chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--Lightfoot — not the top cop — is calling the shots at CPD, police union charges

Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara says Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her top aides are calling the shots at the Chicago Police Department , tying the hands of Supt .
David Brown and turning him into kind of a figurehead .
“ Whatever he wants to do is getting cleared through her office first or it ’ s not getting done .
What authority does he really have ?
His hands are tied , ” Catanzara said .
“ She should stay the hell out of running the police department and let Supt .
Brown run it .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him fall on his own face.
” The mayor ’ s office fired back that “ once again , John Catanzara continues to speak without knowledge of the facts.
” “ These remarks are not only racist and blatantly disrespectful to his own boss and fellow officers but also completely irresponsible .
We refuse to be a part of a race to the bottom , ” said Pat Mullane , a spokesman for the mayor .
The latest salvos between the fiery FOP president and the mayor this week demonstrate the increasing hostility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations for a new police contract .
In an interview , Catanzara also had a warning for the 29 Chicago aldermen who voted last week to pass Lightfoot ’ s $ 12.8 billion budget , which eliminates 614 police vacancies and includes only $ 100 million of the more than $ 300 million needed to cover retroactive pay raises for officers whose contract expired in 2017 .
“ Those 29 aldermen who voted for that budget , there isn ’ t a damn one of them that ’ s going to be safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Brown is the retired Dallas police chief who took over the police department April 22 with the “ moonshot ” goal of holding the annual murder total under 300 for the first time in 60 years .
Instead , it is Chicago ’ s most violent year in decades , with 716 killings through Nov. 30 .
Killings are up 55 % from the same period last year , while arrests have plummeted .
After being caught flat-footed by civil unrest and rounds of looting that damaged giant swaths of downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercial corridors on the South and West sides , Brown shifted police officers from districts to downtown to prevent more damage there .
Catanzara says Lightfoot called the shots on those and other moves .
The union president pointed to the decision to “ force out ” Barbara West as head of constitutional policing and replace her with Bob Boik , a civilian initially chosen by City Hall to serve as Brown ’ s chief of staff .
Another example was the transfer of Shakespeare District Cmdr .
Mel Roman to an intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center .
According to Catanzara , Roman was “ punished ” after complaining about the large number of officers assigned to protect Lightfoot ’ s Logan Square home and refusing to make mass arrests of protesters there .
Lightfoot has said the police presence was justified by “ specific threats ” made “ every single day ” to “ my person , my wife and my home.
” Last month , Lt. Patrick Quinn was removed from CPIC after a recent one-day trip to Chicago by Attorney General William Barr caught City Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — who has top secret clearance with federal agencies — was then reassigned to the Rogers Park District on the North Side .
Roman was on furlough at the time of Quinn ’ s ouster .
In the days after Quinn ’ s reassignment , Roman tried to take responsibility for the lack of communication , according to police sources .
Soon after , Roman was demoted to the rank of captain and assigned to the Lincoln District on the North Side .
The CPD declined to comment on the move .
Sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commanders and rank-and-file officers than his predecessors , including Eddie Johnson and Garry McCarthy .
He ’ s close to his first deputy superintendent and chief of staff , but doesn ’ t have an open-door policy like other superintendents .
“ He ’ s kind of walled off , ” one source said .
Brown also isn ’ t as visible to the public as Johnson or McCarthy , preferring to communicate through social media rather than news conferences .
McCarthy and Johnson would regularly go on Friday night patrols to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources said Brown likes to have his calendar clear on Friday nights .
Sources said some of his early personnel decisions — such as when he demoted several ranking police officials — were carried out on behalf of Lightfoot .
Still , those same sources say he ’ s not a “ yes man.
” He has a quick temper and won ’ t hesitate to reassign someone when he disagrees with them or feels they made a mistake , sources said .
Mayoral involvement in the police department isn ’ t anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayors — including the last mayor , Rahm Emanuel — have been accused of meddling in police affairs at various levels .
But the fiery FOP president doesn ’ t buy that Brown has shown an independent streak .
“ I know for a fact that everything is getting cleared on the fifth floor of City Hall , ” Catanzara said .
“ You can ’ t even release a police department statement on anything major without City Hall saying OK to it .
What does that tell you ?
” As for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re stuck in the mud .
Lightfoot waited until Catanzara ’ s deadline of 3 p.m. last Tuesday to reject the FOP ’ s latest offer to accept 11.5 % raises over four years , nearly all of it retroactive , with a promise that the union would consider at least some of the reforms the mayor has demanded .
“ We probably came to agreement on 35 to 40 % of what they were looking for and they didn ’ t do a damn thing on their end .
...
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bailout from the federal government , she can ’ t cry poor anymore .
They ’ re going to end up paying more than 11.5 % , ” he declared .
The mayor ’ s office said Catanzara is to blame .
“ It has been almost 1,300 days since the FOP contract expired and if Catanzara put in the same energy at the bargaining table that he does in stoking falsehoods in the media , his members would have a new contract with thousands of dollars in back pay to each member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he continues to fail every day , ” Mullane said .
As for that budget vote , the FOP plans to recruit and bankroll challengers against aldermen voting “ yes ” — including Ald .
Nick Sposato ( 38th ) , a longtime FOP ally — with the goal of electing a more police-friendly City Council .
The union made similar threats against Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx , but she easily defeated Republican Pat O ’ Brien last month .
Catanzara said most Black Caucus members “ sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 million increase in violence-prevention funds and a promise she won ’ t “ screw them over ” on projects for her five-year , $ 3.7 billion capital plan .
In the frenzied lobbying that preceded the budget vote — the closest in decades — Lightfoot had a warning for African American aldermen who might not have her back .
“ Don ’ t ask me for s -- - for the next three years ” on capital projects , she had said .
“ She ’ s as much of a dictator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ She ’ s just more blatant about it .
”

Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara says Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her top aides are calling the shots at the Chicago Police Department, tying the hands of Supt. David Brown and turning him into kind of a figurehead.
“Whatever he wants to do is getting cleared through her office first or it’s not getting done. What authority does he really have? His hands are tied,” Catanzara said. “She should stay the hell out of running the police department and let Supt. Brown run it. If he falls on his face, let him fall on his own face.”
The mayor’s office fired back that “once again, John Catanzara continues to speak without knowledge of the facts.”
“These remarks are not only racist and blatantly disrespectful to his own boss and fellow officers but also completely irresponsible. We refuse to be a part of a race to the bottom,” said Pat Mullane, a spokesman for the mayor.
The latest salvos between the fiery FOP president and the mayor this week demonstrate the increasing hostility between them over the city budget and negotiations for a new police contract.
In an interview, Catanzara also had a warning for the 29 Chicago aldermen who voted last week to pass Lightfoot’s $12.8 billion budget, which eliminates 614 police vacancies and includes only $100 million of the more than $300 million needed to cover retroactive pay raises for officers whose contract expired in 2017.
“Those 29 aldermen who voted for that budget, there isn’t a damn one of them that’s going to be safe from the 2023 election,” he said.
Brown is the retired Dallas police chief who took over the police department April 22 with the “moonshot” goal of holding the annual murder total under 300 for the first time in 60 years. Instead, it is Chicago’s most violent year in decades, with 716 killings through Nov. 30. Killings are up 55% from the same period last year, while arrests have plummeted.
Related New top cop outlines his three priorities
After being caught flat-footed by civil unrest and rounds of looting that damaged giant swaths of downtown, River North, Wicker Park and commercial corridors on the South and West sides, Brown shifted police officers from districts to downtown to prevent more damage there. Catanzara says Lightfoot called the shots on those and other moves.
The union president pointed to the decision to “force out” Barbara West as head of constitutional policing and replace her with Bob Boik, a civilian initially chosen by City Hall to serve as Brown’s chief of staff. Another example was the transfer of Shakespeare District Cmdr. Mel Roman to an intelligence unit, the Crime Information and Prevention Center.
According to Catanzara, Roman was “punished” after complaining about the large number of officers assigned to protect Lightfoot’s Logan Square home and refusing to make mass arrests of protesters there. Lightfoot has said the police presence was justified by “specific threats” made “every single day” to “my person, my wife and my home.”
Last month, Lt. Patrick Quinn was removed from CPIC after a recent one-day trip to Chicago by Attorney General William Barr caught City Hall and CPD brass by surprise. Quinn — who has top secret clearance with federal agencies — was then reassigned to the Rogers Park District on the North Side. Roman was on furlough at the time of Quinn’s ouster.
In the days after Quinn’s reassignment, Roman tried to take responsibility for the lack of communication, according to police sources. Soon after, Roman was demoted to the rank of captain and assigned to the Lincoln District on the North Side.
The CPD declined to comment on the move.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 President John Catanzara (center) Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times file
‘Walled off’
Sources say Brown is less accessible to his commanders and rank-and-file officers than his predecessors, including Eddie Johnson and Garry McCarthy. He’s close to his first deputy superintendent and chief of staff, but doesn’t have an open-door policy like other superintendents.
“He’s kind of walled off,” one source said.
Brown also isn’t as visible to the public as Johnson or McCarthy, preferring to communicate through social media rather than news conferences. McCarthy and Johnson would regularly go on Friday night patrols to stay in touch with the community, but sources said Brown likes to have his calendar clear on Friday nights.
Sources said some of his early personnel decisions — such as when he demoted several ranking police officials — were carried out on behalf of Lightfoot.
Still, those same sources say he’s not a “yes man.” He has a quick temper and won’t hesitate to reassign someone when he disagrees with them or feels they made a mistake, sources said.
Through a spokeswoman, Brown declined to comment.
Mayoral involvement in the police department isn’t anything new. Over the years, Chicago mayors — including the last mayor, Rahm Emanuel — have been accused of meddling in police affairs at various levels.
But the fiery FOP president doesn’t buy that Brown has shown an independent streak.
“I know for a fact that everything is getting cleared on the fifth floor of City Hall,” Catanzara said. “You can’t even release a police department statement on anything major without City Hall saying OK to it. What does that tell you?”
As for police contract negotiations, Catanzara said they’re stuck in the mud. Lightfoot waited until Catanzara’s deadline of 3 p.m. last Tuesday to reject the FOP’s latest offer to accept 11.5% raises over four years, nearly all of it retroactive, with a promise that the union would consider at least some of the reforms the mayor has demanded.
“We probably came to agreement on 35 to 40% of what they were looking for and they didn’t do a damn thing on their end. ... When the economy rebounds and they get their bailout from the federal government, she can’t cry poor anymore. They’re going to end up paying more than 11.5%,” he declared.
Catanzara fails ‘every day,’ mayor’s office says
The mayor’s office said Catanzara is to blame.
“It has been almost 1,300 days since the FOP contract expired and if Catanzara put in the same energy at the bargaining table that he does in stoking falsehoods in the media, his members would have a new contract with thousands of dollars in back pay to each member. Instead, they have nothing, and he continues to fail every day,” Mullane said.
As for that budget vote, the FOP plans to recruit and bankroll challengers against aldermen voting “yes” — including Ald. Nick Sposato (38th), a longtime FOP ally — with the goal of electing a more police-friendly City Council. The union made similar threats against Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, but she easily defeated Republican Pat O’Brien last month.
Catanzara said most Black Caucus members “sold out” to Lightfoot for a $10 million increase in violence-prevention funds and a promise she won’t “screw them over” on projects for her five-year, $3.7 billion capital plan. In the frenzied lobbying that preceded the budget vote — the closest in decades — Lightfoot had a warning for African American aldermen who might not have her back. “Don’t ask me for s--- for the next three years” on capital projects, she had said.
“She’s as much of a dictator as Rahm ever was,” Catanzara said. “She’s just more blatant about it.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--Snap judgment: TE Cole Kmet overtakes Jimmy Graham in Packers game

