dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--Chicago orders business curfew amid 'second surge' of COVID-19

CHICAGO -- Chicago businesses will have to close by 10 p.m. and residents are asked to limit gatherings to six people as the number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases among residents continues to rise , the city 's mayor announced Thursday .
`` We are -- no doubt whatsoever -- in a second surge , '' Mayor Lori Lightfoot said .
`` This is what it looks like . ''
Lightfoot also announced that bars without food licenses must stop serving customers indoors and liquor sales citywide must end at 9 p.m .
The curfew does n't apply to grocery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other essential businesses .
All of the changes take effect Friday .
The number of statewide cases of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the virus , set another single-day record Thursday , with 4,942 , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There were 44 additional deaths , bringing the total since the pandemic began to 9,387 , among 360,159 confirmed infections .
Lightfoot warned earlier this week that rising numbers of new confirmed cases could lead to reinstated restrictions on the city 's economy .
As of Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average of 645 new cases during the past seven days .
Dr. Allison Arwady , commissioner of the city 's Department of Public Health , warned that the rate of growth of confirmed cases in recent days compares to what the city saw in March and April .
Chicago and the rest of Illinois were under a statewide stay-at-home order for about two months beginning in mid-March .
`` If we need to take further steps ... even going back to shelter in place , I 'm not going to hesitate to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope that wo n't be necessary , but it 's all in your hands . ''
Other parts of the state are facing similar restrictions imposed by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker .
They include allowing only outdoor bar and restaurant service which must end at 11 p.m. and limiting gatherings to 25 or fewer people .
Of 11 COVID-19 monitoring regions in the state , Region 1 , in northwestern Illinois , has had tougher restrictions since Oct. 3 .
The same rules started Thursday for Region 5 , in far southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ populous suburban Chicago counties comprising Regions 7 and 8 .

Chicago orders business curfew amid 'second surge' of COVID-19
CHICAGO -- Chicago businesses will have to close by 10 p.m. and residents are asked to limit gatherings to six people as the number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases among residents continues to rise, the city's mayor announced Thursday.
"We are -- no doubt whatsoever -- in a second surge," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said. "This is what it looks like."
Lightfoot also announced that bars without food licenses must stop serving customers indoors and liquor sales citywide must end at 9 p.m. The curfew doesn't apply to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and other essential businesses.
All of the changes take effect Friday.
The number of statewide cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, set another single-day record Thursday, with 4,942, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There were 44 additional deaths, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 9,387, among 360,159 confirmed infections.
Lightfoot warned earlier this week that rising numbers of new confirmed cases could lead to reinstated restrictions on the city's economy. As of Thursday, Lightfoot said the city was reporting an average of 645 new cases during the past seven days.
Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the city's Department of Public Health, warned that the rate of growth of confirmed cases in recent days compares to what the city saw in March and April. Chicago and the rest of Illinois were under a statewide stay-at-home order for about two months beginning in mid-March.
"If we need to take further steps ... even going back to shelter in place, I'm not going to hesitate to do that," Lightfoot said. "I hope that won't be necessary, but it's all in your hands."
Other parts of the state are facing similar restrictions imposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. They include allowing only outdoor bar and restaurant service which must end at 11 p.m. and limiting gatherings to 25 or fewer people. Of 11 COVID-19 monitoring regions in the state, Region 1, in northwestern Illinois, has had tougher restrictions since Oct. 3. The same rules started Thursday for Region 5, in far southern Illinois, and start Saturday for four populous suburban Chicago counties comprising Regions 7 and 8.
O'Connor reported from Springfield, Illinois.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--District 211, photo company sued over image of girl exposed at Conant dance

A Wisconsin-based photography company and Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 are being sued by a former Conant High School student over a publicly posted photo of her during a slip of her dress at last year 's homecoming dance .
The suit states that the image showing a momentary exposure of the Schaumburg girl 's chest during the October 2019 dance resulted in her being repeatedly publicly humiliated , harassed , sexually harassed and bullied , for which she sought counseling .
The lawsuit seeks at least $ 50,000 in damages from both Visual Image Photography Inc. of Cedarburg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted the company 's services for the event .
Neither District 211 officials nor representatives of the photography company responded to requests for comment Thursday .
According to the lawsuit , the image was displayed and made publicly available for sale and download on the photography company 's website for several days before it was reported by a parent .
The dean of students at the Hoffman Estates school was made aware of the photo a day later , the suit states .
The lawsuit alleges at least nine visitors clicked on and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however many may have seen it in the website 's gallery view .
The photo was posted on the Conant Varsity Football Team Snapchat , and at least six members of the team admitted they had seen , possessed or discussed the photo when they were interviewed by school administrators , according to the suit .
Those suit alleges willful and wanton conduct , voluntary undertaking , intentional infliction of emotional distress , negligence and intrusion upon seclusion .
A letter of apology purportedly written to school administrators by Visual Image Photography President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` On behalf of everyone at VIP we want to apologize to the student we photographed and the family that has been affected by this occurrence , '' Lutz reportedly wrote .
`` We are very sorry for our error that contributed to this circumstance . ''
The photo had been missed by the careful steps taken to review each image as a precaution against such errors , Lutz is quoted as writing .
`` Everything we do here at VIP is to create positive memories and experiences , '' the letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We would never intend to contribute to a negative experience for a student or a family .
Personally , I have a 17-year-old and a 21-year-old daughter .
I understand and want to help anyway I can . ''

District 211, photo company sued over image of girl exposed at Conant dance
A Wisconsin-based photography company and Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 are being sued by a former Conant High School student over a publicly posted photo of her during a slip of her dress at last year's homecoming dance.
The suit states that the image showing a momentary exposure of the Schaumburg girl's chest during the October 2019 dance resulted in her being repeatedly publicly humiliated, harassed, sexually harassed and bullied, for which she sought counseling.
The lawsuit seeks at least $50,000 in damages from both Visual Image Photography Inc. of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and District 211, which contracted the company's services for the event.
Neither District 211 officials nor representatives of the photography company responded to requests for comment Thursday.
According to the lawsuit, the image was displayed and made publicly available for sale and download on the photography company's website for several days before it was reported by a parent. The dean of students at the Hoffman Estates school was made aware of the photo a day later, the suit states.
The lawsuit alleges at least nine visitors clicked on and viewed the photo, in addition to however many may have seen it in the website's gallery view.
The photo was posted on the Conant Varsity Football Team Snapchat, and at least six members of the team admitted they had seen, possessed or discussed the photo when they were interviewed by school administrators, according to the suit.
Those suit alleges willful and wanton conduct, voluntary undertaking, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and intrusion upon seclusion.
A letter of apology purportedly written to school administrators by Visual Image Photography President Courtney Lutz was included in the lawsuit.
"On behalf of everyone at VIP we want to apologize to the student we photographed and the family that has been affected by this occurrence," Lutz reportedly wrote. "We are very sorry for our error that contributed to this circumstance."
The photo had been missed by the careful steps taken to review each image as a precaution against such errors, Lutz is quoted as writing.
"Everything we do here at VIP is to create positive memories and experiences," the letter quoted in the lawsuit continues. "We would never intend to contribute to a negative experience for a student or a family. Personally, I have a 17-year-old and a 21-year-old daughter. I understand and want to help anyway I can."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--Luxury coworking space opens in Elk Grove Village

Elk Grove Village officials helped cut the ribbon Thursday on a new 110,000-square-foot luxury coworking space just off the Jane Addams Tollway .
Co-Optim offers workstations , private offices and conference rooms within its three-story building at 141 Northwest Point Boulevard .
The company purchased the building after its last tenant , the American Academy of Pediatrics , moved to nearby Itasca .
It 's the third location for Co-Optim , which opened in 2016 in the Deer Park Town Center followed by Chicago 's West Loop .
`` We cater to many different people , whether they 're freelancers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Kayla King , the company 's marketing director .
Owner/founder Joe Elias is now putting the finishing touches on Co-Optim Health , a fully-furnished medical office space , at Deer Park , and plans to open a sister location in the other wing of his Elk Grove location .
The Elk Grove office features coworking lounges , offices for up to eight people , and conference rooms that can fit as many as 40 .
There 's also a client concierge to greet people at the front desk ; a kids area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and coffee bar with complementary Starbucks .
Coworking spaces start at $ 125 per month , private desks at $ 350 per month , and private offices at $ 699 per month .

