chicagosun-times--2020-11-11--Should I or should I not get tested for COVID-19?

I have not taken .
I have not taken a COVID-19 test .
I don ’ t know why that feels like a shameful confession .
Maybe it ’ s because so , so many people have died worldwide from this pandemic — 1.28 million according to the “ Our World in Data ” website .
Or maybe what I ’ m really feeling is survivor ’ s guilt .
I am , after all , in a group considered high-risk for catching the virus .
In the spring , I was terrified of catching the virus from a door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevator button .
Still I twice flew Southwest Airlines to Orlando , Florida , to tend to a friend .
With its masked-up crew and rows of empty seats , those were the best flights I ’ ve ever taken .
The few passengers on board were suited up in masks , gloves , hoodies and loaded with disinfecting wipes .
Each time I returned home to a week of self-isolation , and with every intention of getting a COVID-19 test .
I just couldn ’ t think of a good enough reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing supplies were iffy and front-line workers needed them .
And honestly , I didn ’ t relish the idea of someone jamming a swab up my nose .
Besides , I was pretty sure I was good-to-go because I couldn ’ t get in any public place without someone taking my temperature and asking me questions about my health .
Throughout this pandemic , I ’ ve been blessed not to have a cold or a cough , though my allergies have been awful .
So why am I now considering taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a testing site .
The truth is I ’ m back to being scared .
Instead of going away , this virus is digging in , and a lot more people are contributing to the spread .
We don ’ t yet know the fallout from the jubilee that took place on the field at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday when Notre Dame beat Clemson in a 47-40 double-overtime game .
And while photographs show there were a lot of masked-up young people packed on the field , there were a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chin warmer .
We all want to go back to handshakes , fist bumps and high-fives .
I haven ’ t had a decent grandma hug since the pandemic started .
The days of relaxing with friends at our favorite restaurants are a distant memory .
But as long as health officials have to warn people daily to avoid large gatherings , to social distance and to wear masks , it ’ s not safe out there .
I don ’ t know what President-elect Joe Biden can do to change the mindset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask in public .
Dr. Allison Arwady , the city ’ s public health commissioner , estimates “ there could be up to 145,000 active cases of COVID-19 citywide , ” the Chicago Sun-Times reported .
Arwady acknowledged that when she ’ s out and about in Chicago , she doesn ’ t see people taking the pandemic as seriously as they did in the spring .
That spells trouble for the rest of us .
But it ’ s not a good idea to confront people about not wearing a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Control and Prevention now says the use of cloth masks does offer the wearer a level of protection .
That gives me some hope .
So if I stay away from people , wash my hands obsessively , wear a mask everywhere and keep my high-fives to myself , I should be good , shouldn ’ t , I ?
The reality is maybe not .
There is still a lot that is unknown , and the list of COVID-19 symptoms keeps growing .
First it was fever , cough and fatigue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or smell , shortness of breath or difficulty breathing , muscle aches , chills , sore throat , runny nose , headache , rashes , chest pain and pink eye .
When you hit the ’ 70s , you can find yourself complaining about any one of those conditions daily .
Still , I don ’ t feel good about putting this off .
It is time to get tested .

I have not.
I have not taken.
I have not taken a COVID-19 test.
I don’t know why that feels like a shameful confession.
Maybe it’s because so, so many people have died worldwide from this pandemic — 1.28 million according to the “Our World in Data” website.
Or maybe what I’m really feeling is survivor’s guilt.
I am, after all, in a group considered high-risk for catching the virus.
I’m Black. I’m a senior citizen. I have a compromised immune system.
In the spring, I was terrified of catching the virus from a door handle, or grocery cart, or elevator button.
Still, I twice flew Southwest Airlines to Orlando, Florida, to tend to a friend. With its masked-up crew and rows of empty seats, those were the best flights I’ve ever taken.
The few passengers on board were suited up in masks, gloves, hoodies and loaded with disinfecting wipes.
Each time I returned home to a week of self-isolation, and with every intention of getting a COVID-19 test.
But I didn’t.
Opinion Newsletter
I just couldn’t think of a good enough reason to do so at a time when testing supplies were iffy and front-line workers needed them.
And honestly, I didn’t relish the idea of someone jamming a swab up my nose.
Besides, I was pretty sure I was good-to-go because I couldn’t get in any public place without someone taking my temperature and asking me questions about my health.
Throughout this pandemic, I’ve been blessed not to have a cold or a cough, though my allergies have been awful.
So why am I now considering taking myself (and my reluctant husband) to a testing site?
The truth is I’m back to being scared.
Instead of going away, this virus is digging in, and a lot more people are contributing to the spread.
We don’t yet know the fallout from the jubilee that took place on the field at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday when Notre Dame beat Clemson in a 47-40 double-overtime game.
And while photographs show there were a lot of masked-up young people packed on the field, there were a lot of them using their mask as a chin warmer.
I get it.
We all want to go back to handshakes, fist bumps and high-fives.
I haven’t had a decent grandma hug since the pandemic started. The days of relaxing with friends at our favorite restaurants are a distant memory.
But as long as health officials have to warn people daily to avoid large gatherings, to social distance and to wear masks, it’s not safe out there.
I don’t know what President-elect Joe Biden can do to change the mindset of people who refuse to even wear a mask in public.
Dr. Allison Arwady, the city’s public health commissioner, estimates “there could be up to 145,000 active cases of COVID-19 citywide,” the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Arwady acknowledged that when she’s out and about in Chicago, she doesn’t see people taking the pandemic as seriously as they did in the spring.
That spells trouble for the rest of us.
But it’s not a good idea to confront people about not wearing a mask, particularly since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now says the use of cloth masks does offer the wearer a level of protection.
That gives me some hope.
So if I stay away from people, wash my hands obsessively, wear a mask everywhere and keep my high-fives to myself, I should be good, shouldn’t I?
The reality is maybe not. There is still a lot that is unknown, and the list of COVID-19 symptoms keeps growing.
First it was fever, cough and fatigue. Now that list includes loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, runny nose, headache, rashes, chest pain and pink eye.
When you hit the 70s, you can find yourself complaining about any one of those conditions daily.
Still, I don’t feel good about putting this off.
It is time to get tested.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-11--Trump’s anti-abortion limits on foreign aid could have a lasting impact around the world

In Ethiopia , health clinics for teenagers once supported by U.S. foreign aid closed down .
In Kenya , a decades-long effort to integrate HIV testing and family planning unraveled .
In Nepal , government workers who once traversed the Himalayas to spread information about reproductive health were halted .
Around the world , countries that depend on American foreign aid have scrapped or scaled back ambitious public health projects , refashioning their health systems over the past four years to comport with President Donald Trump ’ s sweeping anti-abortion restrictions .
The effects have been profound .
As groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideologically driven rules , they severed ties with health providers that discuss abortion in any way , deleted references to abortion on websites and in sexual education curricula and stopped discussing modern contraception for fear of forfeiting American aid .
President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to reverse the policy when he takes office , and he campaigned on a promise to enshrine abortion rights in federal law .
But , for many foreign aid groups , the changes might be permanent .
“ The U.S. has lost its position as a leader and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McGovern of Columbia University ’ s Mailman School of Public Health , who has overseen research of the Trump policy in multiple countries .
Since Ronald Reagan , Republican presidents have barred foreign aid organizations from using U.S. global health funds to counsel women about abortion or refer them to an abortion provider .
But the Trump administration vastly expanded those anti-abortion restrictions , known as the global gag rule by opponents .
Under Trump , the rule applies to $ 9 billion of aid that touches nearly every facet of global health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , malaria , tuberculosis and water sanitation .
Under President George W. Bush , the policy applied to a fraction of that — $ 600 million in foreign aid .
The Trump administration touted these efforts to protect “ the unborn abroad.
” But the rules have left international aid groups skeptical of U.S. promises and deepened the nation ’ s rift with European countries that long viewed abortion access as vital to women ’ s health .
Some major organizations opted out of any U.S. funding rather than comply with the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Planned Parenthood Federation , among the largest providers of reproductive health care in the developing world .
“ Biden and Trump may seem radically different to Americans , ” said Jennifer Sherwood , a policy manager for Amfar , the Foundation for AIDS Research .
“ But if you ’ re a small organization in sub-Saharan Africa , you may not understand what this new [ Biden ] administration means and if you can trust the United States.
” The restrictions intentionally constrict the activities of foreign aid groups , many that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterparts for decades .
The rules also have a ripple effect on their funding : U.S. aid to foreign groups is contingent on them not accepting money from other countries or even from private foundations to underwrite abortion-related services .
They also aren ’ t allowed to subcontract with other organizations that run separate abortion-related projects .
Trump telegraphed the worldwide anti-abortion gains in appeals to evangelical Christians .
In early October , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo touted the policy during a speech to the Florida Family Policy Council , an anti-abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense of the unborn abroad.
” “ Our administration has drawn on our first principles to defend life in our foreign policy like no administration in all of history , ” said Pompeo , who is an evangelical Christian .
The policies of the Trump administration stand in stark contrast to the steady liberalization of abortion laws in countries around the world over the past two decades .
Since 2000 , more than two dozen countries have eased abortion laws , including Ireland , South Korea , the Democratic Republic of Congo and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is forbidden , the rules are having an impact on reproductive health care .
In Madagascar , where abortion is , without exception , illegal , the largest provider of contraception , Marie Stopes , turned down U.S. money , endangering its ability to offer unfettered medical care to women , ending support for nearly 200 public and private facilities .
Mamy Jean Jacques Razafimahatratra , a researcher with the Institut National de Santé Publique et Communautaire in Antananarivo , found that led to shortages of contraception , in a poor country where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The women asked us , ‘ What is the cause of this rupture ?
’ ” said Razafimahatratra .
“ We tried to explain to them the reason , and [ they say ] , ‘ But that regulation is for abortion , so we don ’ t understand why we are also penalized ?
’ ” Researchers from Amfar and Johns Hopkins University , in a study published in the journal0 Health Affairs , found the anti-abortion policies could have deadly consequences , specifically in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest risk of HIV , and many clinics had combined HIV testing and treatment with family planning services .
Still , fearing they would run afoul of the Trump policy and thus forfeit funding , clinics have curtailed family planning , reducing the number of women seeking care in African countries .
“ A lot of the times , they want contraception , ” Sherwood said .
“ That is what ’ s on their mind , and HIV is the secondary thing , something we can tack on to meet their needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of restarting these programs are steep : rehiring staff , reopening clinics , retraining employees , rewriting curricula .
“ You can imagine being a health care worker that was under threat of losing their funding for counseling a patient on abortion , ” Sherwood said .
“ To us , it ’ s like a light switch that can turn off and on .
But , to them , this is a very opaque and confusing process .
It ’ s not how health systems work .
You can ’ t just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kaiser Health News ( KHN ) is a national health policy news service .
It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation , which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente .

