What can employers do if workers avoid COVID-19 vaccines?

They can require vaccination and fire employees who don’t comply or take other actions such as withholding company perks or charging extra for health insurance.

For months, businesses have been encouraging workers to get vaccinated, in some cases offering incentives like time off or gift cards.

But more are taking a harder stance and requiring vaccinations for any remaining holdouts, a push that has gained momentum since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently gave full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Employers “feel like they’ve sort of hit that point where the unvaccinated are not going to do it unless there’s something significant making them do it,” said Wade Symons, a partner with the benefits consulting firm Mercer.

It’s legal for businesses to require the shots, and they could fire employees who don’t comply. In other cases, workers might be required to wear masks or get regular tests for the virus. Some companies also are considering making the unvaccinated pay more for their health insurance.

At Delta Air Lines, unvaccinated employees on the company health plan will be charged $200 a month to help cover costs for possible COVID-19 hospital stays.

Symons said other employers will more likely add smaller charges of $20 or $25 per paycheck, an amount that might be refunded once an employee gets vaccinated.

Employers also can restrict the use of office space, company gyms or business travel to only those who have been vaccinated.

In Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International has said unvaccinated employees won’t be paid for time off to quarantine if they test positive for the virus.

Vaccine requirements will come mainly from businesses that need workers on a job site, Symons said.

Employers have to offer exemptions or accommodations from vaccine requirements for some who don’t get the shots for medical or religious reasons.

Walt Disney World and Ohio State University are among large employers that have said they will make vaccination mandatory since Pfizer’s shot was given the FDA’s full approval.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also has said that military troops must immediately begin to get the vaccine.

Some state,s like Montana, have either banned employers from requiring vaccines or limited when they can issue such a mandate.

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The teen boy was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

By

Sun-Times Wire

Sep 9, 2021, 5:19am CDT

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Two people were killed and six others were wounded in shootings Wednesday in Chicago.

In the day’s first fatal shooting, a 29-year-old man was killed in a drive-by Wednesday afternoon in West Garfield Park.

The man was outside in the 4700 block of West Harrison Street about 4:40 p.m. when a vehicle drove by and someone inside fired shots, Chicago police said. He was struck in the head and pronounced dead at the scene, police said. He has not yet been identified.

Wednesday night, a man was shot to death while crossing a in Little Village on the West Side.

He was shot about 11 p.m. by someone in a blue car in the 4000 block of West 26th Street, police said. The man, 31, was hit in the chest and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He hasn’t been identified.

In other shootings, a 17-year-old boy was wounded Wednesday night in West Garfield Park.

The teen was walking about 9:40 p.m. in the 4700 block of West Gladys Avenue when someone inside of a passing vehicle fired shots, police said. He was struck in the lower backside and transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition.

A 16-year-old boy was grazed in the leg late Wednesday in Gresham on the South Side.

Paramedics found the teen in the 8900 block of South Lowe Avenue about 11 p.m., police said. He was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

At least four others were wounded in citywide gun violence.

Four people were shot Tuesday in Chicago.

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A man was shot to death late Wednesday in Little Village on the West Side.

He was crossing the street about 11 p.m. when someone inside a blue-colored car opened fire in the 4000 block of West 26th Street, Chicago police said.

The 31-year-old was shot in the chest and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He hasn’t been identified.

No one is in custody as area detectives investigate.

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Welcome to our highlights of events and entertainment in Chicago for kids and families to enjoy. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on the latest activities.

Printers Row Lit Fest

Printers Row Lit FestKen Carl

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 11-12

Where: Along Dearborn from Polk to Ida B. Wells Drive.

What: Calling all booklovers! The Midwest’s largest literary celebration returns with author interviews, dozens of diverse booksellers and special events including a commemoration of 9/11 and the Great Chicago Fire, a panel with BookTok influencers and much more. Pulitzer Prize winner and National Book Award winner Colson Whitehead will discuss his new book “Harlem Shuffle” (4 p.m. Sept. 12, pre-registration required for this event only) and journalist/novelist Dawn Turner offers a look at her new memoir “Three Girls from Bronzeville: A Uniquely American Memoir of Race, Fate and Sisterhood” (10 a.m. Sept. 11). Admission and all programs are free.

More information: For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit printersrowlitfest.org.

