MCHENRY, Ill. (WGN) – A suburban Illinois mother remains hospitalized after a grueling battle with COVID-19 that she fought while pregnant. As a result of the virus, she had to be put into an induced coma and gave birth early.

The woman’s husband is now speaking out on the emotional and physical challenges their family has faced.

Donnell Kelly of McHenry has been by his wife Samantha’s bedside at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital for the last three weeks.

On August 22, he tested positive for COVID. And a few days later, his wife and two children got sick. At the time, Samantha Kelly was pregnant with their third child, a baby boy.

“It was really scary because she was complaining of loss of breath and chest pains,” Donnell Kelly said. “She’s breathing for two, so that’s why I was scared and nervous.”

Donnell Kelly first took his wife to Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin. That same night she was transferred to Lutheran General’s ICU.

Over the next few days, her health declined.

“Her breathing saturation got really bad. She was already on oxygen with full force, the highest pressure it could go,” he said. “It still wasn’t working for her and the baby.”

On September 6, at 32 weeks pregnant, Samantha Kelly had an emergency C-Section.

Baby Holden, weighing 5 pounds, was admitted into the NICU and is doing well.

But Samantha Kelly is still struggling.

“After he was born they put her on the ventilator right away and intubated her,” Donnell Kelly said. “She’s on a ventilator now.”

The young mother is still intubated and on sedation. Doctors are hoping to slowly wean her from the ventilator over the next few days.

She has a really big heart. She’s funny, beautiful inside and out… a great mom… She’s everything you want in a wife, partner and a friend.

Donnell Kelly describing his wife, Samantha

Donnell Kelly, who has been unable to work for the last month, is worried about losing his job and insurance coverage.

A friend set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical costs.

“I always think positive thoughts about the situation. You think negative thoughts, it can eat you up,” Donnell Kelly said. “I knew COVID was real. I’ve seen the numbers. But when it hits you in the face personally, it’s a different kind of beast.”

Donnell Kelly said he was vaccinated, but his wife wasn’t. He said she was nervous about getting a COVID shot while pregnant, but had recently changed her mind after her husband tested positive. She became sick before she could get one.

The annual release of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System test scores has garnered little attention in recent years — not so in 2021. When the results are made public this week, we’ll have our first look at how our students were affected by the continual interruptions in learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the MCAS results usually serve as a benchmark for school and district performance, they weren’t intended to serve that function this year. Instead, a pared-down version of the tests administered this spring sought to pinpoint the extent of K-12 students’ pandemic learning loss and how those losses disproportionately affected students by race, socio-economic status and disability. Because of the attendance issues, varying levels of in-person and virtual learning and other disruptions during the school year, this year’s results will be far from perfect. Nevertheless, the results were expected to yield a good amount of diagnostic data for teachers, schools and districts to use to develop strategies to help recover student learning losses and determine which areas require the most intervention.

In other words, MCAS scores will serve as a complement to teachers’ own assessments and observations, and help them make the most congruous adjustments to their current grade learning plans to incorporate what students missed last year. This practice should not be considered remediation, but rather “tiering” or “scaffolding” — something our teachers are adept at — which will help students transition back into the classroom and bring them up to grade level. For example, based on the data, school leaders will be able to understand if fourth-graders in a certain school need extra time on fractions, while sixth-graders in another need to brush up on their reading comprehension.

Every year, MCAS results provide vital, grade-level insights into students’ academic needs, but this year the results, regardless of actual test scores, will be invaluable in helping schools respond to students’ unfinished learning. Opponents of standardized testing have often used the occasion of low MCAS scores as an opportunity to question the validity of the test in order to scuttle it all together. But low scores — especially this year — shouldn’t be used as an excuse to discredit the test. They should be expected. Also, since there are no accountability consequences from the scores, school districts will not be penalized — and should not be criticized — for any drop in performance.

