chicagosun-times--2020-12-21--Congress approves $900B COVID relief bill, sending to Trump

WASHINGTON — Congress passed a $ 900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths .
Lawmakers tacked on a $ 1.4 trillion catchall spending bill and thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a massive bundle of bipartisan legislation as Capitol Hill prepared to close the books on the year .
The bill goes to President Donald Trump for his signature , which is expected in the coming days .
The relief package , unveiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Senate in a matter of hours .
The Senate cleared the massive package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved the COVID-19 package by another lopsided vote , 359-53 .
The tallies were a bipartisan coda to months of partisanship and politicking as lawmakers wrangled over the relief question , a logjam that broke after President-elect Joe Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked .
The bill combines coronavirus-fighting funds with financial relief for individuals and businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $ 600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans , along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses , restaurants , and theaters and money for schools , health care providers and renters facing eviction .
The 5,593-page legislation — by far the longest bill ever — came together Sunday after months of battling , posturing and postelection negotiating that reined in a number of Democratic demands as the end of the congressional session approached .
Biden was eager for a deal to deliver long-awaited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the economy , even though it was less than half the size that Democrats wanted in the fall .
“ This deal is not everything I want — not by a long shot , ” said Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern , D-Mass.
, a longstanding voice in the party ’ s old-school liberal wing .
“ The choice before us is simple .
It ’ s about whether we help families or not .
It ’ s about whether we help small businesses and restaurants or not .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) benefits and strengthen anti-hunger programs or not .
And whether we help those dealing with a job loss or not .
To me , this is not a tough call.
” The Senate , meanwhile , was also on track to pass a one-week stopgap spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown at midnight and give Trump time to sign the sweeping legislation .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , a key negotiator , said on CNBC Monday morning that the direct payments would begin arriving in bank accounts next week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden takes office , but Republicans were signaling a wait-and-see approach .
The measure would fund the government through September , wrapping a year ’ s worth of action on annual spending bills into a single package that never saw Senate committee or floor debate .
The legislation followed a tortured path .
Democrats played hardball up until Election Day , amid accusations that they wanted to deny Trump a victory that might help him prevail .
Democrats denied that , but their demands indeed became more realistic after Trump ’ s loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half a loaf was better than none .
The final bill bore ample resemblance to a $ 1 trillion package put together by Senate Republican leaders in July , a proposal that at the time was scoffed at by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , as way too little .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , took a victory lap after blocking far more ambitious legislation from reaching the Senate floor .
He said the pragmatic approach of Biden was key .
“ The president-elect suggesting that we needed to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi and Schumer into a better place , ” McConnell told The Associated Press .
“ My view about what comes next is let ’ s take a look at it .
Happy to evaluate that based upon the needs that we confront in February and March.
” Vice President-elect Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , came to the Senate to cast her vote for the bill .
“ The American people need relief and I want to be able to do what I can to help them , ” she said .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600 to individuals making up to $ 75,000 per year and $ 1,200 to couples making up to $ 150,000 , with payments phased out for higher incomes .
An additional $ 600 payment will be made per dependent child , similar to the last round of relief payments in the spring .
“ I expect we ’ ll get the money out by the beginning of next week — $ 2,400 for a family of four , ” Mnuchin said .
“ So much needed relief just in time for the holidays.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobless benefit was half the supplemental federal unemployment benefit provided under the $ 1.8 billion CARES Act in March .
That more generous benefit and would be limited to 11 weeks instead of 16 weeks .
The direct $ 600 stimulus payment was also half the March payment .
The CARES Act was credited with keeping the economy from falling off a cliff during widespread lockdowns in the spring , but Republicans controlling the Senate cited debt concerns in pushing against Democratic demands .
“ Anyone who thinks this bill is enough hasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voices of their constituents , has not looked into the eyes of the small-business owner on the brink of ruin , ” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer , a lifelong New Yorker who pushed hard for money helping his city ’ s transit systems , renters , theaters and restaurants .
Progress came after a bipartisan group of pragmatists and moderates devised a $ 908 billion plan that built a middle-ground position that the top four leaders of Congress — the GOP and Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The lawmakers urged leaders on both sides to back off of hardline positions .
“ At times we felt like we were in the wilderness because people on all sides of the aisle didn ’ t want to give , in order to give the other side a win , ” said freshman Rep. Elssa Slotkin , D-Mich. “ And it was gross to watch , frankly.
” Republicans were most intent on reviving the Paycheck Protection Program with $ 284 billion , which would cover a second round of PPP grants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set-asides for low-income and minority communities .
The sweeping bill also contains $ 25 billion in rental assistance , $ 15 billion for theaters and other live venues , $ 82 billion for local schools , colleges and universities , and $ 10 billion for child care .
The governmentwide appropriations bill was likely to provide a last $ 1.4 billion installment for Trump ’ s U.S.-Mexico border wall as a condition of winning his signature .
The Pentagon would receive $ 696 billion .
Democrats and Senate Republicans prevailed in a bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12.5 billion more for domestic programs into the legislation .
The bill was an engine to carry much of Capitol Hill ’ s unfinished business , including an almost 400-page water resources bill that targets $ 10 billion for 46 Army Corps of Engineers flood control , environmental and coastal protection projects .
Another addition would extend a batch of soon-to-expire tax breaks , such as one for craft brewers , wineries and distillers .
It also would carry numerous clean-energy provisions sought by Democrats with fossil fuel incentives favored by Republicans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadband , $ 4 billion to help other nations vaccinate their people , $ 14 billion for cash-starved transit systems , $ 1 billion for Amtrak and $ 2 billion for airports and concessionaires .
Food stamp benefits would temporarily be increased by 15 % .
The Senate Historical Office said the previous record for the length of legislation was the 2,847-page tax reform bill of 1986 — about one-half the size of Monday ’ s behemoth .

WASHINGTON — Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Lawmakers tacked on a $1.4 trillion catchall spending bill and thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a massive bundle of bipartisan legislation as Capitol Hill prepared to close the books on the year. The bill goes to President Donald Trump for his signature, which is expected in the coming days.
The relief package, unveiled Monday afternoon, sped through the House and Senate in a matter of hours. The Senate cleared the massive package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved the COVID-19 package by another lopsided vote, 359-53. The tallies were a bipartisan coda to months of partisanship and politicking as lawmakers wrangled over the relief question, a logjam that broke after President-elect Joe Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked.
The bill combines coronavirus-fighting funds with financial relief for individuals and businesses. It would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans, along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants, and theaters and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.
The 5,593-page legislation — by far the longest bill ever — came together Sunday after months of battling, posturing and postelection negotiating that reined in a number of Democratic demands as the end of the congressional session approached. Biden was eager for a deal to deliver long-awaited help to suffering people and a boost to the economy, even though it was less than half the size that Democrats wanted in the fall.
“This deal is not everything I want — not by a long shot,” said Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., a longstanding voice in the party’s old-school liberal wing. “The choice before us is simple. It’s about whether we help families or not. It’s about whether we help small businesses and restaurants or not. It’s about whether we boost (food stamp) benefits and strengthen anti-hunger programs or not. And whether we help those dealing with a job loss or not. To me, this is not a tough call.”
The Senate, meanwhile, was also on track to pass a one-week stopgap spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown at midnight and give Trump time to sign the sweeping legislation.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, a key negotiator, said on CNBC Monday morning that the direct payments would begin arriving in bank accounts next week.
Democrats promised more aid to come once Biden takes office, but Republicans were signaling a wait-and-see approach.
The measure would fund the government through September, wrapping a year’s worth of action on annual spending bills into a single package that never saw Senate committee or floor debate.
The legislation followed a tortured path. Democrats played hardball up until Election Day, amid accusations that they wanted to deny Trump a victory that might help him prevail. Democrats denied that, but their demands indeed became more realistic after Trump’s loss and as Biden made it clear that half a loaf was better than none.
The final bill bore ample resemblance to a $1 trillion package put together by Senate Republican leaders in July, a proposal that at the time was scoffed at by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as way too little.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., took a victory lap after blocking far more ambitious legislation from reaching the Senate floor. He said the pragmatic approach of Biden was key.
“The president-elect suggesting that we needed to do something now was helpful in moving both Pelosi and Schumer into a better place,” McConnell told The Associated Press. “My view about what comes next is let’s take a look at it. Happy to evaluate that based upon the needs that we confront in February and March.”
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, D-Calif., came to the Senate to cast her vote for the bill. “The American people need relief and I want to be able to do what I can to help them,” she said.
On direct payments, the bill provides $600 to individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 to couples making up to $150,000, with payments phased out for higher incomes. An additional $600 payment will be made per dependent child, similar to the last round of relief payments in the spring.
“I expect we’ll get the money out by the beginning of next week — $2,400 for a family of four,” Mnuchin said. “So much needed relief just in time for the holidays.”
The $300 per week bonus jobless benefit was half the supplemental federal unemployment benefit provided under the $1.8 billion CARES Act in March. That more generous benefit and would be limited to 11 weeks instead of 16 weeks. The direct $600 stimulus payment was also half the March payment.
The CARES Act was credited with keeping the economy from falling off a cliff during widespread lockdowns in the spring, but Republicans controlling the Senate cited debt concerns in pushing against Democratic demands.
“Anyone who thinks this bill is enough hasn’t heard the desperation in the voices of their constituents, has not looked into the eyes of the small-business owner on the brink of ruin,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a lifelong New Yorker who pushed hard for money helping his city’s transit systems, renters, theaters and restaurants.
Progress came after a bipartisan group of pragmatists and moderates devised a $908 billion plan that built a middle-ground position that the top four leaders of Congress — the GOP and Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate — used as the basis for their talks. The lawmakers urged leaders on both sides to back off of hardline positions.
“At times we felt like we were in the wilderness because people on all sides of the aisle didn’t want to give, in order to give the other side a win,” said freshman Rep. Elssa Slotkin, D-Mich. “And it was gross to watch, frankly.”
Republicans were most intent on reviving the Paycheck Protection Program with $284 billion, which would cover a second round of PPP grants to especially hard-hit businesses. Democrats won set-asides for low-income and minority communities.
The sweeping bill also contains $25 billion in rental assistance, $15 billion for theaters and other live venues, $82 billion for local schools, colleges and universities, and $10 billion for child care.
The governmentwide appropriations bill was likely to provide a last $1.4 billion installment for Trump’s U.S.-Mexico border wall as a condition of winning his signature. The Pentagon would receive $696 billion. Democrats and Senate Republicans prevailed in a bid to use bookkeeping maneuvers to squeeze $12.5 billion more for domestic programs into the legislation.
The bill was an engine to carry much of Capitol Hill’s unfinished business, including an almost 400-page water resources bill that targets $10 billion for 46 Army Corps of Engineers flood control, environmental and coastal protection projects. Another addition would extend a batch of soon-to-expire tax breaks, such as one for craft brewers, wineries and distillers.
It also would carry numerous clean-energy provisions sought by Democrats with fossil fuel incentives favored by Republicans, $7 billion to increase access to broadband, $4 billion to help other nations vaccinate their people, $14 billion for cash-starved transit systems, $1 billion for Amtrak and $2 billion for airports and concessionaires. Food stamp benefits would temporarily be increased by 15%.
The Senate Historical Office said the previous record for the length of legislation was the 2,847-page tax reform bill of 1986 — about one-half the size of Monday’s behemoth.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-21--Coach class is all business in college football

