chicagosun-times--2020-11-27--Bears likely need win over Packers to keep playoff hopes alive

The race for the final playoff spot in the NFC appears to be down to three teams , and the Bears still will be in that jumble regardless of what happens Sunday at the Packers .
But the outlook is bleak if they don ’ t pull the upset .
While there ’ s still a possibility that solid teams like the Buccaneers , Rams or Seahawks could slip and there ’ s a slim chance a straggler like the Panthers could make a late push , the last wildcard berth will probably come down to the Cardinals , Bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in at 6-4 , followed by the 5-5 Bears and 4-6 Vikings .
And even though the Bears still have to play Green Bay twice , Sunday and in the season finale , they have the easiest remaining schedule by opponent winning percentage at .435 , compared to .475 for the Cardinals and .460 for the Vikings .
But that hardly makes them the favorite .
Not only would the Bears have to overcome the Cardinals ’ one-game lead over the last six weeks , they ’ d have to stay ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanks to a 19-13 win at Soldier Field .
The Bears and Vikings meet in Minneapolis on Dec. 20 .
Led by emerging quarterback Kyler Murray , the 6-4 Cardinals have been the most impressive of this trio .
They had a couple bad losses early , but started 5-2 and their two recent defeats have come from playoff-caliber teams in the Dolphins and Seahawks .
They have beaten three teams currently in the playoff field ( one was Washington , though ) , whereas the Bears and Vikings have beaten only one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most balanced team in this race , standing eighth in points scored and 14th in points allowed .
That might give them a better chance than the Bears , who have an elite defense and a pitiful offense .
The Vikings are 14th in points scored , but have allowed the sixth-most points .
That the Vikings are even in the conversation is a surprise after they opened the season 1-5 with a loss to the then-winless Falcons .
They climbed back into it by beating the three other NFC North teams in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tie the Bears last week by falling to the Cowboys .
When the Bears started 5-1 , which gave them an 83 % chance of making the playoffs based on the last three decades of data ( before the playoff field expanded from six teams in each conference to seven ) , it looked like all they ’ d have to do is beat the teams they were supposed to beat .
After losing to the Vikings two weeks ago , however , it ’ s not that simple .
If the Bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texans ( 4-7 ) and Jaguars ( 1-9 ) , that wouldn ’ t be enough without beating the Vikings and winning one of the Packers games .
It ’ s too early to say for sure , but it looks like the threshold for the NFC postseason field will be at least 10 wins .
Because the NFC East division winner is guaranteed one of the top four spots , it ’ s possible a team like the Rams or Cardinals could get left out even at 11-5 .
The Bears could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somehow squeak by the Packers once and handle the Vikings on the road , but that would put them finishing the season 5-1 .
And that lofty projection would assume they don ’ t squander one against the Texans , for example , which is certainly plausible .
At 10-6 in that scenario , the Bears would still need the Cardinals to stumble .
They don ’ t face any teams that are even close to a winning record other than their home-and-home with the Rams .
That ’ s a tough spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most optimistic observers would have to stretch their imaginations to see them pulling this off .

The race for the last playoff spot in the NFC appears to be down to three teams, and the Bears will be in that jumble regardless of what happens Sunday at the Packers.
But the outlook is bleak if they don’t pull off the upset.
While there’s still a possibility that solid teams (the Buccaneers, Rams or Seahawks) could slip and a slim chance that a straggler (the Panthers) could make a late push, the last wild-card berth will probably come down to the Cardinals, Bears and Vikings. The Cardinals currently are in at 6-4, followed by the 5-5 Bears and 4-6 Vikings.
And even though the Bears still have to play Green Bay twice, they have the easiest remaining schedule, according to opponent winning percentage, at .435, compared to .475 for the Cardinals and .460 for the Vikings.
But that hardly makes them the favorite. Not only would the Bears have to overcome the Cardinals’ one-game lead in the last six weeks, they’d have to stay ahead of a Vikings team that has the tiebreaker thanks to a 19-13 win at Soldier Field. The Bears and Vikings meet in Minneapolis on Dec. 20.
Led by emerging quarterback Kyler Murray, the Cardinals have been the most impressive of the trio.
They had a couple of bad losses early but started 5-2, and their two recent defeats have come against playoff-caliber teams in the Dolphins and Seahawks. They have beaten three teams currently in the playoff field (one was Washington, though), whereas the Bears and Vikings have beaten only one each.
The Cards are also the most balanced team in this race, standing eighth in points scored and 14th in points allowed. That might give them a better chance than the Bears, who have an elite defense and a pitiful offense. The Vikings are 14th in points scored but have allowed the sixth-most points.
That the Vikings are even in the conversation is a surprise after they opened the season 1-5 with a loss to the then-winless Falcons. They climbed back into it by beating the other three NFC North teams in succession, then blew a chance to tie the Bears last week by falling to the Cowboys.
When the Bears started 5-1, which gave them an 83% chance of making the playoffs based on the last three decades of data (before the playoff field expanded from six teams in each conference to seven), it looked as if all they’d have to do is beat the teams they were supposed to beat. After losing to the Vikings two weeks ago, however, it’s not that simple.
If the Bears top the Lions (4-7), Texans (4-7) and Jaguars (1-9), that wouldn’t be enough without beating the Vikings and winning one of the Packers games.
It’s too early to say for sure, but it appears that the threshold for the NFC postseason field will be at least 10 wins. Because the NFC East winner is guaranteed one of the top four spots, it’s possible a team such as the Rams or Cardinals could get left out even at 11-5.
The Bears could get to 10 wins if they can somehow squeak by the Packers once and handle the Vikings on the road, but that would have them finishing the season 5-1. And that lofty projection would assume they don’t squander one against the Texans, for example, which is certainly plausible.
At 10-6 in that scenario, the Bears would still need the Cardinals to stumble. They don’t face any teams that are even close to a winning record other than their home-and-home with the Rams.
That’s a tough spot for the Bears, and even the most optimistic observers would have to stretch their imaginations to envision them pulling it off.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-27--City seeks investment for four neglected commercial stretches

City planners said Friday they will solicit development ideas for four commercial parcels in neighborhoods targeted for intensive public improvements under Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s Invest South/West program .
The sites consist mostly of city-owned property in Bronzeville , New City , North Lawndale and South Chicago .
The request for proposals , or RFPs , will include general development goals arrived at in discussions with community residents .
The hope is that activity on neglected but busy streets will encourage private investment in surrounding blocks .
The Department of Planning and Development also said it received 12 responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest in three commercial stretches of Auburn Gresham , Austin and Englewood .
Those replies are being reviewed .
They will be made public in early December , and finalists could be chosen in February , said department spokesman Peter Strazzabosco .
The new round of RFPs involves these locations : Bronzeville , 449-51 E. 47th St. : a more than half-acre vacant site that ’ s city-owned on the southwest corner of 47th Street and Vincennes Avenue .
Officials are looking for a mixed-use building with housing and ground-floor commercial space , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proximity to the Harold Washington Cultural Center .
New City , 1515 W. 47th St. : a city lot on the southeast corner of 47th and Justine streets , where community goals include retail , institutional use and affordable housing .
North Lawndale , 3400-18 W. Ogden Ave. : a stretch of seven mostly city-owned lots from Homan to Trumbull avenues , where the goal is mixed-use structures that also add to open space for pedestrians on a heavily traveled street .
South Chicago , 8840-54 S. Commercial Ave. : a mix of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings and a retail structure owned by the Cook County Land Bank Authority .
Officials are aiming for renovations to the multi-level buildings and new development on the rest of the site .
“ These four new sites each possess the exciting potential to rejuvenate neighborhoods on our South and West sides that need new investment now more than ever , ” Lightfoot said in a statement from the department .
“ With strategic placement near public transportation and other neighborhood amenities , these developments will also enhance the quality of life for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resources they need to feel supported.
” By issuing an RFP rather than simply putting properties out for bids , the city can consider factors aside from price in deciding whether to accept a developer ’ s proposal .
However , respondents will be asked to put up 10 % of a property ’ s appraised value as earnest money .
The appraisals are to be completed in a few weeks , Strazzabosco said .
The deadline for responses is March 30 .
Strazzabosco said the new RFPs will be posted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portal on Monday .
The program represents Lightfoot ’ s pledge to direct $ 750 million in public funding in the next three years to 10 neighborhoods on the South and West sides that have suffered from disinvestment .

City planners said Friday they will solicit development ideas for four commercial parcels in neighborhoods targeted for intensive public improvements under Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Invest South/West program.
The sites consist mostly of city-owned property in Bronzeville, New City, North Lawndale and South Chicago. The request for proposals, or RFPs, will include general development goals arrived at in discussions with community residents.
The hope is that activity on neglected but busy streets will encourage private investment in surrounding blocks.
The Department of Planning and Development also said it received 12 responses to an earlier RFP round for developer interest in three commercial stretches of Auburn Gresham, Austin and Englewood. Those replies are being reviewed. They will be made public in early December, and finalists could be chosen in February, said department spokesman Peter Strazzabosco.
The new round of RFPs involves these locations:
Bronzeville, 449-51 E. 47th St.: a more than half-acre vacant site that’s city-owned on the southwest corner of 47th Street and Vincennes Avenue. Officials are looking for a mixed-use building with housing and ground-floor commercial space, with open space to take advantage of proximity to the Harold Washington Cultural Center.
New City, 1515 W. 47th St.: a city lot on the southeast corner of 47th and Justine streets, where community goals include retail, institutional use and affordable housing.
North Lawndale, 3400-18 W. Ogden Ave.: a stretch of seven mostly city-owned lots from Homan to Trumbull avenues, where the goal is mixed-use structures that also add to open space for pedestrians on a heavily traveled street.
South Chicago, 8840-54 S. Commercial Ave.: a mix of city- and privately-owned property, including multi-level buildings and a retail structure owned by the Cook County Land Bank Authority. Officials are aiming for renovations to the multi-level buildings and new development on the rest of the site.
“These four new sites each possess the exciting potential to rejuvenate neighborhoods on our South and West sides that need new investment now more than ever,” Lightfoot said in a statement from the department. “With strategic placement near public transportation and other neighborhood amenities, these developments will also enhance the quality of life for our residents and keep them connected to the resources they need to feel supported.”
By issuing an RFP rather than simply putting properties out for bids, the city can consider factors aside from price in deciding whether to accept a developer’s proposal. However, respondents will be asked to put up 10% of a property’s appraised value as earnest money. The appraisals are to be completed in a few weeks, Strazzabosco said.
The deadline for responses is March 30. Strazzabosco said the new RFPs will be posted on the city’s Invest South/West web portal on Monday.
The program represents Lightfoot’s pledge to direct $750 million in public funding in the next three years to 10 neighborhoods on the South and West sides that have suffered from disinvestment.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-27--Ohio State coach Ryan Day will miss game vs. Illinois after testing positive for coronavirus

