chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--‘Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square’: The singer’s positively angelic in cozy Netflix musical

We are a nation divided on so many fronts but I believe there are certain things upon which we can all agree , to wit : Who ’ s with me ?
Show of hands , please !
Netflix is churning out Christmas movies in volumes to rival those sheets of cookies your mom used to make that were shaped like trees and covered in red and green sprinkles , with the latest being “ Dolly Parton ’ s Christmas on the Square , ” with Dolly Parton not only playing a guardian angel but contributing 14 original songs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , yes , cornier than the one before .
This is an unabashedly sentimental , family-friendly mashup of “ A Christmas Carol ” with “ It ’ s a Wonderful Life , ” sure to leave you smiling and maybe even a little teary-eyed .
From the opening graphics that look like something out of the 1960s through the happily-ever-after ending , “ Christmas on the Square ” wants nothing more than to make you feel cozy , safe and warm .
Not a bad recipe for these troubled times .
Based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the movie retains a deliberately stagey persona , with most of the story taking place in an old-fashioned town square , where everybody knows your name and there ’ s magic in the air because after all , it ’ s Christmas time !
( The square in “ Jingle Jangle ” was more cinematically rich and fantastical , but this looks like a fun place to hang out as well . )
In the opening number , we see Parton as someone who appears to be homeless , holding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CHANGE.
” ( Hmmm , perhaps there ’ s a double meaning in store for us . )
She sings : Christmas is a time for caring , being at your best Christmas is a time for sharing , knowing you ’ ve been blessed Christmas is a time for giving , love is made of this Cause that ’ s what Christmas is That ’ s about as deep as the lyrics go , folks .
When it comes to musicals set in the buildup to Christmas , this ain ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kick off the story , we meet some of the friendlier friendly faces of the town of Fullerville , many of whom have small businesses in the town square .
Right there in front of the general store and resale shop , say hello to Treat Williams ’ Carl — and while Treat Williams is best known for playing cops and heavies , let ’ s not forget how great he was in the 1979 musical classic , “ Hair , ” and he sounds wonderful here .
Carl ’ s neighbors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Margeline , a feisty spirit who runs Le Beauty Shop , and Pastor Christian Hathaway ( Josh Segarra ) and his wife Jenna ( Mary Lane Haskell ) , who have a small shop featuring clothes and toys for infants and toddlers and have been trying to have a baby of their own for some time now .
We ’ ll also soon meet Matthew Johnson ’ s Mack , a single father who runs the town bar , the Lamplighter Inn , and Mack ’ s adorable daughter Violet ( Selah Kimbro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and regrets , yet they ’ re all grateful to be living in a town such as Fullerville — but that ’ s about to change , if Christine Baranski ’ s Regina Fuller has her way .
Regina left Fullerville as a young woman and never looked back as she made her fortune in the big city , but now that her father ( who was essentially the town founder ) has passed away and left her the deeds to the town properties , Regina wants to buy up every last business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build some sort of soulless mega-mall .
Boooooooo !
Hissssssss !
Jeanine Mason sparkles as Regina ’ s assistant , Felicity , who is in reality an angel-in-training a la Clarence Odbody in “ It ’ s a Wonderful Life.
” Although everyone can see Felicity , only Regina can see Dolly Parton ’ s Angel , who , like the ghosts of Christmas past , present and future , has made it her mission to show Regina the errors of her ways and melt her frozen heart .
Why , there might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revisit the romance she once shared with Carl , who has carried a torch for her all these years .
“ Christmas on the Square ” pulls out all the stops , from Christian and Jenna pledging their love for one another even if they never are gifted with a child , to the Tiny Tim-like Violet hospitalized with a life-threatening injury , to some expertly executed group song-and-dance numbers ( thanks to the legendary Debbie Allen , who directs and choreographs ) to the most welcome spectacle of a glowing , glimmering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its good people .

We are a nation divided on so many fronts but I believe there are certain things upon which we can all agree, to wit:
Dolly Parton is a national treasure.
Who’s with me? Show of hands, please!
Ah. That’s what I thought. National. Treasure.
Netflix is churning out Christmas movies in volumes to rival those sheets of cookies your mom used to make that were shaped like trees and covered in red and green sprinkles, with the latest being “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square,” with Dolly Parton not only playing a guardian angel but contributing 14 original songs, each one sweeter and more melodic and, yes, cornier than the one before. This is an unabashedly sentimental, family-friendly mashup of “A Christmas Carol” with “It’s a Wonderful Life,” sure to leave you smiling and maybe even a little teary-eyed. From the opening graphics that look like something out of the 1960s through the happily-ever-after ending, “Christmas on the Square” wants nothing more than to make you feel cozy, safe and warm.
‘Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square’
Untitled Netflix presents a film directed by Debbie Allen and written by Maria Schlatter. No MPAA rating. Running time: 98 minutes. Now showing on Netflix.
Not a bad recipe for these troubled times.
Based on the play “Christmas on the Square,” the movie retains a deliberately stagey persona, with most of the story taking place in an old-fashioned town square, where everybody knows your name and there’s magic in the air because after all, it’s Christmas time! (The square in “Jingle Jangle” was more cinematically rich and fantastical, but this looks like a fun place to hang out as well.) In the opening number, we see Parton as someone who appears to be homeless, holding a cardboard box that says simply: “CHANGE.” (Hmmm, perhaps there’s a double meaning in store for us.) She sings:
Christmas is a time for caring, being at your best
Christmas is a time for sharing, knowing you’ve been blessed
Christmas is a time for giving, love is made of this
Cause that’s what Christmas is
That’s about as deep as the lyrics go, folks. When it comes to musicals set in the buildup to Christmas, this ain’t “Rent.”
In a rousing medley to kick off the story, we meet some of the friendlier friendly faces of the town of Fullerville, many of whom have small businesses in the town square. Right there in front of the general store and resale shop, say hello to Treat Williams’ Carl — and while Treat Williams is best known for playing cops and heavies, let’s not forget how great he was in the 1979 musical classic, “Hair,” and he sounds wonderful here. Carl’s neighbors in the square include Jenifer Lewis’ Margeline, a feisty spirit who runs Le Beauty Shop, and Pastor Christian Hathaway (Josh Segarra) and his wife Jenna (Mary Lane Haskell), who have a small shop featuring clothes and toys for infants and toddlers and have been trying to have a baby of their own for some time now. We’ll also soon meet Matthew Johnson’s Mack, a single father who runs the town bar, the Lamplighter Inn, and Mack’s adorable daughter Violet (Selah Kimbro Jones).
Everyone has their troubles and regrets, yet they’re all grateful to be living in a town such as Fullerville — but that’s about to change, if Christine Baranski’s Regina Fuller has her way. Regina left Fullerville as a young woman and never looked back as she made her fortune in the big city, but now that her father (who was essentially the town founder) has passed away and left her the deeds to the town properties, Regina wants to buy up every last business in the square, demolish them and build some sort of soulless mega-mall. Boooooooo! Hissssssss!
Back home and ready to demolish the business district, Regina (Christine Baranski) reconnects with shopkeeper Carl (Treat Williams). Netflix
Jeanine Mason sparkles as Regina’s assistant, Felicity, who is in reality an angel-in-training a la Clarence Odbody in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Although everyone can see Felicity, only Regina can see Dolly Parton’s Angel, who, like the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, has made it her mission to show Regina the errors of her ways and melt her frozen heart. Why, there might even be a chance for Regina to revisit the romance she once shared with Carl, who has carried a torch for her all these years.
“Christmas on the Square” pulls out all the stops, from Christian and Jenna pledging their love for one another even if they never are gifted with a child, to the Tiny Tim-like Violet hospitalized with a life-threatening injury, to some expertly executed group song-and-dance numbers (thanks to the legendary Debbie Allen, who directs and choreographs) to the most welcome spectacle of a glowing, glimmering Dolly Parton watching over the town and its good people.
Ho ho hooray.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--Brick thrown through Ald. Ray Lopez’s office window, 4th attack this year

