chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--5 shot Monday in Chicago

5 shot Monday in Chicago

Five people were shot Monday in Chicago , including a 17-year-old boy who was wounded in a shooting in Burnside on the South Side .
He was on the sidewalk about 10 p.m. in the 500 block of East 92nd Street , when someone fired shots from a black sedan , Chicago police said .
The teen was struck in the torso and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition .
A man was shot in Albany Park on the Northwest Side .
He was driving about 3:40 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Irving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulled up alongside and someone inside opened fire , police said .
The 30-year-old was struck in the leg , back and taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center .
His condition was not immediately known .
A 27-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Park Manor on the South Side .
He was struck by gunfire about 12:15 p.m. in the 7000 block of South Indiana Avenue , according to police .
The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center with a gunshot wound to his calf .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24-year-old man was shot while arguing with someone sitting in a car in Lawndale on the West Side .
He came out of a home in the 1800 block of South Troy Street , to speak with a man who pulled up inside a red Kia , police said .
They began arguing and the male inside the car fired shots about 8 a.m .
The 24-year-old man was shot in his hip and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was listed in fair condition .
A 47-year-old man was seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Northwest Side .
He was walking to his car about 6:30 a.m. in the 2800 block of North Spaulding Avenue , when an SUV passed and someone inside opened fire , according to police .
The man was shot in his wrist and torso , and was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in serious condition .
Eighteen people were shot , three of them fatally , last weekend citywide .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

At least five people were wounded in shootings Monday in Chicago, including a 17-year-old boy shot in Burnside on the South Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 10 p.m. in the 500 block of East 92nd Street, when someone fired shots from a black sedan, Chicago police said. The teen was struck in the torso and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
About 3:40 p.m., a man was shot in Albany Park on the Northwest Side.He was driving in the 3600 block of West Irving Park Road when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up alongside and someone inside opened fire, police said. The 30-year-old was struck in the leg, back and taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center for treatment.
Earlier in the afternoon, a 27-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Park Manor on the South Side. He was struck by gunfire about 12:15 p.m. in the 7000 block of South Indiana Avenue, according to police. The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center with a gunshot wound to his calf. He was listed in good condition.
About 8 a.m., a 24-year-old man was shot while arguing with someone sitting in a car in Lawndale on the West Side. He came out of a home in the 1800 block of South Troy Street, to speak with a man who pulled up inside a red Kia, police said. They began arguing and the male inside the car fired shots. The 24-year-old man was shot in his hip and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was listed in fair condition.
About 6:30 a.m., a 47-year-old man was seriously wounded in a drive-by in Logan Square on the Northwest Side. He was walking to his car n the 2800 block of North Spaulding Avenue, when an SUV passed and someone inside opened fire, according to police. The man was shot in his wrist and torso, and was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in serious condition.
Over the weekend, 18 people were shot, three of them fatally, citywide.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--Ride-share driver carjacked in Bronzeville

A ride-share driver was carjacked Tuesday morning in Bronzeville on the South Side .
About 12:25 a.m. , the 55-year-old @ @ @ @ @ in 4500 block of South Prairie Avenue , who pulled out a gun , told @ @ @ @ @ announced a robbery , Chicago police said .
The men stole his phone , wallet @ @ @ @ @ Rogue he was driving , police said .
The 55-year-old man was not injured .
@ @ @ @ @ as Area One detectives investigate .

A ride-share driver was carjacked at gunpoint early Tuesday in Bronzeville on the South Side.
About 12:25 a.m., the 55-year-old driver picked up two males in 4500 block of South Prairie Avenue, who pulled out a gun, told him to pull over and announced a robbery, Chicago police said.
The men stole his phone, wallet and the 2019 Nissan Rogue he was driving, police said. The 55-year-old man was not injured.
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--Boy, 17, shot in Burnside

Boy, 17, shot in Burnside

A 17-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting Monday in Burnside on the South Side .
He was on the @ @ @ @ @ the 500 block of East 92nd Street when someone fired shots from a black sedan @ @ @ @ @ The teen was struck in the torso and taken to the University of Chicago Medical @ @ @ @ @ police said .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides @

A 17-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting Monday in Burnside on the South Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 10 p.m. in the 500 block of East 92nd Street when someone fired shots from a black sedan, Chicago police said.
The teen was struck in the torso and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said.
Area Two detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--Horoscope for Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020

Horoscope for Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Capricorn .
A day for action !
Yesterday , you were full of ideas and strong energy ; however , the moon alert made it a poor time to initiate anything .
Today is different !
A surprise from a boss , parent or teacher might occur .
This also is a good day to make long-range plans .
Unexpected travel plans might fall in your lap .
Or perhaps scheduled travel plans are suddenly changed or canceled ?
Fortunately , it ’ s a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues and the wealth and assets of your partner or other people .
Check your bank accounts and financial matters because something unexpected might occur .
When it comes to money and potential loss , “ a stitch in time saves nine ” is an excellent proverb .
Don ’ t be caught asleep at the switch .
Someone more experienced might have excellent advice for you .
Stay light on your feet because a partner or close friend might do something that catches you off guard .
Meanwhile , you can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supportive and helpful to you .
Listen to their advice .
( Especially from someone more experienced . )
Double check details related to a pet because something might be off or something unexpected could happen .
( Ditto for your own health . )
Meanwhile , this is an excellent day to teach young minds or to make long-range plans for future fun !
Parents should be vigilant today because this is an accident-prone day for your kids .
( It ’ s a mild influence but it ’ s there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ clever , original creative ideas today !
Perhaps a surprise invitation to a fun event will come your way .
( Listen to the advice of an older family member . )
Your home routine might change today .
A small appliance might break down or someone unexpected might knock on your door .
Or perhaps it ’ s unusual news ?
Fortunately , you are in the perfect , practical mindset to deal with anything .
New ideas , new places and new faces are a few reasons that your daily routine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few surprises .
In fact , pay attention to everything you say and do to avoid an accident .
If shopping , you will buy practical , long-lasting items .
You ’ re in a sensible frame of mind today , which is why you are prepared to put duty and obligations before pleasure and fun .
Be aware of your cash flow , money and possessions because something unexpected might create a problem — loss or damage .
You are high-energy today .
In fact , you feel spontaneous and impulsive !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction . )
Some of you might be having a secret love affair with someone older or someone in authority .
( There is definitely something going on in your life that is a bit secretive and probably involving someone older . )
Seek out the advice of someone older or more experienced today because it will benefit you .
This person might be a friend or they could be a member of a group .
They might even steer you in a new direction , which causes you to slightly change your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day to have a serious discussion with a boss , parent , teacher or someone in a position of authority , even the police .
They will see you as hard-working , conscientious and reliable .
In turn , you will respect their authority .
( “ I want more money .
I ’ m worth it.
” ) If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Don Johnson ( 1949 ) shares your birthday .
You are curious , easily bored and good-hearted .
You also are mentally alert , witty and you act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the benefit of all your hard work .
About time !
Focus on building solid foundations now and for the future .
Work with purpose .
Physical exercise will be important , which is why you will enjoy physical activities and sports .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Capricorn.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
A day for action! Yesterday, you were full of ideas and strong energy; however, the moon alert made it a poor time to initiate anything. Today is different! A surprise from a boss, parent or teacher might occur. This also is a good day to make long-range plans.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Unexpected travel plans might fall in your lap. Or perhaps scheduled travel plans are suddenly changed or canceled? Fortunately, it’s a good day to deal with refunds, banking issues and the wealth and assets of your partner or other people.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Check your bank accounts and financial matters because something unexpected might occur. When it comes to money and potential loss, “a stitch in time saves nine” is an excellent proverb. Don’t be caught asleep at the switch. Someone more experienced might have excellent advice for you.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Stay light on your feet because a partner or close friend might do something that catches you off guard. Meanwhile, you can make steady progress at work because others are supportive and helpful to you. Listen to their advice. (Especially from someone more experienced.)
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Double check details related to a pet because something might be off or something unexpected could happen. (Ditto for your own health.) Meanwhile, this is an excellent day to teach young minds or to make long-range plans for future fun!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Parents should be vigilant today because this is an accident-prone day for your kids. (It’s a mild influence but it’s there.) Meanwhile, you might have some clever, original creative ideas today! Perhaps a surprise invitation to a fun event will come your way. (Listen to the advice of an older family member.)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Your home routine might change today. A small appliance might break down or someone unexpected might knock on your door. Or perhaps it’s unusual news? Fortunately, you are in the perfect, practical mindset to deal with anything.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
New ideas, new places and new faces are a few reasons that your daily routine will be different today. Expect a few surprises. In fact, pay attention to everything you say and do to avoid an accident. If shopping, you will buy practical, long-lasting items.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
You’re in a sensible frame of mind today, which is why you are prepared to put duty and obligations before pleasure and fun. Be aware of your cash flow, money and possessions because something unexpected might create a problem — loss or damage.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You are high-energy today. In fact, you feel spontaneous and impulsive! (Be ready to jump in any direction.) Some of you might be having a secret love affair with someone older or someone in authority. (There is definitely something going on in your life that is a bit secretive and probably involving someone older.)
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Seek out the advice of someone older or more experienced today because it will benefit you. This person might be a friend or they could be a member of a group. They might even steer you in a new direction, which causes you to slightly change your future goals.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
This is the perfect day to have a serious discussion with a boss, parent, teacher or someone in a position of authority, even the police. They will see you as hard-working, conscientious and reliable. In turn, you will respect their authority. (“I want more money. I’m worth it.”)
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Don Johnson (1949) shares your birthday. You are curious, easily bored and good-hearted. You also are mentally alert, witty and you act fast. Now you will start to see the benefit of all your hard work. About time! Focus on building solid foundations now and for the future. Work with purpose. Physical exercise will be important, which is why you will enjoy physical activities and sports.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--Illinois electors help Joe Biden and Kamala Harris cement win Donald Trump will never acknowledge