WPB Art Quest

“Butterfly Effect,” a mural by Ali SixPhoto by Garrett Karp

When: Ongoing

Where: Wicker Park, Bucktown

What: The WPB Art Quest offers free self-guided tours of Wicker Park and Bucktown, including sculptures, galleries and murals. Among the murals is a new creation by street artist Ali Six titled “Butterfly Effect,” which is a tribute to Olga Maria Calderon, who was killed a year ago in a stabbing at a nearby Walgreens. From Sept. 15-Oct. 15, registration is optional; anyone who purchases a $45 ticket will receive a limited-edition t-shirt featuring Ali Six’s new mural. A portion of the proceeds will go to charity.

More information: A map of murals and public art is available at wickerparkbucktown.com/muralspublicwork

Haunted houses

The spirits of the underworld emerge in “Spirit of Halloween.”13th Floor

When: Sept. 10-Nov. 13

Where: 5050 River Rd, Schiller Park

What: The haunted house season kicks off with two all-new shows from 13th Floor Chicago. “Bad Blood” revolves around an ancient feud between vampires and werewolves, and in “Spirit of Halloween,” a witch casts a spell to summon the spirits of the underworld. Tickets: $19.99+.

More information: For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit 13thfloorchicago.com.

Neighborhood festivals

Lakeview Festival of ArtsCourtesy Lakeview Festival of Arts

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts features juried art, music, children’s activities and food. From 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 11-12, on Broadway from Belmont to Hawthorne. Admission: $5 donation. Visit lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com. … The African-Caribbean International Festival of Life and Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Festival includes vendors, music and lots of great food. Sept. 11-12 in Washington Park, 55th and Cottage Grove. Tickets: $20+. Visit jsvfest.com. … The Ravenswood ArtWalk returns with open studios and galleries, pop-up performances and an outdoor art market. From 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 11-12, on Ravenswood from Lawrence to Waveland. Visit ravenswoodchicago.org.

Fall at the Morton Arboretum

Tails on the TrailsMorton Arboretum

When: To Oct. 31

Where: 4100 Illinois 53, Lisle

What: The arboretum kicks off its fall programming in September with a variety of outdoor events including the dog-friendly Tails on the Trails (Sept. 12), Destination Asia Cultural Festival (Sept. 25), the walking play “A Haunting in Sherwood Forest” (weekends through Oct. 31), the Fall Color 5K Run and Walk (Oct. 2), Cider and Ale Fest (Oct. 23) and more. There is a long list of other activities including wellness programs, family hikes and informational programs. Admission: $8-$16.

More information: For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit mortonarb.org.

Chicago SummerDance in the Parks

Chicago SummerDance in the Parks.DCASE

When: Aug. 18-Sept. 15

Where: Parks throughout the city

What: Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in introductory dance lessons by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing. Lessons begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by dancing from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

More information: chicagosummerdance.org.

Chicago Fireboat Tours

Chicago Fireboat Tours offer great views of Chicago’s waterways.Courtesy Chicago Fireboat Tours

When: Ongoing

Where: DuSable Harbors, 111 N. Lake Shore Dr.

What: Built in 1936, the Fred A. Busse was the largest, diesel-powered fireboat in the world at the time and served the Chicago Fire Department from 1937-1981. The current owners renovated the retired fireboat, which is now in its second season cruising Chicago waterways. Tickets: $35-$40, $19.50 ages 4-12.

More information: fireboattours.com

‘Par Excellence Redux’

When: “The Front 9” (to Sept. 16) and “The Back Nine” (Oct. 13-Jan. 2)

Where: Tee off at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill, Elmhurst

What: A fun new exhibit features a fully playable 18-hole mini-golf course created by more than 20 artists, designers and architects from Chicago and beyond. The family-friendly course pays homage to the School of the Art Institute’s wildly popular 1988 exhibition “Par Excellence.” Course themes range from social justice to the occult and include a fortune-telling hole that has the power to dramatically change scores as well as a hole that challenges players with an optical illusion. Admission is $5-$10 (online timed reservations); children 4 and under free.

More information: elmhurstartmuseum.org

Chicago Children’s Museum

Where: Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand

When: Ongoing

What: Fun and learning are on the agenda at the popular family gathering spot, offering a wide variety of exhibits aimed at improving children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. Babies and toddlers can enjoy “Treehouse Trails” and “Kids Town” while “Tinker Lab” and “Dinosaur Expedition” will enthrall older children. Admission: $19.