Someone threw a brick through the front window of Ald .
Ray Lopez ’ s Southwest Side office Thursday night , the fourth instance of vandalism targeting his properties this year .
About 10:50 p.m. a male threw a brick through the front window of an office in the 2700 block of West 47th Street , and three males were seen running from the scene , according to Chicago police .
Lopez , who leads the 15th Ward , posted a surveillance video to Twitter early Friday showing three people throwing bricks at the office at 2736 W. 47th Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspects .
His office was previously vandalized twice in July , with bricks thrown through the front windows .
That month , someone also threw a brick into Lopez ’ s Brighton Park home and set fire to a neighbor ’ s garage .
Lopez said he is working with detectives to identify the individuals involved .
He believes the vandalism was gang related .
After Thursday ’ s attack , Lopez cast blame toward Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPD Supt .
David Brown , tweeting , “ At what point will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fueling brazen acts like this ?
” No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Someone threw a brick through the front window of Ald. Ray Lopez’s Southwest Side office Thursday night, the fourth instance of vandalism targeting his properties this year.
About 10:50 p.m. a male threw a brick through the front window of an office in the 2700 block of West 47th Street, and three males were seen running from the scene, according to Chicago police.
Lopez, who leads the 15th Ward, posted a surveillance video to Twitter early Friday showing three people throwing bricks at the office at 2736 W. 47th Street and asked the public to help identify the suspects.
Someone threw a brick through Ald. Ray Lopez’s office Nov. 19, 2020, the 4th attack on his properties this year. Provided by Ald. Ray Lopez (15th)
His office was previously vandalized twice in July, with bricks thrown through the front windows. That month, someone also threw a brick into Lopez’s Brighton Park home and set fire to a neighbor’s garage.
Lopez said he is working with detectives to identify the individuals involved. He believes the vandalism was gang related.
In a text message to the Chicago Sun-Times Friday morning, Lopez said all items in the office had been boxed and the office closed for the last two weeks. He plans to move to a new location, he said.
After Thursday’s attack, Lopez cast blame toward Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPD Supt. David Brown, tweeting, “At what point will she & Brown realize their policies are fueling brazen acts like this?”
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.
By all means keep sending our officers downtown Mayor! At what point will she & Brown realize their policies are fueling brazen acts like this? I will push on but my residents are sick of living in fear b/c criminals know they have the upper hand with our districts short officers https://t.co/DUSQjjxbWV — Ald. Raymond Lopez (@RLopez15thWard) November 20, 2020
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--Teen shot in Bronzeville

Teen shot in Bronzeville

A teenage boy was injured in a shooting early Friday in Bronzeville on the South Side .
The 17-year-old was @ @ @ @ @ 1:10 a.m. in the 4700 block of South Vincennes Street when he heard gunshots and @ @ @ @ @ according to Chicago police .
He was hit in the right leg and taken to @ @ @ @ @ Center in good condition , police said .
No one is in custody as Area @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A teenage boy was injured in a shooting early Friday in Bronzeville on the South Side.
The 17-year-old was walking on the sidewalk about 1:10 a.m. in the 4700 block of South Vincennes Street when he heard gunshots and realized he was hit, according to Chicago police.
He was hit in the right leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said.
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-19--Horoscope for Friday, Nov 20, 2020

Horoscope for Friday, Nov 20, 2020

Avoid shopping or important decisions after 6:30 p.m. Chicago time .
The moon is in Aquarius .
Today your mind is clever !
However , it is also affected by your feelings very strongly , which means you will switch back and forth and go according to the prevailing opinions around you .
This will be maddening for others .
( And you ! )
You are high visibility , and your mind is alert .
Nevertheless , in discussions with members of the general public , as well as partners and close friends you might keep changing your mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You have strong ideas today about politics and religious issues as well as travel and dealing with foreign countries .
This could affect your job and your health .
The problem is you ’ re highly suggestible .
If someone else is persuasive , you ’ ll jump on their bandwagon .
This is not an ideal day to make important decisions about shared property , inheritances or banking .
Be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert .
Basically , even though you are sharp thinking , you are indecisive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
Discussions with partners and close friends might relate to home repairs or family issues .
If so , you have your opinions !
However , according to the input of others , you might suddenly change your opinion based on what someone else says .
Your mind is bright and curious today !
You will be interested to talk to others and share ideas .
You might also be amazed to hear input that you did not expect to hear , which causes you to look at things with fresh eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alert . )
This is a clever day for you because you ’ re full of original ideas .
The problem is it ’ s hard to stick with one idea because you keep hearing better ideas that make you discard what you were thinking and go with something new .
( Gasp . )
Avoid important decisions during the moon alert .
In discussions with a family member , you will have strong feelings that will keep changing according to your moods and whom you last talked to .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , be reassured because it ’ s temporary .
Get ready for a weekend that will be much easier !
Today is a bit dicey .
As you talk to others , especially siblings , relatives and neighbors , you might have trouble defending your ideas because you keep changing them .
Nevertheless , this is a playful , fun-loving day !
Focus on what you enjoy doing and leave the rest .
Today you might be indecisive about financial matters and money issues , because you will be influenced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re not sure what to do .
You know that you want to make some improvements at home or with family , the question is how ?
Today the moon is in your sign dancing with Mars and Mercury .
This gives you lots of mental energy and makes you see things intelligently from many perspectives .
However , it also heightens your emotions , which then influence your thinking , which is why you keep changing your mind !
Stay low key today .
Don ’ t make a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will be tempted to do .
This is not the day to get emotional and change your mind a lot , which you might do .
Instead , keep your feet steady on terra firma .
It is what it is .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Estelle Parsons ( 1927 ) shares your birthday .
You are dedicated and loyal to loved ones .
You have a quiet strength that makes you a natural leader .
Wonderful news !
This is your time of harvest , when you will reap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planted in the last decade .
You deserve this time of success !
As a result , you might enjoy increased influence and leadership in all your relationships .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or important decisions after 6:30 p.m. Chicago time. The moon is in Aquarius.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today your mind is clever! However, it is also affected by your feelings very strongly, which means you will switch back and forth and go according to the prevailing opinions around you. This will be maddening for others. (And you!)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You are high visibility, and your mind is alert. Nevertheless, in discussions with members of the general public, as well as partners and close friends you might keep changing your mind because your feelings will override your intellect.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
You have strong ideas today about politics and religious issues as well as travel and dealing with foreign countries. This could affect your job and your health. The problem is you’re highly suggestible. If someone else is persuasive, you’ll jump on their bandwagon.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This is not an ideal day to make important decisions about shared property, inheritances or banking. Be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert. Basically, even though you are sharp thinking, you are indecisive. (Changing your mind a lot.)
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Discussions with partners and close friends might relate to home repairs or family issues . If so, you have your opinions! However, according to the input of others, you might suddenly change your opinion based on what someone else says.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Your mind is bright and curious today! You will be interested to talk to others and share ideas. You might also be amazed to hear input that you did not expect to hear, which causes you to look at things with fresh eyes. Who knew? (Check moon alert.)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is a clever day for you because you’re full of original ideas. The problem is it’s hard to stick with one idea because you keep hearing better ideas that make you discard what you were thinking and go with something new. (Gasp.) Avoid important decisions during the moon alert.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
In discussions with a family member, you will have strong feelings that will keep changing according to your moods and whom you last talked to. That’s why this could be a confusing day. However, be reassured because it’s temporary. Get ready for a weekend that will be much easier!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Today is a bit dicey. As you talk to others, especially siblings, relatives and neighbors, you might have trouble defending your ideas because you keep changing them. Nevertheless, this is a playful, fun-loving day! Focus on what you enjoy doing and leave the rest.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today you might be indecisive about financial matters and money issues, because you will be influenced by whomever you talk to. This means you’re not sure what to do. You know that you want to make some improvements at home or with family, the question is how?
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Today the moon is in your sign dancing with Mars and Mercury. This gives you lots of mental energy and makes you see things intelligently from many perspectives. However, it also heightens your emotions, which then influence your thinking, which is why you keep changing your mind!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Stay low key today. Don’t make a big deal about anything, which is what you will be tempted to do. This is not the day to get emotional and change your mind a lot, which you might do. Instead, keep your feet steady on terra firma. It is what it is.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Estelle Parsons (1927) shares your birthday. You are dedicated and loyal to loved ones. You have a quiet strength that makes you a natural leader. Wonderful news! This is your time of harvest, when you will reap the benefits of the seeds that you planted in the last decade. You deserve this time of success! As a result, you might enjoy increased influence and leadership in all your relationships.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--In Illinois, U.S. Reps. John Shimkus, Adam Kinzinger and GOP House Leader Jim Durkin exceptions to T

In Illinois, U.S. Reps. John Shimkus, Adam Kinzinger and GOP House Leader Jim Durkin exceptions to Trump enablers

