chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--Dear Abby: Husband and I fight over his new interest in dressing like a woman

DEAR ABBY : My husband and I have been together for 11 years , married for eight .
We have been through a lot together , which has served to strengthen our marriage .
My husband is my Prince Charming and my happily forever after .
Recently , he has discovered that he likes wearing women ’ s clothes .
It started with him wearing women ’ s underwear under his clothes , which didn ’ t bother me .
I even bought him a few pair I liked .
It has progressed quickly .
He assures me that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not want to become a woman or want to dress in women ’ s clothes full time .
However , some of his behaviors have changed , and his wearing women ’ s clothing has increased .
When I tried discussing my concerns with him , he said I was being irrational .
We fought , and I thought we had worked some things out , but he still has an attitude .
I ’ m terrified that this is the beginning of the end of my marriage , and I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I also don ’ t know just how much of this I can accept or how far he wants to go .
He says if I can ’ t accept it , he will stop doing it .
But we will both know that he has that desire , and I don ’ t want to stifle something that seems to mean so much to him .
I have no one I can talk to about this , Abby .
Please help .
— STRUGGLING IN FLORIDA DEAR STRUGGLING : Take the opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More men than you may think engage in it , and the majority are heterosexual .
An excellent support group for cross-dressers and wives of men who need ( not “ LIKE ” ) to cross-dress is The Society for the Second Self ( Tri Ess ) .
Its website is tri-ess.org .
Go there and you will find the support and answers you ’ re looking for .
Keep the lines of communication with your husband open and honest .
Only the two of you can determine how to navigate through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not necessarily a deal-breaker .
DEAR ABBY : When I was 21 , I got pregnant with “ Earl , ” a guy who had nothing to his name but a bicycle .
It was three weeks after we met .
Earl was 24 .
Two years later we split .
I was working and he was a stay-at-home dad , and I couldn ’ t stand it .
Five years later , I married a very wealthy man , moved to another country and lived a life of luxury .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ left our small island and moved back , still well off on my own .
Earl was my rock and is a totally different man now .
Sixteen years later , I have fallen head over heels for him .
He has become everything I ’ ve always wanted .
Our son wasn ’ t crazy about it at first ( he ’ s 18 ) , but now loves it .
Earl ’ s mother said she knew it would end up this way .
My parents have reservations .
Do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — NEW EXPAT IN NEVADA DEAR NEW EXPAT : Earl is not the person he was and , frankly , neither are you .
Do the two of you have a fighting chance ?
Absolutely .
However , before marrying anyone again , it is important that you discuss this with an attorney and have in place a signed prenuptial agreement .
While it may not seem romantic , it ’ s the intelligent thing to do .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
To receive a collection of Abby ’ s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together for 11 years, married for eight. We have been through a lot together, which has served to strengthen our marriage. My husband is my Prince Charming and my happily forever after.
Recently, he has discovered that he likes wearing women’s clothes. It started with him wearing women’s underwear under his clothes, which didn’t bother me. I even bought him a few pair I liked. It has progressed quickly.
He assures me that he isn’t gay, he does not want to become a woman or want to dress in women’s clothes full time. However, some of his behaviors have changed, and his wearing women’s clothing has increased. When I tried discussing my concerns with him, he said I was being irrational. We fought, and I thought we had worked some things out, but he still has an attitude.
I’m terrified that this is the beginning of the end of my marriage, and I don’t want to lose him. But I also don’t know just how much of this I can accept or how far he wants to go. He says if I can’t accept it, he will stop doing it. But we will both know that he has that desire, and I don’t want to stifle something that seems to mean so much to him. I have no one I can talk to about this, Abby. Please help. — STRUGGLING IN FLORIDA
DEAR STRUGGLING: Take the opportunity to learn all you can about cross-dressing. More men than you may think engage in it, and the majority are heterosexual. An excellent support group for cross-dressers and wives of men who need (not “LIKE”) to cross-dress is The Society for the Second Self (Tri Ess). Its website is tri-ess.org. Go there and you will find the support and answers you’re looking for.
Keep the lines of communication with your husband open and honest. Only the two of you can determine how to navigate through this. For many couples, it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker.
DEAR ABBY: When I was 21, I got pregnant with “Earl,” a guy who had nothing to his name but a bicycle. It was three weeks after we met. Earl was 24. Two years later we split. I was working and he was a stay-at-home dad, and I couldn’t stand it.
Five years later, I married a very wealthy man, moved to another country and lived a life of luxury. Thirteen years later we split. I left our small island and moved back, still well off on my own.
Earl was my rock and is a totally different man now. Sixteen years later, I have fallen head over heels for him. He has become everything I’ve always wanted. Our son wasn’t crazy about it at first (he’s 18), but now loves it. Earl’s mother said she knew it would end up this way. My parents have reservations. Do you think we have a fighting chance? — NEW EXPAT IN NEVADA
DEAR NEW EXPAT: Earl is not the person he was and, frankly, neither are you. Do the two of you have a fighting chance? Absolutely. However, before marrying anyone again, it is important that you discuss this with an attorney and have in place a signed prenuptial agreement. While it may not seem romantic, it’s the intelligent thing to do.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--‘Rebecca’: A passable version of a story Hitchcock told much better

The director of “ Rebecca ” is on record saying this is not a remake of the Academy Award-winning 1940 classic by Alfred Hitchcock , and that ’ s a smart move , because why would you want to remake one of the best movies ever made by one of the best directors of all time ?
Daphne du Maurier ’ s 1938 novel of the same name has been adapted numerous times , and I can say with great confidence : This is one of those adaptations .
The 2020 “ Rebecca ” is passably entertaining as a glossy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featuring great-looking people doing stupid things , but if you ’ re going to watch a movie titled “ Rebecca , ” might I humbly suggest you watch the original and call it a night .
As for the not-remake : Lily James ( “ Downton Abbey , ” “ Baby Driver ” ) brings her usual persona of sweet and somewhat naïve charm to the role of the young “ lady ’ s companion ” aka personal assistant to the overbearing Mrs. Van Hopper ( the great Ann Dowd , hamming it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utter disdain during a stay at a posh hotel in Monte Carlo .
In movie meet-cute fashion , our heroine has a couple of awkward encounters with the fabulously dashing , ridiculously wealthy and recently widowed Maxim de Winter ( Armie Hammer ) , who lounges about like a movie star in fantastic mustard-yellow suits .
Before you can say “ let ’ s get this plot started , ” the two are married , and Maxim takes Mrs. de Winter home to Manderley , the huge and imposing family estate on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this place is so gigantic it could swallow Downton Abbey whole .
To say the new Mrs. de Winter is not greeted with open arms by the Manderley staff is an understatement .
Most of the employees , who look like real-life versions of animated Tim Burton characters , skulk about the premises and avoid interacting with Mrs. de Winter if at all possible — but they ’ re downright welcoming compared to the icy head housekeeper Mrs. Danvers ( Kristin Scott Thomas ) , who makes it clear no one can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Maxim ’ s first wife .
In fact , the new Mrs. de Winter isn ’ t even allowed to step foot in the former bedroom of her predecessor , which has been kept intact like a shrine .
Weirdly , Maxim does little to discourage Mrs. Danvers ’ ill treatment of his new bride and even lashes out at her for perceived insults to his first wife , who died under mysterious circumstances that will eventually result in a sensational trial and some major reveals about the true nature of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has an appropriately dark , gothic horror look ; Manderley is shot as one big haunted house , and director Ben Wheatley delivers some exquisitely frightening sequences .
Alas , it becomes increasingly difficult to root for Mrs. de Winter , who behaves like a simpering fool most of the time and puts up with all sorts of nonsense from Mrs. Danvers and her husband before stomping her feet and asserting herself .
Meanwhile , Armie Hammer is saddled with playing an uptight stiff who barely pays attention to his wife after he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a cartoon villain straight out of a B-movie .
They ’ re all trapped not only in Manderley , but in an overwrought and underwhelming psychological thriller .

