chicagosun-times--2020-11-02--231 candles lit outside North Side church — each representing 1,000 COVID-19 deaths in U.S.

A total of 231 candles were lit on a lawn outside a North Side Catholic church Monday — each representing 1,000 Americans killed thus far by COVID-19 .
“ We ’ re prepared to add more , we don ’ t want to , but if we need to we have some more , ” Terese Herbig , a parishioner at St. Mary of the Lake in the Buena Park neighborhood , said of the vigil .
The candles were lit Monday , All Souls Day on the Catholic calendar , at 6:30 p.m. and were to be extinguished 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeated seven days in a row .
“ We feel like we have not had really a place or a space to mourn publicly the loss of so many lives in our country to COVID-19 , ” said the church ’ s pastor , Rev .
Manuel Dorantes .
“ And we did not only want to remember our own family members but also the family members of our neighbors who have lost a loved one who didn ’ t have a chance to grieve , who didn ’ t have a chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re remembering them today in a very public way and inviting our neighbors who are not Catholic to come and pray for the people we have lost in our nation and their grieving families.
” Prayers from various religions were posted along a fence near the candles .
Dave Shapiro , 58 , who ’ s Jewish and lives in the neighborhood , volunteered to help set up the 231 candles .
“ You can ’ t help but be touched by what ’ s going on , no matter what your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of your day to think about that and have it be a focus and not just something you hear it on the news is a good thing to do , ” he said .
Inside the church , colorful altars in the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos , had been set up to honor COVID-19 victims as well as other loved ones who ’ ve passed away .
“ But because of COVID restrictions people can only come and pray there when we ’ re having services through a pre-registration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... this is bringing the church outside , effectively , ” Dorantes said .

A total of 231 candles were lit on a lawn outside a North Side Catholic church Monday — each representing 1,000 Americans killed thus far by COVID-19.
“We’re prepared to add more, we don’t want to, but if we need to we have some more,” Terese Herbig, a parishioner at St. Mary of the Lake in the Buena Park neighborhood, said of the vigil.
The candles were lit Monday, All Souls Day on the Catholic calendar, at 6:30 p.m. and were to be extinguished 12 hours later — with the ritual being repeated seven days in a row.
“We feel like we have not had really a place or a space to mourn publicly the loss of so many lives in our country to COVID-19,” said the church’s pastor, Rev. Manuel Dorantes.
“And we did not only want to remember our own family members but also the family members of our neighbors who have lost a loved one who didn’t have a chance to grieve, who didn’t have a chance to have a funeral, so we’re remembering them today in a very public way and inviting our neighbors who are not Catholic to come and pray for the people we have lost in our nation and their grieving families.”
Prayers from various religions were posted along a fence near the candles.
Dave Shapiro, 58, who’s Jewish and lives in the neighborhood, volunteered to help set up the 231 candles.
“You can’t help but be touched by what’s going on, no matter what your religion and sometimes taking a few minutes out of your day to think about that and have it be a focus and not just something you hear it on the news is a good thing to do,” he said.
Inside the church, colorful altars in the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos, had been set up to honor COVID-19 victims as well as other loved ones who’ve passed away.
“But because of COVID restrictions people can only come and pray there when we’re having services through a pre-registration system, and it gets very complicated ... this is bringing the church outside, effectively,” Dorantes said.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--Crappie on Chicago’s Riverwalk: Vince Oppedisano’s Fish of the Week on scenic Chicago River

Vince Oppedisano picked the right time to fish the Chicago River .
“ Braved the cold on the Riverwalk [ @ @ @ @ @ a handful on jigs and minnows , including one of the biggest crappies I can @ @ @ @ @ emailed .
The beautiful crappie was presented in a classic Chicago night scene .
( @ @ @ @ @ ) “ I really got into fishing the Chicagoland area this year and have been @ @ @ @ @ waters and techniques for different species , ” he noted , echoing the expanded fishing @ @ @ @ @ FOTW , the celebration of big fish and their stories ( the stories matter , @ @ @ @ @ around Chicago fishing , runs Wednesdays in the paper Sun-Times .
The online posting here @ @ @ @ @ up at varied days of the week , depending on what is going on the @ @ @ @ @ .
Submit nominations by message on Facebook ( Dale Bowman ) , on Twitter ( @ @ @ @ @ ( @ BowmanOutside ) or email ( BowmanOutside @ gmail.com ) .

Vince Oppedisano picked the right time to fish the Chicago River.
“Braved the cold on the Riverwalk [Friday] night and caught a handful on jigs and minnows, including one of the biggest crappies I can remember catching,” he emailed.
The beautiful crappie was presented in a classic Chicago night scene. (Classic in my view.)
“I really got into fishing the Chicagoland area this year and have been trying a lot of new waters and techniques for different species,” he noted, echoing the expanded fishing of many in 2020.
This Chicago River scene deserves a full length look of Vince Oppedisano with one of his best crappie, caught from the Riverwalk. Provided
FOTW, the celebration of big fish and their stories (the stories matter, as this one shows) around Chicago fishing, runs Wednesdays in the paper Sun-Times. The online posting here at https://chicago.suntimes.com/outdoors goes up at varied days of the week, depending on what is going on the wide world of the outdoors.
Submit nominations by message on Facebook (Dale Bowman), on Twitter (@BowmanOutside) and Instagram (@BowmanOutside) or email (BowmanOutside@gmail.com).


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--Dear Abby: Son should have told me his girlfriend had a miscarriage

DEAR ABBY : I thought my son and I were close .
Recently , I learned that his girlfriend had a miscarriage .
I learned about it from an email his girlfriend sent me , and I have also learned he told another relative he ’ s close to about the miscarriage .
I called his girlfriend after receiving her email and expressed my sympathy , inquired about her health and told her that I would keep her and my son in my prayers .
My feelings are hurt because I didn ’ t hear about the pregnancy/miscarriage from my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another relative instead .
I thought we could discuss anything — even though we disagree on some things .
I want to ask why he didn ’ t tell me and let him know my feelings are hurt because children are family treasures .
Should I express how I feel and ask why he felt he couldn ’ t share with me ?
— OVERLOOKED IN FLORIDA DEAR OVERLOOKED : Resist the urge to personalize this the way you have .
If you are smart , you will think long and hard — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking your son that question because if there is a problem in your relationship , this will only make it worse .
Take this opportunity to work on the things that aren ’ t right in your relationship with your son .
He may have had other things besides his mother on his mind when this happened , and may not have wanted or needed to be reminded that children are “ family treasures.
” DEAR ABBY : My husband and I have been together for almost 10 years .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a man .
Although he doesn ’ t have a history of cheating , he is flirtatious .
My husband fixes computers .
Last year , when my best friend ’ s computer wouldn ’ t turn on , he was happy to help .
I just found a naked picture of her on his computer .
When I confronted him , he confessed he stole it while he was fixing her computer .
When I told my friend , she kind of blew it off .
( “ Men do stupid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know if I can trust him again and I feel beaten down .
I have been hurt several times before in prior relationships .
Abby , what do I do ?
— SHOCKED IN NEW JERSEY DEAR SHOCKED : Your best friend ’ s reaction was unusual .
Most women would be mortified over this scenario .
Your husband ’ s behavior was shameful .
He should delete the photo he stole and apologize to you and your friend for the “ stupid stuff ” he did .
And , because this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband , insist on some sessions with a marriage and family therapist to see if the damage to your relationship with him can be repaired .
DEAR ABBY : My mother-in-law has a disgusting habit : Whenever I ’ m starting to cook something with raw hamburger , she grabs a mouthful .
I have tried explaining how dangerous it is , but she won ’ t listen to reason .
She says she ’ s been doing it since she was a kid ( she ’ s 80 now ) .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meat supply is not the same as it was then , but her response is , “ It hasn ’ t hurt me yet !
” Please advise .
— CAREFUL COOK IN CAROLINA DEAR COOK : I ’ ll try .
Go to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website ( fda.gov ) and search on “ eating raw ground beef.
” When you do , you will find printable information about the dangers of E. coli , which is most prevalent in raw hamburger and especially dangerous to young children and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then give the printout to your mother-in-law and pray she ’ s capable of changing her ways .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: I thought my son and I were close. Recently, I learned that his girlfriend had a miscarriage. I learned about it from an email his girlfriend sent me, and I have also learned he told another relative he’s close to about the miscarriage. I called his girlfriend after receiving her email and expressed my sympathy, inquired about her health and told her that I would keep her and my son in my prayers.
My feelings are hurt because I didn’t hear about the pregnancy/miscarriage from my son, and he disclosed it to another relative instead. I thought we could discuss anything — even though we disagree on some things. I want to ask why he didn’t tell me and let him know my feelings are hurt because children are family treasures. Should I express how I feel and ask why he felt he couldn’t share with me? — OVERLOOKED IN FLORIDA
DEAR OVERLOOKED: Resist the urge to personalize this the way you have. If you are smart, you will think long and hard — a few months, perhaps — before asking your son that question because if there is a problem in your relationship, this will only make it worse. Take this opportunity to work on the things that aren’t right in your relationship with your son. He may have had other things besides his mother on his mind when this happened, and may not have wanted or needed to be reminded that children are “family treasures.”
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together for almost 10 years. He’s my dreamboat, everything I ever wanted in a man. Although he doesn’t have a history of cheating, he is flirtatious.
My husband fixes computers. Last year, when my best friend’s computer wouldn’t turn on, he was happy to help. I just found a naked picture of her on his computer. When I confronted him, he confessed he stole it while he was fixing her computer. When I told my friend, she kind of blew it off. (“Men do stupid stuff ...”) I don’t know if I can trust him again and I feel beaten down. I have been hurt several times before in prior relationships. Abby, what do I do? — SHOCKED IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR SHOCKED: Your best friend’s reaction was unusual. Most women would be mortified over this scenario. Your husband’s behavior was shameful. He should delete the photo he stole and apologize to you and your friend for the “stupid stuff” he did. And, because this has damaged your ability to trust your husband, insist on some sessions with a marriage and family therapist to see if the damage to your relationship with him can be repaired.
DEAR ABBY: My mother-in-law has a disgusting habit: Whenever I’m starting to cook something with raw hamburger, she grabs a mouthful. I have tried explaining how dangerous it is, but she won’t listen to reason. She says she’s been doing it since she was a kid (she’s 80 now). I’ve tried pointing out that the meat supply is not the same as it was then, but her response is, “It hasn’t hurt me yet!” Please advise. — CAREFUL COOK IN CAROLINA
DEAR COOK: I’ll try. Go to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website (fda.gov) and search on “eating raw ground beef.” When you do, you will find printable information about the dangers of E. coli, which is most prevalent in raw hamburger and especially dangerous to young children and people over the age of 65. Then give the printout to your mother-in-law and pray she’s capable of changing her ways.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--‘Operation Christmas Drop’ a military-grade holiday romance on Netflix

