaurants violating indoor dining restrictions, the Northwest Herald reported.
But Kenneally explained in a statement that the mitigations rested on an executive order that he believes his office isn’t authorized to enforce. Kenneally also questioned if Pritzker’s emergency powers were constitutional under state law.
Reporter David Struett has the full story.
2:03 p.m. 155 more Illinois coronavirus deaths, second-worst day of this wave
Illinois’ coronavirus numbers took a slight step upward Wednesday as public health officials announced COVID-19 has killed another 155 residents and spread to 11,378 more.
That’s the second-highest daily death count the state has suffered during the second wave of the pandemic, and the fifth-worst day for coronavirus fatalities overall. Sixty-four of the latest victims came from the Chicago area.
The state reported 168 deaths Nov. 19, and an all-time worst 191 deaths May 13.
COVID-19 has claimed 2,084 lives in Illinois so far this month, or 336 more than during the previous two months combined.
The new cases were detected among 114,233 tests, raising the state’s average positivity rate over the last week to 10.6%.
The caseload also ended a two-day stretch in which the state reported fewer than 10,000 cases. Nearly 268,000 new cases have been logged this month, compared to about 175,000 in all of September and October.
12:47 p.m. Wiping down groceries? Airing out the mail? Experts say it can be overkill
NEW YORK — Cleaning wipes are harder to find on store shelves, and businesses are reassuring customers with stepped up sanitation measures. In New York, the subway system is shut down nightly for disinfecting.
To avoid any traces of the coronavirus that might be lurking on surfaces, Americans have been wiping down groceries, wearing surgical gloves when they go out and leaving mail packages out for an extra day or two. But experts say the national fixation on scrubbing sparked by the pandemic can sometimes be overkill.
“It’s important to clean surfaces, but not to obsess about it too much in a way that can be unhealthy,” said Dr. John Brooks, chief medical officer for the COVID-19 response at the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control.
Health officials knew less about the virus in the early days of the pandemic, but say it’s become clearer the main way it spreads is between people — through the respiratory droplets they spray when talking, coughing, sneezing or singing. It’s why officials emphasize the importance of wearing masks and social distancing.
That doesn’t mean surfaces don’t pose any risk — cleaning is still recommended — especially frequently touched spots like door knobs or elevator buttons that infected people might have recently touched. Other germs that sicken people, like gastrointestinal bugs, haven’t gone away either.
But with COVID-19, experts say to keep the risk in perspective: The virus is fragile and doesn’t survive easily outside the body for long. Early studies finding it could linger on surfaces for days used large viral loads and were in laboratory conditions, not the real world. Other tests might just detect remnants of the virus, rather than live virus capable of infecting people.
Read the full story here.
11:39 a.m. As state logs 125 more coronavirus deaths, Pritzker offers Thanksgiving warning: ‘Skip the big group dinner this year’
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
As Illinois reported 9,469 more coronavirus cases and 125 deaths Tuesday, officials said they’re “cautiously optimistic” the state’s massive viral resurgence might finally be leveling off — but warned that any progress will be wiped out if families don’t cancel plans for holiday gatherings this week.
“Thanksgiving this year needs to be different,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. “To those who haven’t yet changed your plans, the doctors are asking all of us to skip the big group dinner this year. The vaccines that seem to be on the horizon can’t help you if you get sick now.”
Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike cautioned that “without even knowing it, you could be putting your friends and family, or yourself in grave danger.”
“We have to accept what we’re dealing with: a global pandemic, the likes of which no one has seen before. That does deserve a change from the norm,” Ezike said.
Read the full story here.
11:00 a.m. Alabama coach Nick Saban tests positive for coronavirus
Alabama coach Nick Saban has tested positive for COVID-19 just days before the Iron Bowl.
Team physician Dr. Jimmy Robinson and head trainer Jeff Allen said in a joint statement that the positive test came Wednesday morning.
“He has very mild symptoms, so this test will not be categorized as a potential false positive,” the statement said. “He will follow all appropriate guidelines and isolate at home.”
The 69-year-old Saban previously received a false positive ahead of the game with Georgia, but didn’t have any symptoms. He was cleared to coach in the game after subsequent tests leading up to the game came out negative.
Read the full story here.
10:10 a.m. Keep the mask: A COVID-19 vaccine won’t end the pandemic crisis right away
NEW YORK — Don’t even think of putting the mask away anytime soon.
Despite the expected arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in just a few weeks, it could take several months — probably well into 2021 — before things get back to something close to normal in the U.S. and Americans can once again go to the movies, cheer at an NBA game or give Grandma a hug.
The first, limited shipments of the vaccine would mark just the beginning of what could be a long and messy road toward the end of the pandemic that has upended life and killed more than a quarter-million people in the U.S. In the meantime, Americans are being warned not to let their guard down.
“If you’re fighting a battle and the cavalry is on the way, you don’t stop shooting; you keep going until the cavalry gets here, and then you might even want to continue fighting,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert, said last week.
This week, AstraZeneca became the third vaccine maker to say early data indicates its shots are highly effective. Pfizer last week asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization to begin distributing its vaccine, and Moderna is expected to do the same any day. Federal officials say the first doses will ship within a day of authorization.
But most people will probably have to wait months for shots to become widely available. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines also each require two doses, meaning people will have to go back for a second shot after three and four weeks, respectively, to get the full protection.
9:31 a.m. No new talks planned as Infinity nursing home strike continues for a 2nd day, union says
Union officials representing nearly 700 nursing home workers who hit the picket lines this week said the owner of the 11 facilities has left town and they aren’t sure when negotiations for a new contract will resume.