In Ethiopia, health clinics for teenagers once supported by U.S. foreign aid closed down.
In Kenya, a decades-long effort to integrate HIV testing and family planning unraveled.
In Nepal, government workers who once traversed the Himalayas to spread information about reproductive health were halted.
Around the world, countries that depend on American foreign aid have scrapped or scaled back ambitious public health projects, refashioning their health systems over the past four years to comport with President Donald Trump’s sweeping anti-abortion restrictions.
The effects have been profound. As groups scrambled to meet the administration’s ideologically driven rules, they severed ties with health providers that discuss abortion in any way, deleted references to abortion on websites and in sexual education curricula and stopped discussing modern contraception for fear of forfeiting American aid.
President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to reverse the policy when he takes office, and he campaigned on a promise to enshrine abortion rights in federal law. But, for many foreign aid groups, the changes might be permanent.
“The U.S. has lost its position as a leader and lost its credibility,” said Terry McGovern of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, who has overseen research of the Trump policy in multiple countries.
Since Ronald Reagan, Republican presidents have barred foreign aid organizations from using U.S. global health funds to counsel women about abortion or refer them to an abortion provider.
But the Trump administration vastly expanded those anti-abortion restrictions, known as the global gag rule by opponents. Under Trump, the rule applies to $9 billion of aid that touches nearly every facet of global health funding, including groups working on HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and water sanitation.
Under President George W. Bush, the policy applied to a fraction of that — $600 million in foreign aid.
The Trump administration touted these efforts to protect “the unborn abroad.” But the rules have left international aid groups skeptical of U.S. promises and deepened the nation’s rift with European countries that long viewed abortion access as vital to women’s health.
Some major organizations opted out of any U.S. funding rather than comply with the new strictures, including Marie Stopes International and International Planned Parenthood Federation, among the largest providers of reproductive health care in the developing world.
“Biden and Trump may seem radically different to Americans,” said Jennifer Sherwood, a policy manager for Amfar, the Foundation for AIDS Research. “But if you’re a small organization in sub-Saharan Africa, you may not understand what this new [Biden] administration means and if you can trust the United States.”
President-elect Joe Biden (left) has said he’ll overturn the changes instituted by President Donald Trump limiting foreign aid to organizations that even discuss abortion. AP / Getty Images
The restrictions intentionally constrict the activities of foreign aid groups, many that have worked in close coordination with American counterparts for decades.
The rules also have a ripple effect on their funding: U.S. aid to foreign groups is contingent on them not accepting money from other countries or even from private foundations to underwrite abortion-related services. They also aren’t allowed to subcontract with other organizations that run separate abortion-related projects.
Trump telegraphed the worldwide anti-abortion gains in appeals to evangelical Christians. In early October, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo touted the policy during a speech to the Florida Family Policy Council, an anti-abortion group, calling it an “unprecedented defense of the unborn abroad.”
“Our administration has drawn on our first principles to defend life in our foreign policy like no administration in all of history,” said Pompeo, who is an evangelical Christian.
The policies of the Trump administration stand in stark contrast to the steady liberalization of abortion laws in countries around the world over the past two decades. Since 2000, more than two dozen countries have eased abortion laws, including Ireland, South Korea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia.
Even in countries where abortion is forbidden, the rules are having an impact on reproductive health care.
In Madagascar, where abortion is, without exception, illegal, the largest provider of contraception, Marie Stopes, turned down U.S. money, endangering its ability to offer unfettered medical care to women, ending support for nearly 200 public and private facilities.
Mamy Jean Jacques Razafimahatratra, a researcher with the Institut National de Santé Publique et Communautaire in Antananarivo, found that led to shortages of contraception, in a poor country where travel to nearby towns is difficult.
“The women asked us, ‘What is the cause of this rupture?’ ” said Razafimahatratra. “We tried to explain to them the reason, and [they say], ‘But that regulation is for abortion, so we don’t understand why we are also penalized?’”
Researchers from Amfar and Johns Hopkins University, in a study published in the journal0 Health Affairs, found the anti-abortion policies could have deadly consequences, specifically in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Sherwood said young African women face the highest risk of HIV, and many clinics had combined HIV testing and treatment with family planning services.
Still, fearing they would run afoul of the Trump policy and thus forfeit funding, clinics have curtailed family planning, reducing the number of women seeking care in African countries.
“A lot of the times, they want contraception,” Sherwood said. “That is what’s on their mind, and HIV is the secondary thing, something we can tack on to meet their needs all at once.”
The practical challenges of restarting these programs are steep: rehiring staff, reopening clinics, retraining employees, rewriting curricula.
“You can imagine being a health care worker that was under threat of losing their funding for counseling a patient on abortion,” Sherwood said. “To us, it’s like a light switch that can turn off and on. But, to them, this is a very opaque and confusing process. It’s not how health systems work. You can’t just change the way they work overnight.”
Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-11--Walmart recalls romaine lettuce over E. coli risk

Walmart has released a list of the stores that carried the recalled Tanimura & Antle romaine lettuce .
Last week , Salinas , California-based Tanimura & Antle Inc. voluntarily recalled select single heads of romaine lettuce distributed across the country for possible E. coli contamination .
The company posted an announcement on the Food and Drug Administration website Friday .
The affected lettuce is labeled with a “ packed on date of 10/15/2020 or 10/16/2020 , ” the company said .
The UPC number on the lettuce is 0-27918-20314-9 .
According to Tanimura & Antle , no other products or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been “ no reported illnesses associated with the recalled product.
” A list of more than 1,000 Walmart stores that sold the recalled lettuce is listed on the Walmart corporate website .
“ The recall is being conducted in consultation with FDA , and is based on the test result of a random sample collected and analyzed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as part of their routine sampling program , ” Tanimura & Antle said in its announcement .
According to the Walmart list , the lettuce was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arkansas , Colorado , Georgia , Illinois , Indiana , Iowa , Kansas , Kentucky , Louisiana , Michigan , Minnesota , Missouri , Nebraska , New Mexico , North Dakota , Ohio , Oklahoma , South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas and Wisconsin .
The produce company said 3,396 cartons of “ potentially affected product ” were distributed in Puerto Rico and the following 19 states : Alabama , Arkansas , California , Illinois , Indiana , Massachusetts , Missouri , Nebraska , New Mexico , North Carolina , Ohio , Oklahoma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Texas , Virginia , Washington and Wisconsin .
Cases have between 12 and 24 heads each .
Michigan also issued an advisory Friday warning “ consumers not to eat Tanimura & Antle brand romaine lettuce packed as single heads due to food safety concerns.
” The FDA tweeted that it was “ actively investigating ” and wrote consumers “ shouldn ’ t eat affected product.
” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says E. coli symptoms vary and can include abdominal cramps , nausea , fatigue and diarrhea .
Some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Symptoms usually begin within three to four days after eating or drinking items containing the bacteria .
However , the CDC states that symptoms can start anywhere from one to 10 days after exposure .
Tanimura & Antle said in its announcement that it is “ unlikely that this product remains at retail establishments due to the shelf life of lettuce and the number of days that have passed.
” The company requests anyone in the affected packages of lettuce to not consume it .
For questions , consumers are directed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 877-827-7388 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m .

Walmart has released a list of the stores that carried the recalled Tanimura & Antle romaine lettuce.
Last week, Salinas, California-based Tanimura & Antle Inc. voluntarily recalled select single heads of romaine lettuce distributed across the country for possible E. coli contamination. The company posted an announcement on the Food and Drug Administration website Friday.
The affected lettuce is labeled with a “packed on date of 10/15/2020 or 10/16/2020,” the company said. The UPC number on the lettuce is 0-27918-20314-9.
According to Tanimura & Antle, no other products or pack dates are being recalled and there have been “no reported illnesses associated with the recalled product.”
A list of more than 1,000 Walmart stores that sold the recalled lettuce is listed on the Walmart corporate website.
“The recall is being conducted in consultation with FDA, and is based on the test result of a random sample collected and analyzed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as part of their routine sampling program,” Tanimura & Antle said in its announcement.
According to the Walmart list, the lettuce was distributed to its stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.
The produce company said 3,396 cartons of “potentially affected product” were distributed in Puerto Rico and the following 19 states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Cases have between 12 and 24 heads each.
Michigan also issued an advisory Friday warning “consumers not to eat Tanimura & Antle brand romaine lettuce packed as single heads due to food safety concerns.”
The FDA tweetedthat it was “actively investigating” and wrote consumers “shouldn’t eat affected product.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says E. coli symptoms vary and can include abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue and diarrhea. Some people can develop a form of kidney failure.
Symptoms usually begin within three to four days after eating or drinking items containing the bacteria. However, the CDC states that symptoms can start anywhere from one to 10 days after exposure.
Tanimura & Antle said in its announcement that it is “unlikely that this product remains at retail establishments due to the shelf life of lettuce and the number of days that have passed.” The company requests anyone in the affected packages of lettuce to not consume it.
For questions, consumers are directed to call the Tanimura & Antle Consumer Hotline at 877-827-7388 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Read more at usatoday.com


chicagosun-times--2020-11-11--Cy Young winner and top free agent Trevor Bauer has thoughts about White Sox