WASHINGTON — “ I am so relieved to be casting my vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris ” for president and vice president , suburban Barrington Democrat Nancy Shepherdson — one of 20 Electoral College members from Illinois — said Monday , as she helped Biden cement the win Donald Trump won ’ t and may never acknowledge .
And with that , a masked Shepherdson , in the Illinois House Chamber at the state Capitol in Springfield where the electors met , dropped her electoral vote into a wood box at a session presided over by Mayor Lori @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ex-state Rep. Lauren Beth Gash , the Lake County Democratic chair said , “ I ’ m honored to cast my Electoral College vote to confirm a team that will work to repair our image and lead us into a brighter future — inclusive , diverse , innovative and compassionate.
” The 538-member Electoral College made it official — President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris received 306 votes , the same number President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence got in 2016 when Trump called his win a landslide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell short of the 270 needed .
The 20 Illinois electors — all Democratic state party faithfuls , cast votes for Biden and Harris .
The 20 is derived from the size of the Illinois congressional delegation : 18 House members and two senators .
On Jan. 6 , those electoral ballots will be counted at a joint session of Congress .
On Monday night , Biden , after clinching the Electoral College votes , addressed the nation to underscore that “ democracy prevailed ” even as Trump and his allies continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perhaps Shepherdson ’ s sense of relief is premature .
Trump is intent , as the rants on his Twitter feed show , on doing everything possible to delegitimize and undermine Biden ’ s presidency .
Few Republicans are willing to step up and stop this assault on democracy .
The damage caused by Trump ’ s refusal to accept defeat is magnified because he ’ s been able to convince his millions of followers Biden cheated to win the election .
In all of Illinois , there is only one Republican , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guts to strongly counter the GOP resistance .
“ We won ’ t be destroyed , we will # RestoreOurGOP , ” he said in a tweet .
The quadrennial sessions of the Electoral College — usually ceremonial events , reminding us that U.S. presidents are actually elected indirectly — jumped into the news as Trump sought and failed to invalidate votes in key swing states or replace Biden electors with his own .
In Illinois , the 20 electors met in the Illinois House chamber COVID-19 tested , masked and seated socially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Democrats reflected Biden winning the Illinois popular vote , 57.5 % to 40.6 % for Trump .
Secretary of State Jesse White , whose office oversees the Electoral College balloting and related paperwork , opened the session .
After that , Lightfoot took the gavel .
She was chosen by the other electors to chair the proceeding .
White has been secretary of state for so long that this was his sixth Electoral College proceeding .
This was also his last , since he will not be running for another term in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history and solemnity in the chamber that came through in the live-stream and not only the relief that some normalcy will be restored under a President Biden .
Harris becomes the first female vice president and the first person of color to occupy that office .
When elector Vera Davis — the wife of Rep. Danny Davis , D-Ill. , a Democratic Party of Illinois state central committeeman and a West Side NAACP leader — cast her ballot , she said she was “ proud ” to vote for her Alpha Kappa Alpha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrapping up the historic session , “ The election is affirmed and it is now time for us as a country to move forward , transition in full and embrace the promise of a new administration ” led by Biden and Harris .
“ Their success is our success .
And we need desperately to unite as a people .
Our democracy and our residents deserve no less.
” Each elector signed six certificates .
According to White ’ s office , the U.S. Senate is sent two copies ; one to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal judge of the Central District of Illinois and two copies to the Illinois State Archives .

WASHINGTON — “I am so relieved to be casting my vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris” for president and vice president, suburban Barrington Democrat Nancy Shepherdson — one of 20 Electoral College members from Illinois — said Monday, as she helped Biden cement the win Donald Trump won’t and may never acknowledge.
And with that, a masked Shepherdson, in the Illinois House Chamber at the state Capitol in Springfield where the electors met, dropped her electoral vote into a wood box at a session presided over by Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
When it was her turn, ex-state Rep. Lauren Beth Gash, the Lake County Democratic chair said, “I’m honored to cast my Electoral College vote to confirm a team that will work to repair our image and lead us into a brighter future — inclusive, diverse, innovative and compassionate.”
The 538-member Electoral College made it official — President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris received 306 votes, the same number President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence got in 2016 when Trump called his win a landslide. Trump, with 232 electoral votes, fell short of the 270 needed.
The 20 Illinois electors — all Democratic state party faithfuls, cast votes for Biden and Harris. The 20 is derived from the size of the Illinois congressional delegation: 18 House members and two senators.
On Jan. 6, those electoral ballots will be counted at a joint session of Congress.
On Monday night, Biden, after clinching the Electoral College votes, addressed the nation to underscore that “democracy prevailed” even as Trump and his allies continue to refuse reality and promote baseless claims.
Perhaps Shepherdson’s sense of relief is premature.
Trump is intent, as the rants on his Twitter feed show, on doing everything possible to delegitimize and undermine Biden’s presidency.
Few Republicans are willing to step up and stop this assault on democracy. The damage caused by Trump’s refusal to accept defeat is magnified because he’s been able to convince his millions of followers Biden cheated to win the election.
In all of Illinois, there is only one Republican, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who has the guts to strongly counter the GOP resistance. “We won’t be destroyed, we will #RestoreOurGOP,” he said in a tweet.
We’ll see.
The quadrennial sessions of the Electoral College — usually ceremonial events, reminding us that U.S. presidents are actually elected indirectly — jumped into the news as Trump sought and failed to invalidate votes in key swing states or replace Biden electors with his own.
In Illinois, the 20 electors met in the Illinois House chamber COVID-19 tested, masked and seated socially distanced apart. That the electors are all Democrats reflected Biden winning the Illinois popular vote, 57.5% to 40.6% for Trump.
Secretary of State Jesse White, whose office oversees the Electoral College balloting and related paperwork, opened the session. After that, Lightfoot took the gavel. She was chosen by the other electors to chair the proceeding.
White has been secretary of state for so long that this was his sixth Electoral College proceeding. This was also his last, since he will not be running for another term in 2022.
There was a sense of history and solemnity in the chamber that came through in the live-stream and not only the relief that some normalcy will be restored under a President Biden.
Harris becomes the first female vice president and the first person of color to occupy that office.
When elector Vera Davis — the wife of Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill., a Democratic Party of Illinois state central committeeman and a West Side NAACP leader — cast her ballot, she said she was “proud” to vote for her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority “sister.”
Said Lightfoot, wrapping up the historic session, “The election is affirmed and it is now time for us as a country to move forward, transition in full and embrace the promise of a new administration” led by Biden and Harris. “Their success is our success. And we need desperately to unite as a people. Our democracy and our residents deserve no less.”
FOOTNOTE
Each elector signed six certificates. According to White’s office, the U.S. Senate is sent two copies; one to the National Archives; one to the chief federal judge of the Central District of Illinois and two copies to the Illinois State Archives.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--Pritzker announces $711 million in budget cuts in ‘first phase of our path forward’

