chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--6 more cold-related deaths reported in Cook County

The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office announced Friday that six more people have died of cold-related causes , bringing the total number of deaths this season to eight .
A 50-year-old man Austin man was found near his home in the West Side neighborhood and taken to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park , where he died Oct. 30 , according to the medical examiner ’ s office said .
An autopsy ruled his death an accident and said he overdosed on a combination of drugs , with probable cold exposure contributing .
Two days later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of West Lawrence Avenue was taken to Resurrection Medical Center , where she also died of a combined drug overdose , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
An autopsy found cold exposure contributed , and ruled her death an accident .
Another man , 52 , was found dead Nov. 14 in the 5900 block of West Roosevelt Road in Cicero , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
An autopsy ruled his death an accident , saying he died of a combined drug overdose with probably cold exposure contributing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man died in the 5600 block of South Laflin Street , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
An autopsy said he died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease , with cold exposure and cocaine and fentanyl intoxication playing a role .
His death was ruled an ccident .
The next day , a 53-year-old man was found dead of cold exposure in the 2700 block of West Foster Avenue , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
An autopsy said ethanol intoxication also factored into his death , which was ruled an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 4 , when a 70-year-old Matteson man was brought to Franciscan Health in Olympia Fields , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
He died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease with cold exposure contributing , and the autopsy ruled his death an accident .
Last season , the medical examiner ’ s office recorded 37 cold-related deaths between Nov. 1 , 2019 and Feb. 26 , 2020 .

The Cook County medical examiner’s office announced Friday that six more people have died of cold-related causes, bringing the total number of deaths this season to eight.
A 50-year-old man Austin man was found near his home in the West Side neighborhood and taken to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, where he died Oct. 30, according to the medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy ruled his death an accident and said he overdosed on a combination of drugs, with probable cold exposure contributing.
Two days later, a 54-year-old woman in the 600 block of West Lawrence Avenue was taken to Resurrection Medical Center, where she also died of a combined drug overdose, the medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy found cold exposure contributed, and ruled her death an accident.
Another man, 52, was found dead Nov. 14 in the 5900 block of West Roosevelt Road in Cicero, the medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy ruled his death an accident, saying he died of a combined drug overdose with probably cold exposure contributing.
On Nov. 14, a 46-year-old man died in the 5600 block of South Laflin Street, the medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy said he died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with cold exposure and cocaine and fentanyl intoxication playing a role. His death was ruled an ccident.
The next day, a 53-year-old man was found dead of cold exposure in the 2700 block of West Foster Avenue, the medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy said ethanol intoxication also factored into his death, which was ruled an accident.
The latest cold-related death happened Dec. 4, when a 70-year-old Matteson man was brought to Franciscan Health in Olympia Fields, the medical examiner’s office said. He died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease with cold exposure contributing, and the autopsy ruled his death an accident.
Last season, the medical examiner’s office recorded 37 cold-related deaths between Nov. 1, 2019 and Feb. 26, 2020.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--Man charged with DUI, illegal gun possession after shots fired at police in Park Manor

A man is facing charges for allegedly fleeing from police Friday in Park Manor after shots were fired at officers .
Harold Graham , 44 , was allegedly driving a black Infiniti SUV without its headlights on about 11:30 p.m. in the 6700 block of South Rhodes Avenue when officers began to follow him , Chicago police said .
Someone threw a trash can in front of the officer ’ s vehicle , police said , and when officers got out to move it several shots were fired in their direction .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear who fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return fire and continued to follow the SUV until it crashed into a utility pole in the 7600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue , police said .
Graham ran from the vehicle but was taken into custody after a brief foot chase , police said .
Officers allegedly found a weapon on him .
Graham was charged with one felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and one felony count of being an armed habitual criminal , police said .
He is also charged with misdemeanor DUI and attempting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court Sunday and was ordered held on $ 50,000 bail , according to Cook County court records .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man is facing charges for allegedly fleeing from police Friday in Park Manor after shots were fired at officers.
Harold Graham, 44, was allegedly driving a black Infiniti SUV without its headlights on about 11:30 p.m. in the 6700 block of South Rhodes Avenue when officers began to follow him, Chicago police said.
Someone threw a trash can in front of the officer’s vehicle, police said, and when officers got out to move it several shots were fired in their direction. It wasn’t immediately clear who fired the rounds.
The officers did not return fire and continued to follow the SUV until it crashed into a utility pole in the 7600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue, police said.
Graham ran from the vehicle but was taken into custody after a brief foot chase, police said. Officers allegedly found a weapon on him.
Graham was charged with one felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and one felony count of being an armed habitual criminal, police said. He is also charged with misdemeanor DUI and attempting to elude police.
He appeared in bond court Sunday and was ordered held on $50,000 bail, according to Cook County court records.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-13--Horoscope for Monday, Dec. 14, 2020

Horoscope for Monday, Dec. 14, 2020

Caution !
Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn .
“ Tally ho !
” This is a fantastic way to begin your week because you ’ re in fine form !
Explore opportunities in publishing , the media , medicine , the law and higher education .
Finish that important paper .
Romance with someone “ different ” will blossom !
Please check moon alert .
You ’ re enthusiastic about financial matters , shared property and insurance issues .
Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait until tomorrow to act .
( See moon alert . )
Start to get your ducks lined up in a row .
This is a great day to schmooze !
All your relations with others , including close friends and partners , will be upbeat and positive .
You might meet someone who is enthusiastic and talkative !
Wait until tomorrow to agree to anything important .
Today you feel upbeat and productive !
Work-related conversations will go well .
You ’ re ready to pull up your sleeves and tackle practical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as matters related to pets or your health might occur .
Wait until tomorrow to act on anything .
Lucky you !
The sun , Mercury and Venus are all in the most playful part of your chart .
That ’ s why you start this week off in a fun-loving , flirtatious , playful way !
Enjoy sports , social interactions , activities with kids and artistic explorations .
This is a tricky day because family discussions are enthusiastic , especially about shared resources and financial matters .
Nevertheless , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to money .
( See moon alert . )
But you certainly can lay the groundwork .
Be careful .
You are a talkative , social sign and today is a talkative social day .
You want to share your ideas and persuade others to agree with you because you ’ re stoked about something .
However , most of this day is a moon alert .
Hmmm , tricky , indeed .
You have to be mindful and put the brakes on many issues today .
This is because you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; however , most of this day is a moon alert , which means you should not act .
Prepare what you can — then act tomorrow .
You feel energetic and enthusiastic today .
You ’ re full of creative ideas and you will enjoy interacting with others .
Do be aware that there is a moon alert in operation for most of this day .
Therefore , don ’ t volunteer for anything .
Wait until tomorrow .
You ’ re happy to work alone or behind the scenes today because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have that warm feeling in your tummy . )
Note : Do your research and get your facts but wait until tomorrow to initiate anything or to act because today there is a moon alert .
A popular day !
You will enjoy talking to friends and groups via social media , email , the phone or by Zoom .
Some of you might interact in person .
You feel you have a lot to say and share with someone .
However , heed the moon alert , which is in action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irony today .
On one hand , your ability to deal with bosses , parents , teachers , VIPs and the police is superb .
Everything is positive , energetic and upbeat !
However , for most of this day , there is a moon alert .
Therefore , it ’ s a poor day to volunteer for anything or agree to anything important .
Oh well .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Miranda Hart ( 1972 ) shares your birthday .
You are ambitious and versatile , which is why you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adore learning and are a student of life .
Exciting changes and opportunities await you this year .
Count on new adventures !
If you can , explore opportunities to travel .
Do whatever you can to expand your world through learning .
Welcome change !
Your personal freedom is your goal this year .

Moon Alert
Caution! Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
“Tally ho!” This is a fantastic way to begin your week because you’re in fine form! Explore opportunities in publishing, the media, medicine, the law and higher education. Finish that important paper. Romance with someone “different” will blossom! Please check moon alert.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You’re enthusiastic about financial matters, shared property and insurance issues. Do your homework about banking issues, but wait until tomorrow to act. (See moon alert.) Start to get your ducks lined up in a row.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
This is a great day to schmooze! All your relations with others, including close friends and partners, will be upbeat and positive. You might meet someone who is enthusiastic and talkative! Wait until tomorrow to agree to anything important.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Today you feel upbeat and productive! Work-related conversations will go well. You’re ready to pull up your sleeves and tackle practical projects. Discussions with coworkers as well as matters related to pets or your health might occur. Wait until tomorrow to act on anything.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Lucky you! The sun, Mercury and Venus are all in the most playful part of your chart. That’s why you start this week off in a fun-loving, flirtatious, playful way! Enjoy sports, social interactions, activities with kids and artistic explorations.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
This is a tricky day because family discussions are enthusiastic, especially about shared resources and financial matters. Nevertheless, this is a poor day to make important decisions related to money. (See moon alert.) But you certainly can lay the groundwork.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Be careful. You are a talkative, social sign and today is a talkative social day. You want to share your ideas and persuade others to agree with you because you’re stoked about something. However, most of this day is a moon alert. Hmmm, tricky, indeed.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You have to be mindful and put the brakes on many issues today. This is because you will be enthusiastic about shopping or financial matters; however, most of this day is a moon alert, which means you should not act. Prepare what you can — then act tomorrow.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
You feel energetic and enthusiastic today. You’re full of creative ideas and you will enjoy interacting with others. Do be aware that there is a moon alert in operation for most of this day. Therefore, don’t volunteer for anything. Wait until tomorrow.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You’re happy to work alone or behind the scenes today because you feel optimistic. (Yes, you have that warm feeling in your tummy.) Note: Do your research and get your facts but wait until tomorrow to initiate anything or to act because today there is a moon alert.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
A popular day! You will enjoy talking to friends and groups via social media, email, the phone or by Zoom. Some of you might interact in person. You feel you have a lot to say and share with someone. However, heed the moon alert, which is in action today.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
There is a bit of irony today. On one hand, your ability to deal with bosses, parents, teachers, VIPs and the police is superb. Everything is positive, energetic and upbeat! However, for most of this day, there is a moon alert. Therefore, it’s a poor day to volunteer for anything or agree to anything important. Oh well.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Miranda Hart (1972) shares your birthday. You are ambitious and versatile, which is why you love to try new things. You adore learning and are a student of life. Exciting changes and opportunities await you this year. Count on new adventures! If you can, explore opportunities to travel. Do whatever you can to expand your world through learning. Welcome change! Your personal freedom is your goal this year.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-13--Cleveland baseball team is preparing to dump Indians nickname: report

