chicagosun-times--2020-11-23--Obama, in surprise appearance, gives 105,000 CPS students free digital copies of ‘A Promised Land’

High school students and teachers at Chicago Public Schools received an email Monday morning that didn ’ t tell them exactly who would be at their virtual assembly that afternoon but gave some strong hints : The speaker had “ strong ties to Chicago , ” “ millions of Twitter followers ” and “ made history multiple times throughout their career.
” Hours later , those who tuned in to the livestreamed assembly were greeted by former President Barack Obama , who surprised CPS ’ 105,000 high schoolers and thousands of teachers with free digital copies of his new memoir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15-minute appearance marked Obama ’ s latest stop on his busy media blitz to promote the long-awaited , 768-page book , which will be available to students and teachers in e-book and audiobook formats .
“ I wrote this book with you in mind , ” Obama told the star-struck students , some of which put their hands on their mouths and couldn ’ t stop smiling .
“ I want young people to understand that the ability for you to have an impact on this world — to make a difference , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , to make it possible for people to have health care , to create better jobs , to clean up our environment — that you have that power in you .
“ Some of you have homework , and you got ta do your homework first , ” Obama said .
“ And obviously during Thanksgiving break and during Christmas break , you ’ re going to want to spend some time with family and just celebrate and relax .
But if some of you are interested during that period in maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what led me to get into government and politics and public service ... then this is a chance for you to have access to that without having to pay.
” Obama also praised CPS students for following through with their schoolwork during the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ I just wanted to say how proud I am of all of you for continuing your efforts , your studies , your focus , your commitment to your education in the midst of , let ’ s face it , a pretty tough situation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health and financial struggles that many students ’ families are going through .
Obama said he would host a follow-up conversation about his book with CPS students after the new year , an event the district said would be moderated by ABC7 Windy City Live host Val Warner .
CPS CEO Janice Jackson , who recently has been pegged as a potential education secretary nominee in President-elect Joe Biden ’ s administration , joined Obama in making the announcement .
She said the former president is a “ believer that everyday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former first lady Michelle Obama , a CPS graduate , made a similar stop at her alma mater Whitney Young during her book tour in fall 2018 .
She spoke to 20 girls at the Near West Side school about how Whitney Young exposed her to life outside her South Shore community .
The students at that discussion received free physical copies of the book and tickets to the first lady ’ s book event at the United Center a few days later .

High school students and teachers at Chicago Public Schools received an email Monday morning that didn’t tell them exactly who would be at their virtual assembly that afternoon but gave some strong hints: The speaker had “strong ties to Chicago,” “millions of Twitter followers” and “made history multiple times throughout their career.”
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Hours later, those who tuned in to the livestreamed assembly were greeted by former President Barack Obama, who surprised CPS’ 105,000 high schoolers and thousands of teachers with free digital copies of his new memoir, “A Promised Land.”
The 15-minute appearance marked Obama’s latest stop on his busy media blitz to promote the long-awaited, 768-page book, which will be available to students and teachers in e-book and audiobook formats.
“I wrote this book with you in mind,” Obama told the star-struck students, some of which put their hands on their mouths and couldn’t stop smiling. “I want young people to understand that the ability for you to have an impact on this world — to make a difference, to improve your communities, to improve schools, to make it possible for people to have health care, to create better jobs, to clean up our environment — that you have that power in you.
“Some of you have homework, and you gotta do your homework first,” Obama said. “And obviously during Thanksgiving break and during Christmas break, you’re going to want to spend some time with family and just celebrate and relax. But if some of you are interested during that period in maybe getting a little bit of a sense to what led me to get into government and politics and public service ... then this is a chance for you to have access to that without having to pay.”
Former President Barack Obama speaks to CPS students during a virtual assembly Monday. Screenshot/Chicago Public Schools
Obama also praised CPS students for following through with their schoolwork during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I just wanted to say how proud I am of all of you for continuing your efforts, your studies, your focus, your commitment to your education in the midst of, let’s face it, a pretty tough situation,” the former president said, acknowledging the health and financial struggles that many students’ families are going through.
Obama said he would host a follow-up conversation about his book with CPS students after the new year, an event the district said would be moderated by ABC7 Windy City Live host Val Warner.
CPS CEO Janice Jackson, who recently has been pegged as a potential education secretary nominee in President-elect Joe Biden’s administration, joined Obama in making the announcement. She said the former president is a “believer that everyday, normal people can make a difference.”
Former first lady Michelle Obama, a CPS graduate, made a similar stop at her alma mater Whitney Young during her book tour in fall 2018. She spoke to 20 girls at the Near West Side school about how Whitney Young exposed her to life outside her South Shore community. The students at that discussion received free physical copies of the book and tickets to the first lady’s book event at the United Center a few days later.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-23--Another potential COVID vaccine proves ‘highly effective’ in trials (LIVE UPDATES)

AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed that its COVID-19 vaccine with Oxford University was up to 90 % effective in preventing disease .
The results are based on interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca .
No hospitalizations or severe cases of COVID-19 were reported in those receiving the vaccine , AstraZeneca said .
The trial looked at two different dosing regimens .
A half dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose at least one month apart was 90 % effective .
A second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart was 62 % effective .
The combined results showed an average efficacy rate of 70 % .
“ These findings show that we have an effective vaccine that will save many lives , ” Professor Andrew Pollard , chief investigator for the trial , said in a statement .
“ Excitingly , we ’ ve found that one of our dosing regimens may be around 90 % effective.
’ ’ AstraZeneca is the third major drug company to report late-stage results for its potential COVID-19 vaccine as public health officials around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end the pandemic that has killed almost 1.4 million people .
Pfizer and Moderna last week reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing their vaccines were almost 95 % effective .
7:02 p.m. Health care workers , kids want people to stay home : ‘ A virtual Thanksgiving will potentially prevent an ICU Christmas ’ Seven-year-old Mia Lopez has one holiday wish : Please stay home , everyone .
Mia ’ s mother , Heather Prescaro , is an emergency department nurse at Cook County Health .
And while Mia is proud of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she also wants that fight to end , and soon .
“ My wish is for everyone to stay home , so they don ’ t get the COVID .
So everyone can be healthy and safe , ” Mia said at the “ Please Stay At Home ” press conference organized by Cook County Health .
Mia and her mom joined other workers and their children on Monday to urge Chicagoans to stay home during the holiday season , in order to curb the spread of the virus .
3:10 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowest test positivity rate in more than two weeks State public health officials reported 8,322 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 Monday as well as 47 additional deaths .
As of Sunday night , 6,171 people with the virus were reported to be in the hospital ; 1,206 patients were in intensive care units and 635 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators .
The 8,322-daily caseload , while still higher than in previous months , was the lowest since Nov. 4 and only the seventh time this month when the figure was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among almost 91,562 tests , lowering the statewide average testing positivity rate to 10.9 % , the lowest it ’ s been since Nov. 8 .
The announcement of the new cases follows news of another drugmaker , AstraZeneca , reporting late-stage trials of a potential vaccine for the deadly virus being up to 90 % effective in preventing the disease .
Read the full report from Rachel Hinton here .
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle Monday announced a new legal assistance initiative geared to help residents facing evictions , foreclosures or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Early Resolution Program — the first of several programs operated under the new Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt ( CCLAHD ) initiative — will provide free legal assistance , counseling , pre-court mediation and case management for residents and landlords dealing with evictions and delinquent property taxes , Preckwinkle said during a virtual news conference .
Preckwinkle said there will be a tax deed specific program planned for 2021 that will be focused on early outreach to residents who start to fall behind on paying taxes .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program in the works , the county board president said .
1:10 p.m. Two more employees in Cook County ’ s chief judge ’ s office test positive for coronavirus Two more employees at the Cook County chief judge ’ s office have tested positive for COVID-19 , the judge ’ s office reported Monday .
One employee works at the juvenile court center .
The other is a courthouse reporter who works at the Maywood courthouse .
These two additional cases bring the total number of employees infected with COVID-19 to 173 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 73 of those employees working at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center , the judge ’ s office said in a statement .
Eleven judges and 62 residents at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center have also tested positive for the virus .
Chicagoans who have flooded Amazon and other online retailers with orders during the pandemic to avoid in-person shopping trips would pay for the privilege of that convenience under a “ ground delivery tax ” proposed Monday .
Ald .
Patrick Daley Thompson ( 11th ) , grandson and nephew of Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to impose a $ 1.25 tax on packages with a “ cumulative weight of 50 lbs .
or less ” and $ 2.50 for packages tipping the scales at more than 50 lbs .
Packages contained “ prepared food for immediate human consumption ” would be exempt .
So would packages containing “ solely prescription and non-prescription medicines , drugs and medical appliances including , but not limited to tampons and sanitary napkins , insulin , urine testing materials , syringes and needles used by diabetics.
” To avoid a collections nightmare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the duty of each seller of tangible personal property sold at retail and delivered to a location within the city by ground delivery service to collect the tax.
” Sellers that fail to “ collect and remit the tax…shall be liable to the city for the amount ” left uncollected .
Read the full story from Fran Spielman here .
9:16 a.m. 13 more employees test positive for coronavirus at Cook County Circuit Court Clerk ’ s office Thirteen more employees of the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Nov. 7 , the clerk ’ s office announced over the weekend .
The new test results bring the total number of employees who have tested positive to 67 , the clerk ’ s office said .
Three of the new employees who tested positive have been hospitalized , while the other 10 are self-quarantining at home , the clerk ’ s office said .
Two employees work in the Chancery Division at the Daley Center , 50 W. Washington , and two more work at the Records Center , the clerk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees are spread among various clerk ’ s office facilities across the Chicago area .
The clerk ’ s office said they have notified any close contacts of employees who tested positive , and deep cleaned affected work areas .
8:38 a.m. Catholic schools could move to remote learning after Thanksgiving With cases of COVID-19 spiking across Illinois , the Archdiocese of Chicago announced Sunday that Catholic schools can voluntarily transition to remote learning after the Thanksgiving break .
While the archdiocese outlined a plan last month to pivot elementary schools to remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of next year , spokesman Manuel Gonzales said the new considerations are being made “ in light of the recent rise in the general infection rate and the warnings about travel during the holidays.
” Still , Gonzales said it ’ s “ too soon to say which schools will be switching to remote learning.
” Most of the 199 archdiocese schools in Cook and Lake counties have continued to offer in-person classes to their roughly 70,000 students .
The decision to give Catholic schools a remote learning option comes after parents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week “ to gauge their comfort with in-person learning in December , ” Gonzales said .
“ In 80 percent of schools , there was strong support to stay the course of providing in-person and remote learning options , ” he noted .
“ On Friday , we notified the other 20 percent of schools that we would work with them on any need for alternate plans , which may include moving to remote learning for some or all of the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
” • Two more employees at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office have tested positive for COVID-19 , bringing the total number of employees infected to 173 since the start of the pandemic , with 73 of those employees working at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center .
• State health officials Sunday reported 10,012 new and probable coronavirus cases and 76 additional deaths .
• Chicago R & B artist Jeremih was reportedly transferred to a regular hospital room Saturday after spending at least a week in intensive care undergoing treatment for COVID-19 .
• The World Health Organization has recorded 65 cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headquarters , including five people who worked on the premises and were in contact with one another .
America got more good news about a COVID-19 vaccine last week , the second potential vaccine shown to be at least 90 % effective against the disease in early data from clinical trials .
If the Food and Drug Administration grants emergency use authorization to one or both vaccines , doses could be distributed beginning in late Decembe , r and the country will have its most powerful tool yet against the pandemic .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is or how quickly it becomes available , will be a powerful tool against the pandemic if too few people — especially African Americans , who are among the most vulnerable to severe illness or death from COVID-19 — get the shot .
And as the Sun-Times ’ Brett Chase reported Sunday , distrust of a COVID-19 vaccine runs deep among Black Americans .
They ’ re less likely to volunteer for clinical trials to test vaccine safety and effectiveness .
Public opinion polls , too , have consistently shown African Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a coronavirus vaccine .
The health care system has a lot of work to do to get past that lingering distrust .
As states and the federal government plan public education campaigns to urge people to take a vaccine , extra effort must be made to reach the African American community , get people vaccinated and save lives .

