chicagosun-times--2020-05-07--Chicago Bears 2020 schedule: Breaking down every regular-season game

The NFL is the first major sports league to announce firm dates for resuming games after releasing its 2020 schedule Thursday .
The Bears will open Sept. 13 at the Lions and host huge games against the Buccaneers ( Week 5 ) , Saints ( Week 8 ) and Texans ( Week 14 ) .
That ’ s the plan , at least .
“ In preparing to play the season as scheduled , we will continue to make our decisions based on the latest medical and public health advice , ” commissioner Roger Goodell said .
“ We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” That could mean , for example , rescheduling some of the early-season games for January and delaying the Super Bowl .
The NFL scheduled 15 division matchups in the first two weeks .
The Bears ’ 2020 opponents had a combined .508 winning percentage last season , giving the team the 13th-toughest schedule on paper .
Here ’ s a look at every game : Sept. 13 at Lions , 12 p.m. ( FOX ) : This is a perfect opener for the Bears , who need a little bit of cushion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll be the complete opposite of their opener last year , which was a Super Bowl-like production as the NFL kicked off its 100th season with the Bears and Packers .
That loss hit hard , especially on offense , and the Bears never seemed to recover from it .
Sept. 20 vs. Giants , 12 p.m. ( CBS ) : Regardless of their recent struggles , this remains a classic matchup .
It will be the 61st time the Bears have faced the Giants , making them the team ’ s seventh-most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sept. 27 at Falcons , 12 p.m. ( FOX ) : The Bears will make their first trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium , which cost $ 1.5 billion to build and opened in 2017 .
The Bears and Falcons haven ’ t played in Atlanta since 2014 .
Only two Bears who appeared in that game have a chance to do so again in 2020 : cornerback Kyle Fuller and punter Pat O ’ Donnell .
Oct. 4 vs. Colts , 12 p.m. ( CBS ) : The last time the Bears played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year — Andrew Luck pulled a surprise retirement a half-hour after the final gun .
His replacement , former Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers , will return to Soldier Field , where he beat the Bears last year .
Oct. 8 vs .
Buccaneers , 7:20 p.m. ( NFLN/FOX/Amazon ) : The last time the Bears hosted Tampa Bay , Mitch Trubisky threw six touchdowns and the Bears won by 38 .
This time around , no lesser than Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski — former Patriots who fled to the Buccaneers this offseason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Bears on “ Thursday Night Football.
” Oct. 18 at Panthers , 12 p.m. ( FOX ) : The Panthers will look almost recognizable this season after linebacker Luke Kuechly retired , quarterback Cam Newton was released and head coach Ron Rivera was fired .
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and new head coach Matt Rhule , the former Baylor boss , have taken over .
Oct. 26 at Rams , 7:15 p.m. ( ESPN ) : This has developed into a mini-rivalry , and the Bears and Rams will meet for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly identical trajectories lately and both enter the season desperate to reestablish themselves as contenders .
The Bears will also be one of the first visitors to SoFi Stadium , which opens this season in Inglewood , Calif. Nov. 1 vs. Saints , 3:25 p.m. ( FOX ) : The Bears have played the Saints five times since 2011 — and lost all five by an average of 12 points per game .
This figures to be quarterback Drew Brees ’ final game at Soldier Field ; he missed last year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but was replaced ably by Bridgewater .
Nov. 8 at Titans , 12 p.m. ( FOX ) : When the Bears traveled to Nashville in 2012 their fans drank the city dry — by Monday morning , reports had surfaced of bars running out of certain kinds of beer .
That won ’ t happen again — Titans fans have a better team to cling to and fan travel figures to be somewhat limited , at best .
Nov. 16 vs. Vikings , 7:15 p.m. ( ESPN ) : The Vikings must laugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears or Packers will capture the NFC North in a given season .
Since 2015 , Minnesota owns the fifth-best record in the league ( 50-29-1 ) and has three playoff appearances .
That said , the Bears have swept the Vikings each of the last two seasons .
Nov. 29 at Packers , 7:20 p.m. ( NBC ) : This is the only Sunday Night Football appearance for the Bears this season , and it ’ s no surprise NBC jumped on the most storied rivalry in football .
This could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bears get rolling over the first two months .
Dec. 6 vs. Lions , 12 p.m. ( FOX ) : The Bears might get a showdown with former backup quarterback Chase Daniel by this point in the season .
There ’ s no telling how long Lions starter Matt Stafford will last coming off a major back injury .
The Bears will also see another former player in defensive tackle Nick Williams .
Dec. 13 vs. Texans , 12 p.m. ( CBS ) : Patrick Mahomes got his revenge on Ryan Pace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spot where he was drafted in 2017 — after throwing a touchdown at Soldier Field .
Now it ’ s Deshaun Watson ’ s turn to make his Soldier Field debut ; the Texans drafted him 12th after the Bears traded up to draft Trubisky second overall .
Dec. 20 at Vikings , 12 p.m. ( FOX ) : This is one of five NFC North games for the Bears in the final seven games , and it ’ s probably preferable for them to have that at the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears enter 2020 with a four-game winning streak against the Vikings , including two victories in Minnesota .
Dec. 27 at Jaguars , 12 p.m. ( FOX ) : The Nick Foles revenge game ?
The Jaguars were happy to turn the team over to Gardner Minshew and escape further Foles financial obligation when they traded him to the Bears for a fourth-round pick .
The question is : will Foles be the Bears ’ starting quarterback ?
Jan. 3 vs. Packers , 12 p.m. ( FOX ) : Could this be Jordan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Packers ’ postseason seeding is solidified , or if they ’ re eliminated , it would be the perfect time for them to play Love and let him get a taste of the rivalry .

The NFL is the first major sports league to announce firm dates for resuming games after releasing its 2020 schedule Thursday. The Bears will open Sept. 13 at the Lions and host huge games against the Buccaneers (Week 5), Saints (Week 8) and Texans (Week 14).
That’s the plan, at least.
“In preparing to play the season as scheduled, we will continue to make our decisions based on the latest medical and public health advice,” commissioner Roger Goodell said. “We will be prepared to make adjustments as necessary.”
That could mean, for example, rescheduling some of the early-season games for January and delaying the Super Bowl. The NFL scheduled 15 division matchups in the first two weeks.
The Bears’ 2020 opponents had a combined .508 winning percentage last season, giving the team the 13th-toughest schedule on paper. Here’s a look at every game:
Week 1
Sept. 13 at Lions, 12 p.m. (FOX): This is a perfect opener for the Bears, who need a little bit of cushion to get things rolling. It’ll be the complete opposite of their opener last year, which was a Super Bowl-like production as the NFL kicked off its 100th season with the Bears and Packers. That loss hit hard, especially on offense, and the Bears never seemed to recover from it.
Week 2
Sept. 20 vs. Giants, 12 p.m. (CBS): Regardless of their recent struggles, this remains a classic matchup. It will be the 61st time the Bears have faced the Giants, making them the team’s seventh-most common opponent in a century of football.
Week 3
Sept. 27 at Falcons, 12 p.m. (FOX): The Bears will make their first trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which cost $1.5 billion to build and opened in 2017. The Bears and Falcons haven’t played in Atlanta since 2014. Only two Bears who appeared in that game have a chance to do so again in 2020: cornerback Kyle Fuller and punter Pat O’Donnell.
Week 4
Oct. 4 vs. Colts, 12 p.m. (CBS): The last time the Bears played the Colts — in the preseason last year — Andrew Luck pulled a surprise retirement a half-hour after the final gun. His replacement, former Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, will return to Soldier Field, where he beat the Bears last year.
Week 5
Oct. 8 vs. Buccaneers, 7:20 p.m. (NFLN/FOX/Amazon): The last time the Bears hosted Tampa Bay, Mitch Trubisky threw six touchdowns and the Bears won by 38. This time around, no lesser than Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski — former Patriots who fled to the Buccaneers this offseason — will look to do the same to the Bears on “Thursday Night Football.”
Week 6
Oct. 18 at Panthers, 12 p.m. (FOX): The Panthers will look almost recognizable this season after linebacker Luke Kuechly retired, quarterback Cam Newton was released and head coach Ron Rivera was fired. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and new head coach Matt Rhule, the former Baylor boss, have taken over.
Week 7
Oct. 26 at Rams, 7:15 p.m. (ESPN): This has developed into a mini-rivalry, and the Bears and Rams will meet for the third consecutive season. They have followed nearly identical trajectories lately and both enter the season desperate to reestablish themselves as contenders. The Bears will also be one of the first visitors to SoFi Stadium, which opens this season in Inglewood, Calif.
Week 8
Nov. 1 vs. Saints, 3:25 p.m. (FOX): The Bears have played the Saints five times since 2011 — and lost all five by an average of 12 points per game. This figures to be quarterback Drew Brees’ final game at Soldier Field; he missed last year’s victory with a hurt right thumb, but was replaced ably by Bridgewater.
Week 9
Nov. 8 at Titans, 12 p.m. (FOX): When the Bears traveled to Nashville in 2012 their fans drank the city dry — by Monday morning, reports had surfaced of bars running out of certain kinds of beer. That won’t happen again — Titans fans have a better team to cling to and fan travel figures to be somewhat limited, at best.
Week 10
Nov. 16 vs. Vikings, 7:15 p.m. (ESPN): The Vikings must laugh when they hear debates about whether the Bears or Packers will capture the NFC North in a given season. Since 2015, Minnesota owns the fifth-best record in the league (50-29-1) and has three playoff appearances. That said, the Bears have swept the Vikings each of the last two seasons.
Week 12
Nov. 29 at Packers, 7:20 p.m. (NBC): This is the only Sunday Night Football appearance for the Bears this season, and it’s no surprise NBC jumped on the most storied rivalry in football. This could be an enormous game in the division if the Bears get rolling over the first two months.
Week 13
Dec. 6 vs. Lions, 12 p.m. (FOX): The Bears might get a showdown with former backup quarterback Chase Daniel by this point in the season. There’s no telling how long Lions starter Matt Stafford will last coming off a major back injury. The Bears will also see another former player in defensive tackle Nick Williams.
Week 14
Dec. 13 vs. Texans, 12 p.m. (CBS): Patrick Mahomes got his revenge on Ryan Pace last year, counting to 10 — the spot where he was drafted in 2017 — after throwing a touchdown at Soldier Field. Now it’s Deshaun Watson’s turn to make his Soldier Field debut; the Texans drafted him 12th after the Bears traded up to draft Trubisky second overall.
Week 15
Dec. 20 at Vikings, 12 p.m. (FOX): This is one of five NFC North games for the Bears in the final seven games, and it’s probably preferable for them to have that at the end of the season rather than the beginning. The Bears enter 2020 with a four-game winning streak against the Vikings, including two victories in Minnesota.
Week 16
Dec. 27 at Jaguars, 12 p.m. (FOX): The Nick Foles revenge game? The Jaguars were happy to turn the team over to Gardner Minshew and escape further Foles financial obligation when they traded him to the Bears for a fourth-round pick. The question is: will Foles be the Bears’ starting quarterback?
Week 17
Jan. 3 vs. Packers, 12 p.m. (FOX): Could this be Jordan Love’s Chicago debut? If the Packers’ postseason seeding is solidified, or if they’re eliminated, it would be the perfect time for them to play Love and let him get a taste of the rivalry.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-07--Chicago Bears’ 2020 preseason schedule includes game at Denver Broncos

