chicagosun-times--2020-10-16--Illinois sees record positive cases for the second day in a row  (LIVE UPDATES)

Illinois sees record positive cases for the second day in a row For a second straight day , Illinois shattered its record for the most coronavirus infections confirmed in a single day throughout the pandemic with 4,554 newly diagnosed cases of the deadly disease .
The gargantuan caseload was reported among a record-high 87,759 tests submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health — but it was still enough to raise the state ’ s seven-day average testing positivity rate over the 5 % mark for the first time since early June , when the state was easing down from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
6:45 p.m. Pritzker to extend eviction moratorium another 30 days : ‘ Nothing really has changed ’ Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Friday he plans to extend the state ’ s moratorium on evictions another month .
Pritzker said adjustments made to the order are still being worked out , and the Friday announcement served purely as a heads up that the extension was coming .
“ Suffice to say though , there won ’ t be any major news , but we are looking at how we might make adjustments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference .
“ Remember , nothing really has changed in terms of the effect of COVID-19 and its effect on the economy , its effect on people ’ s jobs and their ability , or inability , to pay their rent or mortgage.
” More details on the October extension of the moratorium will be rolled out along with the executive order , Pritzker said .
4:15 p.m. CPS reopening to start with pre-K , special ed next month ; more students could return in January The largest enrollment drop in over two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disabilities spurred a plan to bring preschoolers and some special education students back to school next month , followed by the potential return of other students as soon as January , Chicago Public Schools officials said Friday .
In the meantime , all classes will continue to operate remotely at the start of the second academic quarter in early November with the school system ’ s youngest students and those in special education cluster programs returning soon after — if all goes according to plan .
Any decision to reopen schools during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a concerning resurgence of COVID-19 in Chicago — Illinois recorded its highest single-day case total Friday — and the backdrop of Black and Latino families , who make up 90 % of the district , suffering the hardest impact of the virus so far .
Chicago Public Schools enrollment has plummeted by 15,000 students this fall , the largest single-year drop in more than two decades , according to records released by the school system Friday .
Officials called the decrease from 355,000 students to 340,000 a “ crisis ” that was largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families enrolling this fall in preschool programs and elementary school .
The district released the enrollment figures , calculated on the 20th day of the school year in late September , along with a news release confirming all CPS students will remain in remote learning at the start of the second quarter of the academic year next month .
CPS ’ “ goal ” is to phase in preschool and special education cluster programs soon after because of enrollment and remote learning concerns .
“ While we ’ re seeing similar trends across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black children enrolled in pre-K casts a somber light on how the pandemic and remote learning negatively impact our youngest learners , ” LaTanya McDade , CPS ’ chief education officer , said in a statement .
Among the largest drops this school year were 8,000 fewer students at district-run elementary schools and 6,000 fewer children in pre-K programs .
High school and charter school enrollment remained even .
9:56 a.m .
Absent debate , Trump , Biden square off in separate town halls President Donald Trump was evasive Thursday night when pressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first debate with Democrat Joe Biden as the two men squared off again , in a way , after their scuttled second showdown was replaced by dueling televised town halls several channels apart .
Biden , appearing nearly 1,200 miles away , denounced the White House ’ s handling of the virus that has claimed more than 215,000 American lives , declaring that it was at fault for closing a pandemic response office established by the Obama administration .
Trump , meanwhile , was defensive and insisted that the nation was turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as his own battle with the disease took center stage .
Trump , less than two weeks after being diagnosed with COVID-19 , dodged directly answering whether he took a test the day of the Sept. 29 debate , only saying “ possibly I did , possibly I didn ’ t. ” Debate rules required that each candidate , using the honor system , had tested negative prior to the Cleveland event , but Trump spoke in circles when asked when he last tested negative .
It was his positive test two days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spectacle , which deprived most viewers of a simultaneous look at the candidates just 19 days before Election Day .
The moment seemed fitting for a race unlike any other , as yet another campaign ritual was changed by the pandemic that has rewritten the norms of society .
Read the full Associated Press dispatch here .
8:11 a.m. Illinois ’ largest ever daily COVID-19 caseload sparks fears worst is yet to come : ‘ We ’ re headed for a new peak ’ Public health officials Thursday announced 4,015 more people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the highest number of new cases ever reported by the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic .
The staggering caseload is one greater than the 4,014 cases confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health on May 12 , when the state was weathering the worst days of the crisis .
But the latest tally “ makes it look like we ’ re headed for a new peak , ” according to one of Chicago ’ s top experts who has been at the front lines of the COVID-19 fight — an apex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly if people don ’ t take health guidelines seriously .
“ Instead of this being a new peak , where the number of cases comes up and then goes back down again , I think what we ’ re seeing is more like a mountain : you go up , you come down halfway , then you keep climbing up , ” University of Chicago epidemiologist Dr. Emily Landon said .
“ And this mountain looks even taller than the last one.
” Officials on Thursday also announced the virus has claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topping the daily death toll of 49 from a day earlier that had marked the worst figure since late June .
6:45 a.m. Open House Chicago 2020 moves online because of COVID , so pick a neighborhood — or two — and spend the day during Open House Chicago , the annual event giving architecture enthusiasts a closer look at some of the area ’ s most treasured buildings , will go on this year despite the pandemic .
Still , the coronavirus has forced some changes .
The biggest change : people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside the more than 100 sites featured this year .
Instead , the festival has gone virtual , with a mobile app that the Chicago Architecture Center launched Wednesday .
Read the full story by Manny Ramos here .
• Fred Dean , fearsome pass rusher in 49ers ’ dynasty , dies at 68 after being hospitalized with the coronavirus .
• First lady : Son Barron Trump was positive for COVID-19 , now negative .
• Alabama coach NIck Saban tests positive for COVID-19 , but says he doesn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate — the metric by which health experts measure the virus ’ spread — increased Monday , this time to 4.3 % , the highest it ’ s been in a month .
On Oct. 3 , the state ’ positivity rate was 3.3 % .
• State health officials announced Monday another 2,742 people in Illinois had tested positive for COVID-19 , with 13 more dying of the virus .
8:12 a.m. You don ’ t need a sleeping bag to survive early voting lines , but a campstool — and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took me two hours and seven minutes to early vote this week at Truman College in Uptown , only five minutes of which involved actually filling out the ballot .
The rest of the time was spent waiting outdoors in a long line that moved at a glacial pace , followed by a shorter wait indoors .
Yes , this is why I should have taken the advice to vote by mail , but I wasn ’ t ready to do that , and only my wife gets to say , ‘ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really did tell me so , and the rest of you were just thinking it .
In my defense , I ’ m hardly alone .
At numerous early voting sites across the city on Wednesday , voters experienced similar delays as the first day of expanded early voting in all 50 wards coincided with warm , sunny fall weather .
If you ’ re going to vote in person in 2020 , you ’ re going to need to bring your patience , your mask , some comfortable shoes and probably your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And , oh yes , appropriate outerwear because you ’ re going to be waiting outdoors .
The pandemic requires election officials to limit the number of people inside a polling place .
In certain extreme circumstances , I could even see a campstool and snacks coming in handy .
7:30 a.m. A Cook County budget built to ‘ weather the storm ’ — but the rain had better be moving on Since the pandemic first swept in , we have argued that it ’ s important for local governments to continue functioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a tall order given how COVID-19 has driven up costs and decimated tax revenues .
But a government that can ’ t provide essential services now — when those services are most needed — is failing in its basic responsibilities .
We ’ re encouraged , so far , by Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle ’ s proposed $ 6.9 billion county budget for 2021 , presented to the public on Thursday .
Read the full editorial by the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board here .