Luxury coworking space opens in Elk Grove Village
Elk Grove Village officials helped cut the ribbon Thursday on a new 110,000-square-foot luxury coworking space just off the Jane Addams Tollway.
Co-Optim offers workstations, private offices and conference rooms within its three-story building at 141 Northwest Point Boulevard. The company purchased the building after its last tenant, the American Academy of Pediatrics, moved to nearby Itasca.
It's the third location for Co-Optim, which opened in 2016 in the Deer Park Town Center followed by Chicago's West Loop.
"We cater to many different people, whether they're freelancers or a whole collaborative team," said Kayla King, the company's marketing director.
Owner/founder Joe Elias is now putting the finishing touches on Co-Optim Health, a fully-furnished medical office space, at Deer Park, and plans to open a sister location in the other wing of his Elk Grove location.
The Elk Grove office features coworking lounges, offices for up to eight people, and conference rooms that can fit as many as 40. There's also a client concierge to greet people at the front desk; a kids area with toys, TVs and games; and coffee bar with complementary Starbucks.
Coworking spaces start at $125 per month, private desks at $350 per month, and private offices at $699 per month.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--Carpentersville man found guilty of possessing $1.6M of cocaine for drug cartel tied to Lake in the

A Carpentersville man was found guilty Wednesday of possessing $ 1.6 million worth of cocaine that prosecutors say was shipped to a Lake in the Hills warehouse on behalf of a Mexican drug cartel .
McHenry County Judge Michael Coppedge announced the verdict Wednesday , after listening to three days of testimony in the trial of 44-year-old Juan F. Sanchez-Cacho .
The man ultimately was convicted of possession with intent to deliver cocaine and possession of a controlled substance .
Sanchez-Cacho was arrested Sept. 20 , 2018 , as he attempted to leave a Trinity Drive warehouse where police had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sanchez-Cacho unknowingly met with an undercover Chicago police officer and offered to sell him 30 kilograms of cocaine for $ 30,000 per kilos , witnesses testified .
Another man , 21-year-old Ivan Moreno-Sanchez , also attended the meeting and later was arrested in connection with the large-scale drug investigation .
Although officers from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration , Chicago Police Department , Lake in the Hills Police Department and Kane County Sheriff 's Office all assisted in the investigation , none filed a report based on the Sept. 17 , 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanchez-Cacho 's attorney Special Public Defender Thomas Carroll said .
`` The fact that no one wrote a report is incredulous , '' Carroll said .
In September 2018 , Moreno-Gollegos and Sanchez-Cacho were staying together at a Carpentersville home that was provided to them by a Mexican drug cartel , Moreno-Gollegos testified Wednesday .
The 21-year-old said the cartel forced him to travel to the U.S. in 2017 and provided him with a home and a red Toyota .
Moreno-Gollegos was not sure Wednesday whether Sanchez-Cacho also worked for the cartel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 20 , 2020 , a third man , who was not charged , asked the men to help unload goods that would be arriving at the warehouse in a semitruck , Moreno-Gollegos said .
Although Moreno-Gollegos testified Wednesday he did n't specifically know what he was unloading , he said he knew he was working on behalf of the cartel .
Police followed the men to Lake in the Hills where they saw Sanchez-Cacho use a key to unlock one of the warehouse doors , prosecutors said .
Sanchez-Cacho remained at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left in the red Toyota .
Officers stopped the vehicle shortly after and discovered 16 bricks of cocaine hidden within compartments inside a cooler and speaker box in the trunk of the Toyota .
Moreno-Gollegos accepted a plea deal in March and was sentenced to 16 years in prison for possession with intent to deliver cocaine .
Similar items , including cars with man-made storage compartments in the floor , were located inside the warehouse , prosecutors said .
Although investigators found no drugs inside the warehouse , they arrested Sanchez-Cacho based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfer , prosecutors said .
`` The defendant was fully aware of what was taking place , '' McHenry County Assistant State 's Attorney Brette Dunbar said during her closing argument Wednesday .
Carroll , however , questioned why police arrested and later released the third man whose name was written on a warehouse clipboard that contained a MoneyGram check dated Sept. 20 .
`` Yet amazingly , ( he ) is not charged , '' Carroll said .
Carroll also criticized officers for not attempting to stop the semitruck after it left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somehow lost ... '' Carroll said .
`` Somehow we 're just going to let it go and not worry about it . ''
Sanchez-Cacho remained at the McHenry County Jail Wednesday evening without bond .
He is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 16 in McHenry County court .

Carpentersville man found guilty of possessing $1.6M of cocaine for drug cartel tied to Lake in the Hills warehouse
A Carpentersville man was found guilty Wednesday of possessing $1.6 million worth of cocaine that prosecutors say was shipped to a Lake in the Hills warehouse on behalf of a Mexican drug cartel.
McHenry County Judge Michael Coppedge announced the verdict Wednesday, after listening to three days of testimony in the trial of 44-year-old Juan F. Sanchez-Cacho. The man ultimately was convicted of possession with intent to deliver cocaine and possession of a controlled substance.
Sanchez-Cacho was arrested Sept. 20, 2018, as he attempted to leave a Trinity Drive warehouse where police had been conducting surveillance. Three days earlier, Sanchez-Cacho unknowingly met with an undercover Chicago police officer and offered to sell him 30 kilograms of cocaine for $30,000 per kilos, witnesses testified. Another man, 21-year-old Ivan Moreno-Sanchez, also attended the meeting and later was arrested in connection with the large-scale drug investigation.
Although officers from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Chicago Police Department, Lake in the Hills Police Department and Kane County Sheriff's Office all assisted in the investigation, none filed a report based on the Sept. 17, 2018, meeting with the undercover officer, Sanchez-Cacho's attorney Special Public Defender Thomas Carroll said.
"The fact that no one wrote a report is incredulous," Carroll said.
In September 2018, Moreno-Gollegos and Sanchez-Cacho were staying together at a Carpentersville home that was provided to them by a Mexican drug cartel, Moreno-Gollegos testified Wednesday.
The 21-year-old said the cartel forced him to travel to the U.S. in 2017 and provided him with a home and a red Toyota. Moreno-Gollegos was not sure Wednesday whether Sanchez-Cacho also worked for the cartel, he said.
On the morning of Sept. 20, 2020, a third man, who was not charged, asked the men to help unload goods that would be arriving at the warehouse in a semitruck, Moreno-Gollegos said.
Although Moreno-Gollegos testified Wednesday he didn't specifically know what he was unloading, he said he knew he was working on behalf of the cartel.
Police followed the men to Lake in the Hills where they saw Sanchez-Cacho use a key to unlock one of the warehouse doors, prosecutors said.
Sanchez-Cacho remained at the warehouse with the third man while Moreno-Gollegos left in the red Toyota. Officers stopped the vehicle shortly after and discovered 16 bricks of cocaine hidden within compartments inside a cooler and speaker box in the trunk of the Toyota.
Moreno-Gollegos accepted a plea deal in March and was sentenced to 16 years in prison for possession with intent to deliver cocaine.
Similar items, including cars with man-made storage compartments in the floor, were located inside the warehouse, prosecutors said. Although investigators found no drugs inside the warehouse, they arrested Sanchez-Cacho based on his alleged involvement with planning the cocaine transfer, prosecutors said.
"The defendant was fully aware of what was taking place," McHenry County Assistant State's Attorney Brette Dunbar said during her closing argument Wednesday.
Carroll, however, questioned why police arrested and later released the third man whose name was written on a warehouse clipboard that contained a MoneyGram check dated Sept. 20.
"Yet amazingly, (he) is not charged," Carroll said.
Carroll also criticized officers for not attempting to stop the semitruck after it left the warehouse.
"A semi is somehow lost ..." Carroll said. "Somehow we're just going to let it go and not worry about it."
Sanchez-Cacho remained at the McHenry County Jail Wednesday evening without bond. He is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 16 in McHenry County court.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--DuPage County investigating three cases of possible voter fraud

DuPage County is investigating instances of potential voter fraud after officials say the county clerk 's office received vote-by-mail applications @ @ @ @ @ alive , State 's Attorney Robert Berlin announced Thursday .
Berlin said his office previously @ @ @ @ @ but concluded criminal charges were not appropriate .
The three current cases involve applications received @ @ @ @ @ 26 , officials said .
`` With the opening of our satellite voting locations , @ @ @ @ @ perfectly clear that my office will do what is necessary to ensure that every voter @ @ @ @ @ right to vote , either in person or vote-by-mail and to have their vote counted @ @ @ @ @ a news release .
`` Additionally , any allegations of fraud , bullying , intimidation @ @ @ @ @ to influence or otherwise harass voters will not be tolerated .
These are all serious @ @ @ @ @ carry felony penalties . ''

DuPage County investigating three cases of possible voter fraud
DuPage County is investigating instances of potential voter fraud after officials say the county clerk's office received vote-by-mail applications from three people no longer alive, State's Attorney Robert Berlin announced Thursday.
Berlin said his office previously investigated six similar cases, but concluded criminal charges were not appropriate.
A news release from the DuPage County clerk's office emphasized that the election "is proceeding in a safe and secure manner" and that officials have "implemented strict procedural safeguards to ensure the integrity of the vote-by-mail process."
The three current cases involve applications received between Sept. 1 and Sept. 26, officials said.
"With the opening of our satellite voting locations, I want to make it perfectly clear that my office will do what is necessary to ensure that every voter is allowed to exercise their right to vote, either in person or vote-by-mail and to have their vote counted," Berlin said in a news release. "Additionally, any allegations of fraud, bullying, intimidation or any other activities designed to influence or otherwise harass voters will not be tolerated. These are all serious violations of the law which carry felony penalties."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--Gene & Georgetti closing Rosemont restaurant