Northwestern ( 6-2 ) is going to play Auburn ( 6-4 ) in the Citrus Bowl on New Year ’ s Day , which gives us a nice springboard into the college football racket .
Start with this : 10 days ago , Auburn paid coach Gus Malzahn a reported $ 21.7 million to go away .
Read that again .
Then remember No .
14 Northwestern lost 22-10 to No .
3 Ohio State this Saturday .
If the Wildcats had won that Big Ten title game , there might be some folks yelling for the mighty Purple to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the spot Ohio State now has against No .
2 Clemson .
( Fans yell about much less , you know . )
Then consider that Ohio State has four assistant coaches making more than $ 1 million a year .
Read that again .
We are not talking about the head coach .
That man , Ohio State ’ s second-year leader , Ryan Day , makes $ 5.75 million this year .
Well , subtract a ‘ ‘ pandemic reduction ’ ’ of around $ 200,000 from his income .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 400,000 or thereabouts he gets for making the playoff .
Plus a bump if his team wins the title game .
There are even more cash surprises out there for Day , like the contents of adult Easter eggs , such as the $ 150,000 he gets paid if his team ever has a cumulative 3.5 GPA .
( That entitlement has long been one of my favorites — players study ; the coach profits . )
Money goes all over the place at OSU , except , of course , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the same as Northwestern ’ s players , to a lesser degree , is the chance to perform on TV , entertain millions of viewers , risk injury and possibly get or spread a dangerous virus in the midst of a pandemic .
Even Buckeyes strength coach Mickey Marotti is a wealthy man .
According to a USA Today report , he makes $ 787,000 a year .
And strength coaches are guys we used to call ‘ ‘ meatheads.
’ ’ But enough about Ohio State .
Just one more thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much these coaches do not want their teams to lose .
To them , Johnny Wideout is not a ‘ ‘ student-athlete.
’ ’ He ’ s a meal ticket .
A huge , ornate , Crystal-infused mega-meal .
This goes for all big-time coaches .
Amazing , but at least 32 offensive line coaches — the men who tell fat kids how to block —make $ 390,000 or more .
Yes , Northwestern is in on the money , too .
And why not ?
Indeed , if there ’ s any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it might be that in Evanston , if you can work toward the degree you want , then graduate , the value of your scholarship is about $ 76,000 a year .
That ’ s if you ’ d be paying full freight , of course , which only rich students do .
At Auburn , a scholarship is less of a deal — $ 32,000 a year for in-state students — but still something .
The point is the deal ’ s not granted in money , coach-style , just in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected on the field from Northwestern athletes — maybe the expectation of studious behavior is why none of the players has yet had to quarantine because of COVID-19 , while Ohio State had 22 players out Saturday — winning big games is almost shocking .
Coach Pat Fitzgerald already makes more than $ 5 million a year , and now he ’ s being courted heavily by other schools and the NFL , fists waving with cash .
You can almost guarantee that if the Cats whip unranked Auburn , he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big money .
After all , because of NU ’ s improvement in sports — without the scandals that typically accompany such success — highly respected longtime athletic director Jim Phillips will be leaving soon to become commissioner of the ACC .
It ’ s not like Phillips was making peanuts at NU , either .
His $ 2 million-plus salary was the highest for ADs in the Big Ten .
But he ’ ll do way better in Greensboro , North Carolina .
Back to the original point .
Fired coach Malzahn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game in January 2014 .
In 2017 , his team beat two No .
1 teams , Georgia and Alabama .
In eight years , Malzahn never had a losing season .
But what had he done for Auburn lately ?
Apparently not enough .
Kevin Steele is the school ’ s interim coach until a new man is picked .
Which may be for gazillions .
We ’ re talking SEC football here , folks , so nothing ’ s normal .
But the Big Ten ’ s not a beggar ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ d like to think the Citrus Bowl experience is about fun and games .
How does money sound instead ?
For more from Rick Telander , visit his website at ricktelander.com .

Northwestern (6-2) is going to play Auburn (6-4) in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day, which gives us a nice springboard into the college football racket.
Start with this: 10 days ago, Auburn paid coach Gus Malzahn a reported $21.7 million to go away. Read that again.
Then remember No. 14 Northwestern lost 22-10 to No. 3 Ohio State this Saturday. If the Wildcats had won that Big Ten title game, there might be some folks yelling for the mighty Purple to be in the College Football Playoff, with the spot Ohio State now has against No. 2 Clemson. (Fans yell about much less, you know.)
Then consider that Ohio State has four assistant coaches making more than $1 million a year. Read that again. We are not talking about the head coach.
That man, Ohio State’s second-year leader, Ryan Day, makes $5.75 million this year. Well, subtract a ‘‘pandemic reduction’’ of around $200,000 from his income. But jack it up again by the $400,000 or thereabouts he gets for making the playoff. Plus a bump if his team wins the title game.
There are even more cash surprises out there for Day, like the contents of adult Easter eggs, such as the $150,000 he gets paid if his team ever has a cumulative 3.5 GPA. (That entitlement has long been one of my favorites — players study; the coach profits.)
Money goes all over the place at OSU, except, of course, to the players. What they get now, the same as Northwestern’s players, to a lesser degree, is the chance to perform on TV, entertain millions of viewers, risk injury and possibly get or spread a dangerous virus in the midst of a pandemic.
But the coaches? Hi-yo, Silver!
Even Buckeyes strength coach Mickey Marotti is a wealthy man. According to a USA Today report, he makes $787,000 a year. And strength coaches are guys we used to call ‘‘meatheads.’’
But enough about Ohio State. Just one more thing, in general.
Please realize how much these coaches do not want their teams to lose. To them, Johnny Wideout is not a ‘‘student-athlete.’’ He’s a meal ticket. A huge, ornate, Crystal-infused mega-meal.
This goes for all big-time coaches. Amazing, but at least 32 offensive line coaches — the men who tell fat kids how to block —make $390,000 or more.
Yes, Northwestern is in on the money, too. And why not?
Indeed, if there’s any equity in big-time, unpaid-worker college football, it might be that in Evanston, if you can work toward the degree you want, then graduate, the value of your scholarship is about $76,000 a year. That’s if you’d be paying full freight, of course, which only rich students do.
At Auburn, a scholarship is less of a deal — $32,000 a year for in-state students — but still something. The point is the deal’s not granted in money, coach-style, just in services.
But because not as much is expected on the field from Northwestern athletes — maybe the expectation of studious behavior is why none of the players has yet had to quarantine because of COVID-19, while Ohio State had 22 players out Saturday — winning big games is almost shocking.
Coach Pat Fitzgerald already makes more than $5 million a year, and now he’s being courted heavily by other schools and the NFL, fists waving with cash. You can almost guarantee that if the Cats whip unranked Auburn, he’ll be ready to pursue the really big money.
After all, because of NU’s improvement in sports — without the scandals that typically accompany such success — highly respected longtime athletic director Jim Phillips will be leaving soon to become commissioner of the ACC.
It’s not like Phillips was making peanuts at NU, either. His $2 million-plus salary was the highest for ADs in the Big Ten. But he’ll do way better in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Back to the original point. Fired coach Malzahn had led Auburn to the national title game in January 2014. In 2017, his team beat two No. 1 teams, Georgia and Alabama. In eight years, Malzahn never had a losing season.
But what had he done for Auburn lately? Apparently not enough.
Kevin Steele is the school’s interim coach until a new man is picked. Which may be for gazillions. We’re talking SEC football here, folks, so nothing’s normal.
But the Big Ten’s not a beggar’s cup for coaches, either.
You’d like to think the Citrus Bowl experience is about fun and games.
How does money sound instead?
For more from Rick Telander, visit his website at ricktelander.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-21--Missing woman last seen leaving Rush University Medical Center located