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday he authorized more than $ 711 million in budget cuts in offices under his control for the current fiscal year in an attempt to close a nearly $ 4 billion budget gap .
“ This gets us part of the way toward addressing the budget deficit , ” Pritzker said at his daily coronavirus briefing .
“ For additional , and more permanent balancing of our budgets going forward , I will work with the legislature , but make no mistake : legislative action and engagement is required .
While short term federal help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take action to maintain fiscal stability over the long run and address the problems that plagued Illinois pre-pandemic.
” Pritzker said his administration has “ scoured the budget ” to try to reduce the effect of the cuts on residents but , with a move to a graduated income tax off the table , “ there will be a real human impact here.
” “ I ’ m sorry to say that we simply can not prevent these losses from touching the real lives of our residents , ” Pritzker said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The cuts , which total $ 711.2 million , have already begun to be implemented , Pritzker said .
Those cuts include a continuation of the state ’ s freeze on non-essential hiring and travel as well as other “ operational savings ” related to reduced equipment purchases and delayed technology projects , as well as grant reductions due to lower prison populations and the cancellation of state and county fairs .
Pritzker also said his staff is in conversations with the American Federation of State , County and Municipal Employees and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential personnel cost adjustments in an attempt to identify another $ 75 million in cost savings for the state .
Roberta Lynch , the executive director of the federation ’ s Council 31 , said in a statement “ it is grossly unjust to suggest that frontline state employees who have already sacrificed so much in our current public health crisis should bear an outsized share of the burden of fixing the state ’ s fiscal crisis as well .
“ Moreover , it is counterproductive in the extreme to target these employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state services and the demands on state government are greater than ever , ” Lynch ’ s statement continued in part .
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin , of Western Springs , took aim at Pritzker , Senate President Don Harmon , D-Oak Park , and Speaker Michael Madigan , saying in a statement the three were “ repeatedly warned about the dire shortfalls in the fantasy budget that relied upon the passage of the graduated tax and a ‘ fingers crossed ’ hope for a federal bailout .
“ Instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to trick voters into raising taxes , and were sorely rejected by Democrat , Republican and Independent voters across the state , ” Durkin ’ s statement continued .
“ We hope the Governor uses his authority to call the General Assembly into session so that we can look to move Illinois forward by fixing the problems the Democrats have created.
” Asked if he favored raising the state ’ s flat , 4.95 % income tax , Pritzker said he ’ s focused “ on the cuts we need to make in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to balance the budget , ” Pritzker said .
“ You ’ ve got to look at both sides — the expenditure side , the revenue side — in order to get there and right now I ’ m focused entirely on what cuts can we make , what do we need to do .
I want to make sure that the General Assembly , and the governor , are managing the taxpayers dollars as efficiently and effectively as we can so that ’ s all I ’ m focused on right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Office of Management and Budget projected “ sizeable deficits ” for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 .
Already projecting a nearly $ 4 billion budget deficit for 2021 , the state ’ s budget office also projects deficits ranging from $ 4.8 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $ 4.2 billion by fiscal year 2026 , according to a report on the state ’ s economic and fiscal policy released in November .
“ The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has resulted in unexpected and dramatic revenue losses , and Illinois will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it finds a long-term solution to its long standing structural deficit , ” a statement accompanying the report said .
The state ’ s backlog of unpaid bills also is projected to grow over the next five years , rising from about $ 10.1 billion for the 2021 fiscal year to a little over $ 33 billion in 2026 .

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday he authorized more than $711 million in budget cuts in offices under his control for the current fiscal year in an attempt to close a nearly $4 billion budget gap.
“This gets us part of the way toward addressing the budget deficit,” Pritzker said at his daily coronavirus briefing. “For additional, and more permanent balancing of our budgets going forward, I will work with the legislature, but make no mistake: legislative action and engagement is required. While short term federal help may yet come, we need to take action to maintain fiscal stability over the long run and address the problems that plagued Illinois pre-pandemic.”
Pritzker said his administration has “scoured the budget” to try to reduce the effect of the cuts on residents but, with a move to a graduated income tax off the table, “there will be a real human impact here.”
“I’m sorry to say that we simply cannot prevent these losses from touching the real lives of our residents,” Pritzker said. “This is going to be tough.”
The cuts, which total $711.2 million, have already begun to be implemented, Pritzker said.
Those cuts include a continuation of the state’s freeze on non-essential hiring and travel as well as other “operational savings” related to reduced equipment purchases and delayed technology projects, as well as grant reductions due to lower prison populations and the cancellation of state and county fairs.
Pritzker also said his staff is in conversations with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and other employee unions about furlough days and other potential personnel cost adjustments in an attempt to identify another $75 million in cost savings for the state.
Roberta Lynch, the executive director of the federation’s Council 31, said in a statement “it is grossly unjust to suggest that frontline state employees who have already sacrificed so much in our current public health crisis should bear an outsized share of the burden of fixing the state’s fiscal crisis as well.
“Moreover, it is counterproductive in the extreme to target these employees at a time when the need for state services and the demands on state government are greater than ever,” Lynch’s statement continued in part.
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, took aim at Pritzker, Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, and Speaker Michael Madigan, saying in a statement the three were “repeatedly warned about the dire shortfalls in the fantasy budget that relied upon the passage of the graduated tax and a ‘fingers crossed’ hope for a federal bailout.
“Instead of living within our means, they attempted to trick voters into raising taxes, and were sorely rejected by Democrat, Republican and Independent voters across the state,” Durkin’s statement continued. “We hope the Governor uses his authority to call the General Assembly into session so that we can look to move Illinois forward by fixing the problems the Democrats have created.”
Asked if he favored raising the state’s flat, 4.95% income tax, Pritzker said he’s focused “on the cuts we need to make in state government.”
“We’ve got to balance the budget,” Pritzker said. “You’ve got to look at both sides — the expenditure side, the revenue side — in order to get there and right now I’m focused entirely on what cuts can we make, what do we need to do. I want to make sure that the General Assembly, and the governor, are managing the taxpayers dollars as efficiently and effectively as we can so that’s all I’m focused on right now.”
Last month, the state’s Office of Management and Budget projected “sizeable deficits” for fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
Already projecting a nearly $4 billion budget deficit for 2021, the state’s budget office also projects deficits ranging from $4.8 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $4.2 billion by fiscal year 2026, according to a report on the state’s economic and fiscal policy released in November.
“The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has resulted in unexpected and dramatic revenue losses, and Illinois will also continue to face significant financial challenges until it finds a long-term solution to its long standing structural deficit,” a statement accompanying the report said.
The state’s backlog of unpaid bills also is projected to grow over the next five years, rising from about $10.1 billion for the 2021 fiscal year to a little over $33 billion in 2026.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--Chicago sees first COVID-19 vaccinations — and first signs of hope (LIVE UPDATES)

Chicago sees first COVID-19 vaccinations — and first signs of hope Emergency room physician Dr. Marina Del Rios was the first person in Chicago to be vaccinated for COVID-19 on Tuesday , one of five hospital workers to get shots .
“ It ’ s really an honor to stand here and take part in this moment in history , ” said Del Rios , director of Social Emergency Medicine at University of Illinois Health .
“ As an emergency physician who has been on the frontlines of this pandemic since Day One , I can attest that health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come.
” Hospital health care workers are first to get inoculated , and , in the coming weeks , nursing home residents and staff will also be offered the vaccine , which requires two doses three weeks apart .
All five shots were given in the morning at The Loretto Hospital , a community health care provider in Austin , that was selected by the city as a site to receive and administer the first shots .
Austin and the surrounding West Side have been hit hard by the virus .
Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news conference to promise an emphasis on vaccinating the Black and Latino communities that bear a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 cases .
As part of the effort , Lightfoot said it will be essential to closely follow demographic trends for vaccinations .
Read the full report by Brett Chase and Mitchell Armentrout .
5:22 p.m. Cook County Jail was one of the nation ’ s largest COVID-19 hotspots last spring .
It ’ s worse now The number of detainees testing positive for the coronavirus at the Cook County Jail has soared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaked in the spring , when it saw one of the largest outbreaks of confirmed cases of any location in the country .
Twenty-three detainees at the jail tested positive for the virus on Nov. 1 , according to data from the sheriff ’ s office .
Just over a month later , the jail set a new record for cases on Dec. 7 , with 370 .
That ’ s even higher than the previous peak , 307 , on April 10 .
The drastic increase in little more than a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to control the virus ’ spread inside correctional facilities and how quickly cases can rise .
It ’ s the situation Sheriff Tom Dart — who himself tested positive last month — warned about recently as he stood outside the jail and urged the public to take measures including wearing masks , socially distancing and remaining home as much as possible .
A state board on Tuesday unanimously rejected a plan to close Mercy Hospital in the Bronzeville neighborhood .
The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board voted 6-0 after about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community members , activists , doctors and nurses — all of whom called for the board to reject Trinity Health ’ s request .
Trinity Health said it was disappointed by the board ’ s vote .
“ We will look forward to going before the board again in early 2021 with our plans to discontinue inpatient services at Mercy Hospital and transition to an outpatient model to serve residents on the South Side of Chicago , ” Trinity Health said in a statement .
Dr. Linda Murray , a state board member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe Mercy has made a reasonable case that their services will not have an extremely negative impact on the South Side of Chicago .
… As a public health person , I am really distressed that this is going on in the midst of a global pandemic.
” 2:52 p.m. Lightfoot pleads with Congress to approve money for cities and states hit by the pandemic Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday implored President-elect Joe Biden and Democratic congressional leaders not to leave pandemic-ravaged cities and states out in the cold in the next round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anger when asked about reports Biden is willing to compromise on a coronavirus relief package that does not include replacement revenue for state and local governments .
“ I ’ m very disappointed about what I ’ m seeing as the developments .
I don ’ t know that that ’ s the incoming Biden administration as much as it is what ’ s going on in the Senate , ” she said .
“ This virus has had a disastrous impact on economies — local , state — all across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package would move and get to the president ’ s desk or signature and there would be zero relief for state and local governments is absolutely unacceptable .
I am not someone who says , ‘ This way or no way.
’ But what are we talking about here ?
” 7:42 a.m. Coronavirus vaccine arrives in Illinois ; first local inoculation will be Tuesday at Loretto Hospital The first batch of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Illinois on Monday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s office said .
The state received about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming weeks , his office said .
Health care workers at Loretto Hospital , 645 S. Central Ave. , are expected to be the first in the city to receive the new vaccine Tuesday morning , according to the Chicago Department of Public Health .
Read the full story by Stefano Esposito here .
• On Monday , a total of 7,214 new COVID-19 cases and 103 deaths were reported in Illinois .
• The state ’ s seven-day positivity rate for cases from Dec. 7 to Dec. 13 decreased slightly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wide receiver Thomas Ives is 3rd Bears practice-squad player to test positive for coronavirus .
• Charley Pride , first Black member of Country Music Hall of Fame , died of COVID-19 at 86 .
7:40 a.m .
Celebrate news about the COVID-19 vaccine , but don ’ t let your guard down In a letter to the Sun-Times editors , Ashvin Lad , of Lake View , writes : With the COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA and already in its early stages of distribution , we all ought to be feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because , as a cancer survivor , I am at a higher risk of having a negative impact from the virus .
But , because of this , I also know that we must not let our guard down because of the positive news .
We owe it to the essential workers who can ’ t stay home and who have spent nearly a year in high-risk jobs .
We owe it to the medical workers who have been on the front lines of this battle , and too often seen loss .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists and researchers who have made the vaccines that I hope will end this pandemic .
We owe it to them to keep wearing masks , to keep washing our hands , to keep maintaining our social distance and to keep following the guidance of our local health authorities .
Read this and more Letters to the Editor here .

