chicagosun-times--2020-12-08--Chicago fishing, Midwest Fishing Report: Variable lakefront perch & steelhead, ice slowly builds nor

Chicago fishing, Midwest Fishing Report: Variable lakefront perch & steelhead, ice slowly builds north

Variable perch on the Chicago lakefront , slowly building ice farther north and some decent steelhead reports lead this sprawling raw-fie Midwest Fishing Report .
Center of the action remains the Calumet system and the South Side slips , though a few perch are being caught at the North Side harbors .
Security varies in its dealings with fishing on the private property areas around the South Side slips , but in general be prepared to not be allowed to fish the private property areas .
The small piece of Steelworkers Park at the eastern end of 87th is public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cal and found some spots to fish the perch in the river and caught a few , all the way to the Ford plant .
Jeffrey Williams messaged Tuesday afternoon that he caught two small perch under the State Street bridge on the Chicago River .
It ’ s one of those in-between times for ice and open water .
Perch are well up the river , at least as far as the Ford plant .
Waiting on ice to be thick enough for ice fishing , otherwise it is guys trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so use caution when launching or navigating the channels .
NOTE : Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or ( 847 ) 587-8540 .
EMIQUON : Basically , go to the launch .
General information at http : //experienceemiquon.com/sites/default/files/LakeAccessRules.pdf .
Fishing is allowed sunrise to sunset even during waterfowl season this year because The Nature Conservancy has suspended their public waterfowl hunting program this year due to COVID-related issues .
TNC hopes to resume the public waterfowl hunting program next year .
POWERTON : Waterfowl season is open , so adjust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilson of Lithia Guide Service .
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS : Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing .
Guide Mike Norris texted the photo above and emailed this report : Big Green Lake – Despite nighttime temperatures dropping into the low 20 ’ s Big Green Lake remains wide open due to its ultra-clear water and depth .
I saw several boat anglers on Big Green during the Thanksgiving holiday week , but I am now the only boat out on the water .
The resulting lack of pressure on the fishery is paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With the thermocline long gone I am locating and catching smallmouth bass at various depths on live bait rigs , and these fish are arguably the biggest my clients and I catch each season .
Ice is forming on the shallower lakes in my area , but the late week forecast calls for daytime temperatures in the mid-40 ’ s .
So , it will be another week or two before the ice is thick enough to safely walk on the shallower lakes in my area .
Barring a deep freeze , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smallmouth , walleyes , and northern pike on Big Green Lake through the start of the new year .
For information on guide trips reach out to me via my Facebook page at mike.norris.7773 or email me through my website at www.comecatchsmallmouth.com Click here for the Wisconsin DNR weekly report .
Click here for the Ohio DNR Report .
Perch report is at the top .
A truly unique mix of fish—trout , whitefish , perch , bluegill , sunfish , lake trout—are being caught , sporadically , up and down the lakefront @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I expect more will be out the next three days with the weather forecast .
People are biking or walking in to fish .
Fisherman ’ s parking passes and pier passes are not being sold while the lakefront remains officially closed .
Click here for the update from D & S Bait .
Closed for the season , but Monster Lake at Mazonia South stays open year-round .
Not as fast as we would like , but after the past couple ice seasons…we ’ ll Take IT !
Ice coverage is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are heading out ( by cleated foot only ) to enjoy early ice fishing .
Walley : Good-Very Good – Favorite early ice target for many , late afternoon to dusk has been very good in the shallows ( 2-6 ’ ) using tip-ups baited with shiners .
Jigging Raps and Shiver Minnows also effective for this aggressive , early bite .
Pre-dawn through mid-morning also giving up good action anywhere green cabbage can be found .
Crappies : Good-Very good – Most anglers targeting Crappies finding best bites early in AM and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but jigging lures with flash such as Little Cecils also good tipped with waxies .
Northern Pike : Good-Very Good – Big minnows and even Hot Dogs on tip-ups producing .
Using a tie-able wire leader and # 5 Pimples dressed with minnow heads also putting fish on ice .
Yellow Perch : Good – Moving through shallows in what seems to be loose schools taking smaller minnows and striking K-Rips tipped with waxies .
Bluegill : Good – 4-8 ’ weeds .
Tear dot jigs tipped with waxies , spikes or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lakes still have open water ( Fence , Trout ) most are locked up and slowly building ice .
Nearly snowless , so creepers are essential .
Also , use a spud bar to check ice , have a rope and/or float suit , go out with a friend .
Reports of ice thickness in 2-6 ” + range , but caution always required .
Click here for the Wisconsin DNR ’ s report , usually on Tuesday or Wednesday .
Proprietor Phil Schuman at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said fishing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the river ; steelhead are good and fresh fish are coming in , best on on Mag Lips in 3.0 or 3.5 or with spawn ; a few are surf fishing for steelhead off the beach ; a few whitefish have been caught off the pier .
Site hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lakeside , Pokanoka ’ s Cafe and camp store are closed for the season .
Lakeside plans to reopen when ice fishing comes .
Click here for the southern Lake Michigan reports from the Wisconsin DNR .

Variable perch on the Chicago lakefront, slowly building ice farther north and some decent steelhead reports lead this sprawling raw-fie Midwest Fishing Report.
LAKEFRONT PERCH
Center of the action remains the Calumet system and the South Side slips, though a few perch are being caught at the North Side harbors. Security varies in its dealings with fishing on the private property areas around the South Side slips, but in general be prepared to not be allowed to fish the private property areas. The small piece of Steelworkers Park at the eastern end of 87th is public land.
Arden Katz went exploring along the Cal and found some spots to fish the perch in the river and caught a few, all the way to the Ford plant.
Jeffrey Williams messaged Tuesday afternoon that he caught two small perch under the State Street bridge on the Chicago River.
Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station, Ind. texted:
Perch for boat fisherman still good fishing 105st and father into the river xl fatheads best bait. Shore fisherman it’s been slower must change spots and move to different areas and hope to land on a few.
AREA LAKES
It’s one of those in-between times for ice and open water.
Ken “Husker” O’Malley emailed:
Hey Dale, Here is a recap of this past week’s fishing. Area lakes- waiting. Most lakes have locked up with below freezing temps overnight. Geese are keeping some areas open. We should have open water opportunities later in the week with the forecast showing 50’s and rain.
Sandhill cranes flying around Chicago. Ken “Husker” O’Malley
Here is the nature pic of the week. More Sandhills heading for their wintering grounds. TTYL — Ken Husker O’Malley Husker Outdoors Waterwerks fishing team
BRAIDWOOD LAKE
Closed for the season.
CALUMET SYSTEM
Perch are well up the river, at least as far as the Ford plant.
CHAIN O’LAKES AREA
Waiting on ice to be thick enough for ice fishing, otherwise it is guys trying for muskies. Water remains extremely low, so use caution when launching or navigating the channels.
NOTE: Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or (847) 587-8540.
CHICAGO RIVER
Jeffrey Williams messaged Tuesday afternoon:
so i was fishing for some gills and i caught 2 small perch under the state st bridge, couldnt get any pics cause my phone was updating it self, they were only 6 in, caught maybe 8 gills all were CPR, they were too small to get any meat out of em
DOWNSTATE
EMIQUON: Basically, go to the launch. General information at http://experienceemiquon.com/sites/default/files/LakeAccessRules.pdf. Fishing is allowed sunrise to sunset even during waterfowl season this year because The Nature Conservancy has suspended their public waterfowl hunting program this year due to COVID-related issues. TNC hopes to resume the public waterfowl hunting program next year.
POWERTON: Waterfowl season is open, so adjust accordingly.
HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Closed for the year.
SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing.
GREEN LAKE AREA, WISCONSIN
Harry Bowey from Princeton, Wis., with a 5-pound, 9-ounce smallmouth bass caught last week (released) with guide Mike Norris. Provided
Guide Mike Norris texted the photo above and emailed this report:
Fishing Report 12/6/2020 Mike Norris Big Green Lake – Despite nighttime temperatures dropping into the low 20’s Big Green Lake remains wide open due to its ultra-clear water and depth. I saw several boat anglers on Big Green during the Thanksgiving holiday week, but I am now the only boat out on the water. The resulting lack of pressure on the fishery is paying big dividends for my clients and me. With the thermocline long gone I am locating and catching smallmouth bass at various depths on live bait rigs, and these fish are arguably the biggest my clients and I catch each season. Ice is forming on the shallower lakes in my area, but the late week forecast calls for daytime temperatures in the mid-40’s. So, it will be another week or two before the ice is thick enough to safely walk on the shallower lakes in my area. Barring a deep freeze, I expect to continue to guide for smallmouth, walleyes, and northern pike on Big Green Lake through the start of the new year. For information on guide trips reach out to me via my Facebook page at mike.norris.7773 or email me through my website at www.comecatchsmallmouth.com
GREEN/STURGEON BAYS, WISCONSIN
Click here for the Wisconsin DNR weekly report.
HEIDECKE LAKE
Closed for the season.
LAKE ERIE
Click here for the Ohio DNR Report.
LAKEFRONT
Perch report is at the top. A truly unique mix of fish—trout, whitefish, perch, bluegill, sunfish, lake trout—are being caught, sporadically, up and down the lakefront, when weather and water conditions allow. I expect more will be out the next three days with the weather forecast.
People are biking or walking in to fish. Fisherman’s parking passes and pier passes are not being sold while the lakefront remains officially closed.
LaSALLE LAKE
Closed for the season.
MADISON LAKES, WISCONSIN
Click here for the update from D&S Bait.
MAZONIA
Closed for the season, but Monster Lake at Mazonia South stays open year-round.
NORTHERN WISCONSIN
Kurt Justice at Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua emailed:
Not as fast as we would like, but after the past couple ice seasons…we’ll Take IT! Ice coverage is building throughout the Lakeland area and anglers are heading out (by cleated foot only) to enjoy early ice fishing. Walley: Good-Very Good – Favorite early ice target for many, late afternoon to dusk has been very good in the shallows (2-6’) using tip-ups baited with shiners. Jigging Raps and Shiver Minnows also effective for this aggressive, early bite. Pre-dawn through mid-morning also giving up good action anywhere green cabbage can be found. Crappies: Good-Very good – Most anglers targeting Crappies finding best bites early in AM and again mid-afternoon through dusk. Minnows producing, but jigging lures with flash such as Little Cecils also good tipped with waxies. Northern Pike: Good-Very Good – Big minnows and even Hot Dogs on tip-ups producing. Using a tie-able wire leader and #5 Pimples dressed with minnow heads also putting fish on ice. Yellow Perch: Good – Moving through shallows in what seems to be loose schools taking smaller minnows and striking K-Rips tipped with waxies. Bluegill: Good – 4-8’ weeds. Tear dot jigs tipped with waxies, spikes or plastics all good. While some large lakes still have open water (Fence, Trout) most are locked up and slowly building ice. Nearly snowless, so creepers are essential. Also, use a spud bar to check ice, have a rope and/or float suit, go out with a friend. Reports of ice thickness in 2-6+ range, but caution always required. Kurt Justice Kurt’s Island Sport Shop Like us on FaceBook
NORTHWEST INDIANA
Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:
Perch for boat fisherman still good fishing 105st and father into the river xl fatheads best bait. Shore fisherman it’s been slower must change spots and move to different areas and hope to land on a few. Steelhead in area tributaries voodoo jigs tipped with waxworms best but spawn sacks work too. Wolf lake giving up some big crappie and a few walleye xl fatheads will do the trick.
ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN
Click here for the Wisconsin DNR’s report, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday.
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
Proprietor Phil Schuman at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said fishing is good, including a 15-5 walleye from the river; steelhead are good and fresh fish are coming in, best on on Mag Lips in 3.0 or 3.5 or with spawn; a few are surf fishing for steelhead off the beach; a few whitefish have been caught off the pier.
SHABBONA LAKE
Site hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lakeside, Pokanoka’s Cafe and camp store are closed for the season. Lakeside plans to reopen when ice fishing comes.
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN LAKEFRONT
Click here for the southern Lake Michigan reports from the Wisconsin DNR.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-08--Vaccine close, but Pritzker warns coronavirus precautions are still key: ‘All I can say is that the