“The employer has refused to make a move,” said Shaba Andrich, vice president for nursing homes at SEIU Healthcare Illinois. Infinity Healthcare Management Owner Moishe Gubin “had indicated to some people that he would be available to negotiate last Sunday, but then left the state and has not been able to negotiate.”
Nursing home workers at Infinity locations in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs entered their second day on strike as negotiations for a new contract remain nonexistent. Members have been fighting for improved working conditions, base salaries for between $15 and $15.50 an hour (up from $11.50 to $13.50, depending on location) and hazard pay for the duration of the pandemic.
But union members claim their employer has completely walked away from the table and negotiating sessions haven’t been scheduled for the near future.
“We want to get back to negotiations, we want him to come back with different solutions and different ideas about how we get a contract done,” Andrich said during a Zoom call Tuesday afternoon. “There is none [no meetings] happening now, there is none on the calendar.”
Read the full story here.
9:27 a.m. State launches investigation into coronavirus outbreak at LaSalle Veterans’ Home, where 27 died of COVID-19
Ineffective hand sanitizer, employees showing up for work after testing positive for the coronavirus and inadequate “hand hygiene” are all under scrutiny as possible sources of a COVID-19 outbreak that has left 27 residents of an Illinois veterans’ home dead.
Those findings from a pair of reports prompted Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state veterans officials to launch an investigation into the circumstances around the spread of the deadly virus at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home.
The reports released by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs found employees of the home attended the same Halloween gathering and later tested positive for the virus.
The veterans’ home in LaSalle was also stocked earlier this month with hand sanitizer found not to be effective against COVID-19, and some staff were observed touching patients and surfaces without changing their gloves or performing “hand hygiene,” according to one report released Tuesday.
Those were just some of the findings from one site visit on Nov. 12 — a second visit five days later found many of the initial recommendations were followed, a second report found.
But cases at the home some 95 miles southwest of Chicago have ballooned over the course of the month, and 27 residents have died, a spokeswoman for the veterans’ affairs department said.
Read the full story here.
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
3:14 p.m. COVID-19 forces the question: How can we keep from warehousing the elderly?
Every once in a while, the governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, says something I absolutely agree with.
At the beginning of the pandemic, he went on and on about how every human life matters. I prayed: If he means this, maybe we can see that reflected in our politics. As it happens, with all the death this year, my friends in the religious order Sisters of Life tell me that some pregnant women are rejecting abortion because the last thing we need is more death.
Wouldn’t a newfound commitment to protecting human life be something healthy to come from the COVID-19 ordeal?
But we seem to be heading in the wrong direction.
The Associated Press recently reported on the staggering number of Americans dying in nursing homes during the pandemic, not just from the coronavirus, but from neglect.
“As more than 90,000 of the nation’s long-term care residents have died in a pandemic that has pushed staffs to the limit,” the AP reports, “advocates for the elderly say a tandem wave of death separate from the virus has quietly claimed tens of thousands more, often because overburdened workers haven’t been able to give them the care they need.”
Read the full column here.
9:33 a.m. Why I am asking you to support one of the most painful budgets in Chicago’s history
I want to speak directly to Chicagoans about our city’s budget, which will come up for a vote before the full City Council today.
Long before I formally introduced this budget in October, it became clear that our economic path out of the COVID-19 pandemic would require us to make some extraordinarily difficult decisions. It was a matter of when, not if, these decisions would be made, and how we would make them — all while holding firm to our core values of equity, inclusion and transparency.
COVID-19 has not only upended all our lives from a health perspective, it also has devastated significant parts of our economy. This has resulted in an $800 million loss of revenues for the 2020 budget and a significant $1.2 billion deficit for next year, 65% of which is directly tied to COVID-19.
Dealing with a $1.2 billion gap means there were no easy decisions. None. And while the prospect of better times comes closer into view, particularly because of a new partner in the White House, along with the prospect of a nationwide COVID-19 response plan rooted in science and data, we must face the reality in front of us right now.
To put it bluntly, this is likely the most painful budget we have ever faced as a city. And it comes after the many difficult and painful choices we’ve already had to make over the last eight months. So, if there were a responsible way to close our budget gap that didn’t involve raising taxes or requiring some level of furloughs for our City employees, we would have already taken it. But among the many thing this pandemic has taken from us is our ability to make decisions without sacrificing something in return.
Read Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot’s full column here.
9:17 a.m. Vaccine news highlights racial disparities in COVID-19 cases
America got more good news about a COVID-19 vaccine last week, the second potential vaccine shown to be at least 90% effective against the disease in early data from clinical trials.
If the Food and Drug Administration grants emergency use authorization to one or both vaccines, doses could be distributed beginning in late Decembe,r and the country will have its most powerful tool yet against the pandemic.
But no vaccine, no matter how effective it is or how quickly it becomes available, will be a powerful tool against the pandemic if too few people — especially African Americans, who are among the most vulnerable to severe illness or death from COVID-19 — get the shot.
And as the Sun-Times’ Brett Chase reported Sunday, distrust of a COVID-19 vaccine runs deep among Black Americans. They’re less likely to volunteer for clinical trials to test vaccine safety and effectiveness. Public opinion polls, too, have consistently shown African Americans are less likely to say they would take a coronavirus vaccine.
The health care system has a lot of work to do to get past that lingering distrust. As states and the federal government plan public education campaigns to urge people to take a vaccine, extra effort must be made to reach the African American community, get people vaccinated and save lives.
Read the full editorial here.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-25--Markus Paul, Cowboys strength coach and ex-Bears draft pick, dies

