chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--Dylan Strome, a restricted free agent, faces crucial moment in his Blackhawks tenure

The Blackhawks spent much time trying to convert Dylan Strome from a center to a wing during the 2019-20 season .
“ I think [ Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton ] knows I feel that I ’ m my comfortable at center , ” Strome said this week , reflecting on his season .
“ My play showed that .
It ’ s just different on wing ; I ’ m not used to it .
I feel like I can move the puck better at center , and have the puck more on my stick , and create some more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his natural center position and 18 games on the wing during the regular season .
During five-on-five play in those 40 games at center , he tallied six goals and 17 assists , good for 23 points .
That ’ s an average of 2.63 points per 60 minutes , nearly matching his 2.73 points-per-60 rate during his breakout 2018-19 season in Chicago .
The Hawks also out-scored opponents 28-15 and mustered a 47.4 % scoring chance ratio during Strome ’ s minutes at center .
On the wing , though , Strome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He recorded only two goals and three assists during five-on-five play in those 18 games — a rate of 1.46 points per 60 minutes — and three of those five points came in a single night ( Oct. 27 vs. the Kings ) .
The Hawks were out-scored 12-8 and recorded a 46.6 % scoring chance ratio during Strome ’ s ice time in those games .
Colliton even tried rotating the centers with whom Strome played — first Ryan Carpenter , then Kirby Dach , then David Kampf , then back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy-scratched Strome against the Oilers on Feb. 11 , the two had a serious talk .
“ I talked to Jeremy after I got scratched in Edmonton , and we both felt that was the best place for me to be was center , ” Strome said .
“ But things happen in the season , and sometimes you have to adjust , and that ’ s part of being a pro .
Guys move from wing to center , center to wing , all the time .
First line , second line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever it may be.
” In addition to essentially wasting 18 games of one of their better forwards this year , the Hawks ’ failed “ wing Strome ” experiment also complicates their offensive depth chart moving forward .
With Jonathan Toews still elite and Dach developing remarkably fast , Strome would likely be the Hawks ’ No .
3 center next season .
A player of Strome ’ s caliber should ideally play more than that , and he ’ d have the opportunity to do so if he could slot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first or second line , but apparently he can not .
And then there ’ s the elephant in the room : Strome ’ s entry-level contract has expired , making him a restricted free agent this offseason .
The Hawks only have to tender him a qualifying offer by Oct. 7 to retain his rights , and Strome isn ’ t eligible to file for arbitration either .
But the contract negotiations nonetheless won ’ t be simple .
With the salary cap staying flat at $ 81.5 million , Hawks general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of Strome , Corey Crawford , Dominik Kubalik , Drake Caggiula and Slater Koekkoek .
Can he afford to pay the several million dollars Strome ’ s production warrants just for him to be a third-line center ?
“ It ’ s not ideal , ” Strome said .
“ The cap has pretty much gone up every year , excluding maybe the lockout I believe .
Obviously it ’ s not ideal , but you ’ ve just got to go with what you ’ re dealt .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Strome ’ s agent is Mark Guy , who is going to have a busy autumn — Guy also represents Alex Pietrangelo , one of the year ’ s highest-profile unrestricted free agents , among many others .
Guy said Friday his discussions so far with Bowman have only determined timing , and the two will begin actual negotiations later in the offseason .
But Strome made it clear that his preference is to stay with the Hawks .
“ It ’ s a dream place to play , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s any secret that I ’ ve had success in Chicago and I do like it there .
We ’ ll see what happens.
” In the meantime , Strome will spend most of his offseason in his suburban Toronto hometown , with a month or so working out in Chicago with Hawks trainer Paul Goodman in the middle .
Injuries also contributed to the up-and-down nature of Strome ’ s 2019-20 campaign — he admitted he “ should ’ ve taken a little more time and waited a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ankle injury — and he ’ ll hope to avoid a repeat of that curse in 2020-21 .
But first , he and the Hawks will need to come to a conclusive agreement about his role — and salary — on the team .
And the current uncertainty about both those things makes this offseason a crucial moment in Strome ’ s still-young Hawks tenure .