The director of “Rebecca” is on record saying this is not a remake of the Academy Award-winning 1940 classic by Alfred Hitchcock, and that’s a smart move, because why would you want to remake one of the best movies ever made by one of the best directors of all time? Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 novel of the same name has been adapted numerous times, and I can say with great confidence:
This is one of those adaptations.
The 2020 “Rebecca” is passably entertaining as a glossy, campy, lurid, period-piece thriller featuring great-looking people doing stupid things, but if you’re going to watch a movie titled “Rebecca,” might I humbly suggest you watch the original and call it a night.
‘Rebecca’
Untitled Netflix presents a film directed by Ben Wheatley and written by Jane Goldman, Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier. Rated PG-13 (for some sexual content, partial nudity, thematic elements and smoking). Running time: 121 minutes. Opens Friday at the Music Box Theatre and Oct. 21 on Netflix.
As for the not-remake: Lily James (“Downton Abbey,” “Baby Driver”) brings her usual persona of sweet and somewhat naïve charm to the role of the young “lady’s companion” aka personal assistant to the overbearing Mrs. Van Hopper (the great Ann Dowd, hamming it up), who treats her with utter disdain during a stay at a posh hotel in Monte Carlo. In movie meet-cute fashion, our heroine has a couple of awkward encounters with the fabulously dashing, ridiculously wealthy and recently widowed Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer), who lounges about like a movie star in fantastic mustard-yellow suits. Before you can say “let’s get this plot started,” the two are married, and Maxim takes Mrs. de Winter home to Manderley, the huge and imposing family estate on the South Coast of England. I mean, this place is so gigantic it could swallow Downton Abbey whole.
To say the new Mrs. de Winter is not greeted with open arms by the Manderley staff is an understatement. Most of the employees, who look like real-life versions of animated Tim Burton characters, skulk about the premises and avoid interacting with Mrs. de Winter if at all possible — but they’re downright welcoming compared to the icy head housekeeper Mrs. Danvers (Kristin Scott Thomas), who makes it clear no one can ever replace the beloved and saintly Rebecca, Maxim’s first wife. In fact, the new Mrs. de Winter isn’t even allowed to step foot in the former bedroom of her predecessor, which has been kept intact like a shrine. Weirdly, Maxim does little to discourage Mrs. Danvers’ ill treatment of his new bride and even lashes out at her for perceived insults to his first wife, who died under mysterious circumstances that will eventually result in a sensational trial and some major reveals about the true nature of that supposedly idyllic union.
“Rebecca” has an appropriately dark, gothic horror look; Manderley is shot as one big haunted house, and director Ben Wheatley delivers some exquisitely frightening sequences. Alas, it becomes increasingly difficult to root for Mrs. de Winter, who behaves like a simpering fool most of the time and puts up with all sorts of nonsense from Mrs. Danvers and her husband before stomping her feet and asserting herself. Meanwhile, Armie Hammer is saddled with playing an uptight stiff who barely pays attention to his wife after he marries her, and Kristin Scott Thomas is a cartoon villain straight out of a B-movie. They’re all trapped not only in Manderley, but in an overwrought and underwhelming psychological thriller.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--10 shot, 1 fatally, Wednesday in Chicago

Ten people were shot Wednesday in Chicago , including a 45-year-old man who was killed in West Englewood on the South Side .
He was in a westbound vehicle when he was shot in the head about 1:20 p.m. in the 5700 block of South Ada Street , according to Chicago police .
The vehicle then crashed into a nearby home .
The man was taken to Holy Cross Hospital , where he died , police said .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office has not released details about the fatality .
In non-fatal shootings , a teenage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the West Side .
About 10:30 p.m. , he was in the 1300 block of South Fairfield Avenue when someone shot him in the face , police said .
The 17-year-old was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition .
Less than an hour prior , a man was shot and robbed in Scottsdale on the Southwest Side .
He was walking about 9:45 p.m. in the 8500 block of South Kolin Avenue when two males approached him and demanded his property at gunpoint , police said .
The suspects took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in the leg , police said .
The 59-year-old , who has a valid concealed-carry license , returned fire but did not strike the robbers .
The man was taken in good condition to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , police said .
Earlier in the evening , a man was shot while riding in a car through Avondale on the Northwest Side .
He was traveling about 9:24 p.m. in the 3500 block of North Kedzie Avenue when a black sedan pulled alongside and someone inside opened fire , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back and taken to Community First Medical Center in fair condition .
About ten minutes before that , a shooting left a man wounded in Roseland on the Far South Side .
The 47-year-old was sitting on a porch about 9:12 p.m. in the 11200 block of South Eggleston Avenue when someone unleashed gunfire from a black SUV , police said .
The man was shot in the abdomen and hand , and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious condition .
Two people were wounded within 10 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shootings in Austin on the West Side .
A 17-year-old boy was on the sidewalk about 8:15 p.m. in the 5000 block of West Washington Boulevard when someone fired shots , Chicago police said .
The teen was struck multiple times in the arm and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition .
About 10 minutes earlier , a 27-year-old man was on the sidewalk in the 300 block of North Laramie Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain , Chicago police said .
He was struck in the leg and taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier in the evning , a person was wounded in a shooting in Bronzeville on the South Side .
About 7:15 p.m. , a female was in the 300 block of East 51st Street when someone opened fire , police said .
She was struck in the foot and treated at the scene .
Wednesday morning , a man was injured by gunfire in Bronzeville on the South Side .
The 41-year-old was walking on the sidewalk about 9:10 a.m. in the 4000 block of South Prairie Avenue when two males fired shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to police .
The man was shot in both thighs and the buttocks and someone drove him to 26th Street and Calumet Avenue , police said .
A police officer then drove him to Stroger Hospital , where he was in serious condition .
The day ’ s first reported shooting wounded a 23-year-old man in Wentworth Gardens on the South Side .
About 1 a.m. , he was in the 200 block of West Pershing Road when he was shot in the left thigh , police said .
The circumstances of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to answer questions about the incident .
He was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition , police said .
Fifteen people were shot , two of them fatally , Tuesday in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Ten people were shot Wednesday in Chicago, including a 45-year-old man who was killed in West Englewood on the South Side.
He was in a westbound vehicle when he was shot in the head about 1:20 p.m. in the 5700 block of South Ada Street, according to Chicago police. The vehicle then crashed into a nearby home.
The man was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where he died, police said. The Cook County medical examiner’s office has not released details about the fatality.
In non-fatal shootings, a teenage boy was critically wounded in Douglas Park on the West Side.
About 10:30 p.m., he was in the 1300 block of South Fairfield Avenue when someone shot him in the face, police said. The 17-year-old was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.
Less than an hour prior, a man was shot and robbed in Scottsdale on the Southwest Side.
He was walking about 9:45 p.m. in the 8500 block of South Kolin Avenue when two males approached him and demanded his property at gunpoint, police said.
The suspects took the man’s cellphone and shot him in the leg, police said. The 59-year-old, who has a valid concealed-carry license, returned fire but did not strike the robbers.
The man was taken in good condition to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, police said.
Earlier in the evening, a man was shot while riding in a car through Avondale on the Northwest Side.
He was traveling about 9:24 p.m. in the 3500 block of North Kedzie Avenue when a black sedan pulled alongside and someone inside opened fire, police said. The 21-year-old was struck in the back and taken to Community First Medical Center in fair condition.
About ten minutes before that, a shooting left a man wounded in Roseland on the Far South Side.
The 47-year-old was sitting on a porch about 9:12 p.m. in the 11200 block of South Eggleston Avenue when someone unleashed gunfire from a black SUV, police said. The man was shot in the abdomen and hand, and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious condition.
Two people were wounded within 10 minutes of each other Wednesday evening in separate shootings in Austin on the West Side.
A 17-year-old boy was on the sidewalk about 8:15 p.m. in the 5000 block of West Washington Boulevard when someone fired shots, Chicago police said. The teen was struck multiple times in the arm and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
About 10 minutes earlier, a 27-year-old man was on the sidewalk in the 300 block of North Laramie Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain, Chicago police said. He was struck in the leg and taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition.
Earlier in the evning, a person was wounded in a shooting in Bronzeville on the South Side.
About 7:15 p.m., a female was in the 300 block of East 51st Street when someone opened fire, police said. She was struck in the foot and treated at the scene.
Wednesday morning, a man was injured by gunfire in Bronzeville on the South Side.
The 41-year-old was walking on the sidewalk about 9:10 a.m. in the 4000 block of South Prairie Avenue when two males fired shots from a passing, newer-model SUV, according to police.
The man was shot in both thighs and the buttocks and someone drove him to 26th Street and Calumet Avenue, police said. A police officer then drove him to Stroger Hospital, where he was in serious condition.
The day’s first reported shooting wounded a 23-year-old man in Wentworth Gardens on the South Side.
About 1 a.m., he was in the 200 block of West Pershing Road when he was shot in the left thigh, police said. The circumstances of the shooting are unknown because the man refused to answer questions about the incident.
He was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said.
Fifteen people were shot, two of them fatally, Tuesday in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--Woman carjacked at gunpoint by group of men in the Loop

A 42-year-old woman was carjacked by a group of gunmen Tuesday in the Loop .
About 1:45 a.m. , the @ @ @ @ @ vehicle in the 700 block of South LaSalle Street , when four or five men @ @ @ @ @ demanded the vehicle and her things , Chicago police said .
The woman handed everything @ @ @ @ @ got into the vehicle and drove north on LaSalle Street , police said .
No @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 42-year-old woman was carjacked by a group of gunmen Tuesday in the Loop.
About 1:45 a.m., the woman was getting into her vehicle in the 700 block of South LaSalle Street, when four or five men walked up with guns and demanded the vehicle and her things, Chicago police said.
The woman handed everything over, and the men got into the vehicle and drove north on LaSalle Street, police said. No injuries were reported.
Area Three detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--Man found fatally shot in Bronzeville: police

A man was shot to death Thursday in Bronzeville on the South Side .
The man , 42 , was @ @ @ @ @ s seat of a parked vehicle about 12:50 a.m. in the 700 block of East @ @ @ @ @ said .
He had been shot several times in the body , and was pronounced @ @ @ @ @ The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office has not released details about the death @ @ @ @ @ , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was shot to death Thursday in Bronzeville on the South Side.
The man, 42, was found in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle about 12:50 a.m. in the 700 block of East 42nd Street, Chicago police said. He had been shot several times in the body, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified his as being Imani Heath. He lived in South Saint Paul, Minn.
Area One detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--Freezing temps possible in Chicago suburbs overnight Thursday

After balmy weather to start the week , forecasters are warning that temperatures may plummet overnight Thursday in the suburbs .
The National Weather Service issued a “ freeze watch ” in effect from Thursday night through Friday morning for the suburban Chicago area , as temperatures are expected to fall to the high 20s and lower 30s .
Chicago itself will be spared the coldest weather , as the temperature isn ’ t expected to fall below 38 degrees in the city , the weather service said .
The surrounding areas , however , spanning from northern Illinois to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first freezing temperatures of the season .
Mid-October is a normal time for the first fall freeze in the suburban Chicago area , according to the weather service , which cited data collected between 1980 and 2010 .
The city usually sees its first freezing temperatures a bit later , towards the end of October , due to its proximity to Lake Michigan , which traps heat in the water , and because of all the concrete , asphalt and blacktop structures which also absorb and maintain heat , weather service meteorologist Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to hover in the 50s and low 60s throughout the rest of the week , while dropping to the low 40s at night , the weather service said .
The weather should stay dry until Sunday , when there will be a chance of showers in the afternoon and evening .