Beverly Murphy , a missing 60-year-old woman who was last seen leaving Rush University Medical Center , has been found @ @ @ @ @ Police said Monday night that she had been located and taken to an area hospital @

Beverly Murphy, a missing 60-year-old woman who was last seen leaving Rush University Medical Center, has been found, Chicago police said.
Police said Monday night that she had been located and taken to an area hospital.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-21--Coronavirus live blog, Dec. 21, 2020: Community health centers must decide who to vaccinate first

President-elect Joe Biden received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine just days after Vice President Mike Pence received his dose .
Here ’ s what else happened in coronavirus-related news .
8:56 p.m. Community health centers must decide who to vaccinate first With a second coronavirus vaccine arriving in states Monday , community health centers that have long filled the gap in hospital health care deserts nationwide are prepping for their turn at vaccinating clinical and other staff amid challenges of trust and prioritization .
In Illinois , an initial 109,000 doses of the first vaccine , Pfizer-BioNTech ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — 17,000 doses were distributed to hospitals by Friday , the remainder to be given out over the weekend .
But federally qualified health centers ( FQHC ) , which replaced hospitals as they disappeared from rural and inner-city communities , will be the real ground zero in the task of vaccinating disadvantaged communities .
Once the rationed doses are received , Lawndale Christian Health Center , 3860 W. Ogden , one of those FQHCs serving 60,000 Chicagoans in West Side North Lawndale , and others will face an equity dilemma that goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges is to try and figure out an equitable way to distribute the vaccine among staff , so we don ’ t make some mistakes we ’ ve made in the past , prioritizing only physicians and nurses , ” said Dr. Wayne Detmer , chief clinical officer at Read the full story from Maudlyne Ihejirika here .
After nearly 70 years in the community , the High Ridge YMCA in West Rogers Park will be shuttered at the end of January due to ongoing financial issues , which worsened during the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2424 W. Touhy Ave. , will close at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 , 2021 , after operating at a loss for a number of years even before the COVID-19 crisis , according to a statement on the YMCA of Metro Chicago ’ s website .
Despite its losses , which were due to declining membership , increased competition in the area and rising costs , the organization sought to keep the facility open because of its value to the community , the statement said .
3:48 p.m. Biden gets COVID-19 vaccine , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Del .
— President-elect Joe Biden on Monday received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television as part of a growing effort to convince the American public the inoculations are safe .
The president-elect took a dose of Pfizer vaccine at a hospital not far from his Delaware home , hours after his wife , Jill Biden , did the same .
The injections came the same day that a second vaccine , produced by Moderna , will start arriving in states .
It joins Pfizer ’ s in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic , which has now killed more than 317,000 people in the United States and upended life around the globe .
“ I ’ m ready , ” said Biden , who was administered the dose at a hospital in Newark , Delaware , and declined the option to count to three before the needle was inserted into his left arm .
“ I ’ m doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it ’ s available to take the vaccine .
There ’ s nothing to worry about.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers and said President Donald Trump ’ s administration “ deserves some credit getting this off the ground.
” And Biden urged Americans to wear masks during the upcoming Christmas holiday and not travel unless necessary .
Illinois public health officials reported 4,669 new and probable cases of the coronavirus and 98 deaths Monday , the lowest total of new cases since late October .
As of Sunday night , 4,460 people who ’ ve tested positive for the virus are in hospitals around the state .
Of that number , 981 COVID-positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 546 were on ventilators .
Statewide , 779 of the state ’ s 3,286 intensive care beds are available , according to state data .
The state has 4,146 ventilators available out of 5,691 .
On Oct. 27 , the state logged 4,000 new cases in a day , which was the last time the state saw a new case count in that range .
12:43 p.m. EU greenlights COVID-19 vaccine after agency gives safety OK The European Union on Monday gave official approval for the coronavirus vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 27-nation bloc .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the commission “ took the decision to make available for European citizens the first COVID-19 vaccine .
We granted conditional market authorization.
” The commission , the EU ’ s executive arm , gave the greenlight just hours after the European Medicines Agency said the shot meets safety and quality standards .
Brussels had been expected to require two or three days to endorse the market authorization move .
State health officials on Sunday announced an additional 79 coronavirus-related deaths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting 100 or more deaths .
Though Sunday was the first time the state hadn ’ t recorded a three-digit daily death toll in almost two weeks , Illinois is still in the midst of its deadliest stretch of the pandemic , and it ’ s not unusual to see lower numbers on the weekends due to backlogged reporting .
This month , Illinois has logged nearly 3,000 coronavirus-related deaths , which is more than 19.4 % of the state ’ s pandemic death toll of 15,202 .
Half of Sunday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area .
The vast majority of those deaths reported statewide were among people 60 and older , with people under 60 accounting for six of Sunday ’ s total deaths .
Illinois also surpassed 900,000 coronavirus cases Sunday with state health officials announcing 6,003 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 infections .
8:11 a.m .
Highlights of new COVID relief deal : Congress to vote on $ 300 jobless benefit , $ 600 direct payment and more PPP House and Senate leaders on Sunday reached a deal on a $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 300-a-week jobless benefits — but no direct payments to the city of Chicago or state of Illinois to help meet payrolls .
The lack of an agreement to help cash-starved local governments — not a surprise at this point — means Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker have tough choices ahead when it comes to taxes and layoffs .
After months of negotiations , Congress is expected to approve the measure this week .
If signed into law , this $ 900 billion measure will be the second largest stimulus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y .
The emergency $ 2.2 trillion federal Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act — known as the CARES Act — signed into law on March 27 was the biggest .
Lynn Sweet outlines the highlights of the deal here .
• State health officials on Sunday announced an additional 79 coronavirus-related deaths , snapping an unprecedented 12-day streak of Illinois reporting 100 or more deaths .
• This month , Illinois has logged nearly 3,000 coronavirus-related deaths , which is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pandemic death toll of 15,202 .
• Public health officials on Saturday announced 108 more Illinois residents have died of COVID-19 , which has spread to an additional 7,562 residents .
• Illinois surpassed 900,000 coronavirus cases Sunday with state health officials announcing 6,003 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 infections .
The Chicago Teachers Union has tried twice to stop Chicago Public Schools from reopening in January — and has lost both times .
The latest failure came on Thursday , when the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board denied the union ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halt the Jan. 4 return date for preschoolers and some special education students and staff .
The union had accused CPS of violating labor law by refusing to negotiate in good faith over a safe reopening .
The loss is a huge blow to the CTU , which has been at a toxic stalemate with CPS for months over bringing students back to the classroom , even for hybrid learning that would have children in schools only part time .
But the decision comes as good news , in our view , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opted to return to in-person instruction .
Remote learning , it seems , is simply not cutting it for these children ’ s educational and social well-being .
Read the full editorial from the Sun-Times Editorial Board here .
Welcome to the Chicago Sun-Times Latin Lockdown Workshop .
Please direct your attention to the chalkboard , where I ’ ve written : “ Post hoc ergo propter hoc.
” In English : “ After this , therefore because of this.
” It ’ s what we pointy-heads call a “ logical fallacy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a wrong conclusion when two events occur close together .
I mention it now because the joy of getting millions of vaccines to millions of American arms will be quickly followed by a backlash of imaginary bad results .
That isn ’ t a crystal ball prediction ; it ’ s a take-it-to-the-bank certainty .
With the exception of a few extremely rare allergic reactions , the most common vaccine side effect will be passing soreness .
But some getting the vaccine will blame it for later being hit by a bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ With the vaccine , you ’ ve got to be careful when you hear side effects , ” said Dr. Michael Ruchim , a gastroenterologist at Northwestern Medicine well-versed in pharmaceutical trials .
“ The question arises , ‘ Are they cause and effect ?
Or something random the person getting the vaccine was going to get anyway ?
’ ”

