chicagosun-times--2020-10-30--Illinois surpasses 400,000 COVID-19 cases since pandemic began (LIVE UPDATES)

Illinois ’ average coronavirus testing positivity rate reached its highest point in five months Friday as public health officials announced a second straight record-breaking day of 6,943 new infections statewide .
The soaring tally came along with a record-high 95,111 tests submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health , raising the statewide average testing positivity rate over the last week to 7.3 % .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s health team uses the average testing positivity rate to gauge how rapidly the virus is spreading — and it has more than doubled over the last month .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state has surpassed 400,000 cases over the course of the pandemic .
Since March , 402,401 people have tested positive for the virus , or about 3.2 % of Illinois ’ population .
Officials also announced 36 more deaths have been attributed to the virus , raising the death toll to 9,711 .
The latest fatalities included a Cook County man in his 40s and 12 other Chicago-area residents .
Read the full report from Rachel Hinton and Mitchell Armentrout here .
6:05 p.m. Loyola , Northwestern to allow more students on campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Northwestern University both plan to bring more students back for the winter term despite the ongoing coronavirus spike that has led to increased restrictions in Chicago and the suburbs .
Both schools announced their plans Wednesday , the same day the state reported 6,110 newly confirmed cases of the virus ― the second-highest daily tally ever .
Along with rising cases , Illinois hospitals are treating the most coronavirus patients they ’ ve seen since June 4 , with 2,861 beds occupied .
Bans on indoor dining and caps on gatherings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions under the governor ’ s plan have been implemented as a result .
Read the full story by Adam Mahoney here .
A team of University of Illinois Chicago researchers plan to study an experimental biological therapy to see if it can help prevent COVID-19 infections .
The study aims to test at least 25 people , comparing those who receive four shots of treatment with those who receive a solution with no medicine .
The therapy uses a combination of lab-engineered antibodies , which are immune system proteins that fight viruses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , UIC scientists want to see if the therapy , developed by biotech company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals , can stop the spread of the virus in the body even if individuals are exposed to others who are infected .
Read the full story by Brett Chase here .
Another judge and one more employee in the office of the chief Cook County judge have tested positive for COVID-19 , along with five additional residents at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center .
The judge works in the courthouse in Bridgeview and the employee is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center , according to Mary Wisniewski , spokesperson for the offfice of the chief judge .
The judge ’ s office has informed anyone who may have come into contact with the people who recently tested positive , Wisniewski said .
Indoor service at Chicago bars and restaurants was suspended Friday by the state in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Outdoor service is allowed , but it must end at 11 p.m .
Restaurant association representatives said they plan to meet next week with Gov .
J.B. Pritzker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking the governor to lift the dining restrictions .
The group contends banning indoor service will result in a larger spread of the virus by driving people into “ uncontrolled , unmonitored private gatherings.
” They ’ re asking the state to reconsider the mitigations and to re-offer financial support packages and PPE to restaurants , a program that was vital for businesses during the initial spread last spring .
“ We want to work with the state to offer a different path .
One that addresses the surges we ’ re seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restaurant owners across Illinois , ” said Sam Toia , president of the Illinois Restaurant Association .
1:20 p.m. Chicagoans divided on outdoor winter dining as restaurant restrictions take effect We asked Chicagoans : Now that bars and restaurants can only serve people outdoors , will you continue frequenting your favorite places while bundled up in a coat , gloves and hat ?
Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity .
“ Nothing as fun as outdoor dining in the middle of a Chicago winter !
I ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , instead of putting out a chair for parking dibs , I ’ ll just sit in the chair !
” — Pete Kurasz “ Nope !
I refuse to sit outside when it ’ s this cold .
It was snowing this morning !
” — Melanie Schmidt “ If it ’ s not completely miserable — and they have heaters — I will wear a coat and hat and deal with it .
If it is , we will order takeout.
” — Sarah Marren “ If weather permits , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighborhood .
Many restaurants in Portage Park have had to get creative .
If I can ’ t dine outdoors , I will order for pickup.
” — Erika Garcia Read the full story from Alice Bazerghi here .
Trombonist Jerrell Charleston loves the give-and-take of jazz , the creativity of riffing off other musicians .
But as he looked toward his sophomore year at Indiana University , he feared that steps to avoid sharing the coronavirus would also keep students from sharing songs .
“ Me and a lot of other cats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and practicing at home , ” the 19-year-old jazz studies major from Gary said .
His worries evaporated when he discovered that music professor Tom Walsh had invented a special mask with a hole and protective flap to allow musicians to play while masked .
Students also got masks for the ends of their wind instruments , known as bell covers , allowing them to jam in person , albeit six feet apart .
“ It ’ s amazing to play together , ” Charleston says .
“ Music has always been my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s in your soul , and you ’ re sharing that with other people.
” The act of making music powered by human breath involves blowing air — and possibly virus particles .
One infamous choral practice in Washington state led to confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19 in more than half of the 61 attendees .
Two died .
9:33 a.m .
Ask the Doctors : Flu shots especially important in COVID-19 era Dear Doctors : I ’ m 23 years old and hardly ever get sick , not even a cold .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but my dad keeps telling my brother and me that it ’ s really important to get one this year .
Can you explain why ?
Is it going to protect us against the coronavirus ?
A .
A flu shot won ’ t safeguard against the novel coronavirus .
But it will add an important measure of protection during a particularly perilous flu season .
There can be a lot of overlap in symptoms between flu and COVID-19 .
Symptoms for each can include fever , chills , body aches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headache , cough , chest congestion , difficulty breathing and fatigue .
And both can lead to pneumonia , hospitalization and even death .
Even when it ’ s not life-threatening , the flu guarantees a week or two of misery .
A flu shot reduces the risk of becoming infected with the influenza virus or can mean milder symptoms and shorter illnesses than for those who go unvaccinated .
8:28 a.m. IHSA will defy Gov .
Pritzker , says basketball season can start on schedule According to several sources , the Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the basketball season can start as scheduled .
It ’ s a totally unexpected move that directly contradicts the guidelines Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health outlined on Tuesday .
Pritzker and the IDPH put winter sports on an indefinite hold and moved basketball from a medium-risk sport to a higher-risk sport in the IDPH guidelines .
‘ ‘ As with sports in the fall , nothing is ‘ canceled , ’ just put on hold until we ’ re through the thick of this pandemic , ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the IHSA calendar , basketball practices are scheduled to start on Nov. 16 and the first games can be played on Nov. 30 “ After diligent discussion , the Board has made the decision today to follow the recommendation of the IHSA SMAC as it relates to basketball , ” IHSA spokesperson Matt Troha wrote in an email to athletic directors .
“ The Board remains considerate of rising COVID-19 cases in Illinois and understand the importance of adhering to safety guidelines for the good of all citizens .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causal evidence that rising COVID-19 cases make basketball more dangerous to play by the IDPH or any other health organization nationally or internationally.
” • Illinois ’ average coronavirus testing positivity rate reached its highest point in five months Friday as public health officials announced a second straight record-breaking day of 6,943 new infections statewide .
• The soaring tally came along with a record-high 95,111 tests submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health , raising the statewide average testing positivity rate over the last week to 7.3 % .
For generations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate set of state laws for just about every topic under the sun .
The city ’ s mayor is allowed to appoint the school board , Chicago has its own “ working cash fund ” law , the state ’ s mayoral veto law does not apply to the city and Chicago has a unique exemption allowing it to deduct money from worker paychecks .
From big to archaic , the list is almost endless .
So , when you ’ ve grown accustomed to doing it your own way for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking you ’ re a special case in literally everything .
And that seems to be what happened last week .
Read the full column by columnist Rich Miller here .
7:11 a.m. During pandemic , DuPage Board should put residents ’ health first During the Oct. 27 meeting of the Finance Committee of the DuPage County Board , a proposal to offer grants totaling $ 2.5 million to restaurants and bars to help them get through the pandemic was discussed .
A common-sense amendment was offered that would ask those bars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they were abiding by all state and county rules regarding occupancy , indoor dining , mask mandates , social distancing , etc .
In a total abdication of this duty , the GOP-dominated board voted down the amendment , with Republican board members spouting the same old talking points about regulations , allowing businesses to regulate themselves , and finally , unbelievably , that the reason we can ’ t ask businesses to certify they are following the law before we reward them with our tax dollars … it ’ s just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty of any public governing body is to protect the health and safety of the citizens it represents .
If this is too hard to do for some County Board members , perhaps they should be replaced on Nov. 3 .
Read this and more letters to our editorial board here .