Illinois suffered a second straight record-shattering day with 4,554 new coronavirus cases reported Friday, a third of the state has reached a COVID-19 “warning level,” and testing positivity rates are darting up across the board.
“I am deeply concerned. Let me be clear: We are in a new wave here,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. “Anybody that hasn’t noticed this, turn on the television. We’re in a new wave of COVID-19 — rising cases, rising positivity, all across the nation.”
Cases are going up. The pandemic’s not over yet. Here’s what else happened in coronavirus-related news in Chicago and around Illinois.
News
8:55 p.m. Illinois sees record positive cases for the second day in a row
Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
For a second straight day, Illinois shattered its record for the most coronavirus infections confirmed in a single day throughout the pandemic with 4,554 newly diagnosed cases of the deadly disease.
The gargantuan caseload was reported among a record-high 87,759 tests submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health — but it was still enough to raise the state’s seven-day average testing positivity rate over the 5% mark for the first time since early June, when the state was easing down from its initial peak of the COVID-19 crisis.
Mitchell Armentrout has the full report.
6:45 p.m. Pritzker to extend eviction moratorium another 30 days: ‘Nothing really has changed’
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Friday he plans to extend the state’s moratorium on evictions another month.
Pritzker said adjustments made to the order are still being worked out, and the Friday announcement served purely as a heads up that the extension was coming.
“Suffice to say though, there won’t be any major news, but we are looking at how we might make adjustments,” Prtizker said at an unrelated news conference. “Remember, nothing really has changed in terms of the effect of COVID-19 and its effect on the economy, its effect on people’s jobs and their ability, or inability, to pay their rent or mortgage.”
More details on the October extension of the moratorium will be rolled out along with the executive order, Pritzker said.
Reporter Mitch Armentrout has the full story.
4:15 p.m. CPS reopening to start with pre-K, special ed next month; more students could return in January
The largest enrollment drop in over two decades and difficulties remotely teaching students with disabilities spurred a plan to bring preschoolers and some special education students back to school next month, followed by the potential return of other students as soon as January, Chicago Public Schools officials said Friday.
In the meantime, all classes will continue to operate remotely at the start of the second academic quarter in early November with the school system’s youngest students and those in special education cluster programs returning soon after — if all goes according to plan.
Any decision to reopen schools during a pandemic, however, will come amid a concerning resurgence of COVID-19 in Chicago — Illinois recorded its highest single-day case total Friday — and the backdrop of Black and Latino families, who make up 90% of the district, suffering the hardest impact of the virus so far.
Reporter Nader Issa has the full story.
12:47 p.m. Chicago Public Schools reports ‘stunning’ single-year enrollment drop, largest in over 2 decades
Chicago Public Schools enrollment has plummeted by 15,000 students this fall, the largest single-year drop in more than two decades, according to records released by the school system Friday.
Officials called the decrease from 355,000 students to 340,000 a “crisis” that was largely driven by a significant drop in new families enrolling this fall in preschool programs and elementary school.
The district released the enrollment figures, calculated on the 20th day of the school year in late September, along with a news release confirming all CPS students will remain in remote learning at the start of the second quarter of the academic year next month. CPS’ “goal” is to phase in preschool and special education cluster programs soon after because of enrollment and remote learning concerns.
“While we’re seeing similar trends across the country, the stunning decline among Black children enrolled in pre-K casts a somber light on how the pandemic and remote learning negatively impact our youngest learners,” LaTanya McDade, CPS’ chief education officer, said in a statement.
Among the largest drops this school year were 8,000 fewer students at district-run elementary schools and 6,000 fewer children in pre-K programs. High school and charter school enrollment remained even.
Read Nader Issa’s full story here.
9:56 a.m. Absent debate, Trump, Biden square off in separate town halls
President Donald Trump was evasive Thursday night when pressed if he took a COVID-19 test before his first debate with Democrat Joe Biden as the two men squared off again, in a way, after their scuttled second showdown was replaced by dueling televised town halls several channels apart.
Biden, appearing nearly 1,200 miles away, denounced the White House’s handling of the virus that has claimed more than 215,000 American lives, declaring that it was at fault for closing a pandemic response office established by the Obama administration. Trump, meanwhile, was defensive and insisted that the nation was turning the corner on the virus, even as his own battle with the disease took center stage.
Trump, less than two weeks after being diagnosed with COVID-19, dodged directly answering whether he took a test the day of the Sept. 29 debate, only saying “possibly I did, possibly I didn’t.” Debate rules required that each candidate, using the honor system, had tested negative prior to the Cleveland event, but Trump spoke in circles when asked when he last tested negative.
It was his positive test two days later that created Thursday’s odd spectacle, which deprived most viewers of a simultaneous look at the candidates just 19 days before Election Day. The moment seemed fitting for a race unlike any other, as yet another campaign ritual was changed by the pandemic that has rewritten the norms of society.
Read the full Associated Press dispatch here.
8:11 a.m. Illinois’ largest ever daily COVID-19 caseload sparks fears worst is yet to come: ‘We’re headed for a new peak’
Public health officials Thursday announced 4,015 more people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Illinois, the highest number of new cases ever reported by the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The staggering caseload is one greater than the 4,014 cases confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health on May 12, when the state was weathering the worst days of the crisis.
But the latest tally “makes it look like we’re headed for a new peak,” according to one of Chicago’s top experts who has been at the front lines of the COVID-19 fight — an apex that could end up being even more deadly if people don’t take health guidelines seriously.
“Instead of this being a new peak, where the number of cases comes up and then goes back down again, I think what we’re seeing is more like a mountain: you go up, you come down halfway, then you keep climbing up,” University of Chicago epidemiologist Dr. Emily Landon said. “And this mountain looks even taller than the last one.”
Officials on Thursday also announced the virus has claimed 53 more lives across the state, topping the daily death toll of 49 from a day earlier that had marked the worst figure since late June.
Mitchell Armentrout has more details.
6:45 a.m. Open House Chicago 2020 moves online because of COVID, so pick a neighborhood — or two — and spend the day during
Open House Chicago, the annual event giving architecture enthusiasts a closer look at some of the area’s most treasured buildings, will go on this year despite the pandemic.
Still, the coronavirus has forced some changes.
The biggest change: people won’t be able to go inside the more than 100 sites featured this year. Instead, the festival has gone virtual, with a mobile app that the Chicago Architecture Center launched Wednesday.
Read the full story by Manny Ramos here.
New cases
Analysis & Commentary
8:12 a.m. You don’t need a sleeping bag to survive early voting lines, but a campstool — and a scarf — might come in handy
It took me two hours and seven minutes to early vote this week at Truman College in Uptown, only five minutes of which involved actually filling out the ballot.
The rest of the time was spent waiting outdoors in a long line that moved at a glacial pace, followed by a shorter wait indoors.
Yes, this is why I should have taken the advice to vote by mail, but I wasn’t ready to do that, and only my wife gets to say, ‘I told you so,’ because she really did tell me so, and the rest of you were just thinking it.
In my defense, I’m hardly alone.
At numerous early voting sites across the city on Wednesday, voters experienced similar delays as the first day of expanded early voting in all 50 wards coincided with warm, sunny fall weather.
If you’re going to vote in person in 2020, you’re going to need to bring your patience, your mask, some comfortable shoes and probably your mobile phone to keep you entertained.
And, oh yes, appropriate outerwear because you’re going to be waiting outdoors. The pandemic requires election officials to limit the number of people inside a polling place.
In certain extreme circumstances, I could even see a campstool and snacks coming in handy.
Read Mark Brown’s full column here.
7:30 a.m. A Cook County budget built to ‘weather the storm’ — but the rain had better be moving on
Since the pandemic first swept in, we have argued that it’s important for local governments to continue functioning as normally as possible.
That’s a tall order given how COVID-19 has driven up costs and decimated tax revenues. But a government that can’t provide essential services now — when those services are most needed — is failing in its basic responsibilities.
We’re encouraged, so far, by Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle’s proposed $6.9 billion county budget for 2021, presented to the public on Thursday.
Read the full editorial by the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board here.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-16--Man charged with murder, attempted murder in Roseland shooting

A man accused of shooting three people in Roseland , including his longtime girlfriend and her brother , was denied bail Friday in a case a veteran Cook County judge called one of the most “ outrageous ” he ’ d ever heard .
Judge John F. Lyke Jr. , a former prosecutor and defense attorney , was bewildered by the state ’ s case against 35-year-old Sontino Miller , who appeared before him in a live-streamed hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse .
“ This is one of the most outrageous cases I ’ ve ever heard , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve heard a lot of them.
” Prosecutors had no explanation for why Miller allegedly opened fire on Oct. 9 , except to say calls he had made to his girlfriend that night had gone unanswered .
There had been no argument between the couple before the shooting , Assistant State ’ s Attorney James Murphy said .
Miller ’ s 33-year-old girlfriend and a 37-year-old man , who was shot in the leg , survived .
But Miller ’ s girlfriend ’ s brother , 27-year-old Tacarrene Scott , died from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block of South Calumet Avenue .
Miller had been with his girlfriend earlier in the day as they hung out with various family members and friends before he left the group in the evening .
After trying to reach his girlfriend later that night , Miller allegedly went to the homes of her relatives , asking them to call her .
When Miller ’ s girlfriend ’ s cousin went to his grandmother ’ s home , he found Miller alone inside , Murphy said .
Miller allegedly asked the cousin for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair of gloves , pulled out a gun and ordered the man to call his girlfriend .
Miller then had the cousin drive him to a bar where his girlfriend and her brother were hanging out but told him to keep driving and eventually asked to be let out at another address nearby .
The cousin went back to the bar to warn his family members , but the group “ didn ’ t take the news seriously , ” Murphy said .
Then about 11:30 p.m. , as his girlfriend and Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Miller approached and started shooting , prosecutors said .
The girlfriend was hit twice in the abdomen .
Scott was shot in the head and chest .
Multiple witnesses and victims identified Miller as the gunman , prosecutors said .
Miller was taken into custody early Thursday after he called his girlfriend ’ s grandmother , telling her he would be outside her home at 2 a.m. “ if anyone wanted to talk to him , ” Murphy said .
When Miller showed up with a backpack over his shoulder at about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A dozen shell casings recovered at crime scene matched one of two guns found in Miller ’ s backpack , prosecutors said .
Miller , who works as an electrician , has no history of being diagnosed with mental illness , an assistant public defender said .
Lyke called the shooting “ cold and calculated ” and questioned the “ unmitigated gall ” of someone who would allegedly call his victims ’ grandmother and then go stand out in front of her home after shooting her family members .
Miller , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is expected back in court Nov. 5 .