Residents facing evictions, foreclosures or unresolved debt issues during the coronavirus pandemic may be able to get financial help from Cook County.
Here’s what you need to know about this and other coronavirus headlines around the city and state.
News
8:55 p.m. Another potential COVID vaccine proves ‘highly effective’ in trials
Emilio Cici, 42, of Burr Ridge, gets a shot at Rush University Medical Center as part of a clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by drugmaker AstraZeneca. Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times file
AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed that its COVID-19 vaccine with Oxford University was up to 90% effective in preventing disease.
The results are based on interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca. No hospitalizations or severe cases of COVID-19 were reported in those receiving the vaccine, AstraZeneca said.
The trial looked at two different dosing regimens. A half dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose at least one month apart was 90% effective. A second regimen using two full doses one month apart was 62% effective. The combined results showed an average efficacy rate of 70%.
“These findings show that we have an effective vaccine that will save many lives,” Professor Andrew Pollard, chief investigator for the trial, said in a statement. “Excitingly, we’ve found that one of our dosing regimens may be around 90% effective.’’
AstraZeneca is the third major drug company to report late-stage results for its potential COVID-19 vaccine as public health officials around the world anxiously wait for vaccines that will end the pandemic that has killed almost 1.4 million people. Pfizer and Moderna last week reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing their vaccines were almost 95% effective.
Read the full report here.
7:02 p.m. Health care workers, kids want people to stay home: ‘A virtual Thanksgiving will potentially prevent an ICU Christmas’
Seven-year-old Mia Lopez has one holiday wish: Please stay home, everyone.
Mia’s mother, Heather Prescaro, is an emergency department nurse at Cook County Health.
And while Mia is proud of her mom for helping to battle COVID-19, she also wants that fight to end, and soon.
“My wish is for everyone to stay home, so they don’t get the COVID. So everyone can be healthy and safe,” Mia said at the “Please Stay At Home” press conference organized by Cook County Health.
Mia and her mom joined other workers and their children on Monday to urge Chicagoans to stay home during the holiday season, in order to curb the spread of the virus.
Reporter Adam Mahoney has the full story.
3:10 p.m. Illinois reports 8,322 new coronavirus cases, lowest test positivity rate in more than two weeks
State public health officials reported 8,322 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 Monday as well as 47 additional deaths.
As of Sunday night, 6,171 people with the virus were reported to be in the hospital; 1,206 patients were in intensive care units and 635 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The 8,322-daily caseload, while still higher than in previous months, was the lowest since Nov. 4 and only the seventh time this month when the figure was below 10,000.
And they were detected among almost 91,562 tests, lowering the statewide average testing positivity rate to 10.9%, the lowest it’s been since Nov. 8.
The announcement of the new cases follows news of another drugmaker, AstraZeneca, reporting late-stage trials of a potential vaccine for the deadly virus being up to 90% effective in preventing the disease.
Read the full report from Rachel Hinton here.
1:56 p.m. Cook County launches legal assistance initiative to help residents facing evictions, foreclosures, unresolved debt
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle Monday announced a new legal assistance initiative geared to help residents facing evictions, foreclosures or unresolved debt issues during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Early Resolution Program — the first of several programs operated under the new Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) initiative — will provide free legal assistance, counseling, pre-court mediation and case management for residents and landlords dealing with evictions and delinquent property taxes, Preckwinkle said during a virtual news conference.
Preckwinkle said there will be a tax deed specific program planned for 2021 that will be focused on early outreach to residents who start to fall behind on paying taxes. There’s also a mortgage foreclosure specific program in the works, the county board president said.
Read the full story here.
1:10 p.m. Two more employees in Cook County’s chief judge’s office test positive for coronavirus
Two more employees at the Cook County chief judge’s office have tested positive for COVID-19, the judge’s office reported Monday.
One employee works at the juvenile court center. The other is a courthouse reporter who works at the Maywood courthouse.
These two additional cases bring the total number of employees infected with COVID-19 to 173 since the start of the pandemic, with 73 of those employees working at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, the judge’s office said in a statement.
Eleven judges and 62 residents at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center have also tested positive for the virus.
12:34 p.m. Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson proposes ground delivery tax
Chicagoans who have flooded Amazon and other online retailers with orders during the pandemic to avoid in-person shopping trips would pay for the privilege of that convenience under a “ground delivery tax” proposed Monday.
Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson (11th), grandson and nephew of Chicago’s two longest-serving mayors, wants to impose a $1.25 tax on packages with a “cumulative weight of 50 lbs. or less” and $2.50 for packages tipping the scales at more than 50 lbs.
Packages contained “prepared food for immediate human consumption” would be exempt. So would packages containing “solely prescription and non-prescription medicines, drugs and medical appliances including, but not limited to tampons and sanitary napkins, insulin, urine testing materials, syringes and needles used by diabetics.”
To avoid a collections nightmare, the ordinance states: “It shall be the duty of each seller of tangible personal property sold at retail and delivered to a location within the city by ground delivery service to collect the tax.” Sellers that fail to “collect and remit the tax…shall be liable to the city for the amount” left uncollected.
9:16 a.m. 13 more employees test positive for coronavirus at Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s office
Thirteen more employees of the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County have tested positive for COVID-19 since Nov. 7, the clerk’s office announced over the weekend.
The new test results bring the total number of employees who have tested positive to 67, the clerk’s office said.
Three of the new employees who tested positive have been hospitalized, while the other 10 are self-quarantining at home, the clerk’s office said.
Two employees work in the Chancery Division at the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington, and two more work at the Records Center, the clerk’s office said. The other employees are spread among various clerk’s office facilities across the Chicago area.
The clerk’s office said they have notified any close contacts of employees who tested positive, and deep cleaned affected work areas.
Read the full report here.
8:38 a.m. Catholic schools could move to remote learning after Thanksgiving
With cases of COVID-19 spiking across Illinois, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced Sunday that Catholic schools can voluntarily transition to remote learning after the Thanksgiving break.
While the archdiocese outlined a plan last month to pivot elementary schools to remote learning for two weeks at the start of next year, spokesman Manuel Gonzales said the new considerations are being made “in light of the recent rise in the general infection rate and the warnings about travel during the holidays.”
Still, Gonzales said it’s “too soon to say which schools will be switching to remote learning.” Most of the 199 archdiocese schools in Cook and Lake counties have continued to offer in-person classes to their roughly 70,000 students.
The decision to give Catholic schools a remote learning option comes after parents, principals and other school employees were surveyed last week “to gauge their comfort with in-person learning in December,” Gonzales said.
“In 80 percent of schools, there was strong support to stay the course of providing in-person and remote learning options,” he noted. “On Friday, we notified the other 20 percent of schools that we would work with them on any need for alternate plans, which may include moving to remote learning for some or all of the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
9:09 a.m. Vaccine news highlights racial disparities in COVID-19 cases
America got more good news about a COVID-19 vaccine last week, the second potential vaccine shown to be at least 90% effective against the disease in early data from clinical trials.
If the Food and Drug Administration grants emergency use authorization to one or both vaccines, doses could be distributed beginning in late Decembe,r and the country will have its most powerful tool yet against the pandemic.
But no vaccine, no matter how effective it is or how quickly it becomes available, will be a powerful tool against the pandemic if too few people — especially African Americans, who are among the most vulnerable to severe illness or death from COVID-19 — get the shot.
And as the Sun-Times’ Brett Chase reported Sunday, distrust of a COVID-19 vaccine runs deep among Black Americans. They’re less likely to volunteer for clinical trials to test vaccine safety and effectiveness. Public opinion polls, too, have consistently shown African Americans are less likely to say they would take a coronavirus vaccine.
The health care system has a lot of work to do to get past that lingering distrust. As states and the federal government plan public education campaigns to urge people to take a vaccine, extra effort must be made to reach the African American community, get people vaccinated and save lives.
Read the full editorial here.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-23--City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin refutes former top aide’s reported claim she was wrongfully fi