The Bears have hoped rookie tight end Cole Kmet would develop into a full-time starter before the end of the season , and he appears to have convinced them he ’ s ready .
Coming out of their bye week , the Bears played Kmet a season-high 79 % of the offensive snaps in their 41-25 loss to the Packers .
It was the second week in a row he played more than veteran Jimmy Graham .
While Kmet ’ s playing time has spiked recently — he got between 24-35 % of the snaps over the first seven games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47 % , 70 % and now 79 % — he hasn ’ t given them much production as a receiver yet .
Mitch Trubisky targeted him just three times against the Packers , and Kmet had one catch for eight yards .
For the season , Kmet has eight catches for 94 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets .
Graham has been targeted 61 times and turned in 38 catches , 334 yards and five touchdowns .
Veteran tight end Demetrius Harris has been the one most impacted by Kmet ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played just 15 snaps over the last four games .
There was so much potential when the Bears signed dynamic , multi-talented veteran Cordarrelle Patterson in 2019 , but coach Matt Nagy still hasn ’ t found a way to use him consistently .
He ’ s been excellent on special teams , but it just hasn ’ t clicked on offense regardless of whether he ’ s at wide receiver or running back .
Patterson played a season-low 13.2 % of the snaps ( nine total ) in the loss to Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight yards and was not targeted as a receiver .
David Montgomery played his second-largest share of the snaps this season at 85 % .
— Allen Robinson played 94 % of the snaps , the fourth time this season he ’ s been over 90 — Darnell Mooney got more snaps ( 85 % ) and targets ( nine ) than Anthony Miller ( 69 % , six ) .
For the season , Mooney has played 72 % of the snaps , compared to 58 % for Miller .
— With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ridley played 16 % of the snaps against the Packers .
He was at 19 % each of the previous two games .
The Bears were missing defensive linemen Akiem Hicks ( hamstring ) , Roy Robertson-Harris ( season-ending shoulder surgery ) and Eddie Goldman ( coronavirus opt-out ) for the Packers game .
Here ’ s how they divvyed up the snaps among those still standing : — Khalil Mack played 89 % of the snaps against the Packers , his third-highest share of playing time this season .
He had three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the snaps , his second-highest share this season .
He had four tackles .
— Danny Trevathan played 68 % of the snaps , his lowest since Week 2 against the Giants .

The Bears have hoped rookie tight end Cole Kmet would develop into a full-time starter before the end of the season, and he appears to have convinced them he’s ready.
Coming out of their bye week, the Bears played Kmet a season-high 79% of the offensive snaps in their 41-25 loss to the Packers. It was the second week in a row he played more than veteran Jimmy Graham.
While Kmet’s playing time has spiked recently — he got between 24%-35% of the snaps over the first seven games, then went to 43%, 47%, 70% and now 79% — he hasn’t given them much production as a receiver yet. Mitch Trubisky targeted him just three times against the Packers, and Kmet had one catch for eight yards.
For the season, Kmet has eight catches for 94 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets. Graham has been targeted 61 times and turned in 38 catches, 334 yards and five touchdowns.
Veteran tight end Demetrius Harris has been the one most impacted by Kmet’s increase in snaps. He has played just 15 snaps over the last four games.
Patterson phased out
There was so much potential when the Bears signed dynamic, multi-talented veteran Cordarrelle Patterson in 2019, but coach Matt Nagy still hasn’t found a way to use him consistently. He’s been excellent on special teams, but it just hasn’t clicked on offense regardless of whether he’s at wide receiver or running back.
Patterson played a season-low 13.2% of the snaps (nine total) in the loss to Green Bay. He got two carries for eight yards and was not targeted as a receiver.
David Montgomery played his second-largest share of the snaps this season at 85%.
Wide receiver notes
— Allen Robinson played 94% of the snaps, the fourth time this season he’s been over 90
— Darnell Mooney got more snaps (85%) and targets (nine) than Anthony Miller (69%, six). For the season, Mooney has played 72% of the snaps, compared to 58% for Miller.
— With Javon Wims a healthy scratch, Riley Ridley played 16% of the snaps against the Packers. He was at 19% each of the previous two games.
Makeshift defensive line
The Bears were missing defensive linemen Akiem Hicks (hamstring), Roy Robertson-Harris (season-ending shoulder surgery) and Eddie Goldman (coronavirus opt-out) for the Packers game. Here’s how they divvyed up the snaps among those still standing:
Bilal Nichols, 72%
Brent Urban, 55%
John Jenkins, 49%
Lance McCullers, 38%
Mario Edwards, 34%
Defensive notes
— Khalil Mack played 89% of the snaps against the Packers, his third-highest share of playing time this season. He had three tackles.
— Robert Quinn played 66% of the snaps, his second-highest share this season. He had four tackles.
— Danny Trevathan played 68% of the snaps, his lowest since Week 2 against the Giants.
— Roquan Smith, Eddie Jackson, Kyle Fuller and Jaylon Johnson played all 71 defensive snaps.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--9 shot Tuesday in Chicago

9 shot Tuesday in Chicago

Nine people were shot Tuesday in Chicago .
The most recent shooting wounded two 20-year-old men in Austin on the West Side .
The shooting happened about 8:20 p.m. in the 500 block of North Pine Avenue , according to Chicago police .
One man was struck in the arm , while the other was struck in the ankle , police said .
They were both taken to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park , where they are in good condition .
About an hour earlier , a man was wounded in a shooting in Bronzeville on the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man was in a vehicle at a gas station in the 400 block of East Pershing Road when someone fired shots , striking him in the shoulder and leg , police said .
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where his condition was stabilized , police said .
Minutes before , two men were critically wounded in a shooting in West Garfield Park .
The men , both 21 years old , were standing outside a home about 6:50 p.m. in the 300 block of South Kilbourn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain , police said .
One man was grazed by a bullet on his head and the other was struck in the leg , police said .
They both were taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition , according to police .
A man was shot in West Pullman on the Far South Side .
The 29-year-old was outside about 4:50 p.m. in the 12300 block of South Emerald Avenue , when someone pulled up in a dark-colored vehicle and opened fire , striking him in the abdomen , police said .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oak Lawn , where his condition was stabilized , police said .
A man was shot in the South Shore neighborhood .
About 3:20 p.m. , he was in the 1700 block of East 71st Street when he heard shots and felt pain , police said .
The man , about 30 years old , was struck in the leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition , police said .
A teenage boy was shot in Gresham on the South Side .
The boy , 16 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. in the 1600 block of West 87th Street , police said .
He was later dropped off at Little Company of Mary Hospital , before being transferred to the University of Chicago Medical Center , police said .
The boy was in good condition Tuesday night .
The boy would not tell officers anything about the circumstances of the shooting , police said .
In the day ’ s first reported shooting , a 21-year-old man was shot during an attempted robbery in South Shore .
About 12:50 a.m. , he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cornell Avenue when someone approached him , flashed a gun and announced a robbery , police said .
The man tried to knock the gun away and the person fired a shot , police said .
The 21-year-old was struck in the hand and took himself to Jackson Park Hospital in good condition , police said .
Eleven people were shot , one fatally , Monday in across Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Nine people were wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago, including two men shot in Austin on the West Side.
The men, both 20 years old, were struck by bullets about 8:20 p.m. in the 500 block of North Pine Avenue, according to Chicago police. One man was struck in the arm, while the other was struck in the ankle, police said. Both went to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, where they were in good condition.
About an hour earlier, a man was wounded in a shooting in Bronzeville on the South Side. Just after 7 p.m., the man was in a vehicle at a gas station in the 400 block of East Pershing Road when someone fired shots, striking him in the shoulder and leg, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized.
Minutes before, two men were critically wounded in a shooting in West Garfield Park. The men, both 21 years old, were standing outside a home about 6:50 p.m. in the 300 block of South Kilbourn Avenue when they heard shots and felt pain, police said. One man was grazed by a bullet on his head and the other was struck in the leg. They both were taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.
A man was shot in West Pullman on the Far South Side. The 29-year-old was outside about 4:50 p.m. in the 12300 block of South Emerald Avenue, when someone pulled up in a dark-colored vehicle and opened fire, striking him in the abdomen, police said. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where his condition was stabilized.
A man was shot in the South Shore neighborhood. About 3:20 p.m., he was in the 1700 block of East 71st Street when he heard shots and felt pain, police said. The man, about 30 years old, was struck in the leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
A teenage boy was shot in Gresham on the South Side. The boy, 16, was shot in the leg about 2:15 p.m. in the 1600 block of West 87th Street, police said. He was later dropped off at Little Company of Mary Hospital, before being transferred to the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said. The boy was in good condition Tuesday night. The boy would not tell officers anything about the circumstances of the shooting.
In the day’s first reported shooting, a 21-year-old man was shot during an attempted robbery in South Shore. About 12:50 a.m., he was walking in the 7800 block of South Cornell Avenue when someone approached him, flashed a gun and announced a robbery, police said. The man tried to knock the gun away and the person fired a shot, police said. The 21-year-old was struck in the hand and took himself to Jackson Park Hospital in good condition.
Eleven people were shot, one fatally, Monday in across Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-01--Horoscope for Wednesday, Dec 2., 2020