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians are changing their name after 105 years .
Citing three people familiar with the decision , The New York Times reported Sunday night that the team is moving away from a name considered racist for decades .
The Indians have been internally discussing a potential name change for months .
A team spokesman told The Associated Press the franchise has no immediate comment on the report .
The Times said the team could make a formal announcement later this week .
It ’ s not known when the name change will take affect or if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moniker .
Cleveland ’ s move away from Indians follows a similar decision earlier this year by the NFL ’ s Washington Football Team .
For years , Native American groups and others have protested against Cleveland ’ s use of Indians as its name as well as other imagery used by the American League charter franchise founded in 1901 .
Last year , the team removed the contentious Chief Wahoo logo from its caps and jerseys , but the smiling , cartoonish mascot has remained popular and merchandise is still sold bearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a backlash from fans upset over Chief Wahoo ’ s removal and the club is certain to hear more with the decision to change its name .
In July , just hours after Washington ’ s plans became known after being pressured by several sponsors , including FedEx which holds naming rights to the football ’ s team ’ s stadium , Cleveland owner Paul Dolan released a statement saying the team would review “ the best path forward with our team name.
” In the months since , the team has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaching staff , community leaders , share holders and Native American groups .
A few days after Dolan ’ s statement , Indians manager Terry Francona said it was time to “ move forward ” with the name change .
“ I ’ ve been thinking about it and been thinking about it before we put out that statement , ” said Francona , who has been with the club since 2013 .
“ I know in the past , when I ’ ve been asked about , whether it ’ s our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think I would usually answer and say I know that we ’ re never trying to be disrespectful .
“ And I still feel that way .
But I don ’ t think that ’ s a good enough answer today .
I think it ’ s time to move forward .
It ’ s a very difficult subject .
It ’ s also delicate .
”

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians are changing their name — they just don’t know to what or when.
Expressing that “it’s time,” owner Paul Dolan said that after months of internal discussions and meetings with groups, including Native Americans who have sought to have the team stop using a moniker many deem racist, the American League franchise is dropping the name it has been known by since 1915.
In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press on Monday, Dolan said: “The name is no longer acceptable in our world.”
Dolan said the team will continue to be called Indians until a new name is chosen.
That “multi-stage” process is in its early stages and the team will play — and be branded — as the Indians at least through next season.
“We’ll be the Indians in 2021 and then after that, it’s a difficult and complex process to identify a new name and do all the things you do around activating that name,” Dolan said. “We are going to work at as quick a pace as we can while doing it right.
“But we’re not going to do something just for the sake of doing it. We’re going to take the time we need to do it right.”
Dolan said the team will not adopt an interim name until choosing its new one.
“We don’t want to be the Cleveland Baseball Team or some other interim name,” he said. “We will continue to be the Indians until we have identified the next name that will hopefully take us through multiple centuries.”
Cleveland’s move away from Indians follows a similar decision earlier this year by the NFL’s Washington Football Team, which was previously known as the Redskins.
“It was a learning process for me and I think when fair-minded, open-minded people really look at it, think about it and maybe even spend some time studying it, I like to think they would come to the same conclusion: It’s a name that had its time, but this is not the time now, and certainly going forward, the name is no longer acceptable in our world,” Dolan said.
As Cleveland considers options for names, Dolan said Tribe, which has been a popular nickname for the club for decades, has been ruled out.
“We are not going to take a half-step away from the Indians,” he said. “The new name, and I do not know what it is, will not be a name that has Native American themes or connotations to it. Frankly, that (Tribe) would have been a name that I would have loved to pivot to.
“But in talking to these groups, they made it very clear that the issues that are attached to the Indians don’t go away with Tribe, particularly since Tribe has been tied to the experience of our team for many many decades,” he said.
The name change by the Indians is the latest by an organization reacting to a national movement, which gained momentum in the wake of widespread civil rights protests last summer, to have prejudicial names and symbols removed.
Across the south, Civil War monuments were taken down, and in some cases names were taken off buildings.
Dolan said his “awakening or epiphany” came following the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died while being arrested by white Minneapolis police officers this summer.
He empathizes with a segment of Cleveland fans who will be displeased with decision.
“I fully understand it,” he said of expected backlash. “I consider myself a fifth-generation Clevelander. It’s in our blood and baseball and the Indians are synonymous, and that goes to the whole intent versus impact thing. Nobody intended anything negative by our attachment to the name Indians, but the impact has been tough.”
Washington dropped the name Redskins in July after bowing to pressure from corporate sponsors.
It was only hours later that Dolan announced a thorough review of the team’s name. He promised to listen and learn, and that’s what transpired in recent months during discussions with fans, business leaders, players, social activists and researchers focused on Native American culture and issues.
Dolan called those conversations “both enlightening and challenging.”
He added there’s a delicate balance between moving ahead and looking back.
“We are going to honor our past,” he said. “We’re not walking away from our past. We’ll be the Cleveland Indians of 1915 to whatever year is that we ultimately change. We will always celebrate that. I don’t think we have to ignore it.
“But from the day we make the change, the new history that we build together as a community with our team will be under the banner of a different name.”
Cleveland’s name change comes on the heels of the team removing the controversial Chief Wahoo logo from its caps and jerseys in 2019.
The team has never stopped selling merchandise bearing the grinning, cartoonish figure, but Dolan said any profits from future sales of Wahoo items will go to Native American organizations or causes supporting Native Americans.
Dolan’s family bought the Indians in 2000, and even then he knew Chief Wahoo “was problematic.” It was only after this summer’s unrest and in educating himself on Native American issues that he recognized Indians in the same light.
“There is definitely some pain in this. It’s the end of an era or the beginning of an era. But accompanying that is the recognition and maybe even excitement that we’re going on to do something that is better. It will be better for the community. It will be better for our team. And it will be something hopefully that unites everybody. It’s not anything that we have to feel any kind of reluctance about expressing,” he said..
“It’s going to take some time for everybody to embrace but I think when they do, we’ll all be better off for it.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--Madigan committee concludes suddenly — fails to find wrongdoing

The committee looking into Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan ’ s dealings with ComEd failed to find that he did anything wrong in a vote that split along party lines , concluding its work after convening three times and hearing from one witness .
In their first meeting since September , members argued over motions to subpoena the speaker and others tied to the investigation surrounding an alleged bribery scheme in which ComEd is accused of sending $ 1.3 million to Madigan ’ s associates for doing little or no work for the utility .
On a motion brought by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorize the charge against Madigan , the six-member committee deadlocked , with the three Republicans voting to approve a charge that Madigan engaged in conduct unbecoming of a legislator while the Democrats voted no .
Rep. Emanuel “ Chris ” Welch , D-Hillside , who chairs the committee , said , “ This was the last committee hearing of the show trial.
” “ That ’ s what this was , a show trial , ” Welch said after the meeting .
“ This is a political show that was concocted by Minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a plain power grab by the minority party.
” Asked why he didn ’ t push Madigan to appear , Welch said , “ I do not support subpoenas in this process .
“ This is a sham , political show trial to help leader Durkin try to become speaker , and he ’ s abusing what this rule was meant for , and to to vote to support subpoenas in this process is pandering to that abuse , and I refused to do it , ” Welch said .
After the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , called it a “ failure of the House of Representatives.
” “ It was our duty to conduct this investigation to support and try to rebuild the integrity and trust of the House of Representatives , ” Demmer said .
“ But what we saw under the leadership of Chairman Welch was a process that sought not to hear from additional witnesses ... and sought to bring the committee to a conclusion before we had the information necessary to make a qualified judgment … the people deserve to have a speaker of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a federal investigation.
” During the afternoon meeting , the committee debated , and failed to pass , motions that would have brought another representative from ComEd to testify before them about documents the utility company released to the panel last month , as well as motions to issue subpoenas .
One of those motions , which would issue subpoenas to “ certain persons , ” sparked the ire of Rep. Grant Wehrli , R-Naperville .
“ ...
I ’ m supposed to vote on a motion that ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Illinois because this body , the three Democrats on this , will not go so far as to even name names , ” Wehrli said .
“ This isn ’ t Voldemort we ’ re talking about here , you can actually say the man ’ s name .
You ’ re going to excruciating lengths to protect Michael J Madigan from ever having to testify ... ” Rep. Deanne Mazzochi , R-Elmhurst , said Welch never gave any indication that the Monday meeting would be the committee ’ s last .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying ‘ Well , you don ’ t have any evidence that [ Madigan ] knew , well that ’ s exactly what we were trying to do today is ‘ OK , let ’ s issue the subpoena , bring Mike Madigan in , put him under oath where there ’ s penalties of perjury ... ’ ” Mazzochi said .
“ They didn ’ t say ‘ Yes , let ’ s get sunlight , ’ they said ‘ No , let ’ s sundown ’ — let ’ s end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any questions about ‘ did you know and did you do it ?
’ How is that an honest investigation when you shut that process down ?
” Durkin and two other Republicans filed a petition to create the committee in September — Democrats pointed to mention of him in documents from ComEd as proof that Republicans and Democrats make job recommendations .
“ The Democratic Party shows again today there is no limit to the lengths they will go to protect Speaker Madigan , ” Durkin said in a statement .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manley have turned the rule of law on its head by refusing to investigate the charges and demand the testimony of Speaker Madigan in this scandal .
I call on Gov .
Pritzker to finally demand Speaker Madigan resign as it is clear he refuses to answer any questions about his corrupt practices.
” Madigan , who has not been charged with wrongdoing , said “ Jim Durkin insisted on initiating this political theater , and through this process we ’ ve come to learn that he was involved in the very conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – recommending people for various jobs .
“ If Jim Durkin actually believes it is conduct unbecoming of a legislator to recommend people for jobs or help constituents , he might want to review his own hypocritical behavior .
Rather than finger-pointing , I suggest we focus on the important work that lies ahead of us , ” the statement continued .

