chicagosun-times--2020-10-10--Public health officials announce 2,905 new COVID-19 cases statewide (LIVE UPDATES)

Illinois ’ positivity rate creeps back up to 4 % with latest 2,905 coronavirus infections Illinois ’ average coronavirus testing positivity rate rose to 4 % for the first time in a month on Saturday as public health officials announced 2,905 more people have contracted the virus statewide .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported 31 more deaths were attributed to COVID-19 , raising the state ’ s death toll to 8,975 .
Illinois has recorded some of its highest daily case totals of the entire seven-month pandemic over the last week , due mostly to the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
The latest cases were confirmed among 66,256 tests , while on average more than 55,000 tests have been administered daily statewide over the last month — almost triple the testing rate during the worst days of the pandemic in May .
A new White House coronavirus aid offer got bad reviews from both ends of the political spectrum on Saturday .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , rejected the most generous Trump administration plan to date as “ one step forward , two steps back.
” The Republicans who control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a political loser for conservatives .
Pelosi said she is still hopeful that progress can be made toward a deal but it ’ s as clear as ever that GOP conservatives don ’ t want a deal on her terms .
Despite coach Matt Nagy harping on his players to wear masks and the NFL ratcheting up its coronavirus protocols with each passing week , it was foolish to believe the Bears could get through the regular season without at least one positive test .
Saturday , they put practice squad offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from LSU , on the NFL ’ s reserve/COVID-19 list .
The question now becomes : will he be the only one ?
Read the full story by Patrick Finley here .
The future of the Belmont Snack Shop is up in the air after a fierce fire engulfed the late-night diner and left behind only charred remnants of the Avondale staple .
Restaurant manager Nelson Rodriguez and his wife , who live in an apartment above the diner near Belmont and Kimball , were cooking dinner Thursday night around 7:50 p.m. when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rodriguez bolted downstairs to try to put out the grease fire , but he was too late .
After evacuating the restaurant , Rodriguez stood beside his wife watching the blaze and smoke destroy the diner that has been in his family for two generations .
Read the full story by Madeline Kenney here .
2:45 p.m. Trump makes first public appearance since his hospital stay WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Saturday made his first public appearance since returning to the White House after being treated for the coronavirus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is no longer contagious , and the gathering of hundreds of people on the South Lawn went ahead despite the guidance of public health officials .
Trump delivered an address on his support for law enforcement from Blue Room balcony to a friendly crowd .
The president wore a mask as he walked for the speech but took it off to make his remarks .
He received an enthusiastic response from his supporters .
“ I ’ m feeling great , ” said Trump , who said he was thankful for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump is also priming for a Florida rally on Monday .
Before the speech , White House officials said they had no information to release on whether the president was tested for COVID-19 , meaning he would make his first public appearance without the White House verifying that he ’ s no longer contagious .
1:42 p.m. Lake County flagged at COVID-19 warning level as 2,818 more test positive statewide Illinois ’ coronavirus testing positivity rate inched upward for a third consecutive day Friday as public health officials announced another hefty caseload @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
They were diagnosed among 71,599 tests submitted , raising the statewide average positivity rate over the last week to 3.8 % .
That number indicates how rapidly the virus is spreading — and that ’ s as high as it ’ s been in almost a month .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker warned this week that the state ’ s improvement from a midsummer resurgence has “ cooled down.
” And while over the last few months , the state ’ s COVID-19 problem areas have popped up well beyond the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and downstate — the Democratic governor ’ s health team singled out north suburban Lake County for being among 26 counties considered to be at a coronavirus “ warning level.
” A Bears practice squad player tested positive for coronavirus , according to ESPN ’ s Adam Schefter , and the team is is putting him through contact tracing .
Practice squad players are not allowed on the sidelines during games , which means the unnamed practice squad player probably did not have meaningful contact with his teammates on the active roster Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a team at Halas Hall on Friday , either .
Their schedule after the Buccaneers game had already featured a weekend off before the report of a positive test .
They won ’ t practice again in full until mid-afternoon Monday .
They are not set to practice Tuesday — a regular day off in their game-week schedule — and will practice Wednesday-Friday , as usual .
10:23 a.m. Men accused in plot on Michigan governor among armed protestors who rallied at the Michigan Capitol LANSING , Mich. — Among the armed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s coronavirus lockdown this past spring were some of the men now accused in stunning plots to kidnap her , storm the Capitol and start a “ civil war.
” The revelation has sparked scrutiny of rallies that were organized by conservative groups opposed to the Democratic governor ’ s orders and egged on by President Donald Trump .
It has also prompted renewed calls from Democrats for a gun ban in the building — an effort that so far has failed even after they reported feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Statehouse .
At least one man accused of aiding in the surveillance of Whitmer ’ s home as part of the alleged scheme to kidnap her stood in the Senate gallery on April 30 as majority Republicans refused to extend an emergency declaration that was the underpinning of Whitmer ’ s stay-at-home and other restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus .
Some lawmakers and staffers reported feeling intimidated .
“ Several ” of the 13 men arrested in the plots against the state government were seen at Capitol protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office said .
10:07 a.m. Cicero school district bringing staff back to buildings while remote learning continues More than 1,000 school employees in west suburban Cicero have been told to go back to their classrooms later this month even though the town ’ s COVID-19 test positivity rate ranks among the highest in the state .
Cicero Public School District 99 , the third-largest elementary system in Illinois , serves more than 11,270 students who have been learning remotely — and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started classes August 31 .
Teachers object to the Oct. 19 return date mandated by the district and want to continue teaching from home .
Rachel Esposito , president of the Cicero Council of the West Suburban Teachers Union , said the union ’ s stance is in-person teaching and learning shouldn ’ t resume until at least January due to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ The infection rate is way too high to start bringing people into the buildings , ” said Esposito , who teaches English language arts at Unity Junior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unsafe not only for staff members but for students as well .
And we feel that the positivity rate has to drop several percentage points and stay there at least for seven days before we start talking about bringing people back into the buildings .
We think it ’ s irresponsible to do that at this time.
” 7:24 a.m. Downstate Rep. Mike Bost , an Illinois Trump campaign chair , tests positive for COVID-19 Downstate Rep. Mike Bost announced Friday he ’ s tested positive for COVID-19 after coming down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapid loss of both taste and smell.
” The Republican congressman said in a statement that his public schedule is on hold and his meetings will go virtual as he isolates at home just a few weeks ahead of Election Day .
“ We are taking this situation seriously and will continue to serve the people of Southern Illinois while doing our best to ensure their health and safety , ” Bost said .
“ I will provide additional updates in the days ahead and am anxious to get back to work as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” • Public health officials reported 3,059 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Illinois on Thursday , the state ’ s biggest caseload since the initial peak of the pandemic nearly five months ago .
• The state last topped 3,000 daily coronavirus cases on May 14 , when 3,239 people were infected .
• The Illinois Department for Public Health reported more than 5,300 cases on Sept. 4 , but that bloated figure was the result of a three-day data processing backlog .
7:26 a.m. Take it from the best of American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is rare for scientists at the highest levels to take an overt stand on the politics of the day , knowing their professional credibility depends on remaining above the fray .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , most famously , is a case in point .
Fauci , the federal government ’ s top immunologist , has given his best expert advice on the COVID-19 pandemic while resisting the temptation — and he must feel tempted — to call out the failures of the Trump administration ’ s handling of the crisis .
When an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political stand , then , it carries all the more weight .
We all should listen closely .