A man accused of shooting three people in Roseland, including his longtime girlfriend and her brother, was denied bail Friday in a case a veteran Cook County judge called one of the most “outrageous” he’d ever heard.
Judge John F. Lyke Jr., a former prosecutor and defense attorney, was bewildered by the state’s case against 35-year-old Sontino Miller, who appeared before him in a live-streamed hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.
“This is one of the most outrageous cases I’ve ever heard,” Lyke said. “And I’ve heard a lot of them.”
Prosecutors had no explanation for why Miller allegedly opened fire on Oct. 9, except to say calls he had made to his girlfriend that night had gone unanswered.
There had been no argument between the couple before the shooting, Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy said.
Miller’s 33-year-old girlfriend and a 37-year-old man, who was shot in the leg, survived. But Miller’s girlfriend’s brother, 27-year-old Tacarrene Scott, died from his injuries in the shooting in the 10800 block of South Calumet Avenue.
Sontino Miller Chicago police
Miller had been with his girlfriend earlier in the day as they hung out with various family members and friends before he left the group in the evening. After trying to reach his girlfriend later that night, Miller allegedly went to the homes of her relatives, asking them to call her.
When Miller’s girlfriend’s cousin went to his grandmother’s home, he found Miller alone inside, Murphy said. Miller allegedly asked the cousin for a ride and, after putting on a pair of gloves, pulled out a gun and ordered the man to call his girlfriend.
Miller then had the cousin drive him to a bar where his girlfriend and her brother were hanging out but told him to keep driving and eventually asked to be let out at another address nearby.
The cousin went back to the bar to warn his family members, but the group “didn’t take the news seriously,” Murphy said.
Then about 11:30 p.m., as his girlfriend and Scott stood outside their grandmother’s house, Miller approached and started shooting, prosecutors said. The girlfriend was hit twice in the abdomen. Scott was shot in the head and chest.
Multiple witnesses and victims identified Miller as the gunman, prosecutors said.
Miller was taken into custody early Thursday after he called his girlfriend’s grandmother, telling her he would be outside her home at 2 a.m. “if anyone wanted to talk to him,” Murphy said.
When Miller showed up with a backpack over his shoulder at about 1:45 a.m., the family called police.
A dozen shell casings recovered at crime scene matched one of two guns found in Miller’s backpack, prosecutors said.
Miller, who works as an electrician, has no history of being diagnosed with mental illness, an assistant public defender said.
Lyke called the shooting “cold and calculated” and questioned the “unmitigated gall” of someone who would allegedly call his victims’ grandmother and then go stand out in front of her home after shooting her family members.
Miller, who is charged with murder and attempted murder, is expected back in court Nov. 5.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-16--Navistar, VW’s Traton agree to $3.7 billion sale

Lisle-based truck maker Navistar International agreed Friday to sell itself to Traton , the truck division of Volkswagen , which will get long-sought access to North American customers as both companies share the cost of new technology .
The $ 3.7 billion deal is worth $ 44.50 per share and covers all but the 16.8 % of Navistar that Traton already owns .
It is subject to final reviews and approval from both companies ’ boards .
Munich-based Traton said it would sweeten a previous offer of $ 43 per share to $ 44.50 .
Navistar Executive Chairman Troy Clarke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it advised Traton its two largest shareholders , activist investor Carl Icahn and MHR Fund Management , a hedge fund run by Mark Rachesky , support the sale .
Traton earlier this week had called the $ 43-a-share offer its “ best and final ” price that would expire Friday .
With word of a tentative agreement , the price of Navistar shares soared nearly 23 % in Friday ’ s trading to close at $ 43.52 .
The sale would mark a new era for Navistar , which dates its history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mechanical reaper in 1831 .
As of late 2019 , the company reported having 13,300 employees worldwide .
Navistar produces a full line of heavy-duty trucks , diesel engines and the IC Bus brand of school and commercial buses .
Traton , with brands such as MAN and Scania , does its main business in Europe and Latin America .
It has been looking for ways to gain business from larger competitors Daimler and Volvo .
“ We are pleased to have reached agreement in principle for a transaction after intensive negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grundler said .
“ We are looking forward to completing our due diligence and obtaining the necessary approvals in respect of this exciting deal in order to welcome the new Traton family member.
” Both companies have been sharing costs in developing driverless technology , but they face ongoing pressure to invest in reducing emissions .
Traton reports having 82,700 employees worldwide .
Aside from its Lisle headquarters , Navistar operates a testing and development center in Melrose Park and other sites in the U.S. , Mexico and Brazil .

Lisle-based truck maker Navistar International agreed Friday to sell itself to Traton, the truck division of Volkswagen, which will get long-sought access to North American customers as both companies share the cost of new technology.
The $3.7 billion deal is worth $44.50 per share and covers all but the 16.8% of Navistar that Traton already owns. It is subject to final reviews and approval from both companies’ boards.
Munich-based Traton said it would sweeten a previous offer of $43 per share to $44.50. Navistar Executive Chairman Troy Clarke said it would accept that price, and it advised Traton its two largest shareholders, activist investor Carl Icahn and MHR Fund Management, a hedge fund run by Mark Rachesky, support the sale.
Traton earlier this week had called the $43-a-share offer its “best and final” price that would expire Friday. With word of a tentative agreement, the price of Navistar shares soared nearly 23% in Friday’s trading to close at $43.52.
The sale would mark a new era for Navistar, which dates its history from Cyrus McCormick’s development of the mechanical reaper in 1831. As of late 2019, the company reported having 13,300 employees worldwide.
Navistar produces a full line of heavy-duty trucks, diesel engines and the IC Bus brand of school and commercial buses. Traton, with brands such as MAN and Scania, does its main business in Europe and Latin America. It has been looking for ways to gain business from larger competitors Daimler and Volvo.
“We are pleased to have reached agreement in principle for a transaction after intensive negotiations with Navistar,” Traton CEO Matthias Grundler said. “We are looking forward to completing our due diligence and obtaining the necessary approvals in respect of this exciting deal in order to welcome the new Traton family member.”
Both companies have been sharing costs in developing driverless technology, but they face ongoing pressure to invest in reducing emissions.
Traton reports having 82,700 employees worldwide. Aside from its Lisle headquarters, Navistar operates a testing and development center in Melrose Park and other sites in the U.S., Mexico and Brazil.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-16--Black-run organizations lead 10-mile bike ride to encourage voter registration

Roughly two dozen members of Black-run organizations took a 10-mile bike ride through West Town Friday after helping in a voter registration drive event aimed at the African American community .
“ We are decreasing life outcomes when we limit people ’ s geographic mobility because when we limit people ’ s geographic mobility , we limit their economic mobility , educational mobility and employment mobility , ” said Olatunji Oboi Reed , an avid bike rider and president of Equiticity , a nonprofit focused on transportation equity .
“ So not only is this event important because folks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to remind our communities how crucial staying active and mobile is.
” Friday ’ s event , led by the the non-profit organization Pep Rally Takeover , was one of a series of events leading up to Election Day .
Many participants were able to register to vote using Votable , an app created in the aftermath of George Floyd ’ s killing that simplifies voting registration and helps eliminate voter suppression .
Pep Rally Takeover , which specializes in “ rallies to create unique musical experiences , ” usually holds events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But with the coronavirus pandemic , a few adjustments had to be made .
“ We ’ re still going because we know our work is important now more than ever , given the pandemic and all the social unrest we ’ ve seen .
Our youth deserve to see positive changes , ” said radio personality Rodney “ Hotrod ” Washington who founded Pep Rally Takeover .
While participants registered to vote , they were also offered free PPE from Color of Change , a national organization aimed at pushing corporations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostile world ” for Black Americans .
After the voter registration drive , Divvy Bikes and Lyft offered free bikes for the 10-mile ride led by Street ’ s Calling Chicago , a cycling group started in the spring to encourage Black Chicagoans to stay active during the pandemic .
The group normally rides on the South Side from Bronzeville to locations like the South Loop — the home of many Black and Brown-owned businesses .
“ Our No .
1 goal is to make sure that our Black and Brown communities come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy , ” said Daphany Sagaille , co-founder of Street ’ s Calling Chicago .
“ Biking is something peaceful that can help us release all the tension we have from watching our people constantly dying , and today we ’ re able to turn that movement into a political movement.
” For more information about upcoming events and the groups ’ Nov. 3rd bike ride to the polls , follow Pep Rally Takeover on Facebook .

Roughly two dozen members of Black-run organizations took a 10-mile bike ride through West Town Friday after helping in a voter registration drive event aimed at the African American community.
“We are decreasing life outcomes when we limit people’s geographic mobility because when we limit people’s geographic mobility, we limit their economic mobility, educational mobility and employment mobility,” said Olatunji Oboi Reed, an avid bike rider and president of Equiticity, a nonprofit focused on transportation equity.
“So not only is this event important because folks are registering to vote, it’s important to remind our communities how crucial staying active and mobile is.”
Friday’s event, led by the the non-profit organization Pep Rally Takeover, was one of a series of events leading up to Election Day. Many participants were able to register to vote using Votable, an app created in the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing that simplifies voting registration and helps eliminate voter suppression.
Joshua Johnson, creative consultant of Votable, and Veronica Peterson, creator of Votable, talk to biker Olatunji Oboi Reed. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Pep Rally Takeover, which specializes in “rallies to create unique musical experiences,” usually holds events inside schools in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. But with the coronavirus pandemic, a few adjustments had to be made.
“We’re still going because we know our work is important now more than ever, given the pandemic and all the social unrest we’ve seen. Our youth deserve to see positive changes,” said radio personality Rodney “Hotrod” Washington who founded Pep Rally Takeover.
While participants registered to vote, they were also offered free PPE from Color of Change, a national organization aimed at pushing corporations and governments to create a “less hostile world” for Black Americans.
After the voter registration drive, Divvy Bikes and Lyft offered free bikes for the 10-mile ride led by Street’s Calling Chicago, a cycling group started in the spring to encourage Black Chicagoans to stay active during the pandemic.
The group normally rides on the South Side from Bronzeville to locations like the South Loop — the home of many Black and Brown-owned businesses.
“Our No. 1 goal is to make sure that our Black and Brown communities come together and support each other while staying healthy,” said Daphany Sagaille, co-founder of Street’s Calling Chicago. “Biking is something peaceful that can help us release all the tension we have from watching our people constantly dying, and today we’re able to turn that movement into a political movement.”
For more information about upcoming events and the groups’ Nov. 3rd bike ride to the polls, follow Pep Rally Takeover on Facebook.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-16--Evanston shooting: Man charged with murder near Howard Red Line Station on July 23

A man was charged with first-degree murder Thursday for a July 23 fatal shooting near the Howard Red Line Station @ @ @ @ @ , a 26-year-old man from Evanston , is being held at Cook County Jail on @ @ @ @ @ .
Coleman is charged with killing Brian Carrion , a 20-year-old Glenview resident , after @ @ @ @ @ — located on the border of Evanston and Chicago — around 1:15 a.m. on July @ @ @ @ @ also grazed by the gunfire .
Evanston Police detectives worked with the Cook County state @ @ @ @ @ office to issue a nationwide arrest warrant for Coleman on Sept. 10 , and the @ @ @ @ @ Force arrested Coleman last weekend near Toledo , Ohio , police said .
Coleman ’ @ @ @ @ @ set for Oct. 29 .