The Blackhawks spent much time trying to convert Dylan Strome from a center to a wing during the 2019-20 season.
That effort, quite simply, failed.
“I think [Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton] knows I feel that I’m more comfortable at center,” Strome said this week, reflecting on his season. “My play showed that. It’s just different on wing; I’m not used to it. I feel like I can move the puck better at center, and have the puck more on my stick, and create some more plays.”
Strome spent 40 games at his natural center position and 18 games on the wing during the regular season.
During five-on-five play in those 40 games at center, he tallied six goals and 17 assists, good for 23 points. That’s an average of 2.63 points per 60 minutes, nearly matching his 2.73 points-per-60 rate during his breakout 2018-19 season in Chicago.
The Hawks also out-scored opponents 28-15 and mustered a 47.4% scoring chance ratio during Strome’s minutes at center.
On the wing, though, Strome’s results were far worse. He recorded only two goals and three assists during five-on-five play in those 18 games — a rate of 1.46 points per 60 minutes — and three of those five points came in a single night (Oct. 27 vs. the Kings).
The Hawks were out-scored 12-8 and recorded a 46.6% scoring chance ratio during Strome’s ice time in those games.
Colliton even tried rotating the centers with whom Strome played — first Ryan Carpenter, then Kirby Dach, then David Kampf, then back to Dach — without improvement. After Colliton healthy-scratched Strome against the Oilers on Feb. 11, the two had a serious talk.
“I talked to Jeremy after I got scratched in Edmonton, and we both felt that was the best place for me to be was center,” Strome said. “But things happen in the season, and sometimes you have to adjust, and that’s part of being a pro. Guys move from wing to center, center to wing, all the time. First line, second line, third line, fourth line, whatever it may be.”
In addition to essentially wasting 18 games of one of their better forwards this year, the Hawks’ failed “wing Strome” experiment also complicates their offensive depth chart moving forward.
With Jonathan Toews still elite and Dach developing remarkably fast, Strome would likely be the Hawks’ No. 3 center next season.
A player of Strome’s caliber should ideally play more than that, and he’d have the opportunity to do so if he could slot in next to Toews or Dach on the first or second line, but apparently he cannot.
And then there’s the elephant in the room: Strome’s entry-level contract has expired, making him a restricted free agent this offseason.
The Hawks only have to tender him a qualifying offer by Oct. 7 to retain his rights, and Strome isn’t eligible to file for arbitration either. But the contract negotiations nonetheless won’t be simple.
With the salary cap staying flat at $81.5 million, Hawks general manager Stan Bowman will struggle to re-sign all of Strome, Corey Crawford, Dominik Kubalik, Drake Caggiula and Slater Koekkoek. Can he afford to pay the several million dollars Strome’s production warrants just for him to be a third-line center?
“It’s not ideal,” Strome said. “The cap has pretty much gone up every year, excluding maybe the lockout I believe. Obviously it’s not ideal, but you’ve just got to go with what you’re dealt. There’s nothing I can do that about that.”
Strome’s agent is Mark Guy, who is going to have a busy autumn — Guy also represents Alex Pietrangelo, one of the year’s highest-profile unrestricted free agents, among many others.
Guy said Friday his discussions so far with Bowman have only determined timing, and the two will begin actual negotiations later in the offseason.
But Strome made it clear that his preference is to stay with the Hawks.
“It’s a dream place to play,” he said. “I don’t think it’s any secret that I’ve had success in Chicago and I do like it there. We’ll see what happens.”
In the meantime, Strome will spend most of his offseason in his suburban Toronto hometown, with a month or so working out in Chicago with Hawks trainer Paul Goodman in the middle.
Injuries also contributed to the up-and-down nature of Strome’s 2019-20 campaign — he admitted he “should’ve taken a little more time and waited a little bit” before rushing back from his January ankle injury — and he’ll hope to avoid a repeat of that curse in 2020-21.
But first, he and the Hawks will need to come to a conclusive agreement about his role — and salary — on the team.
And the current uncertainty about both those things makes this offseason a crucial moment in Strome’s still-young Hawks tenure.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--Dear Abby: When she visits, mom wants to bring a guest who’s not welcome

