chicagosun-times--2020-11-13--Not conceding to Rep. Lauren Underwood, Jim Oberweis in DC for freshman orientation

WASHINGTON — Republican Jim Oberweis attended orientation for new House members on Thursday and Friday , even though the Associated Press projected Rep. Lauren Underwood , D-Ill. , the winner of their 14th Congressional District race .
Every two years in the week after the election , the House Committee on Administration runs two days of briefings and training for newly elected members .
The House Democratic and Republican leadership also have activities for their new members .
Thursday afternoon , the AP called the 14th District race for freshman Underwood , from Naperville .
At that point , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oberweis , a state senator from Sugar Grove .
Since then , with more mail and provisional ballots counted , Underwood has increased her lead to 4,688 , according to the AP .
Oberweis spokesman Travis Akin told reporters Thursday that Oberweis would not concede would seek a recount .
On Friday , Akin said Oberweis “ was on the plane when the AP called the race ” on Thursday .
When races are not called or otherwise undecided , it is common practice for candidates to attend the freshman orientation .
Akin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an “ in your face ” statement .
It was “ something he was advised to do so he did , ” Akin said .
New member orientation is held only once .
The orientation mainly deals with the logistics of getting a House office up and running .
Sessions and trainings are held going over office budgets and equipment , staffing , ethics rules and how government money can and can not be used .
New members also use the face time with leaders to lobby for committee assignments .
Akin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counting is complete on Nov. 17 and the results are certified .
Akin said the “ numbers being reported are accurate ” but Oberweis has a chance of winning because “ we think there are more provisional ballots out there than have been said.
” A spokesman for the Underwood campaign had no comment about Oberweis attending the orientation .
Oberweis posted a picture of himself on Facebook in the Capitol complex with Rep.-elect Mary Miller , R-Ill. Miller will replace retiring Rep. John Shimkus in downstate ’ s 15th Congressional District , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , conservative turf in Illinois .
Miller won with 73.5 % of the vote , according to the AP .
With her husband , she runs a family farm in Oakland , in Coles County .
House Republicans had only 13 females in their ranks going into the election , and the results yielded a record number of new GOP females — more than a dozen , including Miller , who campaigned on conservative causes and issues .
Miller will be the only female Republican in the Illinois delegation .
Including Underwood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

WASHINGTON — Republican Jim Oberweis attended orientation for new House members on Thursday and Friday, even though the Associated Press projected Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Ill., the winner of their 14th Congressional District race.
Every two years in the week after the election, the House Committee on Administration runs two days of briefings and training for newly elected members.
The House Democratic and Republican leadership also have activities for their new members.
On Saturday, Oberweis posted on Twitter a series of photos and videos of him touring the White House at an event for GOP freshmen members.
Thursday afternoon, the AP called the 14th District race for freshman Underwood, from Naperville. At that point, the count put her 4,288 votes ahead of Oberweis, a state senator from Sugar Grove. Since then, with more mail and provisional ballots counted, Underwood has increased her lead to 4,688, according to the AP.
Oberweis spokesman Travis Akin told reporters Thursday that Oberweis would not concede and would seek a recount.
On Friday, Akin said Oberweis “was on the plane when the AP called the race” on Thursday.
When races are not called or otherwise undecided, it is common practice for candidates to attend the freshman orientation.
Akin said Oberweis attending the sessions was not an “in your face” statement. It was “something he was advised to do so he did,” Akin said. New member orientation is held only once.
The orientation mainly deals with the logistics of getting a House office up and running. Sessions and trainings are held going over office budgets and equipment, staffing, ethics rules and how government money can and cannot be used. New members also use the face time with leaders to lobby for committee assignments.
Akin said Oberweis will pursue the recount once ballot counting is complete on Nov. 17 and the results are certified. Akin said the “numbers being reported are accurate” but Oberweis has a chance of winning because “we think there are more provisional ballots out there than have been said.”
A spokesman for the Underwood campaign had no comment about Oberweis attending the orientation.
Rep.-elect Mary Miller boosts GOP female ranks
Oberweis posted a picture of himself on Facebook in the Capitol complex with Rep.-elect Mary Miller, R-Ill.
Miller will replace retiring Rep. John Shimkus in downstate’s 15th Congressional District, which includes some of the most Republican, conservative turf in Illinois. Miller won with 73.5% of the vote, according to the AP. With her husband, she runs a family farm in Oakland, in Coles County.
House Republicans had only 13 females in their ranks going into the election, and the results yielded a record number of new GOP females — more than a dozen, including Miller, who campaigned on conservative causes and issues.
Miller will be the only female Republican in the Illinois delegation. Including Underwood, Democratic women in the delegation number four.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--Cold front could bring potentially damaging winds through Chicago area Sunday: forecasters

An overnight cold front will likely bring “ strong , potentially damaging winds ” blowing through the Chicago area Sunday @ @ @ @ @ Weather Service .
The city could see wind gusts as high as 55 miles per @ @ @ @ @ down tree limbs — resulting in some power outages — damage outdoor tents and blow @ @ @ @ @ weather service said .
There ’ s also a high likelihood of showers Saturday night @ @ @ @ @ a thunderstorm possible overnight .
The weather service issued a wind advisory to take effect @ @ @ @ @ to all of central and northern Illinois , as well as northwest Indiana .
The @ @ @ @ @ 6 p.m. Sunday .
The strong winds will come with a cold front that sees @ @ @ @ @ degrees , and drop to 32 degrees Sunday night , the weather service said .
@ @ @ @ @ back into the low 50s on Monday .

Snow showers could potentially reach the Chicago area Sunday morning, along with strong winds, according to the National Weather Service.
A burst of snow is possible between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m, mixing with rain south of I-80, the weather service said. Accumulation is not expected with temperatures remaining above freezing, but there could be reduced visibility on the roads.
The city could also have wind gusts as high as 55 mph, which can bring down tree limbs and result in some power outages, the weather service said. Unsecured objects, such as outdoor tents and patio furniture, could pose risks to people or be damaged.
Windy today! A brief burst of snow will also be possible this morning, favoring areas north of I-80, resulting in visibility reductions and a quick dusting on grassy surfaces. Occasional light showers, possibly mixed with snow, may continue into the afternoon. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/tlyIyKRlqY — NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) November 15, 2020
The weather service issued a wind advisory that took effect at midnight Sunday, applying to all of central and northern Illinois, as well as northwest Indiana. The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday.
The strong winds will come with a cold front that will have temperatures peak at about 45 degrees and drop to 32 degrees Sunday night, the weather service said. Temperatures are expected to climb back into the low 50s on Monday.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--Source: 2 Titans players fined for penalties against Bears in Week 9

Two Titans players were fined for egregious penalties against the Bears in their Week 9 game , a source said @ @ @ @ @ was flagged for a facemask penalty against Bears wide receiver Anthony Miller with five minutes @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 for it .
His teammate , safety Amani Hooker , committed an unnecessary-roughness penalty @ @ @ @ @ but he was not fined .
Titans defensive end Jack Crawford was fined , however @ @ @ @ @ against Bears quarterback Nick Foles .
That hit cost him $ 6,985 .
While Byard @ @ @ @ @ were expensive , the Bears ’ penalties were more costly on the field in a @ @ @ @ @ They had five accepted penalties for a total of 35 yards .
They sustained back-to-back @ @ @ @ @ Leno and right tackle Rashaad Coward late in the first half to sink a that @ @ @ @ @ fourth-and-one on a false start by rookie guard Arlington Hambright .

Two Titans players were fined for egregious penalties against the Bears in their Week 9 game, a source said.
Titans safety Kevin Byard was flagged for a facemask penalty against Bears wide receiver Anthony Miller with five minutes remaining and was fined $10,000 for it. His teammate, safety Amani Hooker, committed an unnecessary-roughness penalty on Miller as well, but he was not fined.
Titans defensive end Jack Crawford was fined, however, for his roughing-the-passer penalty against Bears quarterback Nick Foles. That hit cost him $6,985.
While Byard and Crawford’s penalties were expensive, the Bears’ penalties were more costly on the field in a game they lost 24-17.
They had five accepted penalties for a total of 35 yards. They sustained back-to-back penalties by left tackle Charles Leno and right tackle Rashaad Coward late in the first half to sink a that possession, and botched a fourth-and-one on a false start by rookie guard Arlington Hambright.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--ESPN’s Louis Riddick: New play caller doesn’t solve Bears’ biggest problem

Matt Nagy ’ s play calling certainly was part of the problem for the Bears , something his longtime friend Louis Riddick pointed out on ESPN ’ s broadcast during a particularly drab series against the Rams last month , but it wasn ’ t the only issue .
Riddick gave an unfiltered assessment , saying , “ You ’ ve got ta come up with something a little bit better , ” and had a feeling Nagy knew it , too .
He believed Nagy was already considering handing over play calling , which he did Friday to offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy who is basically his mentor has done that , ” Riddick said , referring to Chiefs coach Andy Reid .
“ And here in Chicago , you ’ re talking about a defense that has kicked ass over the past couple of years and is a championship-caliber defense .
And the offense has just lagged .
I ’ d love to play against this offense.
” That said , Riddick believes strongly that Nagy can turn it around and sees talent among the Bears ’ skill players .
He plans to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their game against the Vikings on Monday , when he ’ ll get a firsthand look at whether Lazor makes any difference .
While he ’ s as curious as anyone to see the results of Nagy ’ s gutsy decision , Riddick cautioned that some of the Bears ’ flaws are unfixable .
The biggest problem he sees , by a wide margin over anything else , is their faulty offensive line .
“ They just don ’ t have the manpower , ” he said .
“ You aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things out of the people that they have .
You just aren ’ t gon na miraculously change who they are .
That ’ s not being disrespectful to these guys , but it just is what it is .
“ The tackles ( Charles Leno and Bobby Massie ) have underperformed .
The guards ( Rashaad Coward and Germain Ifedi ) are below average ...
These aren ’ t things that you can fix right now .
”