On Satuday, the number of coronavirus cases in the state has continued to creep upward. Illinois has recorded some of its highest daily case totals of the entire seven-month pandemic over the last week, due mostly to the fact that more people are being tested per day.
The nation’s most high profile coronavirus patient received good news from his doctor. Navy Cmdr. Dr. Sean Conley said President Donald Trump meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for safely discontinuing isolation and that by “currently recognized standards” he is no longer considered a transmission risk.
Here’s what happened today in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
9 p.m. Illinois’ positivity rate creeps back up to 4% with latest 2,905 coronavirus infections
Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Illinois’ average coronavirus testing positivity rate rose to 4% for the first time in a month on Saturday as public health officials announced 2,905 more people have contracted the virus statewide.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported 31 more deaths were attributed to COVID-19, raising the state’s death toll to 8,975.
Illinois has recorded some of its highest daily case totals of the entire seven-month pandemic over the last week, due mostly to the fact that more people are being tested per day.
The latest cases were confirmed among 66,256 tests, while on average more than 55,000 tests have been administered daily statewide over the last month — almost triple the testing rate during the worst days of the pandemic in May.
Read the full story here.
8:30 p.m. Trump’s doctor says the president is no longer at risk of transmitting the coronavirus
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s doctor said Saturday the president is no longer at risk of transmitting the coronavirus.
In a memo, Navy Cmdr. Dr. Sean Conley says Trump meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for safely discontinuing isolation and that by “currently recognized standards” he is no longer considered a transmission risk.
Read the full story here.
7 p.m. White House coronavirus aid offer is panned by Pelosi, Senate GOP
A new White House coronavirus aid offer got bad reviews from both ends of the political spectrum on Saturday.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., rejected the most generous Trump administration plan to date as “one step forward, two steps back.” The Republicans who control the Senate dismissed it as too expensive and a political loser for conservatives.
Pelosi said she is still hopeful that progress can be made toward a deal but it’s as clear as ever that GOP conservatives don’t want a deal on her terms.
Read the full story here.
5:15 p.m. Bears put practice squad rookie Badara Traore on reserve/COVID-19 list
Despite coach Matt Nagy harping on his players to wear masks and the NFL ratcheting up its coronavirus protocols with each passing week, it was foolish to believe the Bears could get through the regular season without at least one positive test.
Saturday, they put practice squad offensive tackle Badara Traore, an undrafted rookie from LSU, on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list.
The question now becomes: will he be the only one?
Read the full story by Patrick Finley here.
4 p.m. Belmont Snack Shop’s future uncertain after coronavirus, devastating fire
The future of the Belmont Snack Shop is up in the air after a fierce fire engulfed the late-night diner and left behind only charred remnants of the Avondale staple.
Restaurant manager Nelson Rodriguez and his wife, who live in an apartment above the diner near Belmont and Kimball, were cooking dinner Thursday night around 7:50 p.m. when they spotted smoke rising outside their window.
Rodriguez bolted downstairs to try to put out the grease fire, but he was too late.
After evacuating the restaurant, Rodriguez stood beside his wife watching the blaze and smoke destroy the diner that has been in his family for two generations.
Read the full story by Madeline Kenney here.
2:45 p.m. Trump makes first public appearance since his hospital stay
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Saturday made his first public appearance since returning to the White House after being treated for the coronavirus. The White House has refused to declare that he is no longer contagious, and the gathering of hundreds of people on the South Lawn went ahead despite the guidance of public health officials.
Trump delivered an address on his support for law enforcement from Blue Room balcony to a friendly crowd. The president wore a mask as he walked for the speech but took it off to make his remarks. He received an enthusiastic response from his supporters.
“I’m feeling great,” said Trump, who said he was thankful for their good wishes and prayers as he recovered.
Trump is also priming for a Florida rally on Monday.
Before the speech, White House officials said they had no information to release on whether the president was tested for COVID-19, meaning he would make his first public appearance without the White House verifying that he’s no longer contagious.
Read the full story here.
1:42 p.m. Lake County flagged at COVID-19 warning level as 2,818 more test positive statewide
Illinois’ coronavirus testing positivity rate inched upward for a third consecutive day Friday as public health officials announced another hefty caseload of 2,818 more people testing positive for COVID-19.
They were diagnosed among 71,599 tests submitted, raising the statewide average positivity rate over the last week to 3.8%. That number indicates how rapidly the virus is spreading — and that’s as high as it’s been in almost a month.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned this week that the state’s improvement from a midsummer resurgence has “cooled down.”
And while over the last few months, the state’s COVID-19 problem areas have popped up well beyond the Chicago area — mostly in central Illinois and downstate — the Democratic governor’s health team singled out north suburban Lake County for being among 26 counties considered to be at a coronavirus “warning level.”
Reporter Mitch Armentrout has the full story.
11:56 a.m. Bears practice-squad player tests positive for COVID-19: report
A Bears practice squad player tested positive for coronavirus, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and the team is is putting him through contact tracing.
Practice squad players are not allowed on the sidelines during games, which means the unnamed practice squad player probably did not have meaningful contact with his teammates on the active roster Thursday night. The Bears did not gather as a team at Halas Hall on Friday, either.
Their schedule after the Buccaneers game had already featured a weekend off before the report of a positive test. They won’t practice again in full until mid-afternoon Monday. They are not set to practice Tuesday — a regular day off in their game-week schedule — and will practice Wednesday-Friday, as usual.
Read the full story here.
10:23 a.m. Men accused in plot on Michigan governor among armed protestors who rallied at the Michigan Capitol
LANSING, Mich. — Among the armed protesters who rallied at the Michigan Capitol against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus lockdown this past spring were some of the men now accused in stunning plots to kidnap her, storm the Capitol and start a “civil war.”
The revelation has sparked scrutiny of rallies that were organized by conservative groups opposed to the Democratic governor’s orders and egged on by President Donald Trump. It has also prompted renewed calls from Democrats for a gun ban in the building — an effort that so far has failed even after they reported feeling threatened by rifle-carrying men who entered the Statehouse.
At least one man accused of aiding in the surveillance of Whitmer’s home as part of the alleged scheme to kidnap her stood in the Senate gallery on April 30 as majority Republicans refused to extend an emergency declaration that was the underpinning of Whitmer’s stay-at-home and other restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Some lawmakers and staffers reported feeling intimidated. “Several” of the 13 men arrested in the plots against the state government were seen at Capitol protests this year, the state attorney general’s office said.
Read the full story here.
10:07 a.m. Cicero school district bringing staff back to buildings while remote learning continues
More than 1,000 school employees in west suburban Cicero have been told to go back to their classrooms later this month even though the town’s COVID-19 test positivity rate ranks among the highest in the state.
Cicero Public School District 99, the third-largest elementary system in Illinois, serves more than 11,270 students who have been learning remotely — and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future — since the district’s 16 schools started classes August 31.
Teachers object to the Oct. 19 return date mandated by the district and want to continue teaching from home. Rachel Esposito, president of the Cicero Council of the West Suburban Teachers Union, said the union’s stance is in-person teaching and learning shouldn’t resume until at least January due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The infection rate is way too high to start bringing people into the buildings,” said Esposito, who teaches English language arts at Unity Junior High School.
“We feel it’s unsafe not only for staff members but for students as well. And we feel that the positivity rate has to drop several percentage points and stay there at least for seven days before we start talking about bringing people back into the buildings. We think it’s irresponsible to do that at this time.”
Read the full story here.
7:24 a.m. Downstate Rep. Mike Bost, an Illinois Trump campaign chair, tests positive for COVID-19
Downstate Rep. Mike Bost announced Friday he’s tested positive for COVID-19 after coming down with “a mild cough and a rapid loss of both taste and smell.”
The Republican congressman said in a statement that his public schedule is on hold and his meetings will go virtual as he isolates at home just a few weeks ahead of Election Day.
“We are taking this situation seriously and will continue to serve the people of Southern Illinois while doing our best to ensure their health and safety,” Bost said. “I will provide additional updates in the days ahead and am anxious to get back to work as soon as I make a full recovery.”
Read the full story here.
New cases
Public health officials reported 3,059 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Illinois on Thursday, the state’s biggest caseload since the initial peak of the pandemic nearly five months ago.
The state last topped 3,000 daily coronavirus cases on May 14, when 3,239 people were infected.
The Illinois Department for Public Health reported more than 5,300 cases on Sept. 4, but that bloated figure was the result of a three-day data processing backlog.
Analysis & Commentary
7:26 a.m. Take it from the best of American medicine: Donald Trump must go
It is rare for scientists at the highest levels to take an overt stand on the politics of the day, knowing their professional credibility depends on remaining above the fray.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, most famously, is a case in point. Fauci, the federal government’s top immunologist, has given his best expert advice on the COVID-19 pandemic while resisting the temptation — and he must feel tempted — to call out the failures of the Trump administration’s handling of the crisis.
When an authority of such stature does take a political stand, then, it carries all the more weight. We all should listen closely.
Read the full editorial here.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-10--Blackhawks trade Brandon Saad to Avalanche, but return does little to aid rebuild

After just two days , the light has turned from green to yellow on the Blackhawks ’ rebuild .
The Hawks dealt Brandon Saad to the Avalanche on Saturday , moving the man long considered their most viable and valuable trade chip .
But the return in the trade , while not awful in a vacuum , makes little sense in the context of general manager Stan Bowman ’ s supposed “ philosophical ” new plan for the future — a plan announced just two days prior .
The official trade , a blockbuster by any definition , sent Saad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in exchange for NHL defenseman Nikita Zadorov and AHL defenseman Anton Lindholm .
The Hawks retained $ 1 million of Saad ’ s $ 6 million cap hit for the upcoming final season of his contract , and signed Zadorov — who had been a restricted free agent — to a one-year , $ 3.2 million new contract .
On the surface , the trade looks better for the Avs than for the Hawks , but at least it ’ s not grossly imbalanced .
Zadorov , 25 , has used his towering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as one of the more physically imposing defensemen in the league .
He doesn ’ t chip in a lot of offense — he tallied 13 points in 64 games last season — and his analytics in the offensive zone look even worse than his point total .
He is solid in his own zone , though , and that is what this porous Hawks defense theoretically needed .
Saad ’ s ability to drive the play and control the puck in all three zones makes him a valuable forward in the modern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be desired , and he ’ s never attained the superstardom many once envisioned , but he ’ s a consistent top-six wing .
All told , he ’ s a marginally better player than Zadorov .
The Gilbert and Lindholm portion of the swap is essentially a wash ; they ’ re both depth defensemen who can hold their own in spot duty yet boast little upside .
In terms of advancing the Hawks further along their new path , however , the trade looks far worse than it does on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Saad and Zadorov — about two and half years — and the equally slight $ 1.8 million of extra cap space this swap creates for the Hawks will hardly make a difference in the rebuild .
The assets Bowman could ’ ve gotten had he pursued a different type of trade involving Saad — potentially a first-round pick , or an A-grade prospect , or a second-round pick and B-grade prospect combo — would ’ ve conversely made a very substantial difference in the rebuild .
This type of deal is nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments Thursday when announcing Corey Crawford ’ s departure .
“ A lot of teams are focusing on looking for young players who can take that next step and play a bigger role , ” Bowman said at one point .
“ That ’ s really more the direction that we ’ re headed.
” “ When you look at young players , you have to give them the opportunity , you have to guide them , give them feedback , ” he said at another .
“ There are going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea is we ’ re going to get more out of them as we go along.
” Instead , the Hawks ’ easiest-to-move trade chip is now gone , no promising new young players have been added to the organization , and one of the defensive roster spots penciled in for the likes of Ian Mitchell , Lucas Carlsson , Wyatt Kalynuk and Nicolas Beaudin has been filled by Zadorov , a player already in his prime .
Bowman probably isn ’ t done with offseason moves , and trades involving Calvin de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still clear up the defensive logjam .
But after Saturday ’ s swap , it ’ s suddenly become difficult to make sense of his plan .