Ohio State coach Ryan Day has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be with the Buckeyes if they play at Illinois on Saturday .
Ohio State said Friday it had an increased number of positive COVID-19 tests in the program this week .
The game against the Illini was still on , but the Buckeyes were not traveling on Friday as originally scheduled .
Ohio State said it planned to do a second round of testing Friday before flying to Champaign , Illinois , on Saturday ahead of the game scheduled for 11 a.m. Buckeyes assistant head coach/defensive line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach with Day unavailable .
“ I have spoken with Coach Day , and he is doing well physically , ” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said .
“ I feel terrible for Coach and for the members of the program who have been diagnosed with a positive test .
Coach Day and this team have been true leaders in handling things so well throughout this pandemic .
Our team wants to play this game , and we ’ re going to do everything we can to help make this happen.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many cases of COVID-19 it currently has in its football program , but the school did say the team had not reached the threshold to have to cancel its game .
The Buckeyes ( 4-0 ) already have had one Big Ten game canceled because of an outbreak at Maryland and have three left on the schedule , including at Illinois .
Big Ten rules state a team needs to play at least six game to be eligible to play for the conference championship , unless the average number of games played throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that case , teams would be eligible to play in the conference title game as long as they are within two of the average .
The Big Ten started its season the weekend of Oct. 24 and scheduled no open dates for makeups in its eight-week , regular-season schedule .
No .
18 Wisconsin already has lost three games after Minnesota canceled earlier this week because of a COVID-19 outbreak .
That will leave the Badgers , the Big Ten West favorites , with only five regular-season games .
Day ’ s positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 teams in the country would be playing without their coaches Saturday .
Earlier this week , Alabama coach Nick Saban tested positive and displayed mild symptoms .
Saban will miss the Crimson Tide ’ s Iron Bowl against Auburn .
Day is the 19th major-college football coach this year to publicly acknowledge testing positive for the virus .
Among the others to miss games were Purdue ’ s Jeff Brohm , Florida State ’ s Mike Norvell and Arkansas ’ Sam Pittman .
After having to reschedule two games this week because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced a series of scheduling moves to make up games on Dec. 5 that had been previously postponed , including Alabama at LSU .
The Tide and Tigers were scheduled to play on Nov. 14 , but LSU could not because of a lack of players available due to COVID-19 .
Arkansas at Missouri will also be made up on Dec. 5 .
The Razorbacks were forced to postponed their game with the Tigers this week and Missouri instead was scheduled to play a makeup game with Vanderbilt .
Alabama at Arkansas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State still need to be rescheduled .
Alabama at Arkansas could be played on Dec. 12 , the week before the SEC championship game .
LSU already has a game with Florida scheduled for Dec. 12 , but it could play Ole Miss on the day of the SEC championship game , which the conference is using to make up regular-season games not involving the division winners .
Across college football , 14 games were postponed or canceled this week .

Ohio State’s Day tests positive, won’t coach vs.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be with the Buckeyes if they play at Illinois on Saturday.
Ohio State said Friday it had an increased number of positive COVID-19 tests in the program this week. The game against the Illini was still on, but the Buckeyes were not traveling on Friday as originally scheduled.
Ohio State said it planned to do a second round of testing Friday before flying to Champaign, Illinois, on Saturday ahead of the game scheduled for 11 a.m.
Buckeyes assistant head coach/defensive line coach Larry Johnson will act as interim coach with Day unavailable.
“I have spoken with Coach Day, and he is doing well physically,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said. “I feel terrible for Coach and for the members of the program who have been diagnosed with a positive test. Coach Day and this team have been true leaders in handling things so well throughout this pandemic. Our team wants to play this game, and we’re going to do everything we can to help make this happen.”
Ohio State did not specify how how many cases of COVID-19 it currently has in its football program, but the school did say the team had not reached the threshold to have to cancel its game.
The Buckeyes (4-0) already have had one Big Ten game canceled because of an outbreak at Maryland and have three left on the schedule, including at Illinois.
Big Ten rules state a team needs to play at least six game to be eligible to play for the conference championship, unless the average number of games played throughout the league is below six. In that case, teams would be eligible to play in the conference title game as long as they are within two of the average.
The Big Ten started its season the weekend of Oct. 24 and scheduled no open dates for makeups in its eight-week, regular-season schedule.
No. 18 Wisconsin already has lost three games after Minnesota canceled earlier this week because of a COVID-19 outbreak. That will leave the Badgers, the Big Ten West favorites, with only five regular-season games.
Day’s positive tests means the Nos. 1 and 3 teams in the country would be playing without their coaches Saturday.
Earlier this week, Alabama coach Nick Saban tested positive and displayed mild symptoms. Saban will miss the Crimson Tide’s Iron Bowl against Auburn.
Day is the 19th major-college football coach this year to publicly acknowledge testing positive for the virus. Among the others to miss games were Purdue’s Jeff Brohm, Florida State’s Mike Norvell and Arkansas’ Sam Pittman.
After having to reschedule two games this week because of COVID-19 issues, the Southeastern Conference announced a series of scheduling moves to make up games on Dec. 5 that had been previously postponed, including Alabama at LSU.
The Tide and Tigers were scheduled to play on Nov. 14, but LSU could not because of a lack of players available due to COVID-19.
Arkansas at Missouri will also be made up on Dec. 5. The Razorbacks were forced to postponed their game with the Tigers this week and Missouri instead was scheduled to play a makeup game with Vanderbilt.
Alabama at Arkansas, Mississippi at LSU and Missouri at Mississippi State still need to be rescheduled.
Alabama at Arkansas could be played on Dec. 12, the week before the SEC championship game.
LSU already has a game with Florida scheduled for Dec. 12, but it could play Ole Miss on the day of the SEC championship game, which the conference is using to make up regular-season games not involving the division winners.
Across college football, 14 games were postponed or canceled this week.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-27--Bears notebook: DE Akiem Hicks, LT Charles Leno questionable for Sunday vs. Packers

When the Bears played the Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 15 last season , defensive end Akiem Hicks gamely gave it a go after missing nearly nine games with a nasty elbow injury .
And Hicks was still a force , with four tackles and two quarterback hits that helped keep the Bears close in a 21-13 loss .
Just his effort was inspiring .
The Bears might have to lean on Hicks ’ grit again if they have him at all against the Packers on Sunday night at Lambeau .
Hicks did not practice Friday — or this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hamstring injury he suffered against the Vikings prior to the bye — and is listed as questionable for Sunday ’ s game .
Coach Matt Nagy said Hicks ’ availability will be a game-time decision .
With Roy Robertson-Harris ( shoulder ) also out , Bilal Nichols , Brent Urban , John Jenkins , Daniel McCullers and Mario Edwards , Jr. have given the Bears ’ solid rotational depth on the defensive line .
But there is no true replacement for Hicks , one of the most consistently impactful defensive linemen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an amazing player , ” Urban said .
“ He always makes a huge impact every time he ’ s in there , but like a lot of team ’ s have been doing this year , it ’ s next man up with COVID and everything .
So good teams have to win without their big players in at times.
” Hicks is a key factor in combating the Packers hot-and-cold run game , which ranks 14th in the NFL but usually plays a key role in setting up Aaron Rodgers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is averaging 66.8 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry this season , has averaged 31.8 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry in five games against the Bears .
Against the Vikings , the Bears held Dalvin Cook to 39 yards on 19 carries while Hicks was in the game .
After Hicks left , Cook gained 57 yards on 11 carries — though 14 came on a third-and-20 play .
“ It ’ s obviously a huge challenge , ” Urban said .
“ Aaron Rodgers extends plays very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you need to get interior push against him , so without Akiem it ’ ll be tough , but I think we ’ re a deep group and we pride ourselves on playing good , next-man-up football.
” Safety Eddie Jackson was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday and will play against the Packers .
Jackson did not test positive for the coronavirus , but was put on the reserve/COVID-19 list because he had been in close contact with someone who had tested positive .
Left tackle Charles Leno , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bushrod in Week 4 of the 2015 season , did not practice Friday after suffering a toe injury in practice Wednesday and is questionable .
Veteran Jason Spriggs , who started nine games in three seasons with the Packers in 2016-18 , would replace Leno against his former teammates if Leno can ’ t play .
Spriggs previously replaced an injured Bobby Massie against the Saints on Nov. 1 and played 65 snaps , but suffered a knee injury in that game and missed the next two games .
“ Spriggs is doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Most of the season we put him at right tackle and he was a little banged up and he didn ’ t do as well on the right side .
I think he ’ s more comfortable on the left side.
” Quarterback Nick Foles ( hip ) is doubtful for the Packers game .
Slot cornerback Buster Skrine ( ankle ) , back-up guard/tackle Rashaad Coward ( ankle/knee ) and special-teams ace Sherrick McManis ( hand ) are questionable .