City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin refutes former top aide’s reported claim she was wrongfully fired

City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin has categorically denied accusations of firing multiple people who reportedly refused to take part in alleged illegal and unethical behavior .
The allegations come after Conyears-Ervin moved to terminate four of her employees over the weekend before Thanksgiving week — including her former chief of staff Tiffany Harper , who is making the accusations , according to reports .
“ That ’ s false , ” the treasurer told the Chicago Sun-Times on Monday evening .
“ I made a decision to move the office in another direction , and because of that , there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees .
I have the right to make personnel changes at will.
” The Chicago Tribune reported Harper sent an email to Steve Berlin , executive director of the city ’ s Department of Ethics , claiming she was fired “ without cause or reason.
” In the email , she asked to file a whistleblower complaint with the ethics department saying she was let go for refusing to participate in “ illegal and unethical conduct , ” the Tribune reported .
Berlin said in a statement he couldn ’ t discuss whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the board because it is confidential under the ethics ordinance .
“ It is not unusual for an administration to make changes of personnel .
Any other suggestion or statement outside of moving the office to another direction is absolutely false.
” Conyears-Ervin identified the fired employees , include a chief of staff , two assistant city treasurers and an office administrator .
What about laying off four of the 29 employees of the treasurer ’ s office so close to Thanksgiving ?
“ The way the budget works is that you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace any individuals .
Well , it just so happens that I met turnover to be able to replace those individuals , ” she said .
“ If I would have waited until next year , then it ’ s quite possible I would have been without leadership in the office for possibly up to three months .
As an official representing taxpayers , I did not think that was reasonable .
That would have put the office in possible harm ’ s way.
” A native of Englewood , Conyears-Ervin , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 28th ) , served two terms as a state representative before she was elected city treasurer in April 2019 .
She most notably got into a tiff with Mayor Lori Lightfoot last year after the mayor stripped away Conyears-Ervin ’ s police bodyguard detail .
Conyears-Ervin ultimately hired private security at the taxpayers ’ expense , the Sun-Times reported at the time .

City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin has categorically denied accusations of firing multiple people who reportedly refused to take part in alleged illegal and unethical behavior.
The allegations come after Conyears-Ervin moved to terminate four of her employees over the weekend before Thanksgiving week — including her former chief of staff Tiffany Harper, who is making the accusations, according to reports.
“That’s false,” the treasurer told the Chicago Sun-Times on Monday evening. “I made a decision to move the office in another direction, and because of that, there were personnel changes.”
“They are Shakman-exempt employees. I have the right to make personnel changes at will.”
The Chicago Tribune reported Harper sent an email to Steve Berlin, executive director of the city’s Department of Ethics, claiming she was fired “without cause or reason.” In the email, she asked to file a whistleblower complaint with the ethics department saying she was let go for refusing to participate in “illegal and unethical conduct,” the Tribune reported.
Harper didn’t responded to a request for comment.
Berlin said in a statement he couldn’t discuss whether any individual filed a whistleblower complaint with the board because it is confidential under the ethics ordinance.
Conyears-Ervin denies the allegations.
“It is not unusual for an administration to make changes of personnel. Any other suggestion or statement outside of moving the office to another direction is absolutely false.”
Conyears-Ervin identified the fired employees, include a chief of staff, two assistant city treasurers and an office administrator.
What about laying off four of the 29 employees of the treasurer’s office so close to Thanksgiving?
“The way the budget works is that you have to meet your turnover in order to replace any individuals. Well, it just so happens that I met turnover to be able to replace those individuals,” she said.
“If I would have waited until next year, then it’s quite possible I would have been without leadership in the office for possibly up to three months. As an official representing taxpayers, I did not think that was reasonable. That would have put the office in possible harm’s way.”
A native of Englewood, Conyears-Ervin, who is married to Ald. Jason Ervin (28th), served two terms as a state representative before she was elected city treasurer in April 2019. She most notably got into a tiff with Mayor Lori Lightfoot last year after the mayor stripped away Conyears-Ervin’s police bodyguard detail. Conyears-Ervin ultimately hired private security at the taxpayers’ expense, the Sun-Times reported at the time.
Contributing: Madeline Kenney


chicagosun-times--2020-11-23--Mayor Lightfoot: Why I am asking you to support one of the most painful budgets in Chicago’s history

I want to speak directly to Chicagoans about our city ’ s budget , which will come up for a vote before the full City Council today .
Long before I formally introduced this budget in October , it became clear that our economic path out of the COVID-19 pandemic would require us to make some extraordinarily difficult decisions .
It was a matter of when , not if , these decisions would be made , and how we would make them — all while holding firm to our core values of equity , inclusion and transparency .
COVID-19 has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a health perspective , it also has devastated significant parts of our economy .
This has resulted in an $ 800 million loss of revenues for the 2020 budget and a significant $ 1.2 billion deficit for next year , 65 % of which is directly tied to COVID-19 .
Dealing with a $ 1.2 billion gap means there were no easy decisions .
None .
And while the prospect of better times comes closer into view , particularly because of a new partner in the White House , along with the prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in science and data , we must face the reality in front of us right now .
To put it bluntly , this is likely the most painful budget we have ever faced as a city .
And it comes after the many difficult and painful choices we ’ ve already had to make over the last eight months .
So , if there were a responsible way to close our budget gap that didn ’ t involve raising taxes or requiring some level of furloughs for our City employees , we would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the many thing this pandemic has taken from us is our ability to make decisions without sacrificing something in return .
For example , look at our proposal to modestly increase property taxes by $ 94 million in 2021 .
This number did not materialize out of thin air .
We spent months deliberating it until we were compelled by the sheer size of the 2021 budget deficit to use some last resort tools , in a last resort situation .
The proposed tax means that for the average Chicago homeowner , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would go into effect in 2022 , not next year .
Understanding that nobody likes property taxes , we have proposed to tie this tax to help shore up city pensions and tie any increase to the Consumer Price Index , which over the last five years has averaged about 1.8 percent per year .
Rather than ignoring a fiscal problem until it becomes a crisis and implementing a historic property tax increase as happened in 2015 when an almost $ 600 million property tax was approved , we are proposing a much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our view , fiscally responsible way to address city finances .
In response to solutions like these , we often hear alternate suggestions that are easier said than done .
For instance , many are wondering why instead of tax increases and furloughs , why not drain our “ Rainy Day ” fund ?
My answer is that this pandemic is far from over .
As I ’ ve said before , instead of a “ rainy day , ” this is a “ rainy season , ” and it would be deeply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while we face so much uncertainty ahead .
We must leave more for later if needed , and if this pandemic has taught us anything , it ’ s that we must be prepared for an unpredictable future .
Some have also argued that we should make even deeper cuts in city services than the $ 500 million in savings and efficiencies reflected in this budget .
Of course that is an option , if we cared little for supporting our most vulnerable residents like our seniors , those experiencing homelessness , job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or whether the city was able to deliver the core services that residents rely on .
We could absolutely abandon these residents and others , as well as the values of equity and inclusion as luxuries for better economic times .
The fatal flaw of that strategy , is that leaving people high and dry is not cost free .
We have and continue to pay a price for our neglect of people , and neighborhoods .
That is why , even in these tough times , we continue to make investments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , returning residents and workforce development ( $ 11 million ) , and affordable housing and homeless prevention ( $ 65 million ) .
These investments reflect our values and help people when help is needed most .
For all the challenges we face , COVID-19 has also become a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to continue righting the wrongs that have barred our most vulnerable residents from reaching their God-given potential .
I am also proud that thanks to the collaboration of our partners in labor , we were also able to avoid laying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further proving our ability to come together and find solutions despite these incredibly challenging circumstances .
So yes , putting it mildly , this budget is tough .
And yes , we have made some tough decisions .
But I am confident that we have made the right ones to ensure our city — and every single one of our residents — will bounce back stronger and more resilient than ever before .
Thank you for continuing to stand up for what makes Chicago great : our ability to come together in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better future .

