chicagosun-times--2020-11-19--Long-term care workers, grieving and under siege, brace for coronavirus’ next round

In the middle of the night , Stefania Silvestri lies in bed remembering her elderly patients ’ cries .
Months of caring for older adults in a Rhode Island nursing home ravaged by COVID-19 have taken a steep toll on Silvestri , 37 , a registered nurse .
She can ’ t sleep , as she replays memories of residents who became ill and died .
She ’ s gained 45 pounds .
“ I have anxiety , ” she says .
“ Some days , I don ’ t want to get out of bed.
” As the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of thousands of workers in nursing homes and assisted-living centers are watching cases rise in long-term care facilities with a sense of dread .
Many of these workers struggle with grief over the suffering they ’ ve witnessed at work and in their communities .
Some , like Silvestri , have been infected with the coronavirus and recovered physically — but not emotionally .
Since the start of the pandemic , more than 616,000 residents and employees at long-term care facilities have been struck by COVID-19 , according to the latest data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died as the coronavirus has invaded nearly 23,000 facilities .
At least 1,000 of those deaths represent certified nursing assistants , nurses and other people who work in institutions that care for older adults , according to a recent analysis of government data by Harold Pollack , a professor at the University of Chicago ’ s School of Social Service Administration .
This is almost certainly an undercount , Pollack says , because of incomplete data reporting .
How are long-term care workers affected by the losses they ’ re experiencing , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve cared for , often for many years ?
Edwina Gobewoe , a certified nursing assistant who has worked at Charlesgate Nursing Center in Providence , Rhode Island , for nearly 20 years , says , “ It ’ s been overwhelming for me personally.
” At least 15 residents died of COVID-19 at Charlesgate from April to June , many of them suddenly .
“ One day , we hear our resident has breathing problems , needs oxygen , and then a few days later they pass , ” Gobewoe says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
We were the only people with them , holding their hands .
It made me very , very sad.
” Every morning , Gobewoe would pray with a close friend at work .
“ We asked the Lord to give us strength so we could take care of these people who needed us so much , ” she said .
When that colleague was struck by the coronavirus in the spring , Gobewoe prayed for her recovery and was glad when she returned to work several weeks later .
But sorrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s friend collapsed and died at home while complaining of unusual chest pain .
Gobewoe was told her death was caused by blood clots , which can be a dangerous complication of COVID-19 .
She would “ do anything for any resident , ” Gobewoe said , sobbing .
“ It ’ s too much , something you can ’ t even talk about , ” describing her grief .
In July , when I first spoke with Kim Sangrey , 52 , of Lancaster , Pennsylvania , she was distraught over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April at the nursing home where she ’ s worked for several decades — most of them due to coronavirus and related complications .
Sangrey , a recreational therapist , asked not to name the home , where she continues to work .
“ You know residents like family — their likes and dislikes , the food they prefer , their families , their grandchildren , ” she says .
“ They depend on us for everything.
” When the pandemic hit , “ It was horrible , ” she says .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooms , and they couldn ’ t breathe .
Their families wanted to see them , and we ’ d set up Zoom wearing full gear , head to toe .
Tears are flowing under your mask as you watch this person that you loved dying — and the family mourning their death through a tablet .
“ It was completely devastating .
It runs through your memory — you think about it all the time.
” Mostly , Sangrey says , she felt empty and exhausted .
“ You feel like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel defeated .
But you have to continue moving forward.
” Three months later , when we spoke again , the number of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania was rising , but Sangrey sounded resolute .
She ’ d had six sessions with a grief counselor , and it had become clear that “ my purpose at this point is to take every ounce of strength I have and move through this second wave of COVID .
“ As human beings , it is our duty to be there for each other .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I got through this last time , I can get through it again.
’ ” That doesn ’ t mean that fear is absent .
“ All of us know COVID-19 is coming .
Every day , we say , ‘ Is today the day it will come back ?
Is today the day I ’ ll find out I have it ?
’ It never leaves you.
” Silvestri feels horrified when she thinks about the end of March and early April at Greenville Center in Rhode Island , where up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 20 have died .
The coronavirus moved through the facility like wildfire .
“ You ’ re putting one patient on oxygen , and the patient in the next room is on the floor , but you can ’ t go to them yet , ” Silvestri says of that time .
“ And the patient down the hall has a fever of 103 , and they ’ re screaming , ‘ Help me , help me.
’ But you can ’ t go to him either .
“ I left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heartbreaking — and I felt I couldn ’ t do enough to save them.
” Then , there were the body bags .
“ You put this person who feels like family in a plastic body bag and wheel them out on a frame with wheels through the facility , by other residents ’ rooms , ” says Silvestri , who can ’ t smell certain kinds of plastic without reliving these memories .
“ Thinking back on it makes me feel physically ill. ” Silvestri , who has three children , developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late April and returned to work several weeks later .
Her husband Michael also became ill and lost his job as a truck driver .
After several months of being unemployed , he ’ s now working at a construction site .
Since July 1 , the family has gone without health insurance , “ so I ’ m not able to get counseling to deal with the emotional side of what ’ s happened , ” Silvestri says .
Though her nursing home set up a hotline number that employees could call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
“ Being on the phone with someone you don ’ t know , that doesn ’ t do it for me , ” she says .
“ We definitely need more emotional support for health care workers.
” What does help is family .
“ I ’ ve leaned on my husband a lot , and he ’ s been there for me , ” Silvestri says .
“ And the children are OK.
I ’ m grateful for what I have — but I ’ m really worried about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News ) is a nonprofit news service covering health issues .
It is an editorially independent program of KFF ( Kaiser Family Foundation ) , which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente .

In the middle of the night, Stefania Silvestri lies in bed remembering her elderly patients’ cries.
“Help me.”
“Please don’t leave me.”
“I need my family.”
Months of caring for older adults in a Rhode Island nursing home ravaged by COVID-19 have taken a steep toll on Silvestri, 37, a registered nurse.
She can’t sleep, as she replays memories of residents who became ill and died. She’s gained 45 pounds.
“I have anxiety,” she says. “Some days, I don’t want to get out of bed.”
As the coronavirus surges around the country, Silvestri and hundreds of thousands of workers in nursing homes and assisted-living centers are watching cases rise in long-term care facilities with a sense of dread. Many of these workers struggle with grief over the suffering they’ve witnessed at work and in their communities. Some, like Silvestri, have been infected with the coronavirus and recovered physically — but not emotionally.
Since the start of the pandemic, more than 616,000 residents and employees at long-term care facilities have been struck by COVID-19, according to the latest data from KFF. Just over 91,000 have died as the coronavirus has invaded nearly 23,000 facilities.
Harold Pollack. University of Chicago
At least 1,000 of those deaths represent certified nursing assistants, nurses and other people who work in institutions that care for older adults, according to a recent analysis of government data by Harold Pollack, a professor at the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration. This is almost certainly an undercount, Pollack says, because of incomplete data reporting.
How are long-term care workers affected by the losses they’re experiencing, including the deaths of colleagues and residents they’ve cared for, often for many years?
Edwina Gobewoe, a certified nursing assistant who has worked at Charlesgate Nursing Center in Providence, Rhode Island, for nearly 20 years, says, “It’s been overwhelming for me personally.”
At least 15 residents died of COVID-19 at Charlesgate from April to June, many of them suddenly.
“One day, we hear our resident has breathing problems, needs oxygen, and then a few days later they pass,” Gobewoe says. “Families couldn’t come in. We were the only people with them, holding their hands. It made me very, very sad.”
Every morning, Gobewoe would pray with a close friend at work.
“We asked the Lord to give us strength so we could take care of these people who needed us so much,” she said.
When that colleague was struck by the coronavirus in the spring, Gobewoe prayed for her recovery and was glad when she returned to work several weeks later.
But sorrow followed in early September: Gobewoe’s friend collapsed and died at home while complaining of unusual chest pain. Gobewoe was told her death was caused by blood clots, which can be a dangerous complication of COVID-19.
She would “do anything for any resident,” Gobewoe said, sobbing. “It’s too much, something you can’t even talk about,” describing her grief.
In July, when I first spoke with Kim Sangrey, 52, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she was distraught over the deaths of 36 residents in March and April at the nursing home where she’s worked for several decades — most of them due to coronavirus and related complications. Sangrey, a recreational therapist, asked not to name the home, where she continues to work.
“You know residents like family — their likes and dislikes, the food they prefer, their families, their grandchildren,” she says. “They depend on us for everything.”
When the pandemic hit, “It was horrible,” she says. “You’d go into residents’ rooms, and they couldn’t breathe. Their families wanted to see them, and we’d set up Zoom wearing full gear, head to toe. Tears are flowing under your mask as you watch this person that you loved dying — and the family mourning their death through a tablet.
“It was completely devastating. It runs through your memory — you think about it all the time.”
Mostly, Sangrey says, she felt empty and exhausted. “You feel like this is never going to end — you feel defeated. But you have to continue moving forward.”
Three months later, when we spoke again, the number of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania was rising, but Sangrey sounded resolute. She’d had six sessions with a grief counselor, and it had become clear that “my purpose at this point is to take every ounce of strength I have and move through this second wave of COVID.
“As human beings, it is our duty to be there for each other. You say to yourself, ‘OK, I got through this last time, I can get through it again.’ ”
That doesn’t mean that fear is absent. “All of us know COVID-19 is coming. Every day, we say, ‘Is today the day it will come back? Is today the day I’ll find out I have it?’ It never leaves you.”
Silvestri feels horrified when she thinks about the end of March and early April at Greenville Center in Rhode Island, where up to 79 residents became ill with COVID-19 and at least 20 have died.
The coronavirus moved through the facility like wildfire.
“You’re putting one patient on oxygen, and the patient in the next room is on the floor ,but you can’t go to them yet,” Silvestri says of that time. “And the patient down the hall has a fever of 103, and they’re screaming, ‘Help me, help me.’ But you can’t go to him either.
“I left work every day crying. It was heartbreaking — and I felt I couldn’t do enough to save them.”
Then, there were the body bags.
“You put this person who feels like family in a plastic body bag and wheel them out on a frame with wheels through the facility, by other residents’ rooms,” says Silvestri, who can’t smell certain kinds of plastic without reliving these memories. “Thinking back on it makes me feel physically ill.”
Silvestri, who has three children, developed a relatively mild case of coronavirus in late April and returned to work several weeks later. Her husband Michael also became ill and lost his job as a truck driver. After several months of being unemployed, he’s now working at a construction site.
Since July 1, the family has gone without health insurance, “so I’m not able to get counseling to deal with the emotional side of what’s happened,” Silvestri says.
Though her nursing home set up a hotline number that employees could call, that doesn’t appeal to her.
“Being on the phone with someone you don’t know, that doesn’t do it for me,” she says. “We definitely need more emotional support for health care workers.”
What does help is family.
“I’ve leaned on my husband a lot, and he’s been there for me,” Silvestri says. “And the children are OK. I’m grateful for what I have — but I’m really worried about what lies ahead.”
KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation), which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-19--Pot firm tied to fading Illinois political dynasty claims it lost out after state mishandled its app