You want Christmas movies and specials , Netflix has Christmas movies and specials !
Aisles and aisles of shiny new Christmas fare every year as the streaming behemoth cheerfully opts for quantity over quality , filling your home page with row after row of fluffy , silly , mostly upbeat and easily digestible holiday fare .
Why , just this season alone , there ’ s “ Holidate ” and “ Jingle Jangle : A Christmas Journey ” and “ Alien Xmas ” and “ Dolly Parton ’ s Christmas on the Square ” and “ The Christmas Chronicles Part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas Wish ” and “ Dance Dreams : Hot Chocolate Nutcracker ” and let ’ s not forget the reason we ’ re here today : “ Operation Christmas Drop.
” This is a film so sweet it might give you a contact sugar rush , but it features two inherently likable , great-looking romantic leads , a fine supporting performance by the always reliable Virginia Madsen , a timeless true-meaning-of-Christmas message — and a genuinely cinematic style , mostly because the movie was actually filmed on Andrews Air Force base in Guam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ islands .
This gives “ Operation Christmas Drop ” a feature-film look on a relatively restrained budget .
Although the storyline is pure fiction , the film is inspired by the real Operation Christmas Drop , the longest running humanitarian airlift in the world .
Every year since 1952 , U.S. Air Force personnel at Anderson deliver toys , food , medicine and much-needed supplies to residents of dozens of tiny islands in Micronesia .
It ’ s a wonderful but also essential mission , and it also serves as a training exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operation Christmas Drop ” the movie , the tradition and the base itself might become history , as Virginia Madsen ’ s hard-ass congresswoman Angie Bradford is under enormous pressure to slash military spending and has Anderson circled on her map .
“ If we ’ re looking to close down bases , this one ’ s flashing red and green , ” says Bradford , who sees the mission as nothing more than “ using military equipment to drop Christmas presents.
” Bradford sends her eager and ambitious aide Erica Miller ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her to write up a report on all the seemingly frivolous spending on the base .
Next thing you know , Erica is on the beach ( in business attire and heels , of course ) when she meets-cute with one Capt .
Andrew Jantz ( Alexander Ludwig ) , the handsome and charming officer who has been assigned to show Erica around and try to dissuade her from writing up a negative report .
The two of them immediately click and become great friends — ah , just kidding , you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a lot of bickering and bantering and mild double-crossing in the early going , but there ’ s a chance , just a Christmas miracle kind of a chance , these two might learn they have more in common than they could possibly have imagined , and how knows , we might even see a magical romance in the making !
“ Operation Christmas Drop ” piles on the clichés , from the obligatory FaceTime conversations in which tech-challenged oldsters can ’ t get the computer thingy to work right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Erica snorkeling in crystal blue waters , to Erica having to choose between career and caring , to the advent of a major storm that could sideline the mission before a single plane takes off .
The comedy is light and the drama is predictable and the romance is inevitable , but Erica and Andrew deserve their happily ever after , as does the Operation Christmas Drop endeavor .
Mission accomplished .

You want Christmas movies and specials, Netflix has Christmas movies and specials! Aisles and aisles of shiny new Christmas fare every year as the streaming behemoth cheerfully opts for quantity over quality, filling your home page with row after row of fluffy, silly, mostly upbeat and easily digestible holiday fare. Why, just this season alone, there’s “Holidate” and “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” and “Alien Xmas” and “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square” and “The Christmas Chronicles Part 2” and “Angela’s Christmas Wish” and “Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” and let’s not forget the reason we’re here today: “Operation Christmas Drop.”
‘Operation Christmas Drop’
Untitled Netflix presents a film directed by Martin Wood and written by Gregg Rossen and Brian Sawyer. No MPAA rating. Running time: 96 minutes. Available Thursday on Netflix.
This is a film so sweet it might give you a contact sugar rush, but it features two inherently likable, great-looking romantic leads, a fine supporting performance by the always reliable Virginia Madsen, a timeless true-meaning-of-Christmas message — and a genuinely cinematic style, mostly because the movie was actually filmed on Andrews Air Force base in Guam and the surrounding beaches and jungles and islands. This gives “Operation Christmas Drop” a feature-film look on a relatively restrained budget.
Although the storyline is pure fiction, the film is inspired by the real Operation Christmas Drop, the longest running humanitarian airlift in the world. Every year since 1952, U.S. Air Force personnel at Anderson deliver toys, food, medicine and much-needed supplies to residents of dozens of tiny islands in Micronesia. It’s a wonderful but also essential mission, and it also serves as a training exercise. But in the world of “Operation Christmas Drop” the movie, the tradition and the base itself might become history, as Virginia Madsen’s hard-ass congresswoman Angie Bradford is under enormous pressure to slash military spending and has Anderson circled on her map. “If we’re looking to close down bases, this one’s flashing red and green,” says Bradford, who sees the mission as nothing more than “using military equipment to drop Christmas presents.”
Bradford sends her eager and ambitious aide Erica Miller (Kat Graham) to Guam and tells her to write up a report on all the seemingly frivolous spending on the base. Next thing you know, Erica is on the beach (in business attire and heels, of course) when she meets-cute with one Capt. Andrew Jantz (Alexander Ludwig), the handsome and charming officer who has been assigned to show Erica around and try to dissuade her from writing up a negative report.
The two of them immediately click and become great friends — ah, just kidding, you know what happens. They instantly clash and there’s a lot of bickering and bantering and mild double-crossing in the early going, but there’s a chance, just a Christmas miracle kind of a chance, these two might learn they have more in common than they could possibly have imagined, and how knows, we might even see a magical romance in the making!
“Operation Christmas Drop” piles on the clichés, from the obligatory FaceTime conversations in which tech-challenged oldsters can’t get the computer thingy to work right, to a romantic interlude of Andrew and Erica snorkeling in crystal blue waters, to Erica having to choose between career and caring, to the advent of a major storm that could sideline the mission before a single plane takes off. The comedy is light and the drama is predictable and the romance is inevitable, but Erica and Andrew deserve their happily ever after, as does the Operation Christmas Drop endeavor. Mission accomplished.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--How will Nick Foles and Matt Nagy navigate a depleted O-line?

Quarterback Nick Foles might not have known the names of all his eight healthy offensive linemen — four have never played an NFL snap , one has never started a game and another has started exactly one — but he wanted them to feel at ease during practice Wednesday .
“ It was just stepping in the huddle and making sure that guys are relaxed and loose , ” Foles said , “ because I know it ’ s not an easy situation .
All of a sudden , you ’ re stepping in and you ’ re playing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re in a different role .
Foles , the ultimate backup-done-good , knows the nerves that come with players receiving what they perceive to be their big chance .
On Sunday , though , he might have to be the nervous one .
Against the Saints , Foles was sacked five times — only one , coach Matt Nagy claimed , could have been avoided by throwing the ball away .
The week before , Foles was sacked four times , prompting Nagy to bemoan how difficult it is to play the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Quarterback [ ing ] is hard , ” he said , “ when you can ’ t step into your throws.
” The Bears have spent the last six weeks trying to manufacture chemistry between Nagy , the play-caller , and Foles , his longtime friend but first-time game-planning partner .
They ’ ve yet to find significant traction .
This week , however , presents a new , much more high-stakes challenge : finding a way to move the ball with the Bears ’ offensive line ravaged by injuries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeklong quarantine for a fourth , right guard Germain Ifedi , for having close contact with offensive tackle Jason Spriggs .
On Wednesday , Titans coach Mike Vrabel called Foles “ somebody that ’ s been able to get the ball out of his hands quickly.
” He ’ ll absolutely have to Sunday .
With backup Mitch Trubisky likely out with an injured right shoulder , the Bears can ’ t afford for Foles to get hurt because of an offensive-line mistake .
The Bears hold meetings every morning between quarterbacks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They watch film of the upcoming opponent ’ s defensive fronts .
Later in the morning , they gather for a blitz meeting and analyze how to stop extra rushers .
“ So that ’ s a great time with anyone who ’ s going to play center , ” Foles said , “ to go through it , talk through the calls with what we ’ re thinking.
” Two weeks ago , Cody Whitehair was the lead center in those meetings .
Last week , it was Sam Mustipher .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alex Bars and newcomer Aaron Neary as the Bears ’ remaining healthy options .
“ We ’ re not going to be perfect , ” Foles said .
“ But as long as we know if we make a call — where our limitation could be if they bring a blitz — we ’ re going to be fine .
“ And if there are times where I need to get the ball out , I can get it out .
Or if I can drop back and throw a deep ball , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nagy figures to plan screen passes , quick slants and other short drops to protect Foles .
He ’ ll have to scheme a way to use additional pass-blockers at tight end or running back , a wrinkle he has avoided during his Bears tenure .
An offense with little identity has four days to develop a new one .
“ We ’ ve talked about it as a staff ; we ’ ve talked about it with Nick , ” Nagy said .
“ It is our job , and the job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step up and be able to adapt .
I mean , that ’ s kind of been our word this whole time .
‘ Adjust ’ and ‘ adapt ’ and ‘ expect the unexpected.
’ “ And every day , it ’ s always something new .
”