Markus Paul , the Cowboys ’ strength and conditioning coach , died Wednesday at age 54 , one day after @ @ @ @ @ facility to the hospital .
He was a former Bears draft pick who played parts @ @ @ @ @ team .
The Bears selected Paul , a Syracuse safety , in the fourth round @ @ @ @ @ He played for them for four-and-a-half years , starting 15 times , before playing the @ @ @ @ @ season with the Buccaneers .
He intercepted seven passes and forced one fumble with the @ @ @ @ @ of a family member is a tragedy , and Markus Paul was a loved and @ @ @ @ @ , ” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement .
The Cowboys canceled practice @ @ @ @ @ , but resumed Wednesday .
They host Washington on Thanksgiving Day .
Paul began coaching @ @ @ @ @ worked for the Saints , Jets , Patriots and Giants .

Markus Paul, the Cowboys’ strength and conditioning coach, died Wednesday at age 54, one day after being rushed from the team facility to the hospital. He was a former Bears draft pick who played parts of five seasons with the team.
The Bears selected Paul, a Syracuse safety, in the fourth round of the 1989 draft. He played for them for four-and-a-half years, starting 15 times, before playing the last game of the 1993 season with the Buccaneers. He intercepted seven passes and forced one fumble with the Bears.
Statements from Jerry Jones & Mike McCarthy on Markus Paul: pic.twitter.com/UqjAj8vJKl — Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 26, 2020
“The loss of a family member is a tragedy, and Markus Paul was a loved and valued member of our family,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement.
The Cowboys canceled practice Tuesday after he fell ill, but resumed Wednesday. They host Washington on Thanksgiving Day.
Paul began coaching in 1998. He also worked for the Saints, Jets, Patriots and Giants.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-25--Cowboys assistant coach Markus Paul dies a day after being taken to the hospital

FRISCO , Texas — Dallas Cowboys strength coach Markus Paul died Wednesday , a day after being taken to the hospital after experiencing a medical emergency at the team ’ s facility .
He was 54 .
The team said the cause of death was pending .
Paul was in his third season with the Cowboys after previous being a strength and conditioning coach with the New Orleans Saints , New England Patriots , New York Jets and 12 seasons with the New York Giants .
Paul was part of five Super Bowl championships , three with the Patriots and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL safety played for the Bears ( 1989-93 ) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 1993 ) .
He played in 71 games with 17 starts over those five seasons .
He was a fourth-round draft pick out of Syracuse , where he was an AP All-American as a senior in 1998 .
“ The loss of a family member is a tragedy , and Markus Paul was a loved and valued member of our family , ” Dallas owner Jerry Jones said .
“ He was a pleasant and calming influence in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday after Paul was taken to the hospital .
The team practiced Wednesday , a day before its Thanksgiving game against Washington .

FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys strength coach Markus Paul died Wednesday, a day after being taken to the hospital after experiencing a medical emergency at the team’s facility. He was 54.
The team said the cause of death was pending.
Paul was in his third season with the Cowboys after previous being a strength and conditioning coach with the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, New York Jets and 12 seasons with the New York Giants. Paul was part of five Super Bowl championships, three with the Patriots and two with the Giants.
Former Bears safety Markus Paul, a longtime NFL strength and conditioning coach, passed away Wednesday at the age of 54. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and to the countless lives he touched. — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 26, 2020
The former NFL safety played for the Bears (1989-93) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1993). He played in 71 games with 17 starts over those five seasons. He was a fourth-round draft pick out of Syracuse, where he was an AP All-American as a senior in 1998.
“The loss of a family member is a tragedy, and Markus Paul was a loved and valued member of our family,” Dallas owner Jerry Jones said. “He was a pleasant and calming influence in our strength room.”
The Cowboys canceled practice Tuesday after Paul was taken to the hospital. The team practiced Wednesday, a day before its Thanksgiving game against Washington.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-25--Angela Jackson, state’s new poet laureate, hopes to empower children: ‘I want to awaken the poets’

As a young poet , Angela Jackson traveled Illinois teaching the power of poetry to students .
Poetry , she says , “ psychically empowers people ” and puts “ them in touch with their selves so that they know their own worth and power , and gain some measure of their lives , and know who they can be and what they can do in the world.
” Now in her late 60s , the acclaimed Chicago poet plans to travel the state again , but with a new title : Poet Laureate of Illinois .
“ I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said by phone Wednesday from her South Side home .
“ I want to awaken the poets , in young people especially , so they will be lifelong readers of poets , and potentially poets themselves.
” Illinois first lady M.K .
Pritzker announced the selection on Wednesday .
Pritkzer is the honorary chair and “ final judge ” of the search committee she and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker formed in June .
Jackson is an award-winning poet , novelist and playwright , and has published four volumes of poetry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she will travel the state and country to promote poetry — although events in the foreseeable future will be held virtually , she said .
She follows four previous Illinois poet laureates : Howard B. Austin , Carl Sandburg , Kevin Stein and Jackson ’ s role model Gwendolyn Brooks .
“ I knew her , I studied her work and modeled my words after her words — the way she handled language so intensely , ” Jackson said of Brooks .
“ And the way she searched for the perfect word @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my poems .
I also tried to follow her devotion to people .
Her love of , especially African American , people and African American life that she depicted in her poems and her novel , ‘ Maud Martha.
’ I tried to do that in my work as well .
So she was a great role model for me .
And I ’ m just thrilled to be following in her footsteps.
” Illinois has been without a Poet Laureate since 2017 , when Stein stepped down that December .
Just last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepting applications for a new top poet .
In June , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker posthumously named John Prine an honorary Poet Laureate .
As a baby , Jackson moved from Mississippi with her family to the South Side , where she remains today .
“ My whole family was part of the Great Migration and I was the youngest one — the young baby .
And we moved to a house in Englewood on 55th and Wentworth .
And my family lived their for 60-some years , shortly before it was torn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once again to promoting poetry , she said she wants to ensure her message doesn ’ t miss students students of color and “ students who come from backgrounds where they don ’ t have a lot of money — the students who are not always thought of as potential poets ...
I want to be sure that they ’ re not forgotten.
” Jackson also hopes to revive a program similar to the one she served in her youth , traveling the state and promoting poetry to students .
“ I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be able to send out young ambassadors of poetry to schools — younger poets , like the one I was in my 20s — who can set up residences in school and bring poetry to schools .
”