Vaccine close, but Pritzker warns coronavirus precautions are still key: ‘All I can say is that the virus is deadly’

As Illinois ’ coronavirus numbers took another step in the right direction Tuesday , Gov J.B. Pritzker touted the promising early reviews of the COVID-19 vaccine that could start being administered to health care workers across the state as early as next week .
But with daily death counts stuck in the triple digits and a potential post-Thanksgiving spike still looming , the governor warned against complacency in the face of the deadly virus — even with the vaccine in sight .
Once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives emergency use authorization to the Pfizer vaccine as expected Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to sign off for distribution in Illinois .
But the governor ’ s health team made clear that the first shipment of the 95 % -effective inoculation will be cast across Illinois in short order .
“ Illinois will only distribute a vaccine that is deemed safe , and we are one of many states that have established additional review panels , ” Pritzker said .
“ We all want to make sure this vaccine is safe , and additional sets of eyes on the evidence can only be helpful.
” Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a step further , saying “ we are hoping for everyone to get this vaccine in the coming year.
” It ’ ll take a while to get to all of the state ’ s roughly 12.7 million residents , not to mention the “ anti-vax community that has pre-existed coronavirus , ” Pritzker said .
Illinois is in line to get 109,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the federal government within a few days of its anticipated approval Thursday .
The state could also receive an additional 400,000 doses of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December , though that estimate is much murkier as it ’ s a few weeks behind in the process compared to Pfizer , Pritzker said .
First in line are the state ’ s 655,000 health care workers in Illinois , including 162,000 in Chicago .
After that come the roughly 110,000 Illinoisans living in long-term care facilities , about 16,000 in Chicago .
By the time the state ’ s essential workers and older residents with underlying health conditions are vaccinated , it ’ ll be well into 2021 before a majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
That ’ s why “ we still are going to need to wear our masks .
We still are going to need to limit our gatherings and watch our distance , ” Ezike said .
The state is still in the midst of its worst stretch of the entire pandemic in terms of fatalities , as officials announced the latest 145 coronavirus deaths and 7,910 new infections statewide .
Those figures are slightly below average for the state compared to the brutal past seven days , during which COVID-19 has claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected more than 9,300 people every day .
But the latest cases were diagnosed among 95,825 tests , lowering the statewide average positivity rate to 9.9 % .
That ’ s the first time that key indicator of transmission has dipped below 10 % in a month .
Hospital numbers have trended slightly downward , too , since reaching record highs over the last two weeks of November .
As of Monday night , 5,199 coronavirus patients were hospitalized statewide , with 1,071 receiving intensive care and 626 using ventilators .
Pritzker is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their guard due to these modest signs of potential progress .
“ I cheer when the numbers are coming down , of course , but when you have an average of 150 people dying a day … am I supposed to feel good about that ?
” Pritzker said .
“ I don ’ t .
All I can say is that the virus is deadly.
” And officials are still bracing for infections to rebound after Thanksgiving .
Experts will have a better idea of how much transmission increased at holiday gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which marks one full 14-day viral incubation period since Nov. 26 .
Numbers already have been ticking up since then in Chicago , where the average positivity rate has jumped a full percentage point to 12.6 % .
Since March , about 11.3 million coronavirus tests have been administered in Illinois , with more than 804,000 people testing positive and 13,487 of them dying .
The recovery rate for those who contract the virus is 97 % .

As Illinois’ coronavirus numbers took another step in the right direction Tuesday, Gov J.B. Pritzker touted the promising early reviews of the COVID-19 vaccine that could start being administered to health care workers across the state as early as next week.
But with daily death counts stuck in the triple digits and a potential post-Thanksgiving spike still looming, the governor warned against complacency in the face of the deadly virus — even with the vaccine in sight.
Once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives emergency use authorization to the Pfizer vaccine as expected Thursday, an independent state panel will also have to sign off for distribution in Illinois. But the governor’s health team made clear that the first shipment of the 95%-effective inoculation will be cast across Illinois in short order.
“Illinois will only distribute a vaccine that is deemed safe, and we are one of many states that have established additional review panels,” Pritzker said. “We all want to make sure this vaccine is safe, and additional sets of eyes on the evidence can only be helpful.”
Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike went a step further, saying “we are hoping for everyone to get this vaccine in the coming year.”
It’ll take a while to get to all of the state’s roughly 12.7 million residents, not to mention the “anti-vax community that has pre-existed coronavirus,” Pritzker said.
Illinois is in line to get 109,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the federal government within a few days of its anticipated approval Thursday. The state could also receive an additional 400,000 doses of the competing Moderna vaccine by the end of December, though that estimate is much murkier as it’s a few weeks behind in the process compared to Pfizer, Pritzker said.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker answers questions during a daily COVID-19 update at the James R. Thompson Center in the Loop last week. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times file
First in line are the state’s 655,000 health care workers in Illinois, including 162,000 in Chicago. After that come the roughly 110,000 Illinoisans living in long-term care facilities, about 16,000 in Chicago.
By the time the state’s essential workers and older residents with underlying health conditions are vaccinated, it’ll be well into 2021 before a majority of Illinois residents are able to receive it.
That’s why “we still are going to need to wear our masks. We still are going to need to limit our gatherings and watch our distance,” Ezike said.
The state is still in the midst of its worst stretch of the entire pandemic in terms of fatalities, as officials announced the latest 145 coronavirus deaths and 7,910 new infections statewide.
Those figures are slightly below average for the state compared to the brutal past seven days, during which COVID-19 has claimed an average of about 157 lives and infected more than 9,300 people every day.
Graph not displaying properly? Click here.
But the latest cases were diagnosed among 95,825 tests, lowering the statewide average positivity rate to 9.9%. That’s the first time that key indicator of transmission has dipped below 10% in a month.
Hospital numbers have trended slightly downward, too, since reaching record highs over the last two weeks of November. As of Monday night, 5,199 coronavirus patients were hospitalized statewide, with 1,071 receiving intensive care and 626 using ventilators.
Pritzker is pleading for residents not to let down their guard due to these modest signs of potential progress.
“I cheer when the numbers are coming down, of course, but when you have an average of 150 people dying a day … am I supposed to feel good about that?” Pritzker said. “I don’t. All I can say is that the virus is deadly.”
And officials are still bracing for infections to rebound after Thanksgiving. Experts will have a better idea of how much transmission increased at holiday gatherings by the end of this week, which marks one full 14-day viral incubation period since Nov. 26.
Numbers already have been ticking up since then in Chicago, where the average positivity rate has jumped a full percentage point to 12.6%.
Since March, about 11.3 million coronavirus tests have been administered in Illinois, with more than 804,000 people testing positive and 13,487 of them dying. The recovery rate for those who contract the virus is 97%.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-08--COVID-19 vaccines will be offered first to health care workers. But do they want them?