Quarterback Nick Foles might not have known the names of all his eight healthy offensive linemen — four have never played an NFL snap, one has never started a game and another has started exactly one — but he wanted them to feel at ease during practice Wednesday.
“It was just stepping in the huddle and making sure that guys are relaxed and loose,” Foles said, “because I know it’s not an easy situation. All of a sudden, you’re stepping in and you’re playing. I get it, and maybe you’re in a different role.
“Been there, done that.”
Foles, the ultimate backup-done-good, knows the nerves that come with players receiving what they perceive to be their big chance.
On Sunday, though, he might have to be the nervous one. Against the Saints, Foles was sacked five times — only one, coach Matt Nagy claimed, could have been avoided by throwing the ball away.
The week before, Foles was sacked four times, prompting Nagy to bemoan how difficult it is to play the position with bodies strewn around the pocket.
“Quarterback[ing] is hard,” he said, “when you can’t step into your throws.”
The Bears have spent the last six weeks trying to manufacture chemistry between Nagy, the play-caller, and Foles, his longtime friend but first-time game-planning partner. They’ve yet to find significant traction.
This week, however, presents a new, much more high-stakes challenge: finding a way to move the ball with the Bears’ offensive line ravaged by injuries to three Week 1 starters and facing a weeklong quarantine for a fourth, right guard Germain Ifedi, for having close contact with offensive tackle Jason Spriggs.
On Wednesday, Titans coach Mike Vrabel called Foles “somebody that’s been able to get the ball out of his hands quickly.” He’ll absolutely have to Sunday. With backup Mitch Trubisky likely out with an injured right shoulder, the Bears can’t afford for Foles to get hurt because of an offensive-line mistake.
The Bears hold meetings every morning between quarterbacks and centers to try to avoid exactly that. They watch film of the upcoming opponent’s defensive fronts. Later in the morning, they gather for a blitz meeting and analyze how to stop extra rushers.
“So that’s a great time with anyone who’s going to play center,” Foles said, “to go through it, talk through the calls with what we’re thinking.”
Two weeks ago, Cody Whitehair was the lead center in those meetings. Last week, it was Sam Mustipher. Both sat out practice Wednesday, leaving Alex Bars and newcomer Aaron Neary as the Bears’ remaining healthy options.
“We’re not going to be perfect,” Foles said. “But as long as we know if we make a call — where our limitation could be if they bring a blitz — we’re going to be fine.
“And if there are times where I need to get the ball out, I can get it out. Or if I can drop back and throw a deep ball, I’ll throw it deep.”
Or not.
Nagy figures to plan screen passes, quick slants and other short drops to protect Foles. He’ll have to scheme a way to use additional pass-blockers at tight end or running back, a wrinkle he has avoided during his Bears tenure.
An offense with little identity has four days to develop a new one.
“We’ve talked about it as a staff; we’ve talked about it with Nick,” Nagy said. “It is our job, and the job now — all of us have to step up and be able to adapt. I mean, that’s kind of been our word this whole time. ‘Adjust’ and ‘adapt’ and ‘expect the unexpected.’
“And every day, it’s always something new.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--Man shot to death in Avondale home: police

A 36-year-old man was fatally shot Thursday at his home in Avondale on the Northwest Side , according to police @ @ @ @ @ roommate found him on his bed about 2:50 a.m. at their home in the 3500 @ @ @ @ @ , Chicago police said .
He had been shot in the chest , abdomen and @ @ @ @ @ dead on the scene .
The roommate told officers he didn ’ t see anyone @ @ @ @ @ and didn ’ t have other details to share , according to police .
The @ @ @ @ @ s office has not identified the man .
No one is in custody as Area @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 36-year-old man was fatally shot Thursday at his home in Avondale on the Northwest Side.
The man’s roommate found him on his bed about 2:50 a.m. at their home in the 3500 block of North Hamlin Avenue, Chicago police said. He had been shot in the chest, abdomen and leg, and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The roommate told officers he didn’t see anyone come inside their home, and didn’t have other details to share, according to police.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Usbaldo Arbelo.
No one is in custody as Area Five detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--12 shot, 1 killed Wednesday in Chicago

12 shot, 1 killed Wednesday in Chicago

Twelve people were shot Wednesday in Chicago , including a 27-year-old man who was killed in Austin on the West Side .
The man was shot near his ear about 11:20 a.m. in the 5800 block of West Superior Street , according to Chicago police .
He was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood , where he was pronounced dead .
The man was identified as Mitchel Barber of Austin , the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said .
In non-fatal shootings , a man was critically wounded late Wednesday in West Garfield Park .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 11:50 p.m. in the 4500 block of West Washington Boulevard when someone in a gray-colored SUV fired shots at him , Chicago police said .
He was struck in the chest and back and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition .
About 15 minutes earlier , a man was shot after two people broke into a home in Englewood on the South Side .
About 10:15 p.m. , the suspects forced their way into the home through a back door in the 6400 block of South Laflin Street and pistol-whipped a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They went into a room and shot a 37-year-old man in the leg and back before taking his wallet , cash and iPhone , police said .
The younger man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition , while the older man refused medical attention .
Three men were wounded in a shooting Wednesday evening in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
They were in a parking lot about 7:13 p.m. in the 3800 block of West Division Street when someone fired shots from a vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man was struck in the back while another man , 41 , was shot in the thigh , police said .
A third man , 18 , suffered a gunshot wound to the foot .
They were all taken to Norwegian American Hospital in good condition .
In Austin , three more people were wounded in shootings throughout the afternoon and evening , including a 70-year-old woman who was struck by a stray bullet inside a home .
A bullet went through a front window about 6:20 p.m. in the 1700 block of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the chest , according to police .
She was taken to the Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood , and was listed in good condition .
A 60-year-old man was grazed by a bullet over an hour earlier in the same neighborhood .
He was on the sidewalk about 5 p.m. in the 4900 block of West Ohio Street when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up and someone inside fired shots at him , Chicago police said .
The man was grazed in the arm and taken to West Suburban Medical Center , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the afternoon , another man was grazed in a shooting in Austin .
About 1:15 p.m , the 41-year-old was standing in the 4900 block of West Adams Street when someone approached and began firing shots , police said .
He suffered a graze wound to the left ear and was taken to Stroger Hospital , where he was stabilized .
A 31-year-old man was wounded in a drive-by Wednesday morning in Lawndale on the West Side .
About 1:05 a.m. , he was walking on the sidewalk in the 4000 block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a passing silver SUV fired shots at him , Chicago police said .
He was struck in the back and brought to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in good condition .
About half an hour earlier , a 26-year-old man showed up at a North Side hospital after being shot .
He drove himself to Swedish Covenant Hospital about 12:30 a.m. with a gunshot wound to his left leg , Chicago police said .
He was listed in good condition .
The man told officers he was on Peterson Avenue when he heard gunshots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to give an accurate address for the shooting , police said .
The day ’ s first reported shooting happened at the stroke of midnight in Grand Crossing on the South Side .
A 39-year-old woman was shot in the chest in the 7100 block of South Woodlawn Avenue , police said .
She showed up at Jackson Park Hospital and was listed in good condition .
On Tuesday , 20 people were shot , two of them fatally , in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city @ @ @ @

