dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-12--Facts Matter: Biden's foot injury feeds conspiracy backers

President-elect Joe Biden last month suffered a hairline fracture in his right foot while playing with his dog Major .
The idea of Biden wearing a walking boot while his foot heals allowed conspiracy theorists to kick out some fake news .
Some social media users promoted the false claim that Biden is wearing the medical boot to cover a law enforcement ankle bracelet , according to PolitiFact.com .
`` Biden is willing to sing and concede in exchange for immunity for him and his family , '' a Facebook user claimed .
The story is being pushed by supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent Democrats will soon be arrested , Newsweek magazine reported .
Hillary Clinton and John McCain have been the subject of previous falsehoods .
A separate post showed side-by-side photos of Biden altered to make it appear the boot was on his left foot in one image and on his right foot in the other in an attempt to suggest the injury was fake .
The photo was digitally manipulated to make it appear the boot had switched feet , according to Snopes.com .
The photo showing Biden with the boot on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 in Wilmington , Delaware , by Getty Images photographer Alex Wong .
The doctored photo showing Biden with the boot on his left foot was taken in 2018 at the Delaware Humane Association after he adopted Major .
A gray medical boot was digitally added to the photo , along with a mask on Biden 's face , making it appear the photo was taken recently .
A false claim that surveillance video shows election night fraud in Atlanta , including hidden `` suitcases filled with ballots , '' has been shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's campaign , racking up millions of views , according to The Associated Press .
The video , presented to Georgia legislators during a Dec. 3 hearing , supposedly shows poll workers and observers being told to leave the State Farm Arena where ballots were being counted before four election workers stayed behind and pulled ballots from under a table and scanned them without supervision .
The video shows no such thing , the AP said .
There was confusion when election workers thought they were finished for the night but then were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one was told to leave and an independent monitor and investigator oversaw the process .
Gabriel Sterling , an official with the secretary of state 's office , told the AP that a review of the surveillance tape showed `` normal ballot processing . ''
Trump is not the first Trump , in a Wednesday Twitter post , said he was the first candidate to lose an election while winning two swing states .
`` No candidate has ever won both Florida and Ohio and lost .
I won them both , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president included this claim in a filing to the Supreme Court challenging the election results .
Trump did indeed win Florida and Ohio , collecting 47 electoral votes from those two states to add to his total of 232 .
Joe Biden , however , received 306 Electoral College votes .
Trump was not the first to take those two states and lose .
In 1960 , Richard Nixon won Florida and Ohio , adding to his 219 electoral votes , short of President John Kennedy 's winning 303 total .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastman echoed the president 's incorrect claim in the legal filing .
`` President Trump prevailed on nearly every historical indicia of success in presidential elections , '' Chapman wrote .
`` For example , he won both Florida and Ohio ; no candidate in history -- Republican or Democrat -- has ever lost the election after winning both States . ''
Margaret Keenan , 90 , receives the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday at University Hospital in Coventry , England .
CNN did n't have story earlier Margaret Keenan , 90 , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than trial patients , to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the coronavirus .
Photos of Keenan receiving a shot at University Hospital in Coventry , England , were published by news organization around the world .
The news was immediately followed by false conspiracy claims .
Mindy Robinson , a candidate who recently lost a congressional bid in Nevada , tweeted an image of Keenan she claimed ran on CNN months ago .
`` Excuse me but how is it the exact same person who 's the 'first to get vaccinated ' today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exact same clothes , in the exact same chair , and getting a shot back in October ? ''
Robinson wrote .
The photo of Keenan , which was taken last week , was not published by CNN in October , according to PolitiFact.com .
The confusion might have been caused by people who do n't understand how news websites are organized , PolitiFact said .
A Oct. 22 CNN story , when called up on screen last week , was surrounded by photos and headlines linking to current news , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ search of the Keenan photo shows it was not published before Tuesday , PolitiFact said .
• Bob Oswald is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News .
Contact him at boboswald33 @ gmail.com .

Facts Matter: Biden's foot injury feeds conspiracy backers
President-elect Joe Biden touches the boot on his right foot, which he injured while playing with one of his dogs. Associated Press/Dec. 4
President-elect Joe Biden last month suffered a hairline fracture in his right foot while playing with his dog Major. The idea of Biden wearing a walking boot while his foot heals allowed conspiracy theorists to kick out some fake news.
Some social media users promoted the false claim that Biden is wearing the medical boot to cover a law enforcement ankle bracelet, according to PolitiFact.com.
"Biden is willing to sing and concede in exchange for immunity for him and his family," a Facebook user claimed.
The story is being pushed by supporters of the QAnon conspiracy who claim that prominent Democrats will soon be arrested, Newsweek magazine reported. Hillary Clinton and John McCain have been the subject of previous falsehoods.
A separate post showed side-by-side photos of Biden altered to make it appear the boot was on his left foot in one image and on his right foot in the other in an attempt to suggest the injury was fake.
The photo was digitally manipulated to make it appear the boot had switched feet, according to Snopes.com.
The photo showing Biden with the boot on his right foot is authentic, taken Dec. 1 in Wilmington, Delaware, by Getty Images photographer Alex Wong.
The doctored photo showing Biden with the boot on his left foot was taken in 2018 at the Delaware Humane Association after he adopted Major. A gray medical boot was digitally added to the photo, along with a mask on Biden's face, making it appear the photo was taken recently.
Video doesn't show fraud
A false claim that surveillance video shows election night fraud in Atlanta, including hidden "suitcases filled with ballots," has been shared on social media by President Donald Trump's campaign, racking up millions of views, according to The Associated Press.
The video, presented to Georgia legislators during a Dec. 3 hearing, supposedly shows poll workers and observers being told to leave the State Farm Arena where ballots were being counted before four election workers stayed behind and pulled ballots from under a table and scanned them without supervision.
The video shows no such thing, the AP said. There was confusion when election workers thought they were finished for the night but then were told to continue scanning ballots. No one was told to leave and an independent monitor and investigator oversaw the process.
Gabriel Sterling, an official with the secretary of state's office, told the AP that a review of the surveillance tape showed "normal ballot processing."
Trump is not the first
Trump, in a Wednesday Twitter post, said he was the first candidate to lose an election while winning two swing states.
"No candidate has ever won both Florida and Ohio and lost. I won them both, by a lot!" Trump said.
The president included this claim in a filing to the Supreme Court challenging the election results.
Trump did indeed win Florida and Ohio, collecting 47 electoral votes from those two states to add to his total of 232. Joe Biden, however, received 306 Electoral College votes.
Trump was not the first to take those two states and lose. In 1960, Richard Nixon won Florida and Ohio, adding to his 219 electoral votes, short of President John Kennedy's winning 303 total.
Trump attorney and Chapman University law professor John Eastman echoed the president's incorrect claim in the legal filing.
"President Trump prevailed on nearly every historical indicia of success in presidential elections," Chapman wrote. "For example, he won both Florida and Ohio; no candidate in history -- Republican or Democrat -- has ever lost the election after winning both States."
Margaret Keenan, 90, receives the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday at University Hospital in Coventry, England. - Pool photo by Jacob King VIA AP
Margaret Keenan, 90, on Tuesday became the first person, other than trial patients, to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the coronavirus. Photos of Keenan receiving a shot at University Hospital in Coventry, England, were published by news organization around the world.
The news was immediately followed by false conspiracy claims.
Mindy Robinson, a candidate who recently lost a congressional bid in Nevada, tweeted an image of Keenan she claimed ran on CNN months ago.
"Excuse me but how is it the exact same person who's the 'first to get vaccinated' today ... also in a CNN photo wearing the exact same clothes, in the exact same chair, and getting a shot back in October?" Robinson wrote.
The photo of Keenan, which was taken last week, was not published by CNN in October, according to PolitiFact.com.
The confusion might have been caused by people who don't understand how news websites are organized, PolitiFact said. A Oct. 22 CNN story, when called up on screen last week, was surrounded by photos and headlines linking to current news, including the clip of Keenan.
A reverse-image search of the Keenan photo shows it was not published before Tuesday, PolitiFact said.
• Bob Oswald is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News. Contact him at boboswald33@gmail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-12--Good News Sunday: A reunion with a dog after 3 years, and horse hugs