The state passed another grim milestone on Friday, 400,000 cases, as the pandemic worsens throughout Illinois. The average coronavirus testing positivity rate reached its highest point in five months Friday as public health officials announced a second straight record-breaking day of 6,943 new infections statewide.
It’s the fourth time in a week that the daily caseload has topped 6,000 — a number that far exceeds anything seen in the state’s previous COVID-19 peak in May.
Here’s what we learned today in the fight against coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
9 p.m. Illinois surpasses 400,000 COVID-19 cases since pandemic began
Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times file
Illinois’ average coronavirus testing positivity rate reached its highest point in five months Friday as public health officials announced a second straight record-breaking day of 6,943 new infections statewide.
The soaring tally came along with a record-high 95,111 tests submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health, raising the statewide average testing positivity rate over the last week to 7.3%.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s health team uses the average testing positivity rate to gauge how rapidly the virus is spreading — and it has more than doubled over the last month.
With yet another record-breaking case count, the state has surpassed 400,000 cases over the course of the pandemic. Since March, 402,401 people have tested positive for the virus, or about 3.2% of Illinois’ population.
Officials also announced 36 more deaths have been attributed to the virus, raising the death toll to 9,711. The latest fatalities included a Cook County man in his 40s and 12 other Chicago-area residents.
Read the full report from Rachel Hinton and Mitchell Armentrout here.
8:10 p.m. Illinois early votes already more than half 2016 turnout; polling officials say they’re ready for next COVID-19 test
New pandemic precautions are being put to the test.
Chicago’s big stadiums are opening up for residents to throw their support behind candidates instead of sports teams.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot has the police preparing for a worst-case scenario of citywide unrest.
But the most radical part of this election unlike any other might already be more than halfway over — for Illinois voters anyway.
That’s because, as of Friday, more than 3 million Illinois voters had cast their ballots — with four days remaining before Tuesday’s election. That represents about 53% of the nearly 5.7 million total voters in 2016.
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here.
6:05 p.m. Loyola, Northwestern to allow more students on campus in January despite COVID spike
Loyola University and Northwestern University both plan to bring more students back for the winter term despite the ongoing coronavirus spike that has led to increased restrictions in Chicago and the suburbs.
Both schools announced their plans Wednesday, the same day the state reported 6,110 newly confirmed cases of the virus ― the second-highest daily tally ever. Along with rising cases, Illinois hospitals are treating the most coronavirus patients they’ve seen since June 4, with 2,861 beds occupied. Bans on indoor dining and caps on gatherings in eight of the state’s 11 regions under the governor’s plan have been implemented as a result.
Read the full story by Adam Mahoney here.
5:15 p.m. UIC studies COVID-19 experimental therapy Trump touted as a cure
A team of University of Illinois Chicago researchers plan to study an experimental biological therapy to see if it can help prevent COVID-19 infections.
The study aims to test at least 25 people, comparing those who receive four shots of treatment with those who receive a solution with no medicine. The therapy uses a combination of lab-engineered antibodies, which are immune system proteins that fight viruses and infections.
Different from a vaccine, UIC scientists want to see if the therapy, developed by biotech company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, can stop the spread of the virus in the body even if individuals are exposed to others who are infected.
Read the full story by Brett Chase here.
4 p.m. 1 more Cook County judge, 5 juvenile detention center residents test positive for COVID-19
Another judge and one more employee in the office of the chief Cook County judge have tested positive for COVID-19, along with five additional residents at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.
The judge works in the courthouse in Bridgeview and the employee is a probation officer at the Cook County Juvenile Center, according to Mary Wisniewski, spokesperson for the offfice of the chief judge.
The judge’s office has informed anyone who may have come into contact with the people who recently tested positive, Wisniewski said.
Read the full story here.
2:47 p.m. Illinois restaurant workers blast ban on indoor services
Indoor service at Chicago bars and restaurants was suspended Friday by the state in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Outdoor service is allowed, but it must end at 11 p.m.
Restaurant association representatives said they plan to meet next week with Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The association launched a petition drive asking the governor to lift the dining restrictions.
The group contends banning indoor service will result in a larger spread of the virus by driving people into “uncontrolled, unmonitored private gatherings.” They’re asking the state to reconsider the mitigations and to re-offer financial support packages and PPE to restaurants, a program that was vital for businesses during the initial spread last spring.
“We want to work with the state to offer a different path. One that addresses the surges we’re seeing while protecting the livelihood of industry workers and restaurant owners across Illinois,” said Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association.
Read the full story here.
1:20 p.m. Chicagoans divided on outdoor winter dining as restaurant restrictions take effect
We asked Chicagoans: Now that bars and restaurants can only serve people outdoors, will you continue frequenting your favorite places while bundled up in a coat, gloves and hat? Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
“Nothing as fun as outdoor dining in the middle of a Chicago winter! I’ll bring my own snow shovel, and, instead of putting out a chair for parking dibs, I’ll just sit in the chair!” — Pete Kurasz
“Nope! I refuse to sit outside when it’s this cold. It was snowing this morning!” — Melanie Schmidt
“If it’s not completely miserable — and they have heaters — I will wear a coat and hat and deal with it. If it is, we will order takeout.” — Sarah Marren
“If weather permits, I will continue to patronize restaurants in my neighborhood. Many restaurants in Portage Park have had to get creative. If I can’t dine outdoors, I will order for pickup.” — Erika Garcia
Read the full story from Alice Bazerghi here.
11:52 a.m. Music professors invent protective COVID gear for students
Alice Dade, an associate professor at the University of Missouri, recommends using clip-on devices for flutes called “wind guards,” which shield the lip plate of the flute from wind when playing outdoors. The ventilated design helps limit condensation and interference with the player’s air stream. Amid the pandemic, some flutists now use them with surgical masks on top to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Provided
Trombonist Jerrell Charleston loves the give-and-take of jazz, the creativity of riffing off other musicians. But as he looked toward his sophomore year at Indiana University, he feared that steps to avoid sharing the coronavirus would also keep students from sharing songs.
“Me and a lot of other cats were seriously considering taking a year off and practicing at home,” the 19-year-old jazz studies major from Gary said.
His worries evaporated when he discovered that music professor Tom Walsh had invented a special mask with a hole and protective flap to allow musicians to play while masked.
Students also got masks for the ends of their wind instruments, known as bell covers, allowing them to jam in person, albeit six feet apart.
“It’s amazing to play together,” Charleston says. “Music has always been my safe space. It’s what’s in your soul, and you’re sharing that with other people.”
The act of making music powered by human breath involves blowing air — and possibly virus particles. One infamous choral practice in Washington state led to confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19 in more than half of the 61 attendees. Two died.
Read the full story here.
9:33 a.m. Ask the Doctors: Flu shots especially important in COVID-19 era
Dear Doctors: I’m 23 years old and hardly ever get sick, not even a cold. I usually skip getting a flu shot, but my dad keeps telling my brother and me that it’s really important to get one this year. Can you explain why? Is it going to protect us against the coronavirus?
A. A flu shot won’t safeguard against the novel coronavirus. But it will add an important measure of protection during a particularly perilous flu season.
There can be a lot of overlap in symptoms between flu and COVID-19. Symptoms for each can include fever, chills, body aches, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, cough, chest congestion, difficulty breathing and fatigue. And both can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization and even death.
Even when it’s not life-threatening, the flu guarantees a week or two of misery. A flu shot reduces the risk of becoming infected with the influenza virus or can mean milder symptoms and shorter illnesses than for those who go unvaccinated.
Read the full Q&A here.
8:28 a.m. IHSA will defy Gov. Pritzker, says basketball season can start on schedule
According to several sources, the Illinois High School Association will announce Wednesday that the basketball season can start as scheduled. It’s a totally unexpected move that directly contradicts the guidelines Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health outlined on Tuesday.
Pritzker and the IDPH put winter sports on an indefinite hold and moved basketball from a medium-risk sport to a higher-risk sport in the IDPH guidelines.
‘‘As with sports in the fall, nothing is ‘canceled,’ just put on hold until we’re through the thick of this pandemic,’’ Pritzker said in a statement.
According to the IHSA calendar, basketball practices are scheduled to start on Nov. 16 and the first games can be played on Nov. 30
“After diligent discussion, the Board has made the decision today to follow the recommendation of the IHSA SMAC as it relates to basketball,” IHSA spokesperson Matt Troha wrote in an email to athletic directors. “The Board remains considerate of rising COVID-19 cases in Illinois and understand the importance of adhering to safety guidelines for the good of all citizens. However, the Board has not been presented any causal evidence that rising COVID-19 cases make basketball more dangerous to play by the IDPH or any other health organization nationally or internationally.”
New Cases
Illinois’ average coronavirus testing positivity rate reached its highest point in five months Friday as public health officials announced a second straight record-breaking day of 6,943 new infections statewide.
The soaring tally came along with a record-high 95,111 tests submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health, raising the statewide average testing positivity rate over the last week to 7.3%.
Analysis & Commentary
6:45 p.m. Why Chicago couldn’t avoid the state’s indoor dining restrictions
For generations now, Chicago has had its own separate set of state laws for just about every topic under the sun. The city’s mayor is allowed to appoint the school board, Chicago has its own “working cash fund” law, the state’s mayoral veto law does not apply to the city and Chicago has a unique exemption allowing it to deduct money from worker paychecks.
From big to archaic, the list is almost endless.
So, when you’ve grown accustomed to doing it your own way for a century or so, you may start thinking you’re a special case in literally everything. And that seems to be what happened last week.
Read the full column by columnist Rich Miller here.
7:11 a.m. During pandemic, DuPage Board should put residents’ health first
Sun-Times reader Mike Malone of Glen Ellyn writes:
During the Oct. 27 meeting of the Finance Committee of the DuPage County Board, a proposal to offer grants totaling $2.5 million to restaurants and bars to help them get through the pandemic was discussed. A common-sense amendment was offered that would ask those bars and restaurants applying for public dollars to certify that they were abiding by all state and county rules regarding occupancy, indoor dining, mask mandates, social distancing, etc.
In a total abdication of this duty, the GOP-dominated board voted down the amendment, with Republican board members spouting the same old talking points about regulations, allowing businesses to regulate themselves, and finally, unbelievably, that the reason we can’t ask businesses to certify they are following the law before we reward them with our tax dollars … it’s just too hard to enforce.
The first duty of any public governing body is to protect the health and safety of the citizens it represents. If this is too hard to do for some County Board members, perhaps they should be replaced on Nov. 3.
Read this and more letters to our editorial board here.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-30--Health chief’s challenge to any who doubt staggering COVID-19 numbers: ‘Ask any hospital executive a

Health chief’s challenge to any who doubt staggering COVID-19 numbers: ‘Ask any hospital executive across the state’

