chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--Is Beverly a village or a fortress on Chicago’s South Side?

Living in Beverly on Chicago ’ s South Side , I frequently hear the sentiment that the neighborhood is a “ village ” in the city .
Quite to the contrary , however , I am coming to believe that the term “ fortress ” may be more fitting .
Many factors buttress the fortress metaphor , some benign and some nefarious .
Clearly , there is the residency requirement that keeps city workers within city limits ; but then there is also a history of systematic elimination of “ Black ” spaces ; and perhaps most unmissable in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to separate Beverly from its majority-Black neighbors to the east .
The Beverly area also warrants the descriptor “ fortress ” in part because of exclusionary zoning , the practice of inflating home prices through banning a wide range of housing types and residential lot arrangements .
There are numerous ways Beverly employs these tactics .
Among others , our inordinate leveraging of RS-1 zoning , the alderman ’ s history of downzoning and the community ’ s track record of resisting development all play a role in creating this “ fortress ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclusionary zoning is a subversion of market forces .
While the market demands more diversity of housing types at a greater range of price points , exclusionary zoning works through government regulation to homogenize and stymie supply side forces .
This creates a community that is less environmentally sustainable , less family friendly and unrepresentative of the city to which it belongs .
It is no secret that Beverly has not done its part to provide affordable housing .
The Chicago Housing Authority has declared the community a “ mobility area ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ opportunity area.
” Yet the neighborhood has zero affordable housing and is known to be markedly unfriendly to residents with housing choice vouchers .
I aspire to live in a neighborhood that seeks to be a responsible citizen within the city it belongs .
There are signs that exclusionary zoning ’ s days are numbered : the federal government may dis-incentivize the practice , states are banning it and our own city is considering greater equity across neighborhoods .
As I raise my children in Beverly , I hope to tell them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of history in tearing down the fortress walls .
It must be noted that , if a major security hack like the current presumably Russian-authored one had been executed during the previous administration , the Republicans and the right wing would have been skewering President Obama .
Since President Trump has a proclivity — when he fills positions at all — to appoint people with a preference for personal loyalty to him over competence , this hack , the full damaging extent of which may not be known for years , has @ @ @ @ @ @

Living in Beverly on Chicago’s South Side, I frequently hear the sentiment that the neighborhood is a “village” in the city. Quite to the contrary, however, I am coming to believe that the term “fortress” may be more fitting.
Many factors buttress the fortress metaphor, some benign and some nefarious. Clearly, there is the residency requirement that keeps city workers within city limits; but then there is also a history of systematic elimination of “Black” spaces; and perhaps most unmissable in the community are the number of curbs placed to separate Beverly from its majority-Black neighbors to the east.
Opinion Newsletter
The Beverly area also warrants the descriptor “fortress” in part because of exclusionary zoning, the practice of inflating home prices through banning a wide range of housing types and residential lot arrangements.
Common examples of exclusionary zoning include banning multifamily housing, requiring generous minimum lot sizes and imposing residential minimum square footage requirements.
There are numerous ways Beverly employs these tactics. Among others, our inordinate leveraging of RS-1 zoning, the alderman’s history of downzoning and the community’s track record of resisting development all play a role in creating this “fortress” in the city.
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be 350 words or less.
The result of exclusionary zoning is a subversion of market forces. While the market demands more diversity of housing types at a greater range of price points, exclusionary zoning works through government regulation to homogenize and stymie supply side forces. This creates a community that is less environmentally sustainable, less family friendly and unrepresentative of the city to which it belongs.
It is no secret that Beverly has not done its part to provide affordable housing. The Chicago Housing Authority has declared the community a “mobility area” and the Illinois Housing Development Authority similarly an “opportunity area.” Yet the neighborhood has zero affordable housing and is known to be markedly unfriendly to residents with housing choice vouchers.
I aspire to live in a neighborhood that seeks to be a responsible citizen within the city it belongs.
There are signs that exclusionary zoning’s days are numbered: the federal government may dis-incentivize the practice, states are banning it and our own city is considering greater equity across neighborhoods.
As I raise my children in Beverly, I hope to tell them that our neighborhood was on the right side of history in tearing down the fortress walls.
Scott Kibler, Beverly
Security hack has Trump’s fingerprints
It must be noted that, if a major security hack like the current presumably Russian-authored one had been executed during the previous administration, the Republicans and the right wing would have been skewering President Obama.
Since President Trump has a proclivity — when he fills positions at all — to appoint people with a preference for personal loyalty to him over competence, this hack, the full damaging extent of which may not be known for years, has his fingerprints all over it.
Curt Fredrikson, Mokena


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--Notre Dame left in Clemson’s dust in ACC championship game

CHARLOTTE , N.C. — Trevor Lawrence had 412 yards of offense and three touchdowns , Travis Etienne ran for 124 yards and a score and No .
4 Clemson dominated No .
2 Notre Dame 34-10 on Saturday to win its sixth straight Atlantic Coast Conference championship .
Lawrence threw long scoring passes to Amari Rodgers and E.J Williams in the first half to help the Tigers ( 10-1 ) avenge a 47-40 double-overtime loss at Norte Dame — with Lawrence sidelined because of the coronavirus — to lock up a spot in the College Football Playoff for the sixth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MVP and presumptive No .
1 pick in the NFL draft , overcame an early interception on a tipped ball to complete 25 of 36 passes for 322 yards .
He ran 14 times for 90 yards , with a 34-yard touchdown scamper .
The junior quarterback did it all , even throwing a block to spring Etienne for a 15-yard gain on a third-down run late in the second quarter leading to a touchdown and a 24-3 halftime lead .
Rodgers had eight catches for 121 yards , and Williams added four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grab where he reached behind his head to snag the ball .
Clemson allowed Notre Dame to pile up 518 yards in the previous meeting , but limited the Fighting Irish ( 10-1 ) to 263 yards Saturday and sacked quarterback Ian Book six times .
Book spent most of the game under duress , regularly flushed from the pocket and forced to make plays on the run .
Clemson ’ s secondary put the clamps on Notre Dame ’ s wide receivers , and running back Tyren Williams was limited to 49 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ground and three TDs in the first game .
Book was held to 219 yards passing and no touchdowns .
The momentum changed late in the first quarter when Notre Dame kicker Jonathan Doerer , who had converted an ACC title-game record 51-yard field goal on the game ’ s opening drive , clanked a 21-yard attempt off the right upright .
The Tigers quickly capitalized when Rodgers got cornerback Shaun Crawford to bite on a double move and hauled in a perfectly thrown pass from Lawrence for a 67-yard strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drives to close the first half .
After Clemson stopped Notre Dame on a key fourth-and-3 , Lawrence moved the Tigers 72 yards in six plays , showing his pocket awareness by stepping up to avoid pressure and buy enough time to find Williams on a crossing route for a 33-yard score and a 14-3 lead — Notre Dame ’ s largest deficit of the season .
Etienne broke it open when he took a handoff , slipped an ankle tackle and raced 44 yards for a touchdown on fourth-and-1 for a 24-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first half .
Lawrence essentially put it away with 3:43 left in the third quarter when he raced up the middle for a 34-yard touchdown run .
Clemson : The return of linebacker James Skalski and defensive tackle Tyler Davis , both of who missed the first game , proved to be a major difference for the Clemson defense this time around .
Notre Dame : The Fighting Irish could get nothing going in the passing game .
Book was under pressure almost every time he tried to throw the ball and Notre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t shake Clemson ’ s defensive backs .
Clemson safety Nolan Turner will have to sit out the first half of the first-round playoff game after being ejected in the fourth quarter for targeting on tight end Michael Mayer .
Clemson : No two-loss team had ever qualified for the College Football Playoff , so it was imperative the Tigers won to get a spot — and that ’ s exactly what they did .
Notre Dame : Notre Dame hopes to edge No .
5 Texas A & M for the final @ @ @