Not about when the White Sox or Tony La Russa will address La Russa ’ s second DUI charge and why it didn ’ t affect their decision to hire the 76-year-old as their manager on Oct. 29 .
( A team spokesman reiterated Wednesday they won ’ t comment until the legal case is resolved , which won ’ t be anytime soon ) .
But rather , this one : “ How ’ s [ today ’ s players ] going to fit with Tony La Russa , who hasn ’ t been in the game in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in the vast majority of his managerial career took place in a much different landscape of the game ?
” Bauer , who was named the National League Cy Young Award winner Wednesday night and easily the top pitcher in the free agent market , a market the Sox must tap to bolster a team they believe can contend for a World Series , discussed La Russa on his YouTube channel .
Bauer , as usual , was not at a loss for thoughts and words .
“ Is he going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help people who are analytically minded , players who think that way to move them forward ?
” Bauer said .
“ How are the players going to perceive the manager , and there is all this stuff going around him when he comes in .
The White Sox have a lot of young players , players from other countries ... and they don ’ t know anything different , they may have had only manager in their big league career .
How are those players going to respond to this kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marcus Stroman , who would have fit nicely in the Sox rotation , made it clear he wanted no part of any such climate with La Russa at the helm , accepted the Mets ’ one-year $ 18 million qualifying offer .
Right-hander Kevin Gausman did the same with the Giants , thinning the pool a bit more .
“ I don ’ t know [ what direction the Sox are going ] .
I ’ m not part of the White Sox , ” Bauer said .
“ Perhaps I will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I won ’ t .
But these are questions you have to think about when it comes to attracting free agents .
These are questions that I ’ ll be asking teams .
“ The White Sox hired La Russa and then the PR nightmare commenced .
So what is going on in Chicago ?
This is not how you ’ d ideally draw it up and the first question is , how are the young players going to perceive the manager when he comes in and all this stuff is going on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest DUI , one that potentially could put the manager in jail for at least a day , perhaps during spring training or the regular season ?
Bauer wasn ’ t sure it would affect a decision .
“ I ’ ve been fairly forgiving until I meet someone in person and have them interact with me and judge their character for myself , ” he said .
“ I can talk to the manager of whatever team I ’ m going to sign with and get to know him and understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manages , his style and stuff like that .
I want to be happy wherever I choose to go , and that ’ s a big part of it because you interface with the manager every single day.
” As of last week , Sox shortstop Tim Anderson said La Russa hadn ’ t reached out to him yet .
Perhaps other Sox players are waiting , as Anderson was , to hear from La Russa and then play for him before forming opinions .
Free agents have the luxury of simply avoiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not necessarily a good thing for the Sox .
“ If any free agents are [ anti-La Russa ] , then it really calls into question the effectiveness of a manager being able to lead your team , ” Bauer said .
“ Because now you potentially have a player you would like to sign not being willing to sign with you .
If you lose out on that one free agent , that could be the difference between winning the World Series and not , making the playoffs and not @ @

Trevor Bauer asked the multi-million dollar question.
Not about when the White Sox or Tony La Russa will address La Russa’s second DUI charge and why it didn’t affect their decision to hire the 76-year-old as their manager on Oct. 29. (A team spokesman reiterated Wednesday they won’t comment until the legal case is resolved, which won’t be anytime soon). But rather, this one:
“How’s [today’s players] going to fit with Tony La Russa, who hasn’t been in the game in that capacity in a good bit of time and in the vast majority of his managerial career took place in a much different landscape of the game?”
Bauer, who was named the National League Cy Young Award winner Wednesday night and easily the top pitcher in the free agent market, a market the Sox must tap to bolster a team they believe can contend for a World Series, discussed La Russa on his YouTube channel.
Bauer, as usual, was not at a loss for thoughts and words.
“Is he going to use analytics in a way that can help people who are analytically minded, players who think that way to move them forward?” Bauer said.
“How are the players going to perceive the manager, and there is all this stuff going around him when he comes in. The White Sox have a lot of young players, players from other countries ... and they don’t know anything different, they may have had only manager in their big league career. How are those players going to respond to this kind of firestorm?”
On Wednesday, right-hander Marcus Stroman, who would have fit nicely in the Sox rotation, made it clear he wanted no part of any such climate with La Russa at the helm, accepted the Mets’ one-year $18 million qualifying offer. Right-hander Kevin Gausman did the same with the Giants, thinning the pool a bit more.
“I don’t know [what direction the Sox are going]. I’m not part of the White Sox,” Bauer said. “Perhaps I will be at some point this offseason, perhaps I won’t. But these are questions you have to think about when it comes to attracting free agents. These are questions that I’ll be asking teams.
“The White Sox hired La Russa and then the PR nightmare commenced. So what is going on in Chicago? This is not how you’d ideally draw it up and the first question is, how are the young players going to perceive the manager when he comes in and all this stuff is going on around him?”
And what of the latest DUI, one that potentially could put the manager in jail for at least a day, perhaps during spring training or the regular season? Bauer wasn’t sure it would affect a decision.
“I’ve been fairly forgiving until I meet someone in person and have them interact with me and judge their character for myself,” he said.
“I can talk to the manager of whatever team I’m going to sign with and get to know him and understand what his principles are and how he manages, his style and stuff like that. I want to be happy wherever I choose to go, and that’s a big part of it because you interface with the manager every single day.”
As of last week, Sox shortstop Tim Anderson said La Russa hadn’t reached out to him yet. Perhaps other Sox players are waiting, as Anderson was, to hear from La Russa and then play for him before forming opinions.
Free agents have the luxury of simply avoiding making that call altogether.
And that’s not necessarily a good thing for the Sox.
“If any free agents are [anti-La Russa], then it really calls into question the effectiveness of a manager being able to lead your team,” Bauer said. “Because now you potentially have a player you would like to sign not being willing to sign with you. If you lose out on that one free agent, that could be the difference between winning the World Series and not, making the playoffs and not.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-11--Yu Darvish’s top-2 NL Cy Young Award finish shows Cubs’ gamble paid off

The Cubs went all in on their Yu Darvish when they signed the right-hander to a monster six-year , $ 126 million deal as a free agent in 2018 .
And nearly two years later , their bet on Darvish has paid big dividends .
Darvish finished second in National League Cy Young voting on Wednesday as the awards were announced on MLB Network .
The Cubs ’ ace finished behind the Cincinnati Reds ’ Trevor Bauer , who took home the honor .
Mets ’ ace Jacob deGrom , who won the award in 2018 and ‘ 19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starter Shane Bieber won the American League Cy Young Award , becoming the first pitcher to win the award unanimously since Clayton Kershaw in 2014 .
You can make the argument that even missing out on the NL Cy Young Award , Darvish was the league ’ s best pitcher .
The Cubs ’ ace went 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA in 12 regular-season starts .
Even though the Cubs lost their Game 2 elimination matchup against the Miami Marlins in the NL wild card series , Darvish had another strong performance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and striking out six in 6 2/3 innings .
Darvish ’ s 93 strikeouts tied the Padres ’ Dinelson Lamet for fourth behind deGrom ( 104 ) , Bauer ( 100 ) and the Phillies ’ Aaron Nola ( 96 ) .
The only ERA qualifier with fewer walks than Darvish ’ s 14 was Cubs teammate Kyle Hendricks with eight .
Hendricks and Darvish also were first and second in strikeouts per walk , with Hendricks at 8.00 and Darvish at 6.64 .
‘ ‘ I ’ m definitely not the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be better in a few years , ’ ’ Darvish , 34 , said following the Cubs ’ playoff sweep to the Marlins .
‘ ‘ I can ’ t say enough about Yu .
What a phenomenal year , ” said David Ross , who finished third in NL Manager of the Year voting .
“ He put us in this position to be in the postseason .
‘ ‘ It was fun to be his manager and watch him pitch every day .
He ’ s a true professional , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proud of the year he had.
’ ’ Things were different for Darvish last season and even during a shortened regular season that saw some of MLB ’ s biggest stars struggle , he continued his progress from the second half of 2019 and carried it into 2020 .
Darvish ’ s change has been a stark contrast from the pitcher who first came to Chicago and looked like a shell of himself .
But with the help of the Cubs ’ pitching coaches , who allowed him to be himself , Darvish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anybody who saw him on the mound .
“ This guy ’ s got the ultimate confidence , ” Kyle Schwarber said .
“ I think you could ask anyone in the room that if Yu Darvish is on the mound , no one ’ s gon na want to face this guy .
… I don ’ t think that anyone ’ s ever looked forward to , when they ’ re trying to do a scouting report on Yu Darvish for like , seven pitches , all plus pitches .
Good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a true ace this year , ’ ’ president Theo Epstein said last month .
‘ ‘ Such an important part of this club in terms of performance and leading the league in WAR among pitchers and what that meant to us on the field .
And the innings , the shutdown innings .
He ’ s given us the opportunity to win.
’ ’ The Cubs ’ starting rotation was their strength in 2020 and with Darvish and Kyle Hendricks under club control for a while and change on the horizon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heading into the future .
Not just a strength in the short term , but something they can build off of .
Adding a solid No .
3 starter via trade or free agency to join Darvish and Hendricks would help make that a reality .
Right-hander Marcus Stroman signed his $ 18.9 million qualifying offer with the Mets on Tuesday , removing a possible free-agent target from the list .
The Cubs will have to continue to search the market for starting pitching depth with two open spots in their rotation .

