chicagosun-times--2020-10-04--Bears GM Ryan Pace: ‘No doubt’ Mitch Trubisky can be helpful

Bears general manager Ryan Pace said he had “ 100 % trust and confidence ” in coach Matt Nagy when he decided to pull Mitch Trubisky from the Bears ’ game in Atlanta .
“ Those decisions are sensitive and delicate , especially when you ’ re talking about the quarterback position , ” Pace told the team ’ s official pregame show on WBBM-AM , which aired Sunday .
“ But Matt ’ s got a great feel for what the team needs and obviously we won the game .
I felt like he knew it would light a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a competitor , ” Pace said .
“ Obviously he ’ s disappointed .
He wants to be the starter and really we expect that from any player on our team to have that kind of mindset .
He ’ s still very much a leader of this team and he will be all season .
He came in this week ready to roll , working hard , helping to prepare us for the Colts .
He ’ s been stepping up and supporting Foles just like Foles did for him when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at it , both those guys are great people and they support each other and it ’ s authentic , and I think it starts there .
And the relationship in that quarterback room is really , really important.
” Pace said he had “ no doubt ” Trubisky will be a helpful backup .
“ That ’ s the person he is , no question , ” he said .

General manager Ryan Pace said he had “100% trust and confidence” in coach Matt Nagy when he decided to pull Mitch Trubisky during the Bears’ game in Atlanta.
“Those decisions are sensitive and delicate, especially when you’re talking about the quarterback position,” Pace told the team’s official pregame show on WBBM-AM. “But Matt’s got a great feel for what the team needs, and, obviously, we won the game. I felt like he knew it would light a spark.”
Pace talked to Trubisky this week.
“He’s such a competitor,” Pace said. “Obviously, he’s disappointed. He wants to be the starter, and, really, we expect that from any player on our team, to have that kind of mindset. He’s still very much a leader of this team, and he will be all season. He came in this week ready to roll, working hard, helping to prepare us for the Colts. He’s been stepping up and supporting [Nick] Foles just like Foles did for him when he was backing up.
“As I look at it, both those guys are great people, and they support each other, and it’s authentic, and I think it starts there. And the relationship in that quarterbacks room is really, really important.”
Pace said he had no doubt Trubisky will be a helpful backup.
“That’s the person he is, no question,” he said.
Not special
The Bears’ special teams were particularly abysmal Sunday. On the first punt of the game, Pat O’Donnell’s kick was partially blocked by linebacker Jordan Glasgow. It rolled to a stop 18 yards later and led to a Colts touchdown.
The Bears had four penalties for 32 yards on special-teams plays alone: Barkevious Mingo’s illegal block on a kick return, Kindle Vildor’s hold on a punt return, Buster Skrine’s hold on a punt return and, most notably, Cordarrelle Patterson’s unsportsmanlike-conduct flag for taking his helmet off to scream at an official after covering a punt. The play before, Patterson had dropped a deep ball from Foles.
This and that
The Bears’ only takeaway lasted the length of a TV timeout. Down four in the second quarter, inside linebacker Roquan Smith caught a ball in the end zone that had been tipped into the air by safety Tashaun Gipson. But the replay showed that Smith had stepped out of the end zone just before he caught the ball.
“My foot was out of bounds, so it wasn’t good enough, just covering the back,” Smith said. “It was a tipped ball. Good play by the DB. Next time I just have to come down with that.”
† Playing his first game of the season, tight end Trey Burton — whom the Bears cut in April — had two catches for 16 yards and caught Cairo Santos’ onside kick in the fourth quarter.
† Safety Deon Bush left the game in the fourth quarter after injuring his hamstring covering a punt.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--Blackhawks’ 1st-round-pick possibilities: European prospects to keep an eye on

The 17th overall pick in the NHL Draft , which begins Tuesday , will the Blackhawks ’ 10th first-round selection during Stan Bowman ’ s general manager tenure .
Bowman has selected seven North Americans and only two Europeans so far , yet that ’ s not incredibly out of line with league averages .
Only nine of last year ’ s 31 first-round selections were European , and a similar imbalance is expected this year .
But that certainly doesn ’ t eliminate the possibility of a European selection by the Hawks in 2020 , like when they chose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact , some of the most intriguing prospects potentially in play at No .
17 are European .
Below are the five most likely ones , with thoughts from Hawks scouting director Mark Kelley .
Click here for yesterday ’ s story on North American prospects the Hawks may consider .
Easily the most discussed prospect in the draft , Askarov is the best goaltending prospect in years .
He ’ s dominated every stage he ’ s been on .
Goaltenders take a long time to develop and difficult to evaluate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-round pick .
But if he ’ s there for the Hawks at 17th , he ’ d be hard to turn down .
“ We ’ ve been watching Askarov for a few years now , ” Kelley said .
“ What stands out on Askarov is the success he ’ s had , whether it be World Championships with the Russian team , or just in his Russian league .
He ’ s a big-time goaltender and he ’ s thrived on the big games.
” Amirov ’ s junior career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to inconsistency , both with the number of teams he ’ s played on and also within his own game .
While he has some holes in his own game and needs to bulk up his currently 168-pound body , he ’ s also a dynamic puck-carrying and puck-moving winger who excels in 1-on-1 situations .
“ He ’ s a 6-foot-1 [ forward ] with really good puck skills , can skate , fun to watch , ” Kelley said , noting the Hawks have watched him closely over the past two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Reichel in their exhibition last September against Berlin .
Reichel went on to have a great rookie year against much older competition in the German league .
His hockey intelligence and offensive vision are his strongest attributes , but he ’ s not as naturally athletic as other prospects in this conversation .
“ Reichel had a really good year , played regularly for Eisbaren in the DEL , and then he was on that German World Juniors team that opened a lot of eyes , ” Kelley said .
“ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of potential.
” Projections are all over the board on Lundell , a well-rounded but not particularly exciting forward .
The NHL ’ s Central Scouting Service ranks him as the No .
3 European skater , higher than everyone else on this list , but other prognosticators place him in the 15th-25th range of all prospects .
Regardless , Lundell had a remarkably productive season in the Finnish professional league last season .
“ What stands out..is he has a pro game as a kid already , ” Kelley said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s very good offensively , plays off his wings very well , very responsible defensively.
” Gunler is exceptional with the puck : his shots and passes are both powerful and accurate , and he ’ s creative and elusive before getting to that point .
His work ethic and play away from the puck have been questioned , however , drawing comparisons — for better or worse — to fellow countryman Alex Nylander .
“ We ’ ve been watching him again for a couple years , ” Kelley said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can skate , has a great skill set .
He ’ s one of those prototypical Swedish wingers .
”

The 17th overall pick in the NHL Draft, which begins Tuesday (6 p.m., NBCSN), will be the Blackhawks’ 10th first-round selection during Stan Bowman’s tenure as general manager.
Bowman has selected seven North Americans and only two Europeans, but that’s not too out of line with league averages. Only nine of last year’s 31 first-round selections were European, and a similar imbalance is expected this year.
But that doesn’t negate the possibility of a European selection by the Hawks in 2020. After all, they took defenseman Adam Boqvist with the eighth pick in 2018.
In fact, some of the most intriguing prospects potentially in play at No. 17 are European. Here are five, with accompanying thoughts from Hawks scouting director Mark Kelley:
Click here for yesterday’s story on North American prospects the Hawks might consider.
Yaroslav Askarov — goaltender, SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (Russia)
Easily the most discussed player in the draft, Askarov is the best goaltending prospect in years. He has dominated at every stage so far.
But goaltenders take a long time to develop and are difficult to evaluate, making Askarov a risky first-round pick. If he’s there for the Hawks at 17, however, he’d be hard to turn down.
“We’ve been watching Askarov for a few years now,” Kelley said. “What stands out about Askarov is the success he’s had, whether it be World Championships with the Russian team or just in his Russian league. He’s a big-time goaltender, and he has thrived in the big games.”
Rodion Amirov — left wing, Salavat Yulaev Ufa (Russia)
Amirov’s junior career in Russia is hard to assess because of the inconsistency within his game and because of the number of teams he has played on.
He has some holes in his game and needs to bulk up his 168-pound body, but Amirov is also a dynamic puck-carrying and puck-moving winger who excels in one-on-one situations.
“He’s a 6-1 [forward] with -really good puck skills, can skate, fun to watch,” said Kelley, who noted that the Hawks have watched him closely the last two years.
Lukas Reichel — left wing, Eisbaren Berlin (Germany)
Coincidentally, the Hawks played against Reichel in their exhibition against Berlin in September 2019.
Reichel went on to have a great rookie year against much older competition in the German league. His hockey intelligence and offensive vision are his strongest attributes, but he’s not as naturally athletic as other prospects in this conversation.
“Reichel had a really good year, played regularly for Eisbaren in the DEL, and then he was on that German World Juniors team that opened a lot of eyes,” Kelley said. “When you watch him, you see a lot of potential.”
Anton Lundell — center, HIFK (Finland)
Projections are all over the board on Lundell, a well-rounded but not particularly exciting forward. The NHL’s Central Scouting Service ranks him as the No. 3 European skater, higher than everyone else on this list, but other prognosticators put him in the 15-to-25 range of all prospects.
Regardless, Lundell had a remarkably productive year in the Finnish pro league last season.
“What stands out . . . is he has a pro game as a kid already,” Kelley said. “Over 200 feet, he’s very good offensively, plays off his wings very well, very responsible defensively.”
Noel Gunler — right wing, Lulea (Sweden)
Gunler is exceptional with the puck: His shots and passes are powerful and accurate, and he’s creative and elusive before getting to that point.
His work ethic and play away from the puck have been questioned, however, drawing comparisons — for better or worse — to fellow countryman Alex Nylander.
“We’ve been watching him for a couple of years,” Kelley said. “He’s a big winger who can skate, has a great skill set. He’s one of those prototypical Swedish wingers.”