Twelve people were shot Wednesday in Chicago, including a 27-year-old man who was killed in Austin on the West Side.
The man was shot near his ear about 11:20 a.m. in the 5800 block of West Superior Street, according to Chicago police. He was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he was pronounced dead.
The man was identified as Mitchell Barber of Austin, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
In non-fatal shootings, a man was critically wounded late Wednesday in West Garfield Park.
The man, 28, was standing outside about 11:50 p.m. in the 4500 block of West Washington Boulevard when someone in a gray-colored SUV fired shots at him, Chicago police said. He was struck in the chest and back and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.
About 15 minutes earlier, a man was shot after two people broke into a home in Englewood on the South Side.
About 10:15 p.m., the suspects forced their way into the home through a back door in the 6400 block of South Laflin Street and pistol-whipped a 60-year-old man inside, Chicago police said.
They went into a room and shot a 37-year-old man in the leg and back before taking his wallet, cash and iPhone, police said. The younger man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition, while the older man refused medical attention.
Three men were wounded in a shooting Wednesday evening in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
They were in a parking lot about 7:13 p.m. in the 3800 block of West Division Street when someone fired shots from a vehicle, Chicago police said.
A 44-year-old man was struck in the back while another man, 41, was shot in the thigh, police said. A third man, 18, suffered a gunshot wound to the foot. They were all taken to Norwegian American Hospital in good condition.
In Austin, three more people were wounded in shootings throughout the afternoon and evening, including a 70-year-old woman who was struck by a stray bullet inside a home.
A bullet went through a front window about 6:20 p.m. in the 1700 block of North Monitor Avenue and struck the woman in the chest, according to police. She was taken to the Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, and was listed in good condition.
A 60-year-old man was grazed by a bullet over an hour earlier in the same neighborhood.
He was on the sidewalk about 5 p.m. in the 4900 block of West Ohio Street when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up and someone inside fired shots at him, Chicago police said. The man was grazed in the arm and taken to West Suburban Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized.
Earlier in the afternoon, another man was grazed in a shooting in Austin.
About 1:15 p.m, the 41-year-old was standing in the 4900 block of West Adams Street when someone approached and began firing shots, police said. He suffered a graze wound to the left ear and was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was stabilized.
A 31-year-old man was wounded in a drive-by Wednesday morning in Lawndale on the West Side.
About 1:05 a.m., he was walking on the sidewalk in the 4000 block of West 21st Street when someone in a passing silver SUV fired shots at him, Chicago police said. He was struck in the back and brought to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition.
About half an hour earlier, a 26-year-old man showed up at a North Side hospital after being shot.
He drove himself to Swedish Covenant Hospital about 12:30 a.m. with a gunshot wound to his left leg, Chicago police said. He was listed in good condition.
The man told officers he was on Peterson Avenue when he heard gunshots and felt a pain, but was unable to give an accurate address for the shooting, police said.
The day’s first reported shooting happened at the stroke of midnight in Grand Crossing on the South Side.
A 39-year-old woman was shot in the chest in the 7100 block of South Woodlawn Avenue, police said. She showed up at Jackson Park Hospital and was listed in good condition.
On Tuesday, 20 people were shot, two of them fatally, in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--Back-to-back carjackings reported in Lincoln Park: police

Two women were carjacked within minutes of each other Wednesday in a small stretch of Lincoln Park on the North Side .
The first carjacking happened about 6:05 p.m. when two males approached a 31-year-old woman in the 2500 block of North Southport Avenue , threatened her with a gun and took her things before driving off in her black Jeep Grand Cherokee , Chicago police said .
Less than 15 minutes later , two males in a black Jeep Grand Cherokee stopped a 41-year-old woman as she pulled out of her garage with her 9-year-old son in the 2600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
One male got into her black Audi A7 after the pair got out and drove away , followed by the Jeep .
Though the 41-year-old woman didn ’ t see who was driving the Jeep , the male who climbed into her Audi matched the description of one of the suspects who pulled off the first carjacking , police said .
Police described him as a male standing between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-9 , wearing a dark jacket , dark blue jeans and a white face mask .
The other suspect in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man in his late teens or early 20s , standing between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-10 and wearing dark clothes and a dark face mask , police said .
Though it has not been confirmed , Area Three detectives are investigating whether the two carjackings are related , police said .
No arrests had been reported Wednesday evening .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Two women were carjacked within minutes of each other Wednesday in a small stretch of Lincoln Park on the North Side.
The first carjacking happened about 6:05 p.m. when two males approached a 31-year-old woman in the 2500 block of North Southport Avenue, threatened her with a gun and took her things before driving off in her black Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chicago police said.
Less than 15 minutes later, two males in a black Jeep Grand Cherokee stopped a 41-year-old woman as she pulled out of her garage with her 9-year-old son in the 2600 block of North Bosworth Avenue, police said. One male got into her black Audi A7 after the pair got out and drove away, followed by the Jeep.
Though the 41-year-old woman didn’t see who was driving the Jeep, the male who climbed into her Audi matched the description of one of the suspects who pulled off the first carjacking, police said. Police described him as a male standing between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-9, wearing a dark jacket, dark blue jeans and a white face mask.
The other suspect in the first carjacking was described as a man in his late teens or early 20s, standing between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-10 and wearing dark clothes and a dark face mask, police said.
Though it has not been confirmed, Area Three detectives are investigating whether the two carjackings are related, police said.
No arrests had been reported Wednesday evening.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--NBA planning on 72-game schedule starting Dec. 22

On Thursday , the NBA is expected to announce a Dec. 22 start to a 72-game schedule for 2020-21 , ESPN reported Wednesday .
With the NBA ’ s board of governors and the players ’ association scheduled to hold separate meetings Thursday , the sides are expected to complete details on a reduced schedule for next season .
ESPN reports the sides are in discussions on a salary escrow for players in the range of 18 % for the next two years , with team representatives signaling they will approve the deal .
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acceptance of the Dec. 22 date , and both sides expect that will happen this week .
Organizations and players are proceeding with the urgency of a quick turnaround to the start of the season , including the Nov. 18 draft , free agency and training camps starting on Dec. 1 , sources told ESPN .
Once an agreement is reached , the NBA will lift a moratorium and reopen the league for business on trades before the draft .
The league believes that a Dec. 22 start that includes Christmas Day games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule that finishes before the Summer Olympics in mid-July is worth between $ 500 million and $ 1 billion in short- and long-term revenues to the league and players , sources told ESPN .
Some players , however , have said starting in December is too soon for teams such as the Lakers and Heat , who were in the Walt Disney World bubble until mid-October for the NBA Finals .
Players have been pushing for a 58- or 60-game season that would start on Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 18 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January start would mean less revenue on the heels of a season in which the league missed revenue projections by $ 1.5 billion and 14 % of the regular season wasn ’ t played because of the pandemic — meaning players lost roughly the same percentage of their salaries .
“ Honestly , there ’ s a level of compromise on each side , ” Magic player rep Jonathan Isaac said this week .
“ This has not been easy with everything that ’ s been thrown at the league and thrown at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure things out .
‘ ‘ So there ’ s a level of compromise on both sides , but we ’ re continuing to talk.
” Most NBA cities , including Chicago , are still unable to have public gatherings of more than 500 people .
The NBA plans to start the season without fans in the arenas — with little confidence that they ’ ll be able to return anytime early in the season as a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the country .

On Thursday, the NBA is expected to announce a Dec. 22 start to a 72-game schedule for 2020-21, ESPN reported Wednesday.
With the NBA’s board of governors and the players’ association scheduled to hold separate meetings Thursday, the sides are expected to complete details on a reduced schedule for next season.
ESPN reports the sides are in discussions on a salary escrow for players in the range of 18% for the next two years, with team representatives signaling they will approve the deal.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the board of governors are awaiting a formal acceptance of the Dec. 22 date, and both sides expect that will happen this week.
Organizations and players are proceeding with the urgency of a quick turnaround to the start of the season, including the Nov. 18 draft, free agency and training camps starting on Dec. 1, sources told ESPN. Once an agreement is reached, the NBA will lift a moratorium and reopen the league for business on trades before the draft.
The league believes that a Dec. 22 start that includes Christmas Day games on TV and allows for a 72-game schedule that finishes before the Summer Olympics in mid-July is worth between $500 million and $1 billion in short- and long-term revenues to the league and players, sources told ESPN.
Some players, however, have said starting in December is too soon for teams such as the Lakers and Heat, who were in the Walt Disney World bubble until mid-October for the NBA Finals. Players have been pushing for a 58- or 60-game season that would start on Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 18, the Associated Press reported.
But a January start would mean less revenue on the heels of a season in which the league missed revenue projections by $1.5 billion and 14% of the regular season wasn’t played because of the pandemic — meaning players lost roughly the same percentage of their salaries.
“Honestly, there’s a level of compromise on each side,” Magic player rep Jonathan Isaac said this week. “This has not been easy with everything that’s been thrown at the league and thrown at us just as people are trying to figure things out.
‘‘So there’s a level of compromise on both sides, but we’re continuing to talk.”
Most NBA cities, including Chicago, are still unable to have public gatherings of more than 500 people. The NBA plans to start the season without fans in the arenas — with little confidence that they’ll be able to return anytime early in the season as a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the country.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-04--Horoscope for Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020