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After a heartbreaking 47-40 double-overtime loss to Notre Dame last month, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney assured his players in the locker room that there would be no trophy handed out that night.
There would, however, be one up for grabs when they got to Charlotte for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.
The Tigers haven’t blinked since, staying focused on their goal. On Saturday, they collected the hardware — again.
Trevor Lawrence had 412 yards of offense and three touchdowns, Travis Etienne ran for 124 yards and a score and No. 4 Clemson dominated No. 2 Notre Dame 34-10 to win its sixth straight ACC title.
“All we had to do was take care of business after that,” Lawrence said about the loss in South Bend, Indiana. “We remember fans running off the field and getting in our face. You remember those images and keep those things in your head.”
Lawrence, who didn’t play in the first meeting because of the coronavirus, threw long scoring passes to Amari Rodgers and E.J Williams in the first half to help the Tigers (10-1) lock up a spot in the College Football Playoff for the sixth straight season.
Notre Dame (10-1), sitting at No. 2 in the CFP rankings for a month, now will get thrown into a beauty contest with Texas A&M, another team that didn’t win its conference. The No. 5 Aggies (8-1) finished their regular season with a 34-13 win at Tennessee. Clemson entered at No. 3. The field gets set Sunday.
“We’ve got two top-15 wins [including North Carolina]. We’ve got a win over this Clemson team that was No. 1 in the country,” Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said. “I don’t know that anybody has a résumé that has those two wins. And we’ve played 11 games. … I think that puts us without question as one of the top four teams in the country.”
Lawrence, the game MVP and presumptive No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, overcame an early interception on a tipped ball to complete 25 of 36 passes for 322 yards. He ran 14 times for 90 yards, with a 34-yard touchdown scamper.
“His ability to run really stresses your coverage calls,” Kelly said. “So what you try to do is bring some pressures that eliminate those runs. It just opens up some one-on-one matchups that are not favorable.”
The junior quarterback did it all, even throwing a block to spring Etienne for a 15-yard gain on a third-down run late in the second quarter leading to a touchdown and a 24-3 halftime lead.
Clemson has won all nine games Lawrence has started by at least 18 points and their average margin of victory in those games is 33.6 points.
Swinney called Lawrence the best player in the country.
“It would be a crying shame if the Heisman didn’t attach their name to Trevor Lawrence,” Swinney said. “I know that has become a stat award, but if you watch and you don’t know this is the best player in the country, I don’t what you’re looking at.”
Rodgers had eight catches for 121 yards, and Williams added four for 80 yards including a dynamic one-handed grab where he reached behind his head to snag the ball.
The momentum changed late in the first quarter when Notre Dame kicker Jonathan Doerer, who had converted an ACC title-game record 51-yard field goal on the game’s opening drive, clanked a 21-yard attempt off the right upright.
The Tigers quickly capitalized when Rodgers got cornerback Shaun Crawford to bite on a double move and hauled in a perfectly thrown pass from Lawrence for a 67-yard strike, the first of four straight scoring drives to close the first half.
After Clemson stopped Notre Dame on a key fourth-and-three, Lawrence moved the Tigers 72 yards in six plays, showing his pocket awareness by stepping up to avoid pressure and buy enough time to find Williams on a crossing route for a 33-yard score and a 14-3 lead.
Etienne broke it open when he took a handoff, slipped an ankle tackle and raced 44 yards for a touchdown on fourth-and-one for a 24-3 lead with 21 seconds left in the first half.
“We let the second quarter get away from us, and that was the difference in the game,” Kelly said.
Clemson’s depleted defense allowed Notre Dame to pile up 518 yards in the previous meeting but limited the Fighting Irish to 263 yards Saturday and sacked quarterback Ian Book six times.
Clemson’s secondary put the clamps on Notre Dame’s wide receivers, and running back Kyren Williams was limited to 49 yards rushing after finishing with 140 yards on the ground and three touchdowns in the first game. Book was held to 219 yards passing and no touchdowns.
“There were new looks for sure, in the secondary as well as up front,” Book said. “But that was expected and it was on us to adjust, just be able to adjust on the fly. And we weren’t able to do that tonight.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--2020-21 NBA Preview: Not this King’s ‘Last Dance’ by a longshot

That ’ s what the house cleaning at 15 S. Wood St. represented the last seven months .
A draining of a swamp that had grown odorous throughout the Advocate Center .
Long-time Bulls general manager Gar Forman ?
Gone .
Jim Boylen and most of his coaching staff ?
Fired .
The joke of a one-person developmental staff ?
Replaced and built out with five people now running that department .
Sitting in that chair , now calling all the shots ?
Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas .
And now there is hope for the Bulls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality of the situation is that while the Bulls have made major changes throughout the front office and coaching staff , the roster was locked in .
Besides the additions of draft pick Patrick Williams and free agent guard Garrett Temple , the band is all back .
Yes , a collection of players that seemingly underachieved with 22 wins last season , but still a core group that has only seen the postseason on television .
This season is about development and evaluation , with Karnisovas , new coach Billy Donovan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they want to move forward with , and who becomes a possible trade asset .
Memo to Bulls players : Rent , don ’ t buy .
As far as the big picture in the Association , it ’ s still you come at the king you best not miss .
LeBron James and the Lakers are poised for the back-to-back , as James continues to cement himself as the best all-around talent to ever play the game .
Heat over Bucks in six .
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Jaylen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SEAT – Scott Brooks – WAS Lakers over Nuggets in six .
Lakers over Heat in seven .
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR – John Wall – HOU

Finally, some light.
A thorough housecleaning at 15 S. Wood St. the last seven months made it possible. The malodorous swamp at the Advocate Center had to be drained once and for all.
Longtime Bulls general manager Gar Forman? Gone. Jim Boylen and most of his coaching staff? Fired. The joke of a one-person developmental staff? Replaced with five people now running that department.
Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas is calling all the shots now.
And there is hope for the Bulls.
Just not this season.
The Bulls made major changes in the front office and coaching staff, but the roster was locked in. Besides the additions of rookie forward Patrick Williams and free-agent guard Garrett Temple, the band is all back. It’s a collective that seemingly underachieved with 22 wins last season with a core group that has only seen the postseason on TV.
Don’t expect that to change.
This season is about development and evaluation, with Karnisovas, new coach Billy Donovan and general manager Marc Eversley deciding which pieces they want to keep and who becomes a possible trade asset. Memo to Bulls players: Rent, don’t buy.
As far as the big picture in the NBA, it’s still: You come at the king, you best not miss.
LeBron James and the Lakers are poised for back-to-back titles as James continues to cement his standing as the best all-around talent to ever play the game.
PREDICTED ORDER OF THE NBA BOTTOM
5. New York Knicks
4. Charlotte Hornets
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
PREDICTED ORDER FOR THE EASTERN CONFERENCE REGULAR SEASON
1. Milwaukee Bucks
2. Philadelphia 76ers
3. Miami Heat
4. Brooklyn Nets
5. Boston Celtics
6. Toronto Raptors
7. Indiana Pacers
8. Washington Wizards
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
Heat over Bucks in six.
ALL-EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM
G – Bradley Beal - WAS
G – Jimmy Butler - MIA
F – Kevin Durant – BRK
F – Giannis Antetokounmpo – MIL
C – Joel Embiid – PHI
ALL-EASTERN CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM
G – Ben Simmons – PHI
G – Russell Westbrook - WAS
F – Jayson Tatum – BOS
F – Bam Adebayo – MIA
C – Nikola Vucevic - ORL
EASTERN CONFERENCE HONORS
MVP – Giannis Antetokounmpo – MIL
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Jaylen Brown – BOS
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Isaac Okoro – CLE
COACH OF THE YEAR – Doc Rivers – PHI
COACH ON THE HOT SEAT – Scott Brooks – WAS
MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER – Malcolm Brogdon – IND
MOST OVERRATED PLAYER – Kyrie Irving – BRK
BIG-NAME TRADE CANDIDATE – Zach LaVine – BULLS
PREDICTED ORDER FOR THE WESTERN CONFERENCE REGULAR SEASON
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Denver Nuggets
3. Los Angeles Clippers
4. Portland Trail Blazers
5. Golden State Warriors
6. Utah Jazz
7. Dallas Mavericks
8. Houston Rockets
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
Lakers over Nuggets in six.
NBA FINALS
Lakers over Heat in seven.
ALL-WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM
G – Luka Doncic – DAL
G – James Harden – HOU
F – LeBron James – LAL
F – Kawhi Leonard – LAC
C – Anthony Davis – LAL
ALL-WESTERN CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM
G – Damian Lillard – POR
G – Steph Curry – GS
F – Zion Williamson – NOR
F – Paul George – LAC
C – Nikola Jokic – DEN
WESTERN CONFERENCE HONORS
MVP – LeBron James – LAL
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR – John Wall – HOU
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – James Wiseman – GS
COACH OF THE YEAR – Frank Vogel – LAL
COACH ON THE HOT SEAT – Ryan Saunders – MIN
MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER – Chris Paul – PHX
MOST OVERRATED PLAYER – Karl-Anthony Towns – MIN
BIG-NAME TRADE CANDIDATE – James Harden – HOU


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--Woman fatally hit by semi in Morgan Park

A woman was struck and killed by a semitrailer Friday in Morgan Park on the South Side .
About 11 @ @ @ @ @ was driving the semi in the 11000 block of South Western Avenue when he stopped @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police said .
When the light turned green , the man made a right @ @ @ @ @ woman walked into the street as the semi was completing the turn , police said @ @ @ @ @ and rolled over by the semi ’ s rear tires , police said .
She @ @ @ @ @ of Mary Hospital , where she was pronounced dead .
She was identified as Patricia @ @ @ @ @ medical examiner ’ s office .
An autopsy ruled her death an accident .

A woman was struck and killed by a semitrailer Friday in Morgan Park on the South Side.
About 11 a.m., a 62-year-old man was driving the semi in the 11000 block of South Western Avenue when he stopped at a red light, Chicago police said.
When the light turned green, the man made a right turn onto Western and the woman walked into the street as the semi was completing the turn, police said.
The 71-year-old was struck and rolled over by the semi’s rear tires, police said. She was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
She was identified as Patricia Cole by the Cook County medical examiner’s office. An autopsy ruled her death an accident.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--1 killed, 1 wounded in South Shore shooting

Two people were shot , one fatally , Friday in South Shore .
About 1 p.m. , they were in @ @ @ @ @ 71st Street when a white Cadillac pulled up and someone inside opened fire , Chicago @ @ @ @ @ man was struck in the arm and leg and taken to the University of Chicago @ @ @ @ @ was pronounced dead , police and the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said @ @ @ @ @ Rakym Christmas of South Chicago , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
An @ @ @ @ @ homicide .
Another man , 18 , was taken to the same hospital with a @ @ @ @ @ and was listed in good condition , police said .
Read more on crime , @ @ @ @ @ s homicides .