More information: chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

‘Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown’

Detail view of James Mesple’s Sun and Moon Image featured in the “Hello Helios” exhibit in GreektownCourtesy Greektown Chicago

When: Through spring 2022

Where: Halsted from Monroe to Van Buren

What: Welcome summer with a new outdoor exhibit celebrating the start of summer with 24 artworks inspired by the sun and related mythologies from Greek, Aztec, Yoruba, Japanese and Native American cultures.

More information: greektownchicago.org

Kayak for Conservation

The Shedd Aquarium’s popular “Kayak for Conservation” program.Shedd Aquarium

When: Ongoing

Where: Kayak Chicago: 1220 W LeMoyne,

What: Get close to nature via the Shedd Aquarium’s popular Kayak for Conservation program, which features a variety of socially distant kayaking experiences on the Chicago River. Participants learn about the river’s environmental history and discover wildlife living in its ecosystem. Sessions are open to all levels of kayakers (including newbies) and are led by Shedd’s wildlife conservation experts. The cost is pay-what-you-can ranging from $20-$100 per participant, with a recommended $40, the base cost of the program.

More information: sheddaquarium.org/kayak

‘Take Flight’

The Boeing 747 at “Take Flight.”Museum of Science and Industry

When: Permanent

Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.

What: The MSI’s Boeing 747 reopens with a reimagined exhibit that explores modern aviation and the science of flight. The plane’s interior has been restored and new interactive elements have been added. Tickets: $12.95, $21.95.

More information: msichicago.org

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A 17-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting Wednesday night in West Garfield Park.

The teen was walking about 9:40 p.m. in the 4700 block of West Gladys Avenue when someone inside of a passing vehicle fired shots, Chicago police said.

He was struck in the lower backside and transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition, police said.

No one is in custody, according to police.

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The Cubs had played as close to a perfect game as you could through the first nine innings Wednesday. But even after getting solid starting pitching and a great night from the bullpen, they needed a big hit in the 10th to get the victory.

That’s where Jason Heyward came in.

Heyward came to the plate with runners on the corners, looking to end the game by putting a ball in play.

He did more than that. Heyward ended the game with a bang, crushing a three-run, walk-off homer off the video board in right field to give the Cubs a 4-1 win and series victory against the Reds

The no-doubter was Heyward’s second walk-off hit this season and his first walk-off blast since May 8, 2019 vs. Miami.

“That’s a fun way to end a baseball game with a guy as good as [Jason] hitting a baseball like that,” interim manager Andy Green said. “Seeing him come through in that moment was a lot of fun.”

Happ stays hot with another homer

There’s not a hitter in baseball that has been better than Ian Happ. He was close to rock bottom at the plate a month ago but has made quite a turnaround to salvage his season.

Happ continued his red-hot stretch with a mammoth blast in the first inning.

The 444-foot shot nearly landed on Sheffield Avenue and gave the Cubs a quick 1-0 lead.

It was Happ’s third consecutive game with a home run. Since Aug. 13, he has a slash line of .371/.404/.787 with 10 doubles, seven homers and 23 RBI.

“There’s a lot that goes into the work and finding what you think is gonna work for you on a daily basis,” Happ said recently. “The other part is kind of getting away from mechanics and just finding a way to be on time and trusting that you’re on time, and you’re going to have the ability to have success.

“There are a couple of mechanical things that are kind of falling into place. But it’s more just being on time and not missing some of those pitches that I was waiting for.”

Mills thrives again in no-decision

Right-hander Alec Mills has thrived since being given a spot in the rotation, and he has been arguably the team’s most consistent starter in the second half.

Mills spun another gem, tossing six innings of one-run ball in a no-decision.

The only run he allowed came in the fourth inning on a solo homer by Joey Votto. He struck out three and walked one.

He is beginning to make a strong case to be in the team’s rotation next season. Mills has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 15 of his 16 starts.

Cubs recall Martini from Triple-A Iowa

The Cubs recalled outfielder Nick Martini from Triple-A Iowa before the game.

Martini will take the spot of outfielder Michael Hermosillo, who went on the 10-day injured list with a left forearm strain and will be out for the remainder of the season.

Martini went 1-for-12 in his first stint with the Cubs this season. He was slashing .267/.387/.444 with 11 homers in 78 games with the I-Cubs.

Hermosillo finished the season with a respectable .737 OPS in 16 games with two doubles and three homers.

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