The Bears ’ preseason games were snoozers last summer , but this year should be different .
Not only does coach Matt Nagy have a limited offseason because of the coronavirus pandemic , he also has a quarterback competition to decide .
The NFL released preseason schedules today , and here ’ s who the Bears drew : Week Date Opponent 1 8/13-17 vs. Browns 2 8/20-24 at Broncos 3 8/27-30 vs. 49ers 4 9/3 at Titans Their regular season is expected to kick off Sept. 13 .
Nagy said last month he “ absolutely ” will play Mitch Trubisky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is a sharp turn from last August when he barely played starters .
It sounds like the change goes beyond quarterback , too .
“ That kind of goes in tune with what we ’ re doing really with our whole team , ” Nagy said .
“ It ’ s going to be some of the things we discuss and talk about.
” The Bears and Broncos have had longstanding plans to practice together in Denver leading up to the second preseason game .
That deal was made before the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in question .
“ It breaks up the monotony of camp and it allows us to evaluate another roster , too , ” Bears general manager Ryan Pace said in February .
“ But I think the biggest thing is just you ’ re able to have physical practices , but a little more controlled than a preseason game would be .
”

[Updated May 15, 2020, 1:25 p.m.]
The Bears’ preseason games were snoozers last summer, but this year should be different. Not only does coach Matt Nagy have a limited offseason because of the coronavirus pandemic, he also has a quarterback competition to decide.
The NFL released preseason schedules today, and here’s who the Bears drew:
Week 1: Sat., 8/15, 12 p.m. vs. Browns
Week 2: Sat., 8/22, 8:05 p.m. at Broncos
Week 3: Sat., 8/29, 12 p.m. vs. 49ers
Week 4: Thu., 9/3, 7 p.m. at Titans
Their regular season is expected to kick off Sept. 13.
Nagy said last month he “absolutely” will play Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles in the preseason, which is a sharp turn from last August when he barely played starters. It sounds like the change goes beyond quarterback, too.
“That kind of goes in tune with what we’re doing really with our whole team,” Nagy said. “It’s going to be some of the things we discuss and talk about.”
The Bears and Broncos have had longstanding plans to practice together in Denver leading up to the second preseason game. That deal was made before the coronavirus pandemic, however, so that trip is in question.
“It breaks up the monotony of camp and it allows us to evaluate another roster, too,” Bears general manager Ryan Pace said in February. “But I think the biggest thing is just you’re able to have physical practices, but a little more controlled than a preseason game would be.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-07--Chicago Bears’ 2020 full schedule: Regular season features Buccaneers, Saints

The NFL released its full 2020 schedule tonight , and the Bears will have an intriguing road as they try to return to the playoffs .
Here ’ s their schedule : Week 1 , 9/13 ( 12 p.m. ) , at Lions , FOX Week 2 , 9/20 ( 12 p.m. ) , vs. Giants , CBS Week 3 , 9/27 ( 12 p.m. ) , at Falcons , FOX Week 4 , 10/4 ( 12 p.m. ) , vs. Colts , CBS Week 5 , 10/8 ( Thu .
; 7:20 p.m. ) , vs .
Buccaneers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. ) , at Panthers , FOX Week 7 , 10/26 ( Mon .
; 7:15 p.m. ) , at Rams , ESPN Week 8 , 11/1 ( 3:25 p.m. ) , vs. Saints , FOX Week 9 , 11/8 ( 12 p.m. ) , at Titans , FOX Week 10 , 11/16 ( Mon .
; 7:15 p.m. ) , vs. Vikings , ESPN Week 11 , 11/19-23 — BYE Week 12 , 11/29 ( 7:20 p.m. ) , at Packers , NBC Week 13 , 12/6 ( 12 p.m. ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12/13 ( 12 p.m. ) , vs. Texans , CBS Week 15 , 12/20 ( 12. p.m. ) , at Vikings , FOX Week 16 , 12/27 ( 12 p.m. ) , at Jaguars , FOX Week 17 , 1/3 ( 12 p.m. ) , vs. Packers , FOX Bears tickets will go on sale at 8 p.m. Thursday .
Fans will get full refunds — payable within 30 days — if games are canceled or played without fans .
The Bears ’ 2020 opponents have been known since December .
Those are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formula , which rotates each year .
The Bears have long been slotted to face the entire AFC South and NFC South , plus the same-place finisher ( the Bears were third in their division last season ) in the NFC East and West .
They play six games in the NFC North every year .
Their upcoming opponents had a combined .508 winning percentage in 2019 , giving the Bears the 13th-toughest schedule for this season .
There ’ s extra attention on the schedule release this year because the NFL will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce dates to resume games amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The NBA , NHL and MLB seasons are currently suspended and at risk of being canceled .
The NFL has said it will release a full , typical schedule — 16 games in 17 weeks , beginning with a Thursday night opener Sept. 10 .
Whether that ’ s realistic is debatable .
The league has two and a half months until training camps would normally open , but every team facility is currently closed indefinitely .
Illinois also has a ban on @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The NFL released its full 2020 schedule tonight, and the Bears will have an intriguing road as they try to return to the playoffs. Here’s their schedule:
Week 1, 9/13 (12 p.m.), at Lions, FOX
Week 2, 9/20 (12 p.m.), vs. Giants, CBS
Week 3, 9/27 (12 p.m.), at Falcons, FOX
Week 4, 10/4 (12 p.m.), vs. Colts, CBS
Week 5, 10/8 (Thu.; 7:20 p.m.), vs. Buccaneers, NFLN/FOX/Amazon
Week 6, 10/18 (12 p.m.), at Panthers, FOX
Week 7, 10/26 (Mon.; 7:15 p.m.), at Rams, ESPN
Week 8, 11/1 (3:25 p.m.), vs. Saints, FOX
Week 9, 11/8 (12 p.m.), at Titans, FOX
Week 10, 11/16 (Mon.; 7:15 p.m.), vs. Vikings, ESPN
Week 11, 11/19-23 — BYE
Week 12, 11/29 (7:20 p.m.), at Packers, NBC
Week 13, 12/6 (12 p.m.), vs. Lions, FOX
Week 14, 12/13 (12 p.m.), vs. Texans, CBS
Week 15, 12/20 (12. p.m.), at Vikings, FOX
Week 16, 12/27 (12 p.m.), at Jaguars, FOX
Week 17, 1/3 (12 p.m.), vs. Packers, FOX
Bears tickets will go on sale at 8 p.m. Thursday. Fans will get full refunds — payable within 30 days — if games are canceled or played without fans.
The Bears’ 2020 opponents have been known since December. Those are based on the NFL’s scheduling formula, which rotates each year.
The Bears have long been slotted to face the entire AFC South and NFC South, plus the same-place finisher (the Bears were third in their division last season) in the NFC East and West. They play six games in the NFC North every year.
Their upcoming opponents had a combined .508 winning percentage in 2019, giving the Bears the 13th-toughest schedule for this season.
There’s extra attention on the schedule release this year because the NFL will become the first major sports league to announce dates to resume games amid the coronavirus pandemic. The NBA, NHL and MLB seasons are currently suspended and at risk of being canceled.
The NFL has said it will release a full, typical schedule — 16 games in 17 weeks, beginning with a Thursday night opener Sept. 10. Whether that’s realistic is debatable. The league has two and a half months until training camps would normally open, but every team facility is currently closed indefinitely. Illinois also has a ban on gatherings of 10 or more people.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-07--Ford plans to restart Chicago-area factories May 18