The light at the end of the coronavirus pandemic tunnel can finally be seen — but it’s not time to put away those masks yet.
Here’s what happened in COVID-19 news.
News
8:55 p.m. Chicago sees first COVID-19 vaccinations — and first signs of hope
Dr. Marina Del Rios, from University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, receives Chicago’s first COVID-19 vaccination from Dr. Nikhila Juvvadi on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, at Loretto Hospital, a 122-bed medical facility in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. | Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune/Pool ORG XMIT: CST2012151507060437 Jose M. Osorio, Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune/Pool
Emergency room physician Dr. Marina Del Rios was the first person in Chicago to be vaccinated for COVID-19 on Tuesday, one of five hospital workers to get shots.
“It’s really an honor to stand here and take part in this moment in history,” said Del Rios, director of Social Emergency Medicine at University of Illinois Health. “As an emergency physician who has been on the frontlines of this pandemic since Day One, I can attest that health care workers have been anxious for this day to come.”
Hospital health care workers are first to get inoculated, and, in the coming weeks, nursing home residents and staff will also be offered the vaccine, which requires two doses three weeks apart.
All five shots were given in the morning at The Loretto Hospital, a community health care provider in Austin, that was selected by the city as a site to receive and administer the first shots.
Austin and the surrounding West Side have been hit hard by the virus. Mayor Lori Lightfoot used the setting in a news conference to promise an emphasis on vaccinating the Black and Latino communities that bear a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 cases. As part of the effort, Lightfoot said it will be essential to closely follow demographic trends for vaccinations.
Read the full report by Brett Chase and Mitchell Armentrout.
5:22 p.m. Cook County Jail was one of the nation’s largest COVID-19 hotspots last spring. It’s worse now
The number of detainees testing positive for the coronavirus at the Cook County Jail has soared to levels not seen since cases there last peaked in the spring, when it saw one of the largest outbreaks of confirmed cases of any location in the country.
Twenty-three detainees at the jail tested positive for the virus on Nov. 1, according to data from the sheriff’s office. Just over a month later, the jail set a new record for cases on Dec. 7, with 370.
That’s even higher than the previous peak, 307, on April 10.
The drastic increase in little more than a month illustrates just how difficult a task it is to control the virus’ spread inside correctional facilities and how quickly cases can rise.
It’s the situation Sheriff Tom Dart — who himself tested positive last month — warned about recently as he stood outside the jail and urged the public to take measures including wearing masks, socially distancing and remaining home as much as possible.
Reporter Matt Hendrickson has the full story.
3:45 p.m. Mercy Hospital closure proposal rejected by state board
A state board on Tuesday unanimously rejected a plan to close Mercy Hospital in the Bronzeville neighborhood.
The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board voted 6-0 after about four hours of testimony from dozens of community members, activists, doctors and nurses — all of whom called for the board to reject Trinity Health’s request.
Trinity Health said it was disappointed by the board’s vote.
“We will look forward to going before the board again in early 2021 with our plans to discontinue inpatient services at Mercy Hospital and transition to an outpatient model to serve residents on the South Side of Chicago,” Trinity Health said in a statement.
Dr. Linda Murray, a state board member, said, “I do not believe Mercy has made a reasonable case that their services will not have an extremely negative impact on the South Side of Chicago. … As a public health person, I am really distressed that this is going on in the midst of a global pandemic.”
Reporter Stefano Esposito has the full story.
2:52 p.m. Lightfoot pleads with Congress to approve money for cities and states hit by the pandemic
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday implored President-elect Joe Biden and Democratic congressional leaders not to leave pandemic-ravaged cities and states out in the cold in the next round of stimulus funding.
Lightfoot unleashed her anger when asked about reports Biden is willing to compromise on a coronavirus relief package that does not include replacement revenue for state and local governments.
“I’m very disappointed about what I’m seeing as the developments. I don’t know that that’s the incoming Biden administration as much as it is what’s going on in the Senate,” she said.
“This virus has had a disastrous impact on economies — local, state — all across the country. … The notion that somehow a package would move and get to the president’s desk or signature and there would be zero relief for state and local governments is absolutely unacceptable. I am not someone who says, ‘This way or no way.’ But what are we talking about here?”
Reporter Fran Spielman has the full story.
7:42 a.m. Coronavirus vaccine arrives in Illinois; first local inoculation will be Tuesday at Loretto Hospital
The first batch of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Illinois on Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office said.
The state received about 43,000 does and expects additional doses in the coming weeks, his office said.
Health care workers at Loretto Hospital, 645 S. Central Ave., are expected to be the first in the city to receive the new vaccine Tuesday morning, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Read the full story by Stefano Esposito here.
New Cases
Analysis & Commentary
7:40 a.m. Celebrate news about the COVID-19 vaccine, but don’t let your guard down
In a letter to the Sun-Times editors, Ashvin Lad, of Lake View, writes:
With the COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA and already in its early stages of distribution, we all ought to be feeling grateful and optimistic. I certainly am because, as a cancer survivor, I am at a higher risk of having a negative impact from the virus. But, because of this, I also know that we must not let our guard down because of the positive news.
We owe it to the essential workers who can’t stay home and who have spent nearly a year in high-risk jobs. We owe it to the medical workers who have been on the front lines of this battle, and too often seen loss. And we owe it to the biopharmaceutical scientists and researchers who have made the vaccines that I hope will end this pandemic.
We owe it to them to keep wearing masks, to keep washing our hands, to keep maintaining our social distance and to keep following the guidance of our local health authorities.
Read this and more Letters to the Editor here.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--Mechanic crushed to death at O’Hare was breadwinner for extended family: ‘He was taking care of ever

Mechanic crushed to death at O’Hare was breadwinner for extended family: ‘He was taking care of everyone’

Jijo George emigrated from India 17 years ago and worked hard to make things better for his family .
He earned an associates degree in mechanical engineering and landed a job as a mechanic at Envoy Air at O ’ Hare International Airport about two years ago , his family said .
What ’ s more , he and his wife had a 2-year-old child and were expecting another within the next month , his cousin Blesson George said .
“ It took him 17 years to get where he is now — by working hard — and then suddenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blesson George said .
Jijo George , 35 , died Sunday after being crushed by an “ aircraft drivable pushback apparatus ” at hangar 764 , according to the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office .
Chicago police said they were called about 2 p.m. and found him unresponsive under the vehicle .
George died less than two hours later at Resurrection Medical Center .
An autopsy ruled his death an accident .
Jijo George was the main provider for his Des Plaines household , which also included his parents and brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking care of everyone , ” Blesson George said .
“ They lost the person who had been taking care of them .
They ’ re all crying .
... Life was about to get better for him , and that ’ s when this happened to him.
” Jijo George ’ s family was given few details about his death from Envoy Air , Blesson George said .
“ That ’ s the hardest part , ” Blesson George .
“ The only thing we heard from them is that he got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company , the company told them he was crushed by a piece of equipment he was working on .
“ Envoy , they never let us know anything , ” Blesson George said .
“ We were in the dark for hours after this tragedy .
We tried to reach these people for 24 hours , and no one picked up the phone .
Finally , they flew eight or nine people to investigate this matter .
The company isn ’ t ready to tell us what really happened.
” In a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George was fatally injured at its ground equipment shop .
“ We are providing support to the family and our employees to help them through this loss , ” the spokeswoman , Minnette Vélez-Conty , said .
“ Currently , the situation is under investigation by our safety organization .
We reiterate our commitment to safety and security as we conscientiously maintain policies , processes and systems to achieve the highest levels of safety in the workplace , ” she said .
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also investigating the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to issue workplace safety citations , according to a U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson .
George ’ s family is from Kerala , a small state in south India , according to Nisha Eric , an organizer in Chicago ’ s Indian community .
As word of his death spread in their community , Eric said she felt compelled to help raise funds for the family .
“ It ’ s a tragedy , ” Eric said .
“ Even if you don ’ t know people like him , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand to his family .
”

