chicagosun-times--2020-08-27--Illinois’ ICU bed usage for COVID-19 patients at highest level since June (LIVE UPDATES)

COVID-19 trouble signs : More ICU beds filled in Illinois as state reports 1,707 new coronavirus cases The latest 1,707 COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths attributed to the virus statewide by public health officials Thursday are unfortunately typical for Illinois ’ summertime coronavirus resurgence — but the number of patients being hospitalized with serious symptoms is even more troubling .
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 390 coronavirus patients were hospitalized in intensive care units across the state as of Wednesday night , the highest number of people receiving critical care due to the virus since June 29 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilators , the most since July 28 .
Those numbers are still well within Illinois ’ overall hospital capacity , accounting for about 10 % of the state ’ s ICU beds and 3 % of its ventilators .
At the height of the pandemic in mid-May , the state ’ s ICUs were treating close to 1,300 coronavirus patients per day , with almost half of those on ventilators .
7:10 p.m. Pelosi , Meadows talk $ 2.2T virus aid , but no deal in sight House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks Thursday over a stalled COVID-19 aid package , but the outlook for any swift resolution appeared bleak as President Donald Trump ’ s team and congressional Democrats have been unable to agree on a compromise .
Pelosi said she told Meadows the Democrats would be willing to meet halfway — at $ 2.2 trillion — a slight reduction from her last proposal before talks collapsed earlier this month .
The White House , which has stuck with its initial $ 1 trillion offer , had no immediate response .
“ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re willing to meet them in the middle — $ 2.2 trillion .
When they ’ re willing to do that , we ’ ll be willing to discuss the particulars , ” Pelosi told reporters at the Capitol .
6:02 p.m. What coronavirus ?
At GOP ’ s convention , pandemic is largely ignored WASHINGTON — It was a scene from a bygone era : Vice President Mike Pence shaking hands with and fist-bumping audience members who had rushed forward , standing shoulder to shoulder , to greet him and the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican National Convention .
No one appeared concerned about social distancing .
Few wore masks .
Some told reporters they had not been tested for the coronavirus before Wednesday night ’ s gathering at Fort McHenry in Baltimore A more striking scene could unfold Thursday night , when more than 1,000 people were expected to assemble on the South Lawn of the White House for President Donald Trump ’ s renomination acceptance speech .
That ’ s an eye-popping crowd in a global pandemic that has forced the cancellation of large gatherings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and funerals .
As Trump has tried to push past a virus that has tanked the economy and threatened his reelection , GOP organizers have worked to stage a convention that puts the pandemic in the rear view mirror and highlights the nation ’ s progress , even as it continues to kill .
More than 42,000 new cases were reported on Wednesday alone and 2,700 more have died since the week began .
5:01 p.m. United will cut up to 2,850 pilots without more federal aid United Airlines said Thursday it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless the federal government provides more relief to help airlines cover their labor costs during a pandemic-fueled downturn in travel .
United ’ s figure is higher than the 1,941 pilots that Delta plans to furlough and the 1,600 targeted for termination at American .
The Chicago-based airline told pilots it will send furlough notices by U.S. mail in the next few days , with the cuts taking effect between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30 .
The airlines and their labor unions are lobbying for another $ 25 billion to help the companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , through next March .
However , talks between the White House and congressional Democrats over a larger virus-relief measure have stalled .
2:20 p.m. Abbott ’ s new COVID-19 test produces results in 15 minutes : Here ’ s how it works The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized the first rapid coronavirus test that doesn ’ t need any special computer equipment to get results .
The 15-minute test from Abbott Laboratories , BinaxNOW , is a self-contained test the size of a credit card that is based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu , strep throat and other infections .
Inside the Abbott test is a specially coated strip that interacts with COVID-19 antigens — proteins found on the surface of the coronavirus , rather than the virus itself .
The patient ’ s nasal swab is inserted into the card and a few drops of a chemical solution are added .
Markings appear on the card to indicate whether the sample is positive or negative — much like a pregnancy test .
The FDA noted that Abbott ’ s test could be used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room or some schools .
“ Given the simple nature of this test , it is likely that these tests could be made broadly available , ” the FDA said .
12:51 p.m. Abbott to hire 2,000 in Gurnee to produce COVID-19 test Abbott Laboratories is filling 2,000 temporary jobs at a new plant in Gurnee where it will manufacture a COVID-19 test that will sell for $ 5 and provide results in 15 minutes , the company said Thursday .
It said the jobs will be in place “ for the foreseeable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more specific timetable .
Abbott said many positions will not require technical experience and will include on-the-job training .
The manufacturing will support the Lake County-based company ’ s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card test , which has received emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration .
The test is about the size of a credit card and requires no special equipment , but must be administered by a health care professional .
Abbott said it expects the Gurnee site at 605 Tri State Parkway to be operating in a couple of weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Maine , Abbott said it expects to produce 50 million tests per month starting in October .
Read the full story from business reporter David Roeder here .
7:55 a.m. Coronavirus claims 37 more Illinois lives — worst daily toll in seven weeks — and infects another 2,157 COVID-19 has killed 37 more Illinoisans , public health officials announced Wednesday , marking the state ’ s highest number of deaths attributed to the virus in a single day in seven weeks .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also said 2,157 more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seventh time the state has crossed the 2,000-case threshold so far this month .
Cases have trended upward in Illinois since early July , and experts have warned that a spike in deaths would follow .
Wednesday ’ s toll marked only the fifth time the state has tallied 30 or more deaths since July 7 , when 37 lives were also lost .
The latest victims included a Cook County youth in her teens , officials said .
Read the full report from Mitchell Armentrout here .
• COVID-19 has killed 37 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , marking the state ’ s highest number of deaths attributed to the virus in a single day in seven weeks .
• The Illinois Department of Public Health said Wednesday that another 2,157 more coronavirus cases have been confirmed , the seventh time the state has crossed the 2,000-case threshold so far this month .
• More than half of the deaths reported so far this year in Cook County were related to COVID-19 — 5,030 as of Wednesday , according to the medical examiner ’ s office .
8:04 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s been years in the making Why do so many eager college kids and their parents scrimp and save and go into five-figure debt to pay for higher education ?
To get that full “ college experience.
” None of that is possible , at least not safely , in this time of COVID-19 .
Colleges that have welcomed students back to campus already for fall have seen coronavirus infections skyrocket , including more than 100 cases at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign .
Nationwide , more than 26,000 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,500 colleges and universities since the pandemic began , a New York Times analysis found .
It ’ s no surprise , then , that most colleges have decided to rely on partial or complete remote learning for now , as the Chronicle of Higher Education reports .
And it ’ s no surprise , in turn , that students and parents are up in arms about being expected to pay the same high tuition .