President-elect Joe Biden received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine just days after Vice President Mike Pence received his dose.
Here’s what else happened in coronavirus-related news.
News
8:56 p.m. Community health centers must decide who to vaccinate first
Contracted by the city of Chicago to provide care for high-risk homeless there during the pandemic, Lawndale Christian Health Center set up a makeshift clinic at the Downtown Hotel 166. (L-R) Manager Tawana Freeman, medical assistant De’Angel Groves and manager Sandra Alvarado work inside the hotel. Provided
With a second coronavirus vaccine arriving in states Monday, community health centers that have long filled the gap in hospital health care deserts nationwide are prepping for their turn at vaccinating clinical and other staff amid challenges of trust and prioritization.
In Illinois, an initial 109,000 doses of the first vaccine, Pfizer-BioNTech’s, was rolled out last week — 17,000 doses were distributed to hospitals by Friday, the remainder to be given out over the weekend.
But federally qualified health centers (FQHC), which replaced hospitals as they disappeared from rural and inner-city communities, will be the real ground zero in the task of vaccinating disadvantaged communities.
Once the rationed doses are received, Lawndale Christian Health Center, 3860 W. Ogden, one of those FQHCs serving 60,000 Chicagoans in West Side North Lawndale, and others will face an equity dilemma that goes beyond race.
“One of the challenges is to try and figure out an equitable way to distribute the vaccine among staff, so we don’t make some mistakes we’ve made in the past, prioritizing only physicians and nurses,” said Dr. Wayne Detmer, chief clinical officer at
Read the full story from Maudlyne Ihejirika here.
7:40 p.m. High Ridge YMCA to close in January
After nearly 70 years in the community, the High Ridge YMCA in West Rogers Park will be shuttered at the end of January due to ongoing financial issues, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The facility, located at 2424 W. Touhy Ave., will close at 7 p.m. Jan. 22, 2021, after operating at a loss for a number of years even before the COVID-19 crisis, according to a statement on the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s website.
Despite its losses, which were due to declining membership, increased competition in the area and rising costs, the organization sought to keep the facility open because of its value to the community, the statement said.
Reporter Emmanuel Camarillo has the full story.
3:48 p.m. Biden gets COVID-19 vaccine, says ‘nothing to worry about’
NEWARK, Del. — President-elect Joe Biden on Monday received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television as part of a growing effort to convince the American public the inoculations are safe.
The president-elect took a dose of Pfizer vaccine at a hospital not far from his Delaware home, hours after his wife, Jill Biden, did the same. The injections came the same day that a second vaccine, produced by Moderna, will start arriving in states. It joins Pfizer’s in the nation’s arsenal against the COVID-19 pandemic, which has now killed more than 317,000 people in the United States and upended life around the globe.
“I’m ready,” said Biden, who was administered the dose at a hospital in Newark, Delaware, and declined the option to count to three before the needle was inserted into his left arm. “I’m doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it’s available to take the vaccine. There’s nothing to worry about.”
The president-elect praised the health care workers and said President Donald Trump’s administration “deserves some credit getting this off the ground.” And Biden urged Americans to wear masks during the upcoming Christmas holiday and not travel unless necessary.
Read the full report here.
2:07 p.m. State logs 4,669 new COVID-19 cases, 98 deaths
Illinois public health officials reported 4,669 new and probable cases of the coronavirus and 98 deaths Monday, the lowest total of new cases since late October.
As of Sunday night, 4,460 people who’ve tested positive for the virus are in hospitals around the state. Of that number, 981 COVID-positive patients were in intensive care units and 546 were on ventilators.
Statewide, 779 of the state’s 3,286 intensive care beds are available, according to state data. The state has 4,146 ventilators available out of 5,691.
On Oct. 27, the state logged 4,000 new cases in a day, which was the last time the state saw a new case count in that range.
Reporter Rachel Hinton has the full story.
12:43 p.m. EU greenlights COVID-19 vaccine after agency gives safety OK
The European Union on Monday gave official approval for the coronavirus vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer to be put onto the market across the 27-nation bloc.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the commission “took the decision to make available for European citizens the first COVID-19 vaccine. We granted conditional market authorization.”
The commission, the EU’s executive arm, gave the greenlight just hours after the European Medicines Agency said the shot meets safety and quality standards. Brussels had been expected to require two or three days to endorse the market authorization move.
Read the full story here.
10:17 a.m. Illinois surpasses 900,000 COVID-19 cases
State health officials on Sunday announced an additional 79 coronavirus-related deaths, snapping an unprecedented 12-day streak of Illinois reporting 100 or more deaths.
Though Sunday was the first time the state hadn’t recorded a three-digit daily death toll in almost two weeks, Illinois is still in the midst of its deadliest stretch of the pandemic, and it’s not unusual to see lower numbers on the weekends due to backlogged reporting.
This month, Illinois has logged nearly 3,000 coronavirus-related deaths, which is more than 19.4% of the state’s pandemic death toll of 15,202.
Half of Sunday’s 79 fatalities were reported in the Chicago area. The vast majority of those deaths reported statewide were among people 60 and older, with people under 60 accounting for six of Sunday’s total deaths.
Illinois also surpassed 900,000 coronavirus cases Sunday with state health officials announcing 6,003 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 infections.
Read the full story here.
8:11 a.m. Highlights of new COVID relief deal: Congress to vote on $300 jobless benefit, $600 direct payment and more PPP
House and Senate leaders on Sunday reached a deal on a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package with $600 stimulus checks and $300-a-week jobless benefits — but no direct payments to the city of Chicago or state of Illinois to help meet payrolls.
The lack of an agreement to help cash-starved local governments — not a surprise at this point — means Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker have tough choices ahead when it comes to taxes and layoffs.
After months of negotiations, Congress is expected to approve the measure this week.
If signed into law, this $900 billion measure will be the second largest stimulus in the nation’s history, according to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
The emergency $2.2 trillion federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — known as the CARES Act — signed into law on March 27 was the biggest.
Lynn Sweet outlines the highlights of the deal here.
New Cases
Analysis & Commentary
12:44 p.m. Move forward with reopening schools come January
The Chicago Teachers Union has tried twice to stop Chicago Public Schools from reopening in January — and has lost both times.
The latest failure came on Thursday, when the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board denied the union’s request for a preliminary injunction to halt the Jan. 4 return date for preschoolers and some special education students and staff. The union had accused CPS of violating labor law by refusing to negotiate in good faith over a safe reopening.
The loss is a huge blow to the CTU, which has been at a toxic stalemate with CPS for months over bringing students back to the classroom, even for hybrid learning that would have children in schools only part time.
But the decision comes as good news, in our view, to the families of 77,000 students who have opted to return to in-person instruction. Remote learning, it seems, is simply not cutting it for these children’s educational and social well-being.
Read the full editorial from the Sun-Times Editorial Board here.
8:02 a.m. Countdown to anti-vaccine backlash
Welcome to the Chicago Sun-Times Latin Lockdown Workshop. Please direct your attention to the chalkboard, where I’ve written: “Post hoc ergo propter hoc.”
In English: “After this, therefore because of this.” It’s what we pointy-heads call a “logical fallacy,” the faulty circuit that connects you to a wrong conclusion when two events occur close together.
I mention it now because the joy of getting millions of vaccines to millions of American arms will be quickly followed by a backlash of imaginary bad results. That isn’t a crystal ball prediction; it’s a take-it-to-the-bank certainty. With the exception of a few extremely rare allergic reactions, the most common vaccine side effect will be passing soreness. But some getting the vaccine will blame it for later being hit by a bus. Post hoc ergo propter hoc.
“With the vaccine, you’ve got to be careful when you hear side effects,” said Dr. Michael Ruchim, a gastroenterologist at Northwestern Medicine well-versed in pharmaceutical trials. “The question arises, ‘Are they cause and effect? Or something random the person getting the vaccine was going to get anyway?’”
Read Neil Steinberg’s full column here.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-21--‘Windy City Rehab’ host Alison Victoria drops $100K off price on her Bucktown home

Alison Victoria , host of the popular HGTV show “ Windy City Rehab , ” has dropped the asking price on her Bucktown home .
When she first listed the home in September , she wanted $ 2,295,000 .
She knocked $ 100,000 off the price — so negotiations for her masonry brick and limestone single-family home will now start at $ 2,195,000 .
Her real estate agent , Ryan Preuett , of Sotheby ’ s International Realty , called the drop a simple “ price adjustment ” without further comment .
Victoria , whose full name is Alison Victoria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes she flips on the show , several which are located only blocks from her home .
According to the property listing , the home boasts “ design treasures sourced from Parisian markets and hand-crafted work by local artisans.
” It has at least five bedrooms and a recreation room .
The master suite takes up half of the second floor .
And the home has three outdoor spaces , one out back with a wood-fired brick pizza oven and a built-in grill , one above the garage and a rooftop deck .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the same address in 2016 for $ 660,000 and built a new house on the land in 2018 .
Victoria , who in interviews has said she also spends time in Las Vegas where her company , Alison Victoria Interiors , also has offices , could not be reached for comment .
Meanwhile , her company , Alison Victoria Interiors , announced via Instagram that it has openings for new clients .

Alison Victoria, host of the popular HGTV show “Windy City Rehab,” has dropped the asking price on her Bucktown home.
When she first listed the home in September, she wanted $2,295,000.
She knocked $100,000 off the price — so negotiations for her masonry brick and limestone single-family home will now start at $2,195,000.
Her real estate agent, Ryan Preuett, of Sotheby’s International Realty, called the drop a simple “price adjustment” without further comment.
Victoria, whose full name is Alison Victoria Gramenos, is the designer of the homes she flips on the show, several of which are located only blocks from her home.
According to the property listing, the home boasts “design treasures sourced from Parisian markets and hand-crafted work by local artisans.”
It has at least five bedrooms and a recreation room. The master suite takes up half of the second floor. And the home has three outdoor spaces, one out back with a wood-fired brick pizza oven and a built-in grill, one above the garage and a rooftop deck.
Public records show Victoria purchased a home at the same address in 2016 for $660,000 and built a new house on the land in 2018.
Victoria, who in interviews has said she also spends time in Las Vegas where her company, Alison Victoria Interiors, has offices, could not be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, her company, Alison Victoria Interiors, announced via Instagram that it has openings for new clients.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-23--Dear Abby: Friend’s son doesn’t know his father’s death was suicide