The Cubs went all in on Yu Darvish when they signed the right-hander to a monster six-year, $126 million contract as a free agent in 2018.
And nearly two years later, their bet on Darvish has paid big dividends.
Darvish finished second in National League Cy Young voting on Wednesday when the awards were announced on MLB Network. The Cubs’ ace finished behind the Reds’ Trevor Bauer, who took home the honor. Mets’ ace Jacob deGrom, who won the award in 2018 and 2019, finished third.
Cleveland Indians starter Shane Bieber won the American League Cy Young Award, becoming the first pitcher to win the award unanimously since Clayton Kershaw in 2014.
You can make the argument that even missing out on the NL Cy Young Award, Darvish was the league’s best pitcher. The Cubs’ ace went 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA in 12 regular-season starts.
Even though the Cubs lost in Game 2 of their elimination matchup against the Marlins in the NL wild-card series, Darvish had another strong performance, allowing only two runs and five hits and striking out six in 6 2/3 innings.
Darvish’s 93 strikeouts tied the Padres’ Dinelson Lamet for fourth behind deGrom (104), Bauer (100) and the Phillies’ Aaron Nola (96). The only ERA qualifier with fewer walks than Darvish’s 14 was Cubs teammate Kyle Hendricks with eight. Hendricks and Darvish also were first and second in strikeouts per walk, with Hendricks at 8.00 and Darvish at 6.64.
‘‘I’m definitely not the best right now, but I think I can be better in a few years,’’ said Darvish, 34, after the Cubs were swept by the Marlins in the playoffs.
‘‘I can’t say enough about Yu. What a phenomenal year,” said David Ross, who finished third in NL Manager of the Year voting. “He put us in this position to be in the postseason.
‘‘It was fun to be his manager and watch him pitch every day. He’s a true professional, and [I’m] very proud of the year he had.’’
Things were different for Darvish last season and even during a shortened regular season that saw some of MLB’s biggest stars struggle, he continued his progress from the second half of 2019 and carried it into 2020.
Darvish’s change has been a stark contrast from the pitcher who first came to Chicago and looked like a shell of himself. But with the help of the Cubs’ pitching coaches, who allowed him to be himself, Darvish flourished and the difference was noticeable to anybody who saw him on the mound.
“This guy’s got the ultimate confidence,” Kyle Schwarber said. “I think you could ask anyone in the room that if Yu Darvish is on the mound, no one’s gonna want to face this guy. . . . I don’t think that anyone’s ever looked forward to, when they’re trying to do a scouting report on Yu Darvish for like, seven pitches, all plus pitches. Good luck.”
‘‘He’s been a true ace this year,’’ president Theo Epstein said last month. ‘‘Such an important part of this club in terms of performance and leading the league in WAR among pitchers and what that meant to us on the field. And the innings, the shutdown innings. He’s given us the opportunity to win.’’
The Cubs’ starting rotation was their strength in 2020 and with Darvish and Hendricks under club control for a while and change on the horizon, it may be their biggest strength heading into the future. Not just a strength in the short term, but something they can build off of.
Adding a solid No. 3 starter via trade or free agency to join Darvish and Hendricks would help make that a reality. Right-hander Marcus Stroman signed his $18.9 million qualifying offer with the Mets on Tuesday, removing a possible free-agent target from the list.
The Cubs will have to continue to search the market for starting pitching depth with two open spots in their rotation.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-11--14 questions as ‘One Chicago’ crossover premiere picks up where ‘Fire,’ ‘P.D.’ and ‘Med’ left off

As the TV/film industry finds new ways to curate content during the COVID-19 pandemic , NBC ’ s popular franchise consisting of “ Chicago Fire , ” “ Chicago P.D.
, ” and “ Chicago Med ” is no stranger to telling complex stories while adhering to social distancing guidelines .
Like most TV series making season premieres amid a deadly pandemic , the three “ One Chicago ” shows pick up where they left off ?
Fans will find out as the three shows premiere Wednesday night in a crossover event .
• How will each show showcase the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How will “ One Chicago ” adhere to the complaints of “ copaganda ” — portrayals of police who can do no wrong — amid social unrest ?
• Will the show ’ s continuity be interrupted after COVID-19 abruptly stopped filming last March ?
• What ’ s next for firefighter Stella Kidd ( Miranda Rae Mayo ) and her “ Girls on Fire ” initiative that attempts to get young girls interested in a career with the Chicago Fire Department ?
• Are the days numbered at Firehouse 51 for paramedic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , who dropped a bombshell at the end of season eight that she aims to go back to medical school ?
• Will Foster ’ s Ambulance 61 partner paramedic Sylvie Brett ( actress Kara Killmer ) stay in touch with her baby stepsister in the aftermath of her birth mother dying during childbirth ?
• How will Mouch ( Christian Stolte ) be added to the mix in regards to the show ’ s popular hangout Molly ’ s after he bought the ownership stake of Otis ( Yuri Sardarov ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season seven where police officer Kevin Atwater ( Harvey , Illinois , native LaRoyce Hawkins ) , who is Black , files racism and brutality complaints against an officer with strong family police ties who was recently murdered in the line of duty ?
• Will Atwater be ostracized by the intelligence unit and other cops ?
• How will “ P.D.
” replace officer Lisseth Chavez , who played intelligence unit newcomer Vanessa Rojas last season ?
• Will Detective Hailey Upton rejoin the intelligence unit after her FBI stint ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and nurse April Sexton ( Yaya DaCosta ) resume their romantic relationship ?
• How does Dr. Crockett Marcel move on after he was cleared by New Orleans cops regarding his connection to a cold case murder from his time there ?
• What about the relationship between doctors Will Halstead ( Nick Gehlfuss ) and Hannah Asher ( Jessy Schram ) , a recovering addict ?
After all , Dr. Daniel Charles ( Oliver Platt ) advised him against getting involved with Hannah .

As the TV/film industry finds new ways to curate content during the COVID-19 pandemic, NBC’s popular franchise consisting of “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” and “Chicago Med” is no stranger to telling complex stories while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Like most TV series making season premieres amid a deadly pandemic, the three “One Chicago” shows pick up where they left off? Fans will find out as the three shows premiere Wednesday night in a crossover event.
Longtime fans have a few questions:
How will each show showcase the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic?
How will “One Chicago” adhere to the complaints of “copaganda” — portrayals of police who can do no wrong — amid social unrest?
Will the show’s continuity be interrupted after COVID-19 abruptly stopped filming last March?
‘Chicago Fire’ Season 9
What’s next for firefighter Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and her “Girls on Fire” initiative that attempts to get young girls interested in a career with the Chicago Fire Department?
Are the days numbered at Firehouse 51 for paramedic Emily Foster (played by Annie Ilonzeh), who dropped a bombshell at the end of season eight that she aims to go back to medical school?
Will Foster’s Ambulance 61 partner paramedic Sylvie Brett (actress Kara Killmer) stay in touch with her baby stepsister in the aftermath of her birth mother dying during childbirth?
How will Mouch (Christian Stolte) be added to the mix in regards to the show’s popular hangout Molly’s after he bought the ownership stake of Otis (Yuri Sardarov)?
‘Chicago P.D.’ Season 8
How about the cliffhanger from season seven where police officer Kevin Atwater (Harvey, Illinois, native LaRoyce Hawkins), who is Black, files racism and brutality complaints against an officer with strong family police ties who was recently murdered in the line of duty?
Will Atwater be ostracized by the intelligence unit and other cops?
How will “P.D.” replace officer Lisseth Chavez, who played intelligence unit newcomer Vanessa Rojas last season?
Will Detective Hailey Upton rejoin the intelligence unit after her FBI stint?
‘Chicago Med’ Season 6


chicagosun-times--2020-11-11--Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killings founder recalls King Von’s ‘humanity’

In the aftermath of the murder of Chicago drill rapper King Von , much has been said regarding the difference — or lack thereof — between the content of his lyrics , and their possible role in his murder .
Along the way , Von made a fan of a woman who dedicates her life to shutting down the very circumstances that may have led to his killing last week in Atlanta .
“ To meet that boy , for him to be as bad as he was supposed to be , for him to do what he did , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t understand how he could possibly be the person that was murdered in Atlanta , ” said Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killings ( MASK ) founder Tamar Manasseh in a phone call Tuesday night .
“ How could he be ?
I saw his humanity .
I didn ’ t see King Von .
I saw a kid on Christmas morning giving gifts to other kids .
I ’ m old enough to be that boy ’ s momma , and so when Black mothers lose kids , all of us lose .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt throughout the community ; that ’ s the only way we ’ ll care about it.
” On Monday , Manasseh took to social media , posting a lengthy tribute to the O-Block native by recalling the first time she met Von , and how his murder affects her and the community .
Christmas Day 2019 , Manasseh and MASK volunteers were in Parkway Gardens during their “ sleigh ride , ” when Von , who grew up in the housing project , pulled up to the group asking how he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have any gifts on me , but can I pass out these dollars to the kids ?
” Manasseh , who says she started MASK in 2015 by taking over a lot in the 7500 block of South Steward Avenue in the aftermath of a murder in the neighborhood , had no idea who Von , “ baby playing dress-up , draped in diamonds and platinum ” was .
“ I was just proud of a kid who could ’ ve done anything with that money and could ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be there with us on Christmas morning , giving , ” wrote Manasseh on social media .
“ And being the best version of himself , like the rest of us were trying to do .
Before he left , he smiled and told me , “ I wish somebody would ’ ve did this for [ him and the other young men in his entourage ] , when we were shortys [ sic ] .
” In a 2018 interview Von declared he was the “ grandson ” of “ King David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the founder of the Black Disciples , one of Chicago ’ s oldest and largest street gangs .
One of Von ’ s most popular mixtapes is named “ Grandson , Vol .
1.
” “ I don ’ t think this is what David [ Barksdale ] would have wanted for Von , ” said Manasseh , referencing Von ’ s alleged gang/family ties .
“ I don ’ t think David would ’ ve wanted it for any Black kid who followed in that tradition , or who adhered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he started.
” Before the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest , tragedy hit home for Manasseh as two of MASK ’ s volunteers were murdered in 2019 — events she believes , along with Von ’ s murder , are the product of the adverse effects that failed federal policies have on marginalized communities .
“ These kids become victims of all of this political stuff that we have going on that they know nothing about , nor do they care much about , ” said Manasseh .
“ And with this last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crime bill [ The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 ] , and these kids are becoming all of those things .
… People don ’ t see that part ; they just see what they become , and they don ’ t see why they become that way .
”