DEAR ABBY : My husband and I and our children moved across the country away from our families three years ago .
My 9-year-old daughter is extremely close to my mom and sister .
Mom wants to take a road trip and spend a week with us .
We are all excited , since we haven ’ t seen them in a year .
However , she wants to bring along my grandma and my younger cousin , who is 12 .
My grandma has partial custody of my cousin .
The girl had a rough upbringing , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She throws terrible temper tantrums , demands to be the center of attention and , when it doesn ’ t happen , starts acting up .
If that doesn ’ t work , she will try to kiss people or make “ jokes ” about sex .
I don ’ t trust her around my daughters .
Mom hates controversy and turns a blind eye to the behavior .
How can I get across that we want Mom and Grandma to come but to leave my cousin at home ?
— PROCEEDING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in plain English as you have to me .
You have a right to protect your daughters from what you perceive to be a bad influence .
You mentioned your grandmother shares custody of this girl .
Perhaps Grandma can leave her with that person for a week .
However , once you have drawn the line , be prepared for the possibility that your mother may cancel the trip .
DEAR ABBY : I am 53 and have been divorced for more than 10 years .
While we were going through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to counseling .
Unfortunately , it couldn ’ t save our marriage .
However , I learned a lot during those sessions about how to be a better partner because I recognized the mistakes I had made during my marriage .
I am currently dating a woman my age .
When we disagree , I try my best to use what I learned .
While I ’ m not perfect , I ’ m glad I have that foundation .
The problem is , my girlfriend employs a lot of the bad behaviors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it clearly , but you can ’ t teach someone during an argument .
How do we get on the same page ?
We love each other , so it would be nice to fine-tune our adversity to make it healthy and productive .
— WANTING BETTER IN THE EAST DEAR WANTING : Communication is all-important in relationships , as is the ability to fight fair when disagreements arise .
Wait until your lady friend is calm , then suggest the two of you seek couples counseling together .
It will not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthier and more productive , ” it will also help the two of you grow closer by addressing any differences that might prevent it from developing further .
DEAR ABBY : One of my friends is a drama queen .
Whenever things don ’ t go the way she wants , she freaks out and makes a big deal out of everything .
It makes the times we spend together hard , because my other friends and I are scared we ’ ll start another fight with her .
What can I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal out of everything ?
— NO MORE DRAMA QUEEN DEAR NO MORE : Your friend may be high strung , or she may simply create drama in order to get attention .
Understand that you can ’ t “ make ” her stop doing it , but if you and your friends ignore her antics , she may tone it down when she realizes they aren ’ t bringing the reaction she ’ s looking for .
If that doesn ’ t work , stop including her as often .
Dear Abby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
To receive a collection of Abby ’ s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I and our children moved across the country away from our families three years ago. My 9-year-old daughter is extremely close to my mom and sister. Mom wants to take a road trip and spend a week with us. We are all excited, since we haven’t seen them in a year. However, she wants to bring along my grandma and my younger cousin, who is 12.
My grandma has partial custody of my cousin. The girl had a rough upbringing, and I don’t want her to come. She throws terrible temper tantrums, demands to be the center of attention and, when it doesn’t happen, starts acting up. If that doesn’t work, she will try to kiss people or make “jokes” about sex. I don’t trust her around my daughters.
Mom hates controversy and turns a blind eye to the behavior. How can I get across that we want Mom and Grandma to come but to leave my cousin at home? — PROCEEDING WITH CAUTION
DEAR PROCEEDING: Say it in plain English as you have to me. You have a right to protect your daughters from what you perceive to be a bad influence.
You mentioned your grandmother shares custody of this girl. Perhaps Grandma can leave her with that person for a week. However, once you have drawn the line, be prepared for the possibility that your mother may cancel the trip.
DEAR ABBY: I am 53 and have been divorced for more than 10 years. While we were going through the divorce, my ex and I went to counseling. Unfortunately, it couldn’t save our marriage. However, I learned a lot during those sessions about how to be a better partner because I recognized the mistakes I had made during my marriage.
I am currently dating a woman my age. When we disagree, I try my best to use what I learned. While I’m not perfect, I’m glad I have that foundation. The problem is, my girlfriend employs a lot of the bad behaviors from which I evolved. I see it clearly, but you can’t teach someone during an argument. How do we get on the same page? We love each other, so it would be nice to fine-tune our adversity to make it healthy and productive. — WANTING BETTER IN THE EAST
DEAR WANTING: Communication is all-important in relationships, as is the ability to fight fair when disagreements arise. Wait until your lady friend is calm, then suggest the two of you seek couples counseling together. It will not only help you to make your relationship “healthier and more productive,” it will also help the two of you grow closer by addressing any differences that might prevent it from developing further.
DEAR ABBY: One of my friends is a drama queen. Whenever things don’t go the way she wants, she freaks out and makes a big deal out of everything. It makes the times we spend together hard, because my other friends and I are scared we’ll start another fight with her. What can I do to make her stop making a big deal out of everything? — NO MORE DRAMA QUEEN
DEAR NO MORE: Your friend may be high strung, or she may simply create drama in order to get attention. Understand that you can’t “make” her stop doing it, but if you and your friends ignore her antics, she may tone it down when she realizes they aren’t bringing the reaction she’s looking for. If that doesn’t work, stop including her as often.
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.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--Camping gone wild: Surge keeps going in RVs and camping during the pandemic