Pot firm tied to fading Illinois political dynasty claims it lost out after state mishandled its application

A failed congressional candidate from a fading political dynasty in Illinois is tied to a cannabis startup that ’ s suing the state in federal court for allegedly failing to even grade its application to get a lucrative dispensary license .
The suit , filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois , claims the partners in EDBQ LLC have repeatedly and unsuccessfully requested their application scores from officials in the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation , the agency tasked with doling out pot shop licenses .
If the application had been scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have likely received all available points and become a finalist to open a dispensary .
Two partners later acknowledged that the controversial Republican Bill Fawell is involved with the fledgling firm , though his name doesn ’ t appear in the lawsuit or the company ’ s filing with the Illinois secretary of state ’ s office .
Fawell is the uncle of attorney Nathan Nebergall , a cannabis cultivator from Oklahoma who ’ s listed as one of the company ’ s registered managers .
While the lawsuit frames many of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pot shop permits as “ politically-connected insiders , ” Fawell comes from a family that traces its roots to DuPage County ’ s original settlers and has sent members to Congress and the state Legislature .
His cousin , Scott Fawell , most notably served as the right-hand man to corrupt former Gov .
George Ryan .
Earlier this year , Fawell ran for Illinois ’ 17th District House seat but lost his primary to attorney Esther Joy King .
Rep. Cheri Bustos , the Democrat who defeated King and has controlled that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously beat out Fawell in the 2018 general election .
In the lead-up to that election , Illinois Republicans pulled their support for Fawell over posts on his campaign ’ s Facebook page that appeared to support conspiracy theories about the 9/11 terror attack and the 2012 Sandy Hook mass school shooting .
More recently , Fawell has used his personal Facebook page to boost unfounded claims about election fraud and the coronavirus pandemic .
Just last week , he posted an alarming caption alongside an article about the far-right Proud Boys ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MAGA March.
” “ JUST LET US KNOW AND WE ’ LL BE THERE … ARMED , ” Fawell wrote .
He ’ s also used the platform to praise his cousin Scott , the son of former state Sen. Beverly Fawell ( R-Glen Ellyn ) and Bruce Fawell , an ex-judge who once headed DuPage County ’ s court system .
Former Rep. Harris Fawell ( R-Ill. ) is their uncle .
Scott Fawell became known for his cutthroat tactics as he rose to the rank of Ryan ’ s top aide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was ultimately sentenced to federal prison after being convicted in a public corruption probe .
According to EDBQ ’ s lawsuit , the firm is led by a military veteran who qualifies as a so-called social equity applicant , a designation created by the state to bolster minority ownership in the state ’ s overwhelmingly white-led cannabis industry .
Having a majority owner that qualifies as both a veteran and a social equity candidate has proved vital , given that the 21 groups that initially qualified for an upcoming lottery to determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ licenses have all received perfect application scores .
While the Sun-Times identified EDBQ ’ s apparent majority owner as Jerry Freeman , a 70-year-old Navy veteran from northwestern Illinois , his name doesn ’ t appear in the company ’ s state filing or the federal lawsuit .
The name of Gary Edison Jr. , an African-American Army veteran who described himself as a “ small-share ” investor , is also absent in the filings , though the lawsuit references an organization he leads that helps other veterans access medical cannabis .
Reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sun-Times to get in touch with Fawell , who he later described as an “ organizer ” who helped put the applicant group together .
“ That ’ s who I ’ ve been in contact with , ” said Edison , who doesn ’ t believe Fawell is directly invested in the company .
Freeman also acknowledged that Fawell is tied to the company .
However , an obituary for Fawell ’ s father , former DuPage County Airport Director Thomas Fawell , lists Nebergall as his grandson .
Another family obituary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister .
Though he didn ’ t file Tuesday ’ s lawsuit , EDBQ ’ s attorney Nick Hyde said the company merely wants a “ fair shot ” at the pot shop license it applied for .
An IDFPR spokesman wouldn ’ t comment on the pending litigation .
Hyde , who works in the Jo Daviess County public defender ’ s office , sits on the opposite end of the political spectrum from Fawell .
The Democrat backed Bustos in this year ’ s congressional race and ran a losing campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
Hyde also didn ’ t respond to questions about Fawell ’ s involvement in the pot company .

A failed congressional candidate from a fading political dynasty in Illinois is tied to a cannabis startup that’s suing the state in federal court for allegedly failing to even grade its application to get a lucrative dispensary license.
The suit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, claims the partners in EDBQ LLC have repeatedly and unsuccessfully requested their application scores from officials in the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the agency tasked with doling out pot shop licenses. If the application had been scored, the suit holds that EDBQ would have likely received all available points and become a finalist to open a dispensary.
Two partners later acknowledged that the controversial Republican Bill Fawell is involved with the fledgling firm, though his name doesn’t appear in the lawsuit or the company’s filing with the Illinois secretary of state’s office. Fawell is the uncle of attorney Nathan Nebergall, a cannabis cultivator from Oklahoma who’s listed as one of the company’s registered managers.
While the lawsuit frames many of the current finalists for the next round of pot shop permits as “politically-connected insiders,” Fawell comes from a family that traces its roots to DuPage County’s original settlers and has sent members to Congress and the state Legislature. His cousin, Scott Fawell, most notably served as the right-hand man to corrupt former Gov. George Ryan.
Earlier this year, Bill Fawell ran for Illinois’ 17th Congressional District House seat but lost his primary to attorney Esther Joy King. Rep. Cheri Bustos, the Democrat who defeated King and has controlled that district in northwestern Illinois since 2013, previously beat out Fawell in the 2018 general election.
In the lead-up to that election, Illinois Republicans pulled their support for Fawell over posts on his campaign’s Facebook page that appeared to support conspiracy theories about the 9/11 terror attack and the 2012 Sandy Hook mass school shooting. More recently, Bill Fawell has used his personal Facebook page to boost unfounded claims about election fraud and the coronavirus pandemic.
Just last week, he posted an alarming caption alongside an article about the far-right Proud Boys’ plans to attend the recent “Million MAGA March.”
“JUST LET US KNOW AND WE’LL BE THERE … ARMED,” Fawell wrote.
Bill Fawell/Facebook
He’s also used the platform to praise his cousin Scott Fawell, the son of former state Sen. Beverly Fawell (R-Glen Ellyn) and Bruce Fawell, an ex-judge who once headed DuPage County’s court system. Former Rep. Harris Fawell (R-Ill.) is their uncle.
Scott Fawell became known for his cutthroat tactics as he rose to the rank of Ryan’s top aide. But like the disgraced ex-governor, he was ultimately sentenced to federal prison after being convicted in a public corruption probe.
Bill Fawell didn’t respond to requests for comment.
According to EDBQ’s lawsuit, the firm is led by a military veteran who qualifies as a so-called social equity applicant, a designation created by the state to bolster minority ownership in the state’s overwhelmingly white-led cannabis industry. Having a majority owner that qualifies as both a veteran and a social equity candidate has proved vital, given that the 21 groups that initially qualified for an upcoming lottery to determine the winners of the next 75 dispensary licenses have all received perfect application scores.
While the Sun-Times identified EDBQ’s apparent majority owner as Jerry Freeman, a 70-year-old Navy veteran from northwestern Illinois, his name doesn’t appear in the company’s state filing or the federal lawsuit. The name of Gary Edison Jr., an African-American Army veteran who described himself as a “small-share” investor, is also absent in the filings, though the lawsuit references an organization he leads that helps other veterans access medical cannabis.
Reached by phone, Edison initially advised the Sun-Times to get in touch with Bill Fawell, who he later described as an “organizer” who helped put the applicant group together.
“That’s who I’ve been in contact with,” said Edison, who doesn’t believe Bill Fawell is directly invested in the company. Freeman also acknowledged that Fawell is tied to the company.
Nebergall didn’t respond to questions about Bill Fawell’s involvement.
However, an obituary for Bill Fawell’s father, former DuPage County Airport Director Thomas Fawell, lists Nebergall as his grandson. Another family obituary lists Terry Nebergall as Fawell’s sister.
Though he didn’t file Tuesday’s lawsuit, EDBQ’s attorney Nick Hyde said the company merely wants a “fair shot” at the pot shop license it applied for. An IDFPR spokesman wouldn’t comment on the pending litigation.
Attorney Nick Hyde poses with Rep. Cheri Bustos.
Hyde, who works in the Jo Daviess County public defender’s office, sits on the opposite end of the political spectrum from Bill Fawell. The Democrat backed Bustos in this year’s congressional race and ran a losing campaign for the state House of Representative in 2018.
Hyde also didn’t respond to questions about Bill Fawell’s involvement in the pot company.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-19--‘Raw, immediate’ voices tell John Belushi’s story in Showtime film

