chicagosun-times--2020-09-28--Thousands of suburban students going back to school after starting fully remote

Some suburban Chicago school districts that started the year in full remote learning because of the coronavirus are moving to bring students back to classrooms as early as this week with health protocols in place and contingency plans set for potential COVID-19 outbreaks .
Many working parents have struggled to balance their jobs with their children ’ s at-home education and have called for a return to classrooms , while many have also said they don ’ t feel safe sending their kids back to school with a volatile COVID-19 still around .
Suburban school workers and their unions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chicago Teachers Union has with Chicago Public Schools , against a return to school because of the health concerns brought on by putting children and teachers together in enclosed spaces during a pandemic .
With those factors in mind , Community Consolidated School District 15 in the northwest suburbs , the second largest elementary district in Illinois with 20 elementary and middle schools serving about 12,300 students in seven zip codes , has started a phased-in return to schools a month into remote learning .
Superintendent Laurie Heinz laid out a plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some special education students going back this week , and first and second graders returning to classrooms Monday .
Third and fourth graders are set to go back Oct. 5 , and grades five through eight will be in school Oct. 13 , if all goes according to plan .
Students who opt to continue remote learning will be allowed to do so .
Masks and daily symptom self-certification forms will be required for all people entering school buildings , with an adult sign-off needed for students ’ forms .
Temperature checks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heinz wrote in a letter to families and staff that the number of new cases and the positivity rate in the district ’ s seven zip codes would determine any need to close schools .
Red flags would include the number of new cases per 100,000 residents exceeding 100 over a seven-day period , or the positivity rate going above 8 % .
At the end of last week , those seven-day rolling figures stood at 92.1 new cases per 100,000 residents and a 4.1 % positivity rate .
Other factors that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or more confirmed positive cases that lead to quarantining in the span of two weeks in one school , or a high number of staff absences due to COVID-like symptoms .
“ In-person learning closures could be short or long-term , and will depend on the specific circumstance at hand , ” Heinz wrote .
“ In most cases , these decisions will be made under the direction of the Cook County Health Department and range from temporary closure for cleaning and disinfection to a more extended closure if case-to-case transmission is present.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which serves 5,720 students in west suburban Kane County , is moving its Batavia High School and Rotolo Middle School from fully remote schedules to hybrid models Oct. 19 and Nov. 16 , respectively .
The district ’ s elementary students had already been attending in-person classes on alternating days .
Carol Kelley , the superintendent of Oak Park Elementary School District 97 , told families and employees in an email Friday that officials are working toward a plan that would put kids back in classrooms sometime this fall , though an exact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The district brought back some special education programs on Sept. 15 at Julian Middle School , with details being worked out to bring in more special education students in early October .
A survey will be sent out in October to determine families ’ preferences for the next stage that would see all students learning in a hybrid model , Kelley said .
“ We are encouraged by the downward trend in our guiding metrics over the past two weeks , ” Kelley wrote .
“ Continuing this trend as a community is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on-site learning and keeping our schools open .
”

Some suburban Chicago school districts that started the year in full remote learning because of the coronavirus are moving to bring students back to classrooms as early as this week with health protocols in place and contingency plans set for potential COVID-19 outbreaks.
Many working parents have struggled to balance their jobs with their children’s at-home education and have called for a return to classrooms, while many have also said they don’t feel safe sending their kids back to school with a volatile COVID-19 still around.
Suburban school workers and their unions have at times fought their districts, as the Chicago Teachers Union has with Chicago Public Schools, against a return to school because of the health concerns brought on by putting children and teachers together in enclosed spaces during a pandemic.
With those factors in mind, Community Consolidated School District 15 in the northwest suburbs, the second largest elementary district in Illinois with 20 elementary and middle schools serving about 12,300 students in seven zip codes, has started a phased-in return to schools a month into remote learning.
Superintendent Laurie Heinz laid out a plan earlier this month, starting with kindergarten and some special education students going back this week, and first and second graders returning to classrooms Monday. Third and fourth graders are set to go back Oct. 5, and grades five through eight will be in school Oct. 13, if all goes according to plan. Students who opt to continue remote learning will be allowed to do so.
Masks and daily symptom self-certification forms will be required for all people entering school buildings, with an adult sign-off needed for students’ forms. Temperature checks will be conducted at the door.
Heinz wrote in a letter to families and staff that the number of new cases and the positivity rate in the district’s seven zip codes would determine any need to close schools. Red flags would include the number of new cases per 100,000 residents exceeding 100 over a seven-day period, or the positivity rate going above 8%.
At the end of last week, those seven-day rolling figures stood at 92.1 new cases per 100,000 residents and a 4.1% positivity rate.
Other factors that could lead to another shutdown would be two or more confirmed positive cases that lead to quarantining in the span of two weeks in one school, or a high number of staff absences due to COVID-like symptoms.
“In-person learning closures could be short or long-term, and will depend on the specific circumstance at hand,” Heinz wrote. “In most cases, these decisions will be made under the direction of the Cook County Health Department and range from temporary closure for cleaning and disinfection to a more extended closure if case-to-case transmission is present.”
Batavia Public School District 101, which serves 5,720 students in west suburban Kane County, is moving its Batavia High School and Rotolo Middle School from fully remote schedules to hybrid models Oct. 19 and Nov. 16, respectively. The district’s elementary students had already been attending in-person classes on alternating days.
Carol Kelley, the superintendent of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, told families and employees in an email Friday that officials are working toward a plan that would put kids back in classrooms sometime this fall, though an exact date is still to be determined.
The district brought back some special education programs on Sept. 15 at Julian Middle School, with details being worked out to bring in more special education students in early October.
A survey will be sent out in October to determine families’ preferences for the next stage that would see all students learning in a hybrid model, Kelley said.
“We are encouraged by the downward trend in our guiding metrics over the past two weeks,” Kelley wrote. “Continuing this trend as a community is an essential component of implementing transitions to on-site learning and keeping our schools open.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-28--Employers pick up the slack in civics lessons

“ Like all Americans , our companies have unique values .
Yet we are united in envisioning a future where everyone is engaged in civics , starting with voting in every election.
” So reads part of a pledge that members of the national Civic Alliance are asked to support .
The members are corporations that have agreed to provide their workers nonpartisan information about registering to vote , casting ballots , and finding reliable facts about candidates and issues .
To date , 246 companies in the U.S. representing 3.7 million employees have taken the pledge , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this regard will be welcome .
The word “ civics ” in that pledge made me stop short .
You don ’ t see it much these days ; “ Civic ” as in a civic center or civic organization is common , but “ civics , ” as in a curriculum about or knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship , not so much .
It ’ s not popular in schools anymore .
Illinois made news in 2015 when it required a semester , a whole half year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the law made Illinois more of a follower than a leader .
The left-wing Center for American Progress said in 2018 that 30 other states require a half year of civics or U.S. government instruction , and 10 states have no requirement at all .
Schools just aren ’ t doing the job here , and you can see the results when a reputable outfit such as the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania releases a poll , as it did in 2017 , revealing that one in three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branch of the federal government .
Ignorance is bipartisan .
Think of the protesters in San Francisco who in June tore down a statue of Ulysses S. Grant , or the survey of Republicans last year that showed they rate Donald Trump higher than Abraham Lincoln .
Into this void steps private employers such as Chicago ’ s Ferrara Candy , known for its Lemonheads , Nerds and Brach ’ s Candy Corn , among other guilty pleasures .
Ferrara has taken the Civic Alliance pledge and hopes to spread the voter involvement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago area and another 3,000 elsewhere in the U.S. , said Sarah Kittel , the company ’ s head of corporate affairs .
“ Essentially , the goal is to have employees feel well-equipped to engage with the democratic process , ” she said .
The company had events Tuesday in conjunction with National Voter Registration Day and continues to maintain computer links at its various sites where workers can access the correct registration agency for where they live .
Kittel said the information is provided by I Am A Voter , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Civic Alliance .
She said Ferrara has declared Election Day , Nov. 3 , as a national day of service , with employees getting a day off with pay if they work as an election judge or poll watcher , provided it can be scheduled with supervisors .
For office-based staff , who might be harder to reach in the work-from-home era , the message is getting out with the company ’ s digital communications tools , Kittel said .
Given the political rhetoric , Kittel said employees have had questions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about whether mail-in ballots are secure .
Trump has made groundless statements that mail-in ballots are ripe for fraud .
“ We don ’ t claim to be an authority on all things .
We can provide employees with information about what works for them , ” she said .
Other Chicago companies that have joined the alliance include Mondelez International , McDonald ’ s and Intelligentsia coffee .
Nationwide , the alliance includes such major employers as Amazon , Best Buy , Dow and Microsoft .
They have a lot of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Pew Research Center has found if you consider the entire voting-age population and not just those who have registered , the turnout rate in presidential elections is just over 50 % , and less than that in non-presidential years .
The U.S. rates run low when compared with those in other developed nations that are democracies , Pew found .
“ We believe an act of democracy is good for business , and an engaged business community is good for democracy , ” Kittel said .
Businesses usually “ engage ” with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Maybe a nudge from capitalism can persuade more people to act as their own special interest .

