chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--49ers upset Cardinals, putting Bears in driver’s seat for last wild-card spot

GLENDALE , Ariz. — Third-string quarterback C.J .
Beathard threw three touchdown passes , Jeff Wilson ran for 183 yards , and the San Francisco 49ers dealt a brutal blow to the Arizona Cardinals ’ playoff hopes by defeating them 20-12 on Saturday .
Beathard was making his first start since 2018 and was 1-9 as a starting quarterback before he was pressed into action against the Cardinals because of injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Mullens .
The 27-year-old wasn ’ t amazing but avoided big mistakes .
He completed 13 of 22 passes for 182 yards , Wilson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 49ers came up with two big defensive stops late in the fourth quarter , including Ahkello Witherspoon ’ s interception of Kyler Murray ’ s pass in the end zone .
The Cardinals ( 8-7 ) no longer control their own destiny in the playoff race .
If the Chicago Bears win their final two games , they will reach the playoffs because of a tiebreaker over the Cardinals .
Arizona started the day positioned as the No .
7 and final team in the NFC playoff field , but the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 49ers ( 6-9 ) pulled ahead 14-6 in the third quarter on Beathard ’ s 9-yard touchdown pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk .
Arizona scored its first and only touchdown early in the fourth quarter when Kenyan Drake jumped on top of a pile and stretched his arm just far enough for a 1-yard touchdown .
Murray couldn ’ t connect with DeAndre Hopkins on the 2-point conversion and the 49ers still led 14-12 .
The Cardinals ’ next offensive drive stalled at their 35 when they went for it on fourth-and-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connect and the 49ers took over on downs .
A couple of plays later , Juszczyk caught his second touchdown of the day , this one on a 1-yard toss from Beathard with 8:36 left in the fourth .
Following the touchdown , San Francisco ’ s Robbie Gould missed a crucial extra point that kept it a one-possession game at 20-12 .
He also missed a 37-yard field-goal attempt with 1:05 left .
But the 49ers overcame those mistakes and held on for the win .
The 49ers were already eliminated from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Super Bowl , but they appeared plenty motivated .
They had several big hits on defense and pushed the pile on several Wilson runs .
The Cardinals had a promising opening drive that bogged down in the red zone and ended up settling for a 3-0 lead after a 27-yard field goal by Mike Nugent .
It was a common theme for Arizona , which moved the ball at times , but couldn ’ t hit on enough big plays downfield .
San Francisco took a 7-3 lead late in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beathard to Wilson and the 49ers took a 7-6 advantage into halftime .
Murray completed 31 of 50 passes for 247 yards , no touchdowns and the late interception .
Hopkins , the NFL ’ s leading receiver coming into the game , had eight catches for 48 yards .
Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald had six catches for 28 yards on Saturday .
The 37-year-old has caught at least 50 passes in 17 straight seasons , which is an NFL record .
49ers : DB K ’ Waun Williams ( knee/shin ) left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … OL Justin Skule ( knee ) left the game and was listed as questionable .
Cardinals : LB Haason Reddick ( hamstring ) left the game in the first quarter , but returned early in the second quarter .
He leads the team with 12 1/2 sacks this season .
… RB Chase Edmonds ( hip ) left the game in the first half and didn ’ t return .
… TE Dan Arnold was evaluated for a concussion .
… Murray was shaken up on the final offensive play of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 49ers play their final “ home ” game of the year in Arizona against the Seahawks .
The Cardinals travel to face the L.A. Rams in the season finale .

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The San Francisco 49ers limped into Saturday’s game with no more playoff hopes and a group that included third-string quarterback C.J. Beathard, unheralded running back Jeff Wilson and several defensive backups.
Then they went out and pushed around the Arizona Cardinals anyway.
Beathard threw three touchdown passes, Wilson ran for 183 yards, and San Francisco dealt a brutal blow to Arizona’s playoff hopes by beating them 20-12.
For the 49ers, the win was all about pride for a team that went to the Super Bowl last year, but has endured a 2020 that’s fallen well short of expectations.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan wasn’t surprised by the gritty performance.
“We’re not proud of our record, we’d like to be better, but that doesn’t tell the story of who we are,” Shanahan said.
Because of the loss, the Cardinals (8-7) no longer control their own destiny in the playoff race. If the Chicago Bears win their final two games, they will reach the playoffs because of a tiebreaker over the Cardinals.
Beathard was making his first start since 2018 and was 1-9 as a starting quarterback before he was pressed into action against the Cardinals because of injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Mullens.
It’s been a difficult past 12 months for Beathard, whose brother Clayton was fatally stabbed last December outside a bar in Nashville, Tennessee. The quarterback is popular among his teammates because of his upbeat personality despite personal and football setbacks.
“That’s why people don’t mind breaking their neck for him,” Wilson said.
Beathard wasn’t amazing on Saturday but avoided big mistakes. He completed 13 of 22 passes for 182 yards, Wilson earned hard yards on the ground and the 49ers came up with two big defensive stops late in the fourth quarter, including Ahkello Witherspoon’s interception of Kyler Murray’s pass in the end zone.
“I think CJ played awesome,” Shanahan said. “I thought he made some plays in the pass game, made some in the zone read … Just his leadership out there, the way the guys gravitated to him.”
Arizona started the day positioned as the No. 7 and final team in the NFC playoff field, but the game was a struggle from the outset. The 49ers (6-9) pulled ahead 14-6 in the third quarter on Beathard’s 9-yard touchdown pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
Arizona scored its first and only touchdown early in the fourth quarter when Kenyan Drake jumped on top of a pile and stretched his arm just far enough for a 1-yard touchdown. Murray couldn’t connect with DeAndre Hopkins on the 2-point conversion and the 49ers still led 14-12.
The Cardinals’ next offensive drive stalled at their 35 when they went for it on fourth-and-2. Another Murray-to-Hopkins attempt couldn’t connect and the 49ers took over on downs.
A couple of plays later, Juszczyk caught his second touchdown of the day, this one on a 1-yard toss from Beathard with 8:36 left in the fourth.
Following the touchdown, San Francisco’s Robbie Gould missed a crucial extra point that kept it a one-possession game at 20-12. He also missed a 37-yard field-goal attempt with 1:05 left. But the 49ers overcame those mistakes and held on for the win.
The Cardinals had a promising opening drive that bogged down in the red zone and ended up settling for a 3-0 lead after a 27-yard field goal by Mike Nugent. It was a common theme for Arizona, which moved the ball at times, but couldn’t hit on enough big plays downfield.
“We didn’t execute as well as we probably could have,” Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “I didn’t call as good of plays as I could’ve. Give them a ton of credit because I thought they were phenomenal with their effort and execution.”
San Francisco took a 7-3 lead late in the first quarter on a 21-yard pass from Beathard to Wilson and the 49ers took a 7-6 advantage into halftime.
Murray completed 31 of 50 passes for 247 yards, no touchdowns and the late interception. Hopkins, the NFL’s leading receiver coming into the game, had eight catches for 48 yards.
FINDING FITZ
Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald had six catches for 28 yards on Saturday. The 37-year-old has caught at least 50 passes in 17 straight seasons, which is an NFL record.
This might have been the final home game of Fitzgerald’s career. As has been the case the past few years, he says he’ll wait until after the season to make any decisions about his future.
INJURIES
49ers: DB K’Waun Williams (knee/shin) left the game in the first half. … OL Justin Skule (knee) left the game and was listed as questionable.
Cardinals: LB Haason Reddick (hamstring) left the game in the first quarter, but returned early in the second quarter. He leads the team with 12 1/2 sacks this season. … RB Chase Edmonds (hip) left the game in the first half and didn’t return. … TE Dan Arnold was evaluated for a concussion. … Murray was shaken up on the final offensive play of the game and gingerly walked off the field. Trainers were looking at his right leg.
UP NEXT
The 49ers play their final “home” game of the year in Arizona against the Seahawks.
The Cardinals travel to face the L.A. Rams in the season finale.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--With Cardinals loss, Bears control own playoff destiny

When the Cardinals lost to the 49ers 20-12 on Saturday night , the Bears had their postseason fate laid out in front of them : If they win Sunday in Jacksonville and at home in Week 17 against the rival Packers , they ’ ll make the postseason .
The Bears entered Saturday needing the Cardinals to lose at least once the rest of the way — either to the 49ers or the Rams next week — in order to control their own destiny .
If the Bears and Cardinals end up tied at 9-7 , the Bears would hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we want to do everything we can to win every single game , ” Bears coach Matt Nagy said Friday .
“ And then the other stuff , we have no control — we can ’ t do anything about that .
So whatever happens there , happens .
We know right now in our situation that we don ’ t control the way of getting into the playoffs .
We need help .
There ’ s nothing we can do about that.
” After the Cardinals lost Sunday , the Bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They just need to win out , starting Sunday against a Jaguars team incentivized to lose and hang onto the No .
1 pick in next year ’ s draft .
The Jaguars will start Mike Glennon against the Bears and play without star running back James Robinson , who has an ankle injury .
The Bears are a half-game out of the final playoff spot , a gap they could close with a win Sunday .
They hold the tie-breaker against the Cardinals , meaning that , presuming they beat the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either with a Week 17 win against the Packers or a Cardinals loss to the Rams .