This is Good News Sunday , a compilation of some of the more upbeat and inspiring stories published by the Daily Herald during the previous week : Excitement and disbelief overwhelmed Debra Mejeur as she stood outside the DuPage County Animal Shelter , waiting to be reunited with her dog , Lola .
The Kalamazoo , Michigan , resident had been counting down the hours until this moment , unable to sleep since she and her husband , Steve , received an unexpected phone call Thursday that their black Labrador retriever mix had been found safe in Glendale Heights -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elk Grove Village .
`` I feel like I 'm in a dream right now , '' Mejeur said .
`` Mentally , I was mourning her .
I had let her go .
I still had an ounce of hope , I guess , but the majority of me was thinking she had already crossed the rainbow bridge .
I was just completely stunned . ''
Trained to assist Mejeur as a seizure response dog , Lola was characteristically timid as she emerged from the Wheaton animal shelter wearing a bright red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment she realized the people in front of her were her owners , Lola 's hesitation was replaced by exuberance .
`` After three years , it 's just an unbelievable feeling to be reunited with her , especially since she was lost in another state , '' Mejeur said .
`` Knowing that I can bring her home to Michigan is ... just beyond description .
I 'm so relieved .
I 'm so excited . ''
For the full story , click here .
Who would n't smile at chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warm afternoon sun stretched across a small fenced pasture in St. Charles Township , 6-year-old Beau Stevens stretched out her arms , reached up and gave a giant hug to a horse named Friday who wore a blazing red Santa hat .
Jackie Vrchota and her neighbor Christa Stevens launched Hug a Horse in September to share their love of horses and give people a chance to get out of the house during quarantine and stretch their legs a bit .
For 45 minutes , people have the opportunity to spend time getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ride and , yes , hug some of the horses at Stevens ' stable at 6N655 Palomino Drive .
`` We start to teach them how to ride and do little commands with them , '' Stevens said .
`` We teach them how to walk the horse , stop the horse and then turn the horse .
Then they get to ride around and we take a picture with the horse .
We try to get at least one big family picture or group picture . ''
For the full story , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most dependable helpers have brought joy to kids on Christmas morning for more than 40 years .
You could say the Jolly Old Elf has a whole legion of them in Carol Stream , a town that pulls together to ensure families in need can still give their children holiday magic .
Nearly every corner of Carol Stream unites behind the Christmas Sharing gift-giving drive .
Police , social workers , elected officials , businesses , students , churches , residents .
They all show a spirit of generosity .
But this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sharing organizers made a greater commitment .
They would n't merely muddle through somehow .
To keep the tradition alive , the annual distribution of new toys and groceries , now in its 43rd year , turned into a drive-through event .
For the full story , click here .
Twice a week , Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103 drivers climb into their school buses to begin their routes .
It 's not children they are picking up .
Rather , they are dropping off about 150 library books at students ' homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place at home , District 103 library media specialists developed the idea of bringing books to students .
Drivers place the books next to the front door just like any delivery service does .
Fiction books are most popular among the students who request them .
`` The response has been overwhelmingly positive .
We have had several books returned with small notes of appreciation from several of our DW parents , '' said Daniel Wright Junior High Library Media Specialist Tabatha Otto .
`` It 's a complete win-win for our DW @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the full story , click here .
• Good News Sunday will run each weekend .
Please visit dailyherald.com/newsletters to sign up for our Good News Sunday newsletter .

Good News Sunday: A reunion with a dog after 3 years, and horse hugs
This is Good News Sunday, a compilation of some of the more upbeat and inspiring stories published by the Daily Herald during the previous week:
Excitement and disbelief overwhelmed Debra Mejeur as she stood outside the DuPage County Animal Shelter, waiting to be reunited with her dog, Lola.
The Kalamazoo, Michigan, resident had been counting down the hours until this moment, unable to sleep since she and her husband, Steve, received an unexpected phone call Thursday that their black Labrador retriever mix had been found safe in Glendale Heights -- three years after she went missing in Elk Grove Village.
"I feel like I'm in a dream right now," Mejeur said. "Mentally, I was mourning her. I had let her go. I still had an ounce of hope, I guess, but the majority of me was thinking she had already crossed the rainbow bridge. I was just completely stunned."
Trained to assist Mejeur as a seizure response dog, Lola was characteristically timid as she emerged from the Wheaton animal shelter wearing a bright red bow and surveyed her surroundings. But the moment she realized the people in front of her were her owners, Lola's hesitation was replaced by exuberance.
"After three years, it's just an unbelievable feeling to be reunited with her, especially since she was lost in another state," Mejeur said. "Knowing that I can bring her home to Michigan is ... just beyond description. I'm so relieved. I'm so excited."
For the full story, click here.
Who wouldn't smile at chance to hug a horse?
As the warm afternoon sun stretched across a small fenced pasture in St. Charles Township, 6-year-old Beau Stevens stretched out her arms, reached up and gave a giant hug to a horse named Friday who wore a blazing red Santa hat.
Jackie Vrchota and her neighbor Christa Stevens launched Hug a Horse in September to share their love of horses and give people a chance to get out of the house during quarantine and stretch their legs a bit.
For 45 minutes, people have the opportunity to spend time getting to know, groom, pet, ride and, yes, hug some of the horses at Stevens' stable at 6N655 Palomino Drive.
"We start to teach them how to ride and do little commands with them," Stevens said. "We teach them how to walk the horse, stop the horse and then turn the horse. Then they get to ride around and we take a picture with the horse. We try to get at least one big family picture or group picture."
For the full story, click here.
'Christmas Sharing' back as drive-through
Some of Santa's most dependable helpers have brought joy to kids on Christmas morning for more than 40 years.
You could say the Jolly Old Elf has a whole legion of them in Carol Stream, a town that pulls together to ensure families in need can still give their children holiday magic.
Nearly every corner of Carol Stream unites behind the Christmas Sharing gift-giving drive. Police, social workers, elected officials, businesses, students, churches, residents. They all show a spirit of generosity.
But this year, staring down a pandemic, Christmas Sharing organizers made a greater commitment. They wouldn't merely muddle through somehow.
To keep the tradition alive, the annual distribution of new toys and groceries, now in its 43rd year, turned into a drive-through event.
For the full story, click here.
District 103 brings books by bus to pupils
Twice a week, Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103 drivers climb into their school buses to begin their routes. It's not children they are picking up. Rather, they are dropping off about 150 library books at students' homes.
Since COVID-19 forced learning to take place at home, District 103 library media specialists developed the idea of bringing books to students.
Drivers place the books next to the front door just like any delivery service does.
Fiction books are most popular among the students who request them.
"The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We have had several books returned with small notes of appreciation from several of our DW parents," said Daniel Wright Junior High Library Media Specialist Tabatha Otto. "It's a complete win-win for our DW parents, students and staff."
For the full story, click here.
• Good News Sunday will run each weekend. Please visit dailyherald.com/newsletters to sign up for our Good News Sunday newsletter.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-11--Tell us about your favorite suburban landmark that's no longer around

The Daily Herald is putting together a special magazine called `` Remember When '' that takes a nostalgic look at the variety of suburban institutions -- restaurants , stores , music venues , entertainment centers and more -- that are no longer here .
Think Hans Bavarian Lodge , the great German restaurant in Wheeling ; or Adventure Land , the amusement park in Addison ; Crawford 's department store in Rolling Meadows ; Chateau Louise in West Dundee ; Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates ; or Bell 's Apple Orchard in Lake Zurich for inspiration .
Feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any of those or any other suburban icon that no longer exists , and include a photo of yours we can use .
Please limit your remembrance to 300 words and make sure you email your photo to us in the largest file possible .
Include the name of the photographer and some info about who is doing what in the photo .
Do n't have a picture ?
Do n't worry .
We might have one or know where to find one .
We 'll consider all submissions before Jan. 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dailyherald.com .

Tell us about your favorite suburban landmark that's no longer around
Cock Robin, known for its steakburgers and square scoops of ice cream, had locations in Naperville, Villa Park and other suburbs. It was a popular hangout for decades in downtown Wheaton. Daily Herald Archives
Hans Bavarian Lodge in Wheeling first opened as a roadhouse in the 1930s. In the 1950s and '60s, it was known as Ernie's Bavarian Lodge until Hans Ammeloux bought it in 1967 and put his name on it. In 1978, the Berghoff family bought the restaurant. Their popular Oktoberfest drew 30,000 people for the six-week annual event until the restaurant closed in 2000. Daily Herald file photo, 1979
Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates opened on June 6, 1980, with a concert by John Denver. The amphitheater, off Higgins Road and Route 59, closed in 1994. Daily Herald File photo, 1983
The Daily Herald is putting together a special magazine called "Remember When" that takes a nostalgic look at the variety of suburban institutions -- restaurants, stores, music venues, entertainment centers and more -- that are no longer here. Think Hans Bavarian Lodge, the great German restaurant in Wheeling; or Adventure Land, the amusement park in Addison; Crawford's department store in Rolling Meadows; Chateau Louise in West Dundee; Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates; or Bell's Apple Orchard in Lake Zurich for inspiration.
Feel free to send us a personal memory of any of those or any other suburban icon that no longer exists, and include a photo of yours we can use.
Please limit your remembrance to 300 words and make sure you email your photo to us in the largest file possible. Include the name of the photographer and some info about who is doing what in the photo. Don't have a picture? Don't worry. We might have one or know where to find one.
We'll consider all submissions before Jan. 15. Just email it to rememberwhen@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-12--After devastating house fire, Streamwood couple is working to get their life back with GoFundMe

Before Christmas in 1979 , 19-year-old Theresa McNevin of Streamwood wrote two poems , burned the edges of the papers , framed them and put them under the tree as gifts for her family .
Then , on a snowy day three days before the holiday , Theresa was killed in a car accident on her way to work .
For the next 40 years , her parents , Ed and Carol McNevin , both 81 , cherished the framed poems .
But they recently burned in a fire that ransacked their longtime Streamwood home late Dec. 2 and destroyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost the memories of things that are ( Theresa 's ) presence , '' Ed said .
`` It 's not that they could take the presence out of our heart , they ca n't do that .
But you walked into the house and you were reminded of her . ''
Fire crews were called to the home about 11:03 p.m. that evening to attempt to extinguish the blaze and rescued their German shepherd , Slick .
The fire caused an estimated $ 100,000 in damage to the home , located on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which ended up being a total loss .
Many mementos and photos of their children , grandchildren and great-grandchildren were burned .
`` The house meant everything to us , '' Ed said .
`` We both worked very , very hard all our lives to do it . ''
Ed said he enjoys singing and playing guitar at senior homes , but his musical equipment burned in the fire .
Carol operates a business where she makes jewelry and rosaries from funeral and wedding flowers , which was also destroyed .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places to stay and a kennel to board Slick , Ed said , and they recently found a rental home to move into with a big yard for the dog .
But Ed said they have expenses the insurance company may not cover .
`` I 'm trying to make up the money , '' Ed said .
One of their daughters , Patti Stockwell , helped start a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help her parents get their life back .
`` It 's just very devastating for them , '' Stockwell said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he felt like 80 years of his life was sucked out in one night . ''
The GoFundMe has raised $ 4,575 of its $ 100,000 goal as of Saturday night .
Ed , who was the eldest of six children , said his father taught him a valuable lesson when he was growing up about dealing with adversity , telling his son : `` You know , in your lifetime you 're going to get knocked down and expect it .
It 's how you get up that 's important .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want you get up like a man . ''
Ed said he 's using this advice to thank people for their donations to the GoFundMe .
`` The most important thing I can say is in getting up like a man is recognizing very generous people and extending my deepest thanks and love and prayers for God 's blessings for them , '' he said .