DEAR ABBY : In 1972 , when I was 12 , my father died by suicide .
I was told it was an accident .
I was given an explanation , but the facts didn ’ t add up .
I suspected it was suicide .
In 1998 , my brother also died by suicide .
Afterward , I asked Mom if Dad had done it , too .
She denied it , but I knew better .
Around the time of my brother ’ s death , I lost my best friend/co-worker/father figure of 17 years to suicide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a heart attack .
He is now a father in his 40s , and I think he deserves to know .
Should I remain silent as I have for more than 20 years ?
— IN A MORAL DILEMMA DEAR DILEMMA : Years ago , when a family member died by suicide , it was considered shameful and kept a family secret .
Because depression can run in families , these kinds of secrets can be harmful .
Today we know more , and there are programs available to help families who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ( 800-273-8255 ) offers support to surviving family members .
I do think you should talk to your friend ’ s son .
Introduce the topic by telling him what happened in your family , how much his father meant to you and your concern for him and his own family , which is why you are bringing it up now .
DEAR ABBY : A friend of mine has recently discovered that her husband of 40-plus years has been hiding a decades-long porn addiction .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marriage .
They have had counseling .
He says he wants to save their marriage and has vowed to give up the porn .
I was told he told his wife that if she decides to divorce him , he will tell the entire family and their children that SHE was the one addicted to porn , and it is the reason he ’ s divorcing her .
My question is , what kind of person would treat his wife this way and think this is an appropriate way to save the marriage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Unfortunately , the husband has a problem greater than his porn addiction .
It ’ s his lack of character and honesty .
His threat is not only inappropriate , but also a valid reason to end the marriage .
P.S .
I can ’ t imagine why her family would buy that lie .
DEAR ABBY : It ’ s not the first time but certainly will be the last time I ’ m invited to a close friend ’ s house without my baby girl , my 12-year-old retired therapy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lady .
So does my friend .
( I even have her portrait tattooed on my leg . )
Is it rude to not want to visit my friend because Lady is not welcome ?
— LOVES MY LADY DEAR LOVES : It ’ s not rude .
It is a choice .
What I DO think is rude is attempting to blackmail someone into allowing a loved , but unwanted , pet into their home knowing it isn ’ t welcome .
If Lady were still a therapy dog , I might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retired , and her presence is no longer a medical necessity .
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 .
To receive a collection of Abby ’ s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: In 1972, when I was 12, my father died by suicide. I was told it was an accident. I was given an explanation, but the facts didn’t add up. I suspected it was suicide. In 1998, my brother also died by suicide. Afterward, I asked Mom if Dad had done it, too. She denied it, but I knew better.
Around the time of my brother’s death, I lost my best friend/co-worker/father figure of 17 years to suicide. His son was told his dad had had a heart attack. He is now a father in his 40s, and I think he deserves to know. Should I remain silent as I have for more than 20 years? — IN A MORAL DILEMMA
DEAR DILEMMA: Years ago, when a family member died by suicide, it was considered shameful and kept a family secret. Because depression can run in families, these kinds of secrets can be harmful. Today we know more, and there are programs available to help families who have suffered this kind of tragic loss. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) offers support to surviving family members.
I do think you should talk to your friend’s son. Introduce the topic by telling him what happened in your family, how much his father meant to you and your concern for him and his own family, which is why you are bringing it up now.
DEAR ABBY: A friend of mine has recently discovered that her husband of 40-plus years has been hiding a decades-long porn addiction. The discovery has caused a problem in their marriage. They have had counseling.
He says he wants to save their marriage and has vowed to give up the porn. I was told he told his wife that if she decides to divorce him, he will tell the entire family and their children that SHE was the one addicted to porn, and it is the reason he’s divorcing her. My question is, what kind of person would treat his wife this way and think this is an appropriate way to save the marriage? — TWISTED IN KENTUCKY
DEAR TWISTED: Unfortunately, the husband has a problem greater than his porn addiction. It’s his lack of character and honesty. His threat is not only inappropriate, but also a valid reason to end the marriage.
P.S. I can’t imagine why her family would buy that lie.
DEAR ABBY: It’s not the first time but certainly will be the last time I’m invited to a close friend’s house without my baby girl, my 12-year-old retired therapy dog, “Lady.” Everyone loves Lady. So does my friend. (I even have her portrait tattooed on my leg.) Is it rude to not want to visit my friend because Lady is not welcome? — LOVES MY LADY
DEAR LOVES: It’s not rude. It is a choice. What I DO think is rude is attempting to blackmail someone into allowing a loved, but unwanted, pet into their home knowing it isn’t welcome. If Lady were still a therapy dog, I might feel differently, but Lady is now retired, and her presence is no longer a medical necessity.
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.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-23--Columbia College freshman Hugh Maxey is  perfecting his passion for percussion

“ When I was two years old I started beating on my grandmother ’ s pots in the kitchen with spoons and forks , ” explains Maxey , the 18-year-old percussionist currently studying music performance at Columbia College .
Growing up as a Christian on the Far South Side of Chicago , he started singing and playing music in the church .
Before long , he had fallen in love with percussion .
“ It was just a feeling , ” he says .
“ When I first got on a drum set , I felt the music within me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and once I got to high school , I learned how to read music , write and play keyboard percussion .
It has really been the only thing I ’ ve been interested in with a passion .
Music is my calling in life and I ’ ve found that people have always been very receptive to me playing.
” Among the most receptive are his mother and grandmother , who are also Maxey ’ s biggest supporters and those who have invested the most in his art .
“ They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strayed me away from music , ” Maxey says .
“ Once they saw how serious I took music they were willing to do anything .
My mom has spent thousands of dollars on musical instruments for me .
My grandma even paid for private piano lessons when I was eight .
They are just great at always encouraging me and I really appreciate them.
” Encouragement from others has become crucial this past year as COVID-19 forced Maxey to more closely examine his craft .
“ Playing music behind a screen makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the music and the people around you , ” Maxey explains .
“ For small things like volume , tonation and musicality , it is quite hard .
Without COVID you would meet musician friends and go have performances and practices and vibe off of each other .
Now things are through a screen and from a distance.
” Despite the current challenges the pandemic has created , Maxey has maintained a positive attitude while finding ways to perfect his artistry .
“ The pandemic is making me stronger as a musician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it forces musicians as a whole to lock in , ” Maxey says .
“ Things are changing .
Now is the time for musicians like myself to stop in place and make a name for ourselves .
This is a crucial time period but can be a good time period in the midst of a bad situation .
It ’ s about being able to adapt.
” The young drummer also emphasizes that he now has plenty more time to practice .
With three drum sets at home — two acoustic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice every day .
He is trying to stay disciplined and motivated , even as so much of the future remains uncertain .
“ Everyone is struggling and nervous wondering what ’ s next , ” Maxey explains .
“ Now is the time to do anything to bring a smile to someone ’ s face , and music is one of those things .
Music is a language that everybody speaks and understands.
” Maxey has always understood music because his mother exposed him to various genres from a young age .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lover , ” Maxey says .
“ There was always music in my house .
When I was little it was mostly gospel and pop , then in high school is when I got into jazz , reggae and Latin music .
I like to listen to everything and draw inspiration.
” Among his biggest inspirations are Stevie Wonder , Art Blakey , Buddy Rich , Calvin Rodgers and Eric Moore .
Listening and studying musicians Maxey admires , while also putting his own twist on the tunes , is how he plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ As drummers , we are timekeepers .
It ’ s our job , ” Maxey says .
“ It is also important to remember to be expressive while keeping your timing .
As much as instructors and mentors tell you to practice and prepare , you don ’ t want to lose the fun because it ’ s all about enjoying and expressing yourself.
” Maxey plans to continue his musical progression and expression by one day teaching music to kids or adults .
“ My dream is to teach , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also love to be a theater musician , to play in the pit and be one of the drummers or to play soundtracks for movies.
” When thinking of what his future holds and the goals he ’ d like to accomplish , Maxey remains grounded in who he is , where he comes from and what that means for not only himself , but others .
“ What drives me with my music and throughout life is first God and then my family , ” he says .
“ Being the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I have an obligation to make an impact .
It ’ s good pressure that keeps me going and makes me realize there is a bigger purpose to all of this .
Once you see the impact you have on people , you understand you are not performing in vain .
You are doing this for a higher purpose and changing the world.
” Francesca Gattuso is a writer for the Sun-Times marketing department .

Hugh Maxey was born with rhythm.
“When I was two years old I started beating on my grandmother’s pots in the kitchen with spoons and forks,” explains Maxey, the 18-year-old percussionist currently studying music performance at Columbia College.
Growing up as a Christian on the Far South Side of Chicago, he started singing and playing music in the church. Before long, he had fallen in love with percussion.
“It was just a feeling,” he says. “When I first got on a drum set, I felt the music within me. I taught myself how to play, and once I got to high school, I learned how to read music, write and play keyboard percussion. It has really been the only thing I’ve been interested in with a passion. Music is my calling in life and I’ve found that people have always been very receptive to me playing.”
Among the most receptive are his mother and grandmother, who are also Maxey’s biggest supporters and those who have invested the most in his art.
“They are always there for me and have never strayed me away from music,” Maxey says. “Once they saw how serious I took music they were willing to do anything. My mom has spent thousands of dollars on musical instruments for me. My grandma even paid for private piano lessons when I was eight. They are just great at always encouraging me and I really appreciate them.”
Encouragement from others has become crucial this past year as COVID-19 forced Maxey to more closely examine his craft.
“Playing music behind a screen makes it much harder to capture the energy of the music and the people around you,” Maxey explains. “For small things like volume, tonation and musicality, it is quite hard. Without COVID you would meet musician friends and go have performances and practices and vibe off of each other. Now things are through a screen and from a distance.”
Despite the current challenges the pandemic has created, Maxey has maintained a positive attitude while finding ways to perfect his artistry.
“The pandemic is making me stronger as a musician because it forces me to listen and it forces musicians as a whole to lock in,” Maxey says. “Things are changing. Now is the time for musicians like myself to stop in place and make a name for ourselves. This is a crucial time period but can be a good time period in the midst of a bad situation. It’s about being able to adapt.”
The young drummer also emphasizes that he now has plenty more time to practice.
With three drum sets at home — two acoustic and one electric — Maxey is able to practice every day. He is trying to stay disciplined and motivated, even as so much of the future remains uncertain.
“Everyone is struggling and nervous wondering what’s next,” Maxey explains. “Now is the time to do anything to bring a smile to someone’s face, and music is one of those things. Music is a language that everybody speaks and understands.”
Maxey has always understood music because his mother exposed him to various genres from a young age.
“My mom is a huge music lover,” Maxey says. “There was always music in my house. When I was little it was mostly gospel and pop, then in high school is when I got into jazz, reggae and Latin music. I like to listen to everything and draw inspiration.”
Among his biggest inspirations are Stevie Wonder, Art Blakey, Buddy Rich, Calvin Rodgers and Eric Moore. Listening and studying musicians Maxey admires, while also putting his own twist on the tunes, is how he plans to advance his musical career moving forward.
“As drummers, we are timekeepers. It’s our job,” Maxey says. “It is also important to remember to be expressive while keeping your timing. As much as instructors and mentors tell you to practice and prepare, you don’t want to lose the fun because it’s all about enjoying and expressing yourself.”
Maxey plans to continue his musical progression and expression by one day teaching music to kids or adults.
“My dream is to teach,” he explains. “I would also love to be a theater musician, to play in the pit and be one of the drummers or to play soundtracks for movies.”
When thinking of what his future holds and the goals he’d like to accomplish, Maxey remains grounded in who he is, where he comes from and what that means for not only himself, but others.
“What drives me with my music and throughout life is first God and then my family,” he says. “Being the only male in my house, I feel that I have an obligation to make an impact. It’s good pressure that keeps me going and makes me realize there is a bigger purpose to all of this. Once you see the impact you have on people, you understand you are not performing in vain. You are doing this for a higher purpose and changing the world.”
Francesca Gattuso is a writer for the Sun-Times marketing department.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-23--‘Soul’: Pixar takes a bold, beautiful voyage to the afterlife, and the before-life