Ford said Thursday that it will restart its Chicago-area assembly operations May 18 as part of a phased opening of its North American operations .
Spokeswoman Kelli Felker said the assembly plant at 12600 S. Torrence Ave. and the Chicago Heights stamping plant will reopen with two shifts .
They have been closed because of the coronavirus pandemic since March 19 .
Ford said its phased approach includes reopening parts depots Monday .
It said operations will be slowed by new safety protocols that include extra time between shifts to reduce employee interactions and increase cleaning .
The United Auto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to work provided that staffers have adequate protective gear .
“ We ’ ve developed these safety protocols in coordination with our union partners , especially the UAW , and we all know it will take time to adjust to them , ” said Gary Johnson , Ford ’ s chief manufacturing and labor officer .
“ We are in this together and plan to return to our normal operating patterns as soon as we are confident the system is ready to support.
” Under UAW contracts with Fiat Chrysler , General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority to pick restart dates .
But the union can file grievances and seek closures if the virus spreads at factories .
“ We all knew this day would come , ” union President Rory Gamble said Tuesday .
“ We continue to advocate for as much testing as possible at the current time and eventually full-testing when available.
” Ford said anyone entering its facilities will be required to wear a mask and that every employee will be issued masks and other items for their health .
For those whose jobs don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety glasses with side shields or face shields will be required , the company said .
Its two Chicago-area plants employ about 6,000 people when working at maximum production .
“ We ’ ve been working intently with state and federal governments , our union partners and a cross-section of our workforce to reopen our North American facilities , ” said Jim Farley , Ford ’ s chief operating officer .
“ We have reopened our facilities in China , successfully begun our phased restart in Europe and have been producing medical equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are using the lessons from all of that to ensure we are taking the right precautions to help keep our workforce here safe .
”

Ford said Thursday that it will restart its Chicago-area assembly operations May 18 as part of a phased opening of its North American operations.
Spokeswoman Kelli Felker said the assembly plant at 12600 S. Torrence Ave. and the Chicago Heights stamping plant will reopen with two shifts. They have been closed because of the coronavirus pandemic since March 19.
Ford said its phased approach includes reopening parts depots Monday. It said operations will be slowed by new safety protocols that include extra time between shifts to reduce employee interactions and increase cleaning. The United Auto Workers union has voiced support for a return to work provided that staffers have adequate protective gear.
“We’ve developed these safety protocols in coordination with our union partners, especially the UAW, and we all know it will take time to adjust to them,” said Gary Johnson, Ford’s chief manufacturing and labor officer. “We are in this together and plan to return to our normal operating patterns as soon as we are confident the system is ready to support.”
Under UAW contracts with Fiat Chrysler, General Motors and Ford, the companies have authority to pick restart dates. But the union can file grievances and seek closures if the virus spreads at factories.
“We all knew this day would come,” union President Rory Gamble said Tuesday. “We continue to advocate for as much testing as possible at the current time and eventually full-testing when available.”
Ford said anyone entering its facilities will be required to wear a mask and that every employee will be issued masks and other items for their health. For those whose jobs don’t allow for social distancing, safety glasses with side shields or face shields will be required, the company said.
Its two Chicago-area plants employ about 6,000 people when working at maximum production.
“We’ve been working intently with state and federal governments, our union partners and a cross-section of our workforce to reopen our North American facilities,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s chief operating officer. “We have reopened our facilities in China, successfully begun our phased restart in Europe and have been producing medical equipment in Michigan for more than six weeks and are using the lessons from all of that to ensure we are taking the right precautions to help keep our workforce here safe.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-07--Rep.  Krishnamoorthi investigation finds lax airport screenings in March

A House panel chaired by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi , D-Ill. , investigating lax airport screenings found the Trump administration “ did little ” in early March to screen passengers arriving in the U.S. from Italy and South Korea , COVID-19 hotspots , and never thought to prepare for an onslaught of travelers landing at O ’ Hare Airport from Europe .
“ The administration lost critical time it could have used to prepare and build up capacity to mitigate , ” Krishnamoorthi , who chairs the Oversight Committee panel on economic and consumer policy , said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ closing down ” China travel order on Jan. 31 , as if that was the only entry point for the swelling coronavirus pandemic .
Moreover , the China ban was porous , covering only non-U.S. citizens .
Krishnamoorthi ’ s panel was briefed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ; Customs and Border Protection ; a part of the Department of Homeland Office ; and received written information from the State Department , the agencies responsible for screening passengers .
A source told the Chicago Sun-Times questions about social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put to the agencies as part of the inquiry .
As the infections were quickly spreading , Trump imposed a European travel ban .
Passengers arriving at O ’ Hare starting March 14 sounded an alarm by posting photos of thousands of unmasked people penned into waiting areas to be screened , with no possible way to practice social distancing .
The investigation found the Trump administration on March 14 “ put passengers at risk by failing to consider social distancing at airport bottlenecks.
” Agents from the Centers for Disease Control , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Homeland Security “ were so focused on getting staffed up ‘ to process the people ’ that they did not address the need for social distancing measures .
None of the agency officials who briefed the Subcommittee recalled any conversation about social distancing prior to March 14 , ” the panel found .
“ A senior CDC official stated that there would be no way to know if people got sick in those lines because people were coming back from countries with community transmission.
” While Trump has been trying to block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been able to carry out its watchdog function .
*In early March , White House officials decided to rely on Italian and South Korean screeners who they did not control .
“ U.S .
officials relied on their foreign counterparts to conduct coronavirus screenings and depended on airport visits and verbal commitments to ensure that they were done , ” Krishnamoorthi said in a tweet .
*Very few passengers were denied boarding by Italian and South Korean screeners .
There were 13 passengers prevented from boarding flights to the U.S. in Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; only 56 passengers were stopped in South Korea .
*The Center for Disease Control did not have anyone on the ground in Italy to monitor screenings .
The CDC did have a liaison in South Korea .
*Once landed in the U.S. , passengers from Italy and South Korea were not subject to enhanced screenings until March 14 – even though the CDC did advise Americans in late February not to visit those nations — or told “ about how to self-isolate for 14 days , contrary to advice from the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were three fatalities in Illinois ; on Thursday , the total fatalities in the state totaled 3,111 .

A House panel chaired by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., investigating lax airport screenings found the Trump administration “did little” in early March to screen passengers arriving in the U.S. from Italy and South Korea, COVID-19 hotspots, and never thought to prepare for an onslaught of travelers landing at O’Hare Airport from Europe.
“The administration lost critical time it could have used to prepare and build up capacity to mitigate,” Krishnamoorthi, who chairs the Oversight Committee panel on economic and consumer policy, said in a statement.
President Donald Trump frequently points to his “closing down” China travel order on Jan. 31, as if that was the only entry point for the swelling coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, the China ban was porous, covering only non-U.S. citizens.
Krishnamoorthi’s panel was briefed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Customs and Border Protection; a part of the Department of Homeland Office; and received written information from the State Department, the agencies responsible for screening passengers.
A source told the Chicago Sun-Times questions about social distancing problems at O’Hare Airport were put to the agencies as part of the inquiry.
As the infections were quickly spreading, Trump imposed a European travel ban. Passengers arriving at O’Hare starting March 14 sounded an alarm by posting photos of thousands of unmasked people penned into waiting areas to be screened, with no possible way to practice social distancing.
The investigation found the Trump administration on March 14 “put passengers at risk by failing to consider social distancing at airport bottlenecks.”
Agents from the Centers for Disease Control, Customs and Border Security and the Department of Homeland Security “were so focused on getting staffed up ‘to process the people’ that they did not address the need for social distancing measures. None of the agency officials who briefed the Subcommittee recalled any conversation about social distancing prior to March 14,” the panel found.
“A senior CDC official stated that there would be no way to know if people got sick in those lines because people were coming back from countries with community transmission.”
While Trump has been trying to block congressional oversight work, the Krishnamoorthi panel has been able to carry out its watchdog function.
The investigation found:
*In early March, White House officials decided to rely on Italian and South Korean screeners who they did not control.
“U.S. officials relied on their foreign counterparts to conduct coronavirus screenings and depended on airport visits and verbal commitments to ensure that they were done,” Krishnamoorthi said in a tweet.
*Very few passengers were denied boarding by Italian and South Korean screeners. There were 13 passengers prevented from boarding flights to the U.S. in Italy in the first two weeks in March; only 56 passengers were stopped in South Korea.
*The Center for Disease Control did not have anyone on the ground in Italy to monitor screenings. The CDC did have a liaison in South Korea.
*Once landed in the U.S., passengers from Italy and South Korea were not subject to enhanced screenings until March 14 – even though the CDC did advise Americans in late February not to visit those nations — or told “about how to self-isolate for 14 days, contrary to advice from the World Health Organization.”
On March 18, there were three fatalities in Illinois; on Thursday, the total fatalities in the state totaled 3,111.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-07--Manifest Urban Arts Festival will be digital event this year

For the first time in its nearly 20-year history , Columbia College of Chicago ’ s Manifest Urban Arts Festival will be a digital event , it was announced Thursday .
The festival — a celebration of art , dance , theater , music , sketch comedy , film screenings , gallery shows , lectures , fashion exhibits and more , curated by the school ’ s students — will be transformed into a “ virtual ” event , streamed live daily May 11-15 at www.Manifest.colum.edu .
Jamila Woods headlines the festival at 6 p.m May 15 ; her performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook and website .
“ Our students are the essence of talent , creativity , professionalism , and resilience .
They are unstoppable in their determination to RISE , ” said Kari Sommers , assistant dean of students , in reference to this year ’ s festival theme “ Manifest Rises.
” Manifest merchandise is available for purchase online at ShopColumbia .
According to Friday ’ s announcement , 50 percent of proceeds from apparel purchases will be donated to the ColumbiaCares relief fund for students in financial need during the pandemic .