John Belushi ’ s life story has been told again and again , and yet the documentary “ Belushi ” ( premiering Sunday on Showtime ) is an original and particularly captivating chronicle of the star-crossed comic genius ’ life and times , thanks in large part to a treasure trove of audio interviews with friends and colleagues and loved ones of the Wheaton-raised legend , including Dan Aykroyd , Jane Curtin , Chevy Chase and Lorne Michaels , as well as the departed Harold Ramis , Carrie Fisher and Penny Marshall .
“ Belushi ” director R.J. Cutler weaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviews — and uses graphic-novel style animation to illustrate key moments in Belushi ’ s life , from his childhood to his first visit to Second City to his madman offscreen antics .
“ This was 45 years in the making , if you go back to the time when I was a kid watching TV in my parents ’ living room and I saw the first episode of ‘ Saturday Night Live , ’ ” said Cutler in a recent Zoom chat .
“ Fast forward years later , to the tragic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and in the wake of his passing , [ his widow ] Judy Belushi and a couple of her journalist friends started putting together an oral history of John ’ s life from the people who knew him best .
Those audio tapes were sitting in a box in the basement of Judy ’ s house on Martha ’ s Vineyard when we started working on this film all those years later .
They represent this kind of raw , immediate , present series of memories and descriptions of what John ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared by the people who knew him best.
” The documentary reminds us that most of the star players from the first cast of “ Saturday Night Live ” started with National Lampoon stage shows and the National Lampoon radio hour and were recruited by Belushi .
Says Cutler , “ For all the extraordinary achievement that Lorne Michaels deserves credit for in his decades of success with ‘ Saturday Night Live , ’ the guy that put most of that cast together first , that was John Belushi .
He collected all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a visionary.
” Cutler drops in specific scenes from Belushi ’ s various films to complement where John was in his offscreen life , Chicago police cars careening all over the place and crashing into one another in “ The Blues Brothers ” as the film focuses on John spiraling out of control .
“ You ’ re always looking for [ something ] that resonates , especially when you ’ re dealing with somebody who ’ s in movies , or is a musician , ” said Cutler .
“ The gods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with brilliant editors who find those moments.
” As for the animated sequences , Cutler said they were necessary because for all of Belushi ’ s on-camera performance work and his larger-than-life persona , he could often be reserved around the media and didn ’ t encourage constant filming and recording in his down time .
( No doubt his bouts with addiction played a role in such hesitancy . )
“ There wasn ’ t a lot of footage to work with , ” said Cutler .
“ There were no iPhones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually a very private guy , so there were very limited interviews available .
And he would protect himself .
But we did have access to his writing and his voice.
” ( Bill Hader voices Belushi ’ s letters in the film . )
Belushi will always be remembered for his outrageous comic turns as the Samurai et al .
on “ SNL ” and Bluto in “ National Lampoon ’ s Animal House , ” but he considered himself an actor first and a comic second , as evidenced by his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neighbors ” and “ Continental Divide , ” in which he played a Chicago newspaper columnist .
“ It was Brando who he aspired to be , ” says Cutler .
“ That was his hero .
… Look at the Blues Brothers .
That was performance art .
The first time we saw the Blues Brothers on ‘ Saturday Night Live , ’ we didn ’ t know what to think .
Was it supposed to be funny , or something else ?
It made your head explode .
“ You see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentary ] , this enormous , delirious crowd [ watching the Blues Brothers in concert ] , and that ’ s what he gave people , this almost incomprehensible feeling of joy , this thrill ride .
That was John Belushi .
”

John Belushi’s life story has been told again and again, and yet the documentary “Belushi” (premiering Sunday on Showtime) is an original and particularly captivating chronicle of the star-crossed comic genius’ life and times, thanks in large part to a treasure trove of audio interviews with friends and colleagues and loved ones of the Wheaton-raised legend, including Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Chevy Chase and Lorne Michaels, as well as the departed Harold Ramis, Carrie Fisher and Penny Marshall.
“Belushi” director R.J. Cutler weaves archival footage of Belushi with the illuminating interviews — and uses graphic-novel style animation to illustrate key moments in Belushi’s life, from his childhood to his first visit to Second City to his madman offscreen antics.
“This was 45 years in the making, if you go back to the time when I was a kid watching TV in my parents’ living room and I saw the first episode of ‘Saturday Night Live,’ ” said Cutler in a recent Zoom chat. “Fast forward years later, to the tragic early passing of John from an overdose, and in the wake of his passing, [his widow] Judy Belushi and a couple of her journalist friends started putting together an oral history of John’s life from the people who knew him best. Those audio tapes were sitting in a box in the basement of Judy’s house on Martha’s Vineyard when we started working on this film all those years later. They represent this kind of raw, immediate, present series of memories and descriptions of what John’s life was like, told and shared by the people who knew him best.”
The documentary reminds us that most of the star players from the first cast of “Saturday Night Live” started with National Lampoon stage shows and the National Lampoon radio hour and were recruited by Belushi. Says Cutler, “For all the extraordinary achievement that Lorne Michaels deserves credit for in his decades of success with ‘Saturday Night Live,’ the guy that put most of that cast together first, that was John Belushi. He collected all of those folks first. He was a visionary.”
Cutler drops in specific scenes from Belushi’s various films to complement where John was in his offscreen life, Chicago police cars careening all over the place and crashing into one another in “The Blues Brothers” as the film focuses on John spiraling out of control.
“You’re always looking for [something] that resonates, especially when you’re dealing with somebody who’s in movies, or is a musician,” said Cutler. “The gods are smiling on you when you work with brilliant editors who find those moments.”
“Belushi” director R.J. Cutler’s documentary credits include “The War Room” and “Listen to Me Marlon.” John Sciulli/Getty Images
As for the animated sequences, Cutler said they were necessary because for all of Belushi’s on-camera performance work and his larger-than-life persona, he could often be reserved around the media and didn’t encourage constant filming and recording in his down time. (No doubt his bouts with addiction played a role in such hesitancy.)
“There wasn’t a lot of footage to work with,” said Cutler. “There were no iPhones recording every moment. And he was actually a very private guy, so there were very limited interviews available. And he would protect himself. But we did have access to his writing and his voice.” (Bill Hader voices Belushi’s letters in the film.)
John Belushi, in his Joliet Jake getup, flashes a pin of the Blues Brothers. The musical duo was like performance art, says “Belushi” director R.J. Cutler. Richard McCaffrey/Courtesy of Showtime
Belushi will always be remembered for his outrageous comic turns as the Samurai et al. on “SNL” and Bluto in “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” but he considered himself an actor first and a comic second, as evidenced by his branching out with films such as “Neighbors” and “Continental Divide,” in which he played a Chicago newspaper columnist.
“It was Brando who he aspired to be,” says Cutler. “That was his hero. … Look at the Blues Brothers. That was performance art. The first time we saw the Blues Brothers on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ we didn’t know what to think. Was it supposed to be funny, or something else? It made your head explode.
“You see in the opening scenes of [the documentary], this enormous, delirious crowd [watching the Blues Brothers in concert], and that’s what he gave people, this almost incomprehensible feeling of joy, this thrill ride. That was John Belushi.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-19--7 shot, 1 killed Wednesday in Chicago