Horoscope for Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Cancer .
Although you have an intense focus on shared property and financial matters , today you ’ re happy to cocoon at home , even though your home routine might have a few surprises or interruptions .
Take it easy .
Relations with partners and close friends are smooth .
Remember to get more sleep this week .
Your focus on partners and close friends is strong now ; in fact , because you have more objectivity you can improve your style of relating to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces or see new places .
It ’ s an interesting day !
You ’ re working hard to get better organized because this makes you feel good .
( This includes your focus on health . )
Today something unexpected might occur with cash flow , earnings or something that you own .
Hopefully , a pleasant surprise ?
Ka-ching !
Today you might feel more emotional about things because the moon is in your sign .
Nevertheless , this is a pleasure-loving , light-hearted day .
Enjoy social outings , fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and organizations .
You might meet someone new or unusual ?
Many of you have been more down home and laid back lately because you have been focused on home and family , perhaps a parent .
( Even the moon today is “ hiding ” in your chart . )
Nevertheless , you feel restless and a bit on edge .
Fortunately , relations with others are smooth , even with friends from your past .
This is a busy , fast-paced time for you due to short trips , increased reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ errands .
Yes , it ’ s go , go , go !
Today a friend or a member of a group might say or do something you didn ’ t expect .
( This contact probably will be a female . )
Or you might meet someone new ?
You are high visibility today .
People notice you especially bosses , parents , teachers and the police .
( Good to know . )
Something unusual and unexpected might occur .
Be aware of this in case you want to avoid problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to buy wardrobe items for yourself .
With the sun in your sign , you are powerful , especially because it dovetails with the moon in your fellow water sign .
Travel will appeal , as will any opportunity to expand your world in some way .
You might meet someone unusual or different ?
Likewise , you might learn something unusual ?
Continue to keep a low profile until the sun enters your sign on Saturday , Nov. 21 .
Until then , define some goals for what you want for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future decision-making easier and they give you a sense of purpose .
Because the moon today is opposite your sign , you have to go more than halfway when dealing with others .
In other words , be cooperative and friendly .
Surprising news about someone close to you might happen or you might meet someone new ?
It ’ s an interesting and social day .
You continue to look good in the eyes of bosses , parents and VIPs , which is why this is an excellent time to make your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Today something unexpected with your job or a pet might occur .
Be alert .
You ’ re restless for change and stimulation , plus , you ’ re keen to learn something new .
Today is a lighthearted , fun-loving day , which might give you opportunities to socialize with others or enjoy playful times with kids .
It ’ s a flirtatious day as well .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Tilda Swinton ( 1960 ) shares your birthday .
You are adaptable and quietly ambitious .
You are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your intuition and are not worried about conforming .
This year will be a more easy-going year .
Your smart choice will be to cooperate with others because your relations with others will benefit you , even business and personal relationships .
Grab every chance to practice kindness and be helpful .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Cancer.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Although you have an intense focus on shared property and financial matters, today you’re happy to cocoon at home, even though your home routine might have a few surprises or interruptions. Take it easy. Relations with partners and close friends are smooth.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Remember to get more sleep this week. Your focus on partners and close friends is strong now; in fact, because you have more objectivity you can improve your style of relating to others. Today you might meet new faces or see new places. It’s an interesting day!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
You’re working hard to get better organized because this makes you feel good. (This includes your focus on health.) Today something unexpected might occur with cash flow, earnings or something that you own. Hopefully, a pleasant surprise? Ka-ching!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Today you might feel more emotional about things because the moon is in your sign. Nevertheless, this is a pleasure-loving, light-hearted day. Enjoy social outings, fun activities with kids and interactions with clubs and organizations. You might meet someone new or unusual?
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Many of you have been more down home and laid back lately because you have been focused on home and family, perhaps a parent. (Even the moon today is “hiding” in your chart.) Nevertheless, you feel restless and a bit on edge. Fortunately, relations with others are smooth, even with friends from your past.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
This is a busy, fast-paced time for you due to short trips, increased reading, writing and studying plus appointments and errands. Yes, it’s go, go, go! Today a friend or a member of a group might say or do something you didn’t expect. (This contact probably will be a female.) Or you might meet someone new?
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
You are high visibility today. People notice you especially bosses, parents, teachers and the police. (Good to know.) Something unusual and unexpected might occur. Be aware of this in case you want to avoid problems. Incidentally, this is a good time to buy wardrobe items for yourself.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
With the sun in your sign, you are powerful, especially because it dovetails with the moon in your fellow water sign. Travel will appeal, as will any opportunity to expand your world in some way. You might meet someone unusual or different? Likewise, you might learn something unusual?
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Continue to keep a low profile until the sun enters your sign on Saturday, Nov. 21. Until then, define some goals for what you want for your new year ahead. Goals make future decision-making easier and they give you a sense of purpose.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Because the moon today is opposite your sign, you have to go more than halfway when dealing with others. In other words, be cooperative and friendly. Surprising news about someone close to you might happen or you might meet someone new? It’s an interesting and social day.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You continue to look good in the eyes of bosses, parents and VIPs, which is why this is an excellent time to make your pitch and go after what you want. Today something unexpected with your job or a pet might occur. Be alert.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You’re restless for change and stimulation, plus, you’re keen to learn something new. Today is a lighthearted, fun-loving day, which might give you opportunities to socialize with others or enjoy playful times with kids. It’s a flirtatious day as well.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Tilda Swinton (1960) shares your birthday. You are adaptable and quietly ambitious. You are also an introspective extrovert. You follow your intuition and are not worried about conforming. This year will be a more easy-going year. Your smart choice will be to cooperate with others because your relations with others will benefit you, even business and personal relationships. Grab every chance to practice kindness and be helpful.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--Facebook bans big ‘Stop the Steal’ group for sowing violence

OAKLAND , Calif. — Facebook on Thursday banned a large group called “ Stop the Steal ” that supporters of President Donald Trump were using to organize protests against the presidential vote count .
Some members had called for violence , while many falsely claimed that Democrats are “ stealing ” the election from Republicans .
Though the group amassed more than 350,000 members before Facebook took it down , it was just one of several smaller groups that popped up as vote counting extended for days in several battleground states .
Inside the groups , members and organizers tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s moderators and “ trolls ” who might report or mock them .
“ In line with the exceptional measures that we are taking during this period of heightened tension , we have removed the Group ‘ Stop the Steal , ’ which was creating real-world events , ” Facebook said in a statement .
“ The group was organized around the delegitimization of the election process , and we saw worrying calls for violence from some members of the group.
” Facebook said it will continue to watch for activity that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it does .
As of Thursday afternoon , a copycat “ Stop the Steal ” group was growing steadily , nearing 12,000 members , and others were easily searchable on Facebook .
Inside the groups , members posted baseless claims of voter fraud and organized protests .
Calls for violence were not immediately apparent , although the the Center for Countering Digital Hate shared a screenshot of one post in the now-banned group that read “ Neither side is going to concede .
Time to clean the guns , time to hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , administrators were scrupulously warning members that they will remove anything that calls for violence .
They also made plans to move the group to other platforms Imran Ahmed , CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate , which pressured Facebook to take down the group , said while it ’ s true that all this seems like a game of whack-a-mole , the moles are slowly learning their lesson .
“ By taking out the largest one , it sent a message to others , ” he said .
But Ahmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get Facebook to take action on such a large group calling for violence .
“ There is a systemic issue with Facebook groups being exploited by people spreading misinformation , hate and inciting violence , ” he said “ It ’ s a problem they have known about for a long time and they continue to fail to take proper action .
It ’ s generally only when a lot of attention is placed on something that they act.
” By Thursday afternoon , Facebook banned the # stopthesteal hashtag , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so earlier .
The term and similar ones were mentioned nearly 120,000 times on websites and social media platforms throughout the day Tuesday , according to analysis from media intelligence firm Zignal Labs .

OAKLAND, Calif. — Facebook on Thursday banned a large group called “Stop the Steal” that supporters of President Donald Trump were using to organize protests against the presidential vote count.
Some members had called for violence, while many falsely claimed that Democrats are “stealing” the election from Republicans.
Though the group amassed more than 350,000 members before Facebook took it down, it was just one of several smaller groups that popped up as vote counting extended for days in several battleground states. Inside the groups, members and organizers tried to ensure they would get around Facebook’s moderators and “trolls” who might report or mock them.
“In line with the exceptional measures that we are taking during this period of heightened tension, we have removed the Group ‘Stop the Steal,’ which was creating real-world events,” Facebook said in a statement. “The group was organized around the delegitimization of the election process, and we saw worrying calls for violence from some members of the group.”
Facebook said it will continue to watch for activity that violates its rules and will take action if it does. As of Thursday afternoon, a copycat “Stop the Steal” group was growing steadily, nearing 12,000 members, and others were easily searchable on Facebook.
Inside the groups, members posted baseless claims of voter fraud and organized protests. Calls for violence were not immediately apparent, although the the Center for Countering Digital Hate shared a screenshot of one post in the now-banned group that read “Neither side is going to concede. Time to clean the guns, time to hit the streets.”
In the new group, administrators were scrupulously warning members that they will remove anything that calls for violence. They also made plans to move the group to other platforms
Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, which pressured Facebook to take down the group, said while it’s true that all this seems like a game of whack-a-mole, the moles are slowly learning their lesson.
“By taking out the largest one, it sent a message to others,” he said.
But Ahmed said it should not be so difficult to get Facebook to take action on such a large group calling for violence.
“There is a systemic issue with Facebook groups being exploited by people spreading misinformation, hate and inciting violence,” he said “It’s a problem they have known about for a long time and they continue to fail to take proper action. It’s generally only when a lot of attention is placed on something that they act.”
By Thursday afternoon, Facebook banned the #stopthesteal hashtag, too. But it easily could have done so earlier. The term and similar ones were mentioned nearly 120,000 times on websites and social media platforms throughout the day Tuesday, according to analysis from media intelligence firm Zignal Labs.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--As COVID-19 numbers spiral, there is greater likelihood it will impact someone you love