After devastating house fire, Streamwood couple is working to get their life back with GoFundMe
German shepherd Slick has stayed in a kennel since a fire ransacked his owners' home Dec. 2. Ed and Carol McNevin recently found a rental home with a big yard to move into. Courtesy of Patti Stockwell
From left, Carol McNevin, Patti Stockwell and Ed McNevin in front of the McNevins' Streamwood home, which they lost in a fire Dec. 2. Stockwell, their daughter, helped start a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help her parents get their life back. Courtesy by Patti Stockwell
Carol and Ed McNevin of Streamwood, both 81, lost almost all their belongings in a house fire Dec. 2. "The house meant everything to us," Ed said Courtesy of Patti Stockwell
Before Christmas in 1979, 19-year-old Theresa McNevin of Streamwood wrote two poems, burned the edges of the papers, framed them and put them under the tree as gifts for her family.
Then, on a snowy day three days before the holiday, Theresa was killed in a car accident on her way to work.
For the next 40 years, her parents, Ed and Carol McNevin, both 81, cherished the framed poems. But they recently burned in a fire that ransacked their longtime Streamwood home late Dec. 2 and destroyed almost all their belongings.
"We lost the memories of things that are (Theresa's) presence," Ed said. "It's not that they could take the presence out of our heart, they can't do that. But you walked into the house and you were reminded of her."
Fire crews were called to the home about 11:03 p.m. that evening to attempt to extinguish the blaze and rescued their German shepherd, Slick. The fire caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to the home, located on the 100 block of Fairview Lane, which ended up being a total loss. Many mementos and photos of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were burned.
"The house meant everything to us," Ed said. "We both worked very, very hard all our lives to do it."
Ed said he enjoys singing and playing guitar at senior homes, but his musical equipment burned in the fire. Carol operates a business where she makes jewelry and rosaries from funeral and wedding flowers, which was also destroyed.
After the fire, the McNevins found temporary places to stay and a kennel to board Slick, Ed said, and they recently found a rental home to move into with a big yard for the dog. But Ed said they have expenses the insurance company may not cover.
"I'm trying to make up the money," Ed said.
One of their daughters, Patti Stockwell, helped start a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help her parents get their life back.
"It's just very devastating for them," Stockwell said. "(My dad) said he felt like 80 years of his life was sucked out in one night."
The GoFundMe has raised $4,575 of its $100,000 goal as of Saturday night.
Ed, who was the eldest of six children, said his father taught him a valuable lesson when he was growing up about dealing with adversity, telling his son: "You know, in your lifetime you're going to get knocked down and expect it. It's how you get up that's important. I've been hard on you because I want you get up like a man."
Ed said he's using this advice to thank people for their donations to the GoFundMe.
"The most important thing I can say is in getting up like a man is recognizing very generous people and extending my deepest thanks and love and prayers for God's blessings for them," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-12--Pedestrian struck and killed in Arlington Heights

Police are investigating a crash that killed a pedestrian in Arlington Heights Saturday evening .
Arlington Heights police and fire @ @ @ @ @ block of East Rand Road about 6 p.m. , according to a news release from @ @ @ @ @ preliminary investigation shows that a large white International box truck was driving in the inside @ @ @ @ @ from Thomas Street when it struck the pedestrian , who was crossing the road at @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
Crews found the pedestrian unresponsive with significant traumatic injuries , police @ @ @ @ @ that the pedestrian was `` beyond medical assistance . ''
A local emergency physician pronounced @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
An autopsy is scheduled with the Cook County medical examiner for @ @ @ @ @ Dryden and Thomas was closed during the investigation Saturday evening , police said .
Police @ @ @ @ @ and the pedestrian wo n't be identified until the family is notified , police said @

Pedestrian struck and killed in Arlington Heights
Police are investigating a crash that killed a pedestrian Saturday in Arlington Heights.
Arlington Heights police and fire were called to the 1300 block of East Rand Road about 6 p.m., for reports of a crash, authorities said.
A preliminary investigation shows that a box truck was driving in the inside lane of northwestbound Rand Road from Thomas Street when it struck the pedestrian, who was crossing the road at a point with no crosswalk, police said.
Crews found the pedestrian unresponsive with significant traumatic injuries, police said.
The Cook County medical examiner's office on Sunday identified the man as Nick Gardanov, 60, of Arlington Heights. An autopsy is pending.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-12--Aurora man charged with strangling woman

An Aurora man has been charged with first-degree murder , accused of strangling a woman Wednesday .
Bail was set @ @ @ @ @ for Getzuri Arellano , 21 .
Authorities allege he strangled 20-year-old Natalie Jimenez of Aurora @ @ @ @ @ If convicted , he faces a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison .
Arellano @ @ @ @ @ of Indian Avenue .
No further details on the crime were immediately available .

Aurora man charged with strangling woman
An Aurora man has been charged with first-degree murder, accused of strangling a woman Wednesday.
Bail was set at $3 million Saturday for Getzuri Arellano, 21.
Authorities allege he strangled 20-year-old Natalie Jimenez of Aurora, during an argument.
Arellano's next court appearance is Dec. 18.
If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Arellano lives in the 1100 block of Indian Avenue.
No further details on the crime were immediately available.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Number of new COVID-19 cases continues to fall, but hospitalizations slightly up

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported in the state continues to trend downward .
but hospitalizations ticked up slightly over the weekend , according to data released Sunday by the Illinois Department of Public Health .
The state reported 7,216 new confirmed and probable cases of the coronavirus on Sunday , the fewest since 6,190 were confirmed on Nov. 30 .
The state also reported an additional 115 deaths , including two Cook County residents in their 20s .
There were another 24 deaths reported Sunday in Cook County , along with eight in DuPage County , nine in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one in McHenry County and three in Will County .
After the number of people hospitalized with the virus dipped to 5,048 Friday night -- down more than 275 from the previous Friday -- the figure rose to 5,073 Saturday night , state officials said .
Of those patients , 1,080 were in an intensive-care unit and 612 were on ventilators .
The preliminary seven-day positivity for cases as a percent of total test also trended up , from 8.9 % to 9.1 % for the week of Dec. 6 to Dec. @ @ @ @ @

Number of new COVID-19 cases continues to fall, but hospitalizations slightly up
The number of new COVID-19 cases reported in the state continues to trend downward. but hospitalizations ticked up slightly over the weekend, according to data released Sunday by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The state reported 7,216 new confirmed and probable cases of the coronavirus on Sunday, the fewest since 6,190 were confirmed on Nov. 30.
The state also reported an additional 115 deaths, including two Cook County residents in their 20s. There were another 24 deaths reported Sunday in Cook County, along with eight in DuPage County, nine in Kane County, five in Lake County, one in McHenry County and three in Will County.
After the number of people hospitalized with the virus dipped to 5,048 Friday night -- down more than 275 from the previous Friday -- the figure rose to 5,073 Saturday night, state officials said. Of those patients, 1,080 were in an intensive-care unit and 612 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day positivity for cases as a percent of total test also trended up, from 8.9% to 9.1% for the week of Dec. 6 to Dec. 12, officials said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Rozner: Bears' big win over Houston could lead to a nightmare scenario

