chicagosun-times--2020-09-29--Gov. J.B. Pritzker in self isolation after interacting with staff member who later tested positive f

Gov. J.B. Pritzker in self isolation after interacting with staff member who later tested positive for COVID-19 (LIVE UPDATES)

Pritzker to self-isolate after staff member tests positive for COVID-19 Gov .
J.B. Pritzker will self-isolate for 14 days after a member of his staff tested positive for COVID-19 .
The staff member , who was not identified by state officials , tested positive for the virus Monday after testing negative for the virus last week during weekly testing , according to Pritzker ’ s office .
That staffer attended events with Pritzker on Wednesday in Chicago , Thursday in Marion and Sunday in Marseilles ; both the governor and the staffer were wearing masks during their interactions .
Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have tested for COVID-19 in Illinois , the lowest number of new cases confirmed in a single day statewide in almost three weeks .
The latest coronavirus cases were detected among 45,624 tests submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health , lowering the state ’ s average testing positivity rate over the last week to 3.6 % .
Tuesday ’ s daily caseload is the lowest since the state added 1,337 new cases Sept. 9 .
The state has logged about 1,930 new cases of the virus each day this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases per day in August .
But the state has also run almost 7,000 more coronavirus tests per day in September compared to last month , leading to falling positivity rates in most regions — and cautious optimism from Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s health team .
Experts use the positivity rate to determine how quickly the virus is spreading .
Chicago is at 4.5 % positivity , while all its surrounding regions are below 6 % .
1:46 p.m. Nearly 200 possibly exposed to COVID-19 after a dozen test positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 at a north suburban volleyball league may have exposed nearly 200 people to the virus in September , health officials said Tuesday .
So far , 14 positive cases were traced to people who played or watched league volleyball at Jesse Oaks Food & Drink in Gages Lake , the Lake County Health Department said in a statement Tuesday .
“ This could potentially be a large outbreak , and we need the public ’ s help to contain the spread of this virus , ” Dr. Sana Ahmed , medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jesse Oaks has voluntarily suspended volleyball for 14 days , and may only resume once in compliance with state guidelines , said Larry Mackey , director of environmental health at the health department .
State guidelines limit volleyball games to intra-team gameplay , which excludes competitive team-versus-team games , Mackey said in an interview .
Health officials believe Jesse Oaks was violating those rules before the outbreak , Mackey said .
The restaurant was not cited or fined .
1:15 p.m. Four more states added to Chicago ’ s COVID-19 travel advisory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Chicago ’ s travel quarantine list : Kentucky , Wyoming , Texas , and Nevada .
No states have been removed from the list , so when the additions take effect Friday , the tally will hit 22 states , as well as one U.S. territory : Alabama , Arkansas , Georgia , Idaho , Iowa , Kansas , Kentucky , Minnesota , Mississippi , Missouri , Montana , Nebraska , Nevada , North Dakota , Oklahoma , Puerto Rico , South Carolina , South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas , Utah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning from states on the travel advisory list are asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days .
Exceptions are made for those who work in those states or commute to jobs there .
1:08 p.m .
Activists , aldermen call on city to increase COVID-19 testing on South and West sides Two South Side aldermen joined a coalition of activists Tuesday to call on Mayor Lori Lightfoot to increase COVID-19 testing availability in South , Southwest and West side neighborhoods of color .
Ald .
Jeanette Taylor ( 20th ) and Ald .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing locations that are free , staffed by public health employees and available to anyone who shows up without an appointment , symptoms or an ID .
The testing sites should be open seven days a week during daytime and evening hours , they said .
Extended hours would allow essential workers who have 9-to-5 jobs the opportunity to get tested without having to miss work , Taylor said at a news conference held outside a public health center in the Englewood neighborhood .
“ This is not unreasonable for us to ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make access as easy as possible , she said , permanent testing sites should be located in places where people commonly go , such as Chicago Public Schools where families pick up daily meals through the Grab-and-Go program , grocery stores , laundromats , pharmacies , CTA train stops , parks , and churches .
“ Too often we wait until it ’ s too late to do what ’ s right , ” Taylor said .
“ So let ’ s do right by our community.
” 10:21 a.m. Will extended hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The news about the city easing capacity restrictions and extending hours for bars and restaurants was a ray of sunshine in an otherwise dark sky for many business owners .
“ It ’ s a step in the right direction , ” said Pete Douvalakis , owner of Pete ’ s Place — a tavern in Irving Park .
“ Is it going to solve our problems ?
No .
We ’ re way behind on bills , five months behind on rent , three months behind on insurance .
So it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might close tomorrow , ” he said .
The only reason he ’ s been able to make it this far during the pandemic is because he has a food license , which has kept people on barstools eating pizza and drinking beer .
His capacity will jump from 12 to 22 when the new rules kick in Thursday .
“ The extended hours is the biggest thing because we make most of our money between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. , ” he said , echoing a common refrain among bar owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dudek here .
In what could be the NFL ’ s first significant in-season test of its coronavirus protocols , the Tennessee Titans announced Tuesday they would not be holding in-person activities after the team had “ several ” positive COVID-19 tests in the aftermath of Sunday ’ s game against the Minnesota Vikings .
“ Out of the abundance of caution , the organization has decided to work remotely today as we follow NFL protocols related to the COVID-19 virus , ” the team said in a statement .
“ Several tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] are working through the process of confirming them .
We will have more information tomorrow.
” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement that the Titans returned three new positive tests from players and five from team staffers on Tuesday morning .
The Vikings also are suspending team activities as both clubs follow the league ’ s protocols on COVID-19 .
“ Both clubs are working closely with the NFL and the [ NFL Players Association ] , including our infectious disease experts , to evaluate close contacts , perform additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
” All decisions will be made with health and safety as our primary consideration .
We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
” 8:53 a.m. Will CPS kids go back to schools this fall ?
Lightfoot says ‘ we ’ re not there yet ’ Public health conditions have not yet improved to a point that would allow Chicago Public Schools students to return to classrooms in November as officials have hoped , Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday .
Despite the challenges remote learning poses for 300,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lightfoot and CPS officials have said health will be the main priority in a decision to resume in-person learning .
“ We have to see more progress in order for us , I think , to have a conversation about in-person learning , ” the mayor said at an afternoon news conference at which she announced an easing of restrictions on indoor seating at bars and restaurants .
“ We ’ re not there yet.
” “ I don ’ t want to speculate about the chances .
It ’ s something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we ’ ll make an announcement relatively soon because we ’ ve got to give parents and the school community enough time to adapt if we ’ re going to make a change .
But we ’ re not there yet.
” • Illinois ’ coronavirus death toll surpassed 8,600 on Sunday after Illinois state officials announced 14 more deaths due to the virus .
• The state ’ s test positivity rate — the number used to gauge how quickly the virus is spreading — rose to 3.7 % Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
1:11 p.m. How COVID is hammering Chicago ’ s arts and entertainment scene Two years ago , we visited Lifeline Theatre in Rogers Park to better understand the role of the arts in a community ’ s development .
We described in an editorial how Lifeline had been critical to a small but promising resurgence in that small corner of the neighborhood , as if a seed had been planted , leading to new energy and investment .
Now , as COVID-19 rages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , wondering how the theater and the neighborhood are faring .
We found that the symbiotic relationship between the arts and nightlife and a community — where one ’ s success begets the other ’ s — continues to hold , for better and worse , in hard times .
We found a theater company and neighborhood struggling , yet determined , to hang in there — a story to be found all over town .
We also found ourselves wanting to reaffirm the message of our original editorial .
Support the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than ever .
They are essential to our city ’ s identity and post-pandemic future .
10:29 a.m. Let Mr. COVID Answer Man help you cope during the pandemic Dear Mr. COVID Answer Man : I ’ ve realized there are certain friends I haven ’ t talked to since mid-March .
Is it too late now to reach out ?
— Lonely Dear Lonely : Yes .
The truth is , if you haven ’ t spoken to someone in more than six months of the most intense crisis to grip our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to speak again .
This is sad , of course .
Think of them like a neighbor you really liked who moves away .
You hug and swear you ’ ll stay in touch .
Then you don ’ t , because you aren ’ t living next door to each other anymore .
That ’ s how life goes .
Dear Mr. COVID Answer Man : I work in a small store , where I ’ m required to wear a mask .
But it gets claustrophobic , so I slip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customer will say , “ Would you mind putting your mask on properly ?
” This makes me very angry .
Am I wrong to feel this way ?
— Miffed Dear Miffed : Of course not .
Tell yourself , you are WEARING a mask , technically , just not in the precise fashion that pleases every germaphobe fussbudget to walks in the door and starts issuing orders like they own the place , just because they don ’ t want to die a horrible death .
The good news is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complain .
Try saying , “ Oh sorry , it slipped , ” in a sarcastic tone , the way you would say , “ Mind your own business loser , ” and without moving the mask .
That will convey your point in a witty fashion .
9:17 a.m .
Even before any second COVID wave , many Chicagoans are still in need from the first one The calls come daily to state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe ’ s office on the Northwest Side from people who need help navigating the state bureaucracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing assistance and food stamps .
They call about utility bills , problems with state licenses and support for their small businesses .
Many of the callers these days are in tears , not knowing where to turn .
Some can ’ t pay the rent .
Others are worried about feeding their families .
Yet what ’ s striking to LaPointe ’ s chief of staff , Jessica Genova , is how apologetic many of the callers are , as if they ’ re feeling guilty about their predicament and needing help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this before , ” they say .
It ’ s important to understand that the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic shocks have left many of our neighbors in crisis , facing financial strains they ’ ve never experienced .
With people isolated from each other to an even greater extent than normal , this isn ’ t always easy to see , especially for those lucky enough to still have their jobs .
But for those who have not been so fortunate , the disruption and pain are all too real , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helplessness amid the uncertainty over when life will return to normal .
Read the full column from Mark Brown here .