My friend ’ s voice was low , a whisper on the phone , as she called from another state .
The Chicagoan and her husband had gone to pick up her mother from a nursing home to protect her from a COVID-19 outbreak , the facility saying it was discharging all its elderly residents who tested negative .
They got her mother settled in in her own home and were arranging in-home care , etc.
, when the call came from the nursing home that it had made a mistake .
Her mother ’ s secondary test was actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell sick , then my friend .
The mother was last to show symptoms , rushed by ambulance to the hospital as breathing became difficult .
She remains hospitalized .
The dilemma for my friend : How to get home ?
The couple needed to be near their doctors , their support system .
If they flew , others could be exposed .
If they drove , their weakened state invited trouble on the road .
As the nation Wednesday reached the frightening milestone of more than 100,000 new infections in a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top infectious disease expert , Dr. Anthony S. Fauci , predicted in June we ’ d reach , absent immediate stricter measures — we have to face the greater likelihood for all of us that the virus could soon impact someone we love .
In Illinois , state health officials Thursday reported 9,935 new COVID-19 cases , dwarfing the previous single-day record of 7,899 on Oct. 31 — with a seven-day statewide positivity rate of 9.1 % .
That ’ s the figure showing how rapidly the virus is spreading ; in Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doubling every 12 days .
Nationwide , coronavirus-related deaths jumped 21 percent in the last two weeks .
And the pandemic of course loomed over Tuesday ’ s election — voters who considered President Donald Trump ’ s handling of the outbreak a top issue choosing former Vice President Joe Biden .
It ’ s time we face reality .
It ’ s time for a return to stricter measures .
Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Thursday warned of a return to stricter lockdown , should this mind-boggling multiplication of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journey with a dear friend and her family has thrown into high relief so many previously distant issues surrounding this highly infectious virus that ’ s killed 231,434 nationwide to date — 10,030 Illinoisans .
How many other folks have loved ones in long-term care facilities , where according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services , infections are on the rise ?
Such facilities bore the brunt during the initial outbreak of winter/spring , their residents accounting for 40 percent of the nation ’ s deaths , though only eight percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Johns Hopkins University , new coronavirus infections in the general population rose 61 percent between September and October .
And as infections rose in more than 35 states , long-term care facilities saw a correlating spike , after nearly two months of declining cases in those facilities .
In the end , my friend and her husband got home , now on a recovery journey of a day at a time .
Her husband ’ s weathering the infection far better than my friend , who is wracked by fever and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , watching and worried about shortness of breath .
But how many folks like my friend have gotten sick out of state and knew they had to immediately get home where resources were available to hunker down and fight ?
And of those folks , how many chose to get on a plane — knowing that heavily garbed in personal protective equipment , they still could potentially expose others ?
What does knowing this dilemma add to the fear of the risk of flying ?
For those who drive home , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along the way , whether they would like to or not , potentially exposing others .
And just what good is Chicago ’ s Emergency Travel Order that requires travelers entering or returning to Chicago from states with COVID-19 surges to quarantine 14 days from the time of last contact within those surge states — when there is absolutely no way to enforce it ?
The 97 COVID-19 deaths reported Thursday in Illinois represent the second highest record — there were 115 deaths on June 4 .
Thursday also marked the ninth consecutive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new infections — the entire state now operating under tighter restrictions , including the much-debated ban on indoor bar and restaurant service .
As this alarming second wave of the virus sweeps the globe , European countries are re-imposing those stricter lock-downs of the initial outbreak .
It ’ s time that we do so as well .
“ There is not a single person in Chicago who is not at some risk , ” says Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady , noting 646 people currently in Chicago hospitals with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 91 on ventilators .
I pray daily for my friend and her family , and check in daily , knowing firsthand now that in the grips of this second wave , there is a greater likelihood of coronavirus touching someone we love .

My friend’s voice was low, a whisper on the phone, as she called from another state.
The Chicagoan and her husband had gone to pick up her mother from a nursing home to protect her from a COVID-19 outbreak, the facility saying it was discharging all its elderly residents who tested negative.
They got her mother settled in in her own home and were arranging in-home care, etc., when the call came from the nursing home that it had made a mistake. Her mother’s secondary test was actually positive. Within days, the husband fell sick, then my friend.
The mother was last to show symptoms, rushed by ambulance to the hospital as breathing became difficult. She remains hospitalized.
The dilemma for my friend: How to get home?
The couple needed to be near their doctors, their support system. If they flew, others could be exposed. If they drove, their weakened state invited trouble on the road.
As the nation Wednesday reached the frightening milestone of more than 100,000 new infections in a single day — which the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, predicted in June we’d reach, absent immediate stricter measures — we have to face the greater likelihood for all of us that the virus could soon impact someone we love.
In Illinois, state health officials Thursday reported 9,935 new COVID-19 cases, dwarfing the previous single-day record of 7,899 on Oct. 31 — with a seven-day statewide positivity rate of 9.1%. That’s the figure showing how rapidly the virus is spreading; in Chicago, it’s at 10.9%, doubling every 12 days.
Nationwide, coronavirus-related deaths jumped 21 percent in the last two weeks.
And the pandemic of course loomed over Tuesday’s election — voters who considered President Donald Trump’s handling of the outbreak a top issue choosing former Vice President Joe Biden. It’s time we face reality. It’s time for a return to stricter measures.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday warned of a return to lockdown, should this mind-boggling multiplication of new cases and hospitalizations continue.
Traveling this journey with a dear friend and her family has thrown into high relief so many previously distant issues surrounding this highly infectious virus that’s killed 231,434 nationwide to date — 10,030 Illinoisans.
How many other folks have loved ones in long-term care facilities, where according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, infections are on the rise? Such facilities bore the brunt during the initial outbreak of winter/spring, their residents accounting for 40 percent of the nation’s deaths, though only eight percent of the nation’s cases.
According to Johns Hopkins University, new coronavirus infections in the general population rose 61 percent between September and October. And as infections rose in more than 35 states, long-term care facilities saw a correlating spike, after nearly two months of declining cases in those facilities.
Phlebotomist Crystal Bovan, with Simple Laboratories, collects a nasopharyngeal swab sample to test for the coronavirus for a woman at the lab’s drive-thru testing site in the parking lot of St. Rosalie Catholic Parish in Harwood Heights, Friday, May 1, 2020. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file photo
In the end, my friend and her husband got home, now on a recovery journey of a day at a time. Her husband’s weathering the infection far better than my friend, who is wracked by fever and cough. I stay on the phone, aware of and worried about her shortness of breath.
But how many folks like my friend have gotten sick out of state and knew they had to immediately get home where resources were available to hunker down and fight?
And of those folks, how many chose to get on a plane — knowing though heavily garbed in personal protective equipment, they still could potentially expose others? What does knowing this dilemma add to the fear of the risk of flying?
For those who drive home, there are stops for gas and to grab food along the way, whether they would like to or not, potentially exposing others.
And just what good is Chicago’s Emergency Travel Order requiring travelers entering or returning to Chicago from states with COVID-19 surges to quarantine 14 days from the time of last contact within those states — when there is absolutely no way to enforce it?
The 97 COVID-19 deaths reported Thursday in Illinois represent the second highest record — there were 115 deaths on June 4. Thursday also marked the ninth consecutive day Illinois has reported more than 6,000 new infections — the entire state now operating under tighter restrictions, including the much-debated ban on indoor bar and restaurant service.
As this alarming second wave of the virus sweeps the globe, European countries are re-imposing those stricter lock-downs of the initial outbreak. It’s time that we do so as well.
“There is not a single person in Chicago who is not at some risk,” says Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, noting 646 people are currently in Chicago hospitals with COVID — 179 in intensive care units, 91 on ventilators.
I pray daily for my friend and her family, and check in daily, knowing firsthand that in the grips of this second wave, there is a greater likelihood of coronavirus touching someone we love.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--Pritzker warns of restrictions as state hits ‘terrible milestone’ of 10,000 deaths: ‘We’re heading d

Pritzker warns of restrictions as state hits ‘terrible milestone’ of 10,000 deaths: ‘We’re heading down a very dark, dark path’

The Illinois COVID-19 death toll for the year crept past 10,000 on Thursday — a “ terrible milestone ” that Gov .
J.B. Pritzker warned could lead to further statewide restrictions to stem the spread of the surging virus .
“ Each day we are losing more and more of our neighbors to this virus .
That ’ s not a trend that ’ s going to turn around , ” Pritzker said .
“ It ’ s up to us — all of us — to do something to save the next family from tragedy .
Because unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then led a moment of silence for those who have died of the disease .
That includes the 97 people whose deaths were announced Thursday – 31 of them in Cook County alone .
The statewide daily total is the highest since the state reported 115 deaths on June 4 .
State health officials also reported 9,935 new COVID-19 cases , dwarfing the previous single-day high of 7,899 reported Saturday and more than double the previous longstanding high of 4,015 reached during the spring peak month of May .
“ To all Illinoisans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severity of our situation , ” Pritzker said .
“ [ The Illinois Department of Public Health ] is looking at proposing further regional and statewide restrictions because the rise in cases and hospitalizations is unsustainable.
” COVID-19 infections have skyrocketed in the past month amid a second surge of the virus .
Thursday marked the ninth consecutive day the state has reported more than 6,000 new coronavirus cases .
The state ’ s total case count has now reached 447,491 , with deaths totaling 10,030 .
The seven-day statewide positivity rate — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus is spreading — reached 9.1 % on Thursday , up from 6.9 % last week , the state public health department reported .
And while the number of tests conducted across the state reached 8 million on Thursday , with an average of 82,000 being done each day , Pritzker warned that “ the rate of growth in our positivity is far outpacing our growth in testing.
” Pritzker noted that hospitals across Illinois had an average of 3,400 COVID-19 patients , climbing from 2,700 last week and 1,500 at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients either hospitalized in intensive care units or requiring ventilators has also jumped .
As of Wednesday , all 11 of the state ’ s regions were operating under tighter state-imposed COVID-19 restrictions , including bans on indoor services at bars and restaurants .
Those mitigations were put in place after each region saw severe increases in positivity , ranging from a low of 10 % in Regions 5 and 6 to a high of 15.7 % in Region 1 , which covers northwestern Illinois .
As Pritzker warned that additional mitigations may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onus on members of the public and local leaders to act responsibly .
“ If local leaders don ’ t step up , if high-risk industries don ’ t act accordingly , if families don ’ t put off that gathering or dinner party , if people don ’ t wear a mask , we ’ re heading down a very dark , dark path toward where we were last spring , ” said Pritzker .
“ Let ’ s not let that happen.
” To that end , Illinois Public Health Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warnings and recommendations about holiday gatherings and travel plans .
“ We all want to be with our friends and family for the holidays , but perhaps this holiday — as we have already done for most of 2020 — we are going to have to do it COVID-style , and that means virtual , ” she said .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and city Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady also offered a pandemic update to reporters Thursday , saying the city now has a positivity rate of 10.9 % and warning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could cause cases to spike further .
“ Gathering around Thanksgiving is not a safe proposition at this point .
...
Traveling is also not a safe proposition , ” Arwady said .
“ There is not a single person in Chicago who is not at some risk ” of COVID , Arwady said , and 70,000 to 105,000 city residents now have “ active ” COVID cases amid an increase in hospitalizations and intensive care patients .
Chicago cases continue to grow , with case counts doubling every 12 days .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , we ’ ll have thousands more cases ” by year ’ s end , Arwady said .
The increases cross every ZIP code and all age , race and ethnic groups , though 40- to 49-year-olds are “ leading the pack , ” she said .
In all , 646 people are in Chicago hospitals with COVID , with 179 in intensive care units and 91 people on ventilators .
“ We know how to turn this around , ” Arwady said .
“ We did it before .
”