WASHINGTON — As President Donald Trump continues efforts to subvert the election and overturn Joe Biden ’ s win , a reality-based movement among a few Republicans locally and nationally is very slowly starting to emerge .
Three top Republicans in Illinois — Rep. John Shimkus , Rep. Adam Kinzinger and Illinois House Leader Jim Durkin — acknowledge Biden as the president-elect .
Add to this list state Rep. Grant Wehril , R-Naperville .
No slight intended for those not mentioned .
Trump ’ s actions are way beyond asking for a recount or providing evidence of massive voting fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already succeeding , to a degree — to erode trust in our elections , as he seeks to either somehow reverse the outcome through extraordinary schemes or portray Biden as an illegitimate president .
Many Republican enablers are going along with this corrosive election denial , potentially destructive to our democracy .
Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani made a string of conspiracy-laden false claims at a bizarre press conference Thursday .
A recount is one thing .
Contacting GOP swing-state election officials and elected leaders to swap out electors to the Electoral College or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few other Republicans also agree Biden is the president-elect , including U.S. senators Mitt Romney , Utah ; Lisa Murkowski , Alaska ; Marco Rubio , Florida ; John Cornyn , Texas ; and Pat Toomey , Pennsylvania .
Durkin , from Westchester , was a guest at Thursday ’ s “ At the Virtual Table , ” the Sun-Times political show I co-host with Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington .
I asked about the election outcome .
“ The election is over .
Begin the transition process , ” Durkin said , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country .
I hope that the president understands that there is no avenue for him to be able to overturn these results , and we are at a point in time in which there needs to be a cooling off period and a transition of power to the president-elect.
” I asked Durkin why it ’ s hard for other Republicans to come to this conclusion .
He said he ’ s not speaking for others .
“ I ’ m a pragmatic Republican .
And I believe that you know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
You may not like the outcome but the fact is , you ’ ve got to move on.
” Kinzinger said in a Nov. 7 Tweet : “ Sofia and I extend our Congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris .
Our nation deserves two competing parties who can work together when possible , and compete honorably when not.
” Sofia , Kinzinger ’ s wife , has worked in the Trump administration .
Shimkus departs Congress in January , retiring as the senior Republican in the Illinois delegation .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote : “ The peaceful transition of power is a signal to the world of the strength of democracy and the resilience of our Republic .
Even though I supported his opponent , I wish President-elect Joe Biden well .
“ I thank President Trump for his service to our country .
While we had our differences , the tax cuts , roll back of onerous regulations , and pro-life polices he enacted are momentous achievements .
Above all , his appointment of one-third of the Supreme Court and nearly one-third of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legacy , ” said Shimkus .
“ Scripture reminds us the powers that be are ordained of God and commands us to pray for our nation ’ s leaders no matter who they are .
With close margins in the House and Senate , both parties will have to work together as we continue to strive for a more perfect Union .
I pray for success for the next Administration and Congress , and I hope you will as well .
”

WASHINGTON — As President Donald Trump continues efforts to subvert the election and overturn Joe Biden’s win, a reality-based movement among a few Republicans locally and nationally is very slowly starting to emerge.
Three top Republicans in Illinois — Rep. John Shimkus, Rep. Adam Kinzinger and Illinois House Leader Jim Durkin — acknowledge Biden as the president-elect.
Add to this list state Rep. Grant Wehril, R-Naperville. No slight intended for those not mentioned.
Opinion bug Opinion
Trump’s actions are way beyond asking for a recount or providing evidence of massive voting fraud.
He is personally trying — and already succeeding, to a degree — to erode trust in our elections, as he seeks to either somehow reverse the outcome through extraordinary schemes or portray Biden as an illegitimate president.
Many Republican enablers are going along with this corrosive election denial, potentially destructive to our democracy. Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani made a string of conspiracy-laden false claims at a bizarre press conference Thursday.
A recount is one thing. Contacting GOP swing-state election officials and elected leaders to swap out electors to the Electoral College or not certify results is another.
A few other Republicans also agree Biden is the president-elect, or will likely be when the legal process plays out, including U.S. senators Mitt Romney, Utah; Lisa Murkowski, Alaska; Marco Rubio, Florida and Pat Toomey, Pennsylvania.
Durkin, from Westchester, was a guest at Thursday’s “At the Virtual Table,” the Sun-Times political show I co-host with Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington. I asked about the election outcome.
“The election is over. Begin the transition process,” Durkin said, adding that “the people have spoken in this country. I hope that the president understands that there is no avenue for him to be able to overturn these results, and we are at a point in time in which there needs to be a cooling off period and a transition of power to the president-elect.”
I asked Durkin why it’s hard for other Republicans to come to this conclusion. He said he’s not speaking for others. “I’m a pragmatic Republican. And I believe that you know that there is winners and losers in every election. You may not like the outcome but the fact is, you’ve got to move on.”
Kinzinger said in a Nov. 7 Tweet: “Sofia and I extend our Congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Our nation deserves two competing parties who can work together when possible, and compete honorably when not.”
Sofia, Kinzinger’s wife, has worked in the Trump administration.
Shimkus departs Congress in January, retiring as the senior Republican in the Illinois delegation.
In a Nov. 7 Facebook post, Shimkus wrote: “The peaceful transition of power is a signal to the world of the strength of democracy and the resilience of our Republic. Even though I supported his opponent, I wish President-elect Joe Biden well.
“I thank President Trump for his service to our country. While we had our differences, the tax cuts, roll back of onerous regulations, and pro-life polices he enacted are momentous achievements. Above all, his appointment of one-third of the Supreme Court and nearly one-third of the entire federal bench will be an enduring legacy,” said Shimkus.
Shimkus closes his post with a prayer.
Let us pray.
“Scripture reminds us the powers that be are ordained of God and commands us to pray for our nation’s leaders no matter who they are. With close margins in the House and Senate, both parties will have to work together as we continue to strive for a more perfect Union. I pray for success for the next Administration and Congress, and I hope you will as well.”
Amen.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--8 wounded in Wisconsin mall shooting

8 wounded in Wisconsin mall shooting

WAUWATOSA , Wis. — Eight people were injured in a shooting Friday at a suburban Milwaukee mall and police said they were still seeking the suspect .
Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber gave no motive for the attack at the Mayfair Mall in a brief update about three hours after the 2:50 p.m. incident near an entrance to the Macy ’ s store .
He said the extent of injuries to the eight — seven adults and one teenager — was unknown , but all were alive .
He added that the shooter was “ no longer at the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements from witnesses indicate that the shooter is a white male in his 20s or 30s , ” Weber told reporters .
“ Investigators are working on determining the identity of that suspect.
” The chief called the mall an active crime scene and asked people to continue to stay away .
He said the mall would remain closed until further notice .
Witnesses told WISN-TV that they had heard what they believed to be eight to 12 gunshots .
Some people remained in the mall while police searched for a suspect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mall who said they had friends sheltering in stores inside .
Jill Wooley was inside Macy ’ s with her 79-year-old mother when they heard eight to 12 gun shots just outside the store entrance .
“ We heard the first shot fired and knew immediately it was a gunshot , ” Wooley told CBS58 in Milwaukee .
“ We both just dropped to the floor.
” Wooley said she didn ’ t see anyone but the shots were “ very close.
” She added that they ran in the opposite direction to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they then hid .
Trish Cox ’ s 19-year-old nephew works at Finish Line sporting goods store .
She said she was worried because the store ’ s phone wasn ’ t being answered .
She was waiting frantically while FBI agents cleared the mall .
An agent who wouldn ’ t give his name said the mall was being “ methodically ” cleared .
Heavily armed FBI personnel were visible at the mall .
Mall operator Brookfield Properties said in a statement they were “ disheartened and angered that our guests and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today.
” They declined further comment .
The Mayfair Mall was the site of a February shooting in which a city police officer , Joseph Mensah , shot and killed Alvin Cole , a Black 17-year-old .
Police said Cole was fleeing from police ; Mensah , who is also Black , said he shot Cole because Cole pointed a gun at him .
The mall was the target of sporadic protests over several months in the wake of the shooting .
The Milwaukee County district attorney declined to file charges against Mensah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a separation agreement in which Mensah will be paid at least $ 130,000 to leave the force .
Associated Press writers Scott Bauer in Madison and Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis and freelance journalist Rich Rovito contributed to this report .

WAUWATOSA, Wis. — Police searched Friday evening for the suspect in a shooting at a suburban Milwaukee mall that left seven adults and a teenager injured.
Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber gave no motive for the attack at the Mayfair Mall in a brief update about three hours after the 2:50 p.m. incident near an entrance to the Macy’s store. He said the extent of the eight victims’ injuries was unknown, but all were alive. He added that the shooter was “no longer at the scene” when authorities arrived.
“Preliminary statements from witnesses indicate that the shooter is a white male in his 20s or 30s,” Weber told reporters. “Investigators are working on determining the identity of that suspect.”
Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber talks to reporters Friday after eight people were wounded in a shooting at the Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, just west of Milwaukee. AP
As of 9:30 p.m., Wauwatosa police said in a tweet that authorities still had not identified or arrested the suspect. But in the latest update, the department offered its first explanation of what may have led to the shooting.
“Preliminary investigation has led us to believe that this shooting was not a random act, and was the result of an altercation,” said police, who added that the mall was now cleared and secure.
Authorities said the mall will be closed Saturday and investigators will remain there overnight.
“Our thoughts go out to our community, especially those who were injured and affected by the incident today,” Wauwatosa police said in a tweet. “Events like this shake a community, and we remain committed to protecting those who live in and visit Wauwatosa.”
Multiple people were shot Friday afternoon at the Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and police are still searching for the shooter. AP
Witnesses told WISN-TV that they had heard what they believed to be eight to 12 gunshots. Some people remained in the mall while police searched for a suspect. The station interviewed several people outside the mall who said they had friends sheltered inside stores while the search was ongoing.
Jill Wooley was inside Macy’s with her 79-year-old mother when they heard the series of gunshots just outside the store entrance.
“We heard the first shot fired and knew immediately it was a gunshot,” Wooley told CBS58 in Milwaukee. “We both just dropped to the floor.”
Wooley said she didn’t see anyone but the shots were “very close.” She added that they ran in the opposite direction to the basement of the store, where they then hid.
Trish Cox’s 19-year-old nephew works at Finish Line sporting goods store. She said she was worried because the store’s phone wasn’t being answered and was frantic as she waited while FBI agents cleared the mall.
In this image taken from video provided by WISN-TV, emergency crews place two people in waiting ambulances at the Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, Wis., on Friday. AP
An agent who wouldn’t give his name said the mall was being “methodically” cleared. Heavily armed FBI personnel were visible at the mall.
Mall operator Brookfield Properties said in a statement they were “disheartened and angered that our guests and tenants were subject to this violent incident today.” They declined further comment.
In a tweet Friday evening, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers noted that he’s “thinking about all the customers and workers affected by this act of violence and are grateful for the first responders who helped get people to safety. As we learn more, we offer our support for the entire Wauwatosa community as they grapple with this tragedy.”
The Mayfair Mall was the site of a February shooting in which a city police officer, Joseph Mensah, shot and killed Alvin Cole, a Black 17-year-old. Police said Cole was fleeing from police; Mensah, who is also Black, said he shot Cole because Cole pointed a gun at him. The mall was the target of sporadic protests over several months in the wake of the shooting.
The Milwaukee County district attorney declined to file charges against Mensah, but the city this week agreed to a separation agreement in which Mensah will be paid at least $130,000 to leave the force.
This story was written by Nam Huh of the Associated Press. AP writers Scott Bauer in Madison and Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis and freelance journalist Rich Rovito contributed to this report.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--Donald Trump, Jr. tests positive for COVID-19