In the past two months, daily coronavirus caseloads have ballooned, Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike and other infectious disease experts have warned that a spike in COVID-19 deaths would follow the case rise, as younger carriers transmit the virus to older, more vulnerable people. A total of 1,631 Illinois coronavirus patients were hospitalized Wednesday, the most since June 22 but a far cry from the peak when as many as 5,037 beds were filled.
Here’s what’s happened in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
9 p.m. COVID-19 trouble signs: More ICU beds filled in Illinois as state reports 1,707 new coronavirus cases
A medical worker shows the process for rapid coronavirus testing on the new Abbott ID Now. Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The latest 1,707 COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths attributed to the virus statewide by public health officials Thursday are unfortunately typical for Illinois’ summertime coronavirus resurgence — but the number of patients being hospitalized with serious symptoms is even more troubling.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 390 coronavirus patients were hospitalized in intensive care units across the state as of Wednesday night, the highest number of people receiving critical care due to the virus since June 29.
Of those, 151 patients were on ventilators, the most since July 28.
Those numbers are still well within Illinois’ overall hospital capacity, accounting for about 10% of the state’s ICU beds and 3% of its ventilators.
At the height of the pandemic in mid-May, the state’s ICUs were treating close to 1,300 coronavirus patients per day, with almost half of those on ventilators.
Read the full story here.
7:10 p.m. Pelosi, Meadows talk $2.2T virus aid, but no deal in sight
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows resumed talks Thursday over a stalled COVID-19 aid package, but the outlook for any swift resolution appeared bleak as President Donald Trump’s team and congressional Democrats have been unable to agree on a compromise.
Pelosi said she told Meadows the Democrats would be willing to meet halfway — at $2.2 trillion — a slight reduction from her last proposal before talks collapsed earlier this month. The White House, which has stuck with its initial $1 trillion offer, had no immediate response.
“We have said again and again that we’re willing to meet them in the middle — $2.2 trillion. When they’re willing to do that, we’ll be willing to discuss the particulars,” Pelosi told reporters at the Capitol.
Read the full story here.
6:02 p.m. What coronavirus? At GOP’s convention, pandemic is largely ignored
WASHINGTON — It was a scene from a bygone era: Vice President Mike Pence shaking hands with and fist-bumping audience members who had rushed forward, standing shoulder to shoulder, to greet him and the president after Pence’s speech at the Republican National Convention.
No one appeared concerned about social distancing. Few wore masks. Some told reporters they had not been tested for the coronavirus before Wednesday night’s gathering at Fort McHenry in Baltimore
A more striking scene could unfold Thursday night, when more than 1,000 people were expected to assemble on the South Lawn of the White House for President Donald Trump’s renomination acceptance speech. That’s an eye-popping crowd in a global pandemic that has forced the cancellation of large gatherings, from sports events and concerts to weddings and funerals.
As Trump has tried to push past a virus that has tanked the economy and threatened his reelection, GOP organizers have worked to stage a convention that puts the pandemic in the rear view mirror and highlights the nation’s progress, even as it continues to kill. More than 42,000 new cases were reported on Wednesday alone and 2,700 more have died since the week began.
Read the full story here.
5:01 p.m. United will cut up to 2,850 pilots without more federal aid
United Airlines said Thursday it will furlough up to 2,850 pilots this fall unless the federal government provides more relief to help airlines cover their labor costs during a pandemic-fueled downturn in travel.
United’s figure is higher than the 1,941 pilots that Delta plans to furlough and the 1,600 targeted for termination at American.
The Chicago-based airline told pilots it will send furlough notices by U.S. mail in the next few days, with the cuts taking effect between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30.
The airlines and their labor unions are lobbying for another $25 billion to help the companies cover payroll costs for six more months, through next March. However, talks between the White House and congressional Democrats over a larger virus-relief measure have stalled.
Read the full story here.
2:20 p.m. Abbott’s new COVID-19 test produces results in 15 minutes: Here’s how it works
The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized the first rapid coronavirus test that doesn’t need any special computer equipment to get results.
The 15-minute test from Abbott Laboratories, BinaxNOW, is a self-contained test the size of a credit card that is based on the same technology used to test for the flu, strep throat and other infections.
Inside the Abbott test is a specially coated strip that interacts with COVID-19 antigens — proteins found on the surface of the coronavirus, rather than the virus itself. The patient’s nasal swab is inserted into the card and a few drops of a chemical solution are added. Markings appear on the card to indicate whether the sample is positive or negative — much like a pregnancy test.
The FDA noted that Abbott’s test could be used in a doctor’s office, emergency room or some schools. “Given the simple nature of this test, it is likely that these tests could be made broadly available,” the FDA said.
Read the full story here.
12:51 p.m. Abbott to hire 2,000 in Gurnee to produce COVID-19 test
Abbott Laboratories is filling 2,000 temporary jobs at a new plant in Gurnee where it will manufacture a COVID-19 test that will sell for $5 and provide results in 15 minutes, the company said Thursday.
It said the jobs will be in place “for the foreseeable future” but did not give a more specific timetable. Abbott said many positions will not require technical experience and will include on-the-job training.
The manufacturing will support the Lake County-based company’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card test, which has received emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration. The test is about the size of a credit card and requires no special equipment, but must be administered by a health care professional.
Abbott said it expects the Gurnee site at 605 Tri State Parkway to be operating in a couple of weeks. With Gurnee and another site operating in Maine, Abbott said it expects to produce 50 million tests per month starting in October.
Read the full story from business reporter David Roeder here.
7:55 a.m. Coronavirus claims 37 more Illinois lives — worst daily toll in seven weeks — and infects another 2,157
COVID-19 has killed 37 more Illinoisans, public health officials announced Wednesday, marking the state’s highest number of deaths attributed to the virus in a single day in seven weeks.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also said 2,157 more coronavirus cases have been confirmed, the seventh time the state has crossed the 2,000-case threshold so far this month.
Cases have trended upward in Illinois since early July, and experts have warned that a spike in deaths would follow.
Wednesday’s toll marked only the fifth time the state has tallied 30 or more deaths since July 7, when 37 lives were also lost.
The latest victims included a Cook County youth in her teens, officials said.
Read the full report from Mitchell Armentrout here.
New Cases
COVID-19 has killed 37 more Illinoisans, public health officials announced Wednesday, marking the state’s highest number of deaths attributed to the virus in a single day in seven weeks.
The Illinois Department of Public Health said Wednesday that another 2,157 more coronavirus cases have been confirmed, the seventh time the state has crossed the 2,000-case threshold so far this month.
More than half of the deaths reported so far this year in Cook County were related to COVID-19 — 5,030 as of Wednesday, according to the medical examiner’s office.
Analysis & Commentary
8:04 a.m. COVID-19, college costs and a crisis that’s been years in the making
Why do so many eager college kids and their parents scrimp and save and go into five-figure debt to pay for higher education?
To get that full “college experience.”
None of that is possible, at least not safely, in this time of COVID-19. Colleges that have welcomed students back to campus already for fall have seen coronavirus infections skyrocket, including more than 100 cases at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Nationwide, more than 26,000 cases and 64 deaths have occurred at some 1,500 colleges and universities since the pandemic began, a New York Times analysis found.
It’s no surprise, then, that most colleges have decided to rely on partial or complete remote learning for now, as the Chronicle of Higher Education reports.
And it’s no surprise, in turn, that students and parents are up in arms about being expected to pay the same high tuition.
Read the full editorial here.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-27--Pelosi, Meadows talk $2.2T virus aid, but no deal in sight

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows resumed talks Thursday over a stalled COVID-19 aid package , but the outlook for any swift resolution appeared bleak as President Donald Trump ’ s team and congressional Democrats have been unable to agree on a compromise .
Pelosi said she told Meadows the Democrats would be willing to meet halfway — at $ 2.2 trillion — a slight reduction from her last proposal before talks collapsed earlier this month .
The White House , which has stuck with its initial $ 1 trillion offer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said again and again that we ’ re willing to meet them in the middle — $ 2.2 trillion .
When they ’ re willing to do that , we ’ ll be willing to discuss the particulars , ” Pelosi told reporters at the Capitol .
Their 25-minute afternoon call was the first attempt to kick-start negotiations since talks fell apart .
The stalemate comes as jobless claims hit 1 million Thursday and households are struggling , with the mounting virus toll now above 180,000 deaths , higher than any other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the $ 3 trillion-plus Heroes Act , a sweeping aid package approved in May .
It proposed money for cash-strapped states , housing and jobless assistance , to help schools reopen and to conduct more widespread virus testing .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , who hit “ pause ” on that package of new spending , eventually came up with a $ 1 trillion counter-offer a few weeks ago .
But he acknowledged Thursday that talks are in a “ stalemate.
” McConnell , R-Ky. said he remained hopeful for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the country needs another one , ” he said during a visit to a hospital in Pikeville , Kentucky .
Congress is on recess until September and it appears unlikely lawmakers will be recalled to Washington unless there is a deal ready for voting .
Talks are nowhere near resolution and in fact broadening to include Postal Service funds before the November election .
Also , a need for new disaster aid is expected with the Gulf state hurricanes and California wildfires .
Any relief package could become rolled into talks over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funded after the Sept. 30 budget year deadline .
McConnell floated a “ skinny ” proposal last week , trying to move talks toward a more narrow band of priorities that most Democrats and Republicans agree on , including help for small business and some type of a jobless benefits boost to replace the $ 600 weekly boost that expired in July .
There is also widespread support for at least $ 105 billion for education to help schools prepare for fall classes , and McConnell also suggested $ 10 billion for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the $ 25 billion mail rescue Pelosi and Democrats approved Saturday during widespread postal disruptions .
One key sticking point involves sending federal dollars to cash-strapped state and local governments .
Democrats initially sought $ 1 trillion to help cities and states weather the coronavirus crisis , but Trump , McConnell and other Republicans refuse to provide what they call “ bailouts ” for states .
Pelosi said she ’ s willing to continue negotiating but only if Trump and Republicans meet her half way .
She had earlier shaved $ 1 trillion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.4 trillion , in the first round of talks .
“ We ’ re not going to budge , ” the California Democrat said .
“ We can ’ t go any less because we have to meet the needs of the American people , ” she said .
“ When they are willing to do that , they ’ ll let us know.
” Meadows , a former congressman who headed the conservative Freedom Caucus , and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have been briefing Republican senators almost daily .
But those familiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been little new information about any new deal .
Yet McConnell faces his own difficulties because many , if not most , GOP senators appear satisfied , for now , that there remains enough existing aid available and new money is not needed .
The split in his ranks gives Pelosi an upper hand in talks because she has been able to bring most of her Democrats on board with her proposals .