When the Bears played the Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 15 last season, defensive end Akiem Hicks gamely gave it a go after missing nearly nine games with a nasty elbow injury. And Hicks was still a force, with four tackles and two quarterback hits that helped keep the Bears close in a 21-13 loss. Just his effort was inspiring.
The Bears might have to lean on Hicks’ grit again if they have him at all against the Packers on Sunday night at Lambeau. Hicks did not practice Friday — or this week at all as he recovers from a hamstring injury he suffered against the Vikings prior to the bye — and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Coach Matt Nagy said Hicks’ availability will be a game-time decision.
With Roy Robertson-Harris (shoulder) also out, Bilal Nichols, Brent Urban, John Jenkins, Daniel McCullers and Mario Edwards, Jr. have given the Bears’ solid rotational depth on the defensive line. But there is no true replacement for Hicks, one of the most consistently impactful defensive linemen in the NFL.
“Akiem’s an amazing player,” Urban said. “He always makes a huge impact every time he’s in there, but like a lot of team’s have been doing this year, it’s next man up with COVID and everything. So good teams have to win without their big players in at times.”
Hicks is a key factor in combating the Packers hot-and-cold run game, which ranks 14th in the NFL but usually plays a key role in setting up Aaron Rodgers for big plays. Aaron Jones, who is averaging 66.8 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry this season, has averaged 31.8 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry in five games against the Bears.
Against the Vikings, the Bears held Dalvin Cook to 39 yards on 19 carries while Hicks was in the game. After Hicks left, Cook gained 57 yards on 11 carries — though 14 came on a third-and-20 play.
“It’s obviously a huge challenge,” Urban said. “Aaron Rodgers extends plays very well. You need to get pressure, you need to get interior push against him, so without Akiem it’ll be tough, but I think we’re a deep group and we pride ourselves on playing good, next-man-up football.”
Jackson activated from COVID-19 list
Safety Eddie Jackson was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday and will play against the Packers. Jackson did not test positive for the coronavirus, but was put on the reserve/COVID-19 list because he had been in close contact with someone who had tested positive.
Hope Spriggs eternal
Left tackle Charles Leno, who has started 88 consecutive games since replacing Jermon Bushrod in Week 4 of the 2015 season, did not practice Friday after suffering a toe injury in practice Wednesday and is questionable.
Veteran Jason Spriggs, who started nine games in three seasons with the Packers in 2016-18, would replace Leno against his former teammates if Leno can’t play. Spriggs previously replaced an injured Bobby Massie against the Saints on Nov. 1 and played 65 snaps, but suffered a knee injury in that game and missed the next two games.
“Spriggs is doing a good job,” Nagy said. “Most of the season we put him at right tackle and he was a little banged up and he didn’t do as well on the right side. I think he’s more comfortable on the left side.”
Quarterback Nick Foles (hip) is doubtful for the Packers game. Slot cornerback Buster Skrine (ankle), back-up guard/tackle Rashaad Coward (ankle/knee) and special-teams ace Sherrick McManis (hand) are questionable.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-27--The Bears are Mitch Trubisky’s team again, and he’s got a lot on the line

Let ’ s cut through all the nonsense about how the last two months of sitting on the bench and running the Bears ’ scout team has made Mitch Trubisky a better quarterback .
He ’ s still the same player that has exasperated Bears fans and coaches most of his career , but right now , he ’ s the best they ’ ve got heading into their game at the Packers on Sunday .
That doesn ’ t mean he ’ s going to turn them into a contender .
It just means he ’ s better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is because Foles has been out all week with a hip injury , but his recent performances merited a benching anyway .
So Trubisky gets another chance , perhaps his last one , to win the job .
As much as coach Matt Nagy kept steering the conversation back to Foles ’ injury , he left it open-ended enough to reveal that Trubisky could reclaim the spot that was taken from him in the third game of the season .
“ More than anything , what means the most to me is just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be there for my guys when we just need to find a way to win , ” Trubisky said Friday .
“ Being back in the role that I am and being a leader on this team , it means a lot to me to have this opportunity to go into battle with my guys this weekend , so I ’ m looking forward to it.
” The last time this was Trubisky ’ s team was Week 3 , when he ’ d just thrown an interception in the third quarter against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fall behind 26-10 .
Even with a mask on , Nagy ’ s disgust was unmistakable .
It wasn ’ t just that mindless pick , it was a third straight game of bad decisions , poor reads of coverage , off-target throws and very few points .
There ’ s no reason to think any of that magically cleared up over the last two months .
At the time Nagy yanked him , Trubisky had completed 59 % of his passes , averaged 186.7 yards per game , thrown six touchdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passer rating .
And despite those numbers , along with near-losses to the Lions and Giants and a huge deficit in the works against the Falcons , Trubisky was somehow surprised Nagy benched him .
“ More than anything , I was caught off guard , ” he said .
“ I was just starting to build some momentum , and then it kinda felt like a blind side.
” Only to him .
For everyone else , including Nagy , it was a long time coming .
“ I said I went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ but ] there was obviously a lot more to it , ” Nagy said .
“ It ended up being the right thing to do for that game.
” Nagy quickly named Foles his starter indefinitely — a no-brainer after he rallied the Bears from Trubisky ’ s 26-10 hole to a 30-26 win .
But since then , Foles hasn ’ t been an upgrade .
And at a time when the Bears ’ offensive line has never been shakier , he ’ s as flat-footed as it gets .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of transformation since his benching is absurd , his attitude toward Nagy ’ s decision is telling .
He got over the demotion and dedicated himself to his humble new job .
“ The first couple days , it sucked being in that role , but I was trying to just continue to keep perspective and think long term , ” Trubisky said .
“ I just changed my mindset to embrace practice .
I was doing my job on the scout team , just trying to give the defense a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that.
” That ’ s why Chicago still roots for Trubisky and would revel in a resurgence even while knowing he ’ s gone after the season .
For all his flaws as a passer , he does and says all the right things .
People have wanted him to get this chance .
Now it has arrived , and it could last well beyond Sunday .

Let’s cut through all the nonsense about how the last two months of sitting on the bench and running the Bears’ scout team has made Mitch Trubisky a better quarterback.
He’s still the same player that has exasperated Bears fans and coaches most of his career, but right now, he’s the best they’ve got heading into their game at the Packers on Sunday. That doesn’t mean he’s going to turn them into a contender. It just means he’s better than Nick Foles.
Officially, this move is because Foles has been out all week with a hip injury, but his recent performances merited a benching anyway.
So Trubisky gets another chance, perhaps his last one, to win the job. As much as coach Matt Nagy kept steering the conversation back to Foles’ injury, he left it open-ended enough to reveal that Trubisky could reclaim the spot that was taken from him in the third game of the season.
“More than anything, what means the most to me is just having an opportunity to come back and be there for my guys when we just need to find a way to win,” Trubisky said Friday. “Being back in the role that I am and being a leader on this team, it means a lot to me to have this opportunity to go into battle with my guys this weekend, so I’m looking forward to it.”
The last time this was Trubisky’s team was Week 3, when he’d just thrown an interception in the third quarter against the Falcons and the Bears were about to fall behind 26-10.
Even with a mask on, Nagy’s disgust was unmistakable. It wasn’t just that mindless pick, it was a third straight game of bad decisions, poor reads of coverage, off-target throws and very few points. There’s no reason to think any of that magically cleared up over the last two months.
At the time Nagy yanked him, Trubisky had completed 59% of his passes, averaged 186.7 yards per game, thrown six touchdowns against three interceptions and managed an 87.4 passer rating.
And despite those numbers, along with near-losses to the Lions and Giants and a huge deficit in the works against the Falcons, Trubisky was somehow surprised Nagy benched him.
“More than anything, I was caught off guard,” he said. “I was just starting to build some momentum, and then it kinda felt like a blind side.”
Only to him. For everyone else, including Nagy, it was a long time coming.
“I said I went with my gut when that happened... [but] there was obviously a lot more to it,” Nagy said. “It ended up being the right thing to do for that game.”
Nagy quickly named Foles his starter indefinitely — a no-brainer after he rallied the Bears from Trubisky’s 26-10 hole to a 30-26 win. But since then, Foles hasn’t been an upgrade. And at a time when the Bears’ offensive line has never been shakier, he’s as flat-footed as it gets.
While the idea that Trubisky has undergone some kind of transformation since his benching is absurd, his attitude toward Nagy’s decision is telling. He got over the demotion and dedicated himself to his humble new job.
“The first couple days, it sucked being in that role, but I was trying to just continue to keep perspective and think long term,” Trubisky said. “I just changed my mindset to embrace practice. I was doing my job on the scout team, just trying to give the defense a good look, taking a lot of pride in that.”
That’s why Chicago still roots for Trubisky and would revel in a resurgence even while knowing he’s gone after the season. For all his flaws as a passer, he does and says all the right things. People have wanted him to get this chance. Now it has arrived, and it could last well beyond Sunday.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-28--Bulls aren’t the only team with high hopes