No , really .
In the sixth year of GM Ryan Pace 's rebuild , the Bears looked like a football team Sunday .
Sure , it was against a dreadful Houston team that had already fired its GM/coach , but the Bears have displayed an amazing ability to lose to terrible teams .
So yes , extend them all while you have the chance .
Bring back Pace , Matt Nagy and Mitch Trubisky and give them another three or four years to develop the program and deliver that ever-elusive Super Bowl .
The Trubisky Truthers will point to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was right to take the quarterback second overall in 2017 , ahead of Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes .
Absolutely .
It was the right call .
It 's a new Trubisky after sitting for two months , a transformation from horrific to Hall of Famer , all due to a benching that allowed him to learn the NFL game from the sideline .
For the love of Cade McNown and all that 's holy , nothing is different about Trubisky .
Sunday 's game plan was the only one that can work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , use play action , get him out of the pocket , work the screen and keep throws very short and very simple against the worst defense in the NFL .
No thinking necessary and no reason to read the defense .
Take the game entirely out of his hands , let him play with a lead and let the defense do the heavy lifting .
You 've seen too many times what happens when you need Trubisky to think on his feet or to make a play when it matters .
Watson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no defense to help him , no running back to give it to and no receivers to throw to in a 36-7 Bears victory at Soldier Field , and yet it was still mesmerizing to see him occasionally create something out of nothing , to extend plays and find an open receiver .
As for Trubisky , enjoy the narrative this week , as a fired-up Nagy points to the miraculous makeover of his quarterback , and the never-give-up attitude of his group , that same one that has quit on him several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a miserable six-game losing streak leaves the Bears ( 6-7 ) on the edge of the playoff race , attempting to post their second winning record in six years of Pace ( 40-53 ) that have produced 60 minutes of postseason football .
It 's a lot to be proud of and definitely something to celebrate .
Never mind the failures and inventive ways they found to lose to the Rams , Saints , Titans , Vikings , Packers and Lions , or the games they should have lost early in the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5-1 record .
This is the nightmare scenario for Bears fans hoping for change , a few wins at the end of the season that give George McCaskey and Ted Phillips the opportunity to say , `` I told you so , '' and to bring everyone back .
Not exactly everyone , as the team is up against a salary cap that is likely to go down given the pandemic economics , leaving them little room to improve in 2021 without cutting or trading some big salaries .
Do you really want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that , as they try to sell ownership on a fifth year of Trubisky ?
This is just the kind of game that fools people who want to be fooled , who want to believe something they already thought was true .
That 's dangerous for an inept franchise .
A less frightening question is , why did it take three years for Nagy to figure out Trubisky 's limitations ?
The way the game was called Sunday was the way every game must be called for a quarterback who ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Nagy is extraordinary , but you already know the answer is Nagy has been too busy trying to prove his offensive genius and fit trapezoids into round holes , while propping up a GM who finds greatness in players that no one else finds .
Nagy will sell Trubisky for as long as he has a job , knowing he must to keep his job , and attempt to save his GM at the same time .
And with games next against Minnesota and Jacksonville , the Bears could be 8-7 going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with perhaps a playoff berth on the line .
Do n't think it ca n't happen .
Do n't think all three amigos ca n't return .
Do n't think there wo n't be a case made inside Halas Hall that it 's all coming together for a group that 's had forever and a day to figure it out .
All the pieces are in place .
Certainly , bring them all back in 2021 .
Year 7 could absolutely be different .

Rozner: Bears' big win over Houston could lead to a nightmare scenario
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Chicago. Associated Press
Extend them all.
No, really. In the sixth year of GM Ryan Pace's rebuild, the Bears looked like a football team Sunday.
Sure, it was against a dreadful Houston team that had already fired its GM/coach, but the Bears have displayed an amazing ability to lose to terrible teams.
So yes, extend them all while you have the chance. Bring back Pace, Matt Nagy and Mitch Trubisky and give them another three or four years to develop the program and deliver that ever-elusive Super Bowl.
The Trubisky Truthers will point to Sunday's magic as proof that Pace was right to take the quarterback second overall in 2017, ahead of Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes.
Absolutely. It was the right call.
It's a new Trubisky after sitting for two months, a transformation from horrific to Hall of Famer, all due to a benching that allowed him to learn the NFL game from the sideline.
For the love of Cade McNown and all that's holy, nothing is different about Trubisky. Sunday's game plan was the only one that can work with this quarterback. Hand it off, use play action, get him out of the pocket, work the screen and keep throws very short and very simple against the worst defense in the NFL.
No thinking necessary and no reason to read the defense. Take the game entirely out of his hands, let him play with a lead and let the defense do the heavy lifting.
You've seen too many times what happens when you need Trubisky to think on his feet or to make a play when it matters.
Watson, on the other hand, had no defense to help him, no running back to give it to and no receivers to throw to in a 36-7 Bears victory at Soldier Field, and yet it was still mesmerizing to see him occasionally create something out of nothing, to extend plays and find an open receiver.
As for Trubisky, enjoy the narrative this week, as a fired-up Nagy points to the miraculous makeover of his quarterback, and the never-give-up attitude of his group, that same one that has quit on him several times this season.
The end of a miserable six-game losing streak leaves the Bears (6-7) on the edge of the playoff race, attempting to post their second winning record in six years of Pace (40-53) that have produced 60 minutes of postseason football.
It's a lot to be proud of and definitely something to celebrate. Never mind the failures and inventive ways they found to lose to the Rams, Saints, Titans, Vikings, Packers and Lions, or the games they should have lost early in the season when they were producing that very impressive 5-1 record.
This is the nightmare scenario for Bears fans hoping for change, a few wins at the end of the season that give George McCaskey and Ted Phillips the opportunity to say, "I told you so," and to bring everyone back.
Not exactly everyone, as the team is up against a salary cap that is likely to go down given the pandemic economics, leaving them little room to improve in 2021 without cutting or trading some big salaries.
Do you really want to leave Pace and Nagy in charge of that, as they try to sell ownership on a fifth year of Trubisky?
This is just the kind of game that fools people who want to be fooled, who want to believe something they already thought was true. That's dangerous for an inept franchise.
A less frightening question is, why did it take three years for Nagy to figure out Trubisky's limitations? The way the game was called Sunday was the way every game must be called for a quarterback who can't see the field.
The learning curve for Nagy is extraordinary, but you already know the answer is Nagy has been too busy trying to prove his offensive genius and fit trapezoids into round holes, while propping up a GM who finds greatness in players that no one else finds.
Nagy will sell Trubisky for as long as he has a job, knowing he must to keep his job, and attempt to save his GM at the same time.
And with games next against Minnesota and Jacksonville, the Bears could be 8-7 going into the final game against Green Bay, with perhaps a playoff berth on the line.
Don't think it can't happen. Don't think all three amigos can't return. Don't think there won't be a case made inside Halas Hall that it's all coming together for a group that's had forever and a day to figure it out.
All the pieces are in place.
Certainly, bring them all back in 2021. Year 7 could absolutely be different.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Investigators face challenge determining cause of deadly Ingleside fire

Fire investigators continue to search for the cause of a blaze that rapidly swept through an Ingleside home Thursday night , killing two young girls and injuring four other family members .
The damage was so severe , however , authorities remained unsure Sunday when or if they 'll determine with certainty what sparked the deadly fire .
`` With the amount of damage there was , it 's still too early to tell , '' Fox Lake Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Brent Connelly said .
Fire investigators , as well as mechanical and electrical engineers , have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause and an explanation why flames spread so quickly through the home in the 35700 block of North Hunt Avenue .
A woman and her parents injured in the fire remained hospitalized Sunday at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood .
Katie Evans was upgraded to serious but stable condition , Lake County Sheriff 's Sgt .
Christopher Covelli said .
Her parents , Scott and Dori Evans , remain in critical but stable condition at Loyola .
Her 17-year-old son , Cory Evans , was released Saturday morning from Advocate Condell Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 5-year-old Autumn were killed in the fire .
An online fundraiser set up for the Evans family at www.gofundme.com/f/evans-family-fire-fundraiser had raised about $ 168,500 from more than 3,100 donors as of Sunday evening .
In a message left on the fundraiser page Saturday , the girls ' father , Teig Prickett , gave an update on his family members ' conditions and expressed thanks for the support .
`` I am not ready to talk about my precious girls because it hurts too much and I am trying to keep it together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was not home when the fire occurred .
`` I will truly grieve soon , but for now I must stay strong .
Again , thank you to everyone .
I love you all so very much . ''
Connelly on Sunday described arriving at the scene of the fire Thursday night and finding home fully engulfed in flames `` from the ground floor all the way to the roof . ''
`` Sometimes it awes us , the amount of fire when we arrive on the scene , '' he @ @

Investigators face challenge determining cause of deadly Ingleside fire
The Evans family celebrate Thanksgiving this year: Teig, Scott, Jess, Randy, Dori, Autumn, Cory and Elizabeth. 8-year-old Elizabeth Evans and 5-year-old Autumn Evans were killed by a fast-moving fire that spread thread throughout their Ingleside house late Thursday. Courtesy of Bridget Lavelle
A screen shot of the Go Fund Me set up for the Evans family of Ingleside after their two daughters were killed in a house fire.
Fire investigators continue to search for the cause of a blaze that rapidly swept through an Ingleside home Thursday night, killing two young girls and injuring four other family members.
The damage was so severe, however, authorities remained unsure Sunday when or if they'll determine with certainty what sparked the deadly fire.
"With the amount of damage there was, it's still too early to tell," Fox Lake Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Brent Connelly said.
Fire investigators, as well as mechanical and electrical engineers, have been on the scene searching for both the cause and an explanation why flames spread so quickly through the home in the 35700 block of North Hunt Avenue.
A woman and her parents injured in the fire remained hospitalized Sunday at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.
Katie Evans was upgraded to serious but stable condition, Lake County Sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Covelli said. Her parents, Scott and Dori Evans, remain in critical but stable condition at Loyola.
Her 17-year-old son, Cory Evans, was released Saturday morning from Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Daughters 8-year-old Elizabeth and 5-year-old Autumn were killed in the fire.
An online fundraiser set up for the Evans family at www.gofundme.com/f/evans-family-fire-fundraiser had raised about $168,500 from more than 3,100 donors as of Sunday evening.
In a message left on the fundraiser page Saturday, the girls' father, Teig Prickett, gave an update on his family members' conditions and expressed thanks for the support.
"I am not ready to talk about my precious girls because it hurts too much and I am trying to keep it together for my family," said Prickett, who was not home when the fire occurred. "I will truly grieve soon, but for now I must stay strong. Again, thank you to everyone. I love you all so very much."
Connelly on Sunday described arriving at the scene of the fire Thursday night and finding home fully engulfed in flames "from the ground floor all the way to the roof."
"Sometimes it awes us, the amount of fire when we arrive on the scene," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Tell us about your favorite suburban landmark that's no longer around


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Lovie Smith out as Illinois' head football coach