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--Dear Abby: Husband insists on reading my diary — but I don’t have one

DEAR ABBY : I ’ m at a total loss , heartbroken and in need of some advice .
My husband and I are both over 60 and have been married for 20 years .
He has this insane idea that I have a diary .
Abby , I don ’ t have a diary .
I have never had one , and I don ’ t plan on ever having one .
Short of taking a polygraph test , I can ’ t convince him to believe me .
He told me that unless I let him review my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be with me anymore !
He has completely stopped communicating with me .
I hurt so bad I can hardly stand it .
— ALL CRIED OUT DEAR ALL CRIED OUT : Your letter is a first .
Is your husband losing it ?
Is he on medications that have altered his mental abilities ?
His fixation and insecurities are off the chart .
You do not have to tolerate his passive aggression .
The first thing you need to do is talk with his doctor about what has been going on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and psychological evaluation .
Please don ’ t wait .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ m 54 and afraid to tell my spouse I want a divorce even though I ’ m in an unhappy marriage .
I told him years ago that I no longer loved him and didn ’ t want to be married anymore .
His reply , “ I have enough love for both of us.
” This year will be our 15th together .
I am spouse No .
3 .
I think he thinks that if there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m in love with that we can continue like this .
I feel it ’ s just time for me , and I ’ m tired of always being somebody ’ s something .
I have thought of moving out , but money is an issue , and I have nowhere to go .
I hate confrontations , and he is a good man , but I am truly beginning to hate him .
Any advice ?
— MISERABLE IN THE EAST DEAR MISERABLE : Just a word of caution : The grass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of that fence .
However , because you feel that remaining with your husband is intolerable , begin planning your exit .
Line up a job and a place you can afford in which to live .
Upgrade your marketable skills , if necessary .
Remember , your husband has been through this before , so he is a veteran at divorce .
Before making ANY more announcements , discuss this with an attorney so you can protect yourself .
DEAR ABBY : I would like to get some feedback on my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approaching 18 years old , and I would like to adopt another cat or dog .
My husband wants to wait at least a year with no pets in the house before possibly considering getting another animal .
I grew up with pets and can ’ t imagine what it would be like without one .
What to do ?
— ANIMAL LOVER IN FLORIDA DEAR LOVER : With an open mind , discuss this further with your husband .
You need to understand his reasons for feeling the way he does about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fur baby is a serious responsibility , and when the quarantine ends and things return to normal , he may want the two of you to travel .
Because you have had your sweet dog for so many years , slow down .
Both partners should be onboard with the timing for adding a pet to the household .
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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

DEAR ABBY: I’m at a total loss, heartbroken and in need of some advice. My husband and I are both over 60 and have been married for 20 years. He has this insane idea that I have a diary. Abby, I don’t have a diary. I have never had one, and I don’t plan on ever having one.
Short of taking a polygraph test, I can’t convince him to believe me. He told me that unless I let him review my diary, he doesn’t want to be with me anymore! He has completely stopped communicating with me. I hurt so bad I can hardly stand it. — ALL CRIED OUT
DEAR ALL CRIED OUT: Your letter is a first. Is your husband losing it? Is he on medications that have altered his mental abilities? His fixation and insecurities are off the chart.
You do not have to tolerate his passive aggression. The first thing you need to do is talk with his doctor about what has been going on. Your husband may need a physical and psychological evaluation. Please don’t wait.
DEAR ABBY: I’m 54 and afraid to tell my spouse I want a divorce even though I’m in an unhappy marriage. I told him years ago that I no longer loved him and didn’t want to be married anymore. His reply, “I have enough love for both of us.”
This year will be our 15th together. I am spouse No. 3. I think he thinks that if there isn’t another person I’m in love with that we can continue like this. I feel it’s just time for me, and I’m tired of always being somebody’s something. I have thought of moving out, but money is an issue, and I have nowhere to go. I hate confrontations, and he is a good man, but I am truly beginning to hate him. Any advice? — MISERABLE IN THE EAST
DEAR MISERABLE: Just a word of caution: The grass is not always greener on the other side of that fence. However, because you feel that remaining with your husband is intolerable, begin planning your exit. Line up a job and a place you can afford in which to live. Upgrade your marketable skills, if necessary.
Remember, your husband has been through this before, so he is a veteran at divorce. Before making ANY more announcements, discuss this with an attorney so you can protect yourself.
DEAR ABBY: I would like to get some feedback on my soon-to-be-empty nest. Our last dog is approaching 18 years old, and I would like to adopt another cat or dog. My husband wants to wait at least a year with no pets in the house before possibly considering getting another animal. I grew up with pets and can’t imagine what it would be like without one. What to do? — ANIMAL LOVER IN FLORIDA
DEAR LOVER: With an open mind, discuss this further with your husband. You need to understand his reasons for feeling the way he does about this. As you already know, a fur baby is a serious responsibility, and when the quarantine ends and things return to normal, he may want the two of you to travel. Because you have had your sweet dog for so many years, slow down. Both partners should be onboard with the timing for adding a pet to the household.
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--2020-10-05--Man charged with 63rd Street Red Line station shooting

A man has been charged with a shooting last month at the 63rd Street Red Line station in Englewood on the South Side .
Jack Raymond , 45 , is charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery with a firearm , according to a statement from Chicago police .
Raymond is accused of firing at a 25-year-old man at 8:16 p.m. Sept. 24 on the platform at the station , 220 W. 63rd St. , police said .
The man was hit in the abdomen and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition .
Authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the shooter , police said .
He was later also identified as the suspect in a shooting Sept. 4 in the 7100 block of South Euclid Avenue in South Shore .
In that case , a 28-year-old woman was on the sidewalk at 12:39 p.m. when Raymond fired shots and ran away , police said .
The woman was hit in the thigh and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center .
Raymond , who lives in South Shore , is expected to appear in court for a bail hearing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man has been charged with a shooting last month at the 63rd Street Red Line station in Englewood on the South Side.
Jack Raymond, 45, is charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery with a firearm, according to a statement from Chicago police.
Raymond is accused of firing at a 25-year-old man at 8:16 p.m. Sept. 24 on the platform at the station, 220 W. 63rd St., police said. The man was hit in the abdomen and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.
Authorities arrested Raymond Friday afternoon after identifying him as the shooter, police said. He was later also identified as the suspect in a shooting Sept. 4 in the 7100 block of South Euclid Avenue in South Shore.
In that case, a 28-year-old woman was on the sidewalk at 12:39 p.m. when Raymond fired shots and ran away, police said. The woman was hit in the thigh and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Raymond, who lives in South Shore, is expected to appear in court for a bail hearing on Monday, police said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--CPS teachers could look inside students’ homes — without their knowledge — before fix