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump Jr. , the eldest son of President Donald Trump , was quarantining Friday after learning he has been infected with the coronavirus , a spokesperson said .
The younger Trump learned his diagnosis at the beginning of the week and has had no symptoms , said the spokesperson , who was granted anonymity to discuss private medical information .
Trump Jr. is following all medically recommended guidelines for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus , the spokesperson added .
The 42-year-old is the latest member of the president ’ s family to become infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 250,000 Americans and infected nearly 12 million others .
President-elect Joe Biden made President Trump ’ s response to the virus a top issue in the recently concluded race for the White House , though Trump has yet to acknowledge the outcome .
President Trump , first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron have all recovered from their coronavirus infections in October .
The president spent three days in a military hospital where he was treated with experimental drugs ; the first lady weathered her illness at the White House .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimberly Guilfoyle , tested positive for the coronavirus in July .

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Donald Trump, was quarantining Friday after learning he has been infected with the coronavirus, a spokesperson said.
The younger Trump learned his diagnosis at the beginning of the week and has had no symptoms, said the spokesperson, who was granted anonymity to discuss private medical information.
Trump Jr. is following all medically recommended guidelines for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, the spokesperson added.
The 42-year-old is the latest member of the president’s family to become infected with a virus that has killed more than 250,000 Americans and infected nearly 12 million others.
President-elect Joe Biden made President Trump’s response to the virus a top issue in the recently concluded race for the White House, though Trump has yet to acknowledge the outcome.
President Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron have all recovered from their coronavirus infections in October. The president spent three days in a military hospital where he was treated with experimental drugs; the first lady weathered her illness at the White House.
Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, tested positive for the coronavirus in July.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--This Thanksgiving might be like no other, but we’ve had worse, and I’m still thankful

This Thanksgiving may be trying , but for some of us it won ’ t be our worst .
One Thanksgiving , I got into an argument with my husband — and abandoned the turkey in the oven .
I ended up taking the kids to a restaurant .
They had a great time .
But I will always remember the shame of throwing that charred turkey into the garbage .
Then , there was the year we realized something was wrong with my mom .
She pulled a turkey out of the oven that had been cooked breast down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was wrong with his mom .
She showed up with a turkey that was half-cooked and still bloody .
During the years our parents were in charge of Thanksgiving , the holiday was often burdensome .
Both sets of our parents were divorced and remarried , which meant we had to run amongst four different households for Thanksgiving dinner .
My stepmom made the best dressing , but I didn ’ t dare show up at my mother ’ s table already satisfied .
So we learned to pick and choose our side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either set of parents .
We would eat purposefully — a little dressing here , some mac and cheese there .
At the end of the night , we would be sick from all of the bites but drunk on the joy of being with brothers and sisters , aunts and uncles , nieces and nephews and an army of cousins .
Now , in the Age of the Coronavirus , Thanksgiving will be very different for those of us who follow the CDC ’ s recommendations .
There will be no road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hands around a table loaded with food to pray God ’ s blessings over the bounty and over the hands that prepared it .
There will be no gathering of sons and daughters or brothers and sisters who have been squabbling all year nor of the elders who hold out hope that whatever issues drive a wedge between them might be settled before sunset .
There will be no men taking over the living room pretending to look at a football game but actually nodding off during the break between the blessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will be no team of mothers trying to wrangle daughters into the kitchen to begin the task of cleaning up .
Here ’ s hoping that in this Age of the Coronavirus , which is also the Age of Kamala , this tradition will change .
This Thanksgiving is trying because COVID-19 is riding us like a plague , seemingly unleashed with impunity to gather up those who are summoned .
For many of us , this makes this holiday season more important than those of the past .
Not because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off a mask and running headlong into the danger .
But because whether you come from a tribe like mine ( I had eight sisters and nine brothers ) or are from a family of only two , think about this .
There is always someone worst off .
In Matthew McConaughey ’ s recently released memoir , he said something that all black folks my age have heard come out of the mouths of mothers .
McConaughey , the boy-child , was moping over his parents ’ refusal to bow to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athletic shoe .
Like our hardworking parents , his mother warned that if he kept complaining , she would “ introduce him to the man with no feet.
” We have come full circle .
The same type of people who blamed gay people for the spread of HIV for not using protection are now refusing to protect themselves and others by wearing a mask .
This Thanksgiving , I ’ m going to miss my sister-in-law ’ s slow-cooked green beans and potatoes .
I ’ ll also miss my son-in-law ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s apple pie .
There will only be us .
This year , it will be just my husband and I celebrating Thanksgiving , thankful that we are still here .

This Thanksgiving may be trying, but for some of us it won’t be our worst.
One Thanksgiving, I got into an argument with my husband — and abandoned the turkey in the oven.
I ended up taking the kids to a restaurant. They had a great time. But I will always remember the shame of throwing that charred turkey into the garbage.
Then, there was the year we realized something was wrong with my mom. She pulled a turkey out of the oven that had been cooked breast down.
And the year we realized something was wrong with his mom. She showed up with a turkey that was half-cooked and still bloody.
During the years our parents were in charge of Thanksgiving, the holiday was often burdensome. Both sets of our parents were divorced and remarried, which meant we had to run amongst four different households for Thanksgiving dinner.
My stepmom made the best dressing, but I didn’t dare show up at my mother’s table already satisfied.
So we learned to pick and choose our side dishes carefully so as not to offend either set of parents. We would eat purposefully — a little dressing here, some mac and cheese there.
At the end of the night, we would be sick from all of the bites but drunk on the joy of being with brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and an army of cousins.
Now, in the Age of the Coronavirus, Thanksgiving will be very different for those of us who follow the CDC’s recommendations.
There will be no road trips.
There will be no joining of hands around a table loaded with food to pray God’s blessings over the bounty and over the hands that prepared it.
There will be no gathering of sons and daughters or brothers and sisters who have been squabbling all year nor of the elders who hold out hope that whatever issues drive a wedge between them might be settled before sunset.
There will be no men taking over the living room pretending to look at a football game but actually nodding off during the break between the blessed meal and the second helping.
And there will be no team of mothers trying to wrangle daughters into the kitchen to begin the task of cleaning up.
Here’s hoping that in this Age of the Coronavirus, which is also the Age of Kamala, this tradition will change.
This Thanksgiving is trying because COVID-19 is riding us like a plague, seemingly unleashed with impunity to gather up those who are summoned.
For many of us, this makes this holiday season more important than those of the past.
Not because we throw caution to the wind by tearing off a mask and running headlong into the danger.
But because whether you come from a tribe like mine (I had eight sisters and nine brothers) or are from a family of only two, think about this.
There is always someone worse off.
In Matthew McConaughey’s recently released memoir, he said something that all Black folks my age have heard come out of the mouths of mothers.
McConaughey, the boy-child, was moping over his parents’ refusal to bow to the Brand God selling a certain brand of athletic shoe.
Like our hardworking parents, his mother warned that if he kept complaining, she would “introduce him to the man with no feet.”
We have come full circle.
The same type of people who blamed gay people for the spread of HIV for not using protection are now refusing to protect themselves and others by wearing a mask.
This Thanksgiving, I’m going to miss my sister-in-law’s slow-cooked green beans and potatoes. I’ll also miss my son-in-law’s sweet potato pie and my neighbor’s apple pie.
There will only be us.
This year, it will be just my husband and I celebrating Thanksgiving, thankful that we are still here.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--6,111 people hospitalized around the state with COVID-19, 1,196 patients in intensive care units and