“Like all Americans, our companies have unique values. Yet we are united in envisioning a future where everyone is engaged in civics, starting with voting in every election.”
So reads part of a pledge that members of the national Civic Alliance are asked to support. The members are corporations that have agreed to provide their workers nonpartisan information about registering to vote, casting ballots, and finding reliable facts about candidates and issues.
To date, 246 companies in the U.S. representing 3.7 million employees have taken the pledge, according to the alliance. Anything they can do in this regard will be welcome.
Chicago Enterprise bug Chicago Enterprise
The word “civics” in that pledge made me stop short. You don’t see it much these days; “Civic” as in a civic center or civic organization is common, but “civics,” as in a curriculum about or knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, not so much. It’s not popular in schools anymore.
Illinois made news in 2015 when it required a semester, a whole half year, of civics to graduate high school. But the law made Illinois more of a follower than a leader. The left-wing Center for American Progress said in 2018 that 30 other states require a half year of civics or U.S. government instruction, and 10 states have no requirement at all.
Schools just aren’t doing the job here, and you can see the results when a reputable outfit such as the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania releases a poll, as it did in 2017, revealing that one in three Americans can’t name a single branch of the federal government.
Ignorance is bipartisan. Think of the protesters in San Francisco who in June tore down a statue of Ulysses S. Grant, or the survey of Republicans last year that showed they rate Donald Trump higher than Abraham Lincoln.
Into this void steps private employers such as Chicago’s Ferrara Candy, known for its Lemonheads, Nerds and Brach’s Candy Corn, among other guilty pleasures.
Ferrara has taken the Civic Alliance pledge and hopes to spread the voter involvement message to its 3,000 employees in the Chicago area and another 3,000 elsewhere in the U.S., said Sarah Kittel, the company’s head of corporate affairs.
“Essentially, the goal is to have employees feel well-equipped to engage with the democratic process,” she said.
The company had events Tuesday in conjunction with National Voter Registration Day and continues to maintain computer links at its various sites where workers can access the correct registration agency for where they live. Kittel said the information is provided by I Am A Voter, one of several digital resources that partner with the Civic Alliance.
She said Ferrara has declared Election Day, Nov. 3, as a national day of service, with employees getting a day off with pay if they work as an election judge or poll watcher, provided it can be scheduled with supervisors. For office-based staff, who might be harder to reach in the work-from-home era, the message is getting out with the company’s digital communications tools, Kittel said.
Given the political rhetoric, Kittel said employees have had questions about the safety of voting during COVID-19 and about whether mail-in ballots are secure. Trump has made groundless statements that mail-in ballots are ripe for fraud.
“We don’t claim to be an authority on all things. We can provide employees with information about what works for them,” she said.
Other Chicago companies that have joined the alliance include Mondelez International, McDonald’s and Intelligentsia coffee. Nationwide, the alliance includes such major employers as Amazon, Best Buy, Dow and Microsoft.
They have a lot of work ahead to rev up voter participation. The Pew Research Center has found if you consider the entire voting-age population and not just those who have registered, the turnout rate in presidential elections is just over 50%, and less than that in non-presidential years. The U.S. rates run low when compared with those in other developed nations that are democracies, Pew found.
“We believe an act of democracy is good for business, and an engaged business community is good for democracy,” Kittel said.
Businesses usually “engage” with democracy via campaign contributions and special-interest spending. Maybe a nudge from capitalism can persuade more people to act as their own special interest.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-28--Matt Nagy: Falcons’ positive test a ‘wakeup call’

ATLANTA — When Matt Nagy found out Saturday the Falcons had a positive coronavirus test — rookie cornerback A.J .
Terrell became the first NFL player to miss a game because of it Sunday — he used it as a teaching point for his players .
“ It backs me up when I tell [ Bears players ] to wear your mask everywhere you go , ” he said .
“ In the facility , wear your stinking mask .
It ’ s not hard .
Do it but don ’ t get relaxed on it because this stuff can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sudden you ’ re told you can ’ t play or you can ’ t coach.
” Terrell ’ s test cast some doubt on Sunday ’ s game , but every other Falcons player tested negative two days in a row , including results that came back Sunday morning .
“ I ’ m currently at a point where I feel weird when I ’ m not wearing my mask ... ” Nagy said .
“ And it ’ s too important and losing one guy and I think we all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a wakeup call that you ’ ve got to stay on this thing .
”

ATLANTA — When Matt Nagy found out Saturday the Falcons had a positive coronavirus test — rookie cornerback A.J. Terrell became the first NFL player to miss a game because of it Sunday — he used it as a teaching point for his players.
“It backs me up when I tell [Bears players] to wear your mask everywhere you go,” he said. “In the facility, wear your stinking mask. It’s not hard. Do it but don’t get relaxed on it because this stuff can happen and is real and all of the sudden you’re told you can’t play or you can’t coach.”
Terrell’s test cast some doubt on Sunday’s game, but every other Falcons player tested negative two days in a row, including results that came back Sunday morning.
“I’m currently at a point where I feel weird when I’m not wearing my mask ...” Nagy said. “And it’s too important and losing one guy and I think we all learn from this. And it’s a wakeup call that you’ve got to stay on this thing.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-28--Man fatally shot in Gary

Man fatally shot in Gary

About 3 a.m. Kevin Blackmon was in the 700 block of Broadway when he was shot , according to the @ @ @ @ @ office .
His death was ruled a homicide .
Gary police were not available for @ @ @ @

A 28-year-old man was fatally shot Sunday in Gary, Ind.
About 3 a.m. Kevin Blackmon was in the 700 block of Broadway when he was shot, according to the Lake County coroner’s office. His death was ruled a homicide.
Gary police were not available for comment Monday morning.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-27--49 shot, 7 fatally, in Chicago weekend violence