After balmy weather to start the week, forecasters are warning that temperatures may plummet overnight Thursday in the suburbs.
The National Weather Service issued a “freeze watch” in effect from Thursday night through Friday morning for the suburban Chicago area, as temperatures are expected to fall to the high 20s and lower 30s.
Chicago itself will be spared the coldest weather, as the temperature isn’t expected to fall below 38 degrees in the city, the weather service said. The surrounding areas, however, spanning from northern Illinois to northwest Indiana, will likely experience their first freezing temperatures of the season.
Heads up: A freeze is possible tomorrow (Thursday) night for most of the area. The coldest temperatures are expected outside the city of Chicago. pic.twitter.com/fePjGWWwGq — NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) October 15, 2020
Mid-October is a normal time for the first fall freeze in the suburban Chicago area, according to the weather service, which cited data collected between 1980 and 2010.
The city usually sees its first freezing temperatures a bit later, towards the end of October, due to its proximity to Lake Michigan, which traps heat in the water, and because of all the concrete, asphalt and blacktop structures which also absorb and maintain heat, weather service meteorologist Lee Carlaw said.
High temperatures in Chicago will continue to hover in the 50s and low 60s throughout the rest of the week, while dropping to the low 40s at night, the weather service said. The weather should stay dry until Sunday, when there will be a chance of showers in the afternoon and evening.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--Teen shot, critically wounded in Douglas Park

A teenage boy was critically wounded in a shooting Wednesday in Douglas Park on the West Side .
About 10:30 @ @ @ @ @ the 1300 block of South Fairfield Avenue when he suffered gunshot wounds to the face @ @ @ @ @ The 17-year-old was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ and track the city ’ s homicides .

A teenage boy was critically wounded in a shooting Wednesday in Douglas Park on the West Side.
About 10:30 p.m., he was in the 1300 block of South Fairfield Avenue when he suffered gunshot wounds to the face, Chicago police said.
The 17-year-old was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, police said.
Area Four detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--Layoffs, cutting vacant jobs all part of Preckwinkle’s $6.9 billion budget plan to ride out COVID-19

Layoffs, cutting vacant jobs all part of Preckwinkle’s $6.9 billion budget plan to ride out COVID-19 storm

Cook County officials plan to propose a $ 6.9 billion budget Thursday , closing a $ 409.2 million shortfall through a mix of layoffs , cutting vacant positions and tapping into reserves to effectively weather the long feared “ rainy day ” elected officials always worry about .
In the recommendation that Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is expected to unveil for the county ’ s general operating budget , 659 vacant positions — 300 of them in the sheriff ’ s office — are slated to be cut as part of a plan to close a gap of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health , 130 people could be laid off as part of a proposed plan to address a separate $ 187 million budget deficit , though officials say the number of layoffs could wind up being half that by the time the spending plan is final .
County budget officials said Wednesday they face a “ unique challenge ” due to the pandemic , but residents can expect to see no new taxes , though “ nominal ” increases in some fees are expected to bring in an aggregate of $ 2 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office , building and zoning and environmental control .
The ultimate impact of COVID-19 on the budget is still uncertain , but Ammar Rizki , the county ’ s chief financial officer , said he and others on the financial team are “ projecting , basically a square root recovery.
” “ Our hope is that , by summer of next year , the recovery goes back into Phase Five [ of the state reopening plan ] where now we can go safely back into stadiums , concerts — and things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and generating tax revenue , Rizki said .
“ So , that is that is what we ’ re assuming , but it could go really badly from there or it could be better than that , depending on how the vaccine comes on and there ’ s a lot of other factors.
” Along with cutting the vacant positions , Preckwinkle and her team are also proposing reducing non-personnel costs , such as travel and training for employees , into next year to address the $ 222.2 million gap in the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sheriff , state ’ s attorney , assessor , chief judge and clerk to name a few .
Revenues from tax-increment-financing districts in Chicago , a rise in projected revenue from the county ’ s sales tax , as well as $ 50 million in reimbursements from the federal Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act and $ 76.8 million from the county ’ s reserves also helped close the gap .
Addressing the proposed layoffs in Cook County Health , Andrea Gibson , the health system ’ s interim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number will “ end up being about half that ” based on “ available vacancies , some resignations and retirements ” that have happened and they likely won ’ t know a final number until late November .
The proposed county budget doesn ’ t rely on any additional federal funding .
Last month , Mayor Lori Lightfoot made a similar assumption — though she may have to turn to tax increases and budget cuts , including layoffs , furlough days and pay cuts to bridge the city ’ s $ 1.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said .
Preckwinkle will unveil her budget recommendation to the public and commissioners at a special meeting Thursday morning .
Commissioners will likely vote on the budget Nov. 24 .

Cook County officials plan to propose a $6.9 billion budget Thursday, closing a $409.2 million shortfall through a mix of layoffs, cutting vacant positions and tapping into reserves to effectively weather the long feared “rainy day” elected officials always worry about.
In the recommendation that Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is expected to unveil for the county’s general operating budget, 659 vacant positions — 300 of them in the sheriff’s office — are slated to be cut as part of a plan to close a gap of $222.2 million.
At Cook County Health, 130 people could be laid off as part of a proposed plan to address a separate $187 million budget deficit, though officials say the number of layoffs could wind up being half that by the time the spending plan is final.
County budget officials said Wednesday they face a “unique challenge” due to the pandemic, but residents can expect to see no new taxes, though “nominal” increases in some fees are expected to bring in an aggregate of $2 million in three main areas — the medical examiner’s office, building and zoning and environmental control.
The ultimate impact of COVID-19 on the budget is still uncertain, but Ammar Rizki, the county’s chief financial officer, said he and others on the financial team are “projecting, basically a square root recovery.”
Cook County Chief Financial Officer Ammar M. Rizki addresses the Sun-Times Editorial Board in 2019. Rich Hein/Sun-Times file
“Our hope is that, by summer of next year, the recovery goes back into Phase Five [of the state reopening plan] where now we can go safely back into stadiums, concerts — and things like that are back in play” and generating tax revenue, Rizki said. “So, that is that is what we’re assuming, but it could go really badly from there or it could be better than that, depending on how the vaccine comes on and there’s a lot of other factors.”
Along with cutting the vacant positions, Preckwinkle and her team are also proposing reducing non-personnel costs, such as travel and training for employees, into next year to address the $222.2 million gap in the general fund, which covers the offices of the sheriff, state’s attorney, assessor, chief judge and clerk to name a few.
Revenues from tax-increment-financing districts in Chicago, a rise in projected revenue from the county’s sales tax, as well as $50 million in reimbursements from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and $76.8 million from the county’s reserves also helped close the gap.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, joined by several members of Congress, including (from left) Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly and Bobby Rush, at a news conference last year. Tina Sfondeles/Sun-Times file
Addressing the proposed layoffs in Cook County Health, Andrea Gibson, the health system’s interim chief business officer, said she thinks the number will “end up being about half that” based on “available vacancies, some resignations and retirements” that have happened and they likely won’t know a final number until late November.
The proposed county budget doesn’t rely on any additional federal funding.
Last month, Mayor Lori Lightfoot made a similar assumption — though she may have to turn to tax increases and budget cuts, including layoffs, furlough days and pay cuts to bridge the city’s $1.2 billion budget gap, top mayoral aides have said.
Preckwinkle will unveil her budget recommendation to the public and commissioners at a special meeting Thursday morning. Commissioners will likely vote on the budget Nov. 24.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--A Cook County budget built to ‘weather the storm’ — but the rain had better be moving on