A COVID-19 vaccine may be coming to Illinois as soon as next week but that doesn ’ t mean Falguni Dave , a nurse at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County , will be lining up for a shot .
“ Until we have better research on it I don ’ t think I would be ready to use it at this point , ” said Dave , a medical-surgical unit nurse and a union steward for National Nurses United .
“ This being such a new vaccine , there ’ s a lot that ’ s still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers should be among the first to receive COVID-19 shots but it ’ s unclear how many frontline personnel , including nurses , doctors and support staff , will actually agree to receive a vaccine .
The city ’ s largest hospitals say they won ’ t mandate workers receive the vaccine , at least not initially .
There are two significant reasons why : For one , it ’ s unclear how many vaccines will be distributed around the Chicago early on but probably not enough to inoculate every health care worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority group for the shots .
Secondly and importantly , hospital officials say that the vaccine candidates nearing release — one made by drug giant Pfizer and the other by biotech company Moderna — were tested at unprecedented speeds raising questions about long-term safety .
Early data from studies of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines show the therapies to be extremely effective and safe .
Yet the research shows only months of results compared with years of analysis that is typically required for a vaccine approval .
Pfizer ’ s candidate is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bar this week for what ’ s known as an emergency use authorization .
“ We are extremely encouraged by what we know about the vaccines but we ’ re not in a position where we would mandate it , ” Dr. Robert Citronberg , executive medical director of Infectious Diseases and Prevention at Advocate Aurora Health , said in a statement .
“ We want to have the opportunity to study it over at least the next several months .
We ’ re still going to encourage as many people to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they ’ re polling employees to gauge interest in the vaccine .
An internal survey of Loyola University Medical Center employees showed 70 % of those who responded were interested in receiving the vaccine , a spokeswoman said .
Still , employees aren ’ t being pressured , according to several hospitals .
“ Because the vaccines are new , there are many other unknowns , including unanticipated physical reactions , ” Rush University Medical Center said in a statement .
Rush and Loyola were among the first big Chicago hospitals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2009 .
Others followed .
Advocate , the largest health system in Illinois , and Cook County Health , one of the country ’ s largest public health systems , both require flu shots as do hospitals operated by Northwestern and University of Chicago .
None of these hospitals are requiring that their workers get the COVID shots .
Legally , the hospitals likely would have a case to demand inoculation , one legal expert said .
“ I can say with some confidence that if a health care provider requires a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a condition of employment , they would likely prevail in a lawsuit , ” said Michael Leroy , a professor of law at University of Illinois .
Some exceptions can be made for religious reasons or medical conditions , Leroy said .
Nationally , health care workers in hospitals get vaccinated for influenza at very high levels — more than 93 % got shots during the last flu season .
Local hospitals say they see high numbers among their employees .
Cook County Health , for instance , has gotten more than 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , a spokeswoman said .
Joseph Hernandez , a nurse at Weiss Memorial Hospital and president of the Illinois chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses , said he plans to get vaccinated but he hears skepticism from his friends in health care who won ’ t be getting the shots .
“ It makes sense for me personally but I do have nursing friends who are very vocal , ” Hernandez said .
“ They ask , ‘ Why do nurses have to be the first in line ?
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no vaccine for cancer , there ’ s no vaccine for AIDS .
How did we get one for COVID so fast ?
’ ” Doris Carroll is bullish on Moderna ’ s COVID-19 vaccine as she was part of a research team in Chicago who helped test the therapy .
Yet as the state president of the Illinois Nurses Association , Carroll doesn ’ t favor any mandatory requirement that forces her union members to be inoculated once a vaccine is available .
“ I am very much in favor of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinical nurse at University of Illinois Chicago who assisted with the Moderna trial .
“ As president of the union , I certainly want to protect our members ’ rights and , at this point in time , it ’ s not mandatory.
” Brett Chase ’ s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust .

A COVID-19 vaccine may be coming to Illinois as soon as next week but that doesn’t mean Falguni Dave, a nurse at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, will be lining up for a shot.
“Until we have better research on it I don’t think I would be ready to use it at this point,” said Dave, a medical-surgical unit nurse and a union steward for National Nurses United. “This being such a new vaccine, there’s a lot that’s still unknown.”
The government says health care workers should be among the first to receive COVID-19 shots but it’s unclear how many frontline personnel, including nurses, doctors and support staff, will actually agree to receive a vaccine. The city’s largest hospitals say they won’t mandate workers receive the vaccine, at least not initially.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
There are two significant reasons why:
For one, it’s unclear how many vaccines will be distributed around the Chicago area early on but probably not enough to inoculate every health care worker and nursing home resident, the other priority group for the shots.
Secondly and importantly, hospital officials say that the vaccine candidates nearing release — one made by drug giant Pfizer and the other by biotech company Moderna — were tested at unprecedented speeds raising questions about long-term safety.
Early data from studies of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines show the therapies to be extremely effective and safe. Yet the research shows only months of results compared with years of analysis that is typically required for a vaccine approval. Pfizer’s candidate is expected to be the first to clear a government bar this week for what’s known as an emergency use authorization.
Hospitals polling employees
“We are extremely encouraged by what we know about the vaccines but we’re not in a position where we would mandate it,” Dr. Robert Citronberg, executive medical director of Infectious Diseases and Prevention at Advocate Aurora Health, said in a statement. “We want to have the opportunity to study it over at least the next several months. We’re still going to encourage as many people to get it as we can.”
Several hospitals said they’re polling employees to gauge interest in the vaccine. An internal survey of Loyola University Medical Center employees showed 70% of those who responded were interested in receiving the vaccine, a spokeswoman said.
Still, employees aren’t being pressured, according to several hospitals. “Because the vaccines are new, there are many other unknowns, including unanticipated physical reactions,” Rush University Medical Center said in a statement.
Rush and Loyola were among the first big Chicago hospitals to require their employees to get flu vaccines in 2009. Others followed. Advocate, the largest health system in Illinois, and Cook County Health, one of the country’s largest public health systems, both require flu shots, as do hospitals operated by Northwestern and University of Chicago. None of these hospitals are requiring that their workers get the COVID shots.
Expert: Employers can mandate vaccine
Legally, the hospitals likely would have a case to demand inoculation, one legal expert said.
“I can say with some confidence that if a health care provider requires a COVID vaccine and insisted on this as a condition of employment, they would likely prevail in a lawsuit,” said Michael Leroy, a professor of law at University of Illinois.
Some exceptions can be made for religious reasons or medical conditions, Leroy said.
Nationally, health care workers in hospitals get vaccinated for influenza at very high levels — more than 93% got shots during the last flu season. Local hospitals say they see high numbers among their employees. Cook County Health, for instance, has gotten more than 90% compliance among employees the last several years, a spokeswoman said.
Joseph Hernandez, a nurse at Weiss Memorial Hospital and president of the Illinois chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, said he plans to get vaccinated but he hears skepticism from his friends in health care who won’t be getting the shots.
“It makes sense for me personally but I do have nursing friends who are very vocal,” Hernandez said. “They ask, ‘Why do nurses have to be the first in line?’ They say: ‘There’s no vaccine for cancer, there’s no vaccine for AIDS. How did we get one for COVID so fast?’”
Doris Carroll, state president of the Illinois Nurses Association Provided
Doris Carroll is bullish on Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine as she was part of a research team in Chicago who helped test the therapy.
Yet as the state president of the Illinois Nurses Association, Carroll doesn’t favor any mandatory requirement that forces her union members to be inoculated once a vaccine is available.
“I am very much in favor of this vaccine,” said Carroll, a clinical nurse at University of Illinois Chicago who assisted with the Moderna trial. “As president of the union, I certainly want to protect our members’ rights and, at this point in time, it’s not mandatory.”
Brett Chase’s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-08--House approves defense bill amid Trump veto threat