For all its brightly colored , brilliant animation and generationally popular , joy-inducing fare , Pixar has never shied away from taking some metaphysical deep dives , from “ Inside Out ” and its depictions of the emotions inside a little girl ’ s mind to the skeletal deceased characters in “ Coco ” to last year ’ s bizarro “ Onward , ” with two brothers casting a spell that resurrects their very much dead father — but only from the waist down .
Heavy stuff for the little ones to digest .
Now comes the between-worlds comedy/drama “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitious film in Pixar history — and also one of the very best movies in the studio ’ s legendary and ever-growing library .
Here is a strikingly beautiful , bold , funny , heart-tugging otherworldly journey almost dizzying in its multi-leveled complexity , and yet containing the simplest and most enduring Capra-esque messages about how we don ’ t know what we ’ ve got until it ’ s gone , and how we should embrace every waking moment because it can all vanish in the blink of an eye .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s the first Pixar film with a Black lead and predominantly Black characters .
In an animated world once dominated by white characters , Pixar has made great strides to be more inclusive in recent years .
Directed by Pixar stalwart Pete Docter ( “ Monsters , Inc. , ” “ Up , ” “ Inside Out ” ) and co-directed by Kemp Powers ( writer of the upcoming gem “ One Night in Miami ” ) , “ Soul ” opens in a stunningly rendered , greatly detailed version of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but underachieving middle school band teacher and aspiring jazz pianist Joe Gardner ( Jamie Foxx ) is going through the motions and living his not-best life when he catches a big break : a chance to play with iconic jazz diva Dorothea Williams ( Angela Bassett ) .
Bursting with enthusiasm and paying no attention to the world in front of him , Joe narrowly avoids one catastrophe after another as he walks the streets — but his luck runs out when he falls into a manhole and finds himself lining up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Beyond ( gleaming white light and all ) , his time on Earth presumably over .
Joe ’ s having none of it .
Things were just starting to click for him !
He makes a run for it and falls off the walkway and into The Great Before , an in-between world where Mentors , i.e.
, deceased former inhabitants of Earth , help nascent souls discover their “ spark ” — the thing that will interest them the most , that will make them love and appreciate the gift of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Joe becomes an accidental Mentor and is assigned to “ 22 , ” a smart but irritatingly unambitious and timid soul who has frustrated some of the greatest of Mentors through the centuries , including Lincoln , Gandhi and even Mother Teresa ( “ I made her cry !
” ) as they ’ ve failed to help her find her spark .
What follows next feels a little like a hybrid of the Albert Brooks film “ Defending Your Life ” with a body-switching comedy with elements of “ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Christmas Carol , ” as Joe and 22 eventually find their way back to Earth and Joe begins to see his life from a different perspective .
He was so singlemindedly focused on his music career that he didn ’ t spend enough time working with his students , connecting with his practical-minded mother ( Phylicia Rashad ) , listening to his friends .
There ’ s a beautifully rendered sequence in a barbershop where for the first time , Joe really and truly listens to his friend Dez ( Donnell Rawlings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his planned career when his daughter got sick but has never , not once , regretted becoming a barber .
There ’ s a difference between finding your spark and getting your dream job .
Music wallpapers every frame of “ Soul , ” with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross sure to be nominated for another Oscar for their jazz-infused score .
And the visuals are somehow instantly recognizable as pure Pixar , and yet unlike anything we ’ ve ever seen before .
The worlds of the Great Before and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes a little scary in a “ Wizard of Oz ” kind of way .
We meet all manner of incredible beings , from the cute little bubble-shaped souls in training to a trio of elders ( voiced by Alice Braga , Richard Ayoade and Wes Studi ) , who look like moving cubist line drawings , to the spiritual , New Age-y Moonwind ( Graham Norton ) , who takes on the form of one of those storefront sign twirlers when he ’ s on Earth .
But as magical as these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” also reminds us of the small things about being human that make up our personal memory albums .
Playing piano with your father , marveling at fireworks while wearing your favorite team ’ s jersey , taking that first bite of a hot slice of pizza or a warm bagel , marveling at the changing colors of the leaves on the trees that co-exist with the skyscrapers in the big city .
There ’ s the Great Before and the Great Beyond — but there ’ s also Heaven on Earth .

For all its brightly colored, brilliant animation and generationally popular, joy-inducing fare, Pixar has never shied away from taking some metaphysical deep dives, from “Inside Out” and its depictions of the emotions inside a little girl’s mind to the skeletal deceased characters in “Coco” to last year’s bizarro “Onward,” with two brothers casting a spell that resurrects their very much dead father — but only from the waist down.
‘Soul’
Untitled Disney-Pixar presents a film directed by Pete Docter, co-directed by Kemp Powers and written by Docter, Powers and Mike Jones. Rated PG (for thematic elements and some language). Running time: 106 minutes. Available Friday on Disney+.
Heavy stuff for the little ones to digest.
Now comes the between-worlds comedy/drama “Soul,” arguably the most spiritually ambitious film in Pixar history — and also one of the very best movies in the studio’s legendary and ever-growing library. Here is a strikingly beautiful, bold, funny, heart-tugging otherworldly journey almost dizzying in its multi-leveled complexity, and yet containing the simplest and most enduring Capra-esque messages about how we don’t know what we’ve got until it’s gone, and how we should embrace every waking moment because it can all vanish in the blink of an eye.
This is also an historic release, as it’s the first Pixar film with a Black lead and predominantly Black characters. In an animated world once dominated by white characters, Pixar has made great strides to be more inclusive in recent years.
Directed by Pixar stalwart Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Up,” “Inside Out”) and co-directed by Kemp Powers (writer of the upcoming gem “One Night in Miami”), “Soul” opens in a stunningly rendered, greatly detailed version of New York City, where the amiable but underachieving middle school band teacher and aspiring jazz pianist Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) is going through the motions and living his not-best life when he catches a big break: a chance to play with iconic jazz diva Dorothea Williams (Angela Bassett). Bursting with enthusiasm and paying no attention to the world in front of him, Joe narrowly avoids one catastrophe after another as he walks the streets — but his luck runs out when he falls into a manhole and finds himself lining up with other souls on a walkway to the Great Beyond (gleaming white light and all), his time on Earth presumably over.
Joe’s having none of it. Things were just starting to click for him! He makes a run for it and falls off the walkway and into The Great Before, an in-between world where Mentors, i.e., deceased former inhabitants of Earth, help nascent souls discover their “spark” — the thing that will interest them the most, that will make them love and appreciate the gift of life, when they’re born. Joe becomes an accidental Mentor and is assigned to “22,” a smart but irritatingly unambitious and timid soul who has frustrated some of the greatest of Mentors through the centuries, including Lincoln, Gandhi and even Mother Teresa (“I made her cry!”) as they’ve failed to help her find her spark.
What follows next feels a little like a hybrid of the Albert Brooks film “Defending Your Life” with a body-switching comedy with elements of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol,” as Joe and 22 eventually find their way back to Earth and Joe begins to see his life from a different perspective. He was so singlemindedly focused on his music career that he didn’t spend enough time working with his students, connecting with his practical-minded mother (Phylicia Rashad), listening to his friends. There’s a beautifully rendered sequence in a barbershop where for the first time, Joe really and truly listens to his friend Dez (Donnell Rawlings), who had to give up on his planned career when his daughter got sick but has never, not once, regretted becoming a barber. There’s a difference between finding your spark and getting your dream job.
The sign-twirling Moonwind (voice of Graham Norton) has another, more spiritual identity. Disney-Pixar
Music wallpapers every frame of “Soul,” with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross sure to be nominated for another Oscar for their jazz-infused score. And the visuals are somehow instantly recognizable as pure Pixar, and yet unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. The worlds of the Great Before and the Great Beyond are magical and mystical and sometimes a little scary in a “Wizard of Oz” kind of way. We meet all manner of incredible beings, from the cute little bubble-shaped souls in training to a trio of elders (voiced by Alice Braga, Richard Ayoade and Wes Studi), who look like moving cubist line drawings, to the spiritual, New Age-y Moonwind (Graham Norton), who takes on the form of one of those storefront sign twirlers when he’s on Earth.
But as magical as these otherworldly realms can be, “Soul” also reminds us of the small things about being human that make up our personal memory albums. Playing piano with your father, marveling at fireworks while wearing your favorite team’s jersey, taking that first bite of a hot slice of pizza or a warm bagel, marveling at the changing colors of the leaves on the trees that co-exist with the skyscrapers in the big city. There’s the Great Before and the Great Beyond — but there’s also Heaven on Earth.
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chicagosun-times--2020-12-22--CPS expects $720M windfall if Trump signs COVID-19 relief bill