After only two days, the light has turned from green to yellow on the Blackhawks’ rebuild.
The Hawks dealt wing Brandon Saad to the Avalanche on Saturday, moving the man long considered their most viable and valuable trade chip.
But the return they received, while not bad in a vacuum, makes little sense in the context of the supposed ‘‘philosophical’’ new plan for the future general manager Stan Bowman laid out Thursday.
The official trade sent Saad and American Hockey League defenseman Dennis Gilbert to the Avalanche for defenseman Nikita Zadorov and AHL defenseman Anton Lindholm.
The Hawks retained $1 million of Saad’s $6 million cap hit for the upcoming final season of his contract and signed Zadorov, who had been a restricted free agent, to a new one-year, $3.2 million contract.
On the surface, the trade looks better for the Avalanche than it does for the Hawks, but at least it’s not grossly imbalanced.
Zadorov, 25, has used his towering 6-6, 235-pound frame to establish himself as one of the more physically imposing defensemen in the league. He doesn’t chip in a lot of offense (13 points in 64 games last season), and his analytics in the offensive zone look even worse than his point total. But he is solid in his own zone, and that is what the Hawks’ porous defense theoretically needs.
Saad’s ability to drive the play and control the puck in all three zones makes him a valuable commodity in the possession-obsessed NHL. His finishing leaves something to be desired and he hasn’t attained the superstardom many once envisioned, but he’s a consistent top-six wing.
The Gilbert and Lindholm portion of the swap is essentially a wash. They’re both depth defensemen who can hold their own in spot duty but have little upside.
Towering defenseman Nikita Zadorov is the key piece of the return for the Blackhawks. Getty
In terms of advancing the Hawks along their new path, however, the trade looks far worse than it does on the surface.
The slight age difference between Saad and Zadorov — about 2.5 years — and the equally slight $1.8 million of extra cap space this trade creates for the Hawks hardly will make a difference in the rebuild.
Conversely, the assets Bowman could have gotten had he pursued a different type of trade involving Saad — potentially a first-round pick; an A-grade prospect; or a combination of a second-round pick and a B-grade prospect — would have made a substantial difference in the rebuild.
This type of deal is nearly impossible to reconcile with comments Bowman made Thursday when announcing goalie Corey Crawford’s departure.
‘‘A lot of teams are focusing on looking for young players who can take that next step and play a bigger role,’’ Bowman said at one point. ‘‘That’s really more the direction that we’re headed.’’
At another point, he said: ‘‘When you look at young players, you have to give them the opportunity, you have to guide them, give them feedback. There are going to be bumps in the road, but the idea is we’re going to get more out of them as we go along.’’
Instead, the Hawks’ easiest-to-move trade chip is gone, no promising young players have been added to the organization and one of the roster spots on defense penciled in for Ian Mitchell, Lucas Carlsson, Wyatt Kalynuk and Nicolas Beaudin has been filled by Zadorov, a player already in his prime.
Bowman probably isn’t done with his offseason moves, and trades involving Calvin de Haan, Connor Murphy or others still could clear up the defensive logjam. But after Saturday, it suddenly has become difficult to make sense of Bowman’s plan.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-10--This You Gotta See: ALCS, NLCS and a LeBron James-Jimmy Butler NBA Finals crescendo

What ’ s that ?
There ’ s a big shot to be taken , you say ?
LeBron James will pass .
Because he ’ s , you know , soft .
Not a “ killer.
” Like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant , minus the last-second-dagger gene .
The same old yoyos were out after Game 5 of the NBA Finals , criticizing James for passing the ball with his Lakers down a point in the closing moments of a 111-108 defeat against the Heat .
Forget that James — who ’ d scored 40 points in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over him .
Forget that there wasn ’ t a Heat player in the same area code as Danny Green , an outstanding shooter .
Forget that it ’ s James ’ 10th Finals .
Forget his career record of 38-11 in closeout games .
Those things don ’ t matter , because your big-talking Uncle Earl would ’ ve drained the winning bucket even with an army guarding him .
Let ’ s just move on to Sunday ’ s Game 6 , shall we ?
The Lakers still have a 3-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth ring and Anthony Davis his first .
On the other side : sudden triple-double machine Jimmy Butler — remember him ?
— who went off with 35 points , 12 rebounds and 11 assists in Game 5 .
If the Heat win again in Game 6 , Butler might have to be Finals MVP no matter what happens in Game 7 .
“ I like our chances , ” he said .
What use would the Bulls have for a player — and an attitude — like that , anyway ?
Wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as good at anything as Rafael Nadal is at this ?
He goes for his 13th title at Roland-Garros against top-seeded Novak Djokovic , who leads the overall head-to-head rivalry 29-26 .
Come for the Patrick Mahomes Show , stay for the race between polar-opposite coaches .
Which happens first , Jon Gruden ’ s head exploding off his shoulders or Andy Reid making any facial expression whatsoever ?
Anthony Davis averaged 33 points and 20.5 shot attempts in Games 1 and 2 , both Lakers victories , but since then he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superhero capes don ’ t wear themselves .
The Astros qualified for the playoffs with a record of 29-31 , yet they ’ ve already taken out division winners Minnesota and Oakland .
You really have to tip your garbage-can lids to them for a job well done .
Drop this one to the heavily favored hosts and the Vikings will find themselves at a miserable 1-4 .
As opposed to a delighted 1-4 , we suppose .
The 2-2 Pats are in danger of falling below .500 after five games for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And what became of the team that season ?
Some flash in the pan named Tom Brady took over at QB and , yada yada , there was confetti .
The Braves are 5-0 in the playoffs , with a run differential of plus-17 .
The Dodgers are 5-0 in the playoffs , with a run differential of plus-19 .
Upshot : Man , these guys are lucky to be here .
San Diego rookie quarterback Justin Herbert is 0-3 as a starter .
New Orleans ’ Drew Brees has a slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ re calling our shot : Upset .
A COVID-19 outbreak threw the Titans ’ season for a loop after a 3-0 start .
The Bills come in at 4-0 , making a strange situation — an NFL Tuesday , really ?
— strangely appealing .
Heat vs. Lakers , Game 7 ( if necessary , 8 p.m. , Ch .
7 ) Impartial journalists over here , but we won ’ t lie to you — we ’ re hoping it ’ s necessary .
Mookie Betts , Corey Seager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cody Bellinger — a lineup with that kind of quality in it isn ’ t supposed to lose to anybody .
Then again , Ronald Acuna Jr. , Freddie Freeman and Marcell Ozuna aren ’ t just anybody .
If you ’ re a fan of spikes-up soccer , this one ’ s for you ; both teams are near the top of the MLS in fouls committed .
Have some dip with that chippiness .
Have we mentioned that the Astros cheated ?
Look , it ’ s either that or make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metal ” reference .
These Premier League rivals and neighbors can literally see each other ’ s stadiums from across a Liverpool park .
If you think anything ’ s cooler than the Merseyside Derby , you just plain don ’ t know football .
The schools are 1-1 head-to-head , with the Cardinals winning on the road in 2014 and the Irish winning on the road a year ago .
OK , so this one doesn ’ t exactly ooze history .
No big deal , just a couple of blue bloods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implications galore .
And to think the Big Ten hasn ’ t even started playing yet .