The committee looking into Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s dealings with ComEd did not find he did anything wrong in a vote that split along party lines, concluding its work after convening three times and hearing from one witness.
In their first meeting since September, members argued over motions to subpoena the speaker and others tied to the investigation surrounding an alleged bribery scheme in which ComEd is accused of sending $1.3 million to Madigan’s associates for doing little or no work for the utility.
On a motion brought by Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, to authorize the charge against Madigan, the six-member committee deadlocked, with the three Republicans voting to approve a charge that Madigan engaged in conduct unbecoming of a legislator while the Democrats voted no.
Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, who chairs the committee, said, “This was the last committee hearing of the show trial.”
“That’s what this was, a show trial,” Welch said after the meeting. “This is a political show that was concocted by Minority Leader [Jim] Durkin; this was a plain power grab by the minority party.”
Asked why he didn’t push Madigan to appear, Welch said, “I do not support subpoenas in this process.
“This is a sham, political show trial to help leader Durkin try to become speaker, and he’s abusing what this rule was meant for, and to to vote to support subpoenas in this process is pandering to that abuse, and I refused to do it,” Welch said.
After the meeting, Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, called it a “failure of the House of Representatives.”
“It was our duty to conduct this investigation to support and try to rebuild the integrity and trust of the House of Representatives,” Demmer said. “But what we saw under the leadership of Chairman Welch was a process that sought not to hear from additional witnesses . . . and sought to bring the committee to a conclusion before we had the information necessary to make a qualified judgment . . . the people deserve to have a speaker of the House who is not the subject of a federal investigation.”
During the afternoon meeting, the committee debated and but did not pass motions that would have brought another representative from ComEd to testify before them about documents the utility company released to the panel last month, as well as motions to issue subpoenas.
One of those motions, which would issue subpoenas to “certain persons,” sparked the ire of Rep. Grant Wehrli, R-Naperville.
“... I’m supposed to vote on a motion that’s going to subpoena pretty much everybody in the state of Illinois because this body, the three Democrats on this, will not go so far as to even name names,” Wehrli said. “This isn’t Voldemort we’re talking about here, you can actually say the man’s name. You’re going to excruciating lengths to protect Michael J. Madigan from ever having to testify...”
Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, said Welch never gave any indication that the Monday meeting would be the committee’s last.
“I understand that the Democrats are saying ‘Well, you don’t have any evidence that [Madigan] knew, well that’s exactly what we were trying to do today is ‘OK, let’s issue the subpoena, bring Mike Madigan in, put him under oath where there’s penalties of perjury . . . ‘” Mazzochi said. “They didn’t say, ‘Yes, let’s get sunlight,’ they said ‘No, let’s sundown’ . . . How is that an honest investigation when you shut that process down?”
Durkin and two other Republicans filed a petition to create the committee in September. Democrats pointed to a mention of Durkin in documents from ComEd as proof that both Republicans and Democrats make job recommendations.
“The Democratic Party shows again today there is no limit to the lengths they will go to protect Speaker Madigan,” Durkin said in a statement. “I call on Gov. Pritzker to finally demand Speaker Madigan resign as it is clear he refuses to answer any questions about his corrupt practices.”
Madigan, who has not been charged with wrongdoing, said “Jim Durkin insisted on initiating this political theater, and through this process we’ve come to learn that he was involved in the very conduct he claims to be so offended by — recommending people for various jobs.
“If Jim Durkin actually believes it is conduct unbecoming of a legislator to recommend people for jobs or help constituents, he might want to review his own hypocritical behavior. Rather than finger-pointing, I suggest we focus on the important work that lies ahead of us,” the statement continued.
In September, ComEd attorney David Glockner testified before lawmakers that he wasn’t aware that a particular hire was done “with an effort to curry favor with . . . Leader Durkin.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--‘Real Housewives’ Erika Jayne’s husband held in civil contempt over missing Lion Air settlement cash

A federal judge in Chicago held the lawyer husband of “ Real Housewives of Beverly Hills ” star Erika Jayne and his law firm in civil contempt Monday when he could not explain what happened to at least $ 2 million due to people who lost family in the Lion Air Flight 610 crash .
U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin also froze the assets of lawyer Thomas Girardi and the Girardi Keese law firm , explaining that the “ simple way to cure all of this ” is to pay at least four clients he said are each owed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and orphans , ” Durkin said .
“ Half a million dollars for any one of these families is a significant amount of money .
Life changing , given the tragedy they went through.
” Though Girardi attended Monday ’ s hearing by telephone , he spoke only once to let the judge hear his voice .
When Durkin asked him to explain what happened to the money , a lawyer representing him told the judge , “ I ’ ve advised him to decline that.
” She also said Girardi was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A fifth client also may not have been paid , the judge noted .
Durkin said he planned to refer the matter to the U.S. attorney ’ s office .
Following that referral , federal prosecutors in Chicago asked the judge late Monday to give them and other law enforcement personnel access to sealed filings in the case .
The Chicago law firm Edelson PC named Erika Girardi , also known as Erika Jayne , in a lawsuit this month alleging Thomas Girardi embezzled money from settlements related to the crash of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep up the couple ’ s celebrity status and to “ project a public image of obscene wealth at all times , and at whatever the cost.
” Edelson also sought the contempt finding against the Girardi Keese law firm in related litigation presided over by Durkin .
Lawyer Jay Edelson told Durkin on Monday that Thomas Girardi called him last week and offered him money to make the dispute go away .
The allegations against the couple revolve around the case in Durkin ’ s court , which stems from the October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 aircraft after it left Jakarta , Indonesia .
The lawsuit said Boeing reached individual settlements with clients and families represented by Girardi Keese and Edelson , with primary terms reached early in 2020 .
The lawsuit outlines multiple attempts by Edelson to find out whether the clients had been paid , allegedly resulting in mixed answers .
It also accused Girardi and his wife of leading “ opulent ” and “ notoriously lavish lifestyles , ” pointing to $ 40,000 per month Jayne reportedly spends on her “ look ” and Girardi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table at Morton ’ s The Steakhouse in Los Angeles .
“ Erika even performs a song called ‘ Exxpen $ ive , ’ featuring the hook ‘ it ’ s expensive to be me , ’ ” the lawsuit notes .
It claims the couple is “ facing increasing pressure to actually pay down their debts ” and alleges their publicly filed divorce “ is a sham proceeding ” designed to shield assets from creditors .
It also says “ Girardi and Jayne siphoned significant sums of money from lenders and clients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Girardi Keese bank accounts “ for personal use.
” Hours after the lawsuit was filed Dec. 2 , Jayne posted a photograph of herself on her Twitter account accompanied by two words : “ High drama .
”