Matt Nagy’s play-calling certainly was part of the problem for the Bears, something his longtime friend Louis Riddick pointed out on ESPN’s broadcast during a particularly drab series against the Rams last month, but it wasn’t the only issue.
Riddick gave an unfiltered assessment, saying, “You’ve gotta come up with something a little bit better,” and had a feeling Nagy knew it, too. He believed Nagy was already considering handing over play-calling, which he did Friday to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.
“The one guy who is basically his mentor has done that,” Riddick said, referring to Chiefs coach Andy Reid. “And here in Chicago, you’re talking about a defense that has kicked ass over the past couple of years and is a championship-caliber defense. And the offense has just lagged. I’d love to play against this offense.”
That said, Riddick believes strongly that Nagy can turn it around and sees talent among the Bears’ skill players. He plans to make both those points on the broadcast of their game against the Vikings on Monday, when he’ll get a firsthand look at whether Lazor makes any difference.
While he’s as curious as anyone to see the results of Nagy’s gutsy decision, Riddick cautioned that some of the Bears’ flaws are unfixable. The biggest problem he sees, by a wide margin, is their faulty offensive line.
“They just don’t have the manpower,” he said. “You aren’t going to be able to create certain things out of the people that they have. You just aren’t gonna miraculously change who they are. That’s not being disrespectful to these guys, but it just is what it is.
“The tackles [Charles Leno and Bobby Massie] have underperformed. The guards [Rashaad Coward and Germain Ifedi] are below average. These aren’t things that you can fix right now.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--Chicago R&B singer Jeremih on ventilator in ICU with COVID-19: reports

Local R & B artist Jeremih is on a ventilator at a Chicago hospital , where he is being treated for COVID-19 , according to media reports .
TMZ reported Saturday that the 33-year-old hitmaker had been placed on a ventilator , citing “ sources close to the situation.
” Several musicians took to social media to send Jeremih their best wishes , including Chance the Rapper , who asked people to pray for Jeremih in a tweet .
“ Please if you can take a second to pray for my friend Jeremih , he is like a brother to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , ” Chance wrote .
Please if you can take a second to pray for my friend Jeremih , he is like a brother to me and he ’ s ill right now .
I believe in the healing power of Jesus so if you can for me please please say a prayer over him — Chance The Rapper ( @ chancetherapper ) November 14 , 2020 Jeremih , whose birth name is Jeremy Felton , grew up on the South Side of Chicago and attended Morgan Park High School and Columbia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music scene with his 2009 debut single , “ Birthday Sex , ” and solidified his status as a hip-hop and R & B mainstay with his “ Late Nights ” trio of mixtapes and albums .
His latest album , “ Mih-Ty , ” a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ ign , was released in October 2018 .
Universal Music Group , the company that owns Jeremih ’ s label , Def Jam Music , did not immediately respond to a request for comment .

Local R&B artist Jeremih is on a ventilator at a Chicago hospital, where he is being treated for COVID-19, according to media reports.
TMZ reported Saturday that the 33-year-old hitmaker had been placed on a ventilator, citing “sources close to the situation.”
Several musicians took to social media to send Jeremih their best wishes, including Chance the Rapper, who asked people to pray for Jeremih in a tweet.
“Please if you can take a second to pray for my friend Jeremih, he is like a brother to me and he’s ill right now,” Chance wrote.
Please if you can take a second to pray for my friend Jeremih, he is like a brother to me and he’s ill right now. I believe in the healing power of Jesus so if you can for me please please say a prayer over him — Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) November 14, 2020
Jeremih, whose birth name is Jeremy Felton, grew up on the South Side of Chicago and attended Morgan Park High School and Columbia College.
He burst onto the national music scene with his 2009 debut single, “Birthday Sex,” and solidified his status as a hip-hop and R&B mainstay with his “Late Nights” trio of mixtapes and albums. His latest album, “Mih-Ty,” a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign, was released in October 2018.
Universal Music Group, the company that owns Jeremih’s label, Def Jam Music, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--Bears’ Roquan Smith announces his arrival as elite linebacker — at just 23

Just when everyone worried that Bears linebacker Roquan Smith might be slipping , that a promising career was at risk of being derailed by injury and off-field drama , he made it unmistakably clear where he is headed .
Smith has been dominant this season .
General manager Ryan Pace ’ s choice to draft him No .
8 overall in 2018 has looked smarter each week , and Smith looks like an All-Pro .
He leads the NFL with 62 solo tackles and is fourth with 82 overall , is third in tackles for loss with 12 and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ defensive snaps this season .
He is on pace for the Bears ’ highest tackle total since Brian Urlacher ’ s All-Pro season in 2002 .
Smith was good in his first two seasons , but this is different .
This is the definitive answer about whether he can be a pillar of the defense for the next decade or more .
This is an arrival , and Smith is only 23 .
‘ ‘ This now is an ascending player that is going to do nothing but get better and grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pagano said .
‘ ‘ With the level of play comes confidence , and .
.
.
his confidence is off the charts.
’ ’ As the Bears ’ defense cycled out older players , Smith ’ s emergence was exactly what they needed .
With Danny Trevathan starting slowly — he looks much better now — and Nick Kwiatkoski gone to the Raiders , Smith has kept the Bears steady at inside linebacker .
That was no guarantee after his first two seasons , and the biggest question mark was how he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ muscle last December .
He has been fine .
More than fine , in fact .
Physical ability was never in doubt with Smith , who gives Pagano a unique weapon as a blitzer .
Learning to decode complicated NFL offenses was a larger challenge , and Smith is playing like someone who knows all the answers .
‘ ‘ I definitely feel like I ’ m [ having ] a pretty solid year right now , coming into my own , in a sense , ’ ’ Smith said .
‘ ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also room for improvement , things I can do better or see even faster .
So there ’ s never a time where you ’ re , like , content with the way you are.
’ ’ When he steps back and watches himself on film , Smith sees what everyone else has noticed all season .
He looks faster , which is a result of being more on top of how opponents are scheming .
And when he does make a mistake , there ’ s no need for any of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows it immediately .
‘ ‘ What allows linebackers to take their game from one level to the next , really , is the key-and-diagnose aspect , ’ ’ said Louis Riddick , a former NFL executive now on ESPN ’ s ‘ ‘ Monday Night Football ’ ’ crew .
‘ ‘ [ It ’ s ] their ability to get off the spot and be headed in the right direction without false steps almost instantaneously , and you ’ re seeing him doing that .
‘ ‘ You ’ re seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether it be run or pass , in a flash .
.
.
.
He has done his homework in the film room , and then he is able to dial in on those things and apply them to games .
And when you ’ re that fast and that explosive , it shows up play after play .
That ’ s why his statistics are exploding.
’ ’ As good as Smith has been as a run stopper , he has been equally impressive in pass coverage .
Quarterbacks have completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throwing at him—the best mark by any qualifying linebacker — and have a 63.3 passer rating against him , according to Pro Football Reference .
Smith also has chipped in a forced fumble , five pass breakups and a sack .
It all adds up to Smith being the well-rounded , every-down linebacker the Bears thought they were getting .
He has developed into what they needed — just in time .

Just when everyone worried that Bears linebacker Roquan Smith might be slipping, that a promising career was at risk of being derailed by injury and off-field drama, he made it unmistakably clear where he is headed.
Smith has been dominant this season. General manager Ryan Pace’s choice to draft him No. 8 overall in 2018 has looked smarter each week, and Smith looks like an All-Pro.
He leads the NFL with 62 solo tackles and is fourth with 82 overall, is third in tackles for loss with 12 and has played all but two of the Bears’ defensive snaps this season. He is on pace for the Bears’ highest tackle total since Brian Urlacher’s All-Pro season in 2002.
Smith was good in his first two seasons, but this is different. This is the definitive answer about whether he can be a pillar of the defense for the next decade or more. This is an arrival, and Smith is only 23.
‘‘This now is an ascending player that is going to do nothing but get better and grow mentally,’’ defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano said. ‘‘With the level of play comes confidence, and . . . his confidence is off the charts.’’
As the Bears’ defense cycled out older players, Smith’s emergence was exactly what they needed. With Danny Trevathan starting slowly — he looks much better now — and Nick Kwiatkoski gone to the Raiders, Smith has kept the Bears steady at inside linebacker.
That was no guarantee after his first two seasons, and the biggest question mark was how he would play after suffering a torn pectoral muscle last December. He has been fine. More than fine, in fact.
Physical ability was never in doubt with Smith, who gives Pagano a unique weapon as a blitzer. Learning to decode complicated NFL offenses was a larger challenge, and Smith is playing like someone who knows all the answers.
‘‘I definitely feel like I’m [having] a pretty solid year right now, coming into my own, in a sense,’’ Smith said. ‘‘But I feel like there’s also room for improvement, things I can do better or see even faster. So there’s never a time where you’re, like, content with the way you are.’’
When he steps back and watches himself on film, Smith sees what everyone else has noticed all season. He looks faster, which is a result of being more on top of how opponents are scheming. And when he does make a mistake, there’s no need for any of his coaches to point it out; he knows it immediately.
‘‘What allows linebackers to take their game from one level to the next, really, is the key-and-diagnose aspect,’’ said Louis Riddick, a former NFL executive now on ESPN’s ‘‘Monday Night Football’’ crew. ‘‘[It’s] their ability to get off the spot and be headed in the right direction without false steps almost instantaneously, and you’re seeing him doing that.
‘‘You’re seeing him arriving at the point of attack, whether it be run or pass, in a flash. . . . He has done his homework in the film room, and then he is able to dial in on those things and apply them to games. And when you’re that fast and that explosive, it shows up play after play. That’s why his statistics are exploding.’’
As good as Smith has been as a run stopper, he has been equally impressive in pass coverage. Quarterbacks have completed only 58.5% of their passes when throwing at him—the best mark by any qualifying linebacker — and have a 63.3 passer rating against him, according to Pro Football Reference.
Smith also has chipped in a forced fumble, five pass breakups and a sack.
It all adds up to Smith being the well-rounded, every-down linebacker the Bears thought they were getting. He has developed into what they needed — just in time.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--James McCourt’s late field goal sends Illinois past Rutgers for first victory