Remote learning has brought school home for thousands of Chicago students during the pandemic , turning a living room or bedroom into a makeshift classroom .
But many families worry that means giving up home privacy for their children ’ s access to lessons through technology .
As it turns out , that tradeoff might in fact have been happening for the first few weeks of the school year .
An e-learning tool used by Chicago Public Schools essentially gave teachers access to tens of thousands of students ’ computer cameras and microphones — allowing them to look into their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the problem was fixed late last month .
CPS has used the technology tool “ GoGuardian ” to help teachers keep students on track during lessons by granting educators remote access to a limited set of functions on a student ’ s computer .
The application allows teachers the ability to see what students have open on their computer screens , as well as the power to open websites on a student ’ s laptop , switch tabs , block sites and view browsing histories .
Many parents and teachers have said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure students , especially younger ones , are involved in learning during school hours .
But until recent changes , a teacher could also remotely start a Google Meet video session with a student , leading to a meeting preview automatically popping up on the student ’ s Chromebook .
That preview would show a live video inside a student ’ s home taken through a student ’ s webcam .
That meant a teacher viewing a student ’ s screen using GoGuardian could watch the video preview even before the student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew it was taking place .
While CPS spokeswoman Emily Bolton said GoGuardian did not directly give anyone remote control of or access to a camera or microphone , she acknowledged the preview function essentially allowed just that .
CPS has since changed the settings that defaulted to cameras and microphones automatically turning on .
“ The district takes student privacy concerns seriously and acted swiftly upon learning of concerns from parents about the original default functionality of GoGuardian .
With the update , students must manually turn on their audio and video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their teacher , ” Bolton said .
She added the district has developed a mandatory information security and privacy training program for all staff , and said the issue only applied to CPS-issued Google Chromebooks and not other district devices such as iPads , which don ’ t have GoGuardian .
The application is not on families ’ private computers .
CPS records show the district through the end of August had purchased 52,544 Chromebooks for $ 15.6 million as part of its efforts to distribute about 130,000 devices to students .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of Google Meet for the problem , noting it was Google Meet ’ s default setting that automatically turned on webcams ahead of the start of a meeting .
“ Teachers and students are using Google Meet and other video conferencing services that aren ’ t necessarily designed with K-12 student security in mind , especially during the pandemic , ” the spokesman said .
“ Once GoGuardian learned of this issue with Google Meet , it created a custom solution to automatically disable Google Meet from enabling a webcam when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session.
” But Cassie Creswell , who as director of the legislative advocacy group Illinois Families for Public Schools has focused on digital privacy issues at CPS for several years , said the issue signals a host of underlying concerns .
Cresswell said remote learning has caused problems such as young children trying to run complex computer programs that they can ’ t necessarily be expected to understand .
That has created the need for tools to solve those issues but has also opened the door to misuse , she said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capabilities and not have it absolutely explicit that that ’ s a possibility and an issue , and have it explained by the district what the rules are , is very concerning both as a parent and a privacy advocate , ” Cresswell said .
She added her daughter , a CPS student , was required to sign up for almost a dozen new applications at the start of the school year , and the family wonders where its data is being stored .
“ There ’ s huge questions about what applications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications are collecting and what ’ s happening to it , ” Cresswell said .
“ I feel like it ’ s impossible to sort it all out as a parent .
“ It ’ s the Wild West , and it ’ s very disturbing .
It was already like that before the pandemic , and now it ’ s even crazier , especially because you have even less of an option to decline this stuff now because that ’ s just how you ’ re getting your free and appropriate public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be helpful in making sure kids are indeed doing schoolwork , most have no desire to police their students ’ screens .
One teacher at a central area school said she did have one student ask her if administrators “ can see if I ’ m watching Netflix.
” But she said she would only check on students if it ’ s clear they aren ’ t doing work — like completing a live class assignment .
Otherwise , “ I told my students I am not spying on you .
We don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing .
Just do your work .
”

Remote learning has brought school home for thousands of Chicago students during the pandemic, turning a living room or bedroom into a makeshift classroom.
But many families worry that means giving up home privacy for their children’s access to lessons through technology.
As it turns out, that trade-off might in fact have been happening for the first few weeks of the school year.
An e-learning tool used by Chicago Public Schools essentially gave teachers access to tens of thousands of students’ computer cameras and microphones — allowing them to look into their homes without their permission or knowledge — before the problem was fixed late last month.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
CPS has used the technology tool “GoGuardian” to help teachers keep students on track during lessons by granting educators remote access to a limited set of functions on a student’s computer. The application allows teachers the ability to see what students have open on their computer screens, as well as the power to open websites on a student’s laptop, switch tabs, block sites and view browsing histories.
Many parents and teachers have said this access has been beneficial in helping make sure students, especially younger ones, are involved in learning during school hours.
But until recent changes, a teacher could also remotely start a Google Meet video session with a student, leading to a meeting preview automatically popping up on the student’s Chromebook.
That preview would show a live video inside a student’s home taken through a student’s webcam. That meant a teacher viewing a student’s screen using GoGuardian could watch the video preview even before the student had agreed to start the meeting or knew it was taking place.
Laptops are stored in a cabinet before they were distributed to CPS students at a South Side high school earlier this semester. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
While CPS spokeswoman Emily Bolton said GoGuardian did not directly give anyone remote control of or access to a camera or microphone, she acknowledged the preview function essentially allowed just that. CPS has since changed the settings that defaulted to cameras and microphones automatically turning on.
“The district takes student privacy concerns seriously and acted swiftly upon learning of concerns from parents about the original default functionality of GoGuardian. With the update, students must manually turn on their audio and video settings to be seen and heard by their teacher,” Bolton said.
She added the district has developed a mandatory information security and privacy training program for all staff, and said the issue only applied to CPS-issued Google Chromebooks and not other district devices such as iPads, which don’t have GoGuardian. The application is not on families’ private computers.
CPS records show the district through the end of August had purchased 52,544 Chromebooks for $15.6 million as part of its efforts to distribute about 130,000 devices to students.
A spokesman with the Los Angeles-based GoGuardian faulted the use of Google Meet for the problem, noting it was Google Meet’s default setting that automatically turned on webcams ahead of the start of a meeting.
“Teachers and students are using Google Meet and other video conferencing services that aren’t necessarily designed with K-12 student security in mind, especially during the pandemic,” the spokesman said. “Once GoGuardian learned of this issue with Google Meet, it created a custom solution to automatically disable Google Meet from enabling a webcam when a student joins a new Google Meet session.”
But Cassie Creswell, who as director of the legislative advocacy group Illinois Families for Public Schools has focused on digital privacy issues at CPS for several years, said the issue signals a host of underlying concerns.
Creswell said remote learning has caused problems such as young children trying to run complex computer programs that they can’t necessarily be expected to understand. That has created the need for tools to solve those issues but has also opened the door to misuse, she said.
“To have a current program have those capabilities and not have it absolutely explicit that that’s a possibility and an issue, and have it explained by the district what the rules are, is very concerning both as a parent and a privacy advocate,” Creswell said.
She added her daughter, a CPS student, was required to sign up for almost a dozen new applications at the start of the school year, and the family wonders where its data is being stored.
“There’s huge questions about what applications are in use, and what those applications are collecting and what’s happening to it,” Creswell said. “I feel like it’s impossible to sort it all out as a parent.
“It’s the Wild West, and it’s very disturbing. It was already like that before the pandemic, and now it’s even crazier, especially because you have even less of an option to decline this stuff now because that’s just how you’re getting your free and appropriate public education.”
Teachers said while GoGuardian can be helpful in making sure kids are indeed doing schoolwork, most have no desire to police their students’ screens.
One teacher at a central area school said she did have one student ask her if administrators “can see if I’m watching Netflix.” But she said she would only check on students if it’s clear they aren’t doing work — like completing a live class assignment.
Otherwise, “I told my students I am not spying on you. We don’t want to know what you are doing. Just do your work.”


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--‘Spontaneous’: Funnier, smarter than the average exploding-teen movie

If you asked me to name the three best dark cult teen classics of the last 30+ years , I ’ d start with “ Heathers ” ( 1988 ) , then go with “ Donnie Darko ” ( 2001 ) — and I can ’ t think of a more worthy contender to complete the list than “ Spontaneous , ” a diamond-sharp gem that plays like a 21st century take on a John Hughes high school romance butting heads with Brian De Palma ’ s “ Carrie.
” It ’ s funny as hell in a drive-in splatter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insightful and respectful in its depiction of modern-day teens , brimming with sly and satiric social commentary — and legitimately profound .
I kid you not .
Katherine Langford is sensational as the cynical , wisecracking Maya , who is gliding through her last few months at Covington High School and is not particularly invested in her future when the girl sitting in front of her in class suddenly blows up .
As in , literally explodes .
As in , blood and entrails and bones flying everywhere , soaking Maya and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a series of random , inexplicable episodes of students blowing up , with no rhyme nor reason .
You ’ re on the sidelines at a football game or you ’ re refilling your Solo cup at a party , and BLAMMO !
Just like that , it ’ s “ Scanners ” time .
( Only your entire body from head to toe goes splat . )
Imagine what it must be like for these good kids from good families , with good grades and good futures , to be suddenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all fall apart in an instant .
Why , it ’ s almost as if writer-director Brian Duffield , adapting Aaron Starmer ’ s novel , is delivering metaphors by the bundle about modern-day teen fears of school shootings , escalating racial and social tensions and the spread of disease .
( Although there is a quarantine scene in “ Spontaneous , ” the movie was made before the onset of COVID-19 . )
Charlie Plummer continues his string of empathetic performances ( “ Lean on Pete , ” “ Words on Bathroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sweet and shy Dylan , who has long harbored a crush on Maya and has resigned himself to never acting on it but finally makes his move because , hey , either or both of them could explode tomorrow .
Even though their first date involves Maya getting stoned on shrooms and puking in the bathroom , and their courtship is set against the backdrop of random explosions and classmates ’ funerals and the government swooping in to investigate just what the hell is happening and the advent of an experimental antidote known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Maya/Dylan romance is right out of the teen romance playbook , from “ Pretty in Pink ” to “ Love , Simon.
” They ’ re awkward and funny and lovely and wonderful together .
Just as authentic is the best-friendship of Maya and Tess ( Hayley Law in a terrific performance ) which is marked by constant snappy banter and lots of pop culture references but goes much deeper than that .
We know they ’ ll be BFFs — if one or both doesn ’ t explode into a thousand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need my life to start , even if it ’ s just a few minutes long , ” says Tess , who is planning to skip town right after the prom .
( Oddly enough , the school is still holding the prom , even though the attendance rate is going to be WAY down this year . )
“ I hope you live forever , like an elf , ” says Maya .
Duffield makes a spectacular directorial debut , filling “ Spontaneous ” with memorable images and clever touches , e.g.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the father scrapes off one of the female figures from the stick figure decal in the rear windshield .
There ’ s an extended homage to “ E.T.
” ( topped by a gravestone punchline later in the film ) , an amazing tribute to the “ Bye Bye Love ” finale of “ All That Jazz , ” a perfect quote from “ Unforgiven , ” nods to “ The Bad News Bears ” and “ Carrie ” and great use of pop music from “ And We Danced ” by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Julien Baker to “ May I Have This Dance ” by Francis and the Lights .
Duffield has a true gift for storytelling devices that tap on the fourth wall but never seem gimmicky , as when each victim is seen in happier times , posing for the annual class picture against the obligatory bland and terrible background , or when Dylan tells Maya the story of how he fell in love with her even before she knew he existed , and we see each little moment in flashback .
Why , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maya and her loving but understandably freaked-out parents , played with grace and humor by Piper Perabo and Rob Huebel .
After all the explosions and the wickedly effective humor and the touching romance , “ Spontaneous ” is that rare teen comedy/drama that actually becomes more ambitious and thought-provoking in the final 15 minutes , ending on the perfect note .
This is a special film .