Two people were shot, one fatally, Friday in South Shore.
About 1 p.m., they were in the 2000 block of East 71st Street when a white Cadillac pulled up and someone inside opened fire, Chicago police said.
A 24-year-old man was struck in the arm and leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
He was identified as Rakym Christmas of South Chicago, the medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy ruled his death a homicide.
Another man, 18, was taken to the same hospital with a gunshot wound to the buttocks and was listed in good condition, police said.
Area detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--Vaccinations resume at Condell Medical Center after pause following negative reactions

Condell Medical Center in Libertyville is resuming its coronavirus vaccination program after hitting pause for a day when four employees experienced adverse reactions .
Injections will resume Sunday at the medical center “ following a thorough internal review – including infectious disease and clinical experts across our system , ” Advocate Aurora Health officials said in a statement .
Vaccinations were halted Friday night after four employees experienced a tingling sensation and elevated heart rates after getting their doses , officials said .
One of the cases appeared to be a severe allergic reaction , but that person was doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday after being monitored overnight , officials said .
The other three people were at home and “ doing well after experiencing reactions that can happen with vaccination , ” officials said .
“ Out of an abundance of caution , we have increased our post-vaccine evaluation period to 30 minutes for all individuals across all our sites , ” officials said , noting that the additional time exceeds federal guidelines .
So far , about 6,000 staff members in the hospital ’ s health system have gotten the vaccine , officials said @

Condell Medical Center in Libertyville is resuming its coronavirus vaccination program after hitting pause for a day when four employees experienced adverse reactions.
Injections will resume Sunday at the medical center “following a thorough internal review – including infectious disease and clinical experts across our system,” Advocate Aurora Health officials said in a statement.
Vaccinations were halted Friday night after four employees experienced a tingling sensation and elevated heart rates after getting their doses, officials said.
One of the cases appeared to be a severe allergic reaction, but that person was doing well after being discharged from the hospital Saturday after being monitored overnight, officials said.
The other three people were at home and “doing well after experiencing reactions that can happen with vaccination,” officials said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have increased our post-vaccine evaluation period to 30 minutes for all individuals across all our sites,” officials said, noting that the additional time exceeds federal guidelines.
So far, about 6,000 staff members in the hospital’s health system have gotten the vaccine, officials said.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--Man killed in South Shore shooting: police

A man was fatally shot Saturday in South Shore , according to police .
He was on the street about @ @ @ @ @ block of South Cornell Avenue when a light-colored car pulled up and someone inside unleashed @ @ @ @ @ .
The 23-year-old was struck in the hip , arm and shoulder , police said @ @ @ @ @ the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s homicides .

A man was fatally shot Saturday in South Shore, according to police.
He was on the street about 3:40 p.m. in the 6800 block of South Cornell Avenue when a light-colored car pulled up and someone inside unleashed gunfire, Chicago police said.
The 23-year-old was struck in the hip, arm and shoulder, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as David Green Jr., and an autopsy ruled his death a homicide.
Area One detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--Bears rule out CB Jaylon Johnson, S Deon Bush vs. Vikings

The Bears have ruled out starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson and backup safety Deon Bush for their game Sunday at the Vikings .
Johnson had been in question all week because of a shoulder injury he suffered in the win over the Texans .
The Bears will likely go with fellow rookie Kindle Vildor in his place .
Johnson , a second-round pick , has been one of the best rookie corners in the NFL .
He has played 96 % of the Bears ’ defensive snaps and leads the team with 15 pass breakups .
Opposing quarterbacks have completed just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bush ( foot ) plays a smaller role , but losing him further thins a secondary that was already missing nickel corner Buster Skrine .
Duke Shelley filled his spot against the Texans .
The Bears activated practice squad cornerback Xavier Crawford with Johnson and Skrine out .
The Bears will also be without secondary coach Deshea Townsend , who did not travel Saturday because of a personal reason .
Matt Nagy said Friday it was not coronavirus-related .
In addition to the moves in their secondary , the Bears restored linebacker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squad after 12 days on the reserve/COVID-19 list .

The Bears have ruled out starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson and backup safety Deon Bush for their game Sunday at the Vikings.
Johnson had been in question all week because of a shoulder injury he suffered in the win over the Texans. The Bears will likely go with fellow rookie Kindle Vildor in his place.
Johnson, a second-round pick, has been one of the best rookie corners in the NFL. He has played 96% of the Bears’ defensive snaps and leads the team with 15 pass breakups. Opposing quarterbacks have completed just 56% of their passes against him.
Bush (foot) plays a smaller role, but losing him further thins a secondary that was already missing nickel corner Buster Skrine. Duke Shelley filled his spot against the Texans.
The Bears activated practice squad cornerback Xavier Crawford with Johnson and Skrine out.
The Bears will also be without secondary coach Deshea Townsend, who did not travel Saturday because of a personal reason. Matt Nagy said Friday it was not coronavirus-related.
In addition to the moves in their secondary, the Bears restored linebacker Manti Te’o to the practice squad after 12 days on the reserve/COVID-19 list.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--Priority No. 1 for Bulls coach Billy Donovan? Teach this roster winning

It ’ s only been a few weeks , but Bulls players have already seen the many facets of the Billy Donovan Experience .
Following a comeback win in Friday ’ s preseason finale , they witnessed a coach that was glad to see his backup players overcome a lethargic night by his starters , but also a coach that let those same starters know that defensive nights off like the one they took against the Thunder would not be tolerated .
No pushups , no suicide sprints , but definitely a tone that let them know who the boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect .
“ What I like is he commands your presence , ’ ’ guard Zach LaVine said of Donovan .
“ He ’ s very straight forward .
You can tell if we ’ re doing good or bad , obviously .
He wants us to fight .
He brings that out of us .
He ’ s encouraging us being competitive and bringing it every night .
I ’ m trying to take it upon myself to get the group going in the beginning .
He ’ s good for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing.
’ ’ Asked if he was a screamer like a Jim Boylen , LaVine smirked .
“ I wouldn ’ t say that , ’ ’ LaVine responded .
“ But when he talks , everybody listens .
He definitely commands the room.
’ ’ And now he ’ ll command a room where way more is at stake .
With four preseason games in the books , now the games start to matter this week , as the Bulls tip-off the regular season Wednesday night against Atlanta .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stress to this roster , but atop that list is understanding what it takes to play winning basketball throughout a season and having the mental toughness to accept that .
It sounds simple , but for a roster made up of a majority of players that have never even sniffed the postseason , it could be a monumental task .
“ I think a lot of times because we have really good guys that want to do well and do the right thing , that I think sometimes that they can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his players .
“ And we ’ ve got to understand that there ’ s going to be a hundred possessions on offense and a hundred possessions on defense and not every possession is going to go well .
We have to have a level of resiliency , mental toughness , mental fortitude to fight through difficulties .
“ I think that ’ s not the case for our team – it ’ s the case for any team playing in the most competitive basketball league in the world .
You ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things .
So I think it ’ s an area in having a younger team , we ’ ve got to get better at those things and we ’ ve got to improve collectively as a group.
’ ’ The Bulls got their roster down to 15 guaranteed contracts , waiving Zach Norvell Jr. and Friday ’ s second-half hero Simi Shittu on Saturday morning .
Devon Dotson and Adam Mokoka are two-way contract players , although Mokoka was having trouble joining the Bulls because of travel restrictions .

It has only been a few weeks, but his players already have gotten a good sampling of Billy Donovan’s many facets.
After a comeback victory Friday in the Bulls’ preseason finale, they witnessed a coach who was glad to see his backups overcome a lethargic night by his starters and one who let those same starters know that taking nights off defensively will not be tolerated.
There were no push-ups or suicide sprints, but his tone let them know who the boss is and why that boss warrants respect.
“What I like is he [has a commanding] presence,’’ guard Zach LaVine said. “He’s very straightforward. You can tell if we’re doing good or bad, obviously. He wants us to fight. He brings that out of us. He’s encouraging us to be competitive and bring it every night. I’m trying to take it upon myself to get the group going in the beginning. He’s good for us. He knows what he’s doing.’’
Asked if Donovan was a screamer a la Jim Boylen, LaVine smirked.
“I wouldn’t say that,’’ LaVine said. “But when he talks, everybody listens. He definitely commands the room.’’
With four preseason games in the books, the games start to matter this week. The Bulls begin the regular season Wednesday night against the Hawks at the United Center.
Donovan has been trying to stress many things, but atop that list is understanding what it takes to play winning basketball throughout a season and having the mental toughness to achieve that. It sounds simple, but for a roster mostly made up of players who’ve never even sniffed the postseason, it could be a monumental task.
“A lot of times because we have really good guys that want to do well and do the right thing, sometimes they can get deflated,’’ Donovan said. “And we’ve got to understand that there are going to be 100 possessions on offense and 100 possessions on defense, and not every possession is going to go well. We have to have a level of resiliency, mental toughness, mental fortitude to fight through difficulties.
“That’s not just the case for our team; it’s the case for any team playing in the most competitive basketball league in the world. You’re going to have to deal with those things. So with a younger team, we’ve got to get better at those things, and we’ve got to improve collectively.’’
Roster cleanup
The Bulls got their roster down to 15 guaranteed contracts, waiving Zach Norvell Jr. and Simi Shittu, Friday’s second-half hero, on Saturday morning. Devon Dotson and Adam Mokoka are two-way-contract players, although Mokoka was having trouble joining the team because of travel restrictions.
The team also announced it exercised the third-year option on guard Coby White and the fourth-year options on center Wendell Carter Jr. and forward Chandler Hutchison.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--This You Gotta See: Bears, Bulls sitting at the same intersection? Allow us to explain