As a young poet, Angela Jackson traveled Illinois teaching the power of poetry to students.
Poetry, she says, “psychically empowers people” and puts “them in touch with their selves so that they know their own worth and power, and gain some measure of their lives, and know who they can be and what they can do in the world.”
Now in her late 60s, the acclaimed Chicago poet plans to travel the state again, but with a new title: Poet Laureate of Illinois.
“I want people to be excited about poetry,” she said by phone Wednesday from her South Side home. “I want to awaken the poets, in young people especially, so they will be lifelong readers of poets, and potentially poets themselves.”
Illinois first lady M.K. Pritzker announced the selection on Wednesday. Pritkzer is the honorary chair and “final judge” of the search committee she and Gov. J.B. Pritzker formed in June.
Jackson is an award-winning poet, novelist and playwright, and has published four volumes of poetry. As the state’s poet laureate, she will travel the state and country to promote poetry — although events in the foreseeable future will be held virtually, she said.
She follows four previous Illinois poet laureates: Howard B. Austin, Carl Sandburg, Kevin Stein and Jackson’s role model Gwendolyn Brooks.
“I knew her, I studied her work and modeled my words after her words — the way she handled language so intensely,” Jackson said of Brooks.
Gwendolyn Brooks in 1979. Sun-Times archives
“And the way she searched for the perfect word, I wanted to do that with my poems. I also tried to follow her devotion to people. Her love of, especially African American, people and African American life that she depicted in her poems and her novel, ‘Maud Martha.’ I tried to do that in my work as well. So she was a great role model for me. And I’m just thrilled to be following in her footsteps.”
Illinois has been without a Poet Laureate since 2017, when Stein stepped down that December. Just last summer, the state announced it was accepting applications for a new top poet. In June, Gov. J.B. Pritzker posthumously named John Prine an honorary Poet Laureate.
As a baby, Jackson moved from Mississippi with her family to the South Side, where she remains today.
“My whole family was part of the Great Migration and I was the youngest one — the young baby. And we moved to a house in Englewood on 55th and Wentworth. And my family lived their for 60-some years, shortly before it was torn down.”
Angela Jackson in 1975. Chicago Sun Times files
As she turns her attention once again to promoting poetry, she said she wants to ensure her message doesn’t miss students students of color and “students who come from backgrounds where they don’t have a lot of money — the students who are not always thought of as potential poets ... I want to be sure that they’re not forgotten.”
Jackson also hopes to revive a program similar to the one she served in her youth, traveling the state and promoting poetry to students.
“I hope that the office of this poet laureate will be able to send out young ambassadors of poetry to schools — younger poets, like the one I was in my 20s — who can set up residences in school and bring poetry to schools.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-25--The Mix: Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and more cool things to do in Chicago Nov. 26-Dec. 2