If you asked me to name the three best dark cult teen classics of the last 30+ years, I’d start with “Heathers” (1988), then go with “Donnie Darko” (2001) — and I can’t think of a more worthy contender to complete the list than “Spontaneous,” a diamond-sharp gem that plays like a 21st century take on a John Hughes high school romance butting heads with Brian De Palma’s “Carrie.” It’s funny as hell in a drive-in splatter movie kind of way, smart and insightful and respectful in its depiction of modern-day teens, brimming with sly and satiric social commentary — and legitimately profound. I kid you not.
‘Spontaneous’
Untitled Paramount Home Entertainment presents a film written and directed by Brian Duffield, based on the novel by Aaron Starmer. Rated R (for teen drug and alcohol use, language and bloody images throughout). Running time: 101 minutes. Opens Tuesday on demand.
Katherine Langford is sensational as the cynical, wisecracking Mara, who is gliding through her last few months at Covington High School and is not particularly invested in her future when the girl sitting in front of her in class suddenly blows up.
As in, literally explodes. As in, blood and entrails and bones flying everywhere, soaking Mara and her classmates.
This is just the first in a series of random, inexplicable episodes of students blowing up, with no rhyme nor reason. You’re on the sidelines at a football game or you’re refilling your Solo cup at a party, and BLAMMO! Just like that, it’s “Scanners” time. (Only your entire body from head to toe goes splat.) Imagine what it must be like for these good kids from good families, with good grades and good futures, to be suddenly consumed with anxiety and fear it could all fall apart in an instant. Why, it’s almost as if writer-director Brian Duffield, adapting Aaron Starmer’s novel, is delivering metaphors by the bundle about modern-day teen fears of school shootings, escalating racial and social tensions and the spread of disease. (Although there is a quarantine scene in “Spontaneous,” the movie was made before the onset of COVID-19.)
Charlie Plummer continues his string of empathetic performances (“Lean on Pete,” “Words on Bathroom Walls”) as the sensitive and sweet and shy Dylan, who has long harbored a crush on Mara and has resigned himself to never acting on it but finally makes his move because, hey, either or both of them could explode tomorrow. Even though their first date involves Mara getting stoned on shrooms and puking in the bathroom, and their courtship is set against the backdrop of random explosions and classmates’ funerals and the government swooping in to investigate just what the hell is happening and the advent of an experimental antidote known as “The Snooze Button,” the Mara/Dylan romance is right out of the teen romance playbook, from “Pretty in Pink” to “Love, Simon.” They’re awkward and funny and lovely and wonderful together.
Hayley Law (left) stands out as the bantering best friend of Mara (Katherine Langford). Paramount Home Entertainment
Just as authentic is the best-friendship of Mara and Tess (Hayley Law in a terrific performance) which is marked by constant snappy banter and lots of pop culture references but goes much deeper than that. We know they’ll be BFFs — if one or both doesn’t explode into a thousand pieces, that is.
“I need my life to start, even if it’s just a few minutes long,” says Tess, who is planning to skip town right after the prom. (Oddly enough, the school is still holding the prom, even though the attendance rate is going to be WAY down this year.)
“I hope you live forever, like an elf,” says Mara.
“Elves live forever?”
“Unless they’re murdered or die from grief …”
Duffield makes a spectacular directorial debut, filling “Spontaneous” with memorable images and clever touches, e.g., at a funeral for one student, the father scrapes off one of the female figures from the stick figure decal in the rear windshield. There’s an extended homage to “E.T.” (topped by a gravestone punchline later in the film), an amazing tribute to the “Bye Bye Love” finale of “All That Jazz,” a perfect quote from “Unforgiven,” nods to “The Bad News Bears” and “Carrie” and great use of pop music from “And We Danced” by the Hooters to “Even” by Julien Baker to “May I Have This Dance” by Francis and the Lights. Duffield has a true gift for storytelling devices that tap on the fourth wall but never seem gimmicky, as when each victim is seen in happier times, posing for the annual class picture against the obligatory bland and terrible background, or when Dylan tells Mara the story of how he fell in love with her even before she knew he existed, and we see each little moment in flashback.
Why, there’s even room for scenes between Mara and her loving but understandably freaked-out parents, played with grace and humor by Piper Perabo and Rob Huebel.
After all the explosions and the wickedly effective humor and the touching romance, “Spontaneous” is that rare teen comedy/drama that actually becomes more ambitious and thought-provoking in the final 15 minutes, ending on the perfect note. This is a special film.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--37 shot, 5 fatally, in Chicago this weekend

Five people were killed and 32 others , including four teenagers , were wounded in shootings over the weekend across Chicago .
The first weekend in October followed a September that saw violence in the city decline as cooler weather moved in , although shootings and murders were still up 50 % compared to September 2019 .
Last weekend , nine people were killed and 41 others injured by gunfire in Chicago .
• The latest fatal shooting happened early Monday on the Edens Expressway on the Northwest Side .
A person was shot at 12:18 a.m. in the northbound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to preliminary information from Illinois State Police .
The victim was dead at the scene and was not transported to a hospital , according to the Chicago Fire Department .
The person ’ s age and gender were not immediately known .
• A man was shot to death and another was injured Sunday night in Lawndale on the West Side .
They were in a vehicle heading east about 10:30 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Roosevelt Road when someone fired shots from the passenger side of an approaching vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver , 27 , was shot multiple times throughout his body and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he died a short time later .
The other man , 18 , was hit multiple times and taken to the same hospital in critical condition .
• Earlier that afternoon , a man was killed and another was wounded by gunfire in Roseland on the Far South Side .
Someone approached the men , 18 and 50 , about 4:50 p.m. and fired shots as they hung out in a backyard in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police said .
The younger man was struck multiple times and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he died .
The older man was taken to the same hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to the leg .
• Another man was shot to death Friday night in Chicago Lawn on the Southwest Side .
Recardo Fonza , 26 , was shot in the right shoulder and hip about 10 p.m. in the 2600 block of West 62nd Street , police and the Cook County medical examiner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped him off at Holy Cross Hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
He lived in Marquette Park .
• Hours earlier , a man was killed and a teen girl was wounded in West Englewood on the South Side .
Someone in a vehicle fired shots at 35-year-old Joe Winters and the 14-year-old girl about 5:45 p.m. as they stood outside in the 6600 block of South Oakley Avenue , authorities said .
Winters was struck in the head and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comer Children ’ s Hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to her ankle .
Three other teenagers were among those injured by gunfire over the weekend .
• A 17-year-old boy was dropped off at a West Side hospital Sunday after he was shot several times .
About 4:45 p.m. , he showed up at Mount Sinai Hospital , 1500 S. Fairfield Ave. , with multiple gunshot wounds to his body , police said .
He was listed in critical condition .
Police said the location of the shooting was unknown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two other teen boys were wounded in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side .
They were in a southbound vehicle about 3 a.m. in the 7000 block of South California Avenue when someone fired shots from the sidewalk , according to police .
A 17-year-old boy was shot in the back while a 16-year-old was grazed on his right arm .
They were driven to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where both were in good condition .
• In other nonfatal attacks , three people were injured in an exchange of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Side .
The shootout happened about 3:05 p.m. , police said .
A 24-year-old man who was driving in the 5800 block of South Ashland Avenue opened fire on a pair of men , 20 and 26 , who returned fire .
The man in the vehicle was shot in the head and throat and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition .
The 20-year-old on the street was struck in the leg , while the 26-year-old was struck in the arm .
Both were also taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the older man was stabilized .
The younger man ’ s condition was not known .
• The weekend ’ s first shooting left a 19-year-old man wounded Friday afternoon in Cragin on the Northwest Side .
Someone in a dark-colored vehicle shot at the man about 5 p.m. as he waited for a bus in the 2900 block of North Cicero Avenue , police said .
He was struck in the leg and taken to Community First Hospital in good condition .
At least 22 other people were shot in Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Five people were killed and 32 others, including four teenagers, were wounded in shootings over the weekend across Chicago.
The first weekend in October followed a September that saw violence in the city decline as cooler weather moved in, although shootings and murders were still up 50% compared to September 2019.
Last weekend, nine people were killed and 41 others injured by gunfire in Chicago.
Monday morning
The latest fatal shooting happened early Monday on the Edens Expressway on the Northwest Side. A person was shot at 12:18 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-94 near Elston Avenue, according to preliminary information from Illinois State Police. The victim was dead at the scene and was not transported to a hospital, according to the Chicago Fire Department. The person’s age and gender were not immediately known.
Sunday
A man was shot to death and another was injured Sunday night in Lawndale on the West Side. They were in a vehicle heading east about 10:30 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Roosevelt Road when someone fired shots from the passenger side of an approaching vehicle, according to Chicago police. The driver, 27-year-old Joe McGee, was shot multiple times throughout his body and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he died a short time later, authorities said. The other man, 18, was hit multiple times and taken to the same hospital in critical condition.
Earlier that afternoon, a man was killed and another was wounded by gunfire in Roseland on the Far South Side. Someone approached the men, 18 and 50, about 4:50 p.m. and fired shots as they hung out in a backyard in the 11300 block of South Harvard Avenue, police said. The younger man was struck multiple times and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he died. The older man was taken to the same hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to the leg.
Friday
Another man was shot to death Friday night in Chicago Lawn on the Southwest Side. Recardo Fonza, 26, was shot in the right shoulder and hip about 10 p.m. in the 2600 block of West 62nd Street, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. A friend dropped him off at Holy Cross Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He lived in Marquette Park.
Hours earlier, a man was killed and a teen girl was wounded in West Englewood on the South Side. Someone in a vehicle fired shots at 35-year-old Joe Winters and the 14-year-old girl about 5:45 p.m. as they stood outside in the 6600 block of South Oakley Avenue, authorities said. Winters was struck in the head and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he died. The girl was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to her ankle.
Minors wounded
Three other teenagers were among those injured by gunfire over the weekend.
A 17-year-old boy was dropped off at a West Side hospital Sunday after he was shot several times. About 4:45 p.m., he showed up at Mount Sinai Hospital, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave., with multiple gunshot wounds to his body, police said. He was listed in critical condition. Police said the location of the shooting was unknown Sunday night.
Early Saturday, two other teen boys were wounded in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side. They were in a southbound vehicle about 3 a.m. in the 7000 block of South California Avenue when someone fired shots from the sidewalk, according to police. A 17-year-old boy was shot in the back while a 16-year-old was grazed on his right arm. They were driven to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where both were in good condition.
Other nonfatal shootings
In other nonfatal attacks, three people were injured in an exchange of gunfire Sunday afternoon in Englewood on the South Side. The shootout happened about 3:05 p.m., police said. A 24-year-old man who was driving in the 5800 block of South Ashland Avenue opened fire on a pair of men, 20 and 26, who returned fire. The man in the vehicle was shot in the head and throat and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition. The 20-year-old on the street was struck in the leg, while the 26-year-old was struck in the arm. Both were also taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where the older man was stabilized. The younger man’s condition was not known.
The weekend’s first shooting left a 19-year-old man wounded Friday afternoon in Cragin on the Northwest Side. Someone in a dark-colored vehicle shot at the man about 5 p.m. as he waited for a bus in the 2900 block of North Cicero Avenue, police said. He was struck in the leg and taken to Community First Hospital in good condition.
At least 22 other people were shot in Chicago between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--Menu planner: The whole family will enjoy roasted salmon fillets