I want to speak directly to Chicagoans about our city’s budget, which will come up for a vote before the full City Council today.
Long before I formally introduced this budget in October, it became clear that our economic path out of the COVID-19 pandemic would require us to make some extraordinarily difficult decisions. It was a matter of when, not if, these decisions would be made, and how we would make them — all while holding firm to our core values of equity, inclusion and transparency.
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
COVID-19 has not only upended all our lives from a health perspective, it also has devastated significant parts of our economy. This has resulted in an $800 million loss of revenues for the 2020 budget and a significant $1.2 billion deficit for next year, 65% of which is directly tied to COVID-19.
Dealing with a $1.2 billion gap means there were no easy decisions. None. And while the prospect of better times comes closer into view, particularly because of a new partner in the White House, along with the prospect of a nationwide COVID-19 response plan rooted in science and data, we must face the reality in front of us right now.
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To put it bluntly, this is likely the most painful budget we have ever faced as a city. And it comes after the many difficult and painful choices we’ve already had to make over the last eight months. So, if there were a responsible way to close our budget gap that didn’t involve raising taxes or requiring some level of furloughs for our City employees, we would have already taken it. But among the many thing this pandemic has taken from us is our ability to make decisions without sacrificing something in return.
For example, look at our proposal to modestly increase property taxes by $94 million in 2021. This number did not materialize out of thin air. We spent months deliberating it until we were compelled by the sheer size of the 2021 budget deficit to use some last resort tools, in a last resort situation. The proposed tax means that for the average Chicago homeowner, an increased cost of $56 per year would go into effect in 2022, not next year.
Understanding that nobody likes property taxes, we have proposed to tie this tax to help shore up city pensions and tie any increase to the Consumer Price Index, which over the last five years has averaged about 1.8 percent per year. Rather than ignoring a fiscal problem until it becomes a crisis and implementing a historic property tax increase as happened in 2015 when an almost $600 million property tax was approved, we are proposing a much more modest, predictable and, in our view, fiscally responsible way to address city finances.
In response to solutions like these, we often hear alternate suggestions that are easier said than done. For instance, many are wondering why instead of tax increases and furloughs, why not drain our “Rainy Day” fund? My answer is that this pandemic is far from over. As I’ve said before, instead of a “rainy day,” this is a “rainy season,” and it would be deeply irresponsible for us to empty that fund while we face so much uncertainty ahead. We must leave more for later if needed, and if this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we must be prepared for an unpredictable future.
Some have also argued that we should make even deeper cuts in city services than the $500 million in savings and efficiencies reflected in this budget. Of course that is an option, if we cared little for supporting our most vulnerable residents like our seniors, those experiencing homelessness, job seekers, small businesses and our youth, or whether the city was able to deliver the core services that residents rely on. We could absolutely abandon these residents and others, as well as the values of equity and inclusion as luxuries for better economic times.
The fatal flaw of that strategy, is that leaving people high and dry is not cost free. We have and continue to pay a price for our neglect of people, and neighborhoods. That is why, even in these tough times, we continue to make investments in mental health ($20 million), returning residents and workforce development ($11 million), and affordable housing and homeless prevention ($65 million). These investments reflect our values and help people when help is needed most.
For all the challenges we face, COVID-19 has also become a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to continue righting the wrongs that have barred our most vulnerable residents from reaching their God-given potential. I am also proud that thanks to the collaboration of our partners in labor, we were also able to avoid laying off hundreds of our city workers — further proving our ability to come together and find solutions despite these incredibly challenging circumstances.
So yes, putting it mildly, this budget is tough. And yes, we have made some tough decisions. But I am confident that we have made the right ones to ensure our city — and every single one of our residents — will bounce back stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Thank you for continuing to stand up for what makes Chicago great: our ability to come together in the most difficult times, and work toward a better future.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-23--Forget Black Friday — here’s where you can score cheap weed on Green Wednesday

Every Thanksgiving , Americans emerge from their turkey-induced food comas and flock to doorbuster sales on Black Friday or seek out digital deals for Cyber Monday .
But now , weed users can also find holiday bargains as pot shop proprietors in Chicago and beyond are offering discounts on Green Wednesday , an unofficial industry sales event that offers a break on the state ’ s high weed prices just before Turkey Day .
With officials urging against travel and large gatherings as cases of coronavirus spike across the country , NuEra spokesman Jonah Rapino said Wednesday ’ s bud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as many of us won ’ t be celebrating in-person with our friends and family.
” NuEra ’ s three dispensaries , including its location in Bucktown , will be selling two-packs of the company ’ s pre-rolled joints for $ 10 to medical patients and $ 13 to recreational customers .
Discounted edible and vape products will be announced online on Wednesday , noted Rapino , who hopes the “ feel good ” offerings will “ help make Zoom Thanksgiving a little bit more uplifting.
” Green Thumb Industries ’ seven Rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discounts on both Green Wednesday and Black Friday , including 10 % off for simply pre-ordering online .
GTI ’ s Rhythm brand cannabis will go for as little as $ 250 for an ounce of pre-ground “ shake.
” Combinations of Rhythm ’ s cannabis flower and smaller “ popcorn ” bud will cost $ 375 for an ounce and $ 200 for a half-ounce .
Customers buying other flower brands will get $ 5 off an eighth of an ounce and can score a pre-rolled , one-gram joint for $ 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Niles and Naperville , is also offering a wide variety of deals on vape and edible products .
That includes a $ 30 discount on a bundle that includes one of GTI ’ s Incredibles brand infused treats , an eighth of flower and a vape cartridge .
Meanwhile , Moca ’ s stores in Logan Square and River North are already offering a full week of “ Danksgiving ” sales that include special savings for its rewards clubs members .
All customers on Wednesday will get 20 % off Incredibles products , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on “ shake ” grown by Verano .
Also on Wednesday , Midway Dispensary in Vittum Park will be selling some eighths for $ 50 and offering discounts on Incredibles products .
Pharmacann , which operates four Illinois dispensaries , is also running a buy-two-get-one-free deal on its full range of Matter brand products .
Shoppers at Cresco Labs ’ eight Sunnyside dispensaries , including the stores in Lake View and River North , can also cop two eighths of flower that day for $ 99 .
Spokesman Jason Erkes echoed Rapino , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief ahead of an unprecedented holiday season .
“ As more people are staying close to home this week , Green Wednesday specials will help cannabis fit right in with the turkey , stuffing and pumpkin pie , ” Erkes said .
“ Whether people are looking for relief from the anxiety of not being with their family — or from being with their family — these day-before Thanksgiving specials are sure to spread a little holiday cheer .
”