The oldest family-owned steakhouse in the Chicago area is saying goodbye to its Rosemont location .
Gene & Georgetti is shutting down the restaurant at 9421 W. Higgins Road after being notified Tuesday it has to vacate the building because of $ 120,000 in unpaid property taxes .
The restaurant , which opened just five years ago , leases the building from the village of Rosemont but is responsible for the property taxes under a 10-year deal .
The Rosemont location has struggled amid the pandemic , though its event space has taken the biggest hit .
The 5,000-square-foot grand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began regulating gatherings , according to one of the restaurant 's third-generation family owners , Michelle Durpetti .
`` We have a large event facility that accounts for about 50 percent of our revenue on a normal basis , '' Durpetti said .
`` With the state mandates in place .
... we have not been able to have any business in the space . ''
The longtime Chicago restaurateurs found themselves struggling among many other Rosemont businesses that have been affected by COVID-19 .
`` Operating at 40 percent capacity when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Durpetti said .
`` That is an area that depended on the business traveler and convention business and entertainment and all of those things that are no longer happening . ''
The last day for customers to enjoy steaks and pasta at the Rosemont restaurant will be Oct. 31 , though the restaurant 's 79-year-old River North location , at 500 N. Franklin St. , will remain open .
Durpetti said there are no definitive plans to relocate to a smaller space in Rosemont .
`` At the moment what we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , '' Durpetti said .
`` It 's very important to me that we protect this legacy . ''

Gene & Georgetti closing Rosemont restaurant
The dining room room was packed when Gene & Georgetti opened in Rosemont on July 22, 2015. The steakhouse's last day of operation will be Oct. 31. Daily Herald file photo
The oldest family-owned steakhouse in the Chicago area is saying goodbye to its Rosemont location.
Gene & Georgetti is shutting down the restaurant at 9421 W. Higgins Road after being notified Tuesday it has to vacate the building because of $120,000 in unpaid property taxes.
The restaurant, which opened just five years ago, leases the building from the village of Rosemont but is responsible for the property taxes under a 10-year deal.
The Rosemont location has struggled amid the pandemic, though its event space has taken the biggest hit. The 5,000-square-foot grand ballroom has remained vacant since the state began regulating gatherings, according to one of the restaurant's third-generation family owners, Michelle Durpetti.
"We have a large event facility that accounts for about 50 percent of our revenue on a normal basis," Durpetti said. "With the state mandates in place. ... we have not been able to have any business in the space."
The longtime Chicago restaurateurs found themselves struggling among many other Rosemont businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.
"Operating at 40 percent capacity when you have 100 percent expenses is challenging," Durpetti said. "That is an area that depended on the business traveler and convention business and entertainment and all of those things that are no longer happening."
The last day for customers to enjoy steaks and pasta at the Rosemont restaurant will be Oct. 31, though the restaurant's 79-year-old River North location, at 500 N. Franklin St., will remain open.
Durpetti said there are no definitive plans to relocate to a smaller space in Rosemont.
"At the moment what we are really focused on is just surviving this pandemic," Durpetti said. "It's very important to me that we protect this legacy."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--Feder: Longtime ABC 7 anchor Joel Daly dies

But his most famous role was as a news anchor , including a 38-year run at ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 , @ @ @ @ @ one of Chicago 's most successful and influential news teams of all time .
Daly @ @ @ @ @ died Thursday , according to his family .
He had been diagnosed with vascular Parkinsonism @ @ @ @ @ to mini-strokes , and recently underwent gall bladder surgery .
Get the full report , @ @ @ @ @ , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Longtime ABC 7 anchor Joel Daly dies
Joel Daly was a modern day Renaissance man -- a lawyer, actor, author, pilot, country singer and champion yodeler.
But his most famous role was as a news anchor, including a 38-year run at ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7, where he was part of one of Chicago's most successful and influential news teams of all time.
Daly, who was 86, died Thursday, according to his family. He had been diagnosed with vascular Parkinsonism, a condition that led to mini-strokes, and recently underwent gall bladder surgery.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--Brookfield Zoo to temporarily close beginning Jan. 1

Brookfield Zoo will be closed to the public for two months beginning Jan. 1 , the institution announced Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ , the health and safety of our guests , volunteers , staff , and animals @ @ @ @ @ priority , '' Stuart Strahl , president and CEO of Chicago Zoological Society , which @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .

Brookfield Zoo to temporarily close beginning Jan. 1
Hudson the polar bear swims in a pool in the new Great Bear Wilderness exhibit at the Brookfield Zoo, which will close for the first two months of next year due to the coronavirus pandemic. AP File Photo/April 30, 2010
Brookfield Zoo will be closed to the public for two months beginning Jan. 1, the institution announced Thursday.
"Through these challenging times, the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, staff, and animals continues to be our top priority," Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of Chicago Zoological Society, which operates Brookfield Zoo, said in a statement.
For the complete story, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--Chicago Bears' O-line continues to be work in progress

Bears center Cody Whitehair believes it 's going to take time for offensive lineman Rashaad Coward to feel comfortable at the left guard position .
`` The biggest thing for him is just getting comfortable on the left side , '' Whitehair said .
`` That will come with time and reps. We 're not worried about it .
We 're really excited for his opportunity . ''
Coward started Sunday 's game against the Carolina Panthers , playing left guard for the first time in his career .
The former defensive lineman moved to the offensive line in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games at right guard after Kyle Long suffered a season-ending injury .
Coward started 2020 as a backup but now steps into the left guard spot following a likely season-ending injury to left guard James Daniels in Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
`` Rashaad 's a good athlete , '' said Bears O-line coach Juan Castillo last week .
`` Rashaad had a really good training camp .
I mean , he probably had as good a camp as ( starting right guard Germain Ifedi ) just about . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Carolina and have struggled running in each of their past three games .
Running back David Montgomery has had little success when trying to run it to the left side during that time .
Bears coach Matt Nagy said Thursday he felt really good about the offensive line through the first three weeks of the season .
Of late , the Bears have had 10 guys doing the right thing on offense , Nagy said , but one mistake from one player can really disrupt a play .
`` The beauty is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with these players , offensive line I 'm talking , they 're working their tails off every day in practice to fix that , '' Nagy said .
Castillo returned to practice Thursday after working remotely last week because a close contact of his had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Having the offensive line coach back in person can only help the blocking issues .
In a Zoom session with the media last week , Castillo turned a little bit defensive when asked about the Bears ' struggles running the ball .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay Buccaneers were two of the best run defenses in the NFL .
He was n't wrong .
But the Panthers are not a good run defense , and the Bears still totaled only 63 rushing yards and 2.5 yards per carry .
Whitehair said it all comes down to execution .
`` We collectively -- and it starts with me , obviously , first and foremost -- getting guys to ( block ) the right people , '' he said .
`` I can be better there , and just overall execution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get better and better . ''
On Wednesday , the Buffalo Bills released Quinton Spain , a left guard with starting experience .
There 's some speculation about whether the Bears might be interested in signing Spain .
Whether or not the Bears seek outside help , the fact remains that the offensive line needs to improve .
According to ESPN Analytics , the Bears ' offensive line ranks 16th in pass block `` win rate '' and 18th in run block `` win rate . ''
`` Week in and week out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Whitehair said .
`` Obviously , we 're not to where we want to be yet . ''

Chicago Bears' O-line continues to be work in progress
Chicago Bears offensive guard Cody Whitehair (65) watches coverage at the line of scrimmage against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019.
Shaw Media
Bears center Cody Whitehair believes it's going to take time for offensive lineman Rashaad Coward to feel comfortable at the left guard position.
"The biggest thing for him is just getting comfortable on the left side," Whitehair said. "That will come with time and reps. We're not worried about it. We're really excited for his opportunity."
Coward started Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, playing left guard for the first time in his career. The former defensive lineman moved to the offensive line in 2018. In 2019, he started 10 games at right guard after Kyle Long suffered a season-ending injury.
Coward started 2020 as a backup but now steps into the left guard spot following a likely season-ending injury to left guard James Daniels in Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"Rashaad's a good athlete," said Bears O-line coach Juan Castillo last week. "Rashaad had a really good training camp. I mean, he probably had as good a camp as (starting right guard Germain Ifedi) just about."
The Bears struggled to run the ball against Carolina and have struggled running in each of their past three games. Running back David Montgomery has had little success when trying to run it to the left side during that time.
Bears coach Matt Nagy said Thursday he felt really good about the offensive line through the first three weeks of the season. Of late, the Bears have had 10 guys doing the right thing on offense, Nagy said, but one mistake from one player can really disrupt a play.
"The beauty is that with Juan (Castillo) and with these players, offensive line I'm talking, they're working their tails off every day in practice to fix that," Nagy said.
Castillo returned to practice Thursday after working remotely last week because a close contact of his had tested positive for COVID-19. Having the offensive line coach back in person can only help the blocking issues.
In a Zoom session with the media last week, Castillo turned a little bit defensive when asked about the Bears' struggles running the ball. He noted that the Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were two of the best run defenses in the NFL.
He wasn't wrong. But the Panthers are not a good run defense, and the Bears still totaled only 63 rushing yards and 2.5 yards per carry.
Whitehair said it all comes down to execution.
"We collectively -- and it starts with me, obviously, first and foremost -- getting guys to (block) the right people," he said. "I can be better there, and just overall execution as an offense. We can just get better and better."
On Wednesday, the Buffalo Bills released Quinton Spain, a left guard with starting experience. There's some speculation about whether the Bears might be interested in signing Spain.
Whether or not the Bears seek outside help, the fact remains that the offensive line needs to improve. According to ESPN Analytics, the Bears' offensive line ranks 16th in pass block "win rate" and 18th in run block "win rate."
"Week in and week out, we're trying to get better," Whitehair said. "Obviously, we're not to where we want to be yet."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--Naperville's Hairston Jr. still living dream as Dodgers broadcaster