Horoscope for Wednesday, Dec 2., 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today .
The moon is in Cancer .
Because you would love to have a change of scenery at this time , do anything possible to travel or take a short trip or change your daily world .
Go someplace you ’ ve never been before .
A short drive through a different neighborhood ?
Money issues are on your mind more than usual .
( Let ’ s face it , as the financial wizard of the zodiac , money issues are never far from your mind . )
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with others because people will be receptive to whatever you want .
Ka-ching !
Remember to get more sleep because the sun is as far away from you ( in your chart ) as it gets all year and the sun is your source of energy .
With Mercury opposite your sign as well , there is strong communications between you and others — and possibly , conflict .
The moon is in your sign , which means you are more emotional .
However , for the two days every month that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also a bit luckier !
You might want to test this out ?
Why not ask the universe for a favor ?
This is a playful , fun-loving time !
You ’ re enjoying entertaining and redecorating at home or schmoozing with family members .
Today and tomorrow , however , you might prefer to be alone and enjoy your privacy so that you can contemplate your navel and read your fan mail .
The planets are offering you contradictory choices .
You want to be sociable and talk to everyone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home and hide .
You might prefer to read or study something .
( You are the researcher and trivia buff of the zodiac . )
This is a busy , fast-paced time because you ’ re reading , writing and studying ; plus , short trips and conversations with others and appointments are making demands on you .
Today you ’ re high visibility , which means others notice you more than usual ( including the police ) .
Money issues are on your mind .
Today you want to escape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all this.
” Nevertheless , you are prepared to work hard , which is a good thing because with Venus in your sign , everyone loves you .
This is a good day to shop for wardrobe items for yourself .
This is a powerful time because the sun and Mercury are both in your sign .
Because of this , people will listen to you .
You should know that you have this advantage and use it .
Today ’ s moon will draw your attention to issues about shared property and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep a low profile and work alone or behind the scenes .
Increased chaos or demands on the home front continue but you are getting on top of things now .
Meanwhile , today because the moon is opposite your sign , you have to accommodate others and be cooperative .
Oh well .
This is a popular time for you , and you are more involved than usual with younger people .
It ’ s a great time for you to teach or train people because you are particularly persuasive now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in power look favorably on you .
( Grab the baton and run ! )
This is a playful , fun-loving day !
The sun is high in your chart , which means people admire you .
Meanwhile , Venus encourages travel and interaction with people who are “ different.
” And of course , the moon wants you to enjoy social outings , sports and fun activities with kids .
Yeah !
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Alfred Enoch ( 1988 ) shares your birthday .
You love variety , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fun-loving !
Nevertheless , you like goals and security .
This will be a more easygoing year .
Your smart choice will be to cooperate because your relations with others will benefit you , even business and personal relationships .
Grab every chance to practice kindness and be helpful .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The moon is in Cancer.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Because you would love to have a change of scenery at this time, do anything possible to travel or take a short trip or change your daily world. Go someplace you’ve never been before. A short drive through a different neighborhood?
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Money issues are on your mind more than usual. (Let’s face it, as the financial wizard of the zodiac, money issues are never far from your mind.) This is an excellent time for financial negotiations with others because people will be receptive to whatever you want. Ka-ching!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Remember to get more sleep because the sun is as far away from you (in your chart) as it gets all year and the sun is your source of energy. With Mercury opposite your sign as well, there is strong communications between you and others — and possibly, conflict.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The moon is in your sign, which means you are more emotional. However, for the two days every month that the moon is in your sign, you are also a bit luckier! You might want to test this out? Why not ask the universe for a favor?
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
This is a playful, fun-loving time! You’re enjoying entertaining and redecorating at home or schmoozing with family members. Today and tomorrow, however, you might prefer to be alone and enjoy your privacy so that you can contemplate your navel and read your fan mail.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
The planets are offering you contradictory choices. You want to be sociable and talk to everyone. However, you also want to cocoon at home and hide. You might prefer to read or study something. (You are the researcher and trivia buff of the zodiac.)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is a busy, fast-paced time because you’re reading, writing and studying; plus, short trips and conversations with others and appointments are making demands on you. Today you’re high visibility, which means others notice you more than usual (including the police).
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Money issues are on your mind. Today you want to escape from them and “get away from all this.” Nevertheless, you are prepared to work hard, which is a good thing because with Venus in your sign, everyone loves you. This is a good day to shop for wardrobe items for yourself.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
This is a powerful time because the sun and Mercury are both in your sign. Because of this, people will listen to you. You should know that you have this advantage and use it. Today’s moon will draw your attention to issues about shared property and inheritances.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You’re happy to keep a low profile and work alone or behind the scenes. Increased chaos or demands on the home front continue but you are getting on top of things now. Meanwhile, today because the moon is opposite your sign, you have to accommodate others and be cooperative. Oh well.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
This is a popular time for you, and you are more involved than usual with younger people. It’s a great time for you to teach or train people because you are particularly persuasive now. Meanwhile, bosses, parents and people in power look favorably on you. (Grab the baton and run!)
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
This is a playful, fun-loving day! The sun is high in your chart, which means people admire you. Meanwhile, Venus encourages travel and interaction with people who are “different.” And of course, the moon wants you to enjoy social outings, sports and fun activities with kids. Yeah!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Alfred Enoch (1988) shares your birthday. You love variety, which is why you are adventurous, spontaneous and fun-loving! Nevertheless, you like goals and security. This will be a more easygoing year. Your smart choice will be to cooperate because your relations with others will benefit you, even business and personal relationships. Grab every chance to practice kindness and be helpful.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-01--Teen boy wounded in Gresham shooting: police

A teenage boy was shot Tuesday in Gresham on the South Side .
The boy , 16 , was shot @ @ @ @ @ p.m. in the 1600 block of West 87th Street , Chicago police said .
He @ @ @ @ @ Little Company of Mary Hospital , before being transferred to the University of Chicago Medical @ @ @ @ @ The boy was in good condition Tuesday night .
The boy would not tell officers @ @ @ @ @ the shooting , police said .

A teenage boy was shot Tuesday in Gresham on the South Side.
The boy, 16, was shot in the leg about 2:15 p.m. in the 1600 block of West 87th Street, Chicago police said.
He was later dropped off at Little Company of Mary Hospital, before being transferred to the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said. The boy was in good condition Tuesday night.
The boy would not tell officers anything about the circumstances of the shooting, police said.
Area Two detectives are investigating.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-01--Coronavirus live blog, Dec. 1, 2020: Illinois logs most COVID-19 cases in weeks as state prepares fo

Coronavirus live blog, Dec. 1, 2020: Illinois logs most COVID-19 cases in weeks as state prepares for post-holiday spike

Get ready , Chicago : The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine should be in the city by the end of the month , according to city officials .
Here ’ s what else happened today in coronavirus-related news .
8:55 p.m. 125 more Illinois coronavirus deaths , 12,542 new cases as state braces for post-Thanksgiving spike With a potential post-holiday spike still looming , Illinois ’ coronavirus metrics took a slight turn for the worse Tuesday as public health officials announced COVID-19 has spread to 12,542 more people and claimed another 125 lives .
While it ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state in almost two weeks , they were detected among 116,081 tests , as the state rebounded from a dip in testing over Thanksgiving weekend .
That still raises the state ’ s average positivity rate over the last week from 10.1 % to 10.4 % .
The 125 latest deaths attributed to the virus are higher than the state ’ s average of about 110 deaths per day over the last two weeks .
That rate was just 42 deaths per day at the start of November .
Twenty of the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 more lives lost in other Chicago-area counties .
5:04 p.m. Chicago expects to receive first 25K doses of coronavirus vaccine by end of December Chicago expects to receive the first 20,000-to-25,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine by the third and fourth week in December and has built up an “ unusual amount of cold storage capacity ” to handle the onslaught , Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Tuesday .
First in line will be Chicago ’ s 37 hospitals so they can at least begin the job of vaccinating their “ highest-risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doses won ’ t be enough to vaccinate all of them , even though they are expected to come with both the first and second doses .
So , priority will be given to those health care workers who are “ seeing COVID patients ” and those “ performing procedures that put them at highest risk , ” according to Dr. Carla Robinson , a medical director at the Chicago Department of Public Health .
12:46 p.m. City shuts down 300-person party in Wicker Park , other businesses for ‘ egregiously ’ violating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party with about 300 attendees in a basement venue in the Wicker Park neighborhood over the weekend , officials said Monday .
The venue was one of more than 300 businesses — including one that allegedly held a party with 600 people — cited for violations one month into citywide orders against indoor gatherings , dining and drinking .
Police were called to the illegal party early Sunday at The Vault in the 1600 block of West Division Street , according to a statement from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protocols or was wearing face coverings , the agency said .
Multiple citations were issued , including cease and desist orders and closure orders to the business “ for throwing a dangerous and unlicensed commercial party.
” 9:08 a.m. Fauci warns Pritzker of ‘ post-Thanksgiving surge ’ — says it ’ s ‘ no time to pull back ’ from COVID-19 restrictions Just hours after he spoke with Dr. Anthony Fauci and other infectious disease experts , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Monday none of the state ’ s 11 regions will get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ for the next few weeks.
” The governor opened his daily COVID-19 briefing with the sobering news , citing advice from the Illinois Department of Public Health , Fauci — director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases — and other infectious disease experts .
“ We are still very much in a precarious place , and we have got to take the time to evaluate any Thanksgiving effects before we make any premature adjustments , ” Pritzker said during his Monday briefing on the virus .
“ I spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his input about Illinois ’ situation .
He said the massive number of indoor gatherings by people visiting family and friends across the nation will very likely bring a post-Thanksgiving surge , and he believes this is no time to pull back on mitigations.
” • Weekend drop in COVID-19 cases attributed to low number of tests reported over the holiday weekend .
• Chicago R & B artist Jeremih was reportedly transferred to a regular hospital room Saturday after spending at least a week in intensive care undergoing treatment for COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 65 cases of the coronavirus among staff based at its headquarters , including five people who worked on the premises and were in contact with one another .
9:19 a.m. Making the case for standardized school tests , even during a pandemic To test or not to test during a pandemic ?
School districts in Illinois and across the country are waiting to learn whether states will be allowed to request waivers from federally mandated standardized tests next spring because of COVID-19 .
Waivers , to our thinking , would be the wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education , in the incoming Biden administration , should say no to the idea , something a handful of states already have done .
Read the full column from the CST Editorial Board here .