There ’ s a campground , rather peculiarly , in downtown Gibson City in Ford County along Route 9 .
We pass it several times a year on our way to the whimsical Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In .
The campground has been busy .
One night my wife and our daughter thought it was packed to capacity .
This year , this 2020 , is different .
Something is happening with people , camping and RVs during the pandemic .
Part is related to schooling and working remotely , part to staycations and part to safety .
The Point Grove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iroquois and Kankakee rivers in Aroma Park , is far busier than usual .
“ We usually have a couple of electric sites open here or there but this year every electric site was taken from as soon as we opened through the Labor Day holiday , ” emailed Vicki Winn , one of the hosts .
“ Our primitive sites were also pretty full .
Lots of campers elected to use those sites and run generators for their campers .
Lots more tent campers , too.
” Whether the impacts are lasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the pandemic .
“ A dealer survey released this month suggests retail growth in the mid-thirties percent range in August—similar to July 2020 , ” emailed Phil Ingrassia , president of National RV Dealers Association ( RVDA ) .
“ Dealer inventories are down to 20 to 30 percent of where they usually are at this time.
” That means units are flying off the lots .
As to rentals , he replied , “ Rental agencies are reporting big increases – but we don ’ t have good data on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a month-to-month basis.
” The RV Industry Association reported “ the highest July shipment numbers in four decades ” on total RV shipments of 43,035 units , up 53.5 percent from 28,044 in July 2019 .
Towable RVs totaled 39,160 units for the month , up 56.6 percent from last July .
At the beginning of September , Ken Wilson , long-time fishing guide on Lake Shelbyville , said , “ You see all kinds of new campers .
Millennials are buying Class Cs [ motorhomes ] and they are homeschooling out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their lessons in the campers while the parents work remotely.
” He said it ’ s possible to make a circuit of campgrounds around Rend Lake , Lake Shelbyville and Carlyle Lake .
That may explain why Rachel Torbert , deputy director for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources , emailed , “ Our staff aren ’ t aware of more people working/remote learning while camping.
” I love our state parks , but Wi-Fi accessibility at many is limited or non-existent .
I say that as somebody who has camped and worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advantage of staying at a private campground , most already have excellent Wi-Fi , ” said David Basler , RVDA vice president .
Walter Freeman is executive director of the Illinois Campground Association .
He and his wife Karen own the Benton KOA .
“ Campgrounds are seeing more kids and people requesting the Wi-Fi , ” Freeman said .
“ There has always been people working remotely .
But our numbers are up and our long-term numbers are up.
” He thinks those renting month-to-month are probably up 50 percent .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country that they are seeing an influx of people , ” Basler said .
“ [ Most of ] our campgrounds close between Labor Day and the first of November , but many of them are thinking of extending their [ season ] .
” Freeman pointed out the appeal of the safety of RV travel , social distancing inherent in camping and people camping don ’ t need to rely on public facilities .
“ The other thing is nobody wants to be in a plane , ” Freeman said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an RV , then you ’ re not in a hotel room .
People would rather travel that way and they can bring children .
“ We ’ re seeing more on staycations , we ’ re seeing a lot more of that.
” Freeman ’ s KOA is open year-round , but he said many seasonal parks in Illinois are extending their season .
In part that is to make up for spring restrictions , but also because of demand .
When asked what he would suggest for the new RV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your expectations .
You are camping , you are not in the comfort of your home .
Make sure you have a campground with Wi-Fi , working Wi-Fi , and the amenities you need .
If the kids are with you , the Wi-Fi is going to be important .
“ No .
1 , just enjoy it while you can .
”