What’s that? There’s a big shot to be taken, you say? LeBron James will pass.
Because he’s, you know, soft. Not a “killer.” Like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, minus the last-second-dagger gene.
Insert massive eye roll here.
The same old yo-yos were out after Game 5 of the NBA Finals, criticizing James for passing the ball with his Lakers down a point in the closing moments of a 111-108 loss to the Heat.
Forget that James — who’d scored 40 points in the game — had two defenders draped all over him. Forget that there wasn’t a Heat player in the same area code as Danny Green, an outstanding shooter. Forget that it’s James’ 10th Finals. Forget his career record of 38-11 in close-out games.
Those things don’t matter because your big-talking Uncle Earl would’ve drained the winning bucket even with an army guarding him.
Let’s just move on to Sunday’s Game 6, shall we?
The Lakers still have a 3-2 series lead, with James seeking his fourth ring and Anthony Davis his first. On the other side: sudden triple-double machine Jimmy Butler — remember him? — who went off with 35 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in Game 5.
If the Heat win again in Game 6, Butler might have to be Finals MVP no matter what happens in Game 7.
“I like our chances,” he said.
What use would the Bulls have for a player — and an attitude — like that, anyway?
Here’s what’s happening:
SUN 11
French Open men’s final (8 a.m., Ch. 5)
Wouldn’t it be nice to be as good at anything as Rafael Nadal is at this? He goes for his 13th title at Roland Garros against top-seeded Novak Djokovic, who leads the overall head-to-head rivalry 29-26.
Raiders at Chiefs (noon, Ch. 2)
Come for the Patrick Mahomes Show, stay for the race between polar-opposite coaches. Which happens first, Jon Gruden’s head exploding off his shoulders or Andy Reid making any facial expression whatsoever?
Lakers vs. Heat, Game 6 (6:30 p.m., Ch. 7)
Anthony Davis averaged 33 points and 20.5 shots in Games 1 and 2, both Lakers victories, but since then he has sagged to 21.7 and 13.3. Those superhero capes don’t wear themselves.
Astros vs. Rays, Game 1 (6:30 p.m., TBS)
The Astros qualified for the playoffs with a record of 29-31, yet they’ve already taken out division winners Minnesota and Oakland. You really have to tip your garbage-can lids to them for a job well done.
Vikings at Seahawks (7:20 p.m., Ch. 5)
Drop this one to the heavily favored hosts, and the Vikings will find themselves at a miserable 1-4. As opposed to a delighted 1-4, we suppose.
MON 12
Broncos at Patriots (4 p.m., ESPN)
The 2-2 Pats are in danger of falling below .500 after five games for the first time since way back in 2001. And what became of the team that season? Some flash in the pan named Tom Brady took over at QB and, yada yada, there was confetti.
Braves vs. Dodgers, Game 1 (7 p.m., Fox-32)
Mookie Betts and the Dodgers are crushing postseason life. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
The Braves are 5-0 in the playoffs, with a run differential of plus-17. The Dodgers are 5-0 in the playoffs, with a run differential of plus-19. Upshot: Man, these guys are lucky to be here.
Chargers at Saints (7:15 p.m., ESPN)
Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert is 0-3 as a starter. New Orleans’ Drew Brees has a slightly better career mark than that. Still, we’re calling our shot: upset.
TUE 13
Bills at Titans (6 p.m., Ch. 2)
A COVID-19 outbreak threw the Titans’ season for a loop after a 3-0 start. The Bills come in at 4-0, making a strange situation — an NFL Tuesday, really? — strangely appealing.
Heat vs. Lakers, Game 7 (if necessary, 8 p.m., Ch. 7)
Impartial journalists over here, but we won’t lie to you — we’re hoping it’s necessary.
WED 14
Dodgers vs. Braves, Game 3 (time TBD, FS1 or Fox-32)
Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Max Muncy, Cody Bellinger — a lineup with that kind of quality in it isn’t supposed to lose to anybody. Then again, Ronald Acuna Jr., Freddie Freeman and Marcell Ozuna aren’t just anybody.
Fire at Minnesota United (7 p.m., Ch. 9)
If you’re a fan of spikes-up soccer, this one’s for you; both teams are near the top of MLS in fouls committed. Have some dip with that chippiness.
Rays vs. Astros, Game 4 (time TBD, TBS)
Have we mentioned that the Astros cheated? Look, it’s either that or make another tired Rob Manfred “hunk of metal” reference.
SAT 17
Liverpool at Everton (6:30 a.m., Ch. 5)
Gylfi Sigurdsson and Everton are a top-of-the-table 4-0-0. Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
These Premier League rivals and neighbors can literally see each other’s stadiums from across a Liverpool park. If you think anything’s cooler than the Merseyside Derby, you just plain don’t know football.
Louisville at Notre Dame (1:30 p.m., Ch. 5)
The schools are 1-1 head-to-head, with the Cardinals winning on the road in 2014 and the Irish winning on the road a year ago. OK, so this one doesn’t exactly ooze history.
Georgia at Alabama (7 p.m., Ch. 2)
No big deal, just a couple of blue bloods going at it with conference-championship and playoff implications galore. And to think the Big Ten hasn’t even started playing yet.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-10--Chicago woman wasn’t allowed to board Southwest plane until she covered up ‘lewd’ top

A Chicago woman accused Southwest Airlines of “ policing ” her sartorial choices this week after an airline employee temporarily barred her from boarding a plane for wearing a “ lewd ” top .
In a series of tweets Tuesday , Kayla Eubanks said she was trying to board her flight from New York ’ s LaGuardia Airport to Midway Airport when she was stopped at the gate for wearing an outfit that an employee decided was “ lewd , obscene and offensive.
” The airline ’ s employees then told Eubanks she needed to cover up if she wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video Eubanks posted to Twitter .
“ I really wan na know why @ SouthwestAir is policing my clothes like this , ” Eubanks tweeted .
“ How will my shirt impact my flight , for myself , the other passengers or even the pilot ?
Y ’ all have a dress code for CUSTOMERS who pay to get on the plane ?
It ’ s the constant policing of women ’ s bodies for me.
” Eubanks said airline employees told her “ that passengers may look at me in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared a photo of her outfit which showed her wearing a black , low-cut halter top , red maxi skirt and black converse .
Moments later , the flight ’ s captain met with Eubanks at the gate .
“ They ’ re hating on you because you ’ re looking good , is that right ?
” the captain can be heard saying in a video Eubanks posted .
In the video shared on Twitter , the captain said he wasn ’ t aware of the dress code policy for customers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his T-shirts .
Eubanks obliged and wore the pilot ’ s shirt so she could board the plane .
While en route to Chicago , however , she took it off .
When the plane landed at Midway , Eubanks was met by two Southwest Airlines supervisors to discuss her outfit , she tweeted .
One employee said her top “ reveals quite a bit.
” Another asked if she was wearing a swimsuit top .
Eubanks was told that if she wore a similar outfit next time she flew , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight .
Southwest Airlines on Saturday confirmed the incident happened before Eubanks boarded the flight .
The company also shared its customer policy in its “ Contract of Carriage , ” which prohibits clothing attire that ’ s considered “ lewd , obscene or patently offensive.
” “ Our Employees discreetly notified the Passenger of this clothing policy and attempted to resolve the conversation before boarding , ” the statement said .
“ She boarded her scheduled flight to Chicago .
We also directly reached out to her to refund her fare as @ @ @ @ @ @

A Chicago woman accused Southwest Airlines of “policing” her sartorial choices this week after an airline employee temporarily barred her from boarding a plane for wearing a “lewd” top.
In a series of tweets Tuesday, Kayla Eubanks said she was trying to board her flight from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Midway Airport when she was stopped at the gate for wearing an outfit that an employee decided was “lewd, obscene and offensive.”
The airline’s employees then told Eubanks she needed to cover up if she wanted to board the flight, according to a video Eubanks posted to Twitter.
“I really wanna know why @SouthwestAir is policing my clothes like this,” Eubanks tweeted. “How will my shirt impact my flight, for myself, the other passengers or even the pilot? Y’all have a dress code for CUSTOMERS who pay to get on the plane? It’s the constant policing of women’s bodies for me.”
Eubanks said airline employees told her “that passengers may look at me in my attire and be offended.” She then shared a photo of her outfit which showed her wearing a black, low-cut halter top, red maxi skirt and black converse.
Y’all I was KICKED OFF my @SouthwestAir flight because my boobs are “lewd, obscene and offensive.” I was told that passengers may look at me in my attire and be offended. The attire in question: https://t.co/tOAxZsFDU5 pic.twitter.com/S9W9gFXpg6 — Kayla Eubanks (@UziSuzy) October 6, 2020
Moments later, the flight’s captain met with Eubanks at the gate.
“They’re hating on you because you’re looking good, is that right?” the captain can be heard saying in a video Eubanks posted.
In the video shared on Twitter, the captain said he wasn’t aware of the dress code policy for customers. He then offered to loan her one of his T-shirts.
Eubanks obliged and wore the pilot’s shirt so she could board the plane. While en route to Chicago, however, she took it off.
When the plane landed at Midway, Eubanks was met by two Southwest Airlines supervisors to discuss her outfit, she tweeted. One employee said her top “reveals quite a bit.” Another asked if she was wearing a swimsuit top.
Eubanks was told that if she wore a similar outfit next time she flew, she wouldn’t be allowed on the flight.
Southwest Airlines on Saturday confirmed the incident happened before Eubanks boarded the flight. The company also shared its customer policy in its “Contract of Carriage,” which prohibits clothing attire that’s considered “lewd, obscene or patently offensive.”
“Our Employees discreetly notified the Passenger of this clothing policy and attempted to resolve the conversation before boarding,” the statement said. “She boarded her scheduled flight to Chicago. We also directly reached out to her to refund her fare as a gesture of goodwill.”
Eubanks couldn’t be reached for comment Saturday.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-10--DCFS overhauls web reporting system for allegations of child abuse, neglect

After the coronavirus shutdown prompted a severe drop-off in calls , state child welfare authorities say they ’ re receiving more timely reports of abuse and neglect allegations thanks in part to a revamped online reporting system .
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services rolled out an updated website last month that ’ s optimized for mobile phones , making it easier for residents and “ mandated reporters ” like teachers and police officers to notify the agency when they think a child could be in a danger .
That ’ s critical as many teachers gain a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students ’ homes with the prevalence of e-learning during the pandemic , according to Monico Whittington-Eskridge , the agency ’ s deputy director and chief learning officer .
“ We believe that having this new platform will make it even easier and convenient for teachers and school personnel , throughout their working day , to make the call , ” Whittington-Eskridge said Thursday .
Officials say a cumbersome web platform that previously could take upwards of 15 minutes to file a report can now be navigated within a few minutes .
The streamlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters who previously could get stuck playing phone tag with DCFS employees after making a hotline report , according to the agency .
“ The earlier suspected abuse or neglect is reported , the earlier we can connect the family to services and supports they need to keep their children safely at home , ” DCFS Acting Director Marc D. Smith said in a statement .
At the onset of the pandemic , DCFS was fielding less than half the calls it usually does , because the people who usually spot potential warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers and teachers — simply weren ’ t seeing kids with schools closed .
Reports were still down overall about 18 % in September compared to the same month in 2019 , but reports submitted online more than doubled .
During the last full week of the month , the agency fielded 434 online reports , compared to 173 during the same timeframe last year .
DCFS officials say that despite pandemic declines in reporting , their number of investigations have actually increased compared to last year .
Reports of suspected abuse or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1-800-25-ABUSE ( 1-800-252-2873 ) .