Chicago Public Schools officials are expecting to receive about $ 720 million if President Donald Trump signs the coronavirus relief package passed by Congress Monday , federal funding that would help fill holes for the financially strapped district and support the school system ’ s planned reopening in the new year .
But late Tuesday , Trump threatened to veto the package over what he called “ ridiculously low ” direct checks of $ 600 to most Americans , saying Congress should boost payments to $ 2,000 .
The surprise move by the president put the fate of the relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collectively breathe a sigh of relief if Trump signs off after the district ’ s budget for this fiscal year had assumed at least $ 343 million in federal funding , a risky calculation that could end with more than double the anticipated funds after a months-long stalemate in Congress .
“ This crucial federal funding ensures our ability to support the critical resources needed to reopen classrooms , expand access to high-quality academic programming , employ record high numbers of nurses and social workers , invest in social and emotional supports , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , ” CPS CEO Janice Jackson said in a statement earlier Tuesday .
“ Black and Brown families in Chicago need the option to send their children to school this academic year , and this funding relief is essential to the safe and supportive learning environments needed to mitigate learning loss and prevent long-term harm.
” The $ 720 million figure is an estimate , with the exact number to be calculated in the coming weeks if the president signs the bill , officials said .
Another $ 80 million would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jackson said .
In part , the funding would help pay for expenses over the past few months , including technology for remote learning , air purifiers and cleaning supplies for soon-to-be-open classrooms and newly hired staff .
The new funding could also offset an anticipated $ 300 million in revenue losses next year , officials said , including declines in property tax revenues , teacher pension contribution growth and stagnating state funding .
The federal dollars could in turn help fulfill obligations made in the new Chicago Teachers Union contract negotiated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 million for additional nurses , social workers and special education case managers ; $ 80 million worth of raises for CTU and SEIU Local 73 members ; and $ 25 million for new preschool programming .

Chicago Public Schools officials are expecting to receive about $720 million if President Donald Trump signs the coronavirus relief package passed by Congress Monday, federal funding that would help fill holes for the financially strapped district and support the school system’s planned reopening in the new year.
But late Tuesday, Trump threatened to veto the package over what he called “ridiculously low” direct checks of $600 to most Americans, saying Congress should boost payments to $2,000. The surprise move by the president put the fate of the relief package in limbo.
CPS leaders would collectively breathe a sigh of relief if Trump signs off after the district’s budget for this fiscal year had assumed at least $343 million in federal funding, a risky calculation that could end with more than double the anticipated funds after a months-long stalemate in Congress.
“This crucial federal funding ensures our ability to support the critical resources needed to reopen classrooms, expand access to high-quality academic programming, employ record high numbers of nurses and social workers, invest in social and emotional supports, and provide additional resources to our highest-need schools,” CPS CEO Janice Jackson said in a statement earlier Tuesday.
“Black and Brown families in Chicago need the option to send their children to school this academic year, and this funding relief is essential to the safe and supportive learning environments needed to mitigate learning loss and prevent long-term harm.”
The $720 million figure is an estimate, with the exact number to be calculated in the coming weeks if the president signs the bill, officials said. Another $80 million would be sent to the city for non-public schools, Jackson said.
In part, the funding would help pay for expenses over the past few months, including technology for remote learning, air purifiers and cleaning supplies for soon-to-be-open classrooms and newly hired staff.
The new funding could also offset an anticipated $300 million in revenue losses next year, officials said, including declines in property tax revenues, teacher pension contribution growth and stagnating state funding.
The federal dollars could in turn help fulfill obligations made in the new Chicago Teachers Union contract negotiated last fall. Those expenses include $17 million for additional nurses, social workers and special education case managers; $80 million worth of raises for CTU and SEIU Local 73 members; and $25 million for new preschool programming.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-22--Horoscope for Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020

Horoscope for Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 4:30 p.m. Chicago time .
The moon is in Aries .
Today has its challenges , especially dealing with authority figures — parents , bosses , teachers and VIPs .
( This also includes the police . )
Do not be rebellious and don ’ t get caught up in power struggles because this will do you no favors .
Be cool .
Check moon alert .
Something going on behind the scenes might need your attention .
Avoid dangerous areas and nasty people .
Definitely , do not get caught up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no good .
Stay chill .
Check moon alert .
Some kind of dispute about inheritances , shared property or shared responsibilities might take place .
Whatever happens will make your job more difficult .
Avoid these conflicts if you can because you will probably lose .
It ’ s just not worth it .
Check moon alert .
Difficulties with authority figures might take place now , especially because you are ambitious about achieving what you want to do .
Be smart and step back if you think you are crossing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the police .
Don ’ t get involved .
Check moon alert .
This is a poor day to get involved in disputes about politics , religion and racial issues because they will become nasty .
Avoid dangerous areas .
Avoid people with a zealous agenda .
Instead , focus on loved ones , fun activities with kids and romance .
Check moon alert .
You might get caught up in disputes about shared property , shared responsibilities or even a jealous romantic triangle .
Because many people are involved in intense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avoid this messiness because you don ’ t need it .
Check moon alert .
Ego battles with someone who is close to you — perhaps a partner or close friend — might be a drag today .
Be smart .
Make a decision not to get involved .
Don ’ t take the bait !
Winning is not the issue — keeping your close relationship is .
( You know this . )
Check moon alert .
There ’ s a lot of intense energy out there that is creating problems between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to channel this energy into working hard and getting stuff done .
This could even include a physical workout .
Definitely avoid power struggles at work .
Check moon alert .
Parents should be patient and understanding with their kids today because difficulties will quickly lead to meltdowns and hissy fits .
This is because people are at odds with each other today .
Power struggles are likely .
Try to sidestep getting involved in this kind of thing because anger always makes everyone miserable .
Check moon alert .
Avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a lot of tension in family situations right now .
Decide to be part of the solution , not part of the problem .
Don ’ t get involved in ego battles , especially with parents .
Instead , do what you can to keep the peace and pave the way for happy relations with everyone .
Check moon alert .
Avoid dangerous neighborhoods today .
Be mindful and aware and pay attention to everything you say and do so that you can avoid arguments and disputes with others , especially siblings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get hung up on power struggles with others .
Check moon alert .
Money disputes and arguments about something that you own might take place today .
It ’ s simply not worth it .
Step back and get more clarity so that you aren ’ t involved in an ego battle with someone .
Relax and take it easy .
Check moon alert If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Finn Wolfhard ( 2002 ) shares your birthday .
Your strong presence is full of magnetism .
Perhaps this is why you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 4:30 p.m. Chicago time. The moon is in Aries.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today has its challenges, especially dealing with authority figures — parents, bosses, teachers and VIPs. (This also includes the police.) Do not be rebellious and don’t get caught up in power struggles because this will do you no favors. Be cool. Check moon alert.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Something going on behind the scenes might need your attention. Avoid dangerous areas and nasty people. Definitely, do not get caught up in power struggles because this will do you no good. Stay chill. Check moon alert.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Some kind of dispute about inheritances, shared property or shared responsibilities might take place. Whatever happens will make your job more difficult. Avoid these conflicts if you can because you will probably lose. It’s just not worth it. Check moon alert.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Difficulties with authority figures might take place now, especially because you are ambitious about achieving what you want to do. Be smart and step back if you think you are crossing the line with bosses, parents, teachers and the police. Don’t get involved. Check moon alert.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
This is a poor day to get involved in disputes about politics, religion and racial issues because they will become nasty. Avoid dangerous areas. Avoid people with a zealous agenda. Instead, focus on loved ones, fun activities with kids and romance. Check moon alert.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You might get caught up in disputes about shared property, shared responsibilities or even a jealous romantic triangle. Because many people are involved in intense power struggles today, step aside. Avoid this messiness because you don’t need it. Check moon alert.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Ego battles with someone who is close to you — perhaps a partner or close friend — might be a drag today. Be smart. Make a decision not to get involved. Don’t take the bait! Winning is not the issue — keeping your close relationship is. (You know this.) Check moon alert.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
There’s a lot of intense energy out there that is creating problems between people today. However, you might be able to channel this energy into working hard and getting stuff done. This could even include a physical workout. Definitely avoid power struggles at work. Check moon alert.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Parents should be patient and understanding with their kids today because difficulties will quickly lead to meltdowns and hissy fits. This is because people are at odds with each other today. Power struggles are likely. Try to sidestep getting involved in this kind of thing because anger always makes everyone miserable. Check moon alert.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Avoid family squabbles today. Admittedly, there is a lot of tension in family situations right now. Decide to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Don’t get involved in ego battles, especially with parents. Instead, do what you can to keep the peace and pave the way for happy relations with everyone. Check moon alert.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Avoid dangerous neighborhoods today. Be mindful and aware and pay attention to everything you say and do so that you can avoid arguments and disputes with others, especially siblings, relatives and neighbors. Don’t get hung up on power struggles with others. Check moon alert.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Money disputes and arguments about something that you own might take place today. It’s simply not worth it. Step back and get more clarity so that you aren’t involved in an ego battle with someone. Relax and take it easy. Check moon alert
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Finn Wolfhard (2002) shares your birthday. Your strong presence is full of magnetism. Perhaps this is why you have an eclectic variety of friends. 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--2020-12-22--COPA releases videos of fatal police shooting in Little Village