Adjust oven rack to lowest position and place foil-lined rimmed baking sheet on rack .
Heat to 500 degrees .
On salmon skin , make 4 or 5 shallow slashes , about 1 inch apart on each fillet ( be careful not to cut into flesh ) .
Pat dry with paper towels , rub with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper .
Reduce temperature to 275 ; use oven mitts to remove pan from oven .
Carefully place salmon skin side down on hot sheet .
Return to oven and roast until center is translucent when checked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degrees ( 8 to 12 minutes for medium rare ) .
Transfer salmon to platter and serve .
Per serving : 242 calories , 36 grams protein , 10 grams fat ( 39 % calories from fat ) , 1.6 grams saturated fat , no carbohydrate , 80 milligrams cholesterol , 370 milligrams sodium , no fiber .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
Beat milk and egg with fork in large bowl .
Mix in beef , bread crumbs and ranch dressing mix ( dry ) .
Shape into 6 small loaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pan .
Brush loaves with Worcestershire sauce .
Bake , uncovered , 35 to 45 minutes or until meatloaves register 160 degrees .
Let stand 5 minutes .
Garnish with cheese , if desired .
Per meatloaf : 213 calories , 17 grams protein , 9 grams fat ( 48 % calories from fat ) , 3.1 grams saturated fat , 5 grams carbohydrate , 75 milligrams cholesterol , 326 milligrams sodium , no fiber .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
Cook rice according to package directions .
Heat butter in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stirring occasionally , 12 minutes or until softened .
Add cooked rice , milk and cheese .
Combine thoroughly .
Spoon into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray .
Bake , uncovered , 50 minutes or until bubbly .
Top both halves of whole-grain English muffins with deli ( or your own ) tuna salad and a slice of American cheese .
Add a slice of tomato if desired .
Broil until the cheese melts .
Serve with oven fries and bell pepper rings .
Mash or puree 1 cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medium bowl , stir 4 ounces softened , reduced-fat cream cheese until smooth ; gradually blend in mashed strawberries .
Stir in 1 tablespoon honey .
Divide mixture among 6 purchased graham cracker crumb tart shells .
Top with 1 1/2 cups assorted fresh fruit ( blueberries , kiwifruit , strawberries and/or raspberries ) .

Roasted salmon fillets
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 8 to 12 minutes
INGREDIENTS
4 (6- to 8-ounce) skin-on salmon fillets
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Adjust oven rack to lowest position and place foil-lined rimmed baking sheet on rack. Heat to 500 degrees. On salmon skin, make 4 or 5 shallow slashes, about 1 inch apart on each fillet (be careful not to cut into flesh). Pat dry with paper towels, rub with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reduce temperature to 275; use oven mitts to remove pan from oven. Carefully place salmon skin side down on hot sheet. Return to oven and roast until center is translucent when checked with tip of paring knife and registers 125 degrees (8 to 12 minutes for medium rare). Transfer salmon to platter and serve.
Per serving: 242 calories, 36 grams protein, 10 grams fat (39% calories from fat), 1.6 grams saturated fat, no carbohydrate, 80 milligrams cholesterol, 370 milligrams sodium, no fiber.
Carb count: 0
Mini meatloaves
Makes 6 mini meatloaves
Preparation time: about 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 to 45 minutes; standing time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup 1% milk
1 egg
1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs (any flavor)
1 (0.4-ounce) package ranch dressing mix
1 tablespoon less-sodium Worcestershire sauce
Shredded 50% light cheddar cheese, if desired
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Beat milk and egg with fork in large bowl. Mix in beef, bread crumbs and ranch dressing mix (dry). Shape into 6 small loaves. Place in ungreased, rimmed baking pan. Brush loaves with Worcestershire sauce. Bake, uncovered, 35 to 45 minutes or until meatloaves register 160 degrees. Let stand 5 minutes. Garnish with cheese, if desired.
Per meatloaf: 213 calories, 17 grams protein, 9 grams fat (48% calories from fat), 3.1 grams saturated fat, 5 grams carbohydrate, 75 milligrams cholesterol, 326 milligrams sodium, no fiber.
Carb count: 1/2
Vidalia onion and rice casserole
Makes 10 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: about 1 hour, plus rice
INGREDIENTS
1 cup uncooked brown rice
2 tablespoons butter
5 medium Vidalia or other sweet onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups 1% milk
8 ounces grated Swiss cheese
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook rice according to package directions. Heat butter in a Dutch oven; add onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, 12 minutes or until softened. Add cooked rice, milk and cheese. Combine thoroughly. Spoon into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, 50 minutes or until bubbly.
Per serving: 216 calories, 9 grams protein, 10 grams fat (40% calories from fat), 6.1 grams saturated fat, 23 grams carbohydrate, 30 milligrams cholesterol, 87 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.
Carb count: 1 1/2
Tuna melt
Top both halves of whole-grain English muffins with deli (or your own) tuna salad and a slice of American cheese. Add a slice of tomato if desired. Broil until the cheese melts. Serve with oven fries and bell pepper rings.
Fruit tarts
Mash or puree 1 cup fresh strawberries until saucy. In a medium bowl, stir 4 ounces softened, reduced-fat cream cheese until smooth; gradually blend in mashed strawberries. Stir in 1 tablespoon honey. Divide mixture among 6 purchased graham cracker crumb tart shells. Top with 1 1/2 cups assorted fresh fruit (blueberries, kiwifruit, strawberries and/or raspberries).