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The 49ers limped into Saturday’s game with no more playoff hopes and a group that included third-string quarterback C.J. Beathard, unheralded running back Jeff Wilson and several defensive backups.
Then they went out and pushed around the Cardinals anyway.
Beathard threw three touchdown passes, Wilson ran for 183 yards and the 49ers dealt a brutal blow to the Cardinals’ playoff hopes by beating them 20-12.
For the 49ers, the win was all about pride for a team that went to the Super Bowl last season but has fallen short of expectations.
But they did a huge favor for the Bears, giving them control of their playoff push. If the Bears win Sunday in Jacksonville, Florida, and at home in Week 17 against the rival Packers, they’ll make the postseason.
The Bears (7-7) entered Saturday needing the Cardinals (8-7) to lose at least once the rest of the way — to the 49ers or the Rams next week — to control their own destiny.
“We just play and we want to do everything we can to win every single game,” Bears coach Matt Nagy said Friday. “And then the other stuff, we have no control. We know right now in our situation that we don’t control the way of getting into the playoffs. We need help. There’s nothing we can do about that.”
Thanks to the Cardinals’ loss, the Bears don’t need any more help. They’re a half-game out of the final playoff spot, a gap they could close with a win. They hold the tiebreaker against the Cardinals, meaning that, presuming they beat the Jaguars, they’d reach the postseason either with a Week 17 win against the Packers or a Cardinals loss to the Rams.
Niners coach Kyle Shanahan wasn’t surprised by his team’s gritty performance.
“We’re not proud of our record, we’d like to be better, but that doesn’t tell the story of who we are,” he said.
Beathard made his first start since 2018 and was 1-9 as a starting quarterback before he was pressed into action against the Cardinals because of injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Mullens.
He wasn’t amazing but avoided big mistakes. Beathard completed 13 of 22 passes for 182 yards, Wilson earned hard yards on the ground and the 49ers (6-9) came up with two big defensive stops late in the fourth quarter, including Ahkello Witherspoon’s interception of Kyler Murray in the end zone.
The biggest immediate concern for the Cardinals is Murray’s health. He was hit by Alex Barrett after making a pass in the closing seconds. The fourth-down throw fell incomplete, and Murray rolled over in pain.
Trainers attended to him before he limped off the field after a couple of minutes. Coach Kliff Kingsbury didn’t have an update after the game, and Murray didn’t talk to reporters.
Murray went 31-for-50 for 247 yards and ran eight times for 75 yards. He also threw a crucial interception in the end zone with 4:39 left when the Cardinals were trying to rally for the game-tying touchdown and two-point conversion.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--This You Gotta See: Cream of the 2021 NFL draft QB crop on display in bowls this week

No one , not even the most dyed-in-the-wool contrarian , could argue against 1983 as the year of the greatest NFL draft quarterback class ever .
A record six QBs were selected in the first round , among them future Hall of Famers John Elway , Jim Kelly and Dan Marino .
Perhaps the most remarkable since then came around in 2018 , when , for the first time , four passers — Baker Mayfield , Sam Darnold , Josh Allen and Josh Rosen — went in the top 10 .
With the No .
32 pick went Lamar Jackson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is kind of good .
But there ’ s something about the guys who are playing now , the 2021 class .
We try hard around here not to get sucked into hyperbole — OK , fine , we traffic in it liberally — but the 2021 class is just plain the best one since 1983 , and we ’ ll die on that hill until we ’ re left with no choice but to deny ever having taken this position .
Clemson ’ s Trevor Lawrence , Ohio State ’ s Justin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Florida ’ s Kyle Trask , Alabama ’ s Mac Jones , North Dakota State ’ s Trey Lance — all of them could go in the first round in April .
Four of them are coming to a screen near you in bowl games this week .
Goodness knows the Bears had better be doubling down on their homework .
Have they ever missed the mark before when drafting a QB ?
We ’ ll have check our records and get back to you on that .
The 1-13 Jags are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so we ’ ve entered a strange new world in which the Bears are favored by more than a touchdown .
What could go wrong ?
To the winner goes first place in the NFC West and the title of sneaky-good bet to reach the Super Bowl instead of the Packers or Saints .
Try fitting that on a business card .
Steph Curry and company lost their first two games by a combined 64 points .
Who do they think they are , the Bulls ?
Tennessee is on an insane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on everybody .
If Aaron Rodgers manages to outscore this team , he ’ ll strengthen his candidacy for the Patrick Mahomes Over My Dead Body MVP award .
The scheduling format in the Valley this season calls for two-game back-to-backs between all opponents .
The rest of the league must be so excited for double doses of Porter Moser ripping off his sports coat .
How strange it is to see the Pats just playing out the string .
It ’ s almost as strange as seeing Buffalo running things in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems Jimmy Butler and the Heat are the Rodney Dangerfields of the East , like last season ’ s run to the Finals never even happened .
No , we are not about to make a crack about the Bulls being the Carrot Tops .
The Wildcats are off to a 3-0 start in Big Ten play for the first time since before Chris Collins was born .
Heck , dad Doug was still in high school .
Florida ’ s Trask , a big , strong , accurate pocket passer , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dough .
But Oklahoma ’ s Spencer Rattler is mighty good , too .
Special bonus : He gets to walk around with the name Spencer Rattler .
You ’ ve got to love the early looks of the Blue Demons ’ Javon Freeman-Liberty , a transfer from Valparaiso .
Some of us still have a bone to pick with his uncle Marcus for not choosing DePaul back in the ’ 80s .
It ’ s the second of two games in three nights at the new home of Russell Westbrook .
Blink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Bearcats are unbeaten .
See them fight for non-Power-5 glory against an SEC big boy .
There probably isn ’ t a five-star recruit on the Tigers ’ roster who could tell you where Northwestern ’ s campus is located .
Pat Fitzgerald and crew will try to “ Go Cats !
” them into submission anyway .
Lots of luck , Irish , against the greatest college offense ever .
Yes , that hyperbole thing has gotten the better of us again .
They meet again , a year after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played playoff games since the final-four format debuted in 2014 .
Lawrence .
Fields .
Hut , hut , spectacular .
What could be more fitting than a high-profile game at Wrigley Field in which the home team loses 2-0 ?
Crazy coach Tom Allen and the Hoosiers were the darlings of the Big Ten football season .
A whole bunch of Rebels fans are about to be asking themselves , “ Is that man having some sort of an attack ?
” The Illini have taken a few lumps this season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So there you have it : Haymakers vs. Boilermakers .
Count us in .

No one, not even the most dyed-in-the-wool contrarian, could argue against 1983 as the year of the greatest NFL draft quarterback class ever. A record six QBs were selected in the first round, among them future Hall of Famers John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino.
Perhaps the most remarkable since then came around in 2018, when, for the first time, four passers — Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Josh Rosen — went in the top 10. With the No. 32 pick went Lamar Jackson, who, it turns out, is kind of good.
But there’s something about the guys who are playing now, the 2021 class. We try hard around here not to get sucked into hyperbole — OK, fine, we traffic in it liberally — but the 2021 class is just plain the best one since 1983, and we’ll die on that hill until we’re left with no choice but to deny ever having taken this position.
Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, Ohio State’s Justin Fields, BYU’s Zach Wilson, Florida’s Kyle Trask, Alabama’s Mac Jones, North Dakota State’s Trey Lance — all of them could go in the first round in April. Four of them are coming to a screen near you in bowl games this week.
Goodness knows the Bears had better be doubling down on their homework. Have they ever missed the mark before when drafting a QB? We’ll have to check our records and get back to you on that.
Here’s what’s happening:
SUN 27
Bears at Jaguars (noon, Ch. 2)
The 1-13 Jags are every bit as bad as that sounds, so we’ve entered a strange new world in which the Bears are favored by more than a touchdown. What could go wrong?
Rams at Seahawks (3:25 p.m., Fox-32)
To the winner goes first place in the NFC West and the title of sneaky-good bet to reach the Super Bowl instead of the Packers or Saints. Try fitting that on a business card.
Warriors at Bulls (7 p.m., NBCSCH)
Steph Curry and company lost their first two games by a combined 64 points. Who do they think they are, the Bulls?
Titans at Packers (7:20 p.m., Ch. 5)
Tennessee is on an insane offensive tear, hanging 30s or 40s on everybody. If Aaron Rodgers manages to outscore this team, he’ll strengthen his candidacy for the Patrick Mahomes Over My Dead Body MVP award.
MON 28
Illinois State at Loyola (6 p.m., CBSSN)
Sports coat? What sports coat? Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
The scheduling format in the Valley this season calls for two-game back-to-backs between all opponents. The rest of the league must be so excited for double doses of Porter Moser ripping off his sports coat.
Bills at Patriots (7:15 p.m., Ch. 7, ESPN)
How strange it is to see the Pats just playing out the string. It’s almost as strange as seeing Buffalo running things in the AFC East at 11-3.
TUE 29
Bucks at Heat (6:30 p.m., TNT)
Sometimes it seems Jimmy Butler and the Heat are the Rodney Dangerfields of the East, like last season’s run to the Finals never even happened. No, we are not about to make a crack about the Bulls being the Carrot Tops.
Northwestern at Iowa (8 p.m., FS1)
The Wildcats are off to a 3-0 start in Big Ten play for the first time since before Chris Collins was born. Heck, dad Doug was still in high school.
WED 30
Cotton Bowl: Florida vs. Oklahoma (7 p.m., ESPN)
Florida’s Trask, a big, strong, accurate pocket passer, is getting ready to make a lot of dough. But Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler is mighty good, too. Special bonus: He gets to walk around with the name Spencer Rattler.
DePaul at Connecticut (8 p.m., CBSSN)
You’ve got to love the early looks of the Blue Demons’ Javon Freeman-Liberty, a transfer from Valparaiso. Some of us still have a bone to pick with his uncle Marcus for not choosing DePaul back in the ’80s.
THU 31
Bulls at Wizards (4 p.m., NBCSCH)
It’s the second of two games in three nights at the new home of Russell Westbrook. Blink and you’ll miss a triple-double.
FRI 1
Peach Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Georgia (11 a.m., ESPN)
The Bearcats are unbeaten. See them fight for non-Power-5 glory against an SEC big boy.
Fitzgerald and the ’Cats won’t fear Auburn one bit. Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Citrus Bowl: Auburn vs. Northwestern (noon, Ch. 7)
There probably isn’t a five-star recruit on the Tigers’ roster who could tell you where Northwestern’s campus is located. Pat Fitzgerald and crew will try to “Go Cats!” them into submission anyway.
Rose Bowl: Alabama vs. Notre Dame (3 p.m., ESPN)
Lots of luck, Irish, against the greatest college offense ever. Yes, that hyperbole thing has gotten the better of us again.
Sugar Bowl: Clemson vs. Ohio State (7 p.m., ESPN)
They meet again, a year after one of the tensest, most evenly played playoff games since the final-four format debuted in 2014. Lawrence. Fields. Hut, hut, spectacular.
Cubs Classic: 1990 All-Star Game (8 p.m., MSN)
What could be more fitting than a high-profile game at Wrigley Field in which the home team loses 2-0?
SAT 2
Outback Bowl: Indiana vs. Mississippi (11:30 a.m., Ch. 7)
Crazy coach Tom Allen and the Hoosiers were the darlings of the Big Ten football season. A whole bunch of Rebels fans are about to be asking themselves, “Is that man having some sort of an attack?”
Purdue at Illinois (5 p.m., BTN)
The Illini have taken a few lumps this season, but they’re throwing haymakers now. So there you have it: Haymakers vs. Boilermakers. Count us in.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--Boy, 16, charged in connection with fatal Bridgeport carjacking