Every Thanksgiving, Americans emerge from their turkey-induced food comas and flock to doorbuster sales on Black Friday or seek out digital deals for Cyber Monday.
But now, weed users can also find holiday bargains as pot shop proprietors in Chicago and beyond are offering discounts on Green Wednesday, an unofficial industry sales event that offers a break on the state’s high weed prices just before Turkey Day.
With officials urging against travel and large gatherings as cases of coronavirus spike across the country, NuEra spokesman Jonah Rapino said Wednesday’s bud bonanza “is especially important this year as many of us won’t be celebrating in-person with our friends and family.”
NuEra’s three dispensaries, including its location in Bucktown, will be selling two-packs of the company’s pre-rolled joints for $10 to medical patients and $13 to recreational customers. Discounted edible and vape products will be announced online on Wednesday, noted Rapino, who hopes the “feel good” offerings will “help make Zoom Thanksgiving a little bit more uplifting.”
A two-pack of half-gram cannabis joints.
Green Thumb Industries’ seven Rise dispensaries are offering the widest range of discounts on both Green Wednesday and Black Friday, including 10% off for simply pre-ordering online.
GTI’s Rhythm brand cannabis will go for as little as $250 for an ounce of pre-ground “shake.” Combinations of Rhythm’s cannabis flower and smaller “popcorn” bud will cost $375 for an ounce and $200 for a half-ounce. Customers buying other flower brands will get $5 off an eighth of an ounce and can score a pre-rolled, one-gram joint for $15.
Rise, which has locations in Niles and Naperville, is also offering a wide variety of deals on vape and edible products. That includes a $30 discount on a bundle that includes one of GTI’s Incredibles brand infused treats, an eighth of flower and a vape cartridge.
GTI offers a wide variety of Incredibles brand cannabis-infused treats.
Meanwhile, Moca’s stores in Logan Square and River North are already offering a full week of “Danksgiving” sales that include special savings for its rewards clubs members. All customers on Wednesday will get 20% off Incredibles products, as well as 20% off Friday on “shake” grown by Verano.
Also on Wednesday, Midway Dispensary in Vittum Park will be selling some eighths for $50 and offering discounts on Incredibles products. The Herbal Care Center on the Near West Side is also giving customers up to 25% off select products, while Mission dispensary in South Chicago is offering a variety of deals.
That same day, Pharmacann’s four Illinois dispensaries are running a buy-two-get-one-free promotion on its full range of Matter brand products. Shoppers at Cresco Labs’ eight Sunnyside pot shops, including the stores in Lake View and River North, can also cop two eighths of flower for $99.
Cresco spokesman Jason Erkes echoed Rapino, saying the deals should offer a little relief ahead of an unprecedented holiday season.
“As more people are staying close to home this week, Green Wednesday specials will help cannabis fit right in with the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie,” Erkes said. “Whether people are looking for relief from the anxiety of not being with their family — or from being with their family — these day-before Thanksgiving specials are sure to spread a little holiday cheer.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-23--Lowest COVID-19 positivity rate in more than two weeks, but Pritzker and Ezike worry about holiday ‘

Lowest COVID-19 positivity rate in more than two weeks, but Pritzker and Ezike worry about holiday ‘super-spreader events’

State public health officials reported 8,322 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 Monday as well as 47 additional deaths .
As of Sunday night , 6,171 people with the virus were reported to be in the hospital , 1,206 patients were in intensive care units , and 635 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators .
The 8,322-daily caseload , while still higher than in previous months , was the lowest since Nov. 4 and only the seventh time this month when the daily figure was below 10,000 .
And the latest cases were detected among almost 91,562 tests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 10.9 % , the lowest it ’ s been since Nov. 8 .
As part of the state ’ s tier three resurgence mitigations , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker asked people who work in office settings to work from home if possible and he followed his own guidance Monday , allowing his employees to work from home and appearing virtually for his daily briefing on the virus .
Pritzker said he is “ concerned ” people aren ’ t following the mitigations he put in place last week and worried that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the Thanksgiving holiday in Illinois , which is already seeing rising numbers of infections , people in intensive care units and on ventilators .
Dr. Ngozi Ezike said it wasn ’ t too late for state residents to change their minds about their plans .
“ Thanksgiving hasn ’ t happened yet , people can still change their plans and change the outcome , ” Ezike , the head of the state ’ s public health department , said .
“ We don ’ t have to have super-spreader events at homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see if we can be part of the solution to decrease infections , instead of part of the plan to increase them.
” The announcement of the new cases follows news of another drugmaker , AstraZeneca , reporting late-stage trials of a potential vaccine for the deadly virus being up to 90 % effective in preventing the disease .
The state has seen a “ hint of leveling ” in its new cases and positivity rates , Pritzker said last week , though he warned it was too early to tell if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ meaningful trend or an anomaly , but we ’ re glad to at least have a pause in our upward movement.
” Pritzker and Ezike warned the state ’ s residents not to dine with those outside of their immediate household for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday to try to curb the spread of the virus .
Pritzker also applied pressure on the federal government for stimulus funding the state needs “ in order to avoid disaster for many families ” who could see funding from various benefits programs for those who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 2020 recession caused by the pandemic has resulted in almost three and a half times as many regular unemployment claims , compared to the first nine months of either the 2008 or 2001 recessions , Pritzker said .
The state ’ s department of employment security fielded over 1.8 million calls during a peak week in May , or roughly three calls per second .
Without a stimulus bill in December , “ Republicans will be putting a big lump of coal in the Christmas stockings of a whole lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The clock is ticking , ” Pritzker said .
“ Without renewed action from Congress millions of families across the United States will be plunged into far worse economic hardship than they ’ re already facing , and not just in the middle of the holidays but also in the middle of the worst phase of this pandemic that the nation has yet seen .
”

State public health officials reported 8,322 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 Monday as well as 47 additional deaths.
As of Sunday night, 6,171 people with the virus were reported to be in the hospital, 1,206 patients were in intensive care units, and 635 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The 8,322-daily caseload, while still higher than in previous months, was the lowest since Nov. 4 and only the seventh time this month that the daily figure was below 10,000.
And the latest cases were detected among almost 91,562 tests, lowering the statewide average testing positivity rate to 10.9%, the lowest it’s been since Nov. 8.
As part of the state’s tier three resurgence mitigations, Gov. J.B. Pritzker asked people who work in office settings to work from home if possible, and he followed his own guidance Monday, allowing his employees to work from home and appearing virtually for his daily briefing on the virus.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivers his daily COVID-19 update during a virtual briefing on Monday. BlueRoomStream
Pritzker said he is “concerned” people aren’t following the mitigations he put in place last week and worried that could lead to an uptick in coronavirus cases after the Thanksgiving holiday in Illinois, which is already seeing rising numbers of infections, people in intensive care units and on ventilators.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike said it wasn’t too late for state residents to change their minds about their plans.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, head of the Illinois Department o Public Health, participates virtually in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s daily COVID-19 briefing on Monday. BlueRoomStream
“Thanksgiving hasn’t happened yet, people can still change their plans and change the outcome,” Ezike, the head of the state’s public health department, said. “We don’t have to have super-spreader events at homes. ... Please reconsider your plans and see if we can be part of the solution to decrease infections, instead of part of the plan to increase them.”
The announcement of the new cases follows news of another drugmaker, AstraZeneca, reporting late-stage trials of a potential vaccine for the deadly virus being up to 90% effective in preventing the disease.
Emilio Cici, 42, of Burr Ridge, gets a shot as he participates in a clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by UK drugmaker AstraZeneca on Thursday. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
The state has seen a “hint of leveling” in its new cases and positivity rates, Pritzker said last week, though he warned it was too early to tell if the dip in daily case counts was a “meaningful trend or an anomaly, but we’re glad to at least have a pause in our upward movement.”
Pritzker and Ezike warned the state’s residents not to dine with those outside of their immediate household for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday to try to curb the spread of the virus.
Pritzker also applied pressure on the federal government for stimulus funding the state needs “in order to avoid disaster for many families” who could see funding from various benefits programs for those who are unemployed because of the pandemic dry up.
The 2020 recession caused by the pandemic has resulted in almost three and a half times as many regular unemployment claims, compared to the first nine months of either the 2008 or 2001 recessions, Pritzker said.
The state’s department of employment security fielded over 1.8 million calls during a peak week in May, or roughly three calls per second. Without a stimulus bill in December, “Republicans will be putting a big lump of coal in the Christmas stockings of a whole lot of American families,” the governor said.
“The clock is ticking,” Pritzker said. “Without renewed action from Congress millions of families across the United States will be plunged into far worse economic hardship than they’re already facing, and not just in the middle of the holidays but also in the middle of the worst phase of this pandemic that the nation has yet seen.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-23--Health care workers, kids want people to stay home: ‘A virtual Thanksgiving will potentially prevent

Health care workers, kids want people to stay home: ‘A virtual Thanksgiving will potentially prevent an ICU Christmas’

Seven-year-old Mia Lopez has one holiday wish : Please stay home , everyone .
Mia ’ s mother , Heather Prescaro , is an emergency department nurse at Cook County Health .
And while Mia is proud of her mom for helping to battle COVID-19 , she also wants that fight to end , and soon .
“ My wish is for everyone to stay home , so they don ’ t get the COVID .
So everyone can be healthy and safe , ” Mia said at the “ Please Stay At Home ” press conference organized by Cook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined other workers and their children on Monday to urge Chicagoans to stay home during the holiday season , in order to curb the spread of the virus .
“ The surge is hitting faster and harder than it did in March .
In my career I ’ ve never seen anything like this and hospitals across the country are becoming overwhelmed , ” said Dr. Michael Hoffman , lead physician of the COVID-19 units at Cook County Health .
State public health officials reported 8,322 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As of Sunday night , 6,171 people with the virus were reported to be in the hospital .
Hoffman said for the first time in 15 years , he won ’ t travel for Thanksgiving , and he begged others to follow suit .
“ I know that this is a lot to ask , but a virtual Thanksgiving will potentially prevent an ICU Christmas , or worse , ” he added .
Mason , 7 , knows people want to celebrate the holidays with their families because he does , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home because he knows just how hard doctors work .
“ My mom [ Jillyan Iwinski ] is a respiratory therapist .
She helps patients with COVID breathe .
She works really hard because she cares about the patients .
I know we all want to celebrate the holidays , but please stay home , ” he said .
Nimmy Tom , a clinical nurse at Cook County Health , has been on the front line for seven months , all while pregnant .
“ I would like to be able to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first days of her life , ” she said .
“ But if this surge continues , I will have to come back to work to help my colleagues out.
” Hoffman hopes current restrictions and mitigations will help , but the public ’ s cooperation remains vital .
His concern was most recently piqued by photos of travelers at O ’ Hare Airport .
“ When those images came out , I actually thought it was a playback of what Thanksgiving travel used to be like in years past .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ provider , I ’ m deeply concerned , ” he said .
AAA projects that 50 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year , but that ’ s down just 9 % from last year ’ s estimate of 55 million .
Dr. Sharon Welbel , chair of infection control and hospital epidemiology at Cook County Health , said the health system ’ s two hospitals — Stroger and Provident — still have enough ventilators available , but they want to make sure it stays that way .
“ It takes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Welbel said .
“ If they don ’ t help , we ’ re not gon na be able to control this spread .
”