Public health officials on Tuesday announced 1,362 more people have tested for COVID-19 in Illinois, the lowest number of new cases confirmed in a single day statewide in almost three weeks.
That’s not all that happened Tuesday in coronavirus-related news. Here’s what else went down in Chicago and around the state.
News
9:13 p.m. Pritzker to self-isolate after staff member tests positive for COVID-19
Gov. J.B. Pritzker will self-isolate for 14 days after a member of his staff tested positive for COVID-19. AP Photos
Gov. J.B. Pritzker will self-isolate for 14 days after a member of his staff tested positive for COVID-19.
The staff member, who was not identified by state officials, tested positive for the virus Monday after testing negative for the virus last week during weekly testing, according to Pritzker’s office.
That staffer attended events with Pritzker on Wednesday in Chicago, Thursday in Marion and Sunday in Marseilles; both the governor and the staffer were wearing masks during their interactions.
Read the full story here.
7:58 p.m. College in Grant Park? Columbia faculty move classes outdoors amid dispute over coronavirus protections
Columbia College instructors and students have been forced to trade-in their state of the art dance and theater facilities for Grant Park’s greenways and concrete walkways over a dispute about coronavirus protections.
After the college’s part-time faculty union, Columbia Faculty Association Local 6602, and school officials failed to come to a safety agreement for the fall semester, several faculty members decided to hold classes outdoors at 11th Street and Michigan Avenue rather than in classrooms that did not meet their safety expectations.
Last week the union filed an unfair labor practices charge against the school over coronavirus-related concerns. The union wants portable air purifiers in all classrooms where in-person instruction will take place, while the college said it’ll only take that precaution where “science shows there is a higher potential of risk,” like in classes that require singing, playing a musical instrument or dancing, according to Lambrini Lukidis, Columbia’s associate vice president for strategic communications.
Reporter Adam Mahoney has the full story.
6:17 p.m. 1,362 new Illinois coronavirus cases
Public health officials on Tuesday announced 1,362 more people have tested for COVID-19 in Illinois, the lowest number of new cases confirmed in a single day statewide in almost three weeks.
The latest coronavirus cases were detected among 45,624 tests submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health, lowering the state’s average testing positivity rate over the last week to 3.6%. Tuesday’s daily caseload is the lowest since the state added 1,337 new cases Sept. 9.
The state has logged about 1,930 new cases of the virus each day this month, up from an average of 1,812 new cases per day in August.
But the state has also run almost 7,000 more coronavirus tests per day in September compared to last month, leading to falling positivity rates in most regions — and cautious optimism from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s health team. Experts use the positivity rate to determine how quickly the virus is spreading.
Chicago is at 4.5% positivity, while all its surrounding regions are below 6%.
Reporter Mitch Armentrout has the full story.
1:46 p.m. Nearly 200 possibly exposed to COVID-19 after a dozen test positive at north suburban volleyball league
An outbreak of COVID-19 at a north suburban volleyball league may have exposed nearly 200 people to the virus in September, health officials said Tuesday.
So far, 14 positive cases were traced to people who played or watched league volleyball at Jesse Oaks Food & Drink in Gages Lake, the Lake County Health Department said in a statement Tuesday.
“This could potentially be a large outbreak, and we need the public’s help to contain the spread of this virus,” Dr. Sana Ahmed, medical epidemiologist at the health department, said.
Jesse Oaks has voluntarily suspended volleyball for 14 days, and may only resume once in compliance with state guidelines, said Larry Mackey, director of environmental health at the health department.
State guidelines limit volleyball games to intra-team gameplay, which excludes competitive team-versus-team games, Mackey said in an interview.
Health officials believe Jesse Oaks was violating those rules before the outbreak, Mackey said. The restaurant was not cited or fined.
Read the full story here.
1:15 p.m. Four more states added to Chicago’s COVID-19 travel advisory list
Four more states are being added to Chicago’s travel quarantine list: Kentucky, Wyoming, Texas, and Nevada.
No states have been removed from the list, so when the additions take effect Friday, the tally will hit 22 states, as well as one U.S. territory: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Chicagoans returning from states on the travel advisory list are asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days. Exceptions are made for those who work in those states or commute to jobs there.
Read the full report here.
1:08 p.m. Activists, aldermen call on city to increase COVID-19 testing on South and West sides
Two South Side aldermen joined a coalition of activists Tuesday to call on Mayor Lori Lightfoot to increase COVID-19 testing availability in South, Southwest and West side neighborhoods of color.
Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) and Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) called for testing locations that are free, staffed by public health employees and available to anyone who shows up without an appointment, symptoms or an ID. The testing sites should be open seven days a week during daytime and evening hours, they said.
Extended hours would allow essential workers who have 9-to-5 jobs the opportunity to get tested without having to miss work, Taylor said at a news conference held outside a public health center in the Englewood neighborhood.
“This is not unreasonable for us to ask for,” she said.
To make access as easy as possible, she said, permanent testing sites should be located in places where people commonly go, such as Chicago Public Schools where families pick up daily meals through the Grab-and-Go program, grocery stores, laundromats, pharmacies, CTA train stops, parks, and churches.
“Too often we wait until it’s too late to do what’s right,” Taylor said. “So let’s do right by our community.”
Read the full story here.
10:21 a.m. Will extended hours be enough to save Chicago bars?
Hand sanitizer is seen between a cocktail and a beer tab. File photo. Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
The news about the city easing capacity restrictions and extending hours for bars and restaurants was a ray of sunshine in an otherwise dark sky for many business owners.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Pete Douvalakis, owner of Pete’s Place — a tavern in Irving Park.
“Is it going to solve our problems? No. We’re way behind on bills, five months behind on rent, three months behind on insurance. So it’s day-by-day with us; the doors might close tomorrow,” he said.
The only reason he’s been able to make it this far during the pandemic is because he has a food license, which has kept people on barstools eating pizza and drinking beer.
His capacity will jump from 12 to 22 when the new rules kick in Thursday.
“The extended hours is the biggest thing because we make most of our money between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.,” he said, echoing a common refrain among bar owners.
Read the full story from Mitch Dudek here.
10:07 a.m. Titans stop in-person team activities amid ‘several’ positive COVID-19 tests
In what could be the NFL’s first significant in-season test of its coronavirus protocols, the Tennessee Titans announced Tuesday they would not be holding in-person activities after the team had “several” positive COVID-19 tests in the aftermath of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
“Out of the abundance of caution, the organization has decided to work remotely today as we follow NFL protocols related to the COVID-19 virus,” the team said in a statement. “Several tests have come back positive and [we] are working through the process of confirming them. We will have more information tomorrow.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement that the Titans returned three new positive tests from players and five from team staffers on Tuesday morning. The Vikings also are suspending team activities as both clubs follow the league’s protocols on COVID-19.
“Both clubs are working closely with the NFL and the [NFL Players Association], including our infectious disease experts, to evaluate close contacts, perform additional testing and monitor developments,” Goodell said. ”All decisions will be made with health and safety as our primary consideration. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.”
Read the full story here.
8:53 a.m. Will CPS kids go back to schools this fall? Lightfoot says ‘we’re not there yet’
Public health conditions have not yet improved to a point that would allow Chicago Public Schools students to return to classrooms in November as officials have hoped, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday.
Despite the challenges remote learning poses for 300,000 students and 30,000 teachers and support staff, Lightfoot and CPS officials have said health will be the main priority in a decision to resume in-person learning.
“We have to see more progress in order for us, I think, to have a conversation about in-person learning,” the mayor said at an afternoon news conference at which she announced an easing of restrictions on indoor seating at bars and restaurants. “We’re not there yet.”
“I don’t want to speculate about the chances. It’s something we are focused on every single day, and we’ll make an announcement relatively soon because we’ve got to give parents and the school community enough time to adapt if we’re going to make a change. But we’re not there yet.”
Reporter Nader Issa has the full story.
New cases
Illinois’ coronavirus death toll surpassed 8,600 on Sunday after Illinois state officials announced 14 more deaths due to the virus.
The state’s test positivity rate — the number used to gauge how quickly the virus is spreading — rose to 3.7 % Sunday after the latest batch of 50,822 tests were reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Analysis & Commentary
1:11 p.m. How COVID is hammering Chicago’s arts and entertainment scene
Two years ago, we visited Lifeline Theatre in Rogers Park to better understand the role of the arts in a community’s development.
We described in an editorial how Lifeline had been critical to a small but promising resurgence in that small corner of the neighborhood, as if a seed had been planted, leading to new energy and investment.
Now, as COVID-19 rages on, we visited Lifeline again last week, wondering how the theater and the neighborhood are faring.
We found that the symbiotic relationship between the arts and nightlife and a community — where one’s success begets the other’s — continues to hold, for better and worse, in hard times. We found a theater company and neighborhood struggling, yet determined, to hang in there — a story to be found all over town.
We also found ourselves wanting to reaffirm the message of our original editorial. Support the arts, fellow Chicagoans. Now more than ever. They are essential to our city’s identity and post-pandemic future.
Read the full column here.
10:29 a.m. Let Mr. COVID Answer Man help you cope during the pandemic
Dear Mr. COVID Answer Man: I’ve realized there are certain friends I haven’t talked to since mid-March. Is it too late now to reach out? — Lonely
Dear Lonely:Yes. The truth is, if you haven’t spoken to someone in more than six months of the most intense crisis to grip our country in living memory, you never need to speak again. This is sad, of course. Think of them like a neighbor you really liked who moves away. You hug and swear you’ll stay in touch. Then you don’t, because you aren’t living next door to each other anymore. That’s how life goes.
Dear Mr. COVID Answer Man: I work in a small store, where I’m required to wear a mask. But it gets claustrophobic, so I slip it below my nose. Occasionally a customer will say, “Would you mind putting your mask on properly?” This makes me very angry. Am I wrong to feel this way? — Miffed
Dear Miffed:Of course not. Tell yourself, you are WEARING a mask, technically, just not in the precise fashion that pleases every germaphobe fussbudget to walks in the door and starts issuing orders like they own the place, just because they don’t want to die a horrible death. The good news is that most customers are too inhibited to actually complain. Try saying, “Oh sorry, it slipped,” in a sarcastic tone, the way you would say, “Mind your own business loser,” and without moving the mask. That will convey your point in a witty fashion.
Read the full opinion piece here.
9:17 a.m. Even before any second COVID wave, many Chicagoans are still in need from the first one
The calls come daily to state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe’s office on the Northwest Side from people who need help navigating the state bureaucracy.
They call about unemployment benefits, housing assistance and food stamps. They call about utility bills, problems with state licenses and support for their small businesses.
Many of the callers these days are in tears, not knowing where to turn. Some can’t pay the rent. Others are worried about feeding their families.
Yet what’s striking to LaPointe’s chief of staff, Jessica Genova, is how apologetic many of the callers are, as if they’re feeling guilty about their predicament and needing help.
“I’ve never done this before,” they say.
It’s important to understand that the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic shocks have left many of our neighbors in crisis, facing financial strains they’ve never experienced.
With people isolated from each other to an even greater extent than normal, this isn’t always easy to see, especially for those lucky enough to still have their jobs.
But for those who have not been so fortunate, the disruption and pain are all too real, sometimes leading to an overwhelming sense of helplessness amid the uncertainty over when life will return to normal.
Read the full column from Mark Brown here.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-29--Man accused of stabbing sleeping homeless men over the summer faces murder charge