A federal judge in Chicago held the lawyer husband of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne and his law firm in civil contempt Monday when he could not explain what happened to at least $2 million due to people who lost family in the Lion Air Flight 610 crash.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin also froze the assets of lawyer Thomas Girardi and the Girardi Keese law firm, explaining that the “simple way to cure all of this” is to pay at least four clients he said are each owed a half-million dollars.
“These are widows and orphans,” Durkin said. “Half a million dollars for any one of these families is a significant amount of money. Life changing, given the tragedy they went through.”
Though Girardi attended Monday’s hearing by telephone, he spoke only once to let the judge hear his voice. When Durkin asked him to explain what happened to the money, a lawyer representing him told the judge, “I’ve advised him to decline that.”
She also said Girardi was not able to pay the $2 million. A fifth client also may not have been paid, the judge noted. Durkin said he planned to refer the matter to the U.S. attorney’s office. Following that referral, federal prosecutors in Chicago asked the judge late Monday to give them and other law enforcement personnel access to sealed filings in the case.
The Chicago law firm Edelson PC named Erika Girardi, also known as Erika Jayne, in a lawsuit this month alleging Thomas Girardi embezzled money from settlements related to the crash of Lion Air Flight 610 in order to keep up the couple’s celebrity status and to “project a public image of obscene wealth at all times, and at whatever the cost.”
Edelson also sought the contempt finding against the Girardi Keese law firm in related litigation presided over by Durkin. Lawyer Jay Edelson told Durkin on Monday that Thomas Girardi called him last week and offered him money to make the dispute go away.
The allegations against the couple revolve around the case in Durkin’s court, which stems from the October 2018 crash of the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft after it left Jakarta, Indonesia. The lawsuit said Boeing reached individual settlements with clients and families represented by Girardi Keese and Edelson, with primary terms reached early in 2020.
The lawsuit outlines multiple attempts by Edelson to find out whether the clients had been paid, allegedly resulting in mixed answers. It also accused Girardi and his wife of leading “opulent” and “notoriously lavish lifestyles,” pointing to $40,000 per month Jayne reportedly spends on her “look” and Girardi’s daily standing reservation and exclusive table at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Los Angeles.
“Erika even performs a song called ‘Exxpen$ive,’ featuring the hook ‘it’s expensive to be me,’” the lawsuit notes.
It claims the couple is “facing increasing pressure to actually pay down their debts” and alleges their publicly filed divorce “is a sham proceeding” designed to shield assets from creditors. It also says “Girardi and Jayne siphoned significant sums of money from lenders and clients” and moved it out of the Girardi Keese bank accounts “for personal use.”
Hours after the lawsuit was filed Dec. 2, Jayne posted a photograph of herself on her Twitter account accompanied by two words: “High drama.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--Georgia and its long history of voter suppression

Now that Donald Trump ’ s baseless lies about voter fraud have been summarily dismissed by the courts , perhaps some attention can be paid to the true threat to free and fair elections : systemic and massive voter suppression .
Voter suppression , not voter fraud , could have critically important effects in Senate runoff elections in Georgia that will determine which party controls the majority in the U.S. Senate .
In Georgia , voting rights groups , including the Rainbow Push Coalition and the Black Votes Matter Fund , have filed a lawsuit challenging the wrongful purge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the last two years .
They are seeking , with the aid of counsel provided by the National Bar Association , injunctive relief to reinstate these voters prior to the Jan. 5 Senate runoff races .
As a September report from the Georgia American Civil Liberties Union states , the voters purged are likely to be “ young voters , voters of lower income and citizens of racial groups that have been denied their sacred right to vote in the past.
” With Republicans in control of the state , it isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are likely to vote overwhelmingly for Democrats .
Nor is it surprising that the state chose not to use a licensee of the U.S .
Postal Service — as required by law — to carry out the mailing designed to confirm that the voters were no longer at the address .
Instead , it was done by a one-person firm located in Nebraska .
An independent analysis of over 300,000 voters purged from the rolls after 2018 showed that over 60 % wrongfully lost their right to vote because of an incorrect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Too often , these voters never discover they have been purged until the time to vote , when it is too late .
The ACLU and Greg Palast , the independent investigator who discovered the wrongful purges , tried repeatedly to get the Georgia secretary of state to agree to meet to review the proof of unjustified purges .
After receiving no reply , voting rights groups decided they had no choice but to file the lawsuit .
Georgia has a long history of voter suppression , dating back to the post-Civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used widespread violence to intimidate Black and Republican voters in order to re-establish white supremacy .
Georgia was one of the states that perfected Jim Crow laws to limit Black votes .
Now , as Rev .
William Barber II notes , “ Jim Crow did not retire ; he went to law school and launched a second career .
Meet James Crow , Esquire.
” Georgia has employed all of the modern techniques of voter suppression .
It has closed polling places disproportionately in areas of Black concentration , forcing voters to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vote .
It has repeatedly purged the voting rolls , striking far more voters off than the average state across the country .
It required “ exact match ” voter signatures on registrations , with up to 80 % of those disqualified people of color ( a lawsuit brought that ploy largely to an end in 2019 ) .
When Republicans assumed total control of the state in 2010 , the resulting gerrymandering was , as Rep. John Lewis stated , “ an affront to the spirit and the letter of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening in Georgia has been happening in states under Republican control across the country .
Increasingly a minority party in a diverse and young nation , Republicans have been perfecting ways to gain power without capturing a majority of the votes .
In Georgia , a hearing on the lawsuit — backed by a record of independent and authoritative expert analysis of the voters purged from the rolls — was slated for Dec. 10 .
Hopefully , this injustice can be corrected before the runoff in January .
Donald Trump ’ s false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front pages and immediate attention of courts across the land .
Ironically , the authoritative challenge to brazen voter suppression has received far less attention .
In Georgia and elsewhere , it will take constant attention , citizen mobilization and litigation to challenge the increasingly sophisticated efforts to suppress the vote .

Now that Donald Trump’s baseless lies about voter fraud have been summarily dismissed by the courts, perhaps some attention can be paid to the true threat to free and fair elections: systemic and massive voter suppression.
Voter suppression, not voter fraud, could have critically important effects in Senate runoff elections in Georgia that will determine which party controls the majority in the U.S. Senate.
In Georgia, voting rights groups, including the Rainbow Push Coalition and the Black Votes Matter Fund, have filed a lawsuit challenging the wrongful purge of nearly 200,000 voters from the voting rolls over the last two years. They are seeking, with the aid of counsel provided by the National Bar Association, injunctive relief to reinstate these voters prior to the Jan. 5 Senate runoff races.
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
As a September report from the Georgia American Civil Liberties Union states, the voters purged are likely to be “young voters, voters of lower income and citizens of racial groups that have been denied their sacred right to vote in the past.”
With Republicans in control of the state, it isn’t surprising that these are voters who are likely to vote overwhelmingly for Democrats. Nor is it surprising that the state chose not to use a licensee of the U.S. Postal Service — as required by law — to carry out the mailing designed to confirm that the voters were no longer at the address. Instead, it was done by a one-person firm located in Nebraska.
An independent analysis of over 300,000 voters purged from the rolls after 2018 showed that over 60% wrongfully lost their right to vote because of an incorrect assumption that they had changed their address. Too often, these voters never discover they have been purged until the time to vote, when it is too late.
Opinion Newsletter
The ACLU and Greg Palast, the independent investigator who discovered the wrongful purges, tried repeatedly to get the Georgia secretary of state to agree to meet to review the proof of unjustified purges. After receiving no reply, voting rights groups decided they had no choice but to file the lawsuit.
Georgia has a long history of voter suppression, dating back to the post-Civil War period when the Ku Klux Klan used widespread violence to intimidate Black and Republican voters in order to re-establish white supremacy. Georgia was one of the states that perfected Jim Crow laws to limit Black votes. Now, as Rev. William Barber II notes, “Jim Crow did not retire; he went to law school and launched a second career. Meet James Crow, Esquire.”
Georgia has employed all of the modern techniques of voter suppression. It has closed polling places disproportionately in areas of Black concentration, forcing voters to wait in lines for hours to cast a vote. It has repeatedly purged the voting rolls, striking far more voters off than the average state across the country. It required “exact match” voter signatures on registrations, with up to 80% of those disqualified people of color (a lawsuit brought that ploy largely to an end in 2019). When Republicans assumed total control of the state in 2010, the resulting gerrymandering was, as Rep. John Lewis stated, “an affront to the spirit and the letter of the Voting Rights Act.”
What has been happening in Georgia has been happening in states under Republican control across the country. Increasingly a minority party in a diverse and young nation, Republicans have been perfecting ways to gain power without capturing a majority of the votes.
In Georgia, a hearing on the lawsuit — backed by a record of independent and authoritative expert analysis of the voters purged from the rolls — was slated for Dec. 10. Hopefully, this injustice can be corrected before the runoff in January.
Donald Trump’s false claims about voter fraud have captured the front pages and immediate attention of courts across the land. Ironically, the authoritative challenge to brazen voter suppression has received far less attention.
In Georgia and elsewhere, it will take constant attention, citizen mobilization and litigation to challenge the increasingly sophisticated efforts to suppress the vote.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com


chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--Renaming Lake Shore Drive requires careful deliberation

We ’ re still contemplating whether Lake Shore Drive should be renamed in honor of the city ’ s first non-native settler , Jean Baptiste Point DuSable — a measure being pushed now by a group of Chicago alderman .
But we do know this : Rather than have aldermen suggest street renaming in an ad hoc fashion as is the case with DuSable , there must be a more formalized and predictable process and criteria by which the recommendation for renaming streets is made .
Just as the city has a process to landmark important buildings , it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after distinguished individuals .
That means a set of requirements for eligibility would be determined , and names of those who fit the criteria would be considered for nomination .
A commission could meet yearly to deliberate on a slate of recommendations made by the public , civic groups or city officials .
Any factors against a nomination would be voiced in the commission ’ s public hearings and would factor into whether a recommendation is ultimately made to the City Council Zoning Committee for approval , just as is the case for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an official street renaming and how it is done is an important adjunct to the ongoing discussion on monuments and memorials that ’ s been happening in the city and around the world , particularly in the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd last summer .
The names and histories of Black people , women and other ethnic groups who made important contributions to Chicago ’ s history were too often set aside when it became time to create memorials or name schools , streets and parks .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excluded these histories but also were problematic themselves .
The city wisely formed an advisory committee last August to address the issues with public monuments .
But this temporary committee could be made a permanent commission — as is the case with the Commission on Chicago Landmarks — with the renaming of streets , schools and parks added to its remit .
This isn ’ t an attempt to pass the buck on the issue of DuSable .
The famed Haitian-born trader who in 1790 settled in what would later become Chicago has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a planned Chicago park named in his honor .
Given his pioneering role in foreseeing the commercial aspects of the Chicago River that others would later exploit and essentially create modern Chicago , a case can be made that DuSable deserves a prominent street named in his honor .
But renaming Chicago ’ s most famous and storied street is no small thing .
To even consider doing so deserves a process that is also worthy of honor .