WASHINGTON — The Democratic-controlled House on Tuesday approved a wide-ranging defense policy bill , even as President Donald Trump renewed his threat to veto the bill unless lawmakers clamp down on social media companies he claims were biased against him during the election .
Trump tweeted Tuesday that he will veto “ the very weak National Defense Authorization Act , ’ ’ or NDAA , unless it repeals so-called Section 230 , a part of the communications code that shields Twitter , Facebook and other tech giants from content liability .
Trump also wants Congress to strip out a provision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military bases that now honor Confederate leaders .
Congressional leaders vowed to move ahead on the hugely popular bill — which affirms automatic 3 % pay raises for U.S. troops and authorizes other military programs — despite the veto threat .
The House approved the bill , 335-78 , more than the two-thirds required to override a potential veto .
The measure now goes to the Senate .
Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney , a member of the House Republican leadership , urged Trump not to follow through on his veto threat , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ We should override.
’ ’ If Trump vetoes the bill , “ we will come back to vote to override , ” said Rep. Adam Smith , D-Wash. , the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee .
But with Trump pressuring Republicans to stand with him , it was unclear until the final tally whether the bill would receive the two-thirds support needed to override a veto .
The House Freedom Caucus , a bloc of roughly three-dozen conservatives , backed Trump ’ s position Tuesday and opposed the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ ’ said Rep. Andy Biggs , R-Ariz. , the group ’ s chairman .
“ This particular NDAA bill is filled with flaws and problems , ’ ’ including limitations on troop withdrawals ordered by Trump in Afghanistan and Germany , Biggs said .
Smith and other lawmakers noted that many defense programs can only go into effect if the bill is approved , including military construction .
The measure guides Pentagon policy and cements decisions about troop levels , new weapons systems and military readiness , military personnel policy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be “ punished ” because politicians failed to enact needed legislation to ensure their pay , said Rep. Mac Thornberry of Texas , the top Republican on the Armed Services panel .
The $ 731 billion measure increases hazardous duty pay for overseas deployments and other dangerous job assignments , hikes recruiting and retention bonuses and adjusts housing allowances .
The dispute over social media content — a battle cry of conservatives who say the social media giants treat them unfairly — interjects an unrelated but complicated issue into a bill that Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 60 years .
It follows Trump ’ s bid to sabotage the package with an earlier veto threat over Confederate base names .
Measures approved by the House and Senate would require the Pentagon to rename bases such as Fort Benning and Fort Hood named for Confederate generals , but Trump opposes the idea and has threatened a veto over it .
The fight erupted this summer amid widespread protests over police killings of unarmed Black men and women , and Trump used the debate to try to appeal to white Southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Thornberry said in a joint statement last week that lawmakers had “ toiled through almost 2,200 provisions to reach compromise on important issues affecting our national security and our military.
” For 59 straight years , they added , the NDAA has passed because lawmakers and presidents agreed to set aside their own preferences “ and put the needs of our military personnel and America ’ s security first .
The time has come to do that again.
” The powerful Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee , Sen. James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoken to Trump and explained that the defense bill is not the place for the big tech fight .
“ I agree with his sentiments — we ought to do away with 230 , ” Inhofe told reporters .
“ But you can ’ t do it in this bill.
” Trump ’ s veto threat in the final months of his administration is his latest attempt to bend the norms .
From redirecting money intended for military bases to build the border wall with Mexico to installing acting nominees in administrative positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away at the legislative branch throughout his term .
If he does veto the defense bill , Congress could cut short its Christmas recess to hold override votes , senior House members said .
“ I think we can override the veto , if in fact he vetoes , ’ ’ House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer , D-Md.
, said Tuesday before the vote .
“ I hope he does not veto , I hope he reconsiders .
And I think he will get substantial pressure , advice ( from Republicans ) that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to put the defense bill at risk.
’ ’ White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Trump ’ s attempt to pressure Congress on Section 230 was justified .
“ Twitter has become a publisher , choosing to fact-check content , ” she said .
“ And when you ’ re a publisher , there are certain responsibilities with that and you should not be immune from liability.
” Past presidents have certainly threatened to veto defense bills , which set annual policy with troop levels , equipment priorities , pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill is typically a widely bipartisan measure , one of the few areas of common ground .
Over the summer , the Senate approved its version , 86-14 , while the House similarly passed its effort , with opposition coming mostly from the liberal and conservative flanks .
Trump ’ s allies on Capitol Hill , including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , have railed against the social media companies , especially during the heated November election .
McCarthy , R-Calif. , voted for the bill Tuesday but said he would not support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer , agree the Section 230 provision could be revisited , even as they disagree with Trump ’ s tactic of attaching it to the defense bill .

WASHINGTON — The Democratic-controlled House on Tuesday approved a wide-ranging defense policy bill, even as President Donald Trump renewed his threat to veto the bill unless lawmakers clamp down on social media companies he claims were biased against him during the election.
Trump tweeted Tuesday that he will veto “the very weak National Defense Authorization Act,’’ or NDAA, unless it repeals so-called Section 230, a part of the communications code that shields Twitter, Facebook and other tech giants from content liability. Trump also wants Congress to strip out a provision of the bill that allows renaming of military bases that now honor Confederate leaders.
Congressional leaders vowed to move ahead on the hugely popular bill — which affirms automatic 3% pay raises for U.S. troops and authorizes other military programs — despite the veto threat.
The House approved the bill, 335-78, more than the two-thirds required to override a potential veto. The measure now goes to the Senate.
Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, a member of the House Republican leadership, urged Trump not to follow through on his veto threat, but added that if he does veto it, “We should override.’’
If Trump vetoes the bill, “we will come back to vote to override,” said Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
But with Trump pressuring Republicans to stand with him, it was unclear until the final tally whether the bill would receive the two-thirds support needed to override a veto. The House Freedom Caucus, a bloc of roughly three-dozen conservatives, backed Trump’s position Tuesday and opposed the bill.
“We stand with the president,’’ said Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., the group’s chairman. “This particular NDAA bill is filled with flaws and problems,’’ including limitations on troop withdrawals ordered by Trump in Afghanistan and Germany, Biggs said.
Smith and other lawmakers noted that many defense programs can only go into effect if the bill is approved, including military construction. The measure guides Pentagon policy and cements decisions about troop levels, new weapons systems and military readiness, military personnel policy and other military goals.
Troops should not be “punished” because politicians failed to enact needed legislation to ensure their pay, said Rep. Mac Thornberry of Texas, the top Republican on the Armed Services panel. The $731 billion measure increases hazardous duty pay for overseas deployments and other dangerous job assignments, hikes recruiting and retention bonuses and adjusts housing allowances.
The dispute over social media content — a battle cry of conservatives who say the social media giants treat them unfairly — interjects an unrelated but complicated issue into a bill that Congress takes pride in having passed unfailingly for nearly 60 years. It follows Trump’s bid to sabotage the package with an earlier veto threat over Confederate base names.
Measures approved by the House and Senate would require the Pentagon to rename bases such as Fort Benning and Fort Hood named for Confederate generals, but Trump opposes the idea and has threatened a veto over it. The fight erupted this summer amid widespread protests over police killings of unarmed Black men and women, and Trump used the debate to try to appeal to white Southern voters nostalgic about the Confederacy.
Smith and Thornberry said in a joint statement last week that lawmakers had “toiled through almost 2,200 provisions to reach compromise on important issues affecting our national security and our military.”
For 59 straight years, they added, the NDAA has passed because lawmakers and presidents agreed to set aside their own preferences “and put the needs of our military personnel and America’s security first. The time has come to do that again.”
The powerful Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma, said he had spoken to Trump and explained that the defense bill is not the place for the big tech fight.
“I agree with his sentiments — we ought to do away with 230,” Inhofe told reporters. “But you can’t do it in this bill.”
Trump’s veto threat in the final months of his administration is his latest attempt to bend the norms. From redirecting money intended for military bases to build the border wall with Mexico to installing acting nominees in administrative positions without Senate confirmation, Trump has chipped away at the legislative branch throughout his term.
If he does veto the defense bill, Congress could cut short its Christmas recess to hold override votes, senior House members said.
“I think we can override the veto, if in fact he vetoes,’’ House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Tuesday before the vote. “I hope he does not veto, I hope he reconsiders. And I think he will get substantial pressure, advice (from Republicans) that, you know, you don’t want to put the defense bill at risk.’’
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Trump’s attempt to pressure Congress on Section 230 was justified.
“Twitter has become a publisher, choosing to fact-check content,” she said. “And when you’re a publisher, there are certain responsibilities with that and you should not be immune from liability.”
Past presidents have certainly threatened to veto defense bills, which set annual policy with troop levels, equipment priorities, pay raises and other matters.
The defense bill is typically a widely bipartisan measure, one of the few areas of common ground. Over the summer, the Senate approved its version, 86-14, while the House similarly passed its effort, with opposition coming mostly from the liberal and conservative flanks.
Trump’s allies on Capitol Hill, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, have railed against the social media companies, especially during the heated November election. McCarthy, R-Calif., voted for the bill Tuesday but said he would not support overriding the veto.
Some Democrats, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, agree the Section 230 provision could be revisited, even as they disagree with Trump’s tactic of attaching it to the defense bill.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--Sterling Bay launches new health care, technology business incubator

The Chicago-based real estate firm Sterling Bay launched a new business incubator that will provide resources and support for companies specializing in life science , health care and technology .
The Prysm Institute aims to increase diversity , equity and inclusion in those fields by creating access to capital , events , mentoring , networking and programming for Chicago-based entrepreneurs .
The incubator will be housed at Sterling Bay ’ s “ life science lab space ” at 2430 N. Halsted St. and will offer programing for both start-up businesses and larger companies .
The real estate firm is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district ” at its 53-acre Lincoln Yards development .
One of the programs being offered is called “ Equity for Equity , ” which aims at increasing private equity investments to women , Black , Latino , LGBTQ , veterans and differently abled people that own or operate start-ups in those fields .
“ As Chicago officials prioritize the growth of the city ’ s healthcare , biopharmaceutical and technology industries , we ’ re seeing rapid expansion and increased interest in the city as a home for growing businesses , ” Andy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
“ Prysm Institute will play an important role in Chicago ’ s evolution as hub for future innovation by providing critical resources to companies that want to grow their operations here.
” Prysm Institute will host the new monthly Chicagoland Healthcare Innovation Podcast that will discuss what organizations are doing in telehealth and digital therapeutics across the Chicagoland area .
“ The Huddle ” program will help open lines of communication and mentorship for those looking to network in the industry .
“ Ultimately , Prysm Institute will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fostering growth , ” Dr. James Gillespie , executive director of the incubator , said in a statement .
“ Chicago has the ability to become a global leader in these emerging industries , and we ’ re confident Prysm Institute will serve as an important tool to help it reach its full potential.
” “ As we move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic , we must continue to prioritize industries like life sciences and the values of equitable growth — both of which were outlined in Chicago ’ s COVID-19 Recovery Task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realize the once-in-a-generation opportunities created by this crisis and boldly lead the nation in our historic recovery , ” Lightfoot said in a statement .
Learn how to join the incubator at www.prysminstitute.org .