A man was charged with first-degree murder Thursday for a July 23 fatal shooting near the Howard Red Line Station in Evanston.
Shakiel Coleman, a 26-year-old man from Evanston, is being held at Cook County Jail on no bail for the shooting.
Coleman is charged with killing Brian Carrion, a 20-year-old Glenview resident, after an argument outside the station — located on the border of Evanston and Chicago — around 1:15 a.m. on July 23. Another man was also grazed by the gunfire.
Evanston Police detectives worked with the Cook County state’s attorney’s office to issue a nationwide arrest warrant for Coleman on Sept. 10, and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Coleman last weekend near Toledo, Ohio, police said.
Coleman’s next court date is set for Oct. 29.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-16--A Democrat state rep in a tight race bites the hand — Mike Madigan’s — that feeds her

After Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan appeared in all but actual name in ComEd ’ s deferred federal prosecution agreement , Terra Costa Howard was among the first Democratic state representatives to call on him to resign without adding “ if he did it.
” And the freshman legislator from Glen Ellyn has been breaking pretty much all precedent in the last month by putting significant campaign money where her mouth is .
Madigan ’ s political operation has continued to back Costa Howard against former Rep. Peter Breen , a Republican from Lombard .
Costa Howard , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of money that most other Democratic incumbents in difficult reelection battles have received , perhaps because she won her last race by 7 percentage points .
Madigan ’ s support , though limited , ostensibly cost Costa Howard the endorsement of the Chicago Tribune editorial board , but she has been sending out mailers under the media ’ s radar screen blasting Madigan .
“ For decades , Speaker Mike Madigan has ruled the Illinois House of Representatives with an iron fist , ” boomed the first such mailer , which landed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted to bribing Madigan associates for years , with money they got from your electric bills , Terra Costa Howard refused to keep silent .
In the face of threats and intimidation from fellow Democrats , State Representative Terra Costa Howard did the right thing : She stood up and called on Madigan to step down , now.
” The second mailer , which hit the boxes around the first of the month , was entitled “ Why I called for Speaker Madigan to resign.
” “ As a mom , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is doing it !
’ ” the mailer explains .
“ But as a legislator it was the opposite ‘ No one is doing it !
’ I couldn ’ t believe it .
As a mom , this was my chance to show my daughters what it means to do what ’ s right.
” The third mailer landed a week later and focused on legislative redistricting , a process that Madigan has perfected .
“ Corrupt politicians draw maps that take away the power of your vote , ” the reader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to give the power back to us !
” “ Since 1971 Mike Madigan has had Illinois on the same path , ” read the headline .
“ Speaker Mike Madigan is implicated in yet another Illinois corruption and bribery scandal .
This time , ComEd officials have admitted that they bribed some of Madigan ’ s closest allies to get a rate hike that ’ s costing Illinois customers millions of dollars .
Madigan ’ s failed leadership damages our state ’ s reputation , hampers economic growth , and discourages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s time to set a new course.
” A spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Illinois declined comment but said the mailers were not a surprise .
Whatever works , I suppose .
Costa Howard won ’ t be voting for Madigan ’ s reelection , but not many Democrats want to see a return of the ultra-conservative Breen , who is a nationally prominent pro-life attorney and was the House Republican floor leader until he lost reelection two years ago .
Whatever the case , a campaign like this is unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has ever been so openly hostile to Madigan in sustained paid advertising .
Ever .
I mean , the Senate Democrats caught tremendous heat from unions when they ran TV ads calling for leadership term limits two years ago ; they had to pull the ads down or face retaliation .
In other news , Costa Howard ’ s campaign is behind a formal complaint filed with the Illinois Board of Elections .
The complaint alleges that the Illinois Republican Party has made in-kind contributions of 10 mailings on behalf of Breen ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but at least six of those in-kind contributions have yet to be disclosed by Breen .
The Breen campaign denied all wrongdoing and noted that some mailers were reported last week .
Breen ’ s mailers , unsurprisingly , have tried to weld Costa Howard to Madigan .
In one , recipients were told that Costa Howard “ lied to you about her ties to Madigan and corruption , ” adding that she “ is still taking Madigan ’ s money.
” “ According to recently uncovered FBI files , ” another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike McClain raised money for Terra as part of a pay-for-play ‘ secret project.
’ ” The footnote points to a Tribune story about McClain raising money for unnamed House Democratic candidates .
“ Terra ’ s money man McClain rewarded another Madigan operative for covering up a rape in Champaign , Illinois.
” It ’ s not hard to see why Costa Howard is taking the anti-Madigan route .

After Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan appeared in all but actual name in ComEd’s deferred federal prosecution agreement, Terra Costa Howard was among the first Democratic state representatives to call on him to resign without adding “if he did it.”
And the freshman legislator from Glen Ellyn has been breaking pretty much all precedent in the last month by putting significant campaign money where her mouth is.
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
Madigan’s political operation has continued to back Costa Howard against former Rep. Peter Breen, a Republican from Lombard. Costa Howard, though, has received nowhere near the amount of money that most other Democratic incumbents in difficult reelection battles have received, perhaps because she won her last race by 7 percentage points.
Madigan’s support, though limited, ostensibly cost Costa Howard the endorsement of the Chicago Tribune editorial board, but she has been sending out mailers under the media’s radar screen blasting Madigan.
“For decades, Speaker Mike Madigan has ruled the Illinois House of Representatives with an iron fist,” boomed the first such mailer, which landed in late September. “But when ComEd admitted to bribing Madigan associates for years, with money they got from your electric bills, Terra Costa Howard refused to keep silent. In the face of threats and intimidation from fellow Democrats, State Representative Terra Costa Howard did the right thing: She stood up and called on Madigan to step down, now.”
The second mailer, which hit the boxes around the first of the month, was titled “Why I called for Speaker Madigan to resign.”
“As a mom, I’ve heard the classic ‘Everyone else is doing it!’” the mailer explains. “But as a legislator it was the opposite ‘No one is doing it!’ I couldn’t believe it. As a mom, this was my chance to show my daughters what it means to do what’s right.”
The third mailer landed a week later and focused on legislative redistricting, a process that Madigan has perfected. “Corrupt politicians draw maps that take away the power of your vote,” the reader is informed. “Terra Costa Howard wants to give the power back to us!”
The fourth mailer landed a few days ago.
“Since 1971 Mike Madigan has had Illinois on the same path,” read the headline. “Speaker Mike Madigan is implicated in yet another Illinois corruption and bribery scandal. This time, ComEd officials have admitted that they bribed some of Madigan’s closest allies to get a rate hike that’s costing Illinois customers millions of dollars. Madigan’s failed leadership damages our state’s reputation, hampers economic growth, and discourages people from investing in Illinois. It’s time to set a new course.”
Yikes.
A spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Illinois declined comment but said the mailers were not a surprise. Whatever works, I suppose. Costa Howard won’t be voting for Madigan’s reelection, but not many Democrats want to see a return of the ultra-conservative Breen, who is a nationally prominent anti-abortion attorney and was the House Republican floor leader until he lost reelection two years ago.
Whatever the case, a campaign like this is unprecedented in Illinois. No incumbent House Democrat has ever been so openly hostile to Madigan in sustained paid advertising. Ever. I mean, the Senate Democrats caught tremendous heat from unions when they ran TV ads calling for leadership term limits two years ago; they had to pull the ads down or face retaliation.
In other news, Costa Howard’s campaign is behind a formal complaint filed with the Illinois Board of Elections. The complaint alleges the Illinois Republican Party has made in-kind contributions of 10 mailings on behalf of Breen’s campaign going back to early August, but at least six of those in-kind contributions have yet to be disclosed by Breen. The Breen campaign denied all wrongdoing and noted that some mailers were reported last week.
Breen’s mailers, unsurprisingly, have tried to weld Costa Howard to Madigan. In one, recipients were told that Costa Howard “lied to you about her ties to Madigan and corruption,” adding that she “is still taking Madigan’s money.”
“According to recently uncovered FBI files,” another mailer claimed, “top Madigan lieutenant Mike McClain raised money for Terra as part of a pay-for-play ‘secret project.’” The footnote points to a Tribune story about McClain raising money for unnamed House Democratic candidates. “Terra’s money man McClain rewarded another Madigan operative for covering up a rape in Champaign, Illinois.”
It’s not hard to see why Costa Howard is taking the anti-Madigan route.
Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-16--2 men fatally shot in Griffith, Indiana

2 men fatally shot in Griffith, Indiana

Two men were fatally shot Friday at a home in Griffith , Indiana .
The Lake County Coroner ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Elijah Robinson , 18 , and Maxwell Kroll , 17 .
Officers responded around 12 @ @ @ @ @ of West 59th Street after the girlfriend of one of the victims found both men @ @ @ @ @ Lake County Sheriff ’ s Department .
Robinson and Kroll were known to be friends @ @ @ @ @ the shootings as a double homicide .