For the first time in its nearly 20-year history, Columbia College of Chicago’s Manifest Urban Arts Festival will be a digital event, it was announced Thursday.
The festival — a celebration of art, dance, theater, music, sketch comedy, film screenings, gallery shows, lectures, fashion exhibits and more, curated by the school’s students — will be transformed into a “virtual” event, streamed live daily May 11-15 at www.Manifest.colum.edu.
Jamila Woods headlines the festival at 6 p.m May 15; her performance can be viewed online Manifest’s Facebook and website.
“Our students are the essence of talent, creativity, professionalism, and resilience. They are unstoppable in their determination to RISE,” said Kari Sommers, assistant dean of students, in reference to this year’s festival theme “Manifest Rises.”
Manifest merchandise is available for purchase online at ShopColumbia. According to Friday’s announcement, 50 percent of proceeds from apparel purchases will be donated to the ColumbiaCares relief fund for students in financial need during the pandemic.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-08--Dear Abby: Seasoning wife’s recipes — a  second helping of opinions

DEAR ABBY : Regarding “ Recipe for Disaster in Texas ” ( Feb. 17 ) , I have to say I disagreed with your response .
Although Michelin won ’ t be awarding me any stars , I consider myself a good cook , and I strive to make unique , flavorful meals for my family .
My husband frequently feels the need to doctor my recipes , and I think it ’ s disrespectful of the time and care I took in preparing the meal .
He insists on combining ingredients that don ’ t belong together .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranch dressing on chicken teriyaki .
He knows this isn ’ t appropriate , and he would never ask for this modification in a restaurant .
” Recipe ” should learn to appreciate that his wife is preparing meals for him .
If he can do better , he can take over the cooking .
— FLAVOR QUEEN OF NORTH CAROLINA DEAR QUEEN : I enjoyed the responses to that letter about a husband re-seasoning his wife ’ s gourmet meals to her distinct displeasure .
Some of the online comments made me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , too .
Read on : DEAR ABBY : While I was in the military , it was normal to add salt , pepper and ketchup to everything without tasting it first .
The habit has followed me for 50 years , no matter where I am .
I tell the host that it ’ s normal for me and to not take it personally .
Mac ‘ n ’ cheese needs ketchup ; veggies , potatoes , eggs and watermelon need salt ; most everything else needs pepper .
For me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burn my tongue .
— VIETNAM VET IN MISSOURI DEAR ABBY : That wife sounds like an oversensitive control freak .
Personally , I can ’ t handle peppers , but I do like lots of cheese and sour cream on my enchiladas .
My wife , who does the majority of the cooking , knows my preference , so she does me the honor of putting more of that on my enchiladas .
I also like to dip my fries into mayo instead of ketchup , so she obliges .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We don ’ t threaten , “ My way or the highway , Bub !
” — G.S .
IN ABBYLAND DEAR ABBY : I laughed when I was told to substitute “ healthy ” plain yogurt for sour cream .
It never tasted anything like sour cream to me .
Then I got some Greek yogurt and realized it works just as well .
( It ’ s an excellent protein source , and many older adults need more as we age . )
Now I add plenty without feeling guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My husband jokes that he has Mexican taste buds but a white guy stomach .
Thank heavens we have separate bathrooms .
— C.K .
ON THE NET DEAR ABBY : I know when my husband gets out the Tabasco that the meal is not quite to his liking .
I don ’ t usually mind , because I don ’ t cook just for him .
I cook for the entire family .
( And , just for reference , he thinks I ’ m an amazing cook . )
— P.M. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , yes — Tabasco sauce .
My dad had so much of it in his lifetime , he should have been McIlhenny ’ s pitchman .
I can see the ad now : Announcer : What do YOU have Tabasco with ?
Man : I have it with chili !
Woman : I have it with eggs !
My dad : I have it with a straw .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 . )

DEAR ABBY: Regarding “Recipe for Disaster in Texas” (Feb. 17), I have to say I disagreed with your response. Although Michelin won’t be awarding me any stars, I consider myself a good cook, and I strive to make unique, flavorful meals for my family. My husband frequently feels the need to doctor my recipes, and I think it’s disrespectful of the time and care I took in preparing the meal.
He insists on combining ingredients that don’t belong together. He puts cheddar cheese on spaghetti Bolognese and ranch dressing on chicken teriyaki. He knows this isn’t appropriate, and he would never ask for this modification in a restaurant.
”Recipe” should learn to appreciate that his wife is preparing meals for him. If he can do better, he can take over the cooking. — FLAVOR QUEEN OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEAR QUEEN: I enjoyed the responses to that letter about a husband re-seasoning his wife’s gourmet meals to her distinct displeasure. Some of the online comments made me chuckle, so I’ll share them, too. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: While I was in the military, it was normal to add salt, pepper and ketchup to everything without tasting it first. The habit has followed me for 50 years, no matter where I am. I tell the host that it’s normal for me and to not take it personally. Mac ‘n’ cheese needs ketchup; veggies, potatoes, eggs and watermelon need salt; most everything else needs pepper. For me to taste something, it has to burn my tongue. — VIETNAM VET IN MISSOURI
DEAR ABBY: That wife sounds like an oversensitive control freak. Personally, I can’t handle peppers, but I do like lots of cheese and sour cream on my enchiladas. My wife, who does the majority of the cooking, knows my preference, so she does me the honor of putting more of that on my enchiladas. I also like to dip my fries into mayo instead of ketchup, so she obliges. This is what we do for people we love. We don’t threaten, “My way or the highway, Bub!” — G.S. IN ABBYLAND
DEAR ABBY: I laughed when I was told to substitute “healthy” plain yogurt for sour cream. It never tasted anything like sour cream to me. Then I got some Greek yogurt and realized it works just as well. (It’s an excellent protein source, and many older adults need more as we age.) Now I add plenty without feeling guilty. — ONLINE LOVER
DEAR ABBY: My husband jokes that he has Mexican taste buds but a white guy stomach. Thank heavens we have separate bathrooms. — C.K. ON THE NET
DEAR ABBY: I know when my husband gets out the Tabasco that the meal is not quite to his liking. I don’t usually mind, because I don’t cook just for him. I cook for the entire family. (And, just for reference, he thinks I’m an amazing cook.) — P.M. ON THE WEB
DEAR ABBY: Oh, yes — Tabasco sauce. My dad had so much of it in his lifetime, he should have been McIlhenny’s pitchman. I can see the ad now:
Announcer: What do YOU have Tabasco with?
Man: I have it with chili!
Woman: I have it with eggs!
My dad: I have it with a straw.
— “ABBDICT” A.C.
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--2020-05-08--El Sun-Times lanzará “La Voz Chicago”,  un sitio web gratuito de noticias en español

‘ It just hurts so bad : ’ Mother of 5 shot dead in possible dispute with ex-boyfriend in Austin @ @ @ @ @ Monday at a small gathering she was reluctant to attend , according to her twin @ @

Pvt. Travis King entered the North while on a civilian tour of a Korean border village July 18, becoming the first American detained in the North in nearly five years.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-08--Sun-Times to launch free ‘La Voz Chicago’ Spanish-language news website

In December , the Chicago Sun-Times created a buzz by publishing a Spanish-language edition that wrapped the Dec. 20 newspaper .
Now , after months of gauging feedback from Chicago and suburban Latinos , a new project to fill the void left by the demise of the Chicago Tribune ’ s Hoy publication is set to begin .
The print edition , La Voz Chicago , is being re-launched as a Spanish-language news website at suntimes.com/la-voz .
Starting on Sunday , Mother ’ s Day , readers can go to the site and find a wide range of Sun-Times stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , translated into Spanish .
As the site grows more established , they ’ ll also find original Spanish-language reporting .
A new email newsletter “ La Voz a las dos ” will put these stories directly in readers ’ email inboxes at 2 p.m. each weekday ; readers can sign up at getrevue.co/profile/la-voz .
Stories also will be distributed in Spanish on Twitter at twitter.com/lavozchi and on Facebook at facebook.com/lavozchi .
The newsletter and all La Voz Chicago content will be available free through a grant from AARP Chicago .
“ AARP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much-needed Spanish-language voice to Chicago — one to serve as a trusted resource and wise friend to people in the diverse communities which make our city great , ” said AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo , whose organization represents 1.7 million older adults and their families across the state .
COVID-19 coverage will be a key part of La Voz Chicago ’ s news offerings .
The Sun-Times already has published numerous stories on the pandemic ’ s impact on the Latino community , and continued coverage now will be available in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago ’ s launch could not come at a more crucial time , with recent data showing that the Latino community is trending to become the largest group in Illinois with positive COVID-19 cases , ” Gallo said .
“ AARP is committed to working with La Voz to bring crucial and important information to Chicago residents to keep people safe and healthy – for this critical time and beyond.
” The Sun-Times has hired Jacqueline Serrato , a “ barrio journalist ” whose reporting is known for capturing the conditions and world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to work part-time on La Voz Chicago .
Serrato also serves as editor-in-chief of South Side Weekly , a not-for-profit newspaper dedicated to supporting cultural and civic engagement on the South Side .
Serrato , a Little Village resident , will help oversee the “ La Voz a las dos ” newsletter , story selection and the La Voz Chicago social media feeds .
She got her start in journalism after launching a bilingual community Facebook page that gained 150,000 followers .
Sun-Times Interim CEO Nykia Wright , who with Editor-in-Chief Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spanish-language news website should look and feel , said she is “ thrilled to be officially launching La Voz Chicago on our online platform.
” “ This choice affords us flexibility and creativity to meet a very important demographic in our city , ” Wright said .
“ We will have the ability to more quickly reach this audience with timely stories and the ability to grow this audience while continuing to manage the costs of running a broader news operation .
”