Here ’ s a holiday gift from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater : a free virtual season throughout December beginning with a 60th anniversary celebration of the company ’ s signature work “ Revelations ” on Dec. 2 .
Included are commentary and analysis by Ailey experts and former dancers plus the debut of a new dance , “ Testament , ” by Matthew Rushing , Clifton Brown and Yusha-Marie Sorzano , which speaks to their personal experiences with the iconic work .
The season also includes the world premiere of Jamar Roberts ’ “ A Jam Session for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music of Charlie Parker , and a program featuring newly recorded performances of dances Ailey created to Duke Ellington ’ s music .
For more information , visit alvinailey.org .
Brookfield Zoo ’ s Holiday Magic lights up the zoo with more than a million twinkling lights , animal sculptures , a 600-foot-long tunnel with lights synchronized to music and , what sounds like a lot of fun , a Game of Gnomes scavenger hunt .
From Nov. 27-Dec. 31 at Brookfield Zoo , 8400 W. 31st St. , Brookfield .
( The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28 . )
Tickets : $ 17.95- $ 24.95 .
Visit czs.org .
In a special arrangement with L.A. Theatre Works , Porchlight Music Theatre is presenting a 2001 radio broadcast of Luis Valdez ’ s groundbreaking musical “ Zoot Suit.
” Pulsing with the beat of big-band music and traditional Latin songs , the show uses the Sleepy Lagoon murder case in which 12 Latino youths were unjustly convicted by a biased judge to examine the zoot suit culture in the 1940s .
The free stream is available Nov. 27-Dec. 30 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indian holiday of Diwali , the National Indo-American Museum presents “ The Story of Ram 2020 , ” a virtual performance by Mandala South Asian Performing Arts , with guest appearances by artists from around the world .
They perform a modern , cross-cultural interpretation of the epic “ Ramayana ” incorporating South and Southeast Asia dance theater and music traditions to tell the ancient story of Ram , his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman exiled in the forest — and at odds with the brilliant king Ravana .
Streams in four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streamed on Dec. 5 .
Tickets : $ 25 for the entire series .
Visit niam.org .
The Sarah Siddons Award winner is usually celebrated at a gala ticketed event .
But this year all theater fans can get front-row access when Tony Award-winning actor Brian Stokes Mitchell accepts the award at a free virtual event .
Mitchell ’ s Broadway accomplishments and his leadership with the Actor ’ s Fund are celebrated via congratulations from colleagues and songs from his stage career performed by up-and-coming Chicago talent .
Previous Siddons award winners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Angela Lansbury to Bernadette Peters , Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald .
The free event streams at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 ; advance registration is required .
Visit sarahsiddonssociety.org .
History ’ s greatest women are celebrated through storytelling and Broadway-style songs in the children ’ s podcast “ What Will She Do Next ?
” Created by Ernie Bird and Gabrielle Mirabella , a New York-based musical theater writing team , the family-friendly podcasts are performed by professional actors .
The newest episode debuting Nov. 30 features Yasmeen Sulieman ( Broadway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shirley Chisholm , the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress .
Among the previous podcasts are the stories of astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison , ballerina Maria Tallchief , journalist Nellie Bly and author Mary Shelley .
The podcasts are free but donations , which go to the actors , are appreciated .
Access the podcast at whatwillshedo.com .
In an intimate recital recorded in Orchestra Hall , pianist Jorge Federico Osorio performs a program of works by Granados , Debussy , Brahms and more .
The performance is part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features performances by Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians and guest artists .
Streams Nov. 29-Dec. 28 .
Tickets : $ 15 .
Visit order.cso.org/11263 .

Revealing revelations
Here’s a holiday gift from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: a free virtual season throughout December beginning with a 60th anniversary celebration of the company’s signature work “Revelations” on Dec. 2. Included are commentary and analysis by Ailey experts and former dancers plus the debut of a new dance, “Testament,” by Matthew Rushing, Clifton Brown and Yusha-Marie Sorzano, which speaks to their personal experiences with the iconic work. The season also includes the world premiere of Jamar Roberts’ “A Jam Session for Troubling Times,” set to the music of Charlie Parker, and a program featuring newly recorded performances of dances Ailey created to Duke Ellington’s music. For more information, visit alvinailey.org.
The tunnel lights dance to music at Brookfield Zoo. Provided
Holidays at the zoo
Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic lights up the zoo with more than a million twinkling lights, animal sculptures, a 600-foot-long tunnel with lights synchronized to music and, what sounds like a lot of fun, a Game of Gnomes scavenger hunt. From Nov. 27-Dec. 31 at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield. (The zoo will be closed Jan. 1-Feb. 28.) Tickets: $17.95-$24.95. Visit czs.org.
Playwright Luis Valdez Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Pioneering Chicano play
In a special arrangement with L.A. Theatre Works, Porchlight Music Theatre is presenting a 2001 radio broadcast of Luis Valdez’s groundbreaking musical “Zoot Suit.” Pulsing with the beat of big-band music and traditional Latin songs, the show uses the Sleepy Lagoon murder case in which 12 Latino youths were unjustly convicted by a biased judge to examine the zoot suit culture in the 1940s. The free stream is available Nov. 27-Dec. 30. Visit porchlightmusictheatre.org.
Dancer Laksha Dantran Mandala South Asian Performing Arts
An epic tale
In celebration of the Indian holiday of Diwali, the National Indo-American Museum presents “The Story of Ram 2020,” a virtual performance by Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, with guest appearances by artists from around the world. They perform a modern, cross-cultural interpretation of the epic “Ramayana” incorporating South and Southeast Asia dance theater and music traditions to tell the ancient story of Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman exiled in the forest — and at odds with the brilliant king Ravana. Streams in four episodes Dec. 1-4 with the entire story streamed on Dec. 5. Tickets: $25 for the entire series. Visit niam.org.
Brian Stokes Mitchell Getty Images
Broadway star shines
The Sarah Siddons Award winner is usually celebrated at a gala ticketed event. But this year all theater fans can get front-row access when Tony Award-winning actor Brian Stokes Mitchell accepts the award at a free virtual event. Mitchell’s Broadway accomplishments and his leadership with the Actor’s Fund are celebrated via congratulations from colleagues and songs from his stage career performed by up-and-coming Chicago talent. Previous Siddons award winners range from Bette Davis, Lauren Bacall and Angela Lansbury to Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald. The free event streams at 5 p.m. Nov. 29; advance registration is required. Visit sarahsiddonssociety.org.
Yasmeen Sulieman Dirty Sugar
Podcast for kids
History’s greatest women are celebrated through storytelling and Broadway-style songs in the children’s podcast “What Will She Do Next?” Created by Ernie Bird and Gabrielle Mirabella, a New York-based musical theater writing team, the family-friendly podcasts are performed by professional actors. The newest episode debuting Nov. 30 features Yasmeen Sulieman (Broadway’s “Beautiful”) as Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Among the previous podcasts are the stories of astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, ballerina Maria Tallchief, journalist Nellie Bly and author Mary Shelley. The podcasts are free but donations, which go to the actors, are appreciated. Access the podcast at whatwillshedo.com.
Jorge Federico Osorio
Classical recital
In an intimate recital recorded in Orchestra Hall, pianist Jorge Federico Osorio performs a program of works by Granados, Debussy, Brahms and more. The performance is part of the digital series Symphony Center Presents, which features performances by Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians and guest artists. Streams Nov. 29-Dec. 28. Tickets: $15. Visit order.cso.org/11263.
Mary Houlihan is a Chicago freelance writer.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-25--Halas Intrigue Episode 138: Matt Nagy tap-dances around QB question

Ed has been credited with introducing the Murray family to the game of golf after caddying at the Indian Hills @ @ @ @ @ age 10 .
Ed went on to receive the Evans Scholarship , an award for @ @ @ @ @ University in 1963 .