In the aftermath of the murder of Chicago drill rapper King Von, much has been said regarding the difference — or lack thereof — between the content of his lyrics, and their possible role in his murder.
Along the way, Von made a fan of a woman who dedicates her life to shutting down the very circumstances that may have led to his killing last week in Atlanta.
“To meet that boy, for him to be as bad as he was supposed to be, for him to do what he did, that’s why I didn’t understand how he could possibly be the person that was murdered in Atlanta,” said Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killings (MASK) founder Tamar Manasseh in a phone call Tuesday night.
“How could he be? I saw his humanity. I didn’t see King Von. I saw a kid on Christmas morning giving gifts to other kids. I’m old enough to be that boy’s momma, and so when Black mothers lose kids, all of us lose. It has to be something that’s felt throughout the community; that’s the only way we’ll care about it.”
On Monday, Manasseh took to social media, posting a lengthy tribute to the O-Block native by recalling the first time she met Von, and how his murder affects her and the community.
Christmas Day 2019, Manasseh and MASK volunteers were in Parkway Gardens during their “sleigh ride,” when Von, who grew up in the housing project, pulled up to the group asking how he could help, saying, “I don’t have any gifts on me, but can I pass out these dollars to the kids?”
Manasseh, who says she started MASK in 2015 by taking over a lot in the 7500 block of South Steward Avenue in the aftermath of a murder in the neighborhood, had no idea who Von, “baby playing dress-up, draped in diamonds and platinum” was.
“I was just proud of a kid who could’ve done anything with that money and could’ve been anywhere doing it, but chose to be there with us on Christmas morning, giving,” wrote Manasseh on social media. “And being the best version of himself, like the rest of us were trying to do. Before he left, he smiled and told me, “I wish somebody would’ve did this for [him and the other young men in his entourage], when we were shortys [sic].”
Last Christmas KING VON hopped out of his car and joined our caravan @MASKchicago_ in giving away toys to kids. We will do it again this year in his memory #RIHKINGVON pic.twitter.com/eDQ4rBuSn0 — The New Stella (@VeronicaLKirk) November 8, 2020
In a 2018 interview Von declared he was the “grandson” of “King David,” commonly known as David Barksdale, the founder of the Black Disciples, one of Chicago’s oldest and largest street gangs. One of Von’s most popular mixtapes is named “Grandson, Vol. 1.”
“I don’t think this is what David [Barksdale] would have wanted this for Von,” said Manasseh, referencing Von’s alleged gang/family ties. “I don’t think David would’ve wanted it for any Black kid who followed in that tradition, or who adhered to or were involved in the organization that he started.”
Chicago drill rapper King Von was killed last week in Atlanta. Audible Treats
Before the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest, tragedy hit home for Manasseh as two of MASK’s volunteers were murdered in 2019 — events she believes, along with Von’s murder, are the product of the adverse effects that failed federal policies have on marginalized communities.
“These kids become victims of all of this political stuff that we have going on that they know nothing about, nor do they care much about,” said Manasseh. “And with this last election, you hear people talking about the crime bill [The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994], and these kids are becoming all of those things. … People don’t see that part; they just see what they become, and they don’t see why they become that way.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-12--Fishing friends score big: A double on girlfriends earning Fish of the Week honors

Jackson Kennedy nominated his girlfriend , Emily Fowler , who caught the surprise of a good lake trout while smallmouth fishing in 25 feet off Chicago .
“ She had a follow , a hook up and a break off and then finally landed this one !
, ” Kennedy emailed .
“ No idea how it fit in my little bass net nor how a size 2 drop-shot hook stayed in its mouth !
” Staying with a theme , Frankie Paull nominated his girlfriend , Erin West , who caught this largemouth bass from Jericho Lake in Aurora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the quarries right now , we have had many days of 10-plus bass averaging 3 pounds , ” emailed Paull , nephew of Bob Cary , late outdoor editor for the Chicago Daily News .
FOTW , the celebration of big fish and their stories ( the stories matter , as this one shows ) around Chicago fishing , runs Wednesdays in the paper Sun-Times .
The online posting here at https : //chicago.suntimes.com/outdoors goes up at varied days of the week , depending on what is going on the wide world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message on Facebook ( Dale Bowman ) , on Twitter ( @ BowmanOutside ) and Instagram ( @ BowmanOutside ) or email ( BowmanOutside @ gmail.com ) .

Jackson Kennedy nominated his girlfriend, Emily Fowler, who caught the surprise of a good lake trout while smallmouth fishing in 25 feet off Chicago.
“She had a follow, a hook up and a break off and then finally landed this one!,” Kennedy emailed. “No idea how it fit in my little bass net nor how a size 2 drop-shot hook stayed in its mouth!”
Staying with a theme, Frankie Paull nominated his girlfriend, Erin West, who caught this largemouth bass from Jericho Lake in Aurora.
“The bass are schooled up in the quarries right now, we have had many days of 10-plus bass averaging 3 pounds,” emailed Paull, nephew of Bob Cary, late outdoor editor for the Chicago Daily News.
Erin West caught one of the good largemouth bass from Jericho Lake. Provided
FOTW, the celebration of big fish and their stories (the stories matter, as this one shows) around Chicago fishing, runs Wednesdays in the paper Sun-Times. The online posting here at https://chicago.suntimes.com/outdoors goes up at varied days of the week, depending on what is going on the wide world of the outdoors.
Submit nominations by message on Facebook (Dale Bowman), on Twitter (@BowmanOutside) and Instagram (@BowmanOutside) or email (BowmanOutside@gmail.com).


chicagosun-times--2020-11-12--High-rise fire blazes in the Loop early Thursday

Firefighters extinguished a blaze on the 10th floor of a high-rise Thursday in the Loop .
The fire started about @ @ @ @ @ in the first block of South Wabash Avenue , according to preliminary information from Chicago @ @ @ @ @ displacements have been reported so far , police said .
Chicago fire officials said the @ @ @ @ @ of 5:40 a.m. , but did not return a request for further details .
This @ @ @ @ @ Check back for updates .

About 200 firefighters responded to a blaze on the 10th floor of a high-rise early Thursday on Jewelers Row in the Loop.
Firefighters got the call at 3:53 a.m. for a fire in the first block of South Wabash Avenue, Deputy District Chief Frank Velez said. Firefighters were on the scene within five or six minutes and extinguished the fire quickly, Velez said.
Two firefighters were transported to a hospital because of heat exhaustion, and their conditions were stabilized, Velez said.
The 10th floor houses businesses, according to the deputy chief. No other injuries were reported.
Officials are investigating the cause of the fire.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-12--Shoddy construction: Bears GM Ryan Pace’s mistakes on offense necessitate rebuild

Unless everyone ’ s cool with another season or two of the Bears scoring 17 points and holding on for dear life to see if that ’ s enough , this offense needs a major overhaul .
It ’ s too late to fix it this season , although it ’ s odd that the Bears stood pat when potentially dynamic players were signed elsewhere .
An aside : Why are the Chiefs , Ravens , Buccaneers and others so confident in their culture that they ’ ll take just about anybody they think can help them win , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Anyway , this offense needs more than just a couple tweaks .
That ’ s what general manager Ryan Pace tried this year , and look where the Bears sit .
They ’ re 29th in scoring this season and 21st in coach Matt Nagy ’ s tenure .
They ’ re 30th in yards per rush , 21st in team-passer rating and 26th in third-down conversions the last three seasons .
Those are cumulative rankings over 41 games , including when things went relatively well for the Bears in 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwillingness and/or inability to shape his scheme to maximize his personnel , but there ’ s only so much he ’ d be able to do with what Pace gave him .
They have glaring needs at quarterback and on the offensive line .
Other than wide receiver Allen Robinson , who might leave in free agency , the best thing that can be said of their collection of skill players is that some of them have potential .
That ’ s the entire offense .
It ’ s beyond repair , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be demolished and completely redone — ideally before the window closes on a championship-caliber defense , but that might not be possible .
That truth won ’ t change even if the Bears eke out enough wins to make the playoffs .
The best way to rebuild is always through the draft , and the Bears have five picks this spring ( Pace traded their fourth- and seventh-round selections ) .
In the last two drafts , they ’ ve had just three picks in the top 120 .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which would be too late for a top quarterback if they don ’ t trade up .
The mess on offense presents the immediate question of whether the Bears would entrust a rebuild to the man whose missteps brought them to this point .
Pace has been brilliant with the defense , but negated that good work by drafting Mitch Trubisky , giving questionable extensions on the offensive line and being hit-and-miss at best with skill players .
He also hired Nagy , and his coach has spent the last month fending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up play calling .
Pace ’ s bad moves have outweighed his good ones for a net result of the Bears being 11 games under .500 in his six seasons .
The 8-8 record last season was the Bears ’ second-best under Pace .
His future hinges on chairman George McCaskey ’ s standards .
If the organization is content with a mediocre team that could sneak into the playoffs at 10-6 or suffer some bad breaks and finish 6-10 , then go ahead and let Pace keep tinkering .
But if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s long past time to move on .
Pace ’ s personnel moves on offense have gone so poorly that they ’ ve hindered the evaluation of Nagy .
There ’ s a lot to like about him as a strategist and leader .
If he ’ s compatible with the new general manager and gets the players he needs , Nagy ’ s offense could thrive .
If that happens , the Bears will be glad they rode it out with him .
But that ’ s only if the new general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best teams give autonomy to the person running the football side of the organization , and it ’ s bad business to force a coach on an incoming general manager .
That ’ s the reality of where the Bears are , and the sooner they accept that , the sooner they can begin the monstrous task of fixing it .