6,111 people hospitalized around the state with COVID-19, 1,196 patients in intensive care units and 604 patients on ventilators.(LIVE UPDATES)

State logs another 13,012 new cases of COVID-19 , 126 deaths State public health officials reported 13,012 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 126 deaths Friday , the first day of new , statewide restrictions aimed at curbing a resurgence of the coronavirus .
As of Thursday night , 6,111 people were hospitalized around the state with COVID-19 .
Of that number , 1,196 patients were in intensive care units and 604 patients were on ventilators .
The state reported performing more than 116,000 tests within the last 24 hours .
On Thursday , health officials reported 14,612 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count the state has seen since the pandemic began .
There were also 168 deaths , the third-highest death toll for the state .
Illinois reported a record 15,415 new patients on Nov. 13 , which is more new cases than any other state had logged in a single day since the pandemic began more than eight months ago .
One week before the Thanksgiving holiday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said the state was beginning to see “ a hint of leveling ” in new coronavirus cases and test positivity rates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that to mean it is safe to have Thanksgiving dinner with guests from outside their households .
6:04 p.m. By the time you finish reading this article , another 15 Illinois residents will be infected with the coronavirus Illinois reported another 13,012 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 infections on Friday , pushing the state ’ s total number of cases diagnosed in November to 216,422 .
That means the first 20 days of this month saw nearly as many cases as the entire first seven months of the pandemic .
November has averaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — or a new infection roughly every 8 seconds .
Friday ’ s daily caseload – the state ’ s third highest since the first Illinois case was reported in late January – came on a day when 126 deaths were also reported .
That ’ s down a bit from the fatality counts of the previous two days but up sharply from October ’ s mortality counts .
Friday also marked the first day of new statewide restrictions aimed at curbing the resurgence of the coronavirus .
3:56 p.m. Two more employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office test positive for coronavirus , bringing total to 171 Two more employees at the Cook County chief judge ’ s office have tested positive for COVID-19 , the judge ’ s office reported Friday .
One employee works at the juvenile probation department , while the other works for the adult probation department in Bridgeview .
That brings the total number of cases among employees to 171 since the start of the pandemic , with 73 of those employees working at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center , the judge ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in U.S. , Canada won ’ t let Raptors play in Toronto TORONTO — The Canadian government denied a request by the NBA and the Raptors to play in Toronto amid the pandemic , and the team says it will start the season next month in Tampa , Florida .
“ Ultimately , the current public health situation facing Canadians , combined with the urgent need to determine where we will play means that we will begin our 2020-21 season in Tampa , Florida , ” the team said in a statement Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s decision told The Associated Press there is too much COVID-19 circulating in the United States to allow for cross-border travel that is not essential .
The official , speaking on condition of anonymity and not authorized to talk publicly about the matter , said there ’ s a chance that at some point next year the decision could be reviewed .
The Canadian government had been reviewing a proposal from the NBA and the Raptors .
The team had said it needed to know this week with training camp less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the NBA needed an exemption to a requirement that anyone entering Canada for nonessential reasons must isolate for 14 days .
The U.S.-Canada border remains closed to nonessential travel .
1:01 p.m. CTA holiday train and bus to return , but no riders allowed The CTA ’ s holiday train and bus will resume their annual journeys around Chicago this season , but commuters will have to enjoy the festivities from afar due to new safety measures against the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Santa and his elves will stay socially distanced this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be able to board the CTA Holiday Train or the CTA Holiday Bus , ” the transit authority said in a statement .
“ Instead , the CTA Holiday Fleet will run along each rail line and multiple bus routes , spreading holiday cheer across the city.
” The six-car holiday train — decorated with thousands of lights , holiday scenes and a flatbed carrying Santa Claus and his reindeer — is a staple of the season in Chicago .
It will begin service Nov. 27 , the day after Thanksgiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will feature “ Ralphie the Reindeer ” and Santa Claus , ” takes off Dec. 1 , the CTA said .
12:46 p.m. Pfizer files for emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine in U.S. Pfizer said Friday it is asking U.S. regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine , starting the clock on a process that could bring limited first shots as early as next month and eventually an end to the pandemic — but not until after a long , hard winter .
The action comes days after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that its vaccine appears 95 % effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease in a large , ongoing study .
The companies said that protection plus a good safety record means the vaccine should qualify for emergency use authorization , something the Food and Drug Administration can grant before the final testing is fully complete .
In addition to Friday ’ s FDA submission , they have already started “ rolling ” applications in Europe and the U.K. and intend to submit similar information soon .
“ Our work to deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been more urgent , ” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement .
With the coronavirus surging around the U.S. and the world , the pressure is on for regulators to make a speedy decision .
“ Help is on the way , ” Dr. Anthony Fauci , the top U.S. infectious disease expert said on the eve of Pfizer ’ s announcement , adding that it ’ s too early to abandon masks and other protective measures .
“ We need to actually double down on the public health measures as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come.
” 12:41 p.m .
Convicted fraudster ordered into prison after feds allege new COVID-19 scheme Insisting that “ enough is enough , ” an agitated federal judge ordered a convicted fraudster into prison Friday after the feds say she squandered thousands from a $ 150,000 COVID-19 loan .
Prosecutors said Crystal Lundberg used the money — meant for small businesses struggling through the pandemic — on travel and legal bills , electronics , clothing and other items .
She would have done it all while putting off her surrender date with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Jan. 20 , 2020 .
U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo sentenced Lundberg last December to more than four years in prison for wire fraud .
Since the feds leveled their new allegations earlier this week , she has been held in custody at the downtown Metropolitan Correctional Center , records show .
Lundberg ’ s attorney , Andrea Gambino , told Bucklo during a hearing Friday she would not “ take any position ” regarding the latest claims against her client , insisting she didn ’ t want to commit Lundberg to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with anything.
” Still , she acknowledged Lundberg ’ s answers about her criminal history on an application seeking the loan were “ incomplete.
” 10:46 a.m. Former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz tests positive for coronavirus COLUMBIA .
S.C. — Lou Holtz has tested positive for the coronavirus .
The 83-year-old former college football coach confirmed the test Thursday to Columbia TV station WOLO .
“ I don ’ t have a lot of energy right now , ” Holtz told the ABC station .
Holtz led Notre Dame to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fame career .
He has worked for ESPN and campaigned for President Donald Trump .
Holtz is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump .
8:56 a.m. Chicago Park District suspends in-person programming as new COVID-19 restrictions take hold The Chicago Park District is suspending all in-person programming as new statewide COVID-19 restrictions are set to take effect , officials announced Thursday .
All in-person programming will halt Friday until further notice as the state moves into Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s Tier 3 mitigation plan , spokeswoman Michele @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care services offered at certain facilities .
The Park District will , however , continue to offer virtual programs “ to keep families active and engaged at home , ” according to a statement .
8:53 a.m. Coronavirus vaccines will face a deep distrust in the Black community As part of a network of Black pastors , the Rev .
Floyd James is working with Rush University Medical Center to establish more coronavirus testing on the West Side .
James , the pastor of Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church in North Lawndale , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in touch with community members to help answer questions about COVID-19 , which has spread aggressively in Black communities on the West Side and South Side .
Hospitals like Rush , one of Chicago ’ s biggest , have been trying desperately to recruit people of color for vaccine research to help ensure the therapies are safe and effective in the most vulnerable populations .
But that ’ s a tough sell , according to James , who — along with two dozen family members — came down with the virus earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ like Mike Tyson ’ s punching bag.
” He ’ s uncertain about whether many West Sider residents will get a shot once the vaccines are available , let alone take part in the studies making sure they work .
• State health officials reported another 13,012 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 126 deaths Friday .
• The World Health Organization has recorded 65 cases of the coronavirus among staff based at its headquarters , including five people who worked on the premises and were in contact with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence undermines our self-government Making threats of violence against our governor ’ s family should simply not happen in Illinois .
Unfortunately , such threats are growing more common across the nation .
It ’ s up to the rest of us to tamp down any suggestion of violence whenever we run across it .
On Tuesday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said his family received a series of “ hateful and threatening ” messages after a debunked photo went viral purporting to show his daughter eating at a Chicago restaurant .
Pritzker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Thanksgiving plans .
“ Hateful and threatening ” messages ?
Over something that didn ’ t even happen ?
Such threats eat away at the cohesion that holds our city , state and nation together .
It ’ s not just Illinois .
Across the nation , store employees are threatened when they ask customers to wear masks .
Health care workers are threatened when they encourage pandemic safety measures .