There’s a campground, rather peculiarly, in downtown Gibson City in Ford County along Route 9. We pass it several times a year on our way to the whimsical Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In.
The campground has been busy. One night my wife and our daughter thought it was packed to capacity.
This year, this 2020, is different.
Something is happening with people, camping and RVs during the pandemic. Part is related to schooling and working remotely, part to staycations and part to safety.
The Point Grove Campground, at the confluence of the Iroquois and Kankakee rivers in Aroma Park, is far busier than usual.
“We usually have a couple of electric sites open here or there but this year every electric site was taken from as soon as we opened through the Labor Day holiday,” emailed Vicki Winn, one of the hosts. “Our primitive sites were also pretty full. Lots of campers elected to use those sites and run generators for their campers. Lots more tent campers, too.”
Whether the impacts are lasting or short-term will not be known until after the pandemic.
“A dealer survey released this month suggests retail growth in the mid-thirties percent range in August—similar to July 2020,” emailed Phil Ingrassia, president of National RV Dealers Association (RVDA). “Dealer inventories are down to 20 to 30 percent of where they usually are at this time.”
That means units are flying off the lots.
As to rentals, he replied, “Rental agencies are reporting big increases – but we don’t have good data on that because it’s hard to measure on a month-to-month basis.”
The RV Industry Association reported “the highest July shipment numbers in four decades” on total RV shipments of 43,035 units, up 53.5 percent from 28,044 in July 2019. Towable RVs totaled 39,160 units for the month, up 56.6 percent from last July.
Considering the trends during the pandemic, expectations for RVs (these were at the Boat Show in January) should be high if outdoor shows are allowed to be held. Dale Bowman
At the beginning of September, Ken Wilson, long-time fishing guide on Lake Shelbyville, said, “You see all kinds of new campers. Millennials are buying Class Cs [motorhomes] and they are homeschooling out of the RV. They can do their lessons in the campers while the parents work remotely.”
He said it’s possible to make a circuit of campgrounds around Rend Lake, Lake Shelbyville and Carlyle Lake.
Working and good Wi-Fi is key.
That may explain why Rachel Torbert, deputy director for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, emailed, “Our staff aren’t aware of more people working/remote learning while camping.”
I love our state parks, but Wi-Fi accessibility at many is limited or non-existent. I say that as somebody who has camped and worked remotely for many years.
“The advantage of staying at a private campground, most already have excellent Wi-Fi,” said David Basler, RVDA vice president.
Walter Freeman is executive director of the Illinois Campground Association. He and his wife Karen own the Benton KOA.
“Campgrounds are seeing more kids and people requesting the Wi-Fi,” Freeman said. “There has always been people working remotely. But our numbers are up and our long-term numbers are up.”
He thinks those renting month-to-month are probably up 50 percent.
“We are hearing from all parts of the country that they are seeing an influx of people,” Basler said. “[Most of] our campgrounds close between Labor Day and the first of November, but many of them are thinking of extending their [season].”
Freeman pointed out the appeal of the safety of RV travel, social distancing inherent in camping and people camping don’t need to rely on public facilities.
“The other thing is nobody wants to be in a plane,” Freeman said. “The safe way to travel is in an RV, then you’re not in a hotel room. People would rather travel that way and they can bring children.
“We’re seeing more on staycations, we’re seeing a lot more of that.”
Freeman’s KOA is open year-round, but he said many seasonal parks in Illinois are extending their season. In part that is to make up for spring restrictions, but also because of demand.
When asked what he would suggest for the new RV campers, Freeman said, “Adjust your expectations. You are camping, you are not in the comfort of your home. Make sure you have a campground with Wi-Fi, working Wi-Fi, and the amenities you need. If the kids are with you, the Wi-Fi is going to be important.
“No. 1, just enjoy it while you can.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--3 shot in Englewood

3 shot in Englewood

Three people were injured in a shooting Saturday in Englewood on the South Side .
The victims were in three @ @ @ @ @ shortly after 4 a.m. in the 7000 block of South Peoria Street when someone fired @ @ @ @ @ , according to Chicago police .
A 27-year-old man was shot in the arm and @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Medical Center in fair condition , police said .
Another man , also 27 @ @ @ @ @ back and declined medical treatment .
A 49-year-old woman was hit in the lower backside @ @ @ @ @ on her own in fair condition , according to police .
No one is in @ @ @ @ @ investigate .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Three people were injured in a shooting Saturday in Englewood on the South Side.
The victims were in three separate cars during a gathering shortly after 4 a.m. in the 7000 block of South Peoria Street when someone fired shots from a passing vehicle, according to Chicago police.
A 27-year-old man was shot in the arm and taken to the university of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition, police said. Another man, also 27, was grazed on his back and declined medical treatment.
A 49-year-old woman was hit in the lower backside and went to Provident Hospital on her own in fair condition, according to police.
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--Bears keep clinging to outliers in ongoing evaluation of QB Mitch Trubisky