We’re still contemplating whether Lake Shore Drive should be renamed in honor of the city’s first non-native settler, Jean Baptiste Point DuSable — a measure being pushed now by a group of Chicago aldermen.
But we do know this: Rather than have aldermen suggest street renaming in an ad hoc fashion as is the case with DuSable, there must be a more formalized and predictable process and criteria by which the recommendation for renaming streets is made.
Editorials bug Editorials
Similar to landmarks process
Just as the city has a process to landmark important buildings, it could develop a similar path to rename streets after distinguished individuals.
That means a set of requirements for eligibility would be determined, and names of those who fit the criteria would be considered for nomination.
A commission could meet yearly to deliberate on a slate of recommendations made by the public, civic groups or city officials.
Any factors against a nomination would be voiced in the commission’s public hearings and would factor into whether a recommendation is ultimately made to the City Council Zoning Committee for approval, just as is the case for proposed landmarks.
A process worthy of DuSable
Whom the city memorializes with an official street renaming and how it is done is an important adjunct to the ongoing discussion on monuments and memorials that’s been happening in the city and around the world, particularly in the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd last summer.
The names and histories of Black people, women and other ethnic groups who made important contributions to Chicago’s history were too often set aside when it became time to create memorials or name schools, streets and parks.
And some memorials that were created not only excluded these histories but also were problematic themselves.
The city wisely formed an advisory committee last August to address the issues with public monuments. But this temporary committee could be made a permanent commission — as is the case with the Commission on Chicago Landmarks — with the renaming of streets, schools and parks added to its remit.
This isn’t an attempt to pass the buck on the issue of DuSable. The famed Haitian-born trader who in 1790 settled in what would later become Chicago has a bridge, a high school and a planned Chicago park named in his honor.
Given his pioneering role in foreseeing the commercial aspects of the Chicago River that others would later exploit and essentially create modern Chicago, a case can be made that DuSable deserves a prominent street named in his honor.
But renaming Chicago’s most famous and storied street is no small thing. To even consider doing so deserves a process that is also worthy of honor.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com


chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--Celebrate news about the COVID-19 vaccine, but don’t let your guard down

With the COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA and already in its early stages of distribution , we all ought to be feeling grateful and optimistic .
I certainly am because , as a cancer survivor , I am at a higher risk of having a negative impact from the virus .
But , because of this , I also know that we must not let our guard down because of the positive news .
We owe it to the essential workers who can ’ t stay home and who have spent nearly a year in high-risk jobs .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been on the front lines of this battle , and too often seen loss .
And we owe it to the biopharmaceutical scientists and researchers who have made the vaccines that I hope will end this pandemic .
We owe it to them to keep wearing masks , to keep washing our hands , to keep maintaining our social distance and to keep following the guidance of our local health authorities .
We are so close to the end of this pandemic and a return to normalcy .
Now is the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can to keep ourselves , our loved ones and everyone we interact with as safe as possible .
Vaccine access and putting others first I am over 65 , but I ’ m in pretty robust health , and my finances are secure .
If I have to wait a little longer to take off my mask and hug my friends so the single mom on the next block , who can ’ t afford health insurance and who is struggling to feed her kids , can have access to the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so .
My turn will come soon enough .
I ’ ve seen recent stories about Donald Trump — whom the nation rejected in his bid for a second term — replacing the leadership at the Department of Defense and the Voice of America with loyalists ; having contractors racing to build the border wall , despoiling wilderness areas in the process ; and executing those sentenced to death for federal crimes at an accelerated rate , all before his term ends .
Trump ’ s behavior in his lame-duck period makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other than a desire to perform social and political vandalism or vengeance — in this case , against the voters who rejected him .
I suppose that there is , since greed must be in there somewhere .

With the COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA and already in its early stages of distribution, we all ought to be feeling grateful and optimistic. I certainly am because, as a cancer survivor, I am at a higher risk of having a negative impact from the virus. But, because of this, I also know that we must not let our guard down because of the positive news.
We owe it to the essential workers who can’t stay home and who have spent nearly a year in high-risk jobs. We owe it to the medical workers who have been on the front lines of this battle, and too often seen loss. And we owe it to the biopharmaceutical scientists and researchers who have made the vaccines that I hope will end this pandemic.
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.
We owe it to them to keep wearing masks, to keep washing our hands, to keep maintaining our social distance and to keep following the guidance of our local health authorities.
We are so close to the end of this pandemic and a return to normalcy. Now is the time to redouble our efforts and do everything we can to keep ourselves, our loved ones and everyone we interact with as safe as possible.
Ashvin Lad, Lake View
Vaccine access and putting others first
I am over 65, but I’m in pretty robust health, and my finances are secure.
If I have to wait a little longer to take off my mask and hug my friends so the single mom on the next block, who can’t afford health insurance and who is struggling to feed her kids, can have access to the vaccine, then I’m ready to do so.
My turn will come soon enough.
David G. Whiteis, Humboldt Park
Greed and Donald Trump
I’ve seen recent stories about Donald Trump — whom the nation rejected in his bid for a second term — replacing the leadership at the Department of Defense and the Voice of America with loyalists; having contractors racing to build the border wall, despoiling wilderness areas in the process; and executing those sentenced to death for federal crimes at an accelerated rate, all before his term ends.
Trump’s behavior in his lame-duck period makes me wonder if he has any motivation other than a desire to perform social and political vandalism or vengeance — in this case, against the voters who rejected him.
I suppose that there is, since greed must be in there somewhere.
Curt Fredrikson, Mokena


chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Illinois as state announces 7,214 new cases and 103 additional deaths

Illinois on Monday received its first COVID-19 vaccine shipments and workers hit the ground running to begin distributing doses to hospitals around the state , with vaccinations beginning Tuesday for frontline health care workers .
About 109,000 doses were expected to be delivered to Illinois between initial shipments Monday and another round of deliveries expected Wednesday , Pritzker said .
Chicago received a direct shipment of about 23,000 doses , with the first shots expected to be administered to workers at Loretto Hospital , 645 S. Central Ave. , Tuesday at 10:30 a.m .
The process that will be streamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media accounts , according to the Chicago Department of Public Health .
The remaining 86,000 are earmarked for the state ’ s 50 counties suffering the highest per capita coronavirus death rates , with direct shipments from the federal government planned for health departments in four of the hardest hit counties : Cook , Lake , Madison and St. Clair .
“ Today marks a momentous occasion , not just this year , but in American history , ” Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Monday .
“ Eleven months after scientists the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sequence of the virus , we are seeing the beginning of the end of this pandemic.
” Hundreds of thousands of more doses are expected to arrive in the coming weeks , Pritzker said .
Emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine , which is being manufactured in Kalamazoo , Michigan , was approved by federal regulators Friday .
The vaccine arrived on a day in which COVID-19 deaths in the United States surpassed 300,000 .
On Monday , Illinois ’ death toll stood at 14,394 .
Frontline hospital and health care workers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by long-term care facility residents , essential workers and people 65 or older with underlying health conditions .
Beginning next week , the state will begin reserving portions of those weekly shipments for residents and staff of long term care facilities for a program being managed by the federal government through contracts with CVS and Walgreens .
It ’ s estimated that the next three shipments should provide enough doses for all the skilled nursing facilities that have signed up through the national program , at which point the program is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as assisted living facilities , according to Pritzker .
“ We have been praying for this day and preparing for this day for months , ” Dr. Ngozi Ezike , the state ’ s chief health official , said .
Federal guidance on what order the vaccine should be distributed to other essential workers and vulnerable populations is expected in the coming days .
Pritzker himself said he wasn ’ t sure when he ’ d get a shot .
“ It will be some time , and I ’ ll take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
On Monday morning , Pritzker was at the state ’ s strategic national stockpile warehouse , the location of which is being kept secret for security reasons , to see thousands of doses transferred to freezers prior to the next round of deliveries across the state .
The vaccine must be stored in extremely low temperatures — about 94 degrees below zero .
Pfizer is using containers with dry ice and GPS-enabled sensors to ensure each shipment stays colder than the weather in Antarctica .
The doses were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administered several weeks apart .
Meanwhile , health officials are hopeful that Illinois might avoid an expected surge of COVID-19 cases stemming from people traveling and interacting over Thanksgiving .
Only two of the state ’ s 11 regions have experienced a “ tiny increase ” in cases , said Ezike , referencing data from a seven-day stretch that ended Saturday .
“ We haven ’ t seen something significant to talk about now , ” she said .
“ We ’ ll keep our fingers crossed.
” On Monday , a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reported in Illinois .
The new cases came from a batch of 92,256 tests performed in the previous 24 hours .
The state ’ s seven-day positivity rate for cases from Dec. 7 to Dec. 13 decreased slightly to 8.7 % from 9.1 % .
As of Sunday night , 4,951 people who tested positive for COVID-19 were reported to be in the hospital .
Of that number , 1,070 patients were in intensive care and 621 patients were on ventilators .