The conversation continues in our “Halas Intrigue” Facebook group
Join experts including Patrick Finley, Mark Potash, Jason Lieser, Rick Morrissey and Rick Telander after each game to make predictions, share insights and analyze the day’s big stories. This is insight you won’t be able to get anywhere else.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-25--3 charged with torturing, beating schizophrenic man to death

An Englewood couple serving as caretakers to a 43-year-old schizophrenic man are accused of beating and torturing him with the help of a friend before the victim ’ s battered body was found in garage .
Chicago police officers , who were responding to a well being check , found the lifeless body of Frederick Johnson in the 900 block of West 71st Street on June 25 .
Santino Carter , Dominique Beck , and Brian Gray — a man the couple allegedly hired to help with the crime — have all been charged with murder .
Johnson had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beck in their home for about two years , Cook County prosecutors said Wednesday , adding that the couple collected Johnson ’ s disability checks to serve as his caretakers .
After Johnson was found dead , the couple allegedly told investigators that they had kicked him out of the home two weeks earlier for defecating in their home , in the 6900 block of South Peoria Street .
It wasn ’ t until nearly two months later when a witness came forward and told investigators about Johnson ’ s horrific final hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Carter ’ s car on June 24 when Beck called him to say that Johnson had defecated in the living room and bathroom and pushed her when she confronted him , prosecutors said .
The witness and Carter then drove to the couple ’ s home where the witness saw Carter punish Johnson by making him stand in the living room while touching his toes for several hours , prosecutors said .
Carter allegedly beat Johnson with a wooden stick and metal chain if he refused to comply .
Later that evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a hammer and go into the room where Johnson was .
The witness then heard the sounds of the hammer striking something and Johnson moaning in pain , prosecutors said .
The witness eventually fell asleep , but awoke later when Carter called Gray , 48 , to the home to help him wash Johnson and change his clothes , prosecutors said .
Gray allegedly helped Carter clean up blood throughout the home and also dragged Johnson to different areas of the home when he could no longer stand on his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a gun and pointed it at Johnson , but Gray talked him into putting it away , prosecutors said .
The witness was later told by Carter that he and Gray took Johnson to the alley where they left him and called 911 , prosecutors said .
Carter allegedly reminded the witness to stick to their story about not seeing Johnson for several weeks .
Gray later told investigators that Carter had told him that Johnson had exposed himself to Carter ’ s children and that Johnson was still alive when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alley , prosecutors said .
He allegedly said he was paid $ 100 to help clean up .
Phone records , Johnson ’ s autopsy and a search of the house corroborated the information , prosecutors said .
Beck also admitted to punishing Johnson on other occasions , including making him drink toilet water and forcing him to do do squats while holding large books for hours , prosecutors said .
Beck allegedly further implicated Gray in the murder , saying he had also participated in beating Johnson .
The three suspects were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This was a violent and cruel death that this victim suffered , ” Judge John F. Lyke said of the accusations , which he further described as “ evil on a whole other level.
” Lyke ordered Carter and Gray held without bail .
Beck was ordered held on $ 1 million bail .
The three defendants are expected back in court Dec. 14 .

An Englewood couple serving as caretakers to a 43-year-old schizophrenic man are accused of beating and torturing him with the help of a friend before the victim’s battered body was found in a garage.
Chicago police officers, who were responding to a well-being check, found the lifeless body of Frederick Johnson in the 900 block of West 71st Street on June 25.
Santino Carter, Dominique Beck, and Brian Gray — a man the couple allegedly hired to help with the crime — have all been charged with murder.
Beck, 29, additionally faces a count of neglect as a caregiver.
Johnson had been living with Carter, 38, and Beck in their home for about two years, Cook County prosecutors said Wednesday, adding that the couple collected Johnson’s disability checks to serve as his caretakers.
After Johnson was found dead, the couple allegedly told investigators that they had kicked him out of the home two weeks earlier for defecating in their home, in the 6900 block of South Peoria Street.
It wasn’t until nearly two months later when a witness came forward and told investigators about Johnson’s horrific final hours, prosecutors said.
That witness was in Carter’s car on June 24 when Beck called him to say that Johnson had defecated in the living room and bathroom and pushed her when she confronted him, prosecutors said.
The witness and Carter then drove to the couple’s home where the witness saw Carter punish Johnson by making him stand in the living room while touching his toes for several hours, prosecutors said. Carter allegedly beat Johnson with a wooden stick and metal chain if he refused to comply.
Santino Carter (left), Dominique Beck (center) and Brian Gray (right) chicago police
Later that evening, the witness allegedly saw Carter pick up a hammer and go into the room where Johnson was. The witness then heard the sounds of the hammer striking something and Johnson moaning in pain, prosecutors said.
The witness eventually fell asleep, but awoke later when Carter called Gray, 48, to the home to help him wash Johnson and change his clothes, prosecutors said. Gray allegedly helped Carter clean up blood throughout the home and also dragged Johnson to different areas of the home when he could no longer stand on his own, prosecutors said.
Carter also pulled out a gun and pointed it at Johnson, but Gray talked him into putting it away, prosecutors said.
The witness was later told by Carter that he and Gray took Johnson to the alley where they left him and called 911, prosecutors said. Carter allegedly reminded the witness to stick to their story about not seeing Johnson for several weeks.
Gray later told investigators that Carter had told him that Johnson had exposed himself to Carter’s children and that Johnson was still alive when they called 911 after leaving him in the alley, prosecutors said. He allegedly said he was paid $100 to help clean up.
Phone records, Johnson’s autopsy and a search of the house corroborated the information, prosecutors said.
Beck also admitted to punishing Johnson on other occasions, including making him drink toilet water and forcing him to do squats while holding large books for hours, prosecutors said. Beck allegedly further implicated Gray in the murder, saying he had also participated in beating Johnson.
The three suspects were taken into custody Sunday, prosecutors said.
“This was a violent and cruel death that this victim suffered,” Judge John F. Lyke said of the accusations, which he further described as “evil on a whole other level.”
Lyke ordered Carter and Gray held without bail. Beck was ordered held on $1 million bail.
The three defendants are expected back in court Dec. 14.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-25--CTA Green Line, Metra UP-W trains stopped due to ‘police activity’ at Harlem