PISCATAWAY , N.J. — James McCourt overcame two long misses in the fourth quarter to hit a 47-yard field goal with three seconds left to lift Illinois past Rutgers 23-20 for the Illini ’ s first win of the season .
Rutgers ’ offense came out quick , with quarterback Noah Vedral finding Bo Melton on a 29-yard pitch and catch to cap off a six-play , 75-yard drive to make it 7-0 just 1:57 into the game .
While starting quarterback Brandon Peters was missing his third straight game following a COVID-19 test , backup Isiah Williams got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the fourth starting quarterback of the season for Illinois ( 1-3 , 1-3 Big Ten ) .
After having 12 players out due to COVID-19 protocols against Minnesota last week , it was just Peters , who was on the sidelines in street clothes , and redshirt freshman tight end Griffin Moore — who did not make the trip .
Rutgers ’ defensive lineman Mike Teverdov stripped Williams , cornerback Max Melton recovered and the Scarlet Knights took it over on Illinois ’ 29-yard line with 7:52 left in the first quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player Ambrosio Valentino for his first career field goal attempt , a 29-yarder , for a 10-0 lead .
Illinois answered courtesy of Williams , who had five-straight carries , and finished it off with his first score on a 3-yard touchdown run .
The redshirt freshman finished with a game-high 192 yards rushing on 31 carries to overcome a 7-for-19 passing effort .
Rutgers ( 1-3 , 1-3 ) closed the first-half scoring with a 26-yard field by Valentino to make it 13-7 .
Illinois made it 13-10 with 8:59 left in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first FG attempt of the season from 29 yards .
Rutgers countered with Melton having a career-long 66-yard touchdown reception on third and 10 for a 20-10 lead with 7:43 left in the third .
It was Melton ’ s second two-score game of his career .
He did it for the first time two weeks ago against Indiana .
Illinois responded with a six-play , 60-yard touchdown drive .
Running back Mike Epstein scored on a direct snap from a yard out to make it 20-17 with 4:54 left in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at 20 early in the fourth quarter on a 23-yard field goal .
McCourt missed a 54-yard field with 7:20 left , setting up Rutgers with good field position .
But Vedral threw his second interception of the game on third-and-three , and gave Illinois the ball back on its own 26-yard line .
The Illini drove to Rutgers ’ 28-yard line to before McCourt missed wide right from 45 yards with 3:07 remaining .
But Vedral threw his third interception with Rutgers having first-and-10 on Illinois ’ 37-yard line .
McCourt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gave Illinois its first lead of the game at 23-20 .
Isaiah Pacheco had 134 yards on 20 carries to lead Rutgers , while Chase Brown added 135 yards on 17 carriers for Illinois .
Vredral finished 21-of-34 for 259 yards and two touchdowns .
After a hot start , Rutgers ’ offense could never really find its way , and Vedral ’ s interceptions proved to be costly as Illinois chipped back into the game , eventually taking the lead for the first time on a game-winning kick .
Rutgers was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the sidelines in street clothes .
The Ohio State transfer and former Rose Bowl MVP has 21 tackles and an INT in three games .
Illinois right tackle Alex Palczewski hurt his right knee on the first drive and was on crutches on the sidelines for the rest of the game .
Illinois will seek back-to-back wins with a trip to Nebraska ( 1-2 , 1-2 Big Ten ) next Saturday , who just secured its first win over Penn State ( 1-4 , 1-4 Big Ten ) .

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — When it was clear the game would be coming down to his kicker, Lovie Smith had no doubt the third time would be the charm for James McCourt in the waning moments of a 10-point comeback.
McCourt overcame two long misses in the fourth quarter to hit a 47-yard field goal with three seconds left to lift Illinois past Rutgers 23-20 for the Illini’s first win of the season.
“It’s tough when you miss a couple of field goals, but we have all the confidence in the world in him,” Smith said. “We just wanted to get him that opportunity. A lot of things had to happen to get that chance, but we’ve seen him do that before. The other field goals we attempted were in range, so was the last one, so no thought at all, he’s done that before.”
Rutgers’ offense came out quick, with quarterback Noah Vedral finding Bo Melton on a 29-yard pitch and catch to cap off a six-play, 75-yard drive to make it 7-0 just 1:57 into the game.
While starting quarterback Brandon Peters was missing his third straight game following a COVID-19 test, backup Isiah Williams got the start after his quarantine ended. He was the fourth starting quarterback of the season for Illinois (1-3, 1-3 Big Ten). After having 12 players out due to COVID-19 protocols against Minnesota last week, it was just Peters, who was on the sidelines in street clothes, and redshirt freshman tight end Griffin Moore — who did not make the trip.
Rutgers’ defensive lineman Mike Teverdov stripped Williams, cornerback Max Melton recovered and the Scarlet Knights took it over on Illinois’ 29-yard line with 7:52 left in the first quarter. That set up former Rutgers soccer player Ambrosio Valentino for his first career field goal attempt, a 29-yarder, for a 10-0 lead.
Illinois answered courtesy of Williams, who had five-straight carries, and finished it off with his first score on a 3-yard touchdown run. The redshirt freshman finished with a game-high 192 yards rushing on 31 carries to overcome a 7-for-19 passing effort.
“Our run defense has actually been pretty decent up until this,” said Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, whose team gave up 338 total rushing yards. “This is option football with a very elusive option quarterback, and he did a great job. He really was electric.”
Rutgers (1-3, 1-3) closed the first-half scoring with a 26-yard field by Valentino to make it 13-7.
Illinois made it 13-10 with 8:59 left in the third quarter after McCourt hit his first FG attempt of the season from 29 yards.
Rutgers countered with Melton having a career-long 66-yard touchdown reception on third-and-10 for a 20-10 lead with 7:43 left in the third. It was Melton’s second two-score game of his career. He did it for the first time two weeks ago against Indiana.
Illinois responded with a six-play, 60-yard touchdown drive. Running back Mike Epstein scored on a direct snap from a yard out to make it 20-17 with 4:54 left in the third, before McCourt tied it at 20 early in the fourth quarter on a 23-yard field goal.
McCourt missed a 54-yard field goal with 7:20 left, setting up Rutgers with good field position; however, Vedral threw his second interception of the game on third-and-three, and gave Illinois the ball back on its own 26-yard line. The Illini drove to Rutgers’ 28-yard line before McCourt missed wide right from 45 yards with 3:07 remaining.
Vedral then threw his third pick with Rutgers having first-and-10 on Illinois’ 37-yard line with 67 seconds to go. McCourt finally made good with the game winner and gave Illinois its first lead of the game at 23-20.
Isaiah Pacheco had 134 yards on 20 carries to lead Rutgers, while Chase Brown added 135 yards on 17 carriers for Illinois. Vredral finished 21-of-34 for 259 yards and two touchdowns.
“I was just not good enough,” Vedral said. “I have to be more accurate.”
THE TAKEAWAY
After a hot start, Rutgers’ offense could never really find its way, and Vedral’s interceptions proved to be costly as Illinois chipped back into the game, eventually taking the lead for the first time on a game-winning kick.
STARTING SAFETY OUT; TACKLE DOWN
Rutgers was without safety Brandon White, who was on the sidelines in street clothes. The Ohio State transfer and former Rose Bowl MVP has 21 tackles and an INT in three games. Illinois right tackle Alex Palczewski hurt his right knee on the first drive and was on crutches on the sidelines for the rest of the game.
QB CONUNDRUMS
Peters is expected back from COVID next week, though Williams is expected to be utilized as a runner for the Illini. Meantime, Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was asked if he’s thought about pulling Vedral for once-ballyhood recruit, redshirt sophomore Artur Sitkowski. While he has a strong arm, Sitkowksi has a 53% completion rate for his career, throwing five touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
UP NEXT
Illinois will seek back-to-back wins with a trip to Nebraska (1-2, 1-2 Big Ten) next Saturday, who just secured its first win over Penn State (0-4, 0-4 Big Ten).
Rutgers will host struggling Michigan at 7:30 p.m.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--This You Gotta See: Bears get to dump on the Vikings again; Bulls seek a “W” on draft night