Two men were fatally shot Friday at a home in Griffith, Indiana.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Elijah Robinson, 18, and Maxwell Kroll, 17.
Officers responded around 12 p.m. to the 5900 block of West 59th Street after the girlfriend of one of the victims found both men unresponsive, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.
Robinson and Kroll were known to be friends, and officers are investigating the shootings as a double homicide.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-17--Brent Seabrook, Andrew Shaw, Zack Smith’s uncertain injury statuses reduce Blackhawks’ flexibility

The Blackhawks ’ salary cap situation , if playing it safe , remains tight .
They have about $ 5.2 million left to re-sign restricted free agent Dylan Strome and leave room for in-season moves , per CapFriendly .
But it ’ s actually possible they have upwards of $ 19 million in cap space right now .
That all depends on the injury statuses of three expensive veteran players : Brent Seabrook , Andrew Shaw and Zack Smith .
If healthy , they ’ ll each make massive dents in the Hawks ’ contract chart : Seabrook infamously has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 6.875 million cap hit ; Shaw has two years left with a $ 3.9 million cap hit ; Smith has one year left with a $ 3.25 million cap hit .
Collectively , that ’ s nearly 20 % of the team ’ s total current cap hit .
They might not be healthy , though .
And if they aren ’ t , they can be placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve ( commonly called LTIR ) and not count against the cap at all .
Their penciled-in roster spots would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replacements would mitigate the cap savings — but only slightly , given that they ’ d likely be AHL players or prospects making under $ 1 million each .
So the uncertain health statuses of the three players will have a huge impact on the Hawks ’ financial and roster-building outlook moving forward .
Here ’ s what we know about how each guy is doing .
The 35-year-old defensemen underwent a trifecta of surgeries on his right shoulder , right hip and left hip in December and January and hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Hawks ’ July training camp but announced shortly before the team departed for the playoff bubble that he didn ’ t feel game-ready enough to come along .
He said he physically felt better than he had in years , however , and expected to be ready for the 2020-21 season if the Hawks still had a place for him on the roster .
The relationship between Seabrook and Hawks management , in large part due to his albatross contract , has grown strained in recent years .
With Seabrook enforcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very unlikely he ’ ll be traded this offseason .
In the meantime , he continues to prepare , which general manager Stan Bowman gave an update on earlier this month .
“ He was looking pretty good back in July ; he was close to being ready to join us in Edmonton , ” Bowman said .
“ It ’ s been a few months since then and there ’ s been no setbacks .
I know he ’ s training .
I would imagine he ’ s on track.
” Thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logically so — on Seabrook ’ s nearly $ 7 million cap hit returning to the official books next season .
Considering how tumultuous his past few years have been , though , no possibilities can be counted out .
The 29-year-old forward hasn ’ t played since Nov. 30 , 2019 , after suffering yet another concussion in a career plagued with them .
He posted an update on Instagram in July , announcing he ’ d forgo the playoffs but planned to be ready for the 2020-21 season .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being healed from not just my last concussion but from others I have had over the years , ” Shaw wrote .
“ We have come to the difficult decision that these extra five months until next season would be great for my health and recovery .
I look forward to being back next season better and stronger than ever !
” Shaw hasn ’ t spoken publicly since , but a source said this week that he is “ progressing very well.
” Thus , like with Seabrook , the Hawks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The fickleness of concussions , though , means it ’ s difficult to make any guarantees until the time comes .
If Shaw does return , he could help the Hawks out significantly with his unique combination of toughness and scoring touch .
He set a career high with 47 points in 63 games with the Canadiens as recently as 2018-19 .
The 32-year-old forward hasn ’ t played since undergoing back surgery at the beginning of March .
Initially expected to miss three-to-four months — the least amount of time out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s health now looks the iffiest of all heading toward next season .
He didn ’ t practice or play at all in the July-August NHL restart .
And his agent , Allain Roy , gave an optimistic but far-from-certain update Monday about his status .
“ It ’ s going okay , ” Roy said .
“ He ’ s improving every day .
Not cleared yet .
Nothing major to report there .
The fact that we ’ ve got some extra time here [ before next season ] , probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll see where it goes.
” Smith ’ s longer-than-anticipated recovery timeframe has adversely affected the Hawks in numerous ways .
Bowman probably would have bought out Smith , a move that would have saved $ 2.16 million , before the Oct. 8 deadline if he wasn ’ t still injured .
That extra space could ’ ve given the Hawks enough flexibility and financial confidence to increase their offer to — and potentially re-sign — Corey Crawford .
Instead , the Hawks ’ goalie situation is a mess and they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aging and now injury-plagued wing who scored just 11 points in 50 games last season .
The Hawks will certainly root for Smith to recover by January for his own sake , but if he doesn ’ t , the $ 3.25 million in LTIR savings would be quite nice .

The Blackhawks’ salary cap situation, if playing it safe, remains tight.
They have about $5.2 million left to re-sign restricted free agent Dylan Strome and leave room for in-season moves, per CapFriendly.
But it’s actually possible they have upwards of $19 million in cap space right now.
That all depends on the injury statuses of three expensive veteran players: Brent Seabrook, Andrew Shaw and Zack Smith.
If healthy, they’ll each make massive dents in the Hawks’ contract chart: Seabrook infamously has four years left on his contract with a $6.875 million cap hit; Shaw has two years left with a $3.9 million cap hit; Smith has one year left with a $3.25 million cap hit. Collectively, that’s nearly 20% of the team’s total current cap hit.
They might not be healthy, though. And if they aren’t, they can be placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve (commonly called LTIR) and not count against the cap at all.
Their penciled-in roster spots would need replacements, yes, and those replacements would mitigate the cap savings — but only slightly, given that they’d likely be AHL players or prospects making under $1 million each.
So the uncertain health statuses of the three players will have a huge impact on the Hawks’ financial and roster-building outlook moving forward. Here’s what we know about how each guy is doing.
Seabrook
The 35-year-old defensemen underwent a trifecta of surgeries on his right shoulder, right hip and left hip in December and January and hasn’t played since.
Seabrook participated in most of the Hawks’ July training camp but announced shortly before the team departed for the playoff bubble that he didn’t feel game-ready enough to come along.
He said he physically felt better than he had in years, however, and expected to be ready for the 2020-21 season if the Hawks still had a place for him on the roster. The relationship between Seabrook and Hawks management, in large part due to his albatross contract, has grown strained in recent years.
Brent Seabrook practiced but didn’t play in game action over the summer. AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
With Seabrook enforcing a complete no-movement clause, it seems very unlikely he’ll be traded this offseason. In the meantime, he continues to prepare, which general manager Stan Bowman gave an update on earlier this month.
“He was looking pretty good back in July; he was close to being ready to join us in Edmonton,” Bowman said. “It’s been a few months since then and there’s been no setbacks. I know he’s training. I would imagine he’s on track.”
Thus, the Hawks are planning — and logically so — on Seabrook’s nearly $7 million cap hit returning to the official books next season. Considering how tumultuous his past few years have been, though, no possibilities can be counted out.
Shaw
The 29-year-old forward hasn’t played since Nov. 30, 2019, after suffering yet another concussion in a career plagued with them.
He posted an update on Instagram in July, announcing he’d forgo the playoffs but planned to be ready for the 2020-21 season.
“I feel healthy and am close to fully being healed from not just my last concussion but from others I have had over the years,” Shaw wrote. “We have come to the difficult decision that these extra five months until next season would be great for my health and recovery. I look forward to being back next season better and stronger than ever!”
Shaw hasn’t spoken publicly since, but a source said this week that he is “progressing very well.”
Thus, like with Seabrook, the Hawks are planning to have Shaw back next year. The fickleness of concussions, though, means it’s difficult to make any guarantees until the time comes.
If Shaw does return, he could help the Hawks out significantly with his unique combination of toughness and scoring touch. He set a career high with 47 points in 63 games with the Canadiens as recently as 2018-19.
Smith
The 32-year-old forward hasn’t played since undergoing back surgery at the beginning of March.
Initially expected to miss three-to-four months — the least amount of time out of the injured trio — Smith’s health now looks the iffiest of all heading toward next season.
He didn’t practice or play at all in the July-August NHL restart. And his agent, Allain Roy, gave an optimistic but far-from-certain update Monday about his status.
“It’s going okay,” Roy said. “He’s improving every day. Not cleared yet. Nothing major to report there. The fact that we’ve got some extra time here [before next season], probably until January, will help. We’ll see where it goes.”
Zack Smith still hasn’t been cleared since undergoing surgery in March. Getty Images/Jonathan Daniel
Smith’s longer-than-anticipated recovery timeframe has adversely affected the Hawks in numerous ways. Bowman probably would have bought out Smith, a move that would have saved $2.16 million, before the Oct. 8 deadline if he wasn’t still injured. That extra space could’ve given the Hawks enough flexibility and financial confidence to increase their offer to — and potentially re-sign — Corey Crawford.
Instead, the Hawks’ goalie situation is a mess and they’re also stuck with Smith, an aging and now injury-plagued wing who scored just 11 points in 50 games last season.
The Hawks will certainly root for Smith to recover by January for his own sake, but if he doesn’t, the $3.25 million in LTIR savings would be quite nice.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-17--Cheyenne Parker reflects on career-best season: ‘I definitely have much further to go’