In March 2016 , shortly after he became athletic director at Illinois , Josh Whitman hired Lovie Smith to coach the Illini 's struggling football program .
The hire was hailed as a home run at the time , the school 's first minority head coach in football or men 's basketball , one who had led the Bears to the Super Bowl .
In his second game , Illinois hosted a North Carolina team quarterbacked by Mitch Trubisky for a night game at a sold-out , electric Memorial Stadium .
But for a variety of reasons , from recruiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that struggled year after year , that excitement wore off , crowds dwindled , and Smith 's five years at Illinois did n't go as hoped .
On Sunday , Whitman announced Smith has been let go and will not coach the Illini during its final game .
The Illini are 2-5 with one Big Ten crossover game remaining Saturday at Penn State .
Offensive coordinator Rod Smith will conclude the season as the acting head coach .
`` It 's a hard day , '' Whitman said in a Sunday afternoon news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that none of us associated with the football program at the University of Illinois had hoped would come .
But I do believe it 's necessary if we are to realize what I believe the full championship potential of the football program here .
`` Did we win enough games ?
Absolutely not .
Certainly Lovie would be the first to admit that .
But I do feel strongly we are much better positioned today to go out and attract the next football coach than we were five years ago . ''
Whitman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past week after a Dec. 5 loss to Iowa .
He informed Smith early Sunday and then met with the team .
Smith 's son , linebackers coach Miles Smith , also will not coach against Penn State , but the rest of the staff will .
Defensive ends coach Jimmy Lindsey will take Lovie Smith 's role as defensive coordinator .
Whitman said the pandemic made the decision more difficult .
Illinois lost to Purdue after finding out 24 hours before the game it would be without 12 players , many starters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Minnesota playing their fourth-string QB .
But Smith 's contract was structured to make the fifth year a key one , a fork in the road as Whitman put it .
And he decided paying Smith the $ 2.3 million buyout was better financially than extending the staff .
`` Especially in this pandemic year it was never about the number of wins and losses , it was about looking to what 's happening with the program and whether if it was giving me optimism and hope for the future or ultimately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Whitman said .
Smith 's last game turned out to be a 28-10 loss at Northwestern on Saturday .
That left him 0-5 against the Wildcats , the same as he finished against Iowa , and dropped Illinois to 1-15 under Smith against ranked opponents .
Smith went 17-39 overall and 10-33 in the Big Ten at Illinois .
Whitman said his search for the next coach will be quick and a search firm will not be used .
Improving instate recruiting and relationships with high school coaches will be important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under Smith .
Potential candidates include Buffalo 's Lance Leipold , Army 's Jeff Monken , Kent State 's Sean Lewis , former Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema , Nevada 's Jay Norvell , Toledo 's Jason Candle , Tulane 's Willie Fritz and several coordinators .
Smith took Illinois to the Redbox Bowl in 2019 , the Illini 's first bowl in five years , clinching a berth with a 37-34 victory at Michigan State .
Illinois trailed the Spartans by 25 points before completing the greatest comeback in school history .
Three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering the game as a 30-point underdog , Smith 's only win over a ranked team in 16 tries .
The Illini 's 6-7 record in 2019 was their best in Smith 's five years .
But the Illini were unable to build off their 2019 success .
Despite finally having a roster filled with his own recruits , 2020 did not go well , and Whitman is moving on .
`` I want to win , '' Whitman said .
`` I want someone to come in here , win a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity and do it for a long time . ''
Smith came to Illinois in 2016 after 11 seasons as head coach in the NFL , including nine seasons with the Bears and his final two years with the Buccaneers .
He compiled an overall record of 89-87 , highlighted by reaching the 2006 Super Bowl .

Lovie Smith out as Illinois' head football coach
Lovie Smith holds a University of Illinois football helmet at a news conference to introduce Smith as the 25th head coach of he University of Illinois at the Bielfeldt Administration Building on Monday March 7, 2016. Smith is out as Illini coach after a 17-39 record in five seasons. John Dixon/The News-Gazette
In March 2016, shortly after he became athletic director at Illinois, Josh Whitman hired Lovie Smith to coach the Illini's struggling football program.
The hire was hailed as a home run at the time, the school's first minority head coach in football or men's basketball, one who had led the Bears to the Super Bowl. In his second game, Illinois hosted a North Carolina team quarterbacked by Mitch Trubisky for a night game at a sold-out, electric Memorial Stadium.
But for a variety of reasons, from recruiting that never took off to a defense that struggled year after year, that excitement wore off, crowds dwindled, and Smith's five years at Illinois didn't go as hoped. On Sunday, Whitman announced Smith has been let go and will not coach the Illini during its final game.
The Illini are 2-5 with one Big Ten crossover game remaining Saturday at Penn State. Offensive coordinator Rod Smith will conclude the season as the acting head coach.
"It's a hard day," Whitman said in a Sunday afternoon news conference. "It's a day that none of us associated with the football program at the University of Illinois had hoped would come. But I do believe it's necessary if we are to realize what I believe the full championship potential of the football program here.
"Did we win enough games? Absolutely not. Certainly Lovie would be the first to admit that. But I do feel strongly we are much better positioned today to go out and attract the next football coach than we were five years ago."
Whitman said he made the decision during the past week after a Dec. 5 loss to Iowa. He informed Smith early Sunday and then met with the team. Smith's son, linebackers coach Miles Smith, also will not coach against Penn State, but the rest of the staff will. Defensive ends coach Jimmy Lindsey will take Lovie Smith's role as defensive coordinator.
Whitman said the pandemic made the decision more difficult. Illinois lost to Purdue after finding out 24 hours before the game it would be without 12 players, many starters. The following week the Illini lost to Minnesota playing their fourth-string QB.
But Smith's contract was structured to make the fifth year a key one, a fork in the road as Whitman put it. And he decided paying Smith the $2.3 million buyout was better financially than extending the staff.
"Especially in this pandemic year it was never about the number of wins and losses, it was about looking to what's happening with the program and whether if it was giving me optimism and hope for the future or ultimately if we felt a change was needed," Whitman said.
Smith's last game turned out to be a 28-10 loss at Northwestern on Saturday. That left him 0-5 against the Wildcats, the same as he finished against Iowa, and dropped Illinois to 1-15 under Smith against ranked opponents.
Smith went 17-39 overall and 10-33 in the Big Ten at Illinois.
Whitman said his search for the next coach will be quick and a search firm will not be used. Improving instate recruiting and relationships with high school coaches will be important considerations, neither of which went well under Smith. Potential candidates include Buffalo's Lance Leipold, Army's Jeff Monken, Kent State's Sean Lewis, former Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema, Nevada's Jay Norvell, Toledo's Jason Candle, Tulane's Willie Fritz and several coordinators.
Smith took Illinois to the Redbox Bowl in 2019, the Illini's first bowl in five years, clinching a berth with a 37-34 victory at Michigan State. Illinois trailed the Spartans by 25 points before completing the greatest comeback in school history. Three weeks earlier Illinois defeated sixth-ranked Wisconsin after entering the game as a 30-point underdog, Smith's only win over a ranked team in 16 tries. The Illini's 6-7 record in 2019 was their best in Smith's five years.
But the Illini were unable to build off their 2019 success. Despite finally having a roster filled with his own recruits, 2020 did not go well, and Whitman is moving on.
"I want to win," Whitman said. "I want someone to come in here, win a lot of football games, do it with integrity and do it for a long time."
Smith came to Illinois in 2016 after 11 seasons as head coach in the NFL, including nine seasons with the Bears and his final two years with the Buccaneers. He compiled an overall record of 89-87, highlighted by reaching the 2006 Super Bowl.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--3 AND OUT: Bears blow out Texans, snap six-game skid

Take-aways following the Bears ' 36-7 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday at Soldier Field , their first win since October 18 : 1 .
The entire first half : With job statuses and playoff legitimacy in question , Matt Nagy 's Bears did n't play like a team that entered Sunday with six straight losses .
Trubisky threw touchdowns to three different receivers and the defense kept Deshaun Watson in check .
Yes , Houston 's roster is in disarray with injuries and more , but one ca n't ignore the effort Chicago showed .
2 .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrimmage , David Montgomery ran for a career-long 80-yard touchdown .
He also passed last week 's total in one snap and it was his third straight game with a touchdown .
It set the tone for what was to come .
3 .
Acquiring Cairo Santos might be the most underrated move from Ryan Pace this season .
He has stabilized a kicking situation that has been under heavy scrutiny since Robbie Gould 's departure .
Santos was 2 for 2 on field-goal attempts and hit all four extra-point tries .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time that 's happened since Gould in 2006 .
Eating crow : I 'll admit my pre-game prediction for the Bears to only score 17 was extremely off by 3:22 until halftime .
Regardless of the state of the Houston defense , Trubisky turned in perhaps his best first half as a pro , throwing just 3 incompletions alongside 3 touchdowns .
Montgomery eclipsed 100 yards rushing and Robinson had 8 catches .
The offense set the tone and kept their foot on the gas .
The result ?
294 total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A-Rob and Cole Kmet : Robinson entered the game with 904 receiving yards and left it with 1,027 .
Robinson has now reached consecutive seasons with 1,000 reception yards and continues to build a legitimate case for a hefty pay raise .
Kmet , meanwhile , seems to have surpassed Jimmy Graham as TE1 after his four-reception day .
Return of the Mack : Plenty of attention has justifiably been placed on Khalil Mack 's lack of production over the previous four games , which included playing through a pair of injuries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fumble and later sacked Watson for a safety to kickstart what had been a dormant pass rush .
The pass rush totaled seven sacks on the afternoon .
Same old Bears : On their second possession of the second half , the Bears relapsed into what 's been familiar to see this season .
A Javon Wims penalty to start backed them up before a Cordarrelle Patterson run produced 12 yards .
Two consecutive Trubisky passes fell incomplete to force a punt .
With a huge lead , it milked only 1:02 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal-line stand by the defense .
What gives ?
Similar to what Hub Arkush pointed out on Twitter , the Bears did n't seem to prioritize Montgomery as a focal point down the stretch .
After reaching 106 yards at the half on six carries , Montgomery finished with 113 .
It is strange the Bears seem to have aversions to feeding him often , particularly with a well-established lead .
Robert Quinn : While it was overall a positive afternoon for the group , Quinn had a sack all wrapped up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't .
Watson somehow escaped from his grip , and the high-priced free agent addition continues to go without a sack since his only one on the season against the Giants in Week 2 .
The Bears hit the road for a divisional matchup against the Minnesota Vikings with their playoff hopes still barely alive .