November has averaged more than 10,821 new cases each day — or a new infection roughly every 8 seconds. It’s a shocking statistic.
Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic in Chicago and around Illinois.
News
8:55 p.m. State logs another 13,012 new cases of COVID-19, 126 deaths
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike attends a press conference where Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that he is enforcing tier three mitigations in Illinois to curb the spread of COVID-19 at the James R. Thompson Center in the Loop, Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 17, 2020. Starting Friday, new restrictions will be placed on retail stores, gyms, restaurants and bars, hotels, offices, social gatherings, and indoor recreation centers. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
State public health officials reported 13,012 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 126 deaths Friday, the first day of new, statewide restrictions aimed at curbing a resurgence of the coronavirus.
As of Thursday night, 6,111 people were hospitalized around the state with COVID-19. Of that number, 1,196 patients were in intensive care units and 604 patients were on ventilators.
The state reported performing more than 116,000 tests within the last 24 hours.
On Thursday, health officials reported 14,612 new cases, the second-highest daily case count the state has seen since the pandemic began. There were also 168 deaths, the third-highest death toll for the state.
Illinois reported a record 15,415 new patients on Nov. 13, which is more new cases than any other state had logged in a single day since the pandemic began more than eight months ago.
One week before the Thanksgiving holiday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state was beginning to see “a hint of leveling” in new coronavirus cases and test positivity rates, but cautioned residents shouldn’t take that to mean it is safe to have Thanksgiving dinner with guests from outside their households.
Read the full story here.
6:04 p.m. By the time you finish reading this article, another 15 Illinois residents will be infected with the coronavirus
Illinois reported another 13,012 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 infections on Friday, pushing the state’s total number of cases diagnosed in November to 216,422.
That means the first 20 days of this month saw nearly as many cases as the entire first seven months of the pandemic.
November has averaged more than 10,821 new cases each day — or a new infection roughly every 8 seconds.
Friday’s daily caseload – the state’s third highest since the first Illinois case was reported in late January – came on a day when 126 deaths were also reported. That’s down a bit from the fatality counts of the previous two days but up sharply from October’s mortality counts.
Friday also marked the first day of new statewide restrictions aimed at curbing the resurgence of the coronavirus.
Reporter Rachel Hinton has the full story.
3:56 p.m. Two more employees in Cook County chief judge’s office test positive for coronavirus, bringing total to 171
Two more employees at the Cook County chief judge’s office have tested positive for COVID-19, the judge’s office reported Friday.
One employee works at the juvenile probation department, while the other works for the adult probation department in Bridgeview.
That brings the total number of cases among employees to 171 since the start of the pandemic, with 73 of those employees working at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, the judge’s office said.
Read the full story here.
1:21 p.m. With coronavirus spiking in U.S., Canada won’t let Raptors play in Toronto
TORONTO — The Canadian government denied a request by the NBA and the Raptors to play in Toronto amid the pandemic, and the team says it will start the season next month in Tampa, Florida.
“Ultimately, the current public health situation facing Canadians, combined with the urgent need to determine where we will play means that we will begin our 2020-21 season in Tampa, Florida,” the team said in a statement Friday.
An official familiar with the federal government’s decision told The Associated Press there is too much COVID-19 circulating in the United States to allow for cross-border travel that is not essential.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity and not authorized to talk publicly about the matter, said there’s a chance that at some point next year the decision could be reviewed.
The Canadian government had been reviewing a proposal from the NBA and the Raptors. The team had said it needed to know this week with training camp less than two weeks away.
The Raptors and the NBA needed an exemption to a requirement that anyone entering Canada for nonessential reasons must isolate for 14 days. The U.S.-Canada border remains closed to nonessential travel.
Read the full story here.
1:01 p.m. CTA holiday train and bus to return, but no riders allowed
The CTA’s holiday train and bus will resume their annual journeys around Chicago this season, but commuters will have to enjoy the festivities from afar due to new safety measures against the coronavirus pandemic.
“Santa and his elves will stay socially distanced this holiday season, meaning that customers won’t be able to board the CTA Holiday Train or the CTA Holiday Bus,” the transit authority said in a statement. “Instead, the CTA Holiday Fleet will run along each rail line and multiple bus routes, spreading holiday cheer across the city.”
The six-car holiday train — decorated with thousands of lights, holiday scenes and a flatbed carrying Santa Claus and his reindeer — is a staple of the season in Chicago. It will begin service Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, the CTA said.
The bus, which will feature “Ralphie the Reindeer” and Santa Claus,” takes off Dec. 1, the CTA said.
Read the full story here.
12:46 p.m. Pfizer files for emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine in U.S.
Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Pfizer said Friday it is asking U.S. regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine, starting the clock on a process that could bring limited first shots as early as next month and eventually an end to the pandemic — but not until after a long, hard winter.
The action comes days after Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech announced that its vaccine appears 95% effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease in a large, ongoing study.
The companies said that protection plus a good safety record means the vaccine should qualify for emergency use authorization, something the Food and Drug Administration can grant before the final testing is fully complete. In addition to Friday’s FDA submission, they have already started “rolling” applications in Europe and the U.K. and intend to submit similar information soon.
“Our work to deliver a safe and effective vaccine has never been more urgent,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement.
With the coronavirus surging around the U.S. and the world, the pressure is on for regulators to make a speedy decision.
“Help is on the way,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert said on the eve of Pfizer’s announcement, adding that it’s too early to abandon masks and other protective measures. “We need to actually double down on the public health measures as we’re waiting for that help to come.”
Read the full story here.
12:41 p.m. Convicted fraudster ordered into prison after feds allege new COVID-19 scheme
Insisting that “enough is enough,” an agitated federal judge ordered a convicted fraudster into prison Friday after the feds say she squandered thousands from a $150,000 COVID-19 loan.
Prosecutors said Crystal Lundberg used the money — meant for small businesses struggling through the pandemic — on travel and legal bills, electronics, clothing and other items. She would have done it all while putting off her surrender date with the Federal Bureau of Prisons originally set for Jan. 20, 2020.
U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo sentenced Lundberg last December to more than four years in prison for wire fraud. Since the feds leveled their new allegations earlier this week, she has been held in custody at the downtown Metropolitan Correctional Center, records show.
Lundberg’s attorney, Andrea Gambino, told Bucklo during a hearing Friday she would not “take any position” regarding the latest claims against her client, insisting she didn’t want to commit Lundberg to answers “before she’s been charged with anything.” Still, she acknowledged Lundberg’s answers about her criminal history on an application seeking the loan were “incomplete.”
Read the full story here.
10:46 a.m. Former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz tests positive for coronavirus
COLUMBIA. S.C. — Lou Holtz has tested positive for the coronavirus.
The 83-year-old former college football coach confirmed the test Thursday to Columbia TV station WOLO.
“I don’t have a lot of energy right now,” Holtz told the ABC station.
Holtz led Notre Dame to the 1988 national title in a Hall of Fame career. He has worked for ESPN and campaigned for President Donald Trump. Holtz is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump.
Read the full story here.
8:56 a.m. Chicago Park District suspends in-person programming as new COVID-19 restrictions take hold
The Chicago Park District is suspending all in-person programming as new statewide COVID-19 restrictions are set to take effect, officials announced Thursday.
All in-person programming will halt Friday until further notice as the state moves into Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Tier 3 mitigation plan, spokeswoman Michele Lemons said. That includes daytime child care services offered at certain facilities.
The Park District will, however, continue to offer virtual programs “to keep families active and engaged at home,” according to a statement.
Read the full story here.
8:53 a.m. Coronavirus vaccines will face a deep distrust in the Black community
As part of a network of Black pastors, the Rev. Floyd James is working with Rush University Medical Center to establish more coronavirus testing on the West Side.
James, the pastor of Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church in North Lawndale, also has been trying to put doctors in touch with community members to help answer questions about COVID-19, which has spread aggressively in Black communities on the West Side and South Side.
Hospitals like Rush, one of Chicago’s biggest, have been trying desperately to recruit people of color for vaccine research to help ensure the therapies are safe and effective in the most vulnerable populations.
But that’s a tough sell, according to James, who — along with two dozen family members — came down with the virus earlier this year and says it left him feeling “like Mike Tyson’s punching bag.”
He’s uncertain about whether many West Sider residents will get a shot once the vaccines are available, let alone take part in the studies making sure they work.
Read the full story here.
New cases
State health officials reported another 13,012 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 126 deaths Friday.
The World Health Organization has recorded 65 cases of the coronavirus among staff based at its headquarters, including five people who worked on the premises and were in contact with one another.
Analysis & Commentary
8:55 a.m. Making threats of violence undermines our self-government
Making threats of violence against our governor’s family should simply not happen in Illinois.
Unfortunately, such threats are growing more common across the nation. It’s up to the rest of us to tamp down any suggestion of violence whenever we run across it.
On Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said his family received a series of “hateful and threatening” messages after a debunked photo went viral purporting to show his daughter eating at a Chicago restaurant. Pritzker said the threats affected his family’s Thanksgiving plans.
“Hateful and threatening” messages? Over something that didn’t even happen? Such threats eat away at the cohesion that holds our city, state and nation together.
It’s not just Illinois. Across the nation, store employees are threatened when they ask customers to wear masks. Health care workers are threatened when they encourage pandemic safety measures.
Read the full Sun-Times editorial here.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--In budget negotiations, Lightfoot failed to meet bar of civic leadership