Illinois on Monday received its first COVID-19 vaccine shipments and workers hit the ground running to begin distributing doses to hospitals around the state, with vaccinations beginning Tuesday for frontline health care workers.
About 109,000 doses were expected to be delivered to Illinois between initial shipments Monday and another round of deliveries expected Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.
Chicago received a direct shipment of about 23,000 doses, with the first shots expected to be administered to workers at Loretto Hospital, 645 S. Central Ave., Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The process that will be streamed live on the mayor’s social media accounts, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.
The remaining 86,000 are earmarked for the state’s 50 counties suffering the highest per capita coronavirus death rates, with direct shipments from the federal government planned for health departments in four of the hardest hit counties: Cook, Lake, Madison and St. Clair.
“Today marks a momentous occasion, not just this year, but in American history,” Pritzker said Monday. “Eleven months after scientists the world over got their hands on the genetic sequence of the virus, we are seeing the beginning of the end of this pandemic.”
Hundreds of thousands of more doses are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, Pritzker said.
Emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine, which is being manufactured in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was approved by federal regulators Friday.
The vaccine arrived on a day in which COVID-19 deaths in the United States surpassed 300,000. On Monday, Illinois’ death toll stood at 14,394.
Frontline hospital and health care workers will be first in line for vaccines, followed by long-term care facility residents, essential workers and people 65 or older with underlying health conditions.
Beginning next week, the state will begin reserving portions of those weekly shipments for residents and staff of long term care facilities for a program being managed by the federal government through contracts with CVS and Walgreens.
It’s estimated that the next three shipments should provide enough doses for all the skilled nursing facilities that have signed up through the national program, at which point the program is expected to expand to other congregate care settings such as assisted living facilities, according to Pritzker.
“We have been praying for this day and preparing for this day for months,” Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the state’s chief health official, said.
Federal guidance on what order the vaccine should be distributed to other essential workers and vulnerable populations is expected in the coming days.
Pritzker himself said he wasn’t sure when he’d get a shot.
“It will be some time, and I’ll take it whenever my turn comes up,” he said.
On Monday morning, Pritzker was at the state’s strategic national stockpile warehouse, the location of which is being kept secret for security reasons, to see thousands of doses transferred to freezers prior to the next round of deliveries across the state.
The vaccine must be stored in extremely low temperatures — about 94 degrees below zero. Pfizer is using containers with dry ice and GPS-enabled sensors to ensure each shipment stays colder than the weather in Antarctica.
The doses were the first of two shots designed to be administered several weeks apart.
Meanwhile, health officials are hopeful that Illinois might avoid an expected surge of COVID-19 cases stemming from people traveling and interacting over Thanksgiving.
Only two of the state’s 11 regions have experienced a “tiny increase” in cases, said Ezike, referencing data from a seven-day stretch that ended Saturday.
“We haven’t seen something significant to talk about now,” she said. “We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”
On Monday, a total of 7,214 new cases and 103 deaths were reported in Illinois.
The new cases came from a batch of 92,256 tests performed in the previous 24 hours.
The state’s seven-day positivity rate for cases from Dec. 7 to Dec. 13 decreased slightly to 8.7% from 9.1%.
As of Sunday night, 4,951 people who tested positive for COVID-19 were reported to be in the hospital. Of that number, 1,070 patients were in intensive care and 621 patients were on ventilators.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-14--The Electoral College makes it official but don’t expect Trump to ever admit defeat

In normal times , the Electoral College vote designating the winner of a presidential election would be carried out under the radar with little public notice .
These times have been anything but normal .
Yet Monday ’ s votes by state electors went smoothly once again .
And thankfully , with none of the violence that erupted over the weekend in Washington D.C. , Washington State and elsewhere at “ Stop the Steal ” rallies led by delusional supporters who still believe Donald Trump is the victim of a vast conspiracy to defraud him out of a second term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over .
Nearly eight in 10 Republicans still believe Trump won , as one poll found , but the majority of Americans can tell the difference between reality and dangerous fantasy .
As New Hampshire Republican Gov .
Chris Sununu said just before that state ’ s electors cast their ballots for Biden early Monday , “ It ’ s not just out of tradition but to show folks , especially now more than ever , our system works.
” In Michigan , it worked , though police took extra precautions and escorted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capitol building that was shut down because of “ credible threats ” of violence .
In Pennsylvania , Wisconsin , Arizona , Nevada and Georgia — states that Trump has repeatedly insisted he won — the system worked .
In the end , Biden got his 306 electoral votes , far more than needed to win .
And there was no repeat of the mayhem and chaos that erupted over the weekend at “ Stop the Steal ” rallies in Washington D.C. — where four people were stabbed and dozens arrested after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationalist Proud Boys — and in Olympia , Washington , where an armed right-wing protester was charged with shooting a leftist protester .
We expect Trump to continue trying to subvert the democratic process .
We expect some of his supporters in Congress and the Senate will continue , without shame or self-respect , to enable his delusion .
On Jan. 6 , when Congress counts the electoral votes on the floor of the House of Representatives , we would not be surprised to see one or more Trump sycophants , egged on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some baseless objection during the House proceeding .
None of it will mean a thing .
It ’ s official , as of Monday : Trump ’ s done .

In normal times, the Electoral College vote designating the winner of a presidential election would be carried out under the radar with little public notice.
These times have been anything but normal. Yet Monday’s votes by state electors went smoothly once again.
And thankfully, with none of the violence that erupted over the weekend in Washington D.C., Washington State and elsewhere at “Stop the Steal” rallies led by delusional supporters who still believe Donald Trump is the victim of a vast conspiracy to defraud him out of a second term.
Editorials bug Editorials
The 2020 presidential election is officially over. Nearly eight in 10 Republicans still believe Trump won, as one poll found, but the majority of Americans can tell the difference between reality and dangerous fantasy.
As New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu said just before that state’s electors cast their ballots for Biden early Monday, “It’s not just out of tradition but to show folks, especially now more than ever, our system works.”
In Michigan, it worked, though police took extra precautions and escorted electors from their cars to the state capitol building that was shut down because of “credible threats” of violence. In Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada and Georgia — states that Trump has repeatedly insisted he won — the system worked.
In the end, Biden got his 306 electoral votes, far more than needed to win.
And there was no repeat of the mayhem and chaos that erupted over the weekend at “Stop the Steal” rallies in Washington D.C. — where four people were stabbed and dozens arrested after a demonstration led by hundreds of far-right white nationalist Proud Boys — and in Olympia, Washington, where an armed right-wing protester was charged with shooting a leftist protester.
We expect Trump to continue trying to subvert the democratic process. We expect some of his supporters in Congress and the Senate will continue, without shame or self-respect, to enable his delusion.
On Jan. 6, when Congress counts the electoral votes on the floor of the House of Representatives, we would not be surprised to see one or more Trump sycophants, egged on by one of his tweets, raise some baseless objection during the House proceeding.
None of it will mean a thing.
It’s official, as of Monday: Trump’s done.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--Dear Abby: Man gives keepsakes to son, wants them back after a quarrel