A man accused of stabbing three sleeping homeless men over the summer is now facing a murder charge in connection with a fourth attack in Grant Park .
Bryant McCalip , 28 , is charged with one count of first-degree murder in the death of 58-year-old Aaron Curry , Chicago police said .
McCalip was hit with the new murder charge Monday .
He was previously charged with three felony counts of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery for a series of knife attacks on homeless men in July and August , according to police and Cook County prosecutors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 9 p.m. July 9 in the 1100 block of South Michigan Avenue , police said .
A knife was in his shoulder and he had been stabbed multiple times in his neck and abdomen .
It was not immediately clear when the stabbing occurred , as his body could have been there for several days , police said .
At a bond hearing for the initial charges last month , Cook County Judge John Lyke Jr. called the allegations against McCalip “ despicable acts.
” At the time , McCalip was considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fourth homeless man but hadn ’ t been charged , prosecutors said .
He is expected to appear in court Wednesday .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

An Englewood man accused of targeting homeless men in three brutal knife attacks over the summer is now facing a murder charge after authorities said they were able to tie him to a fatal stabbing in Grant Park through DNA evidence.
Bryant McCalip was charged earlier this week with 58-year-old Aaron Curry’s murder.
Curry’s body was found July 9 on the grass in the 1100 block of South Michigan Avenue with a broken knife in his right shoulder and multiple stab wounds to his neck and abdomen, police said.
The knife’s handle was lying next to Curry and evidence found on it matched 28-year-old McCalip’s DNA, Cook County prosecutors said Wednesday.
Bryant McCalip Chicago police
Cellphone and public transit records also placed McCalip blocks from where Curry’s body was discovered in the timeframe authorities believe the murder occurred. And after searching McCalip’s South Side home, police found two knives with the same gray and black handle like the weapon by Curry’s body had, prosecutors said.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office determined Curry died from the multiple stab wounds that he suffered sometime between July 7-9.
McCalip has been in custody at Cook County Jail since he was arrested on Aug. 20 and charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery for three separate attacks that prosecutors said were connected by “by evidence of a common scheme, proximity, motive, identity and opportunity.”
McCalip watched those victims as they slept “like they were prey” before stabbing them multiple times, prosecutors said.
Those victims survived.
Though video surveillance footage allegedly showed McCalip committing other attacks, prosecutors said no cameras recorded Curry’s murder.
Judge Mary Marubio ordered McCalip held without bail Wednesday.
He is expected back in court Oct. 8.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-29--College in Grant Park? Columbia faculty move classes outdoors amid dispute over coronavirus protecti

College in Grant Park? Columbia faculty move classes outdoors amid dispute over coronavirus protections

Columbia College instructors and students have been forced to trade-in their state of the art dance and theater facilities for Grant Park ’ s greenways and concrete walkways over a dispute about coronavirus protections .
After the college ’ s part-time faculty union , Columbia Faculty Association Local 6602 , and school officials failed to come to a safety agreement for the fall semester , several faculty members decided to hold classes outdoors at 11th Street and Michigan Avenue rather than in classrooms that did not meet their safety expectations .
Last week the union filed an unfair labor practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The union wants portable air purifiers in all classrooms where in-person instruction will take place , while the college said it ’ ll only take that precaution where “ science shows there is a higher potential of risk , ” like in classes that require singing , playing a musical instrument or dancing , according to Lambrini Lukidis , Columbia ’ s associate vice president for strategic communications .
On Tuesday , dozens of students danced across the park ’ s lawn and held improv acting workshops along the walkways as park-goers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from ideal , for many students and faculty members the opportunity to return to in-person classes , even held outdoors , was a much-needed return to normalcy .
Sean Sturdivant , 19 , says that outdoor classes are “ way better ” than virtual classes because he can interact with his peers again .
When classes first transitioned to a virtual format last spring , the second-year musical theatre major said he struggled to stay engaged and keep up with the material because the arts are simply not conducive to online learning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to various problems like slow internet or computer glitches .
But for some Columbia students , particularly those new on campus , taking part in performance classes outdoors can be uncomfortable .
“ I ’ d rather struggle indoors in a room where I know I can build my confidence ... instead of in public where we have people watching and taking pictures , ” says first-year student Nia Bradley , 18 .
Bradley says she has also struggled to adjust because she has to balance both in-person and virtual classes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s classes are virtual , which makes it easier to neglect some classes over others , she says .
Laura Sturm began teaching theater classes at Columbia just a few months before the coronavirus pandemic hit , so most of her teaching experience at the school has been unconventional so far , she said .
Although wearing masks and maintaining social distance makes her job a little more difficult , she say it ’ s worth it as long as student learning is not disrupted .
While being outside works now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
“ I understand that cash is a challenge , but safety is the most important thing , ” says Sturm .
“ If some people start getting sick , that ’ s a serious problem and it ’ ll only get worse as the weather changes.
” However , union president Diana Vallera hopes that outdoor learning won ’ t have to continue that long .
She believes the shift to outdoor learning will signal to the school that failing to meet expected health standards hurts everyone involved .
She expects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to an agreement within the next week .

Columbia College instructors and students have been forced to trade-in their state of the art dance and theater facilities for Grant Park’s greenways and concrete walkways over a dispute about coronavirus protections.
After the college’s part-time faculty union, Columbia Faculty Association Local 6602, and school officials failed to come to a safety agreement for the fall semester, several faculty members decided to hold classes outdoors at 11th Street and Michigan Avenue rather than in classrooms that did not meet their safety expectations.
Last week the union filed an unfair labor practices charge against the school over coronavirus-related concerns. The union wants portable air purifiers in all classrooms where in-person instruction will take place, while the college said it’ll only take that precaution where “science shows there is a higher potential of risk,” like in classes that require singing, playing a musical instrument or dancing, according to Lambrini Lukidis, Columbia’s associate vice president for strategic communications.
Related Columbia College adjuncts file an unfair labor practices charge over coronavirus concerns
Students in a Theater Foundations class at Columbia College rehearse an assigned performance at Grant park on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
On Tuesday, dozens of students danced across the park’s lawn and held improv acting workshops along the walkways as park-goers shuffled through the crowds. Though far from ideal, for many students and faculty members the opportunity to return to in-person classes, even held outdoors, was a much-needed return to normalcy.
Sean Sturdivant, 19, says that outdoor classes are “way better” than virtual classes because he can interact with his peers again. When classes first transitioned to a virtual format last spring, the second-year musical theatre major said he struggled to stay engaged and keep up with the material because the arts are simply not conducive to online learning. He noticed many students stopped engaging online due to various problems like slow internet or computer glitches.
But for some Columbia students, particularly those new on campus, taking part in performance classes outdoors can be uncomfortable.
“I’d rather struggle indoors in a room where I know I can build my confidence ... instead of in public where we have people watching and taking pictures,” says first-year student Nia Bradley, 18.
Bradley says she has also struggled to adjust because she has to balance both in-person and virtual classes. Currently, about 75 percent of Columbia’s classes are virtual, which makes it easier to neglect some classes over others, she says.
Laura Sturm began teaching theater classes at Columbia just a few months before the coronavirus pandemic hit, so most of her teaching experience at the school has been unconventional so far, she said. Although wearing masks and maintaining social distance makes her job a little more difficult, she say it’s worth it as long as student learning is not disrupted.
While being outside works now, that will be impossible in the coming months.
“I understand that cash is a challenge, but safety is the most important thing,” says Sturm. “If some people start getting sick, that’s a serious problem and it’ll only get worse as the weather changes.”
However, union president Diana Vallera hopes that outdoor learning won’t have to continue that long. She believes the shift to outdoor learning will signal to the school that failing to meet expected health standards hurts everyone involved. She expects that both sides will be able to come to an agreement within the next week.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-29--Charge dropped against woman dragged out of car by CPD officers outside Brickyard Mall