Leer en español
In December, the Chicago Sun-Times created a buzz by publishing a Spanish-language edition that wrapped the Dec. 20 newspaper. Now, after months of gauging feedback from Chicago and suburban Latinos, a new project to fill the void left by the demise of the Chicago Tribune’s Hoy publication is set to begin.
The print edition, La Voz Chicago, is being re-launched as a Spanish-language news website at suntimes.com/la-voz.
Starting on Sunday, Mother’s Day, readers can go to the site and find a wide range of Sun-Times stories, including ones about the coronavirus pandemic, translated into Spanish. As the site grows more established, they’ll also find original Spanish-language reporting.
A new email newsletter “La Voz a las dos” will put these stories directly in readers’ email inboxes at 2 p.m. each weekday; readers can sign up at getrevue.co/profile/la-voz. Stories also will be distributed in Spanish on Twitter at twitter.com/lavozchi and on Facebook at facebook.com/lavozchi.
The newsletter and all La Voz Chicago content will be available free through a grant from AARP Chicago.
“AARP Chicago is proud to help return a much-needed Spanish-language voice to Chicago — one to serve as a trusted resource and wise friend to people in the diverse communities which make our city great,” said AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo, whose organization represents 1.7 million older adults and their families across the state.
COVID-19 coverage will be a key part of La Voz Chicago’s news offerings. The Sun-Times already has published numerous stories on the pandemic’s impact on the Latino community, and continued coverage now will be available in English and Spanish.
“La Voz Chicago’s launch could not come at a more crucial time, with recent data showing that the Latino community is trending to become the largest group in Illinois with positive COVID-19 cases,” Gallo said. “AARP is committed to working with La Voz to bring crucial and important information to Chicago residents to keep people safe and healthy – for this critical time and beyond.”
The Sun-Times has hired Jacqueline Serrato, a “barrio journalist” whose reporting is known for capturing the conditions and world view of Mexicans and Latinos in Chicago, to work part-time on La Voz Chicago. Serrato also serves as editor-in-chief of South Side Weekly, a not-for-profit newspaper dedicated to supporting cultural and civic engagement on the South Side.
Serrato, a Little Village resident, will help oversee the “La Voz a las dos” newsletter, story selection and the La Voz Chicago social media feeds. She got her start in journalism after launching a bilingual community Facebook page that gained 150,000 followers.
Sun-Times Interim CEO Nykia Wright, who with Editor-in-Chief Chris Fusco engaged community stakeholders about how a Spanish-language news website should look and feel, said she is “thrilled to be officially launching La Voz Chicago on our online platform.”
“This choice affords us flexibility and creativity to meet a very important demographic in our city,” Wright said. “We will have the ability to more quickly reach this audience with timely stories and the ability to grow this audience while continuing to manage the costs of running a broader news operation.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-08--Man wanted for groping woman in Chatham: police

Police are looking for a man who sexually abused a woman last month in Chatham on the South Side .
@ @ @ @ @ about 12:45 p.m. April 28 when the man grabbed her arm and buttocks before running @ @ @ @ @ of West 87th Street , according to Chicago police .
The suspect was described as @ @ @ @ @ between 20 and 25 years old with black hair in twist braids with dyed tips @ @ @ @ @ was wearing a black coat with light brown fur around the hood , black jogging @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with information is asked to call Area Two detectives at 312-747-8271 .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s homicides .

Police are looking for a man who sexually abused a woman last month in Chatham on the South Side.
The 27-year-old woman was walking about 12:45 p.m. April 28 when the man grabbed her arm and buttocks before running away in the first block of West 87th Street, according to Chicago police.
The suspect was described as a 150 to 180-pound man between 20 and 25 years old with black hair in twist braids with dyed tips, police said. He was wearing a black coat with light brown fur around the hood, black jogging pants and black shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Two detectives at 312-747-8271.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-08--Wild game: Venison with Vodka Sauce in “Braising the Wild”

Jack Hennessy sticks with his “ Cooking during Quaratine ” theme , so the protein part of the recipe may be subbed out as desired or needed .
Here is the recipe : Let me first say : While this recipe has venison in the title , this red vodka sauce can be used for any domestic or wild meat you have on hand .
That includes the spring jakes and toms being brought home and chopped for the freezer .
If you ’ re using wings , leg , or thigh meat from wild fowl , remember likely a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fats and juices is required to tenderize that meat .
And , yes , you can of course buy vodka sauce at the store , but is it really vodka sauce ?
I doubt it , and you miss out on that bite ( potentially a small buzz ) when you first taste-test this , before 1 hour of simmering causes the alcohol to burn off .
Yes , the vodka ( for better or for worse ) burns off during simmering , so you can safely serve to children .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” rules , this recipe calls for canned and dry ingredients most of us will have readily available , or , at least , be able to source quickly from the grocery store .
In medium pot heated on medium-low , add a thin layer of olive oil followed by finely diced onions .
Lightly salt and pepper .
Cook until slightly brown and soft .
Once onions are slightly brown and soft , add garlic and stir for a few minutes to release flavor , then add vodka .
Allow vodka to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sauce ingredients : diced tomatoes , tomato paste , oregano , parsley , sugar , and black pepper ( salt to taste at end ) .
Turn to low heat to simmer for 1 hour .
After 1 hour , boil pasta and strain water .
Set pasta aside .
In a medium skillet heated on medium heat , add ground venison and lightly salt and pepper .
Cook until done .
To serve add 4 ounces of pasta topped with 4 ounces of ground venison then top with sauce .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shredded parmesan .

VENISON WITH VODKA SAUCE Let me first say: While this recipe has venison in the title, this red vodka sauce can be used for any domestic or wild meat you have on hand. That includes the spring jakes and toms being brought home and chopped for the freezer. If you’re using wings, leg, or thigh meat from wild fowl, remember likely a minimum 4 hours of simmering those cuts in fats and juices is required to tenderize that meat. And, yes, you can of course buy vodka sauce at the store, but is it really vodka sauce? I doubt it, and you miss out on that bite (potentially a small buzz) when you first taste-test this, before 1 hour of simmering causes the alcohol to burn off. Yes, the vodka (for better or for worse) burns off during simmering, so you can safely serve to children. In keeping with my Cooking During Quarantine rules, this recipe calls for canned and dry ingredients most of us will have readily available, or, at least, be able to source quickly from the grocery store. Ingredients (four servings): 16 ounces ground venison 14.5 ounces diced (chili-ready) tomatoes 1/2 cup tomato paste 1 cup vodka 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced 2 large cloves garlic, finely diced 1/2 tablespoon dry oregano 1/4 tablespoon dry parsley 1/2 tablespoon white sugar 1 teaspoon black pepper Salt to taste Olive oil 16 ounces favorite pasta Shredded parmesan cheese for garnish (optional) In medium pot heated on medium-low, add a thin layer of olive oil followed by finely diced onions. Lightly salt and pepper. Cook until slightly brown and soft. Once onions are slightly brown and soft, add garlic and stir for a few minutes to release flavor, then add vodka. Allow vodka to reduce to half, then add remaining sauce ingredients: diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, parsley, sugar, and black pepper (salt to taste at end). Turn to low heat to simmer for 1 hour. After 1 hour, boil pasta and strain water. Set pasta aside. In a medium skillet heated on medium heat, add ground venison and lightly salt and pepper. Cook until done. To serve add 4 ounces of pasta topped with 4 ounces of ground venison then top with sauce. You can also choose to garnish with dry parsley and shredded parmesan.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-08--She left Illinois to be a cruise ship singer, ended up stuck at sea nearly 2 months by COVID-19

She left Illinois to be a cruise ship singer , ended up stuck at sea nearly 2 months by COVID-19 Share All sharing options for : She left Illinois to be a cruise ship singer , ended up stuck at sea nearly 2 months by COVID-19 For the first 22 years of her life , Julia Lindsey had never seen the sea .
Now , it ’ s all she sees — day after day after day — from her cabin aboard the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship .
Stuck onboard , she ’ s only been able to gaze out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bahamas .
“ I ’ m very , very frustrated , ” says Lindsey , 24 , a singer working on the ship who grew up in Poplar Grove , about 75 miles northwest of downtown Chicago .
She ’ s been trapped for nearly two months .
Maybe you heard in March that people were stranded on cruise ships at American ports because of coronavirus concerns .
Many eventually were able to disembark .
Not Lindsey , who ’ s among an estimated 100,000 crew members still stuck on cruise ships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic .
They ’ re caught in a dispute between cruise lines and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
They can disembark only if company executives accept responsibility for making sure that process follows CDC guidelines .
The cruise lines have refused , though Michael Bayley , chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises , which owns the Celebrity Infinity , has told employees the company now will agree so its workers finally can go home .
It can ’ t come soon enough for Lindsey .
She ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only to be told earlier plans to let the crew disembark fell through .
“ Until I ’ m off the ship , I won ’ t expect anything , ” she says .
One of 10 siblings , Lindsey says , “ I ’ ve only ever wanted to perform.
” She started work for the cruise line after graduating in 2018 in musical theater from Decatur ’ s Millikin University .
She ’ d never been outside the United States before .
She auditioned in New York after sending a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barracuda.
” “ Half an hour after I left the callback , I had a contract in my email , ” she says .
“ It was very , very exciting.
” She ’ s traveled to Asia , Europe and beyond — a big change for a young woman whose summers were spent visiting relatives on a farm in Nebraska .
Even for Lindsey , one of the stars of the show , this isn ’ t Broadway , her ultimate goal .
“ The audience members can come in as late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They eat , they drink through it , they ’ ll sleep .
They ’ ll get up in the middle of it and leave.
” But the pay is good , so she can save to move to New York .
“ I didn ’ t think that this was going to be that big of a deal , ” Lindsey says of the pandemic , which crew members first heard of in early March .
On March 14 , a day after her last cruise ended and passengers disembarked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were told , even though no one had tested positive , they ’ d have to wait out two weeks of isolation .
“ We had free rein of the ship , ” Lindsey says .
“ We were able to use all the pools .
We were putting on shows for the crew .
We were just hanging out for a long time , just by ourselves , in the middle of the ocean.
” Nine days later , a crew member tested positive .
Days later , everything changed , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , employees were confined to their cabins 24 hours a day , with water and food left at their doors .
“ I was going absolutely crazy , ” says Lindsey , who ’ s sharing a cabin with her boyfriend .
Her parents , who live in Belvidere , worried .
“ You ’ re not being given any good information about the when and the how you ’ ll get out of it — that ’ s very troubling , ” says Lisa Whitcomb , her mother .
Crew members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — for three hours a day – to eat in a “ big dining hall.
” Since April 30 , the restrictions have been loosened more : They can leave their cabins as long as they wear masks and practice social distancing , Lindsey says .
Listening to music , strolling on the deck , talking with her family and having her boyfriend , who ’ s the cruise ship ’ s music director , with her have kept her sane , she says .
“ We ’ ve gotten to know each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ At the end of every fight , I ’ ll say : ‘ You have to realize I would never spend 33 days alone in a room with anybody .
It ’ s not personal.
’ ” She ’ s been told there ’ s a chance she might be allowed to leave in the next week .
“ We are working with governments and health authorities around the world on our plans , ” Royal Caribbean spokesman Jonathon Fishman says .
When she finally steps back onto land , Lindsey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay away from the water for a long time .
I would never even come on a ship as a guest after this .
”