However, school districts should be held accountable for how they’re using MCAS data to help students catch up. The districts received the scores in early July, so they already know the extent of learning loss. Their having and using this data over the summer to plan curricula in the new school year should be a big victory for students and their families. Likewise, parents should know how their child is doing, not with anecdotes but with the objective information MCAS scores provide. As this school year gets under way, families should inquire how their district has used this data over the past two months to prepare teachers for the upcoming school year. This will empower parents to partner with teachers on what will best meet their child’s needs.

In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has an obligation to use MCAS data to inform the public understanding of the impact of the pandemic on students, and provide information and analysis that will guide how future education leaders and policymakers respond to pandemics and other significant disruptions to typical schooling. DESE should also undertake analysis to follow the cohort of students pre and post pandemic, disaggregating data by learning mode — in-person, remote and hybrid — and student demographics.

Districts across the state are receiving substantial federal COVID relief funding coupled with state aid, including through the Student Opportunity Act. Both the state and the districts have a critical role to play in guiding that funding into sustainable programs that improve student outcomes. These resources will allow districts to target their funds toward the students who need the most assistance and on the strategies proven to accelerate student learning.

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Ed Lambert is executive director of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education.

(WJW) — After FBI Denver confirmed that remains consistent with 22-year-old Gabrielle “Gabby” Petito’s description were found in Wyoming near the east boundary of Grand Teton National Park Sunday, September 19 the YouTuber’s father took to social media to pay tribute to his daughter.

The FBI said in a statement that the remains were found near the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

During a Sunday press conference, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Charles Jones offered condolences to those affected and asked everyone to respect the family’s privacy at this time.

A family lawyer also released a statement to FOX News, asking for the family to be allowed to grieve at this time and also thanking authorities for their tireless efforts in finding Petito:

“I am making a personal request to members of the press and news media to refrain from contacting the Schmidt and Petito family,” Richard Benson Stafford said in a statement obtained by FOX. “Due to today’s developments, we are asking the press and news media to have some decorum and sensitivity for Gabby’s family and allow them to grieve. I will be in contact with you when Gabby’s family is ready to make a public statement.”

NewsNation reporter Brian Entin said on Twitter that Petito’s boyfriend’s family also released a statement following the announcement.

New statement from Laundrie family attorney:
The news about Gabby Petito is heartbreaking. The Laundrie family prays for Gabby and her family.

— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) September 19, 2021

“The FBI and our partners extend our heartfelt condolences to Gabby’s family and loved ones,” FBI spokeswoman Courtney Bernal said in a statement. “This is an incredibly difficult time for them, and our thoughts are with them as they mourn the loss of their daughter.”

Authorities are still on the lookout for Brian Laundrie in Florida, who has been identified as a person of interest. Laundrie and Petito had been on a cross-country road trip together prior to Petito’s disappearance.

Laundrie, who returned to his family’s Florida home in the couple’s van alone, was last seen on Tuesday, family members told police.

At this time, the remains found in Wyoming have not been 100% confirmed as Petito’s body. A cause of death is not known.

Dear Abby: I was deeply hurt after going to a barbecue at my oldest daughter’s home. It was to celebrate my granddaughter’s fourth birthday. My daughter’s husband is from Thailand. He barbecued beautiful dishes of shrimp and something that looked like a gigantic crawfish. While my daughter is accustomed to and enjoys this food, she and her husband are aware that I, my husband, her sister and her niece are not accustomed to it. We simply do not like the flavor and texture.

When I asked my daughter if there were any hot dogs they could grill, at least for my 9-year-old granddaughter, she got angry and said she eats what her husband cooks. I felt our part of the family was not even being considered. I was hurt for my youngest daughter and my other granddaughter, who had literally nothing to eat that they would even remotely like. Am I wrong for feeling ignored being invited to a barbecue where my daughter knew all the food being offered were things we wouldn’t like?

— Ruined My Appetite

Dear Ruined: I do think you are blowing this out of proportion. I assume you have been invited to your daughter’s and son-in-law’s before, and knew her husband does the cooking. Before coming over, you should have asked if it would be all right to bring a few traditional American dishes with you for the children. If your offer was refused, you could have skipped the barbecue. That said, look at the big picture. It was only one afternoon. I assume the kids were taken out for burgers or hot dogs afterward, and no serious harm was done.