Up or down .
Boom or bust .
Relevant or buried in a mound of hot garbage .
We ’ re talking about the Bears .
Also , the Bulls .
It ’ s a mighty big week on the homefront , in part because the 5-4 Bears , losers of three in a row , find themselves at the crossroads of win-a-football-game and don ’ t-call-us-we ’ ll-call-you .
Maybe it ’ s where they belong .
Maybe they ’ re lucky to be there , when you really think about it .
You saw their close shaves in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Falcons .
It could have been a lot worse than this .
Ah , but here come the Vikings to Soldier Field on Monday .
They ’ re 0-4 against Matt Nagy ’ s Bears .
They routinely have such a foul experience in our fair city — they ’ ve dropped 16 of their last 19 games here — it ’ s a wonder they haven ’ t found themselves floating under a Dave Matthews Band tour bus .
It ’ s an old reference , but it almost works .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ win a football game .
Will the Bulls get a victory Wednesday on draft night ?
The Bulls own the No .
4 pick .
That might leave them a notch away from Anthony Edwards , LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman .
Perhaps Israel ’ s Deni Avdija will be their man ?
Or Dayton ’ s Obi Toppin ?
Or a trade instead ?
Big boss Arturas Karnisovas is on the clock .
All the Bulls really need is a player who will transform the franchise .
Is that so much to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the ball move , make it dance , make it sing , make it — here ’ s the key to the whole operation , folks — go into the basket .
Did we mention free agency starts rocking Friday ?
Dustin Johnson , come on down .
A year after losing by a single stroke to Tiger Woods at Augusta , the world ’ s No .
1-ranked player has one of those “ he can ’ t blow this , can he ?
” leads .
He can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want to miss one of the great quarterbacks of his time , a man with such rare and exquisite talent that everyone else just kind of disappears in his midst .
But enough about Jacksonville rookie Jake Luton .
The Bills have outscored opponents by a total of nine points , yet they ’ re 7-2 .
Are they good-bad or bad-good ?
The Saints have won five in a row and are coming off a 38-3 romp in Tampa , merely the best game any NFL team has played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 2020 .
Bet the house on the Niners .
Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson complained last week that defenses have been calling out Ravens plays before he runs them .
At least he can take comfort in the knowledge that Bill Belichick ’ s teams always operate on the up-and-up .
In an overdue development , Nagy has turned over the offensive play-calling duties to coordinator Bill Lazor .
Isn ’ t that a little bit like turning over the choreography to the choreographer ?
And does this mean our role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t do with the football changes in any way ?
Who goes No .
1 ?
But we don ’ t care about that .
Who goes No .
4 ?
Bulls fans can be excused for reflexively dying to know who goes No .
7 , too .
The Huskies are 0-2 after back-to-back shellackings at home .
Sometimes it ’ s good to get the heck away from it all .
The last time these division rivals met , back on Oct. 25 , Arizona made out with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys , can we get a better game this time ?
Man , what happened to the Gophers ?
They ’ re 1-3 , their only win coming at Illinois .
Otherwise known as 0-3 against major-college competition .
These are the top two teams in the Big Ten , and that ’ s no joke .
How ’ bout crazy coach Tom Allen , rocket-armed QB Michael Penix Jr. and the 4-0 Hoosiers ?
The Illini finally got off the schneid Saturday with a three-point win at Rutgers .
Wait , does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Is there a better rivalry name than “ Bedlam ” ?
We ’ ll take this one : No , there is not .
The Cowboys haven ’ t beaten the Sooners since 2014 .
If the Wildcats are serious about winning a division title , they ’ re going to have to go through the Badgers to get there .
That ’ s just the way things work in the wild West .

Up or down. Boom or bust. Relevant or buried in a mound of hot garbage.
We’re talking about the Bears. Also, the Bulls.
It’s a mighty big week on the homefront, in part because the 5-4 Bears, losers of three in a row, find themselves at the crossroads of win-a-football-game and don’t-call-us-we’ll-call-you. Maybe it’s where they belong. Maybe they’re lucky to be there, when you really think about it. You saw their close shaves in season-opening victories against the Lions, Giants and Falcons. It could have been a lot worse than this.
Ah, but here come the Vikings to Soldier Field on Monday. They’re 0-4 against Matt Nagy’s Bears. They routinely have such a foul experience in our fair city — they’ve dropped 16 of their last 19 games here — it’s a wonder they haven’t found themselves floating under a Dave Matthews Band tour bus. It’s an old reference, but it almost works.
So, yeah, the Bears might win a football game. Will the Bulls get a victory Wednesday on draft night?
The Bulls own the No. 4 pick. That might leave them a notch away from Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman. Perhaps Israel’s Deni Avdija will be their man? Or Dayton’s Obi Toppin? Or a trade instead? Big boss Arturas Karnisovas is on the clock.
All the Bulls really need is a player who will transform the franchise. Is that so much to ask for? A player who will make the ball move, make it dance, make it sing, make it — here’s the key to the whole operation, folks — go into the basket. Did we mention free agency starts rocking Friday?
Here’s what’s happening:
SUN 15
The Masters, final round (9 a.m., Ch. 2)
Dustin Johnson, come on down. A year after losing by a single stroke to Tiger Woods at Augusta, the world’s No. 1-ranked player has one of those “he can’t blow this, can he?” leads. He can’t blow this, can he?
Jaguars at Packers (noon, Fox-32)
You don’t want to miss one of the great quarterbacks of his time, a man with such rare and exquisite talent that everyone else just kind of disappears in his midst. But enough about Jacksonville rookie Jake Luton.
Bills at Cardinals (3 p.m., Ch. 2)
The Bills have outscored opponents by a total of nine points, yet they’re 7-2. Are they good-bad or bad-good?
49ers at Saints (3:25 p.m., Fox-2)
The Saints have won five in a row and are coming off a 38-3 romp in Tampa, merely the best game any NFL team has played all season. Then again, it’s 2020. Bet the house on the Niners.
Ravens at Patriots (7:20 p.m., Ch. 5)
Jackson isn’t pleased. Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson complained last week that defenses have been calling out Ravens plays before he runs them. At least he can take comfort in the knowledge that Bill Belichick’s teams always operate on the up-and-up.
MON 16
Vikings at Bears (7:15 p.m., ESPN)
In an overdue development, Nagy has turned over the offensive play-calling duties to coordinator Bill Lazor. Isn’t that a little bit like turning over the choreography to the choreographer? And does this mean our role of complaining about everything the Bears do or don’t do with the football changes in any way?
WED 18
NBA draft (6 p.m., ESPN)
Who goes No. 1? But we don’t care about that. Who goes No. 4? Bulls fans can be excused for reflexively dying to know who goes No. 7, too.
Northern Illinois at Ball State (6 p.m., ESPNU)
The Huskies are 0-2 after back-to-back shellackings at home. Sometimes it’s good to get the heck away from it all.
THU 19
Cardinals at Seahawks (7:20 p.m., Fox-32)
The last time these division rivals met, back on Oct. 25, Arizona made out with a 37-34 overtime victory. Come on, guys, can we get a better game this time?
FRI 20
Purdue at Minnesota (6:30 p.m., BTN)
Man, what happened to the Gophers? They’re 1-3, their only win coming at Illinois. Otherwise known as 0-3 against major-college competition.
SAT 21
Penix is a star for the Hoosiers. Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images
Indiana at Ohio State (11 a.m., Fox-32)
These are the top two teams in the Big Ten, and that’s no joke. How ’bout crazy coach Tom Allen, rocket-armed QB Michael Penix Jr. and the 4-0 Hoosiers?
Illinois at Nebraska (11 a.m., BTN)
The Illini finally got off the schneid Saturday with a three-point win at Rutgers. Wait, does that count as getting off the schneid?
Oklahoma State at Oklahoma (6:30 p.m., Ch. 7)
Is there a better rivalry name than “Bedlam”? We’ll take this one: No, there is not. The Cowboys haven’t beaten the Sooners since 2014.
Wisconsin at Northwestern (TBD)
If the Wildcats are serious about winning a division title, they’re going to have to go through the Badgers to get there. That’s just the way things work in the wild West.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--Protesters call on Lightfoot to deny permit for Southeast Side metal shredder: ‘You can’t beautify w

Protesters call on Lightfoot to deny permit for Southeast Side metal shredder: ‘You can’t beautify what’s killing us’

Wearing masks reading “ Stop General Iron , ” more than 100 people gathered near Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s Logan Square home Saturday demanding her administration deny the second city permit that a car and metal shredding company needs to move its operations from Lincoln Park to the Southeast Side .
Many community members and environmental groups who contend General Iron is a “ chronic polluter ” say its parent company will only make matters worse for a majority-Latino neighborhood that ’ s already suffering from poor air quality .
“ They say everywhere they go , there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brecada , whose young nieces attend an elementary school a few blocks from the proposed shredding site near 116th Street and Burley Avenue .
“ I ’ m the aunt , and all this stuff is important.
” Reserve Management Group , which owns General Iron , is aiming to begin operating along the Calumet River early next year .
The company was cited 11 times for violations of pollution and nuisance laws at its existing Lincoln Park facility between December 2019 and March of this year .
In a statement , RMG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceed ” the city ’ s permit conditions to bring its “ environmentally responsible recycling ” to the Southeast Side .
“ The alternative to this project is discarding metal in landfills or shredding metal at facilities that don ’ t have any pollution controls , ” according to the company , which has said its “ new shredder will be enclosed and substantially removed from public view.
” But Oscar Sanchez , a longtime Southeast Side resident whose younger brother uses a machine to breathe because he has damaged lungs , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new-and-improved General Iron.
” “ You can ’ t beautify what ’ s killing us , ” said Sanchez , an advocate with the Southeast Youth Alliance .
“ We deserve to not live in a dumping site.
” Police monitoring the protest blocked off West Wrightwood Avenue near Lightfoot ’ s house .
As of last week , RMG had yet to file for its final permit , according to a city spokesman .
Marie Collins-Wright has lived with her family in South Deering on the Southeast Side for 36 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for years , she said .
“ It ’ s not safe , she said .
“ Crushing cars leaves a very toxic footprint .
”

Wearing masks reading “Stop General Iron,” more than 100 people gathered near Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Logan Square home Saturday demanding her administration deny the second city permit that a car and metal shredding company needs to move its operations from Lincoln Park to the Southeast Side.
Many community members and environmental groups who contend General Iron is a “chronic polluter” say its parent company will only make matters worse for a majority-Latino neighborhood that’s already suffering from poor air quality.
“They say everywhere they go, there’s trash,” said 18-year-old Mia Brecada, whose young nieces attend an elementary school a few blocks from the proposed shredding site near 116th Street and Burley Avenue. “I’m the aunt, and all this stuff is important.”
Reserve Management Group, which owns General Iron, is aiming to begin operating along the Calumet River early next year. The company was cited 11 times for violations of pollution and nuisance laws at its existing Lincoln Park facility between December 2019 and March of this year.
In a statement, RMG said it expects to “meet or exceed” the city’s permit conditions to bring its “environmentally responsible recycling” to the Southeast Side.
“The alternative to this project is discarding metal in landfills or shredding metal at facilities that don’t have any pollution controls,” according to the company, which has said its “new shredder will be enclosed and substantially removed from public view.”
Protesters march Saturday in Logan Square. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
But Oscar Sanchez, a longtime Southeast Side resident whose younger brother uses a machine to breathe because he has damaged lungs, said the community doesn't want a “new-and-improved General Iron.”
“You can’t beautify what’s killing us,” said Sanchez, an advocate with the Southeast Youth Alliance. “We deserve to not live in a dumping site.”
Police monitoring the protest blocked off West Wrightwood Avenue near Lightfoot’s house. As of last week, RMG had yet to file for its final permit, according to a city spokesman.
Marie Collins-Wright has lived with her family in South Deering on the Southeast Side for 36 years, and has been advocating against General Iron for years, she said.
“It’s not safe, she said. “Crushing cars leaves a very toxic footprint.”