Some of us are old enough to remember a time when Matt Nagy ’ s Bears had never been bested by the rival Vikings , not even once .
It all came crashing down in a spectacular heap , of course , five weeks ago in a 19-13 debacle at Soldier Field .
How bad was it ?
The Bears offense mustered all of 32 yards in the second half .
Quarterback Nick Foles was carted off the field late .
With a fourth straight loss , the team ’ s season was up in flames .
“ Eventually , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convincingly , “ something here will hopefully change.
” Well , it kind of has .
The Bears actually won a game last week , leaving them at 6-7 heading into Sunday ’ s rematch at 6-7 Minnesota .
Each team trails the Cardinals by one game in the race for the final NFC East wild-card spot .
In other news , the Bulls ’ season — one of major transition — launches this week .
With Arturas Karnisovas now pulling the strings and Billy Donovan in the coach ’ s chair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the fact no players of real note were added to the mix aside from enticing rookie Patrick Williams .
Think of the Bears and Bulls as having arrived at the same intersection , only facing in different directions .
One team is hoping it has enough gas in the tank to reach a destination beyond Game 16 ; the other is hoping it has the wiring and juice to speed ahead to newfound relevance .
Bring on the kickoff .
And the tipoff .
Here ’ s what ’ s happening : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at it , shall we ?
Alabama and the rest of the usual suspects .
Rinse , repeat .
One must admit , Mitch Trubisky ’ s impression of an NFL QB in last week ’ s 36-7 rout of the Texans was pretty spot-on .
If he does it again , we might have to have a half-serious conversation about his future .
The Scarlet Knights are legit , but the Illini are big boys now .
And on that note : Don ’ t stop eating now , Kofi Cockburn .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drew Brees takes any more wicked rib shots .
Look , we all get more fragile with age .
Opening Big Ten play against the Spartans is kind of like that time your older brother snuck up behind you and shoved you into the deep end of the pool .
Seriously , why did he have to do that ?
Does Lauri Markkanen have a roaring fire in his belly ?
Has Zach LaVine fallen in love with defense ?
Is Donovan the next Phil Jackson , only better ?
Let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steelers are 11-2 .
The Bengals are the Bengals .
You do the math .
Stephen Curry is back from injury .
Former teammate Kevin Durant is , too .
The NBA ’ s opening night was made for these two dudes to shine .
The Clippers are so good .
How good ?
So good , their own house has another team ’ s banners hanging everywhere .
Man , that must be annoying .
Speaking of season openers , let ’ s do this thing .
Are we the only ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gesturing wildly at the TV for a timeout with 32 seconds to go and the Bulls down 14 ?
The Blue Demons already have reached double digits in games postponed or canceled due to COVID-19 trouble .
Any chance this long-delayed debut actually happens ?
Zion Williamson has lost 25 pounds since last season .
Clearly , he didn ’ t spend any time quarantining at our house .
What ’ s this ?
The NFL on a Friday ?
Merry Christmas , everybody .
The betting favorite for MVP is Mavs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for who will be all up in his grill defensively if it ’ s close in the last two minutes is LeBron James .
Please let this matchup happen .
What has Tom Brady really ever accomplished , anyway ?
Ford Field surely shall be the site of his inglorious fall .
The Hoosiers have won seven of the last nine in the head-to-head series , but the tables have turned .
At least we think they ’ ve turned .
Find this strangely not-on-regular-TV game and root for the visitors like nobody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s face it , nobody who has to ask what Amazon Prime is will be watching .

Some of us are old enough to remember a time when Matt Nagy’s Bears had never been bested by the rival Vikings, not even once. It all came crashing down in a spectacular heap, of course, five weeks ago in a 19-13 debacle at Soldier Field.
How bad was it? The Bears offense mustered all of 32 yards in the second half. Quarterback Nick Foles was carted off the field late. With a fourth straight loss, the team’s season was up in flames.
“Eventually,” Nagy said, not at all convincingly, “something here will hopefully change.”
Well, it kind of has. The Bears actually won a game last week, leaving them at 6-7 heading into Sunday’s rematch at 6-7 Minnesota. Each team trails the Cardinals by one game in the race for the final NFC wild-card spot.
In other news, the Bulls’ season — one of major transition — launches this week. With Arturas Karnisovas now pulling the strings and Billy Donovan in the coach’s chair, palpable improvement is expected. This, despite the fact no players of real note were added to the mix aside from enticing rookie Patrick Williams.
Think of the Bears and Bulls as having arrived at the same intersection, only facing in different directions. One team is hoping it has enough gas in the tank to reach a destination beyond Game 16; the other is hoping it has the wiring and juice to speed ahead to newfound relevance.
Bring on the kickoff. And the tipoff. Here’s what’s happening:
SUN 20
College Football Playoff Selection Show (11 a.m., ESPN)
Let’s take a wild stab at it, shall we? Alabama and the rest of the usual suspects. Rinse, repeat.
Bears at Vikings (noon, Fox-32)
One must admit, Mitch Trubisky’s impression of an NFL QB in last week’s 36-7 rout of the Texans was pretty spot-on. If he does it again, we might have to have a half-serious conversation about his future.
Illini big man Cockburn has been crushing it. Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images
Illinois at Rutgers (noon, ESPN2)
The Scarlet Knights are legit, but the Illini are big boys now. And on that note: Don’t stop eating now, Kofi Cockburn.
Chiefs at Saints (3:25 p.m., Ch. 2)
A Super Bowl preview? Not if Drew Brees takes any more wicked rib shots. Look, we all get more fragile with age.
Michigan State at Northwestern (6 p.m., BTN)
Opening Big Ten play against the Spartans is kind of like that time your older brother snuck up behind you and shoved you into the deep end of the pool. Seriously, why did he have to do that?
MON 21
Bulls Season Preview Special (6:30 p.m., NBCSCH)
Does Lauri Markkanen have a roaring fire in his belly? Has Zach LaVine fallen in love with defense? Is Donovan the next Phil Jackson, only better? Let’s see what we find out.
Steelers at Bengals (7:15 p.m., ESPN)
The Steelers are 11-2. The Bengals are the Bengals. You do the math.
TUE 22
The Nets’ Durant is back at it. Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Warriors at Nets (6 p.m., TNT)
Stephen Curry is back from injury. Former teammate Kevin Durant is, too. The NBA’s opening night was made for these two dudes to shine.
Clippers at Lakers (9 p.m., TNT)
The Clippers are so good. How good? So good, their own house has another team’s banners hanging everywhere. Man, that must be annoying.
WED 23
Hawks at Bulls (7 p.m., NBCSCH)
Speaking of season openers, let’s do this thing. Are we the only ones picturing Jim Boylen in his living room, gesturing wildly at the TV for a timeout with 32 seconds to go and the Bulls down 14?
Western Illinois at DePaul (8 p.m., FS1)
The Blue Demons already have reached double digits in games postponed or canceled due to COVID-19 trouble. Any chance this long-delayed debut actually happens?
FRI 25
Pelicans at Heat (11 a.m., ESPN)
Zion Williamson has lost 25 pounds since last season. Clearly, he didn’t spend any time quarantining at our house.
Vikings at Saints (3:30 p.m., Fox-32, NFLN)
What’s this? The NFL on a Friday? Merry Christmas, everybody.
Mavericks at Lakers (7 p.m., Ch. 7, ESPN)
The betting favorite for MVP is Mavs guard Luka Doncic. The betting favorite for who will be all up in his grill defensively if it’s close in the last two minutes is LeBron James. Please let this matchup happen.
SAT 26
Buccaneers at Lions (noon, NFLN)
What has Tom Brady really ever accomplished, anyway? Ford Field surely shall be the site of his inglorious fall.
Indiana at Illinois (3 p.m., FS1)
The Hoosiers have won seven of the last nine in the head-to-head series, but the tables have turned. At least we think they’ve turned.
49ers at Cardinals (3:30 p.m., Amazon Prime)
Find this strangely not-on-regular-TV game and root for the visitors like nobody’s watching. And let’s face it, nobody who has to ask what Amazon Prime is will be watching.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-20--Dear Abby: Even if DNA test found I’m a half-sibling, don’t call me that