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--Bears’ special teams struggle vs Colts

Bears’ special teams struggle vs Colts

The Bears ’ special teams were particularly abysmal Sunday .
On the first punt of the game , Pat O ’ Donnell ’ s kick was partially blocked by linebacker Jordan Glasgow .
It rolled to a stop 18 yards later and led to a Colts touchdown .
The Bears had four penalties for 32 yards on special teams plays alone : Barkevious Mingo ’ s illegal block on a kick return , Kindle Vildor ’ s hold on a punt return , Buster Skrine ’ s hold on a punt return and , most notably , Cordarrelle Patterson ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helmet off to scream at an official after covering a punt .
The play before , Patterson had dropped a deep ball from Foles .
New punt returner Ted Ginn had three returns for 18 yards .
The Colts bottled up kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson , whom they ’ d worried about all week , He averaged 21.7 yards per return .
“ We ’ re going up against the best returner in the league , ” Colts coach Frank Reich said .
“ We get a couple tackles inside the 20 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit .
”

The Bears’ special teams were particularly abysmal Sunday.
On the first punt of the game, Pat O’Donnell’s kick was partially blocked by linebacker Jordan Glasgow. It rolled to a stop 18 yards later and led to a Colts touchdown.
The Bears had four penalties for 32 yards on special teams plays alone: Barkevious Mingo’s illegal block on a kick return, Kindle Vildor’s hold on a punt return, Buster Skrine’s hold on a punt return and, most notably, Cordarrelle Patterson’s unsportsmanlike conduct flag for taking his helmet off to scream at an official after covering a punt. The play before, Patterson had dropped a deep ball from Foles.
New punt returner Ted Ginn had three returns for 18 yards.
The Colts bottled up kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson, whom they’d worried about all week, He averaged 21.7 yards per return.
“We’re going up against the best returner in the league,” Colts coach Frank Reich said. “We get a couple tackles inside the 20, so great job by our special teams unit.”


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--NB Edens reopens after person fatally shot near Elston

All lanes have reopened on the northbound Edens Expressway after someone was fatally shot early Monday on the Northwest Side @ @ @ @ @ 12:18 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-94 near Elston Avenue , according to preliminary @ @ @ @ @ .
The victim was dead at the scene and was not transported to a hospital @ @ @ @ @ Fire Department .
The person ’ s age and gender were not immediately known .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s office has not released details about the fatality .
All northbound lanes of @ @ @ @ @ Elston while authorities investigated , but reopened by 3:21 a.m. , state police said .
@ @ @ @ @ and track the city ’ s homicides .

All lanes reopened on the northbound Edens Expressway after a 21-year-old man was fatally shot early Monday on the Northwest Side.
The shooting happened at 12:18 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-94 near Elston Avenue, according to preliminary information from Illinois State Police.
The victim was dead at the scene and was not transported to a hospital, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
He was identified as Jose Alfredo Alcantar Herrera of Hollywood Park, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
All northbound lanes of the Edens were closed at Elston while authorities investigated, but reopened by 3:21 a.m., state police said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--Man shot to death, another hurt in Lawndale

A man was killed and another was critically wounded in a shooting Sunday in Lawndale on the West Side .
@ @ @ @ @ heading east about 10:30 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Roosevelt Road when someone @ @ @ @ @ side of an approaching vehicle , according to Chicago police .
The driver , 27 @ @ @ @ @ throughout his body and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he died a short @ @ @ @ @ .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified him as Joe McGee Jr @ @ @ @ @ Near West Side .
The other man , 18 , was hit multiple times and @ @ @ @ @ in critical condition , police said .
No one is in custody as Area Four @ @ @ @ @ on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was killed and another was critically wounded in a shooting Sunday in Lawndale on the West Side.
They were in a vehicle heading east about 10:30 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Roosevelt Road when someone fired shots from the passenger side of an approaching vehicle, according to Chicago police.
The driver, 27, was shot multiple times throughout his body and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he died a short time later, police said.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Joe McGee Jr. He lived on the Near West Side.
The other man, 18, was hit multiple times and taken to the same hospital in critical condition, police said.
No one is in custody as Area Four detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--How Chicago became a leader in combating contagious diseases  (LIVE UPDATES)

How Chicago became a leader in combating contagious diseases Across Chicago , scientists are scrambling to tackle the coronavirus .
From the testing kits developed at Abbott Labs , to the wearable COVID sensors Northwestern University researchers are developing and the growing medical image database at the University of Chicago , Chicago is rushing to the rescue .
It is comforting to know that these brilliant researchers are on the case .
But this is nothing new to “ make no little plans ” Chicago .
After all , way back in 1900 — after the herculean work to rebuild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grand show for the 1893 World ’ s Columbian Exposition — engineers actually managed to reverse the flow of the Chicago River in an effort to curb cholera and typhoid outbreaks .
Two years later , in 1902 , Harold and Edith ( Rockefeller ) McCormick , having just lost their firstborn child to scarlet fever , founded the John R. McCormick Memorial Institute for Infectious Diseases , helping Chicago secure a leadership spot in the field of contagious disease .
Read more here from Andrea Friederici Ross , author of Edith : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. public health agency said Monday that the coronavirus can spread more than 6 feet through the air , especially in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces .
But agency officials maintained that such spread is uncommon and current social distancing guidelines still make sense .
However , several experts faulted the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance .
They said the virus can spread more easily than the CDC seems to be indicating , and suggested that the public should wear masks even in prolonged outdoor gatherings when they are more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ is traveling through the air and there is no bright line .
You ’ re not safe beyond 6 feet .
You can ’ t take your mask off at 6 feet , ” said Dr. Donald Milton of the University of Maryland School of Public Health .
The new infections , which brought the state ’ s total to 303,394 cases , were found among the latest batch of 38,538 tests reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health , raising the state ’ s seven-day positivity rate — a figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus is spreading — to 3.4 % from 3.3 % .
Reporter Mitch Dudek has the full story here .
2:00 p.m. ‘ She just never came home ’ : 1st grade teacher dies of COVID-19 weeks after back-to-school event Olga Quiroga came down with cold-like symptoms last month after making a series of trips to Funston Elementary that included a back-to-school event , where the first-grade bilingual teacher met her students ’ parents and handed out supplies for the upcoming academic year , her daughters said .
Despite suffering from a heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 30-year veteran at Chicago Public Schools , continued to teach her students virtually .
One week later , however , Quiroga ’ s condition took a turn for the worse .
She called in sick to work and had her daughter took her to the emergency room .
She was so weak she could barely walk 30 feet from the car to a wheelchair , her daughter , Giovanna Quiroga , said .
“ The nurses literally just snatched her away from me , ” Giovanna recalled .
“ And ever since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care unit .
She just never came home.
” After a three-week battle with COVID-19 , Olga Quiroga , a first-grade teacher who lived in Garfield Ridge , died Thursday — just one day after her 58th birthday .
Read the full story by Nader Issa and Madeline Kenney here .
10:43 a.m. Trump aims for Monday release after outside drive-by President Donald Trump was hoping for a Monday discharge from the military hospital where he is being treated for COVID-19 , a day after he briefly ventured out while contagious to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outing that disregarded precautions meant to contain the virus that has killed more than 209,000 Americans .
White House officials said Trump was anxious to be released after three nights at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , where doctors revealed on Sunday that his blood oxygen level had dropped suddenly twice in recent days and that they gave him a steroid typically only recommended for the very sick .
Still , the doctors said Trump ’ s health was improving and he could be discharged as early as Monday to continue the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House .
Trump “ is ready to get back to a normal work schedule ” and was optimistic about a Monday release , White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told Fox News .
He said a determination would be made after further determination by his medical team .
The president of the Chicago Teachers Union on Monday said it ’ s time for Chicago Public Schools to make facilities safe — following an arbitrator ’ s ruling last week that said schools are anything but for clerks and other employees .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe , ’ said Jesse Sharkey , speaking during a Zoom meeting Monday .
“ You can ’ t learn if you ’ re dead.
” Arbitrator Jeanne Charles found that requiring school clerks and other employees to report to CPS buildings increases the risk of contracting COVID-19 , and that increased risk of infection violates the school district ’ s contract to provide “ safe and healthful ” working conditions .
“ The only way to eliminate the risk of COVID-19 infection and death is for School Clerks , School Clerk Assistants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Charles said in her decision .
Read the full story by Stefano Esposito here .
7:41 a.m. Trump ’ s doctors say blood oxygen levels dropped twice in recent days President Donald Trump ’ s blood oxygen level dropped suddenly twice in recent days , but he “ has continued to improve ” since then , the White House physician said Sunday , adding a new layer of confusion to the president ’ s fight with COVID-19 even while suggesting he could be discharged from the hospital as early as Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the steps of the military hospital where he was being treated for a third consecutive day , refused to disclose the specific timing of the president ’ s dip in oxygen or whether lung scans showed any damage .
Navy Cmdr .
Dr. Sean Conley acknowledged he was trying to downplay the severity of the president ’ s condition the day before .
“ I was trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team , that the president , that his course of illness has had .
Didn ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the course of illness in another direction , ” Conley said .
“ And in doing so , came off like we ’ re trying to hide something , which wasn ’ t necessarily true .
The fact of the matter is that he ’ s doing really well.
” State health officials on Sunday announced 1,453 new coronavirus cases and 17 additional deaths .
The new infections , which brought the state ’ s total to 301,541 , were found among the latest batch of 51,656 tests reported to the Illinois Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , lowering the state ’ s seven-day positivity rate — a figure experts use to gauge how rapidly the virus is spreading — to 3.3 % .
8:32 a.m. Wishing good health to the Trumps — and to a nation desperate for better leadership President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania have caught the bug .
We wish them a swift and full recovery .
We wish a swift and complete recovery for our whole nation , for that matter .
The United States just must do better against COVID-19 .
Yet when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that the Trumps had tested positive for the coronavirus , we understood that development for what it was : The ultimate symbolic metric of the Trump administration ’ s failure to lead during the pandemic .
Read the full editorial by the Sun-Times Editorial Board here .