Since the pandemic first swept in , we have argued that it ’ s important for local governments to continue functioning as normally as possible .
That ’ s a tall order given how COVID-19 has driven up costs and decimated tax revenues .
But a government that can ’ t provide essential services now — when those services are most needed — is failing in its basic responsibilities .
We ’ re encouraged , so far , by Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle ’ s proposed $ 6.9 billion county budget for 2021 , presented to the public on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part in gouging a $ 409.2 million hole into the budget .
But Preckwinkle nonetheless proposes to maintain services and even expand healthcare without raising property taxes .
In a budget address delivered remotely , Preckwinkle said the strain on the county finances this year has been “ worse than any rainy day we feared ” but the county will weather the “ storm.
” If there ’ s a lesson in this , it ’ s that responsible elected officials prepare for hard times long before storm clouds form .
When Preckwinkle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county government ’ s rainy day fund was a modest $ 40 million .
She has since built up the fund , year after year , to a healthy $ 400 million .
This allows her now to tap those reserves for $ 77 million to shore up the 2021 budget .
Preckwinkle ’ s administration also proposes to close out 659 currently vacant positions and possibly lay off 130 employees at Cook County Health , a threat that immediately alarmed Teamsters Local 743 , which represents some of the targeted workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not the time to remove these crucial jobs and critical health care resources from the people who are most vulnerable and most at risk , ” said Teamsters Local 743 President Debra Simmons-Peterson .
Painful cuts , yes .
But imagine how much worse things could be .
The pandemic has hammered the local economy , even as federal aid has been limited .
“ We refused to balance this budget on the backs of the residents and businesses who need resources the most , ” Preckwinkle said .
“ Especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the budgets of large counties like Cook have been faring better under the coronavirus .
David Berry , director of the budget in Harris County , Texas , which contains the city of Houston , said last month that the virus had left his county ’ s finances “ much less rosy ” but still “ manageable.
” The county is even considering a modest property tax cut .
Los Angeles County faced a $ 37.6 billion budget deficit for fiscal year 2020-2021 and warned of massive layoffs .
But layoffs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every department to cut spending by 8 % .
Cook County has received $ 429 million in federal stimulus funds .
Much of that money was applied to a budget shortfall for this year and to helping out the suburbs .
The county plans to put another $ 50 million of that cash toward the 2021 budget .
The biggest wrinkle in the proposed plan is that it calls on the Cook County Sheriff ’ s Office to cut 300 staff positions by attrition .
That cut would seem to be understandable given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detainees now , in no small part due to monitored releases intended to stem the spread of COVID-19 at the jail .
But in an August report , the non-profit Coalition to End Money Bond reported that the jail ’ s population is bumping up again , from a low of 4,031 in May to 5,159 in September .
“ The elimination of the positions are significant , ” Sheriff Tom Dart said in a statement , but “ all county agencies are facing similar hardships.
” It ’ s too early to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s proposed county budget , but for now we ’ d say it points to the wisdom of resisting the easy quick fix , like selling off the Chicago Skyway .
We ’ re also glad to see a plan that , hard times or not , actually provides for an expansion of some county services .
The county ’ s healthcare and hospital system is to receive an additional $ 40 million , allowing it to create a new 12-chair kidney dialysis center , expand diagnostic services such as CT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A county clinic in Woodlawn and another clinic on the Near South Side are to be moved into Provident Hospital of Cook County .
And Preckwinkle said plans are moving forward on a new $ 200 million Provident Hospital .
Preckwinkle ’ s budget is premised on an assumption that no further federal stimulus money will be forthcoming , and that ’ s certainly prudent .
But we should all be a little nervous .
This is a budget that gambles significantly on a strong local economic recovery next summer .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assuming , ” Cook County Chief Financial Officer Ammar Rizki said .
“ But it could go really badly from there .
Or it could be better than that , depending on how the vaccine comes on — and there 's a lot of other factors .
”

Since the pandemic first swept in, we have argued that it’s important for local governments to continue functioning as normally as possible.
That’s a tall order given how COVID-19 has driven up costs and decimated tax revenues. But a government that can’t provide essential services now — when those services are most needed — is failing in its basic responsibilities.
Editorials bug Editorials
We’re encouraged, so far, by Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle’s proposed $6.9 billion county budget for 2021, presented to the public on Thursday.
The coronavirus played a big part in gouging a $409.2 million hole into the budget. But Preckwinkle nonetheless proposes to maintain services and even expand healthcare without raising property taxes.
In a budget address delivered remotely, Preckwinkle said the strain on the county finances this year has been “worse than any rainy day we feared” but the county will weather the “storm.”
If there’s a lesson in this, it’s that responsible elected officials prepare for hard times long before storm clouds form. When Preckwinkle first took office 10 years ago, the county government’s rainy day fund was a modest $40 million. She has since built up the fund, year after year, to a healthy $400 million. This allows her now to tap those reserves for $77 million to shore up the 2021 budget.
Preckwinkle’s administration also proposes to close out 659 currently vacant positions and possibly lay off 130 employees at Cook County Health, a threat that immediately alarmed Teamsters Local 743, which represents some of the targeted workers.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not the time to remove these crucial jobs and critical health care resources from the people who are most vulnerable and most at risk,” said Teamsters Local 743 President Debra Simmons-Peterson.
Painful cuts, yes. But imagine how much worse things could be. The pandemic has hammered the local economy, even as federal aid has been limited.
“We refused to balance this budget on the backs of the residents and businesses who need resources the most,” Preckwinkle said. “Especially during a pandemic.”
Tough times, but less-so for counties
Across the country, the budgets of large counties like Cook have been faring better under the coronavirus.
David Berry, director of the budget in Harris County, Texas, which contains the city of Houston, said last month that the virus had left his county’s finances “much less rosy” but still “manageable.” The county is even considering a modest property tax cut.
Los Angeles County faced a $37.6 billion budget deficit for fiscal year 2020-2021 and warned of massive layoffs. But layoffs were avoided, in part, by requiring every department to cut spending by 8%.
Cook County has received $429 million in federal stimulus funds. Much of that money was applied to a budget shortfall for this year and to helping out the suburbs. The county plans to put another $50 million of that cash toward the 2021 budget.
Wrinkle in the plan
The biggest wrinkle in the proposed plan is that it calls on the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to cut 300 staff positions by attrition.
That cut would seem to be understandable given that the county jail houses far fewer detainees now, in no small part due to monitored releases intended to stem the spread of COVID-19 at the jail. But in an August report, the non-profit Coalition to End Money Bond reported that the jail’s population is bumping up again, from a low of 4,031 in May to 5,159 in September.
“The elimination of the positions are significant,” Sheriff Tom Dart said in a statement, but “all county agencies are facing similar hardships.”
It’s too early to understand the full possible ramifications of next year’s proposed county budget, but for now we’d say it points to the wisdom of resisting the easy quick fix, like selling off the Chicago Skyway.
Expanded services, including health care
We’re also glad to see a plan that, hard times or not, actually provides for an expansion of some county services.
The county’s healthcare and hospital system is to receive an additional $40 million, allowing it to create a new 12-chair kidney dialysis center, expand diagnostic services such as CT scans and upgrade radiology rooms and MRIs.
A county clinic in Woodlawn and another clinic on the Near South Side are to be moved into Provident Hospital of Cook County. And Preckwinkle said plans are moving forward on a new $200 million Provident Hospital.
Wait’ll next year
Preckwinkle’s budget is premised on an assumption that no further federal stimulus money will be forthcoming, and that’s certainly prudent. But we should all be a little nervous. This is a budget that gambles significantly on a strong local economic recovery next summer.
“So that is what what we are assuming,” Cook County Chief Financial Officer Ammar Rizki said. “But it could go really badly from there. Or it could be better than that, depending on how the vaccine comes on — and there's a lot of other factors.”
That’s a mighty big “if.”
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--Illinois announces highest single day total of positive cases to date (LIVE UPDATES)