DEAR ABBY : My nephew “ Dave ” recently took a DNA test and discovered that my brother and I have a different father than our other two siblings .
I have lived my entire life with the understanding that my family is my family .
Now Dave , who has an obsession with genealogy , has my brother and me listed as “ half-siblings.
” I am not a half-anything , and while DNA could be used to prove my father is not my father , I have no intention of testing my own DNA or contesting my parentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line , but I want the “ half ” designation removed from our family profile .
I ’ m hoping you can give me a reality check .
Am I blowing this out of proportion , or do you think it would be appropriate to ask him to remove the designation ?
— WHOLE , NOT HALF IN INDIANA DEAR WHOLE : I understand why you are upset .
However , you seem to have interpreted this as a personal insult or a value judgment on Dave ’ s part .
It isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with the way you and your brother were raised ; of COURSE your family is your family .
But genetically , you and your brother are different from the other two siblings , which is why I don ’ t think it would be appropriate to ask your nephew to remove the designation .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ m 55 , and my sister is 50 .
She has always been mean and hateful toward me .
Even though I have done my best to keep her from going off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back at me even meaner .
She is schizophrenic , paranoid and bipolar .
Despite my making her my maid of honor at my wedding ( Mom forced me ) and making her godmother at my child ’ s baptism , she has continued to be a beyond-evil demon because I didn ’ t do some things right , according to her .
She has tried hard to turn my 19-year-old daughter against me and slams me for being a grandma to my grandchild .
( She can ’ t have kids .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to her mental illness .
Please advise .
— BEATEN DOWN IN MISSOURI DEAR BEATEN DOWN : Your sister is a sick woman .
If your daughter doesn ’ t understand that , make it clear to her .
I don ’ t know how much input you have in your grandchild ’ s upbringing , but if there is any truth to what has been said , it may be time to use a lighter touch if you are being perceived as heavy-handed .
By letting your sister ’ s behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the rest of your family has contributed to the person she has become .
However , this does not mean you must be involved with her , and if you are smart , you will start to disengage .
DEAR ABBY : I am surprised I see so many nurses wearing their scrubs in the supermarket .
To me , if they are coming from the hospital , their clothes will have germs on them , and if they are going to the hospital , they could bring germs with them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VINNIE IN NEW JERSEY DEAR VINNIE : Many people in the medical field choose to wear scrubs because they are convenient .
Whether these individuals are actually nurses is anybody ’ s guess .
They could be office staff , technicians , etc .
and not necessarily exposing the public or patients to germs they wouldn ’ t otherwise encounter .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CA 90069 .
For everything you need to know about wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My nephew “Dave” recently took a DNA test and discovered that my brother and I have a different father than our other two siblings.
I have lived my entire life with the understanding that my family is my family. Now Dave, who has an obsession with genealogy, has my brother and me listed as “half-siblings.” I am not a half-anything, and while DNA could be used to prove my father is not my father, I have no intention of testing my own DNA or contesting my parentage.
Maybe I’m out of line, but I want the “half” designation removed from our family profile. I’m hoping you can give me a reality check. Am I blowing this out of proportion, or do you think it would be appropriate to ask him to remove the designation? — WHOLE, NOT HALF IN INDIANA
DEAR WHOLE: I understand why you are upset. However, you seem to have interpreted this as a personal insult or a value judgment on Dave’s part. It isn’t. This has nothing to do with the way you and your brother were raised; of COURSE your family is your family. But genetically, you and your brother are different from the other two siblings, which is why I don’t think it would be appropriate to ask your nephew to remove the designation.
DEAR ABBY: I’m 55, and my sister is 50. She has always been mean and hateful toward me. Even though I have done my best to keep her from going off the deep end, she has always struck back at me even meaner. She is schizophrenic, paranoid and bipolar.
Despite my making her my maid of honor at my wedding (Mom forced me) and making her godmother at my child’s baptism, she has continued to be a beyond-evil demon because I didn’t do some things right, according to her. She has tried hard to turn my 19-year-old daughter against me and slams me for being a grandma to my grandchild. (She can’t have kids.) Family has always let her slide due to her mental illness. Please advise. — BEATEN DOWN IN MISSOURI
DEAR BEATEN DOWN: Your sister is a sick woman. If your daughter doesn’t understand that, make it clear to her. I don’t know how much input you have in your grandchild’s upbringing, but if there is any truth to what has been said, it may be time to use a lighter touch if you are being perceived as heavy-handed.
By letting your sister’s behavior “slide due to her mental illness,” the rest of your family has contributed to the person she has become. However, this does not mean you must be involved with her, and if you are smart, you will start to disengage.
DEAR ABBY: I am surprised I see so many nurses wearing their scrubs in the supermarket. To me, if they are coming from the hospital, their clothes will have germs on them, and if they are going to the hospital, they could bring germs with them. What do you say? — VINNIE IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR VINNIE: Many people in the medical field choose to wear scrubs because they are convenient. Whether these individuals are actually nurses is anybody’s guess. They could be office staff, technicians, etc. and not necessarily exposing the public or patients to germs they wouldn’t otherwise encounter.
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.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-12-20--1 killed in Heart of Chicago rollover crash: police

A 32-year-old passenger was killed in a rollover crash early Sunday in Heart of Chicago on the Near West Side @ @ @ @ @ 4:10 a.m. , a male driving a Jeep at high speeds failed to stop at @ @ @ @ @ 2200 block of South Ashland Avenue and was struck by an SUV traveling westbound on @ @ @ @ @ said .
The crash caused the Jeep to flip over on its roof , police @ @ @ @ @ , riding as a passenger in the Jeep , was transported to Stroger Hospital where @ @ @ @ @ police said .
No other injuries were reported , according to police .
The driver @ @ @ @ @ into custody , while the CPD Major Accidents Unit continues to investigate the crash .

A 32-year-old passenger was killed in a rollover crash Sunday in Heart of Chicago on the Near West Side.
About 4:10 a.m., a male driving a Jeep at high speeds failed to stop at a red light in the 2200 block of South Ashland Avenue and was struck by an SUV westbound on Cermak Road, Chicago police said.
The crash caused the Jeep to flip over on its roof, police said.
Casey Miller, riding as a passenger in the Jeep, was transported to Stroger Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
An autopsy found he died of multiple injuries from the crash and ruled his death an accident, the medical examiner’s office said.
No other injuries were reported, according to police.
The driver of the Jeep was taken into custody, while the CPD Major Accidents Unit continues to investigate the crash.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-20--3 women injured, 2 critically in Lawndale shooting: police

Three women were injured , two critically , in a shooting early Sunday in Lawndale on the West Side .
@ @ @ @ @ were sitting parked in the 600 block of South Independence Boulevard when someone in a @ @ @ @ @ into their vehicle , Chicago police said .
A 25-year-old woman was struck in the @ @ @ @ @ , 22 , suffered a gunshot wound to the head , police said .
Both @ @ @ @ @ Sinai Hospital in critical condition .
The third woman , 20 , suffered a graze @ @ @ @ @ Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition , police said .
No one is in custody @ @ @ @ @ .

Three women were injured, two critically, in a shooting early Sunday in Lawndale on the West Side.
About 1:35 a.m., they were sitting parked in the 600 block of South Independence Boulevard when someone in a red Cherokee Jeep fired shots into their vehicle, Chicago police said.
A 25-year-old woman was struck in the face, while another woman, 22, suffered a gunshot wound to the head, police said. Both women were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.
The third woman, 20, suffered a graze wound and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said.
No one is in custody as Area Four detectives investigate.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-20--9 injured in Dan Ryan Expressway crash, fire officials say

At least 9 people were injured in a crash early Sunday on the Dan Ryan Expressway near Bronzeville .
The @ @ @ @ @ in the inbound lanes near 31st Street , Chicago fire officials said .
Nine people @ @ @ @ @ – one with serious to critical injuries – while another person refused medical attention , @ @ @ @ @ Police reported at least three vehicles were towed .
The person who was listed in @ @ @ @ @ transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital , officials said .
The person ’ s injuries were @ @ @ @ @ police .
A family , with three children and one adult , were transported to @ @ @ @ @ to fair condition .
Another adult was transported to Stroger Hospital in fair to serious @ @ @ @ @ people were taken to Mercy Hospital in good to fair condition , officials said .
@ @ @ @ @ were open by 2:30 a.m. , state police said .

At least 9 people were injured in a crash early Sunday on the Dan Ryan Expressway near Bronzeville.
The crash happened about 1:30 a.m. in the inbound lanes near 31st Street, Chicago fire officials said.
Nine people were transported to area hospitals – one with serious to critical injuries – while another person refused medical attention, officials said.
Illinois State Police reported at least three vehicles were towed.
The person who was listed in serious to critical condition was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, officials said. The person’s injuries were non-life-threatening, according to state police.
A family, with three children and one adult, were transported to Stroger Hospital all in good to fair condition.
Another adult was transported to Stroger Hospital in fair to serious condition, and three more people were taken to Mercy Hospital in good to fair condition, officials said.
All inbound lanes of traffic were open by 2:30 a.m., state police said.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-20--North Shore’s Alex Moffat debuts as new Joe Biden on ‘Saturday Night Live’

As Alex Moffat made his debut as the newest Joe Biden on “ Saturday Night Live , ” even the show had to acknowledge the weirdness of the situation for the North Shore actor — “ SNL ’ s ” fifth Biden in less than 15 months .
“ I ’ m like Colonel Sanders , ” Moffat said from under his silver Biden wig .
“ Every time you see me I ’ m a different guy .
There ’ s a good chance this time next year I ’ ma be Mario Lopez.
” Sounding a bit like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George W. Bush , the new bogus Biden made just a brief appearance in an opening sketch led by another North Shore native , Wilmette ’ s Beck Bennett , re-creating Vice President Mike Pence ’ s COVID-19 vaccine .
The Biden role has been passed along a string of “ SNL ” cast members and former hosts .
During the campaign leading up to Biden ’ s election in November , host Woody Harrelson was the first to portray him , in September 2019 .
Following him were cast alum ( and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reprising the role he assumed often during the Obama administration ) and host John Mulaney , a St. Ignatius College Prep grad .
( Back in 1991 , Kevin Nealon portrayed the then-senator during a sketch about the controversial confirmation hearing for future Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas . )
Film star and ex- “ SNL ” host Jim Carrey had been playing Biden this fall but said Saturday he was stepping down .
Moffat , a graduate of North Shore Country Day School , grew up in several northern suburbs including Wilmette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We made the rounds , ” he told the Sun-Times in 2017 .
He performed improv and stand-up in Chicago and for several years dunked as part of the Benny and the Elevators acrobatic troupe at the United Center before landing at “ SNL ” in 2016 .
There he made his name in two Weekend Update bits : playing the glib Guy Who Just Bought a Boat and depicting Eric Trump as a childlike dimwit alongside his smarter brother Donald Jr. ( Mikey Day ) .