Illinois ’ average coronavirus testing positivity rate reached its highest point in five months Friday as public health officials announced a second straight record-breaking day of 6,943 new infections statewide .
It ’ s the fourth time in a week that the daily caseload has topped 6,000 — a number that far exceeds anything seen in the state ’ s previous COVID-19 peak in May .
The soaring tally came along with a record-high 95,111 tests submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health , raising the statewide average testing positivity rate over the last week to 7.3 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ team uses the average testing positivity rate to gauge how rapidly the virus is spreading — and it has more than doubled over the last month .
But with business leaders pushing back against the Democratic governor ’ s use of that metric in slapping indoor dining bans bars and restaurants on almost the entire state , Illinois ’ top doctor urged people to consider the dismal situation facing Illinois .
“ People can look at the numbers however they want to make their own calculations and insert their hypotheses , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital beds are being used at a higher rate , ” Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said .
“ Ask any hospital executive across the state.
” “ We still have the pen and the ink to author new chapters in this already sad , nonfictional narrative .
But with our pens and our ink , we can write better chapters , going forward , ” Ezike said .
“ Please wear a mask today.
” As of Thursday night , 3,092 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide , the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has jumped almost 75 % since the beginning of October .
With yet another record-breaking case count , the state has surpassed 400,000 cases over the course of the pandemic .
Since March , 402,401 people have tested positive for the virus , or about 3.2 % of Illinois ’ population .
Public health officials also announced 36 more deaths have been attributed to the virus , raising the death toll to 9,711 .
The latest fatalities included a Cook County man in his 40s and 12 other Chicago-area residents .
DuPage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will counties are now among 49 of the state ’ s 102 counties that are considered to be at a coronavirus “ warning level ” for various indicators including rising cases , positivity rates , hospitalizations and deaths .
That ’ s actually down from the 51 counties flagged by the state last week .
But as early as next week , the entire state could be facing Pritzker ’ s controversial “ mitigations ” that are packing the latest wallop to the state ’ s decimated bar and restaurant industry .
East-Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s 11 regions to be hit with indoor dining restrictions .
And the only region that hasn ’ t yet tripped the metrics that trigger Pritzker ’ s restrictions isn ’ t far behind .
The central Illinois area that includes Peoria jumped to 8.5 % Friday , and two more days over 8 % will spark a rollback .
With restaurant groups threatening legal action , Pritzker stood by his measures , saying his office has provided business interruption grants to about 2,000 establishments so far that have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact is that bars and restaurants are more dangerous places for spread .
They ’ re really amplification points for people who are sick , who go into a bar or restaurant .
It ’ s very easily spread in that environment , as many many studies have shown , ” Pritzker said .
Critics including Mayor Lori Lightfoot argue that private gatherings are driving much of the state ’ s resurgence .
Ahead of Halloween weekend , Ezike urged people to turn down invites to any parties .
“ Halloween parties are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so let ’ s do the right thing so that our next holidays will not give us a reason to mourn , ” she said .

Illinois’ average coronavirus testing positivity rate reached its highest point in five months Friday as public health officials announced a second straight record-breaking day of 6,943 new infections statewide.
It’s the fourth time in a week that the daily caseload has topped 6,000 — a number that far exceeds anything seen in the state’s previous COVID-19 peak in May.
The soaring tally came along with a record-high 95,111 tests submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health, raising the statewide average testing positivity rate over the last week to 7.3%.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s health team uses the average testing positivity rate to gauge how rapidly the virus is spreading — and it has more than doubled over the last month.
But with business leaders pushing back against the Democratic governor’s use of that metric in slapping indoor dining bans bars and restaurants on almost the entire state, Illinois’ top doctor urged people to consider the dismal situation facing Illinois.
“People can look at the numbers however they want to make their own calculations and insert their hypotheses, but we’re not going to deny that hospital beds are being used at a higher rate,” Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. “Ask any hospital executive across the state.”
“We still have the pen and the ink to author new chapters in this already sad, nonfictional narrative. But with our pens and our ink, we can write better chapters, going forward,” Ezike said. “Please wear a mask today.”
Graph not displaying properly? Click here.
As of Thursday night, 3,092 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, the most since early June, and a figure that has jumped almost 75% since the beginning of October.
With yet another record-breaking case count, the state has surpassed 400,000 cases over the course of the pandemic. Since March, 402,401 people have tested positive for the virus, or about 3.2% of Illinois’ population.
Nurse Jeanette Averett delivers dinner trays in the COVID-19 unit at Roseland Community Hospital in April. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
Public health officials also announced 36 more deaths have been attributed to the virus, raising the death toll to 9,711. The latest fatalities included a Cook County man in his 40s and 12 other Chicago-area residents.
DuPage, Kane, Kendall, McHenry and Will counties are now among 49 of the state’s 102 counties that are considered to be at a coronavirus “warning level” for various indicators including rising cases, positivity rates, hospitalizations and deaths. That’s actually down from the 51 counties flagged by the state last week.
But as early as next week, the entire state could be facing Pritzker’s controversial “mitigations” that are packing the latest wallop to the state’s decimated bar and restaurant industry. East-Central Illinois was the latest of 10 of the state’s 11 regions to be hit with indoor dining restrictions.
And the only region that hasn’t yet tripped the metrics that trigger Pritzker’s restrictions isn’t far behind. The central Illinois area that includes Peoria jumped to 8.5% Friday, and two more days over 8% will spark a rollback.
With restaurant groups threatening legal action, Pritzker stood by his measures, saying his office has provided business interruption grants to about 2,000 establishments so far that have been impacted by the shutdown.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker answers questions at news conference in the South Austin neighborhood earlier this month. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times file
“The fact is that bars and restaurants are more dangerous places for spread. They’re really amplification points for people who are sick, who go into a bar or restaurant. It’s very easily spread in that environment, as many many studies have shown,” Pritzker said.
Critics including Mayor Lori Lightfoot argue that private gatherings are driving much of the state’s resurgence. Ahead of Halloween weekend, Ezike urged people to turn down invites to any parties.
“Halloween parties are just not likely to be safe, so let’s do the right thing so that our next holidays will not give us a reason to mourn,” she said.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-30--Duck abundance timing: Aaron Yetter’s blog off aerial survey for end of October charts duck timing

Aaron Yetter ’ s latest blog off the weekly aerial waterfowl survey for the Illinois Natural History focuses on duck abundance patterns .
I find the topic fascinating and should probably follow up to see what changes have come over the last 40 years or so .
Because it sure feels like the timing has shifted significantly .
Click here for the listings of aerial surveys by the Illinois Natural History Survey .
Keep up with research updates and aerial surveys at the Forbes Biological Station Facebook page .
We completed the aerial waterfowl inventory of both rivers on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has been a while since the weather has cooperated with us .
I need to send out a Big Thanks again this week to Josh Osborn for taking my seat in the airplane .
Today is my last day in Covid-19 quarantine , so hopefully , I will be back in the air next week .
Josh estimated over 271,000 ducks in the Illinois River Valley ( IRV ) .
This estimate is about 3 % below the 10-yr average , but up 32 % from last week .
We lost some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northern pintail and northern shoveler , but picked up some mallards , which were 26 % above average and nearly double what we had last week in the IRV .
The central Mississippi River Valley ( CMRV ) had over 252,000 ducks about 35 % above average for the last week of October .
It was hard to make comparisons between weeks because we missed the lower portion of the CMRV due to low clouds last week .
However , I think we had a push of new birds into the central Mississippi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in on Pool 19 and Port Louisa and Henderson Creek duck numbers jumped substantially .
I have heard many reports of quality duck hunting over the past week , including Granite City , Nutwood , Pleasant Hill , Beardstown , Havana , Manito , Chillicothe , and Hennepin .
Let ’ s hope the trend continues !
I decided to post some graphs representing the weekly averages ( 2010–2019 ) of duck species along the two rivers .
The averages are one way to gauge how the migration is progressing each week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can see how migration chronology varies by species .
Several species , like pintail and gadwall , have reached their peak numbers in central Illinois by early November ; however , the coveted mallards and canvasbacks peak much later and maintain those numbers for multiple weeks during fall .
If you are chasing pintails , you better get after them because by Thanksgiving many will be gone .

October 30th, 2020 – Aerial Waterfowl Inventory Blog We completed the aerial waterfowl inventory of both rivers on Wednesday, October 28th. It seems like it has been a while since the weather has cooperated with us. I need to send out a Big Thanks again this week to Josh Osborn for taking my seat in the airplane. Today is my last day in Covid-19 quarantine, so hopefully, I will be back in the air next week. Josh estimated over 271,000 ducks in the Illinois River Valley (IRV). This estimate is about 3% below the 10-yr average, but up 32% from last week. We lost some of the early season migrants, like northern pintail and northern shoveler, but picked up some mallards, which were 26% above average and nearly double what we had last week in the IRV. The central Mississippi River Valley (CMRV) had over 252,000 ducks about 35% above average for the last week of October. It was hard to make comparisons between weeks because we missed the lower portion of the CMRV due to low clouds last week. However, I think we had a push of new birds into the central Mississippi River because a few diving ducks trickled in on Pool 19 and Port Louisa and Henderson Creek duck numbers jumped substantially. I have heard many reports of quality duck hunting over the past week, including Granite City, Nutwood, Pleasant Hill, Beardstown, Havana, Manito, Chillicothe, and Hennepin. Let’s hope the trend continues! I decided to post some graphs representing the weekly averages (2010–2019) of duck species along the two rivers. The averages are one way to gauge how the migration is progressing each week. By looking at the graphs, one can see how migration chronology varies by species. Several species, like pintail and gadwall, have reached their peak numbers in central Illinois by early November; however, the coveted mallards and canvasbacks peak much later and maintain those numbers for multiple weeks during fall. If you are chasing pintails, you better get after them because by Thanksgiving many will be gone.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-30--Why Chicago couldn’t avoid the state’s indoor dining restrictions