For the first 22 years of her life, Julia Lindsey had never seen the sea.
But for two months, that’s all she saw — day after day after day — from her cabin aboard the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship, stuck onboard because of coronavirus concerns, first outside Miami, then the Bahamas.
“I’m very, very frustrated,” Lindsey, 24, a singer working on the ship who grew up in Poplar Grove, about 75 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, said this past week.
She finally was able to disembark Saturday at the port of Miami.
“Yay, I’m free!” she posted on Facebook Live from a bus taking her back to Illinois. “Fifty-seven days on board, and I am off the ship and I am headed home!”
Maybe you heard in March that people were stranded on cruise ships at American ports because of safety worries tied to COVID-19. Though many were allowed to leave in the following weeks, Lindsey, till Saturday, was one of an estimated 100,000 crew members still stuck on cruise ships in or near American waters by the pandemic.
They’d been caught in a dispute between cruise lines and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the cruise companies’ refusal to accept responsibility for making sure the disembarkation process followed CDC guidelines.
Michael Bayley, chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International, which owns the Celebrity Infinity, told employees the company finally agreed, allowing its workers to go home.
The Celebrity Infinity cruise ship, owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises, seen from a drone in March as it returned to the Port of Miami from a cruise in the Caribbean. But crew members weren’t allowed to disembark. Joe Raedle / Getty Images
Lindsey had had her bags packed three times, only to be told earlier plans to let the crew disembark fell through.
She took the cruise job because “I’ve only ever wanted to perform.” And she saw this as a way to her dream.
She started work for the cruise line after graduating in 2018 in musical theater from Decatur’s Millikin University. She’d never been outside the United States before. She auditioned in New York after sending a one-minute video singing Heart’s “Barracuda.”
“Half an hour after I left the callback, I had a contract in my email,” she said. “It was very, very exciting.”
She’s gotten to travel to Asia, Europe and beyond — a big change for a young woman whose summers were spent visiting relatives on a farm in Nebraska.
Even for Lindsey, one of the stars of the show, this wasn’t quite Broadway, her ultimate goal.
“The audience members can come in as late as they want,” she said. “They eat, they drink through it, they’ll sleep. They’ll get up in the middle of it and leave.”
But the pay was good, so she could save to move to New York.
“I didn’t think that this was going to be that big of a deal,” Lindsey said of the pandemic, which crew members first heard of in early March.
On March 14, a day after her last cruise ended and passengers disembarked in Miami, she and other employees were told, even though no one had tested positive, they’d have to wait out two weeks of isolation.
“We had free rein of the ship,” Lindsey said. “We were able to use all the pools. We were putting on shows for the crew. We were just hanging out for a long time, just by ourselves, in the middle of the ocean.”
Nine days later, a crew member tested positive. Days later, everything changed. For nearly 2 ½ half weeks, employees were confined to their cabins 24 hours a day, with water and food left at their doors.
“I was going absolutely crazy,” said Lindsey, who shared a cabin with her boyfriend.
Her parents, who live in Belvidere, worried like crazy about her.
“You’re not being given any good information about the when and the how you’ll get out of it — that’s very troubling,” Lisa Whitcomb, her mother, said days before her daughter finally got off the ship.
Crew members eventually were allowed out of their cabins — for three hours a day — to eat in a “big dining hall.” On April 30, the restrictions were loosened more: They could leave their cabins as long as they wear masks and practice social distancing.
Listening to music, strolling on the deck, talking with her family and having her boyfriend, who’s the cruise ship’s music director, with her kept her sane.
“We’ve gotten to know each other very well,” she said. “At the end of every fight, I’ll say: ‘You have to realize I would never spend 33 days alone in a room with anybody. It’s not personal.’ ”
After all of this, Lindsey says: “I’m going to stay away from the water for a long time. I would never even come on a ship as a guest.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-08--Yes, it’s silly, but is ‘Valley Girl’ remake inept too? Fer sure, fer sure

Even though I can ’ t recommend the musical reboot of the beloved 1983 teen romantic comedy “ Valley Girl ” because it ’ s basically terrible , a part of me wants you to see it for the cheesy camp silliness of it all .
Example .
Deep into the film , we see the ensemble cast in various locales trading vocals on “ Under Pressure , ” the brilliant Queen/David Bowie classic with that immortal bass intro and those searing and intense lyrics : It ’ s the terror of knowing what this world is about , watching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ pray tomorrow gets me higher , pressure on people , people on streets… And what are these teenagers doing as they sing “ Under Pressure ” ?
They ’ re GETTING READY FOR THE PROM .
Directed with a breezy style and bathed in bubblegum pink and other pop colors , with a screenplay by Amy Talkington , the 2020 version of “ Valley Girl ” is a musical set primarily as a flashback to the 1980s , with the characters lip-syncing to covers of period-piece pop hits such as Cyndi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ na Have Fun , ” Animotion ’ s “ Obsession , ” The Cars ’ “ Magic ” and yes , Modern English ’ s “ Melt With You.
” In each and every case , the bland and vanilla renditions of these tunes make you weep for the legacy of the originals .
“ Valley Girl ” opens in present day , with Alicia Silverstone as Julie , who picks up her inebriated teenage daughter ( Camila Morrone ) , takes her home and says , “ You know , when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Grandma ’ s favorite shag carpet .
… I told her it was bad shellfish .
But I actually , I downed half a bottle of Peppermint schnapps .
Life was like a pop song , and we knew all the words.
” ( Note : Deborah Foreman , not Alicia Silverstone , starred in “ Valley Girl.
” Alicia Silverstone starred in another teen classic , “ Clueless.
” Wouldn ’ t it have made more sense to have Deborah Foreman playing the mom ? )
Cue the flashback , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ) as teenage 1980s Julie , and “ We Got the Beat ” on the soundtrack .
( Note : “ We Got the Beat ” was the opening song not for “ Valley Girl , ” but for ANOTHER 1980s teen classic , “ Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
” I ’ m so confused . )
As Julie tells her daughter , she and her friends almost never left the Sherman Oaks mall scene and were warned to never go over the hill to Hollywood , where the tough and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the supposedly edgy punkers murdering “ Bad Reputation ” and looking and sounding for all the world like they ’ d lose a rumble with the cast of “ High School Musical.
” Josh Whitehouse is the bad boy Randy , an aspiring rocker who has a total “ Romeo and Juliet ” connection with Julie , while the obnoxious YouTube star Logan Paul plays Julie ’ s narcissistic boyfriend Mickey .
Rob Huebel and Judy Greer provide a few laughs as Julie ’ s dorky but well-meaning parents .
( Julie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re not investing in Macintosh , we ’ re going to go with Commodore.
” ) Jessica Rothe and Josh Whitehouse are charming as the leads , though in the time-honored and dubious tradition of movies about high schoolers , the 32-year-old Rothe and the 30-year-old Whitehouse look more like teachers than students .
This version of “ Valley Girl ” is harmless and frothy , and about as nutritious as a dinner of Sour Patch Kids with a glass of New Coke .

Even though I can’t recommend the musical reboot of the beloved 1983 teen romantic comedy “Valley Girl” because it’s basically terrible, a part of me wants you to see it for the cheesy camp silliness of it all.
Example. Deep into the film, we see the ensemble cast in various locales trading vocals on “Under Pressure,” the brilliant Queen/David Bowie classic with that immortal bass intro and those searing and intense lyrics: It’s the terror of knowing what this world is about, watching good friends screaming ‘Let me out,’ pray tomorrow gets me higher, pressure on people, people on streets…
And what are these teenagers doing as they sing “Under Pressure”? They’re GETTING READY FOR THE PROM.
‘Valley Girl’
Untitled Orion Classics presents a film directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg and written by Amy Talkington. Rated PG-13 (for teen partying, language, some suggestive material, and brief nudity). Running time: 103 minutes. Now available on demand.
Directed with a breezy style and bathed in bubblegum pink and other pop colors, with a screenplay by Amy Talkington, the 2020 version of “Valley Girl” is a musical set primarily as a flashback to the 1980s, with the characters lip-syncing to covers of period-piece pop hits such as Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” Animotion’s “Obsession,” The Cars’ “Magic” and yes, Modern English’s “Melt With You.” In each and every case, the bland and vanilla renditions of these tunes make you weep for the legacy of the originals.
“Valley Girl” opens in present day, with Alicia Silverstone as Julie, who picks up her inebriated teenage daughter (Camila Morrone), takes her home and says, “You know, when I was your age, I barfed all over Grandma’s favorite shag carpet. … I told her it was bad shellfish. But I actually, I downed half a bottle of Peppermint schnapps. Life was like a pop song, and we knew all the words.” (Note: Deborah Foreman, not Alicia Silverstone, starred in “Valley Girl.” Alicia Silverstone starred in another teen classic, “Clueless.” Wouldn’t it have made more sense to have Deborah Foreman playing the mom?)
Cue the flashback, with Jessica Rothe (“Happy Death Day”) as teenage 1980s Julie, and “We Got the Beat” on the soundtrack. (Note: “We Got the Beat” was the opening song not for “Valley Girl,” but for ANOTHER 1980s teen classic, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” I’m so confused.) As Julie tells her daughter, she and her friends almost never left the Sherman Oaks mall scene and were warned to never go over the hill to Hollywood, where the tough and dangerous punk kids hung out. Cut to the supposedly edgy punkers murdering “Bad Reputation” and looking and sounding for all the world like they’d lose a rumble with the cast of “High School Musical.”
Josh Whitehouse is the bad boy Randy, an aspiring rocker who has a total “Romeo and Juliet” connection with Julie, while the obnoxious YouTube star Logan Paul plays Julie’s narcissistic boyfriend Mickey. Rob Huebel and Judy Greer provide a few laughs as Julie’s dorky but well-meaning parents. (Julie’s dad to her mom: “We’re not investing in Macintosh, we’re going to go with Commodore.”)
Jessica Rothe and Josh Whitehouse are charming as the leads, though in the time-honored and dubious tradition of movies about high schoolers, the 32-year-old Rothe and the 30-year-old Whitehouse look more like teachers than students. This version of “Valley Girl” is harmless and frothy, and about as nutritious as a dinner of Sour Patch Kids with a glass of New Coke.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-08--How the Bears’ newest veterans are handling their orientation — on Zoom