After the coronavirus shutdown prompted a severe drop-off in calls, state child welfare authorities say they’re receiving more timely reports of abuse and neglect allegations thanks in part to a revamped online reporting system.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services rolled out an updated website last month that’s optimized for mobile phones, making it easier for residents and “mandated reporters” like teachers and police officers to notify the agency when they think a child could be in a danger.
That’s critical as many teachers gain a unique — and literal — view into students’ homes with the prevalence of e-learning during the pandemic, according to Monico Whittington-Eskridge, the agency’s deputy director and chief learning officer.
“We believe that having this new platform will make it even easier and convenient for teachers and school personnel, throughout their working day, to make the call,” Whittington-Eskridge said Thursday.
Officials say a cumbersome web platform that previously could take upwards of 15 minutes to file a report can now be navigated within a few minutes. The streamlined platform offers a better alternative for mandated reporters who previously could get stuck playing phone tag with DCFS employees after making a hotline report, according to the agency.
“The earlier suspected abuse or neglect is reported, the earlier we can connect the family to services and supports they need to keep their children safely at home,” DCFS Acting Director Marc D. Smith said in a statement.
At the onset of the pandemic, DCFS was fielding less than half the calls it usually does, because the people who usually spot potential warning signs of abuse — counselors, social workers and teachers — simply weren’t seeing kids with schools closed.
Reports were still down overall about 18% in September compared to the same month in 2019, but reports submitted online more than doubled. During the last full week of the month, the agency fielded 434 online reports, compared to 173 during the same timeframe last year.
DCFS officials say that despite pandemic declines in reporting, their number of investigations have actually increased compared to last year.
Reports of suspected abuse or neglect can be submitted at dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov or 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873).


chicagosun-times--2020-10-10--White House coronavirus aid offer is panned by Pelosi, Senate GOP

WASHINGTON — A new White House coronavirus aid offer got bad reviews from both ends of the political spectrum on Saturday .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , rejected the most generous Trump administration plan to date as “ one step forward , two steps back.
” The Republicans who control the Senate dismissed it as too expensive and a political loser for conservatives .
Pelosi said she is still hopeful that progress can be made toward a deal but it ’ s as clear as ever that GOP conservatives don ’ t want a deal on her terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer before Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Pelosi spoke on Friday afternoon .
President Donald Trump is eager for an agreement before Election Day , even as his most powerful GOP ally in the Senate said Congress is unlikely to deliver relief by then .
“ Covid Relief Negotiations are moving along .
Go Big !
” Trump said Friday on Twitter .
The new offer totals about $ 1.8 trillion , aides familiar with it said , with a key state and local fiscal relief component moving from $ 250 billion to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House says its most recent offer before that was about $ 1.6 trillion .
The aides were not authorized to publicly discuss private negotiations and spoke on condition of anonymity .
Pelosi ’ s most recent public offer was about $ 2.2 trillion , though that included a business tax increase that Republicans won ’ t go for .
In a letter Saturday to colleagues , Pelosi said , “ This proposal amounted to one step forward , two steps back .
When the president talks about wanting a bigger relief package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wants more money at his discretion to grant or withhold.
” She said that while his administration attempted to address some of the Democratic concerns , disagreement remained on many priorities and Democrats are “ awaiting language ” on several provisions .
“ Despite these unaddressed concerns , I remain hopeful that yesterday ’ s developments will move us closer to an agreement on a relief package that addresses the health and economic crisis facing America ’ s families , ” Pelosi ’ s letter said .
Mnuchin ’ s latest offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who weighed in on a conference call Saturday morning , according to a Republican familiar with the call who was not authorized to discuss the call publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity .
Many conservatives are skeptical of so much deficit-financed aid in the first place , and Pelosi-sought provisions such as expanding eligibility for the Affordable Care Act landed with a thud .
Pragmatists such as Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine , and politically endangered Republicans including Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina appear willing to “ go big ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Sens .
Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee , Rick Scott of Florida , and John Barrasso of Wyoming , for example — are adamantly opposed to another relief bill that ’ s so generous .
GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell remains skeptical of the chances for an agreement , having told an audience in Kentucky on Friday that he didn ’ t see a deal coming together before Election Day .
“ I think it ’ s unlikely in the next three weeks , ” McConnell said Friday .
He said later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Senate is the Supreme Court , ” suggesting there isn ’ t time to process both a relief bill and the high court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett before the Nov. 3 election .
President Donald Trump has been all over the map , first as one of the forces in favor of a deal , then killing the talks on Tuesday , only to revive them by weeks ’ end .
On Tuesday , he ordered an end to the weekslong talks after being told that few Republicans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible Pelosi-Mnuchin deal .
Now , after a political beating , Trump is pressing hard for a deal , motivated by the prospect of sending $ 1,200 direct payments to voters before November .
It ’ s clear from Saturday ’ s Senate GOP conference call that the skepticism or outright opposition hasn ’ t changed .

WASHINGTON — A new White House coronavirus aid offer got bad reviews from both ends of the political spectrum on Saturday.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., rejected the most generous Trump administration plan to date as “one step forward, two steps back.” The Republicans who control the Senate dismissed it as too expensive and a political loser for conservatives.
Pelosi said she is still hopeful that progress can be made toward a deal but it’s as clear as ever that GOP conservatives don’t want a deal on her terms.
The White House had boosted its offer before Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Pelosi spoke on Friday afternoon. President Donald Trump is eager for an agreement before Election Day, even as his most powerful GOP ally in the Senate said Congress is unlikely to deliver relief by then.
“Covid Relief Negotiations are moving along. Go Big!” Trump said Friday on Twitter.
The new offer totals about $1.8 trillion, aides familiar with it said, with a key state and local fiscal relief component moving from $250 billion to at least $300 billion. The White House says its most recent offer before that was about $1.6 trillion. The aides were not authorized to publicly discuss private negotiations and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Pelosi’s most recent public offer was about $2.2 trillion, though that included a business tax increase that Republicans won’t go for.
In a letter Saturday to colleagues, Pelosi said, “This proposal amounted to one step forward, two steps back. When the president talks about wanting a bigger relief package, his proposal appears to mean that he wants more money at his discretion to grant or withhold.”
She said that while his administration attempted to address some of the Democratic concerns, disagreement remained on many priorities and Democrats are “awaiting language” on several provisions.
“Despite these unaddressed concerns, I remain hopeful that yesterday’s developments will move us closer to an agreement on a relief package that addresses the health and economic crisis facing America’s families,” Pelosi’s letter said.
Mnuchin’s latest offer also got a roasting from GOP senators, who weighed in on a conference call Saturday morning, according to a Republican familiar with the call who was not authorized to discuss the call publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Many conservatives are skeptical of so much deficit-financed aid in the first place, and Pelosi-sought provisions such as expanding eligibility for the Affordable Care Act landed with a thud.
Pragmatists such as Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and politically endangered Republicans including Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina appear willing to “go big” as Trump wants. But rank-and-file Republicans — Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Rick Scott of Florida, and John Barrasso of Wyoming, for example — are adamantly opposed to another relief bill that’s so generous.
GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell remains skeptical of the chances for an agreement, having told an audience in Kentucky on Friday that he didn’t see a deal coming together before Election Day.
“I think it’s unlikely in the next three weeks,” McConnell said Friday. He said later that “the first item of priority of the Senate is the Supreme Court,” suggesting there isn’t time to process both a relief bill and the high court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett before the Nov. 3 election.
President Donald Trump has been all over the map, first as one of the forces in favor of a deal, then killing the talks on Tuesday, only to revive them by weeks’ end.
On Tuesday, he ordered an end to the weekslong talks after being told that few Republicans in Congress would end up voting for a possible Pelosi-Mnuchin deal. Now, after a political beating, Trump is pressing hard for a deal, motivated by the prospect of sending $1,200 direct payments to voters before November.
It’s clear from Saturday’s Senate GOP conference call that the skepticism or outright opposition hasn’t changed.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-10--Source: NFL fines Bears’ Robert Quinn, Cordarrelle Patterson for penalties vs. Colts