Seven people have died and at least 42 others wounded in Chicago gun violence this weekend .
Four people were killed Saturday : two in Austin on the West Side and two on the South Side .
Two were killed Sunday , and another died Friday night in the Burnside neighborhood on the South Side .
They were all males , the youngest being 17 years old and the oldest being 66 .
The numbers don ’ t include two fatal stabbing of females this weekend .
A 5-year-old girl was stabbed to death Saturday morning in East Garfield Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a potential suspect .
Early Sunday , a woman in her 20s with stab wounds was pulled from the North Branch of the Chicago River .
One man was killed and another wounded Sunday evening in a shooting in Englewood on the South Side .
The men , 54 and 66 , were outside about 6:45 p.m. near a vehicle in the 6100 block of South Bishop Avenue when someone fired shots , striking the older man in the head and the younger man in the leg , Chicago police said .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Medical Center , where the 66-year-old man was pronounced dead , police said .
The 54-year-old was listed in good condition .
Earlier in the evening , a 20-year-old man died after being dropped off at St. Bernard Hospital in Englewood with a gunshot wound to his head .
The man , 20 , was dropped off about 5 p.m. at the hospital , 326 W. 64th St. , Chicago police said .
He was pronounced dead on arrival .
Details about the shooting were not immediately known .
Saturday evening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Pullman on the Far South Side .
The boy was shot in the head about 9:20 p.m. in the 11600 block of South Prairie Avenue , police said .
Omar Alvarado was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he later died , officials said .
He lived in suburban Harvey .
A 17-year-old boy was shot dead by two gunmen about 11:30 a.m. Saturday on the West Side .
Avion Aldridge was in an alley in the 200 block of North Leamington Avenue when two gunmen opened fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gunshot wound to his chest and died at the scene , Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said .
The suspects left in a light-colored vehicle .
Hours earlier , a 20-year-old man was found fatally shot nearby in the 200 block of North Latrobe Avenue in the Austin neighborhood .
Richard Soward was found with unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds shortly before 5 a.m. in the 200 block of North Latrobe Avenue , officials said .
He died at the scene .
Minutes earlier , a 42-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Grand Crossing on the South Side .
Rayalecio Purman was in the 7000 block of South Harper Avenue about 4:10 a.m. when someone walked up to him and shot him in the back , officials said .
He was rushed to University of Chicago Hospital where he died , police said .
Purman lived in Englewood .
The first fatal shooting of the weekend left a 19-year-old man dead Friday night on the South Side .
Cornelius Pulthus Jr. was walking in an alley with two other people in the Burnside neighborhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the chest and back , officials said .
The shooting happened about 10 p.m. in the 9400 block of South Vernon Avenue , police said .
He died later at the University of Chicago Medical Center .
No arrest has been announced in any of the the fatal shootings .
Five other teenagers have been wounded in citywide shootings so far over the weekend , in addition to the two who were fatally shot .
A 15-year-old boy who was shot in South Shore was the weekend ’ s latest teen victim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when a vehicle pulled up on him in the 7000 block of South Kingston Avenue and opened fire , Chicago police said .
The teen was struck in the leg and taken to South Shore Hospital , where he was in good condition .
Earlier in the afternoon , two 14-year-old boys were shot in West Pullman .
Someone in a dark vehicle fired shots at the teens about 3:45 p.m. as they walked in the first block of East 123rd Street , Chicago police said .
One boy was struck in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the arm .
Both were taken to Comer Children ’ s Hospital , where they were stabilized .
A 17-year-old boy was critically wounded in a drive-by Sunday morning in Englewood on the South Side .
About 2:10 a.m. , he was standing in an alley in the 1300 block of West 64th Street when someone inside a passing silver-colored sedan fired shots at him , Chicago police said .
He was struck in the right arm and back , and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 17-year-old boy was among two people who were shot in Bridgeport on the South Side .
A male suspect fired shots about 9:05 p.m. in the 3200 block of South Morgan Street , Chicago police said .
The teen was struck in the leg and taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition , police said .
A 36-year-old man showed up to the hospital later in serious condition with a gunshot wound to the shoulder .
At least 35 other people were shot between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 35 others were injured by gunfire in Chicago .
Shootings up 50 % from last year Overall , shootings and murders are up 50 % compared to last year , according to Chicago Police Department statistics .
Through Sept. 20 , police have recorded 560 murders in 2020 compared to 374 murders during the same time in 2019 .
Murders this year are already higher than they were during the same time frame in 2016 — Chicago ’ s most violent year in recent memory .
The city has seen more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,500 over the same time in 2019 , according to the statistics .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Nine people were killed and at least 41 others wounded this weekend in Chicago gun violence.
Most of the shootings happened on the South and West sides. One person was killed before sunrise Monday; two people were killed Sunday; four people were killed Saturday; and another died Friday night. They were all males between 15 and 66 years old. Five of the homicide victims were 20 years old or younger.
The numbers don’t include two fatal stabbing of females this weekend. A 5-year-old girl was stabbed to death Saturday morning in East Garfield Park, according to police, who later charged the girl’s mother with murder. Early Sunday, a woman in her 20s with stab wounds was pulled from the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Last weekend, 10 people were killed and 35 others were injured by gunfire in Chicago.
Monday morning
About 1 a.m. Monday, a 31-year-old man was killed in a Grand Crossing drive-by. He was walking in the 1400 block of East 73rd Street, when someone in a passing black SUV fired shots at him, Chicago police said. He was struck in the left shoulder, the armpit and taken to University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, police said.
Sunday
A man was killed in a shooting Sunday night in East Garfield Park.
Earnest James, 21, was on the sidewalk about 11 p.m. in the 600 block of North Sawyer Avenue when someone in a gray sedan opened fire, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
He was struck in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.
A 66-year-old man was killed and another wounded Sunday evening in a shooting in Englewood. The men were outside about 6:45 p.m. near a vehicle in the 6100 block of South Bishop Avenue when someone fired shots, striking the older man in the head and the younger man in the leg, police said. Both were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where the 66-year-old man was pronounced dead, police said. A 54-year-old was listed in good condition.
Earlier in the evening, a 20-year-old man died after being dropped off at St. Bernard Hospital in Englewood with a gunshot wound to his head. The man, 20, was dropped off about 5 p.m. at the hospital, 326 W. 64th St., Chicago police said. He was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigators believe he was shot in the 6900 block of South Woodlawn Avenue in the Grand Crossing neighborhood.
Saturday
Saturday evening, a 15-year-old boy was fatally shot in West Pullman on the Far South Side. The boy was shot in the head about 9:20 p.m. in the 11600 block of South Prairie Avenue, police said. Omar Alvarado was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he later died, officials said. He lived in suburban Harvey.
A 17-year-old boy was shot dead by two gunmen about 11:30 a.m. Saturday on the West Side. Avion Aldridge was in an alley in the 200 block of North Leamington Avenue when two gunmen opened fire, authorities said. He suffered a gunshot wound to his chest and died at the scene, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. The suspects left in a light-colored vehicle.
Hours earlier, a 20-year-old man was found fatally shot nearby in the Austin neighborhood. Richard Soward was found with unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds shortly before 5 a.m. in the 200 block of North Latrobe Avenue, officials said. He died at the scene.
Minutes earlier, a 42-year-old man was shot during a backyard gathering in Grand Crossing on the South Side. Rayalecio Purman was in the 7000 block of South Harper Avenue about 4:10 a.m. when someone walked up to him and shot him in the back, officials said. He was rushed to University of Chicago Hospital where he died, police said. Purman lived in Englewood.
Friday
The first fatal shooting of the weekend left a 19-year-old man dead Friday night on the South Side. Cornelius Pulthus Jr. was walking in an alley with two other people in the Burnside neighborhood when someone opened fire and struck him in the chest and back, officials said. The shooting happened about 10 p.m. in the 9400 block of South Vernon Avenue, police said. He died later at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
No arrest has been announced in any of the the fatal shootings.
Five teens wounded
Five other teenagers were wounded in citywide shootings this weekend.
A 15-year-old boy who was shot in South Shore was the weekend’s latest teen victim. He was outside about 5 p.m. when a vehicle pulled up on him in the 7000 block of South Kingston Avenue and opened fire, police said. The teen was struck in the leg and taken to South Shore Hospital, where he was in good condition.
Earlier in the afternoon, two 14-year-old boys were shot in West Pullman. Someone in a dark vehicle fired shots at the teens about 3:45 p.m. as they walked in the first block of East 123rd Street, police said. One boy was struck in the thigh, while the other was struck in the arm. Both were taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where they were stabilized.
A 17-year-old boy was critically wounded in a drive-by Sunday morning in Englewood on the South Side. About 2:10 a.m., he was standing in an alley in the 1300 block of West 64th Street when someone inside a passing silver-colored sedan fired shots at him, police said. He was hospitalized in critical condition.
On Saturday, another 17-year-old boy was among two people who were shot in Bridgeport on the South Side. A male suspect fired shots about 9:05 p.m. in the 3200 block of South Morgan Street, police said. The teen was struck in the leg and taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition, police said. A 36-year-old man showed up to the hospital later in serious condition with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
3 women shot on Park Manor porch
Just before 7:30 p.m. Sunday, three women were shot in Park Manor on the South Side. They were sitting on a porch with several males in the 6700 block of South Wabash Avenue when a male emerged from a nearby alley and opened fire, police said.
Two 18-year old women were struck, one in the right leg and the other in the torso and left leg, police said. Another woman, 24, was taken to the same hospital with a gunshot wound to the left leg. They were all listed in good condition.
At least 32 other people were shot between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.
Shootings up 50% from last year
Overall, shootings and murders are up 50% compared with last year, according to Chicago Police Department statistics. Through Sept. 20, police have recorded 560 murders in 2020 compared with 374 murders during the same time in 2019. Murders this year are already higher than they were during the same time frame in 2016 — Chicago’s most violent year in recent memory.
The city has seen more than 2,300 shootings in 2020 compared with about 1,500 over the same time in 2019, according to the statistics.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-27--3 wounded in Chatham shooting

3 wounded in Chatham shooting

Three people were shot Sunday while driving through Chatham on the South Side .
The trio were driving about 5:40 @ @ @ @ @ of East 83rd Street when someone in another vehicle opened fire , Chicago police said @ @ @ @ @ grazed on the head while a 25-year-old woman was grazed on the chest , police @ @ @ @ @ taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition .
Another man , @ @ @ @ @ the hand and taken to the same hospital , where he was also in good @ @ @ @ @ No one is in custody .
Area Two detectives are investigating .
Read more on @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s homicides .

Three people were shot Sunday while driving through Chatham on the South Side.
The trio were driving about 5:40 p.m. in the first block of East 83rd Street when someone in another vehicle opened fire, Chicago police said.
A 34-year-old man was grazed on the head while a 25-year-old woman was grazed on the chest, police said. They were both taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
Another man, 29, was shot in the hand and taken to the same hospital, where he was also in good condition, police said.
No one is in custody. Area Two detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-27--3 women shot on Park Manor porch

3 women shot on Park Manor porch

Three women were wounded in a single shooting Sunday in Park Manor on the South Side .
Just before 7:30 @ @ @ @ @ sitting on a porch with several males in the 6700 block of South Wabash Avenue @ @ @ @ @ a nearby alley and opened fire , Chicago police said .
Two 18-year old women @ @ @ @ @ the right leg and the other in the torso and left leg , police said @ @ @ @ @ the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition .
Another woman , 24 , @ @ @ @ @ hospital with a gunshot wound to the left leg , police said .
She was @ @ @ @ @ .
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate .
Read more on @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s homicides .

Three women were wounded in a single shooting Sunday in Park Manor on the South Side.
Just before 7:30 p.m., the women were sitting on a porch with several males in the 6700 block of South Wabash Avenue when a male emerged from a nearby alley and opened fire, Chicago police said.
Two 18-year old women were struck, one in the right leg and the other in the torso and left leg, police said. They were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
Another woman, 24, was taken to the same hospital with a gunshot wound to the left leg, police said. She was in good condition as well.
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-27--Horoscope for Monday, Sept. 28, 2020