7 shot, 1 killed Wednesday in Chicago

Seven people were shot , one of them fatally , Wednesday in Chicago .
In the day ’ s lone fatal attack , a woman was killed and a man was wounded in East Garfield Park on the West Side .
The pair , a 21-year-old woman and 29-year-old man , were in a southbound vehicle about 4 p.m. when someone in a dark-colored vehicle pulled up next to them and opened fire in the 400 block of South Hamlin Boulevard , Chicago police said .
The woman was struck in the abdomen and thigh and pronounced dead at Mt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified her as Catrice Ware .
The man was taken to the same hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg , police said .
His condition was stabilized .
The latest reported attack left a teenage boy seriously wounded in Chatham on the South Side .
The boy , 17 , was in an alley about 5:35 p.m. in the 8200 block of South Vernon Avenue when a gray vehicle pulled up and someone inside fired shots at him , Chicago police said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chest and the right side , and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition .
Less than an hour earlier , a 25-year-old man was shot during a fight in Fernwood on the South Side .
About 4:40 p.m. , he got into a physical altercation with someone in a home in the 10400 block of South Wentworth Avenue , Chicago police said .
The person then fired shots at the 25-year-old , striking him in the left thigh .
He was transported to the University of Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The person who fired shots was transported to Roseland Hospital for shortness of breath and was in good condition , police said .
Police sources said the person who shot the 25-year-old has a valid firearm owner ’ s identification card and concealed-carry license .
About 20 minutes earlier , two men were critically injured in a shooting near a liquor store in Lawndale on the West Side .
They were standing outside the Brother 5 Food & Liquor store , 3009 W. Roosevelt Rd.
, about 4:30 p.m. when a silver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in front of them , ” Chicago Police Deputy Chief Ernest Cato said .
That ’ s when three people got out of the car and began to fire shots at the men .
A 29-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the body and a 22-year-old man was struck in the back and neck , police said .
Both were in critical condition .
In the day ’ s first reported attack , a 26-year-old man was shot in his back while driving in Bronzeville on the South Side .
The shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block of South Michigan Avenue , according to police .
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was listed in serious condition .
Ten people were wounded in citywide shootings on Tuesday .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Seven people were shot, one of them fatally, Wednesday in Chicago.
In the day’s lone fatal attack, a woman was killed and a man was wounded in East Garfield Park on the West Side.
The pair, a 21-year-old woman and 29-year-old man, were in a southbound vehicle about 4 p.m. when someone in a dark-colored vehicle pulled up next to them and opened fire in the 400 block of South Hamlin Boulevard, Chicago police said.
The woman was struck in the abdomen and thigh and pronounced dead at Mt. Sinai Hospital, police said. The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified her as Catrice Ware.
The man was taken to the same hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg, police said. His condition was stabilized.
The latest reported attack left a teenage boy seriously wounded in Chatham on the South Side.
The boy, 17, was in an alley about 5:35 p.m. in the 8200 block of South Vernon Avenue when a gray vehicle pulled up and someone inside fired shots at him, Chicago police said. He suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and the right side, and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition.
Less than an hour earlier, a 25-year-old man was shot during a fight in Fernwood on the South Side.
About 4:40 p.m., he got into a physical altercation with someone in a home in the 10400 block of South Wentworth Avenue, Chicago police said. The person then fired shots at the 25-year-old, striking him in the left thigh. He was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was stabilized.
The person who fired shots was transported to Roseland Hospital for shortness of breath and was in good condition, police said. Police sources said the person who shot the 25-year-old has a valid firearm owner’s identification card and concealed-carry license.
About 20 minutes earlier, two men were critically injured in a shooting near a liquor store in Lawndale on the West Side.
They were standing outside the Brother 5 Food & Liquor store, 3009 W. Roosevelt Rd., about 4:30 p.m. when a silver vehicle pulled up and “stopped right in front of them,” Chicago Police Deputy Chief Ernest Cato said. That’s when three people got out of the car and began to fire shots at the men.
A 29-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the body and a 22-year-old man was struck in the back and neck, police said. Both were in critical condition.
In the day’s first reported attack, a 26-year-old man was shot in his back while driving in Bronzeville on the South Side.
The shooting happened about 11:55 a.m. in the 3900 block of South Michigan Avenue, according to police. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was listed in serious condition.
Ten people were wounded in citywide shootings on Tuesday.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-19--Man carjacked at gunpoint in South Loop: police

A man was carjacked by a group of armed people Wednesday night in South Loop .
About 10:35 p.m. , @ @ @ @ @ parked 2019 white Audi sedan in the first block of East 9th Street , when @ @ @ @ @ up to five people with guns , Chicago police said .
They ordered him to @ @ @ @ @ got in and drove off in an unknown direction , police said .
The car @ @ @ @ @ no one is in custody , police said .
The man was not injured .
@ @ @ @ @ and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was carjacked by a group of armed people Wednesday night in South Loop.
About 10:35 p.m., he was sitting in his parked 2019 white Audi sedan in the first block of East 9th Street, when his car was surrounded by up to five people with guns, Chicago police said.
They ordered him to get out the car, got in and drove off in an unknown direction, police said.
The car has not been found and no one is in custody, police said. The man was not injured.
Area Three detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-19--Person fatally struck by Metra train in Elmhurst

A person was killed after being hit by a Metra train Wednesday in west suburban Elmhurst .
The pedestrian was @ @ @ @ @ the Union Pacific West tracks near Haven Avenue , according to a Metra spokesman .
@ @ @ @ @ was killed in the collision .
Elmhurst Police and Fire are on scene at Haven @ @ @ @ @ train vs pedestrian fatality .
All trains on the Union Pacific rail line are temporarily @ @ @ @ @ Traffic is being temporarily re-routed , please avoid the area at this time .
The @ @ @ @ @ of Elmhurst ( @ CityofElmhurst ) November 19 , 2020 The tracks were reopened for @ @ @ @ @ according to Metra .

A person was killed after being hit by a Metra train Wednesday in west suburban Elmhurst.
The pedestrian was struck about 6 p.m. on the Union Pacific West tracks near Haven Avenue, according to a Metra spokesman.
Elmhurst officials said the person was killed in the collision.
Elmhurst Police and Fire are on scene at Haven and Park responding to a train vs pedestrian fatality. All trains on the Union Pacific rail line are temporarily suspended in both directions. Traffic is being temporarily re-routed, please avoid the area at this time. The incide.... — City of Elmhurst (@CityofElmhurst) November 19, 2020
The tracks were reopened for service about 9:25 p.m., according to Metra.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-18--Horoscope for Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020

Horoscope for Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 10:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Capricorn into Aquarius .
Don ’ t be discouraged if authority figures , bosses , the police or the government are in your face today or they do something that restricts you .
Today has sober overtones , which means people are serious instead of light-hearted and flip .
Do your homework .
You might be discouraged by rules and regulations .
You might also be discouraged by study , politics or dealing with a foreign culture .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit strained .
Patience .
It ’ s sobering having to deal with debt , taxes and details related to what we owe and what we own .
Today is one of those days .
Although you might find it discouraging dealing with these matters , on the other hand , you will do it because it ’ s got ta be done .
Relations with partners and close friends might put you off .
Perhaps they aren ’ t sympathetic to your wants and needs ?
Perhaps they don ’ t appreciate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s just what ’ s happening , which is why relations with those who are closest to us are strained .
It ’ s not serious .
At work today , you will encounter obstacles and irritating details .
It happens .
You might find that you have to do something again or correct a mistake .
Perhaps someone in authority is in your face , which means life is difficult .
Good luck .
Children might be an increased responsibility today .
( Hey , this goes with the territory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to social plans , sports and vacations are demanding .
( “ Is there no justice ?
I just want to have fun !
” ) A discussion with an older family member or a parent might discourage you today .
They might be critical .
It could be one of those , “ When I was your age ... ” monologues .
Just cope as best you can and be courteous .
It ’ s the human condition .
Today you might fall into negative thinking or you might be worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturn and also Venus is square Saturn , which encourages serious Eeyore-like thinking .
( “ It will probably rain.
” ) Don ’ t let the alligators drag you down .
Why is there always so much month left at the end of the money ?
This might be your refrain today .
That ’ s because financial matters and anything to do with cash flow and earnings seem to be discouraging .
Checks in the mail are late .
You feel squeezed .
Today the moon is in your sign lined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to which , Venus is square Saturn .
Oh , what fun !
Is there any more of that black crepe paper left ?
Some days are upbeat and some days are not .
It ’ s that simple .
Tomorrow is at least , more interesting .
It ’ s not as easy to be joyful and upbeat today because the moon is lined up with Saturn in a hidden part of your chart , which is a sobering influence .
Be reassured by the fact that the sun is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light on you and you look good .
Would I kid you ?
A friend , especially someone older and perhaps female , might be critical of you today .
Or this could be someone you encounter in a group ?
Whatever the case , you might have to deal with someone who brings you down .
Be reassured that this is temporary .
Tomorrow is another day .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Adam Driver ( 1983 ) shares your birthday today .
You are sharp-witted , clever and you enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a private side ; although , you are always sociable .
It ’ s a time of learning and perhaps teaching .
Explore any discipline that helps you get a better understanding of who you are .
Invest in your future self .
This year will set you in a new direction , which could be crucial for your success next year .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 10:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Capricorn into Aquarius.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Don’t be discouraged if authority figures, bosses, the police or the government are in your face today or they do something that restricts you. Today has sober overtones, which means people are serious instead of light-hearted and flip. Do your homework.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You might be discouraged by rules and regulations. You might also be discouraged by study, politics or dealing with a foreign culture. Certainly, relations with others are a bit strained. Patience.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
It’s sobering having to deal with debt, taxes and details related to what we owe and what we own. Today is one of those days. Although you might find it discouraging dealing with these matters, on the other hand, you will do it because it’s gotta be done.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Relations with partners and close friends might put you off. Perhaps they aren’t sympathetic to your wants and needs? Perhaps they don’t appreciate what you’re dealing with? It’s just what’s happening, which is why relations with those who are closest to us are strained. It’s not serious.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
At work today, you will encounter obstacles and irritating details. It happens. You might find that you have to do something again or correct a mistake. Perhaps someone in authority is in your face, which means life is difficult. Good luck.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Children might be an increased responsibility today. (Hey, this goes with the territory.) You might also find issues related to social plans, sports and vacations are demanding. (“Is there no justice? I just want to have fun!”)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
A discussion with an older family member or a parent might discourage you today. They might be critical. It could be one of those, “When I was your age ...” monologues. Just cope as best you can and be courteous. It’s the human condition.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Today you might fall into negative thinking or you might be worried because the moon is lined up with Saturn and also Venus is square Saturn, which encourages serious Eeyore-like thinking. (“It will probably rain.”) Don’t let the alligators drag you down.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Why is there always so much month left at the end of the money? This might be your refrain today. That’s because financial matters and anything to do with cash flow and earnings seem to be discouraging. Checks in the mail are late. You feel squeezed.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today the moon is in your sign lined up with your ruler Saturn, in addition to which, Venus is square Saturn. Oh, what fun! Is there any more of that black crepe paper left? Some days are upbeat and some days are not. It’s that simple. Tomorrow is at least, more interesting.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
It’s not as easy to be joyful and upbeat today because the moon is lined up with Saturn in a hidden part of your chart, which is a sobering influence. Be reassured by the fact that the sun is still high in your chart casting a flattering light on you and you look good. Would I kid you?
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
A friend, especially someone older and perhaps female, might be critical of you today. Or this could be someone you encounter in a group? Whatever the case, you might have to deal with someone who brings you down. Be reassured that this is temporary. Tomorrow is another day.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Adam Driver (1983) shares your birthday today. You are sharp-witted, clever and you enjoy being noticed. Nevertheless, you have a private side; although, you are always sociable. It’s a time of learning and perhaps teaching. Explore any discipline that helps you get a better understanding of who you are. Invest in your future self. This year will set you in a new direction, which could be crucial for your success next year.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-18--2020 NBA Draft: Full results for first round