For generations now , Chicago has had its own separate set of state laws for just about every topic under the sun .
The city ’ s mayor is allowed to appoint the school board , Chicago has its own “ working cash fund ” law , the state ’ s mayoral veto law does not apply to the city and Chicago has a unique exemption allowing it to deduct money from worker paychecks .
From big to archaic , the list is almost endless .
So , when you ’ ve grown accustomed to doing it your own way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may start thinking you ’ re a special case in literally everything .
And that seems to be what happened last week .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot told reporters she hoped to change Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s mind about imposing the same public health mitigations on the city as the state has imposed on several other regions , including suburban Cook County , and said the two ought to be “ in lockstep ” on any “ new restrictions.
” The mitigations mainly involve shutting down indoor dining and booze-drinking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course , was months ago when Pritzker laid out the new plan and the boundaries of the new public health districts .
Chicago was given its own district back in mid-July ( ironically , at the behest of the suburbs ) , but not its own rules .
The city , in fact , imposed even tighter restrictions on restaurants , taverns , parks , beaches , etc .
than the rest of the state , which is allowed under Pritzker plan .
But the city and the mayor have known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impose looser regulations than the state ’ s .
And , really , how would DuPage County respond if Chicago was given a special pass on indoor restaurant dining ?
Not well , I assure you .
And Winnebago County denizens would be rightly upset if Chicagoans could drink inside their local taverns and they could not .
Complying with the mayor ’ s demands would undermine the governor everywhere else in the state .
And he ’ s got enough of that problem as it is .
Look , we know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the program .
The Metro East area as well as the region encompassing Will and Kankakee counties both eventually worked their way out of the stricter protocols .
Those successes alone should be enough to prove that the spread is slowed when indoor dining and drinking are curtailed .
But coverage follows conflict , so news consumers aren ’ t getting that message .
Instead , it ’ s all about disagreements between political leaders and the furious anger of the hospitality industry .
But both of those previously successful regions are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taverns that survived the first mitigation round are now having to go through this nightmare all over again .
Businesses in first-time mitigation and those in regions about to be subjected to the limits look at their colleagues and are justly terrified for their futures .
While there ’ s no doubt that indoor dining , indoor tavern drinking , etc .
do , indeed , spread the virus , people should be forgiven for thinking it ’ s unfair to put the onus completely on those specific businesses — particularly at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely zero interest in helping the businesses cope and the main complainers about Illinois ’ rules ( other than Lightfoot ) are unwilling to vigorously demand federal action .
In order to make this more “ fair ” and spread out the pain instead of focusing the responsibility , everyday people would be required to do their own part .
Chicago ’ s contact tracing program shows that “ small social gatherings ” are major contributors to the spread .
“ ( W ) here we ’ re seeing the greatest challenges is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social settings that are not public , ” Lightfoot said .
But if you think people are upset about the restaurant and tavern situation , try ordering them to avoid all contact with their friends and families .
So , the choices are between ginning up either a horrible backlash with horrible economic consequences or a horrific and widespread public backlash that could conceivably jeopardize everything .
Or let it all burn , and Pritzker is not going to do that .
So , “ horrible ” seems the only do-able choice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ help from D.C. , it will truly get horrible for a lot of very good people .

For generations now, Chicago has had its own separate set of state laws for just about every topic under the sun. The city’s mayor is allowed to appoint the school board, Chicago has its own “working cash fund” law, the state’s mayoral veto law does not apply to the city and Chicago has a unique exemption allowing it to deduct money from worker paychecks.
From big to archaic, the list is almost endless.
So, when you’ve grown accustomed to doing it your own way for a century or so, you may start thinking you’re a special case in literally everything. And that seems to be what happened last week.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot told reporters she hoped to change Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mind about imposing the same public health mitigations on the city as the state has imposed on several other regions, including suburban Cook County, and said the two ought to be “in lockstep” on any “new restrictions.”
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
The mitigations mainly involve shutting down indoor dining and booze-drinking at taverns.
The moment to address this, of course, was months ago when Pritzker laid out the new plan and the boundaries of the new public health districts. Chicago was given its own district back in mid-July (ironically, at the behest of the suburbs), but not its own rules. The city, in fact, imposed even tighter restrictions on restaurants, taverns, parks, beaches, etc. than the rest of the state, which is allowed under Pritzker plan.
But the city and the mayor have known all along that local governments cannot impose looser regulations than the state’s.
And, really, how would DuPage County respond if Chicago was given a special pass on indoor restaurant dining? Not well, I assure you. And Winnebago County denizens would be rightly upset if Chicagoans could drink inside their local taverns and they could not.
Complying with the mayor’s demands would undermine the governor everywhere else in the state. And he’s got enough of that problem as it is.
Look, we know that state mitigation works if regions stick to the program.
Why? Simple.
The Metro East area as well as the region encompassing Will and Kankakee counties both eventually worked their way out of the stricter protocols. Those successes alone should be enough to prove that the spread is slowed when indoor dining and drinking are curtailed. But coverage follows conflict, so news consumers aren’t getting that message. Instead, it’s all about disagreements between political leaders and the furious anger of the hospitality industry.
But both of those previously successful regions are now right back in mitigation. Restaurants and taverns that survived the first mitigation round are now having to go through this nightmare all over again. Businesses in first-time mitigation and those in regions about to be subjected to the limits look at their colleagues and are justly terrified for their futures.
While there’s no doubt that indoor dining, indoor tavern drinking, etc. do, indeed, spread the virus, people should be forgiven for thinking it’s unfair to put the onus completely on those specific businesses — particularly at a time when the federal government is showing absolutely zero interest in helping the businesses cope and the main complainers about Illinois’ rules (other than Lightfoot) are unwilling to vigorously demand federal action.
In order to make this more “fair” and spread out the pain instead of focusing the responsibility, everyday people would be required to do their own part.
Chicago’s contact tracing program shows that “small social gatherings” are major contributors to the spread. “(W)here we’re seeing the greatest challenges is in people’s homes, in social settings that are not public,” Lightfoot said.
But if you think people are upset about the restaurant and tavern situation, try ordering them to avoid all contact with their friends and families.
Yikes.
So, the choices are between ginning up either a horrible backlash with horrible economic consequences or a horrific and widespread public backlash that could conceivably jeopardize everything. Or let it all burn, and Pritzker is not going to do that.
So, “horrible” seems the only do-able choice.
And, make no mistake, without help from D.C., it will truly get horrible for a lot of very good people.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com
Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-30--UIC studies COVID-19 experimental therapy Trump touted as a cure

A team of University of Illinois Chicago researchers plan to study an experimental biological therapy to see if it can help prevent COVID-19 infections .
The study aims to test at least 25 people , comparing those who receive four shots of treatment with those who get a solution with no medicine .
The therapy uses a combination of lab-engineered antibodies , which are immune system proteins that fight viruses and infections .
Different from a vaccine , UIC scientists want to see if the therapy , developed by biotech company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals , can stop the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are exposed to others who are infected .
“ This is so contagious that we want to have as many levels of protection as we can , ” the study ’ s lead investigator Dr. Jesica Herrick said in an interview .
“ Even if I got the vaccine , if I was exposed to someone with the virus , I ’ d want to take this.
” The Regeneron therapy gained much national attention after President Donald Trump declared it a “ cure ” for the virus .
He received it as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Medical Center in early October after testing positive for COVID-19 .
The therapy isn ’ t available to the public because it ’ s still being tested in humans before it can be approved by the government .
While it ’ s considered a potentially promising medicine , Trump ’ s cure claim has been roundly dismissed by health experts , including Regeneron ’ s own chief executive .
It ’ s being studied in thousands of people at sites across the country and internationally .
UIC researchers are looking for study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus but have been in close contact with someone who did test positive for COVID-19 , such as people who live in the same households .
Herrick said the study participants need to receive the treatment within days of their close contacts testing positive .
Researchers will monitor the participants for eight months .
To learn more about the study and to enroll , call ( 312 ) 355-0656 or email christe5 @ uic.edu .
UIC is also conducting human studies to determine the safety and effectiveness of two experimental vaccines for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust .

A team of University of Illinois Chicago researchers plan to study an experimental biological therapy to see if it can help prevent COVID-19 infections.
The study aims to test at least 25 people, comparing those who receive four shots of treatment with those who get a solution with no medicine. The therapy uses a combination of lab-engineered antibodies, which are immune system proteins that fight viruses and infections.
Different from a vaccine, UIC scientists want to see if the therapy, developed by biotech company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, can stop the spread of the virus in the body even if individuals are exposed to others who are infected.
“This is so contagious that we want to have as many levels of protection as we can,” the study’s lead investigator Dr. Jesica Herrick said in an interview. “Even if I got the vaccine, if I was exposed to someone with the virus, I’d want to take this.”
The Regeneron therapy gained much national attention after President Donald Trump declared it a “cure” for the virus. He received it as one of several treatments at Walter Reed National Medical Center in early October after testing positive for COVID-19.
The therapy isn’t available to the public because it’s still being tested in humans before it can be approved by the government. While it’s considered a potentially promising medicine, Trump’s cure claim has been roundly dismissed by health experts, including Regeneron’s own chief executive. It’s being studied in thousands of people at sites across the country and internationally.
UIC researchers are looking for study participants who do not have symptoms of the virus but have been in close contact with someone who did test positive for COVID-19, such as people who live in the same households. Herrick said the study participants need to receive the treatment within days of their close contacts testing positive.
Researchers will monitor the participants for eight months.
To learn more about the study and to enroll, call (312) 355-0656 or email christe5@uic.edu.
UIC is also conducting human studies to determine the safety and effectiveness of two experimental vaccines for the coronavirus.
Brett Chase’s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-30--McRib sandwich returning to McDonald’s in December

The McRib sandwich returns to McDonald ’ s — across the country — for a limited time only , of course .
Starting Dec. 2 , the sandwich will be available nationwide for the first time since 2012 .
The company has , over the years , brought it back in spurts and/or select regions of the country .
( McRib diehards created an online “ McRib locator ” to help hungry fans connect with the elusive sandwich . )
The sandwich , which consists of seasoned , boneless pork slathered in smoky , tangy barbecue sauce , topped with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its debut in 1982 and remains the No .
1 favorite “ limited-time only ” menu offering at McDonald ’ s .
Some would argue it ’ s a cult classic .
“ The McRib has been a beloved menu item at McDonald ’ s since its inception nearly 40 years ago , ” said Linda VanGosen , McDonald ’ s vice president of menu innovation , via statement .
“ There ’ s nothing quite like the taste of the McRib .
To our customers , it ’ s become more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a season , and it ’ s taking the internet by storm .
That ’ s why this year , we ’ re proud to serve the McRib nationwide for everyone to enjoy .
”