Receiver Ted Ginn Jr. is on his sixth NFL team , safety Tashuan Gipson his fourth .
The newest Bears , though , never had an orientation like this .
From their homes out-of-state , they spent the week sitting in front of a computer — Ginn has a miniature basketball hoop on the door behind him , Gipson a pool table — and participating in offseason meetings via Zoom video conferences .
“ Just as far as like building a team , this is something new for everybody , ” Ginn said .
“ I think , for coaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care what level you ’ re on — you ’ re really sitting here doing a virtual meeting .
“ It ’ s a different feel .
I see the comfortability in it , but in the same sense , you know , there ’ s no physical action , there ’ s no really doing the things that you really do in this time to be with your team.
” Ginn said position coach Mike Furrey reminds him of Saints coach Sean Payton — his over-caffeinated meetings are “ get-in , get-out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying attention .
Head coach Matt Nagy , he said , seems down-to-earth — at least over a video chat .
The meetings aren ’ t “ as awkward as one would think , ” Gipson said .
“ These are the ways that you communicate and build relationships and bond right now , ” he said .
“ Everything has been pretty smooth .
Obviously , you would like to be able to be in person and add that face-to-face camaraderie , because that ’ s how you build relationships .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is what we are forced to do .
… “ Learning has been just as easy as if we were in the classroom .
Everything — obviously , besides the physical part — has been what I expected and what I heard.
” Coaches tout offseason programs as the time for players to learn the playbook and bond with each other , in that order .
“ Once we get together , that ’ s when the real jelling is going to be able to happen , ” Gipson said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be behind from a chemistry standpoint until we ’ re able to be around each other collectively.
” To replace the offseason program , the NFL has allowed team meetings and workouts , both of which are conducted from afar , with players receiving their usual bonuses and stipends for their participation .
After starting April 20 , the Bears just finished the first three-week chunk of their virtual offseason — which lasted four days per week , two hours per day .
Veterans will return for more sessions starting May 18 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minicamp this weekend .
“ Then they ’ re going to go back with the older guys , and I think it ’ s going to be important that the coaches do a good job through their computers of having everybody introduce who they are , ” Nagy said after the draft .
“ It ’ s certainly different — you ’ re not sitting side by side and having conversations — but they ’ ll adjust and then we ’ ll readjust when we get to training camp.
” Whenever that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one knows when the full 90-man roster can gather again at Halas Hall .
To stay in shape , Ginn rides his bike 20-30 miles every two or three days .
Gipson is having his 7-year-old son do football training drills , running up hills and in sand pits .
That will have to do — until they can gather with their teammates again .
“ It ’ s super-important to try to establish that relationship through those Zoom meetings , the interaction between them — reaching out to guys personally and just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , let them get a feel for you , ” Gipson said .
“ Obviously , these are extreme , different circumstances .
It ’ s going to be a little different .
”

Wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. is on his sixth NFL team, safety Tashuan Gipson his fourth.
The newest Bears, though, never had an orientation like this.
From their homes out-of-state, they spent the week sitting in front of a computer — Ginn has a miniature basketball hoop on the door behind him, Gipson a pool table — and participating in offseason meetings via Zoom video conferences.
“Just as far as like building a team, this is something new for everybody,” Ginn said. “I think, for coaches and players — I don’t care what level you’re on — you’re really sitting here doing a virtual meeting.
“It’s a different feel. I see the comfortability in it, but in the same sense, you know, there’s no physical action, there’s no really doing the things that you really do in this time to be with your team.”
Ginn said position coach Mike Furrey reminds him of Saints coach Sean Payton — his over-caffeinated meetings are “get-in, get-out,” so long as players are paying attention. Head coach Matt Nagy, he said, seems down-to-earth — at least over a video chat.
The meetings aren’t “as awkward as one would think,” Gipson said.
“These are the ways that you communicate and build relationships and bond right now,” he said. “Everything has been pretty smooth. Obviously, you would like to be able to be in person and add that face-to-face camaraderie, because that’s how you build relationships. But right now, as it stands, this is what we are forced to do. …
“Learning has been just as easy as if we were in the classroom. Everything — obviously, besides the physical part — has been what I expected and what I heard.”
Coaches tout offseason programs as the time for players to learn the playbook and bond with each other, in that order.
“Once we get together, that’s when the real jelling is going to be able to happen,” Gipson said. “Obviously, I’m going to be behind from a chemistry standpoint until we’re able to be around each other collectively.”
To replace the offseason program, the NFL has allowed team meetings and workouts, both of which are conducted from afar, with players receiving their usual bonuses and stipends for their participation.
After starting April 20, the Bears just finished the first three-week chunk of their virtual offseason — which lasted four days per week, two hours per day. Veterans will return for more sessions starting May 18, while rookies are participating in a virtual minicamp this weekend.
“Then they’re going to go back with the older guys, and I think it’s going to be important that the coaches do a good job through their computers of having everybody introduce who they are,” Nagy said after the draft. “It’s certainly different — you’re not sitting side by side and having conversations — but they’ll adjust and then we’ll readjust when we get to training camp.”
Whenever that is. Because of the coronavirus, no one knows when the full 90-man roster can gather again at Halas Hall.
To stay in shape, Ginn rides his bike 20-30 miles every two or three days. Gipson is having his 7-year-old son do football training drills, running up hills and in sand pits.
That will have to do — until they can gather with their teammates again.
“It’s super-important to try to establish that relationship through those Zoom meetings, the interaction between them — reaching out to guys personally and just trying to get a feel for them, let them get a feel for you,” Gipson said. “Obviously, these are extreme, different circumstances. It’s going to be a little different.”