Jijo George emigrated from India 17 years ago and worked hard to make things better for his family.
He earned an associates degree in mechanical engineering and landed a job as a mechanic at Envoy Air at O’Hare International Airport about two years ago, his family said.
What’s more, he and his wife had a 2-year-old child and were expecting another within the next month, his cousin Blesson George said.
“It took him 17 years to get where he is now — by working hard — and then suddenly it’s all gone,” Blesson George said.
Jijo George, 35, died Sunday after being crushed by an “aircraft drivable pushback apparatus” at hangar 764, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Chicago police said they were called about 2 p.m. and found him unresponsive under the vehicle. George died less than two hours later at Resurrection Medical Center. An autopsy ruled his death an accident.
Jijo George was the main provider for his Des Plaines household, which also included his parents and brother’s family.
“He was taking care of everyone,” Blesson George said. “They lost the person who had been taking care of them. They’re all crying. ... Life was about to get better for him, and that’s when this happened to him.”
Jijo George’s family was given few details about his death from Envoy Air, Blesson George said.
“That’s the hardest part,” Blesson George. “The only thing we heard from them is that he got in an accident.”
After pressing the company, the company told them he was crushed by a piece of equipment he was working on.
“Envoy, they never let us know anything,” Blesson George said. “We were in the dark for hours after this tragedy. We tried to reach these people for 24 hours, and no one picked up the phone. Finally, they flew eight or nine people to investigate this matter. The company isn’t ready to tell us what really happened.”
In a statement, a spokeswoman for Envoy Air said George was fatally injured at its ground equipment shop.
“We are providing support to the family and our employees to help them through this loss,” the spokeswoman, Minnette Vélez-Conty, said.
“Currently, the situation is under investigation by our safety organization. We reiterate our commitment to safety and security as we conscientiously maintain policies, processes and systems to achieve the highest levels of safety in the workplace,” she said.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also investigating the death, and has up to six months to issue workplace safety citations, according to a U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson.
George’s family is from Kerala, a small state in south India, according to Nisha Eric, an organizer in Chicago’s Indian community.
As word of his death spread in their community, Eric said she felt compelled to help raise funds for the family.
“It’s a tragedy,” Eric said. “Even if you don’t know people like him, it’s important for us to extend a helping hand to his family.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--Individual rights are at the heart of Facebook antitrust cases

Illinois has been a leader in protecting its residents ’ personal information from unannounced snooping by internet companies .
But Illinois can ’ t do the job alone .
Last week , the Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from the District of Columbia and 46 states , including Illinois , filed antitrust lawsuits against Facebook , alleging it has engaged in anti-competitive behavior and recommending the company be broken up .
The lawsuits are a much-needed effort to rein in an online behemoth that keeps getting bigger and bigger by trading on individuals ’ information .
Among other complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antitrust laws by buying up potential competitors , such as Instagram and WhatsApp and about a dozen others .
The state attorneys general say Facebook uses a “ buy-or-bury strategy that thwarts competition and harms both users and advertisers.
” Taking over or destroying competitors leaves users nowhere to turn if they don ’ t like Facebook ’ s policy of generating profits by vacuuming up and monetizing our personal data .
And , yes , Facebook collects the data even of those who don ’ t use its platform .
Before its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WhatsApp kept users ’ data private , but Facebook changed that policy .
Where do users who liked that privacy turn now ?
Where do users go who want to participate in online public spaces but want to keep their personal information to themselves ?
How would a start-up that wants to provide both privacy and a social media platform that competes with Facebook get off the ground in this environment ?
Facebook denies anti-competitive behavior , but its massive growth and piles of cash have given the $ 800 billion company the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discourages innovation .
It also gives an outsized voice to fake and anonymous accounts while amplifying dangerous conspiracies , hate messages and government propaganda around the world in a way that isn ’ t now offset by competing , better-run platforms .
In September , the Biden campaign called Facebook “ the nation ’ s foremost propagator of disinformation about the voting process.
” Also in September , BuzzFeed published a 6,600-word memo by former Facebook data scientist Sophie Zhang , who said Facebook often pretty much looked the other way as its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shape political affairs internationally .
The antitrust filings are an overdue effort to ensure no single company amasses an overwhelming dossier on every American by buying or squeezing out competitors .
The Justice Department also sued Google two months ago , alleging it was protecting a monopoly .
Breaking up Facebook could restore competition and ensure no single company has such enormous sway over public discourse .
Illinois has sued Facebook before .
In September , Facebook agreed to pay $ 650 million to settle a lawsuit that alleged the social media giant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law , which requires companies to get users ’ consent before harvesting and profiting from such data as fingerprints and facial recognition .
But it ’ s up to the federal government to enforce antitrust laws .
Tech companies have grown so large — and the way they harvest users ’ personal information is so opaque — that we need the government to step in to protect consumers .
The federal government should ensure tech companies aren ’ t violating the principles of antitrust laws , and the Illinois Legislature should build on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state are notified whenever any tech company , large or small , plans to vacuum up their personal information for its own gain .
State Rep. Greg Harris , D-Chicago , said he expects bills to be introduced in the next legislative session to protect individual privacy .
“ People are learning more and more each day how their privacy could be compromised , ” Harris said .
Illinois and the nation deserve a fair and competitive online marketplace that honors privacy , both in corporate enterprise and in public affairs .

Illinois has been a leader in protecting its residents’ personal information from unannounced snooping by internet companies. But Illinois can’t do the job alone.
Last week, the Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from the District of Columbia and 46 states, including Illinois, filed antitrust lawsuits against Facebook, alleging it has engaged in anti-competitive behavior and recommending the company be broken up.
The lawsuits are a much-needed effort to rein in an online behemoth that keeps getting bigger and bigger by trading on individuals’ information.
Editorials bug Editorials
Among other complaints, Facebook is alleged to have broken antitrust laws by buying up potential competitors, such as Instagram and WhatsApp and about a dozen others. The state attorneys general say Facebook uses a “buy-or-bury strategy that thwarts competition and harms both users and advertisers.”
Taking over or destroying competitors leaves users nowhere to turn if they don’t like Facebook’s policy of generating profits by vacuuming up and monetizing our personal data. And, yes, Facebook collects the data even of those who don’t use its platform.
Before its purchase by Facebook, for example, WhatsApp kept users’ data private, but Facebook changed that policy. Where do users who liked that privacy turn now? Where do users go who want to participate in online public spaces but want to keep their personal information to themselves? How would a start-up that wants to provide both privacy and a social media platform that competes with Facebook get off the ground in this environment?
Facebook denies anti-competitive behavior, but its massive growth and piles of cash have given the $800 billion company the power to undercut new competition, which discourages innovation. It also gives an outsized voice to fake and anonymous accounts while amplifying dangerous conspiracies, hate messages and government propaganda around the world in a way that isn’t now offset by competing, better-run platforms.
Letting disinformation run rampant
In September, the Biden campaign called Facebook “the nation’s foremost propagator of disinformation about the voting process.” Also in September, BuzzFeed published a 6,600-word memo by former Facebook data scientist Sophie Zhang, who said Facebook often pretty much looked the other way as its site was used to undermine elections or shape political affairs internationally.
The antitrust filings are an overdue effort to ensure no single company amasses an overwhelming dossier on every American by buying or squeezing out competitors. The Justice Department also sued Google two months ago, alleging it was protecting a monopoly. Breaking up Facebook could restore competition and ensure no single company has such enormous sway over public discourse.
Illinois has sued Facebook before. In September, Facebook agreed to pay $650 million to settle a lawsuit that alleged the social media giant had broken Illinois’ strict biometric privacy law, which requires companies to get users’ consent before harvesting and profiting from such data as fingerprints and facial recognition. But it’s up to the federal government to enforce antitrust laws.
Opinion Newsletter
Tech companies have grown so large — and the way they harvest users’ personal information is so opaque — that we need the government to step in to protect consumers. The federal government should ensure tech companies aren’t violating the principles of antitrust laws, and the Illinois Legislature should build on its past work to ensure residents of the state are notified whenever any tech company, large or small, plans to vacuum up their personal information for its own gain.
State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, said he expects bills to be introduced in the next legislative session to protect individual privacy.
“People are learning more and more each day how their privacy could be compromised,” Harris said.
Illinois and the nation deserve a fair and competitive online marketplace that honors privacy, both in corporate enterprise and in public affairs.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--Woman dies days after Englewood fire

Woman dies days after Englewood fire

A woman who was pulled from a house fire last week in Englewood has died of her injuries .
The @ @ @ @ @ 4:40 p.m. Tuesday at the University of Chicago Medical Center , according to the Cook @ @ @ @ @ office .
She was identified as Doretha Bowdry , the medical examiner ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ she died of smoke inhalation and ruled her death an accident .
Bowdry , along @ @ @ @ @ a 41-year-old woman , were pulled out of a house fire about 8:20 p.m. Dec. @ @ @ @ @ of South Peoria Street , Chicago police and the medical examiner ’ s office said @ @ @ @ @ critical condition and the other woman was listed in good condition at the University of @ @ @ @ @ said .
The cause of the fire appears to be accidental , police said .