A 16-year-old boy is facing felony charges in connection with a fatal carjacking last week in Bridgeport , but has not been charged with murder , according to police .
The teen , who is not being named because he ’ s charged as a juvenile , faces two counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle , Chicago police said .
Shaui Guan , 33 , was killed Monday evening near his home in the 3000 block of South Union Avenue after apparently refusing to hand over his keys during the attempted carjacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guan get out of his car about 6 p.m. as another vehicle pulled up nearby and someone inside appeared to ask for his keys , police said .
Guan called 911 and reported that he was being robbed , but was followed by two cars as he walked away , police said .
While on the phone with 911 , at least one person fired at him from inside one of the cars .
Responding officers found Guan on the ground and he was pronounced dead at the scene .
Police said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other charges have been announced .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 16-year-old boy is facing felony charges in connection with a fatal carjacking last week in Bridgeport, but has not been charged with murder, according to police.
The teen, who is not being named because he’s charged as a juvenile, faces two counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle, Chicago police said.
Shaui Guan, 33, was killed Monday evening near his home in the 3000 block of South Union Avenue after apparently refusing to hand over his keys during the attempted carjacking, authorities said.
Surveillance video showed Guan get out of his car about 6 p.m. as another vehicle pulled up nearby and someone inside appeared to ask for his keys, police said.
Guan called 911 and reported that he was being robbed, but was followed by two cars as he walked away, police said. While on the phone with 911, at least one person fired at him from inside one of the cars.
Responding officers found Guan on the ground and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the shooting is still under investigation. No other charges have been announced.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--Ayo Dosunmu scores 30 to lead No. 18 Illinois past Indiana

CHAMPAIGN — Ayo Dosunmu scored 30 points , Kofi Cockburn added 15 points and 15 rebounds , and No .
18 Illinois beat Indiana 69-60 on Saturday .
The game was close until about midway through the second half , when Dosunmu hit three consecutive 3-pointers to fuel Illinois ’ 14-0 run .
Andre Curbelo added five assists for Illinois ( 7-3 , 3-1 Big Ten ) .
Neither team could find the basket in the first three minutes of the game , and the Hoosiers went on a 7-0 run while Illinois went 0 for 7 from the field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both teams settled in and traded baskets for most of the opening frame .
Indiana led 15-9 before Curbelo and Dosunmu took control for Illinois .
Dosunmu scored 10 points in the first half , many of those coming off circus passes by Curbelo .
Illinois led 29-27 at the half .
Illinois closed the game strong , going on a 21-11 run in which Dosumu contributed 14 points .
The game was fairly close , statistically .
The Illini shot 24 of 54 from the field for 44 % and the Hoosiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dosunmu ’ s offensive output and a 14-of-18 showing at the foul line sealed the win .
Illinois was heavily favored against unranked Indiana and did what it had to do .
The Illini might move up a notch or two , but the win , hard-fought as it was , is unlikely to move the needle much .
Illinois : After a week off , the Illini host Purdue on Jan. 2 .

CHAMPAIGN — Ayo Dosunmu scored 30 points, Kofi Cockburn added 15 points and 15 rebounds, and No. 18 Illinois beat Indiana 69-60 on Saturday.
The game was close until about midway through the second half, when Dosunmu hit three consecutive 3-pointers to fuel Illinois’ 14-0 run. Andre Curbelo added five assists for Illinois (7-3, 3-1 Big Ten).
Armaan Franklin led Indiana (5-4, 0-2) with 23 points, and big man Trayce Jackson-Davis added 11.
Neither team could find the basket in the first three minutes of the game, and the Hoosiers went on a 7-0 run while Illinois went 0 for 7 from the field. Following a 6-0 Illini run, both teams settled in and traded baskets for most of the opening frame. Indiana led 15-9 before Curbelo and Dosunmu took control for Illinois.
Dosunmu scored 10 points in the first half, many of those coming off circus passes by Curbelo. Illinois led 29-27 at the half.
BIG PICTURE
Illinois closed the game strong, going on a 21-11 run in which Dosumu contributed 14 points. The game was fairly close, statistically. The Illini shot 24 of 54 from the field for 44% and the Hoosiers shot 23-58 (40%). Dosunmu’s offensive output and a 14-of-18 showing at the foul line sealed the win.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Illinois was heavily favored against unranked Indiana and did what it had to do. The Illini might move up a notch or two, but the win, hard-fought as it was, is unlikely to move the needle much.
UP NEXT
Indiana: Hosts Penn. State on Wednesday.
Illinois: After a week off, the Illini host Purdue on Jan. 2.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--13 shot, 3 killed in Chicago so far over holiday weekend

At least three people have been killed and 10 others wounded in citywide shootings so far over the extended holiday weekend .
The three fatal shootings were all on Christmas Day , with the latest attack happening in Gage Park on the Southwest Side .
Officers responded about 9:20 p.m. to the 3300 block of West 52nd Street and found a 20-year-old man unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen , Chicago police said .
He was pronounced dead at the scene .
About an hour earlier , a man was found fatally shot in Chatham on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose age was unknown , was found about 8:35 p.m. lying unresponsive after being shot on the side of the street in the 900 block of East 82nd Street , police said .
He was pronounced dead on the scene .
In the weekend ’ s first fatal attack , a 57-year-old man was gunned down in Grand Crossing on the South Side .
The man was on the sidewalk about 2:30 p.m. in the 7300 block of South Kenwood Avenue when someone fired shots , striking him in the side , abdomen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 57-year-old , later identified as Dwayne Malette , of Roseland , was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he died nearly nine hours later , according to the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office .
An autopsy ruled Malette ’ s death a homicide , saying he died of his injuries .
In non-fatal attacks , a 27-year-old man was shot Friday night in Pulaski Park on the Northwest Side .
About 8:10 p.m. , he was in the 4000 block of North Pulaski Road when someone opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The man was struck multiple times and took himself to Swedish Covenant Hospital , where he was listed in serious condition , police said .
Two people — including the person he was arguing with —were taken into custody .
Earlier Friday , a woman was shot in Brainerd on the South Side .
The 18-year-old was in a vehicle about 5:40 p.m. in the 9000 block of South Laflin Street when someone approached her vehicle , pulled out a gun and opened fire , police said .
The woman was taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in critical condition with a gunshot wound to her left side .
About 3:45 p.m. , a man was wounded in a shooting in Austin on the West Side .
The 34-year-old was on the sidewalk in the 5500 block of West Monroe Street when someone opened fire , striking him in the leg , police said .
He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition .
At least seven other people have been wounded in citywide shootings since 5 p.m. Thursday .
Last weekend , six people were killed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

At least eight people were killed and 22 others wounded in citywide shootings over the extended holiday weekend.
In the latest fatal attack, a man was shot to death Monday morning on the Lower West Side.
About 4 a.m., the man, 57, was headed south in a vehicle in the 2300 block of South Wood Street when someone in a gold-colored SUV opened fire, striking him multiple times in the back, Chicago police said. The man was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A person was killed Sunday morning in Vittum Park on the Southwest Side.
The male, believed to be between 17 and 20-years-old, was standing in the 5500 block of South Archer Avenue about 9 a.m., when he was shot multiple times, police said.
He was brought to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn with gunshot wounds to his back and shoulder, police said. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
Earlier Sunday morning, three people were shot, one fatally, in South Chicago, police said.
About 3:55 a.m., a 24-year-old woman and two men, both 36 years old, were outside in the 8300 block of South Paxton Avenue when someone fire shots, Chicago police said.
The woman, later identified as Mariah Thomas, of Harvey, was sitting in a parked vehicle at the time of the shooting and was struck on the body, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. She was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where she was pronounced dead, police said.
One man was grazed on the neck and shot in the leg, police said, and the other man was also shot in the leg. Both were transported to the same hospital in fair condition.
Saturday night, a man was found dead with a gunshot wound to the chest in Englewood on the South Side.
He was found in an alley about 10 p.m. in the 7400 block of South Stewart Avenue and pronounced dead at the scene, police said. A witness told investigators the man was talking to someone in a vehicle when shots were fired.
Hours earlier, a man was shot and killed while trying to commit a robbery on the West Side, according to police.
He walked in to a store about 6:50 p.m. in the 3200 block of West Chicago Avenue, pulled out a gun and demanded property, police said.
A store employee, a 29-year-old man, pulled out his own gun and fired shots at the robber, striking him in the chest, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The 29-year-old has a valid concealed-carry license, police said. Officers recovered his gun as well as the other man’s gun.
On Christmas Day, three people were fatally shot. The latest attack that day happened in Gage Park on the Southwest Side.
Officers responded about 9:20 p.m. to the 3300 block of West 52nd Street and found a 20-year-old man unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
About an hour earlier, a man was found fatally shot in Chatham on the South Side.
The man, whose age was unknown, was found about 8:35 p.m. lying unresponsive after being shot on the side of the street in the 900 block of East 82nd Street, police said. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
In the weekend’s earliest reported fatal attack, a 57-year-old man was gunned down in Grand Crossing on the South Side.
The man was on the sidewalk about 2:30 p.m. in the 7300 block of South Kenwood Avenue when someone fired shots, striking him in the side, abdomen and head, police said.
The 57-year-old, later identified as Dwayne Malette, of Roseland, was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died nearly nine hours later, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. An autopsy ruled Malette’s death a homicide, saying he died of his injuries.
At least 20 other people were wounded in shootings within city limits between 5 p.m. Thursday and 5 a.m. Monday.
Last weekend, six people were killed and 32 others wounded in shootings across Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--Northwestern beats No. 23 Ohio State for best Big Ten start since 1967-68