Public health officials Thursday announced 4,015 more people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Illinois , the highest number of new cases ever reported by the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic .
The staggering caseload is one greater than the 4,014 cases confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health on May 12 , at the state ’ s initial pandemic peak .
Almost three times as many people are being tested on average per day compared to the spring — May ’ s high figure was confirmed among 29,266 tests , compared to 67,086 with this latest batch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalizations and deaths have all gradually risen over the last two weeks .
The Atlanta Falcons shut their facility Thursday following one new positive test for COVID-19 .
The team remains scheduled to play at Minnesota on Sunday .
Defensive tackle Marlon Davidson was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list this week , and the addition of a second unidentified person caused the Falcons to act out of caution .
All team activity will be done virtually .
“ This decision was made in consultation with the NFL and medical officials , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The health and safety of our team is our highest priority.
” 6:10 p.m .
Moved online because of COVID , so pick a neighborhood — or two — and spend the day during Open House Chicago 2020 Open House Chicago , the annual event giving architecture enthusiasts a closer look at some of the area ’ s most treasured buildings , will go on this year despite the pandemic .
Still , the coronavirus has forced some changes .
The biggest change : people won ’ t be able to go inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Instead , the festival has gone virtual , with a mobile app that the Chicago Architecture Center launched Wednesday .
Read the full story by Manny Ramos here .
5:05 p.m. NFL ’ s top doc : cold and flu symptoms could force players out – even with negative COVID-19 test The NFL ’ s top doctor said Thursday that players will miss practices , and perhaps even games , with cold and flu symptoms even if they test negative for the coronavirus .
Dr. Allen Sills , the league ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conference call Thursday that teams should “ err on the side of caution ” sending symptomatic players and coaches home from practice — in case they have the coronavirus .
While it ’ s unclear who would make the game-day decision if a player has cold and flu symptoms and a negative coronavirus test , Sills said the league will rely on the team ’ s medical staff and their own expertise in a case-by-case basis .
Read the full story by Patrick Finley here .
4:15 p.m .
Most CPS students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of 2nd quarter , sources say The vast majority of Chicago Public Schools students won ’ t return to classrooms for the second quarter of the academic year as public health conditions worsen this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic , according to three sources with knowledge of the school system ’ s plans .
In a call with principals Thursday , officials said most of CPS ’ 300,000 students at the 500-plus district-run , non-charter schools will continue learning from home as the second quarter gets underway in early November , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in special education cluster programs , however , are returning to classrooms next month because of their unique difficulties with remote learning , sources said .
A decision on all other students returning to in-person learning for the third quarter in February is still under consideration .
Read the full story by Lauren FitzPatrick and Nader Issa here .
3 p.m. Over 100 MBA students at U. of C. quarantined after possible COVID-19 exposure at gathering The University of Chicago ’ s Booth School of Business moved its classes online this week after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible coronavirus exposure from attending an off-campus party .
In an email to students , faculty and staff , school administrators on Wednesday said Booth ’ s downtown and Hyde Park campuses are closed for at least two weeks as the potentially infected students quarantine .
The outbreak was traced to a large , off-campus gathering among full-time MBA students last week that included some students who tested positive for the coronavirus , according to multiple reports .
The school is asking anyone who attended the event to get tested for the contagious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Madeline Kenney here .
Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign said Thursday that vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris will suspend in-person events until Monday after two people associated with the campaign tested positive for coronavirus .
The campaign said Biden had no exposure , though he and Harris spent several hours campaigning together in Arizona on Oct. 8 .
Harris had been scheduled to travel Thursday to North Carolina for events encouraging voters to cast early ballots .
For more details , click here .
10:30 a.m .
Numbers heading in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records its highest daily coronavirus death toll in over three months Illinois suffered its highest daily coronavirus death toll in over three months on Wednesday , the average statewide testing positivity rate rose for a 10th consecutive day , and nearly 2,900 more cases of the deadly disease piled up .
With numbers heading in “ a concerning direction ” as the season turns , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker warned “ this virus isn ’ t taking a holiday .
It only wants to find new hosts.
” “ To date , Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus at bay , and we ’ re still doing better than many of our neighbors , but we can ’ t let up , ” the Democratic governor said at a weekly coronavirus briefing .
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here .
7:30 a.m. New initiative seeks to transform health care on the South Side Medical , community and religious leaders on the South Side are racing to build a new health care model to address chronic illness , poor access to treatment and a pandemic that is disproportionately hitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will seek millions of dollars in state money to fund what ’ s being called the South Side Health Transformation Project , an initiative led by University of Chicago , Advocate Trinity and St. Bernard hospitals to address the decades-old problem of an overwhelmed medical care system that ’ s been exasperated even more by COVID-19 .
“ Looking at the impact COVID has ravaged on our community , it spotlighted a lot of things we ’ ve known all over the years , ” said Rashard Johnson , president of Advocate Trinity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with community leaders , propose a system alongside area health clinics and social service organizations to build a preventative care network that would better utilize technology and create a group of community health workers to help guide patients , many of whom have chronic health conditions , toward the best treatment options .
The plan also calls for hiring primary and specialty doctors and creates a shared database for patient records .
The South Side has long had a large proportion of residents suffering from diabetes , asthma , heart conditions and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocates say .
Read the full story by Brett Chase here .
Bears offensive line coach Juan Castillo will quarantine away from the team through at least Sunday after he came into contact outside of Halas Hall with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus , coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday .
Castillo has not tested positive for the coronavirus , Nagy said .
Castillo self-reported the contact .
He was not present at practice Wednesday but will continue to coach the team with Zoom .
He will not fly with the Bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play the Panthers on Sunday .
Assistant offensive line coach Donovan Raiola will take his place on Sunday and during practices this week .
Saturday , the Bears placed rookie Badara Traore , a practice-squad offensive lineman , on the NFL ’ s reserve/COVID-19 list .
Since his test — which was taken Friday — no other Bears players have tested positive .
• Fred Dean , fearsome pass rusher in 49ers ’ dynasty , dies at 68 after being hospitalized with the coronavirus .
• First lady : Son Barron Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Alabama coach NIck Saban tests positive for COVID-19 , but says he doesn ’ t have symptoms .
• Illinois ’ seven-day positivity rate — the metric by which health experts measure the virus ’ spread — increased Monday , this time to 4.3 % , the highest it ’ s been in a month .
On Oct. 3 , the state ’ positivity rate was 3.3 % .
• State health officials announced Monday another 2,742 people in Illinois had tested positive for COVID-19 , with 13 more dying of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump speaks is best ignored when sizing up the dangers of COVID-19 The stupidity just keeps coming .
Hours after leaving the hospital on Monday of last week , President Trump tweeted that COVID-19 is “ far less lethal ” than the flu for “ most populations.
” This is not true .
Two days later , he bragged that he probably would have bounced back from the virus even if he had not been treated with powerful drugs .
On Saturday , he claimed the virus is “ disappearing.
” It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read the full editorial by the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board .