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows resumed talks Thursday over a stalled COVID-19 aid package, but the outlook for any swift resolution appeared bleak as President Donald Trump’s team and congressional Democrats have been unable to agree on a compromise.
Pelosi said she told Meadows the Democrats would be willing to meet halfway — at $2.2 trillion — a slight reduction from her last proposal before talks collapsed earlier this month. The White House, which has stuck with its initial $1 trillion offer, had no immediate response.
“We have said again and again that we’re willing to meet them in the middle — $2.2 trillion. When they’re willing to do that, we’ll be willing to discuss the particulars,” Pelosi told reporters at the Capitol.
Their 25-minute afternoon call was the first attempt to kick-start negotiations since talks fell apart. The stalemate comes as jobless claims hit 1 million Thursday and households are struggling, with the mounting virus toll now above 180,000 deaths, higher than any other country.
House Democrats’ opening bid was the $3 trillion-plus Heroes Act, a sweeping aid package approved in May. It proposed money for cash-strapped states, housing and jobless assistance, to help schools reopen and to conduct more widespread virus testing.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who hit “pause” on that package of new spending, eventually came up with a $1 trillion counter-offer a few weeks ago. But he acknowledged Thursday that talks are in a “stalemate.”
McConnell, R-Ky. said he remained hopeful for a deal.
“We need another one, the country needs another one,” he said during a visit to a hospital in Pikeville, Kentucky.
Congress is on recess until September and it appears unlikely lawmakers will be recalled to Washington unless there is a deal ready for voting. Talks are nowhere near resolution and in fact broadening to include Postal Service funds before the November election. Also, a need for new disaster aid is expected with the Gulf state hurricanes and California wildfires.
Any relief package could become rolled into talks over a must-pass package to keep the government funded after the Sept. 30 budget year deadline.
McConnell floated a “skinny” proposal last week, trying to move talks toward a more narrow band of priorities that most Democrats and Republicans agree on, including help for small business and some type of a jobless benefits boost to replace the $600 weekly boost that expired in July.
There is also widespread support for at least $105 billion for education to help schools prepare for fall classes, and McConnell also suggested $10 billion for the Postal Service, which is less than the $25 billion mail rescue Pelosi and Democrats approved Saturday during widespread postal disruptions.
One key sticking point involves sending federal dollars to cash-strapped state and local governments. Democrats initially sought $1 trillion to help cities and states weather the coronavirus crisis, but Trump, McConnell and other Republicans refuse to provide what they call “bailouts” for states.
Pelosi said she’s willing to continue negotiating but only if Trump and Republicans meet her half way. She had earlier shaved $1 trillion off the Heroes Act, to $2.4 trillion, in the first round of talks.
“We’re not going to budge,” the California Democrat said.
“We can’t go any less because we have to meet the needs of the American people,” she said. “When they are willing to do that, they’ll let us know.”
Meadows, a former congressman who headed the conservative Freedom Caucus, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have been briefing Republican senators almost daily. But those familiar with the private conference calls say there has been little new information about any new deal.
Yet McConnell faces his own difficulties because many, if not most, GOP senators appear satisfied, for now, that there remains enough existing aid available and new money is not needed. The split in his ranks gives Pelosi an upper hand in talks because she has been able to bring most of her Democrats on board with her proposals.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-27--Anthony Huber, killed while protesting in Kenosha, remembered as fearless skateboarder

Justin Tawwater never expected his buddy , Anthony Huber , would be the guy who ’ d chase down a gunman .
“ He ’ s just like a skinny skateboarder dude , not some sort of badass tough guy , ” said Tawwater , 31 .
“ He was like a joker , like ‘ Jackass ’ style , remember the show ‘ Jackass ’ ?
That ’ s kind of how he lived , ” Tawwater said .
On Tuesday night , Huber , 26 , was shot and killed during a protest on a street not far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huber attempt to swing his skateboard at the gunman before he gets shot in the torso and falls to the ground .
Moments earlier , less than a block away , 36-year old Joseph “ Jojo ” Rosenbaum had been shot in the head .
Both men died and a third man was injured .
Kyle Rittenhouse , a 17-year-old from Antioch , Ill , who came to Kenosha armed , as part of a vigilante effort to protect property and citizens from rioters , has been charged with murder in connection to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t been involved in any of the looting or rioting that took place on the streets of Kenosha earlier this week , mayhem that was sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake .
“ I ’ ve never known him to be a political type of dude .
But this is a historic moment for this country in the city , ” Tawwater said .
“ He was all about street skating .
That ’ s literally all he would do was skateboard and make people smile .
He was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a lot of people ’ s lives around here , ” Tawwater said .
Huber , who lived in Kenosha and had been working to renovate and sell a home , was a great father to his girlfriend ’ s daughter , Tawwater said .
“ He was always talking about having to be home and take care of his kid , ” he said .
Tawwater said he wished Huber had knocked out the gunman by hitting him in the head with the heavy component of a skateboard that connects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then my friend would still be alive , ” he said .
“ He was a great , great dude.
” The two men often skated by the lakefront marina in Kenosha , but Huber would try skating most anywhere and on most anything , Tawwater said .
“ He skated by the waterfront but you can catch him in a parking lot skating doing tricks on an old tube TV .
He would skate anything ; he was gnarly , ” Tawwater said .
“ One time we were at a skate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s PT Cruiser into the skate park and him and my cousin did tricks over it on the quarter pipe , ” he said .
“ Another time he was trying to do a pressure flip off a quarter pipe and he was almost ready to give up but I told him to try again and on his last try his board popped up and split his whole face open .
And I felt terrible because I had kind of egged him on to do it again .
But it , like , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I mean ?
He kept going and skated the rest of the day with blood all over his face , he didn ’ t care .
He just wanted to have fun , ” Tawwater said .
“ I ’ m going to miss him , ” he said .

Justin Tawwater never expected his buddy, Anthony Huber, would be the guy who’d chase down a gunman.
“He’s just like a skinny skateboarder dude, not some sort of badass tough guy,” said Tawwater, 29.
“He was like a joker, like ‘Jackass’ style. Remember the show ‘Jackass?’ That’s kind of how he lived,” Tawwater said.
On Tuesday night, Huber, 26, was shot and killed during a protest on a street not far from downtown Kenosha. Cellphone video shows Huber attempt to swing his skateboard at the gunman before he gets shot in the torso and falls to the ground.
Moments earlier, less than a block away, 36-year old Joseph “Jojo” Rosenbaum had been shot in the head. Both men died, and a third man was injured.
Kyle Rittenhouse, a 17-year-old from Antioch, who came to Kenosha armed, as part of a vigilante effort to protect property and citizens from rioters, has been charged with murder in connection to the shootings.
Tawwater said Huber hadn’t been involved in any of the looting or rioting that took place on the streets of Kenosha earlier this week, mayhem that was sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
“I’ve never known him to be a political type of dude. But this is a historic moment for this country in the city,” Tawwater said.
“He was all about street skating. That’s literally all he would do was skateboard and make people smile. He was a figure around here. He was a part of a lot of people’s lives around here,” Tawwater said.
Huber, who lived in Kenosha and had been working to renovate and sell a home, was a great father to his girlfriend’s daughter, Tawwater said.
“He was always talking about having to be home and take care of his kid,” he said.
Tawwater said he wished Huber had knocked out the gunman by hitting him in the head with the heavy component of a skateboard that connects the wheels to the board.
“Then my friend would still be alive,” he said. “He was a great, great dude.”
The two men often skated by the lakefront marina in Kenosha, but Huber would try skating most anywhere and on most anything, Tawwater said.
“He skated by the waterfront, but you can catch him in a parking lot skating doing tricks on an old tube TV. He would skate anything; he was gnarly,” Tawwater said.
“One time we were at a skate park, and we pulled my mom‘s PT Cruiser into the skate park and him and my cousin did tricks over it on the quarter pipe,” he said.
“Another time he was trying to do a pressure flip off a quarter pipe, and he was almost ready to give up. But I told him to try again and on his last try his board popped up and split his whole face open.
“And I felt terrible because I had kind of egged him on to do it again. But it, like, pumped him up, you know what I mean? He kept going and skated the rest of the day with blood all over his face, he didn’t care. He just wanted to have fun,” Tawwater said.
“I’m going to miss him,” he said.
Editor’s note: This article was updated to correct Justin Tawwater’s age. He is 29.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-27--‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’: Being excellent is uncommon in the belated threequel