President Donald Trump says he feels “good” as he arrives back at the White House after three days at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was being treated for COVID-19.
In Illinois, another 1,853 new coronavirus cases and 14 additional deaths were recorded. Here’s what else happened in coronavirus-related news around the state.
News
8:54 p.m. How Chicago became a leader in combating contagious diseases
Richard Lariosa, a medical laboratory scientist at Simple Laboratories in Harwood Heights, runs a correlation study with nasopharyngeal swab samples positive for COVID-19, Wednesday afternoon, April 22, 2020. File photo. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file photo
Across Chicago, scientists are scrambling to tackle the coronavirus.
From the testing kits developed at Abbott Labs, to the wearable COVID sensors Northwestern University researchers are developing and the growing medical image database at the University of Chicago, Chicago is rushing to the rescue.
It is comforting to know that these brilliant researchers are on the case. But this is nothing new to “make no little plans” Chicago. After all, way back in 1900 — after the herculean work to rebuild after the Great Chicago Fire and the grand show for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition — engineers actually managed to reverse the flow of the Chicago River in an effort to curb cholera and typhoid outbreaks.
Two years later, in 1902, Harold and Edith (Rockefeller) McCormick, having just lost their firstborn child to scarlet fever, founded the John R. McCormick Memorial Institute for Infectious Diseases, helping Chicago secure a leadership spot in the field of contagious disease.
Read more here from Andrea Friederici Ross, author of Edith: The Rogue Rockefeller McCormick.
7:43 p.m. Coronavirus can spread indoors, infect people beyond 6 feet: CDC
The top U.S. public health agency said Monday that the coronavirus can spread more than 6 feet through the air, especially in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials maintained that such spread is uncommon and current social distancing guidelines still make sense.
However, several experts faulted the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. They said the virus can spread more easily than the CDC seems to be indicating, and suggested that the public should wear masks even in prolonged outdoor gatherings when they are more than 6 feet apart.
The virus “is traveling through the air and there is no bright line. You’re not safe beyond 6 feet. You can’t take your mask off at 6 feet,” said Dr. Donald Milton of the University of Maryland School of Public Health.
Read the full report here.
7:12 p.m. State health officials: 1,853 new coronavirus cases, 14 more deaths
State health officials Monday announced 1,853 new coronavirus cases and 14 additional deaths.
The new infections, which brought the state’s total to 303,394 cases, were found among the latest batch of 38,538 tests reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health, raising the state’s seven-day positivity rate — a figure experts use to gauge how rapidly the virus is spreading — to 3.4% from 3.3%.
Reporter Mitch Dudek has the full story here.
6:00 p.m. Trump leaves hospital, returns to White House
President Donald Trump says he feels “good” as he arrives back at the White House after three days at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was being treated for COVID-19.
Marine One landed at the White House just before 7 p.m. Monday just as the sun was setting.
He then walked upstairs to the South Portico balcony, took off his mask and stuffed it in his pocket, and flashed a double thumbs-up to the cameras. He saluted as he watched the helicopter lift back off. He walked into the White House without putting his mask back on.
Trump’s doctors said he would continue his recovery from the White House, where he will be cared for 24/7 by a team of doctors and nurses. His doctor says he’s still contagious.
Read the full story here.
2:00 p.m. ‘She just never came home’: 1st grade teacher dies of COVID-19 weeks after back-to-school event
Olga Quiroga came down with cold-like symptoms last month after making a series of trips to Funston Elementary that included a back-to-school event, where the first-grade bilingual teacher met her students’ parents and handed out supplies for the upcoming academic year, her daughters said.
Despite suffering from a heavy cough and debilitating fatigue, Quiroga, a 30-year veteran at Chicago Public Schools, continued to teach her students virtually.
One week later, however, Quiroga’s condition took a turn for the worse. She called in sick to work and had her daughter took her to the emergency room. She was so weak she could barely walk 30 feet from the car to a wheelchair, her daughter, Giovanna Quiroga, said.
“The nurses literally just snatched her away from me,” Giovanna recalled. “And ever since Sept. 11, she was in the intensive care unit. She just never came home.”
After a three-week battle with COVID-19, Olga Quiroga, a first-grade teacher who lived in Garfield Ridge, died Thursday — just one day after her 58th birthday.
Read the full story by Nader Issa and Madeline Kenney here.
10:43 a.m. Trump aims for Monday release after outside drive-by
President Donald Trump was hoping for a Monday discharge from the military hospital where he is being treated for COVID-19, a day after he briefly ventured out while contagious to salute cheering supporters by motorcade — an outing that disregarded precautions meant to contain the virus that has killed more than 209,000 Americans.
White House officials said Trump was anxious to be released after three nights at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where doctors revealed on Sunday that his blood oxygen level had dropped suddenly twice in recent days and that they gave him a steroid typically only recommended for the very sick. Still, the doctors said Trump’s health was improving and he could be discharged as early as Monday to continue the remainder of his treatment at the White House.
Trump “is ready to get back to a normal work schedule” and was optimistic about a Monday release, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told Fox News. He said a determination would be made after further determination by his medical team.
Read the full report here.
9:50 a.m. Make schools safe now: CTU president
The president of the Chicago Teachers Union on Monday said it’s time for Chicago Public Schools to make facilities safe — following an arbitrator’s ruling last week that said schools are anything but for clerks and other employees.
“It’s critical that people be safe,’ said Jesse Sharkey, speaking during a Zoom meeting Monday. “You can’t learn if you’re dead.”
Arbitrator Jeanne Charles found that requiring school clerks and other employees to report to CPS buildings increases the risk of contracting COVID-19, and that increased risk of infection violates the school district’s contract to provide “safe and healthful” working conditions.
“The only way to eliminate the risk of COVID-19 infection and death is for School Clerks, School Clerk Assistants, and Technology Coordinators to work remotely,” Charles said in her decision.
Read the full story by Stefano Esposito here.
7:41 a.m. Trump’s doctors say blood oxygen levels dropped twice in recent days
President Donald Trump’s blood oxygen level dropped suddenly twice in recent days, but he “has continued to improve” since then, the White House physician said Sunday, adding a new layer of confusion to the president’s fight with COVID-19 even while suggesting he could be discharged from the hospital as early as Monday.
Trump’s doctors, speaking on the steps of the military hospital where he was being treated for a third consecutive day, refused to disclose the specific timing of the president’s dip in oxygen or whether lung scans showed any damage.
Navy Cmdr. Dr. Sean Conley acknowledged he was trying to downplay the severity of the president’s condition the day before.
“I was trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team, that the president, that his course of illness has had. Didn’t want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction,” Conley said. “And in doing so, came off like we’re trying to hide something, which wasn’t necessarily true. The fact of the matter is that he’s doing really well.”
Read the full story here.
New cases
State health officials on Sunday announced 1,453 new coronavirus cases and 17 additional deaths.
The new infections, which brought the state’s total to 301,541, were found among the latest batch of 51,656 tests reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health in the last day, lowering the state’s seven-day positivity rate — a figure experts use to gauge how rapidly the virus is spreading — to 3.3%.
Analysis & Commentary
8:32 a.m. Wishing good health to the Trumps — and to a nation desperate for better leadership
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania have caught the bug.
We wish them a swift and full recovery.
We wish a swift and complete recovery for our whole nation, for that matter. The United States just must do better against COVID-19.
Yet when we heard, after midnight on Friday, that the Trumps had tested positive for the coronavirus, we understood that development for what it was: The ultimate symbolic metric of the Trump administration’s failure to lead during the pandemic.
Read the full editorial by the Sun-Times Editorial Board here.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--Illinois Policy Institute files suit over promotion of graduated income tax, calling it ‘dangerous t

Illinois Policy Institute files suit over promotion of graduated income tax, calling it ‘dangerous to retirees’