It’s baack!
The McRib sandwich returns to McDonald’s — across the country — for a limited time only, of course.
Starting Dec. 2, the sandwich will be available nationwide for the first time since 2012. The company has, over the years, brought it back in spurts and/or select regions of the country. (McRib diehards created an online “McRib locator” to help hungry fans connect with the elusive sandwich.)
The sandwich, which consists of seasoned, boneless pork slathered in smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, topped with slivered onions and tart pickles, made its debut in 1982 and remains the No. 1 favorite “limited-time only” menu offering at McDonald’s. Some would argue it’s a cult classic.
good morning to everyone who asked how i was doing last week
and to everyone else...McRib is back 12.2 — McDonald's (@McDonalds) October 30, 2020
“The McRib has been a beloved menu item at McDonald’s since its inception nearly 40 years ago,” said Linda VanGosen, McDonald’s vice president of menu innovation, via statement. “There’s nothing quite like the taste of the McRib. To our customers, it’s become more than a delicious, saucy moment… it’s a season, and it’s taking the internet by storm. That’s why this year, we’re proud to serve the McRib nationwide for everyone to enjoy.”
To herald the sandwich’s arrive, McDonald’s is giving away 10,000 free sandwiches via its new “Shave 4 McRib Sweepstakes” starting Nov. 30.
“Beard or no beard, prepare for the McRib with a shave — or even a facial mask — because anyone can participate, from your brother to your mother, sister-in-law or cousin’s roommate,” McDonald’s said Monday via statement.
To enter, “post a picture of your cleanly-shaven or baby-smooth face on your public Twitter or public Instagram profile using #Shave4McRibSweepstakes and tag @mcdonalds,” the release said. The first 10,000 entries will receive a code for a free McRib, available via McDelivery with Uber Eats, while supplies last.
In addition, McDonald’s is collaborating with No-Shave November — a non-profit organization devoted to fundraising for cancer research, prevention, and education. Purchase a McRib on Dec. 2 and your purchase will help support a donation to the charity’s cancer initiatives.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-30--Man shot on I-57 in Morgan Park, southbound lanes closed

A man was shot Friday on Interstate 57 in Morgan Park , shutting down all southbound traffic in the area @ @ @ @ @ man was shot multiple times about 3:45 p.m. in the southbound lanes near 111th Street @ @ @ @ @ Police .
Paramedics took the man to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , Chicago @ @ @ @ @ condition was unknown .
Southbound lanes have been closed from the Dan Ryan Expressway to @ @ @ @ @ , state police said .
Traffic is being diverted onto the Bishop Ford Freeway .
@ @ @ @ @ .
Check back for updates .

A man was shot Friday on Interstate 57 in Morgan Park.
The man was shot multiple times about 3:45 p.m. in the southbound lanes near 111th Street, according to Illinois State Police.
Paramedics took the man to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Chicago fire officials said. His condition was unknown.
Southbound lanes on I-57 were closed from the Dan Ryan Expressway to 111th Street for about four hours, state police said. They were reopened about 7:40 p.m.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-31--Blackhawks prospect Lukas Reichel’s role with Eisbaren Berlin exemplifies growth of German hockey

The Blackhawks ’ starting forwards for their exhibition game against Eisbaren Berlin in September 2019 was pretty standard : Jonathan Toews centering Patrick Kane and Alex Nylander .
Berlin ’ s lineup , meanwhile , featured longtime NHL forward Maxim Lapierre centering two relative nobodies — at least at the time : eight-year German league veteran Leo Pfoderl and 17-year-old rookie Lukas Reichel .
A year later , Hawks general manager Stan Bowman traced his first impression of Reichel , whom he made the Hawks ’ first-round draft pick this month , back to that exhibition .
‘ ‘ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we were in Berlin for the start of the season , and I just remember noticing his speed and how fluid he was on the ice , ’ ’ Bowman said .
‘ ‘ I looked back again in late January for a trip in Europe , and I got a chance to see him play .
It was a pretty impressive progression just over those couple of months.
’ ’ The only reason Reichel was on Eisbaren ’ s roster , however , was because of a new rule implemented by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league — before last season began .
The rule gave each team two additional lineup spots to be used exclusively for German players 23 or younger .
Reichel benefitted directly and immediately from the rule change , scoring 24 points in 42 games for Berlin during the 2019-20 season .
So did Tim Stutzle , who scored 34 points in 41 games as a 17-year-old with Mannheim .
So did John-Jason Peterka , who scored 11 points in 42 games as a 17-year-old with Munich .
So did countless other young players with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senators ) and Reichel ended up giving Germany two first-round NHL draft picks for the first time in history , with Peterka ( 34th to the Sabres ) not far behind .
‘ ‘ It ’ s forcing them to play their young Germans and develop them , ’ ’ said Allain Roy , Reichel ’ s agent .
‘ ‘ You ’ ve got these kids aged 17 to 22 , and they ’ re playing against a lot of American Hockey League-caliber players .
It ’ s exciting for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Switzerland , Germany and Austria , the complaint has always been that they keep bringing in [ North American ] imports and not developing their own players .
Now that ’ s changed , and it ’ s paying dividends.
’ ’ That new rule was the latest in a series of initiatives by German hockey ’ s governing body to improve its grassroots development , an effort sparked by the German national team ’ s shocking failure to qualify for the 2014 Winter Olympics in men ’ s hockey .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the board .
The German national team has risen steadily to seventh in the world rankings , barely behind the United States .
At least one German player has been taken in the first round of three consecutive drafts , with Dominik Bokk ( Blues , now Hurricanes ) in 2018 and Moritz Seider ( Red Wings ) in 2019 predating Stutzle and Reichel .
And , most notably , Oilers center Leon Draisaitl became the first German to win the Hart Trophy as the NHL ’ s most valuable player this past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Penguins ) and goalies Philipp Grubauer ( Avalanche ) and Thomas Greiss ( Islanders , now Red Wings ) were other Germans who had strong seasons in 2019-20 .
Reichel remains roughly two years away from NHL readiness , but the Hawks love his situation in Berlin .
‘ ‘ If you looked at his situation , development-wise , it ’ s a perfect fit , ’ ’ Hawks scouting director Mark Kelley said on draft night .
‘ ‘ That was one of the attractions to him.
’ ’ Reichel was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling heavy minutes in the top six during five-on-five play and gaining valuable power-play and penalty-kill experience .
He learned in a winning environment , too : Eisbaren went 32-20 , finishing fourth in the 14-team league .
And while the DEL canceled the playoffs because of the pandemic , the regular season was concluded successfully , meaning 52 games is a full-length year .
Roy said he thinks the shorter season helps Reichel .
‘ ‘ For Lukas , he ’ s a bit of a late bloomer physically , ’ ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they don ’ t play quite as many games in Germany .
.
.
that ’ s very beneficial for him to work on his body and building up some muscle and getting bigger and stronger.
’ ’ While most other European leagues began their 2020-21 seasons on time , the DEL remains paused indefinitely .
But Berlin and seven other teams will compete starting Nov. 11 in a tournament called the Magenta Sport Cup .
Reichel has one year left on his DEL contract , Roy said , so he presumably will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turns out to be — with Berlin .
After that , they ’ ll talk about an entry-level contract with the Hawks , although he might need to spend 2021-22 in the AHL .
No matter the exact timeline , the Hawks have extremely high hopes for the latest product of Germany ’ s revamped hockey culture .
‘ ‘ Those more instinctive-type things — the way they can roll off players , their vision , their anticipation for where the play ’ s headed next — those are the things we noticed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ’ Bowman said .

The Blackhawks’ starting forwards for their exhibition game against Eisbaren Berlin in September 2019 were pretty standard: Jonathan Toews centering Patrick Kane and Alex Nylander.
Berlin’s lineup, meanwhile, featured longtime NHL forward Maxim Lapierre centering two relative nobodies — at least at the time: eight-year German league veteran Leo Pfoderl and 17-year-old rookie Lukas Reichel.
A year later, Hawks general manager Stan Bowman traced his first impression of Reichel, whom he made the Hawks’ first-round draft pick this month, back to that exhibition.
‘‘We weren’t paying attention to him when we were in Berlin for the start of the season, and I just remember noticing his speed and how fluid he was on the ice,’’ Bowman said. ‘‘I looked back again in late January for a trip in Europe, and I got a chance to see him play. It was a pretty impressive progression just over those couple of months.’’
The only reason Reichel was on Eisbaren’s roster, however, was because of a new rule implemented by the DEL — the top German hockey league — before last season began. The rule gave each team two additional lineup spots to be used exclusively for German players 23 or younger.
Reichel benefitted directly and immediately from the rule change, scoring 24 points in 42 games for Berlin during the 2019-20 season. So did Tim Stutzle, who scored 34 points in 41 games as a 17-year-old with Mannheim. So did John-Jason Peterka, who scored 11 points in 42 games as a 17-year-old with Munich. So did countless other young players with potential.
Stutzle (third overall to the Senators) and Reichel ended up giving Germany two first-round NHL draft picks for the first time in history, with Peterka (34th to the Sabres) not far behind.
‘‘It’s forcing them to play their young Germans and develop them,’’ said Allain Roy, Reichel’s agent. ‘‘You’ve got these kids aged 17 to 22, and they’re playing against a lot of American Hockey League-caliber players. It’s exciting for them.
‘‘When you see countries like Switzerland, Germany and Austria, the complaint has always been that they keep bringing in [North American] imports and not developing their own players. Now that’s changed, and it’s paying dividends.’’
That new rule was the latest in a series of initiatives by German hockey’s governing body to improve its grassroots development, an effort sparked by the German national team’s shocking failure to qualify for the 2014 Winter Olympics in men’s hockey.
The six years since have brought successes across the board. The German national team has risen steadily to seventh in the world rankings, barely behind the United States.
At least one German player has been taken in the first round of three consecutive drafts, with Dominik Bokk (Blues, now Hurricanes) in 2018 and Moritz Seider (Red Wings) in 2019 predating Stutzle and Reichel.
And, most notably, Oilers center Leon Draisaitl became the first German to win the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player this past season. Former Hawks forward Dominik Kahun (Penguins) and goalies Philipp Grubauer (Avalanche) and Thomas Greiss (Islanders, now Red Wings) were other Germans who had strong seasons in 2019-20.
Reichel remains roughly two years away from NHL readiness, but the Hawks love his situation in Berlin.
‘‘If you looked at his situation, development-wise, it’s a perfect fit,’’ Hawks scouting director Mark Kelley said on draft night. ‘‘That was one of the attractions to him.’’
Reichel was used extensively by Berlin last season, handling heavy minutes in the top six during five-on-five play and gaining valuable power-play and penalty-kill experience.
He learned in a winning environment, too: Eisbaren went 32-20, finishing fourth in the 14-team league. And while the DEL canceled the playoffs because of the pandemic, the regular season was concluded successfully, meaning 52 games is a full-length year.
Roy said he thinks the shorter season helps Reichel.
‘‘For Lukas, he’s a bit of a late bloomer physically,’’ Roy said. ‘‘The fact they don’t play quite as many games in Germany . . . that’s very beneficial for him to work on his body and building up some muscle and getting bigger and stronger.’’
While most other European leagues began their 2020-21 seasons on time, the DEL remains paused indefinitely. But Berlin and seven other teams will compete starting Nov. 11 in a tournament called the Magenta Sport Cup.
Reichel has one year left on his DEL contract, Roy said, so he presumably will play out this season — whatever it turns out to be — with Berlin. After that, they’ll talk about an entry-level contract with the Hawks, although he might need to spend 2021-22 in the AHL.
No matter the exact timeline, the Hawks have extremely high hopes for the latest product of Germany’s revamped hockey culture.
‘‘Those more instinctive-type things — the way they can roll off players, their vision, their anticipation for where the play’s headed next — those are the things we noticed, and Lukas has all that,’’ Bowman said.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-31--Dear Abby: I don’t want to meet the children of my dad’s affairs