The top young basketball talents from around the world found out where they ’ re playing next in the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ .
A draft class without a clear top prospect like Zion Williamson left a good @ @ @ @ @ the top of the first round will go .
The Timberwolves opened the night by @ @ @ @ @ Edwards with the top overall pick , potentially giving them a third star next to @ @ @ @ @ Angelo Russell .
The Warriors proceeded to select Memphis big man James Wiseman with the @ @ @ @ @ Hornets took a swing on playmaking guard LaMelo Ball with the third pick .
The @ @ @ @ @ emerging rumor in recent days by taking Florida State swingman Patrick Williams with the fourth @ @ @ @ @ s the first draft pick under new president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas .
Auburn @ @ @ @ @ out the top five by going to Cleveland .
Full results for the first round @ @ @ @ @ NBA Draft are below .

The top young basketball talents from around the world found out where they’re playing next in the 2020 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.
A draft class without a clear top prospect like Zion Williamson left a good deal of intrigue over how the top of the first round will go. The Timberwolves opened the night by taking Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards with the top overall pick, potentially giving them a third star next to Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell.
The Warriors proceeded to select Memphis big man James Wiseman with the second pick, then the Hornets took a swing on playmaking guard LaMelo Ball with the third pick.
The Bulls followed through on an emerging rumor in recent days by taking Florida State swingman Patrick Williams with the fourth overall pick. It’s the first draft pick under new president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas.
Auburn’s Isaac Okoro rounded out the top five by going to Cleveland.
Full results for the first round of this year’s NBA Draft are below.
2020 NBA Draft results – Round 1


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--9 shot Thursday in Chicago

9 shot Thursday in Chicago

Nine people were shot Thursday in Chicago , including three wounded in a single attack in Humboldt Park .
The triple shooting happened about 3:50 p.m. in the 1000 block of North Ridgeway Avenue , Chicago police said .
An 18-year-old man was struck in the elbow and a 32-year-old man suffered gunshot wounds to the leg and arm .
Both were transported to Stroger Hospital in good condition .
Another man , 19 , suffered a gunshot wound to the face and was transported to Norwegian American Hospital , where he was listed in good condition , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 42-year-old man injured in Park Manor on the South Side .
He was driving about 11:10 p.m. in the first block of West 71st Street when someone in a black SUV fired shots , striking him in the back , police said .
He was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition .
Minutes earlier , a 31-year-old man was shot in Englewood on the South Side .
He was standing on the sidewalk about 11:05 p.m. in the 6600 block of South Union Avenue , when someone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in the right hand , police said .
He was dropped off at St. Bernard Hospital in good condition and was set to be transferred to Stroger Hospital .
About 9 p.m. , an 18-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Gage Park on the Southwest Side .
He was riding in a vehicle in the 3300 block of West 55th Street when someone fired shots , police said .
He was struck in the arm and taken to Holy Cross Hospital , where he was in good condition .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 minutes before that in Chatham on the South Side .
She was sitting in her car at a stoplight about 8:50 p.m. in the 700 block of West 83rd Street when a male approached and fired shots , striking her in the head , police said .
The woman was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition .
Earlier Thursday morning , a 45-year-old man was grazed by a bullet in Austin on the West Side .
About 4:40 a.m. , he was the passenger of a vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avenue , when someone fired shots at him from the street , police said .
He was grazed by a bullet on his elbow .
The man was treated at the scene and released .
In the day ’ s first reported attack , a man was wounded in Logan Square on the Northwest Side .
He was traveling in a vehicle about 3:45 a.m. in the 2900 block of North Albany Avenue when he stopped at the side of the road , police said .
Two people approached and one of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the thigh and later took himself to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition .
Seven people were shot , one fatally , Wednesday in shootings across Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Nine people were shot Thursday in Chicago, including three wounded in a single attack in Humboldt Park.
The triple shooting happened about 3:50 p.m. in the 1000 block of North Ridgeway Avenue, Chicago police said. An 18-year-old man was struck in the elbow and a 32-year-old man suffered gunshot wounds to the leg and arm. Both were transported to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
Another man, 19, suffered a gunshot wound to the face and was transported to Norwegian American Hospital, where he was listed in good condition, police said.
The latest reported attack left a 42-year-old man injured in Park Manor on the South Side.
He was driving about 11:10 p.m. in the first block of West 71st Street when someone in a black SUV fired shots, striking him in the back, police said. He was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition.
Minutes earlier, a 31-year-old man was shot in Englewood on the South Side.
He was standing on the sidewalk about 11:05 p.m. in the 6600 block of South Union Avenue, when someone in a black sedan fired shots, striking him in the right hand, police said. He was dropped off at St. Bernard Hospital in good condition and was set to be transferred to Stroger Hospital.
About 9 p.m., an 18-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Gage Park on the Southwest Side.
He was riding in a vehicle in the 3300 block of West 55th Street when someone fired shots, police said. He was struck in the arm and taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was in good condition.
A woman was shot and critically wounded about 10 minutes before that in Chatham on the South Side.
She was sitting in her car at a stoplight about 8:50 p.m. in the 700 block of West 83rd Street when a male approached and fired shots, striking her in the head, police said. The woman was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition.
Earlier Thursday morning, a 45-year-old man was grazed by a bullet in Austin on the West Side.
About 4:40 a.m., he was the passenger of a vehicle in the 1200 block of North Central Avenue, when someone fired shots at him from the street, police said. He was grazed by a bullet on his elbow. The man was treated at the scene and released.
In the day’s first reported attack, a man was wounded in Logan Square on the Northwest Side.
He was traveling in a vehicle about 3:45 a.m. in the 2900 block of North Albany Avenue when he stopped at the side of the road, police said. Two people approached and one of them opened fire. The man was struck in the thigh and later took himself to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition.
Seven people were shot, one fatally, Wednesday in shootings across Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--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 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” 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.
” Friday ’ s filing would set off a chain of events as the FDA and its independent advisers debate if the shots are ready .
If so , still another government group will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies are rationed out to anxiously awaiting Americans .
How much vaccine is available and when is a moving target , but initial supplies will be scarce and rationed .
About 25 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine may become available in December , 30 million in January and 35 million more in February and March , according to information presented to the National Academy of Medicine this week .
Recipients will need two doses , three weeks apart .
Not far behind is competitor Moderna Inc. ’ s COVID-19 vaccine .
Its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong as Pfizer ’ s , and that company expects to also seek emergency authorization within weeks .