Get ready, Chicago: The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine should be in the city by the end of the month, according to city officials.
Here’s what else happened today in coronavirus-related news.
News
8:55 p.m. 125 more Illinois coronavirus deaths, 12,542 new cases as state braces for post-Thanksgiving spike
Gov. J.B. Pritzker answers questions from the media on the latest COVID-19 numbers and off topic questions during his daily COVID-19 update at the James R. Thompson Center in the Loop, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
With a potential post-holiday spike still looming, Illinois’ coronavirus metrics took a slight turn for the worse Tuesday as public health officials announced COVID-19 has spread to 12,542 more people and claimed another 125 lives.
While it’s the most new daily cases logged by the state in almost two weeks, they were detected among 116,081 tests, as the state rebounded from a dip in testing over Thanksgiving weekend. That still raises the state’s average positivity rate over the last week from 10.1% to 10.4%.
The 125 latest deaths attributed to the virus are higher than the state’s average of about 110 deaths per day over the last two weeks. That rate was just 42 deaths per day at the start of November.
Twenty of the latest victims came from Cook County, with 24 more lives lost in other Chicago-area counties.
Read the full story here.
5:04 p.m. Chicago expects to receive first 25K doses of coronavirus vaccine by end of December
Chicago expects to receive the first 20,000-to-25,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine by the third and fourth week in December and has built up an “unusual amount of cold storage capacity” to handle the onslaught, Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Tuesday.
First in line will be Chicago’s 37 hospitals so they can at least begin the job of vaccinating their “highest-risk” health care workers.
The initial doses won’t be enough to vaccinate all of them, even though they are expected to come with both the first and second doses.
So, priority will be given to those health care workers who are “seeing COVID patients” and those “performing procedures that put them at highest risk,” according to Dr. Carla Robinson, a medical director at the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Reporter Fran Spielman has the full story.
12:46 p.m. City shuts down 300-person party in Wicker Park, other businesses for ‘egregiously’ violating COVID-19 restrictions
A party was shut down Nov. 29 at The Vault, which allegedly had 300 people inside not wearing masks or social distancing. Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
City officials shut down a party with about 300 attendees in a basement venue in the Wicker Park neighborhood over the weekend, officials said Monday.
The venue was one of more than 300 businesses — including one that allegedly held a party with 600 people — cited for violations one month into citywide orders against indoor gatherings, dining and drinking.
Police were called to the illegal party early Sunday at The Vault in the 1600 block of West Division Street, according to a statement from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
No one was following social distancing protocols or was wearing face coverings, the agency said. Multiple citations were issued, including cease and desist orders and closure orders to the business “for throwing a dangerous and unlicensed commercial party.”
Read the full story here.
9:08 a.m. Fauci warns Pritzker of ‘post-Thanksgiving surge’ — says it’s ‘no time to pull back’ from COVID-19 restrictions
Just hours after he spoke with Dr. Anthony Fauci and other infectious disease experts, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Monday none of the state’s 11 regions will get any break from Tier 3 coronavirus mitigations “for the next few weeks.”
The governor opened his daily COVID-19 briefing with the sobering news, citing advice from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Fauci — director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases — and other infectious disease experts.
“We are still very much in a precarious place, and we have got to take the time to evaluate any Thanksgiving effects before we make any premature adjustments,” Pritzker said during his Monday briefing on the virus.
“I spoke with Dr. Fauci this morning to get his input about Illinois’ situation. He said the massive number of indoor gatherings by people visiting family and friends across the nation will very likely bring a post-Thanksgiving surge, and he believes this is no time to pull back on mitigations.”
Read the full story here.
New Cases
Analysis & Commentary
9:19 a.m. Making the case for standardized school tests, even during a pandemic
To test or not to test during a pandemic?
School districts in Illinois and across the country are waiting to learn whether states will be allowed to request waivers from federally mandated standardized tests next spring because of COVID-19.
Waivers, to our thinking, would be the wrong move. The next U.S. secretary of education, in the incoming Biden administration, should say no to the idea, something a handful of states already have done.
Read the full column from the CST Editorial Board here.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--The Mix: Manual Cinema’s ‘Christmas Carol,’  Ruth Page’s ‘Nutcracker’ and more things to do Dec. 3-9

Ruth Page Center for the Arts presents a pair of virtual holiday events focusing on its acclaimed staging of “ The Nutcracker.
” “ A Sugar Plum of a Tradition — Ruth Page ’ s The Nutcracker Past Present & Future ” ( Through Dec. 31 , $ 20 ) is a behind-the-scenes look at the holiday classic featuring archival footage , interviews and commentary from the artists behind the production , a holiday tradition since 1965 .
“ Visions — A Nutcracker Experience ” ( Dec. 4-20 , $ 45 ) transforms the holiday tradition into a new concept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floors of the Ruth Page Center .
Visit ruthpage.org .
A creative performance collective puts its own unique touch on a holiday classic .
Co-commissioned by Writers Theatre , “ Manual Cinema ’ s Christmas Carol ” updates Charles Dickens ’ tale as Aunt Trudy , an avowed holiday skeptic , is recruited to channel her late husband ’ s famous Christmas cheer .
As is the company ’ s style , Manual uses hundreds of paper puppets , miniatures , silhouettes and a live original score to bring the story to life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tickets : $ 15- $ 50 .
Visit manualcinema.com or writerstheatre.org .
A benefit for Season of Concern , the emergency fund for Chicago theater artists , features a reading of Maria Irene Fornes ’ feminist classic “ Fefu and Her Friends ” performed by an impressive lineup of Chicago actresses : Charin Alvarez , Sandra Delgado , Ora Jones , Delia Kropp , Sadieh Rifai , Lisa Tejero , Janet Ulrich Brooks and Penelope Walker .
Set in 1935 in a New England country home where Fefu and her female friends gather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the play shifts between realism and surrealism .
Stacy Stoltz directs the reading , which streams Dec. 5-12 .
Tickets : $ 10 .
Visit seasonofconcern.org .
Singer-actress Vanessa Williams is the next performer featured on “ Live from the West Side : Women of Broadway.
” Streamed live from New York ’ s Shubert Virtual Studios , the concert features a mix of showtunes , pop songs and personal stories from the “ Ugly Betty ” cast member and former Miss America .
And perhaps a holiday song or two ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 .
Tickets : $ 30 .
Visit northlight.org .
The Chicago Philharmonic , in collaboration with Midsummer ’ s Music , celebrates two influential Black composers — George Walker ( 1922-2018 ) and Florence Price ( 1887-1953 ) — in a virtual chamber concert featuring violinist David Perry .
Midsummer ’ s executive director Allyson Fleck says these composers , who embraced their African roots , “ need to be heard in these strenuous times , as they remind us of the power and beauty of universal feelings expressed in music.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a specialist in the work of Price , who also performs Price ’ s “ In the Land O ’ Cotton Suite.
” The livestreamed concert is at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 .
Tickets : $ 15 donation .
Visit chicagophilharmonic.org .
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago ’ s season continues with the virtual premiere of a new work from choreographer Jonathan Fredrickson .
“ The Sky Was Different ” blends dance , verse and music into a dream-like journey through the imaginations of the Hubbard Street dancers .
Fredrickson says he wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became inspiring .
“ It became the door to making something happen , ” he says .
“ I would give them prompts , and they would respond , and we would move through their stories , their reflections , their poems and their texts .
The piece was born from those ideas.
” The free film streams at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 and 5 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6 .
Visit hubbardstreetdance.com .
Santa and his elves are preparing for a very different holiday season this year .
And that means virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Experience , ” an interactive self-guided journey through winter ’ s busiest wonderland .
The visit includes Santa ’ s mailroom , the North Pole ’ s reindeer stables and , of course , the bustling toy factory .
Plus you can video chat with St. Nick himself !
Visits are available Dec. 1-24 .
Tickets : $ 34.95+ .
Visit santatheexperience.com .