Dear Abby: I am a news nut. Since adolescence I have loved watching the news and staying informed about current events. I also have had a problem since childhood. When I see a person get an injection, I have a physical reaction. I shiver from head to toe. Because of the pandemic, I can no longer watch news broadcasts because they constantly show folks getting vaccinated. Does anyone else have the same reaction? Any suggestions?

— Squeamish in Canada

Dear Squeamish: I am sure more people than you think have significant reactions regarding needles. A dear friend of mine must lie down before any procedure involving a needle because she faints. In your case, because news anchors usually announce before commercial breaks what will be featured “right after this important message from our sponsor,” take note of it and turn your head, change the channel or leave the TV until the next segment.

Dear Abby: What do you do with a large family picture of yourself, your husband, your son and your daughter-in-law who is no longer your daughter-in-law? She and my son divorced after nine years of marriage. He has since remarried. I don’t want to hang the picture, but I don’t know what to do with it. Any help would be appreciated.

— Out of the Picture in Alabama

Dear Out: Try this: Reach out to your former daughter-in-law and ask whether she would like to have the picture. If she is interested, offer it to her. If she’s not, feel free to toss it.

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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 DearAbby.com. 

LOS ANGELES — “The Crown has won the best drama series Emmy Award, while Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso” took best comedy series honors.

“The Crown” stars Olivia Colman and Josh O’Connor won the top drama acting honors Sunday, with Jason Sudeikis, star of the warm-hearted “Ted Lasso,” and Jean Smart of the generation-gap story “Hacks,” winners on the comedy side.

Colman and O’Connor were a winning fictional mother-son duo: She plays Queen Elizabeth II, with O’Connor as Prince Charles in the British royal family saga that combines gravitas and soap opera.

“I’d have put money on that not happening,” Colman said of the award, calling it “a lovely end to the most extraordinary journey” with the show’s cast and creators. She cut her remarks short, explaining why she was growing tearful.

“I lost my daddy during COVID, and he would have loved all of this.” she said.

O’Connor gave a shoutout to Emma Corwin, who played opposite him as Princess Diana and was also a nominee Sunday, as a “force of nature.”

He also offered thanks to his grandparents, including his grandmother who died a few months ago, and his grandfather, Peter O’Connor, for the “greatest gifts” of kindness and loyalty.”

Sudeikis, who also produces the series that many viewers found a balm for tough pandemic times, gave a speech that evoked the chipper, upbeat character he plays in the series about a U.K. soccer team and its unlikely American coach.

“This show’s about families and mentors and teammates, and I wouldn’t be here without those things in my life,” said Sudeikis. He also thanked his fellow castmates, saying “I’m only as good as you guys make me look.”

Smart, who received a standing ovation, began her acceptance speech on a somber note: Her husband actor, Richard Gilliland, died six months ago.

“I would not be here without him” and his willingness to put her career first, said Smart. She also praised their two children as “courageous individuals in their own right.”

Earlier in the evening, ebullient “Ted Lasso” castmate Hannah Waddingham, winner of the best supporting actress award for a comedy, said Sudeikis “changed my life with this, and more importantly my baby girl’s.”

The show’s Brett Goldstein, who won the counterpart award for supporting actor, said he had promised not to swear and either mimed or was muted for a few seconds, then called the show the “privilege and pleasure” of his life.

Gillian Anderson and Tobias Menzies of British royal drama “The Crown” were honored for their supporting performances. The series also picked up writing and directing honors.

Anderson, who played British political leader Margaret Thatcher, used her acceptance speech to thank her manager of 20 years for her mentorship and believing in her talent before she did.

Menzies who plays Prince Philip, didn’t attend the ceremony, which included a London gathering for “The Crown” nominees.

Before announcing the winner in his category, presenter Kerry Washington saluted another nominee, Michael K. Williams of “Lovecraft County.” Williams died Sept. 6 at age 54.