The Chicago-based real estate firm Sterling Bay launched a new business incubator that will provide resources and support for companies specializing in life science, health care and technology.
The Prysm Institute aims to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in those fields by creating access to capital, events, mentoring, networking and programming for Chicago-based entrepreneurs.
The incubator will be housed at Sterling Bay’s “life science lab space” at 2430 N. Halsted St. and will offer programing for both start-up businesses and larger companies. The real estate firm is also planning for a “life science innovation district” at its 53-acre Lincoln Yards development.
One of the programs being offered is called “Equity for Equity,” which aims at increasing private equity investments to women, Black, Latino, LGBTQ, veterans and differently abled people that own or operate start-ups in those fields.
“As Chicago officials prioritize the growth of the city’s healthcare, biopharmaceutical and technology industries, we’re seeing rapid expansion and increased interest in the city as a home for growing businesses,” Andy Gloor, CEO of Sterling Bay, said in a statement. “Prysm Institute will play an important role in Chicago’s evolution as hub for future innovation by providing critical resources to companies that want to grow their operations here.”
Prysm Institute will host the new monthly Chicagoland Healthcare Innovation Podcast that will discuss what organizations are doing in telehealth and digital therapeutics across the Chicagoland area. “The Huddle” program will help open lines of communication and mentorship for those looking to network in the industry.
“Ultimately, Prysm Institute will provide entrepreneurs with a community catered to fostering growth,” Dr. James Gillespie, executive director of the incubator, said in a statement. “Chicago has the ability to become a global leader in these emerging industries, and we’re confident Prysm Institute will serve as an important tool to help it reach its full potential.”
Mayor Lori Lightfoot applauded the “new addition to Chicago’s world-class life sciences ecosystem.”
“As we move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue to prioritize industries like life sciences and the values of equitable growth — both of which were outlined in Chicago’s COVID-19 Recovery Task Force report — in order to fully realize the once-in-a-generation opportunities created by this crisis and boldly lead the nation in our historic recovery,” Lightfoot said in a statement.
Learn how to join the incubator at www.prysminstitute.org.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--Dear Abby: Cheating boyfriend just dumped me because I have cancer

DEAR ABBY : I need your opinion .
I have been with the same guy for 27 years .
We never married because we were both married before , and I wasn ’ t into doing it again .
I have stuck by him through sickness , hard times and whatever else .
Four months ago I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer .
I stopped by his house this week to pick up a rug scrubber and walked in on him having sex with some woman .
I feel hurt , angry , mad , sad .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you think he has been doing this and he just got caught or what ?
I didn ’ t say anything .
I just left .
He called me later and said it was over between us because I ’ m sick and “ can ’ t do anything.
” I ’ m in shock .
I don ’ t know what to think .
I have always been there for him .
So why , now that I ’ m sick and I need him the most , has he turned his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OHIO DEAR BLINDSIDED : I am so , so sorry that you had to find out this way — when the chips are down — that the man you have been involved with for 27 years isn ’ t much of a man after all .
I DO think he has been doing this all these years .
Now it is time to marshal your friends and family and let them know what ’ s going on .
If you have been a caring and supportive friend or relative , they should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Cancer Society has support groups for people with cancer if you need someone to talk to .
Its website is cancer.org .
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers for both a spiritual and physical recovery .
DEAR ABBY : My family is getting torn apart by my older brother ’ s issue with me .
It has become worse over the years , even after his marriage .
He seems to be upset with how my life is progressing , and to upset me , he has been copying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and married around the same time I did .
He also got a dog right after I did , bought a car right after me and decided he wanted to start a family as soon as my wife and I announced we are having a baby .
My parents constantly make excuses about why his actions are justified .
I no longer know what to do .
I tried to reconcile with him , but he rebuffed me and says he hates me .
It has reached the point that I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my family anymore because they defend him on everything , despite the facts .
What should I do ?
I seem to be the only person trying to reconcile the relationship and fix/reunite my family .
— SAD SIBLING IN NEW JERSEY DEAR SIBLING : I find it hard to believe that your family would side with a sibling who declares he “ hates ” his brother and refuses attempts to reconcile .
It ’ s important for your mental health that you separate emotionally from your brother .
By that I mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life with your wife and child and stop obsessing about what your brother does .
That he literally follows in your footsteps shows he either admires the choices you make , or that he has no imagination of his own .
Neither of these should be a problem for YOU .
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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorite recipes in two booklets : “ Abby ’ s Favorite Recipes ” and “ More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 16 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Cookbooklet Set , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I need your opinion. I have been with the same guy for 27 years. We never married because we were both married before, and I wasn’t into doing it again. I have stuck by him through sickness, hard times and whatever else.
Four months ago I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. I stopped by his house this week to pick up a rug scrubber and walked in on him having sex with some woman. I feel hurt, angry, mad, sad. It’s like, WHY? Do you think he has been doing this and he just got caught or what?
I didn’t say anything. I just left. He called me later and said it was over between us because I’m sick and “can’t do anything.” I’m in shock. I don’t know what to think. I have always been there for him. So why, now that I’m sick and I need him the most, has he turned his back on me? — BLINDSIDED IN OHIO
DEAR BLINDSIDED: I am so, so sorry that you had to find out this way — when the chips are down — that the man you have been involved with for 27 years isn’t much of a man after all. I DO think he has been doing this all these years.
Now it is time to marshal your friends and family and let them know what’s going on. If you have been a caring and supportive friend or relative, they should be supportive during this challenging time. The American Cancer Society has support groups for people with cancer if you need someone to talk to. Its website is cancer.org. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers for both a spiritual and physical recovery.
DEAR ABBY: My family is getting torn apart by my older brother’s issue with me. It has become worse over the years, even after his marriage.
He seems to be upset with how my life is progressing, and to upset me, he has been copying everything I do. He got engaged and married around the same time I did. He also got a dog right after I did, bought a car right after me and decided he wanted to start a family as soon as my wife and I announced we are having a baby.
My parents constantly make excuses about why his actions are justified. I no longer know what to do. I tried to reconcile with him, but he rebuffed me and says he hates me. It has reached the point that I don’t want to be around any of my family anymore because they defend him on everything, despite the facts. What should I do? I seem to be the only person trying to reconcile the relationship and fix/reunite my family. — SAD SIBLING IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR SIBLING: I find it hard to believe that your family would side with a sibling who declares he “hates” his brother and refuses attempts to reconcile. It’s important for your mental health that you separate emotionally from your brother. By that I mean dial back the resentment, live your life with your wife and child and stop obsessing about what your brother does. That he literally follows in your footsteps shows he either admires the choices you make, or that he has no imagination of his own. Neither of these should be a problem for YOU.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--CPS has no plans to reduce screen time for remote learners, despite complaints

Despite calls to reduce the time students spend staring at computer screens during remote learning , Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson said she ’ s unwilling to cut any live instructional time built into remote schedules , arguing students have already lost too much time in the past year to a teachers strike and pandemic closures .
In an interview , Jackson said any families who are concerned about screen time should opt into the district ’ s forthcoming return to partial in-person learning , adding that she feels strongly about her position and doesn ’ t “ plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue that has been hotly debated this fall .
“ I think our teaching and learning department did a really good job of making sure that the screen time was grade level appropriate , ” Jackson said .
“ We again listened to feedback from parents and the teachers union and made adjustments related to that earlier .
But what we have a firm stance on is we won ’ t do anything that reduces the amount of instructional time that students receive .
“ Now , is it ideal ?
Absolutely not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s why we ’ re putting out a plan to bring kids back to schools .
So my answer would be , if people are concerned about that , in-person instruction is probably going to be a better option for you and your family.
” The conversation around screen time isn ’ t likely to end anytime soon despite the anticipated reopening of schools after the new year — a point Jackson acknowledged .
If CPS trends follow those in other major districts nationwide , a majority of students will likely choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who opt into in-person learning will only be in classrooms two days every week .
Many families and educators have been disappointed with CPS ’ scheduling requirements that require several hours of screen time — especially for high school students — with minimal breaks .
Surveys circulated and signed by thousands of people in recent months have urged the district to allow more flexibility .
In a Q & A that was emailed to families last month , a student told Principal Joyce Kenner at Whitney Young High School that they were fatigued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she asked the district if she could make adjustments “ to address the long hours students are spending each day on their computers.
” “ We were told no , ” Kenner wrote .
“ I am hopeful if we continue with remote learning past the [ first ] semester , the district will open up discussions about adjustments to high school schedules.
” Seth Lavin , principal at Brentano Elementary in Logan Square , said his school has included small group work and breakout sessions in the live instruction time to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students .
And he ’ s allowed for flexibility with non-instruction time so students can get up and take their eyes off their screens for a bit .
“ We ’ re all trying to do the best thing , and this system gives our families the best experience we can for remote school during this pandemic , ” Lavin said , adding that he has felt empowered by CPS to make the schedule work for families .
“ There are definitely families who feel the screen time is too much , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screen time is too much .
And in those cases , we do what we can to try to be flexible.
” Lavin said he and his teachers have prioritized improving remote learning throughout the year , and with two-thirds of Brentano students telling the district this week that they want to remain in remote learning moving forward , that ’ s still going to be his focus .
The Chicago Teachers Union has long argued that the district ’ s focus should remain on improving remote learning , which is here to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next fall .
CTU Vice President Stacy Davis Gates said the quality and sustainability of remote learning has varied across the district because individual schools haven ’ t been given the green light to listen to families and teachers .
She called Jackson ’ s hardline stance “ disappointing and dangerous ” leadership .
“ They present intractable proposals and they say to everyone involved , ‘ Take it or leave it , ’ ” Davis Gates said .
“ That ’ s not how you lead in a pandemic .
Their leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish they would begin to lead with courage , empathy and democracy .
”