With NBA camps set to open , it ’ s a fun “ what if ’ ’ game to kick around .
What if former Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson hadn ’ t let ownership know last December that it should begin a search for a new front office ?
Would Gar Forman still be the general manager Tuesday , when whistles start blowing at the Advocate Center ?
The rebuild was failing , and Paxson and Forman were growing apart .
Paxson had long been aware that Forman privately didn ’ t have his back all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But loyalty is an important fabric in the Jerry Reinsdorf wardrobe , so perhaps all these ominous signs would ’ ve been overlooked .
Luckily for the Bulls ’ organization , and especially its fan base , a “ what if ’ ’ is all it is .
The reality is whistles will be blowing on Tuesday , and some hope is finally coursing through the Advocate Center .
There ’ s hope in new coach Billy Donovan , hope that an underachieving roster finally will develop and hope that new general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas rather than pulling the rope in his own direction .
The problem is the Bulls aren ’ t alone in the Eastern Conference when it comes to hope .
In a season with so much uncertainty , hope seems to be widespread .
It ’ s the biggest question surrounding the Bucks as camp opens up , make that the only question : Does Giannis Antetokounmpo sign the supermax extension for $ 228 million over five years ?
Why there ’ s camp hope : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension , possibly taking them out of the ‘ ‘ Greek Freak ’ ’ running , and the Bucks showed with their offseason additions that they want to continue building around Antetokounmpo to keep him happy .
A healthy Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving instantly make the Nets a powerhouse in the East .
Then they added Landry Shamet to go along with a strong supporting cast .
Why there ’ s camp hope : Can James Harden be on his way to Brooklyn to give the Nets a new “ Big Three.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ could work , but it would be a hell of a reality show .
They played in the NBA Finals a year earlier than expected and added Avery Bradley and Precious Achiuwa to one of the best young rosters in the conference .
Why there ’ s camp hope : Retaining Goran Dragic was sneaky good , but something special is brewing in South Beach , and Pat Riley is never done looking to add .
Gordon Hayward had more injury moments than highlights , and the Celtics added shooting with Jeff Teague @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pritchard .
Don ’ t discount the dirty work Tristan Thompson brings to the frontcourt .
Why there ’ s camp hope : Jayson Tatum is on the verge of becoming an elite superstar .
Expect him to kick that door down .
It ’ s likely make-or-break for the Joel Embiid-Ben Simmons Experience , but a new front office and coaching staff instantly changed the supporting players on the team , ridding the 76ers of Josh Richardson and Al Horford .
Why there ’ s camp hope : Daryl Morey and Doc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship-caliber product .
Trust the new process .
The gang is still together .
.
.
well , almost .
Gone are veterans Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol , but the Raptors kept the biggest free agent of the offseason — Fred VanVleet — and added talented Malachi Flynn in the draft .
Why there ’ s camp hope : It ’ s a well-coached team , and athletic forward Pascal Siakam is still improving .
Nate Bjorkgren takes over as coach for a core group that returns intact .
Victor Oladipo ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pacers will enter camp with everyone on board — for now .
Why there ’ s camp hope : The Pacers seem to be stuck in limbo : a good team void of a superstar .
But there is hope that a new coach can get this group to keep overachieving .
It has been quite some time since there was a buzz around the Hawks , but few teams in the East had a better offseason .
The Hawks have added defense in Kris Dunn , Rajon Rondo and draft pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-powered offense led by bomber Trae Young .
Why there ’ s camp hope : Atlanta has put itself in playoff contention , and grabbing Bogdan Bogdanovic sealed it .
The addition of Gordon Hayward and his fat new contract could blow up in Michael Jordan ’ s face , but they needed some sort of veteran scoring punch and had to pay the price .
Why there ’ s camp hope : The drafting of LaMelo Ball could be an organization-changer , especially if he can live up to the hype .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with John Wall , but that contract is all but impossible to move .
Why there ’ s camp hope : Wall is finally healthy again , and the drafting of Deni Avdija received high marks .
Losing Jonathan Isaac to an ACL for the season hurts , but Nikola Vucevic is a borderline All-Star , and they added a potential lead guard in Cole Anthony in the draft .
Why there ’ s camp hope : The Magic took steps to reach the postseason last year , and while that will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least tasted it .
The front office and coaching staff went through an overhaul , which was applauded leaguewide .
Why there ’ s camp hope : A real coach can now show this front office what it has talent-wise .
The draft was good for the Pistons , who nabbed Killian Hayes , Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey , but the big issue is what they do with trade chips Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose .
Why there ’ s camp hope : The rebuild is underway and was jump-started with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in cap space shows that the new-look front office and coaching staff are prepping for something big .
If only ownership could stay out of the way .
Why there ’ s camp hope : Light on in the coaching office way past midnight .
Yep , Tom Thibodeau .
As long as that Kevin Love contract is breathing , the misery will continue .
Why there ’ s camp hope : Isaac Okoro gives the Cavs hope that they have the next Jimmy Butler .

With NBA camps set to open, it’s a fun “what if’’ game to kick around.
What if former Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson hadn’t let ownership know last December that it should begin a search for a new front office? Would Gar Forman still be the general manager Tuesday, when whistles start blowing at the Advocate Center?
The rebuild was failing, and Paxson and Forman were growing apart. Paxson had long been aware that Forman privately didn’t have his back all the time on the college scouting trail. But loyalty is an important fabric in the Jerry Reinsdorf wardrobe, so perhaps all these ominous signs would’ve been overlooked.
Luckily for the Bulls’ organization, and especially its fan base, a “what if’’ is all it is. The reality is whistles will be blowing on Tuesday, and some hope is finally coursing through the Advocate Center.
There’s hope in new coach Billy Donovan, hope that an underachieving roster finally will develop and hope that new general manager Marc Eversley is in sync with vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas rather than pulling the rope in his own direction.
The problem is the Bulls aren’t alone in the Eastern Conference when it comes to hope. In a season with so much uncertainty, hope seems to be widespread.
1. Milwaukee Bucks
It’s the biggest question surrounding the Bucks as camp opens up, make that the only question: Does Giannis Antetokounmpo sign the supermax extension for $228 million over five years?
Why there’s camp hope: The Heat signed Bam Adebayo to a big extension, possibly taking them out of the ‘‘Greek Freak’’ running, and the Bucks showed with their offseason additions that they want to continue building around Antetokounmpo to keep him happy.
2. Brooklyn Nets
A healthy Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving instantly make the Nets a powerhouse in the East. Then they added Landry Shamet to go along with a strong supporting cast.
Why there’s camp hope: Can James Harden be on his way to Brooklyn to give the Nets a new “Big Three.’’ Tough to guess if it could work, but it would be a hell of a reality show.
3. Miami Heat
They played in the NBA Finals a year earlier than expected and added Avery Bradley and Precious Achiuwa to one of the best young rosters in the conference.
Why there’s camp hope: Retaining Goran Dragic was sneaky good, but something special is brewing in South Beach, and Pat Riley is never done looking to add.
4. Boston Celtics
Gordon Hayward had more injury moments than highlights, and the Celtics added shooting with Jeff Teague and draft picks Aaron Nesmith and Payton Pritchard. Don’t discount the dirty work Tristan Thompson brings to the frontcourt.
Why there’s camp hope: Jayson Tatum is on the verge of becoming an elite superstar. Expect him to kick that door down.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
It’s likely make-or-break for the Joel Embiid-Ben Simmons Experience, but a new front office and coaching staff instantly changed the supporting players on the team, ridding the 76ers of Josh Richardson and Al Horford.
Why there’s camp hope: Daryl Morey and Doc Rivers seldom fail to deliver on a championship-caliber product. Trust the new process.
6. Toronto Raptors
The gang is still together . . . well, almost. Gone are veterans Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, but the Raptors kept the biggest free agent of the offseason — Fred VanVleet — and added talented Malachi Flynn in the draft.
Why there’s camp hope: It’s a well-coached team, and athletic forward Pascal Siakam is still improving.
7. Indiana Pacers
Nate Bjorkgren takes over as coach for a core group that returns intact. Victor Oladipo’s future is still uncertain, but the Pacers will enter camp with everyone on board — for now.
Why there’s camp hope: The Pacers seem to be stuck in limbo: a good team void of a superstar. But there is hope that a new coach can get this group to keep overachieving.
8. Atlanta Hawks
It has been quite some time since there was a buzz around the Hawks, but few teams in the East had a better offseason. The Hawks have added defense in Kris Dunn, Rajon Rondo and draft pick Onyeka Okongwu to go along with a high-powered offense led by bomber Trae Young.
Why there’s camp hope: Atlanta has put itself in playoff contention, and grabbing Bogdan Bogdanovic sealed it.
9. Charlotte Hornets
The addition of Gordon Hayward and his fat new contract could blow up in Michael Jordan’s face, but they needed some sort of veteran scoring punch and had to pay the price.
Why there’s camp hope: The drafting of LaMelo Ball could be an organization-changer, especially if he can live up to the hype.
10. Washington Wizards
There’s some nail-biting going on with John Wall, but that contract is all but impossible to move.
Why there’s camp hope: Wall is finally healthy again, and the drafting of Deni Avdija received high marks.
11. Orlando Magic
Losing Jonathan Isaac to an ACL for the season hurts, but Nikola Vucevic is a borderline All-Star, and they added a potential lead guard in Cole Anthony in the draft.
Why there’s camp hope: The Magic took steps to reach the postseason last year, and while that will be tough to duplicate, this core has at least tasted it.
12. BULLS
The front office and coaching staff went through an overhaul, which was applauded leaguewide.
Why there’s camp hope: A real coach can now show this front office what it has talent-wise.
13. Detroit Pistons
The draft was good for the Pistons, who nabbed Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey, but the big issue is what they do with trade chips Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose.
Why there’s camp hope: The rebuild is underway and was jump-started with this draft class.
14. New York Knicks
Clearing $40 million in cap space shows that the new-look front office and coaching staff are prepping for something big. If only ownership could stay out of the way.
Why there’s camp hope: Light on in the coaching office way past midnight. Yep, Tom Thibodeau.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers
As long as that Kevin Love contract is breathing, the misery will continue.
Why there’s camp hope: Isaac Okoro gives the Cavs hope that they have the next Jimmy Butler.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-28--Father David Ryan leaving St. Francis de Sales in Lake Zurich while sex abuse allegation investigate

Father David Ryan leaving St. Francis de Sales in Lake Zurich while sex abuse allegation investigated

Father David Ryan , pastor at St. Francis de Sales Parish and School in Lake Zurich , has been asked @ @ @ @ @ parish while the Archdiocese of Chicago investigates decades-old sexual abuse allegations .
Ryan was accused @ @ @ @ @ 25 years ago while he was assigned to Maryville Academy in Des Plaines , Cardinal @ @ @ @ @ letter to the St. Francis community .
Father Ryan was directed to live away from @ @ @ @ @ Buesching Rd.
, while the matter is investigated , “ and he is fully cooperating @ @ @ @ @ Cupich wrote .
The allegations were reported by the archdiocese to the Illinois Department of @ @ @ @ @ well as the Cook County state ’ s attorney ’ s office , Cupich wrote @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s attorney ’ s office immediately responded to a request for comment .