Boo Buie knows Northwestern could wind up ranked next week .
He and his teammates have loftier objectives .
Miller Kopp scored 23 points , Buie had 14 and Northwestern beat No .
23 Ohio State 71-70 on Saturday in Evanston .
Pete Nance added 10 points for the Wildcats ( 6-1 , 3-0 Big Ten ) , who won their fourth straight .
“ It feels good to be ranked , but we ’ re still hungry , ” Buie said .
“ We ’ re not really looking for rankings , we ’ re just looking to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State ( 7-2 , 1-2 ) with 15 points .
Kyle Young added 14 points and Seth Towns had 11 for the Buckeyes , who had won two straight and four of five .
Northwestern is 3-0 in the Big Ten for the first time since the 1967-68 season .
The Wildcats were 3-17 in the league last season .
“ These guys have more belief than they had in themselves last year , ” Northwestern coach Chris Collins said .
“ That ’ s a testament to their hard work in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half on a 13-7 run before Northwestern rallied with a 7-1 run .
Ohio State led by seven after halftime , but Northwestern came back with an 11-2 run .
Kopp hit a jumper to pull Northwestern within 66-65 before Chase Audige ’ s 3 put the Wildcats ahead with 1:48 left .
Young ’ s jumper tied it before Buie ’ s 3 gave Northwestern a 71-68 lead with 1:04 remaining .
“ Fortunately , it went in , ” Buie said .
“ But huge shoutout credit to Kopp .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us in it the whole night .
I just helped out .
We have a lot of guys who can go.
” Young hit two free throws to bring Ohio State within one with 47 seconds left .
Duane Washington Jr. missed a driving layup for Ohio State with five seconds left .
“ Guys executed it well .
We just didn ’ t make the shot , ” Buckeyes coach Chris Holtmann said .
Buie missed a free throw before Liddell missed a long 3 before the final buzzer .
Northwestern shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buckeyes ’ 44 % .
Ohio State outrebounded the Wildcats 40-26 but made four 3s to Northwestern ’ s six .
Ohio State scored the first eight points of the game before Northwestern responded with 14-2 run .
Kopp scored 12 of Northwestern ’ s first 14 points and had 14 at halftime .
Nance hit two free throws with 0.4 seconds left before halftime to tie it 34-34 .
HE SAID IT “ We struggled a little bit with some of their traps of E.J.
, ” Holtmann said .
“ All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t moving the ball.
” Northwestern defeated ranked teams in a week for the first time since the 2012-13 season .
The Wildcats upset then-No .
4 Michigan State 79-65 on Sunday for their first win over a top-five team since beating Magic Johnson and the fourth-ranked Spartans on Jan. 27 , 1979 .
Ohio State : The Buckeyes stumbled after coming off a big victory Wednesday , rallying from a 16-point second-half deficit to upset No .
11 Rutgers 80-68 .
Northwestern : The Wildcats are showing promise after going 8-23 last @ @

Boo Buie knows Northwestern could wind up ranked next week. He and his teammates have loftier objectives.
Miller Kopp scored 23 points, Buie had 14 and Northwestern beat No. 23 Ohio State 71-70 on Saturday in Evanston. Pete Nance added 10 points for the Wildcats (6-1, 3-0 Big Ten), who won their fourth straight.
“It feels good to be ranked, but we’re still hungry,” Buie said. “We’re not really looking for rankings, we’re just looking to win games.
E.J. Liddell led Ohio State (7-2, 1-2) with 15 points. Kyle Young added 14 points and Seth Towns had 11 for the Buckeyes, who had won two straight and four of five.
Northwestern is 3-0 in the Big Ten for the first time since the 1967-68 season. The Wildcats were 3-17 in the league last season.
“These guys have more belief than they had in themselves last year,” Northwestern coach Chris Collins said. “That’s a testament to their hard work in the offseason.”
The Buckeyes opened the second half on a 13-7 run before Northwestern rallied with a 7-1 run. Ohio State led by seven after halftime, but Northwestern came back with an 11-2 run.
Kopp hit a jumper to pull Northwestern within 66-65 before Chase Audige’s 3 put the Wildcats ahead with 1:48 left. Young’s jumper tied it before Buie’s 3 gave Northwestern a 71-68 lead with 1:04 remaining.
“Fortunately, it went in,” Buie said. “But huge shoutout credit to Kopp. He really did his thing tonight and kept us in it the whole night. I just helped out. We have a lot of guys who can go.”
Young hit two free throws to bring Ohio State within one with 47 seconds left. Duane Washington Jr. missed a driving layup for Ohio State with five seconds left.
“Guys executed it well. We just didn’t make the shot,” Buckeyes coach Chris Holtmann said.
Buie missed a free throw before Liddell missed a long 3 before the final buzzer.
Northwestern shot 48% from the field to the Buckeyes’ 44%. Ohio State outrebounded the Wildcats 40-26 but made four 3s to Northwestern’s six.
Ohio State scored the first eight points of the game before Northwestern responded with 14-2 run. Kopp scored 12 of Northwestern’s first 14 points and had 14 at halftime. Nance hit two free throws with 0.4 seconds left before halftime to tie it 34-34.
HE SAID IT
“We struggled a little bit with some of their traps of E.J.,” Holtmann said. “All in all, we just weren’t moving the ball.”
WORTH NOTING
Northwestern defeated ranked teams in a week for the first time since the 2012-13 season. The Wildcats upset then-No. 4 Michigan State 79-65 on Sunday for their first win over a top-five team since beating Magic Johnson and the fourth-ranked Spartans on Jan. 27, 1979.
BIG PICTURE
Ohio State: The Buckeyes stumbled after coming off a big victory Wednesday, rallying from a 16-point second-half deficit to upset No. 11 Rutgers 80-68.
Northwestern: The Wildcats are showing promise after going 8-23 last season.
UP NEXT
Ohio State: Hosts Nebraska on Wednesday.
Northwestern: Visits No. 4 Iowa on Tuesday.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--Roscoe Village businesses close out dismal 2020 with window decorating contest: ‘Stores really need

Roscoe Village businesses close out dismal 2020 with window decorating contest: ‘Stores really need you’

Wine bottle trees and winter scenes are making their way into Roscoe Village storefront windows as the COVID-19 pandemic keeps driving small business owners to find new ways to draw in customers .
Business owners put their creative mettle on display Saturday to kick off a window decorating contest organized by the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce , in the latest effort to drive up sales that have been slashed by the coronavirus .
“ Right now it ’ s very hard for businesses in the neighborhood and we ’ re trying to just give more exposure to them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chad Jensen , chamber president and owner of D Spa & Pet Boutique .
“ If somebody wants to stroll down the street and shop at these cute shops in 2021 , then they better stop ordering off of Amazon for everything in 2020 because a lot of them aren ’ t going to make it.
” November and early December were “ brutal ” for Trudy Robinson-Foley , a Roscoe Village business owner for 14 years and owner of clothing store Kickin ’ and A Pied Shoe Boutique .
Because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply don ’ t need as many clothes .
She also had to get her online store up and running , she said .
“ It ’ s twice as much [ work ] for half as much in sales , ” Robinson-Foley said .
She ’ s seen a slight uptick in sales in late December , but “ it does not compensate in any way for the challenges that existed in November and early December , ” she said .
She hoped that her decorations would bring some neighborhood cheer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buying online , which offers a false sense of security , she said .
“ The amount of steps to get a package at your door is probably a lot more contact for other people than just shopping small where you can walk in , doors are open , there ’ s not that many people , ” she said .
Ellie Thompson , owner of jewelry store Ellie Thompson + Co. , who decorated her window with magenta Christmas trees , also saw an uptick in sales during the holidays after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late June .
Thompson will keep her decorations until February while Robinson-Foley doesn ’ t plan on removing hers after the holidays .
They hope it will continue to bring customers in .
“ Retail stores really still need you out there shopping in January and February , ” Robinson-Foley said .
“ When they support small businesses right in their community , they ’ re supporting their community , the way it looks , the way it feels and the people that make up their neighborhood , ” Thompson said .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the contest , which runs until Dec. 31 .
Local artist Heather Gentile-Collins helped business owners decorate their windows .
People can vote for their favorite window display on the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce website .