Horoscope for Monday, Sept. 28, 2020

Avoid shopping or important decisions from 2 to 11 a.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Aquarius into Pisces .
Aside from the restrictions of the moon alert , this is a pleasant day !
You feel flirtatious and you want some fun !
Enjoy social diversions , sports events and playful times with kids .
( You ’ re assertive but not in your face . )
This is a great day to entertain at home .
Invite someone over !
You will also be pleased to do some redecorating tricks or something to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Good day for family discussions .
Yada , yada , yada .
Relations with others are congenial .
You feel confident but in a gentle way .
It ’ s a strong day for those of you who write , sell , market , teach or act .
You will appreciate your surroundings and be grateful for the people in your world .
Nice !
Today you might attract money to you .
You also might see ways to increase your income .
Something to do with your wealth and your possessions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and VIPs .
They might be impressed with your money savvy ?
This is a great way to begin your week .
Fair Venus is in your sign getting a boost from Mars , which makes you ready to go after what you want , but in a nice way .
( In fact , people will appreciate your style . )
You might be concerned about someone else ’ s freedom .
Money and assets are on your mind , but today you will seek out some privacy .
Perhaps , psychologically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dive into the week ?
You need some more downtime ?
Work alone or behind the scenes to keep things mellow .
Easy does it .
This is a fabulous day !
You ’ re strong , because the sun is in your sign , while Venus , in your house of friendships , encourages interaction with others in a warm way .
Enjoy the company of artistic , creative people .
( “ Are you ready for your close-up , Miss Garbo ?
” ) You make a fabulous impression on bosses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is why you should hit the pavement running as this week begins .
Don ’ t hesitate to ask for what you want .
But be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert in your time zone .
Today you feel friendly and sociable !
If you can travel somewhere , do it !
Do something so that you feel that you are expanding your world or learning more about things , because this is what you have a strong urge to do .
Talk to different people — be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexy day and you feel romantic .
( Woot ! )
It ’ s also a good day to benefit from the wealth and resources of someone .
They might give you money or a gift ?
Perhaps someone will do a favor for you ?
It ’ s a good day to ask for a loan or mortgage .
( Check Moon Alert . )
This is a great day to schmooze with loved ones and members of the general public because you feel the need to interact with others .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are super enthusiastic , others will want to listen to you !
This is a strong day to begin your week because you are happy relating to coworkers .
In fact , you ’ re happy doing whatever task you set for yourself because you want to get something done today in a pleasant way .
You want things to flow smoothly — and they will .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Naomi Watts ( 1968 ) shares your birthday .
You are imaginative , romantic and sociable .
You apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
This is an exciting year of change and new opportunities !
You will encounter adventure and stimulating situations .
If possible , explore opportunities to travel and expand your world through learning .
Welcome change !
Let your personal freedom be your goal this year .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or important decisions from 2 to 11 a.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Aquarius into Pisces.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Aside from the restrictions of the moon alert, this is a pleasant day! You feel flirtatious and you want some fun! Enjoy social diversions, sports events and playful times with kids. (You’re assertive but not in your face.)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This is a great day to entertain at home. Invite someone over! You will also be pleased to do some redecorating tricks or something to make your home feel and look more attractive. Good day for family discussions. Yada, yada, yada.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Relations with others are congenial. You feel confident but in a gentle way. It’s a strong day for those of you who write, sell, market, teach or act. You will appreciate your surroundings and be grateful for the people in your world. Nice!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Today you might attract money to you. You also might see ways to increase your income. Something to do with your wealth and your possessions might impress bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. They might be impressed with your money savvy?
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
This is a great way to begin your week. Fair Venus is in your sign getting a boost from Mars, which makes you ready to go after what you want, but in a nice way. (In fact, people will appreciate your style.) You might be concerned about someone else’s freedom.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Money and assets are on your mind, but today you will seek out some privacy. Perhaps, psychologically, you’re not ready to dive into the week? You need some more downtime? Work alone or behind the scenes to keep things mellow. Easy does it.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is a fabulous day! You’re strong, because the sun is in your sign, while Venus, in your house of friendships, encourages interaction with others in a warm way. Enjoy the company of artistic, creative people. (“Are you ready for your close-up, Miss Garbo?”)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You make a fabulous impression on bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs today, which is why you should hit the pavement running as this week begins. Don’t hesitate to ask for what you want. But be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert in your time zone.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Today you feel friendly and sociable! If you can travel somewhere, do it! Do something so that you feel that you are expanding your world or learning more about things, because this is what you have a strong urge to do. Talk to different people — be open to adventure!
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
This is a sexy day and you feel romantic. (Woot!) It’s also a good day to benefit from the wealth and resources of someone. They might give you money or a gift? Perhaps someone will do a favor for you? It’s a good day to ask for a loan or mortgage. (Check Moon Alert.)
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
This is a great day to schmooze with loved ones and members of the general public because you feel the need to interact with others. You want to express your views! Because you are super enthusiastic, others will want to listen to you!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
This is a strong day to begin your week because you are happy relating to coworkers. In fact, you’re happy doing whatever task you set for yourself because you want to get something done today in a pleasant way. You want things to flow smoothly — and they will.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Naomi Watts (1968) shares your birthday. You are imaginative, romantic and sociable. You apply your imagination to all aspects of your life. This is an exciting year of change and new opportunities! You will encounter adventure and stimulating situations. If possible, explore opportunities to travel and expand your world through learning. Welcome change! Let your personal freedom be your goal this year.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-28--Field Museum rethinking exhibits amid cultural responsibility, social unrest

No museum staffer wants to have the “ Killmonger ” conversation from the 2018 film “ Black Panther , ” in which they find themselves having to answer for not including voices from marginalized communities in how artifacts are displayed .
The Field Museum , which sat for decades in the shadow of Grant Park ’ s Christopher Columbus statue , aims to renovate its Native North America Hall ( scheduled to reopen in Fall 2021 ) with the assistance of an advisory board consisting of 12 Native American community leaders .
“ It ’ s a combination of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with communities and then how we co-curate with Native people to create that exhibit to let the voices of people from other cultures that we ’ re dealing with come through , ” said Jaap Hoogstraten , the Field Museum ’ s director of exhibitions .
The museum is working with Native American communities , along with 75 collaborators from all over the globe in showcasing their culture in an honorable way .
This includes going through “ outdated ” exhibits that hadn ’ t been updated in 60 or 70 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American tribes the museum reached out to include the Navajo , Hopi and Potawatomi , among many others .
“ Many , many museums have done projects like this , and often have gone wrong at some point and that needed remediation , ” said Hoogstraten .
“ We feel that one reason that happens is that Native voices are brought on too late.
” Native American groups have been critical of the Field Museum for decades citing exhibition cases such as “ Indians of the Chicago Region ” as an example of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bristled at the fact that Chicago Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz is a museum board of trustees member .
The team ’ s continued use of their mascot is viewed as racist .
“ The museum is talking to Native [ American ] people and hiring Native [ American ] people to be a part of this process , so I think that just gives a lot of hope to people , but at the same time there ’ s also skepticism because of the way the museum has handled things in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizen of the Pueblo of Jemez , a federally recognized tribe located in New Mexico and the museum ’ s Native [ American ] community engagement coordinator for the Native American Exhibition Hall .
“ Apsáalooke Women and Warriors , ” a temporary exhibit carefully curated via a collaborative effort , features war shirts , elk tooth dresses , and cradleboards , among other cultural material , re-opened to the public this summer after the pandemic forced a temporary shut-down to in-person museum visitors .
The Field Museum isn ’ t the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide social unrest .
Oxford University ’ s Pitt Rivers Museum recently announced its efforts to “ decolonize ” its collections by removing human remains and its famous collection of shrunken heads .
And the NFL ’ s Washington Football Team dropped the team ’ s name in July after decades of criticism .
“ There ’ s a lot of changes in the museum world where Native people are increasingly in curatorial positions , ” said Oneida Nation of Wisconsin citizen and museum advisory committee member Doug Kiel .
“ One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhibition at the Field Museum , I think , is the way in which it will reorient visitors to understand that Chicago is an indigenous place .
”

No museum staffer wants to have the “Killmonger” conversation from the 2018 film “Black Panther,” in which they find themselves having to answer for not including voices from marginalized communities in how artifacts are displayed.
The Field Museum, which sat for decades in the shadow of Grant Park’s Christopher Columbus statue, aims to renovate its Native North America Hall (scheduled to reopen in Fall 2021) with the assistance of an advisory board consisting of 12 Native American community leaders.
“It’s a combination of a long process of rethinking how we work with communities and then how we co-curate with Native people to create that exhibit to let the voices of people from other cultures that we’re dealing with come through,” said Jaap Hoogstraten, the Field Museum’s director of exhibitions.
The museum is working with Native American communities, along with 75 collaborators from all over the globe in showcasing their culture in an honorable way. This includes going through “outdated” exhibits that hadn’t been updated in 60 or 70 years, said Hoogstraten. Some of the Native American tribes the museum reached out to include the Navajo, Hopi and Potawatomi, among many others.
“Many, many museums have done projects like this, and often have gone wrong at some point and that needed remediation,” said Hoogstraten. “We feel that one reason that happens is that Native voices are brought on too late.”
The Field Museum’s conservation team cares for 300 deinstalled cultural materials in their Regenstein lab. John Weinstein/Provided Photo
Native American groups have been critical of the Field Museum for decades citing exhibition cases such as “Indians of the Chicago Region” as an example of problematic representation. Native American groups have bristled at the fact that Chicago Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz is a museum board of trustees member. The team’s continued use of their mascot is viewed as racist.
“The museum is talking to Native [American] people and hiring Native [American] people to be a part of this process, so I think that just gives a lot of hope to people, but at the same time there’s also skepticism because of the way the museum has handled things in the past,” said Debra Yepa-Pappan, a citizen of the Pueblo of Jemez, a federally recognized tribe located in New Mexico and the museum’s Native [American] community engagement coordinator for the Native American Exhibition Hall.
“Apsáalooke Women and Warriors,” a temporary exhibit carefully curated via a collaborative effort, features war shirts, elk tooth dresses, and cradleboards, among other cultural material, re-opened to the public this summer after the pandemic forced a temporary shut-down to in-person museum visitors.
The Field Museum isn’t the only institution having ongoing conversations about exhibits amid worldwide social unrest. Oxford University’s Pitt Rivers Museum recently announced its efforts to “decolonize” its collections by removing human remains and its famous collection of shrunken heads.
And the NFL’s Washington Football Team dropped the team’s name in July after decades of criticism.
“There’s a lot of changes in the museum world where Native people are increasingly in curatorial positions,” said Oneida Nation of Wisconsin citizen and museum advisory committee member Doug Kiel. “One of the most important aspects of this new exhibition at the Field Museum, I think, is the way in which it will reorient visitors to understand that Chicago is an indigenous place.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-28--State groups bemoan stop-and-go decisions  affecting the census deadline