Seven-year-old Mia Lopez has one holiday wish: Please stay home, everyone.
Mia’s mother, Heather Prescaro, is an emergency department nurse at Cook County Health.
And while Mia is proud of her mom for helping to battle COVID-19, she also wants that fight to end, and soon.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
“My wish is for everyone to stay home, so they don’t get the COVID. So everyone can be healthy and safe,” Mia said at the “Please Stay At Home” press conference organized by Cook County Health.
Mia and her mom joined other workers and their children on Monday to urge Chicagoans to stay home during the holiday season, in order to curb the spread of the virus.
“The surge is hitting faster and harder than it did in March. In my career I’ve never seen anything like this and hospitals across the country are becoming overwhelmed,” said Dr. Michael Hoffman, lead physician of the COVID-19 units at Cook County Health.
Dr. Michael Hoffman speaks on Monday about the importance of taking proper precautions during the holiday season and not traveling for Thanksgiving. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
State public health officials reported 8,322 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 Monday as well as 47 additional deaths. As of Sunday night, 6,171 people with the virus were reported to be in the hospital.
Hoffman said for the first time in 15 years, he won’t travel for Thanksgiving, and he begged others to follow suit.
“I know that this is a lot to ask, but a virtual Thanksgiving will potentially prevent an ICU Christmas, or worse,” he added.
Mason, 7, knows people want to celebrate the holidays with their families because he does, too. But he asked everyone to stay home because he knows just how hard doctors work.
“My mom [Jillyan Iwinski] is a respiratory therapist. She helps patients with COVID breathe. She works really hard because she cares about the patients. I know we all want to celebrate the holidays, but please stay home,” he said.
Nimmy Tom, a clinical nurse at Cook County Health, has been on the front line for seven months, all while pregnant.
“I would like to be able to stay home and care for my new child for the first days of her life,” she said. “But if this surge continues, I will have to come back to work to help my colleagues out.”
Cook County Health held a press conference Monday to urge residents to stay home and not gather with other relatives this Thanksgiving. At the lectern are (from left) Dr. Ashlesha Patel, chair of Family Planning and Gynecology, and her children Roan, 13, Anaiya, 12, and Kieran, 15. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Hoffman hopes current restrictions and mitigations will help, but the public’s cooperation remains vital. His concern was most recently piqued by photos of travelers at O’Hare Airport.
“When those images came out, I actually thought it was a playback of what Thanksgiving travel used to be like in years past. As a doctor and a health care provider, I’m deeply concerned,” he said.
AAA projects that 50 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year, but that’s down just 9% from last year’s estimate of 55 million.
Dr. Sharon Welbel, chair of infection control and hospital epidemiology at Cook County Health, said the health system’s two hospitals — Stroger and Provident — still have enough ventilators available, but they want to make sure it stays that way.
“It takes the general community doing their part,” Welbel said. “If they don’t help, we’re not gonna be able to control this spread.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-23--U.S. agency ascertains Biden as winner, lets transition begin

WASHINGTON — The General Services Administration ascertained Monday that President-elect Joe Biden is the “ apparent winner ” of the Nov. 3 election , clearing the way for the start of the transition from President Donald Trump ’ s administration and allowing Biden to coordinate with federal agencies on plans for taking over on Jan. 20 .
Trump , who had refused to concede the election , said in a tweet that he is directing his team to cooperate on the transition but is vowing to keep up the fight .
Administrator Emily Murphy made the determination after Trump efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states , citing , “ recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results.
” Michigan certified Biden ’ s victory Monday , and a federal judge in Pennsylvania tossed a Trump campaign lawsuit on Saturday seeking to prevent certification in that state .
Murphy , a Trump appointee , has faced bipartisan criticism for failing to begin the transition process sooner , preventing Biden ’ s team from working with career agency officials on plans for his administration , including in critical national security and public health areas .
“ Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independently , based on the law and available facts .
I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official —including those who work at the White House or GSA — with regard to the substance or timing of my decision , ” Murphy wrote in a letter to Biden .
Trump tweeted shortly after her letter was made public : “ We will keep up the good fight and I believe we will prevail !
Nevertheless , in the best interest of our Country , I am recommending that Emily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be done with regard to initial protocols , and have told my team to do the same.
” “ Now that GSA Administrator Emily Murphy has fulfilled her duty and ascertained the election results , the formal presidential transition can begin in full force , ” said Max Stier , president and CEO of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service .
“ Unfortunately , every day lost to the delayed ascertainment was a missed opportunity for the outgoing administration to help President-elect Joe Biden prepare to meet our country ’ s greatest challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president-elect and his team are the most prepared and best equipped of any incoming administration in recent memory.
” Pressure had been mounting on Murphy as an increasing number of Republicans , national security experts and business leaders said it was time for that process to move forward .
Retiring Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander , who has repeatedly called for the transition to begin , released a new statement Monday saying that Trump should “ put the country first ” and help Biden ’ s administration succeed .
“ When you are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing you do , ” Alexander said .
Republican Sen .
Rob Portman of Ohio on Monday called for Murphy to release money and staffing needed for the transition .
Portman , a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , also said Biden should receive high-level briefings on national security and the coronavirus vaccine distribution plan .
Alexander and Portman , who have both aligned themselves with Trump , joined a growing number of Republican officials who in recent days have urged Trump to begin the transition immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also urged a smooth transition , saying in a statement Monday that “ at some point , the 2020 election must end.
” Meanwhile , more than 160 business leaders asked Murphy to immediately acknowledge Biden as president-elect and begin the transition to a new administration .
“ Withholding resources and vital information from an incoming administration puts the public and economic health and security of America at risk , ″ the business letters said in an open letter to Murphy .
Separately , more than 100 Republican former national security officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ridge , former CIA Director Michael Hayden and former Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte — said in a statement that Trump ’ s refusal to concede and allow for an orderly transition “ constitutes a serious threat ” to America ’ s democratic process .
The officials signing the letter worked under four Republican presidents , including Trump .
The statement called on “ Republican leaders — especially those in Congress — to publicly demand that President Trump cease his anti-democratic assault on the integrity of the presidential election.
” Trump had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of losing court battles across the country making baseless claims of widespread voter fraud and seeking to overturn the election results .
Murphy missed a deadline on Monday set by House Democrats to brief lawmakers about the delay in beginning the transition , which is usually a routine step between the election and the inauguration .
A spokeswoman for the GSA said that a deputy administrator would instead hold two separate briefings for House and Senate committees on Nov. 30 .
In response , the Democratic chairs of four committees and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Tuesday , but no later .
“ We can not wait yet another week to obtain basic information about your refusal to make the ascertainment determination , ” the Democrats said in a letter to Murphy .
“ Every additional day that is wasted is a day that the safety , health , and well-being of the American people is imperiled as the incoming Biden-Harris administration is blocked from fully preparing for the coronavirus pandemic , our nation ’ s dire economic crisis , and our national security.
” Portman said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to begin the transition process immediately .
“ Donald Trump is our president until Jan. 20 , 2021 , but in the likely event that Joe Biden becomes our next president , it is in the national interest that the transition is seamless and that America is ready on Day One of a new administration for the challenges we face , ″ Portman wrote in an op-ed calling for the transition to begin .
Murphy ’ s ascertainment will free up money for the transition and clear the way for Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal agencies .
Trump administration officials had said they would not give Biden the classified presidential daily briefing on intelligence matters until the GSA makes the ascertainment official .
Among those signing the letter from business leaders were Jon Gray , president of the Blackstone private equity firm ; Robert Bakish , president and CEO of ViacomCBS Inc. ; Henry Kravis , the co-chief executive of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. , another private equity giant ; David Solomon , CEO at Goldman Sachs ; and George H. Walker , CEO of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cousin to former President George W. Bush .
The renewed calls for an official transition came as Biden is building out his administration with key picks for national security and foreign policy roles .
Former Secretary of State John Kerry will lead the incoming administration ’ s effort to combat climate change , while Alejandro Mayorkas will be nominated as homeland security secretary .
Biden also plans to nominate veteran diplomat Antony Blinken as his secretary of state .