CTA Green Line and Metra UP-W trains have been disrupted Wednesday due to “ police activity ” at Harlem .
@ @ @ @ @ Green Line trains were standing due to “ an unauthorized person on the tracks ” @ @ @ @ @ , and suspended service between Harlem and Laramie about 5:35 p.m .
Shuttle buses have @ @ @ @ @ for the disruption , the CTA said .
Metra later stopped all UP-W trains to @ @ @ @ @ .
Oak Park police could not be reached for details Wednesday .

CTA Green Line and Metra UP-W trains were disrupted for nearly seven hours Wednesday evening due to “police activity” at Harlem.
The CTA first announced that Green Line trains were standing due to “an unauthorized person on the tracks” at Harlem about 4:15 p.m., and suspended service between Harlem and Laramie about 5:35 p.m. Shuttle buses have been dispatched to make up for the disruption, the CTA said.
Metra later stopped all UP-W trains to allow for a police response.
Green Line trains resumed service around 10:55 p.m. with residual delays.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-25--McHenry County vows not to prosecute bars, restaurants for serving indoors — but Pritzker asks prose

McHenry County vows not to prosecute bars, restaurants for serving indoors — but Pritzker asks prosecutor to ‘follow the law’

McHenry County ’ s top prosecutor says he won ’ t enforce the indoor dining ban that Gov .
J.B. Pritzker implemented as part of the state ’ s latest efforts to rein in rising coronavirus infections and deaths .
But McHenry County State ’ s Attorney Patrick D. Kenneally on Wednesday said he would enforce capacity limits and laws requiring patrons and employees to wear masks and social distance .
Indoor dining was banned statewide after Tier 3 mitigations took effect last Friday .
Since then , the McHenry County Public Health Department referred 11 complaints to the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants violating indoor dining restrictions , the Northwest Herald reported .
But Kenneally said in a statement that the mitigations rested on an executive order that he believes his office isn ’ t authorized to enforce .
Kenneally also questioned if Pritzker ’ s emergency powers were constitutional under state law .
There “ is no provision in the executive orders or the Illinois Emergency Management Act requiring or even authorizing the State ’ s Attorney ’ s Office to enforce these orders , ” Kenneally said in a statement .
“ Second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently being litigated , as to whether the executive orders , which require the Governor to exercise ‘ emergency powers , ’ are authorized under Illinois law or otherwise constitutional.
” Kenneally said the the dining restrictions could , however , be enforced if they were based on a law passed by the state Legislature .
The Democratic governor responded by saying it was “ surprising the state ’ s attorney ’ s office doesn ’ t want to follow the law .
“ And other jurisdictions are following the law and prosecuting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failing to follow these mitigations .
Or they ’ re opening their doors , if they ’ re bars , and spreading the virus willy-nilly at a time when we ’ re undergoing a terrible second wave of the virus , ” Pritzker said .
McHenry County , in Region 9 along with Lake County , has a 13.5 % testing positivity rate , and has recorded more than 12,000 positive coronavirus cases and 143 deaths .
“ I would hope that officers of the court , like state ’ s attorneys , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right thing , ” Pritzker said .
“ Because people are getting sick .
If you don ’ t do the right thing , more people will get sick .
”