“Michael was a brilliantly talented actor and a generous human being who has left us far too soon,” Washington said.

Another lost star was remembered by John Oliver of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.”

“No one was funnier in the last 20 years than Norm Macdonald on late-night comedy,” Oliver said in accepting the Emmy for best variety talk show, suggesting people spend time checking out clips of Macdonald, as he did after Macdonald died Sept. 14 at age 61.

Kate Winslet, who played the title character in “Mare of Easttown,” and Ewan McGregor, who starred in the fashion biopic “Halston,” were honored as top actors for a limited series.

Winslet saluted her sister nominees in “this decade that has to be about women having each other’s back.”

Julianne Nicholson and Evan Peters claimed best supporting acting honors for “Mare of Easttown,” about crime and family dysfunction.

“The script was “true to the horror and beauty of ordinary people’s lives,” particularly the lives of women, said Nicholson.

Both she and Peters saluted star Winslet.

“Man, you’re good at acting. But turns out you’re good at caring for a whole production,” Nicholson said.

Debbie Allen received the Governors Award for a long and acclaimed career as an actor, dancer, choreographer and activist

“I am trembling with gratitude and grace and trying not to cry … it’s been many years in the making, taken a lot of courage to be the only woman in the room most of the time. Courage and creative and fight and faith to believe I could keep going, and I have,” she said.

The show opened with a musical number that featured host Cedric the Entertainer rapping a modified version of the Biz Markie hip-hop hit “Just a Friend” with lyrics like “TV, you got what I need.” LL Cool J bounded from the audience as stars like Rita Wilson, Mandy Moore and more dropped verses celebrating the breadth of television.

Seth Rogen presented the first award, throwing some cold water on the celebratory vibe by noting that the Emmys were being held in a giant tent. “There’s way too many of us in this little room,” he exclaimed in what seemed to be an attempt to be funny that fell flat.

“Why is there a roof? It’s more important that we have three chandeliers than make sure we don’t kill Eugene Levy tonight. That is what has been decided.”

Cedric the Entertainer worked hard and landed some laugh-getting jokes, but the night’s comedy bits were hit and miss — including Stephen Colbert’s jokes about California’s failed gubernatorial recall and Ken Jeong’s effort to get past security and into the show.

The show’s producers promised the show will be a celebration for all. But it could be much more rewarding, even historic, for some.

That includes Netflix’s drama “The Crown” and Apple TV+ comedy “Ted Lasso.” Each is considered a frontrunner Sunday for top series honors in their respective categories, and their casts received armloads of nominations.

More than the shows on streaming would benefit. Victories in both the best drama and comedy series categories would mark a first for streaming services and reinforce their growing dominance, to the dismay of competitors.

But the TV industry overall, including the broadcast networks that still field popular shows but are largely eclipsed at the Emmys, will be honored, say those in charge of the event airing on CBS.

Roughly 500 people attended the Emmys in downtown Los Angeles, with fashion standout Billy Porter sporting large wings attached to the sleeves of his black trouser look and Sudeikis walked the red carpet in a velvet suit of soft blue.

The producers’ ultimate goal is a ceremony that is upbeat and acknowledges how much TV’s importance grew during the pandemic and its lockdowns.

The top nominees include the British royal drama “The Crown” and the Star Wars-universe derived “The Mandalorian,” which received a leading 24 nominations each.

On the comedy side, the feel-good comedy “Ted Lasso” is competing with “black-ish”; “Cobra Kai”; “Emily in Paris”; “Hacks”; “The Flight Attendant”; “The Kominsky Method” and “PEN15.”

Other drama series contenders include past winner “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Lovecraft Country,” which was canceled after a single season but yielded nods for cast members Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett, Aunjanue Ellis and Williams.

 

CANBERRA, Australia — France would have known Australia had “deep and grave concerns” that a submarine fleet the French were building would not meet Australian needs, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Sunday after the contract’s cancellation set off a diplomatic crisis.