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.
Related Coronavirus vaccines will face a deep distrust in the Black community
“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.”
Friday’s filing would set off a chain of events as the FDA and its independent advisers debate if the shots are ready. If so, still another government group will have to decide how the initial limited supplies are rationed out to anxiously awaiting Americans.
How much vaccine is available and when is a moving target, but initial supplies will be scarce and rationed. About 25 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine may become available in December, 30 million in January and 35 million more in February and March, according to information presented to the National Academy of Medicine this week. Recipients will need two doses, three weeks apart.
Not far behind is competitor Moderna Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine. Its early data suggests the shots are as strong as Pfizer’s, and that company expects to also seek emergency authorization within weeks.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--Dear Abby: The stories friend tells are very dramatic, and obviously false

DEAR ABBY : I have a good friend I ’ ll call Josie .
She ’ s kind , generous and always willing to help .
There is only one problem : She lies .
The lies she tells are ridiculous .
I find myself getting more and more angry as she stumbles through her stories .
If someone makes a comment , she takes over the conversation and we hear a looong story about the same thing happening to her but much worse .
I could say I climbed Mount Everest and Josie would say she climbed it twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get her to stop lying ?
I ’ m so tired of it I ’ m thinking of quietly ending my friendship with her .
— TRUTH WINS IN TENNESSEE DEAR TRUTH WINS : One person trying to convince her to stop probably won ’ t do the trick .
Josie won ’ t quit lying until she finally hears it from others and realizes that it isn ’ t achieving the desired effect , which is standing front and center in the spotlight .
Tell Josie in plain English that what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she ’ s doing herself no favors .
But when you do , realize it will probably be part of a farewell speech rather than an opportunity for a new beginning .
DEAR ABBY : I can ’ t travel too far by myself because I ’ m agoraphobic .
I ’ m having my house painted , and I asked my brother if he could pick up some paint because I needed more .
He brought the paint to me and I reimbursed him .
He then accused me of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was short on gas money for the trip .
Abby , when I ask him to do things for me , I pay him 90 % of the time .
I don ’ t ask for his help often , but that time , he argued with me about gas money .
Needless to say , I gave him $ 20 .
My brother isn ’ t struggling financially .
He has money .
He ’ s supposed to be a deacon in his church and calls himself a good Christian .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said other mean things about my health issues .
What should I do about this ?
— IN NEED IN THE EAST DEAR IN NEED : Your brother may have been in a bad mood the day you asked him for the favor .
Have you told him that he hurt your feelings ?
If you didn ’ t , rather than nurse hurt feelings , clear the air .
If this has happened more than once , find a “ better ” Christian to ask .
DEAR ABBY : This letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folks who say they are separated .
If you have feelings for someone who is separated , ASK when they plan on getting divorced .
If they come up with excuses like there are children involved , property disputes or they can ’ t afford a lawyer , end the relationship immediately .
Do not start dating or sleeping with a separated person .
They can easily return to their spouse , leaving you high and dry ( or pregnant , if you ’ re female ) .
Just remain friends until they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any relationship you two desire .
Bottom line : “ Separated ” means STILL MARRIED .
While I ’ m not in this situation , I have known several people who were , and they regretted it .
— WORD OF WARNING IN VIRGINIA DEAR WORD : That ’ s pragmatic advice , and I hope readers will heed your warning .
As anyone who has read my column knows , I have printed countless letters from heartbroken readers who wasted time and energy on partners who weren ’ t free .
Dear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
To receive a collection of Abby ’ s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ price .

DEAR ABBY: I have a good friend I’ll call Josie. She’s kind, generous and always willing to help. There is only one problem: She lies.
The lies she tells are ridiculous. I find myself getting more and more angry as she stumbles through her stories. If someone makes a comment, she takes over the conversation and we hear a looong story about the same thing happening to her but much worse. I could say I climbed Mount Everest and Josie would say she climbed it twice.
What can I say or do to get her to stop lying? I’m so tired of it I’m thinking of quietly ending my friendship with her. — TRUTH WINS IN TENNESSEE
DEAR TRUTH WINS: One person trying to convince her to stop probably won’t do the trick. Josie won’t quit lying until she finally hears it from others and realizes that it isn’t achieving the desired effect, which is standing front and center in the spotlight.
Tell Josie in plain English that what she’s doing is infuriating and that she’s doing herself no favors. But when you do, realize it will probably be part of a farewell speech rather than an opportunity for a new beginning.
DEAR ABBY: I can’t travel too far by myself because I’m agoraphobic. I’m having my house painted, and I asked my brother if he could pick up some paint because I needed more. He brought the paint to me and I reimbursed him. He then accused me of being needy and using him because I mentioned I was short on gas money for the trip.
Abby, when I ask him to do things for me, I pay him 90% of the time. I don’t ask for his help often, but that time, he argued with me about gas money. Needless to say, I gave him $20.
My brother isn’t struggling financially. He has money. He’s supposed to be a deacon in his church and calls himself a good Christian. He really hurt my feelings, and he said other mean things about my health issues. What should I do about this? — IN NEED IN THE EAST
DEAR IN NEED: Your brother may have been in a bad mood the day you asked him for the favor. Have you told him that he hurt your feelings? If you didn’t, rather than nurse hurt feelings, clear the air. If this has happened more than once, find a “better” Christian to ask.
DEAR ABBY: This letter is for people who are involved with folks who say they are separated. If you have feelings for someone who is separated, ASK when they plan on getting divorced. If they come up with excuses like there are children involved, property disputes or they can’t afford a lawyer, end the relationship immediately.
Do not start dating or sleeping with a separated person. They can easily return to their spouse, leaving you high and dry (or pregnant, if you’re female). Just remain friends until they are divorced, and afterward proceed with any relationship you two desire.
Bottom line: “Separated” means STILL MARRIED. While I’m not in this situation, I have known several people who were, and they regretted it. — WORD OF WARNING IN VIRGINIA
DEAR WORD: That’s pragmatic advice, and I hope readers will heed your warning. As anyone who has read my column knows, I have printed countless letters from heartbroken readers who wasted time and energy on partners who weren’t free.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--Coronavirus vaccines will face a deep distrust in the Black community

Share All sharing options for : 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they work .
“ We ’ ve been hoodwinked so many times with vaccines , ” James says , repeating a sentiment often heard in Black communities .
“ We ’ ve been experimented on by the government , by the scientific community and the hospitals.
” There is a deep distrust among many Blacks regarding medical studies .
The U.S. government ’ s Tuskegee syphilis research — which withheld treatment of poor Black men over a 40-year period — often comes up .
That wariness has been reflected in low participation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationally .
“ The mistrust built up over years is well-founded , ” says Dr. Monica Peek , an associate professor of medicine and health disparities researcher at the University of Chicago .
“ There have been repeated experiences that degrade the value of black lives — not only in health care.
” That ’ s a problem hospitals have to address , Peek says , because Black and Latino Chicagoans are being infected with COVID-19 and dying from the virus disproportionately compared with whites .
Blacks account for more than twice the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Latinos account for the highest number of cases , more than double that of whites , city data show .
It ’ s a tough challenge for Chicago ’ s large academic hospitals , which are still trying to recruit hundreds of volunteers to test the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines but struggling to recruit enough Black and Brown participants .
African Americans have been particularly hard to enlist .
When the University of Illinois Hospital at Chicago put out a call for vaccine study volunteers over the summer , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a majority of them Black and Latino .
More than 8,000 people volunteered for the trial of the vaccine made by biotech company Moderna .
But most of them were white .
UIC and the University of Chicago , its research partner , eventually recruited a majority of minority participants .
But the overall number of people in the trial ended up less than 500 .
Nationally , Moderna asked researchers to go back and recruit more minorities because of low participation .
UIC ’ s early results were submitted to Moderna , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 95 % effective .
The Moderna study was one of a number of government-funded trials for which federal health officials said minority participation would be vital , says Dr. Richard Novak , the lead UIC investigator .
Novak has reached out to community groups , pastors and Latin American consulates in his efforts to recruit more minorities for studies .
UIC plans to enroll soon in another vaccine trial , this one testing Johnson & Johnson ’ s COVID vaccine .
Initially , researchers hoped to attract 1,500 patients , but Novak says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He wants to recruit a large number of Black and Latino volunteers .
The University of Chicago and Northwestern University also plan to conduct studies of the J & J vaccine and say they are working hard to get minority volunteers .
Blacks make up 13 % of the U.S. population but account for more than 20 % of the deaths from COVID-19 and only 3 % of those enrolled in vaccine trials , according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine last month .
Bonnie Blue ’ s family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a COVID-19 vaccine study at UIC .
It ’ s too dangerous , she was told , echoing what she ’ s heard much of her life : Black people have been treated like guinea pigs in medical experimentation .
“ There is an issue of trust — a big , very valid issue of distrust , ” says Blue , 68 , who decided to join the study .
“ I see why my family was upset .
But this is something that ’ s bigger than me.
” Blue hopes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she doesn ’ t blame anyone for their fears .
“ I would never shame somebody or push someone to do what I did , ” she says .
“ We do need more people of color and people who are older to take part in these trials .
But I also know some family members say , ‘ No way — don ’ t do it.
’ ” Before agreeing to participate , Blue met with Novak and asked him a number of questions , like : Will she know if she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She won ’ t until more study data are revealed at a later date .
After peppering the doctor with questions , she asked , “ If I was your mother sitting here , what questions would you tell her to ask ?
” Novak laughed and told her , “ I think you pretty much got it all , ” Blue says .
Eduardo Rollox , 55 , of Evanston , also had friends and family tell him he was crazy to consider enrolling in a vaccine study .
But , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the first volunteers for the UIC study .
Rollox says he has an underlying health condition that would put his life at risk if he is infected with COVID .
Born in Panama , Rollox moved to the United States at 7 .
He has faith in science but understands the anxieties .
“ It ’ s going to take a long time for the distrust to go away , ” Rollox says .
Like a lot of infectious disease experts , Dr. Beverly Sha spent years studying HIV .
Treating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to forge relationships — bonds that often helped recruit participants for studies of various medicines .
COVID doesn ’ t afford that opportunity , she says .
“ What I ’ ve come to realize : One huge thing I don ’ t have is a relationship with the patient , ” Sha says .
Without such bonds , hospitals have to cast a wide net to find Black and Latino volunteers , she says .
She likens the task to randomly stopping people on the street to recruit them .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe 50 say , ‘ Tell me more , ’ ” Sha says .
“ But I stop a hundred Black or Latinx , and maybe only 10 show an interest .
Not zero .
So , in order to recruit enough , we have to extend the net that much wider.
” Rush is one of two sites , along with Cook County Health , recruiting for a study of another vaccine developed by the British drugmaker AstraZeneca .
For Rush ’ s AstraZeneca vaccine trial , Sha hopes to recruit 500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them minorities , with 10 % Black participation .
Sha knows how hard that will be .
She says government registry available to researchers showed that , of more than 10,000 people in the Chicago area who signed up to volunteer for COVID-19 studies , only 4 % were Black , and 9 % were Latino .
Dr. Temitope Oyedele , an infectious disease expert and principal site investigator of the Cook County Health vaccine trial , hopes to sign up at least 250 participants .
And he ’ s confident a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patient population of John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital and the rest of the county health system .
“ We ’ ve built a lot of relationships , ” Oyedele says .
“ We definitely want to recruit people in our health system , people of color.
” Cook County already has tested other COVID therapies , including two experimental antibodies treatments , that attracted high minority participation , Oyedele says .
A major question beyond the studies , is whether Blacks and other minority groups will trust a new vaccine , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available over the coming months .
Not right away , says Dr. Ephriam Grimes , associate medical director for Advocate Trinity Hospital .
“ For my generation , we all had parents and grandparents very familiar with Tuskegee , ” Grimes says .
“ As for the younger generations , I don ’ t know if those stories are passed down , but I know the distrust and sentiment is still there.
” Distrust of government , the history of Tuskegee and other experiments and racial disparity in the health system all play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines now being seen , Grimes says .
“ Working on those disparities , improving health outcomes for minorities , you might get a little more trust down the road , ” he says .
Brett Chase ’ s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust .

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 Side residents will get a shot once the vaccines are available, let alone take part in the studies making sure they work.
The Rev. Floyd James at Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church in May holding a touchless thermometer the church has used to check parishioners coming to church. Tyler LaRiviere / Sun-Times
“We’ve been hoodwinked so many times with vaccines,” James says, repeating a sentiment often heard in Black communities. “We’ve been experimented on by the government, by the scientific community and the hospitals.”
There is a deep distrust among many Blacks regarding medical studies. The U.S. government’s Tuskegee syphilis research — which withheld treatment of poor Black men over a 40-year period — often comes up. That wariness has been reflected in low participation by Blacks in medical studies in Chicago and nationally.
“The mistrust built up over years is well-founded,” says Dr. Monica Peek, an associate professor of medicine and health disparities researcher at the University of Chicago. “There have been repeated experiences that degrade the value of black lives — not only in health care.”
“African Americans are disproportionately burdened by this pandemic,” Peek says. “It will be a double tragedy if African Americans refuse to take the vaccine.”
Dr. Monica Peek: “It will be a double tragedy if African Americans refuse to take the vaccine.” Provided
That’s a problem hospitals have to address, Peek says, because Black and Latino Chicagoans are being infected with COVID-19 and dying from the virus disproportionately compared with whites. Blacks account for more than twice the number of coronavirus deaths as whites, and Latinos account for the highest number of cases, more than double that of whites, city data show.
It’s a tough challenge for Chicago’s large academic hospitals, which are still trying to recruit hundreds of volunteers to test the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines but struggling to recruit enough Black and Brown participants. African Americans have been particularly hard to enlist.
When the University of Illinois Hospital at Chicago put out a call for vaccine study volunteers over the summer, it aimed to get at least 1,000 — a majority of them Black and Latino. More than 8,000 people volunteered for the trial of the vaccine made by biotech company Moderna. But most of them were white. UIC and the University of Chicago, its research partner, eventually recruited a majority of minority participants. But the overall number of people in the trial ended up less than 500.
Dr. Richard Novak hopes to get 1,500 volunteers for a new UIC COVID-19 trial, testing Johnson & Johnson’s COVID vaccine. Joshua Clark
Nationally, Moderna asked researchers to go back and recruit more minorities because of low participation. UIC’s early results were submitted to Moderna, which recently announced its vaccine was almost 95% effective.
The Moderna study was one of a number of government-funded trials for which federal health officials said minority participation would be vital, says Dr. Richard Novak, the lead UIC investigator.
Novak has reached out to community groups, pastors and Latin American consulates in his efforts to recruit more minorities for studies. UIC plans to enroll soon in another vaccine trial, this one testing Johnson & Johnson’s COVID vaccine. Initially, researchers hoped to attract 1,500 patients, but Novak says that goal might not be reached. He wants to recruit a large number of Black and Latino volunteers.
The University of Chicago and Northwestern University also plan to conduct studies of the J&J vaccine and say they are working hard to get minority volunteers.
Blacks make up 13% of the U.S. population but account for more than 20% of the deaths from COVID-19 and only 3% of those enrolled in vaccine trials, according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine last month.
Bonnie Blue, getting blood drawn by nurse Corey Ringhisen, was one of the first to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine clinical at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She volunteered, despite her family urging her not to, because “this is something that’s bigger than me.” Joshua Clark / University of Illinois at Chicago
Bonnie Blue’s family urged her not to take part in a COVID-19 vaccine study at UIC. It’s too dangerous, she was told, echoing what she’s heard much of her life: Black people have been treated like guinea pigs in medical experimentation.
“There is an issue of trust — a big, very valid issue of distrust,” says Blue, 68, who decided to join the study. “I see why my family was upset. But this is something that’s bigger than me.”
Blue hopes that distrust will fade in time. But she doesn’t blame anyone for their fears.
“I would never shame somebody or push someone to do what I did,” she says. “We do need more people of color and people who are older to take part in these trials. But I also know some family members say, ‘No way — don’t do it.’ ”
Before agreeing to participate, Blue met with Novak and asked him a number of questions, like: Will she know if she gets the vaccine or a placebo? She won’t until more study data are revealed at a later date.
After peppering the doctor with questions, she asked, “If I was your mother sitting here, what questions would you tell her to ask?”
Novak laughed and told her, “I think you pretty much got it all,” Blue says.
Eduardo Rollox, having his temperature taken, was among the volunteers for in the Moderna coronavirus vaccine trial at the University of Illinois Hospital at Chicago. Joshua Clark / University of Illinois at Chicago
Eduardo Rollox, 55, of Evanston, also had friends and family tell him he was crazy to consider enrolling in a vaccine study. But, after consulting with his doctor, he was one of the first volunteers for the UIC study.
Rollox says he has an underlying health condition that would put his life at risk if he is infected with COVID. Born in Panama, Rollox moved to the United States at 7. He has faith in science but understands the anxieties.
“It’s going to take a long time for the distrust to go away,” Rollox says.
Dr. Beverly Sha, an infectious disease expert at Rush University Medical Center, is conducting a clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca. Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times
Like a lot of infectious disease experts, Dr. Beverly Sha spent years studying HIV. Treating people with AIDS gave her the chance to forge relationships — bonds that often helped recruit participants for studies of various medicines. COVID doesn’t afford that opportunity, she says.
“What I’ve come to realize: One huge thing I don’t have is a relationship with the patient,” Sha says.
Without such bonds, hospitals have to cast a wide net to find Black and Latino volunteers, she says. She likens the task to randomly stopping people on the street to recruit them.
“I could stop 100 white people, and maybe 50 say, ‘Tell me more,’ ” Sha says. “But I stop a hundred Black or Latinx, and maybe only 10 show an interest. Not zero. So, in order to recruit enough, we have to extend the net that much wider.”
Rush is one of two sites, along with Cook County Health, recruiting for a study of another vaccine developed by the British drugmaker AstraZeneca. For Rush’s AstraZeneca vaccine trial, Sha hopes to recruit 500 volunteers, at least a quarter of them minorities, with 10% Black participation.
Sha knows how hard that will be. She says a government registry available to researchers showed that, of more than 10,000 people in the Chicago area who signed up to volunteer for COVID-19 studies, only 4% were Black, and 9% were Latino.
Dr. Temitope Oyedele, principal site investigator of the Cook County Health vaccine trial: “We definitely want to recruit people in our health system, people of color.” Cook County Health
Dr. Temitope Oyedele, an infectious disease expert and principal site investigator of the Cook County Health vaccine trial, hopes to sign up at least 250 participants. And he’s confident a large portion will be minority, reflective of the patient population of John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital and the rest of the county health system.
“We’ve built a lot of relationships,” Oyedele says. “We definitely want to recruit people in our health system, people of color.”
Cook County already has tested other COVID therapies, including two experimental antibodies treatments, that attracted high minority participation, Oyedele says.
Dr. Ephriam Grimes, associate medical director of Advocate Trinity Hospital’s emergency department: “I know the distrust and sentiment is still there.” Advocate Trinity Hospital
A major question beyond the studies, is whether Blacks and other minority groups will trust a new vaccine, as one or more are expected to become available over the coming months.
Not right away, says Dr. Ephriam Grimes, associate medical director of Advocate Trinity Hospital’s emergency department.
“For my generation, we all had parents and grandparents very familiar with Tuskegee,” Grimes says. “As for the younger generations, I don’t know if those stories are passed down, but I know the distrust and sentiment is still there.”
Distrust of government, the history of Tuskegee and other experiments and racial disparity in the health system all play a part in the skepticism about the vaccines now being seen, Grimes says.
“Working on those disparities, improving health outcomes for minorities, you might get a little more trust down the road,” he says.
COVID-19 vaccine trials TO ENROLL IN COVID-19 VACCINE TRIALS These COVID-19 vaccine trials are seeking volunteers or soon will be: Cook County Health Call (312) 869-4289 or go online to https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lSKSO4bof0GqqE5MTwadgqrQQI0zsUJNlG7fKZtU1xZUMVA1MkZGVlhKTU5KV0ZWTlBVOVFNV1JJNCQlQCN0PWcu Northwestern Northwestern University Go online to https://redcap.nubic.northwestern.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=HEMWD7PE33 Rush University Medical Center Call (312) 563-1345 or email ID_Research_COVID19Vaccine@Rush.edu. University of Chicago Go online https://covidvaccinestudies.uchicago.edu/ or call (773) 834-3313 University of Illinois at Chicago Call (312) 355-0656 or go online to coronaviruspreventionnetwork.org.
Brett Chase’s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--Ride-hailing driver carjacked in Logan Square