As Alex Moffat made his debut as the newest Joe Biden on “Saturday Night Live,” even the show had to acknowledge the weirdness of the situation for the North Shore actor — “SNL’s” fifth Biden in less than 15 months.
“I’m like Colonel Sanders,” Moffat said from under his silver Biden wig. “Every time you see me I’m a different guy. There’s a good chance this time next year I’ma be Mario Lopez.”
Sounding a bit like Will Ferrell’s classic take on George W. Bush, the new bogus Biden made just a brief appearance in an opening sketch led by another North Shore native, Wilmette’s Beck Bennett, re-creating Vice President Mike Pence’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Moffat entered the scene haltingly, hobbling with a cane while wearing the orthopedic boot that is helping Biden rebuild his broken foot. But then, demonstrating the acrobatic skills he learned as part of the Benny and the Elevators hype squad at United Center, he fell into a somersault, Willy Wonka style.
The Biden role has been passed along a string of “SNL” cast members and former hosts. During the campaign leading up to Biden’s election in November, host Woody Harrelson was the first to portray him, in September 2019. Following him were cast alum (and Chicago improv veteran) Jason Sudeikis (reprising the role he assumed often during the Obama administration) and host John Mulaney, a St. Ignatius College Prep grad. (Back in 1991, Kevin Nealon portrayed the then-senator during a sketch about the controversial confirmation hearing for future Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.)
Film star and ex-“SNL” host Jim Carrey had been playing Biden this fall but said Saturday he was stepping down.
Moffat, a graduate of North Shore Country Day School, grew up in several northern suburbs including Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe and Kenilworth. “We made the rounds,” he told the Sun-Times in 2017.
He performed improv and stand-up in Chicago before landing at “SNL” in 2016. There he made his name in two Weekend Update bits: playing the glib Guy Who Just Bought a Boat and depicting Eric Trump as a childlike dimwit alongside his smarter brother Donald Jr. (Mikey Day).


chicagosun-times--2020-12-20--Small fire breaks out in Leighton Criminal Court Building

A small fire broke out early Sunday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on the Southwest Side .
About 12:10 @ @ @ @ @ to a small fire on the fifth floor of the building in the 2600 block @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police said .
The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported , according @ @ @ @ @ of the fire was not yet determined .

A small fire broke out early Sunday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on the Southwest Side.
About 12:10 a.m., fire crews responded to a small fire on the fifth floor of the building in the 2600 block of South California Avenue, Chicago police said.
The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported, according to police.
The cause of the fire was not yet determined.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-20--2 found shot dead in Marquette Park garage: police

A death investigation is underway for two people found fatally shot in a vehicle Saturday night in Marquette Park on @ @ @ @ @ said .
About 1:20 a.m. , a man , 21 , and a woman were @ @ @ @ @ in a garage in the 3200 block of West 64th Street , Chicago police said @ @ @ @ @ gunshot wounds to the head and were pronounced dead on the scene , according to @ @ @ @ @ a handgun was also found in the vehicle .

A death investigation is underway for two people found fatally shot in a vehicle Saturday night in Marquette Park on the South Side, police said.
About 11:45 p.m., a man, 21, and a woman were found inside a vehicle parked in a garage in the 3200 block of West 64th Street, Chicago police said.
Both people suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head and were pronounced dead on the scene, according to police.
Police sources said a handgun was also found in the vehicle.
Area One detectives are conducting a death investigation.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--CFP semifinal moved from Rose Bowl to AT&T Stadium in Texas

The College Football Playoff semifinal scheduled to be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Jan. 1 is relocating to the Dallas Cowboys ’ stadium in Texas , a move prompted by California ’ s ban on spectators at sporting events during the pandemic .
College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock said Saturday night that conference commissioners who make up the CFP management committee and the Tournament of Roses mutually agreed to relocate the game because of the “ growing number of COVID-19 cases in Southern California.
” “ The game in Dallas will still be played in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Day , ” Hancock said in a statement .
“ We are pleased that parents and loved ones will now be able to see their students play in the game.
” The decision , announced about 13 1/2 hours before the playoff field was scheduled to be set Sunday , is just the latest twist during a college football season played through myriad disruptions caused of COVID-19 .
The Rose Bowl , know as the Granddaddy of all college football ’ s postseason games , has been played every year since 1916 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contenders have complained in recent days about the Rose Bowl being unable to accommodate players ’ family members because of California ’ s COVID-19 restrictions , put in a place as the state tries to fight a public health crisis that is straining its hospitals .
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly even went to so far as to suggest that if the Fighting Irish were selected to play in the Rose Bowl the school would boycott if players ’ families were not allowed to attend .
The Rose Bowl asked the state for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was denied twice , including earlier this week .
The restrictions have been in place since March and UCLA has played its home football games at the Rose Bowl since November , including its regular-season finale Saturday night .
None of the teams in contention to be selected for the playoff are from the western United States .
“ We know that the decision was not an easy one to make , ” said David Eads , Tournament of Roses CEO and Executive Director .
“ While we remain confident that a game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl Stadium , as evident in the other collegiate and professional games taking place in the region , the projection of COVID-19 cases in the region has continued on an upward trend.
” Hancock said it had not yet been determined if the semifinal at AT & T Stadium in Arlington would still be called the Rose Bowl .
The name is part of licensing agreement and is co-owned by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and the City of Pasadena .
If not , it would be the first time in more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played after a college football season .
The first Rose Bowl was played Jan. 1 , 1902 .
The last time the Rose Bowl game was played outside Pasadena , California , was 1942 .
The game between Oregon State and Duke was played in Durham , North Carolina , because the West Coast was deemed unsafe after the attacks on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7 , 1941 .

The College Football Playoff semifinal scheduled to be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Jan. 1 is relocating to the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium in Texas, a move prompted by California’s ban on spectators at sporting events during the pandemic.
College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock said Saturday night that conference commissioners who make up the CFP management committee and the Tournament of Roses mutually agreed to relocate the game because of the “growing number of COVID-19 cases in Southern California.”
“The game in Dallas will still be played in the mid-afternoon window on New Year’s Day,” Hancock said in a statement. “We are pleased that parents and loved ones will now be able to see their students play in the game.”
The decision, announced about 13 1/2 hours before the playoff field was scheduled to be set Sunday, is just the latest twist during a college football season played through myriad disruptions caused of COVID-19.
The Rose Bowl, know as the Granddaddy of all college football’s postseason games, has been played every year since 1916.
Coaches and school officials with playoff contenders have complained in recent days about the Rose Bowl being unable to accommodate players’ family members because of California’s COVID-19 restrictions, put in a place as the state tries to fight a public health crisis that is straining its hospitals.
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly even went to so far as to suggest that if the Fighting Irish were selected to play in the Rose Bowl the school would boycott if players’ families were not allowed to attend.
The Rose Bowl asked the state for an exception to the restriction, but was denied twice, including earlier this week. The restrictions have been in place since March and UCLA has played its home football games at the Rose Bowl since November, including its regular-season finale Saturday night.
None of the teams in contention to be selected for the playoff are from the western United States.
“We know that the decision was not an easy one to make,” said David Eads, Tournament of Roses CEO and Executive Director. “While we remain confident that a game could have been played at the Rose Bowl Stadium, as evident in the other collegiate and professional games taking place in the region, the projection of COVID-19 cases in the region has continued on an upward trend.”
Hancock said it had not yet been determined if the semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington would still be called the Rose Bowl. The name is part of licensing agreement and is co-owned by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and the City of Pasadena.
If not, it would be the first time in more than 100 years no Rose Bowl game was played after a college football season. The first Rose Bowl was played Jan. 1, 1902.
The last time the Rose Bowl game was played outside Pasadena, California, was 1942. The game between Oregon State and Duke was played in Durham, North Carolina, because the West Coast was deemed unsafe after the attacks on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--Horoscope for Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Pisces .
For the next four weeks , you make a fabulous impression on bosses , parents , teachers and VIPs .
This is because the sun is at the top of your chart casting you in a flattering spotlight .
This happens only once a year , so “ Make hay while the sun shines !
” Your desire to travel and push the boundaries of your daily world will be strong in the next four weeks .
If you can ’ t travel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things and meeting people from different backgrounds .
Life will be more intense in the next four weeks .
Your focus on shared property as well as shared debt and the responsibilities that you might have for others will be a primary issue for you .
For the next four weeks , the sun is opposite your sign , which means you will need more sleep .
( In your chart , the sun is as far away from you as it gets all year . )
You also will get a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you determined to get better organized !
This is why you will work hard , make lists and accomplish your goals in the next four weeks .
You want to work hard and you want to work smart .
( You also want to improve your health . )
This is a fun-loving time !
Lucky ones can somehow slip away on a vacation .
Most of you will be more involved with kids than usual .
Even sports will appeal .
Your bottom line in the next four weeks is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun !
Home , family and your private life will be your focus in the next four weeks .
Many of you will be more involved than usual with a parent .
You will also enjoy redecorating your digs and entertaining if possible .
Cozy family times will be important .
The pace of your days will accelerate in the next four weeks !
You ’ ve got places to go , things to do and people to see !
Make a To-Do list .
( Lists help you to stay focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so satisfying crossing off what you ’ ve done . )
Money , earnings and cash flow will be an increased focus in the next four weeks .
You will work hard to keep track of your possessions and categorize them .
However , at a deeper level , you will be thinking about your values and what really matters in life .
Ta da !
The sun is in your sign for the next four weeks .
This happens only once a year and when it does , it gives you a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come .
The sun will also attract favorable situations to you as well as people .
Enjoy your good fortune !
Your year is ending but your new year is not ready to begin .
This means the next four weeks are a time of limbo where you can make plans for your new year ahead .
Set some goals so that you can more easily make decisions .
Know where you ’ re headed .
Define what you want .
You will be more popular in the next four weeks because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is also a good time to share your hopes with someone to get their feedback .
Enjoy this chance for warm moments with good friends .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Jonah Hill ( 1983 ) shares your birthday .
You are impulsive and get along with everyone .
You are youthful , playful and fun-loving .
Whatever you do , you give it your all .
This year it ’ s time to let go of what is no longer relevant or useful and move on to something new and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of loss .
Au contraire !
You are lightening your load to make room for new beginnings !