The Rev. David Ryan, pastor at St. Francis de Sales Parish and School in Lake Zurich, has been asked to step away from the parish while the Archdiocese of Chicago investigates decades-old sexual abuse allegations.
Ryan was accused of sexually abusing minors about 25 years ago while he was assigned to Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, Cardinal Blase Cupich wrote in a letter to the St. Francis community.
Ryan was directed to live away from the church, 135 S. Buesching Rd., while the matter is investigated, “and he is fully cooperating with this direction,” Cupich wrote.
The allegations were reported by the archdiocese to the Illinois Department of Children and Family services as well as the Cook County state’s attorney’s office, Cupich wrote.
Neither DCFS nor the state’s attorney’s office immediately responded to a request for comment.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-28--Hurt by pandemic, local retailers say shopping local this season more important than ever

Small business owners feeling the pain of the pandemic in their bottom lines say it ’ s never been more important to shop local this holiday season .
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are considered the biggest shopping events of the year for big-box and online retailers , but local entrepreneurs look forward to the day wedged between the two — Small Business Saturday .
The event encourages shopping local and supporting independent operations , and it ’ s usually one of the busiest days of the year for these retailers .
While the day is important , local business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales all season to help them survive in a marketplace where everything has changed .
Scott Starbuck , who opened City Soles in Wicker Park in 1995 , said sales at his shoe store were down exponentially because of the coronavirus — and he worries they won ’ t be bouncing back soon .
“ We won ’ t even be able to see recovery until a vaccine [ is available ] and we can say things like , ‘ Socially distancing was so last year , ’ ” said Starbuck , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American and also sells jewelry and other handmade goods from local artists .
Starbuck , a member of the board of retailers for the Wicker Park-Bucktown Chamber of Commerce , said sales at many shops are down 60 or 70 % .
“ I mean a victory story is being down only 50 % right now , ” Starbuck said .
The fourth quarter is the busiest time of year for most businesses , with many counting on traffic from holiday shopping to keep them afloat .
This year is expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adapt .
Many owners said they are ditching shopping bags for shipping boxes as customers continue to flock to the internet for gifts .
Lindzi Shanks and Kat Connor , co-owners of Nibbles and Nosh and XO Marshmallow in Rogers Park , have converted the closed dining area of their brunch spot to a packaging and shipping center to complete the hundreds of orders of gourmet marshmallows and hot cocoa .
“ While the cafe saw a decrease in visitors , online we saw a massive increase , so by making that pivot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only keep all our employees that worked in the cafe , but [ also ] hire more people just to keep up with online sales , ” Shanks said .
Renee Matsushima and Michael Trailer , the mother-son duo who own Tee Mart Decorated Apparel in Rogers Park , are also putting an emphasis on shipping their products during the pandemic .
The pair opened their store a week before Gov .
J.B. Pritzker imposed the state ’ s stay-at-home order in March .
“ We had to really shift gears almost instantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switched over to Etsy and we did a lot of sales there.
” The majority of Tee Mart ’ s sales come from online orders now , but inside their storefront at 1445 W. Morse Ave. , Matsushima and Tailer still have customizable holiday gifts on display , with deals going on through the end of this weekend .
Trailer stressed the importance of shopping local , saying consumers get more bang for their buck as opposed to buying products from big-box retailers .
“ With us , you get that personal touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the project from start to finish , ” he said .
“ We also off a few services that some big-boxes services do but they ’ ll just charge a whole lot more.
” While 2020 has been a challenging year many independent business owners , with some forced to permanently close because of the pandemic , Starbuck is hopeful that those empty storefronts will one day be filled again with eager and creative entrepreneurs .
“ I hope there ’ s a renaissance that comes from this and it really resets the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to support one another , ” Starbuck said .

Small business owners feeling the pain of the pandemic in their bottom lines say it’s never been more important to shop local this holiday season.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are considered the biggest shopping events of the year for big-box and online retailers, but local entrepreneurs look forward to the day wedged between the two — Small Business Saturday.
The event encourages shopping local and supporting independent operations, and it’s usually one of the busiest days of the year for these retailers.
While the day is important, local business owners said they were counting on strong sales all season to help them survive in a marketplace where everything has changed.
Scott Starbuck, who opened City Soles in Wicker Park in 1995, said sales at his shoe store were down exponentially because of the coronavirus — and he worries they won’t be bouncing back soon.
“We won’t even be able to see recovery until a vaccine [is available] and we can say things like, ‘Socially distancing was so last year,’” said Starbuck, who imports his footwear from Europe and South American and also sells jewelry and other handmade goods from local artists.
Starbuck, a member of the board of retailers for the Wicker Park-Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, said sales at many shops are down 60 or 70%.
“I mean a victory story is being down only 50% right now,” Starbuck said.
Scott Starbuck opened City Soles in Bucktown in 1995. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The fourth quarter is the busiest time of year for most businesses, with many counting on traffic from holiday shopping to keep them afloat.
This year is expected to be different and they’re trying to adapt. Many owners said they are ditching shopping bags for shipping boxes as customers continue to flock to the internet for gifts.
Lindzi Shanks and Kat Connor, co-owners of Nibbles and Nosh and XO Marshmallow in Rogers Park, have converted the closed dining area of their brunch spot to a packaging and shipping center to complete the hundreds of orders of gourmet marshmallows and hot cocoa.
“While the cafe saw a decrease in visitors, online we saw a massive increase, so by making that pivot we’ve been able to not only keep all our employees that worked in the cafe, but [also] hire more people just to keep up with online sales,” Shanks said.
Lindzi Shanks, left, and Kat Connor, right, owners of Nibbles and Nosh and XO Marshmallow, have seen an increase in online sales amid the pandemic. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Renee Matsushima and Michael Trailer, the mother-son duo who own Tee Mart Decorated Apparel in Rogers Park, are also putting an emphasis on shipping their products during the pandemic.
The pair opened their store a week before Gov. J.B. Pritzker imposed the state’s stay-at-home order in March.
“We had to really shift gears almost instantly,” Trailer said. “We switched over to Etsy and we did a lot of sales there.”
The majority of Tee Mart’s sales come from online orders now, but inside their storefront at 1445 W. Morse Ave., Matsushima and Tailer still have customizable holiday gifts on display, with deals going on through the end of this weekend.
Trailer stressed the importance of shopping local, saying consumers get more bang for their buck as opposed to buying products from big-box retailers.
“With us, you get that personal touch where you can be really hands-on with the project from start to finish,” he said. “We also off a few services that some big-boxes services do but they’ll just charge a whole lot more.”
Tee Mart Decorated Apparel owners Michael Trailer and Renee Matsushima pose for a photo inside their Rogers Park shop, which is located at 1445 W. Morse Ave. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
While 2020 has been a challenging year many independent business owners, with some forced to permanently close because of the pandemic, Starbuck is hopeful that those empty storefronts will one day be filled again with eager and creative entrepreneurs.
“I hope there’s a renaissance that comes from this and it really resets the communities in the world back to really trying to support one another,” Starbuck said.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-28--Michigan State hands No. 11 Northwestern its first loss of season

EAST LANSING , Mich. — Matt Coghlin made a tiebreaking 48-yard field goal with 3:35 left , and Michigan State handed No .
11 Northwestern its first loss of the season with a 29-20 victory Saturday .
The Wildcats ( 5-1 , 5-1 ) were coming off a 17-7 victory over Wisconsin that put them in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff .
That prospect likely was dashed with the loss to the Spartans , but they remain in control of the Big Ten West .
The Spartans ( 2-3 , 2-3 ) lost a 17-0 lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three turnovers in the fourth quarter and making the most of two big kicks by Coghlin .
Northwestern grabbed a 20-17 lead early in the fourth on Cam Porter ’ s 3-yard run .
The Spartans rallied on Coghlin ’ s 44-yard field goal after forcing a turnover one snap following Rocky Lombardi ’ s interception .
Northwestern turned the ball over again , and receiver Berkeley Holman was carted off the field following the play .
Shakur Brown broke on Peyton Ramsey ’ s pass and made contact with Holman , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school ’ s medical staff evaluated him .
Holman was carefully strapped to a backboard and lifted onto a cart .
After Holman ’ s teammates surrounded him to offer support , he lifted his left arm and extended his thumb .
The Wildcats punted on their next possession , facing a fourth-and-10 from their 22 , with a few minutes left .
Lombardi converted a third-and-8 from his 38 with a run after Northwestern called a timeout , taking time off the clock until punting from midfield with 32 seconds left .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ laterals from deep in their end , trying to extend the play as time expired , only to have the Spartans recover the ball in the end zone for a touchdown at a fan-free game .
Northwestern will slip quite a bit after reaching its highest AP ranking since 1996 .
Northwestern : Good fortune ran out for a team that had a feel-good story as a surprising contender that won a lot of close games .
Michigan State : First-year coach Mel Tucker has a second significant win to go along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State hosts No .
3 Ohio State on Saturday , assuming the Buckeyes are cleared to play after they cancelled Saturday ’ s game against Illinois due to a COVID-19 breakout within their program .

EAST LANSING, Mich. — No. 11 Northwestern put itself in position to play for the Big Ten title, then it hit the road.
Michigan State was ready.
Matt Coghlin made a tiebreaking 48-yard field goal with 3:35 left, and the Spartans handed Northwestern its first loss of the season with a 29-20 victory Saturday.
The Wildcats (5-1, 5-1) were coming off a 17-7 victory over Wisconsin that moved them into contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff. That prospect likely was dashed with the loss to the Spartans, but they remain in control of the Big Ten West.
“Really disappointed in the outcome, but we have all our goals in front of us,” coach Pat Fitzgerald said. “We didn’t come up here and play clean football and Michigan State did and credit to them.”
The Spartans (2-3, 2-3) lost a 17-0 lead, but went back ahead by forcing three turnovers in the fourth quarter and making the most of two big kicks by Coghlin.
Michigan State had dropped consecutive games against Iowa and Indiana by a combined score of 73-7, including a 24-0 loss to the Hoosiers at home on Nov. 14. Last weekend’s matchup with Maryland was canceled because of a COVID-19 outbreak with the Terrapins.
“We needed this win as a team,” said Rocky Lombardi, who got the Spartans off to a fast start with a 75-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Nailor. “It’s good to get out there and beat a really good team like Northwestern because it’s just the kind of confidence boost we needed.
“We know we’re a good team and we know we can beat good teams, but it’s kind of hard to believe yourself until you do it.”
It was the second win for first-year coach Mel Tucker after the Spartans beat Michigan on Oct. 31.
“Culture doesn’t change overnight — it just doesn’t,” Tucker said. “But wins like today show what we’re capable of.”
Northwestern grabbed a 20-17 lead on Cam Porter’s 3-yard run early in the fourth.
The Spartans rallied on Coghlin’s 44-yard field goal after forcing a turnover one snap following Lombardi’s interception.
Northwestern turned the ball over again, and receiver Berkeley Holman was carted off the field following the play.
Shakur Brown broke on Peyton Ramsey’s pass for his second interception and made contact with Holman, who lay motionless on the field while the school’s medical staff evaluated him.
Holman was carefully strapped to a backboard and lifted onto a cart. After Holman’s teammates surrounded him to offer support, he lifted his left arm and extended his thumb.
Holman was taken to a hospital as a precaution. He was talking, alert and moving.
“Great news about Berk,” Fitzgerald said.
The Wildcats punted on their next possession, facing a fourth-and-10 from their 22, with a few minutes left.
Lombardi converted a third-and-8 from his 38 with a run after Northwestern called a timeout, taking time off the clock until punting from midfield with 32 seconds left.
The Wildcats ended the game by throwing laterals from deep in their end, trying to extend the play as time expired, only to have the Spartans recover the ball in the end zone for a touchdown at a fan-free game.
“A lot of self-inflicted wounds on our end,” Fitzgerald said.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Northwestern will slip quite a bit after reaching its highest AP ranking since 1996.
THE TAKEAWAY
Northwestern: Good fortune ran out for a team that had been a feel-good story as a surprising contender that won a lot of close games.
“I’ve got to coach the guys to be better than that, but I thought they were ready to play,” Fitzgerald said.
Michigan State: Lombardi was 11 for 27 for 167 yards and two TDs to go along with one interception. He also made a couple of big plays with his legs, finishing with 65 yards on 10 carries.
“We’re just tired of losing,” Lombardi said. “That’s what it comes down to. We want to win and we know we’ve got the players to win. We all just came together. We knew we a shot to win this game and we expected to win.”
UP NEXT
Northwestern plays at Minnesota on Saturday.
Michigan State hosts No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday, assuming the Buckeyes are cleared to play after they cancelled Saturday’s game against Illinois due to a COVID-19 breakout within their program.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-28--Man arrested after exchange of gunfire with police in West Rogers Park