The Illinois COVID-19 death toll for the year crept past 10,000 on Thursday — a “terrible milestone” that Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned could lead to further statewide restrictions to stem the spread of the surging virus.
“Each day we are losing more and more of our neighbors to this virus. That’s not a trend that’s going to turn around,” Pritzker said. “It’s up to us — all of us — to do something to save the next family from tragedy. Because unfortunately, it could easily be yours.”
Pritzker then led a moment of silence for those who have died of the disease. That includes the 97 people whose deaths were announced Thursday – 31 of them in Cook County alone.
The statewide daily total is the highest since the state reported 115 deaths on June 4.
State health officials also reported 9,935 new COVID-19 cases, dwarfing the previous single-day high of 7,899 reported Saturday and more than double the previous longstanding high of 4,015 reached during the spring peak month of May.
“To all Illinoisans, I cannot stress enough the severity of our situation,” Pritzker said. “[The Illinois Department of Public Health] is looking at proposing further regional and statewide restrictions because the rise in cases and hospitalizations is unsustainable.”
COVID-19 infections have skyrocketed in the past month amid a second surge of the virus.
Thursday marked the ninth consecutive day the state has reported more than 6,000 new coronavirus cases. The state’s total case count has now reached 447,491, with deaths totaling 10,030.
The seven-day statewide positivity rate — an important figure to understand how rapidly the virus is spreading — reached 9.1% on Thursday, up from 6.9% last week, the state public health department reported.
And while the number of tests conducted across the state reached 8 million on Thursday, with an average of 82,000 being done each day, Pritzker warned that “the rate of growth in our positivity is far outpacing our growth in testing.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker updates the media on the latest COVID-19 numbers during his daily COVID-19 update at the James R. Thompson Center on Thursday. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times file
Pritzker noted that hospitals across Illinois had an average of 3,400 COVID-19 patients, climbing from 2,700 last week and 1,500 at the start of October. The number of patients either hospitalized in intensive care units or requiring ventilators has also jumped.
As of Wednesday, all 11 of the state’s regions were operating under tighter state-imposed COVID-19 restrictions, including bans on indoor services at bars and restaurants.
Those mitigations were put in place after each region saw severe increases in positivity, ranging from a low of 10% in Regions 5 and 6 to a high of 15.7% in Region 1, which covers northwestern Illinois.
As Pritzker warned that additional mitigations may be in store, he placed the onus on members of the public and local leaders to act responsibly.
“If local leaders don’t step up, if high-risk industries don’t act accordingly, if families don’t put off that gathering or dinner party, if people don’t wear a mask, we’re heading down a very dark, dark path toward where we were last spring,” said Pritzker. “Let’s not let that happen.”
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike gives updates on the latest COVID-19 numbers and restrictions during a daily COVID-19 update Thursday. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times file
To that end, Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike offered a series of warnings and recommendations about holiday gatherings and travel plans.
“We all want to be with our friends and family for the holidays, but perhaps this holiday — as we have already done for most of 2020 — we are going to have to do it COVID-style, and that means virtual,” she said.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and city Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady also offered a pandemic update to reporters Thursday, saying the city now has a positivity rate of 10.9% and warning the holidays will tempt people into behavior that could cause cases to spike further.
“Gathering around Thanksgiving is not a safe proposition at this point. ... Traveling is also not a safe proposition,” Arwady said.
Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady discusses the rise in COVID-19 cases in Chicago at a City Hall news conference Thursday afternoon. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
“There is not a single person in Chicago who is not at some risk” of COVID, Arwady said, and 70,000 to 105,000 city residents now have “active” COVID cases amid an increase in hospitalizations and intensive care patients.
Chicago cases continue to grow, with case counts doubling every 12 days.
“If we don’t slow this down, we’ll have thousands more cases” by year’s end, Arwady said. The increases cross every ZIP code and all age, race and ethnic groups, though 40- to 49-year-olds are “leading the pack,” she said.
In all, 646 people are in Chicago hospitals with COVID, with 179 in intensive care units and 91 people on ventilators.
“We know how to turn this around,” Arwady said. “We did it before.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--Man shot in the Loop

Man shot in the Loop

A man was wounded in a shooting Thursday evening in the Loop .
The 25-year-old was in the street about @ @ @ @ @ block of West Van Buren Street when someone approached and fired shots at him , @ @ @ @ @ man was struck in the abdomen and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in good condition @ @ @ @ @ to fire officials , he was in serious-to-critical condition .
The shooting took place underneath @ @ @ @ @ of an Americana Submarine restaurant .
On Tuesday , a woman was robbed and another @ @ @ @ @ the 100 block of North Wabash Avenue .
Read more on crime , and track @ @ @ @ @ .

A man was wounded in a shooting Thursday evening in the Loop.
The 25-year-old was in the street about 5:15 p.m. in the 100 block of West Van Buren Street when someone approached and fired shots at him, Chicago police said.
The man was struck in the abdomen and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in good condition, police said. According to fire officials, he was in serious-to-critical condition.
The shooting took place underneath CTA tracks and in front of an Americana Submarine restaurant.
On Tuesday, a woman was robbed and another shot at blocks away in the 100 block of North Wabash Avenue.
Contributing: Ben Pope
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--White Sox Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson, Eloy Jimenez win Silver Slugger Awards

White Sox left fielder Eloy Jimenez and shortstop Tim Anderson won their first Silver Slugger Awards Thursday , and first baseman Jose Abreu claimed his third honor , given to the best hitting player at his position in each league .
The three Sox recipients are a franchise-record , breaking the mark of two set on four other occasions ( last 2014 ) .
The Sox are the first AL team with three Silver Slugger winners since Mookie Betts , Xander Bogaerts and David Ortiz won with the Red Sox in 2016 .
Abreu , 33 , batted .317/.370/.617 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 RBI in 60 games this season .
He also won in 2014 and 2018 , tying Carlton Fisk for the second-highest total in Sox history behind Frank Thomas ( four ) .
“ I am very happy to win the Silver Slugger Award , but I am happier of winning it this year along with Tim Anderson and Eloy Jiménez , ” Abreu said in a statement .
“ I am happier for them because I ’ ve seen them grow and develop .
I feel like a proud father .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future of the Chicago White Sox .
I want to thank God , my family , teammates , coaches and everyone who has helped me and supported me ” .
Abreu , who built a strong case for the AL Most Valuable Player Award that will be announced next Thursday , adds the Silver Slugger to his Sporting News Player of the Year award .
He is also a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award .
Anderson , 27 , batted .322/.357/.529 with 10 home runs and 45 runs scored over 49 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who won a batting title in 2019 joins Alexei Ramirez as the only Sox shortstops to win .
“ It ’ s such a great honor to win the 2020 Silver Slugger award , ” Anderson said .
“ I ’ m just grateful for the opportunity each day to go out on the field and give it my all .
It ’ s an amazing feeling.
” Jimenez won his in his second season .
The 23-year-old is the youngest player in franchise history to win the award and the second Dominican-born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jimenez batted .296/.332/.559 with 14 doubles , 14 home runs and 41 RBI .
“ This is a reward for all the work and all the sacrifices I have made , ” Jiménez said .
“ I feel very proud with the work and performance I showed on the field this year , ” said Jiménez .
“ I know this is just the first one of many to come , with God ’ s blessing .
I will keep working hard to get more awards and recognition , and with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