Last week , census takers in Chicago with the U.S. Census Bureau were set to count people experiencing homelessness that were living under bridges , in parks and in shelters as a final push for a complete count in 2020 .
But at least three partners with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless — that include shelters and soup kitchens — said a census taker never showed up during the three-day period .
Erin Sindewald , development manager with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless , said it came as a shock to her knowing the deadline to finish the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 .
Then , as census takers were canvassing the country attempting to document the homeless population , a U.S. District Judge in the Northern District of California ordered a preliminary injunction requiring the bureau to keep counting people through Oct. 30 , as originally planned .
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross , who controls the Census Bureau , appealed the injunction Friday to the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals .
But by Monday evening , Ross announced he would rebuff the courts and conclude the census Oct. 5 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic , and it ’ s so hard to count so many people as it is , ” said Sindewald said .
“ It makes zero sense to cut the count short when the response has already been so low among hard-to-count populations.
” The once-a-decade count was originally supposed to end in July , but the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the bureau ’ s timeline .
The fears of spreading the novel virus delayed the bureau from deploying census takers nationwide until mid-July and it decided to push the deadline to complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August , the bureau suddenly announced it would end its counting efforts — including important door-knocking of nonrespondents — on Sept. 30 .
The bureau said the decision to cease the count a month early was to meet the Dec. 31 deadline for reporting census results of apportionment counts .
“ We aren ’ t sure if the bureau will send people to places that were missed , and we don ’ t even know why they were missed in the first place , ” Sindewald said .
“ We do know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the air.
” The U.S. Census Bureau ’ s Chicago Regional Office wouldn ’ t comment on how this could change census counting in the city over the next week .
Instead , it pointed to a response the bureau sent out Friday .
“ The Census Bureau will comply with the Court ’ s order and continue our Nonresponse Follow-up Operation , ” the statement read .
“ Our office of general counsel is evaluating the ultimate impact of the order on the 2020 Census .
Field staff have been instructed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be provided.
” Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya said in a statement that the constant stop-and-go nature of the 2020 census has been detrimental to the county ’ s efforts .
“ Time and time again , one of the most important strategies has been messaging and making sure people know the deadline is coming up , ” said Anaya , who is the vice chair of the Cook County Complete Count Census Commission .
“ Now , there is a lot of confusion among the organizations , and we are stuck in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the facts but also not become further confused.
” Maria Fitzsimmons , census director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights , welcomes the deadline extension but raises some financial issues .
Her organization and partners are only funded through September .
“ All our contracts with the state end on Sept. 30 .
We might be able to recoup money not spent and use that for outreach , ” Fitzsimmons said .
“ But it takes time to get that passed through the state and these court battles are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a corps member in Report for America , a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of issues affecting Chicago ’ s South and West sides .

Last week, census takers in Chicago with the U.S. Census Bureau were set to count people experiencing homelessness that were living under bridges, in parks and in shelters as a final push for a complete count in 2020.
But at least three partners with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless — that include shelters and soup kitchens — said a census taker never showed up during the three-day period.
Erin Sindewald, development manager with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, said it came as a shock to her knowing the deadline to finish the census was just days away on Sept. 30.
Then, as census takers were canvassing the country attempting to document the homeless population, a U.S. District Judge in the Northern District of California ordered a preliminary injunction requiring the bureau to keep counting people through Oct. 30, as originally planned.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, who controls the Census Bureau, appealed the injunction Friday to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. But by Monday evening, Ross announced he would rebuff the courts and conclude the census Oct. 5.
“We are in the middle of a pandemic, and it’s so hard to count so many people as it is,” said Sindewald said. “It makes zero sense to cut the count short when the response has already been so low among hard-to-count populations.”
The once-a-decade count was originally supposed to end in July, but the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the bureau’s timeline. The fears of spreading the novel virus delayed the bureau from deploying census takers nationwide until mid-July and it decided to push the deadline to complete the census through Oct. 31.
Then in August, the bureau suddenly announced it would end its counting efforts — including important door-knocking of nonrespondents — on Sept. 30. The bureau said the decision to cease the count a month early was to meet the Dec. 31 deadline for reporting census results of apportionment counts.
“We aren’t sure if the bureau will send people to places that were missed, and we don’t even know why they were missed in the first place,” Sindewald said. “We do know [the deadline] is up in the air.”
The U.S. Census Bureau’s Chicago Regional Office wouldn’t comment on how this could change census counting in the city over the next week. Instead, it pointed to a response the bureau sent out Friday.
“The Census Bureau will comply with the Court’s order and continue our Nonresponse Follow-up Operation,” the statement read. “Our office of general counsel is evaluating the ultimate impact of the order on the 2020 Census. Field staff have been instructed to continue with current operations until updates can be provided.”
Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya said in a statement that the constant stop-and-go nature of the 2020 census has been detrimental to the county’s efforts.
“Time and time again, one of the most important strategies has been messaging and making sure people know the deadline is coming up,” said Anaya, who is the vice chair of the Cook County Complete Count Census Commission. “Now, there is a lot of confusion among the organizations, and we are stuck in a situation where we want people to have the facts but also not become further confused.”
Maria Fitzsimmons, census director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, welcomes the deadline extension but raises some financial issues. Her organization and partners are only funded through September.
“All our contracts with the state end on Sept. 30. We might be able to recoup money not spent and use that for outreach,” Fitzsimmons said. “But it takes time to get that passed through the state and these court battles are all happening so late.”
Manny Ramos is a corps member in Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of issues affecting Chicago’s South and West sides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-28--Mr. Trump, why do you pay less in income taxes than a Starbucks barista?

A few questions for Donald Trump at Tuesday ’ s presidential debate .
Mr. Trump , a barista at Starbucks who earns $ 20,000 a year pays $ 760 in federal income taxes .
Why did you pay $ 10 a year less in 2016 and 2017 ?
Mr. Trump , the average American paid about $ 12,200 in federal income taxes in 2017 , but you paid nothing at all in 10 of the past 15 years .
How did you pull that off ?
Mr. Trump , Joe Biden and his wife , Jill , paid $ 3.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and $ 1.5 million in 2018 — about a third of their adjusted gross income .
Who ’ s the wealthier man standing on this stage tonight ?
While we ’ re talking about the Bidens , Mr. Trump , Joe and Jill gave $ 1,275,000 to charity in those two years .
How ’ s your charitable giving going ?
Mr. Trump , on presidential financial disclosures forms — what you told the voters — you claimed to have earned at least $ 434.9 million in 2018 .
But in your tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — you reported a $ 47.4 million loss in 2018 .
The New York Times blew your cover on Sunday .
Were you lying to the country or lying to the IRS ?
Mr. Trump , the Times reported that your entire facade of brilliant business acumen and wealth is about to come crashing down .
You personally are on the hook to pay back $ 421 million in loans in the next four years , and the IRS is looking at clawing back $ 72.9 million in tax refunds , plus interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in such desperate financial straits , and of such low character , will put our nation ’ s interests above his own ?
Speaking of which , Mr. Trump , how much worse shape would your business empire be in today — ballpark figure — if you were not already monetizing the presidency ?
Your hotels and golf courses , as the Times revealed , have become “ bazaars for collecting money directly from lobbyists , foreign officials and others seeking face time , access or favor.
” Revenues from initiation fees at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been president , allowing you to take $ 26 million out of the business from 2015 through 2018 , three times what you paid yourself in prior years .
Companies and groups eager to win your favor — like Bank of America , the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Walgreens — have spent tens of millions of dollars to hold events and rent space at your properties .
Mr. Trump , the Times revealed that your financial bottom line depends heavily — even more than previously reported — on foreign investors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sir ?
When , for example , Turkish business interests directly lobby you for more American trade , as they have , should we be concerned that the chief lobbyist previously helped you cut a deal to build two Trump towers in Istanbul that have earned you at least $ 13 million ?
Mr. Trump , is it fair to question the patriotism of a president who pays more in taxes to several foreign nations , including the Philippines , India and Panama , than to the United States of America ?
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces than ours .
Mr. Trump , to whom else do you owe tens of millions of dollars ?
Shouldn ’ t the American people be fully informed of all your conflicts of interest before you make another call to another foreign leader ?
Mr. Trump , why are you paying your daughter Ivanka twice for the same job ?
The Times discovered that the Trump Organization paid Ivanka $ 747,622 for “ consulting ” work on hotel deals though she already was an employee of the company .
A cynic , sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce your taxable income and transfer assets to your daughter without incurring a gift tax .
Mr. Trump , on another matter .
Seventy thousand dollars to style your hair ?
Mr. Trump , you say the Times investigation is “ totally fake news.
” But you have not cited a single factual inaccuracy .
Please do so now .
If you can .
Mr. Trump , will you agree to release your tax returns tomorrow morning so the American people can judge for themselves who ’ s putting out “ totally fake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us understand .
You consistently lose tens of millions of dollars more than you take in .
You lose so much — and claim so many dubious expenses — that you hardly pay income taxes .
Are you a ) A pitifully inept businessman ; b ) A tax dodger ; c ) A con man ; or d ) All of the above ?
Mr. Trump , once you ’ re out of office , your creditors and the IRS could close in fast .
Do you fear losing it all ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Starbucks , sir , except for the higher taxes ?