McHenry County’s top prosecutor says he won’t enforce the indoor dining ban that Gov. J.B. Pritzker implemented as part of the state’s latest efforts to rein in rising coronavirus infections and deaths.
But McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick D. Kenneally on Wednesday said he would enforce capacity limits and laws requiring patrons and employees to wear masks and social distance.
Indoor dining was banned statewide after Tier 3 mitigations took effect last Friday. Since then, the McHenry County Public Health Department referred 11 complaints to the state’s attorney’s office about restaurants violating indoor dining restrictions, the Northwest Herald reported.
But Kenneally said in a statement that the mitigations rested on an executive order that he believes his office isn’t authorized to enforce. Kenneally also questioned if Pritzker’s emergency powers were constitutional under state law.
There “is no provision in the executive orders or the Illinois Emergency Management Act requiring or even authorizing the State’s Attorney’s Office to enforce these orders,” Kenneally said in a statement. “Second, there is the legitimate question, currently being litigated, as to whether the executive orders, which require the Governor to exercise ‘emergency powers,’ are authorized under Illinois law or otherwise constitutional.”
Kenneally said the the dining restrictions could, however, be enforced if they were based on a law passed by the state Legislature.
The Democratic governor responded by saying it was “surprising the state’s attorney’s office doesn’t want to follow the law.
“And other jurisdictions are following the law and prosecuting these fines ... for businesses that are failing to follow these mitigations. Or they’re opening their doors, if they’re bars, and spreading the virus willy-nilly at a time when we’re undergoing a terrible second wave of the virus,” Pritzker said.
McHenry County, in Region 9 along with Lake County, has a 13.5% testing positivity rate, and has recorded more than 12,000 positive coronavirus cases and 143 deaths.
“I would hope that officers of the court, like state’s attorneys, would follow the law and do the right thing,” Pritzker said. “Because people are getting sick. If you don’t do the right thing, more people will get sick.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-26--Dear Abby: Abusive dad’s new weapon — letters full of subtle insults

DEAR ABBY : I could use some advice on the best response to my 89-year-old father ’ s letters .
He cleverly inserts insults into them without writing anything for which he could be criticized .
For example , he has always talked about how he hates fat people .
I am very overweight .
My father sends me letters talking about how fit and trim another relative is who had just visited .
That ’ s all he says about them , and it ’ s all he writes to me about .
I can certainly read between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-time thing , just one example .
I know my father will never change .
He was abusive to me , my siblings and my mother .
I see these letters as another way for him to continue his abuse , so I ignore them .
Not engaging is my way of taking the high road .
Extended family and friends bug me to talk with him about it , but I have never had a good experience with talking to my father .
I would have hoped that being closer to death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his children , but he just isn ’ t able to do so .
Could you recommend a response other than silence ?
— READING INTO IT IN ILLINOIS DEAR READING INTO IT : As a matter of fact , I can .
Write him back and say something like this : ” Dear Dad , you may have been wondering why I don ’ t respond to your letters .
They contain nothing more than comparisons to other relatives who are skinnier and more fit than I am , and frankly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I am not writing this as a criticism of you , but only so you will understand my silence .
You do not have to talk to him .
This should get your message across .
DEAR ABBY : I have a friend who is divorced and struggling financially , but doesn ’ t work other than sporadic pet-sitting jobs .
I enjoy her company and we have a lot in common , but when we go on outings together , she expects me to drive and pay for her drinks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough money .
She doesn ’ t own a credit card .
I ’ m starting to feel resentful and like I ’ m being taken advantage of .
She thanks me sometimes , but I think she feels that because I am financially comfortable and she isn ’ t , I should be a good friend and help her out .
I really want to discuss the situation with her , but I am afraid of coming across as stingy and uncaring .
What are your thoughts ?
— USED IN ALABAMA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue with your signature .
You are not being used ; you have been ALLOWING yourself to be used .
It would be neither stingy nor uncaring to ask before making a date to go out together whether she has the money to pay her way .
If the answer is no , suggest doing something that doesn ’ t involve money or that ’ s within her budget — unless you want to treat her .
But treating her should not be expected , any more than any other gift would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I could use some advice on the best response to my 89-year-old father’s letters. He cleverly inserts insults into them without writing anything for which he could be criticized.
For example, he has always talked about how he hates fat people. I am very overweight. My father sends me letters talking about how fit and trim another relative is who had just visited. That’s all he says about them, and it’s all he writes to me about. I can certainly read between the lines.
This isn’t a one-time thing, just one example. I know my father will never change. He was abusive to me, my siblings and my mother. I see these letters as another way for him to continue his abuse, so I ignore them. Not engaging is my way of taking the high road. Extended family and friends bug me to talk with him about it, but I have never had a good experience with talking to my father.
I would have hoped that being closer to death would cause him to reconsider his interactions with his children, but he just isn’t able to do so. Could you recommend a response other than silence? — READING INTO IT IN ILLINOIS
DEAR READING INTO IT: As a matter of fact, I can. Write him back and say something like this:
”Dear Dad, you may have been wondering why I don’t respond to your letters. They contain nothing more than comparisons to other relatives who are skinnier and more fit than I am, and frankly, I find them painful to read. I am not writing this as a criticism of you, but only so you will understand my silence.
”Sincerely,
”Your Daughter ‘Judy’ ”
You do not have to talk to him. This should get your message across.
DEAR ABBY: I have a friend who is divorced and struggling financially, but doesn’t work other than sporadic pet-sitting jobs. I enjoy her company and we have a lot in common, but when we go on outings together, she expects me to drive and pay for her drinks and food if she doesn’t have enough money. She doesn’t own a credit card.
I’m starting to feel resentful and like I’m being taken advantage of. She thanks me sometimes, but I think she feels that because I am financially comfortable and she isn’t, I should be a good friend and help her out. I really want to discuss the situation with her, but I am afraid of coming across as stingy and uncaring. What are your thoughts? — USED IN ALABAMA
DEAR USED: I have to take issue with your signature. You are not being used; you have been ALLOWING yourself to be used. It would be neither stingy nor uncaring to ask before making a date to go out together whether she has the money to pay her way. If the answer is no, suggest doing something that doesn’t involve money or that’s within her budget — unless you want to treat her. But treating her should not be expected, any more than any other gift would be.
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.)