Unless everyone’s cool with another season or two of the Bears scoring 17 points and holding on for dear life to see if that’s enough, this offense needs a major overhaul.
It’s too late to fix it this season, although it’s odd that the Bears stood pat when potentially dynamic players were signed elsewhere.
An aside: Why are the Chiefs, Ravens, Buccaneers and others so confident in their culture that they’ll take just about anybody they think can help them win, but the ultra-cautious Bears wouldn’t dare?
Anyway, this offense needs more than just a couple tweaks. That’s what general manager Ryan Pace tried this year, and look where the Bears sit.
They’re 29th in scoring this season and 21st in coach Matt Nagy’s tenure. They’re 30th in yards per rush, 21st in team-passer rating and 26th in third-down conversions the last three seasons. Those are cumulative rankings over 41 games, including when things went relatively well for the Bears in 2018.
Nagy has made things worse by his unwillingness and/or inability to shape his scheme to maximize his personnel, but there’s only so much he’d be able to do with what Pace gave him.
They have glaring needs at quarterback and on the offensive line. Other than wide receiver Allen Robinson, who might leave in free agency, the best thing that can be said of their collection of skill players is that some of them have potential.
That’s the entire offense. It’s beyond repair, and there’s no question it needs to be demolished and completely redone — ideally before the window closes on a championship-caliber defense, but that might not be possible. That truth won’t change even if the Bears eke out enough wins to make the playoffs.
The best way to rebuild is always through the draft, and the Bears have five picks this spring (Pace traded their fourth- and seventh-round selections). In the last two drafts, they’ve had just three picks in the top 120. They’re currently slotted 16th in the first round, which would be too late for a top quarterback if they don’t trade up.
The mess on offense presents the immediate question of whether the Bears would entrust a rebuild to the man whose missteps brought them to this point.
They can’t.
Pace has been brilliant with the defense, but negated that good work by drafting Mitch Trubisky, giving questionable extensions on the offensive line and being hit-and-miss at best with skill players. He also hired Nagy, and his coach has spent the last month fending off questions about whether he should give up play calling.
Pace’s bad moves have outweighed his good ones for a net result of the Bears being 11 games under .500 in his six seasons. The 8-8 record last season was the Bears’ second-best under Pace.
His future hinges on chairman George McCaskey’s standards. If the organization is content with a mediocre team that could sneak into the playoffs at 10-6 or suffer some bad breaks and finish 6-10, then go ahead and let Pace keep tinkering. But if it aspires for something more, it’s long past time to move on.
Pace’s personnel moves on offense have gone so poorly that they’ve hindered the evaluation of Nagy. There’s a lot to like about him as a strategist and leader. If he’s compatible with the new general manager and gets the players he needs, Nagy’s offense could thrive. If that happens, the Bears will be glad they rode it out with him.
But that’s only if the new general manager sees it that way. The best teams give autonomy to the person running the football side of the organization, and it’s bad business to force a coach on an incoming general manager.
That’s the reality of where the Bears are, and the sooner they accept that, the sooner they can begin the monstrous task of fixing it.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-12--How Chicagoans plan to celebrate their COVID Thanksgiving: ‘very carefully, very graciously and very

How Chicagoans plan to celebrate their COVID Thanksgiving: ‘very carefully, very graciously and very thankfully’

With Thanksgiving getting close , we asked Chicagoans : How do you plan on celebrating your COVID-19 Thanksgiving ?
Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity .
“ Dad , stepmom and me ( adult daughter ) — we will Zoom with other family members and bring food to elderly grandparents .
It ’ s not ideal , but we care about other people more than ourselves .
Small sacrifices will create a bigger reward.
” — Amy Brennan “ My immediate family of six only and watch some good old movies on Hallmark .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think those are the best — less drama and less dishes to wash , less to clean up.
” — Teresa Hernandez-Sanchez “ Same as always , gon na live my life without fear !
” — Mike Barnes “ With my bubble family .
I wish it were with my family family , though.
” — Jeff Rosinski “ Alone .
I ’ m a senior .
I will not be with family .
Too dangerous.
” — Genevieve Williams “ Home alone with my dog.
” — John Nesbitt “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Michael Horn “ With my family , the same as always .
COVID has ruined enough this year already.
” — Victoria Moore “ Home alone with my husband.
” — Cathy Miller Williams “ Just like I always did , with family .
I don ’ t live in fear.
” — Mark Mchugh “ All the fam together as always.
” — Connie Olson Placencia “ Tacos and pizza with some cold porter beers.
” — Martin Rodriguez “ With my loved ones !
A total of 8 adults , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Very carefully , very graciously and very thankfully.
” — Al Walls “ Not sure yet .
Maybe sleeping through it ?
” — Lizzie Sky

With Thanksgiving getting close, we asked Chicagoans: How do you plan on celebrating your COVID-19 Thanksgiving? Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
“Dad, stepmom and me (adult daughter) — we will Zoom with other family members and bring food to elderly grandparents. It’s not ideal, but we care about other people more than ourselves. Small sacrifices will create a bigger reward.” — Amy Brennan
“My immediate family of six only and watch some good old movies on Hallmark. It’s OK to have small gatherings. I think those are the best — less drama and less dishes to wash, less to clean up.” — Teresa Hernandez-Sanchez
“Same as always, gonna live my life without fear!” — Mike Barnes
If I can make enough money, I plan on cooking up a nice dinner for my husband & kids & doing google hangouts with our extended family. COVID has been rough on us. — R. Mason (@LadyCygnet) November 9, 2020
“With my bubble family. I wish it were with my family family, though.” — Jeff Rosinski
“Alone. I’m a senior. I will not be with family. Too dangerous.” — Genevieve Williams
“Home alone with my dog.” — John Nesbitt
“Probably just me and Marie Callender.” — Michael Horn
My mother, hopefully, is going to have all three of her sons home with her for the first time in years. — jay benjamin•througthewire25 (@JayBSchmarak) November 9, 2020
“With my family, the same as always. COVID has ruined enough this year already.” — Victoria Moore
“Home alone with my husband.” — Cathy Miller Williams
“Just like I always did, with family. I don’t live in fear.” — Mark Mchugh
“All the fam together as always.” — Connie Olson Placencia
Get tested a week ahead of time, enjoy a much more low key meal without the racist side of the family for once. — Ty (@Studio_Ty84) November 9, 2020
“Tacos and pizza with some cold porter beers.” — Martin Rodriguez
“With my loved ones! A total of 8 adults, 2 children.” — Mary Beth Palka
“Very carefully, very graciously and very thankfully.” — Al Walls
“Quietly, with few people.” — Andrea Fulgham
“Not sure yet. Maybe sleeping through it?” — Lizzie Sky


chicagosun-times--2020-11-12--Dear Abby: Boyfriend once was jailed on rape charge and blames the victim

DEAR ABBY : I have been in a wonderful relationship and blissfully happy for two years .
We live together .
When “ Scott ” and I first got together , he told me he had a felony conviction and that a woman had falsely accused him of rape .
I laughed it off because I didn ’ t want to see the truth , but it ate at me badly .
Then I finally looked it up via a background check , and it ’ s really bad .
Two months after his ex-girlfriend broke up with him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her while she was passed out on prescription sleeping pills .
She called the police the next day , and he got a plea bargain , went to jail for 100 days and paid her $ 20,000 in restitution , probation and the whole thing .
Scott still insists it was all her fault and that he is the victim .
What do you think ?
— SHATTERED IN THE WEST DEAR SHATTERED : I am so glad you asked .
What I think is that you should extricate yourself from a relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CAREFULLY as you can .
That Scott blames his victim for the rape he committed tells me he still has not accepted responsibility for his actions and that he is dangerous .
Consider contacting the Rape , Abuse , and Incest National Network ( rainn.org ; 800-656-4673 ) for advice on how to safely end it .
DEAR ABBY : I am a 55-year-old woman dating a 63-year-old man .
Our relationship didn ’ t start out in the best of circumstances eight years ago because he was still in his 25-year marriage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state .
When she eventually learned about our relationship , she asked for a divorce .
The divorce has been final for more than a year .
I understand that he is embarrassed to let his friends know he is now divorced , but his closest friends know .
I ’ m still waiting for a time when I can be a part of his life without hiding , but I ’ m beginning to feel he has no intention of letting this happen .
He gets irritated and upset with me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that knows about the divorce yet .
He doesn ’ t want me to meet his friends .
Must I just accept that I was never meant to really be a part of his life , even though he tells me he loves me ?
— STILL IN HIDING IN WASHINGTON DEAR STILL IN HIDING : I ’ m sorry , but I think you may be finally reading the handwriting on the wall quite clearly .
If he were proud of this relationship and in love with you , he would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not hiding you .
Have you actually seen his divorce papers , and are you absolutely sure that this man is divorced ?
DEAR ABBY : I am 64 years old and happily married to a wonderful woman .
The problem I ’ m having is she has a very large family .
Most of them walk into our home without knocking .
Even if I know they are coming over , it bothers me .
I would never , ever walk into any of their homes without a knock .
I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even at my parents ’ house after moving out on my own .
What do you think about this ?
— PUT OFF IN FLORIDA DEAR PUT OFF : Out of respect for your feelings , your wife should have spoken to her family years ago and asked them to either call before dropping in on you or , at the very least , knock .
And if it ’ s feasible to keep the doors locked , do it .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
What teens need to know about sex , drugs , AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “ What Every Teen Should Know.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Teen Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @

DEAR ABBY: I have been in a wonderful relationship and blissfully happy for two years. We live together. When “Scott” and I first got together, he told me he had a felony conviction and that a woman had falsely accused him of rape. I laughed it off because I didn’t want to see the truth, but it ate at me badly. Then I finally looked it up via a background check, and it’s really bad.
Two months after his ex-girlfriend broke up with him, Scott broke into her house and raped her while she was passed out on prescription sleeping pills. She called the police the next day, and he got a plea bargain, went to jail for 100 days and paid her $20,000 in restitution, probation and the whole thing. Scott still insists it was all her fault and that he is the victim. What do you think? — SHATTERED IN THE WEST
DEAR SHATTERED: I am so glad you asked. What I think is that you should extricate yourself from a relationship with this disturbed felon as quickly AND CAREFULLY as you can. That Scott blames his victim for the rape he committed tells me he still has not accepted responsibility for his actions and that he is dangerous. Consider contacting the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (rainn.org; 800-656-4673) for advice on how to safely end it.
DEAR ABBY: I am a 55-year-old woman dating a 63-year-old man. Our relationship didn’t start out in the best of circumstances eight years ago because he was still in his 25-year marriage. His wife had been living out of state. When she eventually learned about our relationship, she asked for a divorce. The divorce has been final for more than a year.
I understand that he is embarrassed to let his friends know he is now divorced, but his closest friends know. I’m still waiting for a time when I can be a part of his life without hiding, but I’m beginning to feel he has no intention of letting this happen.
He gets irritated and upset with me when I ask if this friend or that knows about the divorce yet. He doesn’t want me to meet his friends. Must I just accept that I was never meant to really be a part of his life, even though he tells me he loves me? — STILL IN HIDING IN WASHINGTON
DEAR STILL IN HIDING: I’m sorry, but I think you may be finally reading the handwriting on the wall quite clearly. If he were proud of this relationship and in love with you, he would be showing you off to his friends, not hiding you. Have you actually seen his divorce papers, and are you absolutely sure that this man is divorced?
DEAR ABBY: I am 64 years old and happily married to a wonderful woman. The problem I’m having is she has a very large family. Most of them walk into our home without knocking. Even if I know they are coming over, it bothers me. I would never, ever walk into any of their homes without a knock. I was raised that you knock before entering, even at my parents’ house after moving out on my own. What do you think about this? — PUT OFF IN FLORIDA
DEAR PUT OFF: Out of respect for your feelings, your wife should have spoken to her family years ago and asked them to either call before dropping in on you or, at the very least, knock. And if it’s feasible to keep the doors locked, do it.
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.
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-11-12--‘Ammonite’: Newcomer chips away at a fossil hunter’s stony exterior