3 AND OUT: Bears blow out Texans, snap six-game skid
Chicago Bears' Josh Woods (55) celebrates a fumble recovery with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Chicago. Associated Press
Take-aways following the Bears' 36-7 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday at Soldier Field, their first win since October 18:
Moments that mattered
1. The entire first half: With job statuses and playoff legitimacy in question, Matt Nagy's Bears didn't play like a team that entered Sunday with six straight losses. Trubisky threw touchdowns to three different receivers and the defense kept Deshaun Watson in check. Yes, Houston's roster is in disarray with injuries and more, but one can't ignore the effort Chicago showed.
2. On the Bears' first offensive play from scrimmage, David Montgomery ran for a career-long 80-yard touchdown. He also passed last week's total in one snap and it was his third straight game with a touchdown. It set the tone for what was to come.
3. Acquiring Cairo Santos might be the most underrated move from Ryan Pace this season. He has stabilized a kicking situation that has been under heavy scrutiny since Robbie Gould's departure. Santos was 2 for 2 on field-goal attempts and hit all four extra-point tries. He's made 18 straight field goals, the first time that's happened since Gould in 2006.
Three things that worked
Eating crow: I'll admit my pre-game prediction for the Bears to only score 17 was extremely off by 3:22 until halftime. Regardless of the state of the Houston defense, Trubisky turned in perhaps his best first half as a pro, throwing just 3 incompletions alongside 3 touchdowns. Montgomery eclipsed 100 yards rushing and Robinson had 8 catches. The offense set the tone and kept their foot on the gas. The result? 294 total yards and a 23-point halftime lead.
A-Rob and Cole Kmet: Robinson entered the game with 904 receiving yards and left it with 1,027. Robinson has now reached consecutive seasons with 1,000 reception yards and continues to build a legitimate case for a hefty pay raise. Kmet, meanwhile, seems to have surpassed Jimmy Graham as TE1 after his four-reception day.
Return of the Mack: Plenty of attention has justifiably been placed on Khalil Mack's lack of production over the previous four games, which included playing through a pair of injuries. In the first half, Mack forced a fumble and later sacked Watson for a safety to kickstart what had been a dormant pass rush. The pass rush totaled seven sacks on the afternoon.
Three things that didn't
Same old Bears: On their second possession of the second half, the Bears relapsed into what's been familiar to see this season. A Javon Wims penalty to start backed them up before a Cordarrelle Patterson run produced 12 yards. Two consecutive Trubisky passes fell incomplete to force a punt. With a huge lead, it milked only 1:02 of clock. It also wasted a goal-line stand by the defense.
What gives? Similar to what Hub Arkush pointed out on Twitter, the Bears didn't seem to prioritize Montgomery as a focal point down the stretch. After reaching 106 yards at the half on six carries, Montgomery finished with 113. It is strange the Bears seem to have aversions to feeding him often, particularly with a well-established lead.
Robert Quinn: While it was overall a positive afternoon for the group, Quinn had a sack all wrapped up in the first half -- until he didn't. Watson somehow escaped from his grip, and the high-priced free agent addition continues to go without a sack since his only one on the season against the Giants in Week 2.
What's next
The Bears hit the road for a divisional matchup against the Minnesota Vikings with their playoff hopes still barely alive.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Arlington Heights crash victim identified

Cook County authorities on Sunday identified Nick Gardanov , 60 , of Arlington Heights as the pedestrian killed Saturday when @ @ @ @ @ Arlington Heights .
Gardanov 's death was ruled an accident , according to the Cook @ @ @ @ @ .
Police are investigating the crash , which occurred about 6 p.m. Saturday on the @ @ @ @ @ Road .
A preliminary investigation showed that a box truck was driving in the inside @ @ @ @ @ from Thomas Street when it struck Gardanov , who was crossing the road at a @ @ @ @ @ police said .

Arlington Heights crash victim identified
Cook County authorities on Sunday identified Nick Gardanov, 60, of Arlington Heights as the pedestrian killed Saturday when struck by a vehicle in Arlington Heights.
Gardanov's death was ruled an accident, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Police are investigating the crash, which occurred about 6 p.m. Saturday on the 1300 block of East Rand Road.
A preliminary investigation showed that a box truck was driving in the inside lane of northwestbound Rand Road from Thomas Street when it struck Gardanov, who was crossing the road at a point with no crosswalk, police said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Good News Sunday: A reunion with a dog after 3 years, and horse hugs


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Bill Braithwaite, staunch advocate for Barrington communities, dies at 92

With its rolling hills , Barrington reminded J. William `` Bill '' Braithwaite of his native Connecticut , according to his wife , Dyllis .
That was in 1955 , when Braithwaite decided to settle in the Barrington area permanently after moving to Illinois for a one-year teaching fellowship at the Northwestern University School of Law .
Braithwaite would go on to have a permanent impact on the region , serving as attorney for the village and several surrounding communities and working to preserve the area 's rural character .
Braithwaite died Dec. 6 from complications of COVID-19 .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of municipal law for his 64-year legal career , Braithwaite also was known as a devoted family man and community servant , a member of the Elementary School District 4 school board and a longtime parishioner at Barrington United Methodist Church .
He was instrumental in the formation of the village of South Barrington in 1959 , when two competing groups wanted to file for incorporation .
each with different ideas of zoning regulations that would dictate development of the new community .
Future Village President Fred Kramer and Braithwaite drove to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and just beat out the opposition in filing a petition .
The Illinois Supreme Court later ruled in their favor and South Barrington was born .
`` He had an amazing amount of history with all of the Barrington villages , '' South Barrington Village President Paula McCombie said .
`` He was a real gentleman . ''
Braithwaite grew up on his father 's poultry farm in Putnam , Connecticut .
As a boy , he became involved in 4-H , which led him to meet his wife of 69 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-H Club at the University of Connecticut , and he was the president .
The couple celebrated their 65th anniversary in 2016 at Barrington United Methodist Church .
The celebration took place during a concert featuring their daughter , Nancy Braithwaite , an internationally renowned musician and professor of clarinet at the Rotterdam Conservatory in The Netherlands .
`` My father gave me his complete and wholehearted support all my life , '' she said .
`` Thanks to him , I was able to develop my musical talents to my fullest potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USA and in Europe . ''
`` He was n't afraid to speak his mind , '' added daughter Ann Braithwaite .
`` He did it in a very understated way .
He rarely raised his voice .
He was the most kind , warm , loving father a girl could wish for . ''
During his legal career , Braithwaite fought on the front lines on a range of issues , including the battle to prevent the Atomic Energy Commission from building the world 's largest atom smasher on a South Barrington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the villages of Volo , Campton Hills and North Barrington .
He also was known for his civic involvement , serving on governing boards and providing free legal counsel for several organizations .
He earned community service awards , including Man of the Year and Board Director Emeritus from Family Service of the Barrington Area , and Citizen of the Year from the Barrington Area Development Council .
He was a member of the Barrington Chamber of Commerce served on the boards of the Barrington Area Council on Aging and the Clearbrook Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave back so much , '' Barrington Village President Karen Darch said .
A memorial service will be held at the Barrington United Methodist Church at a later date when people can gather safely .