Wine bottle trees and winter scenes are making their way into Roscoe Village storefront windows as the COVID-19 pandemic keeps driving small business owners to find new ways to draw in customers.
Business owners put their creative mettle on display Saturday to kick off a window decorating contest organized by the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce, in the latest effort to drive up sales that have been slashed by the coronavirus.
“Right now it’s very hard for businesses in the neighborhood and we’re trying to just give more exposure to them to make people shop local,” said Chad Jensen, chamber president and owner of D Spa & Pet Boutique. “If somebody wants to stroll down the street and shop at these cute shops in 2021, then they better stop ordering off of Amazon for everything in 2020 because a lot of them aren’t going to make it.”
A Christmas tree made of wine bottles adorns Birch Road Cellar’s window, located at 2002 W. Roscoe St. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
November and early December were “brutal” for Trudy Robinson-Foley, a Roscoe Village business owner for 14 years and owner of clothing store Kickin’ and A Pied Shoe Boutique. Because of the pandemic, sales have dropped since people simply don’t need as many clothes. She also had to get her online store up and running, she said.
“It’s twice as much [work] for half as much in sales,” Robinson-Foley said. She’s seen a slight uptick in sales in late December, but “it does not compensate in any way for the challenges that existed in November and early December,” she said.
Trudy Robinson-Foley, owner of Kickin’, and her two kids Keaney and Felix, who helped decorate the window, pose for a photo outside the shop, located at 2033 W. Roscoe St. They are participating in the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce’s holiday window display contest, Saturday afternoon, Dec. 26, 2020. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
She hoped that her decorations would bring some neighborhood cheer and encourage people to shop local instead of buying online, which offers a false sense of security, she said. “The amount of steps to get a package at your door is probably a lot more contact for other people than just shopping small where you can walk in, doors are open, there’s not that many people,” she said.
Ellie Thompson, owner of jewelry store Ellie Thompson + Co., who decorated her window with magenta Christmas trees, also saw an uptick in sales during the holidays after a “severe” drop from March to late June.
Ellie Thompson + Co., located at 2139 W. Roscoe St. in the Roscoe Village neighborhood, is decorated for the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce’s holiday window display contest, Saturday afternoon, Dec. 26, 2020. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Thompson will keep her decorations until February while Robinson-Foley doesn’t plan on removing hers after the holidays. They hope it will continue to bring customers in.
“Retail stores really still need you out there shopping in January and February,” Robinson-Foley said.
“When they support small businesses right in their community, they’re supporting their community, the way it looks, the way it feels and the people that make up their neighborhood,” Thompson said.
More than 10 around the neighborhood are participating in the contest, which runs until Dec. 31. Local artist Heather Gentile-Collins helped business owners decorate their windows. People can vote for their favorite window display on the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce website.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-27--Dear Abby: My best friend has abandoned me after arguing with my boyfriend

DEAR ABBY : My best friend of nine years , “ Sierra , ” and my boyfriend of two years , “ Jaden , ” strongly dislike each other .
They were both at a cookout I had for my birthday , and Sierra kept making passive-aggressive comments to and about him .
At one point , she criticized something controversial that he said , and when he tried to engage her in conversation about it , she ignored him and pretended he didn ’ t exist .
Jaden then launched into a series of verbal attacks against her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drop it , I was unsuccessful .
Sierra ended up leaving , telling me she needed to take a break from our friendship .
She has since unfollowed me on social media , leaving me with the impression that our friendship is over because of the argument between her and my boyfriend .
I know Jaden was more at fault , and we have discussed the situation at length , but Sierra isn ’ t willing to talk to me about it .
They ’ ve never had an interaction like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liked him , and I know she will never move past this .
If Jaden and I were to break up , I don ’ t know if I could bring myself to resolve things with Sierra because I feel like she was unwilling to preserve our friendship .
Should I accept her reaction and behavior and move past this ?
— BETRAYED AND CONFUSED DEAR BETRAYED : You have no choice but to accept Sierra ’ s reaction .
Not knowing what Jaden said that was controversial , I can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argument .
If she preferred not to engage with him further , it was her privilege .
For Jaden to have pursued and verbally attacked your friend was abusive , and she did the right thing by leaving .
Sierra appears to have a strong sense of self-esteem , and I doubt there is anything you could say to her to convince her to subject herself to Jaden ’ s presence again .
She ’ s intelligent enough to know that until your romance with him has run its course , remaining out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best course of action .
If Jaden becomes history , give her a call .
I ’ m pretty sure you two can clear the air then .
DEAR ABBY : How do I confront my daughter , who I am certain “ kept ” my wedding ring , which I had removed to care for my dying husband ?
This daughter has a history of “ borrowing ” siblings ’ jewelry , then returning it in secrecy .
I have other reasons to believe she has taken the ring , but knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down our relationship if I ask .
I was thinking of saying something like , “ When I was at your house , could I have left it there ?
” She knows I am looking for it .
I suspect she thought the ring was her father ’ s as it is a wide gold band .
Advice ?
— KEEPING THE PEACE ?
DEAR KEEPING THE PEACE ?
: I hope you get that precious memento back .
IF this daughter took the ring , you have more problems than losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thief who is not above taking from those close to her .
By all means ask if your wedding band might have been inadvertently left at her house ( “ overlooking ” that if it was , she should have informed you immediately ) .
You have nothing to lose by doing so .
Whether you get it back or not , before letting your daughter into your home in the future , be prudent and make sure any valuables are under lock and key .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For everything you need to know about wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in @ @ @ @

DEAR ABBY: My best friend of nine years, “Sierra,” and my boyfriend of two years, “Jaden,” strongly dislike each other. They were both at a cookout I had for my birthday, and Sierra kept making passive-aggressive comments to and about him.
At one point, she criticized something controversial that he said, and when he tried to engage her in conversation about it, she ignored him and pretended he didn’t exist. Jaden then launched into a series of verbal attacks against her, and although I attempted to get him to drop it, I was unsuccessful.
Sierra ended up leaving, telling me she needed to take a break from our friendship. She has since unfollowed me on social media, leaving me with the impression that our friendship is over because of the argument between her and my boyfriend.
I know Jaden was more at fault, and we have discussed the situation at length, but Sierra isn’t willing to talk to me about it. They’ve never had an interaction like this, ever. She’s never liked him, and I know she will never move past this. If Jaden and I were to break up, I don’t know if I could bring myself to resolve things with Sierra because I feel like she was unwilling to preserve our friendship. Should I accept her reaction and behavior and move past this? — BETRAYED AND CONFUSED
DEAR BETRAYED: You have no choice but to accept Sierra’s reaction. Not knowing what Jaden said that was controversial, I can’t offer an opinion about what generated the argument. If she preferred not to engage with him further, it was her privilege. For Jaden to have pursued and verbally attacked your friend was abusive, and she did the right thing by leaving.
Sierra appears to have a strong sense of self-esteem, and I doubt there is anything you could say to her to convince her to subject herself to Jaden’s presence again. She’s intelligent enough to know that until your romance with him has run its course, remaining out of the line of fire is the best course of action. If Jaden becomes history, give her a call. I’m pretty sure you two can clear the air then.
DEAR ABBY: How do I confront my daughter, who I am certain “kept” my wedding ring, which I had removed to care for my dying husband? This daughter has a history of “borrowing” siblings’ jewelry, then returning it in secrecy.
I have other reasons to believe she has taken the ring, but knowing this daughter, she’ll shut down our relationship if I ask. I was thinking of saying something like, “When I was at your house, could I have left it there?” She knows I am looking for it. I suspect she thought the ring was her father’s as it is a wide gold band. Advice? — KEEPING THE PEACE?
DEAR KEEPING THE PEACE?: I hope you get that precious memento back. IF this daughter took the ring, you have more problems than losing a material object. She is a thief who is not above taking from those close to her.
By all means ask if your wedding band might have been inadvertently left at her house (“overlooking” that if it was, she should have informed you immediately). You have nothing to lose by doing so. Whether you get it back or not, before letting your daughter into your home in the future, be prudent and make sure any valuables are under lock and key.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--Horoscope for Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Gemini .
Once again , a parent or a boss might surprise you .
Or you might hear some unexpected news that will affect your direction , your career or even your reputation .
If you feel impatient or rebellious when dealing with authority figures , keep this to yourself .
Remain in control .
Some of you might suddenly have to travel or do something you least expected to do .
You might hear news from someone from another country or a different culture .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ exciting that amazes you , perhaps related to higher education , medicine or the law .
It will be wise to double check banking details and such because something unexpected could impact your finances or your partner ’ s wealth .
Stay in touch with the details of your arrangements with someone else so that you are not left out in the cold .
Someone close to you might throw you a curveball .
They might make an unusual demand or suggest something unexpected .
They might want more freedom in the relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they say before you react .
Take time to thoughtfully respond .
You might see ways to improve your health or improve your job because you are in an innovative frame of mind .
( Something unexpected could affect these areas . )
Ditto for surprises related to a pet .
You might also have plans related to publishing , travel and the media .
Go get ’ em tiger !
Surprises and unexpected situations related to kids , social events and sports will make today electric and sizzling !
You might get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An unexpected flirtation might also turn your crank .
However , parents should be alert because this could be an accident-prone day for your kids .
Something connected with your family or your home will occur that you did not anticipate .
Different events are happening or surprises are coming your way .
Perhaps it ’ s unusual family news .
Something unexpected might be connected to a parent .
Stay on your toes .
This is a fast-changing day full of twists and turns .
You might meet new faces and see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bright , clever ideas !
Short trips are also likely .
Stay flexible so that you can meet the unexpected with grace and style .
Impulse shopping is par for the course today because your money seems to be popping out of your wallet .
( You are probably making up for the moon alert restrictions yesterday . )
However , you might find money or you might lose money .
Keep your eyes open !
For various reasons , many of you might make new discoveries about yourself today or perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion with others , you might be unusually frank about who you are and willing to share details about your past .
It ’ s an energetic day for you !
Something going on behind the scenes makes you feel excited and restless today .
( It ’ s almost as if there is more electricity in the air or something . )
Secrets might come out .
You might make new discoveries that are fresh and unusual .
Because you are high-energy today , you will be attracted to interesting , unusual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anyone who can entertain you will be intriguing .
Likewise , you might be attracted to a group , club or an association that sounds worth exploring .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor/digital effects artist Masi Oka ( 1974 ) shares your birthday .
You have a big heart , and family is important to you .
You are protective , hard-working and loyal .
It ’ s a time of learning and perhaps teaching .
Explore any discipline that helps you get a better understanding of who you are .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ year will set you in a new direction , which could be crucial for your success next year .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Gemini.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Once again, a parent or a boss might surprise you. Or you might hear some unexpected news that will affect your direction, your career or even your reputation. If you feel impatient or rebellious when dealing with authority figures, keep this to yourself. Remain in control.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Some of you might suddenly have to travel or do something you least expected to do. You might hear news from someone from another country or a different culture. You will love learning something new and exciting that amazes you, perhaps related to higher education, medicine or the law.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
It will be wise to double check banking details and such because something unexpected could impact your finances or your partner’s wealth. Stay in touch with the details of your arrangements with someone else so that you are not left out in the cold.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Someone close to you might throw you a curveball. They might make an unusual demand or suggest something unexpected. They might want more freedom in the relationship. Whatever happens, think about what they say before you react. Take time to thoughtfully respond.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You might see ways to improve your health or improve your job because you are in an innovative frame of mind. (Something unexpected could affect these areas.) Ditto for surprises related to a pet. You might also have plans related to publishing, travel and the media. Go get ’em tiger!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Surprises and unexpected situations related to kids, social events and sports will make today electric and sizzling! You might get a surprise invitation to go somewhere. An unexpected flirtation might also turn your crank. However, parents should be alert because this could be an accident-prone day for your kids.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Something connected with your family or your home will occur that you did not anticipate. Different events are happening or surprises are coming your way. Perhaps it’s unusual family news. Something unexpected might be connected to a parent. Stay on your toes.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
This is a fast-changing day full of twists and turns. You might meet new faces and see new places. You are certainly full of bright, clever ideas! Short trips are also likely. Stay flexible so that you can meet the unexpected with grace and style.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Impulse shopping is par for the course today because your money seems to be popping out of your wallet. (You are probably making up for the moon alert restrictions yesterday.) However, you might find money or you might lose money. Keep your eyes open!
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
For various reasons, many of you might make new discoveries about yourself today or perhaps about the world around you. In discussion with others, you might be unusually frank about who you are and willing to share details about your past. It’s an energetic day for you!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Something going on behind the scenes makes you feel excited and restless today. (It’s almost as if there is more electricity in the air or something.) Secrets might come out. You might make new discoveries that are fresh and unusual.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Because you are high-energy today, you will be attracted to interesting, unusual people. You want stimulation and adventure and anyone who can entertain you will be intriguing. Likewise, you might be attracted to a group, club or an association that sounds worth exploring.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor/digital effects artist Masi Oka (1974) shares your birthday. You have a big heart, and family is important to you. You are protective, hard-working and loyal. It’s a time of learning and perhaps teaching. Explore any discipline that helps you get a better understanding of who you are. Invest in your future self. This year will set you in a new direction, which could be crucial for your success next year.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--Hit by adversity, Bulls crumble again in loss to Pacers