A misdemeanor charge has been dropped against a woman who says she was left partially blind earlier this year when Chicago police officers smashed through a car ’ s windows to drag her out by the hair in a video-recorded encounter outside the Brickyard Mall .
City officials moved to dismiss the disorderly conduct charge against Mia Wright on Monday , records show , nearly four months after the violent May 31 arrest .
Representatives for the city ’ s legal and police departments declined to comment on the decision — and they didn ’ t offer an explanation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyer .
“ I think this one speaks for itself , ” attorney Nenye Uche said Tuesday alongside Wright .
“ Watching the video , assessing and evaluating the entire circumstance — it ’ s obvious that it ’ s baseless.
” Bystanders recorded as police used batons to smash the windows of Wright ’ s cousin ’ s car outside the Northwest Side mall .
An officer grabbed Wright ’ s hair , which had been wound into a bun , and yanked her from the car , Wright said .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer knelt on her back and neck .
Wright , who got a piece of glass in her eye from the shattered window , was held overnight at a nearby police station , she said .
Police initially said she “ was observed by responding officers assembled with 3 or more persons for the purpose of using force or violence to disturb the peace ” — a claim that Wright says “ makes no sense.
” Two officers were stripped of their police powers pending the outcome of an investigation by the Civilian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police misconduct .
A spokeswoman for Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx ’ s office said they ’ re still investigating for possible criminal charges against the officers .
“ If anyone did that who was not a police officer , you would be at [ the Cook County Jail at ] 26th Street and California facing criminal charges , ” Uche said .
“ And I don ’ t think there should be one standard for police officers and one standard for everyday citizens.
” Wright ’ s attorney commended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing ” by dropping the charge , but said “ somebody has to pay for Mia Wright ’ s injuries.
” Wright said she can ’ t see out of her right eye as a result of her injuries , dealing a blow to her hopes of becoming a paramedic .
“ I ’ ve been embarrassed , I ’ m having nightmares and other issues now , ” Wright said .
“ I ’ m still dealing with it .
”

A misdemeanor charge has been dropped against a woman who says she was left partially blind earlier this year when Chicago police officers smashed through a car’s windows to drag her out by the hair in a video-recorded encounter outside the Brickyard Mall.
City officials moved to dismiss the disorderly conduct charge against Mia Wright on Monday, records show, nearly four months after the violent May 31 arrest.
Representatives for the city’s legal and police departments declined to comment on the decision — and they didn’t offer an explanation to Wright, either, according to her lawyer.
“I think this one speaks for itself,” attorney Nenye Uche said Tuesday alongside Wright. “Watching the video, assessing and evaluating the entire circumstance — it’s obvious that it’s baseless.”
Bystanders recorded as police used batons to smash the windows of Wright’s cousin’s car outside the Northwest Side mall. An officer grabbed Wright’s hair, which had been wound into a bun, and yanked her from the car, Wright said.
My cousins pulled over for Chicago police at brickyard yesterday at 1 pm and police bust the windows out, pulled one out by her hair. Glass got in her eyes. Police took one of my cousins and took the car. They left her mother and my other cousin - the driver - in the lot. pic.twitter.com/PqxpSfF463 — Adrienne Samuels Gibbs (@AdrienneWrites) June 1, 2020
While Wright was on the ground, the officer knelt on her back and neck. Wright, who got a piece of glass in her eye from the shattered window, was held overnight at a nearby police station, she said.
Police initially said she “was observed by responding officers assembled with 3 or more persons for the purpose of using force or violence to disturb the peace” — a claim that Wright says “makes no sense.”
Two officers were stripped of their police powers pending the outcome of an investigation by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, which probes police misconduct.
A spokeswoman for Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office said they’re still investigating for possible criminal charges against the officers.
“If anyone did that who was not a police officer, you would be at [the Cook County Jail at] 26th Street and California facing criminal charges,” Uche said. “And I don’t think there should be one standard for police officers and one standard for everyday citizens.”
Wright’s attorney commended the city “for doing the right thing” by dropping the charge, but said “somebody has to pay for Mia Wright’s injuries.”
Wright said she can’t see out of her right eye as a result of her injuries, dealing a blow to her hopes of becoming a paramedic.
“I’ve been embarrassed, I’m having nightmares and other issues now,” Wright said. “I’m still dealing with it.”
Contributing: Matthew Hendrickson


chicagosun-times--2020-09-30--Dear Abby: Boyfriend spent our gas money on a tattoo for himself

DEAR ABBY : My family just came back from a relative ’ s after a weekend visit .
The occasion was a birthday party , and he had a tattoo artist come over .
My boyfriend — the father of our 14- and 3-year-olds — spent our last $ 100 and went ahead and got himself a tattoo !
We aren ’ t rich , and we had to borrow money for gas to get home .
I think he is the most selfish person on the face of the planet , and I get mad at him for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t imagine many adult men would do that to their partner .
I know a few who would even say , “ No , Honey , YOU get something .
I can wait.
” Is there any hope for mankind ?
— MARK OF DISASTER IN WASHINGTON DEAR MARK OF DISASTER : There is plenty of hope for mankind ; for the father of your 14- and 3-year-olds , maybe not so much .
Was he under the influence at that party , or does he make poor decisions about money often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminder of your disappointment in him , so I hope it ’ s in a place where you don ’ t have to see it every day or night .
You have my sympathy , but you chose this person as a life partner .
DEAR ABBY : My parents have been together for more than three decades , but their marriage has been strained for years .
Still , they won ’ t pull the plug and call it quits .
It ’ s making us kids ( all in our 20s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our extended family confused and frustrated .
They still live under one roof , although they spend all of their time in separate parts of the house and communicate only through us kids .
They ’ re clearly miserable , but if any of us tries to speak to them about their toxic dynamic , each one blames the other .
Abby , I adore both of my parents , but they ’ re becoming shells of themselves .
I know it ’ s not my business to step in , but something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t handle another tense holiday visit .
What should I do ?
— CONCERNED IN CALIFORNIA DEAR CONCERNED : You and your siblings should sit down with your parents and tell them the effect their toxic dynamic has had on you as a family .
All of you should urge them to seek counseling from a licensed marriage and family therapist .
Then cross your fingers and hope they are willing to follow through .
However , if they aren ’ t and you can ’ t handle another tense holiday visit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell them why .
DEAR ABBY : I am 13 .
Three years ago , I was in a car accident that left me in a wheelchair .
I have been able to move on in life and am happy and have lots of friends who help me stay active in sports , etc .
My problem is , I had a friend before my accident who moved away , and I ’ m sure he doesn ’ t know his once best friend can no longer walk .
I just heard his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not sure how to handle this .
Should I contact him before the move , or wait and be like , “ Oh , by the way ” ?
Do you have any advice ?
— WONDERING IN NEW YORK DEAR WONDERING : The news is bound to be a shock .
If you have this young man ’ s contact information , I vote for letting him know in advance about the accident .
And while you ’ re at it , fill him in on what you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 order “ How to Write Letters for All Occasions , ” send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Letter Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ price .

DEAR ABBY: My family just came back from a relative’s after a weekend visit. The occasion was a birthday party, and he had a tattoo artist come over. My boyfriend — the father of our 14- and 3-year-olds — spent our last $100 and went ahead and got himself a tattoo! We aren’t rich, and we had to borrow money for gas to get home.
I think he is the most selfish person on the face of the planet, and I get mad at him for every other little thing now. I can’t imagine many adult men would do that to their partner. I know a few who would even say, “No, Honey, YOU get something. I can wait.” Is there any hope for mankind? — MARK OF DISASTER IN WASHINGTON
DEAR MARK OF DISASTER: There is plenty of hope for mankind; for the father of your 14- and 3-year-olds, maybe not so much. Was he under the influence at that party, or does he make poor decisions about money often?
That tat is now a constant reminder of your disappointment in him, so I hope it’s in a place where you don’t have to see it every day or night. You have my sympathy, but you chose this person as a life partner.
DEAR ABBY: My parents have been together for more than three decades, but their marriage has been strained for years. Still, they won’t pull the plug and call it quits. It’s making us kids (all in our 20s and out of the house) and our extended family confused and frustrated.
They still live under one roof, although they spend all of their time in separate parts of the house and communicate only through us kids. They’re clearly miserable, but if any of us tries to speak to them about their toxic dynamic, each one blames the other.
Abby, I adore both of my parents, but they’re becoming shells of themselves. I know it’s not my business to step in, but something has to change. I can’t handle another tense holiday visit. What should I do? — CONCERNED IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR CONCERNED: You and your siblings should sit down with your parents and tell them the effect their toxic dynamic has had on you as a family. All of you should urge them to seek counseling from a licensed marriage and family therapist. Then cross your fingers and hope they are willing to follow through. However, if they aren’t and you can’t handle another tense holiday visit, I recommend you make other plans and tell them why.
DEAR ABBY: I am 13. Three years ago, I was in a car accident that left me in a wheelchair. I have been able to move on in life and am happy and have lots of friends who help me stay active in sports, etc. My problem is, I had a friend before my accident who moved away, and I’m sure he doesn’t know his once best friend can no longer walk.
I just heard his family is moving back here, and I’m not sure how to handle this. Should I contact him before the move, or wait and be like, “Oh, by the way”? Do you have any advice? — WONDERING IN NEW YORK
DEAR WONDERING: The news is bound to be a shock. If you have this young man’s contact information, I vote for letting him know in advance about the accident. And while you’re at it, fill him in on what you have been doing since he left town.
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 order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-30--Water main break near Kennedy expressway in Bucktown

A water main broke Wednesday causing flooding near the Kennedy Expressway in Bucktown .
The break was reported Wednesday morning @ @ @ @ @ Street .
Drivers are advised to utilize alternative routes to avoid delays .
This is @ @ @ @ @ for details .