Let ’ s start with that curious title : “ Ammonite.
” That ’ s the name for the ribbed , spiral-shaped fossils of mollusks that lived in the waters some tens of millions of years ago .
This might be the first time a movie has been named for a ribbed , spiral-shaped fossil .
In Francis Lee ’ s stark , deliberate and well-spun period piece , Kate Winslet delivers a complex and layered performance as Mary Anning , the real-life paleontologist who combed the cliffs of Lyme Regis on the Southern coast of England in the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important discoveries and earning a worldwide reputation in the geographical community , though as a woman she didn ’ t receive the fame or ( relative ) fortune or official recognition she deserved .
Mary is blunt , closed-off , antisocial , nearly reclusive — more comfortable working the shores alone all day and tending to her fossils at night than interacting with actual people .
Like the Ammonites buried beneath heavy rocks , Mary will remain unseen unless someone comes along and splits open those rocks to find the hidden beauty within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early going , “ Ammonite ” has sparse dialogue as we follow Mary ’ s routine , which seems only slightly less challenging and dreary and draining as Sisyphus and that damn boulder .
With a chill wind always blowing and the skies always gray and the threat of rain forever looming , Mary slips and slides and prods and pokes along the slippery cliffs , grunting with every ounce of strength she can muster when she discovers a fossilized treasure in a heavy rock .
When she returns home , she shares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her ailing and quite unpleasant mother ( Gemma Jones ) , who fusses obsessively over her collection of small porcelain dogs .
( The number of dogs — and it ’ s a large number — is the same as the number of babies Mary ’ s mother lost . )
Mary ekes out a living by sending larger specimens to museums , and selling tiny , polished fossils to the occasional tourist who stops in .
We get the distinct feeling Mary will spend every last one of her days in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roderick Murchsion ( James McArdle ) , a gentleman member of the Royal Geographical Society , pays a visit and gushes like a fanboy in the hopes Mary will let him accompany her on her next expedition .
Accompanying Roderick is his shy , pale , nervous wife Charlotte ( Saoirse Ronan ) , who seems like an afterthought to Roderick .
( When they go out to dinner , Roderick orders a lavish , elaborate meal for himself , and then tells the waiter Charlotte will have a plain white fish , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t even speak . )
Roderick tells people his wife has a touch of “ melancholia ” and that the sea air will do her good .
He ’ s in town for all of a day or two before he announces he ’ s setting off on a geological tour that will take four or five weeks — six at the most — and he ’ ll pay Mary to look after Charlotte .
Off with you , Roderick , so we can get to the heart of this story !
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charlotte , which goes from formal and distant to friendly and warm — to steamy and sensual .
Winslet and Ronan are magnificent together , conveying the escalation of intimate moments , from holding hands to kissing to embracing to an extended and graphic coupling that beautifully conveys the avalanche of feelings each is experiencing as they make love .
Given this is all taking place against the backdrop of England circa 1940 , to say their romance would cause a scandal would be understating it .
Mary and Charlotte know this and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you were in a room with the two of them , you ’ d have to be blind not to see the connection .
“ Ammonite ” brings in a couple of interesting characters , including Fiona Shaw ’ s Elizabeth , an old and estranged friend of Mary ’ s who might have been more than a friend , and Alec Secareanu ’ s local physician , who treats Charlotte and takes a liking to Mary .
Mostly , though , this is a classic two-hander with two actors at the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been hiding their true selves under a rock until they discover each other .

Let’s start with that curious title: “Ammonite.” That’s the name for the ribbed, spiral-shaped fossils of mollusks that lived in the waters some tens of millions of years ago. This might be the first time a movie has been named for a ribbed, spiral-shaped fossil.
In Francis Lee’s stark, deliberate and well-spun period piece, Kate Winslet delivers a complex and layered performance as Mary Anning, the real-life paleontologist who combed the cliffs of Lyme Regis on the Southern coast of England in the early 19th century, making a number of important discoveries and earning a worldwide reputation in the geographical community, though as a woman she didn’t receive the fame or (relative) fortune or official recognition she deserved.
‘Ammonite’
Untitled Neon presents a film written and directed by Francis Lee. Rated R (for graphic sexuality, some graphic nudity and brief language. ). Running time: 120 minutes. Opens Friday at local theaters, and Dec. 4 on demand.
Mary is blunt, closed-off, antisocial, nearly reclusive — more comfortable working the shores alone all day and tending to her fossils at night than interacting with actual people. Like the Ammonites buried beneath heavy rocks, Mary will remain unseen unless someone comes along and splits open those rocks to find the hidden beauty within. Metaphor, anyone?
In the early going, “Ammonite” has sparse dialogue as we follow Mary’s routine, which seems only slightly less challenging and dreary and draining as Sisyphus and that damn boulder. With a chill wind always blowing and the skies always gray and the threat of rain forever looming, Mary slips and slides and prods and pokes along the slippery cliffs, grunting with every ounce of strength she can muster when she discovers a fossilized treasure in a heavy rock. When she returns home, she shares meals and a few bits of conversation with her ailing and quite unpleasant mother (Gemma Jones), who fusses obsessively over her collection of small porcelain dogs. (The number of dogs — and it’s a large number — is the same as the number of babies Mary’s mother lost.) Mary ekes out a living by sending larger specimens to museums, and selling tiny, polished fossils to the occasional tourist who stops in.
We get the distinct feeling Mary will spend every last one of her days in this manner, but that changes when Roderick Murchsion (James McArdle), a gentleman member of the Royal Geographical Society, pays a visit and gushes like a fanboy in the hopes Mary will let him accompany her on her next expedition. Accompanying Roderick is his shy, pale, nervous wife Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan), who seems like an afterthought to Roderick. (When they go out to dinner, Roderick orders a lavish, elaborate meal for himself, and then tells the waiter Charlotte will have a plain white fish, baked no sauce. She doesn’t even speak.)
Roderick tells people his wife has a touch of “melancholia” and that the sea air will do her good. He’s in town for all of a day or two before he announces he’s setting off on a geological tour that will take four or five weeks — six at the most — and he’ll pay Mary to look after Charlotte. Off with you, Roderick, so we can get to the heart of this story!
And that is the relationship between Mary and Charlotte, which goes from formal and distant to friendly and warm — to steamy and sensual. Winslet and Ronan are magnificent together, conveying the escalation of intimate moments, from holding hands to kissing to embracing to an extended and graphic coupling that beautifully conveys the avalanche of feelings each is experiencing as they make love. Given this is all taking place against the backdrop of England circa 1940, to say their romance would cause a scandal would be understating it. Mary and Charlotte know this and they’re careful, but if you were in a room with the two of them, you’d have to be blind not to see the connection.
(Roderick and Charlotte are based on real-life characters who knew Mary, but there’s scant evidence of a romance between Mary and Charlotte. This is a fictional dramatization, imagining a lesbian romance just like dozens of previous period pieces, e.g., “Shakespeare in Love,” have depicted fictional heterosexual love affairs.)
“Ammonite” brings in a couple of interesting characters, including Fiona Shaw’s Elizabeth, an old and estranged friend of Mary’s who might have been more than a friend, and Alec Secareanu’s local physician, who treats Charlotte and takes a liking to Mary. Mostly, though, this is a classic two-hander with two actors at the top of their game playing women who have been hiding their true selves under a rock until they discover each other.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-12--Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s memoir, ‘Every Day Is a Gift’ to be published next March: ‘Soldier, Senator,

Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s memoir, ‘Every Day Is a Gift’ to be published next March: ‘Soldier, Senator, Mother’