Near the end of his father 's 14-year playing career with the White Sox , Jerry Hairston Jr. remembers tagging along on the team bus for a trip to Milwaukee .
He remembers being `` inspired '' by two members of the Sox 's traveling party .
`` It was Ken 'Hawk ' Harrelson and a legendary pitcher for the Dodgers , Don Drysdale , '' Hairston Jr. said in a phone interview .
`` I was 8 , 9 years old on that bus ride , and ( Drysdale ) told me he played baseball and I could n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just knew him as a broadcaster . ''
When he got back home to Naperville , Hairston broke out some research books and studied up on Drysdale , a Hall of Famer who was 209-166 with a 2.95 ERA over 14 seasons with for the Dodgers before partnering with Harrelson in the White Sox 's TV broadcast booth from 1982-87 .
`` I could n't believe how great of a baseball player he was , '' Hairston said .
`` I said , 'That 's what I want to be , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I want to be able to play baseball , and then when I 'm done playing I would love to be a broadcaster and talk about baseball . '
`` The Naperville North High School and Southern Illinois product is still living the dream .
After playing 16 major-league seasons with the Orioles , Cubs , Rangers , Reds , Yankees , Padres , Nationals , Brewers and Dodgers , the 44-year-old Hairston stayed in the game as a broadcaster for ESPN and MLB Network .
Now , he 's with Spectrum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analyst .
`` For me to have a pretty good playing career , very fortunate to do that , and now be a broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the team Don Drysdale was famous for , his legendary career here in L.A. , that definitely is a pretty cool thing , '' said Hairston , whose grandfather Sam , brother Scott and uncle John Hairston also played major-league baseball .
On the Dodgers ' broadcast crew since 2013 , Hairston thinks this might be the year Los Angeles wins the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trailing the Braves 3-1 in the NLCS , the Dodgers reeled off 3 wins a row and are in the World Series for the third time in four years .
Los Angeles and Tampa Bay are tied at 1 in the best-of-seven Fall Classic .
`` They 're a very talented group , '' Hairston said of the Dodgers .
`` And they understand that even though they are very talented , they have to play their best baseball to win . ''
Signing right fielder Mookie Betts to a 12-year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertain financial times could come back and bite Los Angeles , but Hairston sees it as a great move .
`` I 've been watching baseball since the early 1980s and I say it all the time , ( Betts ) is the most skilled baseball player , probably right there with Ken Griffey Jr. and Roberto Alomar , that I 've ever seen .
He does everything you want a superstar player to do on a baseball field .
`` You 've got excellent power , a great hitter , outstanding speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's accurate . ''
As the Dodgers try getting over the hump and winning the World Series after coming up short in 13 straight postseason appearances , Hairston is just happy Major League Baseball was able to play this year during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We all had to deal with change in 2020 , '' Hairston said .
`` You know , to not have sports , to not to have baseball , it was definitely weird .
For the first time in our lives , there was no baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always thought if there was a possibility when it was safe to get back on the baseball field to provide entertainment , I thought that would be bring joy to some people .
`` So I was so fortunate , we 're so fortunate , that baseball was able to come back to have the season for our fans , and the fans are truly appreciative . ''

Naperville's Hairston Jr. still living dream as Dodgers broadcaster
Near the end of his father's 14-year playing career with the White Sox, Jerry Hairston Jr. remembers tagging along on the team bus for a trip to Milwaukee.
He remembers being "inspired" by two members of the Sox's traveling party.
"It was Ken 'Hawk' Harrelson and a legendary pitcher for the Dodgers, Don Drysdale," Hairston Jr. said in a phone interview. "I was 8, 9 years old on that bus ride, and (Drysdale) told me he played baseball and I couldn't believe he was a baseball player because I just knew him as a broadcaster."
When he got back home to Naperville, Hairston broke out some research books and studied up on Drysdale, a Hall of Famer who was 209-166 with a 2.95 ERA over 14 seasons with for the Dodgers before partnering with Harrelson in the White Sox's TV broadcast booth from 1982-87.
"I couldn't believe how great of a baseball player he was," Hairston said. "I said, 'That's what I want to be, I want to be just like Don Drysdale. I want to be able to play baseball, and then when I'm done playing I would love to be a broadcaster and talk about baseball.' "
The Naperville North High School and Southern Illinois product is still living the dream.
After playing 16 major-league seasons with the Orioles, Cubs, Rangers, Reds, Yankees, Padres, Nationals, Brewers and Dodgers, the 44-year-old Hairston stayed in the game as a broadcaster for ESPN and MLB Network.
Now, he's with Spectrum SportsNet LA as the Dodgers' pregame/postgame analyst.
"For me to have a pretty good playing career, very fortunate to do that, and now be a broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team Don Drysdale was famous for, his legendary career here in L.A., that definitely is a pretty cool thing," said Hairston, whose grandfather Sam, brother Scott and uncle John Hairston also played major-league baseball.
On the Dodgers' broadcast crew since 2013, Hairston thinks this might be the year Los Angeles wins the World Series for the first time since 1988.
Trailing the Braves 3-1 in the NLCS, the Dodgers reeled off 3 wins a row and are in the World Series for the third time in four years.
Los Angeles and Tampa Bay are tied at 1 in the best-of-seven Fall Classic.
"They're a very talented group," Hairston said of the Dodgers. "And they understand that even though they are very talented, they have to play their best baseball to win."
Signing right fielder Mookie Betts to a 12-year, $365 million contract extension in these uncertain financial times could come back and bite Los Angeles, but Hairston sees it as a great move.
"I've been watching baseball since the early 1980s and I say it all the time, (Betts) is the most skilled baseball player, probably right there with Ken Griffey Jr. and Roberto Alomar, that I've ever seen. He does everything you want a superstar player to do on a baseball field.
"You've got excellent power, a great hitter, outstanding speed. A great throwing arm, and it's accurate."
As the Dodgers try getting over the hump and winning the World Series after coming up short in 13 straight postseason appearances, Hairston is just happy Major League Baseball was able to play this year during the coronavirus pandemic.
"We all had to deal with change in 2020," Hairston said. "You know, to not have sports, to not to have baseball, it was definitely weird. For the first time in our lives, there was no baseball in spring and early summer. I always thought if there was a possibility when it was safe to get back on the baseball field to provide entertainment, I thought that would be bring joy to some people.
"So I was so fortunate, we're so fortunate, that baseball was able to come back to have the season for our fans, and the fans are truly appreciative."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--After Giolito, Keuchel, Chicago White Sox have to sort out starting rotation

The White Sox have a rising young star at the top of their starting rotation .
They have an old-school veteran in the No .
2 slot .
After ace Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel , they have a bushel of starting candidates and a lot of question marks .
`` We do have a group of young pitchers that we feel really good about , '' Sox general manager Rick Hahn said .
`` And we have a group of young pitchers that we think are going to play roles on championship clubs going forward .
We 're not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly what those roles are going to be just yet . ''
If the White Sox decide against paying up for a free-agent starter such as Trevor Bauer or Marcus Stroman this winter , they 'll be left with plenty of in-house options .
Dylan Cease was the Sox 's No .
3 starter for most of this season , and the former Cubs prospect looked good early in the year .
But after going 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA in August , Cease slipped badly in September and was 1-2 with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 22⅓ innings .
The White Sox desperately needed a third starter in the playoffs , but Cease was not available after pitching 1 scoreless inning of relief in Game 2 .
The 24-year-old righty has a great arm , but Cease has to start throwing consistent strikes if he wants to stick in the Sox 's rotation .
Dane Dunning did start Game 3 for the White Sox , but he also faded down the stretch and was pulled by ex-manager Rick Renteria with two outs in the first inning of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire 2019 season recovering from Tommy John surgery and was n't able to get some needed minor-league innings this year , Dunning ( 2-0 , 3.97 ERA ) acquitted himself pretty well as a rookie and should be better in 2021 and beyond .
Michael Kopech is the biggest question for the Sox moving forward .
Showing why he is considered a front-end arm late in the 2018 season when he joined the White Sox 's rotation , Kopech injured his elbow during a Sept. 5 start against the Tigers .
Kopech had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of last season and he opted out this year .
That is a lengthy layoff , but the Sox expect the 24-year-old Kopech to be ready to roll when spring training opens in February .
`` Having Michael Kopech back is going to be a nice shot in the arm , but at the same time we know he has n't faced hitters at the big-league level for two years , '' Hahn said .
`` So what exactly are we getting in 2021 is still to be determined . ''
Reynaldo Lopez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in the starting mix for the White Sox , and so is a potential star -- Garrett Crochet .
The Sox 's first-round draft pick in June ( No .
11 overall ) out of Tennessee , Crochet went right from the Schaumburg training facility to the major-league bullpen in September and instantly brought back memories of Chris Sale with 8 strikeouts and no walks over 6 scoreless innings .
Crochet , a 21-year-old lefty who throws 100-mph fastballs with ease , struck out both Oakland hitters he faced in Game 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arm injury .
The initial worry was an elbow issue and Tommy John procedure , but it appears Crochet is going to be fine with a winter of rest .
`` The information is good , it 's positive , '' Hahn said .
`` He is dealing with a flexor strain , essentially a muscle strain in the forearm .
The UCL ( elbow ligament ) is clean , no issues there .
We expect him to continue to progress and he 'll be without restriction come next spring . ''