A man was arrested Saturday after allegedly getting into a shootout with officers in West Rogers Park .
The incident @ @ @ @ @ when officers stopped the 35-year-old in the 6200 block of North Campbell Avenue , Chicago @ @ @ @ @ stop , the man fired shots at the officers , who then returned fire , @ @ @ @ @ were reported .
The man was taken into custody and a gun was recovered at @ @ @ @ @ .
Charges are pending as Area Three detectives investigate .
Read more on crime , @ @ @ @ @ s homicides .

A man was arrested Saturday after allegedly getting into a shootout with officers in West Rogers Park.
The incident unfolded about 3:15 p.m., when officers stopped the 35-year-old in the 6200 block of North Campbell Avenue, Chicago police said.
During the stop, the man fired shots at the officers, who then returned fire, police said. No injuries were reported.
The man was taken into custody and a gun was recovered at the scene, police said.
Officers in @ChicagoCAPS24 were fired upon in the 6200 blk of N. Campbell today. Officers returned fire. There are no reported hits. The offender was taken into custody and a firearm recovered. Area Detectives are investigating. #ChicagoPolice pic.twitter.com/dk0We3MEEz — Tom Ahern (@TomAhernCPD) November 28, 2020
Charges are pending as Area Three detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-28--This You Gotta See: Bears’ Mitch Trubisky returns at Packers, Illini hoops goes big

So , what are your plans for the big game ?
What we all should have learned by now about sports during a pandemic is that there ’ s really only one thing we can count on , and that ’ s not being able to count on anything .
Schedules are set , symptoms are monitored , tests are taken , fingers are crossed , more tests are taken and did I mention fingers are crossed ?
Inevitably , some scheduled games and events come down like the houses of cards they are .
Take Illinois-Ohio State , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was a go until Friday night , when the Buckeyes determined they had too big a COVID-19 problem on their hands to make the trip .
Or a better example : Ravens-Steelers in the NFL , which was supposed to be played on Thanksgiving , got moved to Sunday and then got bumped back again , to Tuesday .
Is this thing really going to happen ?
We can cross that bridge when it collapses .
Perhaps the most exciting thing about the coming week ’ s sports calendar is the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further than Illinois-Baylor on Wednesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis .
Who knows , though , if the Bears , who started the season ranked No .
2 , will even get there ?
They had to bail on games in Connecticut after coach Scott Drew tested positive .
Then they suddenly wedged in an unscheduled trip to Las Vegas to get some action in .
Fingers crossed ?
You ’ d better believe it .
Every time we put a date , time and story line in print , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper is going to keep publishing this column , maybe it should change its initials from CST to TBD .
Here ’ s what ’ s happening : Indy has a couple of starting defensive linemen on the COVID-19 list and at least one other key member of the defensive front out with injury .
Fortunately , all fellow AFC South co-leader Tennessee has at running back is some schlep named Derrick Henry .
Carolina has lost five of six , but is coming off a win .
Minnesota has won three of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss .
The point ?
Honestly , I ’ m not sure there is one .
Tom Brady is 2-1 against Patrick Mahomes , but — get this — all three of those meetings took place when Brady played for the Patriots .
Did you know he played for the Patriots ?
It ’ s kind of a little-known fact .
A one-hour documentary examines the golfer ’ s racial identity and how perceptions of race in the sport changed — or didn ’ t — after his historic Masters victory in 1997 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s almost like we can forget the Nick Foles era ever happened .
And just when we were starting to get halfway decent at forgetting the Trubisky era ever happened .
Russell Wilson is an MVP candidate .
Life is far different for Philly ’ s Carson Wentz .
Might we get a decent game , or is this an inevitable blowout ?
Either way , it ’ s for the birds .
Coach Tom Izzo pretty much just got back with the Spartans after his battle with COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durham , North Carolina , and visit to Cameron Indoor Stadium seem a bit less charming than usual .
It might be the only thing nasty enough to mess with the Steelers ’ 10-0 record is an outbreak within the team .
New active cases were bubbling up as of Saturday night .
Look , you don ’ t not watch when these elite programs come together .
For one thing , somebody has to keep an eye on what John Calipari and Bill Self are up to .
PSG , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in a must-win spot as the visitor in the teams ’ second match of group play .
Man U. gutted out a 2-1 victory last month in Paris .
The Illini sure are a blast to watch , and there ’ s no reason they can ’ t run with the Bears on a neutral floor in Indy .
Roll that ball out there and let ’ em go .
And then there ’ s the Illini football team .
Actually , they ’ ve won two straight and — yes !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ State because of a coronavirus-related cancellation .
You ’ ve got to take what you can get these days .
The Wildcats aren ’ t going to wow anybody , but there ’ s just no keeping them down .
( Insert reference to Pat Fitzgerald the former gritty linebacker here . )
Win here and the Irish get to 10-0 .
Man , 10 games already ?
Do they not realize there ’ s a pandemic out there kicking sports ’ butt ?

So, what are your plans for the big game?
Don’t answer that. It’s a trick question.
What we all should have learned by now about sports during a pandemic is that there’s really only one thing we can count on, and that’s not being able to count on anything. Schedules are set, symptoms are monitored, tests are taken, fingers are crossed, more tests are taken and did I mention fingers are crossed?
Inevitably, some scheduled games and events come down like the houses of cards they are. Take Illinois-Ohio State, a football game meant for Saturday in Champaign that was a go until Friday night, when the Buckeyes determined they had too big a COVID-19 problem on their hands to make the trip.
Or a better example: Ravens-Steelers in the NFL, which was supposed to be played on Thanksgiving, got moved to Sunday and then got bumped back again, to Tuesday. Is this thing really going to happen? We can cross that bridge when it collapses.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about the coming week’s sports calendar is the early heat-up of college basketball. Look no further than Illinois-Baylor on Wednesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Who knows, though, if the Bears, who started the season ranked No. 2, will even get there? They had to bail on games in Connecticut after coach Scott Drew tested positive. Then they suddenly wedged in an unscheduled trip to Las Vegas to get some action in. Fingers crossed? You’d better believe it.
Every time we put a date, time and story line in print, we’re rolling the dice. If this paper is going to keep publishing this column, maybe it should change its initials from CST to TBD. Here’s what’s happening:
SUN 22
Titans at Colts (noon, Ch. 2)
Indy has a couple of starting defensive linemen on the COVID-19 list and at least one other key member of the defensive front out with injury. Fortunately, all fellow AFC South co-leader Tennessee has at running back is some schlep named Derrick Henry.
Panthers at Vikings (noon, Fox-32)
Carolina has lost five of six, but is coming off a win. Minnesota has won three of four, but is coming off a loss. The point? Honestly, I’m not sure there is one.
Chiefs at Buccaneers (3:25 p.m., Ch. 2)
Tom Brady is 2-1 against Patrick Mahomes, but — get this — all three of those meetings took place when Brady played for the Patriots. Did you know he played for the Patriots? It’s kind of a little-known fact.
“Tiger Woods: America’s Son”: (6 p.m., ESPN)
A one-hour documentary examines the golfer’s racial identity and how perceptions of race in the sport changed — or didn’t — after his historic Masters victory in 1997.
Bears at Packers (7:20 p.m., Ch. 5)
With Mitch Trubisky back as starter, it’s almost like we can forget the Nick Foles era ever happened. And just when we were starting to get halfway decent at forgetting the Trubisky era ever happened.
MON 30
Seahawks at Eagles (7:15 p.m., ESPN)
Russell Wilson is an MVP candidate. Life is far different for Philly’s Carson Wentz. Might we get a decent game, or is this an inevitable blowout? Either way, it’s for the birds.
TUE 1
Michigan State at Duke (6:30 p.m., ESPN)
Coach Tom Izzo pretty much just got back with the Spartans after his battle with COVID-19. Somehow, that makes a trip to Durham, North Carolina, and visit to Cameron Indoor Stadium seem a bit less charming than usual.
Ravens at Steelers (7:20 p.m., Ch. 5)
It might be the only thing nasty enough to mess with the Steelers’ 10-0 record is an outbreak within the team. New active cases were bubbling up as of Saturday night.
Kentucky vs. Kansas (8:30 p.m., ESPN)
Look, you don’t not watch when these elite programs come together. For one thing, somebody has to keep an eye on what John Calipari and Bill Self are up to.
WED 2
Champions League: Manchester United vs. Paris Saint-Germain (2 p.m., CBS All Access)
PSG, one of the world’s elite clubs, is in a must-win spot as the visitor in the teams’ second match of group play. Man U. gutted out a 2-1 victory last month in Paris.
Jimmy V Classic: Illinois vs. Baylor (9 p.m., ESPN)
The Illini sure are a blast to watch, and there’s no reason they can’t run with the Bears on a neutral floor in Indy. Roll that ball out there and let ’em go.
SAT 5
Iowa at Illinois (TBD)
And then there’s the Illini football team. Actually, they’ve won two straight and — yes! — avoided a lopsided loss to Ohio State because of a coronavirus-related cancellation. You’ve got to take what you can get these days.
Northwestern at Minnesota (TBD)
The Wildcats aren’t going to wow anybody, but there’s just no keeping them down. (Insert reference to Pat Fitzgerald the former gritty linebacker here.)
Syracuse at Notre Dame (1:30 p.m., Ch. 5)
Win here and the Irish get to 10-0. Man, 10 games already? Do they not realize there’s a pandemic out there kicking sports’ butt?