Dance for the season
Ruth Page Center for the Arts presents a pair of virtual holiday events focusing on its acclaimed staging of “The Nutcracker.” “A Sugar Plum of a Tradition — Ruth Page’s The Nutcracker Past Present & Future” (Through Dec. 31, $20) is a behind-the-scenes look at the holiday classic featuring archival footage, interviews and commentary from the artists behind the production, a holiday tradition since 1965. “Visions — A Nutcracker Experience” (Dec. 4-20, $45) transforms the holiday tradition into a new concept, which takes place over the five floors of the Ruth Page Center. Visit ruthpage.org.
“Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol” Provided
Holiday classic reworked
A creative performance collective puts its own unique touch on a holiday classic. Co-commissioned by Writers Theatre, “Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol” updates Charles Dickens’ tale as Aunt Trudy, an avowed holiday skeptic, is recruited to channel her late husband’s famous Christmas cheer. As is the company’s style, Manual uses hundreds of paper puppets, miniatures, silhouettes and a live original score to bring the story to life. Performances are livestreamed Dec. 3-20. Tickets: $15-$50. Visit manualcinema.com or writerstheatre.org.
Charin Alvarez and Sandra Delgado Provided
Benefit performance
A benefit for Season of Concern, the emergency fund for Chicago theater artists, features a reading of Maria Irene Fornes’ feminist classic “Fefu and Her Friends” performed by an impressive lineup of Chicago actresses: Charin Alvarez, Sandra Delgado, Ora Jones, Delia Kropp, Sadieh Rifai, Lisa Tejero, Janet Ulrich Brooks and Penelope Walker. Set in 1935 in a New England country home where Fefu and her female friends gather to talk and plan a charity benefit, the play shifts between realism and surrealism. Stacy Stoltz directs the reading, which streams Dec. 5-12. Tickets: $10. Visit seasonofconcern.org.
Vanessa Williams John Lamparski/Getty Images
Vanessa Williams live
Singer-actress Vanessa Williams is the next performer featured on “Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway.” Streamed live from New York’s Shubert Virtual Studios, the concert features a mix of showtunes, pop songs and personal stories from the “Ugly Betty” cast member and former Miss America. And perhaps a holiday song or two? The concert livestreams at 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Tickets: $30. Visit northlight.org.
Karen Walwyn Provided
Groundbreaking composers
The Chicago Philharmonic, in collaboration with Midsummer’s Music, celebrates two influential Black composers — George Walker (1922-2018) and Florence Price (1887-1953) — in a virtual chamber concert featuring violinist David Perry. Midsummer’s executive director Allyson Fleck says these composers, who embraced their African roots, “need to be heard in these strenuous times, as they remind us of the power and beauty of universal feelings expressed in music.” Featured speaker is pianist Karen Walwyn, a specialist in the work of Price, who also performs Price’s “In the Land O’ Cotton Suite.” The livestreamed concert is at 4 p.m. Dec. 6. Tickets: $15 donation. Visit chicagophilharmonic.org.
“The Sky Was Different” Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Inspired creation
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s season continues with the virtual premiere of a new work from choreographer Jonathan Fredrickson. “The Sky Was Different” blends dance, verse and music into a dream-like journey through the imaginations of the Hubbard Street dancers. Fredrickson says he wanted to get to know the dancers and that became inspiring. “It became the door to making something happen,” he says. “I would give them prompts, and they would respond, and we would move through their stories, their reflections, their poems and their texts. The piece was born from those ideas.” The free film streams at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 and 5 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6. Visit hubbardstreetdance.com.
“Santa — The Experience” Provided
Click on St. Nick
Santa and his elves are preparing for a very different holiday season this year. And that means virtual visits with children via “Santa — The Experience,” an interactive self-guided journey through winter’s busiest wonderland. The visit includes Santa’s mailroom, the North Pole’s reindeer stables and, of course, the bustling toy factory. Plus you can video chat with St. Nick himself! Visits are available Dec. 1-24. Tickets: $34.95+. Visit santatheexperience.com.
Mary Houlihan is a Chicago freelance writer.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--1,634 total lives lost in Illinois to COVID-19 during the past two weeks, an average of about 117 pe

1,634 total lives lost in Illinois to COVID-19 during the past two weeks, an average of about 117 per day (LIVE UPDATES)

238 more Illinois coronavirus deaths , most ever reported by state throughout pandemic Illinois public health officials attributed an additional 238 deaths to the coronavirus Wednesday , the highest daily number of viral fatalities reported by the state throughout nine months of the pandemic .
That figure , which shatters the previous high of 191 deaths on May 13 , includes some death that occurred over the long Thanksgiving weekend .
The Illinois Department of Public Health previously logged a total of 362 coronavirus deaths from the holiday through Sunday .
A total of 1,634 lives have been lost to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an average of about 117 per day .
That ’ s almost five times the rate compared to two months ago .
Seventy-one of the latest victims were from Cook County .
Another 56 lived in the collar counties .
7:25 p.m. Lightfoot plans $ 450M in short-term borrowing to buy time for Congress to ride to the rescue Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s administration is planning $ 450 million in short-term borrowing — for less than a year , at an interest rate of 1.95 % — to buy time for Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities .
The $ 12.8 billion budget narrowly approved by the City Council last week includes plans to refinance $ 1.7 billion in general obligation and sales tax securitization bonds and claim $ 949 million in savings in the first two years .
That would extend the debt eight years and return Chicago to the days of “ scoop-and-toss ” borrowing that former Mayor Rahm Emanuel ended ( though not nearly fast enough for Wall Street rating agencies ) .
Lightfoot also plans to borrow against future revenue from the sale of recreational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 350 layoffs and issue $ 1.54 billion in general obligation bonds to bankroll the first two years of her five-year capital plan .
WASHINGTON — A Federal Reserve survey of business conditions around the country found that economic activity in several regions slowed in November as coronavirus cases surged .
The Fed report released Wednesday said that overall , the Fed ’ s 12 regional banks characterized the economic expansion as “ modest or moderate.
” But it noted that three Midwest regions and the Philadelphia region reported activity had begun to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surged .
The report said that most districts found that local businesses ’ optimism has “ waned , ” with many citing concerns about the wave of virus cases and renewed lockdown restrictions .
The report also said there was concern about the looming expiration dates for government support programs , including extended unemployment benefits and the moratoriums that have been in place on evictions and foreclosures .
The report , known as the beige book , will be used by Fed officials when they hold their last meeting of the year on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the central bank ’ s interest-rate policies .
12:47 p.m.
Here ’ s what we know about the COVID-19 vaccines heading to Chicago and Illinois As the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate the health and economic stability of countries around the globe , COVID-19 vaccines are being developed at record speeds by researchers and pharmaceutical companies rushing to meet the urgent and widespread need .
This week , officials announced that Chicago and Illinois will receive its first doses of the vaccine , developed by drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna , later this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be maximally effective ; Pfizer ’ s two shots must be administered three weeks apart , and Moderna ’ s requires four weeks between doses .
Here ’ s what we know now about who will receive the vaccine , how it will be distributed , and what lies ahead .
How many doses of the vaccine will Chicago and Illinois receive ?
Current estimates project that no more than 20 million doses of each vaccine will be available in the country by the end of 2020 , according to the Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday that he anticipates the state will receive about 109,000 doses of the vaccine in the first shipment from the federal government within the next few weeks .
Chicago expects to receive the 20,000-to-25,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine in that first shipment by the third and fourth week in December , Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Tuesday .
Once the distribution pipeline is in place , roughly 25,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines expected to arrive every week , with Moderna vaccines to follow .
From there , Arwady said the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Pritzker cautioned that federal authorities are constantly updating the number of potential vaccinations that could be Illinois-bound .
Starbucks has brought back its free coffee giveaway for first responders and health care workers as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise .
The Seattle-based coffee giant announced Tuesday that through Dec. 31 ” any customer who identifies as a front-line responder to the COVID-19 outbreak ” will receive a free tall brewed coffee , hot or iced .
“ Our hope with this is to reignite the movement of gratitude and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how much they are appreciated , ” Virginia Tenpenny , Starbucks vice president of global social impact , said in an interview with USA TODAY .
“ For us , we believe that one way we can do this is by offering a free cup of coffee.
” The free coffee offer can be redeemed at Starbucks U.S. company-operated locations and select licensed stores .
11:57 a.m. Who will get the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago ?
Chicago expects to receive the first 20,000-to-25,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has built up an “ unusual amount of cold storage capacity ” to handle the onslaught , Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Tuesday .
The state is expecting about 109,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine to be delivered in the first shipment from the federal government within the next few weeks , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday .
First in line will be Chicago ’ s 37 hospitals so they can at least begin the job of vaccinating their “ highest-risk ” health care workers .
The initial doses won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , even though they are expected to come with both the first and second doses .
So , priority will be given to those health care workers who are “ seeing COVID patients ” and those “ performing procedures that put them at highest risk , ” according to Dr. Carla Robinson , a medical director at the Chicago Department of Public Health .
The first round of vaccines will also go to employees of Chicago ’ s long-term care facilities .
That includes both skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care employees are vaccinated will City Hall begin the monumental task of vaccinating at least 70 % of its general population needed to achieve what ’ s known as “ herd immunity.
” 11:48 a.m. Anthony Fauci optimistic that stadiums could be full by late 2021 It may not be during basketball season or before baseball begins , but Dr. Anthony Fauci is confident stadiums will once again be full in 2021 .
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said that although filling arenas and bowls to capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeating the pandemic , he could envision packed crowds in the fall thanks to the development and distribution of a vaccine .
One condition underscores that prediction : the willingness of American adults to become vaccinated .
“ By the time you get ( the vaccine ) to the general public , the people who ’ ll be going to the basketball games , who don ’ t have any underlying conditions , that ’ s gon na be starting the end of April , May , June , ” Fauci told Yahoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably will be well into the end of the summer before you can really feel comfortable ( with full sports stadiums ) — if a lot of people get vaccinated .
I don ’ t think we ’ re going to be that normal in July .
I think it probably would be by the end of the summer.
” 9:08 a.m. CDC to shorten COVID-19 quarantine to 10 days , 7 with test The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to shorten the recommended length of quarantine after exposure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the virus rages across the nation .
According to a senior administration official , the new guidelines , which are set to be released as soon as Tuesday evening , will allow people who have come in contact to someone infected with the virus to resume normal activity after 10 days , or 7 days if they receive a negative test result .
That ’ s down from the 14-day period recommended since the onset of the pandemic .
The official , who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been discussed for some time , as scientists have studied the incubation period for the virus .
The policy would hasten the return to normal activities by those deemed to be “ close contacts ” of those infected with the virus , which has infected more than 13.5 million Americans and killed at least 270,000 .
While the CDC had said the incubation period for the virus was thought to extend to 14 days , most individuals became infectious and developed symptoms between 4 and 5 days after exposure .
• On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread to 12,542 more people and claimed another 125 lives .
• A judge and 12 more employees at the Cook County chief judge ’ s office have tested positive for COVID-19 , the judge ’ s office reported Tuesday .
These 13 additional cases bring the total number of employees infected with COVID-19 to 180 since the start of the pandemic , the judge ’ s office said .
It has long been a fashionable and celebrated pastime in Republican circles to mock Hollywood celebrities for their elitist , superficial and often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to average Americans and the belief that rules don ’ t apply to them .
Hollywood is in fact a reviled category of people for many on the right — unless , of course , one shows up at your national convention to speak to an empty chair , or is Angelina Jolie ’ s estranged dad , or Chachi .
Otherwise , though , to many conservatives , celebrities are bad and evil and out of touch .
They don ’ t have any business telling “ Real America ” what to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life skills .
( Incidentally , the reviled skills they do have made two celebrity types , Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump , perfectly acceptable candidates for president . )
Celebrities , according to the Fox News wing of the party , should keep their politics to themselves .
They should shut up and sing , or shut up and dribble , or shut up and post strange videos about fried fish from their lavish bathrooms , in Madonna ’ s case .
Unless , that is , their politics are supportive of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome to the program , Kirstie Alley , Kid Rock , James Woods and Antonio Sabato Jr. — what are your thoughts on China ’ s trade policies , election fraud and pulling troops out of Afghanistan ?
Ignoring these inconvenient holes in the Republicans ’ argument against celebrity , they do occasionally stumble into a point .
Whether it ’ s stuff like the college admissions scandal , or well-known climate hypocrise , or the entertainment industry ’ s protection of powerful predators , it ’ s not a stretch to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is filled with imperfect and questionable moral authorities .
During the current public health crisis , however , much of Hollywood has been fairly responsible about following COVID-19 protocols and precautions .
Los Angeles has endured several lockdowns , movie and television production has halted , and many celebs have helped encourage others to stay home and stay safe — albeit in occasionally cringe-worthy ways .
9:19 a.m. A national pandemic plan — finally — comes to the rescue first of health care workers and the elderly An advisory panel at the Centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in favor of a policy every American should be able to get behind : CDC Director Robert Redfield is expected to approve the recommendations by the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices .
States will have the final say on who gets a vaccine first , once a vaccine is approved and the federal government begins shipments .
But , for once , they ’ re getting sound guidance from Washington .
Our country sorely needs a national strategy , based on science , to rein in this pandemic .
With these recommendations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , just as the single most powerful tool against the disease — a safe , highly effective vaccine — is within reach .
Read the full column from the CST Editorial Board here .