A few questions for Donald Trump at Tuesday’s presidential debate.
Mr. Trump, a barista at Starbucks who earns $20,000 a year pays $760 in federal income taxes. Why did you pay $10 a year less in 2016 and 2017?
Mr. Trump, the average American paid about $12,200 in federal income taxes in 2017, but you paid nothing at all in 10 of the past 15 years. How did you pull that off?
Mr. Trump, Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, paid $3.7 million in federal income taxes in 2017 and $1.5 million in 2018 — about a third of their adjusted gross income. Who’s the wealthier man standing on this stage tonight?
Editorials bug Editorials
While we’re talking about the Bidens, Mr. Trump, Joe and Jill gave $1,275,000 to charity in those two years. How’s your charitable giving going?
On lying
Mr. Trump, on presidential financial disclosures forms — what you told the voters — you claimed to have earned at least $434.9 million in 2018. But in your tax filings — what you told the IRS — you reported a $47.4 million loss in 2018. The New York Times blew your cover on Sunday. Were you lying to the country or lying to the IRS?
Mr. Trump, the Times reported that your entire facade of brilliant business acumen and wealth is about to come crashing down. You personally are on the hook to pay back $421 million in loans in the next four years, and the IRS is looking at clawing back $72.9 million in tax refunds, plus interest. Should we trust that a president in such desperate financial straits, and of such low character, will put our nation’s interests above his own?
Speaking of which, Mr. Trump, how much worse shape would your business empire be in today — ballpark figure — if you were not already monetizing the presidency? Your hotels and golf courses, as the Times revealed, have become “bazaars for collecting money directly from lobbyists, foreign officials and others seeking face time, access or favor.”
Revenues from initiation fees at your Mar-a-Lago club have skyrocketed while you have been president, allowing you to take $26 million out of the business from 2015 through 2018, three times what you paid yourself in prior years. Companies and groups eager to win your favor — like Bank of America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Walgreens — have spent tens of millions of dollars to hold events and rent space at your properties.
On foreign conflicts of interest
Mr. Trump, the Times revealed that your financial bottom line depends heavily — even more than previously reported — on foreign investors and governments. Should we be worried, sir?
When, for example, Turkish business interests directly lobby you for more American trade, as they have, should we be concerned that the chief lobbyist previously helped you cut a deal to build two Trump towers in Istanbul that have earned you at least $13 million?
Mr. Trump, is it fair to question the patriotism of a president who pays more in taxes to several foreign nations, including the Philippines, India and Panama, than to the United States of America? You’re paying more into their armed forces than ours.
Mr. Trump, to whom else do you owe tens of millions of dollars? Shouldn’t the American people be fully informed of all your conflicts of interest before you make another call to another foreign leader?
On Ivanka’s big payday
Mr. Trump, why are you paying your daughter Ivanka twice for the same job?
The Times discovered that the Trump Organization paid Ivanka $747,622 for “consulting” work on hotel deals though she already was an employee of the company. A cynic, sir, might say you did this to reduce your taxable income and transfer assets to your daughter without incurring a gift tax.
Mr. Trump, on another matter. Seventy thousand dollars to style your hair?
Mr. Trump. Ninety-five thousand dollars to style Ivanka’s hair?
Mr. Trump, you say the Times investigation is “totally fake news.” But you have not cited a single factual inaccuracy. Please do so now. If you can.
Mr. Trump, will you agree to release your tax returns tomorrow morning so the American people can judge for themselves who’s putting out “totally fake news?”
On working at Starbucks
Mr. Trump, help us understand. You consistently lose tens of millions of dollars more than you take in. You lose so much — and claim so many dubious expenses — that you hardly pay income taxes. Are you a) A pitifully inept businessman; b) A tax dodger; c) A con man; or d) All of the above?
Mr. Trump, once you’re out of office, your creditors and the IRS could close in fast. Do you fear losing it all?
Or might you be OK with working at Starbucks, sir, except for the higher taxes?
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-28--Madigan opts not to sit in the hot seat, but will legislative panel make him feel any heat?

Illinois House rules dictate that the committee investigating Speaker Michael Madigan is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans — and like everything else in politics today that partisan divide pretty much ensures lots of arguing and little action .
That infighting , as well as the makeup of the House itself , could determine how much the committee is able to get done and the result of its investigation — should anything come of it at all .
That ’ s because while the investigation committee is made up of three Democrats and three Republicans , the House is solidly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towers over the 44-member Republican Caucus .
Advancing a charge to a disciplinary committee would take at least one of the Democrats siding with the three Republicans — and if the past few weeks are any indication , that ’ s not likely .
The committee plans to hear its first testimony Tuesday from a ComEd representative , but any hopes of questioning Madigan himself were dashed last week when the speaker declined to appear at all , arguing “ I can not provide information I do not have.
” “ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this point without knowing the evidence , ” said John Jackson , a longtime analyst of Illinois politics .
“ The most likely outcome is going to be dependent on some Democrats that are upset with Madigan will have to vote with Republicans for this to ultimately go anywhere , and it ’ s unclear right this minute whether they will.
” Jackson , a visiting professor at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale , said he ’ s cautiously optimistic the panel will put politics aside .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the House , which “ makes it much harder for there to be a negative outcome against the speaker.
” Mike Lawrence , a press secretary for former Republican Gov .
Jim Edgar , said he has “ no confidence that legislators can investigate legislators.
” “ It is not reasonable to expect lawmakers to be nonpartisan , independent investigators , prosecutors and ultimately judges in this atmosphere — particularly during an election cycle , ” said Lawrence , a former Sun-Times Springfield Bureau chief .
“ Democrats and Republicans on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process — let alone determine whether the accusations are valid and , if so , justify his removal.
” Madigan has not been charged with any crime and has denied any wrongdoing .
But he was implicated in a federal bribery scheme in July , when federal prosecutors accused ComEd of sending $ 1.3 million to Madigan ’ s associates for doing little or no work for the utility , at a time when ComEd was seeking his support for legislation .
Republicans are eager to make sure any heat Madigan felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down before fall election .
“ It ’ s the biggest issue the Republicans have got going , ” Jackson said .
“ They ’ ve had some difficulty mounting competitive campaigns and particularly funding competitive campaigns for the legislature , and this is their one best single thing they will be using throughout the state.
” Rep. Deanne Mazzochi , R-Elmhurst , and Rep. Grant Wehrli , R-Naperville , are both up for reelection against campaigns infused with cash from Madigan-controlled political funds , unions and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Emmanuel “ Chris ” Welch , has accused Republicans of a “ posturing element , ” pointing to the GOP selecting two “ Tier One Republicans who are up for election to [ serve on ] the committee.
” Mazzochi has dismissed the Democrats on the committee as “ Madigan loyalists.
” Welch defended his handling of the committee thus far , saying the Republicans “ chose this process ” and arguing that he ’ s trying to make sure it conducts its work in a “ fair manner.
” House Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say whatever he wants , but I know he ’ s getting his direction from above him.
” “ He has a mission , and that is to save his boss and to undermine the work of this committee , ” the Western Springs Republican said .
The committee is in the first step of a three-step process .
Should they authorize a charge it would go to a disciplinary committee made up of six different Democrats and six different Republicans .
If that group then recommends discipline for Madigan , it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide his fate .
Durkin said he ’ s “ not going to be deterred by the rules that were set up by Mike Madigan.
” “ My hope is that I ’ m given a fair hearing , in which I have the opportunity to make my case … to establish why there is a need to proceed and go to the next level , ” Durkin said .
“ This is an extremely , extremely important moment in the General Assembly ’ s history .
We have to do the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules .
Not Chris Welch and not Mike Madigan.
” Some political experts are not expecting much .
“ I ’ d be surprised if they ’ re able to put together a majority behind any recommendation , ” Lawrence said .
Adding fuel to that assessment , Welch and Durkin on Monday squabbled over whether the Republican leader would even be allowed to participate , since he was one of the Republicans who filed the original petition creating the committee .
“ Granting his requests to make statements and question witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the process he invoked , ” Welch said in a statement .
Durkin fired back that he plans to do both .