“ WHOA !
” – Bill , and Ted , together , in unison , at the same time , in “ Bill & Ted Face the Music.
” When last we looked in on William “ Bill ” Preston Esq .
and Theodore “ Ted ” Logan , those two cheerfully dopey and infectiously likable time-traveling slackers from San Dimas , California , had endured some wild rides with the likes of Socrates and Napoleon Bonaparte , were killed off by evil robotic doppelgangers and then eventually were returned to the mortal world just in time for their band @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quest to become the founding rockers of a future utopian society .
Those adventures transpired way back in the late 1980s and 1990s .
Since then , though Bill & Ted have become most excellent cult figures often referenced along the pop culture landscape , we haven ’ t really caught up with the boys since — well , since they were boys .
More than 30 years after Alex Winter ( Bill ) and Keanu Reeves ( Ted ) first teamed up for those excellent and bogus adventures , the duo has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Dean Parisot and the writing team are fans of the first two films and have attempted to create a faithful third edition — but the result is just a bigger , louder , more special effects-laden extension of a franchise that skated on pretty thin ice the first two times around .
The first “ Bill & Ted ” movie was unbearably corny and just barely carried the day thanks to its snark-free spirit and the two charming leads .
The sequel was a mediocre serving of warmed-up leftovers .
Suffering through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” is like attending a reunion concert of a two-hit wonder band you loved in high school , and realizing their original material wasn ’ t all that great in the first place .
As we learn in an opening montage narrated by Ted ’ s 24-year-old daughter Billie ( Brigette Lundy-Paine ) and Bill ’ s 24-year-old daughter Thea ( Samara Weaving ) , who worship their dads and even talk like them and want to be rockers just like them , Wyld Stallyns indeed topped the charts with a No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” but not only did it fail to unite the world , the duo fell on hard times , the universe began to unravel “ and time was folding in on itself.
” Cut to scenes of Jesus disappearing from the Last Supper and switching places with Kid Cudi , and Babe Ruth ( incorrectly portrayed as a right-hand batter ) vanishing from home plate and switching historical spots with George Washington — and away we go on another silly and cheesy adventure , this time with Bill & Ted well into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way to forever change the world with their music .
In one of the funniest scenes in the film , we learn Amy Stoch ’ s Missy , who was a senior in high school when the boys were freshmen before she married Bill ’ s father , has since divorced Bill ’ s dad , married Ted ’ s dad , divorced Ted ’ s dad and is now marrying Ted ’ s little brother Deacon ( Beck Bennett from “ Saturday Night Live.
” ) “ This would seem to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ted his own uncle , ” observes Bill in a wedding toast .
“ Not to mention making my dad his own son , ” chimes in Ted .
Alas , the clever verbal byplay soon gives way to a bloated storyline about how Bill & Ted have been beating their heads against the wall for 25 years and still haven ’ t come up with that world-uniting song — which sets off a series of time-traveling storylines in which B & T encounter various ( and often deadly unfunny ) versions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a journey of their own in which they recruit the likes of Mozart , Louis Armstrong and Jimi Hendrix to form the world ’ s greatest band .
One ongoing problem with this franchise : There ’ s basically no difference between the Bill and Ted characters .
Even in wacky froth such as the “ Wayne ’ s World ” films , we get two distinct personalities .
Thanks to archival footage , the late George Carlin is given a mercifully brief and totally unnecessary cameo as the time travel mentor Rufus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is stuck in a thankless roles as Rufus ’ daughter Kelly , who is on a quest to save Bill & Ted so they can achieve their destiny , even as certain forces from the future have now decided the best way to save the universe is to knock off those underachieving goofs .
It ’ s a tossup as to which parallel time-travel story is the most cringe-worthy : Billie and Thea rounding up historical figures played by not-good actors , or Ted and Bill running into unfunny future versions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ted : “ Well if we haven ’ t written it yet but we know we ’ re gon na at some point , why can ’ t we just go to the future when we HAVE written it ?
” Bill : “ And take it from ourselves !
”

“WHOA!” – Bill, and Ted, together, in unison, at the same time, in “Bill & Ted Face the Music.”
When last we looked in on William “Bill” Preston Esq. and Theodore “Ted” Logan, those two cheerfully dopey and infectiously likable time-traveling slackers from San Dimas, California, had endured some wild rides with the likes of Socrates and Napoleon Bonaparte, were killed off by evil robotic doppelgangers and then eventually were returned to the mortal world just in time for their band, Wyld Stallyns, to resume its quest to become the founding rockers of a future utopian society.
‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’
Untitled Orion Pictures presents a film directed by Dean Parisot and written by Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. Rated PG-13 (for some strong language). Running time: 78 minutes. Opens Friday at local theaters and on demand.
Those adventures transpired way back in the late 1980s and 1990s. Since then, though Bill & Ted have become most excellent cult figures often referenced along the pop culture landscape, we haven’t really caught up with the boys since — well, since they were boys.
Now it’s time “Bill & Ted Face the Music.”
More than 30 years after Alex Winter (Bill) and Keanu Reeves (Ted) first teamed up for those excellent and bogus adventures, the duo has returned for a threequel. Clearly, director Dean Parisot and the writing team are fans of the first two films and have attempted to create a faithful third edition — but the result is just a bigger, louder, more special effects-laden extension of a franchise that skated on pretty thin ice the first two times around.
The first “Bill & Ted” movie was unbearably corny and just barely carried the day thanks to its snark-free spirit and the two charming leads. The sequel was a mediocre serving of warmed-up leftovers. Suffering through “Bill & Ted Face the Music” is like attending a reunion concert of a two-hit wonder band you loved in high school, and realizing their original material wasn’t all that great in the first place.
As we learn in an opening montage narrated by Ted’s 24-year-old daughter Billie (Brigette Lundy-Paine) and Bill’s 24-year-old daughter Thea (Samara Weaving), who worship their dads and even talk like them and want to be rockers just like them, Wyld Stallyns indeed topped the charts with a No. 1 single titled “Those Who Rock,” but not only did it fail to unite the world, the duo fell on hard times, the universe began to unravel “and time was folding in on itself.” Cut to scenes of Jesus disappearing from the Last Supper and switching places with Kid Cudi, and Babe Ruth (incorrectly portrayed as a right-hand batter) vanishing from home plate and switching historical spots with George Washington — and away we go on another silly and cheesy adventure, this time with Bill & Ted well into middle age and still desperately searching for a way to forever change the world with their music.
In one of the funniest scenes in the film, we learn Amy Stoch’s Missy, who was a senior in high school when the boys were freshmen before she married Bill’s father, has since divorced Bill’s dad, married Ted’s dad, divorced Ted’s dad and is now marrying Ted’s little brother Deacon (Beck Bennett from “Saturday Night Live.”)
“This would seem to make Deacon his own father-in-law, and Ted his own uncle,” observes Bill in a wedding toast.
“Not to mention making my dad his own son,” chimes in Ted.
Alas, the clever verbal byplay soon gives way to a bloated storyline about how Bill & Ted have been beating their heads against the wall for 25 years and still haven’t come up with that world-uniting song — which sets off a series of time-traveling storylines in which B&T encounter various (and often deadly unfunny) versions of themselves, while their daughters embark on a journey of their own in which they recruit the likes of Mozart, Louis Armstrong and Jimi Hendrix to form the world’s greatest band.
Kid Cudi (center) encounters Billie (Brigette Lundy-Paine) and Thea (Samara Weaving), the daughters of Bill and Ted. Orion Pictures
One ongoing problem with this franchise: There’s basically no difference between the Bill and Ted characters. Even in wacky froth such as the “Wayne’s World” films, we get two distinct personalities.
Thanks to archival footage, the late George Carlin is given a mercifully brief and totally unnecessary cameo as the time travel mentor Rufus. Kristen Schaal, often very funny, is stuck in a thankless roles as Rufus’ daughter Kelly, who is on a quest to save Bill & Ted so they can achieve their destiny, even as certain forces from the future have now decided the best way to save the universe is to knock off those underachieving goofs.
It’s a tossup as to which parallel time-travel story is the most cringe-worthy: Billie and Thea rounding up historical figures played by not-good actors, or Ted and Bill running into unfunny future versions of themselves while exchanging dialogue like this:
Ted: “Well if we haven’t written it yet but we know we’re gonna at some point, why can’t we just go to the future when we HAVE written it?”
Bill: “And take it from ourselves!”
Take that, “Tenet”!