On Thursday, state health officials announced the highest number of new coronavirus cases ever reported throughout the COVID-19 pandemic — 4,014, which was one greater than on May 12, when the state was weathering the worst days of the crisis.
Sources tell the Sun-Times that the majority of Chicago Public Schools students won’t return to classrooms for the start of the second quarter next month as public health conditions worsen this fall.
Here’s what we learned today in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
9 p.m. Illinois announces highest single day total of positive cases to date
Public health officials Thursday announced 4,015 more people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Illinois, the highest number of new cases ever reported by the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times file
Public health officials Thursday announced 4,015 more people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Illinois, the highest number of new cases ever reported by the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The staggering caseload is one greater than the 4,014 cases confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health on May 12, at the state’s initial pandemic peak.
Almost three times as many people are being tested on average per day compared to the spring — May’s high figure was confirmed among 29,266 tests, compared to 67,086 with this latest batch of positives — but COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths have all gradually risen over the last two weeks.
Mitchell Armentrout has more details.
8:10 p.m. Ask the Doctors: Is herd immunity realistic when it comes to COVID-19?
Dear Doctors: Can you explain herd immunity? We have it with diseases like smallpox and polio, but when it comes to the coronavirus, everyone keeps saying it’s a bad idea. Why wouldn’t it work for COVID-19?
Read what the Doctors say about herd immunity here.
7 p.m. Falcons close practice facility after 2nd positive COVID-19 test
The Atlanta Falcons shut their facility Thursday following one new positive test for COVID-19. The team remains scheduled to play at Minnesota on Sunday.
Defensive tackle Marlon Davidson was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list this week, and the addition of a second unidentified person caused the Falcons to act out of caution. All team activity will be done virtually.
“This decision was made in consultation with the NFL and medical officials,” the team said in a statement. “The health and safety of our team is our highest priority.”
Read the full story here.
6:10 p.m. Open House Chicago 2020 moves online because of COVID, so pick a neighborhood — or two — and spend the day during
Open House Chicago, the annual event giving architecture enthusiasts a closer look at some of the area’s most treasured buildings, will go on this year despite the pandemic.
Still, the coronavirus has forced some changes.
The biggest change: people won’t be able to go inside the more than 100 sites featured this year. Instead, the festival has gone virtual, with a mobile app that the Chicago Architecture Center launched Wednesday.
Read the full story by Manny Ramos here.
5:05 p.m. NFL’s top doc: cold and flu symptoms could force players out – even with negative COVID-19 test
The NFL’s top doctor said Thursday that players will miss practices, and perhaps even games, with cold and flu symptoms even if they test negative for the coronavirus.
Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s chief medical officer, said on a conference call Thursday that teams should “err on the side of caution” sending symptomatic players and coaches home from practice — in case they have the coronavirus.
While it’s unclear who would make the game-day decision if a player has cold and flu symptoms and a negative coronavirus test, Sills said the league will rely on the team’s medical staff and their own expertise in a case-by-case basis.
Read the full story by Patrick Finley here.
4:15 p.m. Most CPS students won’t return to classrooms for start of 2nd quarter, sources say
The vast majority of Chicago Public Schools students won’t return to classrooms for the second quarter of the academic year as public health conditions worsen this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to three sources with knowledge of the school system’s plans.
In a call with principals Thursday, officials said most of CPS’ 300,000 students at the 500-plus district-run, non-charter schools will continue learning from home as the second quarter gets underway in early November, sources said.
Preschool students and children in special education cluster programs, however, are returning to classrooms next month because of their unique difficulties with remote learning, sources said. A decision on all other students returning to in-person learning for the third quarter in February is still under consideration.
Read the full story by Lauren FitzPatrick and Nader Issa here.
3 p.m. Over 100 MBA students at U. of C. quarantined after possible COVID-19 exposure at gathering
The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business moved its classes online this week after more than 100 students are quarantining after possible coronavirus exposure from attending an off-campus party.
In an email to students, faculty and staff, school administrators on Wednesday said Booth’s downtown and Hyde Park campuses are closed for at least two weeks as the potentially infected students quarantine.
The outbreak was traced to a large, off-campus gathering among full-time MBA students last week that included some students who tested positive for the coronavirus, according to multiple reports. The school is asking anyone who attended the event to get tested for the contagious respiratory virus.
Read the full story by Madeline Kenney here.
12:40 p.m. Kamala Harris suspends travel after staffer tests COVID-19 positive
Joe Biden’s presidential campaign said Thursday that vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris will suspend in-person events until Monday after two people associated with the campaign tested positive for coronavirus.
The campaign said Biden had no exposure, though he and Harris spent several hours campaigning together in Arizona on Oct. 8.
Harris had been scheduled to travel Thursday to North Carolina for events encouraging voters to cast early ballots.
For more details, click here.
10:30 a.m. Numbers heading in “a concerning direction,” as state records its highest daily coronavirus death toll in over three months
Illinois suffered its highest daily coronavirus death toll in over three months on Wednesday, the average statewide testing positivity rate rose for a 10th consecutive day, and nearly 2,900 more cases of the deadly disease piled up.
With numbers heading in “a concerning direction” as the season turns, Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned “this virus isn’t taking a holiday. It only wants to find new hosts.”
“To date, Illinois has had relative success in keeping this virus at bay, and we’re still doing better than many of our neighbors, but we can’t let up,” the Democratic governor said at a weekly coronavirus briefing.
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here.
7:30 a.m. New initiative seeks to transform health care on the South Side
Medical, community and religious leaders on the South Side are racing to build a new health care model to address chronic illness, poor access to treatment and a pandemic that is disproportionately hitting Black and Latino neighborhoods.
The coalition will seek millions of dollars in state money to fund what’s being called the South Side Health Transformation Project, an initiative led by University of Chicago, Advocate Trinity and St. Bernard hospitals to address the decades-old problem of an overwhelmed medical care system that’s been exasperated even more by COVID-19.
“Looking at the impact COVID has ravaged on our community, it spotlighted a lot of things we’ve known all over the years,” said Rashard Johnson, president of Advocate Trinity Hospital.
The three hospitals, working with community leaders, propose a system alongside area health clinics and social service organizations to build a preventative care network that would better utilize technology and create a group of community health workers to help guide patients, many of whom have chronic health conditions, toward the best treatment options. The plan also calls for hiring primary and specialty doctors and creates a shared database for patient records. The South Side has long had a large proportion of residents suffering from diabetes, asthma, heart conditions and other health issues, the plan’s advocates say.
Read the full story by Brett Chase here.
7:06 a.m. Bears OL coach Juan Castillo quarantining through Sunday
Bears offensive line coach Juan Castillo will quarantine away from the team through at least Sunday after he came into contact outside of Halas Hall with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus, coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday.
Castillo has not tested positive for the coronavirus, Nagy said. Castillo self-reported the contact. He was not present at practice Wednesday but will continue to coach the team with Zoom. He will not fly with the Bears to Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday to play the Panthers on Sunday.
Assistant offensive line coach Donovan Raiola will take his place on Sunday and during practices this week.
Saturday, the Bears placed rookie Badara Traore, a practice-squad offensive lineman, on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list. Since his test — which was taken Friday — no other Bears players have tested positive.
Read the full story here.
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
8:05 p.m. A Cook County budget built to ‘weather the storm’ — but the rain had better be moving on
Since the pandemic first swept in, we have argued that it’s important for local governments to continue functioning as normally as possible.
That’s a tall order given how COVID-19 has driven up costs and decimated tax revenues. But a government that can’t provide essential services now — when those services are most needed — is failing in its basic responsibilities.
We’re encouraged, so far, by Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle’s proposed $6.9 billion county budget for 2021, presented to the public on Thursday.
Read the full editorial by the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board here.
7:15 a.m. Every word Donald Trump speaks is best ignored when sizing up the dangers of COVID-19
The stupidity just keeps coming.
Hours after leaving the hospital on Monday of last week, President Trump tweeted that COVID-19 is “far less lethal” than the flu for “most populations.”
This is not true.
Two days later, he bragged that he probably would have bounced back from the virus even if he had not been treated with powerful drugs.
Doctors might disagree.
On Saturday, he claimed the virus is “disappearing.”
It is not. It is surging.
Read the full editorial by the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--Groups make final 2020 census outreach efforts with new deadline on Thursday

Eddy Borrayo ’ s hoodie was pulled over his head tightly Thursday morning with a bubbling sense of urgency at the front of his mind .
“ It ’ s now or never and I have a sense of there ’ s no tomorrow , because there really is no tomorrow , ” Borrayo said .
“ Whatever we need to do now , we must do it to make sure everyone is counted.
” The weight Borrayo felt was prompted by the U.S. Census Bureau announcing it would mostly end the 2020 census Thursday night , 15 days earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court ruled it could do so .
People can still respond to the census in several ways : • Online , through 4:59 a.m. Friday at 2020census.gov .
• By phone , through 1 a.m. Friday , by calling English 844-330-2020 ( English ) , 844-468-2020 ( Spanish ) or 844-467-2020 ( TDD ) .
• By mail , if your form is postmarked by Thursday .
Borrayo now worries Illinois will be severely undercounted because of political interference with the once-a-decade count which could spell disaster for how cities and towns are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at what is called the Backstretch at Hawthorne Race Course , 3501 S. Laramie Ave. in Stickney , attempting to count as many people he and his team could .
Hundreds of workers who tend to the horses and the barns live in a community at the Backstretch , Borrayo said ; many never were counted .
“ As we are talking to them , we are telling them to tell their neighbor to come out and that is how we are getting people to get counted , ” Borrayo said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they are at.
” Rincon Family Services were able to help more than 100 families fill out the census ahead of the deadline .
Borrayo said no census taker had previously tried to count any of these households .
The deadline to complete the census initially had been pushed back from July 31 to Oct. 31 because the bureau was forced to delay deploying census takers into communities because of the pandemic .
That Oct. 31 deadline has been a point of contention in recent weeks when the Trump administration abruptly changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration said it needed to change the date in order to meet the Dec. 31 deadline to report census results for apportionment counts which is used to redraw state and federal legislative districts .
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross , whose department oversees the Census Bureau , was hit with a lawsuit from the National Urban League demanding the last count be pushed back to Oct. 31 , and a judge agreed , issuing a preliminary injunction .
Ross appealed , and lost .
But the U.S. Supreme Court said the bureau could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s dismal 60.6 % self-response rate is less than its 62.5 % self-response rate in 2010 — and far from Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s goal of 75 % .
Most Black and Latino majority communities have also underperformed and hold a response rate of under 40 % which is of major concern for groups like Rincon Family Services .
Later in the evening , Borrayo joined U.S. Rep. Jesus “ Chuy ” Garcia , D-Chicago , and other elected officials in Back of the Yards for a last minute plea to fill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here today to remind everyone within eyeshot or earshot to please come forth and participate , ” Garcia said .
“ Your families , your neighborhoods , your city , your states and the country needs you to be counted and this is our last chance .
”

Eddy Borrayo’s hoodie was pulled over his head tightly Thursday morning with a bubbling sense of urgency at the front of his mind.
“It’s now or never and I have a sense of there’s no tomorrow, because there really is no tomorrow,” Borrayo said. “Whatever we need to do now, we must do it to make sure everyone is counted.”
The weight Borrayo felt was prompted by the U.S. Census Bureau announcing it would mostly end the 2020 census Thursday night, 15 days earlier than anticipated, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it could do so.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
People can still respond to the census in several ways:
• Online, through 4:59 a.m. Friday at 2020census.gov.
• By phone, through 1 a.m. Friday, by calling English 844-330-2020 (English), 844-468-2020 (Spanish) or 844-467-2020 (TDD).
• By mail, if your form is postmarked by Thursday.
Borrayo now worries Illinois will be severely undercounted because of political interference with the once-a-decade count which could spell disaster for how cities and towns are federally funded.
He spent the morning at what is called the Backstretch at Hawthorne Race Course, 3501 S. Laramie Ave. in Stickney, attempting to count as many people he and his team could. Hundreds of workers who tend to the horses and the barns live in a community at the Backstretch, Borrayo said; many never were counted.
“As we are talking to them, we are telling them to tell their neighbor to come out and that is how we are getting people to get counted,” Borrayo said. “This is the benefits of meeting families where they are at.”
Rincon Family Services were able to help more than 100 families fill out the census ahead of the deadline. Borrayo said no census taker had previously tried to count any of these households.
President and CEO of Rincon Family Services Eddy F. Borrayo speaks about the importance of being counted in the 2020 Census during a Census event at Back of the Yards College Prep H.S. at 2111 W. 47th St. in Back of Yards, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
The deadline to complete the census initially had been pushed back from July 31 to Oct. 31 because the bureau was forced to delay deploying census takers into communities because of the pandemic.
That Oct. 31 deadline has been a point of contention in recent weeks when the Trump administration abruptly changed it to Sept. 30.
The Trump administration said it needed to change the date in order to meet the Dec. 31 deadline to report census results for apportionment counts which is used to redraw state and federal legislative districts.
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, whose department oversees the Census Bureau, was hit with a lawsuit from the National Urban League demanding the last count be pushed back to Oct. 31, and a judge agreed, issuing a preliminary injunction.
Ross appealed, and lost. But the U.S. Supreme Court said the bureau could end its count early.
Chicago’s dismal 60.6% self-response rate is less than its 62.5% self-response rate in 2010 — and far from Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s goal of 75%.
Most Black and Latino majority communities have also underperformed and hold a response rate of under 40% which is of major concern for groups like Rincon Family Services.
Later in the evening, Borrayo joined U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-Chicago, and other elected officials in Back of the Yards for a last minute plea to fill out the census.
“We are here today to remind everyone within eyeshot or earshot to please come forth and participate,” Garcia said. “Your families, your neighborhoods, your city, your states and the country needs you to be counted and this is our last chance.”