The expression on Bulls center Wendell Carter Jr ’ s .
face said it all .
It went from anger to sadness to torment in a matter of seconds as he walked off the court with just less than four minutes left in the third quarter Saturday against the Pacers at the United Center .
He was the picture of defeat and just another example of what has been so wrong with the Bulls in their first two games .
What concerns coach Billy Donovan is how the Bulls allow in-game adversity to physically and emotionally wreck them .
Carter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bulls ’ 125-106 loss , but he remained the easiest one to pick out because of how he wears his emotions on his sleeve .
Or , in this case , his face .
‘ ‘ That ’ s this team ’ s , so to speak , cross to bear , ’ ’ Donovan said after the game .
‘ ‘ They don ’ t handle it .
They don ’ t at all .
They internalize their mistakes ; they internalize what ’ s going on .
‘ ‘ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve got to do this together .
They ’ ve got to fight together , do it together .
We ’ re probably , on most nights , not going to be the most athletic or the most talented or the most experienced , but we can be a team — we have control over it — that can have a lot more fight in ourselves there .
‘ ‘ I came out on the court one time because I saw them come out of the huddle , and they just all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , this is professional basketball .
You ’ ve got to be able to respond and deal with adversity .
I think , for anybody at this level , if you can ’ t handle that , it ’ s hard to be a great , great player at this level.
’ ’ Carter recognizes that , but controlling his emotions has been a longtime battle for him .
‘ ‘ That ’ s something I ’ ve always struggled with my whole career , since I started playing basketball , ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I work on a certain craft for a very long time , to see that ball just not fall , bounce around the rim , in-and-outs , I tend to get down on myself.
’ ’ Not that Carter again didn ’ t have reason to be introspective about his shortcomings .
After the Hawks had their way with the Bulls in the paint in the season opener Wednesday , the Pacers had no problem taking the blueprint , studying it and following it almost to perfection .
The Bulls came out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had worked some issues out .
Coby White made three three-pointers , Lauri Markkanen was offensively engaged and the bench looked to have some life , as Tomas Satoransky , Garrett Temple and Denzel Valentine made their season debuts .
By the second quarter , however , an all-too-familiar aroma started permeating the arena .
The Pacers outhustled , outmuscled and outplayed the Bulls in almost every facet possible on their way to a 21-0 run and a 39-point quarter .
Unfortunately for Carter , a lot of it happened while he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time halftime came , the Bulls looked lifeless .
Then they came out of the locker room and allowed the Pacers to go on a 10-0 run to start the third quarter .
No wonder Carter and Co. looked ready to tap out .
The bad news for the Bulls is there won ’ t be much time for them straighten things out with the Warriors visiting Sunday .
Donovan and his staff obviously have their work cut out for them .
‘ ‘ It ’ s something we ’ re addressing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ’ Donovan said .

The expression on Bulls center Wendell Carter Jr’s. face said it all.
It went from anger to sadness to torment in a matter of seconds as he walked off the court with just less than four minutes left in the third quarter Saturday against the Pacers at the United Center.
He was the picture of defeat and just another example of what has been so wrong with the Bulls in their first two games.
What concerns coach Billy Donovan is how the Bulls allow in-game adversity to physically and emotionally wreck them.
Carter wasn’t the lone culprit in the Bulls’ 125-106 loss, but he remained the easiest one to pick out because of how he wears his emotions on his sleeve. Or, in this case, his face.
‘‘That’s this team’s, so to speak, cross to bear,’’ Donovan said after the game. ‘‘They don’t handle it. They don’t at all. They internalize their mistakes; they internalize what’s going on.
‘‘I’ve said this before: They’ve got to do this together. They’ve got to fight together, do it together. We’re probably, on most nights, not going to be the most athletic or the most talented or the most experienced, but we can be a team — we have control over it — that can have a lot more fight in ourselves there.
‘‘I came out on the court one time because I saw them come out of the huddle, and they just all looked totally dejected. The bottom line is, this is professional basketball. You’ve got to be able to respond and deal with adversity. I think, for anybody at this level, if you can’t handle that, it’s hard to be a great, great player at this level.’’
Carter recognizes that, but controlling his emotions has been a longtime battle for him.
‘‘That’s something I’ve always struggled with my whole career, since I started playing basketball,’’ Carter said. ‘‘When I work on a certain craft for a very long time, to see that ball just not fall, bounce around the rim, in-and-outs, I tend to get down on myself.’’
Not that Carter again didn’t have reason to be introspective about his shortcomings.
After the Hawks had their way with the Bulls in the paint in the season opener Wednesday, the Pacers had no problem taking the blueprint, studying it and following it almost to perfection.
The Bulls came out in the first quarter and looked as though they had worked some issues out. Coby White made three three-pointers, Lauri Markkanen was offensively engaged and the bench looked to have some life, as Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple and Denzel Valentine made their season debuts.
By the second quarter, however, an all-too-familiar aroma started permeating the arena. The Pacers outhustled, outmuscled and outplayed the Bulls in almost every facet possible on their way to a 21-0 run and a 39-point quarter.
Unfortunately for Carter, a lot of it happened while he was patrolling the paint.
By the time halftime came, the Bulls looked lifeless. Then they came out of the locker room and allowed the Pacers to go on a 10-0 run to start the third quarter.
No wonder Carter and Co. looked ready to tap out.
The bad news for the Bulls is there won’t be much time for them straighten things out with the Warriors visiting Sunday. Donovan and his staff obviously have their work cut out for them.
‘‘It’s something we’re addressing and talking about on a constant basis,’’ Donovan said.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--14 shot, 4 killed in Chicago so far over holiday weekend

At least four people have been killed and 10 others wounded in citywide shootings so far over the extended holiday weekend .
In the latest fatal incident , a man was shot and killed while trying to commit a robbery Saturday on the West Side , according to police .
He walked in to a store about 6:50 p.m. in the 3200 block of West Chicago Avenue , pulled out a gun and demanded property , Chicago police said .
A store employee , a 29-year-old man , pulled out his own gun and fired shots at the robber , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
The 29-year-old has a valid concealed-carry license , police said .
Officers recovered his gun as well as the other man ’ s gun .
On Christmas Day , three people were fatally shot .
The latest attack that day happened in Gage Park on the Southwest Side .
Officers responded about 9:20 p.m. to the 3300 block of West 52nd Street and found a 20-year-old man unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the scene .
About an hour earlier , a man was found fatally shot in Chatham on the South Side .
The man , whose age was unknown , was found about 8:35 p.m. lying unresponsive after being shot on the side of the street in the 900 block of East 82nd Street , police said .
He was pronounced dead on the scene .
In the weekend ’ s earliest fatal attack , a 57-year-old man was gunned down in Grand Crossing on the South Side .
The man was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7300 block of South Kenwood Avenue when someone fired shots , striking him in the side , abdomen and head , police said .
The 57-year-old , later identified as Dwayne Malette , of Roseland , was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he died nearly nine hours later , according to the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office .
An autopsy ruled Malette ’ s death a homicide , saying he died of his injuries .
In non-fatal attacks , a 27-year-old man was shot Friday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
About 8:10 p.m. , he was in the 4000 block of North Pulaski Road when someone opened fire following an argument , police said .
The man was struck multiple times and took himself to Swedish Covenant Hospital , where he was listed in serious condition , police said .
Two people — including the person he was arguing with —were taken into custody .
Earlier Friday , a woman was shot in Brainerd on the South Side .
The 18-year-old was in a vehicle about 5:40 p.m. in the 9000 block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her vehicle , pulled out a gun and opened fire , police said .
The woman was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition with a gunshot wound to her left side .
About 3:45 p.m. , a man was wounded in a shooting in Austin on the West Side .
The 34-year-old was on the sidewalk in the 5500 block of West Monroe Street when someone opened fire , striking him in the leg , police said .
He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been wounded in citywide shootings since 5 p.m. Thursday .
Last weekend , six people were killed and 32 others wounded in shootings across Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--8-year-old boy abducted from Christmas gathering near Mundelein found safe

An 8-year-old boy who was taken from a family Christmas gathering near suburban Mundelein has been found safe .
Enrique Sanchez was taken by his mother , Holly Adcox , 27 , while they were both attending a gathering about 8 p.m. Friday in the 26400 block of Route 83 , the Lake County sheriff ’ s office said .
Investigators believe Adcox and the boy ’ s father , Federico Sanchez , 30 , planned the abduction and fled with the child , the sheriff ’ s office said .
Adcox does not have legal custody of the boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party .
Police determined they were likely in the area of Sellersburg , Indiana and contacted local law enforcement , the sheriff ’ s office said .
The three were found at a hotel after authorities found the Toyota Camry they were traveling in .
Enrique is being held in protective custody until his legal guardians arrive , the sheriff ’ s office said .
The child has been in the legal guardianship of his grandmother since he was 1 year old .
Adcox and Federico Sanchez were arrested and are being held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indiana , the sheriff ’ s office said .