chicagosun-times--2020-11-28--7,873 new coronavirus cases reported despite low number of tests being processed over holiday weeken

7,873 new coronavirus cases reported despite low number of tests being processed over holiday weekend (LIVE UPDATES)

The coronavirus has killed an additional 108 Illinois residents and spread to 7,873 more , public health officials announced Saturday .
The daily caseload was among the state ’ s lowest during a resurgent month of November , but that ’ s mostly because a relatively low number of COVID-19 tests are being processed by Illinois laboratories over the holiday weekend .
The new infections were detected among 79,055 tests , holding the state ’ s average positivity rate over the last week at 10.1 % , as low as it ’ s been in three weeks .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logged at a rate that ’ s risen to a troubling average for the state following a drastic rise in outbreaks this fall .
The virus has claimed about 106 lives per day over the last two weeks — almost three times the rate this time last month .
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is at home recovering after testing positive for COVID-19 , his office announced Saturday .
Dart last worked Nov. 19 , began feeling symptoms the next day and then immediately self-quarantined , according to a statement from Dart ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and received results Friday confirming he had contracted the virus , the sheriff ’ s office said .
Dart remains symptomatic and is under the care of a physician while recovering at home , the sheriff ’ s office said .
He is unsure how he was infected .
Eight months into the coronavirus pandemic , COVID-19 has killed 12,029 Illinois residents while spreading to at least 705,063 people , according to the latest figures released by public health officials Friday .
It only took nine days for the state to pass its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll surpassed 11,000 and the case tally eclipsed 600,000 Nov. 18 .
The virus has claimed almost 2,300 lives this month alone and is the currently the state ’ s third-leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer .
Forty-one Chicago-area victims were among the latest 66 deaths that officials have attributed to the virus .
1:08 p.m. Small Brewery Sunday : Love , or possibly lose , your local brewpub as pandemic slows down sales The country ’ s expanding craft beer industry runs the risk of going flat with brewpubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales , spurred by expected shutdowns to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
Among the more than 8,300 independent breweries in the U.S. , the vast majority of them — about 6,000 — are small-producing microbreweries and brewpubs , which thrive off of their on-premise beer sales .
Beer sales on location have plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic .
To raise awareness about local independent beer makers ’ plight , the Brewers Association , the trade group representing breweries , on Nov. 29 is promoting Small Brewery Sunday — slotted between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9:22 a.m. ‘ Shop Black ’ campaign brings customers to Chatham businesses Black Friday shopping on the 75th Street Boardwalk in Chatham was going to be an event , with an assortment of activities designed to lure shoppers who would spend their holiday cash in Black-owned businesses .
But after the recent surge in coronavirus cases , the festivities were canceled , though some shops stayed open , and customers continued to trickle in .
Stephanie Hart , owner of Brown Sugar Bakery , 233 E. 75th St. , understood why the Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shop Local , ” fearing it could become a super-spreader event .
Still , she said , during the pandemic , it is more important than ever to support Black-owned businesses .
The city recently launched Black Shop Friday , with the help of community partners , to promote those businesses , listing 500 of them on a new website , blackshopfriday.com .
“ I think supporting Black-owned businesses , especially if you live in a Black community , is so important .
Why ?
Everyone that works here , is from here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We are providing jobs in this community.
” • State health officials reported 12,022 new coronavirus cases and 131 more deaths on Thanksgiving Day .
• Chicago R & B artist Jeremih was reportedly transferred to a regular hospital room Saturday after spending at least a week in intensive care undergoing treatment for COVID-19 .
• The World Health Organization has recorded 65 cases of the coronavirus among staff based at its headquarters , including five people who worked on the premises and were in contact with one another .
9:14 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we keep from warehousing the elderly ?
Every once in a while , the governor of New York , Andrew Cuomo , says something I absolutely agree with .
At the beginning of the pandemic , he went on and on about how every human life matters .
I prayed : If he means this , maybe we can see that reflected in our politics .
As it happens , with all the death this year , my friends in the religious order Sisters of Life tell me that some pregnant women are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need is more death .
Wouldn ’ t a newfound commitment to protecting human life be something healthy to come from the COVID-19 ordeal ?
But we seem to be heading in the wrong direction .
The Associated Press recently reported on the staggering number of Americans dying in nursing homes during the pandemic , not just from the coronavirus , but from neglect .
“ As more than 90,000 of the nation ’ s long-term care residents have died in a pandemic that has pushed staffs to the limit , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elderly say a tandem wave of death separate from the virus has quietly claimed tens of thousands more , often because overburdened workers haven ’ t been able to give them the care they need .
”

The coronavirus has killed an additional 108 Illinois residents and spread to 7,873 more, public health officials announced Saturday.
Here’s what happened today in coronavirus-related news.
News
5:00 p.m 108 more Illinois coronavirus deaths, 7,873 new cases
The coronavirus has killed an additional 108 Illinois residents and spread to 7,873 more, public health officials announced Saturday.
The daily caseload was among the state’s lowest during a resurgent month of November, but that’s mostly because a relatively low number of COVID-19 tests are being processed by Illinois laboratories over the holiday weekend.
The new infections were detected among 79,055 tests, holding the state’s average positivity rate over the last week at 10.1%, as low as it’s been in three weeks.
But the latest deaths attributed to the virus were logged at a rate that’s risen to a troubling average for the state following a drastic rise in outbreaks this fall. The virus has claimed about 106 lives per day over the last two weeks — almost three times the rate this time last month.
2:04 p.m. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart tests positive for coronavirus
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is at home recovering after testing positive for COVID-19, his office announced Saturday.
Dart last worked Nov. 19, began feeling symptoms the next day and then immediately self-quarantined, according to a statement from Dart’s office.
He was tested Tuesday and received results Friday confirming he had contracted the virus, the sheriff’s office said.
Dart remains symptomatic and is under the care of a physician while recovering at home, the sheriff’s office said. He is unsure how he was infected.
Read the full story here.
1:18 p.m. Illinois surpasses 12K coronavirus deaths, 700K cases
Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Eight months into the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19 has killed 12,029 Illinois residents while spreading to at least 705,063 people, according to the latest figures released by public health officials Friday.
It only took nine days for the state to pass its latest troubling milestones, after the death toll surpassed 11,000 and the case tally eclipsed 600,000 Nov. 18.
The virus has claimed almost 2,300 lives this month alone and is the currently the state’s third-leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer. Forty-one Chicago-area victims were among the latest 66 deaths that officials have attributed to the virus.
Read the full story here.
1:08 p.m. Small Brewery Sunday: Love, or possibly lose, your local brewpub as pandemic slows down sales
The country’s expanding craft beer industry runs the risk of going flat with brewpubs and microbreweries facing a winter of siphoned sales, spurred by expected shutdowns to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Among the more than 8,300 independent breweries in the U.S., the vast majority of them — about 6,000 — are small-producing microbreweries and brewpubs, which thrive off of their on-premise beer sales. Beer sales on location have plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To raise awareness about local independent beer makers’ plight, the Brewers Association, the trade group representing breweries, on Nov. 29 is promoting Small Brewery Sunday — slotted between Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
Read the full story here.
9:22 a.m. ‘Shop Black’ campaign brings customers to Chatham businesses
Black Friday shopping on the 75th Street Boardwalk in Chatham was going to be an event, with an assortment of activities designed to lure shoppers who would spend their holiday cash in Black-owned businesses.
But after the recent surge in coronavirus cases, the festivities were canceled, though some shops stayed open, and customers continued to trickle in.
Stephanie Hart, owner of Brown Sugar Bakery, 233 E. 75th St., understood why the Greater Chatham Initiative canceled “Shop Black, Shop Local,” fearing it could become a super-spreader event. Still, she said, during the pandemic, it is more important than ever to support Black-owned businesses.
The city recently launched Black Shop Friday, with the help of community partners, to promote those businesses, listing 500 of them on a new website, blackshopfriday.com.
“I think supporting Black-owned businesses, especially if you live in a Black community, is so important. Why? Everyone that works here, is from here,” Hart said Friday afternoon. “We are providing jobs in this community.”
New Cases
State health officials reported 12,022 new coronavirus cases and 131 more deaths on Thanksgiving Day.
Chicago R&B artist Jeremih was reportedly transferred to a regular hospital room Saturday after spending at least a week in intensive care undergoing treatment for COVID-19.
The World Health Organization has recorded 65 cases of the coronavirus among staff based at its headquarters, including five people who worked on the premises and were in contact with one another.
Analysis & Commentary
9:14 a.m. COVID-19 forces the question: How can we keep from warehousing the elderly?
Every once in a while, the governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, says something I absolutely agree with.
At the beginning of the pandemic, he went on and on about how every human life matters. I prayed: If he means this, maybe we can see that reflected in our politics. As it happens, with all the death this year, my friends in the religious order Sisters of Life tell me that some pregnant women are rejecting abortion because the last thing we need is more death.
Wouldn’t a newfound commitment to protecting human life be something healthy to come from the COVID-19 ordeal?
But we seem to be heading in the wrong direction.
The Associated Press recently reported on the staggering number of Americans dying in nursing homes during the pandemic, not just from the coronavirus, but from neglect.
“As more than 90,000 of the nation’s long-term care residents have died in a pandemic that has pushed staffs to the limit,” the AP reports, “advocates for the elderly say a tandem wave of death separate from the virus has quietly claimed tens of thousands more, often because overburdened workers haven’t been able to give them the care they need.”
Read the full column here.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-28--Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart tests positive for coronavirus

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is at home recovering after testing positive for COVID-19 , his office announced Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ , began feeling symptoms the next day and then immediately self-quarantined , according to a @ @ @ @ @ office .
He was tested Tuesday and received results Friday confirming he had contracted the @ @ @ @ @ s office said .
Dart remains symptomatic and is under the care of a physician @ @ @ @ @ the sheriff ’ s office said .
He is unsure how he was infected .
@ @ @ @ @ suspended in-person visits at the Cook County Jail as coronavirus cases have surged across the @ @ @ @ @ began , eight detainees at the jail overseen by Dart have died of the virus @ @ @ @ @ contracted COVID-19 statewide since March .