On Monday , City Council will vote on the $ 12.8 billion budget .
This year ’ s budget process reminds us of how much work is needed to build a just , ethical and accountable Chicago .
Last week , Mayor Lori Lightfoot told the City Council Black Caucus that if they vote no on her proposed budget , their communities will not be prioritized in the city ’ s capital improvement plan .
To the Latino Caucus , the mayor suggested she may close loopholes in the Welcoming City ordinance , which allow police to cooperate with federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget .
Some dismiss this as “ politics as usual ” in Chicago .
But this is not the political culture we deserve — and we must not normalize it .
In a Democratic stronghold , immigrant groups should not have to work to separate their civil liberties from an unpopular political vote .
Black faith leaders should not have to call on the mayor to stop threatening their communities if she disagrees with their alderman .
The mayor ’ s words remind us of who has an unalienable right to disagree , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nationally , we are counting on the voices and votes of Black and Brown Americans to save our democracy .
But in Chicago , we perpetuate systems built to silence Black and Brown communities .
When the mayor uses the capital improvement plan or civil liberties as a bargaining chip , she is attempting to win a political fight by leveraging government structures built to concentrate wealth and power for white communities .
Chicago can not build an equitable future while maintaining these structures ; we must reimagine how we budget , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and what is off-limits , no matter how heated our politics .
Political fights will come and go , as will political leaders .
The tenor of our policy debates must always strive to rise above day ’ s pressures .
In budget negotiations , the mayor failed to meet this bar of civic leadership .
We call on the mayor to apologize for her comments , encourage all aldermen to vote their conscience , and pledge not to take retaliatory action against Black or Brown communities whose representatives disagree with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end your term of office In your inaugural address , you described a well-functioning country as a landscape of “ carnage.
” It wasn ’ t true then , but under your leadership it certainly is now .
In the last four years , we have become a country overwhelmed by a pandemic , a faltering economy , social unrest and deep cultural division .
Short of the Civil War , the early days of the Great Depression , and World War II , I can ’ t think of any time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crises .
At least in those times , we had great leadership that inspired the country to work together to solve those problems .
The list of your lies , irrational decisions , vengeful tweets , demands for unquestioning loyalty and cruel executive decisions are endless .
You ’ ve negated science to promote your own destructive direction in addressing a health care crisis .
If those behaviors were not enough , you now attack and try to undermine the basic stronghold of our democracy : a true and fair election .
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any kind of defeat , you have launched an unfounded investigation into voter fraud to sooth your fragile ego .
Instead of putting the country first , you attempt to undermine the next administration .
Evidently , you think of yourself as some type of persecuted hero .
You are not , now , nor have ever been a hero .
The heroes of this country are the average citizens who donated money , made phone calls , wrote postcards , registered voters , and waited in line for hours to vote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mind : to get you out !
The massive celebrations all over the country should have given you the message .
IT ’ S TIME TO GO .

On Monday, City Council will vote on the $12.8 billion budget. This year’s budget process reminds us of how much work is needed to build a just, ethical and accountable Chicago.
Last week, Mayor Lori Lightfoot told the City Council Black Caucus that if they vote no on her proposed budget, their communities will not be prioritized in the city’s capital improvement plan. To the Latino Caucus, the mayor suggested she may close loopholes in the Welcoming City ordinance, which allow police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, if they approve her budget.
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be 350 words or less.
Some dismiss this as “politics as usual” in Chicago. But this is not the political culture we deserve — and we must not normalize it.
In a Democratic stronghold, immigrant groups should not have to work to separate their civil liberties from an unpopular political vote. Black faith leaders should not have to call on the mayor to stop threatening their communities if she disagrees with their alderman. The mayor’s words remind us of who has an unalienable right to disagree, and whose lives are threatened in dissent.
Nationally, we are counting on the voices and votes of Black and Brown Americans to save our democracy. But in Chicago, we perpetuate systems built to silence Black and Brown communities.
When the mayor uses the capital improvement plan or civil liberties as a bargaining chip, she is attempting to win a political fight by leveraging government structures built to concentrate wealth and power for white communities. Chicago cannot build an equitable future while maintaining these structures; we must reimagine how we budget, how we debate, how we negotiate — and what is off-limits, no matter how heated our politics.
Opinion Newsletter
Political fights will come and go, as will political leaders. The tenor of our policy debates must always strive to rise above day’s pressures. In budget negotiations, the mayor failed to meet this bar of civic leadership. We call on the mayor to apologize for her comments, encourage all aldermen to vote their conscience, and pledge not to take retaliatory action against Black or Brown communities whose representatives disagree with her.
Niketa Brar, Ahmadou Drame, Niya Kelly, board and leadership team, Chicago United for Equity
Mr. President, what a way to end your term of office
In your inaugural address, you described a well-functioning country as a landscape of “carnage.” It wasn’t true then, but under your leadership it certainly is now. In the last four years, we have become a country overwhelmed by a pandemic, a faltering economy, social unrest and deep cultural division.
Short of the Civil War, the early days of the Great Depression, and World War II, I can’t think of any time when the country has experienced so many crises. At least in those times, we had great leadership that inspired the country to work together to solve those problems.
The list of your lies, irrational decisions, vengeful tweets, demands for unquestioning loyalty and cruel executive decisions are endless. You’ve negated science to promote your own destructive direction in addressing a health care crisis. If those behaviors were not enough, you now attack and try to undermine the basic stronghold of our democracy: a true and fair election.
Because you have always been incapable of accepting any kind of defeat, you have launched an unfounded investigation into voter fraud to sooth your fragile ego. Instead of putting the country first, you attempt to undermine the next administration.
Evidently, you think of yourself as some type of persecuted hero. You are not, now, nor have ever been a hero. The heroes of this country are the average citizens who donated money, made phone calls, wrote postcards, registered voters, and waited in line for hours to vote. They made these efforts with one goal in mind: to get you out! The massive celebrations all over the country should have given you the message. IT’S TIME TO GO.
Betty Kleinberg Deerfield


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--By the time you finish reading this article, another 15 Illinois residents will be infected with the

By the time you finish reading this article, another 15 Illinois residents will be infected with the coronavirus

Illinois reported another 13,012 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 infections on Friday , pushing the state ’ s total number of cases diagnosed in November to 216,422 .
That means the first 20 days of this month saw nearly as many cases as the entire first seven months of the pandemic .
November has averaged more than 10,821 new cases each day — or a new infection roughly every 8 seconds .
Friday ’ s daily caseload – the state ’ s third highest since the first Illinois case was reported in late January – came on a day when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s down a bit from the fatality counts of the previous two days but up sharply from October ’ s mortality counts .
Friday also marked the first day of new statewide restrictions aimed at curbing the resurgence of the coronavirus .
“ The core philosophy here is that if we all stay home as much as possible — if we all avoid the trips outside the house that we don ’ t need to take right now — we can fight this recent surge and turn things around for our health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing an increasingly dangerous situation , across the state , ” Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said at his Friday briefing on the virus .
“ And , we can potentially pull back on these mitigations for everyone before the December holidays.
” As of Thursday night , 6,111 people were hospitalized around the state with COVID-19 .
Of that number , 1,196 patients were in intensive care units and 604 were on ventilators .
Statewide , there are 618 beds in intensive care units available of a possible 3,313 beds — there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Ngozi Ezike , the head of the state ’ s public health department , reflected on the “ evolution of the pandemic , ” saying that during the “ dreadful ” early days of the virus people called and checked on each other and stayed home to reduce the spread of the virus .
With a resurgence of COVID-19 , she urged the state ’ s residents to tap into those old feelings and “ be kind.
” “ All of us can ’ t wait to put this year 2020 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Until then , let ’ s make decisions with ... what we can see right now .
I ask for all of us to have patience and compassion for those with whom we may disagree , to understand that this is an extremely difficult time for everyone .
Nobody is getting through this unscathed .
...
This is a traumatizing , mass casualty experience for all of us.
” On Thursday , health officials reported 14,612 new cases , the second-highest daily case count the state has seen since the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the third-highest death toll for the state .
A week earlier , Illinois reported a record 15,415 new infections on Nov. 13 , which is more new cases than any other state had logged in a single day since the pandemic began more than eight months ago .
One week before the Thanksgiving holiday , Pritzker said Thursday that the state was beginning to see “ a hint of leveling ” in new coronavirus cases and test positivity rates , but cautioned residents shouldn ’ t take that to mean it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from outside their households .
As of Friday , the state is in Tier 3 of Pritzker ’ s mitigation plan , which means residents can expect a 25 % capacity limit at big-box stores and other retailers as well as the usual 50 % capacity limit at grocery stores .
Museums , theaters and casinos across Illinois will be closed as part of the plan in an effort to curb the spread of the virus Pritzker has previously said his enhanced guidelines boil down to a simple idea : “ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , don ’ t .
”