Despite calls to reduce the time students spend staring at computer screens during remote learning, Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson said she’s unwilling to cut any live instructional time built into remote schedules, arguing students have already lost too much time in the past year to a teachers strike and pandemic closures.
In an interview, Jackson said any families who are concerned about screen time should opt into the district’s forthcoming return to partial in-person learning, adding that she feels strongly about her position and doesn’t “plan on making any concessions” on an issue that has been hotly debated this fall.
“I think our teaching and learning department did a really good job of making sure that the screen time was grade level appropriate,” Jackson said. “We again listened to feedback from parents and the teachers union and made adjustments related to that earlier. But what we have a firm stance on is we won’t do anything that reduces the amount of instructional time that students receive.
“Now, is it ideal? Absolutely not,” Jackson said. “That’s why we’re putting out a plan to bring kids back to schools. So my answer would be, if people are concerned about that, in-person instruction is probably going to be a better option for you and your family.”
The conversation around screen time isn’t likely to end anytime soon despite the anticipated reopening of schools after the new year — a point Jackson acknowledged. If CPS trends follow those in other major districts nationwide, a majority of students will likely choose to continue learning remotely. Even those who opt into in-person learning will only be in classrooms two days every week.
Many families and educators have been disappointed with CPS’ scheduling requirements that require several hours of screen time — especially for high school students — with minimal breaks. Surveys circulated and signed by thousands of people in recent months have urged the district to allow more flexibility.
In a Q&A that was emailed to families last month, a student told Principal Joyce Kenner at Whitney Young High School that they were fatigued by the long schedule. Kenner said she asked the district if she could make adjustments “to address the long hours students are spending each day on their computers.”
“We were told no,” Kenner wrote. “I am hopeful if we continue with remote learning past the [first] semester, the district will open up discussions about adjustments to high school schedules.”
Seth Lavin, principal at Brentano Elementary in Logan Square, said his school has included small group work and breakout sessions in the live instruction time to try to keep things interesting for the younger students. And he’s allowed for flexibility with non-instruction time so students can get up and take their eyes off their screens for a bit.
“We’re all trying to do the best thing, and this system gives our families the best experience we can for remote school during this pandemic,” Lavin said, adding that he has felt empowered by CPS to make the schedule work for families. “There are definitely families who feel the screen time is too much, there’s definitely kids who feel the screen time is too much. And in those cases, we do what we can to try to be flexible.”
Lavin said he and his teachers have prioritized improving remote learning throughout the year, and with two-thirds of Brentano students telling the district this week that they want to remain in remote learning moving forward, that’s still going to be his focus.
The Chicago Teachers Union has long argued that the district’s focus should remain on improving remote learning, which is here to stay in some form until at least next fall.
CTU Vice President Stacy Davis Gates said the quality and sustainability of remote learning has varied across the district because individual schools haven’t been given the green light to listen to families and teachers. She called Jackson’s hardline stance “disappointing and dangerous” leadership.
“They present intractable proposals and they say to everyone involved, ‘Take it or leave it,’” Davis Gates said. “That’s not how you lead in a pandemic. Their leadership is disappointing and dangerous. I really wish they would begin to lead with courage, empathy and democracy.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--‘The Prom’ preaches tolerance with showtunes and Broadway razzle-dazzle

From the filmed version of “ Hamilton ” to “ Dolly Parton ’ s Christmas on the Square ” to the instant holiday classic “ Jingle Jangle : A Christmas Journey ” and let ’ s include the concert films “ American Utopia ” and “ Western Stars ” in the mix , it ’ s been quite the year for streaming musical movies , and the hits just keep on coming with Ryan Murphy ’ s schmaltzy , colorful , old-fashioned yet modern “ The Prom , ” which comes loaded with star power and decidedly unsubtle messaging about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a glitzy , glittering bow .
Based on a 2018 stage musical and staged in grand fashion , with eye-popping production design and nearly invisible extras morphing into well-choreographed background dancers on cue , “ The Prom ” begins with a musical-within-a-musical : the Broadway premiere of “ Eleanor !
, ” with Meryl Streep ’ s veteran diva Dee Dee Allen as Eleanor Roosevelt and James Corden ’ s not-quite-a-star Barry Glickman as FDR .
In the opening number , “ Changing Lives , ” Dee and Barry boast about how their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place — but when the New York Times weighs in with a scathing review , the show closes on the spot .
Dee Dee and Barry drown their sorrows , commiserating with Andrew Rannells ’ bartender-actor ( in that order ) Trent and the lifelong chorus girl Angie ( Nicole Kidman ) .
Desperate for a publicity stunt to resuscitate two careers and jump-start the other two , the group makes a pilgrimage to small-town Indiana , where the uptight and hypocritical school board , led by Kerry Washington ’ s puritanical Mrs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Emma from taking a female date to the prom .
What is this , the 1950s ?
Or the 21st century in some unenlightened corners of the world ?
( “ The Prom ” is actually inspired by a real-life prom cancellation controversy in Mississippi in 2010 . )
We know we ’ re in for a bevy of condescending gags about these sophisticated East Coast elites flopping about like shiny fish out of water ; they ’ ve never heard of Applebee ’ s , they try in vain to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a hotel that obviously does not have suites or cabins .
That sort of thing .
What makes it fun is “ The Prom ” makes fun of liberal messaging movies while fully embracing its status as a liberal message movie .
In a film filled with rousing musical numbers , the standout is “ Love Thy Neighbor , ” in which Rannells ’ Trent calls out the righteous students for religious hypocrisy : “ There ’ s no way to separate , which rules you can violate , let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … There ’ s one rule that trumps them all : Love Thy Neighbor … ” Another highlight is Kidman ’ s rendition of a Bob Fosse tribute number , which she pulls off beautifully .
It ’ s as if she ’ s telling us that sure , she won the Oscar in 2002 for “ The Hours , ” but she easily could have performed the lead in that year ’ s “ Chicago ” as well .
Streep kills each of her numbers ( no surprise there ) , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own with the big-name stars and gives the story its heart and smile with her empathetic portrayal of Emma .
The theme for “ The Prom ” this year is , yep , Love Thy Neighbor .

From the filmed version of “Hamilton” to “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square” to the instant holiday classic “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” and let’s include the concert films “American Utopia” and “Western Stars” in the mix, it’s been quite the year for streaming musical movies, and the hits just keep on coming with Ryan Murphy’s schmaltzy, colorful, old-fashioned yet modern “The Prom,” which comes loaded with star power and decidedly unsubtle messaging about tolerance and acceptance, all wrapped in a glitzy, glittering bow.
‘The Prom’
Untitled Netflix presents a film directed by Ryan Murphy and written by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, based on the stage musical by Martin, Beguelin and Matthew Sklar. Rated PG-13 (for thematic elements, some suggestive/sexual references and language). Running time: 132 minutes. Available Friday on Netflix.
Based on a 2018 stage musical and staged in grand fashion, with eye-popping production design and nearly invisible extras morphing into well-choreographed background dancers on cue, “The Prom” begins with a musical-within-a-musical: the Broadway premiere of “Eleanor!,” with Meryl Streep’s veteran diva Dee Dee Allen as Eleanor Roosevelt and James Corden’s not-quite-a-star Barry Glickman as FDR. In the opening number, “Changing Lives,” Dee and Barry boast about how their transcendent work makes the world a better place — but when the New York Times weighs in with a scathing review, the show closes on the spot. Dee Dee and Barry drown their sorrows, commiserating with Andrew Rannells’ bartender-actor (in that order) Trent and the lifelong chorus girl Angie (Nicole Kidman).
Desperate for a publicity stunt to resuscitate two careers and jump-start the other two, the group makes a pilgrimage to small-town Indiana, where the uptight and hypocritical school board, led by Kerry Washington’s puritanical Mrs. Greene, have banned Jo Ellen Pellman’s Emma from taking a female date to the prom. What is this, the 1950s? Or the 21st century in some unenlightened corners of the world? (“The Prom” is actually inspired by a real-life prom cancellation controversy in Mississippi in 2010.)
We know we’re in for a bevy of condescending gags about these sophisticated East Coast elites flopping about like shiny fish out of water; they’ve never heard of Applebee’s, they try in vain to upgrade to a suite or a cabin in a hotel that obviously does not have suites or cabins. That sort of thing. What makes it fun is “The Prom” makes fun of liberal messaging movies while fully embracing its status as a liberal message movie. In a film filled with rousing musical numbers, the standout is “Love Thy Neighbor,” in which Rannells’ Trent calls out the righteous students for religious hypocrisy: “There’s no way to separate, which rules you can violate, let’s hope you don’t masturbate. … There’s one rule that trumps them all: Love Thy Neighbor …”
The stars are rallying around an Indiana teen (Jo Ellen Pellman) banned from bringing a female date (Ariana DeBose) to the prom. Netflix
Another highlight is Kidman’s rendition of a Bob Fosse tribute number, which she pulls off beautifully. It’s as if she’s telling us that sure, she won the Oscar in 2002 for “The Hours,” but she easily could have performed the lead in that year’s “Chicago” as well. Streep kills each of her numbers (no surprise there), while Jo Ellen Pellman more than holds her own with the big-name stars and gives the story its heart and smile with her empathetic portrayal of Emma.
The theme for “The Prom” this year is, yep, Love Thy Neighbor.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--Deadline looms for CPD Supt. David Brown in Red Line police shooting case