Illinois House rules dictate that the committee investigating Speaker Michael Madigan is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans — and like everything else in politics today that partisan divide pretty much ensures lots of arguing and little action.
That infighting, as well as the makeup of the House itself, could determine how much the committee is able to get done and the result of its investigation — should anything come of it at all.
That’s because while the investigation committee is made up of three Democrats and three Republicans, the House is solidly Democrat, with a 74-member supermajority that towers over the 44-member Republican Caucus.
Analysis bug Analysis
Advancing a charge to a disciplinary committee would take at least one of the Democrats siding with the three Republicans — and if the past few weeks are any indication, that’s not likely.
The committee plans to hear its first testimony Tuesday from a ComEd representative, but any hopes of questioning Madigan himself were dashed last week when the speaker declined to appear at all, arguing “I cannot provide information I do not have.”
“It’s difficult to say what will happen at this point without knowing the evidence,” said John Jackson, a longtime analyst of Illinois politics. “The most likely outcome is going to be dependent on some Democrats that are upset with Madigan will have to vote with Republicans for this to ultimately go anywhere, and it’s unclear right this minute whether they will.”
Jackson, a visiting professor at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, said he’s cautiously optimistic the panel will put politics aside.
But he pointed to the Democratic supermajority in the House, which “makes it much harder for there to be a negative outcome against the speaker.”
House Speaker Mike Madigan talks on his cellphone from his desk during a session of the Illinois House of Representatives at the Bank of Springfield Center, in Springfield, in May. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP file
Mike Lawrence, a press secretary for former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar, said he has “no confidence that legislators can investigate legislators.”
“It is not reasonable to expect lawmakers to be nonpartisan, independent investigators, prosecutors and ultimately judges in this atmosphere — particularly during an election cycle,” said Lawrence, a former Sun-Times Springfield Bureau chief. “Democrats and Republicans on the committee have been unable to agree on the process — let alone determine whether the accusations are valid and, if so, justify his removal.”
Madigan has not been charged with any crime and has denied any wrongdoing. But he was implicated in a federal bribery scheme in July, when federal prosecutors accused ComEd of sending $1.3 million to Madigan’s associates for doing little or no work for the utility, at a time when ComEd was seeking his support for legislation.
Republicans are eager to make sure any heat Madigan felt over the summer doesn’t cool down before fall election.
“It’s the biggest issue the Republicans have got going,” Jackson said. “They’ve had some difficulty mounting competitive campaigns and particularly funding competitive campaigns for the legislature, and this is their one best single thing they will be using throughout the state.”
Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, and Rep. Grant Wehrli, R-Naperville, are both up for reelection against campaigns infused with cash from Madigan-controlled political funds, unions and Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, left, and state Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, center, answer reporters’ questions in Springfield earlier this month; state Rep. Grant Wehrli, R-Naperville, right, listens during the first meeting of the Special Investigating Committee earlier this month. Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register via AP
The Democratic chairman of the panel, state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, has accused Republicans of a “posturing element,” pointing to the GOP selecting two “Tier One Republicans who are up for election to [serve on] the committee.”
Mazzochi has dismissed the Democrats on the committee as “Madigan loyalists.”
Welch defended his handling of the committee thus far, saying the Republicans “chose this process” and arguing that he’s trying to make sure it conducts its work in a “fair manner.”
State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, answers questions from the media earlier this month. Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register via AP
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said Welch “can say whatever he wants, but I know he’s getting his direction from above him.”
“He has a mission, and that is to save his boss and to undermine the work of this committee,” the Western Springs Republican said.
The committee is in the first step of a three-step process.
Should they authorize a charge it would go to a disciplinary committee made up of six different Democrats and six different Republicans. If that group then recommends discipline for Madigan, it would be up to the full House to decide his fate.
Durkin said he’s “not going to be deterred by the rules that were set up by Mike Madigan.”
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, left, in 2018; House Speaker Mike Madigan, right, in 2015. Rich Hein/Sun-Times file
“My hope is that I’m given a fair hearing, in which I have the opportunity to make my case … to establish why there is a need to proceed and go to the next level,” Durkin said. “This is an extremely, extremely important moment in the General Assembly’s history. We have to do the right thing, and no one is above the rules. Not Chris Welch and not Mike Madigan.”
Some political experts are not expecting much.
“I’d be surprised if they’re able to put together a majority behind any recommendation,” Lawrence said.
Adding fuel to that assessment, Welch and Durkin on Monday squabbled over whether the Republican leader would even be allowed to participate, since he was one of the Republicans who filed the original petition creating the committee.
“Granting his requests to make statements and question witnesses would therefore be inappropriate and in violation of the process he invoked,” Welch said in a statement.
Durkin fired back that he plans to do both.
“See you there!” Durkin said.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-28--Will CPS kids go back to schools this fall? Lightfoot says ‘we’re not there yet’  (LIVE UPDATES)

Will CPS kids go back to schools this fall ?
Lightfoot says ‘ we ’ re not there yet ’ Public health conditions have not yet improved to a point that would allow Chicago Public Schools students to return to classrooms in November as officials have hoped , Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday .
Despite the challenges remote learning poses for 300,000 students and 30,000 teachers and support staff , Lightfoot and CPS officials have said health will be the main priority in a decision to resume in-person learning .
“ We have to see more progress in order for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conversation about in-person learning , ” the mayor said at an afternoon news conference at which she announced an easing of restrictions on indoor seating at bars and restaurants .
“ We ’ re not there yet.
” “ I don ’ t want to speculate about the chances .
It ’ s something we are focused on every single day , and we ’ ll make an announcement relatively soon because we ’ ve got to give parents and the school community enough time to adapt if we ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not there yet.
” 6:40 p.m. Thousands of suburban students going back to school after starting fully remote Some suburban Chicago school districts that started the year in full remote learning because of the coronavirus are moving to bring students back to classrooms as early as this week with health protocols in place and contingency plans set for potential COVID-19 outbreaks .
Many working parents have struggled to balance their jobs with their children ’ s at-home education and have called for a return to classrooms , while many have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending their kids back to school with a volatile COVID-19 still around .
Suburban school workers and their unions have at times fought their districts , as the Chicago Teachers Union has with Chicago Public Schools , against a return to school because of the health concerns brought on by putting children and teachers together in enclosed spaces during a pandemic .
With those factors in mind , Community Consolidated School District 15 in the northwest suburbs , the second largest elementary district in Illinois with 20 elementary and middle schools serving about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has started a phased-in return to schools a month into remote learning .
Superintendent Laurie Heinz laid out a plan earlier this month , starting with kindergarten and some special education students going back this week , and first and second graders returning to classrooms Monday .
Third and fourth graders are set to go back Oct. 5 , and grades five through eight will be in school Oct. 13 , if all goes according to plan .
Students who opt to continue remote learning will be allowed to do so .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital needed more nurses to care for COVID-19 patients amid a surge in infections in April , Beverly Miles jumped at the opportunity .
Her first night on the job , the nurse and Army veteran who normally worked an administrative job in the suburban veterans hospital , looked for N95 respirators that add extra safeguards for health care workers exposed to the virus .
Whatever masks were available , they were locked up , she said .
“ There were no N95 masks at all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she had a cough .
Shortly after working with coronavirus patients , Miles became infected with COVID-19 and was off work for four months .
Now she ’ s back on the job part time and suffers from chronic pain , she said .
Her experience may have been different , she believes , had she been provided an N95 mask , a highly effective , low-cost piece of protection that is still hard to attain due to a national supply shortage .
These respirators have been at the center of tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employers who say they ’ re doing the best they can to obtain and build ample supplies .
United Airlines and its pilots have reached an agreement that both sides say will avoid about 2,850 furloughs that were set to take effect later this week and another 1,000 early next year .
The Air Line Pilots Association said Monday the deal will allow United to spread a reduced amount of flying across the airline ’ s 13,000 pilots to save jobs at least until next June .
“ Our members understood that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to approve this agreement , ” said Todd Insler , chairman of the union ’ s United Airlines council .
The agreement was ratified by about 58 % of the pilots who voted on it .
The United deal is the latest between airlines , which are cutting costs sharply during the pandemic downturn in travel , and their labor unions , which seek to save as many jobs as they can .
11:54 a.m .
Taste of Pilsen goes on despite coronavirus with a focus on ‘ to-go ’ Foodies will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Pilsen on Tuesday to enjoy samples of signature dishes in nearly two dozen restaurants .
¡Buen Provecho !
Taste of Pilsen , organized by the Economic Strategies Development Corporation , puts a spotlight on the eateries across the Southwest Side neighborhood .
Now in its 12th year , the event is intended to promote Pilsen ’ s culinary scene and drive foot traffic into restaurants people may not know exist .
But this year is unlike years past .
Chicago ’ s summer festival circuit has essentially been nonexistent due to restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis caused by the novel coronavirus .
But Becky Lopez , spokeswoman for the Economic Strategies Development Corporation , said they have been working with the participating restaurants to make sure Taste of Pilsen can go on safely .
A complete list of restaurants can be found on Economic Strategies Development Corporation ’ s website .
The event kicks off Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $ 25 , plus taxes and fees , and must be purchased online , in advance .
No tickets will be sold at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manny Ramos here .
11:28 a.m. Cubs finish regular season with no player testing positive for COVID-19 It didn ’ t seem plausible a few months ago as the world stopped amid the coronavirus pandemic , but somehow MLB completed its 60-game season .
The wild regular season had a its fair share of rocky moments as both the Marlins and Cardinals dealt with outbreaks , but as the season progressed , the idea that it could finish became reality .
“ I think getting to this point , completing 60 games in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real accomplishment and a lot of people have a lot to be proud of , ” president Theo Epstein said .
“ There certainly was uncertainty and some trepidation as we started and concern for everybody ’ s well-being .
“ I think we all wanted to play baseball , but no one wanted to do so if it meant sacrificing the health and safety of everyone associated with the game — players , staff , fans , etc .
So the fact that it hasn ’ t been perfect , nothing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through this season means a lot.
” Read the full story from Russell Dorsey here .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker declared Aug. 29 a “ solemn day ” after Illinois health officials reported more than 8,000 people had succumbed to the coronavirus .
Nearly a month later , the state reached another troubling milestone .
Illinois ’ coronavirus death toll surpassed 8,600 on Sunday , with state health officials announcing an additional 14 deaths .
Perhaps even more concerning is should the state ’ s average daily death toll continue , Illinois could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the respiratory virus by the end of this year .
This month , Illinois is averaging about 21 coronavirus-related deaths each day — up from the roughly 17 fatalities the state averaged in August .
Should that current average continue , Illinois is on track for more than 10,500 deaths by Dec. 31 , 2020 .
Sunday ’ s fatalities — half of which were reported in Cook County — brings the state ’ s total 8,601 deaths .
Almost 45 % of those deaths occurred to people 80 years of age or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madeline Kenney here .
• Illinois ’ coronavirus death toll surpassed 8,600 on Sunday after Illinois state officials announced 14 more deaths due to the virus .
• The state ’ s test positivity rate — the number used to gauge how quickly the virus is spreading — rose to 3.7 % Sunday after the latest batch of 50,822 tests were reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
9:33 a.m .
Even before any second COVID wave , many Chicagoans are still in need from the first one The calls come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office on the Northwest Side from people who need help navigating the state bureaucracy .
They call about unemployment benefits , housing assistance and food stamps .
They call about utility bills , problems with state licenses and support for their small businesses .
Many of the callers these days are in tears , not knowing where to turn .
Some can ’ t pay the rent .
Others are worried about feeding their families .
Yet what ’ s striking to LaPointe ’ s chief of staff , Jessica Genova , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are , as if they ’ re feeling guilty about their predicament and needing help .
“ I ’ ve never done this before , ” they say .
It ’ s important to understand that the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic shocks have left many of our neighbors in crisis , facing financial strains they ’ ve never experienced .
With people isolated from each other to an even greater extent than normal , this isn ’ t always easy to see , especially for those lucky enough to still have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not been so fortunate , the disruption and pain are all too real , sometimes leading to an overwhelming sense of helplessness amid the uncertainty over when life will return to normal .
Read the full column from Mark Brown here .