After Giolito, Keuchel, Chicago White Sox have to sort out starting rotation
Chicago White Sox pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) walks to the dugout after being relieved in the fourth inning in Game 2 of an American League wild-card baseball series against the Oakland Athletics Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, in Oakland, Calif.
Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito (27) walks to the dugout after retiring the Oakland Athletics in the fourth inning of Game 1 of an American League wild-card baseball series Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, in Oakland, Calif.
The White Sox have a rising young star at the top of their starting rotation.
They have an old-school veteran in the No. 2 slot.
After ace Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel, they have a bushel of starting candidates and a lot of question marks.
"We do have a group of young pitchers that we feel really good about," Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "And we have a group of young pitchers that we think are going to play roles on championship clubs going forward. We're not really at a point where we know exactly what those roles are going to be just yet."
If the White Sox decide against paying up for a free-agent starter such as Trevor Bauer or Marcus Stroman this winter, they'll be left with plenty of in-house options.
Dylan Cease was the Sox's No. 3 starter for most of this season, and the former Cubs prospect looked good early in the year.
But after going 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA in August, Cease slipped badly in September and was 1-2 with a 5.64 ERA to go with 16 walks in 22⅓ innings.
The White Sox desperately needed a third starter in the playoffs, but Cease was not available after pitching 1 scoreless inning of relief in Game 2.
The 24-year-old righty has a great arm, but Cease has to start throwing consistent strikes if he wants to stick in the Sox's rotation.
Dane Dunning did start Game 3 for the White Sox, but he also faded down the stretch and was pulled by ex-manager Rick Renteria with two outs in the first inning of his playoff debut.
Considering he missed the entire 2019 season recovering from Tommy John surgery and wasn't able to get some needed minor-league innings this year, Dunning (2-0, 3.97 ERA) acquitted himself pretty well as a rookie and should be better in 2021 and beyond.
Michael Kopech is the biggest question for the Sox moving forward. Showing why he is considered a front-end arm late in the 2018 season when he joined the White Sox's rotation, Kopech injured his elbow during a Sept. 5 start against the Tigers.
Kopech had Tommy John surgery which cost him all of last season and he opted out this year.
That is a lengthy layoff, but the Sox expect the 24-year-old Kopech to be ready to roll when spring training opens in February.
"Having Michael Kopech back is going to be a nice shot in the arm, but at the same time we know he hasn't faced hitters at the big-league level for two years," Hahn said. "So what exactly are we getting in 2021 is still to be determined."
Reynaldo Lopez, Jonathan Stiever and Jimmy Lambert also are in the starting mix for the White Sox, and so is a potential star -- Garrett Crochet.
The Sox's first-round draft pick in June (No. 11 overall) out of Tennessee, Crochet went right from the Schaumburg training facility to the major-league bullpen in September and instantly brought back memories of Chris Sale with 8 strikeouts and no walks over 6 scoreless innings.
Crochet, a 21-year-old lefty who throws 100-mph fastballs with ease, struck out both Oakland hitters he faced in Game 3 of the playoffs before exiting with an arm injury.
The initial worry was an elbow issue and Tommy John procedure, but it appears Crochet is going to be fine with a winter of rest.
"The information is good, it's positive," Hahn said. "He is dealing with a flexor strain, essentially a muscle strain in the forearm. The UCL (elbow ligament) is clean, no issues there. We expect him to continue to progress and he'll be without restriction come next spring."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--Chicago Cubs need to strike while Darvish, Hendricks are peaking

Fixing the Cubs ' flaws will be difficult , but maintaining the strength wo n't require any effort .
Starting pitching was unquestionably the team 's highlight in 2020 .
Cubs starters led the majors in fewest walks per nine innings ( 2.3 ) , ranked second behind Cleveland in quality starts ( 30 ) and were fourth in the National League in starters ' ERA ( 3.77 ) .
Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks are in the argument for the best 1-2 punch in a starting rotation , and both those players are under contract for at least three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weigh on every decision made by team president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer this winter .
Does it make sense to maybe take a step back and attempt to trade positions players for prospects when Hendricks and Darvish are at their peak ?
Darvish had easily his best major-league season , though of course it was only a third the length of a regular season .
There 's no way of knowing if he could have held on to his 2.01 ERA for a full 162 games .
But Darvish clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked about making the decision midway through 2019 to slow down his pace and put full focus on his wide array of pitches .
The results were impressive , beginning with a 2.76 ERA in the second half of 2019 .
His walks are rare and few pitchers can make the ball break in both directions the way Darvish can .
Hendricks has been remarkably consistent since he first reached the majors in 2014 .
He made a nice jump in ERA , dropping from 3.46 and 3.44 in the previous two seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit an career low in walks per nine innings .
Unlike Darvish , Hendricks tends to keep things simple .
He starts with good placement with the fastball and keeps hitters off balance with his changeup .
He talked about developing a curveball and adding it to the mix at times this season .
Darvish is 34 and Hendricks will turn 31 in December , so ideally the Cubs would like to take advantage of their twin aces while they can .
Two other slots in the 2021 rotation appear set with Alec @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28 , hit some lulls this season but was literally unhittable when at his best , as the surprising no-hitter against Milwaukee on Sept. 13 demonstrated .
Mills is something of a Hendricks clone .
They have some different approaches , but neither throws particularly hard by today 's standards .
So the Cubs are hoping Hendricks will be a good role model .
Alzolay seemed to make the most of his time at the South Bend alternate site .
He worked on perfecting his pitches and by the end of the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he can do that while keeping his arm healthy , there is star potential .
The Cubs will need to add a few more starters .
Veteran Jon Lester has a team option , while Tyler Chatwood and Jose Quintana are free agents .
The Cubs can either pay Lester $ 24 million for 2021 , which is very unlikely , or buy him out for $ 10 million .
There seems to be interest from both sides on staying in town , so that $ 10 million buyout could turn into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will determine the fate of Chatwood and Quintana .
Chatwood has had good moments , but he was injured most of this season .
Quintana had been one of the most consistently reliable starters in the majors , with eight straight seasons of at least 30 starts until a sliced thumb and hurried rehab spoiled this season .
Two younger pitchers got starts this season , Tyson Miller and Brailyn Marquez .
Neither appears ready to join the rotation right now , but their presence could affect decisions this winter if management thinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rotation relatively soon .