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is at home recovering after testing positive for COVID-19, his office announced Saturday.
Dart last worked Nov. 19, began feeling symptoms the next day and then immediately self-quarantined, according to a statement from Dart’s office.
He was tested Tuesday and received results Friday confirming he had contracted the virus, the sheriff’s office said.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Dart remains symptomatic and is under the care of a physician while recovering at home, the sheriff’s office said. He is unsure how he was infected.
Earlier this month, Dart suspended in-person visits at the Cook County Jail as coronavirus cases have surged across the state. Since the pandemic began, eight detainees at the jail overseen by Dart have died of the virus.
Almost 713,000 people have contracted COVID-19 statewide since March.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-29--Man and a 14-year-old boy shot in West Garfield Park

Two people were injured , including a 14-year-old boy , in a shooting Sunday morning in West Garfield Park .
@ @ @ @ @ a.m. in the 4000 block of West Lake Street , according to Chicago police .
@ @ @ @ @ 21-year-old man brought themselves to Stroger Hospital , police said .
The boy had been @ @ @ @ @ was listed in good condition , while the man had been shot in the leg @ @ @ @ @ fair condition , police said .
The two did not cooperate with officers and would @ @ @ @ @ the shooting , according to police .

Two people were injured, including a 14-year-old boy, in a shooting Sunday morning in West Garfield Park.
The shooting happened about 2:20 a.m. in the 4000 block of West Lake Street, according to Chicago police.
The 14-year-old boy and a 21-year-old man brought themselves to Stroger Hospital, police said.
The boy had been struck in the wrist and was listed in good condition, while the man had been shot in the leg and arm and was in fair condition, police said.
The two did not cooperate with officers and would not provide any information on the shooting, according to police.
Area Four detectives are investigating.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-29--Man charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at a Chicago police officer

A West Rogers Park man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly firing shots at a Chicago police officer @ @ @ @ @ .
Gerardo Jasso , 35 , is accused of firing at an officer during a @ @ @ @ @ of North Oakley Avenue , according to Chicago police .
About 3:15 p.m. , officers @ @ @ @ @ after they saw him in a public way with an open can of alcohol , @ @ @ @ @ fled on foot and pointed and fired a handgun at an officer who then returned @ @ @ @ @ No one was struck , according to police .
A handgun was recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ and charged with one felony count of attempted murder , one felony count of unlawful @ @ @ @ @ a felon , one felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon , one @ @ @ @ @ a controlled substance and one misdemeanor charge for drinking alcohol in the public way .
@ @ @ @ @ in bond court Sunday .

A West Rogers Park man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly firing shots at a Chicago police officer Saturday on the North Side.
Gerardo Jasso, 35, is accused of firing at an officer during a stop in the 6200 block of North Oakley Avenue, according to Chicago police.
About 3:15 p.m., officers attempted to speak to Jasso after they saw him in a public way with an open can of alcohol, police said.
Jasso allegedly fled on foot and pointed and fired a handgun at an officer who then returned fire, police said. No one was struck, according to police.
Officers in @ChicagoCAPS24 were fired upon in the 6200 blk of N. Campbell today. Officers returned fire. There are no reported hits. The offender was taken into custody and a firearm recovered. Area Detectives are investigating. #ChicagoPolice pic.twitter.com/dk0We3MEEz — Tom Ahern (@TomAhernCPD) November 28, 2020
A handgun was recovered from the scene and Jasso was arrested and charged with one felony count of attempted murder, one felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, one felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, one felony count of possession of a controlled substance and one misdemeanor charge for drinking alcohol in the public way.
Jasso is expected to appear in bond court Sunday.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-29--Dear Abby: Man’s girlfriend of 11 years isn’t welcome at some of his family events

DEAR ABBY : I have been married to my husband for 38 years .
Our two children are adults now .
Our older son has had the same girlfriend for 11 years , but my in-laws still won ’ t accept her because they aren ’ t married , so they don ’ t include her in some family functions .
How can I let them know in a nice way that she is family to me ?
Even my husband doesn ’ t regard her as family .
I understand some people are that way , but I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our friends and boyfriends and girlfriends as family , even after some were divorced .
I feel like skipping these family functions if my children and their girlfriends aren ’ t included .
What can I do ?
— INCLUSIVE IN OKLAHOMA DEAR INCLUSIVE : Your in-laws have a right to their opinions , and so do you .
Listen to your heart .
If it ’ s telling you that you would rather spend those times with your children and their girlfriends , go ahead and do it .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the long-term relationship would not be leaving his girlfriend home alone when these gatherings are held , because if that ’ s the case after 11 years , she should dump him .
DEAR ABBY : My sisters and I grew up in California .
One of my sisters moved to Texas with her husband 29 years ago .
Over the years I have had to listen to her put California down .
On the occasions when she visits , she never fails to mention how crowded it is , how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a joke .
Recently , she asked to come here for a visit , and I agreed .
The next day I got a text from her with an article attached about “ Why California Sucks.
” I am so irritated that I no longer want her to come next month .
How do I handle this ?
— ANNOYED IN CALIFORNIA DEAR ANNOYED : Are you telling me you have tolerated your sister ’ s jibes about our great state of California all this time without putting a stop to it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nerve !
If she truly hates it here , why is she willing to come ?
Although California may have its natural disasters , a large homeless population , unhealthful air quality , scorching heat waves and the promise of even higher taxes to come — other states are not without their challenges .
Yet folks still seem to want to immigrate to California in droves , judging by the traffic .
The time has come to draw the line .
Tell your sister you don ’ t like her needling , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , her invitation will be rescinded .
DEAR ABBY : For the last 20 years , I have been sending my four nieces and nephews birthday and Christmas cards with checks enclosed .
They are adults now with jobs and families .
How can I gently tell them that I wish to discontinue the checks in their cards ?
— NO MORE IN FLORIDA DEAR NO MORE : All you need to do is remind them — lovingly — that because they are adults now , with jobs and families of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cards on special occasions rather than send money .
Many parents do this when their children reach adulthood .
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 .
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “ The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.
” To order , send your name and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Anger Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for 38 years. Our two children are adults now. Our older son has had the same girlfriend for 11 years, but my in-laws still won’t accept her because they aren’t married, so they don’t include her in some family functions. How can I let them know in a nice way that she is family to me? Even my husband doesn’t regard her as family.
I understand some people are that way, but I was raised by a mother who saw all of our friends and boyfriends and girlfriends as family, even after some were divorced. I feel like skipping these family functions if my children and their girlfriends aren’t included. What can I do? — INCLUSIVE IN OKLAHOMA
DEAR INCLUSIVE: Your in-laws have a right to their opinions, and so do you. Listen to your heart. If it’s telling you that you would rather spend those times with your children and their girlfriends, go ahead and do it. I am assuming that the son who is involved in the long-term relationship would not be leaving his girlfriend home alone when these gatherings are held, because if that’s the case after 11 years, she should dump him.
DEAR ABBY: My sisters and I grew up in California. One of my sisters moved to Texas with her husband 29 years ago. Over the years I have had to listen to her put California down. On the occasions when she visits, she never fails to mention how crowded it is, how the air is terrible and how our government is a joke.
Recently, she asked to come here for a visit, and I agreed. The next day I got a text from her with an article attached about “Why California Sucks.” I am so irritated that I no longer want her to come next month. How do I handle this? — ANNOYED IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR ANNOYED: Are you telling me you have tolerated your sister’s jibes about our great state of California all this time without putting a stop to it? That woman has a lot of nerve! If she truly hates it here, why is she willing to come?
Although California may have its natural disasters, a large homeless population, unhealthful air quality, scorching heat waves and the promise of even higher taxes to come — other states are not without their challenges. Yet folks still seem to want to immigrate to California in droves, judging by the traffic.
The time has come to draw the line. Tell your sister you don’t like her needling, and if she doesn’t cut it out, her invitation will be rescinded.
DEAR ABBY: For the last 20 years, I have been sending my four nieces and nephews birthday and Christmas cards with checks enclosed. They are adults now with jobs and families. How can I gently tell them that I wish to discontinue the checks in their cards? — NO MORE IN FLORIDA
DEAR NO MORE: All you need to do is remind them — lovingly — that because they are adults now, with jobs and families of their own, you would like to exchange cards on special occasions rather than send money. Many parents do this when their children reach adulthood.
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.
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-11-29--Three men shot in West Garfield Park

Three men shot in West Garfield Park

Three men were shot Saturday night in West Garfield Park .
About 9:40 p.m. , they were standing outside in @ @ @ @ @ Harrison Street when multiple men in a passing black Dodge Charger fired shots , Chicago @ @ @ @ @ , 25 , was struck in the wrist , leg and chest , and a @ @ @ @ @ shot twice in the leg , police said .
Both men self-transported to Rush Hospital @ @ @ @ @ Hospital , police said .
A 39-year-old man was shot in the back and went @ @ @ @ @ was transferred to Stroger Hospital , police said .
All three men were listed in @ @ @ @ @ police .
No one is in custody as Area Four detectives investigate .

Three men were shot Saturday night in West Garfield Park.
About 9:40 p.m., they were standing outside in the 4700 block of West Harrison Street when multiple men in a passing black Dodge Charger fired shots, Chicago police said.
A man, 25, was struck in the wrist, leg and chest, and a man, 36, was shot twice in the leg, police said. Both men self-transported to Rush Hospital and were transferred to Stroger Hospital, police said.
A 39-year-old man was shot in the back and went to Loretto Hospital before he was transferred to Stroger Hospital, police said.
All three men were listed in good condition, according to police.
No one is in custody as Area Four detectives investigate.