Bill Braithwaite, staunch advocate for Barrington communities, dies at 92
Dyllis Braithwaite, middle, and her husband, William, were honored as pillars of Barrington last year by Village President Karen Darch. Daily Herald File Photo, 2019
With its rolling hills, Barrington reminded J. William "Bill" Braithwaite of his native Connecticut, according to his wife, Dyllis.
That was in 1955, when Braithwaite decided to settle in the Barrington area permanently after moving to Illinois for a one-year teaching fellowship at the Northwestern University School of Law.
Braithwaite would go on to have a permanent impact on the region, serving as attorney for the village and several surrounding communities and working to preserve the area's rural character.
Braithwaite died Dec. 6 from complications of COVID-19. He was 92.
Recognized as on icon of municipal law for his 64-year legal career, Braithwaite also was known as a devoted family man and community servant, a member of the Elementary School District 4 school board and a longtime parishioner at Barrington United Methodist Church.
He was instrumental in the formation of the village of South Barrington in 1959, when two competing groups wanted to file for incorporation. each with different ideas of zoning regulations that would dictate development of the new community.
Future Village President Fred Kramer and Braithwaite drove to the Cook County clerk's office in Chicago and just beat out the opposition in filing a petition. The Illinois Supreme Court later ruled in their favor and South Barrington was born.
"He had an amazing amount of history with all of the Barrington villages," South Barrington Village President Paula McCombie said. "He was a real gentleman."
Braithwaite grew up on his father's poultry farm in Putnam, Connecticut. As a boy, he became involved in 4-H, which led him to meet his wife of 69 years, Dyllis. She was secretary of the 4-H Club at the University of Connecticut, and he was the president.
The couple celebrated their 65th anniversary in 2016 at Barrington United Methodist Church. The celebration took place during a concert featuring their daughter, Nancy Braithwaite, an internationally renowned musician and professor of clarinet at the Rotterdam Conservatory in The Netherlands.
"My father gave me his complete and wholehearted support all my life," she said. "Thanks to him, I was able to develop my musical talents to my fullest potential, with world-class training both in the USA and in Europe."
"He wasn't afraid to speak his mind," added daughter Ann Braithwaite. "He did it in a very understated way. He rarely raised his voice. He was the most kind, warm, loving father a girl could wish for."
During his legal career, Braithwaite fought on the front lines on a range of issues, including the battle to prevent the Atomic Energy Commission from building the world's largest atom smasher on a South Barrington site in 1966. He also represented the villages of Volo, Campton Hills and North Barrington.
He also was known for his civic involvement, serving on governing boards and providing free legal counsel for several organizations. He earned community service awards, including Man of the Year and Board Director Emeritus from Family Service of the Barrington Area, and Citizen of the Year from the Barrington Area Development Council.
He was a member of the Barrington Chamber of Commerce served on the boards of the Barrington Area Council on Aging and the Clearbrook Center Foundation.
"He loved Barrington and gave back so much," Barrington Village President Karen Darch said.
A memorial service will be held at the Barrington United Methodist Church at a later date when people can gather safely.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-12--A guide to this year's holiday movies, from Dolly Parton's musical to Kristen Stewart's LGBTQ rom-co

The holidays were never going to feel normal in a pandemic , and with health officials warning against travel , it seems one of the most responsible ways to spend them might be sitting on a couch with a warm drink in hand , munching on popcorn while watching some mindlessly comforting TV movies .
Luckily , the annual barrage of ugly sweaters and eggnog-fueled drama has already commenced , with some of the earliest contenders hitting streaming platforms in late October - Halloween be damned .
Big Christmas knows no bounds , and not even an airborne virus can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ churning out dozens of movies this holiday season .
This year , even more than most , we are so grateful .
Choosing from those movies can be a surprisingly daunting task , so we 've narrowed the field down to several options available on networks and streaming services .
( This list is subjective , of course , so feel free to suggest your favorite new releases in the comments if your heart so desires . )
Happy watching !
You know we had to start with this one .
Not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - joining Parton are Christine Baranski , Jenifer Lewis and Treat Williams , among others - but it was directed , choreographed and produced by another Hollywood icon , Debbie Allen .
Parton wrote 14 songs for the film , which stars Baranski as a modern Scrooge who plans to sell her hometown 's land to a mall developer .
Streaming now .
Speaking of Scrooges , this movie stars Emma Roberts as a woman who seems to hate everything , including spending the holidays with family members obsessed with finding her a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ character at the mall - one of the holiest places to spend Christmas , second only to churches - and they create a doomed arrangement to platonically spend holidays together from then on .
Streaming now .
In addition to being an addictive snack mix at Trader Joe 's and an actual drug in `` Riverdale , '' `` Jingle Jangle '' is now the name of a wacky musical starring Forest Whitaker as a toymaker whose granddaughter ( Madalen Mills ) aims to lift his low spirits years after his apprentice ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film also features Anika Noni Rose and Ricky Martin , along with original music from John Legend .
Streaming now .
Two years after Vanessa Hudgens played a Chicago baker and the European duchess with whom she switches places at Christmastime , the actress reprises the double role - and tacks on a third , as the duchess 's evil cousin who tries to steal her throne .
Fingers crossed we get four Vanessas next time .
Streaming now .
For Kurt Russell , the `` Christmas Chronicles '' movies , which star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa Claus save the day , are a family affair - stepson Oliver Hudson appeared in the first , while wife Goldie Hawn plays Mrs. Claus in the sequel , marking the couple 's first time on screen together since 1987 's `` Overboard . ''
Russell recently compared the Netflix film 's script to `` The Passion of the Christ . ''
Streaming now .
Aaron Tveit - the only actor to earn a Tony nomination for his lead performance in a musical this year - plays a prince staying at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lovely young woman ( Laura Osnes ) who , of course , is unaware of his royal status .
This is the film to watch for Broadway fans , as it also stars Victoria Clark , Krystal Joy Brown and Tom McGowan .
Premiered Oct. 31 .
Jonathan Bennett , who you may recognize as Aaron Samuels from `` Mean Girls '' even without his hair pushed back , stars opposite Brad Harder in Hallmark 's first holiday movie to feature a gay couple .
In the film , Bennett and Harder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the adoption of their first child .
Premiered Nov. 22 .
• `` If I Only Had Christmas '' Candace Cameron Bure plays a bubbly publicist who teams up with a grumpy businessman ( Warren Christie ) to help a charity and , presumably , spread holiday cheer .
Bure is n't the only `` Full House '' alum to frequent Hallmark movies , though the other might not have much of a future there anymore .
Premieres Nov. 29 .
The Mowry sisters returned to households across the country when `` Sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Tamera Mowry-Housley is extending that presence into the holiday season .
In `` Christmas Comes Twice , '' she plays an astrophysicist who rides a carousel in her hometown that somehow transports her back to five years ago , where she re-connects with her now-dead science teacher ( Sheryl Lee Ralph ) and frenemy-turned-love-interest ( Michael Xavier ) .
A Mowry time-traveling !
What 's not to love ?
Premieres Dec. 13 .
This bizarrely named movie has a strange plot to match : A restaurant owner ( Mia Kirshner ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Jewish , and she somehow discovers a new family as a result .
This movie also stars Ben Savage and should have been called `` Woman Meets Judaism . ''
Premieres Dec. 20 .
Tiffany Haddish produced this movie about a reporter ( Amber Stevens West ) who investigates an attractive man ( Marco Grazzini ) when he insists the gifts he gives out are actually from Santa Claus .
She might not earn a Pulitzer , but she does learn the meaning of Christmas along the way .
Streaming now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bell '' leave you wanting some more Mario Lopez ?
The actor returns to high school in `` Feliz NaviDAD '' ( cringe ) as a widowed principal whose daughter and sister try to boost his spirits with an online dating profile .
A pretty musician ( AnnaLynne McCord ) swipes right .
Streaming now .
This extremely '90s movie stars Melissa Joan Hart as the host of a podcast about holiday romances who has tragically never experienced one of her own - that is , until she meets a local firefighter ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a book tour .
Robin Givens is also part of the cast .
Premieres Nov. 27 .
Christmas movies get the tiniest bit more diverse each year , and `` The Christmas Setup '' marks Lifetime 's first to center on a gay romance .
Blake Lee plays a New York lawyer whose mother ( Fran Drescher ) plays matchmaker and sets her son up with his high school crush ( Ben Lewis , Lee 's real-life husband ) .
Premieres Dec. 12 .
Written and directed by Asian women ( Eirene Donohue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follows a Chinese American architect ( Jacky Lai ) who draws on her cultural background to , as Lifetime phrases it , `` spice up '' a gingerbread-house competition in her hometown .
Tony Giroux and Tzi Ma , Hollywood 's go-to Asian dad , also star .
Premieres Dec. 13 .
`` Christmas Ever After '' stars Tony winner Ali Stroker as a romance novelist with writer 's block who finds inspiration in the owner ( Daniel di Tomasso ) of the bed-and-breakfast she is staying at .
It 's a classic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intimate scenes , Stroker and di Tomasso kissed through a plexiglass partition that will presumably be deleted in postproduction .
Premieres Dec. 6 .
Kristen Stewart stars in this queer rom-com as a woman who accompanies her girlfriend , Harper ( Mackenzie Davis ) , to her family home , only to learn Harper has n't come out to her parents yet .
The film was co-written and directed by Clea DuVall and stars Dan Levy ( `` Schitt 's Creek '' ) as Stewart 's best friend .
Streaming now .