Chicago Cubs need to strike while Darvish, Hendricks are peaking
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks delivers during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish throws during the first inning in Game 2 of a National League wild-card baseball series against the Miami Marlins Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, in Chicago.
Fixing the Cubs' flaws will be difficult, but maintaining the strength won't require any effort.
Starting pitching was unquestionably the team's highlight in 2020. Cubs starters led the majors in fewest walks per nine innings (2.3), ranked second behind Cleveland in quality starts (30) and were fourth in the National League in starters' ERA (3.77).
Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks are in the argument for the best 1-2 punch in a starting rotation, and both those players are under contract for at least three more years.
That fact should be weigh on every decision made by team president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer this winter. Does it make sense to maybe take a step back and attempt to trade positions players for prospects when Hendricks and Darvish are at their peak?
Darvish had easily his best major-league season, though of course it was only a third the length of a regular season. There's no way of knowing if he could have held on to his 2.01 ERA for a full 162 games.
But Darvish clearly settled into a comfort zone. He talked about making the decision midway through 2019 to slow down his pace and put full focus on his wide array of pitches. The results were impressive, beginning with a 2.76 ERA in the second half of 2019. His walks are rare and few pitchers can make the ball break in both directions the way Darvish can.
Hendricks has been remarkably consistent since he first reached the majors in 2014. He made a nice jump in ERA, dropping from 3.46 and 3.44 in the previous two seasons to 2.88 in 2020. Hendricks also hit an career low in walks per nine innings.
Unlike Darvish, Hendricks tends to keep things simple. He starts with good placement with the fastball and keeps hitters off balance with his changeup. He talked about developing a curveball and adding it to the mix at times this season.
Darvish is 34 and Hendricks will turn 31 in December, so ideally the Cubs would like to take advantage of their twin aces while they can.
Two other slots in the 2021 rotation appear set with Alec Mills and Adbert Alzolay. Mills, 28, hit some lulls this season but was literally unhittable when at his best, as the surprising no-hitter against Milwaukee on Sept. 13 demonstrated.
Mills is something of a Hendricks clone. They have some different approaches, but neither throws particularly hard by today's standards. So the Cubs are hoping Hendricks will be a good role model.
Alzolay seemed to make the most of his time at the South Bend alternate site. He worked on perfecting his pitches and by the end of the season was getting impressive horizontal movement. If he can do that while keeping his arm healthy, there is star potential.
The Cubs will need to add a few more starters. Veteran Jon Lester has a team option, while Tyler Chatwood and Jose Quintana are free agents. The Cubs can either pay Lester $24 million for 2021, which is very unlikely, or buy him out for $10 million. There seems to be interest from both sides on staying in town, so that $10 million buyout could turn into a reasonable 2021 salary.
The market probably will determine the fate of Chatwood and Quintana.
Chatwood has had good moments, but he was injured most of this season. Quintana had been one of the most consistently reliable starters in the majors, with eight straight seasons of at least 30 starts until a sliced thumb and hurried rehab spoiled this season.
Two younger pitchers got starts this season, Tyson Miller and Brailyn Marquez. Neither appears ready to join the rotation right now, but their presence could affect decisions this winter if management thinks they are on track to join the rotation relatively soon.
• Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--Illinois has its hands full with No. 14 Wisconsin

Illinois opens its 2020 season Friday night against the opponent that highlighted its 2019 campaign , an upset that by almost any metric was one of the biggest in all of college football .
Wisconsin came to Memorial Stadium ranked No .
6 in the country having not trailed in a game to that point , a 30-point favorite over Illinois , which was 2-4 with a home loss to Eastern Michigan .
Somehow James McCourt 's 39-yard field goal as time expired gave the Illini a 24-23 victory , started a four-game Big Ten winning streak and led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith 's four years .
`` It was definitely a confidence booster , '' said Illini senior middle linebacker Jake Hansen .
`` It kind of showed we were n't an old Illinois team that kind of would just roll over .
The 4-8 or 2-10 Illinois team that would just accept defeat .
`` It showed the work we put in was n't just for nothing . ''
Plenty of key participants are back for both sides , including Hansen , Illini quarterback Brandon Peters and nine starters on Wisconsin 's defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lake Zurich .
The teams will open the 125th season of Big Ten football in an empty Camp Randall Stadium at 7 p.m. ( Big Ten Network ) .
A quick scan of predictions show not many are buying what will be Smith 's most experienced Illinois team .
Phil Steele , Athlon , Pick Six Previews , College Football News , 247 Sports and The Sporting News all have Illinois tabbed for seventh in the Big Ten West .
So did the Cleveland Plain Dealer 's survey of 34 Big Ten beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistent winner , this is the position we 'll be in quite a few times , '' said Smith , a 20-point underdog against No .
14 ranked Wisconsin .
`` Whenever you come into a game and start the football season off and you are 3-touchdown underdogs , it kind of gets you going a little too .
We 'll be ready to go . ''
Any chance for Illinois to surpass those expectations starts with Peters , a senior who threw 18 touchdowns last year in his first season after transferring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the line with junior Kendrick Green , senior Doug Kramer , senior Vederian Lowe and senior Alex Palczewski .
They have started 24 straight games together .
`` Doug might be a little undersized , but he is one of the hardest workers on our team , one of the smartest guys on our team who knows football really well , '' Peters said .
`` I think all the other guys on the offensive line feed off that . ''
Wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe , who transferred from USC , returns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Valpo transfer Donny Navarro , a Neuqua Valley graduate who caught a 48-yard TD last year against the Badgers .
Illinois adds Luke Ford , a former No .
1 tight end recruit in the nation who sat out last year after transferring from Georgia .
While Wisconsin is experienced on defense , the Badgers have several new faces on offense .
Last year 's star running back Jonathan Taylor is making a quick impact with the Indianapolis Colts , and the Badgers will be starting a freshman QB for just the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graham Mertz , a prized recruit who picked Wisconsin over Ohio State , Alabama and Clemson , takes over for Jack Coan , out indefinitely after foot surgery .
Hansen , a 2019 Butkus Award semifinalist , fourth-year starting CB Nate Hobbs , DL transfer Roderick Perry II , and LB Milo Eifler are among the players to watch defensively for the Illini .
Eifler has to sit out the first half for a targeting penalty in last year 's Redbox Bowl .
A second straight bowl game would buck another trend -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last 28 years .
`` As we look at our football team , we made progress last year , '' Smith said .
`` And I think we are a stronger football team now .
For the most part our best players are back .
We are excited to see how we fit in the landscape in 2020 . ''

Illinois has its hands full with No. 14 Wisconsin
Donny Navarro, a Neuqua Valley graduate, returns for Illinois, which opens it season Friday night at 14th-ranked Wisconsin. Navarro scored a touchdown in last year's upset win over the Badgers. Associated Press
Illinois opens its 2020 season Friday night against the opponent that highlighted its 2019 campaign, an upset that by almost any metric was one of the biggest in all of college football.
Wisconsin came to Memorial Stadium ranked No. 6 in the country having not trailed in a game to that point, a 30-point favorite over Illinois, which was 2-4 with a home loss to Eastern Michigan.
Somehow James McCourt's 39-yard field goal as time expired gave the Illini a 24-23 victory, started a four-game Big Ten winning streak and led to their first bowl game in coach Lovie Smith's four years.
"It was definitely a confidence booster," said Illini senior middle linebacker Jake Hansen. "It kind of showed we weren't an old Illinois team that kind of would just roll over. The 4-8 or 2-10 Illinois team that would just accept defeat.
"It showed the work we put in wasn't just for nothing."
Plenty of key participants are back for both sides, including Hansen, Illini quarterback Brandon Peters and nine starters on Wisconsin's defense led by leading tackler Jack Sanborn from Lake Zurich.
The teams will open the 125th season of Big Ten football in an empty Camp Randall Stadium at 7 p.m. (Big Ten Network).
A quick scan of predictions show not many are buying what will be Smith's most experienced Illinois team. Phil Steele, Athlon, Pick Six Previews, College Football News, 247 Sports and The Sporting News all have Illinois tabbed for seventh in the Big Ten West.
So did the Cleveland Plain Dealer's survey of 34 Big Ten beat writers.
"Until we become a consistent winner, this is the position we'll be in quite a few times," said Smith, a 20-point underdog against No. 14 ranked Wisconsin. "Whenever you come into a game and start the football season off and you are 3-touchdown underdogs, it kind of gets you going a little too. We'll be ready to go."
Any chance for Illinois to surpass those expectations starts with Peters, a senior who threw 18 touchdowns last year in his first season after transferring from Michigan.
The Illini are experienced on the line with junior Kendrick Green, senior Doug Kramer, senior Vederian Lowe and senior Alex Palczewski. They have started 24 straight games together.
Kramer, a Hinsdale Central graduate, anchors the group.
"Doug might be a little undersized, but he is one of the hardest workers on our team, one of the smartest guys on our team who knows football really well," Peters said. "I think all the other guys on the offensive line feed off that."
Wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe, who transferred from USC, returns after leading Illinois in receiving. So is Valpo transfer Donny Navarro, a Neuqua Valley graduate who caught a 48-yard TD last year against the Badgers. Illinois adds Luke Ford, a former No. 1 tight end recruit in the nation who sat out last year after transferring from Georgia.
While Wisconsin is experienced on defense, the Badgers have several new faces on offense. Last year's star running back Jonathan Taylor is making a quick impact with the Indianapolis Colts, and the Badgers will be starting a freshman QB for just the third time since 1951.
Redshirt freshman Graham Mertz, a prized recruit who picked Wisconsin over Ohio State, Alabama and Clemson, takes over for Jack Coan, out indefinitely after foot surgery.
Hansen, a 2019 Butkus Award semifinalist, fourth-year starting CB Nate Hobbs, DL transfer Roderick Perry II, and LB Milo Eifler are among the players to watch defensively for the Illini. Eifler has to sit out the first half for a targeting penalty in last year's Redbox Bowl.
A second straight bowl game would buck another trend -- the Illini have done that just once in the last 28 years.
"As we look at our football team, we made progress last year," Smith said. "And I think we are a stronger football team now. For the most part our best players are back. We are excited to see how we fit in the landscape in 2020."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-22--3 things to know about the L.A. Rams who the Bears face Monday night