Bears coach Matt Nagy is a glass-half-full kind of guy , even when that glass is only a quarter-full .
So after three quarters of the same disheartening decision-making and erratic throws that everyone saw from quarterback Mitch Trubisky last season , Nagy did the most predictable thing possible and held up Trubisky ’ s heroic fourth quarter in the opener against the Lions as the reason to keep hope .
Trubisky got a hearty pat on the back for frantically cleaning up the mess he spent all afternoon making .
The Bears still want to believe Trubisky , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play like that all the time and become the franchise quarterback they dreamed of when general manager Ryan Pace chose him ahead of Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson in the 2017 draft .
‘ ‘ For him to play as well as he did in that fourth quarter , that ’ s special , ’ ’ Nagy said .
‘ ‘ He played at another level in that fourth quarter .
Man , if we could get four quarters of that , you can see what could happen.
’ ’ Well , sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that at this point ?
Nagy ’ s wishful thinking only further emphasizes the reality that Trubisky ’ s final quarter was the outlier and the first three were the norm .
That ’ s not a reliable formula for victory , and , the truth is , Trubisky was one dropped touchdown pass by Lions rookie D ’ Andre Swift away from everyone spending the week talking about backup Nick Foles .
In fairness to Nagy , he didn ’ t completely close his eyes to the ugly side of Trubisky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an optimist , but he ’ s not a fool .
And he ’ s still weighing , as he will be for the foreseeable future , whether the Bears are better off with Trubisky or Foles .
‘ ‘ That ’ s the consistency part that we ’ re trying to really evaluate right now , and that ’ s what sometimes can make it hard , ’ ’ Nagy said .
‘ ‘ There can be times throughout the first three quarters where it can be frustrating for all of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then you get to that fourth quarter , and you see how great it can be .
‘ ‘ We don ’ t get too high about the fourth quarter , and we don ’ t get too low about the first three.
’ ’ That would be reasonable , but he seems to skew it toward the part he liked .
Trubisky does , too , though it ’ s a little more understandable coming from a player .
‘ ‘ It gave myself and the offense confidence that we could put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ he said .
‘ ‘ We ’ d like to do it throughout the first three quarters , as well , not just all in the fourth quarter .
.
.
but I think scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter gives your offense and myself a lot of confidence.
’ ’ Trubisky was 12-for-26 for 153 yards after three quarters , which comes out to a pitiful 5.9 yards per attempt and a 65.1 passer rating .
Eleven of his throws were inaccurate .
The Bears trailed 23-6 .
Ask Nagy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way again .
Ask him how comfortable he would feel going into the fourth quarter of any game , let alone one against a good opponent , betting that Trubisky will pull out of that nosedive with three touchdown passes and a 143.3 rating , like he did against the Lions .
That sounds crazy , but it ’ s the illusion the Bears have fallen for with Trubisky for three-plus seasons .
In his supposed 2018 breakout , they overlooked that his six-touchdown game against the wayward Buccaneers inflated his season passer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant the difference between ranking 16th and 26th .
Last season , they wanted to believe in Trubisky ’ s uptick during a stretch of four victories in five games — in which he averaged 244.6 yards and threw 11 touchdown passes against five interceptions — forgetting that the victories came against the Giants , Lions ( twice ) and Cowboys .
He had a 95.4 passer rating in those five games and a 76.5 otherwise .
Trubisky has posted a triple-digit passer rating in one-third of his career starts ( four against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 in 66 percent of his starts , Watson in half of his and Lamar Jackson in 52 percent of his .
Those glasses actually are half-full — or more .
The sooner the Bears stop seeing only what they want to see and start taking a hard look at whether Trubisky really should be the starting quarterback this season , the better .
They can ’ t afford to waste time , and they certainly can ’ t afford to lose any of their first four games , all of which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season but also had dreadful pass defenses .
That urgency is necessary beyond this season , too .
The worst thing for the Bears would be to go another year without being able to decide whether Trubisky is good and stick with him on the franchise tag or a contract extension .
That prolonged , misguided hope that he still can turn into a star will keep them stuck in mediocrity .

Bears coach Matt Nagy is a glass-half-full kind of guy, even when that glass is only a quarter-full.
So after three quarters of the same disheartening decision-making and erratic throws that everyone saw from quarterback Mitch Trubisky last season, Nagy did the most predictable thing possible and held up Trubisky’s heroic fourth quarter in the opener against the Lions as the reason to keep hope.
Trubisky got a hearty pat on the back for frantically cleaning up the mess he spent all afternoon making.
The Bears still want to believe Trubisky, a 26-year-old with 42 career starts, can play like that all the time and become the franchise quarterback they dreamed of when general manager Ryan Pace chose him ahead of Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson in the 2017 draft.
‘‘For him to play as well as he did in that fourth quarter, that’s special,’’ Nagy said. ‘‘He played at another level in that fourth quarter. Man, if we could get four quarters of that, you can see what could happen.’’
Well, sure, but who’s still waiting on that at this point?
Nagy’s wishful thinking only further emphasizes the reality that Trubisky’s final quarter was the outlier and the first three were the norm. That’s not a reliable formula for victory, and, the truth is, Trubisky was one dropped touchdown pass by Lions rookie D’Andre Swift away from everyone spending the week talking about backup Nick Foles.
In fairness to Nagy, he didn’t completely close his eyes to the ugly side of Trubisky’s performance. He’s an optimist, but he’s not a fool. And he’s still weighing, as he will be for the foreseeable future, whether the Bears are better off with Trubisky or Foles.
‘‘That’s the consistency part that we’re trying to really evaluate right now, and that’s what sometimes can make it hard,’’ Nagy said. ‘‘There can be times throughout the first three quarters where it can be frustrating for all of us, everybody on the sideline, but then you get to that fourth quarter, and you see how great it can be.
‘‘We don’t get too high about the fourth quarter, and we don’t get too low about the first three.’’
That would be reasonable, but he seems to skew it toward the part he liked.
Trubisky does, too, though it’s a little more understandable coming from a player.
‘‘It gave myself and the offense confidence that we could put up points in a hurry,’’ he said. ‘‘We’d like to do it throughout the first three quarters, as well, not just all in the fourth quarter . . . but I think scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter gives your offense and myself a lot of confidence.’’
Trubisky was 12-for-26 for 153 yards after three quarters, which comes out to a pitiful 5.9 yards per attempt and a 65.1 passer rating. Eleven of his throws were inaccurate. The Bears trailed 23-6.
Ask Nagy whether he wants to try winning that way again. Ask him how comfortable he would feel going into the fourth quarter of any game, let alone one against a good opponent, betting that Trubisky will pull out of that nosedive with three touchdown passes and a 143.3 rating, like he did against the Lions.
That sounds crazy, but it’s the illusion the Bears have fallen for with Trubisky for three-plus seasons.
In his supposed 2018 breakout, they overlooked that his six-touchdown game against the wayward Buccaneers inflated his season passer rating from 89 to 95.4. That meant the difference between ranking 16th and 26th.
Last season, they wanted to believe in Trubisky’s uptick during a stretch of four victories in five games — in which he averaged 244.6 yards and threw 11 touchdown passes against five interceptions — forgetting that the victories came against the Giants, Lions (twice) and Cowboys. He had a 95.4 passer rating in those five games and a 76.5 otherwise.
Trubisky has posted a triple-digit passer rating in one-third of his career starts (four against the Lions). Mahomes has topped 100 in 66 percent of his starts, Watson in half of his and Lamar Jackson in 52 percent of his.
Those glasses actually are half-full — or more.
The sooner the Bears stop seeing only what they want to see and start taking a hard look at whether Trubisky really should be the starting quarterback this season, the better. They can’t afford to waste time, and they certainly can’t afford to lose any of their first four games, all of which are against teams that were not only sub-.500 last season but also had dreadful pass defenses.
That urgency is necessary beyond this season, too. The worst thing for the Bears would be to go another year without being able to decide whether Trubisky is good and stick with him on the franchise tag or a contract extension. That prolonged, misguided hope that he still can turn into a star will keep them stuck in mediocrity.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--Boy, 16, shot in Austin