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--7 shot, 1 fatally in Chicago so far this weekend

One person has been killed and six others , including a 16-year-old boy , have been injured in shootings across Chicago so far this weekend .
A 28-year-old man was fatally shot Friday evening in Austin on the West Side .
February Burage was on the sidewalk about 8:05 p.m. in the 5600 block of West Madison Street when someone fired shots , striking him in the head , Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said .
Burage , who lived in Bloomingdale , was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was pronounced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teenage boy was shot during a fight Friday night outside the Portillo ’ s restaurant in the South Loop .
The 16-year-old was in a vehicle in a parking lot shortly after 11 p.m. in the 500 block of West Taylor Street when he got into an altercation with someone in a black Jeep behind him who honked his horn at him , according to police .
They got out of their cars and started to fight before the male suspect pulled out a gun and shot the teen in the leg .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fair condition .
A police source said the incident happened in the drive-thru of Portillo ’ s , 520 W. Taylor .
A 27-year-old man was wounded in a shooting Saturday afternoon in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was outside a home about 3:20 p.m. in the 1300 block of South Springfield Avenue when someone fired shots , striking him in the groin area , Chicago police said .
The man was taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in good condition .
About an hour earlier , a 26-year-old woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She was inside an apartment in the 5500 block of West Washington Boulevard when she heard a sound coming from the outside of the residence , Chicago police said .
She opened the door and saw a man , who then pulled out a gun and fired shots at her .
She was struck in the right leg and taken to Stroger Hospital , where her condition was stabilized .
Early Saturday , a 54-year-old man was shot while driving in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was driving about 3:10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kolmar Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain , police said .
The man suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and was transported to Stroger Hospital in fair condition .
A 32-year-old man was wounded in a drive-by hours earlier in West Garfield Park on the West Side .
He was walking about 12:55 a.m. in the 3800 block of West Adams Street when a man inside a passing vehicle fired shots , police said .
The man was struck in the leg and transported to Mount Sinai Hospital , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the weekend ’ s first reported shooting , a man was wounded Friday evening in Clearing on the Southwest Side .
The 36-year-old was walking about 7:42 p.m. in the 6400 block of South Meade Avenue when someone opened fire , police said .
He was grazed in the back and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he was treated and released .
Last weekend , 43 people were shot , 8 fatally , throughout the city .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ @ @ @

One person was killed and 21 others, including three minors, were injured in shootings across Chicago over the weekend.
The weekend was considerably less violent than last weekend, which left 43 people shot, 8 fatally, throughout the city between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.
In this weekend’s lone fatal attack, a 28-year-old man was shot to death Friday evening in Austin on the West Side.
February Burage was on the sidewalk about 8:05 p.m. in the 5600 block of West Madison Street when someone fired shots, striking him in the head, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. Burage, who lived in Bloomingdale, was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Sunday evening, a 14-year-old girl who was one of three people shot at a Chatham dance studio. The girl was with a group of people inside the studio in the 200 block of East 79th Street about 9 p.m. when someone opened fire from outside, police said. The girl was struck in the shoulder and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in fair condition. Two men were hospitalized in serious condition, police said.
Saturday evening, a 12-year-old boy was seriously wounded when a 13-year-old boy accidentally shot him in the chest in Roseland on the South Side. About 7:30 p.m., the older boy was handling a gun when it went off inside a home in the 700 block of East 105th Place, striking the younger boy in the chest, according to police. The 12-year-old taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in serious condition.
A weapon was recovered, and the 13-year-old was released without charges after being questioned by Area Two detectives, who classified the case as a “non-criminal accidental discharge,” police said.
Friday night, a teenage boy was shot during a fight outside the Portillo’s restaurant’s drive-thru in the South Loop. The 16-year-old was in a vehicle in a parking lot shortly after 11 p.m. in the 500 block of West Taylor Street when he got into an altercation with someone in a black Jeep behind him who honked his horn at him, according to police. They got out of their cars and started to fight before the male suspect pulled out a gun and shot the teen in the leg. The boy was taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition.
The latest nonfatal attack left a man wounded early Monday in Humboldt Park on the West Side. The 40-year-old was walking about 3:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of North Harding Avenue when he heard gunshots and felt pain, according to Chicago police. He told investigators he didn’t see the shooter or know where the shots came from. He was hit in the leg and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.
Early Sunday, a man was shot during a robbery in Washington Park on the South Side. The 22-year-old was standing on the sidewalk about 2 a.m. when a male approached and robbed him at gunpoint, according to police. The suspect stole an unspecified amount of cash and shot the man in the foot. Someone dropped the victim off at St. Bernard Hospital, where he was listed in good condition.
On Saturday, a 26-year-old woman was shot when she opened the door to an apartment in Austin. She was inside an apartment about 2:10 p.m. in the 5500 block of West Washington Boulevard when she heard a sound coming from outside the building, police said. She opened the door and saw a man, who then pulled out a gun and fired shots at her. She was struck in the right leg and taken to Stroger Hospital, where her condition was stabilized.
In the weekend’s earliest reported shooting, a man was wounded Friday evening in Clearing on the Southwest Side. The 36-year-old was walking about 7:42 p.m. in the 6400 block of South Meade Avenue when someone opened fire, police said. He was grazed in the back and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was treated and released.
At least 12 more people were injured in citywide shootings.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--Bears need to start taking the ball away again

Almost two years ago to the day , Bears safety Eddie Jackson conducted the orchestra .
Wearing the same orange jersey and hosting the same Vikings team the Bears will face Monday , he intercepted a pass by Kirk Cousins in the fourth quarter and returned it down the left sideline for a 27-yard touchdown to seal a victory in 2018 .
In the end zone , Jackson ’ s teammates gathered around him in a half-circle and pretended to play instruments .
Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks blew into a make-believe flute .
Outside linebacker Khalil Mack joined in only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Happy Day.
’ ’ He thought the celebration was a gospel-choir bit .
‘ ‘ It ’ s always memorable when you make plays like that , ’ ’ Jackson said this past week .
The Bears need more like it .
They had nine takeaways in their first seven games but have had none in their last two .
With a pop-gun passing attack and a running game bordering on nonexistent , the Bears need takeaways — and maybe a defensive touchdown — to beat the Vikings .
‘ ‘ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when you have the type of competitors that we have on this side of the ball , our mindset is , ‘ Hey , if they can ’ t do it , then that ’ s fine , ’ ’ ’ safety Tashaun Gipson said Saturday .
‘ ‘ We have to go out there and create some opportunities for the team and for ourselves and get some juice going .
.
.
.
‘ ‘ Obviously , the only thing you can do is continue to have faith [ that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get things going and rolling .
But at the end of the day , I don ’ t think there ’ s too much added pressure to say — since they ’ re not doing , quote-unquote , enough — we need to do more.
’ ’ There ’ s a fine line between trying to force a turnover and trying too hard .
On the first drive last Sunday against the Titans , cornerback Kyle Fuller jumped an out route , got both hands on the ball and , with nothing but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped it .
Later in the first quarter , the Titans threw a slant to receiver A.J .
Brown .
Jackson tried to strip the ball from his hands at the Titans ’ 46 and whiffed .
Brown ran for 26 more yards .
‘ ‘ You don ’ t ever want to press , ’ ’ Jackson said .
‘ ‘ You just want to sit out there and you want to play your game .
Sometimes they just come to you , you know what I mean ?
And sometimes you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it happen .
.
.
.
‘ ‘ At this point in the season , as a defensive unit , it ’ s a lot of stuff that we have to do .
We have to come out and play .
We have to create those turnovers.
’ ’ The Bears will have their chances .
The Vikings are tied for fourth in the NFL with 10 interceptions , and their 12 turnovers are tied for sixth in the league .
‘ ‘ Those first couple of games , they looked out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ ‘ That ’ s the Kirk Cousins I hope I see Monday.
’ ’ The Bears think they ’ re close to being elite , pointing to two Jackson touchdowns that came back on penalties this season .
‘ ‘ We just have to play within ourselves and make the play when the play comes and not think too much about it , ’ ’ inside linebacker Roquan Smith said .
‘ ‘ Because when you go out trying to force things , that ’ s when worse things can happen.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
Maybe too much .
On Monday , they ’ ll need them .
‘ ‘ You can swing the bat so hard you ’ re in a hitting slump , ’ ’ defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano said .
‘ ‘ You can keep swinging , swinging so hard and trying so hard that it just gets worse .
‘ ‘ I think guys have just got to play and be in the right spots , and when the opportunity arises , you ’ ve got to take advantage of them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you know ?
We had opportunities , a couple last week .
But we ’ ve got ta make good on those .
’ ’