Wins are wins , and the Bears keep winning .
Next up for the 5-1 Bears is a 4-2 Los Angeles Rams team , which is coming off a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6 .
Here are three things to know about the Rams : 1 .
When the Rams play poorly , offenses slow their pass rush Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is no doubt a generational talent and one of the best pass rushers in the game .
But as a whole , this Rams pass rush did very little against the San Francisco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three QB hurries ( Donald had one of them ) against Jimmy Garoppolo .
The Rams had 20 sacks in their first five games .
They had zero against the 49ers .
According to NFL Next Gen Stats , the Rams pass rush played similarly poorly in their Week 3 loss to the Buffalo Bills ( despite recording four sacks vs. Buffalo ) .
In both games , all four of the Rams ' top pass rushers were below league average in Next Gen Stats ' `` average separation from the QB , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical distance from the quarterback at the time of throw .
It comes down to this : Slowing down Donald will slow down the Rams pass rush .
Easier said then done , of course .
Donald has 14 QB hurries on the season , twice as many as his next closest teammate ( Leonard Floyd -- remember him ?
-- with six ) .
It 'll be a tall task for a Bears offensive line in flux .
2 .
QB Jared Goff is still prone to mistakes While the Rams offense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mojo it had in 2018 following a disappointing 2019 , the quarterback remains far from perfect .
Goff struggled in last week 's loss to the 49ers .
On numerous plays -- on multiple key third-downs , no less -- Goff and his receivers were not on the same page , or Goff simply missed an open target .
Goff finished 19-for-38 passing for 198 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception .
It was by far is worst game of the season .
The Rams were playing from behind almost from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than he had all year .
The Rams have found success in their wins by running the ball effectively , and using the run game to open up the pass .
When they fall behind , there 's more pressure on Goff .
Speaking of that Rams run game , running back Darrell Henderson continues to earn the majority of the carries , despite rookie Cam Akers returning from injury .
Henderson has had double-digit carries in four of the past five games .
He rushed for 88 yards on 14 carries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-round draft pick , played just one offensive snap Sunday .
The Rams might see an opportunity in the run game against a Bears defense that has been much better at slowing air attacks than it has stopping the run .
The Rams were 26th in the league in rushing yards per game last season , but have improved to 10th in 2020 .

3 things to know about the L.A. Rams, the Bears' opponent Monday night
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr., left, applies pressure to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff during last week's loss to the Niners. While the Rams offense appears to be regaining some of the mojo it had in 2018 following a disappointing 2019, the quarterback remains far from perfect. Associated Press
Wins are wins, and the Bears keep winning.
Next up for the 5-1 Bears is a 4-2 Los Angeles Rams team, which is coming off a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6.
Here are three things to know about the Rams:
1. When the Rams play poorly, offenses slow their pass rush
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is no doubt a generational talent and one of the best pass rushers in the game. But as a whole, this Rams pass rush did very little against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. They totaled only three QB hurries (Donald had one of them) against Jimmy Garoppolo. The Rams had 20 sacks in their first five games. They had zero against the 49ers.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Rams pass rush played similarly poorly in their Week 3 loss to the Buffalo Bills (despite recording four sacks vs. Buffalo). In both games, all four of the Rams' top pass rushers were below league average in Next Gen Stats' "average separation from the QB," which measures a pass rushers' physical distance from the quarterback at the time of throw.
It comes down to this: Slowing down Donald will slow down the Rams pass rush. Easier said then done, of course. Donald has 14 QB hurries on the season, twice as many as his next closest teammate (Leonard Floyd -- remember him? -- with six). It'll be a tall task for a Bears offensive line in flux.
2. QB Jared Goff is still prone to mistakes
While the Rams offense appears to be regaining some of the mojo it had in 2018 following a disappointing 2019, the quarterback remains far from perfect.
Goff struggled in last week's loss to the 49ers. On numerous plays -- on multiple key third-downs, no less -- Goff and his receivers were not on the same page, or Goff simply missed an open target. Goff finished 19-for-38 passing for 198 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception. It was by far is worst game of the season. The Rams were playing from behind almost from the start, and Goff needed to throw more than he had all year.
The Rams have found success in their wins by running the ball effectively, and using the run game to open up the pass. When they fall behind, there's more pressure on Goff.
Henderson is stealing the RB spotlight
Speaking of that Rams run game, running back Darrell Henderson continues to earn the majority of the carries, despite rookie Cam Akers returning from injury. Henderson has had double-digit carries in four of the past five games. He rushed for 88 yards on 14 carries against the 49ers. Akers, a second-round draft pick, played just one offensive snap Sunday.
The Rams might see an opportunity in the run game against a Bears defense that has been much better at slowing air attacks than it has stopping the run. The Rams were 26th in the league in rushing yards per game last season, but have improved to 10th in 2020.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-23--'A shutdown now would be a death sentence': Some suburban restaurants plan to defy closure order

While other nearby restaurants shut their doors to indoor dining Friday , Ki 's Steak and Seafood in Glendale Heights will still welcome people in .
`` We are Americans .
We R free and open , '' reads its sign , along busy North Avenue .
The owner of the 86-year-old restaurant says he is openly defying Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's order that , due to an increase in the positivity rate of COVID-19 tests , indoor dining be temporarily suspended in DuPage , Kane , Will and Kankakee counties .
`` A shutdown now would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pointing to weather issues with outdoor dining .
`` We 're not trying to get political or pick a fight with the governor , '' he said .
`` I think everybody should be open . ''
BrauerHouse pub in Lombard intends to stay open as well , even though Pritzker has said the state may revoke liquor licenses of places that do so .
`` If I have to close , what 's the use of having a liquor license ? ''
owner Bobby DeMaria said .
And DeMaria said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has heard , informally , of a number of other restaurants and bars that will refuse to close .
At a news conference with Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin intended to spur people to improve their COVID-19-prevention behaviors , La Quinta De los Reyes restaurant owner Claudia Urritia noted she initially was going to obey the order .
But , she said , `` This time I am a little upset .
He ( Pritzker ) needs to look at this a little bit deeper because we ( restaurants ) are not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel that we restaurants are just an easy target . ''
Irvin said in Aurora much of the increase in cases in October has been traced to private gatherings of relatives and friends .
Aurora Pancake House owner Uriel Arceo visited the news conference to try to get city officials ' attention .
Arceo said it 's not fair that his restaurant has to close , but the Hollywood Casino can stay open .
`` Is it really about health concerns ? ''
he said .
On Facebook , other establishments were a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be closing at midnight on Thursday until our worthless Governor is done playing political games , '' said a Facebook post by Bandito Barney 's Beach Club bar in East Dundee .
`` We are now seeing the entire state is moving up in terms of hospitalization , in terms of ICU beds , ventilators , and death , not to mention the cases , '' Pritzker said .
`` And so , we are being very serious and very focused on having the state police not only issue warnings but also issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state 's attorneys to simply follow through on those citations , these are monetary citations .
`` We also will look to remove people 's liquor licenses ( or ) and gaming license if they will not follow the resurgence mitigations that are put into place . ''
Irvin said Aurora will continue to rely on the Kane County Health Department and the Kane County sheriff 's office to enforce the state orders .
Much of Aurora , including its downtown , is located in Kane County .
`` We 'll continue what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county ) health department in compliance requests with noncompliant entities in both unincorporated and incorporated areas .
The health department and the state 's attorney will guide any enforcement action for egregious violators , '' Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain said .
Kane County Health Department spokesman Susan Stack said when the health department gets a complaint , it contacts the business , reminds owners of the governor 's orders and provides them with guidance .
`` We hope that the facilities will comply , '' she said .
Karen Ayala , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department , said the department investigates complaints .
And when contact tracing shows a food establishment may be involved , `` we collaborate with those establishments to ensure any clusters or outbreaks are contained . ''
`` I understand the impact these new mitigation strategies have on our local businesses .
We are here as a resource to support our communities , as together we navigate this difficult time , '' Ayala said .