France accused Australia of concealing its intentions to back out of the $66 billion contract for French majority state-owned Naval Group to build 12 conventional diesel-electric submarines.

President Biden revealed last week a new alliance including Australia and Britain that would deliver an Australian fleet of at least eight nuclear-powered submarines.

Morrison blamed the switch on a deteriorating strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific. He has not specifically referred to China’s massive military buildup, which has gained pace in recent years.

“The capability that the Attack class submarines were going to provide was not what Australia needed to protect our sovereign interests,” Morrison said.

“They would have had every reason to know that we have deep and grave concerns that the capability being delivered by the Attack class submarine was not going to meet our strategic interests and we have made very clear that we would be making a decision based on our strategic national interest,” he added, referring to the French government.

France responded to the contract cancellation, which Morrison has said will cost his government at least $1.7 billion, by recalling its ambassadors from Australia and the United States.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Saturday denounced what he called the “duplicity, disdain and lies” surrounding the sudden end of the contract and said France was now questioning the strength of the alliance.

On Sunday, the French government spokesman said President Emmanuel Macron will speak in the coming days with Biden in what will be their first contact since the crisis erupted.

The phone call is at the request of Biden, spokesman Gabriel Attal said, adding that there was “shock” and “anger” at first. But now it’s time to try to move forward, he said.

China has denounced the sharing of such U.S. and British nuclear technology as irresponsible.

France won the contract in 2016 over offers from Germany and Japan. The Shortfin Barracuda was to be a nuclear submarine design adapted to be powered by diesel on the surface and battery underwater.

 

MOOSE, Wyo. — Authorities say a body discovered Sunday in Wyoming is believed to be Gabrielle “Gabby” Petito, who disappeared while on a cross-country trek with a boyfriend who has been identified by authorities as a person of interest and is now being sought within a Florida nature preserve.

The FBI said the body was found by law enforcement who had spent the past two days searching campgrounds.

The cause of death has not yet been determined, said FBI Supervisory Special Agent Charles Jones.

“Full forensic identification has not been completed to confirm 100% that we found Gabby, but her family has been notified,” Jones said. “This is an incredibly difficult time for (Petito’s) family and friends.”

An attorney who has been acting as a spokesman for Petito’s family asked in a statement that the family be given room to grieve.

Attorney Richard Benson Stafford indicated that the family would make a public statement at a later date, and he thanked officials with the FBI, Grand Teton Search and Rescue and other agencies that participated in the search for Petito.

“The family and I will be forever grateful,” Stafford said in a statement.

An undeveloped camping area on the east side of Grand Teton bordering national forest land will remain closed while the investigation continues, Jones said.

Jones said investigators are still seeking information from anyone who may have seen Petito or Brian Laundrie around the camp sites, the same area that was the subject of search efforts over the weekend.

Petito and her boyfriend, Laundrie, left in July on a cross-country trek in a converted van to visit national parks in the U.S. West. Police said Laundrie was alone when he drove the van back to his parents’ home in North Port, Florida, on Sept. 1.

Laundrie has been identified as a person of interest in the case. He was last seen Tuesday by family members in Florida.

More than 50 law enforcement officers on Sunday started a second day of searching for Laundrie at the more than 24,000-acre Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County, Florida, a wildlife area with more than 100 miles of trails, as well as campgrounds.

Petito’s family filed a missing persons report Sept. 11 with police in Suffolk County, New York.

Petito’s family had been pleading for the Laundrie family to tell them where their son last saw her. Petito and Laundrie were childhood sweethearts who met while growing up on Long Island, New York. His parents later moved to North Port, about 35 miles south of Sarasota.

The couple’s trek in the Ford Transit van began in July from Long Island. Petito vanished after her last known contact with family in late August from Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, authorities said.

Mayoral hopeful Michelle Wu is working to soften her “progressive” image as she battles it out to be the city’s next CEO with fellow city councilor Annissa Essaibi-George, who leans moderate.