WASHINGTON — The General Services Administration ascertained Monday that President-elect Joe Biden is the “apparent winner” of the Nov. 3 election, clearing the way for the start of the transition from President Donald Trump’s administration and allowing Biden to coordinate with federal agencies on plans for taking over on Jan. 20.
Trump, who had refused to concede the election, said in a tweet that he is directing his team to cooperate on the transition but is vowing to keep up the fight.
Administrator Emily Murphy made the determination after Trump efforts to subvert the vote failed across battleground states, citing, “recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results.” Michigan certified Biden’s victory Monday, and a federal judge in Pennsylvania tossed a Trump campaign lawsuit on Saturday seeking to prevent certification in that state.
Murphy, a Trump appointee, has faced bipartisan criticism for failing to begin the transition process sooner, preventing Biden’s team from working with career agency officials on plans for his administration, including in critical national security and public health areas.
“Please know that I came to my decision independently, based on the law and available facts. I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official —including those who work at the White House or GSA — with regard to the substance or timing of my decision,” Murphy wrote in a letter to Biden.
Trump tweeted shortly after her letter was made public: “We will keep up the good fight and I believe we will prevail! Nevertheless, in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same.”
“Now that GSA Administrator Emily Murphy has fulfilled her duty and ascertained the election results, the formal presidential transition can begin in full force,” said Max Stier, president and CEO of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. “Unfortunately, every day lost to the delayed ascertainment was a missed opportunity for the outgoing administration to help President-elect Joe Biden prepare to meet our country’s greatest challenges. The good news is that the president-elect and his team are the most prepared and best equipped of any incoming administration in recent memory.”
Pressure had been mounting on Murphy as an increasing number of Republicans, national security experts and business leaders said it was time for that process to move forward.
Retiring Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, who has repeatedly called for the transition to begin, released a new statement Monday saying that Trump should “put the country first” and help Biden’s administration succeed.
“When you are in public life, people remember the last thing you do,” Alexander said.
Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio on Monday called for Murphy to release money and staffing needed for the transition. Portman, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, also said Biden should receive high-level briefings on national security and the coronavirus vaccine distribution plan.
Alexander and Portman, who have both aligned themselves with Trump, joined a growing number of Republican officials who in recent days have urged Trump to begin the transition immediately. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., also urged a smooth transition, saying in a statement Monday that “at some point, the 2020 election must end.”
Meanwhile, more than 160 business leaders asked Murphy to immediately acknowledge Biden as president-elect and begin the transition to a new administration. “Withholding resources and vital information from an incoming administration puts the public and economic health and security of America at risk,″ the business letters said in an open letter to Murphy.
Separately, more than 100 Republican former national security officials — including former Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, former CIA Director Michael Hayden and former Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte — said in a statement that Trump’s refusal to concede and allow for an orderly transition “constitutes a serious threat” to America’s democratic process. The officials signing the letter worked under four Republican presidents, including Trump.
The statement called on “Republican leaders — especially those in Congress — to publicly demand that President Trump cease his anti-democratic assault on the integrity of the presidential election.”
Trump had publicly refused to accept defeat and launched a series of losing court battles across the country making baseless claims of widespread voter fraud and seeking to overturn the election results.
Murphy missed a deadline on Monday set by House Democrats to brief lawmakers about the delay in beginning the transition, which is usually a routine step between the election and the inauguration. A spokeswoman for the GSA said that a deputy administrator would instead hold two separate briefings for House and Senate committees on Nov. 30.
In response, the Democratic chairs of four committees and subcommittees said they could reschedule the meeting for Tuesday, but no later.
“We cannot wait yet another week to obtain basic information about your refusal to make the ascertainment determination,” the Democrats said in a letter to Murphy. “Every additional day that is wasted is a day that the safety, health, and well-being of the American people is imperiled as the incoming Biden-Harris administration is blocked from fully preparing for the coronavirus pandemic, our nation’s dire economic crisis, and our national security.”
Portman said it was “only prudent” for GSA to begin the transition process immediately.
“Donald Trump is our president until Jan. 20, 2021, but in the likely event that Joe Biden becomes our next president, it is in the national interest that the transition is seamless and that America is ready on Day One of a new administration for the challenges we face,″ Portman wrote in an op-ed calling for the transition to begin.
Murphy’s ascertainment will free up money for the transition and clear the way for Biden’s team to begin placing transition personnel at federal agencies. Trump administration officials had said they would not give Biden the classified presidential daily briefing on intelligence matters until the GSA makes the ascertainment official.
Among those signing the letter from business leaders were Jon Gray, president of the Blackstone private equity firm; Robert Bakish, president and CEO of ViacomCBS Inc.; Henry Kravis, the co-chief executive of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., another private equity giant; David Solomon, CEO at Goldman Sachs; and George H. Walker, CEO of the investment firm Neuberger Berman and a second cousin to former President George W. Bush.
The renewed calls for an official transition came as Biden is building out his administration with key picks for national security and foreign policy roles. Former Secretary of State John Kerry will lead the incoming administration’s effort to combat climate change, while Alejandro Mayorkas will be nominated as homeland security secretary.
Biden also plans to nominate veteran diplomat Antony Blinken as his secretary of state.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-24--Girl, 11, shot while inside bedroom of home in Park Manor: police

An 11-year-old girl was shot while she was inside the bedroom of a home Tuesday in Park Manor on the @ @ @ @ @ preliminary information from Chicago police .
About 4:15 a.m. , the girl was in the @ @ @ @ @ in the 6900 block of South Calumet Avenue , when shots were fired , and @ @ @ @ @ cheek , police said .
About an hour prior to the shooting , the girl @ @ @ @ @ heard a noise coming from the back door of the unit and saw that the @ @ @ @ @ police said .
An hour later , he heard noise again and then heard shots @ @ @ @ @ to Comer Children ’ s Hospital and is in fair condition .
police said .
@ @ @ @ @ , check back for details .

An 11-year-old girl was shot while she was inside the bedroom of a home Tuesday in Park Manor on the South Side, according to preliminary information from Chicago police.
About 4:15 a.m., the girl was in the front bedroom of a residence in the 6900 block of South Calumet Avenue, when shots were fired, and she was struck in the cheek, police said.
About an hour prior to the shooting, the girl’s father said he heard a noise coming from the back door of the unit and saw that the door was knocked down, police said. An hour later, he heard noise again and then heard shots.
The girl was brought to Comer Children’s Hospital and is in fair condition. police said.
Area One detectives are investigating.
This is a developing story, check back for details.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-24--Dear Abby: Friendship with outspoken co-worker threatens my progress at work

DEAR ABBY : I moved to town not long before the pandemic and don ’ t have many close friends here .
One of my best friends is a co-worker , “ Ronna , ” whom I love dearly .
Ronna has had an extremely rough past , including an extensive history of parental abuse that has left her thin-skinned and suspicious of authority figures .
Because of this , she ’ s constantly butting heads with our management team and confronting them about perceived slights .
While some of the points she makes are reasonable , many are taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proportion , and she tends to act very dramatic/livid about it .
I ’ m looking to move up in the company , and I ’ m torn between loyalty to my friend and the need to remain on good terms with our higher-ups .
I ’ m also worried that my friendliness with management will lead to Ronna resenting or distrusting me .
How can I safely navigate ?
— IN THE MIDDLE IN COLORADO DEAR IN THE MIDDLE : Do not involve yourself in Ronna ’ s problems on the job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spill over onto you .
Maintain your personal relationship with her away from the office , while networking and trying to widen your circle of friends .
From what you have written , I doubt that Ronna will be working for your employer much longer .
Workers who react in a “ very dramatic/livid ” manner are usually laid off because their behavior is unprofessional and disruptive .
DEAR ABBY : I am having problems with my baby dad helping me with our 2-year-old daughter .
I don ’ t like the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have tried counseling with him .
In addition to asking him to step up , I have tried giving him lists of what our daughter needs , and he still isn ’ t helping .
Instead he ’ s asking me to help with his bills .
I don ’ t know what to do .
I really don ’ t want to go after child support since he now has two jobs .
I need his help , but I don ’ t know how to get him to contribute .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ OHIO DEAR MOM : You have tried asking , you have tried counseling .
The only option left to convince him to step up to the plate and fulfill his obligations as a father is to contact Child Support Services and ask for help .
P.S .
You absolutely should NOT pay his bills !
DEAR ABBY : I have been asked by a close friend to officiate at his wedding .
I ’ m honored to have been asked , and it would be easy for me to get the credentials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for personal reasons .
I know it ’ s his special day , and he really wants me to do it .
How can I politely decline without hurting our friendship ?
I don ’ t know how to word my refusal .
— NOT FOR ME DEAR NOT : Be honest to the degree that you can be without causing hurt feelings .
Explain that you are honored to have been asked to officiate ( which is true ) , but would not be comfortable in that role ( also true ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your friend in some other way on his special day .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
To order “ How to Write Letters for All Occasions , ” send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Letter Booklet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: I moved to town not long before the pandemic and don’t have many close friends here. One of my best friends is a co-worker, “Ronna,” whom I love dearly.
Ronna has had an extremely rough past, including an extensive history of parental abuse that has left her thin-skinned and suspicious of authority figures. Because of this, she’s constantly butting heads with our management team and confronting them about perceived slights.
While some of the points she makes are reasonable, many are taken too personally or blown way out of proportion, and she tends to act very dramatic/livid about it. I’m looking to move up in the company, and I’m torn between loyalty to my friend and the need to remain on good terms with our higher-ups. I’m also worried that my friendliness with management will lead to Ronna resenting or distrusting me. How can I safely navigate? — IN THE MIDDLE IN COLORADO
DEAR IN THE MIDDLE: Do not involve yourself in Ronna’s problems on the job. If you do, they will spill over onto you. Maintain your personal relationship with her away from the office, while networking and trying to widen your circle of friends.
From what you have written, I doubt that Ronna will be working for your employer much longer. Workers who react in a “very dramatic/livid” manner are usually laid off because their behavior is unprofessional and disruptive.
DEAR ABBY: I am having problems with my baby dad helping me with our 2-year-old daughter. I don’t like the idea of putting him on child support. I have tried counseling with him. In addition to asking him to step up, I have tried giving him lists of what our daughter needs, and he still isn’t helping. Instead he’s asking me to help with his bills.
I don’t know what to do. I really don’t want to go after child support since he now has two jobs. I need his help, but I don’t know how to get him to contribute. Any ideas? — STRUGGLING MOM IN OHIO
DEAR MOM: You have tried asking, you have tried counseling. The only option left to convince him to step up to the plate and fulfill his obligations as a father is to contact Child Support Services and ask for help.
P.S. You absolutely should NOT pay his bills!
DEAR ABBY: I have been asked by a close friend to officiate at his wedding. I’m honored to have been asked, and it would be easy for me to get the credentials, but I am not comfortable doing it for personal reasons. I know it’s his special day, and he really wants me to do it. How can I politely decline without hurting our friendship? I don’t know how to word my refusal. — NOT FOR ME
DEAR NOT: Be honest to the degree that you can be without causing hurt feelings. Explain that you are honored to have been asked to officiate (which is true), but would not be comfortable in that role (also true). Then deflect by offering to support your friend in some other way on his special day.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-24--9 shot, 2 fatally, Monday in Chicago