A guide to this year's holiday movies, from Dolly Parton's musical to Kristen Stewart's LGBTQ rom-com
The holidays were never going to feel normal in a pandemic, and with health officials warning against travel, it seems one of the most responsible ways to spend them might be sitting on a couch with a warm drink in hand, munching on popcorn while watching some mindlessly comforting TV movies.
Luckily, the annual barrage of ugly sweaters and eggnog-fueled drama has already commenced, with some of the earliest contenders hitting streaming platforms in late October - Halloween be damned. Big Christmas knows no bounds, and not even an airborne virus can stop Hallmark, Lifetime and Netflix from churning out dozens of movies this holiday season. This year, even more than most, we are so grateful.
Choosing from those movies can be a surprisingly daunting task, so we've narrowed the field down to several options available on networks and streaming services. (This list is subjective, of course, so feel free to suggest your favorite new releases in the comments if your heart so desires.) Happy watching!
• • •
Netflix
• "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square"
You know we had to start with this one. Not only does the musical boast a star-studded cast - joining Parton are Christine Baranski, Jenifer Lewis and Treat Williams, among others - but it was directed, choreographed and produced by another Hollywood icon, Debbie Allen. Parton wrote 14 songs for the film, which stars Baranski as a modern Scrooge who plans to sell her hometown's land to a mall developer. Streaming now.
• "Holidate"
Speaking of Scrooges, this movie stars Emma Roberts as a woman who seems to hate everything, including spending the holidays with family members obsessed with finding her a partner. She meets Luke Bracey's character at the mall - one of the holiest places to spend Christmas, second only to churches - and they create a doomed arrangement to platonically spend holidays together from then on. Streaming now.
• "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey"
In addition to being an addictive snack mix at Trader Joe's and an actual drug in "Riverdale," "Jingle Jangle" is now the name of a wacky musical starring Forest Whitaker as a toymaker whose granddaughter (Madalen Mills) aims to lift his low spirits years after his apprentice (Keegan Michael-Key) betrays him. The film also features Anika Noni Rose and Ricky Martin, along with original music from John Legend. Streaming now.
• "The Princess Switch: Switched Again"
Two years after Vanessa Hudgens played a Chicago baker and the European duchess with whom she switches places at Christmastime, the actress reprises the double role - and tacks on a third, as the duchess's evil cousin who tries to steal her throne. Fingers crossed we get four Vanessas next time. Streaming now.
• "The Christmas Chronicles 2"
For Kurt Russell, the "Christmas Chronicles" movies, which star Darby Camp as a kid who helps Santa Claus save the day, are a family affair - stepson Oliver Hudson appeared in the first, while wife Goldie Hawn plays Mrs. Claus in the sequel, marking the couple's first time on screen together since 1987's "Overboard." Russell recently compared the Netflix film's script to "The Passion of the Christ." Streaming now.
• • •
Hallmark
• "One Royal Holiday"
Aaron Tveit - the only actor to earn a Tony nomination for his lead performance in a musical this year - plays a prince staying at a Connecticut inn run by the family of a lovely young woman (Laura Osnes) who, of course, is unaware of his royal status. This is the film to watch for Broadway fans, as it also stars Victoria Clark, Krystal Joy Brown and Tom McGowan. Premiered Oct. 31.
• "The Christmas House"
Jonathan Bennett, who you may recognize as Aaron Samuels from "Mean Girls" even without his hair pushed back, stars opposite Brad Harder in Hallmark's first holiday movie to feature a gay couple. In the film, Bennett and Harder's characters await a phone call regarding the adoption of their first child. Premiered Nov. 22.
• "If I Only Had Christmas"
Candace Cameron Bure plays a bubbly publicist who teams up with a grumpy businessman (Warren Christie) to help a charity and, presumably, spread holiday cheer. Bure isn't the only "Full House" alum to frequent Hallmark movies, though the other might not have much of a future there anymore. Premieres Nov. 29.
• "Christmas Comes Twice"
The Mowry sisters returned to households across the country when "Sister Sister" hit Netflix earlier this year, and Tamera Mowry-Housley is extending that presence into the holiday season. In "Christmas Comes Twice," she plays an astrophysicist who rides a carousel in her hometown that somehow transports her back to five years ago, where she re-connects with her now-dead science teacher (Sheryl Lee Ralph) and frenemy-turned-love-interest (Michael Xavier). A Mowry time-traveling! What's not to love? Premieres Dec. 13.
• "Love, Lights, Hanukkah!"
This bizarrely named movie has a strange plot to match: A restaurant owner (Mia Kirshner) takes a DNA test that reveals she is Jewish, and she somehow discovers a new family as a result. This movie also stars Ben Savage and should have been called "Woman Meets Judaism." Premieres Dec. 20.
• • •
Lifetime
• "Christmas Unwrapped"
Tiffany Haddish produced this movie about a reporter (Amber Stevens West) who investigates an attractive man (Marco Grazzini) when he insists the gifts he gives out are actually from Santa Claus. She might not earn a Pulitzer, but she does learn the meaning of Christmas along the way. Streaming now.
• "Feliz NaviDAD"
Did that new "Saved by the Bell" leave you wanting some more Mario Lopez? The actor returns to high school in "Feliz NaviDAD" (cringe) as a widowed principal whose daughter and sister try to boost his spirits with an online dating profile. A pretty musician (AnnaLynne McCord) swipes right. Streaming now.
• "Dear Christmas"
This extremely '90s movie stars Melissa Joan Hart as the host of a podcast about holiday romances who has tragically never experienced one of her own - that is, until she meets a local firefighter (Jason Priestley) before heading out on a book tour. Robin Givens is also part of the cast. Premieres Nov. 27.
• "The Christmas Setup"
Christmas movies get the tiniest bit more diverse each year, and "The Christmas Setup" marks Lifetime's first to center on a gay romance. Blake Lee plays a New York lawyer whose mother (Fran Drescher) plays matchmaker and sets her son up with his high school crush (Ben Lewis, Lee's real-life husband). Premieres Dec. 12.
• "A Sugar and Spice Holiday"
Written and directed by Asian women (Eirene Donohue and Jennifer Liao), this movie follows a Chinese American architect (Jacky Lai) who draws on her cultural background to, as Lifetime phrases it, "spice up" a gingerbread-house competition in her hometown. Tony Giroux and Tzi Ma, Hollywood's go-to Asian dad, also star. Premieres Dec. 13.
• "Christmas Ever After"
"Christmas Ever After" stars Tony winner Ali Stroker as a romance novelist with writer's block who finds inspiration in the owner (Daniel di Tomasso) of the bed-and-breakfast she is staying at. It's a classic premise executed unusually - while filming more intimate scenes, Stroker and di Tomasso kissed through a plexiglass partition that will presumably be deleted in postproduction. Premieres Dec. 6.
• • •
Hulu
• "Happiest Season"
Kristen Stewart stars in this queer rom-com as a woman who accompanies her girlfriend, Harper (Mackenzie Davis), to her family home, only to learn Harper hasn't come out to her parents yet. The film was co-written and directed by Clea DuVall and stars Dan Levy ("Schitt's Creek") as Stewart's best friend. Streaming now.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--$100 to widow raising two boys

$100 to widow raising two boys

Today 's winner of a $ 100 bill through the Believe Project is Jamie Shall of Elgin .
Here is an excerpt of her story : '' Marilyn is a widow who has been raising her special needs grandson alone and another son who she is raising as his legal guardian after being abandoned by his biological mother when he was a baby .
The mother asked Marilyn to babysit for a few hours and never came back .
`` Although she is almost 73 years old , Marilyn still works full time in order to keep a roof over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is no money left for any extras each month .
I 'd love to give her $ 100 to help buy Christmas presents for the two boys or simply pay for something special like an ordered dinner out one night . ''
• The Believe Project is awarding $ 100 each day in December to a different person with a great idea for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else .
If you 'd like the chance to help someone , submit your idea for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events.dailyherald.com/believe/ .

$100 to widow raising two boys
Today's winner of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Jamie Shall of Elgin.
Here is an excerpt of her story:
"Marilyn is a widow who has been raising her special needs grandson alone and another son who she is raising as his legal guardian after being abandoned by his biological mother when he was a baby. The mother asked Marilyn to babysit for a few hours and never came back.
"Although she is almost 73 years old, Marilyn still works full time in order to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. There is no money left for any extras each month. I'd love to give her $100 to help buy Christmas presents for the two boys or simply pay for something special like an ordered dinner out one night."
• The Believe Project is awarding $100 each day in December to a different person with a great idea for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else. If you'd like the chance to help someone, submit your idea for consideration in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--'Not in this alone': Hanukkah celebration brings community together

Revelers could n't pack the park like last year for the annual menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights , so they packed the parking lot instead .
The third annual event moved from its usual home at North School Park this year and instead featured a drive-in concert in the parking lot of South Middle School .
After the performance by the six-piece Tum Balalaika Klezmer Band , Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes presented a Hanukkah proclamation to the community on behalf of the village board .
Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky of Chabad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came out in 60 vehicles .
`` People today are so lonely and isolated and they need that connection , that connection to the rest of the community , '' he said .
`` They need to know that they 're not in this alone and they 're looking for ways to connect in a safe way , and this is a beautiful way to do that . ''
Hayes noted Arlington Heights ' `` City of Good Neighbors '' motto and encouraged attendees to be a `` point of light '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community of very strong religious faiths , '' he added .
`` Faith is very important to me , personally , and so I 'm very happy to be a part of a community where people can practice their religion of their choice . ''

'Not in this alone': Hanukkah celebration brings community together
Boris Gorelik of Arlington Heights performs on violin Sunday during the annual menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes addresses the audience Sunday during the annual menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights. This year's celebration was a drive-in event at South Middle School to allow for social distancing. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky of the Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights lights the menorah Sunday during the annual menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration hosted by the center. This year's celebration was a drive-in event at South Middle School to allow for social distancing. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Ella Marchevska of Buffalo Grove, in pink, dances in the South Middle School parking lot Sunday during the annual menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Ella Marchevska of Buffalo Grove, in pink, dances in the South Middle School parking lot Sunday during the annual menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky of the Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights prepares to light the menorah Sunday during a drive-in celebration Sunday at South Middle School. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Revelers couldn't pack the park like last year for the annual menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights, so they packed the parking lot instead.
The third annual event moved from its usual home at North School Park this year and instead featured a drive-in concert in the parking lot of South Middle School.
After the performance by the six-piece Tum Balalaika Klezmer Band, Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes presented a Hanukkah proclamation to the community on behalf of the village board.
Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky of Chabad Jewish Center said more than 200 people came out in 60 vehicles.
"People today are so lonely and isolated and they need that connection, that connection to the rest of the community," he said. "They need to know that they're not in this alone and they're looking for ways to connect in a safe way, and this is a beautiful way to do that."
Hayes noted Arlington Heights' "City of Good Neighbors" motto and encouraged attendees to be a "point of light" for the community.
"We're a community of very strong religious faiths," he added. "Faith is very important to me, personally, and so I'm very happy to be a part of a community where people can practice their religion of their choice."