The Chicago Police Department ’ s oversight agency on Tuesday released several videos that show an officer fatally shooting an apparently armed man in Little Village last October .
Marc Nevarez was shot near 26th and Ridgeway on Oct. 23 after , prosecutors say , he and Saul Zaragoza were involved in another shooting just a few blocks away .
On Tuesday , the Civilian Office of Police Accountability , the agency that investigates use of force by CPD officers , released 19 videos that capture the shooting and its aftermath .
Officers were called to the area around 12:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area , police said previously .
In one of the videos released Tuesday , Nevarez can be seen running from the driver ’ s seat of a Ford Focus that crashed into a utility pole in an alley near 26th and Ridgeway .
A responding officer pulled his police SUV directly behind the Focus as Nevarez — who can be seen holding a gun in his right hand — gets out .
Nevarez can be seen running away from the officer on 26th Street for a few seconds before the officer fires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pavement and the officer runs over to place him in handcuffs .
Nevarez was shot several times , and blood was already visible on his clothing by the time he was handcuffed .
The officer who shot him was soon joined by several other officers who tried to stop the bleeding .
The officer who shot Nevarez , trying to keep him conscious , can be heard saying : “ Stay with me , dude .
Stay with me .
Stay with me .
Come on .
Breathe , bro.
” Nevarez was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was pronounced dead .
Zaragoza , the other man in the Focus with Nevarez , was taken into custody without incident .
He was charged with attempted first-degree murder , aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful use of a firearm by a felon .
Police and prosecutors have said that Nevarez , Zaragoza and another unidentified female were involved in the initial shooting that prompted the police response .
That shooting , which occurred in the 2400 block of South Hamlin , left another man injured with a graze wound to @ @ @ @ @ @

The Chicago Police Department’s oversight agency on Tuesday released several videos that show an officer fatally shooting an apparently armed man in Little Village last October.
Marc Nevarez was shot near 26th and Ridgeway on Oct. 23 after, prosecutors say, he and Saul Zaragoza were involved in another shooting just a few blocks away.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
On Tuesday, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, the agency that investigates use of force by CPD officers, released 19 videos that capture the shooting and its aftermath.
Officers were called to the area around 12:30 p.m. after a ShotSpotter detected gunfire in the area, police said previously.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
In one of the videos released Tuesday, Nevarez can be seen running from the driver’s seat of a Ford Focus that crashed into a utility pole in an alley near 26th and Ridgeway.
A responding officer pulled his police SUV directly behind the Focus as Nevarez — who can be seen holding a gun in his right hand — gets out.
Nevarez can be seen running away from the officer on 26th Street for a few seconds before the officer fires several shots. Nevarez collapses to the pavement and the officer runs over to place him in handcuffs.
Nevarez was shot several times, and blood was already visible on his clothing by the time he was handcuffed. The officer who shot him was soon joined by several other officers who tried to stop the bleeding.
The officer who shot Nevarez, trying to keep him conscious, can be heard saying: “Stay with me, dude. Stay with me. Stay with me. Come on. Breathe, bro.”
Nevarez was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Zaragoza, the other man in the Focus with Nevarez, was taken into custody without incident. He was charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful use of a firearm by a felon.
Police and prosecutors have said that Nevarez, Zaragoza and another unidentified female were involved in the initial shooting that prompted the police response.
That shooting, which occurred in the 2400 block of South Hamlin, left another man injured with a graze wound to his head, police said.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-22--Ex-Bulls coach Doug Collins joins Hall of Fame hopefuls

Longtime player , coach and broadcaster Doug Collins was among the first-time nominees announced Tuesday for the Naismith Memorial Basketball @ @ @ @ @ 2021 .
Also announced as candidates for the first time were Paul Pierce , Michael @ @ @ @ @ Lou Henson , Val Ackerman , Yolanda Griffith and Lauren Jackson .
Finalists are scheduled @ @ @ @ @ All-Star Weekend , with those elected unveiled during the NCAA Final Four .
Collins coached @ @ @ @ @ from 1986 to 1989 , amassing a 13-17 playoff record with the team .
He @ @ @ @ @ 1995-98 ) , Wizards ( 2001-03 ) and 76ers ( 2010-13 ) .
As a @ @ @ @ @ seasons with the 76ers after being drafted No .
1 overall out of Illinois State @ @ @ @ @ of 2021 enshrinement ceremony is scheduled to take place in Springfield , Massachusett , next @ @ @ @ @ 2020 ceremony , headlined by the late Lakers star Kobe Bryant , was postponed because @ @ @ @ @ has been rescheduled for May 13-15 in Uncasville , Connecticut .

Longtime player, coach and broadcaster Doug Collins was among the first-time nominees announced Tuesday for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
Also announced as candidates for the first time were Paul Pierce, Michael Cooper, Howard Garfinkel, Lou Henson, Val Ackerman, Yolanda Griffith and Lauren Jackson. Finalists are scheduled to be announced during NBA All-Star Weekend, with those elected unveiled during the NCAA Final Four.
Collins coached the Bulls for three seasons from 1986 to 1989, amassing a 137-109 regular-season record and a 13-17 playoff record with the team. He also coached the Pistons (1995-98), Wizards (2001-03) and 76ers (2010-13).
As a player, Collins spent eight seasons with the 76ers after being drafted No. 1 overall out of Illinois State in 1973.
The Class of 2021 enshrinement ceremony is scheduled to take place in Springfield, Massachusett, next September. The Class of 2020 ceremony, headlined by the late Lakers star Kobe Bryant, was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic and has been rescheduled for May 13-15 in Uncasville, Connecticut.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-23--Open on Christmas? CVS, Starbucks, McDonald’s and 7-Eleven make the list but Walmart is closed

Desperately hunting for last-minute stocking stuffers or a can of cranberry sauce ?
Your options will be limited .
Christmas is the one day that Walmart , the nation ’ s largest retailer , shutters its locations and several regional and national stores follow suit .
But never fear , drug stores including CVS and Walgreens will be open as will several convenience stores including 7-Eleven and Cumberland Farms .
If you need to grab a snack or a meal on Christmas Day , most national restaurant chains like Bob Evans , Chipotle and Chick-fil-A are closed , but many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ locations will be open along with IHOP , Denny ’ s and Waffle House .
Why so many shuttered eateries ?
Christmas is historically a slow day for the industry , according to small business software provider Womply .
In 2019 , only 20 % of restaurants were open on the holiday .
The national surge in coronavirus cases is not helping .
Womply found 28 % of restaurants were closed nationwide as of Dec. 1 .
Hours can vary and not all locations will be open .
In some cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflect holiday hours , so call your closest location .
Additional stores , gas stations and convenience stores also are expected to be open .
Check websites before heading out .
The following restaurant chains have select locations open in some capacity .
Some dining rooms may be closed , and many may be offering a more limited menu or only takeout and delivery .
Check with your closest location before heading out as not all locations are open .
Some restaurant websites do not have updated holiday hours so call ahead .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chains will be open Christmas and restaurants located in hotels often are open on holidays .
Find additional restaurants by searching social media and looking on online reservation service OpenTable .

Desperately hunting for last-minute stocking stuffers or a can of cranberry sauce? Your options will be limited.
Christmas is the one day that Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, shutters its locations and several regional and national stores follow suit.
But never fear, drug stores including CVS and Walgreens will be open as will several convenience stores including 7-Eleven and Cumberland Farms.
If you need to grab a snack or a meal on Christmas Day, most national restaurant chains like Bob Evans, Chipotle and Chick-fil-A are closed, but many Starbucks, McDonald’s and Dunkin’ locations will be open along with IHOP, Denny’s and Waffle House.
Why so many shuttered eateries? Christmas is historically a slow day for the industry, according to small business software provider Womply. In 2019, only 20% of restaurants were open on the holiday. The national surge in coronavirus cases is not helping. Womply found 28% of restaurants were closed nationwide as of Dec. 1.
What stores are open Christmas Day?
Hours can vary and not all locations will be open. In some cases, store websites have not been updated to reflect holiday hours, so call your closest location.
7-Eleven
Albertsons
Circle K
Cumberland Farms
CVS
Love’s Travel Stops
Pilot Flying J.
RaceTrac
Rite-Aid
Safeway
Speedway
TravelCenters of America
Vons
Walgreens
Additional stores, gas stations and convenience stores also are expected to be open. Check websites before heading out.
What restaurant chains are open Christmas Day?
The following restaurant chains have select locations open in some capacity. Some dining rooms may be closed, and many may be offering a more limited menu or only takeout and delivery.
Check with your closest location before heading out as not all locations are open. Some restaurant websites do not have updated holiday hours so call ahead.
Benihana
Boston Market
Buca di Beppo
Burger King
Del Taco
Denny’s
Dunkin’
IHOP
Jack in the Box
McDonald’s
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Popeyes
Ruth Chris’ Steak House
Shoney’s
Sonic Drive-In
Starbucks
TGI Fridays
Waffle House
More restaurants: Some locally-owned and regional chains will be open Christmas and restaurants located in hotels often are open on holidays. Find additional restaurants by searching social media and looking on online reservation service OpenTable.
Read more at usatoday.com