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--Illinois’ largest ever daily COVID-19 caseload sparks fears worst is yet to come: ‘We’re headed for

Illinois’ largest ever daily COVID-19 caseload sparks fears worst is yet to come: ‘We’re headed for a new peak’

Public health officials Thursday announced 4,015 more people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Illinois , the highest number of new cases ever reported by the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic .
The staggering caseload is one greater than the 4,014 cases confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health on May 12 , when the state was weathering the worst days of the crisis .
But the latest tally “ makes it look like we ’ re headed for a new peak , ” according to one of Chicago ’ s top experts who has been at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an apex that could end up being even more deadly if people don ’ t take health guidelines seriously .
“ Instead of this being a new peak , where the number of cases comes up and then goes back down again , I think what we ’ re seeing is more like a mountain : you go up , you come down halfway , then you keep climbing up , ” University of Chicago epidemiologist Dr. Emily Landon said .
“ And this mountain looks even taller than the last one.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people are being tested for the coronavirus per day compared to the spring — May ’ s high figure was confirmed among 29,266 tests , compared to 67,086 with this latest batch of positives — but cases , hospitalizations and deaths have all gradually risen over the last two weeks .
To account for increases in testing , experts say the seven-day average testing positivity rate is a more effective gauge of how rapidly the virus is spreading .
That statewide number has shot up to 4.9 % , its highest point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 3.3 % as recently as Oct. 4 .
Back in mid-May , the state ’ s average positivity rate hovered close to 20 % .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s office warned that the “ coronavirus is still here and everyone must remain vigilant in following public health guidance by wearing masks , watching your distance and washing your hands .
We know that after months of disruption , many are yearning for a return to normalcy , but the recent uptick in positivity around the state is a reminder that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in preventing the spread of this deadly virus.
” Officials on Thursday also announced the virus has claimed 53 more lives across the state , topping the daily death toll of 49 from a day earlier that had marked the worst figure since late June .
The latest fatalities were recorded in 30 of the state ’ s 102 counties , including 11 Cook County residents .
As has been the case throughout the pandemic , most of the victims were elderly , but a man in his 20s from Knox County in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death count .
While the survival rate is still 96 % , deaths can be expected to keep trending upward as experts say coronavirus flareups such as Illinois has seen follow a predictable , deadly pattern : Infections rise among young people , and they pass it on to older , vulnerable people who are more likely to end up hospitalized or dead .
The season is one reason for Illinois ’ new uptick in cases , Landon said , with the virus traveling through cooler and drier air , and people gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already seeing more coronavirus patients , and she said she expects it to get worse as the holidays approach .
“ Colder weather , the pressure to participate in holidays , the overall pandemic fatigue — it ’ s a dangerous combination , ” Landon said .
“ There ’ s just not a safe way to do eating and drinking indoors around a lot of other people .
That ’ s going to cause a lot of trouble heading into the holidays .
It ’ s really hard not to have Thanksgiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people want to take some risks .
That can result in a lot of tragedy.
” Pritzker ’ s office said “ private gatherings are one of the main drivers of spread , so it ’ s advised that you not gather in large groups and always wear your mask when around others.
” Landon said she doesn ’ t think another stay-at-home order will be necessary because masks are more widely available , and experts have a better grasp on how to treat the disease .
But Landon did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bars should be closed .
I don ’ t wish them to go out of business , but the reality is it ’ s not safe to be indoors without masks on in crowded situations , with people we don ’ t know , without proper ventilation — the standards of which , we don ’ t even know what they need to be .
We just don ’ t have the data .
“ I have tremendous optimism .
It ’ s going to take an incredible amount of personal sacrifice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing .
It ’ s going to be hard to swallow the pill we have to swallow.
” Pritzker ’ s health team banned indoor service at bars and restaurants earlier this in the northwest region of the state that includes Rockford , where the positivity rate is up to 10.3 % .
Two other regions previously were hit with restrictions by the Democratic governor , but have since been restored .
Since late summer , the state ’ s COVID-19 problem areas have mostly been outside the Chicago region , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , up to 5.2 % positivity .
Since March , more than 6.5 million COVID-19 tests have been administered in Illinois .
Of those , 331,620 people have tested positive , and 9,127 have died with the virus .
As of Wednesday night , 1,932 Illinois coronavirus patients were hospitalized , with 388 receiving intensive care and 147 using ventilators .
Officials confirmed Thursday ’ s case total was the highest for a single day on record .
The state reported 5,368 cases Sept. 4 , but that was the result of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three days of cases .

Public health officials Thursday announced 4,015 more people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Illinois, the highest number of new cases ever reported by the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The staggering caseload is one greater than the 4,014 cases confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health on May 12, when the state was weathering the worst days of the crisis.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
But the latest tally “makes it look like we’re headed for a new peak,” according to one of Chicago’s top experts who has been at the front lines of the COVID-19 fight — an apex that could end up being even more deadly if people don’t take health guidelines seriously.
“Instead of this being a new peak, where the number of cases comes up and then goes back down again, I think what we’re seeing is more like a mountain: you go up, you come down halfway, then you keep climbing up,” University of Chicago epidemiologist Dr. Emily Landon said. “And this mountain looks even taller than the last one.”
Graph not displaying properly? Click here.
On average, almost three times as many people are being tested for the coronavirus per day compared to the spring — May’s high figure was confirmed among 29,266 tests, compared to 67,086 with this latest batch of positives — but cases, hospitalizations and deaths have all gradually risen over the last two weeks.
To account for increases in testing, experts say the seven-day average testing positivity rate is a more effective gauge of how rapidly the virus is spreading.
That statewide number has shot up to 4.9%, its highest point since early June — and up from just 3.3% as recently as Oct. 4.
Back in mid-May, the state’s average positivity rate hovered close to 20%.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office warned that the “coronavirus is still here and everyone must remain vigilant in following public health guidance by wearing masks, watching your distance and washing your hands. We know that after months of disruption, many are yearning for a return to normalcy, but the recent uptick in positivity around the state is a reminder that each of us plays an integral role in preventing the spread of this deadly virus.”
Officials on Thursday also announced the virus has claimed 53 more lives across the state, topping the daily death toll of 49 from a day earlier that had marked the worst figure since late June.
The latest fatalities were recorded in 30 of the state’s 102 counties, including 11 Cook County residents.
As has been the case throughout the pandemic, most of the victims were elderly, but a man in his 20s from Knox County in western Illinois was included in the latest death count.
While the survival rate is still 96%, deaths can be expected to keep trending upward as experts say coronavirus flareups such as Illinois has seen follow a predictable, deadly pattern: Infections rise among young people, and they pass it on to older, vulnerable people who are more likely to end up hospitalized or dead.
The season is one reason for Illinois’ new uptick in cases, Landon said, with the virus traveling through cooler and drier air, and people gathering indoors. Landon’s hospital is already seeing more coronavirus patients, and she said she expects it to get worse as the holidays approach.
“Colder weather, the pressure to participate in holidays, the overall pandemic fatigue — it’s a dangerous combination,” Landon said. “There’s just not a safe way to do eating and drinking indoors around a lot of other people. That’s going to cause a lot of trouble heading into the holidays. It’s really hard not to have Thanksgiving. That’s going to make a lot of people want to take some risks. That can result in a lot of tragedy.”
Pritzker’s office said “private gatherings are one of the main drivers of spread, so it’s advised that you not gather in large groups and always wear your mask when around others.”
Landon said she doesn’t think another stay-at-home order will be necessary because masks are more widely available, and experts have a better grasp on how to treat the disease.
But Landon did make one policy recommendation.
“Restaurants and bars should be closed. I don’t wish them to go out of business, but the reality is it’s not safe to be indoors without masks on in crowded situations, with people we don’t know, without proper ventilation — the standards of which, we don’t even know what they need to be. We just don’t have the data.
“I have tremendous optimism. It’s going to take an incredible amount of personal sacrifice, which people are justifiably sick of doing. It’s going to be hard to swallow the pill we have to swallow.”
Pritzker’s health team banned indoor service at bars and restaurants earlier this in the northwest region of the state that includes Rockford, where the positivity rate is up to 10.3%. Two other regions previously were hit with restrictions by the Democratic governor, but have since been restored.
Since late summer, the state’s COVID-19 problem areas have mostly been outside the Chicago region, but the city is trending the wrong way too, up to 5.2% positivity.
Since March, more than 6.5 million COVID-19 tests have been administered in Illinois. Of those, 331,620 people have tested positive, and 9,127 have died with the virus.
As of Wednesday night, 1,932 Illinois coronavirus patients were hospitalized, with 388 receiving intensive care and 147 using ventilators.
Officials confirmed Thursday’s case total was the highest for a single day on record. The state reported 5,368 cases Sept. 4, but that was the result of a data processing backlog that included up to three days of cases.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-15--Jim Loewenberg, prominent high-rise architect, dies at 86