DEAR ABBY : My husband and his father had a falling out .
My husband ’ s father now has hired a lawyer to get the pictures and Vietnam medals back that he had given my husband as a gift years ago .
This is his only son .
We have two sons whom my husband would like to pass the medals down to .
He knows if he gives the medals back that he may never see them again because his dad has a girlfriend now who wants them .
She ’ s behind him pursuing the issue with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my husband ?
Should he give in to his father ’ s demands and return the medals and pictures , or should he fight to keep them ?
— MIDDLE OF A MESS DEAR MIDDLE : How old are your sons ?
Because of this rift , do they still have a relationship with their grandfather ?
Would they appreciate the war medals and understand what they stand for ?
My feeling is that you should stay out of the line of fire and allow your husband and his own lawyer to fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to sway the outcome if you or your sons write your father-in-law a warm letter telling him how sad you feel about the situation and that his medals are heirlooms they and THEIR children would treasure in the future .
Then cross your fingers .
DEAR ABBY : I was married to my wife for 29 years , and I have now been divorced for two .
I have tried to move on , but I can ’ t because I still love her .
She initiated the divorce because she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t fight her because I was too macho .
I don ’ t know if I miss her or feel sorry for myself because I haven ’ t been with a woman in more than two years .
I ’ m attracted to women who are at least 15 years younger than me or who are married .
I have been on two dating sites for almost a year and even moved back to the state where my ex-wife lives hoping that one day she will ask me out .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have even written her letters , but she still thinks I cheated .
I ache for her .
What should I do ?
— FIGHTING CHANCE IN THE EAST DEAR FIGHTING CHANCE : Your marriage is history , and your exaggerated masculinity caused it .
I am struck by the fact that nowhere in your letter did you deny that what your ex-wife thought was true .
I don ’ t understand what being “ macho ” has to do with not denying you cheated .
What you should do now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and move on .
DEAR ABBY : At what age does a person stop calling an older neighbor “ Mrs. ” or “ Mr. ” ?
I was born next door and still live here , so I don ’ t know what to call my neighbors anymore .
— GROWN UP NORTH DEAR GROWN : Before children reach adulthood , it is considered respectful to call adults “ Mr. ” and “ Mrs. ” Not knowing your neighbors , I can ’ t guess how formal they may be .
Because using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice and you don ’ t want to risk offending them , ask THEM what they would like to be called in light of the fact that you are all adults .
Erring on the side of respect will never be wrong .
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 .
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All of Us and How to Deal With It.
” To order , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Anger Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My husband and his father had a falling out. My husband’s father now has hired a lawyer to get the pictures and Vietnam medals back that he had given my husband as a gift years ago. This is his only son.
We have two sons whom my husband would like to pass the medals down to. He knows if he gives the medals back that he may never see them again because his dad has a girlfriend now who wants them. She’s behind him pursuing the issue with a lawyer.
How can I help my husband? Should he give in to his father’s demands and return the medals and pictures, or should he fight to keep them? — MIDDLE OF A MESS
DEAR MIDDLE: How old are your sons? Because of this rift, do they still have a relationship with their grandfather? Would they appreciate the war medals and understand what they stand for?
My feeling is that you should stay out of the line of fire and allow your husband and his own lawyer to fight this battle. However, you MAY be able to sway the outcome if you or your sons write your father-in-law a warm letter telling him how sad you feel about the situation and that his medals are heirlooms they and THEIR children would treasure in the future. Then cross your fingers.
DEAR ABBY: I was married to my wife for 29 years, and I have now been divorced for two. I have tried to move on, but I can’t because I still love her. She initiated the divorce because she thought I cheated on her. I didn’t fight her because I was too macho.
I don’t know if I miss her or feel sorry for myself because I haven’t been with a woman in more than two years. I’m attracted to women who are at least 15 years younger than me or who are married.
I have been on two dating sites for almost a year and even moved back to the state where my ex-wife lives hoping that one day she will ask me out. I’ve been throwing hints her way and have even written her letters, but she still thinks I cheated. I ache for her. What should I do? — FIGHTING CHANCE IN THE EAST
DEAR FIGHTING CHANCE: Your marriage is history, and your exaggerated masculinity caused it. I am struck by the fact that nowhere in your letter did you deny that what your ex-wife thought was true. I don’t understand what being “macho” has to do with not denying you cheated. What you should do now is learn from it, grow from it and move on.
DEAR ABBY: At what age does a person stop calling an older neighbor “Mrs.” or “Mr.”? I was born next door and still live here, so I don’t know what to call my neighbors anymore. — GROWN UP NORTH
DEAR GROWN: Before children reach adulthood, it is considered respectful to call adults “Mr.” and “Mrs.” Not knowing your neighbors, I can’t guess how formal they may be. Because using their first names has not been your practice and you don’t want to risk offending them, ask THEM what they would like to be called in light of the fact that you are all adults. Erring on the side of respect will never be wrong.
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.
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--State’s weed windfall from taxes rivals booze haul — and could surpass it next year

Amid skyrocketing demand for legal weed in Illinois , statewide tax receipts from recreational pot sales are now rivaling those from booze .
November ’ s tax revenues from adult-use cannabis , which reflect the record $ 75.28 million in sales tallied in October , reached nearly $ 22.88 million , according to figures released by the Illinois Department of Revenue .
That ’ s less than $ 3 million shy of the roughly $ 25.74 million in taxes collected through alcohol sales last month .
That ’ s the smallest deficit since recreational marijuana was legalized in January .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ months since the drug was fully legalized , resulting in an almost steady increase in monthly returns for the state , according to a Sun-Times analysis .
Taxes have pumped nearly $ 153 million into the state ’ s cash-strapped coffers , including nearly $ 100 million in the past five months .
Why have weed sales — and taxes — increased so much ?
First of all , state levies on cannabis are far higher than those tacked on the price of booze ( not including local or federal taxes ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 6.25 % sales tax and an excise tax of up to 25 % , depending on the amount of mind-altering THC in what ’ s being sold .
While there ’ s no apples-to-apples comparison , alcohol is also subject to the general sales tax of 6.25 % and an excise tax of 23 cents per gallon of beer , $ 1.49 per gallon of wine and $ 8.55 per gallon of liquor .
That means the state ’ s share of the price of a joint is much more than its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of beer .
A $ 15 six-pack , for example , would net 69 cents for the state , while two high-potency joints priced at $ 16 would generate $ 5 for the state .
What ’ s more , pot sales have steadily increased since the program launched Jan. 1 — which was to be expected .
But COVID-19 has also played a role , experts said .
The pandemic has “ had a big impact on sales numbers , ” said Alyssa Jank , an analyst at the Brightfield Group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry .
“ People have been at home more .
People are looking for things to do [ and ] people don ’ t have to worry about being functional or capable to go and do stuff .
So I think that ’ s part of it , ” said Jank .
“ I think another part of it is that people have been way more stressed out and anxious this year , so they ’ re looking for something as a solve for that.
” Meanwhile , tax revenues from alcohol sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Though some research suggests consumers are spending less overall because they aren ’ t paying for the markup at restaurants and bars , total alcohol sales still trump the state ’ s pot sales totals .
In the last six months of 2019 , average monthly tax collections were more than $ 26 million for booze .
That number fell to just over $ 24 million over the first six months of this year , which included the early onset of the coronavirus outbreak .
But over the past five months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 27 million .
For the year so far , total tax revenues are more than $ 280 million .
Jank predicts that recreational cannabis sales will reach roughly $ 666 million this year before jumping to $ 1.6 billion in 2021 as more and more pot shops open .
Based on those estimates , it ’ s possible that Illinois could eventually start collecting more tax revenues from recreational weed than from booze .
But as weed sales continue to soar , experts said local cannabis firms are still taking their cues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the local pot game are even poaching talent from alcohol companies , according to Andy Seeger , a cannabis industry analyst and consultant who previously worked for the Brightfield Group and MillerCoors .
In fact , both Seeger and Jank previously worked for Constellation Brands , a Chicago company that owns some of the biggest beer and liquor brands .
“ They ’ re getting these big corporate employees to kind of run the same playbook now with cannabis , ” Seeger said of some of the major Illinois-based cannabis companies .

Amid skyrocketing demand for legal weed in Illinois, statewide tax receipts from recreational pot sales are now rivaling those from booze.
November’s tax revenues from adult-use cannabis, which reflect the record $75.28 million in sales tallied in October, reached nearly $22.88 million, according to figures released by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
That’s less than $3 million shy of the roughly $25.74 million in taxes collected through alcohol sales last month. That’s the smallest deficit since recreational marijuana was legalized in January.
Pot sales have skyrocketed in the 11 months since the drug was fully legalized, resulting in an almost steady increase in monthly returns for the state, according to a Sun-Times analysis. Taxes have pumped nearly $153 million into the state’s cash-strapped coffers, including nearly $100 million in the past five months.
Monthly taxes reflect sales from previous month Illinois Dept. of Revenue
Why have weed sales — and taxes — increased so much?
First of all, state levies on cannabis are far higher than those tacked on the price of booze (not including local or federal taxes).
On pot sales, the state charges a 6.25% sales tax and an excise tax of up to 25%, depending on the amount of mind-altering THC in what’s being sold.
While there’s no apples-to-apples comparison, alcohol is also subject to the general sales tax of 6.25% and an excise tax of 23 cents per gallon of beer, $1.49 per gallon of wine and $8.55 per gallon of liquor.
That means the state’s share of the price of a joint is much more than its share of the cost of a six-pack of beer. A $15 six-pack, for example, would net 69 cents for the state, while two high-potency joints priced at $16 would generate $5 for the state.
What’s more, pot sales have steadily increased since the program launched Jan. 1 — which was to be expected. But COVID-19 has also played a role, experts said.
The pandemic has “had a big impact on sales numbers,” said Alyssa Jank, an analyst at the Brightfield Group, a Loop-based firm that researches the cannabis industry.
“People have been at home more. People are looking for things to do [and] people don’t have to worry about being functional or capable to go and do stuff. So I think that’s part of it,” said Jank. “I think another part of it is that people have been way more stressed out and anxious this year, so they’re looking for something as a solve for that.”
Meanwhile, tax revenues from alcohol sales have fluctuated and returned to pre-pandemic levels. Though some research suggests consumers are spending less overall because they aren’t paying for the markup at restaurants and bars, total alcohol sales still trump the state’s pot sales totals.
Beer sales have ebbed and flowed during the pandemic. Louise Shumbris-Cukrov, stevecuk - stock.adobe.com
In the last six months of 2019, average monthly tax collections were more than $26 million for booze. That number fell to just over $24 million over the first six months of this year, which included the early onset of the coronavirus outbreak. But over the past five months, that monthly average again rose to over $27 million. For the year so far, total tax revenues are more than $280 million.
Jank predicts that recreational cannabis sales will reach roughly $666 million this year before jumping to $1.6 billion in 2021 as more and more pot shops open. Based on those estimates, it’s possible that Illinois could eventually start collecting more tax revenues from recreational weed than from booze.
But as weed sales continue to soar, experts said local cannabis firms are still taking their cues from the booze industry.
Major players in the local pot game are even poaching talent from alcohol companies, according to Andy Seeger, a cannabis industry analyst and consultant who previously worked for the Brightfield Group and MillerCoors. In fact, both Seeger and Jank previously worked for Constellation Brands, a Chicago company that owns some of the biggest beer and liquor brands.
“They’re getting these big corporate employees to kind of run the same playbook now with cannabis,” Seeger said of some of the major Illinois-based cannabis companies.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--Menu planner: Smothered panko Parmesan chicken perfect for family day