A driver for a ride-haling service was carjacked Thursday night in Logan Square on the Northwest Side .
The 57-year-old @ @ @ @ @ Toyota SUV about 10:30 p.m. in the 3000 block of West Fullerton Avenue when a @ @ @ @ @ into the vehicle , according to Chicago police .
A police source said the man @ @ @ @ @ ride-hailing service .
The suspect drove off , taking the victim ’ s phone and @ @ @ @ @ in the SUV with him , police said .
The victim was not injured , @ @ @ @ @ one is in custody as Area Five detectives investigate .
Read more on crime , @ @ @ @ @ s homicides .

A driver for a ride-haling service was carjacked Thursday night in Logan Square on the Northwest Side.
The 57-year-old was standing outside his gray Toyota SUV about 10:30 p.m. in the 3000 block of West Fullerton Avenue when a male pushed him and jumped into the vehicle, according to Chicago police.
A police source said the man is a driver for a ride-hailing service.
The suspect drove off, taking the victim’s phone and other items that were left in the SUV with him, police said.
The victim was not injured, according to police. No one is in custody as Area Five detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-20--Big questions face Bears after bye week, including what to do at quarterback

The bye week gives the Bears their last chance to reset and gear up for one last charge at the playoffs .
Plenty of people throughout the organization , including general manager Ryan Pace , coach Matt Nagy and several players , have a lot riding on how the Bears finish their season .
Here ’ s a look at six key questions facing them : Should the Bears start Nick Foles or Mitch Trubisky against the Packers ?
It ’ s time to go back to Trubisky , not because he ’ s better but because he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bears a valuable option to work around their struggling offensive line and pitiful running game .
In his best season , 2018 , Trubisky ran 68 times for 421 yards .
If he can give the Bears 30-40 yards per game , it would make a big difference to the worst ground game in the NFL .
Will Bill Lazor call plays the rest of the season ?
Yes , but Nagy will return next season .
It ’ d be too flaky for Nagy to take back play calling in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Lazor .
He said Monday he will give Lazor at least the Green Bay game , giving him the full benefit of the bye week .
Ultimately , though , it won ’ t matter much unless Lazor knows how to instantly fix the Bears ’ problems on the offensive line and at quarterback .
When will the Bears ’ losing streak end ?
They way they ’ ve looked lately , there ’ s a chance it could last until Week 16 at the Jaguars .
It ’ s hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win for the Bears right now , but maybe they ’ ll slide past the Lions again after the Green Bay game .
Their biggest problem , beside the quarterback , is : There ’ s no plan to fix the offense .
There are very few players on offense the Bears should want to retain , so a full rebuild is necessary .
But they ’ re locked into several players , including Foles , tight end Jimmy Graham and left tackle Charles Leno , because of ill-advised contracts .
They don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salary-cap space to fully revamp the offense going into 2021 .
Under what circumstance would Pace and Nagy keep their jobs in 2021 ?
The Bears are overdue for a change at general manager , so there ’ s almost no outcome that should save Pace ’ s job .
That move would ’ ve been justified a year ago .
He has done tremendous work on defense , but has more than offset that with terrible decisions on offense .
With so much to correct offensively , including the need for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that job can be left in Pace ’ s hands .
Nagy has shown promise and might eventually be a great coach , but it ’ s bad business to force a new general manager to keep the incumbent coach .
If Nagy can extract a winning season from this flawed roster , he would deserve to stay , but he ’ s probably out the door if Pace is .
This Bears player deserves a Pro Bowl nod : Cornerback Kyle Fuller .
Defensive backs usually don ’ t get much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Fuller has only one .
But he has been tremendous .
Opposing quarterbacks have completed just 46.6 % of their passes against him , and Fuller has allowed a 61.3 passer rating .
He also has eight pass breakups and a forced fumble .
The Bears will finish the season with this record … They ’ ll go 8-8 for the second season in a row .
And that ’ s a terrible disappointment after a 5-1 start that gave the Bears an 83 % chance of making the playoffs based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing 28-20 , which would leave him with a winning percentage ( .583 ) barely above Lovie Smith ’ s in Bears history .

The bye week gives the Bears their last chance to reset and gear up for one last charge at the playoffs. Plenty of people throughout the organization, including general manager Ryan Pace, coach Matt Nagy and several players, have a lot riding on how the Bears finish their season.
Here’s a look at six key questions facing them:
Should the Bears start Nick Foles or Mitch Trubisky against the Packers?
It’s time to go back to Trubisky — not because he’s better, but because he’s more versatile. His running ability gives the Bears a valuable option to work around their struggling offensive line and pitiful running game. In 2018, his best season, Trubisky ran 68 times for 421 yards. If he can give the Bears 30 to 40 yards rushing per game, it would make a big difference for the worst ground game in the NFL.
Will offensive coordinator Bill Lazor call plays for the rest of the season?
Yes, but Nagy will return to the role next season. It would be too flaky for Nagy to take back play-calling in the final six games after publicly giving the duty to Lazor. He said Monday he will give Lazor at least the game against the Packers, giving him the full benefit of the bye week. Ultimately, however, it won’t matter much unless Lazor instantly can fix the Bears’ problems on the offensive line and at quarterback.
When will the Bears’ losing streak end?
They way they’ve looked lately, there’s a chance it could last until Week 16 at the Jaguars. It’s hard to see any game as an automatic victory for the Bears right now, but maybe they’ll slide past the Lions again after the game against the Packers.
Besides the quarterback, the Bears’ biggest problem is:
There’s no plan to fix the offense. There are very few players on offense the Bears should want to retain, so a full rebuild is necessary. But they’re locked into several players, including Foles, tight end Jimmy Graham and left tackle Charles Leno, because of ill-advised contracts. They don’t have enough draft capital or salary-cap space to revamp the offense fully going into 2021.
Under what circumstance would general manager Ryan Pace and Nagy keep their jobs in 2021?
The Bears are overdue for a change at GM, so there’s almost no outcome that should save Pace’s job. That move would’ve been justified a year ago. He has done tremendous work on defense, but he has more than offset that with terrible decisions on offense. With so much to correct offensively, including the need for a new quarterback, there’s no way that job can be left in Pace’s hands. Nagy has shown promise and eventually might be a great coach, but it’s bad business to force a new GM to keep the incumbent coach. If Nagy can extract a winning season from this flawed roster, he would deserve to stay, but he’s probably out the door if Pace is.
This Bears player deserves a Pro Bowl nod:
Cornerback Kyle Fuller. Defensive backs usually don’t get much attention unless they pile up interceptions — and Fuller has only one — but he has been tremendous. Opposing quarterbacks have completed only 46.6% of their passes against him, and Fuller has allowed a 61.3 passer rating. He also has eight pass breakups and a forced fumble.
The Bears will finish the season with this record:
They’ll go 8-8 for the second consecutive season. And that’s a terrible disappointment after a 5-1 start that gave them an 83% chance of making the playoffs, based on historical data. That will leave Nagy at 28-20, which would leave him with a winning percentage (.583) barely above Lovie Smith’s in Bears history.