A water main broke Wednesday causing flooding near the Kennedy Expressway in Bucktown.
The 8-inch main broke in the 1800 block of North Marshfield Avenue, according to Chicago Department of Water Management spokeswoman Megan Vidis. It caused flooding in a viaduct in the 1900 block of North Elston Avenue.
The intersection of Ashland Avenue and Cortland Street was closed Wednesday morning.
Marshfield was also closed between Cortland and Bloomingdale Avenue while crews worked to repair the pipe, Vidis said.
Drivers are advised to utilize alternative routes to avoid delays.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-30--‘Once Upon a River’: A backwoods journey dense with beautiful images and brilliant acting

“ Mom always said she never belonged here with me and Daddy .
… She had to go find herself , she said .
And she couldn ’ t do that here.
” – Fifteen-year-old Margo Crane , in 1977 small-town rural Michigan , in “ Once Upon a River.
” First-time feature writer-director ( and Chicago area product ) Hanoula Rose ’ s “ Once Upon a River ” is all that and more .
It ’ s a stark , authentic slice of a certain kind of rough-hewn life — the calloused-hands world we see in gritty films @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Winter ’ s Bone , ” “ Leave No Trace ” and “ American Woman.
” There ’ s no trace of Hollywood glamour or gloss to the story , no hint of actor-y flourishes in the deeply resonant performances .
Just a lean , finely crafted , memorably real story announcing the presence of a major new filmmaking talent — and a young actor with the promise of limitless potential .
Kenadi DelaCerna gives a heartbreakingly effective performance as Margo Crane , a teenager living with her Native American father Bernard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man who is doing his best to raise Margo after her mother abruptly abandoned the family a year prior , when Margo was just 14 .
Living next door are the Murrays , who control the town and appear to be an All-American family — but there ’ s a dark and ugly side to this bunch .
The patriarch Cal ( Coburn Goss , effectively slimy ) , who is Bernard ’ s half-brother , has taken a strong ( perhaps unhealthy ) interest in Margo , much to the disgust of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Junior ( Arie Thompson ) and Billy ( Sam Straley ) .
On successive nights , events transpire that leave Margo a rape victim , Cal shot and wounded , Bernard dead .
Before the sheriffs can question Margo , she hops into a small boat given to her by her grandfather and sets off down the river , a crumpled letter in her pocket containing the last known address of her mother .
“ Once Upon a River ” becomes a road movie on the water .
Margo ’ s father taught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunter and outdoorswoman , and she knows how to navigate the river and the surrounding woods .
She enlists the help of a couple of backwoods poachers named Paul ( Evan Linder ) and Brian ( Dominic Bogart ) , who have bought deer meat from Margo in the past .
( These two guys look like villains , but this movie is too smart to take the easy dramatic path . )
There ’ s a romantic interlude involving a Native American named Will ( Ajuawak Kapashesit ) , and an unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old coot known as Smoke ( John Ashton , a reliable character actor since “ Beverly Hills Cop ” ) , who has emphysema and is leaning on Death ’ s Door but refuses to give up his cigarettes .
With Margo providing the occasional voice-over narration , “ Once Upon a River ” is bathed in warm and gorgeous autumnal tones belying the predicament of a 15-year-old girl with a shotgun and a fishing kit , living on the run .
( And that ’ s not the sum of Margo ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming . )
Margo finally finds her mother ( Lindsay Pulsipher ) , who is taken by surprise and says it ’ s really good to see Margo , as if they ’ re Facebook friends and not mother and daughter .
The house is so white : white curtains , white walls , white lamps , white rugs , white sofa , white picture frames , big white Cadillac in the driveway , white mom who is more worried about her fiancé finding out she has a teenage daughter than making amends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Once Upon a River , ” even when poetic license is exercised and there ’ s a kind of enhanced realism at play , it ’ s done in nuanced , subtle and believable ways .
“ Once Upon a River ” is a living prose poem filled with beautifully framed images and featuring some of the strongest writing and acting you ’ ll find in any movie this year .
It ’ s not to be missed .
Before the virtual release on Friday , “ Once Upon a River ” will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ChiTown Movies drive-in , 2343 S. Throop St .
The writer-director and cast members will attend for a postshow Q & A .
Tickets : elevatedfilmschicago.com

“Mom always said she never belonged here with me and Daddy. … She had to go find herself, she said. And she couldn’t do that here.” – Fifteen-year-old Margo Crane, in 1977 small-town rural Michigan, in “Once Upon a River.”
Beautiful. Shocking. Moving. Haunting. Lovely.
Lasting.
First-time feature writer-director (and Chicago area product) Haroula Rose’s “Once Upon a River” is all that and more. It’s a stark, authentic slice of a certain kind of rough-hewn life — the calloused-hands world we see in gritty films such as “Frozen River” and “Winter’s Bone,” “Leave No Trace” and “American Woman.” There’s no trace of Hollywood glamour or gloss to the story, no hint of actor-y flourishes in the deeply resonant performances. Just a lean, finely crafted, memorably real story announcing the presence of a major new filmmaking talent — and a young actor with the promise of limitless potential.
‘Once Upon a River’
Untitled Film Movement presents a film written and directed by Haroula Rose, based on the novel by Bonnie Jo Campbell. No MPAA rating. Running time: 92 minutes. Available Friday at musicboxtheatre.com.
Kenadi DelaCerna gives a heartbreakingly effective performance as Margo Crane, a teenager living with her Native American father Bernard (Tatanka Means), a good man who is doing his best to raise Margo after her mother abruptly abandoned the family a year prior, when Margo was just 14. Living next door are the Murrays, who control the town and appear to be an All-American family — but there’s a dark and ugly side to this bunch. The patriarch Cal (Coburn Goss, effectively slimy), who is Bernard’s half-brother, has taken a strong (perhaps unhealthy) interest in Margo, much to the disgust of his racist, bullying, jerk sons Junior (Arie Thompson) and Billy (Sam Straley).
(SPOILERS AHEAD.)
On successive nights, events transpire that leave Margo a rape victim, Cal shot and wounded, Bernard dead. Before the sheriffs can question Margo, she hops into a small boat given to her by her grandfather and sets off down the river, a crumpled letter in her pocket containing the last known address of her mother.
“Once Upon a River” becomes a road movie on the water. Margo’s father taught her well; she is an accomplished hunter and outdoorswoman, and she knows how to navigate the river and the surrounding woods. She enlists the help of a couple of backwoods poachers named Paul (Evan Linder) and Brian (Dominic Bogart), who have bought deer meat from Margo in the past. (These two guys look like villains, but this movie is too smart to take the easy dramatic path.) There’s a romantic interlude involving a Native American named Will (Ajuawak Kapashesit), and an unlikely friendship forged with a trailer-dwelling, crusty old coot known as Smoke (John Ashton, a reliable character actor since “Beverly Hills Cop”), who has emphysema and is leaning on Death’s Door but refuses to give up his cigarettes.
With Margo providing the occasional voice-over narration, “Once Upon a River” is bathed in warm and gorgeous autumnal tones belying the predicament of a 15-year-old girl with a shotgun and a fishing kit, living on the run. (And that’s not the sum of Margo’s dilemma. There’s more coming.) Margo finally finds her mother (Lindsay Pulsipher), who is taken by surprise and says it’s really good to see Margo, as if they’re Facebook friends and not mother and daughter. The house is so white: white curtains, white walls, white lamps, white rugs, white sofa, white picture frames, big white Cadillac in the driveway, white mom who is more worried about her fiancé finding out she has a teenage daughter than making amends. Like many an interlude in “Once Upon a River,” even when poetic license is exercised and there’s a kind of enhanced realism at play, it’s done in nuanced, subtle and believable ways.
“Once Upon a River” is a living prose poem filled with beautifully framed images and featuring some of the strongest writing and acting you’ll find in any movie this year. It’s not to be missed.
Before the virtual release on Friday, “Once Upon a River” will screen at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the ChiTown Movies drive-in, 2343 S. Throop St. The writer-director and cast members will attend for a postshow Q&A. Tickets: elevatedfilmschicago.com


chicagosun-times--2020-09-30--8 shot, 4 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

8 shot, 4 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

Four people were killed and four more were wounded Tuesday in shootings across Chicago .
The latest two homicides happened within five minutes of each other Tuesday afternoon on the West Side .
About 12:48 p.m. , a 25-year-old man was in the 400 block of North Springfield Avenue when he was shot in the chest , Chicago police said .
The man was taken to Stroger Hospital , where he died hours later .
He was shot multiple times in the back about 12:45 p.m. in the 300 block of North Latrobe Street , according to Chicago police .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where he was pronounced dead .
Two more people were killed within about 10 minutes of each other Tuesday morning .
In West Garfield Park , a 27-year-old man was shot in the back about 2:50 a.m. in the 4000 block of West Wilcox Street , police said .
He was taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital , where he died .
Ten minutes earlier , two men were shot , one fatally , in South Shore .
They were standing on the sidewalk about 2:40 a.m. in the 1600 block of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at them , Chicago police said .
One man , 27 , was grazed by a bullet to his head and refused treatment , police said .
The second man , whose age is unknown , was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead .
In non-fatal shootings , a person was seriously wounded in a drive-by Tuesday evening in Old Irving Park .
The male was stopped at a red light about 11 p.m. in the 4700 block of West Irving Park Road when a vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people inside started flashing gang signs , Chicago police said .
One of the passengers opened fire at his car , striking him in the neck .
He was rushed to Swedish Covenant Hospital in serious condition , police said .
Earlier in the evening , a man was grazed in Chatham .
The man , 24 , heard shots and felt a bullet graze his hand about 8:15 p.m. in the 7900 block of South Lafayette Avenue , Chicago police said .
He went to Jackson Park Hospital for treatment , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man was critically wounded in a shooting Tuesday afternoon in Jeffery Manor on the South Side .
He was in the street about 2:45 p.m. in the 9700 block of South Merrill Avenue when someone opened fire , Chicago police said .
The 22-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to his right side and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition .
On Monday , citywide shootings left two people dead and five more wounded .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Four people were killed and four more were wounded Tuesday in shootings across Chicago.
The latest two homicides happened within five minutes of each other Tuesday afternoon on the West Side.
About 12:48 p.m., a 25-year-old man was in the 400 block of North Springfield Avenue when he was shot in the chest, Chicago police said. The man was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he died hours later.
Minutes earlier, a 33-year-old man was killed in Austin.
He was shot multiple times in the back about 12:45 p.m. in the 300 block of North Latrobe Street, according to Chicago police. The man was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Two more people were killed within about 10 minutes of each other Tuesday morning.
In West Garfield Park, a 27-year-old man was shot in the back about 2:50 a.m. in the 4000 block of West Wilcox Street, police said. He was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he died.
Ten minutes earlier, two men were shot, one fatally, in South Shore.
They were standing on the sidewalk about 2:40 a.m. in the 1600 block of East 68th Street when someone fired shots at them, Chicago police said.
One man, 27, was grazed by a bullet to his head and refused treatment, police said. The second man, whose age is unknown, was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
In non-fatal shootings, a person was seriously wounded in a drive-by Tuesday evening in Old Irving Park.
The male was stopped at a red light about 11 p.m. in the 4700 block of West Irving Park Road when a vehicle pulled up next to him and the people inside started flashing gang signs, Chicago police said. One of the passengers opened fire at his car, striking him in the neck.
He was rushed to Swedish Covenant Hospital in serious condition, police said.
Earlier in the evening, a man was grazed in Chatham.
The man, 24, heard shots and felt a bullet graze his hand about 8:15 p.m. in the 7900 block of South Lafayette Avenue, Chicago police said. He went to Jackson Park Hospital for treatment, and was listed in good condition.
A man was critically wounded in a shooting Tuesday afternoon in Jeffery Manor on the South Side.
He was in the street about 2:45 p.m. in the 9700 block of South Merrill Avenue when someone opened fire, Chicago police said. The 22-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to his right side and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.
On Monday, citywide shootings left two people dead and five more wounded.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-29--Chicago joins debate — on Twitter and elsewhere — as Trump blames Biden, Democrats for city’s violen