Heat oven to 425 degrees .
Arrange chicken thighs in 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray .
Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon each Italian seasoning and salt and garlic powder .
Combine tomatoes , panko , parmesan , 3 tablespoons olive oil and remaining Italian seasoning and salt .
Spoon tomato mixture over chicken .
Drizzle with remaining oil .
Bake 45 minutes or until topping is golden and chicken is cooked through and meat thermometer registers 165 degrees .
Heat oven to 400 degrees .
Place tilapia on nonstick foil-lined baking sheet .
In a small bowl , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread evenly over fish .
In another bowl , combine bread crumbs , basil , oregano , salt and black pepper ; sprinkle over fish .
Coat fish lightly with cooking spray .
Bake 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork and is opaque throughout .
Place couscous in a bowl with water .
Cover with plastic wrap ; let stand 10 minutes and strain excess water , if necessary .
Add oil to couscous ; toss gently .
Add peppers , onion and cilantro ; mix to combine .
Add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salt and pepper to taste .
Spoon into a serving bowl ; garnish with feta and sunflower seeds .
Per serving : 265 calories , 5 grams protein , 8 grams fat ( 25 % calories from fat ) , 1.0 grams saturated fat , 45 grams carbohydrate , no cholesterol , 8 milligrams sodium , 4 grams fiber .
In a 4-quart slow cooker , toss about 2 pounds beef stew cubes ( cut into 1-inch pieces ) with 2 tablespoons flour until evenly coated .
Mix in 2 large onions cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bowl , mix together 1 ( 6-ounce ) can no-salt-added tomato paste , 1/2 cup dry red wine or lower-sodium beef broth , 1/2 teaspoon cumin , 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon , 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice , 2 tablespoons water and 1/2 teaspoon sugar ; mix until well-blended .
Stir into beef mixture .
Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or until meat is tender , but not falling apart .
Top each serving with 1/3 cup toasted chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup crumbled Greek feta cheese .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ romaine salad and whole-grain rolls .
Split orange or yellow bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove pith and seeds .
Place cut-side down in baking dish .
Cover and microwave on high ( 100 % power ) 1 minute per half pepper .
Let stand 3 minutes ; drain .
Meanwhile , combine leftover beef with leftover noodles ; moisten with lower-sodium beef broth and heat .
Stuff peppers with mixture and sprinkle with crumbled Greek feta cheese and serve with green peas ( frozen ) .
Heat oven to 400 degrees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooking spray .
In a medium bowl , mix together 1 1/3 cups reduced-fat baking mix ( such as Bisquick ) , 1/4 cup water , 2 eggs and 1 cup ( of 1 1/2 cups total ) shredded 50 % light cheddar cheese .
Spread in dish .
Cook 1 pound lean ground beef or 1 pound ground turkey breast ( or mixture of both ) in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat for 6 minutes or until no longer pink ; drain well .
Add 1 ( 10 3/4-ounce ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mushroom soup and 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables ( thawed ) ; heat 5 minutes or until hot .
Spread over batter .
Bake 23 to 25 minutes or until edges are light golden brown .
Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese .
Bake 1 to 3 more minutes or until cheese melts .
Cut into squares and serve .
Garnish with mild salsa , if desired .
Cook 12 ounces whole-wheat or regular spaghettini according to directions ; drain .
Place in a large bowl and add 2 ounces herb-flavored goat cheese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil , 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper ; stir until well-blended .
Meanwhile , heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high .
Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic ; cook 30 seconds .
Add 2 cups grape tomatoes , halved ; cook 2 minutes , stirring frequently .
Add 2/3 cup unsalted vegetable broth ; cook 1 minute .
Add tomato mixture to pasta mixture ; toss gently to combine .
Serve with mixed greens and garlic bread .

Smothered panko parmesan chicken
Makes 6 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
INGREDIENTS
6 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, divided
1 teaspoon coarse salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 chopped plum tomatoes (about 1 1/2 cups)
3/4 cup panko crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange chicken thighs in 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon each Italian seasoning and salt and garlic powder. Combine tomatoes, panko, parmesan, 3 tablespoons olive oil and remaining Italian seasoning and salt. Spoon tomato mixture over chicken. Drizzle with remaining oil. Bake 45 minutes or until topping is golden and chicken is cooked through and meat thermometer registers 165 degrees.
Per serving: 262 calories, 20 grams protein, 17 grams fat (58% calories from fat), 4.0 grams saturated fat, 7 grams carbohydrate, 98 milligrams cholesterol, 495 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.
Carb choices: 1/2
Herb-baked tilapia
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: less than 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
4 (4- to 6-ounce) tilapia fillets
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons minced green onions
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place tilapia on nonstick foil-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine cheese, mayonnaise and onions; spread evenly over fish. In another bowl, combine bread crumbs, basil, oregano, salt and black pepper; sprinkle over fish. Coat fish lightly with cooking spray. Bake 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork and is opaque throughout.
Per serving: 193 calories, 26 grams protein, 5 grams fat (25% calories from fat), 1.9 grams saturated fat, 10 grams carbohydrate, 63 milligrams cholesterol, 474 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.
Carb choices: 1/2.
Couscous salad with pomegranates
Makes 8 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: for the couscous
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups Israeli couscous
1 1/2 cups hot water
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
2 cups pomegranate arils (use 2 large pomegranates) (see NOTE)
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Coarse salt and pepper to taste
Crumbled Greek feta cheese and sunflower seeds for garnish
Place couscous in a bowl with water. Cover with plastic wrap; let stand 10 minutes and strain excess water, if necessary. Add oil to couscous; toss gently. Add peppers, onion and cilantro; mix to combine. Add arils, cranberries, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into a serving bowl; garnish with feta and sunflower seeds.
Per serving: 265 calories, 5 grams protein, 8 grams fat (25% calories from fat), 1.0 grams saturated fat, 45 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 8 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 3.
Greek stew
In a 4-quart slow cooker, toss about 2 pounds beef stew cubes (cut into 1-inch pieces) with 2 tablespoons flour until evenly coated. Mix in 2 large onions cut into thin wedges. In a small bowl, mix together 1 (6-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato paste, 1/2 cup dry red wine or lower-sodium beef broth, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons water and 1/2 teaspoon sugar; mix until well-blended. Stir into beef mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or until meat is tender, but not falling apart. Top each serving with 1/3 cup toasted chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup crumbled Greek feta cheese. Serve it over noodles. Add a romaine salad and whole-grain rolls.
Beef-stuffed peppers
Split orange or yellow bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove pith and seeds. Place cut-side down in baking dish. Cover and microwave on high (100% power) 1 minute per half pepper. Let stand 3 minutes; drain. Meanwhile, combine leftover beef with leftover noodles; moisten with lower-sodium beef broth and heat. Stuff peppers with mixture and sprinkle with crumbled Greek feta cheese and serve with green peas (frozen).
Cheeseburger melt
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 1/3 cups reduced-fat baking mix (such as Bisquick), 1/4 cup water, 2 eggs and 1 cup (of 1 1/2 cups total) shredded 50% light cheddar cheese. Spread in dish. Cook 1 pound lean ground beef or 1 pound ground turkey breast (or mixture of both) in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat for 6 minutes or until no longer pink; drain well. Add 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed less-sodium, less-fat cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (thawed); heat 5 minutes or until hot. Spread over batter. Bake 23 to 25 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake 1 to 3 more minutes or until cheese melts. Cut into squares and serve. Garnish with mild salsa, if desired.
Spaghettini with goat cheese and fresh basil
Cook 12 ounces whole-wheat or regular spaghettini according to directions; drain. Place in a large bowl and add 2 ounces herb-flavored goat cheese (cut into small pieces), 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; stir until well-blended. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add 2/3 cup unsalted vegetable broth; cook 1 minute. Add tomato mixture to pasta mixture; toss gently to combine. Serve with mixed greens and garlic bread.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-15--Teen boy stabbed during fight on CTA train platform in the Loop; woman in custody

A 15-year-old boy was stabbed during a fight Monday on a CTA train platform in the Loop , according to @ @ @ @ @ p.m. , the boy got into a fight with three females on a CTA train @ @ @ @ @ of South Dearborn Street , police said .
A 26-year-old woman from the group pulled @ @ @ @ @ the boy below his right eye , police said .
He was taken to Stroger @ @ @ @ @ The woman was taken into custody , police said .

A 15-year-old boy was cut during a fight Monday on a CTA train platform in the Loop.
About 8:50 p.m., the boy got into a fight with three females on a CTA train platform in the 300 block of South Dearborn Street, Chicago police said.
A 26-year-old woman from the group pulled out a knife and cut the boy below his right eye, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
The woman was taken into custody, police said.
No charges have been filed.