'A shutdown now would be a death sentence': Some suburban restaurants plan to defy closure order
While other nearby restaurants shut their doors to indoor dining Friday, Ki's Steak and Seafood in Glendale Heights will still welcome people in.
"We are Americans. We R free and open," reads its sign, along busy North Avenue.
The owner of the 86-year-old restaurant says he is openly defying Gov. J.B. Pritzker's order that, due to an increase in the positivity rate of COVID-19 tests, indoor dining be temporarily suspended in DuPage, Kane, Will and Kankakee counties.
"A shutdown now would be a death sentence," said Spiro Roumpas, pointing to weather issues with outdoor dining.
"We're not trying to get political or pick a fight with the governor," he said. "I think everybody should be open."
BrauerHouse pub in Lombard intends to stay open as well, even though Pritzker has said the state may revoke liquor licenses of places that do so.
"If I have to close, what's the use of having a liquor license?" owner Bobby DeMaria said.
And DeMaria said he won't be alone. He said he has heard, informally, of a number of other restaurants and bars that will refuse to close.
At a news conference with Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin intended to spur people to improve their COVID-19-prevention behaviors, La Quinta De los Reyes restaurant owner Claudia Urritia noted she initially was going to obey the order.
But, she said, "This time I am a little upset. He (Pritzker) needs to look at this a little bit deeper because we (restaurants) are not the cause of the spread.
"I feel that we restaurants are just an easy target."
Irvin said in Aurora much of the increase in cases in October has been traced to private gatherings of relatives and friends.
Aurora Pancake House owner Uriel Arceo visited the news conference to try to get city officials' attention. Arceo said it's not fair that his restaurant has to close, but the Hollywood Casino can stay open.
"Is it really about health concerns?" he said.
On Facebook, other establishments were a bit more strident.
"We will be closing at midnight on Thursday until our worthless Governor is done playing political games," said a Facebook post by Bandito Barney's Beach Club bar in East Dundee.
Pritzker spoke about tightened restrictions and enforcement Thursday.
"We are now seeing the entire state is moving up in terms of hospitalization, in terms of ICU beds, ventilators, and death, not to mention the cases," Pritzker said. "And so, we are being very serious and very focused on having the state police not only issue warnings but also issue citations if necessary. We are asking state's attorneys to simply follow through on those citations, these are monetary citations.
"We also will look to remove people's liquor licenses (or) and gaming license if they will not follow the resurgence mitigations that are put into place."
Irvin said Aurora will continue to rely on the Kane County Health Department and the Kane County sheriff's office to enforce the state orders. Much of Aurora, including its downtown, is located in Kane County.
"We'll continue what we've been doing alongside the (county) health department in compliance requests with noncompliant entities in both unincorporated and incorporated areas. The health department and the state's attorney will guide any enforcement action for egregious violators," Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain said.
Kane County Health Department spokesman Susan Stack said when the health department gets a complaint, it contacts the business, reminds owners of the governor's orders and provides them with guidance. "We hope that the facilities will comply," she said.
Karen Ayala, the executive director of DuPage County's health department, said the department investigates complaints. And when contact tracing shows a food establishment may be involved, "we collaborate with those establishments to ensure any clusters or outbreaks are contained."
"I understand the impact these new mitigation strategies have on our local businesses. We are here as a resource to support our communities, as together we navigate this difficult time," Ayala said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-23--Protesters march for 19-year-old killed by Waukegan cop, call for justice

More than 100 people marched Thursday from where 19-year-old Marcellis Stinnette was killed this week to Waukegan City Hall , demanding justice for his death at the hands of a police officer .
The protesters , who were led by the Lake County chapter of Black Lives Matter , occasionally paused to stop traffic and speak , including at County and Washington streets in front of the Lake County Courthouse .
The crowd was nonviolent throughout the milelong march and rally , and nearly every speaker who used a megaphone urged peace .
But there was no mistaking the emotion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stallworth , a relative of Stinnette and a spokeswoman for the family , thanked marchers for their support when the crowd arrived to rally outside city hall .
Stallworth said the family wanted justice for Stinnette -- `` This looks like murder , '' she said .
Clyde McLemore , the founder of the Lake County chapter of Black Lives Matter , said before the protest that police shootings that had happened elsewhere in the country were now at his front porch and action was needed .
`` America right now is under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We need justice reform in the state of Illinois . ''
The shooting happened shortly before midnight Tuesday , Waukegan Police said , when an officer fired into a vehicle in self-defense after the driver started reversing as the officer walked toward it .
Police have said the officer , who is Hispanic and a five-year veteran of the force , feared for his life .
The gunshots struck Stinnette , who was a passenger , and his girlfriend , Tafara Williams , who was the driver .
Williams suffered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officials said .
Before the shooting , a Waukegan police officer was investigating a suspicious vehicle that had stopped near Liberty and Oak streets , police said .
The driver sped away , but the vehicle was spotted minutes later by a second officer near Martin Luther King Jr. and South avenues , where the shooting occurred .
No firearms were found in the vehicle .
The shooting has been turned over to the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force to investigate , and their findings will be given to Lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Preliminary results from an autopsy confirm Stinnette `` died from injuries due to a gunshot , '' Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper announced Thursday morning .
When more information is available , Cooper said , he would hold a coroner 's inquest in which a jury would examine the evidence and determine the manner of death , such as if it was a homicide .
Williams ' mother , Clifftina Johnson , informed reporters at Thursday 's protest that her daughter was out of surgery and told her she wanted to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't matter how many shots y'all gave her , she still wants to speak , '' Johnson said .
`` My baby is still fighting . ''
Some speakers during the march and rally raised questions about the events that led to the shooting .
Waukegan resident Darrell Mosier addressed the media at the site of the shooting and said he was a witness .
Mosier said the car driven by Williams was swerving in the intersection , the officer yelled `` stop '' once and started shooting at the couple inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she was sorry and that she was n't trying to run into the officer , Mosier said , but he was not clear on who she was apologizing to .
Chris Blanks , of the Black Abolition Movement for the Mind , said he helped Stinnette 's family file a FOIA request to obtain all the police body camera video footage from the shooting .
Francellis Stinnette Watts , Marcellis ' great aunt , told reporters the family was not looking to retaliate , but they want justice .
`` Once the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know the truth , '' Watts said .
McLemore said people are demanding Stinnette 's death be investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and not the Illinois State Police .
`` We do n't want the police investigating the police , '' said McLemore , who lives in Zion .
The crowd did not encounter any Waukegan Police officers during Thursday 's march but there was evidence city employees had prepared .
City hall closed and light barricades were set up outside the building and a large city vehicle would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street from its intersection with Washington Street .

Protesters march for 19-year-old killed by Waukegan cop, call for justice
Marcellis Stinnette, 19, of Waukegan was shot and killed by a Waukegan police officer Tuesday night in what police officials say was self-defense. Stinnette was a passenger in a car when he was shot and his girlfriend was wounded. Courtesy of Clyde McLemore
More than 100 people marched Thursday from where 19-year-old Marcellis Stinnette was killed this week to Waukegan City Hall, demanding justice for his death at the hands of a police officer.
The protesters, who were led by the Lake County chapter of Black Lives Matter, occasionally paused to stop traffic and speak, including at County and Washington streets in front of the Lake County Courthouse. The crowd was nonviolent throughout the milelong march and rally, and nearly every speaker who used a megaphone urged peace.
But there was no mistaking the emotion and anger in the crowd.
Satrese Stallworth, a relative of Stinnette and a spokeswoman for the family, thanked marchers for their support when the crowd arrived to rally outside city hall.
Stallworth said the family wanted justice for Stinnette -- "This looks like murder," she said.
Clyde McLemore, the founder of the Lake County chapter of Black Lives Matter, said before the protest that police shootings that had happened elsewhere in the country were now at his front porch and action was needed.
"America right now is under a state of emergency," McLemore said. "We need justice reform in the state of Illinois."
The shooting happened shortly before midnight Tuesday, Waukegan Police said, when an officer fired into a vehicle in self-defense after the driver started reversing as the officer walked toward it. Police have said the officer, who is Hispanic and a five-year veteran of the force, feared for his life.
The gunshots struck Stinnette, who was a passenger, and his girlfriend, Tafara Williams, who was the driver. Williams suffered serious injuries but is expected to recover, officials said.
Before the shooting, a Waukegan police officer was investigating a suspicious vehicle that had stopped near Liberty and Oak streets, police said. The driver sped away, but the vehicle was spotted minutes later by a second officer near Martin Luther King Jr. and South avenues, where the shooting occurred. No firearms were found in the vehicle.
The shooting has been turned over to the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force to investigate, and their findings will be given to Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim.
Preliminary results from an autopsy confirm Stinnette "died from injuries due to a gunshot," Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper announced Thursday morning.
When more information is available, Cooper said, he would hold a coroner's inquest in which a jury would examine the evidence and determine the manner of death, such as if it was a homicide.
Williams' mother, Clifftina Johnson, informed reporters at Thursday's protest that her daughter was out of surgery and told her she wanted to speak about what had happened.
"It doesn't matter how many shots y'all gave her, she still wants to speak," Johnson said. "My baby is still fighting."
Some speakers during the march and rally raised questions about the events that led to the shooting.
Waukegan resident Darrell Mosier addressed the media at the site of the shooting and said he was a witness. Mosier said the car driven by Williams was swerving in the intersection, the officer yelled "stop" once and started shooting at the couple inside.
After Williams was shot, she said she was sorry and that she wasn't trying to run into the officer, Mosier said, but he was not clear on who she was apologizing to.
Other speakers addressed the investigation.
Chris Blanks, of the Black Abolition Movement for the Mind, said he helped Stinnette's family file a FOIA request to obtain all the police body camera video footage from the shooting.
Francellis Stinnette Watts, Marcellis' great aunt, told reporters the family was not looking to retaliate, but they want justice.
"Once the bodycams come out, everyone is going to know the truth," Watts said.
McLemore said people are demanding Stinnette's death be investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and not the Illinois State Police.
"We don't want the police investigating the police," said McLemore, who lives in Zion.
The crowd did not encounter any Waukegan Police officers during Thursday's march but there was evidence city employees had prepared. City hall closed and light barricades were set up outside the building and a large city vehicle would have prevented marchers from going north on West Street from its intersection with Washington Street.