Everybody ’ s a critic when it comes to Chicago architecture and the remarks can be cutting .
But Jim Loewenberg never played a game of jealous talk and backbiting while rising to become an architect who defined downtown living .
Friends and family members recalled his confidence , gentlemanly nature and eagerness to promote younger architects .
They also recalled how pleased he was to see a life ’ s work realized in the success of his massive Lakeshore East , a planned development on an old Illinois Central yard alongside Lake Michigan .
Mr. Loewenberg designed some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as co-chairman of Magellan Development Group .
His favorite touch was a six-acre park in the middle of it , a kind of hidden oasis .
Magellan CEO David Carlins said one fall day , as they watched families playing in the park , Mr. Loewenberg opened up about what it all meant to him .
“ He loved the diversity , the people of all ages who came from all over to live there .
He said , ‘ We built a community , not just a bunch of buildings , ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday surrounded by family at age 86 .
The lifelong Chicagoan had recently relocated to Palm Beach , Florida .
Family members said he suffered from cancer .
“ One of the great pleasures of my life was being able to work with him every day ” at Magellan , said his daughter , Robin Loewenberg Tebbe .
“ I was an only child .
He took me to all the job sites , ” she said .
“ He loved talking about buildings .
It was very exciting to him .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new problem to solve.
” More than being an architect , Tebbe said her father “ always thought of himself as a master builder.
” After getting his bachelor ’ s in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1957 , Mr. Loewenberg joined the design firm of his father and uncle .
He had a hand in buildings that now grace Lake Shore Drive , but his career took off in the 1980s when he partnered with Joel Carlins , later his co-CEO at Magellan .
Mr. Loewenberg ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with towers such as Ontario Place and Grand Plaza .
Developers said he designed buildings from the inside out , with great attention to home layouts that attracted buyers .
But some of his work drew criticism for wearing a heavy brow of painted concrete and above-ground parking decks that deadened street life .
Things came to a head in 2003 , when Mayor Richard Daley spoke out against the “ plain old boxes ” of River North and demanded that architects and city planners do better .
It was widely interpreted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tebbe said Mr. Loewenberg never reacted angrily to the criticism .
“ He loved Rich .
He understood what the mayor ’ s criticism was .
He took it to heart and he upped his game a bit ” while also understanding that tastes were changing , she said .
In 2005 , Loewenberg shrugged off the criticism with a smile .
“ I don ’ t get too involved in that .
I ’ m too old and cranky , ” he told the Chicago Sun-Times .
Few would ever call him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new designs for the 28-acre Lakeshore East , where he used new materials , more glass and creative treatment of balconies in buildings such as the Lancaster and the Shoreham .
He also recruited other architects to help fulfill his vision , notably Jeanne Gang , whose work at Lakeshore East includes two celebrated buildings .
The project itself has won international design awards .
“ Jim trusted me and I will always hold a special spot in my heart given the creative opportunity he gave me with my first high-rise , Aqua @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Vista , ” said Gang , founder of the firm Studio Gang .
Lynn Osmond , president of the Chicago Architecture Center , said , “ The impact that Jim had on downtown Chicago ’ s residential communities is undeniable and his contribution of Lakeshore East has forever changed Chicago.
” In 2009 , Mr. Loewenberg received the lifetime achievement award from the Urban Land Institute Chicago and he was named to the Chicago Real Estate Hall of Fame .
In all , he designed 45,000 residential units and 500,000 square feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a high-rise kid himself .
Tebbe said he was born downtown and grew up in the old Park Lane Apartments at Sheridan Road and Surf Street .
He attended Nettlehorst School and North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka .
While at MIT , he wed Nancy Rosenstein , to whom he would be married for 63 years .
She died in 2019 .
He was long active in affairs at MIT and in numerous local organizations .
Mr. Loewenberg was a governing member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra , a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Standard Club .
In addition to his wife , he was preceded in death by his son-in-law Louis Berger .
Survivors include his sister , Doris Kraus , two grandchildren , two step-grandchildren and two great-grandsons .
He also is survived by his late-in-life partner , Jean Scharf .
Because of concerns about coronavirus transmission , the family said a memorial service will be held later .
In the meantime , relatives welcome contributions in Mr. Loewenberg ’ s name to the Chicago Architecture Center .

Everybody’s a critic when it comes to Chicago architecture, and the remarks can be cutting. But Jim Loewenberg never played a game of jealous talk and backbiting while rising to become an architect who defined downtown living.
Friends and family members recalled his confidence, gentlemanly nature and eagerness to promote younger architects. They also recalled how pleased he was to see a life’s work realized in the success of his massive Lakeshore East, a planned development on an old Illinois Central yard alongside Lake Michigan.
Mr. Loewenberg designed some of the 13 buildings now on the site as co-chairman of Magellan Development Group. His favorite touch was a six-acre park in the middle of it, a kind of hidden oasis.
Magellan CEO David Carlins said one fall day, as they watched families playing in the park, Mr. Loewenberg opened up about what it all meant to him. “He loved the diversity, the people of all ages who came from all over to live there. He said, ‘We built a community, not just a bunch of buildings,’” Carlins said.
Mr. Loewenberg died Wednesday surrounded by family at age 86. The lifelong Chicagoan had recently relocated to Palm Beach, Florida. Family members said he suffered from cancer.
“One of the great pleasures of my life was being able to work with him every day” at Magellan, said his daughter, Robin Loewenberg Tebbe. “I was an only child. He took me to all the job sites,” she said.
“He loved talking about buildings. It was very exciting to him. He loved it when somebody brought to him a new problem to solve.”
More than being an architect, Tebbe said her father “always thought of himself as a master builder.”
After getting his bachelor’s in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1957, Mr. Loewenberg joined the design firm of his father and uncle. He had a hand in buildings that now grace Lake Shore Drive, but his career took off in the 1980s when he partnered with Joel Carlins, later his co-CEO at Magellan.
Mr. Loewenberg’s work started appearing everywhere in River North, with towers such as Ontario Place and Grand Plaza. Developers said he designed buildings from the inside out, with great attention to home layouts that attracted buyers. But some of his work drew criticism for wearing a heavy brow of painted concrete and above-ground parking decks that deadened street life.
Things came to a head in 2003, when Mayor Richard Daley spoke out against the “plain old boxes” of River North and demanded that architects and city planners do better. It was widely interpreted as a swipe at Mr. Loewenberg.
Tebbe said Mr. Loewenberg never reacted angrily to the criticism. “He loved Rich. He understood what the mayor’s criticism was. He took it to heart, and he upped his game a bit” while also understanding that tastes were changing, she said.
In 2005, Loewenberg shrugged off the criticism with a smile. “I don’t get too involved in that. I’m too old and cranky,” he told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Few would ever call him cranky. But he threw himself into new designs for the 28-acre Lakeshore East, where he used new materials, more glass and creative treatment of balconies in buildings such as the Lancaster and the Shoreham. He also recruited other architects to help fulfill his vision, notably Jeanne Gang, whose work at Lakeshore East includes two celebrated buildings. The project has won international design awards.
“Jim trusted me, and I will always hold a special spot in my heart given the creative opportunity he gave me with my first high-rise, Aqua, and most recently my tallest high-rise, Vista,” said Gang, founder of the firm Studio Gang.
Lynn Osmond, president of the Chicago Architecture Center, said, “The impact that Jim had on downtown Chicago’s residential communities is undeniable, and his contribution of Lakeshore East has forever changed Chicago.”
In 2009, Mr. Loewenberg received the lifetime achievement award from the Urban Land Institute Chicago, and he was named to the Chicago Real Estate Hall of Fame. In all, he designed 45,000 residential units and 500,000 square feet of commercial space.
Mr. Loewenberg was a high-rise kid himself. Tebbe said he was born downtown and grew up in the old Park Lane Apartments at Sheridan Road and Surf Street. He attended Nettlehorst School and North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka. While at MIT, he wed Nancy Rosenstein, to whom he would be married for 63 years. She died in 2019.
He was long active in affairs at MIT and in numerous local organizations. Mr. Loewenberg was a governing member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and president of the Standard Club.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law Louis Berger. Survivors include his sister, Doris Kraus, two grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and two great-grandsons. He also is survived by his late-in-life partner, Jean Scharf.
Because of concerns about coronavirus transmission, the family said a memorial service will be held later. In the meantime, relatives welcome contributions in Mr. Loewenberg’s name to the Chicago Architecture Center.