Illinois reported another 13,012 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 infections on Friday, pushing the state’s total number of cases diagnosed in November to 216,422.
That means the first 20 days of this month saw nearly as many cases as the entire first seven months of the pandemic.
November has averaged more than 10,821 new cases each day — or a new infection roughly every 8 seconds.
Friday’s daily caseload – the state’s third highest since the first Illinois case was reported in late January – came on a day when 126 deaths were also reported. That’s down a bit from the fatality counts of the previous two days but up sharply from October’s mortality counts.
Friday also marked the first day of new statewide restrictions aimed at curbing the resurgence of the coronavirus.
“The core philosophy here is that if we all stay home as much as possible — if we all avoid the trips outside the house that we don’t need to take right now — we can fight this recent surge and turn things around for our health care workers and hospital systems who are facing an increasingly dangerous situation, across the state,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at his Friday briefing on the virus.
Test site workers handle test samples from residents in vehicles at the COVID-19 testing site at Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy in Little Village earlier this month. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times file
“And, we can potentially pull back on these mitigations for everyone before the December holidays.”
As of Thursday night, 6,111 people were hospitalized around the state with COVID-19. Of that number, 1,196 patients were in intensive care units and 604 were on ventilators.
Statewide, there are 618 beds in intensive care units available of a possible 3,313 beds — there are 3,984 ventilators available statewide of 5,657.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the head of the state’s public health department, reflected on the “evolution of the pandemic,” saying that during the “dreadful” early days of the virus people called and checked on each other and stayed home to reduce the spread of the virus.
With a resurgence of COVID-19, she urged the state’s residents to tap into those old feelings and “be kind.”
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike during a daily COVID-19 update earlier this month. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times file
“All of us can’t wait to put this year 2020 in the rearview mirror,” Ezike said. “Until then, let’s make decisions with ... what we can see right now. I ask for all of us to have patience and compassion for those with whom we may disagree, to understand that this is an extremely difficult time for everyone. Nobody is getting through this unscathed. ... This is a traumatizing, mass casualty experience for all of us.”
On Thursday, health officials reported 14,612 new cases, the second-highest daily case count the state has seen since the pandemic began. There were also 168 deaths, the third-highest death toll for the state.
A week earlier, Illinois reported a record 15,415 new infections on Nov. 13, which is more new cases than any other state had logged in a single day since the pandemic began more than eight months ago.
One week before the Thanksgiving holiday, Pritzker said Thursday that the state was beginning to see “a hint of leveling” in new coronavirus cases and test positivity rates, but cautioned residents shouldn’t take that to mean it is safe to have Thanksgiving dinner with guests from outside their households.
Rivers Casino in Des Plaines sits empty and temporarily closed as Illinois’ Tier 3 mitigations took effect to curb the spread of COVID-19 on Friday. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
As of Friday, the state is in Tier 3 of Pritzker’s mitigation plan, which means residents can expect a 25% capacity limit at big-box stores and other retailers as well as the usual 50% capacity limit at grocery stores.
Museums, theaters and casinos across Illinois will be closed as part of the plan in an effort to curb the spread of the virus
Pritzker has previously said his enhanced guidelines boil down to a simple idea: “If you don’t need to do it, don’t.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--Like Donald Trump, Mike Madigan doesn’t want to face facts and let go

They are very different men facing very different circumstances .
But the problem is the same .
Donald Trump and Mike Madigan don ’ t want to let go .
They have known that special something that comes from controlling the fates of others and bending events to one ’ s will — and they aren ’ t ready to relinquish that .
When some readers raised this very comparison just days ago , I rejected it out of hand , so great are the personal differences between the two men .
But , upon reflection , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present circumstances : power and its allure .
Trump is clinging to the presidency despite losing the election .
It ’ s not yet time for him to go , just time for him to acknowledge that he will .
His claims that the election was stolen from him are without merit , and his methods of pursuing those claims are dangerously reckless .
His efforts to undermine the vote are without precedent in our modern history .
There were people who said all along that he would refuse to leave office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment , among other things , and my thinking then was that we ’ d have to cross that bridge when we came to it .
Now , the bridge is before us .
It ’ s a precarious time when Trump has been voted out but remains in power .
On the other side is the Biden presidency , not a safe haven by any means but terra firma compared to the past four years , only Trump and his saboteurs are trying to blow up the bridge .
We must trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belief that other Republicans who still hold power will see the wisdom of getting everyone safely across .
In the meantime , I would respectfully ask my Democratic friends to think twice before participating in any street demonstrations the next few weeks .
The time might come for that , but please be clear that there are forces on both the right and the left that will use any opportunity right now to take us further into dangerous territory .
It took Trump just four years in the White House to develop a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even money and celebrity can buy .
Imagine then what is happening with Madigan , who is clinging to the speakership of the Illinois House , a position he has held for going on four decades .
Unlike Trump , Madigan just won re-election to his Southwest Side seat and had asked his colleagues to give him another term as speaker , which they seemed prepared to do despite a corruption scandal nipping at his heels .
But a federal indictment Wednesday of a key Madigan ally in an alleged scheme implicating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough defections that he now appears short of the 60 votes needed to keep control of the House .
Much as Trump says the election result was unfair , Madigan sees unfairness in a legal process that has placed him under suspicion without charging him .
The result is the same : He needs to go .
Of the two , I would consider Madigan the more likely to go quietly — and honorably — in the end , but , if there ’ s a way to hold on longer , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve ever known , Madigan has held power for its own sake , his efforts focused on keeping his majority more than any particular set of policy considerations .
They say timing is everything in politics , and Madigan ’ s has been better than most .
But he missed his cue to leave .
That would have come sometime after his role in defeating former Republican Gov .
Bruce Rauner , when people like me were still glad to have him around as a bulwark against Rauner ’ s policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much time and energy investigating him .
Some Democrats worry everything will fall apart for them without Madigan to orchestrate their strategy .
Sorry , but if Democrats can ’ t govern without Madigan , they don ’ t deserve to do so .
And I expect they ’ ll get along just fine .
Mike Madigan is no Donald Trump , and vice versa .
But right now they share the same problem — not knowing when to leave .

Two men cling to power.
They are very different men facing very different circumstances. But the problem is the same.
Donald Trump and Mike Madigan don’t want to let go.
They have known that special something that comes from controlling the fates of others and bending events to one’s will — and they aren’t ready to relinquish that.
When some readers raised this very comparison just days ago, I rejected it out of hand, so great are the personal differences between the two men.
But, upon reflection, there’s no denying the common denominator in their present circumstances: power and its allure.
Trump is clinging to the presidency despite losing the election. It’s not yet time for him to go, just time for him to acknowledge that he will.
His claims that the election was stolen from him are without merit, and his methods of pursuing those claims are dangerously reckless. His efforts to undermine the vote are without precedent in our modern history.
There were people who said all along that he would refuse to leave office, an argument that was used to justify impeachment, among other things, and my thinking then was that we’d have to cross that bridge when we came to it.
Now, the bridge is before us. It’s a precarious time when Trump has been voted out but remains in power. On the other side is the Biden presidency, not a safe haven by any means but terra firma compared to the past four years, only Trump and his saboteurs are trying to blow up the bridge.
We must trust in our legal systems and in the belief that other Republicans who still hold power will see the wisdom of getting everyone safely across.
In the meantime, I would respectfully ask my Democratic friends to think twice before participating in any street demonstrations the next few weeks.
The time might come for that, but please be clear that there are forces on both the right and the left that will use any opportunity right now to take us further into dangerous territory.
It took Trump just four years in the White House to develop a lust for the type of power not even money and celebrity can buy.
Imagine then what is happening with Madigan, who is clinging to the speakership of the Illinois House, a position he has held for going on four decades.
Unlike Trump, Madigan just won re-election to his Southwest Side seat and had asked his colleagues to give him another term as speaker, which they seemed prepared to do despite a corruption scandal nipping at his heels.
But a federal indictment Wednesday of a key Madigan ally in an alleged scheme implicating the speaker has turned the tide, causing enough defections that he now appears short of the 60 votes needed to keep control of the House.
Much as Trump says the election result was unfair, Madigan sees unfairness in a legal process that has placed him under suspicion without charging him. The result is the same: He needs to go.
Of the two, I would consider Madigan the more likely to go quietly — and honorably — in the end, but, if there’s a way to hold on longer, he will try.
More than any politician I’ve ever known, Madigan has held power for its own sake, his efforts focused on keeping his majority more than any particular set of policy considerations.
They say timing is everything in politics, and Madigan’s has been better than most. But he missed his cue to leave.
That would have come sometime after his role in defeating former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, when people like me were still glad to have him around as a bulwark against Rauner’s policies, but before federal agents had devoted so much time and energy investigating him.
Some Democrats worry everything will fall apart for them without Madigan to orchestrate their strategy.
Sorry, but if Democrats can’t govern without Madigan, they don’t deserve to do so. And I expect they’ll get along just fine.
Mike Madigan is no Donald Trump, and vice versa. But right now they share the same problem — not knowing when to leave.