Almost two years ago to the day, Bears safety Eddie Jackson conducted the orchestra.
Wearing the same orange jersey and hosting the same Vikings team the Bears will face Monday, he intercepted a pass by Kirk Cousins in the fourth quarter and returned it down the left sideline for a 27-yard touchdown to seal a victory in 2018.
In the end zone, Jackson’s teammates gathered around him in a half-circle and pretended to play instruments. Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks blew into a make-believe flute. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack joined in only after beginning to sing ‘‘Oh,Happy Day.’’ He thought the celebration was a gospel-choir bit.
‘‘It’s always memorable when you make plays like that,’’ Jackson said this past week.
The Bears need more like it. They had nine takeaways in their first seven games but have had none in their last two.
With a pop-gun passing attack and a running game bordering on nonexistent, the Bears need takeaways — and maybe a defensive touchdown — to beat the Vikings.
‘‘When the offense is in situations like that, when you have the type of competitors that we have on this side of the ball, our mindset is, ‘Hey, if they can’t do it, then that’s fine,’ ’’ safety Tashaun Gipson said Saturday. ‘‘We have to go out there and create some opportunities for the team and for ourselves and get some juice going. . . .
‘‘Obviously, the only thing you can do is continue to have faith [that the offense is] going to continue to get things going and rolling. But at the end of the day, I don’t think there’s too much added pressure to say — since they’re not doing, quote-unquote, enough — we need to do more.’’
There’s a fine line between trying to force a turnover and trying too hard.
On the first drive last Sunday against the Titans, cornerback Kyle Fuller jumped an out route, got both hands on the ball and, with nothing but green grass in front of him, dropped it.
Later in the first quarter, the Titans threw a slant to receiver A.J. Brown. Jackson tried to strip the ball from his hands at the Titans’ 46 and whiffed. Brown ran for 26 more yards.
‘‘You don’t ever want to press,’’ Jackson said. ‘‘You just want to sit out there and you want to play your game. Sometimes they just come to you, you know what I mean? And sometimes you have to go out there and make it happen. . . .
‘‘At this point in the season, as a defensive unit, it’s a lot of stuff that we have to do. We have to come out and play. We have to create those turnovers.’’
The Bears will have their chances. The Vikings are tied for fourth in the NFL with 10 interceptions, and their 12 turnovers are tied for sixth in the league.
‘‘Those first couple of games, they looked out of sync,’’ Gipson said. ‘‘That’s the Kirk Cousins I hope I see Monday.’’
The Bears think they’re close to being elite, pointing to two Jackson touchdowns that came back on penalties this season.
‘‘We just have to play within ourselves and make the play when the play comes and not think too much about it,’’ inside linebacker Roquan Smith said. ‘‘Because when you go out trying to force things, that’s when worse things can happen.’’
The Bears talk about takeaways every day. Maybe too much.
On Monday, they’ll need them.
‘‘You can swing the bat so hard you’re in a hitting slump,’’ defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano said. ‘‘You can keep swinging, swinging so hard and trying so hard that it just gets worse.
‘‘I think guys have just got to play and be in the right spots, and when the opportunity arises, you’ve got to take advantage of them.
‘‘We’ve missed some, you know? We had opportunities, a couple last week. But we’ve gotta make good on those.’’


chicagosun-times--2020-11-15--Trump supporters’ protests turn into violent clashes

WASHINGTON — Several thousand supporters of President Donald Trump in Washington protested election results and then hailed Trump ’ s passing motorcade before nighttime clashes with counterdemonstrators sparked fistfights , at least one stabbing and at least 20 arrests .
Several other cities on Saturday also saw gatherings of Trump supporters unwilling to accept Democrat Joe Biden ’ s Electoral College and popular vote victory as legitimate .
Cries of “ Stop the Steal ” and “ Count Every Vote ” continued in spite of a lack of evidence of voter fraud or other problems that could reverse the result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaceful demonstrations in Washington turned from tense to violent .
Videos posted on social media showed fistfights , projectiles and clubs as Trump supporters clashed with those demanding they take their MAGA hats and banners and leave .
The tensions extended to Sunday morning .
A variety of charges , including assault and weapons possession , were filed against those arrested , officials said .
Two police officers were injured and several firearms were recovered by police .
Trump himself had given an approving nod to the gathering Saturday morning by dispatching his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolling on to his Virginia golf club .
People chanted “ USA , USA ” and “ four more years , ” and many carried American flags and signs to show their displeasure with the vote tally and insistence that , as Trump has baselessly asserted , fraud was the reason .
“ I just want to keep up his spirits and let him know we support him , ” said one loyalist , Anthony Whittaker of Winchester , Virginia .
He was outside the Supreme Court , where a few thousand assembled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freedom Plaza , near the White House .
A broad coalition of top government and industry officials has declared that the Nov. 3 voting and the following count unfolded smoothly with no more than the usual minor hiccups — “ the most secure in American history , ” they said , repudiating Trump ’ s efforts to undermine the integrity of the contest .
In Delray Beach , Florida , several hundred people marched , some carrying signs reading “ Count every vote ” and “ We can not live under a Marxist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters gathered at the Capitol to hear speakers cast doubt on results that showed Biden winning the state by more than 140,000 votes .
Phoenix police estimated 1,500 people gathered outside the Arizona Capitol to protest Biden ’ s narrow victory in the state .
Protesters in Salem , Oregon , gathered at the Capitol .
Among the speakers in Washington was a Georgia Republican newly elected to the U.S. House .
Marjorie Taylor Greene , who has expressed racist views and support for QAnon conspiracy theories , urged people to march peacefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included members of the Proud Boys , a neo-fascist group known for street brawling with ideological opponents at political rallies .
Multiple confrontations appeared later in the day as small groups of Trump supporters attempted to enter the area around Black Lives Matter Plaza , about a block from the White House , where several hundred anti-Trump demonstrators had gathered .
In a pattern that kept repeating itself , those Trump supporters who approached the area were harassed , doused with water and saw their MAGA hats and pro-Trump flags snatched and burned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , multiple police lines kept the two sides apart .
Videos posted on social media showed some demonstrators and counterdemonstrators trading shoves , punches and slaps .
A man with a bullhorn yelling “ Get out of here !
” was shoved and pushed to the street by a man who was then surrounded by several people and shoved and punched until he fell face first into the street .
Bloody and dazed , he was picked up and walked to a police officer .
The “ Million MAGA March ” was heavily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it could spark conflict with anti-Trump demonstrators , who have gathered near the White House in Black Lives Matter Plaza for weeks .
In preparation , police closed off wide swaths of downtown , where many stores and offices have been boarded up since Election Day .
Chris Rodriguez , director of the city ’ s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency , said the police were experienced at keeping the peace .
The issues that Trump ’ s campaign and its allies have pointed to are typical in every election : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postal marks on mail-in ballots , as well as the potential for a small number of ballots miscast or lost .
With Biden leading Trump by wide margins in key battleground states , none of those issues would have any impact on the outcome of the election .
A former administration official , Sebastian Gorka , whipped up the crowd by the Supreme Court by saying , “ We can win because he did win.
” But , he added , “ It ’ s going to be tough .
”

WASHINGTON — After several thousand supporters of President Donald Trump protested the election results and marched to the Supreme Court, nighttime clashes with counterdemonstrators led to fistfights, at least one stabbing and more than 20 arrests.
Several other cities on Saturday also saw gatherings of Trump supporters unwilling to accept Democrat Joe Biden’s Electoral College and popular vote victory as legitimate. Cries of “Stop the Steal” and “Count Every Vote” rang out despite a lack of evidence of voter fraud or other problems that could reverse the result.
The demonstrations in the nation’s capital went from tense to violent during the night and early Sunday. Videos posted on social media showed fights, projectiles and clubs as Trump backers sparred with those demanding they take their MAGA hats and banners and leave. Police said they made 21 arrests on a variety of charges, including assault and weapons possession, and recovered eight firearms. Four officers were injured. No arrest has been made in the stabbing, and the victim was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.
Trump himself had given an approving nod to the gathering Saturday morning by sending his motorcade through streets lined with supporters before rolling on to his Virginia golf club. People chanted “USA, USA” and “four more years,” and many carried American flags and signs to show their displeasure with the vote tally and insistence that, as Trump has baselessly asserted, fraud was the reason.
“I just want to keep up his spirits and let him know we support him,” said one loyalist, Anthony Whittaker of Winchester, Virginia. He was outside the Supreme Court, where a few thousand assembled after a march along Pennsylvania Avenue from Freedom Plaza, near the White House.
A broad coalition of top government and industry officials has declared that the Nov. 3 voting and the following count unfolded smoothly with no more than the usual minor hiccups — “the most secure in American history,” they said, repudiating Trump’s efforts to undermine the integrity of the contest.
In Delray Beach, Florida, several hundred people marched, some carrying signs reading “Count every vote” and “We cannot live under a Marxist government.” In Lansing, Michigan, protesters gathered at the Capitol to hear speakers cast doubt on results that showed Biden winning the state by more than 140,000 votes. Phoenix police estimated 1,500 people gathered outside the Arizona Capitol to protest Biden’s narrow victory in the state. Protesters in Salem, Oregon, gathered at the Capitol.
Among the speakers in Washington was a Georgia Republican newly elected to the U.S. House. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has expressed racist views and support for QAnon conspiracy theories, urged people to march peacefully toward the Supreme Court.
The marchers included members of the Proud Boys, a neo-fascist group known for street brawling with ideological opponents at political rallies.
Multiple confrontations appeared later in the day as small groups of Trump supporters attempted to enter the area around Black Lives Matter Plaza, about a block from the White House, where several hundred anti-Trump demonstrators had gathered.
In a pattern that kept repeating itself, those Trump supporters who approached the area were harassed, doused with water and saw their MAGA hats and pro-Trump flags snatched and burned, amid cheers. As night fell, multiple police lines kept the two sides apart.
Videos posted on social media showed some demonstrators and counterdemonstrators trading shoves, punches and slaps. A man with a bullhorn yelling “Get out of here!” was shoved and pushed to the street by a man who was then surrounded by several people and shoved and punched until he fell face first into the street. Bloody and dazed, he was picked up and walked to a police officer.
The “Million MAGA March” was heavily promoted on social media, raising concerns that it could spark conflict with anti-Trump demonstrators, who have gathered near the White House in Black Lives Matter Plaza for weeks.
In preparation, police closed off wide swaths of downtown, where many stores and offices have been boarded up since Election Day. Chris Rodriguez, director of the city’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, said the police were experienced at keeping the peace.
The issues that Trump’s campaign and its allies have pointed to are typical in every election: problems with signatures, secrecy envelopes and postal marks on mail-in ballots, as well as the potential for a small number of ballots miscast or lost. With Biden leading Trump by wide margins in key battleground states, none of those issues would have any impact on the outcome of the election.
A former administration official, Sebastian Gorka, whipped up the crowd by the Supreme Court by saying, “We can win because he did win.” But, he added, “It’s going to be tough.”
Associated Press writer Michael Balsamo contributed to this report.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-15--Acting Department of Homeland Security secretary didn’t have authority to suspend DACA: judge