The NFL fined two Bears for excessive penalties in the team ’ s Week 4 loss to the Colts , @ @ @ @ @ league hit outside linebacker Robert Quinn with a $ 15,000 fine for his horse-collar tackle @ @ @ @ @ Taylor midway through the second quarter .
Taylor gained 12 yards on the play and @ @ @ @ @ Quinn ’ s penalty for the Colts ’ second-biggest gain of the day .
Running @ @ @ @ @ fined $ 12,500 for a verbal altercation with an official after a play on special @ @ @ @ @ 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct .
It is the second time Patterson has been fined @ @ @ @ @ he was charged $ 10,527 last season for taking his helmet off on the field @ @ @ @ @ Rams .
Bears defensive tackle Akiem Hicks was not fined for his fourth-quarter facemask on @ @ @ @ @ linebacker Barkevious Mingo fined for his illegal block above the waist late in the game @

The NFL fined two Bears for excessive penalties in the team’s Week 4 loss to the Colts, a source said.
The league hit outside linebacker Robert Quinn with a $15,000 fine for his horse-collar tackle on Colts running back Jonathan Taylor midway through the second quarter. Taylor gained 12 yards on the play and got an additional 15 on Quinn’s penalty for the Colts’ second-biggest gain of the day.
Running back Cordarrelle Patterson also was fined $12,500 for a verbal altercation with an official after a play on special teams. He drew a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
It is the second time Patterson has been fined since joining the Bears after he was charged $10,527 last season for taking his helmet off on the field in the game at the Rams.
Bears defensive tackle Akiem Hicks was not fined for his fourth-quarter facemask on Taylor, nor was outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo fined for his illegal block above the waist late in the game.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-10--Belmont Snack Shop’s future uncertain after devastating fire: ‘We lost everything’

The future of the Belmont Snack Shop is up in the air after a fierce fire engulfed the late-night diner and left behind only charred remnants of the Avondale staple .
Restaurant manager Nelson Rodriguez and his wife , who live in an apartment above the diner near Belmont and Kimball , were cooking dinner Thursday night around 7:50 p.m. when they spotted smoke rising outside their window .
Rodriguez bolted downstairs to try to put out the grease fire , but he was too late .
After evacuating the restaurant , Rodriguez stood beside his wife watching the blaze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in his family for two generations .
“ We lost everything , ” Rodriguez said Saturday .
“ All the equipment and everything .
There was nothing salvageable from the restaurant , and there was barely anything salvageable from the upstairs .
It was a really bad fire.
” The fire was extinguished by 8:25 p.m. , and no injuries were reported , according to the Chicago Fire Department .
Rodriguez assessed the damage during the daylight on Friday .
The fire torched everything in its path , he said .
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items survived , including family photos , the vast majority of their belongings are gone .
“ Our dog didn ’ t die , and my adult daughter is safe , and I don ’ t care about anything else , ” said Rodriguez , whose family is temporarily staying in a hotel .
Belmont Snack Shop has been serving up greasy late-night grub for Avondale and Logan Square residents since the 1980s .
It was first known as the K & S Snack Shop before Rodriguez ’ s mother and stepfather bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Snack Shop in the 1990s , Rodriguez said .
Rodriguez and his business partner , Paul Schiller , ultimately purchased the place from his parents in 2011 .
Rodriguez and Schiller want to reopen Belmont Snack Shop .
However , that decision will ultimately come down to the property manager .
“ We don ’ t know if the company that owns the building is going to rebuild , ” Rodriguez said .
“ Obviously , if they rebuild and they allow us to come back in and re-establish Belmont Snack Shop , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our power to do that .
But as far as the fire , it was pretty much the nail in our coffin .
Hopefully we can get resurrected , but I don ’ t know.
” The fire came just two weeks after Mayor Lori Lightfoot loosened the city ’ s restrictions on indoor dining amid the coronavirus pandemic — a decision that gave Rodriguez hope for his business after months of struggle .
“ We thought we were going to survive COVID at the skin of our teeth ... because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be open until 1 a.m. and we ’ re a 24-hour establishment so that was going to help our business , ” Rodriguez said .
“ We actually saw a light at the end of this tunnel , but the fire pretty much destroyed that.
” After the fire ravaged Rodriguez ’ s home and livelihood , his daughter , Alexis , launched an online campaign with the goal of raising $ 10,000 .
Rodriguez said the money will go directly to the snack shop ’ s employees , Schiller and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on our feet.
” Rodriguez has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support on social media .
“ It really rejuvenates my spirit , ” he said .
“ It helps me have a newfound relief for humanity because people are great ... And knowing the people , I wouldn ’ t expect anything less from Logan Square and Avondale .
”

The future of the Belmont Snack Shop is up in the air after a fierce fire engulfed the late-night diner and left behind only charred remnants of the Avondale staple.
Restaurant manager Nelson Rodriguez and his wife, who live in an apartment above the diner near Belmont and Kimball, were cooking dinner Thursday night around 7:50 p.m. when they spotted smoke rising outside their window.
Rodriguez bolted downstairs to try to put out the grease fire, but he was too late.
After evacuating the restaurant, Rodriguez stood beside his wife watching the blaze and smoke destroy the diner that has been in his family for two generations.
“We lost everything,” Rodriguez said Saturday. “All the equipment and everything. There was nothing salvageable from the restaurant, and there was barely anything salvageable from the upstairs. It was a really bad fire.”
Belmont Snack Shop, 3407 W. Belmont, is boarded up after a fire destroyed the diner and its upstairs apartment. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The fire was extinguished by 8:25 p.m., and no injuries were reported, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
Rodriguez assessed the damage during the daylight on Friday. The fire torched everything in its path, he said. Though some of his family’s personal items survived, including family photos, the vast majority of their belongings are gone.
“Our dog didn’t die, and my adult daughter is safe, and I don’t care about anything else,” said Rodriguez, whose family is temporarily staying in a hotel.
Belmont Snack Shop has been serving up greasy late-night grub for Avondale and Logan Square residents since the 1980s. It was first known as the K&S Snack Shop before Rodriguez’s mother and stepfather bought and renamed the establishment D&L Snack Shop in the 1990s, Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez and his business partner, Paul Schiller, ultimately purchased the place from his parents in 2011.
Rodriguez and Schiller want to reopen Belmont Snack Shop. However, that decision will ultimately come down to the property manager.
“We don’t know if the company that owns the building is going to rebuild,” Rodriguez said. “Obviously, if they rebuild and they allow us to come back in and re-establish Belmont Snack Shop, we’re going to do everything in our power to do that. But as far as the fire, it was pretty much the nail in our coffin. Hopefully we can get resurrected, but I don’t know.”
The fire came just two weeks after Mayor Lori Lightfoot loosened the city’s restrictions on indoor dining amid the coronavirus pandemic — a decision that gave Rodriguez hope for his business after months of struggle.
“We thought we were going to survive COVID at the skin of our teeth... because the state and city just recently allowed bars to be open until 1 a.m. and we’re a 24-hour establishment so that was going to help our business,” Rodriguez said. “We actually saw a light at the end of this tunnel, but the fire pretty much destroyed that.”
After the fire ravaged Rodriguez’s home and livelihood, his daughter, Alexis, launched an online campaign with the goal of raising $10,000. Rodriguez said the money will go directly to the snack shop’s employees, Schiller and the family as they work to “get back on our feet.”
Rodriguez has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support on social media.
“It really rejuvenates my spirit,” he said. “It helps me have a newfound relief for humanity because people are great... And knowing the people, I wouldn’t expect anything less from Logan Square and Avondale.”


chicagosun-times--2020-10-10--Physical therapy can be a key factor in recovery following breast cancer