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Pisces.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
For the next four weeks, you make a fabulous impression on bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. This is because the sun is at the top of your chart casting you in a flattering spotlight. This happens only once a year, so “Make hay while the sun shines!”
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Your desire to travel and push the boundaries of your daily world will be strong in the next four weeks. If you can’t travel, then expand your horizons by learning new things and meeting people from different backgrounds.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Life will be more intense in the next four weeks. Your focus on shared property as well as shared debt and the responsibilities that you might have for others will be a primary issue for you.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
For the next four weeks, the sun is opposite your sign, which means you will need more sleep. (In your chart, the sun is as far away from you as it gets all year.) You also will get a better understanding of your closest relationships.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Suddenly, you determined to get better organized! This is why you will work hard, make lists and accomplish your goals in the next four weeks. You want to work hard and you want to work smart. (You also want to improve your health.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
This is a fun-loving time! Lucky ones can somehow slip away on a vacation. Most of you will be more involved with kids than usual. Even sports will appeal. Your bottom line in the next four weeks is that you want to be happy and have fun!
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Home, family and your private life will be your focus in the next four weeks. Many of you will be more involved than usual with a parent. You will also enjoy redecorating your digs and entertaining if possible. Cozy family times will be important.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
The pace of your days will accelerate in the next four weeks! You’ve got places to go, things to do and people to see! Make a To-Do list. (Lists help you to stay focused on your targets; plus it’s so satisfying crossing off what you’ve done.)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Money, earnings and cash flow will be an increased focus in the next four weeks. You will work hard to keep track of your possessions and categorize them. However, at a deeper level, you will be thinking about your values and what really matters in life.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Ta da! The sun is in your sign for the next four weeks. This happens only once a year and when it does, it gives you a chance to replenish yourself for the year to come. The sun will also attract favorable situations to you as well as people. Enjoy your good fortune!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Your year is ending but your new year is not ready to begin. This means the next four weeks are a time of limbo where you can make plans for your new year ahead. Set some goals so that you can more easily make decisions. Know where you’re headed. Define what you want.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You will be more popular in the next four weeks because everyone wants you on their team. This is also a good time to share your hopes with someone to get their feedback. Enjoy this chance for warm moments with good friends.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Jonah Hill (1983) shares your birthday. You are impulsive and get along with everyone. You are youthful, playful and fun-loving. Whatever you do, you give it your all. This year it’s time to let go of what is no longer relevant or useful and move on to something new and different. This is not a time of loss. Au contraire! You are lightening your load to make room for new beginnings!


chicagosun-times--2020-12-19--29 shot, 5 fatally in Chicago so far this weekend

At least five people have been killed and 24 others injured in citywide shootings so far this weekend , including a half dozen people who were wounded in a single attack at a South Side gathering .
They were at a beauty salon about 12:25 a.m. Saturday in the 8900 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue when a person walked in and started shooting , Chicago police said .
Six people were wounded — one of them seriously — before the gunman took off , police said .
A 41-year-old man was shot in his abdomen and taken to University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
Two men , both 48 , were struck in the leg and went to the same hospital in fair condition .
A man , 32 , was shot in the foot , and a woman , 36 , was shot in her leg , police said .
Both were taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in fair condition .
The sixth victim , a 28-year-old man , was struck in the hand and taken to South Shore Hospital in fair condition .
In fatal shootings , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found dead in a vehicle Saturday night in Marquette Park on the South Side , police said .
About 1:20 a.m. , a man , 21 , and a woman were found inside a vehicle parked in a garage in the 3200 block of West 64th Street , police said .
Both people suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head and were pronounced dead on the scene , according to police .
Saturday evening , a 19-year-old man was killed in Douglas Park on the West Side .
He was in a vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of South Washtenaw Avenue when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire , police said .
The man was shot in the head , neck and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
About two hours earlier , a 23-year-old man was fatally shot in South Shore .
He was on the street about 3:40 p.m. in the 6800 block of South Cornell Avenue when a light-colored car pulled up and someone inside unleashed gunfire , police said .
The 23-year-old was struck in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead .
Early Saturday morning , a 47-year-old man was fatally shot in Gresham on the South Side .
He was running from a male who was chasing him about 3 a.m. in the 1300 block of West 87th Street when the male fired shots , striking him in the head , police said .
The man was transported to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he was pronounced dead , police said .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook County medical examiner ’ s office .
In non-fatal shootings , three women were injured , two critically , in a shooting early Sunday in Lawndale on the West Side .
About 1:35 a.m. , they were sitting parked in the 600 block of South Independence Boulevard when someone in a red Cherokee Jeep fired shots into their vehicle , police said .
A 25-year-old woman was struck in the face , while another woman , 22 , suffered a gunshot wound to the head , police said .
Both women were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition .
The third woman , 20 , suffered a graze wound and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition , police said .
Saturday evening , a man was critically wounded in a shooting outside Woodlawn laundromat .
He was standing outside of a laundromat about 6:45 p.m. in the 6500 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up and two people got out and fired shots , police said .
The 43-year-old was struck in the arm , abdomen and taken to the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police said .
At least 14 other people have been wounded in shootings across Chicago since 5 p.m. Friday .
Last weekend , 18 people were shot , three of them fatally , in Chicago gun violence .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Six people were killed and at least 32 others wounded in shootings across Chicago this weekend.
The period was twice as deadly as last weekend when 18 people were shot — three of them fatally — between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.
Grandmother killed
The oldest victim this weekend was a 71-year-old grandmother shot dead in Morgan Park on the South Side. Emma Wright was in home about 7:40 p.m. Sunday in the 10800 block of South Morgan Street when two males outside fired shots at the home, authorities said. She was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
Community activist Andrew Holmes said the killing was “devastating to the family and community.”
“We should not, and cannot, remain silent about the ongoing violence in the city of Chicago,” Holmes said in a statement. “Emma Wright was a grandmother sitting in the comfort of her own home when she became the latest victim of unexplainable shootings in Chicago.”
It was unclear if she was the target of the shooting.
Six wounded at South Side party
Early Saturday, a half dozen people wounded in a single attack at a South Side party. The victims were holding an after-hours party at Get Glammed Beauty Bar, 8936 S. Cottage Grove, when a person walked in about 12:25 a.m. and started shooting, police said. A woman and five men were wounded — one of them seriously — before the gunman took off, police said.
After the shooting, a window at the salon appeared to be damaged by a single bullet hole. No arrest has been made.
A bullet hole could be seen in the window of the Get Glammed Beauty Bar. Sophie Sherry/Sun-Times
Other homicides
In the weekend’s latest fatal attack, a 39-year-old man was killed and another man was wounded early Monday in Humboldt Park on the West Side. The 39-year-old was standing in an alley about 2:55 a.m. in the 2500 block of West Cortez Street when someone fired shots, police said. He was struck in the abdomen and was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Another man showed up later at St. Mary’s Hospital after being hurt in the same shooting, police said. He was being treated for gunshot wounds to his abdomen and right arm, and was listed in serious condition.
Two hours earlier, a man was shot to death in Back of the Yards on the South Side. Officers responding to a ShotSpotter call found 41-year-old Lyman Bates about 1:10 a.m. in the 5400 block of South Paulina Street, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. He had been shot multiple times in the face and chest, and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Saturday evening, a 19-year-old man was killed in Douglas Park on the West Side. He was in a vehicle about 5:30 p.m. in the 1200 block of South Washtenaw Avenue when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire, police said. The man was shot in the head and neck, and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was identified as Daron Johnson by the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
About two hours earlier, a man was fatally shot in South Shore. David Green Jr., 23, was on the street about 3:40 p.m. in the 6800 block of South Cornell Avenue when a light-colored car pulled up and someone inside unleashed gunfire, striking him multiple times, police and the medical examiner’s office said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Early Saturday morning, a 47-year-old man was fatally shot in Gresham on the South Side. Alex Kinsy was running from a male who was chasing him about 3 a.m. in the 1300 block of West 87th Street when the male fired shots, striking him in the head, police and the medical examiner’s office said. He was taken to Christ Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Possible murder-suicide in Marquette Park
On Saturday, two people were found fatally shot in a vehicle in Marquette Park on the South Side. A man, 21, and a woman, 19, were found inside the vehicle parked about 1:20 a.m. in a garage in the 3200 block of West 64th Street, police said. Both had suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head and were pronounced dead on the scene. A police source said a handgun was found inside the vehicle.
Both fatalities are being left off the weekend homicide count pending the release of autopsies, which were scheduled for later Monday.
Nonfatal shootings
In nonfatal shootings, three women were injured, two critically, in a shooting early Sunday in Lawndale on the West Side. About 1:35 a.m., they were sitting parked in the 600 block of South Independence Boulevard when someone in a red Jeep Cherokee fired shots into their vehicle, police said.
A 25-year-old woman was struck in the face, while another woman, 22, suffered a gunshot wound to the head, police said. Both women were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition. The third woman, 20, suffered a graze wound and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said.
Saturday evening, a man was critically wounded in a shooting outside a Woodlawn laundromat. He was standing outside of the laundromat about 6:45 p.m. in the 6500 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up and two people got out and fired shots, police said. The 43-year-old was struck in the arm and abdomen, and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.
A man was in critical condition Sunday after being pistol-whipped during an attempted carjacking in Roseland on the Far South Side. Police initially said he was shot during the carjacking in the 11300 block of South Michigan Avenue, but later clarified the 43-year-old had been pistol-whipped in the back of his head.
At least 21 other people were wounded in shootings across the city over the weekend.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-20--Community health centers filling gaps in health care deserts are ground zero for getting COVID vacci

Community health centers filling gaps in health care deserts are ground zero for getting COVID vaccine to underserved areas