NEW YORK — A federal judge in New York ruled Saturday that Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf assumed his position unlawfully , a determination that invalidated Wolf ’ s suspension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program , which shields young people from deportation .
“ DHS failed to follow the order of succession as it was lawfully designated , ” U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis wrote .
“ Therefore , the actions taken by purported Acting Secretaries , who were not properly in their roles according to the lawful order of succession , were taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memorandum in July effectively suspending DACA , pending review by DHS .
A month earlier , the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that President Donald Trump failed to follow rule-making procedures when he tried to end the program , but the justices kept a window open for him to try again .
About 650,000 people are part of DACA , which allows young immigrants who were brought to the country as children to legally work and shields them from deportation .
Karen Tumlin , an attorney who represented a plaintiff in one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority , called the ruling “ another win for DACA recipients and those who have been waiting years to apply for the program for the first time.
” In August , the Government Accountability Office , a bipartisan congressional watchdog , said Wolf and his acting deputy , Ken Cuccinelli , were improperly serving and ineligible to run the agency under the Vacancies Reform Act .
The two have been at the forefront of administration initiatives on immigration and law enforcement .
In Garaufis ’ ruling Saturday , the judge wrote that DHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succession established when then-Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen resigned in April 2019 .
Kevin McAleenan , who succeeded Nielsen until he resigned in October 2019 , also didn ’ t have statutory authority to hold the position , Garaufis wrote .
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling .
The department has maintained that Wolf ’ s appointment was legal even without Senate confirmation , which is still pending in the final weeks of the Trump administration .
President-elect Joe Biden plans to reinstate DACA and is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s other immigration actions .

NEW YORK — A federal judge in New York ruled Saturday that Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf assumed his position unlawfully, a determination that invalidated Wolf’s suspension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which shields young people from deportation.
“DHS failed to follow the order of succession as it was lawfully designated,” U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis wrote. “Therefore, the actions taken by purported Acting Secretaries, who were not properly in their roles according to the lawful order of succession, were taken without legal authority.”
Wolf issued a memorandum in July effectively suspending DACA, pending review by DHS. A month earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that President Donald Trump failed to follow rule-making procedures when he tried to end the program, but the justices kept a window open for him to try again.
About 650,000 people are part of DACA, which allows young immigrants who were brought to the country as children to legally work and shields them from deportation.
Karen Tumlin, an attorney who represented a plaintiff in one of the lawsuits that challenged Wolf’s authority, called the ruling “another win for DACA recipients and those who have been waiting years to apply for the program for the first time.”
In August, the Government Accountability Office, a bipartisan congressional watchdog, said Wolf and his acting deputy, Ken Cuccinelli, were improperly serving and ineligible to run the agency under the Vacancies Reform Act. The two have been at the forefront of administration initiatives on immigration and law enforcement.
In Garaufis’ ruling Saturday, the judge wrote that DHS didn’t follow an order of succession established when then-Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen resigned in April 2019. Kevin McAleenan, who succeeded Nielsen until he resigned in October 2019, also didn’t have statutory authority to hold the position, Garaufis wrote.
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling. The department has maintained that Wolf’s appointment was legal even without Senate confirmation, which is still pending in the final weeks of the Trump administration.
President-elect Joe Biden plans to reinstate DACA and is expected to use executive orders to reverse some of Trump’s other immigration actions.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-15--Snow showers and potentially damaging winds could reach Chicago area Sunday: forecasters

Snow showers could potentially reach the Chicago area Sunday morning , along with strong winds , according to the National Weather Service .
A burst of snow is possible between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m , mixing with rain south of I-80 , the weather service said .
Accumulation is not expected with temperatures remaining above freezing , but there could be reduced visibility on the roads .
The city could also have wind gusts as high as 55 mph , which can bring down tree limbs and result in some power outages , the weather service said .
Unsecured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patio furniture , could pose risks to people or be damaged .
The weather service issued a wind advisory that took effect at midnight Sunday , applying to all of central and northern Illinois , as well as northwest Indiana .
The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday .
The strong winds will come with a cold front that will have temperatures peak at about 45 degrees and drop to 32 degrees Sunday night , the weather service said .
Temperatures are expected to climb back into the low 50s on @ @


chicagosun-times--2020-11-15--Dear Abby: I confronted someone rudely talking on FaceTime at a restaurant

DEAR ABBY : Last weekend , my companion and I went to one of our favorite restaurants for an intimate dinner .
Per social distancing regulations , a mid-70s couple was seated approximately 15 to 18 feet away .
Halfway through our meal , they began FaceTiming with their great-grandchildren and family .
Their conversation continued for more than 10 minutes , with exchanges about what presents “ Jack ” had received for his birthday and what the mother was fixing for dinner .
To say that our dinner was rudely interrupted by their overly loud and personal FaceTime discussions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking that , surely , when they told their family members that they were having dinner at a restaurant , the conversation would have been politely discontinued by one of them .
I didn ’ t even feel like staying for the usual coffee and dessert and , on my way out of the restaurant , I stopped by their table to gently but firmly say I thought they had been extremely rude .
The man stood up and accused me of being the one who was being rude .
He went so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yelling as we pulled out of the parking lot .
I don ’ t even carry a cellphone with me when in a restaurant , beauty salon or other public place as I feel everyone deserves privacy on either side of the conversation .
Is it wrong to politely make people aware of their inconsiderate actions when it affects others ?
— ANNOYED IN FLORIDA DEAR ANNOYED : It would have been perfectly acceptable to make your thoughts known to the manager of the restaurant , while pointing out that the carryings-on at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t stay for dessert and coffee .
Frankly , you were lucky the man who ran after your car didn ’ t go further than he did .
DEAR ABBY : Am I wrong ?
Our special-needs son and his dad ( my husband , “ Nick ” ) often get into nasty arguments .
Usually , it ’ s over nothing worth yelling about , but if it ’ s not going Nick ’ s way , Nick starts yelling and swearing , using ugly words .
As a mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop the yelling and swearing .
Then he yells at me and tells me to “ butt out ” because I ’ m making it worse and to mind my own business .
As a mother , isn ’ t this what I am supposed to do ?
Our son is 46 , but he has the mental capacity of an 8- to 10-year-old , plus other health problems .
— CONCERNED MOM DEAR CONCERNED : I don ’ t think you are wrong for trying to intercede .
However , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your husband , while you are both calm , that an adult sinking to the level of an 8- to 10-year-old is ridiculous and ineffective .
I wish you had mentioned what kind of things your husband and son argue about , but since you didn ’ t , allow me to point out that there are better ways to deal with conflict than screaming matches .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person , order “ How to Be Popular.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Popularity Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: Last weekend, my companion and I went to one of our favorite restaurants for an intimate dinner. Per social distancing regulations, a mid-70s couple was seated approximately 15 to 18 feet away. Halfway through our meal, they began FaceTiming with their great-grandchildren and family.
Their conversation continued for more than 10 minutes, with exchanges about what presents “Jack” had received for his birthday and what the mother was fixing for dinner. To say that our dinner was rudely interrupted by their overly loud and personal FaceTime discussions would be an understatement.
I kept thinking that, surely, when they told their family members that they were having dinner at a restaurant, the conversation would have been politely discontinued by one of them. I didn’t even feel like staying for the usual coffee and dessert and, on my way out of the restaurant, I stopped by their table to gently but firmly say I thought they had been extremely rude. The man stood up and accused me of being the one who was being rude. He went so far as to run after our car yelling as we pulled out of the parking lot.
I don’t even carry a cellphone with me when in a restaurant, beauty salon or other public place as I feel everyone deserves privacy on either side of the conversation. Is it wrong to politely make people aware of their inconsiderate actions when it affects others? — ANNOYED IN FLORIDA
DEAR ANNOYED: It would have been perfectly acceptable to make your thoughts known to the manager of the restaurant, while pointing out that the carryings-on at the nearby table was the reason you didn’t stay for dessert and coffee. Frankly, you were lucky the man who ran after your car didn’t go further than he did.
DEAR ABBY: Am I wrong? Our special-needs son and his dad (my husband, “Nick”) often get into nasty arguments. Usually, it’s over nothing worth yelling about, but if it’s not going Nick’s way, Nick starts yelling and swearing, using ugly words.
As a mother, I step in and tell him to stop the yelling and swearing. Then he yells at me and tells me to “butt out” because I’m making it worse and to mind my own business. As a mother, isn’t this what I am supposed to do? Our son is 46, but he has the mental capacity of an 8- to 10-year-old, plus other health problems. — CONCERNED MOM
DEAR CONCERNED: I don’t think you are wrong for trying to intercede. However, it might be more effective to point out to your husband, while you are both calm, that an adult sinking to the level of an 8- to 10-year-old is ridiculous and ineffective. I wish you had mentioned what kind of things your husband and son argue about, but since you didn’t, allow me to point out that there are better ways to deal with conflict than screaming matches.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-11-15--Bicyclist killed in Aurora hit-and-run: police

A bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run crash Saturday evening in west suburban Aurora .
The man was hit by @ @ @ @ @ near the intersection of Montgomery Road and White Eagle Drive , according to a statement @ @ @ @ @ officers and fire officials arrived , they found him lying in the roadway and attempted @ @ @ @ @ was pronounced dead on the scene , police said .
Aurora Area Crime Stoppers is @ @ @ @ @ to $ 5,000 for information leading to an arrest .
Aurora police are asking anyone @ @ @ @ @ to call their traffic division at 630-256-5330 or Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000 .