There ’ s no doubt in coach James Wade ’ s mind that Cheyenne Parker has a bright future ahead of her .
The question now is what he will have to do to bring the free-agent forward back next season .
Fresh off a career year , Parker ’ s stock never has been higher .
She proved herself as a starter while helping carry the Sky ’ s frontcourt after the team ’ s depth shriveled up because of an injury to Stefanie Dolson and the midseason departures of Azura Stevens and Diamond DeShields .
In 20 games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 13.4 ) , rebounds ( 6.4 ) and steals ( 1.3 ) .
She also shot a career-best 55.4 % from the field and made 46.9 % of her 32 three-pointers .
Wade always has seen the potential in Parker , the first player he re-signed when he became the Sky ’ s general manager after the 2018 season .
That ’ s why it ’ s not surprising that he plans to be aggressive in pursuing her this offseason .
‘ ‘ Cheyenne is an important piece for us going forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ She ’ s shown throughout the season that she ’ s a starter in this league , that she can be our center going forward.
’ ’ Wade told Parker something along those lines in his exit interview with her last month .
His support and confidence makes her want to be better .
‘ ‘ What it means to me is that I have work to do , I have to continue to get better , never be complacent and embrace it , ’ ’ Parker said .
‘ ‘ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role for the Sky because I ’ ve been with the Sky since the beginning , and it ’ ll mean a lot to be a big part of this team and leave a big impact.
’ ’ Does that mean she wants to return to the Sky for her seventh season ?
‘ ‘ Yeah , for sure , ’ ’ Parker said .
‘ ‘ It ’ s not anything that crossed my mind , leaving the Sky .
I love this organization , I love the coach , the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gon na have to ask me to leave .
That ’ s what it ’ s gon na take [ for me to go ] .
’ ’ Parker ’ s loyalty comes as little surprise to anyone who knows her rags-to-riches story .
The Sky were the only WNBA team to interview Parker after she was kicked off her college team for failing a drug test just two months before the 2015 draft .
After the Sky picked her fifth overall , she struggled in her first three seasons , averaging just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , she has spent the last three seasons establishing herself as one of the WNBA ’ s up-and-comers .
Parker ’ s grit and work ethic are among the traits Wade admires .
‘ ‘ We like playing to Cheyenne , and when she ’ s engaged , it ’ s really tough to guard her for anyone , ’ ’ Wade said .
‘ ‘ Now it ’ s about her being consistent and knowing that we ’ re going to demand a lot from her every night , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ’ Parker called her 2020 performance ‘ ‘ decent.
’ ’ She plans to expand her skill set this offseason while playing for French club Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration .
‘ ‘ I definitely have much further to go , ’ ’ Parker said .
‘ ‘ But I think that it was a step in the right direction .
.
.
.
I just want to be better all the way around .
I just have to have an emphasis on whatever it is we ’ re doing , whether it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being able to guard .
A lot of times , the best player is the forward position , so I want to be able to be that person that James can rely on to guard that position and get it done .
’ ’

There’s no doubt in coach James Wade’s mind that Cheyenne Parker has a bright future ahead of her.
The question now is what he will have to do to bring the free-agent forward back next season.
Fresh off a career year, Parker’s stock never has been higher. She proved herself as a starter while helping carry the Sky’s frontcourt after the team’s depth shriveled up because of an injury to Stefanie Dolson and the midseason departures of Azura Stevens and Diamond DeShields.
In 20 games, Parker posted career highs in points (13.4), rebounds (6.4) and steals (1.3). She also shot a career-best 55.4% from the field and made 46.9% of her 32 three-pointers.
Wade always has seen the potential in Parker, the first player he re-signed when he became the Sky’s general manager after the 2018 season. That’s why it’s not surprising that he plans to be aggressive in pursuing her this offseason.
‘‘Cheyenne is an important piece for us going forward,’’ Wade said. ‘‘She’s shown throughout the season that she’s a starter in this league, that she can be our center going forward.’’
Wade told Parker something along those lines in his exit interview with her last month. His support and confidence makes her want to be better.
‘‘What it means to me is that I have work to do, I have to continue to get better, never be complacent and embrace it,’’ Parker said. ‘‘I’m excited to have an important role for the Sky because I’ve been with the Sky since the beginning, and it’ll mean a lot to be a big part of this team and leave a big impact.’’
Does that mean she wants to return to the Sky for her seventh season?
‘‘Yeah, for sure,’’ Parker said. ‘‘It’s not anything that crossed my mind, leaving the Sky. I love this organization, I love the coach, the team, the players. You’re gonna have to ask me to leave. That’s what it’s gonna take [for me to go].’’
Parker’s loyalty comes as little surprise to anyone who knows her rags-to-riches story. The Sky were the only WNBA team to interview Parker after she was kicked off her college team for failing a drug test just two months before the 2015 draft.
After the Sky picked her fifth overall, she struggled in her first three seasons, averaging just 3.3 points and three rebounds.
Since then, she has spent the last three seasons establishing herself as one of the WNBA’s up-and-comers.
Parker’s grit and work ethic are among the traits Wade admires.
‘‘We like playing to Cheyenne, and when she’s engaged, it’s really tough to guard her for anyone,’’ Wade said. ‘‘Now it’s about her being consistent and knowing that we’re going to demand a lot from her every night, and that’s how you make an All-Star.’’
Parker called her 2020 performance ‘‘decent.’’ She plans to expand her skill set this offseason while playing for French club Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration.
‘‘I definitely have much further to go,’’ Parker said. ‘‘But I think that it was a step in the right direction. . . . I just want to be better all the way around. I just have to have an emphasis on whatever it is we’re doing, whether it’s scouting a certain position or being able to guard. A lot of times, the best player is the forward position, so I want to be able to be that person that James can rely on to guard that position and get it done.’’


chicagosun-times--2020-10-17--Dear Abby: Neighbor’s cigarette stench wafts into our home in the wee hours

DEAR ABBY : My family and I bought a house in a nice , quiet , safe neighborhood three years ago .
What we didn ’ t know prior to moving in was that our next-door neighbor sometimes smokes cigarettes .
It rains eight months out of the year here , and we usually keep our windows closed , so it isn ’ t an issue .
But during the summer , we like to sleep with the windows open .
When our neighbor steps outside for a cigarette , the smoke drifts into our bedroom .
Our homes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first , I thought they didn ’ t realize that the smoke was bothering us .
Eventually I began to get upset .
When I wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom , I can smell it .
I have made a point of loudly slamming the windows shut , hoping it would make them stop .
There is no way they don ’ t hear the noise , but it doesn ’ t stop them .
We don ’ t want to have to keep our windows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyday occurrence .
It happens once a week or so , and always late at night or early in the morning .
I don ’ t know if this is how they handle insomnia or what the deal is .
Why do they still smoke in this day and age ?
There ’ s no landlord to complain to because they own their home .
After all these years , we have never introduced ourselves to each other , and I don ’ t believe they care to know us any more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Because of this , confronting them is not an option .
What do we do ?
— HATES THE SMOKE IN OREGON DEAR HATES : Your letter illustrates the disadvantages of isolationism .
Had you made a point of introducing yourself when you ( or they ) moved in , you probably wouldn ’ t have needed to write to me now .
Slamming your window shut is not a friendly or efficient way to communicate because these people are not mind readers .
Going next door , introducing yourself , politely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and asking if they could smoke on the other side of their house , away from your bedroom window , would be better .
If you can ’ t bring yourself to do that , write a letter — keeping the communication civil — and tell them in simple language that you would appreciate their cooperation in solving this problem .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ ve been with the same man for 22 years , married for 16 .
We live in a small town .
During the last four or five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for my husband .
I have absolutely no interest in hearing about what happens politically in big cities — or anywhere , for that matter .
How can I get him to stop going on and on about what he reads or hears ?
So far , I haven ’ t been successful , and we end up arguing .
Must I take an interest in it for his sake ?
Do you see any room for a compromise ?
— DON ’ T SHOW ME IN MISSOURI DEAR DON ’ T : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow your husband to vent .
Because we are in an important election year , there is no escaping the subject .
If you listen , you may learn something you didn ’ t know that could be relevant to you .
Limit the amount of time you spend listening , but I don ’ t recommend cutting him off .
I ’ m willing to bet that you sometimes bring up subjects that may be less than fascinating for him , too .
Tolerance and a willingness to compromise are two of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets : “ Abby ’ s Favorite Recipes ” and “ More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 16 ( U.S. funds ) , to : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My family and I bought a house in a nice, quiet, safe neighborhood three years ago. What we didn’t know prior to moving in was that our next-door neighbor sometimes smokes cigarettes.
It rains eight months out of the year here, and we usually keep our windows closed, so it isn’t an issue. But during the summer, we like to sleep with the windows open. When our neighbor steps outside for a cigarette, the smoke drifts into our bedroom.
Our homes are separated by small yards, so at first, I thought they didn’t realize that the smoke was bothering us. Eventually I began to get upset. When I wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, I can smell it. I have made a point of loudly slamming the windows shut, hoping it would make them stop. There is no way they don’t hear the noise, but it doesn’t stop them.
We don’t want to have to keep our windows closed, because it is not an everyday occurrence. It happens once a week or so, and always late at night or early in the morning. I don’t know if this is how they handle insomnia or what the deal is. Why do they still smoke in this day and age?
There’s no landlord to complain to because they own their home. After all these years, we have never introduced ourselves to each other, and I don’t believe they care to know us any more than we care to get to know them. Because of this, confronting them is not an option. What do we do? — HATES THE SMOKE IN OREGON
DEAR HATES: Your letter illustrates the disadvantages of isolationism. Had you made a point of introducing yourself when you (or they) moved in, you probably wouldn’t have needed to write to me now.
Slamming your window shut is not a friendly or efficient way to communicate because these people are not mind readers. Going next door, introducing yourself, politely explaining that there’s a problem and asking if they could smoke on the other side of their house, away from your bedroom window, would be better. If you can’t bring yourself to do that, write a letter — keeping the communication civil — and tell them in simple language that you would appreciate their cooperation in solving this problem.
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been with the same man for 22 years, married for 16. We live in a small town. During the last four or five years, everything has become about politics for my husband. I have absolutely no interest in hearing about what happens politically in big cities — or anywhere, for that matter.
How can I get him to stop going on and on about what he reads or hears? So far, I haven’t been successful, and we end up arguing. Must I take an interest in it for his sake? Do you see any room for a compromise? — DON’T SHOW ME IN MISSOURI
DEAR DON’T: To some degree, you have to allow your husband to vent. Because we are in an important election year, there is no escaping the subject. If you listen, you may learn something you didn’t know that could be relevant to you. Limit the amount of time you spend listening, but I don’t recommend cutting him off.
I’m willing to bet that you sometimes bring up subjects that may be less than fascinating for him, too. Tolerance and a willingness to compromise are two of the ingredients in a healthy marriage.
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.
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-10-17--Man charged with sex assault of girl seen during online learning