Breast cancer survivors and patients can become stronger and healthier — mentally and physically — with physical therapy , according to healthcare experts who say the treatment can often be a crucial piece of the recovery process .
Experts agree that getting quick referrals to physical therapy can halt pain and loss of mobility , especially in breast cancer patients ’ arms and upper body resulting from breast or lymph node surgery .
Maria Jaramillo , a 57-year-old mother of two and grandmother of four who lives in Berwyn , is a breast-cancer survivor who got timely physical therapy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enthusiast .
Jaramillo had surgery and chemotherapy nearly a decade ago and now works out at least twice a week by walking and using exercise machines at the Loyola Fitness Center — a regimen she said lets her battle fatigue , chronic shoulder pain and cancer-related swelling near her armpit .
“ I have more energy , ” she said .
When Jaramillo goes to the fitness center in the mornings , she walks for 35 to 45 minutes and then exercises for 20 minutes on an “ arm bike , ” also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which you pedal the machine with your arms .
The arm bike improves arm muscles .
She walks for another 45 minutes in the afternoons in her neighborhood .
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — the perfect reminder to get a mammogram .
.
Experts say that hospitals and treatment centers have COVID-19 safety measures in place to encourage appointments ; and it ’ s vitally important to detect breast cancer as early as possible through regular screenings .
Leslie J. Waltke , a doctor of physical therapy who is an oncology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Advocate Aurora Health , designed four stretches ( see diagram below ) for breast cancer patients to combat muscle tissue shortening , connective tissue shortening or thickening and layers of tissue sticking together — all which can cause muscle aches .
( No one should attempt the exercises without first consulting their own physician . )
Eric Hughes , a doctor of physical therapy and physical therapy facility manager at SHIFT/Athletico , a private concierge wellness center at 750 N. Orleans , said people who ’ ve had breast cancer surgery can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s known as cording — Axillary Web Syndrome — when tissue under the arm scars .
The situation can be offset in many cases by getting immediate physical therapy , which could include lymph massage , gentle stretching , myofascial release , soft-tissue manipulation and physical therapist-guided massage , he said .
Long-term , experts say it ’ s important that breast cancer patients boost their health by going beyond stretching into regular cardio and weight-resistance exercises .
“ Lifting weights is good , ” Waltke said .
“ It decreases the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes people stronger and healthier .
The more you use the arm , the less pain , the less chance for long-term side effects .
“ We recommend every patient get a physical therapist .
We don ’ t want people to assume , ‘ I ’ m supposed to be weak and not use that arm again , ’ ” she said .
Doctors say they work with patients to access some type of healthcare insurance coverage and ensure that the uninsured and underinsured get access to physical and other therapies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cancer Rehabilitation Academy based in Milwaukee , which trains doctors , hospitals and other care centers in building rehab programs for all types of cancer .
Dr. Shelly Lo , an oncologist at Loyola University Medical Center who specializes in breast cancer , refers patients to Loyola ’ s Center for Fitness , adjacent to the Maywood medical center , to help them regain strength and mobility .
The fitness center ’ s Next Steps Fitness Programs starts with a personalized assessment , then takes into account patients ’ goals and makes sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance .
The goal is to motivate the breast cancer survivors to keep up their own exercise routines .
Lo , also a professor of medicine at Loyola ’ s Stritch School of Medicine , said she sees to it that patients who develop lymphedema — arm or breast swelling due to breast cancer treatment — get referred to physical therapists with expertise in complete decongestive therapy .
“ The sooner treatment is started , the more successful it can be , ” she said .
Another little-talked-about after-effect of breast cancer treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 pounds — which can cause joint pain and mental distress .
That ’ s a concern because obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer .
So Patricia Sheean a registered dietitian and assistant professor of nutrition at Loyola University Chicago ’ s Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health , said she urges breast cancer patients , like anyone else , to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity and eat a healthy , plant-focused diet .
That ’ s the recommendation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Cancer Research once doctors clear patients for exercise .
Sheean was one of 19 co-investigators , along with principal investigator Dr. Melinda Stolley , who conducted a breast-cancer survivor study among African-American women .
Studies show Black women have lower breast cancer survival rates than their white counterparts partly because their cancer tends to be detected at later stages .
In the study , the women regularly exercised and made important dietary changes to lose 3 percent of their body weight , resulting in improvements in body fat and muscle mass .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , blood pressure and cardiovascular disease — indicators of breast cancer recurrence and chronic disease risk , Sheean said .
The study , funded by the National Cancer Institute , was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology .
Even women with Stage 4 breast cancer — the most advanced — showed tremendous improvement in quality of life , particularly combating fatigue and boosting physical functioning , after following a strict exercise regimen and plant-based eating , Sheean said of a more recent study undergoing peer review .
“ This supports that lifestyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reducing symptoms caused by breast cancer or breast-cancer treatments , ” she said .
NOTE : Please consult with your doctor or other health care provider before attempting any exercises depicted in this article .

Breast cancer survivors and patients can become stronger and healthier — mentally and physically — with physical therapy, according to healthcare experts who say the treatment can often be a crucial piece of the recovery process.
Experts agree that getting quick referrals to physical therapy can halt pain and loss of mobility, especially in breast cancer patients’ arms and upper body resulting from breast or lymph node surgery.
Maria Jaramillo, a 57-year-old mother of two and grandmother of four who lives in Berwyn, is a breast-cancer survivor who got timely physical therapy and in the process became a vigorous exercise enthusiast.
Jaramillo had surgery and chemotherapy nearly a decade ago and now works out at least twice a week by walking and using exercise machines at the Loyola Fitness Center — a regimen she said lets her battle fatigue, chronic shoulder pain and cancer-related swelling near her armpit.
“I have more energy,” she said.
When Jaramillo goes to the fitness center in the mornings, she walks for 35 to 45 minutes and then exercises for 20 minutes on an “arm bike,” also known as an upper-body ergometer, in which you pedal the machine with your arms. The arm bike improves arm muscles.
She walks for another 45 minutes in the afternoons in her neighborhood.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — the perfect reminder to get a mammogram. . Experts say that hospitals and treatment centers have COVID-19 safety measures in place to encourage appointments; and it’s vitally important to detect breast cancer as early as possible through regular screenings.
Leslie J. Waltke, a doctor of physical therapy who is an oncology physical therapy specialist and cancer rehab coordinator for Advocate Aurora Health, designed four stretches (see diagram below) for breast cancer patients to combat muscle tissue shortening, connective tissue shortening or thickening and layers of tissue sticking together — all which can cause muscle aches. (No one should attempt the exercises without first consulting their own physician.)
These four stretching exercises were designed by physical therapist Leslie J. Waltke for breast cancer patients. Check with your health care provided before attempting any exercises. Leslie J. Waltke
Eric Hughes, a doctor of physical therapy and physical therapy facility manager at SHIFT/Athletico, a private concierge wellness center at 750 N. Orleans, said people who’ve had breast cancer surgery can suffer from restricted mobility because of what’s known as cording — Axillary Web Syndrome — when tissue under the arm scars.
The situation can be offset in many cases by getting immediate physical therapy, which could include lymph massage, gentle stretching, myofascial release, soft-tissue manipulation and physical therapist-guided massage, he said.
Long-term, experts say it’s important that breast cancer patients boost their health by going beyond stretching into regular cardio and weight-resistance exercises.
“Lifting weights is good,” Waltke said. “It decreases the risk of muscle and bone loss and makes people stronger and healthier. The more you use the arm, the less pain, the less chance for long-term side effects.
“We recommend every patient get a physical therapist. We don’t want people to assume, ‘I’m supposed to be weak and not use that arm again,’ ” she said.
Doctors say they work with patients to access some type of healthcare insurance coverage and ensure that the uninsured and underinsured get access to physical and other therapies.
Waltke set up and leads the Waltke Cancer Rehabilitation Academy based in Milwaukee, which trains doctors, hospitals and other care centers in building rehab programs for all types of cancer.
Dr. Shelly Lo, an oncologist at Loyola University Medical Center who specializes in breast cancer, refers patients to Loyola’s Center for Fitness, adjacent to the Maywood medical center, to help them regain strength and mobility.
The fitness center’s Next Steps Fitness Programs starts with a personalized assessment, then takes into account patients’ goals and makes sure they exercise with a trainer’s guidance. The goal is to motivate the breast cancer survivors to keep up their own exercise routines.
Loyola University Medical Center oncologist Dr. Shelly Lo refers her breast cancer patients to physical therapists to help them regain strength and mobility. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Lo, also a professor of medicine at Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine, said she sees to it that patients who develop lymphedema — arm or breast swelling due to breast cancer treatment — get referred to physical therapists with expertise in complete decongestive therapy.
“The sooner treatment is started, the more successful it can be,” she said.
Another little-talked-about after-effect of breast cancer treatment is weight gain — as much as 20 pounds — which can cause joint pain and mental distress. That’s a concern because obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer.
So Patricia Sheean a registered dietitian and assistant professor of nutrition at Loyola University Chicago’s Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, said she urges breast cancer patients, like anyone else, to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity and eat a healthy, plant-focused diet. That’s the recommendation of the American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research once doctors clear patients for exercise.
Sheean was one of 19 co-investigators, along with principal investigator Dr. Melinda Stolley, who conducted a breast-cancer survivor study among African-American women. Studies show Black women have lower breast cancer survival rates than their white counterparts partly because their cancer tends to be detected at later stages.
In the study, the women regularly exercised and made important dietary changes to lose 3 percent of their body weight, resulting in improvements in body fat and muscle mass. The study may have implications for inflammation, blood pressure and cardiovascular disease — indicators of breast cancer recurrence and chronic disease risk, Sheean said. The study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Even women with Stage 4 breast cancer — the most advanced — showed tremendous improvement in quality of life, particularly combating fatigue and boosting physical functioning, after following a strict exercise regimen and plant-based eating, Sheean said of a more recent study undergoing peer review.
“This supports that lifestyle behaviors are critical to feeling better and reducing symptoms caused by breast cancer or breast-cancer treatments,” she said.
NOTE: Please consult with your doctor or other health care provider before attempting any exercises depicted in this article.
Sandra Guy is a freelance writer.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-10--Trump makes first public appearance since his hospital stay