Chicago Police Supt .
David Brown is on the clock .
The city ’ s top cop has until Dec. 29 to decide if two officers should face administrative charges for their roles in the shooting of an unarmed man on a busy Red Line platform earlier this year .
Meanwhile , the Cook County state ’ s attorney ’ s office continues to investigate the shooting , which was captured by a passerby on video that went viral before the CPD issued its first statement on the matter .
“ We think the state ’ s attorney ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officers , ” said Andrew M. Stroth , one of the attorneys for Ariel Roman , the man shot by police .
“ We think the video speaks for itself , and we think the video supports actual charges from the state ’ s attorney ’ s office as it relates to those two officers.
” Shortly after 4 p.m. Feb. 28 , Officer Melvina Bogard shot the 34-year-old Roman on a platform of the Grand Red Line station .
Before the COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life , the Grand station was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system , and the shooting occurred just as Friday evening rush was beginning .
Minutes before the shooting , Bogard and her partner , Officer Bernard Butler , both assigned to the CPD Mass Transit Unit , saw Roman walking between cars on a northbound Red Line train .
Roman got off the train at Grand and was followed by the two officers .
Bogard and Butler tried to arrest him at the foot of the stairs leading up to the station ’ s main concourse , but Roman struggled with Butler and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Video footage showed two deployed stun guns laying on the station ’ s floor .
As Roman regained his footing , Butler repeatedly told Bogard to shoot .
She fired once at Roman while he stood just a few feet away at the base of the stairs .
Roman ran up the escalator , and Bogard fired again .
Roman was wounded once in the hip and once in the buttocks .
He was taken into custody and briefly faced resisting arrest and narcotics charges .
Roman has undergone several surgeries , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near his sciatic nerve , according to his attorneys .
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability — the agency that investigates uses of force by CPD officers — sent its findings and recommendations to Brown in late September .
Those findings and recommendations were not made public , though it ’ s likely COPA called for severe punishments for both Bogard and Butler .
Just days after the shooting , COPA suggested the department strip both officers of their police powers , a move carried out by then-Interim CPD Supt .
Charlie Beck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , the CPD superintendent has 60 days from the end of COPA ’ s investigation to decide whether to bring administrative charges against an officer .
If the superintendent agrees with COPA , the officer is charged and faces an evidentiary hearing before the case is ultimately decided by the Chicago Police Board — a process that can take several years .
If the superintendent disagrees with COPA ’ s recommendations , a single member of the police board — chosen at random — decides whether the accused officer will face an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to trials , in which attorneys for both the CPD and the accused officers present evidence and testimony before a hearing officer , who acts as more of a referee than a judge .
Once evidentiary hearings are complete , police board members decide if the accused officer will face discipline .
In the case of Bogard and Butler , a COPA representative said Brown requested an extra 30 days to reach a decision about administrative charges .
A CPD representative declined to comment about why the superintendent requested the extension .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a lot of decisions , I think , are made with politics involved , ” Greg E. Kulis , also one of Roman ’ s attorneys , said of Brown ’ s request for a time extension .
Less than two weeks after he was shot , Roman filed a federal lawsuit against Bogard , Butler and the city .
In late October , attorneys representing Bogard and Butler filed a motion for a limited stay in the civil case .
Citing the officers ’ Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prohibit Bogard and Butler from being deposed while the state ’ s attorney ’ s probe continues .
The judge hasn ’ t ruled on the motion .
Though they have not been deposed , both officers have sat for interviews with the state ’ s attorney ’ s office , according to their lawyers .
A spokeswoman for the state ’ s attorney ’ s office said last week the shooting remained “ under review .
”

Chicago Police Supt. David Brown is on the clock.
The city’s top cop has until Dec. 29 to decide if two officers should face administrative charges for their roles in the shooting of an unarmed man on a busy Red Line platform earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office continues to investigate the shooting, which was captured by a passerby on video that went viral before the CPD issued its first statement on the matter.
“We think the state’s attorney’s office should be pursuing criminal charges against the officers,” said Andrew M. Stroth, one of the attorneys for Ariel Roman, the man shot by police. “We think the video speaks for itself, and we think the video supports actual charges from the state’s attorney’s office as it relates to those two officers.”
Shortly after 4 p.m. Feb. 28, Officer Melvina Bogard shot the 34-year-old Roman on a platform of the Grand Red Line station. Before the COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life, the Grand station was among the busiest in the CTA rail system, and the shooting occurred just as Friday evening rush was beginning.
Minutes before the shooting, Bogard and her partner, Officer Bernard Butler, both assigned to the CPD Mass Transit Unit, saw Roman walking between cars on a northbound Red Line train.
Roman got off the train at Grand and was followed by the two officers. Bogard and Butler tried to arrest him at the foot of the stairs leading up to the station’s main concourse, but Roman struggled with Butler and was eventually able to stand up. Video footage showed two deployed stun guns laying on the station’s floor.
As Roman regained his footing, Butler repeatedly told Bogard to shoot. She fired once at Roman while he stood just a few feet away at the base of the stairs. Roman ran up the escalator, and Bogard fired again.
Roman was wounded once in the hip and once in the buttocks. He was taken into custody and briefly faced resisting arrest and narcotics charges. Roman has undergone several surgeries, and one of the bullets is still lodged near his sciatic nerve, according to his attorneys.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability — the agency that investigates uses of force by CPD officers — sent its findings and recommendations to Brown in late September.
Those findings and recommendations were not made public, though it’s likely COPA called for severe punishments for both Bogard and Butler. Just days after the shooting, COPA suggested the department strip both officers of their police powers, a move carried out by then-Interim CPD Supt. Charlie Beck.
In the most serious police misconduct cases, the CPD superintendent has 60 days from the end of COPA’s investigation to decide whether to bring administrative charges against an officer. If the superintendent agrees with COPA, the officer is charged and faces an evidentiary hearing before the case is ultimately decided by the Chicago Police Board — a process that can take several years.
If the superintendent disagrees with COPA’s recommendations, a single member of the police board — chosen at random — decides whether the accused officer will face an evidentiary hearing. Those hearings are akin to trials, in which attorneys for both the CPD and the accused officers present evidence and testimony before a hearing officer, who acts as more of a referee than a judge.
Once evidentiary hearings are complete, police board members decide if the accused officer will face discipline.
In the case of Bogard and Butler, a COPA representative said Brown requested an extra 30 days to reach a decision about administrative charges. A CPD representative declined to comment about why the superintendent requested the extension.
“Chicago’s a very political city, and a lot of decisions, I think, are made with politics involved,” Greg E. Kulis, also one of Roman’s attorneys, said of Brown’s request for a time extension.
Less than two weeks after he was shot, Roman filed a federal lawsuit against Bogard, Butler and the city.
In late October, attorneys representing Bogard and Butler filed a motion for a limited stay in the civil case. Citing the officers’ Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, the officers’ attorneys asked the judge to prohibit Bogard and Butler from being deposed while the state’s attorney’s probe continues. The judge hasn’t ruled on the motion.
Though they have not been deposed, both officers have sat for interviews with the state’s attorney’s office, according to their lawyers.
A spokeswoman for the state’s attorney’s office said last week the shooting remained “under review.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--Man killed in crash in Brighton Park: police

A man was killed in a vehicle crash Wednesday in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side .
He was driving @ @ @ @ @ Western Avenue about 4 a.m. , when he swerved in the 4600 block of South @ @ @ @ @ tree , Chicago police said .
The man was pronounced dead at the scene , @ @ @ @ @ County medical examiner ’ s office has not yet identified him .

A 26-year-old man was killed in a vehicle crash Wednesday morning in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side.
He was driving south on Western Avenue about 4 a.m., when he swerved in the 4600 block of South Western Avenue and struck a tree, Chicago police said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Rafael Gutierrez.
An autopsy found he died of multiple injuries from the crash and ruled his death an accident, the medical examiner’s office said. He lived in Avondale.
Chicago police are investigating the crash.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--7 shot, 1 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

7 shot, 1 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

Seven people were shot , one of them fatally , Tuesday in Chicago , including a 41-year-old man who was killed by two gunmen as he approached a car in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was standing on a sidewalk about 8:10 a.m. in the 2700 block of West Harrison Street , when a gray car pulled up , and he walked toward it , Chicago police said .
That ’ s when two people inside the car shot him in the chest before driving away .
The 41-year-old was taken to Stroger Hospital , where he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 17-year-old boy and a 31-year-old man were wounded in separate shootings in Lawndale on the West Side .
About 10:10 p.m. , the boy was walking on the sidewalk in the 800 block of South Karlov Avenue , when he heard shots and felt a pain , police said .
He was struck in the left arm and taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in good condition .
At the same time a 31-year-old man was driving in the same block , when someone fired shots at him from the street .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in serious condition .
The two shootings are not believed to be related .
A man was shot during an attempted robbery in Austin on the West Side .
The 31-year-old was on the sidewalk about 6:40 p.m. in the 5000 block of West Jackson Boulevard when someone approached him , pulled out a gun and demanded his property , police said .
The man tried to flee and the suspect opened fire , striking him in the abdomen .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A person was shot during an exchange of gunfire with Chicago police in Rogers Park on the North Side .
Officers conducting a follow-up investigation on a domestic violence incident stopped a suspect ’ s vehicle about 4:56 p.m. in the 6900 block of North Ravenswood Avenue , according to preliminary information from police .
A male got out of the vehicle and fired shots at the officers .
The officers returned fire , striking the male .
He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston in serious-to-critical condition , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounded in a shooting in Austin on the West Side .
The 29-year-old was walking towards a car about 4:20 p.m. in the 4800 block of West Kamerling Avenue when someone opened fire , striking him in the leg , police said .
He was taken to West Suburban Medical Center , where his condition was stabilized .
In the day ’ s first reported shooting , a 19-year-old man was critically wounded in a shooting in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
About 2 p.m. , officers responded to a call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside a home in the 3300 block of West Thomas Street , police said .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest .
Eight people were shot , two fatally , Monday citywide .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Eight people were shot, two of them fatally, Tuesday in Chicago, including a 41-year-old man who was killed by two gunmen as he approached a car in Lawndale on the West Side.
The man was standing on a sidewalk about 8:10 a.m. in the 2700 block of West Harrison Street, when a gray car pulled up, and he walked toward it, Chicago police said. That’s when two people inside the car shot him in the chest before driving away. The 41-year-old was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A 27-year-old man was shot to death Tuesday evening in Englewood on the South Side.
About 5:15 p.m., he was standing outside a home in the 7300 block of South Stewart Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain, Chicago police said. James Wilcox was struck multiple times in the body, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Police said he died at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
In non-fatal shootings, a 17-year-old boy and a 31-year-old man were wounded in separate shootings in Lawndale.
About 10:10 p.m., the boy was walking on the sidewalk in the 800 block of South Karlov Avenue, when he heard shots and felt a pain, police said. He was struck in the left arm and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition.
At the same time, a 31-year-old man was driving on the same block when someone fired shots at him from the street, police said. He was struck in the left leg and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in serious condition. The two shootings are not believed to be related.
A 31-year-old man was shot during an attempted robbery Tuesday evening in Austin on the West Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 6:40 p.m. in the 5000 block of West Jackson Boulevard when someone approached him, pulled out a gun and demanded his property, police said. The man tried to flee and the suspect opened fire, striking him in the abdomen. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.
In Rogers Park, a person was wounded in a shootout with Chicago police Tuesday afternoon in Rogers Park on the North Side.
Officers conducting a follow-up investigation on a domestic violence incident stopped a suspect’s vehicle about 4:56 p.m. in the 6900 block of North Ravenswood Avenue, according to preliminary information from police. A male got out of the vehicle and fired shots at the officers. The officers returned fire, striking the male. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston in serious-to-critical condition, according to Chicago fire officials.
Earlier Tuesday afternoon, another person was wounded in a shooting in Austin.
The 29-year-old was walking towards a car about 4:20 p.m. in the 4800 block of West Kamerling Avenue when someone opened fire, striking him in the leg, police said. He was taken to West Suburban Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized.
In the day’s first reported shooting, a 19-year-old man was critically wounded in a shooting in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
About 2 p.m., officers responded to a call of a shooting and found the man inside a home in the 3300 block of West Thomas Street, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest.
Eight people were shot and two killed Monday in Chicago as well.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--Teen boy and man wounded in separate shootings in Lawndale