An 8-year-old boy who was taken from a family Christmas gathering near suburban Mundelein has been found safe.
Enrique Sanchez was taken by his mother, Holly Adcox, 27, while they were both attending a gathering about 8 p.m. Friday in the 26400 block of Route 83, the Lake County sheriff’s office said.
Investigators believe Adcox and the boy’s father, Federico Sanchez, 30, planned the abduction and fled with the child, the sheriff’s office said. Adcox does not have legal custody of the boy but was given permission to attend the party.
Police determined they were likely in the area of Sellersburg, Indiana and contacted local law enforcement, the sheriff’s office said. The three were found at a hotel after authorities found the Toyota Camry they were traveling in.
Holly Adcox and Federico Sanchez Lake County sheriff’s office
Enrique is being held in protective custody until his legal guardians arrive, the sheriff’s office said. The child has been in the legal guardianship of his grandmother since he was 1 year old.
Adcox and Federico Sanchez were arrested and are being held on kidnapping charges in Clark County, Indiana, the sheriff’s office said.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--3 killed, 3 wounded in shooting at Rockford bowling alley: police

A person is in custody after three people were killed and three others wounded in a “ random ” shooting Saturday at a bowling alley in Rockford , police said .
Officers responded about 6:55 p.m. to a call of shots fired with multiple people wounded at Don Carter Lanes , 4007 E. State St. , Rockford Police Chief Dan O ’ Shea said at a news conference outside of the bowling alley .
When officers arrived , the suspected shooter was still inside of the building and was taken into custody , O ’ Shea said .
No officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Three people died from their gunshot wounds and three others were being treated at area hospitals , O ’ Shea said .
Additional details were not immediately available , but at least two teenagers were among the wounded , the police chief said .
What drove the shooter was not immediately clear , according to O ’ Shea , who said investigators were describing it as a “ random ” attack .
“ Pray please , ” the bowling alley wrote in a message posted to its Facebook page Saturday night .

A U.S. Army special forces sergeant based in Florida has been charged in an apparently random shooting at a Rockford bowling alley that left three people dead and three wounded, authorities said Sunday.
Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley said Duke Webb, 37, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of first-degree attempted murder in the shooting at Don Carter Lanes, in Rockford, on Saturday evening. While no bowling is currently allowed due to state-imposed coronavirus restrictions, a bar linked to the business was legally open.
Webb was taken into custody shortly after the shooting at around 7 p.m., Rockford Police Chief Dan O’Shea said at a news conference Sunday morning.
“I am very confident the officers that were on the scene in the building were able to stop further violence,” O’Shea said.
He said the three who died were all men, aged 73, 65 and 69, but did not provide names.
Additionally, he said, a 14-year-old boy was shot in the face and airlifted to a hospital in Madison in stable condition, and a 16-year-old girl who was shot in the shoulder was treated at a hospital and released. A 62-year-old man underwent surgery overnight after suffering multiple gunshot wounds and is in critical condition, the chief said.
Duke Webb, an Army special forces sergeant based in Florida, has been charged in the deaths of three people and the wounding of three more in a shooting at a Rockford bowling alley on Saturday. Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office/Distributed by the Associated Press
The suspect has no known ties to the victims, O’Shea said.
“We believe this was a completely random act, and there is no prior meeting or any kind of relationship between the suspect and any of the victims in this case,” O’Shea said. He did not provide information on what led up to the shooting.
The U.S. Army said Webb is a Special Forces Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), located at Camp Bull Simons, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He joined the Army in 2008 and was on leave Saturday.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn about this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded,” Col. John W. Sannes, commander of 7th Special Forces Group, said in a statement.
The bowling alley was closed at the time of the shooting, in accordance with restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, O’Shea said. But a bar upstairs was open. The chief said the upstairs venue has double doors that open to the outside, ensuring the bar is in compliance with Illinois’ COVID-19 mitigation guidance.
Up to 25 people were at Don Carter Lanes when the shooting happened, but most of them escaped or hid, O’Shea said. He declined to say whether the shootings happened in the bar or elsewhere in the building, saying those details would come out in court. The teens who were wounded were picking up food at the carryout section of the bowling alley, he said.
He said the suspect tried to conceal his weapons before his arrest, and that he was apprehended without officers firing a shot.
“Most of the incident was captured on surveillance video from inside the business,” O’Shea said, adding that investigators are studying captured images.
O’Shea said investigators are in touch with the Army. He didn’t explain why the Florida man was in Illinois. The Army said it will provide full assistance in the police investigation.
The Rockford Register Star reported that 2020 has been the deadliest year on record for homicides in the city of about 170,000 residents about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Chicago. Thirty-five people have been killed in the city this year, breaking the previous record of 31 in 1996.
“As we come to the end of this most difficult year and we look ahead at this New Year upon us, we know that this type of violence needs to stop,” Mayor Tom McNamara said. “... And today, with the eyes of the country upon us, we need to show as Rockfordians how we respond to an incident such as this, as one Rockford, supporting one another.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--Would-be robber fatally shot by concealed-carry license holder on West Side: police

A man was shot and killed while trying to commit a robbery Saturday on the West Side , police said @ @ @ @ @ a store about 6:50 p.m. in the 3200 block of West Chicago Avenue , pulled @ @ @ @ @ property , according to Chicago police .
A store employee , a 29-year-old man , @ @ @ @ @ and fired shots at the robber , striking him in the chest , police said @ @ @ @ @ Stroger Hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
The 29-year-old has a valid concealed-carry @ @ @ @ @ Officers recovered his gun as well as the other man ’ s gun .
The @ @ @ @ @ s office hasn ’ t released details on the death .
Read more on crime @ @ @ @ @ ’ s homicides .

A man was shot and killed while trying to commit a robbery Saturday on the West Side, police said.
He walked in to a store about 6:50 p.m. in the 3200 block of West Chicago Avenue, pulled out a gun and demanded property, according to Chicago police.
A store employee, a 29-year-old man, pulled out his own gun and fired shots at the robber, striking him in the chest, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Marc Rodgers, 48, of Chicago.
The 29-year-old has a valid concealed-carry license, police said. Officers recovered his gun as well as the other man’s gun.
Area Four detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-26--Bulls’ core must learn toughness

Bulls’ core must learn toughness

The toughness of the Bulls ’ core — or the lack thereof — is an issue that isn ’ t going away anytime soon .
Coach Billy Donovan has been open about how he ’ s trying to get his team to accept a more physical brand of basketball , and newcomers continued to address it Saturday .
‘ ‘ You have to build that habit , ’ ’ veteran guard Garrett Temple said , referring to toughness .
‘ ‘ I don ’ t think we have soft guys here by any means , so it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And that starts in practice .
‘ ‘ But a lot of young teams do things in practice [ and ] don ’ t bring it over to the games .
I think that ’ s what we ’ re in the transition of doing right now .
We have to transition that stuff that we do in practice — when we have great , competitive , hard practices — to the game.
’ ’ Even in the preseason games the Bulls won , they displayed a lack of physicality too often .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hawks , it was flat-out embarrassing .
The Hawks went wherever they wanted to go on the court , including attacking the rim , with little resistance .
And while no one is asking the Bulls to be a defensive juggernaut , how about an elbow or two on an opponent ’ s dunk attempt to show that someone cares ?
‘ ‘ I think it ’ s a really good point , and that ’ s why we have to do it together , ’ ’ Donovan said .
‘ ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an island to say : ‘ You ’ ve got this guy ; it ’ s on you .
Just be physical and tough and handle this.
’ .
.
.
‘ ‘ I think that ’ s what ended up happening , having two 40-point quarters in the first and second quarters [ against the Hawks ] .
It was just , like , guys were going right down the lane , transitioning .
It was way too easy .
‘ ‘ We ’ ve got to get physically in there to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at it ?
No .
Can we be a lot better than [ we ’ ve been ] ?
I think so.
’ ’ Veteran forward Thad Young continued to make progress from an infection in his left leg but was still unavailable for the game against the Pacers .
The good news for the Bulls was that Young was the only player of significance in street clothes .
Temple made his Bulls debut in the first quarter , and backup guard Tomas Satoransky finally returned after he had to quarantine because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the coronavirus , and that made the ordeal even more frustrating .
‘ ‘ It was very tough for me being at home , not being able to work out or doing anything , ’ ’ Satoransky said .
‘ ‘ Just self-quarantine myself .
.
.
.
You only can control some of it , and you have to be mentally strong and be ready to come back and accept the role you will have after this .
.
.
.
It really tests you mentally and is another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season.
’ ’ Donovan has yet to address how he will use Young when he gets him back , especially considering forward Otto Porter Jr. has been the first option off the bench in both regular-season games .