A man has been charged with sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl Thursday in an incident that was witnessed during online @ @ @ @ @ the South Side .
Catrell Walls , 18 , is charged with a felony count @ @ @ @ @ of a victim under 13 , Chicago police said .
Walls was seen via an @ @ @ @ @ sexual act with the child about 1:30 p.m. in the 200 block of East 89th @ @ @ @ @ Officers responded to the home and took him into custody .
The girl was taken @ @ @ @ @ Hospital .
Police did not say who witnessed the incident or whether the online learning @ @ @ @ @ specific school .
Walls , who lives in West Chesterfield , is scheduled to appear @ @ @ @ @ hearing on Saturday , police said .
Read more on crime , and track the @ @ @ @ @

A man has been charged with sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl Thursday in an incident that was witnessed during online learning in West Chesterfield on the South Side.
Catrell Walls, 18, is charged with a felony count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13, Chicago police said.
Walls was seen via an online learning application performing a sexual act with the child about 1:30 p.m. in the 200 block of East 89th Place, police said. Officers responded to the home and took him into custody. The girl was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital.
Police did not say who witnessed the incident or whether the online learning application was associated with a specific school.
Walls, who lives in West Chesterfield, is scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing on Saturday, police said.
Remote learning, a valuable tool for children because it allows them to be schooled from home amid a pandemic, also can become a window into the violent homes some kids live in.
Last month, while a Milwaukee Public Schools class was being held via remote learning, a fatal shooting occurred in a 9-year-old student’s home.
In August in Indiantown, Florida, a teacher at Warfield Elementary watched a 10-year-old cover girl cover her ears as a domestic altercation unfolded in the girl’s home. She muted the girl before the girl’s screen darkened. The girl’s mother was shot repeatedly, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, and later died at a hospital.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-17--Meandering or Marching? Here’s how the 2020 Bears can make a serious playoff run

The Bears ’ surprising 4-1 start has them several steps down the road toward the playoffs already .
While Week 6 feels awfully early to punch their ticket to the postseason , they could probably meander through the rest of the season at 5-6 and still get there .
That ’ s actually exactly how the Bears finished last season , and if that team could do it , so can this one .
Barring a total implosion , which is unlikely considering how good their defense is , the Bears should be able to find at least five or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They certainly haven ’ t looked like a team that would win 80 % of its games and any of those wins could ’ ve flipped .
Any team that plays the way the Bears have — mainly on offense — couldn ’ t be shocked to be 0-5 , but here they are with the gift of a 4-1 record .
“ That ’ s exactly right : For us to be 4-1 and play the way we ’ re playing offensively ... they ’ re not pretty , ” coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay excited is that you are 4-1 , because in the end that ’ s what matters .
You want it to look better .
That ’ s what we ’ re working towards right now and that ’ s what we ’ ve got to get to as soon as we can.
” Another win Sunday at the Panthers would give the Bears their best start since 2012 , and over the last three decades , 83 % of 5-1 teams went on to make the playoffs .
Unfortunately for the Bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they would have if there were seven spots in each conference like there are this season .
The Bears , however , would say they aren ’ t content to be just another playoff team sitting there to be conquered by the NFC heavyweights on their way toward the Super Bowl .
They aspire to be a real contender .
Is that realistic ?
It is if these five things go their way : The Bears could make a significant statement about where they ’ re headed by making the Carolina game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opponents like the Panthers , who are 3-2 but haven ’ t beaten anyone good .
Take a look at some of the other tackling dummies lined up for the Bears : the Vikings ( 1-4 ) twice , the Lions ( 1-3 ) , the Texans ( 1-4 ) and the Jaguars ( 1-4 ) .
Beating the Panthers and taking four of those five is all it would take to guarantee the Bears a winning record .
That ’ s only the baseline , though .
Any mediocre NFL team can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next step for the Bears to prove their legitimacy is to trade punches with teams like the Rams , Saints and Titans — their next three opponents , in order , after playing the Panthers .
Every team that has counted on Nick Foles has been in for a wild ride .
He can run the spectrum from best player on the field , as he was during the Eagles ’ championship run and when leading the Bears ’ comeback over the Falcons in his debut , to totally ineffective .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live for the Bears .
There are signs , however , that point toward Foles leveling off .
His completion percentage has gone up every game , rising from 55 % to 71 % , and this week was his first real chance to settle in as the Bears ’ starter .
They aren ’ t asking him to be the MVP of the league .
What they need is something along the lines of what he gave the Eagles over 18 games , including the playoffs , in 2017 and ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touchdowns to 11 interceptions and a 93.1 passer rating .
What was the difference between the very good Bears defense of 2019 and the exceptional , world-class , championship-level Bears defense of the season before ?
Takeaways .
The 2018 Bears led the NFL with 36 , the most since the 2015 Panthers , and a big reason for it was that they were third in the NFL with 50 sacks .
The Bears had barely more than half that at 19 last season .
They also dipped from 100 quarterback hits to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears ’ defense , is somewhere in between .
Realistically , that won ’ t be sufficient to overcome their offense ’ s shortfalls .
The upside for the Bears is that the combination of Robert Quinn , Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks looked like it was starting to click in the win over the Buccaneers .
A more ferocious pass rush will bring more takeaways .
Nagy seems to enjoy talking about having a running game more than actually having a running game .
That needs to change .
It needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears still sit 27th in yards per game and 16th in yards per carry .
They ’ re at 2.1 yards per carry over the last two games .
They ’ ve chucked the fourth-most passes in the NFL , which isn ’ t the smartest idea who their quarterbacks are .
Curiously , the Bears appeared to have little or no interest in free agent Le ’ Veon Bell , a two-time all-pro who was cut by the Jets this week and signed with the Chiefs .
He ’ s the type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cohen tore his ACL , and David Montgomery hasn ’ t been able to add that role to his job description .
What chance has Montgomery had , though , with 10 carries each of the last two games ?
He has had fewer than 20 rushes in 17 of his 21 career games .
Nagy needs to stay patient and give him more consistent opportunities to show he can be the dependable primary back they drafted him to be .
Where exactly are all the giants of the NFC ?
As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-0 and Seahawks at 5-0 .
Everyone else is just OK. A world of “ just OK ” teams is a world where the Bears can make something happen .
The Saints are 3-2 after an overtime escape , and the Bears just knocked the Buccaneers to 3-2 .
The Vikings are a disaster .
The entire NFC East is rotten — and how seriously should anyone take the 4-1 Rams when all four of their wins came against that division ?
There ’ s an opening for one of those second-tier teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And , more than anything any of their peers have , the Bears ’ defense has the potential to vault them there .
If their defense accelerates from good to great and Nagy somewhat straightens out his offense , the Bears can get back to what they were his first season : A flawed , but dangerous team .

The Bears’ surprising 4-1 start has them several steps down the road toward the playoffs already. While Week 6 feels awfully early to punch their ticket to the postseason, they could probably meander through the rest of the season at 5-6 and still get there.
That’s actually exactly how the Bears finished last season, and if that team could do it, so can this one. Barring a total implosion, which is unlikely considering how good their defense is, the Bears should be able to find at least five or six more victories to reach the playoffs.
They certainly haven’t looked like a team that would win 80% of its games and any of those wins could’ve flipped. Any team that plays the way the Bears have — mainly on offense — couldn’t be shocked to be 0-5, but here they are with the gift of a 4-1 record.
“That’s exactly right: For us to be 4-1 and play the way we’re playing offensively... they’re not pretty,” coach Matt Nagy said. “Where you stay excited is that you are 4-1, because in the end that’s what matters. You want it to look better. That’s what we’re working towards right now and that’s what we’ve got to get to as soon as we can.”
Another win Sunday at the Panthers would give the Bears their best start since 2012, and over the last three decades, 83% of 5-1 teams went on to make the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Bears, their 2012 crew did not, but they would have if there were seven spots in each conference like there are this season.
The Bears, however, would say they aren’t content to be just another playoff team sitting there to be conquered by the NFC heavyweights on their way toward the Super Bowl. They aspire to be a real contender.
Is that realistic? It is if these five things go their way:
Clobber inferior teams
The Bears could make a significant statement about where they’re headed by making the Carolina game an open-and-shut case. Serious teams thump opponents like the Panthers, who are 3-2 but haven’t beaten anyone good.
Take a look at some of the other tackling dummies lined up for the Bears: the Vikings (1-4) twice, the Lions (1-3), the Texans (1-4) and the Jaguars (1-4). Beating the Panthers and taking four of those five is all it would take to guarantee the Bears a winning record.
That’s only the baseline, though. Any mediocre NFL team can pound away on the lightweights. The next step for the Bears to prove their legitimacy is to trade punches with teams like the Rams, Saints and Titans — their next three opponents, in order, after playing the Panthers.
Foles gets rolling
Every team that has counted on Nick Foles has been in for a wild ride. He can run the spectrum from best player on the field, as he was during the Eagles’ championship run and when leading the Bears’ comeback over the Falcons in his debut, to totally ineffective.
That’s going to be a hard way to live for the Bears. There are signs, however, that point toward Foles leveling off. His completion percentage has gone up every game, rising from 55% to 71%, and this week was his first real chance to settle in as the Bears’ starter.
They aren’t asking him to be the MVP of the league. What they need is something along the lines of what he gave the Eagles over 18 games, including the playoffs, in 2017 and ’18: 67% completions, 21 touchdowns to 11 interceptions and a 93.1 passer rating.
Feast on takeaways
What was the difference between the very good Bears defense of 2019 and the exceptional, world-class, championship-level Bears defense of the season before? Takeaways.
The 2018 Bears led the NFL with 36, the most since the 2015 Panthers, and a big reason for it was that they were third in the NFL with 50 sacks. The Bears had barely more than half that at 19 last season. They also dipped from 100 quarterback hits to 79.
The current version of the Bears’ defense, is somewhere in between. Realistically, that won’t be sufficient to overcome their offense’s shortfalls. The upside for the Bears is that the combination of Robert Quinn, Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks looked like it was starting to click in the win over the Buccaneers. A more ferocious pass rush will bring more takeaways.
Find a run game
Nagy seems to enjoy talking about having a running game more than actually having a running game. That needs to change.
It needed to change a year ago, but the Bears still sit 27th in yards per game and 16th in yards per carry. They’re at 2.1 yards per carry over the last two games. They’ve chucked the fourth-most passes in the NFL, which isn’t the smartest idea who their quarterbacks are.
Curiously, the Bears appeared to have little or no interest in free agent Le’Veon Bell, a two-time all-pro who was cut by the Jets this week and signed with the Chiefs. He’s the type of dual threat they lost when Tarik Cohen tore his ACL, and David Montgomery hasn’t been able to add that role to his job description.
What chance has Montgomery had, though, with 10 carries each of the last two games? He has had fewer than 20 rushes in 17 of his 21 career games. Nagy needs to stay patient and give him more consistent opportunities to show he can be the dependable primary back they drafted him to be.
Competition stumbles
Where exactly are all the giants of the NFC? As of now it looks like the Packers at 4-0 and Seahawks at 5-0. Everyone else is just OK.
A world of “just OK” teams is a world where the Bears can make something happen. The Saints are 3-2 after an overtime escape, and the Bears just knocked the Buccaneers to 3-2. The Vikings are a disaster. The entire NFC East is rotten — and how seriously should anyone take the 4-1 Rams when all four of their wins came against that division?
There’s an opening for one of those second-tier teams to move up in weight class. And, more than anything any of their peers have, the Bears’ defense has the potential to vault them there.
If their defense accelerates from good to great and Nagy somewhat straightens out his offense, the Bears can get back to what they were his first season: A flawed, but dangerous team.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-17--Boy, 17, shot in Bucktown