A right-leaning think tank went to court Monday to try to stop Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s proposed move to a graduated income tax , alleging that educational efforts around the ballot initiative use misleading statements to “ conceal the threat of taxes on retirement income.
” The Illinois Policy Institute , along with three retirees , filed suit in the Cook County Circuit Court ’ s Chancery Division against Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and members of the state Board of Elections , saying , if approved , the graduated income tax would “ eliminate important structural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new taxes on retirement income and higher taxes on those with lower incomes .
In the suit , the institute says a pamphlet released by White contains “ misleading statements , ” specifically around the proposed amendment not taxing retirement income .
Those statements “ are particularly dangerous to retirees and conceal the threat of taxes on retirement income , ” the institute and other plaintiffs allege .
Evidence shows that “ adopting the [ progressive income tax ] amendment will make a tax on retirement income more likely , ” the suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement made by state Treasurer Mike Frerichs that a progressive tax would allow for graduated rates on retirement income .
In a statement , Quentin Fulks , the chair of Vote Yes for Fairness committee , which supports the amendment , called the suit “ frivolous.
” “ When the facts aren ’ t on your side , you ’ re forced to rely on blatant stunts and outright lies , and that ’ s exactly what we ’ re seeing from the Illinois Policy Institute today , ” Fulks said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by an organization bankrolled by the wealthiest people in the state to ensure the burden remains on middle and working-class families , while millionaires and billionaires avoid paying their fair share.
” The graduated income tax , dubbed the “ Fair Tax ” by Pritzker and other supporters , has been one of the Democratic governor ’ s top priorities since taking office .
The proposal has led to a battle of the checkbooks between Illinois ’ richest man , Ken Griffin , and the wealthy first-term governor .
Griffin has donated $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax change , and Pritzker has donated $ 56.5 million of his fortune to the “ Vote Yes for Fairness ” committee , which is focused on passing the ballot initiative .
While opponents argue the proposal opens the door for further tax hikes down the road to pay off the state ’ s massive debts , Pritzker portrays it as a way to get the rich — including himself — to pay their fair share .
Voters are not deciding on the rates when they cast their ballot in November , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and signed into law by Pritzker in June of 2019 .
Under that legislation , if voters approve the change to a graduated income tax system , incomes between $ 250,000 and $ 500,000 would be taxed 7.75 % .
It would maintain the current tax rate of 4.95 % on incomes between $ 100,000 and $ 250,000 , drop it to 4.9 % for income from $ 10,000 to $ 100,000 , and lower it to 4.75 % for the first $ 10,000 .
Income from $ 500,000 to $ 1 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income over $ 1 million would be taxed 7.99 % .
The new tax rates would go into effect Jan. 1 , 2021 .

A right-leaning think tank went to court Monday to try to stop Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed move to a graduated income tax, alleging that educational efforts around the ballot initiative use misleading statements to “conceal the threat of taxes on retirement income.”
The Illinois Policy Institute, along with three retirees, filed suit in the Cook County Circuit Court’s Chancery Division against Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and members of the state Board of Elections, saying, if approved, the graduated income tax would “eliminate important structural safeguards that deter legislators” from imposing new taxes on retirement income and higher taxes on those with lower incomes.
In the suit, the institute says a pamphlet released by White contains “misleading statements,” specifically around the proposed amendment not taxing retirement income.
Those statements “are particularly dangerous to retirees and conceal the threat of taxes on retirement income,” the institute and other plaintiffs allege.
Evidence shows that “adopting the [progressive income tax] amendment will make a tax on retirement income more likely,” the suit says.
The suit also points to a statement made by state Treasurer Mike Frerichs that a progressive tax would allow for graduated rates on retirement income.
State Treasurer Michael Frerichs in 2017. Rich Hein/Sun-Times file
In a statement, Quentin Fulks, the chair of Vote Yes for Fairness committee, which supports the amendment, called the suit “frivolous.”
“When the facts aren’t on your side, you’re forced to rely on blatant stunts and outright lies, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing from the Illinois Policy Institute today,” Fulks said. “This is just the latest attempt by an organization bankrolled by the wealthiest people in the state to ensure the burden remains on middle and working-class families, while millionaires and billionaires avoid paying their fair share.”
The graduated income tax, dubbed the “Fair Tax” by Pritzker and other supporters, has been one of the Democratic governor’s top priorities since taking office.
Flanked by supporters, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs tax legislation in June of 2019. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
The proposal has led to a battle of the checkbooks between Illinois’ richest man, Ken Griffin, and the wealthy first-term governor.
Griffin has donated $46.7 million to stop the proposed income tax change, and Pritzker has donated $56.5 million of his fortune to the “Vote Yes for Fairness” committee, which is focused on passing the ballot initiative.
While opponents argue the proposal opens the door for further tax hikes down the road to pay off the state’s massive debts, Pritzker portrays it as a way to get the rich — including himself — to pay their fair share.
Voters are not deciding on the rates when they cast their ballot in November, however. Those were passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Pritzker in June of 2019.
Under that legislation, if voters approve the change to a graduated income tax system, incomes between $250,000 and $500,000 would be taxed 7.75%. It would maintain the current tax rate of 4.95% on incomes between $100,000 and $250,000, drop it to 4.9% for income from $10,000 to $100,000, and lower it to 4.75% for the first $10,000.
Income from $500,000 to $1 million would be taxed 7.85%, while income over $1 million would be taxed 7.99%.
The new tax rates would go into effect Jan. 1, 2021.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-05--Coronavirus can spread indoors, infect people beyond 6 feet: CDC

The top U.S. public health agency said Monday that the coronavirus can spread more than 6 feet through the air , especially in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces .
But agency officials maintained that such spread is uncommon and current social distancing guidelines still make sense .
However , several experts faulted the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance .
They said the virus can spread more easily than the CDC seems to be indicating , and suggested that the public should wear masks even in prolonged outdoor gatherings when they are more than 6 feet apart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ air and there is no bright line .
You ’ re not safe beyond 6 feet .
You can ’ t take your mask off at 6 feet , ” said Dr. Donald Milton of the University of Maryland School of Public Health .
For months , the CDC has said that the virus spreads mainly through small airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes .
Most CDC guidance about social distancing is built around that idea , saying that 6 feet is a safe buffer between people who are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have also acknowledged growing evidence that the virus can sometimes spread on even smaller particles called aerosols that spread over a wider area .
In the update posted on its website , the agency again acknowledged recent research showing people with COVID-19 infected others who were more than 6 feet away or shortly after an infected person left an area .
CDC officials called those ” limited , uncommon circumstances.
” In those cases , spread occurred in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces where people were doing activities that caused heavier breathing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
People can protect themselves by staying at least 6 feet away from others , wearing a mask , washing their hands , cleaning touched surfaces and staying home when sick Last month , the CDC ignited controversy among experts when it quietly posted an update that seemed to suggest the agency ’ s position had changed , and then within days took it down again .
The short-lived post said the virus can remain suspended in the air and drift more than 6 feet , and officials emphasized the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singing and breathing to the ways the virus can go airborne .
Federal health officials later said the post was a mistake and that it had been released before full editing and clearance was completed .
They said there was no major change in the agency ’ s position , but they would finalize a post to clarify the CDC ’ s thinking .
That ’ s what was posted Monday .
A small group of researchers — including Milton — on Monday published a letter in the journal Science that called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreads in the air .
They said health officials need to use clearer language in talking about the size of airborne particles and droplets that can spread the disease , and be more straightforward about the role that viruses in small aerosols can play in infecting people .
Masks and good ventilation are crucial indoors .
But they can be important outdoors too , said Linsey Marr of Virginia Tech .

The top U.S. public health agency said Monday that the coronavirus can spread more than 6 feet through the air, especially in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials maintained that such spread is uncommon and current social distancing guidelines still make sense.
However, several experts faulted the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. They said the virus can spread more easily than the CDC seems to be indicating, and suggested that the public should wear masks even in prolonged outdoor gatherings when they are more than 6 feet apart.
The virus “is traveling through the air and there is no bright line. You’re not safe beyond 6 feet. You can’t take your mask off at 6 feet,” said Dr. Donald Milton of the University of Maryland School of Public Health.
For months, the CDC has said that the virus spreads mainly through small airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Most CDC guidance about social distancing is built around that idea, saying that 6 feet is a safe buffer between people who are not wearing masks.
In interviews, CDC officials have also acknowledged growing evidence that the virus can sometimes spread on even smaller particles called aerosols that spread over a wider area.
In the update posted on its website, the agency again acknowledged recent research showing people with COVID-19 infected others who were more than 6 feet away or shortly after an infected person left an area. CDC officials called those ”limited, uncommon circumstances.”
In those cases, spread occurred in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces where people were doing activities that caused heavier breathing, like singing or exercise, CDC officials said.
People can protect themselves by staying at least 6 feet away from others, wearing a mask, washing their hands, cleaning touched surfaces and staying home when sick
Last month, the CDC ignited controversy among experts when it quietly posted an update that seemed to suggest the agency’s position had changed, and then within days took it down again.
The short-lived post said the virus can remain suspended in the air and drift more than 6 feet, and officials emphasized the importance of indoor ventilation. It also added singing and breathing to the ways the virus can go airborne.
Federal health officials later said the post was a mistake and that it had been released before full editing and clearance was completed. They said there was no major change in the agency’s position, but they would finalize a post to clarify the CDC’s thinking. That’s what was posted Monday.
A small group of researchers — including Milton — on Monday published a letter in the journal Science that called for clearer public health guidance about how coronavirus spreads in the air.
They said health officials need to use clearer language in talking about the size of airborne particles and droplets that can spread the disease, and be more straightforward about the role that viruses in small aerosols can play in infecting people.
Masks and good ventilation are crucial indoors. But they can be important outdoors too, said Linsey Marr of Virginia Tech.