White Sox left fielder Eloy Jimenez and shortstop Tim Anderson won their first Silver Slugger Awards Thursday, and first baseman Jose Abreu claimed his third honor, given to the best hitting player at his position in each league.
The three Sox recipients are a franchise-record, breaking the mark of two set on four other occasions (last 2014). The Sox are the first AL team with three Silver Slugger winners since Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts and David Ortiz won with the Red Sox in 2016.
Abreu, 33, batted .317/.370/.617 with 15 doubles, 19 home runs and 60 RBI in 60 games this season. He also won in 2014 and 2018, tying Carlton Fisk for the second-highest total in Sox history behind Frank Thomas (four).
“I am very happy to win the Silver Slugger Award, but I am happier of winning it this year along with Tim Anderson and Eloy Jiménez,” Abreu said in a statement. “I am happier for them because I’ve seen them grow and develop. I feel like a proud father. This means a lot for me and for the future of the Chicago White Sox. I want to thank God, my family, teammates, coaches and everyone who has helped me and supported me”.
Abreu, who built a strong case for the AL Most Valuable Player Award that will be announced next Thursday, adds the Silver Slugger to his Sporting News Player of the Year award. He is also a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award.
Anderson, 27, batted .322/.357/.529 with 10 home runs and 45 runs scored over 49 games. The Sox’ leadoff hitter who won a batting title in 2019 joins Alexei Ramirez as the only Sox shortstops to win.
“It’s such a great honor to win the 2020 Silver Slugger award,” Anderson said. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity each day to go out on the field and give it my all. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Jimenez won his in his second season. The 23-year-old is the youngest player in franchise history to win the award and the second Dominican-born player, joining Julio Franco in 1994. Jimenez batted .296/.332/.559 with 14 doubles, 14 home runs and 41 RBI.
“This is a reward for all the work and all the sacrifices I have made,” Jiménez said. “I feel very proud with the work and performance I showed on the field this year,” said Jiménez. “I know this is just the first one of many to come, with God’s blessing. I will keep working hard to get more awards and recognition, and with that hopefully more team accomplishments will follow.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-05--Kids belong in school — the real thing — and Chicago can make it work

Educators across the country are warning about a ‘ lost year ’ for public school education because of the coronavirus pandemic , and let ’ s consider for a minute what a disaster that would be .
A lost year , with children in Chicago and elsewhere staring at electronic screens for hours — if they engage in school work at all — instead of learning in person with their classmates and teachers .
A lost year , without the presence of counselors and social workers , who traditionally are among the first caring adults to detect and flag signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calls to local child abuse hotlines have plummeted during the pandemic .
A lost year without the therapeutic services that children with special needs can not get online .
It doesn ’ t have to be this way , and it should not .
Chicago Public Schools is doing its best to make that case , working to ease the worries of parents and teachers in advance of resuming in-person instruction for some children — preschoolers and special-needs kids — later this month .
CPS has devised a safety plan , based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health experts , to minimize exposure to the virus or its spread .
Just this week , CPS released new data showing that the air quality and ventilation in 91 % of CPS classrooms meet or exceed the standards for safe for in-person learning .
But what ’ s CPS ’ best argument for the case that its schools can be reopened safely , even at a time when the coronavirus is surging again ?
The fact that other school systems already are pulling it off .
Even right here in town .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the city of Chicago reopened in September , with 34,000 students and over 2,000 teachers returning for in-person learning .
Just 18 % of parents opted to continue with remote learning — an option that CPS parents , and teachers with underlying health conditions , should continue to have when the public schools reopen .
The archdiocese had spent weeks developing mitigation measures with public health and infectious disease experts , and those measures appear to be working .
There has been no sign of large-scale , in-school transmission of COVID-19 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parochial schools .
To date , there have been exactly two cases of in-school transmission among teachers .
And there have been only 10 reported instances in which two children in the same cohort — children are assigned to small learning groups of 15 to 22 students — have been infected by the coronavirus .
Equally important , contact tracing found that these children did not become infected in school , but at social events outside school , such as a dance class and a soccer game .
“ What we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people become fatigued with this [ pandemic ] , is that people are drifting away from following guidelines outside school , ” Justin Lombardo , chief of personnel for the archdiocese , told us .
“ And we ’ re seeing that reverberate in school.
” The archdiocese also plans to return to exclusively remote learning for two weeks after the Christmas break , creating a kind of buffer against any increased spread of the coronavirus due to holiday socializing .
New York City : Once the nation ’ s epicenter for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big corner in its recovery last month when it reopened all public schools .
Students attend classes in person one to three days a week , to allow for social distancing .
About half of the district ’ s students , however , have opted to continue with fully remote learning .
Early results from mandatory random testing are encouraging : Among 16,348 staff and students in New York ’ s schools who were tested for the virus by mid-October , only 20 staff and eight students tested positive .
Even in neighborhoods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there has been little sign of it in schools .
Of some 3,300 students and employees who were tested for the virus , only four tested positive .
Other countries : Unlike the United States , most foreign countries have taken the view that keeping schools open is essential for both children and the economy , since many parents can not work from home to supervise remote learning .
The United Kingdom , Germany and France have all opted to keep schools open during new lockdowns triggered by recent new surges of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggressive contact tracing , they have found , spread of the disease can be kept to a safe minimum .
In Spain , a new study has found that 87 % of students and staff who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this fall did not infect anyone else at school .
At least 191 countries , including neighboring Canada , have reopened their schools , and the sooner Chicago can safely follow suit , the better .
It ’ s for the sake of children .
“ There ’ s no doubt in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bolder than they ’ re being , ” Dr. Ashish K. Jha , dean of Brown University ’ s School of Public Health , told Education Week this week .
“ We know this is going to very substantially widen the achievement gap between wealthier/white students and poorer/students of color .
The effect is going to be felt for a very long time.
” It ’ s also for the sake of families .
“ Our default position should always be to try , as best as we possibly can , to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Anthony Fauci , America ’ s most trusted expert on coronavirus , recently said on WWTW ’ s Chicago Tonight , “ Because of the unintended negative spinoff consequences of what happens to children and families when you keep them out of school , for their mental health , their physical health , their learning , as well as the disruption of the family.
” Kids belong in school .
We believe Chicago can make it work .

Educators across the country are warning about a ‘lost year’ for public school education because of the coronavirus pandemic, and let’s consider for a minute what a disaster that would be.
A lost year, with children in Chicago and elsewhere staring at electronic screens for hours — if they engage in school work at all — instead of learning in person with their classmates and teachers.
Opinion Newsletter
A lost year, without the presence of counselors and social workers, who traditionally are among the first caring adults to detect and flag signs of child abuse or other trauma. Calls to local child abuse hotlines have plummeted during the pandemic.
A lost year without the therapeutic services that children with special needs cannot get online.
It doesn’t have to be this way, and it should not.
Editorials bug Editorials
Chicago Public Schools is doing its best to make that case, working to ease the worries of parents and teachers in advance of resuming in-person instruction for some children — preschoolers and special-needs kids — later this month.
CPS has devised a safety plan, based on the best practices set out by public health experts, to minimize exposure to the virus or its spread. Just this week, CPS released new data showing that the air quality and ventilation in 91% of CPS classrooms meet or exceed the standards for safe for in-person learning.
But what’s CPS’ best argument for the case that its schools can be reopened safely, even at a time when the coronavirus is surging again?
The fact that other school systems already are pulling it off. Even right here in town.
The Archdiocese of Chicago: Catholic schools in the city of Chicago reopened in September, with 34,000 students and over 2,000 teachers returning for in-person learning. Just 18% of parents opted to continue with remote learning — an option that CPS parents, and teachers with underlying health conditions, should continue to have when the public schools reopen.
The archdiocese had spent weeks developing mitigation measures with public health and infectious disease experts, and those measures appear to be working. There has been no sign of large-scale, in-school transmission of COVID-19 in any of the city’s 160 parochial schools.
To date, there have been exactly two cases of in-school transmission among teachers. And there have been only 10 reported instances in which two children in the same cohort — children are assigned to small learning groups of 15 to 22 students — have been infected by the coronavirus.
Equally important, contact tracing found that these children did not become infected in school, but at social events outside school, such as a dance class and a soccer game.
“What we’re seeing, because we’re seeing people become fatigued with this [pandemic], is that people are drifting away from following guidelines outside school,” Justin Lombardo, chief of personnel for the archdiocese, told us. “And we’re seeing that reverberate in school.”
The archdiocese also plans to return to exclusively remote learning for two weeks after the Christmas break, creating a kind of buffer against any increased spread of the coronavirus due to holiday socializing.
New York City: Once the nation’s epicenter for the coronavirus, New York City turned a big corner in its recovery last month when it reopened all public schools. Students attend classes in person one to three days a week, to allow for social distancing. About half of the district’s students, however, have opted to continue with fully remote learning.
Early results from mandatory random testing are encouraging: Among 16,348 staff and students in New York’s schools who were tested for the virus by mid-October, only 20 staff and eight students tested positive. Even in neighborhoods that have experienced a resurgence of COVID-19, there has been little sign of it in schools. Of some 3,300 students and employees who were tested for the virus, only four tested positive.
Other countries: Unlike the United States, most foreign countries have taken the view that keeping schools open is essential for both children and the economy, since many parents cannot work from home to supervise remote learning.
The United Kingdom, Germany and France have all opted to keep schools open during new lockdowns triggered by recent new surges of COVID-19. With proper social distancing and aggressive contact tracing, they have found, spread of the disease can be kept to a safe minimum.
In Spain, a new study has found that 87% of students and staff who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this fall did not infect anyone else at school.
At least 191 countries, including neighboring Canada, have reopened their schools, and the sooner Chicago can safely follow suit, the better.
It’s for the sake of children.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that schools need to be bolder than they’re being,” Dr. Ashish K. Jha, dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, told Education Week this week. “We know this is going to very substantially widen the achievement gap between wealthier/white students and poorer/students of color. The effect is going to be felt for a very long time.”
It’s also for the sake of families.
“Our default position should always be to try, as best as we possibly can, to get children back in school,” as Dr. Anthony Fauci, America’s most trusted expert on coronavirus, recently said on WWTW’s Chicago Tonight, “Because of the unintended negative spinoff consequences of what happens to children and families when you keep them out of school, for their mental health, their physical health, their learning, as well as the disruption of the family.”
Kids belong in school. We believe Chicago can make it work.
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