The worldwide death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed 1 million, nine months into a crisis that has devastated the global economy, tested world leaders’ resolve, pitted science against politics and forced multitudes to change the way they live, learn and work, the Associated Press reported.
In Chicago, city officials announced restrictions on bars and restaurants would relax starting Thursday. Here’s what else made coronavirus headlines in the city and across the state.
News
8:53 p.m. Will CPS kids go back to schools this fall? Lightfoot says ‘we’re not there yet’
A teacher looks at her laptop at Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Academy of Social Justice in Englewood on the first day back to school, Tuesday morning, Sept. 8, 2020. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Public health conditions have not yet improved to a point that would allow Chicago Public Schools students to return to classrooms in November as officials have hoped, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday.
Despite the challenges remote learning poses for 300,000 students and 30,000 teachers and support staff, Lightfoot and CPS officials have said health will be the main priority in a decision to resume in-person learning.
“We have to see more progress in order for us, I think, to have a conversation about in-person learning,” the mayor said at an afternoon news conference at which she announced an easing of restrictions on indoor seating at bars and restaurants. “We’re not there yet.”
“I don’t want to speculate about the chances. It’s something we are focused on every single day, and we’ll make an announcement relatively soon because we’ve got to give parents and the school community enough time to adapt if we’re going to make a change. But we’re not there yet.”
Reporter Nader Issa has the full story.
6:40 p.m. Thousands of suburban students going back to school after starting fully remote
Students keep social distance as they walk to their classroom at Oak Terrace Elementary School in Highwood, Ill., part of the North Shore school district, on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. AP
Some suburban Chicago school districts that started the year in full remote learning because of the coronavirus are moving to bring students back to classrooms as early as this week with health protocols in place and contingency plans set for potential COVID-19 outbreaks.
Many working parents have struggled to balance their jobs with their children’s at-home education and have called for a return to classrooms, while many have also said they don’t feel safe sending their kids back to school with a volatile COVID-19 still around.
Suburban school workers and their unions have at times fought their districts, as the Chicago Teachers Union has with Chicago Public Schools, against a return to school because of the health concerns brought on by putting children and teachers together in enclosed spaces during a pandemic.
With those factors in mind, Community Consolidated School District 15 in the northwest suburbs, the second largest elementary district in Illinois with 20 elementary and middle schools serving about 12,300 students in seven zip codes, has started a phased-in return to schools a month into remote learning.
Superintendent Laurie Heinz laid out a plan earlier this month, starting with kindergarten and some special education students going back this week, and first and second graders returning to classrooms Monday. Third and fourth graders are set to go back Oct. 5, and grades five through eight will be in school Oct. 13, if all goes according to plan. Students who opt to continue remote learning will be allowed to do so.
Read the full story from Nader Issa here.
4:54 p.m. N95 mask shortage scares health care workers ahead of projected COVID-19 spike
When Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital needed more nurses to care for COVID-19 patients amid a surge in infections in April, Beverly Miles jumped at the opportunity.
Her first night on the job, the nurse and Army veteran who normally worked an administrative job in the suburban veterans hospital, looked for N95 respirators that add extra safeguards for health care workers exposed to the virus. Whatever masks were available, they were locked up, she said.
“There were no N95 masks at all,” she said.
A week later, she had a cough. Shortly after working with coronavirus patients, Miles became infected with COVID-19 and was off work for four months. Now she’s back on the job part time and suffers from chronic pain, she said.
Her experience may have been different, she believes, had she been provided an N95 mask, a highly effective, low-cost piece of protection that is still hard to attain due to a national supply shortage. These respirators have been at the center of tensions between health care providers and their hospital employers who say they’re doing the best they can to obtain and build ample supplies.
Reporter Brett Chase has the full story.
2:39 p.m. United Airlines, pilots reach deal to avoid furloughs
United Airlines and its pilots have reached an agreement that both sides say will avoid about 2,850 furloughs that were set to take effect later this week and another 1,000 early next year.
The Air Line Pilots Association said Monday the deal will allow United to spread a reduced amount of flying across the airline’s 13,000 pilots to save jobs at least until next June.
“Our members understood that in order to protect pilot jobs, we needed to approve this agreement,” said Todd Insler, chairman of the union’s United Airlines council.
The agreement was ratified by about 58% of the pilots who voted on it.
The United deal is the latest between airlines, which are cutting costs sharply during the pandemic downturn in travel, and their labor unions, which seek to save as many jobs as they can.
Read the full report here.
11:54 a.m. Taste of Pilsen goes on despite coronavirus with a focus on ‘to-go’
Foodies will have the chance to hit the streets of Pilsen on Tuesday to enjoy samples of signature dishes in nearly two dozen restaurants.
¡Buen Provecho! Taste of Pilsen, organized by the Economic Strategies Development Corporation, puts a spotlight on the eateries across the Southwest Side neighborhood. Now in its 12th year, the event is intended to promote Pilsen’s culinary scene and drive foot traffic into restaurants people may not know exist.
But this year is unlike years past.
Chicago’s summer festival circuit has essentially been nonexistent due to restrictions on mass gatherings during the public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus.
But Becky Lopez, spokeswoman for the Economic Strategies Development Corporation, said they have been working with the participating restaurants to make sure Taste of Pilsen can go on safely.
A complete list of restaurants can be found on Economic Strategies Development Corporation’s website. The event kicks off Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25, plus taxes and fees, and must be purchased online, in advance. No tickets will be sold at the event.
Read the full story from Manny Ramos here.
11:28 a.m. Cubs finish regular season with no player testing positive for COVID-19
It didn’t seem plausible a few months ago as the world stopped amid the coronavirus pandemic, but somehow MLB completed its 60-game season.
The wild regular season had a its fair share of rocky moments as both the Marlins and Cardinals dealt with outbreaks, but as the season progressed, the idea that it could finish became reality.
“I think getting to this point, completing 60 games in the middle of a pandemic is a real accomplishment and a lot of people have a lot to be proud of,” president Theo Epstein said. “There certainly was uncertainty and some trepidation as we started and concern for everybody’s well-being.
“I think we all wanted to play baseball, but no one wanted to do so if it meant sacrificing the health and safety of everyone associated with the game — players, staff, fans, etc. So the fact that it hasn’t been perfect, nothing in 2020 has been perfect, but getting through this season means a lot.”
Read the full story from Russell Dorsey here.
9:41 a.m. Illinois’ coronavirus-related death toll surpasses 8,600
Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared Aug. 29 a “solemn day” after Illinois health officials reported more than 8,000 people had succumbed to the coronavirus.
Nearly a month later, the state reached another troubling milestone.
Illinois’ coronavirus death toll surpassed 8,600 on Sunday, with state health officials announcing an additional 14 deaths.
Perhaps even more concerning is should the state’s average daily death toll continue, Illinois could see more than 10,000 people die of the respiratory virus by the end of this year.
This month, Illinois is averaging about 21 coronavirus-related deaths each day — up from the roughly 17 fatalities the state averaged in August. Should that current average continue, Illinois is on track for more than 10,500 deaths by Dec. 31, 2020.
Sunday’s fatalities — half of which were reported in Cook County — brings the state’s total 8,601 deaths. Almost 45% of those deaths occurred to people 80 years of age or older.
Read the full story from Madeline Kenney here.
New Cases
Illinois’ coronavirus death toll surpassed 8,600 on Sunday after Illinois state officials announced 14 more deaths due to the virus.
The state’s test positivity rate — the number used to gauge how quickly the virus is spreading — rose to 3.7 % Sunday after the latest batch of 50,822 tests were reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Analysis & Commentary
9:33 a.m. Even before any second COVID wave, many Chicagoans are still in need from the first one
The calls come daily to state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe’s office on the Northwest Side from people who need help navigating the state bureaucracy.
They call about unemployment benefits, housing assistance and food stamps. They call about utility bills, problems with state licenses and support for their small businesses.
Many of the callers these days are in tears, not knowing where to turn. Some can’t pay the rent. Others are worried about feeding their families.
Yet what’s striking to LaPointe’s chief of staff, Jessica Genova, is how apologetic many of the callers are, as if they’re feeling guilty about their predicament and needing help.
“I’ve never done this before,” they say.
It’s important to understand that the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic shocks have left many of our neighbors in crisis, facing financial strains they’ve never experienced.
With people isolated from each other to an even greater extent than normal, this isn’t always easy to see, especially for those lucky enough to still have their jobs.
But for those who have not been so fortunate, the disruption and pain are all too real, sometimes leading to an overwhelming sense of helplessness amid the uncertainty over when life will return to normal.
Read the full column from Mark Brown here.