A woman who was pulled from a house fire last week in Englewood has died of her injuries.
The 70-year-old was pronounced dead at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday at the University of Chicago Medical Center, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
She was identified as Doretha Bowdry, the medical examiner’s office said. Autopsy results found she died of smoke inhalation and ruled her death an accident.
Bowdry, along with a 62-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, were pulled out of a house fire about 8:20 p.m. Dec. 7 in the 5800 block of South Peoria Street, Chicago police and the medical examiner’s office said.
The man was in critical condition and the other woman was listed in good condition at the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said.
The cause of the fire appears to be accidental, police said.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--Minnesota to free man serving life in child’s 2002 death

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota ’ s pardon board on Tuesday freed a Black man who was sent to prison for life as a teen in a high-profile murder case that raised questions about the integrity of the criminal justice system that put him away .
Myon Burrell ’ s case made headlines earlier this year after The Associated Press and American Public Media uncovered new evidence and serious flaws in the police investigation into the 2002 killing of an 11-year-old girl who was hit by a stray bullet while doing homework at her dining room table .
Last week , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his immediate release after reviewing the facts and all of the available evidence .
Burrell went before the Minnesota Board of Pardons with a request for a pardon and commutation .
He said the request “ is not in any way , shape or form me trying to minimize the tragedy of the loss of ” Tysha Edwards .
“ I come before you , a 34-year-old man who spent more than half of his life incarcerated for a crime I didn ’ t commit.
” The board commuted his sentence to 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served on supervised release .
The request for a pardon was denied .
A unanimous vote is normally required by the governor , attorney general and the chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court .
Chief Justice Lorie Skjerven Gildea has recused herself from the decision .
Burrell was 16 when he was sentenced in the killing of Tyesha , a Black sixth grader who was shot through the heart inside her family ’ s south Minneapolis home .
He has always maintained his innocence , and another man has confessed to being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was the city ’ s top prosecutor at the time , has used Burrell ’ s conviction throughout her political career to tout her record of being tough on crime .
She raised it again last year on the stage of the Democratic presidential primary debate .
The AP ’ s yearlong investigation , however , showed there was no hard evidence — no gun , DNA or fingerprints — tying Burrell to the shooting .
Among other things , police did not collect a corner store ’ s surveillance video , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And video footage showed the lead homicide detective offering a man in police custody $ 500 for Burrell ’ s name , even if it was just hearsay .
Burrell ’ s co-defendants said the teenager was not at the scene that day .
New questions about Burrell ’ s case surfaced just before Minneapolis was thrust into the national spotlight after a police officer held his knee against George Floyd ’ s neck outside a convenience store as Floyd gasped for breath .
It was the same Cup Foods store that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if surveillance tapes had been pulled .
Floyd ’ s death sparked racial injustice protests and put renewed focus on some law enforcement practices from the 1990s and early 2000s , when harsher policing and tougher sentencing led to the highest lock-up rates in the nation ’ s history .
Those incarcerations hit Black and brown communities the hardest .
Under public pressure after the AP report , Klobuchar threw her support behind the creation of the independent panel , saying it was just as important to protect the innocent as punish the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel raised concerns about the police investigation that mirrored many of those uncovered by the AP .
The panel ’ s report said officers suffered from “ tunnel vision ” while pursuing Burrell as a suspect , homing in on evidence that supported their theory of guilt and ignoring that which may have helped him .
Officers relied heavily on a single eyewitness , who offered conflicting accounts , along with jailhouse informants , who benefited generously for testifying .
Two of the informants have since recanted .
One had his 16-year prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was cooperating with police in 14 other cases .
The panel said it saw no purpose served by keeping Burrell locked up .
It pointed to his age at the time of the crime , said he had no prior record and that he behaved well behind bars .
It also cited U.S. Supreme Court rulings in recent years that argued against overly harsh sentences for juveniles because their brains and decision-making skills are not fully developed .
“ In considering the sentence , we became profoundly aware of how our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider juveniles who become enmeshed in the criminal justice system , ” Mark Osler , who chaired the panel , wrote in the Minneapolis Star Tribune this past weekend .
Burrell was jailed during an era “ marked by racially charged fearmongering about young ‘ super-predators ’ who would be violent for the entirety of their lives , ” Osler wrote .
In the panel ’ s report , members of Tyesha Edwards ’ family said Burrell ’ s continued imprisonment was a sensitive topic .
The girl ’ s biological father , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release and that the process of having the case reexamined has been taxing .
He said Tyesha had been doing well in school and was well-liked by classmates and teachers .
Burrell “ just wants a free ticket out of prison , ” Edwards told AP .
“ But he took something from us that can never be replaced.
” Associated Press Writer Amy Forliti contributed to this report .

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota’s pardon board on Tuesday freed a Black man who was sent to prison for life as a teen in a high-profile murder case that raised questions about the integrity of the criminal justice system that put him away.
Myon Burrell’s case made headlines earlier this year after The Associated Press and American Public Media uncovered new evidence and serious flaws in the police investigation into the 2002 killing of an 11-year-old girl who was hit by a stray bullet while doing homework at her dining room table.
Last week, an independent panel of national legal experts recommended his immediate release after reviewing the facts and all of the available evidence.
Burrell went before the Minnesota Board of Pardons with a request for a pardon and commutation. He said the request “is not in any way, shape or form me trying to minimize the tragedy of the loss of” Tysha Edwards. “I come before you, a 34-year-old man who spent more than half of his life incarcerated for a crime I didn’t commit.”
The board commuted his sentence to 20 years, with the remainder to be served on supervised release. The request for a pardon was denied.
A unanimous vote is normally required by the governor, attorney general and the chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. Chief Justice Lorie Skjerven Gildea has recused herself from the decision.
Burrell was 16 when he was sentenced in the killing of Tyesha, a Black sixth grader who was shot through the heart inside her family’s south Minneapolis home. He has always maintained his innocence, and another man has confessed to being the shooter.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who was the city’s top prosecutor at the time, has used Burrell’s conviction throughout her political career to tout her record of being tough on crime. She raised it again last year on the stage of the Democratic presidential primary debate.
The AP’s yearlong investigation, however, showed there was no hard evidence — no gun, DNA or fingerprints — tying Burrell to the shooting. Among other things, police did not collect a corner store’s surveillance video, which Burrell said could have cleared him. And video footage showed the lead homicide detective offering a man in police custody $500 for Burrell’s name, even if it was just hearsay.
Burrell’s co-defendants said the teenager was not at the scene that day.
New questions about Burrell’s case surfaced just before Minneapolis was thrust into the national spotlight after a police officer held his knee against George Floyd’s neck outside a convenience store as Floyd gasped for breath. It was the same Cup Foods store that Burrell said could have provided his alibi if surveillance tapes had been pulled.
Floyd’s death sparked racial injustice protests and put renewed focus on some law enforcement practices from the 1990s and early 2000s, when harsher policing and tougher sentencing led to the highest lock-up rates in the nation’s history. Those incarcerations hit Black and brown communities the hardest.
Under public pressure after the AP report, Klobuchar threw her support behind the creation of the independent panel, saying it was just as important to protect the innocent as punish the guilty. In its report, the panel raised concerns about the police investigation that mirrored many of those uncovered by the AP.
The panel’s report said officers suffered from “tunnel vision” while pursuing Burrell as a suspect, homing in on evidence that supported their theory of guilt and ignoring that which may have helped him. Officers relied heavily on a single eyewitness, who offered conflicting accounts, along with jailhouse informants, who benefited generously for testifying.
Two of the informants have since recanted. One had his 16-year prison sentence cut down to three. Another said he was cooperating with police in 14 other cases.
The panel said it saw no purpose served by keeping Burrell locked up. It pointed to his age at the time of the crime, said he had no prior record and that he behaved well behind bars. It also cited U.S. Supreme Court rulings in recent years that argued against overly harsh sentences for juveniles because their brains and decision-making skills are not fully developed.
“In considering the sentence, we became profoundly aware of how our nation has changed in the way we consider juveniles who become enmeshed in the criminal justice system,” Mark Osler, who chaired the panel, wrote in the Minneapolis Star Tribune this past weekend.
Burrell was jailed during an era “marked by racially charged fearmongering about young ‘super-predators’ who would be violent for the entirety of their lives,” Osler wrote.
In the panel’s report, members of Tyesha Edwards’ family said Burrell’s continued imprisonment was a sensitive topic.
The girl’s biological father, Jimmie Edwards, said he opposed any release and that the process of having the case reexamined has been taxing. He said Tyesha had been doing well in school and was well-liked by classmates and teachers.
Burrell “just wants a free ticket out of prison,” Edwards told AP. “But he took something from us that can never be replaced.”
___
Associated Press Writer Amy Forliti contributed to this report.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--The Christmas gambit: A gift that will delight and confound