Chicago joins debate — on Twitter and elsewhere — as Trump blames Biden, Democrats for city’s violence

President Donald Trump took a shot at Chicago in the first presidential debate Tuesday night , blaming the violence in the city on Democrats who “ don ’ t want to talk about law and order.
” “ The Democrats that run these cities don ’ t want to talk — like you — about law and order , ” Trump told former Vice President Joe Biden .
“ You still haven ’ t talked about law and order — are you in favor of law and order ?
” Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted back “ .
@ realDonaldTrump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lying mouth.
” Trump hammered Biden on law and order , repeating that question and the words “ law and order ” multiple times as the two talked — often at the same time — about violence and protests the country has seen over the summer in a debate that veered off course from questions asked by moderator Chris Wallace early and often .
Trump accused Biden of not even being able to “ say the words ‘ law enforcement ’ because if you say those words , you ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said he thinks the spike in violence is a party issue , even though Republican-led cities have also seen rises in homicides .
“ You can bring in a couple of examples , but if you look at what ’ s going on in Chicago where 53 people were shot and eight died , ” Trump said , also calling out New York where crime is going up “ like nobody ’ s ever seen.
” The two went back and forth on violence , protests and the coronavirus pandemic in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has killed over 200,000 Americans .
In Chicago , debate observers offered conflicting views — albeit in less heated and more civil fashion than their party standard bearers .
Republican Catalina Lauf , a former candidate for the state ’ s 14th Congressional District , told the Sun-Times she thought Trump came out strong Tuesday night , though she didn ’ t like how much the two interrupted each other .
“ I think [ Trump ’ s health care plan ] is something the American people need to hear , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It hasn ’ t been talked about but now everybody is campaigning on health care.
” Biden , she said , wasn ’ t answering a lot of the questions — like one about stacking the Supreme Court .
Others took to twitter .
“ I know a governor who disagrees !
” Jordan Abudayyeh , a spokeswoman for Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , tweeted , responding to Trump ’ s claim that some governors said he ’ d done a “ phenomenal job .
”

President Donald Trump took a shot at Chicago in the first presidential debate Tuesday night, blaming the violence in the city on Democrats who “don’t want to talk about law and order.”
“The Democrats that run these cities don’t want to talk — like you — about law and order,” Trump told former Vice President Joe Biden. “You still haven’t talked about law and order — are you in favor of law and order?”
Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted back “.@realDonaldTrump, keep “Chicago” out of your lying mouth.”
Trump hammered Biden on law and order, repeating that question and the words “law and order” multiple times as the two talked — often at the same time — about violence and protests the country has seen over the summer in a debate that veered off course from questions asked by moderator Chris Wallace early and often.
Trump accused Biden of not even being able to “say the words ‘law enforcement’ because if you say those words, you’re going to lose all your radical left supporters.”
Trump said he thinks the spike in violence is a party issue, even though Republican-led cities have also seen rises in homicides.
“You can bring in a couple of examples, but if you look at what’s going on in Chicago where 53 people were shot and eight died,” Trump said, also calling out New York where crime is going up “like nobody’s ever seen.”
The two went back and forth on violence, protests and the coronavirus pandemic in the first presidential debate during the pandemic, which has killed over 200,000 Americans.
In Chicago, debate observers offered conflicting views — albeit in less heated and more civil fashion than their party standard bearers.
Republican Catalina Lauf, a former candidate for the state’s 14th Congressional District, told the Sun-Times she thought Trump came out strong Tuesday night, though she didn’t like how much the two interrupted each other.
“I think [Trump’s health care plan] is something the American people need to hear, like lower drug price,” Lauf said. “It hasn’t been talked about but now everybody is campaigning on health care.”
Biden, she said, wasn’t answering a lot of the questions — like one about stacking the Supreme Court.
Others took to twitter.
“I know a governor who disagrees!” Jordan Abudayyeh, a spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker, tweeted, responding to Trump’s claim that some governors said he’d done a “phenomenal job.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-29--‘Debate’ all crosstalk and confusion

‘Debate’ all crosstalk and confusion

“ This is not going to end well , ” President Donald Trump said toward the end of Tuesday night ’ s debate — or should that be “ debate , ” since it was more of an exercise in crosstalk and confusion , the first of three .
He was referring to the election he insists will be “ a disaster ” with “ 30 , 40 % ” of the mail-in ballots lost .
But after 90 minutes of his free-for-all with former Vice President Joe Biden , Trump might be talking about the American experiment itself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mud wrestle in Cleveland and not come away with a certain despair for our country , based on the low state of anything resembling discussion of the issues .
I suppose I should point to parts as significant .
Once again , Trump was pressed to condemn white supremacy .
And again , he did the opposite , telling violent groups such as the Proud Boys to “ stand back and stand by.
” Stand by for what , he didn ’ t say .
Dog-whistled orders , perhaps .
At points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victimization that informs so much of his presidency .
He got rid of racial sensitivity training in the federal government because it undermined white vanity or , as he put it , “ if you were a certain person you had no status in life.
” Biden held his own , despite Republican predictions that he was too old or out of it to function .
If anything he was more forceful in his insults .
“ Will you shut up , man ?
” Biden said , early on .
They talked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump could hardly stop talking , even as the moderator , FOX News ’ Chris Wallace , begged “ Stop !
Stop !
” Perhaps Wallace had an impossible task , but he often lost control and could hardly have done worse .
When it came to COVID-19 , Trump continued his strategy of blaming China , the source of the virus — ” It ’ s China ’ s fault ” — and crediting himself for saving millions of lives by his partial shut-down of travel from China .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Trump said , blaming the media for not giving him credit .
“ They give you good press , ” he told Biden .
“ They give me bad press.
” He also claimed , ludicrously , that his medical advisers said , “ the masks are not good ” and the economic constraint caused by trying to control the virus , found around the world , is some kind of Democratic plot to make him look bad .
“ They wan na keep it shut down until after the election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lies were too numerous to list .
You could actually see the Trump multiplier effect .
When he first mentioned his rallies , they were attended by 20 to 25,000 supporters .
Moments later it was “ 35 to 40,000.
” I can ’ t imagine supporters of either candidate found reason for disillusionment .
But a moment of pride for our battered country this certainly is not .

“This is not going to end well,” President Donald Trump said toward the end of Tuesday night’s debate — or should that be “debate,” since it was more of an exercise in crosstalk and confusion, the first of three.
He was referring to the election he insists will be “a disaster” with “30, 40%” of the mail-in ballots lost.
But after 90 minutes of his free-for-all with former Vice President Joe Biden, Trump might be talking about the American experiment itself. It’s hard to have watched the mud wrestle in Cleveland and not come away with a certain despair for our country, based on the low state of anything resembling discussion of the issues.
Opinion bug Opinion
I suppose I should point to parts as significant.
Once again, Trump was pressed to condemn white supremacy. And again, he did the opposite, telling violent groups such as the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by.”
Stand by for what, he didn’t say. Dog-whistled orders, perhaps.
At points, the president flashed the sense of victimization that informs so much of his presidency. He got rid of racial sensitivity training in the federal government because it undermined white vanity or, as he put it, “if you were a certain person you had no status in life.”
Nobody cries like a bully.
Biden held his own, despite Republican predictions that he was too old or out of it to function. If anything he was more forceful in his insults.
“Will you shut up, man?” Biden said, early on.
They talked past each other and over each other. Trump could hardly stop talking, even as the moderator, FOX News’ Chris Wallace, begged “Stop! Stop!” Perhaps Wallace had an impossible task, but he often lost control and could hardly have done worse.
When it came to COVID-19, Trump continued his strategy of blaming China, the source of the virus —”It’s China’s fault”— and crediting himself for saving millions of lives by his partial shut-down of travel from China.
“We’ve done a great job,” Trump said, blaming the media for not giving him credit. “They give you good press,” he told Biden. “They give me bad press.”
He also claimed, ludicrously, that his medical advisers said, “the masks are not good” and the economic constraint caused by trying to control the virus, found around the world, is some kind of Democratic plot to make him look bad.
“They wanna keep it shut down until after the election,” Trump said.
The president’s lies were too numerous to list. You could actually see the Trump multiplier effect. When he first mentioned his rallies, they were attended by 20 to 25,000 supporters. Moments later it was “35 to 40,000.”
I can’t imagine supporters of either candidate found reason for disillusionment. But a moment of pride for our battered country this certainly is not.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-29--Joe Biden to blustering Donald Trump at debate: ‘Will you shut up, man’