chicagosun-times--2020-08-27--Watchdog groups say convention appearances broke Hatch Act

WASHINGTON — Two White House officials violated the Hatch Act by participating in choreographed events that were aired during this week ’ s Republican National Convention , according to two separate ethics complaints filed by government watchdog groups .
Chad Wolf , the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security , violated the law when he appeared during a taped naturalization ceremony on White House grounds with President Donald Trump , the group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington , or CREW , wrote in a complaint filed Thursday .
On Wednesday , two law school professors filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pompeo , arguing he committed an “ egregious violation ” by delivering a video-taped speech from Israel .
The Hatch Act is a 1939 law that is intended to limit the commingling of political activity and government business , though it does not apply to the president and vice president .
While Wolf and Pompeo were ostensibly performing their official duties , the watchdog groups contend the events were staged and intended for use during an overtly political event — the convention — and are thus violations of the act .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach to the ethics rules and norms that guided past administrations .
And Wolf and Pompeo now join a substantive list of other Trump officials who have taken a cavalier approach specifically toward the Hatch Act .
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows dismissed concern about such violations on Wednesday , telling Politico , “ Nobody outside of the Beltway really cares.
” Past secretaries of state have gone to lengths to avoid the appearance of partisan political activity , particularly during nominating conventions for the administrations they served .
Pompeo ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went against the guidance he issued to American diplomats last month , advising that federal law prevented them from taking overt sides in the presidential campaign .
It was filmed during a diplomatic mission , using Old Jerusalem as a backdrop .
In it , he praised Trump ’ s foreign policy and also celebrated the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem , an issue of particular importance to white evangelicals who are a crucial voting block for Trump .
“ This video is an egregious violation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finkelstein and Richard W. Painter , the two law school professors .
“ Secretary Pompeo at the same time as he was on a diplomatic mission to Israel gave a partisan political speech for an RNC campaign video in which he referred to the U.S. embassy in Israel , said that a candidate in a partisan election — Donald Trump — should get credit for the relocation of that embassy.
” Wolf , meanwhile , participated in a naturalization ceremony with five newly minted citizens on White House grounds .
He stood before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administered the oath of allegiance .
Trump also appeared at the ceremony , spoke for several minutes and handed out certificates .
“ By participating in this event that mixed official government business with support of a political party and a candidate for partisan political office , Mr. Wolf appears to have used his official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election , ” Noah Bookbinder , CREW ’ s executive director , wrote in the complaint to the Office of Special Counsel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutes political activity prohibited by law.
” The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
The complaint from Finkelstein , a University of Pennsylvania law professor , and Painter — George W. Bush ’ s former ethics lawyer , a onetime Democratic Senate candidate , and a University of Minnesota law professor — requests an inspector general investigation into Pompeo ’ s State Department .
They also called for a review of whether State Department employees who helped with logistics could have violated the Hatch Act , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hatch Act can include removal from federal service , debarment from federal employment for a period of under five years , suspension , reprimand , or a civil penalty that can not be greater than $ 1,000 .

WASHINGTON — Two White House officials violated the Hatch Act by participating in choreographed events that were aired during this week’s Republican National Convention, according to two separate ethics complaints filed by government watchdog groups.
Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, violated the law when he appeared during a taped naturalization ceremony on White House grounds with President Donald Trump, the group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, wrote in a complaint filed Thursday.
On Wednesday, two law school professors filed a separate complaint against Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, arguing he committed an “egregious violation” by delivering a video-taped speech from Israel.
The Hatch Act is a 1939 law that is intended to limit the commingling of political activity and government business, though it does not apply to the president and vice president. While Wolf and Pompeo were ostensibly performing their official duties, the watchdog groups contend the events were staged and intended for use during an overtly political event — the convention — and are thus violations of the act.
The Trump White House has taken an ambivalent approach to the ethics rules and norms that guided past administrations. And Wolf and Pompeo now join a substantive list of other Trump officials who have taken a cavalier approach specifically toward the Hatch Act.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows dismissed concern about such violations on Wednesday, telling Politico, “Nobody outside of the Beltway really cares.”
Past secretaries of state have gone to lengths to avoid the appearance of partisan political activity, particularly during nominating conventions for the administrations they served.
Pompeo’s speech shattered that precedent and even went against the guidance he issued to American diplomats last month, advising that federal law prevented them from taking overt sides in the presidential campaign.
It was filmed during a diplomatic mission, using Old Jerusalem as a backdrop. In it, he praised Trump’s foreign policy and also celebrated the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, an issue of particular importance to white evangelicals who are a crucial voting block for Trump.
“This video is an egregious violation of the Hatch Act,” wrote Claire O. Finkelstein and Richard W. Painter, the two law school professors. “Secretary Pompeo at the same time as he was on a diplomatic mission to Israel gave a partisan political speech for an RNC campaign video in which he referred to the U.S. embassy in Israel, said that a candidate in a partisan election — Donald Trump — should get credit for the relocation of that embassy.”
Wolf, meanwhile, participated in a naturalization ceremony with five newly minted citizens on White House grounds. He stood before a podium, made introductory remarks and administered the oath of allegiance. Trump also appeared at the ceremony, spoke for several minutes and handed out certificates.
“By participating in this event that mixed official government business with support of a political party and a candidate for partisan political office, Mr. Wolf appears to have used his official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election,” Noah Bookbinder, CREW’s executive director, wrote in the complaint to the Office of Special Counsel. “His participation in … this event constitutes political activity prohibited by law.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The complaint from Finkelstein, a University of Pennsylvania law professor, and Painter — George W. Bush’s former ethics lawyer, a onetime Democratic Senate candidate, and a University of Minnesota law professor — requests an inspector general investigation into Pompeo’s State Department.
They also called for a review of whether State Department employees who helped with logistics could have violated the Hatch Act, as well.
The penalty for violating the Hatch Act can include removal from federal service, debarment from federal employment for a period of under five years, suspension, reprimand, or a civil penalty that cannot be greater than $1,000.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-27--NBC sets November return for ‘This Is Us,’ ‘Chicago Fire,’ ‘Chicago P.D.,’ ‘Chicago Med’ and more