Authorities have identified a bicyclist killed in a hit-and-run crash Saturday evening in west suburban Aurora.
Dragomir Misic, 27, of Aurora, was hit by a vehicle about 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of Montgomery Road and White Eagle Drive, according to a statement from Aurora police.
When officers and fire officials arrived, they found him lying in the roadway and attempted first aid, but he was pronounced dead on the scene, police said.
Aurora Area Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Aurora police are asking anyone with information on the accident to call their traffic division at 630-256-5330 or Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-15--9 shot, 1 fatally in Chicago so far this weekend

One person has been killed and eight others , including a 12-year-old boy and a teenager , have been injured in shootings across Chicago so far this weekend .
A 28-year-old man was fatally shot Friday evening in Austin on the West Side .
February Burage was on the sidewalk about 8:05 p.m. in the 5600 block of West Madison Street when someone fired shots , striking him in the head , Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said .
Burage , who lived in Bloomingdale , was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been wounded in nonfatal attacks , including a 12-year-old boy who was shot by another child Saturday evening inside a Roseland home on the South Side .
About 7:30 p.m. , the older boy was handling a gun when it went off inside a home in the 700 block of East 105th Place , striking the younger boy in the chest , according to Chicago police .
The 12-year-old taken to Comer Children ’ s Hospital in serious condition .
A weapon was recovered and the 13-year-old was being questioned by Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not immediately provide more information about the circumstances of the shooting , including whether or not it was believed to be accidental .
A teenage boy was shot during a fight Friday night outside the Portillo ’ s restaurant in the South Loop .
The 16-year-old was in a vehicle in a parking lot shortly after 11 p.m. in the 500 block of West Taylor Street when he got into an altercation with someone in a black Jeep behind him who honked his horn at him , according to police .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight before the male suspect pulled out a gun and shot the teen in the leg .
The boy was taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition .
A police source said the incident happened in the drive-thru of Portillo ’ s , 520 W. Taylor .
A 22-year-old man was critically wounded in a shooting Saturday evening in Avalon Park on the South Side .
About 11 p.m. , the man , 22 , was driving in the 7900 block of South Stony Island Avenue when someone in a white SUV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police said .
The man was struck in the torso and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition .
A 27-year-old man was shot Saturday afternoon in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was outside a home about 3:20 p.m. in the 1300 block of South Springfield Avenue when someone fired shots , striking him in the groin area , Chicago police said .
The man was taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in good condition .
About an hour earlier , a 26-year-old woman was shot inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside an apartment in the 5500 block of West Washington Boulevard when she heard a sound coming from the outside of the residence , Chicago police said .
She opened the door and saw a man , who then pulled out a gun and fired shots at her .
She was struck in the right leg and taken to Stroger Hospital , where her condition was stabilized .
Early Saturday , a 54-year-old man was shot while driving in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was driving about 3:10 a.m. in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he heard shots and felt pain , police said .
The man suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and was transported to Stroger Hospital in fair condition .
A 32-year-old man was wounded in a drive-by hours earlier in West Garfield Park on the West Side .
He was walking about 12:55 a.m. in the 3800 block of West Adams Street when a man inside a passing vehicle fired shots , police said .
The man was struck in the leg and transported to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s first reported shooting , a man was wounded Friday evening in Clearing on the Southwest Side .
The 36-year-old was walking about 7:42 p.m. in the 6400 block of South Meade Avenue when someone opened fire , police said .
He was grazed in the back and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he was treated and released .
Last weekend , 43 people were shot , 8 fatally , throughout the city .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--Horoscope for Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 5 to 10 a.m. After that , the moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius .
Interactions with spouses , partners and close friends are intense today ; plus , you might feel jealous or a bit clingy .
Nothing will be casual .
Everything will matter .
Take a step back and give whatever situation you are in some breathing room .
You might be focused on your health .
You want to turn over a new leaf so that you can improve your body .
Don ’ t be hard on yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what you want to achieve instead of being too ambitious and then quitting .
Tiny beginnings are fine .
Romance is the stuff of movies today .
Wild , passionate with a dash of jealousy .
However , even social occasions and your relations with kids will be more intense and emotional as well .
Because the moon is opposite your sign , you have to be accommodating and cooperative .
You have strong feelings about what ’ s going on at home or within the family .
This could be about something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redecorating details .
Perhaps you want to entertain and you want things to be a certain way ?
You might make some profound observations .
Perhaps you will notice that your surroundings are beautiful and you failed to appreciate this before ?
Likewise , you might see how much others care for you ?
It ’ s easy to overlook the obvious .
You might attract money to yourself .
You might also see new ways to earn money .
If spending money , you will have definite , specific ideas and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No substitutes !
If you ’ re thinking of borrowing money , make sure you can pay it back .
In many ways , this is an intense day for you .
However , you will enjoy relating to others , especially because you want their feedback about something .
Nevertheless , they might find you to be more opinionated than usual because you know what you want .
This is a kind of day when secrets are important , and , yet , secrets might be revealed .
If so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you because if there ’ s one sign that can keep a secret , it ’ s you !
In fact , the words Scorpio and secrets are synonymous . )
I ’ ll never tell .
Your friendship with a friend or a member of a group is important to you .
However , you won ’ t be casual about things .
In fact , you might be demanding because you feel insecure or you question their feelings for you .
Relax .
Everything ’ s cool .
Some of you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy-duty romance with a boss ( or someone richer or older ) .
It could even be the kind of relationship that you know is not good for you , and , yet , you can ’ t resist .
Remember : If you act with discipline , you ’ ll have no regrets .
A romance with someone “ different ” might begin for some of you .
Meanwhile , all of you will have strong opinions about issues related to politics , religion and racial matters .
This is also the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to learn something new and different .
Your physical passions are intense , which is why this could be a memorable day for some of you .
However , you will also have strong feelings about sharing or dividing something or dealing with shared property .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Jonny Lee Miller ( 1972 ) shares your birthday .
You have a sharp mind and many talents .
You are stubborn , independent and have a unique , unusual style .
Lucky you !
You have a fun-loving year ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gratitude will be a theme because you will appreciate the everyday joys and beauty around you .
This year is the time for an important choice .
Choose wisely .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 5 to 10 a.m. After that, the moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Interactions with spouses, partners and close friends are intense today; plus, you might feel jealous or a bit clingy. Nothing will be casual. Everything will matter. Take a step back and give whatever situation you are in some breathing room.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You might be focused on your health. You want to turn over a new leaf so that you can improve your body. Don’t be hard on yourself. Start small and work up to what you want to achieve instead of being too ambitious and then quitting. Tiny beginnings are fine.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Romance is the stuff of movies today. Wild, passionate with a dash of jealousy. However, even social occasions and your relations with kids will be more intense and emotional as well. Because the moon is opposite your sign, you have to be accommodating and cooperative.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You have strong feelings about what’s going on at home or within the family. This could be about something serious, or it might be about redecorating details. Perhaps you want to entertain and you want things to be a certain way?
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You might make some profound observations. Perhaps you will notice that your surroundings are beautiful and you failed to appreciate this before? Likewise, you might see how much others care for you? It’s easy to overlook the obvious.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You might attract money to yourself. You might also see new ways to earn money. If spending money, you will have definite, specific ideas and you will insist on getting what you want. No substitutes! If you’re thinking of borrowing money, make sure you can pay it back.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
In many ways, this is an intense day for you. However, you will enjoy relating to others, especially because you want their feedback about something. Nevertheless, they might find you to be more opinionated than usual because you know what you want.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
This is a kind of day when secrets are important, and, yet, secrets might be revealed. If so, they won’t be revealed by you because if there’s one sign that can keep a secret, it’s you! In fact, the words Scorpio and secrets are synonymous.) I’ll never tell.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Your friendship with a friend or a member of a group is important to you. However, you won’t be casual about things. In fact, you might be demanding because you feel insecure or you question their feelings for you. Relax. Everything’s cool.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Some of you might strike up a flirtation or a heavy-duty romance with a boss (or someone richer or older). It could even be the kind of relationship that you know is not good for you, and, yet, you can’t resist. Remember: If you act with discipline, you’ll have no regrets.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
A romance with someone “different” might begin for some of you. Meanwhile, all of you will have strong opinions about issues related to politics, religion and racial matters. This is also the kind of day where you will love to learn something new and different.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Your physical passions are intense, which is why this could be a memorable day for some of you. However, you will also have strong feelings about sharing or dividing something or dealing with shared property.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Jonny Lee Miller (1972) shares your birthday. You have a sharp mind and many talents. You are stubborn, independent and have a unique, unusual style. Lucky you! You have a fun-loving year ahead! Expect increased popularity and warm friendships. Gratitude will be a theme because you will appreciate the everyday joys and beauty around you. This year is the time for an important choice. Choose wisely.


chicagosun-times--2020-11-14--Halas Intrigue Episode 136: The Emergency Bill Lazor Podcast

Jason Lieser , Patrick Finley and Mark Potash break down Matt Nagy ’ s decision to give up play-calling and @ @ @ @ @ look different under Bill Lazor .
New episodes of “ Halas Intrigue ” will be @ @ @ @ @ collected on the podcast ’ s hub page .
You can also listen to “ @ @ @ @ @ get your podcasts , including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Luminary , Spotify , @ @ @

The conversation continues in our “Halas Intrigue” Facebook group
Join experts including Patrick Finley, Mark Potash, Jason Lieser, Rick Morrissey and Rick Telander after each game to make predictions, share insights and analyze the day’s big stories. This is insight you won’t be able to get anywhere else.