Boy, 16, shot in Austin

A teenage boy was critically injured in a shooting Saturday in Austin on the West Side .
The 16-year-old was @ @ @ @ @ 2:15 a.m. in the 5000 block of West Monroe Street when someone fired shots from @ @ @ @ @ an alley , according to Chicago police .
The boy was hit in the chest @ @ @ @ @ in critical condition , police said .
No one is in custody as Area Four @ @ @ @ @ on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A teenage boy was critically injured in a shooting Saturday in Austin on the West Side.
The 16-year-old was standing on the sidewalk about 2:15 a.m. in the 5000 block of West Monroe Street when someone fired shots from a dark blue vehicle in an alley, according to Chicago police.
The boy was hit in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said.
No one is in custody as Area Four detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--Man killed in Chicago Ridge crash after fleeing expressway traffic stop

A Chicago man died in a crash Friday in southwest suburban Chicago Ridge after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop on Interstate 57 .
A state trooper tried to pull a blue 2018 Ford Mustang over at 12:23 a.m. on southbound I-57 near Vollmer Road , according to Illinois State Police .
The driver took off and the trooper did not pursue him .
At 12:41 a.m. , the Mustang was eastbound on 95th Street approaching Ridgeland Avenue in Chicago Ridge when it ran a red light , state police said .
A maroon 2007 Ford Focus , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hit the driver ’ s side of the Mustang .
The driver of the Mustang was thrown from the car and landed in a parking lot on the southeast corner of the intersection , according to state police .
He was pronounced dead at the scene .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified him as 22-year-old Alontae D. London .
He lived in Burnside on the South Side .
The driver of the Focus , a 57-year-old Bridgeview man , was taken to a hospital with serious injuries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains under investigation .

A Chicago man died in a crash Friday in southwest suburban Chicago Ridge after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop on Interstate 57.
A state trooper tried to pull a blue 2018 Ford Mustang over at 12:23 a.m. on southbound I-57 near Vollmer Road, according to Illinois State Police. The driver took off and the trooper did not pursue him.
At 12:41 a.m., the Mustang was eastbound on 95th Street approaching Ridgeland Avenue in Chicago Ridge when it ran a red light, state police said. A maroon 2007 Ford Focus, which was southbound on Ridgeland with a green light, hit the driver’s side of the Mustang.
The driver of the Mustang was thrown from the car and landed in a parking lot on the southeast corner of the intersection, according to state police. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as 22-year-old Alontae D. London. He lived in Burnside on the South Side.
The driver of the Focus, a 57-year-old Bridgeview man, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, according to state police. The crash remains under investigation.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--Drivers flee after 2 crashes on Lake Shore Drive

Police are looking for two drivers who took off after a pair of crashes Friday on Lake Shore Drive near @ @ @ @ @ Loop .
A blue Chevrolet Cavalier was southbound about 11:15 p.m. in the 600 block @ @ @ @ @ when the driver lost control while changing lanes , according to Chicago police .
The @ @ @ @ @ car flipped over and was picked up by someone in another car , possibly a @ @ @ @ @ .
The Pontiac then hit a third vehicle on southbound Lake Shore near Balbo Drive @ @ @ @ @ area before officers arrived , police said .
The drivers have not been located .
@ @ @ @ @ and no one is in custody as Area Three detectives investigate .