9 shot, 2 fatally, Monday in Chicago

Nine people were shot , two fatally , Monday in Chicago .
An 18-year-old man was fatally shot outside a convenience store in Austin on the West Side .
He was standing outside a convenience store in the 5600 block of West Madison Street about 11:50 p.m. , when someone pulled up in a black sedan and fired shots , Chicago police said .
He was struck multiple times and rushed to Stroger Hospital where he was pronounced dead , police said .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office has not yet released the details of his death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fatally shot in West Garfield Park .
He was walking down the street in the 500 block of South Kostner Avenue when he was shot about 2:20 p.m. , police said .
Police found him unresponsive on the sidewalk , with multiple gunshot wounds , and took him to Stoger Hospital where he was pronounced dead , police said .
In non-fatal shootings , a 35-year-old man was shot by a person he got into an argument with in Austin on the West Side .
The man was walking about 11:55 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street , when a male approached him on foot and shot him in the chest and torso , Chicago police said .
The male then fled in a possible red Dodge Caliber .
He was rushed to Mt .
Sinai Hospital and is in serious condition , police said .
A preliminary investigation found that the 35-year-0ld got into an argument with the alleged shooter moments before being shot , police said.two people , including a 14-year-old girl , were shot in Englewood on the South Side .
About 8 p.m. , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 65th Street when someone fired shots at them from across the street , Chicago police said .
The teen was struck in the arm and torso , police said .
He was taken to the Comer Children ’ s Hospital in serious condition .
A 31-year-old woman was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition with a gunshot wound to the leg , police said .
Hours before that two people were wounded in a shooting in East Garfield Park .
About 4:50 p.m. , they were in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone opened fire , Chicago police said .
A 20-year-old man was shot in the leg and another man , also 20 , was struck in the arm and grazed in the head , police said .
Both men were being treated at the scene , police said .
A 29-year-old woman was grazed by a bullet in Belmont Cragin on the Northwest Side .
About 11:45 a.m. , the woman was sitting in her parked car with a 26-year-old man in the 2400 block of North Lockwood Avenue , when someone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , Chicago police said .
She was grazed by a bullet on her back , and drove to her home where she refused treatment , police said .
Police believe the 26-year-old man may have been the intended target .
He was not struck , police said .
The day ’ s first reported shooting wounded a man when he was shot in West Garfield Park on the West Side .
Someone approached the 27-year-old about 4:35 a.m. as he stood outside in the 100 block of North Karlov Avenue and fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man was struck in the leg , while the shooter fled in a vehicle , police said .
The man was taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in good condition .
Fifty-two people were shot , six of them fatally , last weekend in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Nine people were shot, two fatally, Monday in Chicago.
An 18-year-old man was fatally shot outside a convenience store in Austin on the West Side.
He was standing outside a convenience store in the 5600 block of West Madison Street about 11:50 p.m., when someone pulled up in a black sedan and fired shots, Chicago police said.
He was struck multiple times and rushed to Stroger Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. The Cook County medical examiner’s office has not yet released the details of his death.
Earlier that afternoon, a man was fatally shot in West Garfield Park.
He was walking down the street in the 500 block of South Kostner Avenue when he was shot about 2:20 p.m., police said.
Police found him unresponsive on the sidewalk, with multiple gunshot wounds, and took him to Stoger Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.
In non-fatal shootings, a 35-year-old man was shot by a person he got into an argument with in Austin on the West Side.
The man was walking about 11:55 p.m. in the 5100 block of West Kinzie Street, when a male approached him on foot and shot him in the chest and torso, Chicago police said. The male then fled in a possible red Dodge Caliber.
He was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital and is in serious condition, police said.
A preliminary investigation found that the 35-year-old got into an argument with the alleged shooter moments before being shot, police said.
Two people, including a 14-year-old girl, were shot in Englewood on the South Side.
About 8 p.m., they were in the 1400 block of West 65th Street when someone fired shots at them from across the street, Chicago police said.
The teen was struck in the arm and torso, police said. He was taken to the Comer Children’s Hospital in serious condition.
A 31-year-old woman was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition with a gunshot wound to the leg, police said.
Hours before that two people were wounded in a shooting in East Garfield Park.
About 4:50 p.m., they were in the 300 block of North Sacramento Boulevard when someone opened fire, Chicago police said.
A 20-year-old man was shot in the leg and another man, also 20, was struck in the arm and grazed in the head, police said.
Both men were being treated at the scene, police said.
A 29-year-old woman was grazed by a bullet in Belmont Cragin on the Northwest Side.
About 11:45 a.m., the woman was sitting in her parked car with a 26-year-old man in the 2400 block of North Lockwood Avenue, when someone in a dark blue car fired shots at them, Chicago police said.
She was grazed by a bullet on her back, and drove to her home where she refused treatment, police said.
Police believe the 26-year-old man may have been the intended target. He was not struck, police said.
The day’s first reported shooting wounded a man when he was shot in West Garfield Park on the West Side.
Someone approached the 27-year-old about 4:35 a.m. as he stood outside in the 100 block of North Karlov Avenue and fired shots, Chicago police said.
The man was struck in the leg, while the shooter fled in a vehicle, police said. The man was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition.
Fifty-two people were shot, six of them fatally, last weekend in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-24--Allen Robinson on red-zone freeze: I ‘trust in the coaches’

Talking for the first time since his agent blasted the Bears ’ red-zone strategy on Twitter during the team ’ s “ Monday Night Football ” loss , Allen Robinson said he doesn ’ t “ really get too caught up into that.
” “ Whatever ’ s called , I run what ’ s called , ” the Bears receiver said Monday .
“ I ’ ve said that since Day 1 .
Hopefully in these next six games , we can get down there , first , and get some more red zone opportunities .
Then I should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Robinson has only seven red zone targets , which ranks third on the team .
Tight end Jimmy Graham , by contrast , has 13 .
Robinson is a prominent weapon when the Bears are playing on the other 80 yards of the field .
He ’ s tied for fourth in the NFL with 95 targets .
Only the Chargers ’ Keenan Allen , the Bills ’ Stefon Diggs and the Cardinals ’ DeAndre Hopkins have more .
“ You ’ ve got to trust in your coaches , ” Robinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to trust and believe that the things that they ’ re calling and dialing up are going to be successful .
… For me , I have that trust in the coaches .
”

After his agent blasted the Bears’ red-zone strategy on Twitter, wide receiver Allen Robinson said he doesn’t “really get too caught up in that.”
“Whatever’s called, I run what’s called,” he said. “I’ve said that since Day 1.
‘‘Hopefully in these next six games, we can get down there first and get some more red-zone opportunities. Then I should come away with more red-zone touchdowns.”
Robinson has only seven red-zone targets, which ranks third on the team. Tight end Jimmy Graham, by contrast, has 13.
“You’ve got to trust in your coaches,” he said. “You’ve got to trust and believe that the things they’re calling and dialing up are going to be successful. I have that trust in the coaches.”