“ The Queen ’ s Gambit ” broke all sorts of viewership records on Netflix .
An unlikely hit because it is about chess .
The limited TV series focuses on a misfit of a girl who encounters a janitor one day in a boarding school basement and discovers the game of chess .
The young actress at the heart of the movie , Anya Taylor-Joy , is mesmerizing .
The TV series is such a sensation that millions of people who have never played chess before are apparently playing the game online .
It ’ s like Bobby Fischer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real chess champion whose life was stranger than fiction .
I mention all of this because I count myself as one of the world ’ s worst gift givers .
So , this year , facing the dilemma of what to get with time running out , I saw an advertisement on Facebook for chess .
A minute later another thought crossed my brain .
“ You are such a nerd !
” Not just a nerd , but one that is out of touch with the times .
There are hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only allow people to play games against each other in real time across the globe , but also include advice from experts on how to play .
But I chose to buy games with pieces people could actually touch .
Let me say this in defense of chess as a gift idea : It improves the math and reading skills of children and has been known to stave off dementia in older folks .
Of course , there are studies that demonstrate it really has little impact on IQ , but in keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose to ignore those .
The game is said to have originated in India , sometime before the 6th century .
When the Arabs conquered Persia , Muslims began playing chess .
Chess is the national pastime of Russia .
People across the world now play the game .
It was once said women didn ’ t have the intellect to play the game .
Well , we all know that isn ’ t true , especially those of us who saw “ The Queen ’ s Gambit.
” Inspired by the fictional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchasing chess games as Christmas gifts , one of my friends ’ children would go on to chess-playing superstardom .
“ It was an old family friend that bought me my first game , ” she would tell the world press .
“ That ’ s the reason I am brilliant , famous and crazy.
” Hey , you can ’ t have everything .
Anyway , I went online to buy a bunch of chess sets and discovered the games are so popular the game makers can ’ t keep up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one I chose , said they probably wouldn ’ t be able to deliver the chess sets in time for Christmas .
“ Not so terrible , ” I thought .
By the time my gifts arrive the kids will be tired of their new puppies , crashed their drones and misplaced their PlayStation 5 consoles .
“ There ’ s nothing at all to do , ” they will whine .
Those 8- , 9- and 10-year olds will jump for joy when their chess sets arrive and then , with sweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn the game .
It will bring families together for hours and hours of intellectual stimulation , replacing the need to watch sports on TV .
Just kidding .
I watch the Bears and White Sox and still find time to play chess .
I ’ m a guy .
Hand me a beer .
I confess a hidden reason for giving this gift .
I sort of hope that after this COVID-19 threat is gone I will stop by a friend ’ s home one day and hear someone say , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a game of chess ?
” We will sit down at a table and play and talk for hours .
Wouldn ’ t that be grand ?

“The Queen’s Gambit” broke all sorts of viewership records on Netflix. An unlikely hit because it is about chess.
The limited TV series focuses on a misfit of a girl who encounters a janitor one day in a boarding school basement and discovers the game of chess. The young actress at the heart of the movie, Anya Taylor-Joy, is mesmerizing. The TV series is such a sensation that millions of people who have never played chess before are apparently playing the game online.
It’s like Bobby Fischer all over again, only Fischer was a real chess champion whose life was stranger than fiction.
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
I mention all of this because I count myself as one of the world’s worst gift givers. So, this year, facing the dilemma of what to get with time running out, I saw an advertisement on Facebook for chess.
“That’s it,” I thought. “I will buy people chess games.”
A minute later another thought crossed my brain. “You are such a nerd!”
Not just a nerd, but one that is out of touch with the times. There are hundreds of chess apps available online that not only allow people to play games against each other in real time across the globe, but also include advice from experts on how to play.
But I chose to buy games with pieces people could actually touch.
Opinion Newsletter
Let me say this in defense of chess as a gift idea: It improves the math and reading skills of children and has been known to stave off dementia in older folks.
Of course, there are studies that demonstrate it really has little impact on IQ, but in keeping with the politics of the day I choose to ignore those.
The game is said to have originated in India, sometime before the 6th century. When the Arabs conquered Persia, Muslims began playing chess. Chess is the national pastime of Russia. People across the world now play the game.
A Norwegian named Sven Magnus Carlsen is the world champion.
It was once said women didn’t have the intellect to play the game. Well, we all know that isn’t true, especially those of us who saw “The Queen’s Gambit.” Inspired by the fictional Netflix series, I thought perhaps by purchasing chess games as Christmas gifts, one of my friends’ children would go on to chess-playing superstardom.
“It was an old family friend that bought me my first game,” she would tell the world press. “That’s the reason I am brilliant, famous and crazy.”
Hey, you can’t have everything.
Anyway, I went online to buy a bunch of chess sets and discovered the games are so popular the game makers can’t keep up with demand. Some sites, including the one I chose, said they probably wouldn’t be able to deliver the chess sets in time for Christmas.
“Not so terrible,” I thought. By the time my gifts arrive the kids will be tired of their new puppies, crashed their drones and misplaced their PlayStation 5 consoles. “There’s nothing at all to do,” they will whine.
Those 8-, 9- and 10-year olds will jump for joy when their chess sets arrive and then, with sweet smiles beg their parents to help them learn the game.
It will bring families together for hours and hours of intellectual stimulation, replacing the need to watch sports on TV. Just kidding. I watch the Bears and White Sox and still find time to play chess. I’m a guy. Hand me a beer.
I confess a hidden reason for giving this gift. I sort of hope that after this COVID-19 threat is gone I will stop by a friend’s home one day and hear someone say, “Hey, would you like to have a game of chess?”
We will sit down at a table and play and talk for hours. Wouldn’t that be grand?
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--Gloria Gaynor to perform in Times Square New Year’s Eve

NEW YORK — The New Year ’ s Eve celebration in Times Square will be a celebration of perseverance , honoring essential workers and featuring Gloria Gaynor singing her anthem , “ I Will Survive , ” organizers said Tuesday .
They had announced previously that the annual event will be virtual this year , with no public audience as in other years , and aimed at broadcast viewers .
The broadcasts that usually set up shop in Times Square will be there , including “ Dick Clark ’ s New Year ’ s Rockin ’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance from Jennifer Lopez .
Other performers include Cyndi Lauper and Billy Porter .
Organizers said they would be honoring essential workers as the “ Heroes of 2020 ” and designate a group of them as Special Guests , an annual tradition since the 1990s .
Tim Tompkins , president of the Times Square Alliance , said in a statement , “ This year , it feels most appropriate to shine a spotlight on the individuals who are tirelessly leading our nation through hard times with unshakable strength , determination and poise .
@

NEW YORK — The New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square will be a celebration of perseverance, honoring essential workers and featuring Gloria Gaynor singing her anthem, “I Will Survive,” organizers said Tuesday.
They had announced previously that the annual event will be virtual this year, with no public audience as in other years, and aimed at broadcast viewers.
The broadcasts that usually set up shop in Times Square will be there, including “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021,” which will have a performance from Jennifer Lopez. Other performers include Cyndi Lauper and Billy Porter.
Organizers said they would be honoring essential workers as the “Heroes of 2020” and designate a group of them as Special Guests, an annual tradition since the 1990s.
Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, said in a statement, “This year, it feels most appropriate to shine a spotlight on the individuals who are tirelessly leading our nation through hard times with unshakable strength, determination and poise.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-16--Dear Abby: I’m stuck living with my abusive ex and his drunken girlfriend

DEAR ABBY : Although I have been divorced from my ex for eight years , we still live together .
There is not — nor will there ever be — more than a platonic relationship between us , and I have made that abundantly clear to him .
It wasn ’ t always a bad situation , but now it ’ s worse than I could have ever imagined it would be .
He drinks heavily on a daily basis and becomes verbally abusive .
He has a woman over a lot , and I can ’ t sleep when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a drunk , too , and she also abuses her prescription medications .
At least half the time when she ’ s here , I have to lift her passed-out body off the floor and drag her off to his bedroom .
She steals money , cigarettes , food and booze all the time .
He dismisses me when I bring up her behavior .
He tells me to shut up or get out .
I pay for everything except the rent and homeowner ’ s insurance .
Cable , electric , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility .
I also do all the inside and outside chores .
I earn less than he does , but I pay more than he does .
He tells me what to eat and who I can talk to .
I can ’ t have company .
Yet he wants to know why I ’ m not dating .
I can ’ t save any money so I can get out .
I ’ m stuck , and he knows it .
What do I do ?
— HORRIBLE SITUATION IN MAINE DEAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing .
You are being treated like a serf , and it has been going on far too long .
If you have family or friends you can stay with until you save enough for a place of your own , start asking now .
That should enable you to save more money because you won ’ t be paying for cable , electricity , propane , etc .
for your ex .
P.S .
When the girlfriend passes out , do not lift or drag her anywhere .
That is your ex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With the load you ’ re already carrying , the last thing you need is a strained back .
DEAR ABBY : I am at high risk for COVID .
My oldest son and his family live an hour and a half away .
They have two children at home .
Their daughter is also at high risk .
During this pandemic , they have continually posted photos of themselves and the kids maskless with friends , hugging each other and acting as if life is normal .
My daughter-in-law has told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and does the “ wear a mask ” thing and shares routine online posts , etc.
, yet she continues having people over .
In normal circumstances , it ’ s difficult for me to visit .
I want to visit them , but every time I consider it , I see them on social media with someone else , sans mask and no social distancing .
I ’ m sure they would say their friends are all healthy , but none of us can know for certain who their friends have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it ’ s scary .
I don ’ t know how to explain this to them because I know they will feel I ’ m being ridiculous .
Also , my DIL is super sensitive and would be hurt and insulted .
I love them .
I don ’ t want to alienate them .
I ’ m ready to just take my chances , although my other daughter is against it .
What should I do ?
— CAUTIOUS IN NEW YORK DEAR CAUTIOUS : Many people have grown complacent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s unfortunate because , as I write this , “ mask fatigue ” has led to an increase in the number of people testing positive for the virus .
Your concerns are valid , and I hope you will stick to your guns .
As a member of a high-risk group , your life could depend on it .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