Illinois public health officials reported Tuesday the highest daily number of viral fatalities recorded by the state throughout nine months of the pandemic.
Here’s what else happened today in coronavirus-related news.
News
8:55 p.m. 238 more Illinois coronavirus deaths, most ever reported by state throughout pandemic
Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Illinois public health officials attributed an additional 238 deaths to the coronavirus Wednesday, the highest daily number of viral fatalities reported by the state throughout nine months of the pandemic.
That figure, which shatters the previous high of 191 deaths on May 13, includes some death that occurred over the long Thanksgiving weekend. The Illinois Department of Public Health previously logged a total of 362 coronavirus deaths from the holiday through Sunday.
A total of 1,634 lives have been lost to COVID-19 during the past two weeks, an average of about 117 per day. That’s almost five times the rate compared to two months ago.
Seventy-one of the latest victims were from Cook County. Another 56 lived in the collar counties.
Read the full story here.
7:25 p.m. Lightfoot plans $450M in short-term borrowing to buy time for Congress to ride to the rescue
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration is planning $450 million in short-term borrowing — for less than a year, at an interest rate of 1.95% — to buy time for Congress to ride to the rescue of pandemic-ravaged cities.
The $12.8 billion budget narrowly approved by the City Council last week includes plans to refinance $1.7 billion in general obligation and sales tax securitization bonds and claim $949 million in savings in the first two years.
That would extend the debt eight years and return Chicago to the days of “scoop-and-toss” borrowing that former Mayor Rahm Emanuel ended (though not nearly fast enough for Wall Street rating agencies).
Lightfoot also plans to borrow against future revenue from the sale of recreational and medical marijuana to avert the need for 350 layoffs and issue $1.54 billion in general obligation bonds to bankroll the first two years of her five-year capital plan.
Reporter Fran Spielman has the full story.
5:07 p.m. Fed reports slowing U.S. economic activity due to virus surge
WASHINGTON — A Federal Reserve survey of business conditions around the country found that economic activity in several regions slowed in November as coronavirus cases surged.
The Fed report released Wednesday said that overall, the Fed’s 12 regional banks characterized the economic expansion as “modest or moderate.” But it noted that three Midwest regions and the Philadelphia region reported activity had begun to cool in early November as COVID-19 cases surged.
The report said that most districts found that local businesses’ optimism has “waned,” with many citing concerns about the wave of virus cases and renewed lockdown restrictions. The report also said there was concern about the looming expiration dates for government support programs, including extended unemployment benefits and the moratoriums that have been in place on evictions and foreclosures.
The report, known as the beige book, will be used by Fed officials when they hold their last meeting of the year on Dec. 15-16 to discuss possible changes to the central bank’s interest-rate policies.
Read the full report here.
12:47 p.m. Here’s what we know about the COVID-19 vaccines heading to Chicago and Illinois
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate the health and economic stability of countries around the globe, COVID-19 vaccines are being developed at record speeds by researchers and pharmaceutical companies rushing to meet the urgent and widespread need.
This week, officials announced that Chicago and Illinois will receive its first doses of the vaccine, developed by drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna, later this month. Both vaccines require two doses to be maximally effective; Pfizer’s two shots must be administered three weeks apart, and Moderna’s requires four weeks between doses.
Here’s what we know now about who will receive the vaccine, how it will be distributed, and what lies ahead.
How many doses of the vaccine will Chicago and Illinois receive?
Current estimates project that no more than 20 million doses of each vaccine will be available in the country by the end of 2020, according to the Associated Press.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday that he anticipates the state will receive about 109,000 doses of the vaccine in the first shipment from the federal government within the next few weeks.
Chicago expects to receive the 20,000-to-25,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccinein that first shipment by the third and fourth week in December, Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Tuesday. Once the distribution pipeline is in place, roughly 25,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines expected to arrive every week, with Moderna vaccines to follow. From there, Arwady said the city expects to “scale up rapidly.”
But Pritzker cautioned that federal authorities are constantly updating the number of potential vaccinations that could be Illinois-bound.
Read the full story here.
12:02 p.m. Starbucks offering free coffee to health care workers, first responders
Starbucks has brought back its free coffee giveaway for first responders and health care workers as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise.
The Seattle-based coffee giant announced Tuesday that through Dec. 31 ”any customer who identifies as a front-line responder to the COVID-19 outbreak” will receive a free tall brewed coffee, hot or iced.
“Our hope with this is to reignite the movement of gratitude and to show those on the front line how much they are appreciated,” Virginia Tenpenny, Starbucks vice president of global social impact, said in an interview with USA TODAY. “For us, we believe that one way we can do this is by offering a free cup of coffee.”
The free coffee offer can be redeemed at Starbucks U.S. company-operated locations and select licensed stores.
Read the full story here.
11:57 a.m. Who will get the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago?
In this Monday, March 16, 2020 file photo, Neal Browning receives a shot in the first-stage safety study clinical trial of a potential vaccine for COVID-19. Ted S. Warren/ AP Photos
Chicago expects to receive the first 20,000-to-25,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine by the third and fourth week in December and has built up an “unusual amount of cold storage capacity” to handle the onslaught, Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Tuesday.
The state is expecting about 109,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine to be delivered in the first shipment from the federal government within the next few weeks, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday.
First in line will be Chicago’s 37 hospitals so they can at least begin the job of vaccinating their “highest-risk” health care workers.
The initial doses won’t be enough to vaccinate all of them, even though they are expected to come with both the first and second doses.
So, priority will be given to those health care workers who are “seeing COVID patients” and those “performing procedures that put them at highest risk,” according to Dr. Carla Robinson, a medical director at the Chicago Department of Public Health.
The first round of vaccines will also go to employees of Chicago’s long-term care facilities. That includes both skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities.
Only after health care and long-term care employees are vaccinated will City Hall begin the monumental task of vaccinating at least 70% of its general population needed to achieve what’s known as “herd immunity.”
Read the full story here.
11:48 a.m. Anthony Fauci optimistic that stadiums could be full by late 2021
It may not be during basketball season or before baseball begins, but Dr. Anthony Fauci is confident stadiums will once again be full in 2021.
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said that although filling arenas and bowls to capacity is one of the final signs of defeating the pandemic, he could envision packed crowds in the fall thanks to the development and distribution of a vaccine.
One condition underscores that prediction: the willingness of American adults to become vaccinated.
“By the time you get (the vaccine) to the general public, the people who’ll be going to the basketball games, who don’t have any underlying conditions, that’s gonna be starting the end of April, May, June,” Fauci told Yahoo Sports on Monday. ”So it probably will be well into the end of the summer before you can really feel comfortable (with full sports stadiums) — if a lot of people get vaccinated. I don’t think we’re going to be that normal in July. I think it probably would be by the end of the summer.”
Read the full story here.
9:08 a.m. CDC to shorten COVID-19 quarantine to 10 days, 7 with test
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to shorten the recommended length of quarantine after exposure to someone who is positive for COVID-19, as the virus rages across the nation.
According to a senior administration official, the new guidelines, which are set to be released as soon as Tuesday evening, will allow people who have come in contact to someone infected with the virus to resume normal activity after 10 days, or 7 days if they receive a negative test result. That’s down from the 14-day period recommended since the onset of the pandemic.
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the announcement, said the policy change has been discussed for some time, as scientists have studied the incubation period for the virus. The policy would hasten the return to normal activities by those deemed to be “close contacts” of those infected with the virus, which has infected more than 13.5 million Americans and killed at least 270,000.
While the CDC had said the incubation period for the virus was thought to extend to 14 days, most individuals became infectious and developed symptoms between 4 and 5 days after exposure.
Read the full story here.
New Cases
Analysis & Commentary
11:15 a.m. Celebrities, stop partying like arrogant buffoons
It has long been a fashionable and celebrated pastime in Republican circles to mock Hollywood celebrities for their elitist, superficial and often silly proclivities, their inability to relate to average Americans and the belief that rules don’t apply to them.
Hollywood is in fact a reviled category of people for many on the right — unless, of course, one shows up at your national convention to speak to an empty chair, or is Angelina Jolie’s estranged dad, or Chachi. Otherwise, though, to many conservatives, celebrities are bad and evil and out of touch.
They don’t have any business telling “Real America” what to do, and they possess few valuable life skills. (Incidentally, the reviled skills they do have made two celebrity types, Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, perfectly acceptable candidates for president.)
Celebrities, according to the Fox News wing of the party, should keep their politics to themselves. They should shut up and sing, or shut up and dribble, or shut up and post strange videos about fried fish from their lavish bathrooms, in Madonna’s case.
Unless, that is, their politics are supportive of President Trump, in which case, welcome to the program, Kirstie Alley, Kid Rock, James Woods and Antonio Sabato Jr. — what are your thoughts on China’s trade policies, election fraud and pulling troops out of Afghanistan?
Ignoring these inconvenient holes in the Republicans’ argument against celebrity, they do occasionally stumble into a point. Whether it’s stuff like the college admissions scandal, or well-known climate hypocrise, or the entertainment industry’s protection of powerful predators, it’s not a stretch to say that Hollywood, like anywhere else, is filled with imperfect and questionable moral authorities.
During the current public health crisis, however, much of Hollywood has been fairly responsible about following COVID-19 protocols and precautions. Los Angeles has endured several lockdowns, movie and television production has halted, and many celebs have helped encourage others to stay home and stay safe — albeit in occasionally cringe-worthy ways.
Read the full column here.
9:19 a.m. A national pandemic plan — finally — comes to the rescue first of health care workers and the elderly
An advisory panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted Tuesday in favor of a policy every American should be able to get behind:
Giving front-line health care workers and nursing home residents top priority for a COVID-19 vaccine.
CDC Director Robert Redfield is expected to approve the recommendations by the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices. States will have the final say on who gets a vaccine first, once a vaccine is approved and the federal government begins shipments. But, for once, they’re getting sound guidance from Washington.
Our country sorely needs a national strategy, based on science, to rein in this pandemic. With these recommendations, we might finally have the beginnings of one, just as the single most powerful tool against the disease — a safe, highly effective vaccine — is within reach.
Read the full column from the CST Editorial Board here.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--In Illinois, bigger employers grabbed most of the PPP COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program loans