WASHINGTON — Thursday marks Sen. Tammy Duckworth ’ s 16th “ Alive Day , ” the anniversary of when she almost died after her helicopter was shot down over Iraq — just one part of an extraordinary journey the war vet has turned into her memoir , “ Every Day Is a Gift.
” The Illinois Democrats ’ book is scheduled for publication on March 30 , 2021 , Duckworth ’ s publisher announced Thursday .
Terms of Duckworth ’ s deal with TWELVE , a brand of Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group , while not immediately revealed , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate financial disclosure report .
An audio edition will be published by Hachette Audio .
Duckworth was represented by attorneys Robert Barnett — a native of Waukegan — and Deneen Howell , the team at the law firm of Williams & Connolly who put together lucrative publishing deals for former President President Barack Obama and ex-first lady Michelle .
Barnett is known for getting top dollar for high-profile Washington figures on both sides of the aisle .
Duckworth said in a statement , “ Today , on the 16th anniversary of the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I am grateful to be able to tell my personal American story… .
My life has been filled with unexpected challenges and painful experiences , but also with the rewards that come with service and perseverance.
” Publisher Sean Desmond said in a statement Duckworth ’ s story “ is emblematic of what is great about America — resilience , hope and opportunity — and we ’ re excited to share her journey with readers.
” The book comes as Duckworth is at the peak of her political career , vaulting into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the short list of women President-elect Joe Biden was considering to be his vice president pick .
In some speculative stories about Biden ’ s cabinet , Duckworth ’ s name has come up as a potential pick for Defense Secretary or Veterans Affairs chief .
Duckworth , of Hoffman Estates , has a narrative unique in U.S. political life .
The then-Illinois Army National Guard officer lost two legs and shattered her right arm on Nov. 12 , 2004 , in the attack .
She is alive only because the members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pulled her out of the burning Black Hawk helicopter and made sure the medics did not take her for dead .
She had a hardscrabble youth with her family once on food stamps .
Duckworth was born in Thailand .
Her father is from the U.S. and her mother is Thai of Chinese descent .
Duckworth ’ s life took another twist while recovering from her wounds at the old Walter Reed military hospital in Washington .
Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , asked a staffer to find hospitalized Illinois soldiers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State of the Union .
Duckworth was picked , and on Feb. 5 , 2005 — just weeks after being shot down — she went to the Capitol .
An impressed Durbin put her on the path to politics — eventually a House seat , then , in 2016 , election to the Senate .
The cover photo of the book , shot by the famed Annie Leibovitz for a 2018 Vogue Magazine profile , sums up part of her story : Duckworth is pictured in her Senate office , in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing .
She is nestling her then-newborn Maile while Abigail is peaking out from under her desk .
Duckworth , 52 , made history when she became the first senator to give birth while in office , and she has been candid in talking about the in-vitro fertilization treatments making her late-in-life children possible .
Maile was born on April 9 , 2018 ; Abigail on Nov. 18 , 2014 .
Husband Bryan Bowlsbey works for an information technology firm .
The subtitle of her memoir also sums up her story : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the post-election drama continues — President Donald Trump is not accepting that President-elect Joe Biden beat him — Obama bursts back big on the scene with the global publication Tuesday of the first of two volumes of his presidential memoirs , titled “ A Promised Land.
” Obama is on a monster publicity kick , starting with Sunday interviews — his first since Biden ’ s election — with Scott Pelley for “ 60 Minutes ” and Gayle King for “ CBS Sunday Morning.
” One Tuesday , Obama appears with pal Oprah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” show on Apple TV+ .

WASHINGTON — Thursday marks Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s 16th “Alive Day,” the anniversary of when she almost died after her helicopter was shot down over Iraq — just one part of an extraordinary journey the war vet has turned into her memoir, “Every Day Is a Gift.”
The Illinois Democrats’ book is scheduled for publication on March 30, 2021, Duckworth’s publisher announced Thursday.
Terms of Duckworth’s deal with TWELVE, a brand of Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group, while not immediately revealed, will have to be reported on her next Senate financial disclosure report. An audio edition will be published by Hachette Audio.
Duckworth was represented by attorneys Robert Barnett — a native of Waukegan — and Deneen Howell, the team at the law firm of Williams & Connolly who put together lucrative publishing deals for former President President Barack Obama and ex-first lady Michelle.
Barnett is known for getting top dollar for high-profile Washington figures on both sides of the aisle.
Duckworth said in a statement, “Today, on the 16th anniversary of the day my helicopter was shot down in Iraq, I am grateful to be able to tell my personal American story…. My life has been filled with unexpected challenges and painful experiences, but also with the rewards that come with service and perseverance.”
Publisher Sean Desmond said in a statement Duckworth’s story “is emblematic of what is great about America — resilience, hope and opportunity — and we’re excited to share her journey with readers.”
The book comes as Duckworth is at the peak of her political career, vaulting into the top ranks this summer when she made the short list of women President-elect Joe Biden was considering to be his vice president pick.
In some speculative stories about Biden’s cabinet, Duckworth’s name has come up as a potential pick for Defense Secretary or Veterans Affairs chief.
Duckworth, of Hoffman Estates, has a narrative unique in U.S. political life.
The then-Illinois Army National Guard officer lost two legs and shattered her right arm on Nov. 12, 2004, in the attack. She is alive only because the members of her crew, some also injured, pulled her out of the burning Black Hawk helicopter and made sure the medics did not take her for dead.
She had a hardscrabble youth with her family once on food stamps. Duckworth was born in Thailand. Her father is from the U.S. and her mother is Thai of Chinese descent.
Duckworth’s life took another twist while recovering from her wounds at the old Walter Reed military hospital in Washington.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., asked a staffer to find hospitalized Illinois soldiers who he could invite as his guests to the State of the Union. Duckworth was picked, and on Feb. 5, 2005 — just weeks after being shot down — she went to the Capitol. An impressed Durbin put her on the path to politics — eventually a House seat, then, in 2016, election to the Senate.
The cover photo of the book, shot by the famed Annie Leibovitz for a 2018 Vogue Magazine profile, sums up part of her story: Duckworth is pictured in her Senate office, in her wheelchair with one of her titanium legs showing. She is nestling her then-newborn Maile while Abigail is peaking out from under her desk.
Duckworth, 52, made history when she became the first senator to give birth while in office, and she has been candid in talking about the in-vitro fertilization treatments making her late-in-life children possible. Maile was born on April 9, 2018; Abigail on Nov. 18, 2014. Husband Bryan Bowlsbey works for an information technology firm.
The subtitle of her memoir also sums up her story: “Soldier, Senator, Mother.”
BARACK OBAMA’S BOOK OUT TUESDAY
While the post-election drama continues — President Donald Trump is not accepting that President-elect Joe Biden beat him — Obama bursts back big on the scene with the global publication Tuesday of the first of two volumes of his presidential memoirs, titled “A Promised Land.”
Obama is on a monster publicity kick, starting with Sunday interviews — his first since Biden’s election — with Scott Pelley for “60 Minutes” and Gayle King for “CBS Sunday Morning.” One Tuesday, Obama appears with pal Oprah Winfrey on her “The Oprah Conversation” show on Apple TV+.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-12--2 killed, 7 wounded Wednesday in Chicago shootings

Nine people were shot , two fatally , Wednesday across Chicago .
In the latest fatal shooting , a man was killed and another person wounded in Lawndale on the West Side .
Officers responded about 6:25 p.m. to the 1300 block of South Homan Avenue and found a 25-year-old man unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head , Chicago police said .
He was pronounced dead at the scene .
A second victim was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds .
Around midday , a man was killed while waiting at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Side .
He was inside a car about 11:50 a.m. in the 9500 block of South Halsted Street when someone fired shots at him from another vehicle , police said .
The man was struck in the back and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he was pronounced dead .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified him as Richard Powell , a resident of Englewood .
In non-fatal attacks Wednesday , a 12-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting in Lawndale .
He was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. in the 1400 block of South Ridgeway Avenue when someone in a maroon-colored SUV unleashed gunfire , police said .
The boy was shot in the leg , back and hip .
He was in fair condition at Stroger Hospital .
Less than an hour earlier , a man was shot while riding in a vehicle in Englewood on the South Side .
The 32-year-old was traveling about 8:15 p.m. in the 7000 block of South Carpenter Street when someone fired shots , striking him in the arm , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Medical Center , where his condition was stabilized .
Earlier , a 31-year-old woman was critically wounded in a shooting on the West Side in Austin .
About 4:46 p.m. , she was in a vehicle parked in an alley in the 900 block of South Austin Boulevard when another vehicle pulled up and someone got out and fired shots , police said .
The woman was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood in critical condition with gunshot wounds to her head and shoulder .
In Roseland , a 56-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was in a vehicle about 3:28 p.m. in the 11200 block of South King Drive when someone shot him in the leg and back , police said .
He was taken to a hospital in an unknown condition .
Hours earlier , a man was wounded in another Austin shooting .
The 32-year-old was walking about noon in the 1000 block of North Laramie Avenue when someone approached him from behind and fired shots at close range , police said .
The man was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a man was wounded in Forest Glen on the Northwest Side .
He pulled over in a vehicle about 5:45 a.m. in the 5700 block of North Cicero Avenue when a small , gray four-door sedan pulled alongside and someone inside fired shots , police said .
The 35-year-old was struck in the shoulder and taken to Lutheran General Hospital in fair condition .
On Tuesday , one person was killed and five others were wounded in shootings across Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s @ @

Nine people were shot, two fatally, Wednesday across Chicago.
In the latest fatal shooting, a man was killed and another person wounded in Lawndale on the West Side.
Officers responded about 6:25 p.m. to the 1300 block of South Homan Avenue and found a 25-year-old man unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head, Chicago police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second victim was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds.
Around midday, a man was killed while waiting at a red light in Longwood Manor on the South Side.
He was inside a car about 11:50 a.m. in the 9500 block of South Halsted Street when someone fired shots at him from another vehicle, police said. The man was struck in the back and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Richard Powell, a resident of Englewood.
In non-fatal attacks Wednesday, a 12-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting in Lawndale.
He was in a car with his father about 9 p.m. in the 1400 block of South Ridgeway Avenue when someone in a maroon-colored SUV unleashed gunfire, police said. The boy was shot in the leg, back and hip. He was in fair condition at Stroger Hospital.
Less than an hour earlier, a man was shot while riding in a vehicle in Englewood on the South Side.
The 32-year-old was traveling about 8:15 p.m. in the 7000 block of South Carpenter Street when someone fired shots, striking him in the arm, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized.
Earlier, a 31-year-old woman was critically wounded in a shooting on the West Side in Austin.
About 4:46 p.m., she was in a vehicle parked in an alley in the 900 block of South Austin Boulevard when another vehicle pulled up and someone got out and fired shots, police said. The woman was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood in critical condition with gunshot wounds to her head and shoulder.
In Roseland, a 56-year-old man was shot in an earlier incident.
He was in a vehicle about 3:28 p.m. in the 11200 block of South King Drive when someone shot him in the leg and back, police said. He was taken to a hospital in an unknown condition.
Hours earlier, a man was wounded in another Austin shooting.
The 32-year-old was walking about noon in the 1000 block of North Laramie Avenue when someone approached him from behind and fired shots at close range, police said. The man was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.
In Wednesday’s earliest shooting, a man was wounded in Forest Glen on the Northwest Side.
He pulled over in a vehicle about 5:45 a.m. in the 5700 block of North Cicero Avenue when a small, gray four-door sedan pulled alongside and someone inside fired shots, police said. The 35-year-old was struck in the shoulder and taken to Lutheran General Hospital in fair condition.
On Tuesday, one person was killed and five others were wounded in shootings across Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.