LOS ANGELES — An optimistic NBC said Thursday it will bring “ This Is Us ” and other scripted series back in November despite the TV industry ’ s coronavirus-caused production shutdown that ’ s only beginning to ease .
Broadcast TV ’ s usual robust September start to the new season has already bowed to the pandemic , with NBC and other networks relying heavily on reality and acquired series that month .
“ This Is Us , ” the family drama starring Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia , will kick off its fifth season on Nov. 10 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by the Nov. 11 return of the “ Chicago ” drama franchise : “ Chicago Fire , ” “ Chicago P.D.
” and “ Chicago Med.
” The Mariska Hargitay-led “ Law & Order : SVU ” will start its record-building 22nd season on Nov. 12 , followed by ” The Blacklist , ” starring James Spader and Megan Boone , on Nov. 13 .
“ Connecting , ” a new comedy about friends using video chats to remain bonded despite pandemic isolation , will debut Oct. 1 .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned scripted shows in production .
Singing contest “ The Voice ” and coaches Kelly Clarkson , John Legend , Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani will be back at work on Oct. 19 , with comedy series “ Superstore ” set for Oct. 22 .
Early fall will be home to “ Transplant , ” a drama imported from Canada that debuts Sept. 1 , and the competition series “ American Ninja Warrior , ” back on Sept. 7 .
“ Weakest Link , ” with Jane Lynch as host of a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 28 , and the Oct. 6 return of Ellen DeGeneres ’ “ Ellen ’ s Game of Games.
” The returning NBC series set to air after Jan. 1 include “ Brooklyn Nine-Nine , ” “ Good Girls , ” “ Making It , ” “ Manifest , ” “ New Amsterdam ” and “ Zoey ’ s Extraordinary Playlist.
” With the exception of “ The Voice ” and “ NBC Sunday Night Football , ” which plans a Sept. 10 return , all series will be available on new streaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @

LOS ANGELES — An optimistic NBC said Thursday it will bring “This Is Us” and other scripted series back in November despite the TV industry’s coronavirus-caused production shutdown that’s only beginning to ease.
Broadcast TV’s usual robust September start to the new season has already bowed to the pandemic, with NBC and other networks relying heavily on reality and acquired series that month.
“This Is Us,” the family drama starring Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia, will kick off its fifth season on Nov. 10, the network said.
That will be followed by the Nov. 11 return of the “Chicago” drama franchise: “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.” and “Chicago Med.”
The Mariska Hargitay-led “Law & Order: SVU” will start its record-building 22nd season on Nov. 12, followed by ”The Blacklist,” starring James Spader and Megan Boone, on Nov. 13.
“Connecting,” a new comedy about friends using video chats to remain bonded despite pandemic isolation, will debut Oct. 1. It’s the only one of NBC’s planned scripted shows in production.
Singing contest “The Voice” and coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani will be back at work on Oct. 19, with comedy series “Superstore” set for Oct. 22.
Early fall will be home to “Transplant,” a drama imported from Canada that debuts Sept. 1, and the competition series “American Ninja Warrior,” back on Sept. 7.
“Weakest Link,” with Jane Lynch as host of a new version of the original British series debuting Sept. 28, and the Oct. 6 return of Ellen DeGeneres’ “Ellen’s Game of Games.”
The returning NBC series set to air after Jan. 1 include “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Good Girls,” “Making It,” “Manifest,” “New Amsterdam” and “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.”
With the exception of “The Voice” and “NBC Sunday Night Football,” which plans a Sept. 10 return, all series will be available on new streaming service Peacock after airing on NBC.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-27--What coronavirus? At GOP’s convention, pandemic is largely ignored

WASHINGTON — It was a scene from a bygone era : Vice President Mike Pence shaking hands with and fist-bumping audience members who had rushed forward , standing shoulder to shoulder , to greet him and the president after Pence ’ s speech at the Republican National Convention .
No one appeared concerned about social distancing .
Few wore masks .
Some told reporters they had not been tested for the coronavirus before Wednesday night ’ s gathering at Fort McHenry in Baltimore A more striking scene could unfold Thursday night , when more than 1,000 people were expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House for President Donald Trump ’ s renomination acceptance speech .
That ’ s an eye-popping crowd in a global pandemic that has forced the cancellation of large gatherings , from sports events and concerts to weddings and funerals .
As Trump has tried to push past a virus that has tanked the economy and threatened his reelection , GOP organizers have worked to stage a convention that puts the pandemic in the rear view mirror and highlights the nation ’ s progress , even as it continues to kill .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday alone and 2,700 more have died since the week began .
Few convention speakers have made reference to the virus ; others have discussed it in the past tense .
“ It was awful .
Health and economic impacts were tragic , ” said White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on the convention ’ s second night .
“ But presidential leadership came swiftly and effectively with an extraordinary rescue for health and safety to successfully fight the COVID virus.
” The display stands in jarring contrast with the Democrats , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their virtual convention last week .
Presidential nominee Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris also wore masks , even when they were outside and standing apart from one another .
“ Is coronavirus gone ?
Is COVID-19 gone ?
” Biden campaign senior adviser Symone Sanders asked Thursday on a call with reporters .
“ I didn ’ t see any masks or social distancing happening during the vice president ’ s speech last night .
So , the reality is , there is a lack of leadership here.
” To be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very different from past conventions .
Because of the virus , the GOP canceled what would have been mass gatherings drawing thousands to North Carolina or Florida , and they have been consulting with a coronavirus adviser .
Indoor speeches were delivered without audiences .
But outdoor events have featured guests .
That included a Rose Garden address Tuesday by first lady Melania Trump , who spoke about the toll of the virus , and Pence ’ s speech Wednesday , delivered in front of about 100 people , including Pence ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positioned at Fort McHenry with some space between them , but many in the crowd rushed to the front at the end to greet Pence , Trump and their wives .
While the president and first lady appeared to keep their distance , Pence was seen shaking hands , exchanging fist bumps , and at one point accepting a small gift from an audience member .
Few in the crowd were seen wearing masks .
Baltimore ’ s mayor , Bernard C. “ Jack ” Young , who signed an order this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slammed the decision .
“ It is the height of hypocrisy for this self-proclaimed law and order president and vice president to flout my lawful Executive Order , dated August 7 , 2020 , intended to keep our residents safe during what continues to be a raging pandemic that they have politicized and failed to control , ” he said in a statement .
The White House and campaign refused to say how many in attendance had been tested Wednesday or would be Thursday .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said only that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president and vice president are tested.
” Thursday ’ s keynote could be even more jarring .
Guidance sent to invited guests for Thursday ’ s event from the Republican National Committee makes clear that masks will not be required on the South Lawn , but are required upon arrival and in security screening areas and encouraged in “ high traffic areas including restrooms and hospitality spaces.
” Guests have also been asked to “ practice social distancing whenever possible ” and stay home if they ’ re displaying coronavirus symptoms , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been in recent close contact with someone who has .
Robert G. Darling , who served a physician to former President Bill Clinton and is the chief medical officer of the Patronus Medical Corp. , said the group has been working with the RNC on the convention “ to make certain proper protocols are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals at convention venues.
” He said those protocols are in line with city and federal guidelines and that health professionals have been on-site “ to make certain screening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure the convention meets the highest standards of public safety.
” But the refusal to abide by other widely accepted mitigation recommendations — including those promoted by the president ’ s own heath agencies — confounded public health experts watching at home .
“ The president and the entire RNC , they had an opportunity to show the seriousness of this pandemic , which is the worst public health crisis in our lifetimes , and it ’ s extremely concerning that only did they not discuss precautions like wearing masks and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our public health guidance , ” said Dr. Leana Wen , an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy at The George Washington University and the former health commissioner of Baltimore .
Wen noted that mass gatherings pose the highest risk for transmitting the disease , and expressed concern both that Baltimore could see an increase in cases and that the display might lead viewers to believe that , they , too , can gather in groups and not wear masks .
Robert Blendon , a professor of health policy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event was focused on a different goal : bolstering Trump ’ s reelection chances .
“ The president and the vice president are very aware that if people are going back to work and their kids are actually in school and they feel somewhat safe , the incumbent will have an advantage in the election , ” he said .
“ They ’ re trying to do things to say that the risk of COVID is much less than public health and other people are saying .
”