DEAR ABBY : My father , who has been gone for 40 years , had many good qualities , and he provided well for our family .
I loved him and treasure many of the memories I have of my time with him .
However , his deep-seated lechery overwhelmed his life and destroyed what might have been an idyllic ‘ 50s youth for me .
It caused great pain and embarrassment to my mother , my sister and me .
I recently received communication from four different half-sisters I didn ’ t know of who discovered our kinship through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reunion .
I may have felt differently at one time , but I am 81 now .
I no longer travel and am leaning more toward releasing relationships than making new ones .
My wife has had a stroke , so we pretty much confine our entertaining to our children and grandchildren .
I deeply regret any pain my father ’ s libidinous nature has caused , but I am not inclined to spend time dealing with the results of his affairs .
I don ’ t want to be cold .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s too late in the game for me .
Do you agree ?
— ANCIENT HISTORY DEAR HISTORY : I do agree .
Because your father ’ s flings caused you , your mother and your sister pain and embarrassment , I see no reason for you to engage with these individuals if you don ’ t wish to .
That said , if they have questions about your father ’ s medical history that could be relevant to them , consider providing the answers .
DEAR ABBY : My brother and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They moved out of state 10 years ago .
We no longer get together for holidays , and the only time I talk to my brother is when it concerns our parents ( whom I take care of ) .
Two years ago , my sister-in-law informed me that she never really cared for me and has issues with my family .
When I asked her why , she accused me of being a liar .
I don ’ t know why she feels this way .
I talked to my brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vague .
Although my sister-in-law has issues , she still wants to exchange birthday and Christmas presents .
I am finding it difficult to purchase a gift for someone who doesn ’ t care for me .
Is there a nice way to say I no longer want to exchange gifts and would rather we just exchange cards ?
I don ’ t want to cause another family feud .
— CURTAILING IN CALIFORNIA DEAR CURTAILING : You should have stopped the gift exchange two years ago when your sister-in-law told you she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tell your brother you no longer feel the joy in it that you did before his wife told you what she did and that you would prefer to send cards from now on .
Don ’ t worry about causing another family feud .
Your family is already fractured , and I doubt that once your parents are gone , he and his wife will be sticking around , so don ’ t be surprised when it happens .
You are a good daughter , and you have my sympathy .
DEAR READERS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any celebration you have is creative , fun and SAFE in accordance with the guidelines and conditions in your location .
Happy Halloween , everyone !
In addition , Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday .
Don ’ t forget to turn your clocks back one hour at bedtime tonight .
And while you ’ re at it , be sure to change the batteries in your fire alarms and smoke detectors .
— LOVE , ABBY Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 . )

DEAR ABBY: My father, who has been gone for 40 years, had many good qualities, and he provided well for our family. I loved him and treasure many of the memories I have of my time with him. However, his deep-seated lechery overwhelmed his life and destroyed what might have been an idyllic ‘50s youth for me. It caused great pain and embarrassment to my mother, my sister and me.
I recently received communication from four different half-sisters I didn’t know of who discovered our kinship through DNA tracking. I am indisposed to a reunion. I may have felt differently at one time, but I am 81 now. I no longer travel and am leaning more toward releasing relationships than making new ones. My wife has had a stroke, so we pretty much confine our entertaining to our children and grandchildren.
I deeply regret any pain my father’s libidinous nature has caused, but I am not inclined to spend time dealing with the results of his affairs. I don’t want to be cold. They seem nice, but it’s too late in the game for me. Do you agree? — ANCIENT HISTORY
DEAR HISTORY: I do agree. Because your father’s flings caused you, your mother and your sister pain and embarrassment, I see no reason for you to engage with these individuals if you don’t wish to. That said, if they have questions about your father’s medical history that could be relevant to them, consider providing the answers.
DEAR ABBY: My brother and his wife have been married for 40 years. They moved out of state 10 years ago. We no longer get together for holidays, and the only time I talk to my brother is when it concerns our parents (whom I take care of).
Two years ago, my sister-in-law informed me that she never really cared for me and has issues with my family. When I asked her why, she accused me of being a liar. I don’t know why she feels this way. I talked to my brother about it, and his answer was vague.
Although my sister-in-law has issues, she still wants to exchange birthday and Christmas presents. I am finding it difficult to purchase a gift for someone who doesn’t care for me. Is there a nice way to say I no longer want to exchange gifts and would rather we just exchange cards? I don’t want to cause another family feud. — CURTAILING IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR CURTAILING: You should have stopped the gift exchange two years ago when your sister-in-law told you she had never really cared for you. Tell your brother you no longer feel the joy in it that you did before his wife told you what she did and that you would prefer to send cards from now on.
Don’t worry about causing another family feud. Your family is already fractured, and I doubt that once your parents are gone, he and his wife will be sticking around, so don’t be surprised when it happens. You are a good daughter, and you have my sympathy.
DEAR READERS: Tonight is Halloween. I hope that any celebration you have is creative, fun and SAFE in accordance with the guidelines and conditions in your location. Happy Halloween, everyone!
In addition, Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday. Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour at bedtime tonight. And while you’re at it, be sure to change the batteries in your fire alarms and smoke detectors. — LOVE, ABBY
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--2020-10-31--Bears will show what they’re made of vs. Saints

The Bears have had their bad moments in the Matt Nagy era , but rarely have they looked as flat as they did in the 24-10 loss to the Rams on Monday night that wasn ’ t as close as the score indicated .
And , predictably , Nagy did not see that coming .
“ No , I didn ’ t .
I really didn ’ t , ” he said after the game .
‘ ‘ I thought our guys had great energy .
.
.
.
That was just one of those nights where it wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure out how every one of us are going to step up our game to be better.
” That ’ s Nagy ’ s biggest job this week as the Bears try to get off the mat and beat the Saints on Sunday at Soldier Field .
Can Nagy get his team to respond after its worst performance of the season ?
For what it ’ s worth , the Bears had a “ normal ” week of practice , considering it was a short week , Nagy said .
“ The players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day back to the facility , and you could still kind of feel like , ‘ Man , they ’ re a day back and you could feel it ’ for about half a morning , ” Nagy said .
“ And once we got past lunch , it was right on to the Saints.
” Getting his team to respond was a Nagy specialty in 2018 , when the first-year coach showed a masterful touch with the command of his team ’ s approach .
After a loss to the Packers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ command all the way in a 24-17 victory over Russell Wilson and the Seahawks .
After a shaky performance against the Cardinals , the Bears routed the Buccaneers , taking a 28-3 halftime lead en route to a 48-10 victory .
After their only other defeat that season — a 30-27 overtime loss to the Giants at the Meadowlands — the Bears responded with a convincing 15-6 victory over the 11-1 Rams .
Even the one time the Bears lost back-to-back games , the performance was credible in a 38-31 loss to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an overtime loss to the Dolphins .
The Bears and Nagy lost that touch last season — a four-game losing streak in Weeks 5-9 put them in a hole they could not recover from .
But so far , so good in 2020 .
After losing to the Colts 19-11 at Soldier Field on Oct. 4 , they responded on short rest with a 20-19 victory over Tom Brady and the Buccaneers on ‘ ‘ Thursday Night Football ’ ’ at Soldier Field .
The Buccaneers , for what it ’ s worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raiders 45-20 in their next two games , giving even more credibility to that game for the Bears .
Last week , Nagy declined to acknow-ledge this three-game run against likely playoff contenders — the Rams , Saints and Titans — as a measuring stick for his team , almost a reflexive reaction to anything that asks a coach to consider more than the next opponent .
But he acknowledged the reality that this game is a measuring stick , coming off the poor performance against the Rams .
As much from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Does this team have what it takes ?
And while the progress — or lack thereof — on offense again will be the focus , it ’ s the defense that ’ s on the spot .
The Saints with Drew Brees have the ability to keep even the Bears ’ defense off balance and a step behind .
“ Yeah , I think it is [ a measuring stick ] , ” Nagy said .
“ I definitely think anytime you have a loss like we did last week , you want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , I know who our guys are , and I have a good feeling of how they ’ re going to respond .
But I can ’ t make any predictions .
That ’ s just where we ’ re at .
”