WASHINGTON — In Illinois , 12 % of the businesses and nonprofits getting federal Paycheck Protection Program COVID-19 emergency relief loans gobbled up 74 % of the cash , according to a Sun-Times analysis of newly released data .
The PPP loans — which do not have to be repaid if used according to the rules to keep workers on the payroll for a few months and pay some overhead — were approved by Congress earlier this year in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic infections triggering government shutdown orders and an economic meltdown .
The PPP program was marketed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boost to small employers .
New data released Tuesday shows that bigger employers in Illinois and across the nation received the lions share of the PPP cash .
Last July , the Small Business Administration revealed some general information about loans over $ 150,000 and refused to disclose details or information about the smaller players .
The Center for Public Integrity , the Washington Post and other news organizations filed a federal Freedom of Information Act lawsuit and a judge ordered the SBA to release detailed records by Dec. 1 .
Applications for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Companies and nonprofits headquartered in Illinois with operations in other states are included in the Illinois totals .
Some employers did not survive even with the PPP loans as the pandemic continues .
Congress has been deadlocked over creating another round of PPP funding .
On Tuesday , a bipartisan group of senators unveiled another COVID-19 relief measure ; the plan includes money for more PPP loans .
The Sun-Times analysis of SBA data covering 220,917 Illinois PPP loans for $ 22.7 billion found : • Looking at raw numbers of applicants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 193,545 employers who got $ 150,000 or less .
Illinois PPP loans for less than $ 150,000 totaled $ 5.8 billion .
• Looking at where the most cash flowed , 74 % of the loans went to 27,372 employers who got more than $ 150,000 .
Illinois PPP loans for more than $ 150,000 totaled $ 16.8 billion .
• Though promoted as a “ small business ” pandemic emergency rescue effort , bigger employers asking for larger loans benefited the most .
• The maximum loan amount was $ 10 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very top benefit .
Those companies and nonprofits include Andy Frain Services in Aurora ; The American Academy of Pediatrics in Itasca ; the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute in Chicago ; and the Bradford Hammacher Group , Inc. in Niles .
• The smallest loan was $ 56 given to CNG Towing in Sauk Village .
• A deeper look at the $ 22.7 billion in total loans for Illinois-based companies shows that the restaurant industry , a business sector among the hardest hit by pandemic restrictions , took the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Full service restaurants led with $ 725 million in PPP loans followed by law offices with $ 572 million ; physicians ( not including mental health offices ) with $ 492 million ; plumbing , heating and air conditioning contractors with $ 477 million ; and new car dealers with $ 475 million .
• In Illinois , 80 colleges and universities received $ 67.6 million in PPP loans ; some 574 elementary and secondary schools split $ 200 million .
• Religious organizations in Illinois took $ 340 million in PPP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 million PPP loans nationwide found more than half the money went to 5 % of the recipients .
The Post also found that 600 companies , “ including dozens of national chains , ” received the maximum $ 10 million .
The company owning the Chicago Sun-Times received a PPP loan for $ 2,734,200 .

WASHINGTON — In Illinois, 12% of the businesses and nonprofits getting federal Paycheck Protection Program COVID-19 emergency relief loans gobbled up 74% of the cash, according to a Sun-Times analysis of newly released data.
The PPP loans — which do not have to be repaid if used according to the rules to keep workers on the payroll for a few months and pay some overhead — were approved by Congress earlier this year in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic infections triggering government shutdown orders and an economic meltdown.
The PPP program was marketed by the Trump White House as a boost to small employers. New data released Tuesday shows that bigger employers in Illinois and across the nation received the lions share of the PPP cash.
Last July, the Small Business Administration revealed some general information about loans over $150,000 and refused to disclose details or information about the smaller players.
The Center for Public Integrity, the Washington Post and other news organizations filed a federal Freedom of Information Act lawsuit and a judge ordered the SBA to release detailed records by Dec. 1.
Applications for the PPP program closed in August. Companies and nonprofits headquartered in Illinois with operations in other states are included in the Illinois totals. Some employers did not survive even with the PPP loans as the pandemic continues.
Congress has been deadlocked over creating another round of PPP funding. On Tuesday, a bipartisan group of senators unveiled another COVID-19 relief measure; the plan includes money for more PPP loans.
The Sun-Times analysis of SBA data covering 220,917 Illinois PPP loans for $22.7 billion found:
Looking at raw numbers of applicants, 88% of the loans went to 193,545 employers who got $150,000 or less. Illinois PPP loans for less than $150,000 totaled $5.8 billion.
Looking at where the most cash flowed, 74% of the loans went to 27,372 employers who got more than $150,000. Illinois PPP loans for more than $150,000 totaled $16.8 billion.
Though promoted as a “small business” pandemic emergency rescue effort, bigger employers asking for larger loans benefited the most.
The maximum loan amount was $10 million, and 36 Illinois employers qualified for the very top benefit. Those companies and nonprofits include Andy Frain Services in Aurora; The American Academy of Pediatrics in Itasca; the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute in Chicago; and the Bradford Hammacher Group, Inc. in Niles.
The smallest loan was $56 given to CNG Towing in Sauk Village.
A deeper look at the $22.7 billion in total loans for Illinois-based companies shows that the restaurant industry, a business sector among the hardest hit by pandemic restrictions, took the most cash out of the PPP program.
Full service restaurants led with $725 million in PPP loans followed by law offices with $572 million; physicians (not including mental health offices) with $492 million; plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractors with $477 million; and new car dealers with $475 million.
In Illinois, 80 colleges and universities received $67.6 million in PPP loans; some 574 elementary and secondary schools split $200 million.
Religious organizations in Illinois took $340 million in PPP loans.
The Washington Post analysis of 5 million PPP loans nationwide found more than half the money went to 5% of the recipients. The Post also found that 600 companies, “including dozens of national chains,” received the maximum $10 million.
The company owning the Chicago Sun-Times received a PPP loan for $2,734,200.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--WGN-Channel 9 disappears from Dish Network during contract dispute

Chicago area Dish Network subscribers lost access to WGN-Channel 9 on Wednesday night during a contract fight between their parent companies .
The outage on the satellite TV provider affects WGN and 163 other Nexstar-owned stations in 115 markets across the country .
Each company accuses the other of demanding unreasonable terms to renew their expired contract .
They are negotiating over fees Dish pays to Nexstar for retransmission of its stations .
Nexstar also is encouraging Dish to buy access to its WGN America channel , which launched an ambitious , Chicago-based nightly newscast in September .
WGN has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its affiliation with the CW network in 2016 .
Its offerings include Chicago ’ s top-rated morning newscast , the daytime talk shows of Rachael Ray and Maury Povich , and reruns of syndicated network TV comedies including “ Friends ” and “ Last Man Standing.
” Dish Network has built a reputation as a hardball negotiator willing to drop programming rather than cave during contract fights .
As a result , in recent years it has deprived its subscribers of HBO as well as several regional sports networks owned by Sinclair Broadcast @ @

Chicago area Dish Network subscribers lost access to WGN-Channel 9 on Wednesday night during a contract fight between their parent companies.
The outage on the satellite TV provider affects WGN and 163 other Nexstar-owned stations in 115 markets across the country. Each company accuses the other of demanding unreasonable terms to renew their expired contract.
They are negotiating over fees Dish pays to Nexstar for retransmission of its stations. Nexstar also is encouraging Dish to buy access to its WGN America channel, which launched an ambitious, Chicago-based nightly newscast in September.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
WGN has operated as an independent channel since dropping its affiliation with the CW network in 2016. Its offerings include Chicago’s top-rated morning newscast, the daytime talk shows of Rachael Ray and Maury Povich, and reruns of syndicated network TV comedies including “Friends” and “Last Man Standing.”
Dish Network has built a reputation as a hardball negotiator willing to drop programming rather than cave during contract fights. As a result, in recent years it has deprived its subscribers of HBO as well as several regional sports networks owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--Man dies weeks after Gary crash

Man dies weeks after Gary crash

A 62-year-old man injured in a September vehicle crash in Gary , Indiana , has died of his injuries .
@ @ @ @ @ p.m. Sept. 29 in the 4900 block of Broadway Street , according to the Cook @ @ @ @ @ office .
Jon Derbigny , of Chicago , was pronounced dead about 6 a.m Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ cervical spine injury sustained in the crash , the medical examiner ’ s office said @ @ @ @ @ ruled his death an accident .