“I will stand on the side of moving forward and ensuring that we are putting in place the changes and the policies to aim for our brightest future,” Wu said, during an appearance on WBZ’s “Keller at Large” on Sunday morning. “In city government, it’s about getting things done, not being judged on a scorecard of whether you said yes or no on a certain thing.”

Wu also shied away from using the hot-button phrase “defund the police” during Sunday’s interview.

‘”We need to see more resources in the combination of public safety and public health but we have to use our dollars wisely,” Wu said.

It’s a tactic the leftist could be using to woo conservative Boston voters, who largely stayed away from the ballot box during last week’s preliminary election in which Wu was the top vote-getter. Barely 108,000 voters turned up out of the city’s roughly 430,000 registered voters.

During one of the last debates, Essaibi-George attacked the field of mostly liberal Democrats, accusing them of wanting to “defund the police” and slash budgets. On the other hand, she is looking to expand them, she said.

Essaibi-George, who has been endorsed by police, firefighter and nurses unions, has wasted no time pivoting into attack mode ahead of the Nov. 2 citywide election and highlighting her centrist appeal.

During her victory speech following Tuesday’s election, Essaibi-George attacked Wu’s “unrealistic policy goals” saying, “The mayor of Boston cannot make the T free. The mayor of Boston cannot mandate rent control. These are issues the state must address.”

Wu on Sunday hit back saying any time someone characterizes her vision as “pie in the sky,” she considers it a “badge of pride.”

“We can’t afford to just nibble around the edges of the status quo,” Wu said. “We need to take the actions to secure our neighborhoods, to make sure that everyone has opportunity.”

‘We are fighting for what our communities need right now,” Wu said, citing her action to address the scale of the housing crisis, schools and ensure an equitable recovery from the coronavirus.

Essaibi-George, however, has declared it would be her to “do the work” to address issues at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, and to improve the city’s schools.

Essaibi-George and Wu both hit the campaign trail over the weekend as they work to define their message and distinguish themselves ahead of the election.

 

Now that’s what we call a red carpet. From Old Hollywood Glam to classic chic to fashion-forward style, the A-listers walking into the L.A. Live entertainment complex in Los Angeles for the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards were swinging for the fences.

There was one standout after another, but if we were to select a few faves, kudos would go to Yara Shahidi, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett and Kaley Cuoco. Observe.

Roughly 18,000 city workers will have to submit proof of full vaccination against coronavirus or start weekly testing starting Monday, according to a new city policy.

“Our purpose is to protect our employees and the public, and our work is rooted in public health guidance and based on data and science,” Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey said in a statement.

The vaccine mandate will be rolled out in three phases with employees who serve “high priority residents” including public school students, and work in city services like day care, the library and the Council on Aging must comply starting Monday.

Public-facing on-site city contractors and volunteers including public safety, parks and parking must comply by Oct. 4.

All other city employees, onsite contractors and volunteers must be in compliance by Oct. 18.

Any employee who cannot verify they are fully vaccinated will be required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result every seven days.

The city has been ramping up coronavirus measures since last month after spread of the more infectious and more deadly delta variant became evident in Boston.

The city reimposed an indoor mask mandate for all public buildings on Aug. 27 — a major step in a city where coronavirus cases had been on the decline.

Officials from the teachers union — who agreed to the vaccine mandate for workers earlier this month — said the Boston model could serve a blueprint for other communities grappling with Gov. Charlie Baker’s reluctance to impose a statewide vaccine mandate.

The Republican governor last month announced 42,000 state workers would be required to vax up by Oct. 17 or face discipline that could involve “termination.” But he has repeatedly sidestepped a more sweeping mandate that would include teachers and workers for individual cities and towns despite a direct appeal earlier this month from President Biden.

The mandate for state workers is stricter because it does not provide a blanket secondary option for weekly testing for workers who simply choose to remain unvaccinated.

Baker has said several times that he supports vaccine mandates at the city level. In an Aug. 19 executive order, the governor indicated he “encourages” municipalities to impose mandates of their own.