DEAR ABBY: Although I have been divorced from my ex for eight years, we still live together. There is not — nor will there ever be — more than a platonic relationship between us, and I have made that abundantly clear to him.
It wasn’t always a bad situation, but now it’s worse than I could have ever imagined it would be. He drinks heavily on a daily basis and becomes verbally abusive. He has a woman over a lot, and I can’t sleep when she’s here.
She’s a drunk, too, and she also abuses her prescription medications. At least half the time when she’s here, I have to lift her passed-out body off the floor and drag her off to his bedroom. She steals money, cigarettes, food and booze all the time.
He dismisses me when I bring up her behavior. He tells me to shut up or get out. I pay for everything except the rent and homeowner’s insurance. Cable, electric, oil, propane and groceries are my responsibility. I also do all the inside and outside chores. I earn less than he does, but I pay more than he does.
He tells me what to eat and who I can talk to. I can’t have company. Yet he wants to know why I’m not dating. I can’t save any money so I can get out. I’m stuck, and he knows it. What do I do? — HORRIBLE SITUATION IN MAINE
DEAR HORRIBLE SITUATION: You owe this man nothing. You are being treated like a serf, and it has been going on far too long. If you have family or friends you can stay with until you save enough for a place of your own, start asking now. That should enable you to save more money because you won’t be paying for cable, electricity, propane, etc. for your ex.
P.S. When the girlfriend passes out, do not lift or drag her anywhere. That is your ex’s privilege and not your responsibility. With the load you’re already carrying, the last thing you need is a strained back.
DEAR ABBY: I am at high risk for COVID. My oldest son and his family live an hour and a half away. They have two children at home. Their daughter is also at high risk.
During this pandemic, they have continually posted photos of themselves and the kids maskless with friends, hugging each other and acting as if life is normal. My daughter-in-law has told me she’s “scared” and does the “wear a mask” thing and shares routine online posts, etc., yet she continues having people over.
In normal circumstances, it’s difficult for me to visit. I want to visit them, but every time I consider it, I see them on social media with someone else, sans mask and no social distancing. I’m sure they would say their friends are all healthy, but none of us can know for certain who their friends have been around. It’s like dominoes, and it’s scary.
I don’t know how to explain this to them because I know they will feel I’m being ridiculous. Also, my DIL is super sensitive and would be hurt and insulted. I love them. I don’t want to alienate them. I’m ready to just take my chances, although my other daughter is against it. What should I do? — CAUTIOUS IN NEW YORK
DEAR CAUTIOUS: Many people have grown complacent about mask wearing and social distancing. That’s unfortunate because, as I write this, “mask fatigue” has led to an increase in the number of people testing positive for the virus. Your concerns are valid, and I hope you will stick to your guns. As a member of a high-risk group, your life could depend on it.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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--2020-12-16--Joffrey Ballet Community Engagement teen  dancer Makari Patterson aims to inspire Chicago youth

Dance is more than a form of expression for 18-year-old Makari Patterson ; it ’ s how she bridges her admiration for the arts to her future .
The native South Sider from the Roseland neighborhood started dancing at just six years old when her mother enrolled her in dance lessons at a local studio in an attempt to get her daughter to take up a hobby .
Since those early days , Patterson ’ s appreciation of the arts has grown over the past 12 years into a central part of her life , continuously encouraged by her grandmother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every recital , every performance , ” Patterson says .
“ Whenever I needed tap shoes , ballet slippers or a leotard she was there .
She always wanted to dance growing up but couldn ’ t due to financial reasons .
That ’ s why she ’ s always rooting for me.
” Resources play a vital role in dance , and this is something Patterson has taken notice of over the years now that she dances as a member of the Joffrey Ballet Community Engagement .
“ There ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas , ” Patterson explains .
“ I didn ’ t train in areas where I lived .
Joffrey is downtown so that is a little ways away .
It ’ s been an inspiration to be exposed to that .
It makes me want to keep it up and to continue to have a positive outlet .
I have been given the chance and I feel blessed.
” The goal of the Joffrey Ballet Community Engagement is to reach out to Chicago ’ s youth and connect them to high-quality arts learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joffrey , Patterson has been able to channel her creativity and reassure herself of her accomplishments thus far .
“ I feel like the best version of myself when I am dancing , ” Patterson says .
“ When I am moving my body I am able to best express myself , and I hope everybody finds something like that for themselves even if it ’ s not dance .
Just any medium that you do what you love and express what you love.
” Patterson ’ s love of dance has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
“ This past year has been a lot , ” Patterson explains .
“ It took me physically out of the studio .
Dance is a very intimate and disciplined activity and to not be in front of a mirror with fellow dancers and instructors has pushed me to do more improvisational and interpretive style.
” COVID-19 has also pushed Patterson to submerge herself further into dance and music as not only a form of distraction from current events , but also as motivation to do more to evoke change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial tension in the country and it was really heavy for me , ” Patterson says .
“ Being a person of color and a woman in society , it was a lot to take in .
I was able to dive into something as stress relieving as dance .
It allowed me to block out the negativity.
” Patterson also wanted to express her sentiments by providing herself and others with a creative escape through the arts .
“ I put together a video that included a lot of poetry , art @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of young people throughout Chicago who expressed how they feel about everything going on from the Black Lives Matter movement to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor , ” Patterson says .
“ It was a very powerful way of expressing how you feel .
The arts have the power to do that , even during these times.
” Patterson hopes to carry on this type of work as she builds toward her future career .
As a freshman studying marketing at Emory University in Atlanta , Georgia , Patterson wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of her life .
“ I have two separate goals , ” Patterson explains .
“ In terms of dance , I want to keep it in my life in a major way .
I would love to dance commercially .
I am also in school studying business , majoring in marketing and entrepreneurship .
My ultimate goal is to open a marketing company that caters to women , people of color and the LGBTQ community .
Everyone deserves resources to fuel what they love .
The arts have taught me that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sun-Times marketing department .

Dance is more than a form of expression for 18-year-old Makari Patterson; it’s how she bridges her admiration for the arts to her future.
The native South Sider from the Roseland neighborhood started dancing at just six years old when her mother enrolled her in dance lessons at a local studio in an attempt to get her daughter to take up a hobby.
Since those early days, Patterson’s appreciation of the arts has grown over the past 12 years into a central part of her life, continuously encouraged by her grandmother.
“My grandmother was always at every recital, every performance,” Patterson says.
“Whenever I needed tap shoes, ballet slippers or a leotard she was there. She always wanted to dance growing up but couldn’t due to financial reasons. That’s why she’s always rooting for me.”
Resources play a vital role in dance, and this is something Patterson has taken notice of over the years now that she dances as a member of the Joffrey Ballet Community Engagement.
“There’s not a lot of resources sometimes in certain areas,” Patterson explains. “I didn’t train in areas where I lived. Joffrey is downtown so that is a little ways away. It’s been an inspiration to be exposed to that. It makes me want to keep it up and to continue to have a positive outlet. I have been given the chance and I feel blessed.”
The goal of the Joffrey Ballet Community Engagement is to reach out to Chicago’s youth and connect them to high-quality arts learning and dance education. Since being with Joffrey, Patterson has been able to channel her creativity and reassure herself of her accomplishments thus far.
“I feel like the best version of myself when I am dancing,” Patterson says. “When I am moving my body I am able to best express myself, and I hope everybody finds something like that for themselves even if it’s not dance. Just any medium that you do what you love and express what you love.”
Patterson’s love of dance has been challenging to channel at times during the coronavirus pandemic.
“This past year has been a lot,” Patterson explains. “It took me physically out of the studio. Dance is a very intimate and disciplined activity and to not be in front of a mirror with fellow dancers and instructors has pushed me to do more improvisational and interpretive style.”
COVID-19 has also pushed Patterson to submerge herself further into dance and music as not only a form of distraction from current events, but also as motivation to do more to evoke change.
“There has been so much racial tension in the country and it was really heavy for me,” Patterson says. “Being a person of color and a woman in society, it was a lot to take in. I was able to dive into something as stress relieving as dance. It allowed me to block out the negativity.”
Patterson also wanted to express her sentiments by providing herself and others with a creative escape through the arts.
“I put together a video that included a lot of poetry, art, dance and music from a lot of young people throughout Chicago who expressed how they feel about everything going on from the Black Lives Matter movement to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor,” Patterson says. “It was a very powerful way of expressing how you feel. The arts have the power to do that, even during these times.”
Patterson hopes to carry on this type of work as she builds toward her future career. As a freshman studying marketing at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, Patterson wants dance to continue to be a big part of her life.
“I have two separate goals,” Patterson explains. “In terms of dance, I want to keep it in my life in a major way. I would love to dance commercially. I am also in school studying business, majoring in marketing and entrepreneurship. My ultimate goal is to open a marketing company that caters to women, people of color and the LGBTQ community. Everyone deserves resources to fuel what they love. The arts have taught me that”
Francesca Gattuso is a writer for the Sun-Times marketing department.