The Bears have had their bad moments in the Matt Nagy era, but rarely have they looked as flat as they did in the 24-10 loss to the Rams on Monday night that wasn’t as close as the score indicated.
And, predictably, Nagy did not see that coming.
“No, I didn’t. I really didn’t,” he said after the game. ‘‘I thought our guys had great energy. . . . That was just one of those nights where it wasn’t our night. We gotta figure out how every one of us are going to step up our game to be better.”
That’s Nagy’s biggest job this week as the Bears try to get off the mat and beat the Saints on Sunday at Soldier Field. Can Nagy get his team to respond after its worst performance of the season?
For what it’s worth, the Bears had a “normal” week of practice, considering it was a short week, Nagy said.
“The players came back in Wednesday for the first day back to the facility, and you could still kind of feel like, ‘Man, they’re a day back and you could feel it’ for about half a morning,” Nagy said. “And once we got past lunch, it was right on to the Saints.”
Getting his team to respond was a Nagy specialty in 2018, when the first-year coach showed a masterful touch with the command of his team’s approach. After a loss to the Packers in the opener, the Bears were in command all the way in a 24-17 victory over Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. After a shaky performance against the Cardinals, the Bears routed the Buccaneers, taking a 28-3 halftime lead en route to a 48-10 victory.
After their only other defeat that season — a 30-27 overtime loss to the Giants at the Meadowlands — the Bears responded with a convincing 15-6 victory over the 11-1 Rams.
Even the one time the Bears lost back-to-back games, the performance was credible in a 38-31 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Patriots that followed an overtime loss to the Dolphins.
The Bears and Nagy lost that touch last season — a four-game losing streak in Weeks 5-9 put them in a hole they could not recover from. But so far, so good in 2020. After losing to the Colts 19-11 at Soldier Field on Oct. 4, they responded on short rest with a 20-19 victory over Tom Brady and the Buccaneers on ‘‘Thursday Night Football’’ at Soldier Field. The Buccaneers, for what it’s worth, beat the Packers 38-10 and the Raiders 45-20 in their next two games, giving even more credibility to that game for the Bears.
Last week, Nagy declined to acknowledge this three-game run against likely playoff contenders — the Rams, Saints and Titans — as a measuring stick for his team, almost a reflexive reaction to anything that asks a coach to consider more than the next opponent.
But he acknowledged the reality that this game is a measuring stick, coming off the poor performance against the Rams. As much from a mental standpoint as a physical one. Does this team have what it takes?
And while the progress — or lack thereof — on offense again will be the focus, it’s the defense that’s on the spot. The Saints with Drew Brees have the ability to keep even the Bears’ defense off balance and a step behind.
“Yeah, I think it is [a measuring stick],” Nagy said. “I definitely think anytime you have a loss like we did last week, you want to see how your team responds. At the same time, I know who our guys are, and I have a good feeling of how they’re going to respond. But I can’t make any predictions. That’s just where we’re at.”


chicagosun-times--2020-10-31--The Matt Nagy quandary: When does the fun begin?

Seven games into his third season , Bears coach Matt Nagy ’ s offense is getting worse when it ’ s supposed to be better .
It ’ s estimated time of arrival is now “ See Agent.
” Quarterback Nick Foles is no better than Mitch Trubisky — statistically worse , in fact .
The offensive line not only is regressing , but losing its best building blocks .
Left guard James Daniels is out for the season ; center Cody Whitehair is out with a calf injury he suffered against the Rams — undrafted free agent Sam Mustipher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Saints at Soldier Field .
Wide receiver Allen Robinson is in concussion protocol and unlikely to play against the Saints .
Wide receiver Anthony Miller , who was supposed to be the go-to guy with Robinson out , keeps fading in and out like a bad wireless connection .
He ’ s caught two game-winning touchdown passes — and disappeared in the offense the following week each time .
Tight end Cole Kmet caught a 38-yard pass in the first quarter against the Rams — the Bears ’ longest pass play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and after catching a seven-yard pass on the next play was never targeted again .
A week after the Bears were called for a delay-of-game penalty following a time out , they called time outs on consecutive offensive plays against the Rams because of communication errors .
But as each red flag that casts more doubt on the direction of his offense pops up , Nagy casts them aside and remains focused on the process , with resolute and unwavering confidence .
“ We ’ re 5-1 right now , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Nagy said the day after a 23-16 victory over the Panthers , deflecting a question about another shaky offensive line performance .
“ So when we get this thing up and running , which we will , it ’ s gon na be fun .
It ’ s gon na be a lot of fun.
” Nagy ’ s certainty — “ which we will ” — is starting to ring a little hollow in his third season .
It ’ s not just that the offense is spinning its wheels after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no flashes and little if any beacons of hope .
Since Foles ignited a 20-point fourth quarter comeback in a 30-26 victory over the Falcons in Week 3 , the Bears offense has scored 11 points against the Colts , 20 against the Buccaneers , 23 against the Panthers and three against the Rams on Monday night .
Their longest play in that span is Robinson ’ s 42-yard catch against the Rams — when they trailed 24-3 .
So three years into his tenure as the Bears ’ head coach , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rarity .
There have been numerous successful coordinators who have failed as a head coach in the NFL .
Nagy is a successful head coach who is failing as a coordinator .
And Nagy deserves the credit as an effective head coach .
He ’ s responsible for the cherished “ culture ” at Halas Hall .
And in this day and age , a good culture is invaluable and for the most part , necessary — especially when you ’ re defense annually ranks in the top 10 in the league and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he was hired to give the Bears an offense that would be the star of the show and he ’ s not even close .
For as adept as Nagy is at the CEO part of his job , it ’ s fair to wonder at this point if Nagy has either the schematic or play-calling chops to get the job done .
The design of Nagy ’ s offense seems to fool the Bears more than the opposition .
And Nagy ’ s play-calling rarely seems to keep the defense on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ offense is effective in desperation .
But when it ’ s a chess match , the Bears often seem one move behind .
Nagy ’ s offense rarely makes a good defense pick its poison .
Against the Colts , Foles lamented the Bears ’ inability to make the defense pay for taking away the deep ball — the Bears gained 269 yards .
“ They [ the Colts ] were playing their safeties pretty deep , which makes it a little harder to get over the top , ” Foles said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They were giving us some underneath stuff , but they were doing a good job of … .
We ’ d hit an underneath route and they ’ d stop it right there .
They ’ re a good team .
They out-played us .
They out-executed us .
We hurt ourselves .
We have to be better in those moments.
” It ’ s not happening fast enough .
Two weeks later , the Panthers tried a similar tack ( “ They play a lot of zone , so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plays , ” Foles said . )
and the Bears gained just 261 yards .
Foles , in fact , seems to have a better feel for Nagy ’ s offense than Nagy does — an old red flag from the Gary Crowton era , when Shane Matthews called Crowton ’ s offense better than Crowton did in scoring two late touchdowns in no-huddle to beat Mike Ditka ’ s Saints 14-10 at Soldier Field in 1999 under Dick Jauron .
Foles and Nagy are preaching patience , but how long should it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aspires to emulate didn ’ t take this long .
Andy Reid ’ s Eagles were ninth in scoring in his third season ; Sean Payton ’ s Saints went from 31st to fifth in scoring in his first season .
Even in Nagy ’ s weight class , he ’ s behind the curve .
Doug Pederson ’ s Eagles went from 16th to third in scoring in his second season ; Sean McVay ’ s Rams went from 32nd to first in scoring in his first season ( and since have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ; Kyle Shanahan ’ s 49ers went from 21st to second in scoring in his third season .
Nagy ’ s frustration showed in the aftermath of the 24-10 loss to the Rams .
“ This is hard .
I ’ ve never been a part of this before , ” he said .
“ For all of us it ’ s very frustrating trying to figure out answers .
… That ’ s the part that stings , just trying to get that thing right and it hasn ’ t happened.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment .
By Wednesday , Nagy was his confident self , undaunted by the pressure of improving an offense ranks 29th in yards , 32nd in rushing , 25th in passing , 30th in third-down efficiency and 27th in scoring .
“ This is what I signed up for , ” Nagy said .
“ You ’ ve got to be able to handle when things are a little bit tough .
I feel like I ’ m built for it .
And our team is built for it.
” Nagy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-game frustration .
“ And now here we are , ” he said .
“ We ’ re at a position where we get to play another game .
This is all part of the sport .
This is still a part of where we ’ re at .
If you ’ re a competitor , you fight through it.
” Near the midway point of his third season , though , Nagy ’ s offense is more hope than promise .
If he gets this thing up and running , which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fun .
As certain as Nagy is , in reality it ’ s one big if .