A 17-year-old boy and a 31-year-old man were wounded in separate shootings Tuesday in Lawndale on the West Side .
@ @ @ @ @ boy was walking on the sidewalk in the 800 block of South Karlov Avenue , @ @ @ @ @ felt a pain , Chicago police said .
He was struck in the left arm @ @ @ @ @ Sinai Hospital in good condition , police said .
At the same time a 31-year-old @ @ @ @ @ same block , when someone fired shots at him from the street , police said @ @ @ @ @ the left leg and taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in serious condition .
The @ @ @ @ @ to be related , police said .

A 17-year-old boy and a 31-year-old man were wounded in separate shootings Tuesday in Lawndale on the West Side.
About 10:10 p.m., the boy was walking on the sidewalk in the 800 block of South Karlov Avenue, when he heard shots and felt a pain, Chicago police said.
He was struck in the left arm and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said.
At the same time a 31-year-old man was driving in the same block, when someone fired shots at him from the street, police said. He was struck in the left leg and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in serious condition.
The two shootings are not believed to be related, police said.
Area Four detectives are investigating.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--‘Sweet gentle soul’ holes up in his room with flu-like symptoms — dies on the way to the hospital

Xavier P. Gaines made his living as an armed security guard but loved working on computers and playing video games , dreaming he might one day have a chance to design his own games .
Gaines lived at home with his mom , kept to himself and stayed out of trouble .
In fact , he ’ d never been in any trouble .
Gaines was only 26 when he landed on this week ’ s Cook County medical examiner ’ s list of COVID-19 victims .
He died Dec. 2 , his heart giving out as he struggled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps of his West Pullman home — before he could get to the hospital .
“ He died in front of my house , in the ambulance , ” his mother , Nicky Reynolds , told me between tears .
Gaines was a big man .
Maybe 6 foot tall , 365 to 375 pounds , his family said .
The Medical Examiner ’ s Office listed “ morbid obesity ” as a contributing factor in his death .
Some families would prefer I gloss over that part , knowing that people can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is particularly dangerous to those who are overweight , and I ’ ve come across it often enough at this point to know it ’ s a factor that should be emphasized , not hidden .
Gaines ’ family was matter-of-fact about disclosing his weight issues , in part because he had none of the health problems that often go with it .
He didn ’ t have diabetes .
He didn ’ t have high blood pressure .
He rarely even caught colds .
Gaines hadn ’ t been sick more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , said his big sister , Janiece Vaughn .
When he did get sick , it was always this same time of year with cold symptoms , and Gaines had developed his own routine for getting well .
A “ homebody ” who rarely left the house in normal times , by his sister ’ s description , Gaines became practically a recluse when he got sick .
He would gather what he needed , take to his room and not come out for days , which is what he did this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself up with a supply of lemons , honey , cough syrup , antibiotics and soups .
In years past , that did the trick , and Gaines assured his family it would work again .
He had tested negative for COVID-19 about a month previously and wasn ’ t in any hurry to see a doctor .
For one thing , said his sister , he didn ’ t have health insurance .
He ’ d been out of work for a couple of months and was drawing unemployment .
Maybe it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just have an aversion to doctors and hospitals .
His family was concerned his flu-like symptoms this time were an indication of something more serious , and they told him so .
“ He would say , ‘ I ’ m good , ’ ” Vaughn said .
His mother asked him on Thanksgiving if he wanted her to take him to the emergency room .
He declined .
She asked him again the next day , and he tried to make a joke of it , telling her that studies show the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for traffic accidents .
On the morning he died , she heard him cry out in pain and this time she told him she was calling an ambulance .
He didn ’ t object .
He played some football there when he was a freshman and sophomore , but he was really more of a computer guy , having been involved in an After School Matters program that taught students how to repair computers .
“ He was really smart .
Anything technical he was really good at that , ” Vaughn said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a couple of years but didn ’ t complete a degree .
Before he got sick , Gaines was planning to enroll in a program to get his commercial drivers ’ license and become a truck driver , his family said .
“ He was just a sweet gentle soul , ” said his mother .
“ He was all about peace and love.
” “ He looked on my children as his children , ” said Vaughn , who has three daughters .
Gaines is survived by his mother , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ younger brother Za ’ Von .
Leak & Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements , which are expected to be private .
Like many poor families dealing with an unexpected death due to COVID , Gaines ’ family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for the funeral costs .
Gaines might have never gotten around to pursuing his dreams , but his family will always wish he got the chance .

Xavier P. Gaines made his living as an armed security guard but loved working on computers and playing video games, dreaming he might one day have a chance to design his own games.
Gaines lived at home with his mom, kept to himself and stayed out of trouble. In fact, he’d never been in any trouble.
Gaines was only 26 when he landed on this week’s Cook County medical examiner’s list of COVID-19 victims.
He died Dec. 2, his heart giving out as he struggled to breathe just moments after walking down the steps of his West Pullman home — before he could get to the hospital.
“He died in front of my house, in the ambulance,” his mother, Nicky Reynolds, told me between tears.
Gaines was a big man. Maybe 6 foot tall, 365 to 375 pounds, his family said.
The medical examiner’s office listed “morbid obesity” as a contributing factor in his death.
Some families would prefer I gloss over that part, knowing that people can be judgmental. But the deadly coronavirus is particularly dangerous to those who are overweight, and I’ve come across it often enough at this point to know it’s a factor that should be emphasized, not hidden.
Gaines’ family was matter-of-fact about disclosing his weight issues, in part because he had none of the health problems that often go with it.
He didn’t have diabetes. He didn’t have high blood pressure. He rarely even caught colds.
Gaines hadn’t been sick more than six or seven times in his entire life, said his big sister, Janiece Vaughn. When he did get sick, it was always this same time of year with cold symptoms, and Gaines had developed his own routine for getting well.
A “homebody” who rarely left the house in normal times, by his sister’s description, Gaines became practically a recluse when he got sick.
He would gather what he needed, take to his room and not come out for days, which is what he did this time.
Vaughn said her brother shut himself up with a supply of lemons, honey, cough syrup, antibiotics and soups.
In years past, that did the trick, and Gaines assured his family it would work again. He had tested negative for COVID-19 about a month previously and wasn’t in any hurry to see a doctor.
For one thing, said his sister, he didn’t have health insurance. He’d been out of work for a couple of months and was drawing unemployment.
Maybe it was more than that. Some people just have an aversion to doctors and hospitals.
His family was concerned his flu-like symptoms this time were an indication of something more serious, and they told him so.
“He would say, ‘I’m good,’” Vaughn said.
Xavier Gaines at his own high school graduation in 2013 with his mother, Nicky Reynolds. Provided
His mother asked him on Thanksgiving if he wanted her to take him to the emergency room. He declined.
She asked him again the next day, and he tried to make a joke of it, telling her that studies show the day after Thanksgiving is the biggest day for traffic accidents.
On the morning he died she heard him cry out in pain, and this time she told him she was calling an ambulance. He didn’t object.
Gaines was a 2013 graduate of Wendell Phillips Academy High School.
He played some football there when he was a freshman and sophomore, but he was really more of a computer guy, having been involved in an After School Matters program that taught students how to repair computers.
“He was really smart. Anything technical, he was really good at that,” Vaughn said.
Gaines took classes at Daley College for a couple of years but didn’t complete a degree.
Before he got sick, Gaines was planning to enroll in a program to get his commercial driver’s license and become a truck driver, his family said.
“He was just a sweet, gentle soul,” said his mother. “He was all about peace and love.”
Gaines had no children.
“He looked on my children as his children,” said Vaughn, who has three daughters.
Gaines is survived by his mother, his father Clarence Gaines, his sister and younger brother Za’Von.
Leak & Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, which are expected to be private.
Like many poor families dealing with an unexpected death due to COVID, Gaines’ family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for the funeral costs.
Gaines might have never gotten around to pursuing his dreams, but his family will always wish he got the chance.