With a second coronavirus vaccine arriving in states Monday , community health centers that have long filled the gap in hospital health care deserts nationwide are prepping for their turn at vaccinating clinical and other staff amid challenges of trust and prioritization .
In Illinois , an initial 109,000 doses of the first vaccine , Pfizer-BioNTech ’ s , was rolled out last week — 17,000 doses were distributed to hospitals by Friday , the remainder to be given out over the weekend .
But federally qualified health centers ( FQHC ) , which replaced hospitals as they disappeared from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the real ground zero in the task of vaccinating disadvantaged communities .
In Illinois , 390 such centers serve 1.4 million Illinoisans , those centers expected to receive the newest COVID-19 vaccine , by Moderna , Inc. , over the course of the next two weeks .
“ Most of the Pfizer vaccine , harder to store at minus 70 degrees Celsius , are going to hospitals , ” said Dr. Wayne Detmer , chief clinical officer at Lawndale Christian Health Center , one of those FQHC ’ s , serving 60,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Community health centers will get the Moderna vaccine , which can be stored at minus 20 degrees Celsius , with a longer shelf life — 30 days , as opposed to Pfizer ’ s five days , ” he said .
Once the rationed doses are received , Lawndale Christian Health Center , 3860 W. Ogden , like other FQHC ’ s , will face an equity dilemma that goes beyond race .
“ One of the challenges is to try and figure out an equitable way to distribute the vaccine among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make some mistakes we ’ ve made in the past , prioritizing only physicians and nurses , ” Detmer said .
“ Lab technicians , staff who clean the rooms , respiratory therapists , reps signing people in — all of these folks are potentially exposed to the coronavirus , ” he said .
“ We need to be sure we ’ re treating people fairly .
You ’ re given a limited dose of vaccine .
You have to find out who in your organization is at highest risk and in most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccines will be given first to health care workers and nursing home residents , then essential workers , older adults and those at high risk , before the general population , by spring .
“ COVID has been quite a challenge for federally qualified health centers .
We ’ re very sensitive to the challenges it has posed within the communities we serve , and hopefully , we can be part of the solution , ” Bruce Miller , CEO of Lawndale Christian Health Center , said .
“ It really will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to feel comfortable going to get their vaccine .
Our role , as a primary health care provider , is to be a trusted agent , and the phases of this really will start with vaccination of our staff.
” After clinicians , an FQHC could prioritize remaining staff based on risk of exposure from their role at the clinic , and/or compassionately based on the risk for severe COVID-19 consequences due to a staffer ’ s underlying conditions .
Its vaccine allotment unknown , Lawndale Christian Health Center is writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really is a Christmas gift to our country , to have this vaccine in such a short time , ” said Detmer .
“ But it does make distribution algorithms challenging .
There ’ s no blueprint for this.
” And there ’ s no blueprint for getting past lack of trust among communities of color — needed if America is to achieve herd immunity by vaccinating at least 75 percent of the population .
At Lawndale Christian Health Center , half the patients and 40 percent of staff are Black — a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system marked by racism and inequity .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s unreasonable for our patients to wonder about safety when this vaccine , from start to finish , happened in less than a year ; and in our country , there is no question people of color have been experimented upon and abused , ” said Detmer .
“ It will be important to listen to people ’ s concerns , and then just tell the truth .
And the truth is that all of the evidence shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine.
” The FQHC will face that trust barrier not only with its patients , then , but with its Black staff .
“ It will be necessary to create communication with our staff , and trust , so that our staff members are all willing , because I think they ’ re going to be hesitant too , ” noted Miller .
“ That ’ s what we ’ re hearing in our initial dialogues .
People are a little bit worried .
They ’ re concerned about , ‘ Should I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do this ?
’ And so we have to first educate our own staff , ” he said .
“ It starts there , before we can move on to our patients .
It ’ s an incredible challenge .
I think we ’ re going to be learning every day , moving from plan A to plan B , and so on .
”

With a second coronavirus vaccine arriving in states Monday, community health centers that have long filled the gap in hospital health care deserts nationwide are prepping for their turn at vaccinating clinical and other staff amid challenges of trust and prioritization.
In Illinois, an initial 109,000 doses of the first vaccine, Pfizer-BioNTech’s, was rolled out last week — 17,000 doses were distributed to hospitals by Friday, the remainder to be given out over the weekend.
But federally qualified health centers (FQHC), which replaced hospitals as they disappeared from rural and inner city communities, will be the real ground zero in the task of vaccinating disadvantaged communities.
In Illinois, 390 such centers serve 1.4 million Illinoisans, those centers expected to receive the newest COVID-19 vaccine, by Moderna, Inc., over the course of the next two weeks.
“Most of the Pfizer vaccine, harder to store at minus 70 degrees Celsius, are going to hospitals,” said Dr. Wayne Detmer, chief clinical officer at Lawndale Christian Health Center, one of those FQHC’s, serving 60,000 Chicagoans in West Side North Lawndale.
“Community health centers will get the Moderna vaccine, which can be stored at minus 20 degrees Celsius, with a longer shelf life — 30 days, as opposed to Pfizer’s five days,” he said.
Once the rationed doses are received, Lawndale Christian Health Center, 3860 W. Ogden, like other FQHC’s, will face an equity dilemma that goes beyond race.
“One of the challenges is to try and figure out an equitable way to distribute the vaccine among staff, so we don’t make some mistakes we’ve made in the past, prioritizing only physicians and nurses,” Detmer said.
Lawndale Christian Health Center in West Side North Lawndale was contracted by the city of Chicago to provide care for high-risk homeless during the pandemic. Standing outside Hotel 166, where the homeless were housed downtown, are Dr. Thomas Huggett and Dr. Wayne Detmer (L-R, Rear); support staff William Knox and nurse practitioner Heather Duncan (L-R, Middle), and three clients. Provided
“Lab technicians, staff who clean the rooms, respiratory therapists, reps signing people in — all of these folks are potentially exposed to the coronavirus,” he said.
“We need to be sure we’re treating people fairly. You’re given a limited dose of vaccine. You have to find out who in your organization is at highest risk and in most need of the vaccine.”
Nationwide, the vaccines will be given first to health care workers and nursing home residents, then essential workers, older adults and those at high risk, before the general population, by spring.
“COVID has been quite a challenge for federally qualified health centers. We’re very sensitive to the challenges it has posed within the communities we serve, and hopefully, we can be part of the solution,” Bruce Miller, CEO of Lawndale Christian Health Center, said.
“It really will come down to the place where people are going to feel comfortable going to get their vaccine. Our role, as a primary health care provider, is to be a trusted agent, and the phases of this really will start with vaccination of our staff.”
Contracted by the city of Chicago to provide care for high-risk homeless there during the pandemic, Lawndale Christian Health Center set up a makeshift clinic at the Downtown Hotel 166. (L-R) Manager Tawana Freeman, medical assistant De’Angel Groves and manager Sandra Alvarado work inside the hotel. Provided
After clinicians, an FQHC could prioritize remaining staff based on risk of exposure from their role at the clinic, and/or compassionately based on the risk for severe COVID-19 consequences due to a staffer’s underlying conditions.
Its vaccine allotment unknown, Lawndale Christian Health Center is writing plans for both scenarios.
“This really is a Christmas gift to our country, to have this vaccine in such a short time,” said Detmer. “But it does make distribution algorithms challenging. There’s no blueprint for this.”
And there’s no blueprint for getting past lack of trust among communities of color — needed if America is to achieve herd immunity by vaccinating at least 75 percent of the population.
At Lawndale Christian Health Center, half the patients and 40 percent of staff are Black — a population with historic distrust of a health system marked by racism and inequity.
Dr. Edwin Mangram gives a COVID-19 test at Lawndale Christian Health Center’s drive-up site at 3860 W. Ogden on the West Side. The center is among 390 federally qualified health centers in Illinois that have long filled the gap in hospital health care deserts. After hospitals, the centers are next in line to receive vaccines for their staffs. Provided
“I don’t think it’s unreasonable for our patients to wonder about safety when this vaccine, from start to finish, happened in less than a year; and in our country, there is no question people of color have been experimented upon and abused,” said Detmer.
“It will be important to listen to people’s concerns, and then just tell the truth. And the truth is that all of the evidence shows that this is a safe and effective vaccine.”
The FQHC will face that trust barrier not only with its patients, then, but with its Black staff.
“It will be necessary to create communication with our staff, and trust, so that our staff members are all willing, because I think they’re going to be hesitant too,” noted Miller.
“That’s what we’re hearing in our initial dialogues. People are a little bit worried. They’re concerned about, ‘Should I do this or shouldn’t I do this?’ And so we have to first educate our own staff,” he said.
“It starts there, before we can move on to our patients. It’s an incredible challenge. I think we’re going to be learning every day, moving from plan A to plan B, and so on.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-20--Halas Intrigue Episode 146: Playoffs? Did you say playoffs?

The Bears outlast the Vikings 33-27 and are right in the thick of the postseason race with two games left @ @ @ @ @ Finley and Mark Potash discuss what comes next .
New episodes of “ Halas Intrigue @ @ @ @ @ with accompanying stories collected on the podcast ’ s hub page .
You can also @ @ @ @ @ ” wherever you get your podcasts , including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Luminary @ @ @ @ @ .

The conversation continues in our “Halas Intrigue” Facebook group
Join experts including Patrick Finley, Mark Potash, Jason Lieser, Rick Morrissey and Rick Telander after each game to make predictions, share insights and analyze the day’s big stories. This is insight you won’t be able to get anywhere else.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-20--Boy, 16, shot in Brainerd

Boy, 16, shot in Brainerd

A 16-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting Sunday in Brainerd on the South Side .
He was in a @ @ @ @ @ the 8900 block of South Vincennes Avenue when someone unleashed gunfire , striking him in @ @ @ @ @ said .
The teen was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 16-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting Sunday in Brainerd on the South Side.
He was in a vehicle about 6:10 p.m. in the 8900 block of South Vincennes Avenue when someone unleashed gunfire, striking him in the abdomen, Chicago police said.
The teen was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition, police said.
Area Two detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.