Seven games into his third season, Bears coach Matt Nagy has an offense that’s getting worse when it’s supposed to be better. Its estimated time of arrival is now “See Agent.”
Quarterback Nick Foles is no better than Mitch Trubisky — statistically worse, in fact. The offensive line not only is regressing, but losing its best building blocks. Left guard James Daniels is out for the season, and center Cody Whitehair is out with a calf injury. Undrafted free agent Sam Mustipher will make his first NFL start Sunday against the Saints.
Wide receiver Allen Robinson is in the concussion protocol and unlikely to play. Wide receiver Anthony Miller, who was supposed to be the go-to guy with Robinson out, keeps fading in and out like a bad wireless connection. He has caught two game-winning touchdown passes — and disappeared in the offense the following week each time.
Tight end Cole Kmet caught a 38-yard pass in the first quarter against the Rams — the Bears’ longest pass play to a tight end in two years — and after catching a seven-yard pass on the next play, he was never targeted again. A week after the Bears were called for a delay-of-game penalty following a timeout, they called timeouts on consecutive offensive plays against the Rams because of communication errors.
But as each red flag that casts more doubt on the direction of his offense pops up, Nagy casts them aside and remains focused on the process with unwavering confidence.
“We’re 5-1 right now, and we’re not playing well offensively,” Nagy said the day after a 23-16 victory over the Panthers, deflecting a question about another shaky offensive-line performance. “So when we get this thing up and running, which we will, it’s gonna be fun. It’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
Nagy’s certainty — “which we will” — is starting to ring a little hollow in his third season. It’s not just that the offense is spinning its wheels after an offseason of change, but there are no flashes and few if any beacons of hope.
Since Foles ignited a 20-point comeback in the fourth quarter of a 30-26 victory against the Falcons in Week 3, the Bears’ offense has scored 11 points against the Colts, 20 against the Buccaneers, 23 against the Panthers and three against the Rams. Its longest play in that span is Robinson’s 42-yard catch against the Rams — when they trailed 24-3.
So three years into his tenure, Nagy is becoming a paradox and a rarity. There have been numerous successful coordinators who have failed as head coaches in the NFL. Nagy is a successful head coach who is failing as a coordinator.
And Nagy deserves the credit as an effective head coach. He’s responsible for the cherished “culture” at Halas Hall. And in this day and age, a good culture is invaluable and, for the most part, necessary — especially when your defense annually ranks in the top 10 in the league and your offense is near the bottom.
But he was hired to give the Bears an -offense that would be the star of the show, and he’s not even close. For as adept as Nagy is at the CEO part of his job, it’s fair to wonder at this point if he has the schematic or play-calling chops to get the job done. The design of Nagy’s offense seems to fool the Bears more than the opposition. And Nagy’s play-calling rarely seems to keep the defense on its heels and off balance.
The Bears’ offense is effective in desperation. But when it’s a chess match, the Bears often seem one move behind. Nagy’s offense rarely makes a good defense pick its poison. Against the Colts, Foles lamented the Bears’ inability to make the defense pay for taking away the deep ball — the Bears gained 269 yards.
“[The Colts] were playing their safeties pretty deep, which makes it a little harder to get over the top,” Foles said after the -19-11 loss Oct. 4. “They were giving us some underneath stuff, but they were doing a good job. We’d hit an underneath route, and they’d stop it right there. They’re a good team. They outplayed us. They out-executed us. We hurt ourselves. We have to be better in those moments.”
It’s not happening fast enough. Two weeks later, the Panthers tried a similar tack — “They play a lot of zone, so it’s hard to hit those deep plays,” Foles said — and the Bears gained only 261 yards.
Foles, in fact, seems to have a better feel for Nagy’s offense than Nagy does — an old red flag from the Gary Crowton era, when Shane Matthews called Crowton’s offense better than Crowton did in scoring two late touchdowns in no-huddle to beat Mike Ditka’s Saints 14-10 in 1999 under Dick Jauron.
Foles and Nagy are preaching patience, but how long should it take? The Super Bowl coaches Nagy aspires to emulate didn’t take this long. Andy Reid’s Eagles were ninth in scoring in his third season; Sean Payton’s Saints went from 31st to fifth in scoring in his first season. Even in Nagy’s weight class, he’s behind the curve. Doug Pederson’s Eagles went from 16th to third in scoring in his second season. Sean McVay’s Rams went from 32nd to first in scoring in his first season (and since have dropped to second, 11th and 18th). Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers went from 21st to second in scoring in his third season.
Nagy’s frustration showed in the aftermath of the 24-10 loss to the Rams.
“This is hard,’’ he said. ‘‘I’ve never been a part of this before. For all of us, it’s very frustrating trying to figure out answers. . . . That’s the part that stings, just trying to get that thing right, and it hasn’t happened.”
But that was the emotion of the moment. By Wednesday, Nagy was his confident self, undaunted by the pressure of improving an offense ranked 29th in yards, 32nd in rushing, 25th in passing, 30th in third-down -efficiency and 27th in scoring.
“This is what I signed up for,” Nagy said. “You’ve got to be able to handle when things are a little bit tough. I feel like I’m built for it. And our team is built for it.”
Nagy is over the “raw emotion” of post-game frustration.
“And now here we are,” he said. “We’re at a position where we get to play another game. This is all part of the sport. This is still a part of where we’re at. If you’re a competitor, you fight through it.”
Near the midway point of his third season, though, Nagy’s offense is more hope than promise. If he gets this thing up and running, which he might, it’s gonna be fun. As certain as Nagy is, in reality it’s one big if.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-31--Next challenge for a struggling Bears run defense: star Alvin Kamara

Alvin Kamara was the best player dealt in the Mitch Trubisky trade — the Bears sent the No .
67 pick of the 2017 draft to the 49ers , who flipped it to the Saints , who used it to pick the star running back — but he ’ s a lot of other things , too .
Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano seems intent on listing them all .
“ He ’ s as good as any receiver in the league , ” Pagano said .
“ He can run the whole route tree .
From the backfield , split @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is .
He ’ s just phenomenal — and the game ’ s so easy to him .
He ’ s just floating and gliding and he breaks tackles and he can stop and start , get to full speed on his second step , make guys miss .
“ We have to do a phenomenal job .
It ’ s like ‘ Where ’ s Waldo ?
’ ” “ Whether it ’ s getting the handoff and hitting the outside zone , the inside zone , whether it ’ s breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the backfield , being able to make a guy miss in space , ” Nagy said .
“ And then in protection , too , he ’ s able to stay in there and protect when he needs to.
” Pagano knows the Bears can ’ t completely stop him Sunday , when they play the Saints at Soldier Field .
“ If you can hold this guy under 100 .
.
.
scrimmage yards , ” he said .
“ you ’ re probably going to have a good day.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total more than 100 yards this season — the Lions ’ Adrian Peterson and the Buccaneers ’ Ronald Jones .
But that doesn ’ t tell the whole story .
The Bears are allowing 4.3 yards per carry , which is 0.4 yards more than last season , 0.6 more than 2018 and the most since 2016 .
Monday against the Rams , the Bears found themselves with an increasingly familiar feeling — they were bullied on the ground , giving up 34 carries for 160 yards .
The Bears have allowed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year as they did all of last season .
The 27 such rushes are four more than they allowed in all of 2018 .
They Bears have been bullied by pedestrian backs , too .
Only Jones and the Falcons ’ Todd Gurley rank in the top 20 in rushing yards per game .
Kamara , though , is “ one of the premier players in this league , ” inside linebacker Danny Trevathan said .
Defensive end Akiem Hicks was even more colorful in describing Kamara , who has run 75 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught 46 passes for 460 yards .
“ You have to have respect for those special players out there , ” he said , “ that can stop on a dime and leave you 9 cents change.
” The Bears expect to get a steady diet of Kamara and fellow running back Latavius Murray on Sunday , particularly if Soldier Field , as expected , is enveloped by strong winds and freezing temperatures .
Kamara missed last year ’ s meeting on the lakefront with an injury .
When he was a rookie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards — he ran eight times for 28 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 48 in the Saints ’ home win .
That was three Pro Bowl appearances ago , though .
“ You want to make sure you can contain [ the Saints ] , ” Hicks said .
“ You got ta play with all 11 guys .
You got ta get everybody to the football , because this is not an easy tackle .
This is going to be a challenge that we ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Alvin Kamara was the best player dealt in the Mitch Trubisky trade — the Bears sent the No. 67 pick of the 2017 draft to the 49ers, who flipped it to the Saints, who used it to pick the star running back — but he’s a lot of other things, too.
Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano seems intent on listing them all.
“He’s a game-wrecker,” Pagano said. “Nightmare.”
What else?
“He’s as good as any receiver in the league,” Pagano said. “He can run the whole route tree. From the backfield, split out, in motion, whatever it is. He’s just phenomenal — and the game’s so easy to him. He’s just floating and gliding and he breaks tackles and he can stop and start, get to full speed on his second step, make guys miss.
“We have to do a phenomenal job. It’s like ‘Where’s Waldo?’ ”
Coach Matt Nagy listed traits, too.
“Whether it’s getting the handoff and hitting the outside zone, the inside zone, whether it’s breaking tackles, catching the ball out of the backfield, being able to make a guy miss in space,” Nagy said. “And then in protection, too, he’s able to stay in there and protect when he needs to.”
Pagano knows the Bears can’t completely stop him Sunday, when they play the Saints at Soldier Field.
“If you can hold this guy under 100 . . . scrimmage yards,” he said. “you’re probably going to have a good day.”
The Bears have allowed two running backs to total more than 100 yards this season — the Lions’ Adrian Peterson and the Buccaneers’ Ronald Jones.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story. The Bears are allowing 4.3 yards per carry, which is 0.4 yards more than last season, 0.6 more than 2018 and the most since 2016. Monday against the Rams, the Bears found themselves with an increasingly familiar feeling — they were bullied on the ground, giving up 34 carries for 160 yards.
The Bears have allowed as many runs of 10 yards or more this year as they did all of last season. The 27 such rushes are four more than they allowed in all of 2018.
They Bears have been bullied by pedestrian backs, too. Only Jones and the Falcons’ Todd Gurley rank in the top 20 in rushing yards per game. Kamara, though, is “one of the premier players in this league,” inside linebacker Danny Trevathan said.
Defensive end Akiem Hicks was even more colorful in describing Kamara, who has run 75 times for 364 yards and has already caught 46 passes for 460 yards.
“You have to have respect for those special players out there,” he said, “that can stop on a dime and leave you 9 cents change.”
The Bears expect to get a steady diet of Kamara and fellow running back Latavius Murray on Sunday, particularly if Soldier Field, as expected, is enveloped by strong winds and freezing temperatures.
Kamara missed last year’s meeting on the lakefront with an injury. When he was a rookie, the Bears held him under 100 yards — he ran eight times for 28 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 48 in the Saints’ home win.
That was three Pro Bowl appearances ago, though.
“You want to make sure you can contain [the Saints],” Hicks said. “You gotta play with all 11 guys. You gotta get everybody to the football, because this is not an easy tackle. This is going to be a challenge that we’re going to have to meet this weekend.”