WASHINGTON — It was a scene from a bygone era: Vice President Mike Pence shaking hands with and fist-bumping audience members who had rushed forward, standing shoulder to shoulder, to greet him and the president after Pence’s speech at the Republican National Convention.
No one appeared concerned about social distancing. Few wore masks. Some told reporters they had not been tested for the coronavirus before Wednesday night’s gathering at Fort McHenry in Baltimore
A more striking scene could unfold Thursday night, when more than 1,000 people were expected to assemble on the South Lawn of the White House for President Donald Trump’s renomination acceptance speech. That’s an eye-popping crowd in a global pandemic that has forced the cancellation of large gatherings, from sports events and concerts to weddings and funerals.
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As Trump has tried to push past a virus that has tanked the economy and threatened his reelection, GOP organizers have worked to stage a convention that puts the pandemic in the rear view mirror and highlights the nation’s progress, even as it continues to kill. More than 42,000 new cases were reported on Wednesday alone and 2,700 more have died since the week began.
Few convention speakers have made reference to the virus; others have discussed it in the past tense.
“It was awful. Health and economic impacts were tragic,” said White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on the convention’s second night. “But presidential leadership came swiftly and effectively with an extraordinary rescue for health and safety to successfully fight the COVID virus.”
The display stands in jarring contrast with the Democrats, who dispensed with audiences at live speeches during their virtual convention last week. Presidential nominee Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris also wore masks, even when they were outside and standing apart from one another.
“Is coronavirus gone? Is COVID-19 gone?” Biden campaign senior adviser Symone Sanders asked Thursday on a call with reporters. “I didn’t see any masks or social distancing happening during the vice president’s speech last night. So, the reality is, there is a lack of leadership here.”
To be sure, the Republicans’ event looked very different from past conventions. Because of the virus, the GOP canceled what would have been mass gatherings drawing thousands to North Carolina or Florida, and they have been consulting with a coronavirus adviser. Indoor speeches were delivered without audiences. But outdoor events have featured guests.
That included a Rose Garden address Tuesday by first lady Melania Trump, who spoke about the toll of the virus, and Pence’s speech Wednesday, delivered in front of about 100 people, including Pence’s family and wounded veterans.
Chairs were positioned at Fort McHenry with some space between them, but many in the crowd rushed to the front at the end to greet Pence, Trump and their wives. While the president and first lady appeared to keep their distance, Pence was seen shaking hands, exchanging fist bumps, and at one point accepting a small gift from an audience member. Few in the crowd were seen wearing masks.
Baltimore’s mayor, Bernard C. “Jack” Young, who signed an order this month limiting outdoor gatherings to 25 people, slammed the decision.
“It is the height of hypocrisy for this self-proclaimed law and order president and vice president to flout my lawful Executive Order, dated August 7, 2020, intended to keep our residents safe during what continues to be a raging pandemic that they have politicized and failed to control,” he said in a statement.
The White House and campaign refused to say how many in attendance had been tested Wednesday or would be Thursday. White House spokesman Judd Deere said only that “those in close proximity to the president and vice president are tested.”
Thursday’s keynote could be even more jarring. Guidance sent to invited guests for Thursday’s event from the Republican National Committee makes clear that masks will not be required on the South Lawn, but are required upon arrival and in security screening areas and encouraged in “high traffic areas including restrooms and hospitality spaces.”
Guests have also been asked to “practice social distancing whenever possible” and stay home if they’re displaying coronavirus symptoms, have recently tested positive for the virus or have been in recent close contact with someone who has.
Robert G. Darling, who served a physician to former President Bill Clinton and is the chief medical officer of the Patronus Medical Corp., said the group has been working with the RNC on the convention “to make certain proper protocols are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals at convention venues.” He said those protocols are in line with city and federal guidelines and that health professionals have been on-site “to make certain screening has been done on a consistent basis to ensure the convention meets the highest standards of public safety.”
But the refusal to abide by other widely accepted mitigation recommendations — including those promoted by the president’s own heath agencies — confounded public health experts watching at home.
“The president and the entire RNC, they had an opportunity to show the seriousness of this pandemic, which is the worst public health crisis in our lifetimes, and it’s extremely concerning that only did they not discuss precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, they are going against all of our public health guidance,” said Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy at The George Washington University and the former health commissioner of Baltimore.
Wen noted that mass gatherings pose the highest risk for transmitting the disease, and expressed concern both that Baltimore could see an increase in cases and that the display might lead viewers to believe that, they, too, can gather in groups and not wear masks.
Robert Blendon, a professor of health policy and political analysis at Harvard University, said the event was focused on a different goal: bolstering Trump’s reelection chances.
“The president and the vice president are very aware that if people are going back to work and their kids are actually in school and they feel somewhat safe, the incumbent will have an advantage in the election,” he said. “They’re trying to do things to say that the risk of COVID is much less than public health and other people are saying.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-28--Freshwater jellyfish: Enjoying the medusa stage of nearby jellyfish and the wonder of what and why

“ Definitely thought I was hallucinating the first time I saw them , ” he said .
“ It became a running joke with the older members , ` Did you get your jellyfish yet , Kyle ?
’ “ Last year , Gabehart did not see any .
But , in mid-August this summer , he emailed , “ The jellyfish made it to the medusa stage , if you want to come down and see them .
A friend took a picture and said there were thousands visible.
” In medusa stage , they look like clear pale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two days later , the afternoon his classes began ( online ) at Joliet Junior College , where is he is studying chemical engineering .
I followed Gabehart , an avid waterfowler , around the maze of lakes at CCAC .
He dropped his camouflaged 14-foot johnboat with a 9.9hp Johnson motor into the catfish pond at CCAC from an improvised launch .
Over the years , I ’ ve chased enough wild stories to know there are no guarantees .
But , in the middle of the pond , Gabebart ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , “ There they are.
” “ Oh , thank God , ” Gabehart said , echoing my exact thought .
Both of us visibly relaxed .
It took a few seconds , especially for me .
But , as JC pointed , I became more adept at picking out the dozens of freshwater jellyfish pulsing in the water .
In a good hour , we probably saw a couple thousand .
Stunningly little is known or written about freshwater jellyfish in the United States .
When I reached out to Vic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois , he emailed back , “ I have only observed them in two or three lakes in my career , one being Devil ’ s Kitchen down in the Shawnee National Forest back in the 1980s .
I didn ’ t realize they were non-native back then and was fascinated by the sheer number of the little jellyfish in the lake.
” Enter George Parsons , senior curator of fishes at the Shedd Aquarium , who is a self-described invertebratefile , of which he said there are many .
“ So unseen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] is when people take notice , when they see them swimming , ” Parsons said .
“ Little is known about them.
” He said the freshwater jellies are found in most of the 50 states , except Alaska and Hawaii .
The prevailing thought is that they are invasives from China , but there is so little known about them that even that is under debate .
The freshwater jelly in question is Craspedacusta sowerbii , also known as peach blossom fish or jellyfish .
He said they have four stages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attached to the underside of leaves or rocks , things that are in the water .
Parsons said the medusa stage is likely related to environmental change .
`` They think they ran out of room or the water is warmer or there are water quality problems , then they form the medusa , ” Parsons said .
“ It is often in late August .
[ Medusae ] will be around for a week or so , sometimes a little longer .
They are only around for a couple weeks.
” When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ecosystem , he said they do provide food for some animals .
“ Stingers are so weak and small that humans don ’ t have to worry about being stung , ” he added .
Gabehart has a scientist ’ s interest in the jellyfish , He is hoping to do a research project on the jellyfish for an honor society .
“ I think that [ catfish stockings ] might have been how they came in or on the feet of waterfowl , ” he said .
Gabehart ponders such things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the medusa stage ?
” “ Male or female or reproducing asexually ?
” “ What are possible negative effects ?
” He wonders if they were put in a tank , if their life cycle could be studied .
Gabehart put his hand in and managed to catch a couple .
“ Weird how they stay together , ” he said .
“ They must have some way of communicating to the others.
” He shook some aquatic vegetation and several flared free .
They went back to the plant .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wondered .
He inspired me to catch one in my hand .
JC wondered if they survived that , but we watched the released ones pulse off .
“ [ Screw ] it , for the sake of science , ” said Gabehart , who then dipped his green Gatorade thermos into the water and collected several jellyfish .
“ They are a cool critter , ” Parsons said .
“ I think all jellyfish are cool , but it is a wonder they are found around here .
”