A 62-year-old man injured in a September vehicle crash in Gary, Indiana, has died of his injuries.
The crash occurred about 4:20 p.m. Sept. 29 in the 4900 block of Broadway Street, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Jon Derbigny, of Chicago, was pronounced dead about 6 a.m Tuesday due to complications from a cervical spine injury sustained in the crash, the medical examiner’s office said.
An autopsy released Wednesday ruled his death an accident.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--A snack is born: Oreo launching Lady Gaga ‘Chromatica’-themed cookie

Oreo recruited a superstar collaborator for its next flavor .
The cookie brand announced Wednesday it ’ s partnering with Lady Gaga on a specially themed package of the Oreos based on the pop star ’ s latest album , “ Chromatica.
” The cookies are “ pink-colored Golden Oreo cookies with green-colored creme , ” said the company , and will feature designs inspired by the album on the wafer .
The new Oreos will be available in six-cookie packs starting in January , while full packs of the Chromatica cookies will arrive next year .
Fans who want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lady Gaga x OREO Stan Club to get notified when the full packs release .
Oreo says the first 1,000 subscribers will get a free pack of cookies .
Oreo and Lady Gaga are also launching a contest , “ Sing it With Oreo , ” kicking off Dec. 15 , where winners can receive free merchandise and experiences featuring the pop singer .
The collaboration is the latest in a string of partnerships featuring music stars and brands .
Both Travis Scott and J Balvin teamed up with McDonald ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bunny and Cardi B paired up with Crocs and Reebok , respectively , on fresh footwear .
“ This collab is inspired by the world of Chromatica , where kindness rules all things , ” said Lady Gaga in a media statement .

Oreo recruited a superstar collaborator for its next flavor.
The cookie brand announced Wednesday it’s partnering with Lady Gaga on a specially themed package of the Oreos based on the pop star’s latest album, “Chromatica.”
The cookies are “pink-colored Golden Oreo cookies with green-colored creme,” said the company, and will feature designs inspired by the album on the wafer.
The new Oreos will be available in six-cookie packs starting in January, while full packs of the Chromatica cookies will arrive next year.
Fans who want the cookies early can sign up for the Lady Gaga x OREO Stan Club to get notified when the full packs release. Oreo says the first 1,000 subscribers will get a free pack of cookies.
Oreo and Lady Gaga are also launching a contest, “Sing it With Oreo,” kicking off Dec. 15, where winners can receive free merchandise and experiences featuring the pop singer.
The collaboration is the latest in a string of partnerships featuring music stars and brands. Both Travis Scott and J Balvin teamed up with McDonald’s on signature meals. Meanwhile, Bad Bunny and Cardi B paired up with Crocs and Reebok, respectively, on fresh footwear.
“This collab is inspired by the world of Chromatica, where kindness rules all things,” said Lady Gaga in a media statement.
Read more at usatoday.com


chicagosun-times--2020-12-02--Cubs non-tender OFs Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr.

Change is finally here for the Cubs .
After months of speculation on which member of the core might be leaving , the first domino fell on Wednesday as left fielder Kyle Schwarber was non-tendered .
Schwarber was entering the final year of his contract before entering free agency next winter .
The 28-year-old outfielder had a career .230/.336/.480 slashline over six seasons in Chicago to go along with 121 home runs .
After what appeared to be a breakout 2019 season that saw him his a team-high 38 homers with a 122 OPS+ , Schwarber was one of many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plate in 2020 .
Center fielder Albert Almora Jr. was also non-tendered on Wednesday , which was MLB ’ s non-tender deadline .
Almora slashed .271/.309/.398 over five seasons with 28 homers .
Most of his appearances came in a platoon role or as a defensive replacement .
Both Schwarber and Almora Jr. helped the Cubs in their quest to capture the franchise ’ s first World Series in 108 years , but the overall body of work and production never came close to what the expectations were .
Almora was the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
6 overall in 2012 ) and at the time was viewed as the center fielder of the future .
Schwarber might have had the most hype of any Cubs draft pick of the last decade besides Kris Bryant .
Drafted as a bat-first catcher , Schwarber ’ s power and plate discipline always drew rave reviews , even getting occasional , while also hyperbolic Babe Ruth comparisons .
While the power was often on display after becoming a full-time outfielder in 2017 , the rest of Schwarber ’ s offense never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him .
But the lack of production is not necessarily specific to Schwarber or Almora Jr .
The Cubs ’ core has struggled to maintain consistent production over the past four years and has been an issue current president Jed Hoyer and former president Theo Epstein identified as organizational shortcomings in recent months .
According to MLB Trade Rumors arbitration projection , the Cubs will save roughly $ 9.5 million by non-tendering the two outfielders .
Other non-tendered players included right-hander Ryan Tepera and DH/1B Jose Martinez .
Martinez struggled after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Tampa Bay .
The 32-year-old first baseman went hitless in 22 plate appearances .
Tepera was the more effective relievers out of the Cubs ’ bullpen and was second on the team with 21 appearances .
With the non-tender deadline now past , the Cubs will start to get some financial clarity on what they can do this offseason .
Even with the Winter Meetings scheduled to begin virtually next week , activity isn ’ t expected to move nearly as quickly as a normal offseason .
‘ ‘ I think with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertainty , ’ ’ Hoyer said .
‘ ‘ I think it ’ s gon na probably move a little bit slower than some offseasons , so I think we may try to get a sense of the landscape before we move forward.
” With one member of the team ’ s core four gone , attention now turns to Kris Bryant , Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo .
The team is not currently engaged in extension talks with any of their current players , according to Hoyer .
The Cubs may also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players that they won ’ t be able to keep and the market takes shape .
“ We have some guys that had great years last year , and we have some guys that had down years , but I certainly wouldn ’ t speculate about the future of any one guy at this point , ” Hoyer said .
“ Certainly we have players on this roster that we ’ d love to have here for a long time .
So at some point in the future , I think we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
”

Change is finally here for the Cubs.
After months of speculation about which member of the core might be leaving, the first domino fell as left fielder Kyle Schwarber was non-tendered.
Schwarber, 28, was going into the last year of his contract before entering free agency next winter. He had a .230/.336/.480 slash line in six seasons with the Cubs to go along with 121 home runs. After what appeared to be a breakout 2019 season that saw him hit a team-high 38 homers with a 122 OPS+, Schwarber was one of many Cubs players who struggled at the plate in 2020.
“It was a hard conversation,” Cubs president Jed Hoyer said. “We’re definitely going to keep the door open. . . . I don’t think the door is closed, but we had a good conversation. He’s always going to be a Cubs legend; there’s no question about that.
“We’ve known each other for a long time. I don’t wanna speak for him, but I know I have the utmost respect for him. And it was a good conversation, but obviously with disappointment on both sides.”
Center fielder Albert Almora also was non-tendered on Wednesday, MLB’s non-tender deadline. Almora hit .271/.309/.398 in five seasons with 28 homers. Most of his appearances came in a platoon role or as a defensive replacement.
Schwarber and Almora helped the Cubs in their quest to capture the franchise’s first World Series in 108 years, but the overall body of work and production never came close to what the expectations were.
Almora was the first first-round pick of the Theo Epstein era (No. 6 overall in 2012) and at the time was viewed as the center fielder of the future. Schwarber might have had the most hype of any Cubs draft pick of the last decade other than Kris Bryant.
Drafted as a bat-first catcher, Schwarber had the power and plate discipline that always drew rave reviews, even getting occasional, hyperbolic Babe Ruth comparisons. The power was often on display after becoming a full-time outfielder in 2017, but the rest of Schwarber’s offensive profile never quite reached the ceiling the Cubs had for him.
But the lack of production is not necessarily specific to Schwarber or Almora.
The Cubs’ core has struggled to maintain consistent production the last four years, and that had been an issue Hoyer and former president Epstein identified as an organizational shortcoming.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Schwarber was set to make roughly $8 million in arbitration this year.
Almora and Schwarber should draw interest in the open market, and a continued implementation of the designated-hitter rule in the National League would expand the market for Schwarber’s left-handed power.
Other non-tendered players included right-hander Ryan Tepera and designated hitter/first baseman Jose Martinez.
Martinez, 32, struggled after being acquired at the July 31 trade deadline from Tampa Bay. He went hitless in 22 plate appearances.
Tepera was one of the more effective pitchers out of the Cubs’ bullpen and was second on the team with 21 appearances.
The Cubs agreed to terms with right-handers Colin Rea and Dan Winkler and left-hander Kyle Ryan and tendered contracts to five arbitration-eligible players: Bryant, Javy Baez, Ian Happ, Victor Caratini and Willson Contreras.
With the non-tender deadline gone, the Cubs should start to get some financial clarity on what they can do this offseason.
Even with the Winter Meetings scheduled to begin virtually next week, activity isn’t expected to move nearly as quickly as in a normal offseason.