Boy, 17, shot in Bucktown

A teenage boy was injured in a shooting Saturday in Bucktown on the North Side .
The 17-year-old was riding @ @ @ @ @ a.m. in the 2200 block of West Diversey Avenue when he heard gunshots and realized @ @ @ @ @ to Chicago police .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition with a @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
No one is in custody as Area Five detectives investigate .
@ @ @ @ @ and track the city ’ s homicides .

A teenage boy was injured in a shooting Saturday in Bucktown on the North Side.
The 17-year-old was riding in a vehicle about 12:30 a.m. in the 2200 block of West Diversey Avenue when he heard gunshots and realized he was hit, according to Chicago police.
He was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to the buttocks, police said.
No one is in custody as Area Five detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-17--Amy Coney Barrett wouldn’t even comment on the reality of climate change? Oh, please

The confirmation process of Ms. Amy Coney Barrett is a sham in many ways .
Since the outcome is a foregone conclusion , it has ceased to be an educational process on her judicial philosophy ( though she will hold so much of our fate in her hands ) .
The questioners make political speeches , and the candidate herself finds clever ways to say nothing , so as not to incur the wrath of her mentor , President Donald Trump .
When asked a non-political , non-controversial question , Barrett should have jumped at the chance to finally give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t .
She gave a mealy-mouthed non-answer about whether climate change is happening .
Science says that it is , and visible proof abounds .
But yet , she replied that “ it is a very contentious matter of public debate.
” In any other realm , this would disqualify her for nomination to any court , much less the Supreme Court .
It was heartening to hear the she believes that the coronavirus is infectious and smoking causes cancer .
Does she think that antibiotics cure infections , or is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well ?
Some Republicans deny climate science because their backers are in the fossil fuel industry .
Trump makes light of COVID-19 because it hurts his re-election chances , but that doesn ’ t change the facts .
I would expect a candidate for the Supreme Court to be a person with the intelligence and reasoning ability to base decisions on facts .
Ms. Barrett is not such a person .
She should not be on the court .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot owes an apology to the people of Chicago for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding former Police Supt .
Eddie Johnson , as well as to Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara , whose full police powers should be restored .
Catanzara is the only one who is actually following the mayor ’ s own police accountability recommendations by reporting misconduct at the highest levels .
Catanzara was stripped of his police powers more than two years ago after filing a police report against Johnson .
The then-superintendent had marched on the Dan Ryan Expressway during an anti-violence protest .
There should be a prompt resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public confidence will never be restored so long as Lightfoot leaves a double standard in place .

The confirmation process of Ms. Amy Coney Barrett is a sham in many ways. Since the outcome is a foregone conclusion, it has ceased to be an educational process on her judicial philosophy (though she will hold so much of our fate in her hands).
The questioners make political speeches, and the candidate herself finds clever ways to say nothing, so as not to incur the wrath of her mentor, President Donald Trump.
Opinion Newsletter
When asked a non-political, non-controversial question, Barrett should have jumped at the chance to finally give an actual answer — but she didn’t. She gave a mealy-mouthed non-answer about whether climate change is happening. Science says that it is, and visible proof abounds. But yet, she replied that “it is a very contentious matter of public debate.”
In any other realm, this would disqualify her for nomination to any court, much less the Supreme Court. It was heartening to hear the she believes that the coronavirus is infectious and smoking causes cancer.
Does she think that antibiotics cure infections, or is that a matter of “public debate” as well?
Some Republicans deny climate science because their backers are in the fossil fuel industry. Trump makes light of COVID-19 because it hurts his re-election chances, but that doesn’t change the facts.
I would expect a candidate for the Supreme Court to be a person with the intelligence and reasoning ability to base decisions on facts. Ms. Barrett is not such a person. She should not be on the court.
Carol Kraines, Deerfield
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be 350 words or less.
Eddie Johnson investigation
Mayor Lori Lightfoot owes an apology to the people of Chicago for her handling of this farce of an investigation regarding former Police Supt. Eddie Johnson, as well as to Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara, whose full police powers should be restored.
Catanzara is the only one who is actually following the mayor’s own police accountability recommendations by reporting misconduct at the highest levels. Catanzara was stripped of his police powers more than two years ago after filing a police report against Johnson. The then-superintendent had marched on the Dan Ryan Expressway during an anti-violence protest.
There should be a prompt resolution of Catanzara’s disciplinary investigation. Public confidence will never be restored so long as Lightfoot leaves a double standard in place.
David L. Milligan, Portage Park


chicagosun-times--2020-10-17--Motorcyclist dies days after North Park crash

A motorcyclist died several days after a crash Monday in North Park on the Northwest Side .
Miguel Angel Vazquez @ @ @ @ @ riding a motorcycle north about 7:35 a.m. in the 5800 block of North Pulaski Road @ @ @ @ @ vehicle that was turning left , according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical @ @ @ @ @ Gomez fell from the bike and was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical @ @ @ @ @ He died at the hospital at 1:05 p.m. Thursday .
An autopsy found he died @ @ @ @ @ crash and his death was ruled an accident , according to the medical examiner ’ @ @ @ @ @ have been issued in connection with the crash , police said .
The CPD Major @ @ @ @ @

A motorcyclist died several days after a crash Monday in North Park on the Northwest Side.
Miguel Angel Vazquez Gomez, 34, was riding a motorcycle north about 7:35 a.m. in the 5800 block of North Pulaski Road when he collided with a vehicle that was turning left, according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Gomez fell from the bike and was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition, authorities said. He died at the hospital at 1:05 p.m. Thursday.
An autopsy found he died of multiple injuries from the crash and his death was ruled an accident, according to the medical examiner’s office.
No citations have been issued in connection with the crash, police said. The CPD Major Accidents unit is investigating.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-17--Father Daniel McCarthy removed from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity amid sexual abuse investigation

Father Daniel McCarthy , former pastor at St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish and School , has been removed from @ @ @ @ @ Park church while the Archdiocese of Chicago investigates a decades-old sexual abuse allegation .
McCarthy @ @ @ @ @ a minor about 50 years ago during his time at the now-closed Angel Guardian Orphanage @ @ @ @ @ Blase Cupich wrote in a letter to the St. Elizabeth community .
The Archdiocese of @ @ @ @ @ for Child Abuse Investigations and Review is looking into the allegations , Cupich wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ live away from St. Elizabeth , 6020 W. Ardmore Ave. , until the investigation is @ @ @ @ @ respond to a request for comment Saturday evening .
The archdiocese has also reported the @ @ @ @ @ of Children and Family Services and the Cook County state ’ s attorney ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Neither DCFS nor the state ’ s attorney ’ s office immediately responded to a @ @ @ @

Father Daniel McCarthy, former pastor at St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish and School, has been removed from his duties at the Norwood Park church while the Archdiocese of Chicago investigates a decades-old sexual abuse allegation.
McCarthy was accused of sexually abusing a minor about 50 years ago during his time at the now-closed Angel Guardian Orphanage in West Ridge, Cardinal Blase Cupich wrote in a letter to the St. Elizabeth community.
The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Archdiocesan Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review is looking into the allegations, Cupich wrote. McCarthy has been asked to live away from St. Elizabeth, 6020 W. Ardmore Ave., until the investigation is complete.
McCarthy declined to comment Saturday evening.
The archdiocese has also reported the allegations to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County state’s attorney’s office, Cupich wrote.
Neither DCFS nor the state’s attorney’s office immediately responded to a request for comment.