COAL CITY, Ill.—Two years ago, Kyle Gabehart found freshwater jellyfish at the Coal City Area Club.
“Definitely thought I was hallucinating the first time I saw them,” he said. “It became a running joke with the older members, `Did you get your jellyfish yet, Kyle?’ “
Last year, Gabehart did not see any. But, in mid-August this summer, he emailed, “The jellyfish made it to the medusa stage, if you want to come down and see them. A friend took a picture and said there were thousands visible.”
In medusa stage, they look like clear pale mini umbrellas pulsing.
I met Gabehart two days later, the afternoon his classes began (online) at Joliet Junior College, where is he is studying chemical engineering.
I followed Gabehart, an avid waterfowler, around the maze of lakes at CCAC. He dropped his camouflaged 14-foot johnboat with a 9.9hp Johnson motor into the catfish pond at CCAC from an improvised launch.
Over the years, I’ve chased enough wild stories to know there are no guarantees.
But, in the middle of the pond, Gabehart’s buddy, who goes by JC, said, “There they are.”
“Oh, thank God,” Gabehart said, echoing my exact thought.
Both of us visibly relaxed. It took a few seconds, especially for me. But, as JC pointed, I became more adept at picking out the dozens of freshwater jellyfish pulsing in the water. In a good hour, we probably saw a couple thousand.
Stunningly little is known or written about freshwater jellyfish in the United States.
When I reached out to Vic Santucci, Lake Michigan program manager for Illinois, he emailed back, “I have only observed them in two or three lakes in my career, one being Devil’s Kitchen down in the Shawnee National Forest back in the 1980s. I didn’t realize they were non-native back then and was fascinated by the sheer number of the little jellyfish in the lake.”
He suggested I find an invertebrate specialist.
Enter George Parsons, senior curator of fishes at the Shedd Aquarium, who is a self-described invertebratefile, of which he said there are many.
“So unseen, only in these events [medusa] is when people take notice, when they see them swimming,” Parsons said. “Little is known about them.”
He said the freshwater jellies are found in most of the 50 states, except Alaska and Hawaii. The prevailing thought is that they are invasives from China, but there is so little known about them that even that is under debate. The freshwater jelly in question is Craspedacusta sowerbii, also known as peach blossom fish or jellyfish.
He said they have four stages. They are always around, often attached to the underside of leaves or rocks, things that are in the water.
Parsons said the medusa stage is likely related to environmental change.
``They think they ran out of room or the water is warmer or there are water quality problems, then they form the medusa,” Parsons said. “It is often in late August. [Medusae] will be around for a week or so, sometimes a little longer. They are only around for a couple weeks.”
When I asked what their place is in the ecosystem, he said they do provide food for some animals.
“Stingers are so weak and small that humans don’t have to worry about being stung,” he added.
Gabehart has a scientist’s interest in the jellyfish, He is hoping to do a research project on the jellyfish for an honor society.
“I think that [catfish stockings] might have been how they came in or on the feet of waterfowl,” he said.
Gabehart ponders such things as, “How long are they in the medusa stage?” “Male or female or reproducing asexually?” “What are possible negative effects?”
He wonders if they were put in a tank, if their life cycle could be studied.
Gabehart put his hand in and managed to catch a couple.
“Weird how they stay together,” he said. “They must have some way of communicating to the others.”
He shook some aquatic vegetation and several flared free. They went back to the plant. “How do they know?” he wondered.
A freshwater jellyfish in hand (something difficult to do) earlier this month at Coal City Area Club. Dale Bowman
He inspired me to catch one in my hand. JC wondered if they survived that, but we watched the released ones pulse off.
“[Screw] it, for the sake of science,” said Gabehart, who then dipped his green Gatorade thermos into the water and collected several jellyfish.
It was time.
“They are a cool critter,” Parsons said. “I think all jellyfish are cool, but it is a wonder they are found around here.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-28--Dear Abby: Couple is agnostic, but man’s dad wants their kids to be baptized

DEAR ABBY : My husband and I are trying to have children .
He was raised Catholic , but is now agnostic .
I ’ m also agnostic .
My deeply religious father-in-law insists that our future children be baptized Catholic .
I ’ m against it because I think it should be a person ’ s right to choose which faith , if any , to follow when they are ready .
I also think it would be hypocritical to go through a baptismal ceremony , with godparents and vows to raise our child a certain way when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My husband thinks it would be best to baptize our future children to “ keep the peace , ” because his father will never forgive us if we don ’ t .
I think it ’ s our children , our lives , our ethics .
Which of us is right ?
— OUT IN THE OPEN DEAR OUT : You are , but I don ’ t envy what ’ s ahead for you .
If you knuckle under to your father-in-law , it won ’ t stop .
You will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upbringing — first communion , Catholic schools , church attendance “ for the children ” and everything that comes with it .
You and your husband should bite the bullet , be upfront with his dad before you become pregnant and make plain how you plan to raise your children .
If you aren ’ t , raising them in a way you don ’ t want could put a strain on your marriage .
This should be your and your husband ’ s decision to make and no one else ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deviating from it .
DEAR ABBY : I have been married for four years , and all this time we have lived in separate houses .
Now my husband is finally moving in with me .
While I ’ m excited and it ’ s going to be a significant financial benefit for both of us , I ’ m experiencing mixed emotions and a lot of anxiety about it .
He ’ s an awesome man who treats me great .
This is a second marriage for both of us .
Any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THE LEAP IN FLORIDA DEAR MAKING : Under the circumstances , your feelings are normal .
This will be a big change for both of you .
This is why it ’ s important to talk about your feelings and expectations in advance , which might ease your stress .
Being able to communicate honestly with each other is extremely important and will serve you well in the future .
With this move you are opening up a new chapter in your lives , and I wish you many years of happiness together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when my wife and I were 35 years old , she agreed to be on a team with me and compete in some “ adventure races.
” It was great fun .
We had team T-shirts , trained together and were excited about our results .
It brought us closer and created a real sense of camaraderie , adventure and mutual support into our marriage .
During one race a bull broke into the race grounds and chased us .
Shortly thereafter , my wife quit the team and , sadly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
She will no longer be on a team with me .
What should I do ?
— BENCHED IN GEORGIA DEAR BENCHED : Because this is an activity you enjoy , you should keep going .
Because your wife has chosen to retire from adventure racing , you should recruit another partner or find some other activity you both could enjoy together .
( And that ’ s no bull . )
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person , order “ How to Be Popular.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Popularity Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are trying to have children. He was raised Catholic, but is now agnostic. I’m also agnostic.
My deeply religious father-in-law insists that our future children be baptized Catholic. I’m against it because I think it should be a person’s right to choose which faith, if any, to follow when they are ready. I also think it would be hypocritical to go through a baptismal ceremony, with godparents and vows to raise our child a certain way when we have no intention of doing it.
My husband thinks it would be best to baptize our future children to “keep the peace,” because his father will never forgive us if we don’t. I think it’s our children, our lives, our ethics. Which of us is right? — OUT IN THE OPEN
DEAR OUT: You are, but I don’t envy what’s ahead for you. If you knuckle under to your father-in-law, it won’t stop. You will be expected to follow through with a Catholic upbringing — first communion, Catholic schools, church attendance “for the children” and everything that comes with it.
You and your husband should bite the bullet, be upfront with his dad before you become pregnant and make plain how you plan to raise your children. If you aren’t, raising them in a way you don’t want could put a strain on your marriage.
This should be your and your husband’s decision to make and no one else’s, and I don’t recommend deviating from it.
DEAR ABBY: I have been married for four years, and all this time we have lived in separate houses. Now my husband is finally moving in with me. While I’m excited and it’s going to be a significant financial benefit for both of us, I’m experiencing mixed emotions and a lot of anxiety about it. He’s an awesome man who treats me great. This is a second marriage for both of us. Any advice would be appreciated. — MAKING THE LEAP IN FLORIDA
DEAR MAKING: Under the circumstances, your feelings are normal. This will be a big change for both of you. This is why it’s important to talk about your feelings and expectations in advance, which might ease your stress. Being able to communicate honestly with each other is extremely important and will serve you well in the future. With this move you are opening up a new chapter in your lives, and I wish you many years of happiness together.
DEAR ABBY: Five years ago, when my wife and I were 35 years old, she agreed to be on a team with me and compete in some “adventure races.” It was great fun. We had team T-shirts, trained together and were excited about our results. It brought us closer and created a real sense of camaraderie, adventure and mutual support into our marriage.
During one race a bull broke into the race grounds and chased us. Shortly thereafter, my wife quit the team and, sadly, many of the ancillary benefits declined as well. She will no longer be on a team with me. What should I do? — BENCHED IN GEORGIA
DEAR BENCHED: Because this is an activity you enjoy, you should keep going. Because your wife has chosen to retire from adventure racing, you should recruit another partner or find some other activity you both could enjoy together. (And that’s no bull.)
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.
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)