The toughness of the Bulls’ core — or the lack thereof — is an issue that isn’t going away anytime soon.
Coach Billy Donovan has been open about how he’s trying to get his team to accept a more physical brand of basketball, and newcomers continued to address it Saturday.
‘‘You have to build that habit,’’ veteran guard Garrett Temple said, referring to toughness. ‘‘I don’t think we have soft guys here by any means, so it’s a matter of building the right habits. And that starts in practice.
‘‘But a lot of young teams do things in practice [and] don’t bring it over to the games. I think that’s what we’re in the transition of doing right now. We have to transition that stuff that we do in practice — when we have great, competitive, hard practices — to the game.’’
Even in the preseason games the Bulls won, they displayed a lack of physicality too often. And in the regular-season opener Wednesday against the Hawks, it was flat-out embarrassing.
The Hawks went wherever they wanted to go on the court, including attacking the rim, with little resistance. And while no one is asking the Bulls to be a defensive juggernaut, how about an elbow or two on an opponent’s dunk attempt to show that someone cares?
‘‘I think it’s a really good point, and that’s why we have to do it together,’’ Donovan said. ‘‘We’re not putting guys on an island to say: ‘You’ve got this guy; it’s on you. Just be physical and tough and handle this.’ . . .
‘‘I think that’s what ended up happening, having two 40-point quarters in the first and second quarters [against the Hawks]. It was just, like, guys were going right down the lane, transitioning. It was way too easy.
‘‘We’ve got to get physically in there to battle and compete. Are we great at it? No. Can we be a lot better than [we’ve been]? I think so.’’
More bodies
Veteran forward Thad Young continued to make progress from an infection in his left leg but was still unavailable for the game against the Pacers.
The good news for the Bulls was that Young was the only player of significance in street clothes. Temple made his Bulls debut in the first quarter, and backup guard Tomas Satoransky finally returned after he had to quarantine because of contact tracing. Satoransky said he never tested positive for the coronavirus, and that made the ordeal even more frustrating.
‘‘It was very tough for me being at home, not being able to work out or doing anything,’’ Satoransky said. ‘‘Just self-quarantine myself. . . . You only can control some of it, and you have to be mentally strong and be ready to come back and accept the role you will have after this. . . . It really tests you mentally and is another challenge you have to go through this season.’’
Donovan has yet to address how he will use Young when he gets him back, especially considering forward Otto Porter Jr. has been the first option off the bench in both regular-season games.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-27--Trump signs massive funding bill, averts shutdown: AP source

WEST PALM BEACH , Fla. — President Donald Trump has signed a $ 900 billion pandemic relief package that will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals .
A congressional Republican aide tells The Associated Press that the president has signed the measure .
The aide was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and requested anonymity .
The massive bill includes $ 1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as money for cash-starved transit systems and an increase in food stamp benefits .
Democrats are promising more aid to come once President-elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are signaling a wait-and-see approach .
This is a developing story .
Please check back for updates .
Here ’ s Trump ’ s statement on the signing in full : As President of the United States it is my responsibility to protect the people of our country from the economic devastation and hardship that was caused by the China Virus .
I understand that many small businesses have been forced to close as a result of harsh actions by Democrat-run states .
Many people are back to work , but my job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work .
Fortunately , as a result of my work with Congress in passing the CARES Act earlier this year , we avoided another Great Depression .
Under my leadership , Project Warp Speed has been a tremendous success , my Administration and I developed a vaccine many years ahead of wildest expectations , and we are distributing these vaccines , and others soon coming , to millions of people .
As President , I have told Congress that I want far less wasteful spending and more money going to the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checks per adult and $ 600 per child .
As President I am demanding many rescissions under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 .
The Act provides that , “ whenever the President determines that all or part of any budget authority will not be required to carry out the full objectives or scope of programs for which it is provided , or that such budget authority should be rescinded for fiscal policy or other reasons ( including termination of authorized projects or activities for which budget authority has been provided ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Congress a special message ” describing the amount to be reserved , the relevant accounts , the reasons for the rescission , and the economic effects of the rescission .
2 U.S.C .
§ 683 .
I will sign the Omnibus and Covid package with a strong message that makes clear to Congress that wasteful items need to be removed .
I will send back to Congress a redlined version , item by item , accompanied by the formal rescission request to Congress insisting that those funds be removed from the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restore unemployment benefits , stop evictions , provide rental assistance , add money for PPP , return our airline workers back to work , add substantially more money for vaccine distribution , and much more .
On Monday the House will vote to increase payments to individuals from $ 600 to $ 2,000 .
Therefore , a family of four would receive $ 5,200 .
Additionally , Congress has promised that Section 230 , which so unfairly benefits Big Tech at the expense of the American people , will be reviewed and either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the House and Senate have agreed to focus strongly on the very substantial voter fraud which took place in the November 3 Presidential election .
The Senate will start the process for a vote that increases checks to $ 2,000 , repeals Section 230 , and starts an investigation into voter fraud .
Big Tech must not get protections of Section 230 !
Much more money is coming .
I will never give up my fight for the American people !

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump signed a $900 billion pandemic relief package Sunday, ending days of drama over his refusal to accept the bipartisan deal that will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and avert a federal government shutdown.
The massive bill includes $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as money for cash-starved transit systems and an increase in food stamp benefits.
Trump announced the signing in a statement Sunday night that spoke of his frustrations with the COVID-19 relief for including only $600 checks to most Americans instead of the $2,000 that his fellow Republicans rejected. He also complained about what he considered unnecessary spending by the government at large. But Trump’s eleventh-hour objections created turmoil because lawmakers had thought he was supportive of the bill, which had been negotiated for months with White House input.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
“I will sign the Omnibus and Covid package with a strong message that makes clear to Congress that wasteful items need to be removed,” Trump said in the statement.
While the president insisted he would send Congress “a redlined version” with items to be removed under the rescission process, those are merely suggestions to Congress. The bill, as signed, would not necessarily be changed.
Lawmakers now have breathing room to continue debating whether the relief checks should be as large as the president has demanded. The Democratic-led House supports the larger checks and is set to vote on the issue Monday, but it’s expected to be ignored by the Republican-held Senate where spending faces opposition.
Republicans and Democrats swiftly welcomed Trump’s decision to sign the bill into law.
“The compromise bill is not perfect, but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Kentuckians and Americans across the country who need help now,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. “I thank the President for signing this relief into law.”
Democrats are promising more aid to come once President-elect Joe Biden takes office, but Republicans are signaling a wait-and-see approach.
In the face of growing economic hardship, spreading disease and a looming shutdown, lawmakers on Sunday had urged Trump to sign the legislation immediately, then have Congress follow up with additional aid. Aside from unemployment benefits and relief payments to families, money for vaccine distribution, businesses, cash-starved public transit systems and more is on the line. Protections against evictions also hung in the balance.
“What the president is doing right now is unbelievably cruel,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. “So many people are hurting. ... It is really insane and this president has got to finally ... do the right thing for the American people and stop worrying about his ego.”
Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said he understood that Trump “wants to be remembered for advocating for big checks, but the danger is he’ll be remembered for chaos and misery and erratic behavior if he allows this to expire.”
Toomey added: “So I think the best thing to do, as I said, sign this and then make the case for subsequent legislation.”
The same point was echoed by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican who’s criticized Trump’s pandemic response and his efforts to undo the election results. “I just gave up guessing what he might do next,” he said.
Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois said too much is at stake for Trump to “play this old switcheroo game.”
“I don’t get the point,” he said. “I don’t understand what’s being done, why, unless it’s just to create chaos and show power and be upset because you lost the election.”
Washington had been reeling since Trump turned on the deal. Fingers pointed at administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, as lawmakers tried to understand whether they were misled about Trump’s position.
“Now to be put in a lurch, after the president’s own person negotiated something that the president doesn’t want, it’s just — it’s surprising,” Kinzinger said.
Kinzinger spoke on CNN’s “State of the Union,” and Hogan and Sanders on ABC’s “This Week.”
Here’s Trump’s statement on the signing in full:
As President of the United States it is my responsibility to protect the people of our country from the economic devastation and hardship that was caused by the China Virus.
I understand that many small businesses have been forced to close as a result of harsh actions by Democrat-run states. Many people are back to work, but my job is not done until everyone is back to work.
Fortunately, as a result of my work with Congress in passing the CARES Act earlier this year, we avoided another Great Depression. Under my leadership, Project Warp Speed has been a tremendous success, my Administration and I developed a vaccine many years ahead of wildest expectations, and we are distributing these vaccines, and others soon coming, to millions of people.
As President, I have told Congress that I want far less wasteful spending and more money going to the American people in the form of $2,000 checks per adult and $600 per child.
As President I am demanding many rescissions under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. The Act provides that, “whenever the President determines that all or part of any budget authority will not be required to carry out the full objectives or scope of programs for which it is provided, or that such budget authority should be rescinded for fiscal policy or other reasons (including termination of authorized projects or activities for which budget authority has been provided), the President shall transmit to both Houses of Congress a special message” describing the amount to be reserved, the relevant accounts, the reasons for the rescission, and the economic effects of the rescission. 2 U.S.C. § 683.
I will sign the Omnibus and Covid package with a strong message that makes clear to Congress that wasteful items need to be removed. I will send back to Congress a redlined version, item by item, accompanied by the formal rescission request to Congress insisting that those funds be removed from the bill.
I am signing this bill to restore unemployment benefits, stop evictions, provide rental assistance, add money for PPP, return our airline workers back to work, add substantially more money for vaccine distribution, and much more.
On Monday the House will vote to increase payments to individuals from $600 to $2,000. Therefore, a family of four would receive $5,200. Additionally, Congress has promised that Section 230, which so unfairly benefits Big Tech at the expense of the American people, will be reviewed and either be terminated or substantially reformed.
Likewise, the House and Senate have agreed to focus strongly on the very substantial voter fraud which took place in the November 3 Presidential election.
The Senate will start the process for a vote that increases checks to $2,000, repeals Section 230, and starts an investigation into voter fraud.
Big Tech must not get protections of Section 230!
Voter Fraud must be fixed!
Much more money is coming. I will never give up my fight for the American people!