President Donald Trump brought his bullying and interrupting act to the first presidential debate , overwhelming rival Joe Biden and moderator Chris Wallace so much that a disgusted Biden said at one point , “ Will you shut up , man ?
” Trump hijacked this debate , but it doesn ’ t mean he won it .
But at the same time , with Trump constantly interrupting and not letting Biden answer — or talking over Biden — Trump energized his base with his overdoses of bluster and bombast at the cost of winning over the few undecided voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hard to get any word in with this clown , ” Biden said .
Trump is the “ worst ” president “ America ’ s ever had , ” said Biden , who a few minutes later told the president , “ Just shush for a minute.
” Biden was thrown off at the start of the 90-minute event in Cleveland — because even though Trump ’ s hurricane force wind was expected , it was something else to actually experience it .
The Chicago-born “ Fox News Sunday ” anchor Wallace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for WBBM-TV in Chicago — went into this debate wanting to be “ invisible.
” Instead , he became a player in this brawl as he struggled to contain Trump .
Wallace , who at one time asked the combative Trump if he wanted to switch seats , had to tell the president that the country would be “ better served ” with “ fewer interruptions , ” a comment that had absolutely no impact on Trump .
• Overall , did Biden do what he had to do in this debate ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ take Trump ’ s bait , and all too often he did .
Trump was just uncontrollable .
Biden lost an opportunity to look strong and commanding .
• Still , Biden was effective in making the point — several times — that Trump was not looking out for the people who were viewing the debate .
Biden was at his best talking about Trump ’ s moves to junk the Affordable Care Act .
When Biden said , “ It ’ s not about my family or his family , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden was he did not break through enough .
• Following The New York Times revelations from Trump ’ s tax returns that he paid little or no federal income taxes , Trump was pressed specifically on what federal taxes he paid .
After some dissembling , Trump claimed he paid “ millions of dollars , ” and Biden didn ’ t bring anything to the table to knock this down .
Under the rules of the debate , from the Presidential Debate Commission , Wallace was not supposed to be a fact-checker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the claim that Trump paid millions in federal taxes — was a big flaw of the proceeding .
• On the issue of race , Trump refused to condemn white supremacist groups and militias , pivoting instead to his fall-back , that problems are caused by left-wing forces and cities run by Democrats .
• Biden worked his way out of the corner Trump tried to pin him down on regarding law and order , when Trump pressured him to say those words .
Biden gave his version — he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for all people .
• Wallace said at the end the debate , the first of three , that it had been “ interesting.
” Perhaps another word would have been more apt .

President Donald Trump brought his bullying and interrupting act to the first presidential debate, overwhelming rival Joe Biden and moderator Chris Wallace so much that a disgusted Biden said at one point, “Will you shut up, man?”
Trump hijacked this debate, but it doesn’t mean he won it.
But at the same time, with Trump constantly interrupting and not letting Biden answer — or talking over Biden — Trump energized his base with his overdoses of bluster and bombast at the cost of winning over the few undecided voters in swing states.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
“It’s hard to get any word in with this clown,” Biden said. Trump is the “worst” president “America’s ever had,” said Biden, who a few minutes later told the president, “Just shush for a minute.”
Biden was thrown off at the start of the 90-minute event in Cleveland — because even though Trump’s hurricane force wind was expected, it was something else to actually experience it.
The Chicago-born “Fox News Sunday” anchor Wallace — who early in his career reported for WBBM-TV in Chicago — went into this debate wanting to be “invisible.” Instead, he became a player in this brawl as he struggled to contain Trump.
Wallace, who at one time asked the combative Trump if he wanted to switch seats, had to tell the president that the country would be “better served” with “fewer interruptions,” a comment that had absolutely no impact on Trump.
Observations:
Overall, did Biden do what he had to do in this debate? No. He needed to not to take Trump’s bait, and all too often he did. Trump was just uncontrollable. Biden lost an opportunity to look strong and commanding.
Still, Biden was effective in making the point — several times — that Trump was not looking out for the people who were viewing the debate. Biden was at his best talking about Trump’s moves to junk the Affordable Care Act. When Biden said, “It’s not about my family or his family,” he broke through.
The problem for Biden was he did not break through enough.
Following The New York Times revelations from Trump’s tax returns that he paid little or no federal income taxes, Trump was pressed specifically on what federal taxes he paid. After some dissembling, Trump claimed he paid “millions of dollars,” and Biden didn’t bring anything to the table to knock this down.
Under the rules of the debate, from the Presidential Debate Commission, Wallace was not supposed to be a fact-checker. Still, letting that one hang — the claim that Trump paid millions in federal taxes — was a big flaw of the proceeding.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-29--Trump, Biden lash out, interrupt during first presidential debate

CLEVELAND — Marked by angry interruptions and bitter accusations , the first debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden erupted in contentious exchanges Tuesday night over the coronavirus pandemic , city violence , job losses and how the Supreme Court will shape the future of the nation ’ s health care .
In what was the most chaotic presidential debate in recent years , somehow fitting for what has been an extraordinarily ugly campaign , the two men frequently talked over each other with Trump interrupting , nearly shouting , so often that Biden eventually snapped at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , man ?
” “ The fact is that everything he ’ s said so far is simply a lie , ” Biden said .
“ I ’ m not here to call out his lies .
Everybody knows he ’ s a liar.
” Trump and Biden arrived in Cleveland hoping the debate would energize their bases of support , even as they competed for the slim slice of undecided voters who could decide the election .
It has been generations since two men asked to lead a nation facing such tumult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 of their fellow citizens and cost millions of jobs .
Over and over , Trump tried to control the conversation , interrupting Biden and repeatedly talking over the moderator , Chris Wallace of Fox News .
The president tried to deflect tough lines of questioning — whether on his taxes or the pandemic — to deliver broadsides against Biden .
The president drew a lecture from Wallace , who pleaded with both men to stop interrupting .
Biden tried to push back against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camera to directly address viewers rather than the president and snapping , “ It ’ s hard to get a word in with this clown.
” But despite his efforts to dominate the discussion , Trump was frequently put on the defensive and tried to sidestep when he was asked if he was willing to condemn white supremacists and paramilitary groups .
“ What do you want to call them ?
Give me a name .
Give me a name , ” Trump said , before Wallace mentioned the far right , violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump then pointedly did not condemn the group , instead saying , “ Proud Boys , stand back , stand by , but I ’ ll tell you what , somebody ’ s got to do something about Antifa and the left because this is not right-wing problem .
This is a left wing problem.
” The vitriol exploded into the open when Biden attacked Trump ’ s handling of the pandemic , saying that the president “ waited and waited ” to act when the virus reached America ’ s shores and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan.
” Biden told Trump to “ get out of your bunker and get out of the sand trap ” and go in his golf cart to the Oval Office to come up with a bipartisan plan to save people .
Trump snarled a response , declaring that “ I ’ ll tell you Joe , you could never have done the job that we did .
You don ’ t have it in your blood.
” “ I know how to do the job , ” was the solemn response from Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama ’ s vice president .
The pandemic ’ s effects were in plain sight , with the candidates ’ lecterns spaced far apart , all of the guests in the small crowd tested and the traditional opening handshake scrapped .
The men did not shake hands and , while neither candidate wore a mask to take the stage , their families did sport face coverings .
Trump struggled to define his ideas for replacing the Affordable Care Act on health care in the debate ’ s early moments and defended his nomination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I was not elected for three years , I ’ m elected for four years.
” “ We won the election .
Elections have consequences .
We have the Senate .
We have the White House and we have a phenomenal nominee , respected by all.
” Trump criticized Biden over the former vice president ’ s refusal to comment on whether he would try to expand the Supreme Court in retaliation if Barrett is confirmed to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
The president also refused anew to embrace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conversation moved to race , Biden accused Trump of walking away from the American promise of equity for all and making a race-based appeal .
“ This is a president who has used everything as a dog whistle to try to generate racist hatred , racist division , ” Biden said .
Recent months have seen major protests after the deaths of Black people at the hands of police .
And Biden said there is systemic racist injustice in this country and while the vast majority of police officers are “ decent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are “ bad apples ” and people have to be held accountable .
Trump in turn claimed that Biden ’ s work on a federal crime bill treated the African American population “ about as bad as anybody in this country.
” The president pivoted to his hardline focus on those protesting racial injustice and accused Biden of being afraid to use the words “ law and order , ” out of fear of alienating the left .
“ Violence is never appropriate , ” Biden said .
“ Peaceful protest is.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and early voting already underway in some states , Biden stepped onto the stage holding leads in the polls — significant in national surveys , close in some battleground states — and looking to expand his support among suburban voters , women and seniors .
Surveys show the president has lost significant ground among those groups since 2016 , but Biden faces his own questions encouraged by Trump ’ s withering attacks .
Lemire reported from New York .
Price reported from Las Vegas .
Additional reporting by Associated Press writers Jill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington .

CLEVELAND — Marked by angry interruptions and bitter accusations, the first debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden erupted in contentious exchanges Tuesday night over the coronavirus pandemic, city violence, job losses and how the Supreme Court will shape the future of the nation’s health care.
In what was the most chaotic presidential debate in recent years, somehow fitting for what has been an extraordinarily ugly campaign, the two men frequently talked over each other with Trump interrupting, nearly shouting, so often that Biden eventually snapped at him, “Will you shut up, man?”
“The fact is that everything he’s said so far is simply a lie,” Biden said. “I’m not here to call out his lies. Everybody knows he’s a liar.”
Trump and Biden arrived in Cleveland hoping the debate would energize their bases of support, even as they competed for the slim slice of undecided voters who could decide the election. It has been generations since two men asked to lead a nation facing such tumult, with Americans both fearful and impatient about the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 of their fellow citizens and cost millions of jobs.
Over and over, Trump tried to control the conversation, interrupting Biden and repeatedly talking over the moderator, Chris Wallace of Fox News. The president tried to deflect tough lines of questioning — whether on his taxes or the pandemic — to deliver broadsides against Biden.
The president drew a lecture from Wallace, who pleaded with both men to stop interrupting. Biden tried to push back against Trump, sometimes looking right at the camera to directly address viewers rather than the president and snapping, “It’s hard to get a word in with this clown.”
But despite his efforts to dominate the discussion, Trump was frequently put on the defensive and tried to sidestep when he was asked if he was willing to condemn white supremacists and paramilitary groups.
“What do you want to call them? Give me a name. Give me a name,” Trump said, before Wallace mentioned the far right, violent group known as the Proud Boys. Trump then pointedly did not condemn the group, instead saying, “Proud Boys, stand back, stand by,but I’ll tell you what, somebody’s got to do something about Antifa and the left because this is not right-wing problem. This is a left wing problem.”
The vitriol exploded into the open when Biden attacked Trump’s handling of the pandemic, saying that the president “waited and waited” to act when the virus reached America’s shores and “still doesn’t have a plan.” Biden told Trump to “get out of your bunker and get out of the sand trap” and go in his golf cart to the Oval Office to come up with a bipartisan plan to save people.
Trump snarled a response, declaring that “I’ll tell you Joe, you could never have done the job that we did. You don’t have it in your blood.”
“I know how to do the job,” was the solemn response from Biden, who served eight years as Barack Obama’s vice president.
The pandemic’s effects were in plain sight, with the candidates’ lecterns spaced far apart, all of the guests in the small crowd tested and the traditional opening handshake scrapped. The men did not shake hands and, while neither candidate wore a mask to take the stage, their families did sport face coverings.
Trump struggled to define his ideas for replacing the Affordable Care Act on health care in the debate’s early moments and defended his nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, declaring that “I was not elected for three years, I’m elected for four years.”
“We won the election. Elections have consequences. We have the Senate. We have the White House and we have a phenomenal nominee, respected by all.”
Trump criticized Biden over the former vice president’s refusal to comment on whether he would try to expand the Supreme Court in retaliation if Barrett is confirmed to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The president also refused anew to embrace the science of climate change.
As the conversation moved to race, Biden accused Trump of walking away from the American promise of equity for all and making a race-based appeal.
“This is a president who has used everything as a dog whistle to try to generate racist hatred, racist division,” Biden said.
Recent months have seen major protests after the deaths of Black people at the hands of police. And Biden said there is systemic racist injustice in this country and while the vast majority of police officers are “decent, honorable men and women” there are “bad apples” and people have to be held accountable.
Trump in turn claimed that Biden’s work on a federal crime bill treated the African American population “about as bad as anybody in this country.” The president pivoted to his hardline focus on those protesting racial injustice and accused Biden of being afraid to use the words “law and order,” out of fear of alienating the left.
“Violence is never appropriate,” Biden said. “Peaceful protest is.”
With just 35 days until the election, and early voting already underway in some states, Biden stepped onto the stage holding leads in the polls — significant in national surveys, close in some battleground states — and looking to expand his support among suburban voters, women and seniors. Surveys show the president has lost significant ground among those groups since 2016, but Biden faces his own questions encouraged by Trump’s withering attacks.
Lemire reported from New York. Price reported from Las Vegas. Additional reporting by Associated Press writers Jill Colvin in Cleveland and Zeke Miller in Washington.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-30--Rookie Nick Madrigal’s errors, baserunning costly in White Sox loss

There ’ s no margin for error in the postseason , and rookie second baseman Nick Madrigal made two , as well as a mistake on the bases Wednesday .
All told , they probably cost the White Sox three runs in a 5-3 loss to the Athletics in Game 2 of the Wild Card series in Oakland .
Two singles with two strikes and a run scored softened the blow for the fourth overall pick in the 2018 draft but there was no getting around Madrigal ’ s “ plus-minus rating ” in a two-run game .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to learn from , and it ’ s right back tomorrow , ” Madrigal said .
Learning from rookie mistakes are part of the game , but learning in the postseason games come at a high price .
Madrigal ’ s two-out error on Matt Olson ’ s ground ball with the bases full in the first inning gave the A ’ s the early spark they needed .
Left-hander Dallas Keuchel got two ground balls after two outs , but shortstop Tim Anderson threw wide of Jose Abreu at first after ranging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bouncer behind second base .
And then Olson ’ s grounder to Madrigal ’ s glove side caught the lip of the outfield grass , taking a mini-high hop and glancing off Madrigal ’ s glove .
And with that , it was 2-0 .
“ Yeah , I think I should make [ that play ] , ” Madrigal said .
“ I ’ m always going to say that , though .
If I can get my glove on it , I feel like I should make the play.
” Manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little too close to the cut ” on a field with “ a lip.
” “ He might of creeped up a little too close , ” Renteria said .
Madrigal ’ s baserunning cost the Sox a run in the first when he didn ’ t pick up Anderson ’ s single to right or his coaches as he dashed , head down , on a straight steal .
When he got to second , he couldn ’ t locate the ball and started back toward first .
So instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scored on left fielder Mark Canha ’ s leaping catch of Yoan Moncada ’ s drive at the top of the wall on what A ’ s starter Chris Bassitt called “ a game changer , game saver , ” Madrigal – who had his share of issues on the bases during the regular season — stayed on second .
“ I ’ ve got to look at my third-base coach and see what he ’ s saying , ” Madrigal said .
“ That was my mistake on that one .
Again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Madrigal made his second error in the fifth , throwing wide of Abreu after making a tag near second , but that miscue didn ’ t lead to a run .
Left fielder Eloy Jimenez missed his second game of the series and fifth in a row with a mid right foot sprain .
There was no improvement from Tuesday to Wednesday , manager Rick Renteria said , not even enough to allow the slugging to DH .
“ You need to be able to run , ” Renteria said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday was at DH , with Edwin Encarnacion ( .157/.250/.377 ) replacing James McCann .
Encarnacion was 0-for-2 with a strikeout before Nomar Mazara pinch hit for him in the seventh and singled .
Mazara had another good at-bat with Jose Abreu on first after Yasmani Grandal ’ s homer cut the A ’ s lead to 5-2 but was called out on strikes on a pitch that was several inches off the inside corner , per Statcast .
Tim Anderson had three singles and a run scored and is 6-for-9 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with consecutive three-hit postseason games , joining Tim Raines ( 1993 ALCS ) , Nellie Fox ( 1959 World Series ) and Frank Isbell ( 1906 World Series ) .

There’s no margin for error in the postseason, and rookie second baseman Nick Madrigal made two, as well as a mistake on the bases Wednesday. All told, they probably cost the White Sox three runs in a 5-3 loss to the Athletics in Game 2 of the wild-card series in Oakland.
Two singles with two strikes and a run scored softened the blow for the fourth overall pick in the 2018 draft, but there was no getting around Madrigal’s “plus-minus rating” in a two-run game.
“It’s something I’m going to learn from, and it’s right back tomorrow,” Madrigal said.
Rookie mistakes are part of the game, but learning in postseason games comes at a high price.
Madrigal’s two-out error on Matt Olson’s ground ball with the bases full in the first inning gave the A’s the early spark they needed. Left-hander Dallas Keuchel got two ground balls after two outs, but shortstop Tim Anderson threw wide of Jose Abreu at first after ranging far to snag Chad Pinder’s bouncer behind second base. And then Olson’s grounder to Madrigal’s glove side caught the lip of the outfield grass, taking a mini-high hop and glancing off his glove.
And with that, it was 2-0.
“Yeah, I think I should make [that play],” Madrigal said. “I’m always going to say that, though.”
Manager Rick Renteria said Madrigal was “probably a little too close to the cut” on a field with “a lip.”
“He might’ve creeped up a little too close,” Renteria said.
Madrigal’s baserunning cost the Sox a run in the third inning when he didn’t pick up Anderson’s single to right or his coaches as he dashed, head down, on a straight steal. When he got to second, he couldn’t locate the ball and started back toward first. So instead of getting to third, where he would have scored on left fielder Mark Canha’s leaping catch of Yoan Moncada’s drive at the top of the wall on what A’s starter Chris Bassitt called “a game-changer, game-saver,” Madrigal — who had his share of issues on the bases during the regular season — stayed on second.
“I’ve got to look at my third-base coach and see what he’s saying,” Madrigal said. “That was my mistake on that one. Again, something I’ll learn from.”
Madrigal made his second error in the fifth, throwing wide of Abreu after making a tag near second, but that miscue didn’t lead to a run.
Still no Eloy
Eloy Jimenez missed his second game of the series and fifth in a row with a sprained right foot. There was no improvement from Tuesday to Wednesday, Renteria said, not even enough to allow him to DH.
“You need to be able to run,” Renteria said.
The only change in Renteria’s lineup was at DH, with Edwin Encarnacion (.157/.250/.377) replacing Yasmani Grandal, who was the starting catcher for Game 2. Encarnacion went 0-for-2 with a strikeout before Nomar Mazara pinch-hit for him in the seventh and singled.
Mazara had another good at-bat with Abreu on first after Grandal’s home run cut the A’s lead to 5-2 but was called out on strikes on a pitch that was several inches off the inside corner, according to Statcast.
Anderson in select company
Anderson, who had three singles and scored a run, is 6-for-9 in the series. He is the fourth Sox player with consecutive three-hit postseason games, joining Tim Raines (1993 American League Championship Series), Nellie Fox (1959 World Series) and Frank Isbell (1906 World Series).