chicagosun-times--2020-05-08--14 shot — 5 fatally — Thursday in Chicago

Five people were killed and nine more were wounded Thursday in shootings across Chicago .
A 16-year-old boy was killed Thursday morning in Ashburn on the Southwest Side by a man who said he was firing back at another shooter .
The boy was a passenger in a vehicle when someone shot him in the head about 10:35 a.m. in the 3900 block of West 83rd Street , Chicago police said .
A female driver took him to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he died .
A 45-year-old concealed-carry holder who was seated in another vehicle claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but detectives are working to verify those allegations , police said .
He was arrested .
Three people were shot to death in less than two hours Thursday evening .
The latest fatal shooting happened about 10:20 p.m. in the South Loop .
A 33-year-old man was standing in a gas station lot in the 1000 block of South Desplaines Street when two males and a female got out of a black Audi and opened fire , police said .
He was shot several times and taken to Stroger Hospital , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening , a person was fatally shot in Morgan Park on the South Side .
Officers responded to a call of shots fired about 9:10 p.m. in the 1400 block of West 112th Place and found a crashed vehicle with two males inside , police said .
The driver had been shot before crashing his vehicle .
He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he was pronounced dead .
The other male suffered injuries in the crash and was taken to the same hospital in good condition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before that , a person was killed in a shooting in Grand Crossing on the South Side .
The male was on the sidewalk about 8:30 p.m. in the 800 block of East 79th Street when he was involved in an argument with someone who pulled out a gun and fired shots , police said .
He was struck in the face , shoulder and back and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead .
Thursday afternoon , one man was killed and another was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park on the West Side .
They were on the sidewalk about 4:30 p.m. in the 300 block of South Kildare Avenue when they heard shots and felt pain , according to police .
A 44-year-old man was struck in the shoulder and leg and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
The other man , 21 , was shot in the hand and taken to the same hospital in fair condition .
The day ’ s latest shooting left a man wounded in Lawndale on the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vehicle about 10:50 p.m. in the 1100 block of South Mozart Street when two males approached and one of them pulled out a gun and fired shots , according to police .
The man was hit in the hand and drove himself to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition , police said .
Less than half an hour before that , another man was critically hurt in Longwood Manor on the South Side .
The 23-year-old was arguing with another male about 10:25 p.m. in the 9900 block of South Vincennes Avenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shot him , according to police .
He was hit in the left side of his abdomen and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition .
A gun was found at the scene .
Earlier in the evening , a man was shot in South Austin on the West Side .
The 21-year-old was outside about 6:30 p.m. in the 5500 block of West Flournoy Street when someone fired shots , striking him in the calf , police said .
He took himself to Rush University Medical Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A man was shot about two hours earlier in South Shore on the South Side .
About 4:35 p.m. , the 25-year-old was in the 7200 block of South Cornell Avenue when he was shot in the forearm , police said .
He was taken to Jackson Park Hospital in fair condition .
Hours before that , a 32-year-old man was shot in Back of the Yards on the South Side .
He was in a vehicle going east about 1:20 p.m. in the 2100 block of West 54th Street when two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police said .
The man was struck in the back and taken to St. Bernard Hospital in fair condition .
Earlier in the morning , a 24-year-old man was wounded in a drive-by in Woodlawn on the South Side .
He was driving about 1:50 a.m. when someone inside a passing vehicle fired shots at him in the 1400 block of East Marquette Road , police said .
He was struck in the lower leg but drove himself to the University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment and was listed in good condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting left two people wounded in West Garfield Park .
The man and woman were in a vehicle about 12:25 a.m. when someone in a white sedan fired shots at them in the 4200 block of West Van Buren Street , police said .
The man , 27 , was shot in the leg and the woman , 23 , was struck in the back .
The man got out of the vehicle and ran while the woman drove to the 11th District police station , 3151 W. Harrison St. , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called and paramedics took the man to Stroger Hospital in fair condition .
The woman was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition .
Thursday ’ s shootings follow a Wednesday in which nine people were shot , three of them fatally , in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Five people were killed and nine more were wounded Thursday in shootings across Chicago.
A 16-year-old boy was killed Thursday morning in Ashburn on the Southwest Side by a man who said he was firing back at another shooter.
The boy was a passenger in a vehicle when someone shot him in the head about 10:35 a.m. in the 3900 block of West 83rd Street, Chicago police said. A female driver took him to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he died.
A 45-year-old concealed-carry holder who was seated in another vehicle claims that someone fired at him first, but detectives are working to verify those allegations, police said. He was arrested.
Three people were shot to death in less than two hours Thursday evening.
The latest fatal shooting happened about 10:20 p.m. in the South Loop.
A 33-year-old man was standing in a gas station lot in the 1000 block of South Desplaines Street when two males and a female got out of a black Audi and opened fire, police said. He was shot several times and taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Junius Thurston of Woodlawn.
Earlier in the evening, a man was fatally shot in Morgan Park on the South Side.
Officers responded to a call of shots fired about 9:10 p.m. in the 1400 block of West 112th Place and found a crashed vehicle with two men inside, police said. The driver had been shot before crashing his vehicle. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner’s office identified him as 22-year-old Malik Delphie of West Pullman.
The other man, 21, suffered injuries in the crash and was taken to the same hospital in good condition, police said.
Less than an hour before that, a person was killed in a shooting in Grand Crossing on the South Side.
The male was on the sidewalk about 8:30 p.m. in the 800 block of East 79th Street when he was involved in an argument with someone who pulled out a gun and fired shots, police said. He was struck in the face, shoulder and back and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Thursday afternoon, one man was killed and another was wounded in a shooting in West Garfield Park on the West Side.
They were on the sidewalk about 4:30 p.m. in the 300 block of South Kildare Avenue when they heard shots and felt pain, according to police.
Robert Johnson, 44, was struck in the shoulder and leg and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said. He lived in Maywood. The other man, 21, was shot in the hand and taken to the same hospital in fair condition.
The day’s latest shooting left a man wounded in Lawndale on the West Side.
The 21-year-old was sitting in a vehicle about 10:50 p.m. in the 1100 block of South Mozart Street when two males approached and one of them pulled out a gun and fired shots, according to police. The man was hit in the hand and drove himself to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said.
Less than half an hour before that, another man was critically hurt in Longwood Manor on the South Side.
The 23-year-old was arguing with another male about 10:25 p.m. in the 9900 block of South Vincennes Avenue when the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot him, according to police. He was hit in the left side of his abdomen and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition. A gun was found at the scene.
Earlier in the evening, a man was shot in South Austin on the West Side.
The 21-year-old was outside about 6:30 p.m. in the 5500 block of West Flournoy Street when someone fired shots, striking him in the calf, police said. He took himself to Rush University Medical Center, where he was in fair condition.
A man was shot about two hours earlier in South Shore on the South Side.
About 4:35 p.m., the 25-year-old was in the 7200 block of South Cornell Avenue when he was shot in the forearm, police said. He was taken to Jackson Park Hospital in fair condition.
Hours before that, a 32-year-old man was shot in Back of the Yards on the South Side.
He was in a vehicle going east about 1:20 p.m. in the 2100 block of West 54th Street when two men on a sidewalk fired shots, police said. The man was struck in the back and taken to St. Bernard Hospital in fair condition.
Earlier in the morning, a 24-year-old man was wounded in a drive-by in Woodlawn on the South Side.
He was driving about 1:50 a.m. when someone inside a passing vehicle fired shots at him in the 1400 block of East Marquette Road, police said. He was struck in the lower leg but drove himself to the University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment and was listed in good condition.
The day’s first reported shooting left two people wounded in West Garfield Park.
The man and woman were in a vehicle about 12:25 a.m. when someone in a white sedan fired shots at them in the 4200 block of West Van Buren Street, police said. The man, 27, was shot in the leg and the woman, 23, was struck in the back.
The man got out of the vehicle and ran while the woman drove to the 11th District police station, 3151 W. Harrison St., according to police sources. The fire department was called and paramedics took the man to Stroger Hospital in fair condition. The woman was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.
Thursday’s shootings follow a Wednesday in which nine people were shot, three of them fatally, in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-05-08--Remote learning engagement ‘uneven’ across Chicago, union says

The president of the Chicago Teachers Union said Friday his members have reported widely varying levels of student engagement since schools closed nearly two months ago because of the coronavirus .
Chicago Public Schools , unlike other large districts around the country , has not yet released data to show how many students have or have not been reached by their schools .
CTU President Jesse Sharkey said he ’ s heard anecdotally from teachers that remote learning is “ uneven ” from one neighborhood and one school to the next .
“ Remote learning has been a challenge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a virtual news conference with reporters .
“ What we ’ re noticing is it ’ s been very uneven around the city .
“ People in some parts of the city say that they are having very good attendance and high participation rates , and in other parts of the city I ’ ve actually heard of teachers saying , on a given day , they ’ ve had no one on their lessons at all , ” he said .
“ Which is very demoralizing and frustrating .
But really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools have 10 different stories.
” Asked why the district has not released engagement numbers seven weeks after schools closed and almost a month after CPS ’ remote learning plan started in earnest , CPS spokeswoman Emily Bolton said “ creating a new streamlined data reporting system that captures all of the digital tools and unique ways students are being engaged through remote learning is extremely complex .
“ As previously stated , the district is committed to providing the public with comprehensive data on remote learning as soon as possible , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The district is actively working to streamline the data and will report it out publicly as soon as we are confident in the fidelity and accuracy of the data.
” The two largest school districts in the country , New York with 1.1 million students and Los Angeles with 600,00 , released numbers in April .
Both districts closed buildings the same week in March as CPS , which serves 355,000 kids .
Sharkey said he ’ s “ disappointed and frustrated ” not to have a full picture of how many students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where .
“ For the life of me I can ’ t understand why they can ’ t supply that number , ” he said .
“ Seems like it would be a number which , even if it ’ s an ugly story , it ’ s one that we got to look square on , face reality and pick up the conversation based on what that tells us.
” There are serious challenges to conducting remote learning in a city with 271,000 students who come from low-income families , including an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One in three CPS students didn ’ t have a computer when online classes started last month , and the same number don ’ t have internet access .
Since then , the district has distributed more than 100,000 laptop computers and tablets , either from its own existing stockpile or devices newly purchased , and started handing out 12,000 mobile internet hotspot devices to homeless students .
But many more still are without broadband .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot acknowledged Friday remote learning is no substitute for in-person learning .
“ I really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly our youngest of children , ” she said .
“ It ’ s so critically important that they get the right start .
And that ’ s hard to do for them when you ’ re talking about remote learning .
”

The president of the Chicago Teachers Union said Friday his members have reported widely varying levels of student engagement since schools closed nearly two months ago because of the coronavirus.
Chicago Public Schools, unlike other large districts around the country, has not yet released data to show how many students have or have not been reached by their schools.
CTU President Jesse Sharkey said he’s heard anecdotally from teachers that remote learning is “uneven” from one neighborhood and one school to the next.
“Remote learning has been a challenge in the CPS schools,” Sharkey said on a virtual news conference with reporters. “What we’re noticing is it’s been very uneven around the city.
“People in some parts of the city say that they are having very good attendance and high participation rates, and in other parts of the city I’ve actually heard of teachers saying, on a given day, they’ve had no one on their lessons at all,” he said. “Which is very demoralizing and frustrating. But really it runs the gambit. Ten different schools have 10 different stories.”
Asked why the district has not released engagement numbers seven weeks after schools closed and almost a month after CPS’ remote learning plan started in earnest, CPS spokeswoman Emily Bolton said “creating a new streamlined data reporting system that captures all of the digital tools and unique ways students are being engaged through remote learning is extremely complex.
“As previously stated, the district is committed to providing the public with comprehensive data on remote learning as soon as possible,” she wrote in an email. “The district is actively working to streamline the data and will report it out publicly as soon as we are confident in the fidelity and accuracy of the data.”
The two largest school districts in the country, New York with 1.1 million students and Los Angeles with 600,00, released numbers in April. Both districts closed buildings the same week in March as CPS, which serves 355,000 kids.
Sharkey said he’s “disappointed and frustrated” not to have a full picture of how many students aren’t being reached, and where.
“For the life of me I can’t understand why they can’t supply that number,” he said. “Seems like it would be a number which, even if it’s an ugly story, it’s one that we got to look square on, face reality and pick up the conversation based on what that tells us.”
There are serious challenges to conducting remote learning in a city with 271,000 students who come from low-income families, including an estimated 17,000 who are experiencing homelessness.
One in three CPS students didn’t have a computer when online classes started last month, and the same number don’t have internet access. Since then, the district has distributed more than 100,000 laptop computers and tablets, either from its own existing stockpile or devices newly purchased, and started handing out 12,000 mobile internet hotspot devices to homeless students. But many more still are without broadband.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot acknowledged Friday remote learning is no substitute for in-person learning.
“I really worry about [the students], particularly our youngest of children,” she said. “It’s so critically important that they get the right start. And that’s hard to do for them when you’re talking about remote learning.”