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Saturday made his first public appearance since returning to the White House after being treated for the coronavirus .
The White House has refused to declare that he is no longer contagious , and the gathering of hundreds of people on the South Lawn went ahead despite the guidance of public health officials .
Trump delivered an address on his support for law enforcement from the Blue Room balcony to a friendly crowd .
The president wore a mask as he walked out for the speech but took it off to make his remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his supporters .
“ I ’ m feeling great , ” said Trump , who said he was thankful for their good wishes and prayers as he recovered .
Trump is also priming for a Florida rally on Monday and campaign events in Iowa and Pennsylvania later in the week .
The president addressed the large crowd even as the White House refuses to declare that he is no longer contagious and against the guidance of public health officials .
The White House insisted the event on the South Lawn was an official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Trump used the address to make broadsides against the Democratic ticket of former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris .
“ I think we ’ re gon na swamp them by so much , ” he said .
Trump appeared healthy , though perhaps a little hoarse , during the 18-minute speech that was intended to send the message that he ’ s back and ready to resume his battle for reelection .
Before the speech , White House officials said they had no information to release on whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he made his first public appearance without the White House verifying that he ’ s no longer contagious .
Security was stepped up around the White House before the event , which was called a “ peaceful protest for law & order.
” Police and the Secret Service closed surrounding streets to vehicles and shut down Lafayette Square , the park near the White House that has long been a gathering place for public protest .
As questions linger about his health — and Democratic opponent Joe Biden steps up his own campaigning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington area on Monday for the first time since he was hospitalized for a campaign rally in Sanford , Florida .
He is also scheduled to hold campaign events in Iowa and Pennsylvania next week and is increasing his radio and TV appearances with conservative interviewers , hoping to make up for lost time with just over three weeks until Election Day and millions already voting .
Biden ’ s campaign said he again tested negative on Saturday for COVID-19 .
Biden was potentially exposed to the coronavirus during his Sept. 29 debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosis barely 48 hours after the debate .
The president has not been seen in public — other than in White House-produced videos — since his return five days ago from the military hospital where he received experimental treatments for the coronavirus .
Most in the crowd that gathered for his speech on supporting law enforcement wore masks , but there was little social distancing .
Saturday ’ s speech comes two weeks after his Rose Garden event that has been labeled a “ superspreader ” for the virus .
More than two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have contracted COVID-19 since the president ’ s Sept. 26 event announcing Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee to the Supreme Court .
On Saturday , all attendees are required to bring masks or will be provided with them , and also will be given temperature checks and asked to fill out a brief questionnaire .
Attendees will be strongly encouraged to follow CDC guidelines , which include mask-wearing and social distancing .
Trump ’ s Monday event in Sanford , Florida , what he ’ s described as a “ BIG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be held on Oct. 2 , the day after he tested positive .
Ahead of his Saturday event , Trump used Twitter to share news articles about problems with mail-in ballots in New Jersey , Ohio and Texas .
Trump has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims that universal mail-in voting is beset by widespread fraud .
Trump ’ s return to public activity came as Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government ’ s top infectious-disease expert , cautioned the White House again to avoid large-scale gatherings of people without masks .
He said of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Associated Press , “ I was not surprised to see a superspreader event given the circumstances.
” That means “ crowded , congregate setting , not wearing masks .
It is not surprising to see an outbreak , ” he said .
District of Columbia virus restrictions prohibit outdoor gatherings larger than 50 people , although that rule has not been strictly enforced .
Masks are mandatory outdoors for most people , but the regulations don ’ t apply on federal land , and the Trump White House has openly flouted them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House as he recovers , Trump spent sizeable chunks of the past few days making the rounds of friendly conservative media , calling in to Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday night and spending two hours live on air with radio host Rush Limbaugh on Friday in what his campaign billed as a “ radio rally.
” Holding court on his reelection battle , his fight against the coronavirus and revived negotiations with Democrats to pass an economic stimulus bill , Trump made a direct appeal to his base of loyal supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the polls in droves .
In a Friday night interview on Fox ’ s Tucker Carlson ’ s show , Trump was asked if he has been retested for COVID-19 .
“ I have been retested , and I haven ’ t even found out numbers or anything yet .
But I ’ ve been retested , and I know I ’ m at either the bottom of the scale or free , ” he said .
White House officials , however , have declined to answer when Trump last tested negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about lung scans taken while Trump was hospitalized .
Aides to the president insist that it is safe for Trump to return to his regular activities , including campaigning .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines call for the infected to wait at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms , Fauci noted in the AP interview .
That onset for Trump was Oct. 1 , according to his doctors .
The president ’ s White House physician , Navy Cmdr .
Sean Conley , added that Trump was showing no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reactions to the aggressive course of therapy he has received .
While reports of reinfection in COVID-19 victims are rare , the CDC recommends that even people who recover from the disease continue to wear masks , stay distanced and follow other precautions .
It was unclear if Trump , who has refused mask wearing in most settings , would abide by that guidance as he resumes his campaign .

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Saturday made his first public appearance since returning to the White House after being treated for the coronavirus. The White House has refused to declare that he is no longer contagious, and the gathering of hundreds of people on the South Lawn went ahead despite the guidance of public health officials.
Trump delivered an address on his support for law enforcement from the Blue Room balcony to a friendly crowd. The president wore a mask as he walked out for the speech but took it off to make his remarks. He received an enthusiastic response from his supporters.
“I’m feeling great,” said Trump, who said he was thankful for their good wishes and prayers as he recovered.
Trump is also priming for a Florida rally on Monday and campaign events in Iowa and Pennsylvania later in the week.
The president addressed the large crowd even as the White House refuses to declare that he is no longer contagious and against the guidance of public health officials.
The White House insisted the event on the South Lawn was an official event and not a campaign rally. But Trump used the address to make broadsides against the Democratic ticket of former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris.
“I think we’re gonna swamp them by so much,” he said.
Trump appeared healthy, though perhaps a little hoarse, during the 18-minute speech that was intended to send the message that he’s back and ready to resume his battle for reelection.
Before the speech, White House officials said they had no information to release on whether the president was tested for COVID-19, meaning he made his first public appearance without the White House verifying that he’s no longer contagious.
Security was stepped up around the White House before the event, which was called a “peaceful protest for law & order.” Police and the Secret Service closed surrounding streets to vehicles and shut down Lafayette Square, the park near the White House that has long been a gathering place for public protest.
As questions linger about his health — and Democratic opponent Joe Biden steps up his own campaigning — Trump also planned to leave the Washington area on Monday for the first time since he was hospitalized for a campaign rally in Sanford, Florida. He is also scheduled to hold campaign events in Iowa and Pennsylvania next week and is increasing his radio and TV appearances with conservative interviewers, hoping to make up for lost time with just over three weeks until Election Day and millions already voting.
Biden’s campaign said he again tested negative on Saturday for COVID-19. Biden was potentially exposed to the coronavirus during his Sept. 29 debate with Trump, who announced his positive diagnosis barely 48 hours after the debate.
The president has not been seen in public — other than in White House-produced videos — since his return five days ago from the military hospital where he received experimental treatments for the coronavirus.
Most in the crowd that gathered for his speech on supporting law enforcement wore masks, but there was little social distancing.
Saturday’s speech comes two weeks after his Rose Garden event that has been labeled a “superspreader” for the virus. More than two dozen people linked to the White House have contracted COVID-19 since the president’s Sept. 26 event announcing Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee to the Supreme Court.
On Saturday, all attendees are required to bring masks or will be provided with them, and also will be given temperature checks and asked to fill out a brief questionnaire. Attendees will be strongly encouraged to follow CDC guidelines, which include mask-wearing and social distancing.
Trump’s Monday event in Sanford, Florida, what he’s described as a “BIG RALLY,” was originally scheduled to be held on Oct. 2, the day after he tested positive. Ahead of his Saturday event, Trump used Twitter to share news articles about problems with mail-in ballots in New Jersey, Ohio and Texas. Trump has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims that universal mail-in voting is beset by widespread fraud.
Trump’s return to public activity came as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert, cautioned the White House again to avoid large-scale gatherings of people without masks.
He said of the Barrett event in an interview with The Associated Press, “I was not surprised to see a superspreader event given the circumstances.” That means “crowded, congregate setting, not wearing masks. It is not surprising to see an outbreak,” he said.
District of Columbia virus restrictions prohibit outdoor gatherings larger than 50 people, although that rule has not been strictly enforced. Masks are mandatory outdoors for most people, but the regulations don’t apply on federal land, and the Trump White House has openly flouted them for months.
Confined to the White House as he recovers, Trump spent sizeable chunks of the past few days making the rounds of friendly conservative media, calling in to Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday night and spending two hours live on air with radio host Rush Limbaugh on Friday in what his campaign billed as a “radio rally.”
Holding court on his reelection battle, his fight against the coronavirus and revived negotiations with Democrats to pass an economic stimulus bill, Trump made a direct appeal to his base of loyal supporters, whom he needs to turn out to the polls in droves.
In a Friday night interview on Fox’s Tucker Carlson’s show, Trump was asked if he has been retested for COVID-19. “I have been retested, and I haven’t even found out numbers or anything yet. But I’ve been retested, and I know I’m at either the bottom of the scale or free,” he said.
White House officials, however, have declined to answer when Trump last tested negative for the virus or release detailed information about lung scans taken while Trump was hospitalized.
Aides to the president insist that it is safe for Trump to return to his regular activities, including campaigning. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines call for the infected to wait at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms, Fauci noted in the AP interview. That onset for Trump was Oct. 1, according to his doctors.
The president’s White House physician, Navy Cmdr. Sean Conley, added that Trump was showing no evidence of his illness progressing or adverse reactions to the aggressive course of therapy he has received.
While reports of reinfection in COVID-19 victims are rare, the CDC recommends that even people who recover from the disease continue to wear masks, stay distanced and follow other precautions. It was unclear if Trump, who has refused mask wearing in most settings, would abide by that guidance as he resumes his campaign.