Police are looking for two drivers who took off after a pair of crashes Friday on Lake Shore Drive near the Gold Coast and the Loop.
A blue Chevrolet Cavalier was southbound about 11:15 p.m. in the 600 block of North Lake Shore Drive when the driver lost control while changing lanes, according to Chicago police.
The driver got out after the car flipped over and was picked up by someone in another car, possibly a Pontiac GTO, police said. The Pontiac then hit a third vehicle on southbound Lake Shore near Balbo Drive.
Both vehicles left the area before officers arrived, police said. The drivers have not been located.
No injuries have been reported and no one is in custody as Area Three detectives investigate.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-18--Horoscope for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020

Horoscope for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Libra into Scorpio .
It ’ s Saturday and you ’ re in work mode because the bottom line is you want to get better organized in every aspect of your life .
You want to work smarter so that you can make every action count .
More bang for your buck !
( Check moon alert . )
You are a pleasure-loving sign .
Right now , vacations , parties , socializing and fun escapes appeal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arts .
Many of you are more focused on children .
Enjoy these good times and be aware of the moon alert .
Home and family continue to be your focus .
If you can relax at home , do it .
Relations with siblings and daily contacts are warm and friendly .
Meanwhile , if you ’ re shopping , be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert .
This is a busy time with short trips , increased reading , writing and studying plus errands and appointments .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is paying off because increased wealth is coming your way .
Don ’ t get distracted by what is not important .
This is the perfect time to think how you can best use your resources .
Basically , money is energy to make things happen .
If you know what your values truly are , then you know what you want to make happen .
( Check moon alert . )
The sun is still in your sign , which means it ’ s your turn to recharge your batteries for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you as well as favorable situations .
Use this to your advantage , because it happens for only four weeks each year .
Although you ’ re keen to talk to others , you also want to keep a low profile .
Ideally , you need to use this time to plan ahead for your new year ( birthday to birthday ) .
What goals do you have in mind ?
( When you have goals , it makes decision making easier in the future . )
Enjoy this time of increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit you .
This is a good time to share your hopes and dreams for the future with someone to get their feedback .
This is always helpful .
Meanwhile , work seems to go slow .
Keep on truckin ’ .
Right now , the sun is still at the top of your chart casting you in a flattering spotlight , which means this is a good time for you !
Bosses , parents , teachers and VIPs admire you .
( You don ’ t have to do anything special .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shines !
” Your daily routine has changed , which is why many aspects of your life have widened or expanded to include new faces , new ideas and new environments .
Who knew ?
Grab every opportunity to travel or to learn new things .
It ’ s appropriate to focus on shared property , inheritances , insurance issues and the wealth of your partner .
These are areas that need your attention because they have to be defined or redefined .
You need to know what others expect of you and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , with the sun opposite your sign , not only do you need more rest but you are more focused on partners and close friends .
The benefit of this is that you have more objectivity , which means you can see your style of relating to others .
This is helpful !
If Your Birthday Is Today Singer , TV cook Trisha Yearwood ( 1964 ) shares your birthday .
You ’ re sensitive and talented ; however , you prefer to work alone or behind the scenes and not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exciting year of change and new opportunities !
You will encounter adventure and stimulating situations .
If possible ) , explore opportunities to travel and expand your world through learning .
Welcome change !
Let your personal freedom be your goal this year .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Libra into Scorpio.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
It’s Saturday and you’re in work mode because the bottom line is you want to get better organized in every aspect of your life. You want to work smarter so that you can make every action count. More bang for your buck! (Check moon alert.)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You are a pleasure-loving sign. Right now, vacations, parties, socializing and fun escapes appeal. Some of you are also involved in the arts. Many of you are more focused on children. Enjoy these good times and be aware of the moon alert.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Home and family continue to be your focus. If you can relax at home, do it. Relations with siblings and daily contacts are warm and friendly. Meanwhile, if you’re shopping, be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This is a busy time with short trips, increased reading, writing and studying plus errands and appointments. Many of you can see that your effort is paying off because increased wealth is coming your way. Don’t get distracted by what is not important.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
This is the perfect time to think how you can best use your resources. Basically, money is energy to make things happen. If you know what your values truly are, then you know what you want to make happen. (Check moon alert.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
The sun is still in your sign, which means it’s your turn to recharge your batteries for the rest of year. You attract people to you as well as favorable situations. Use this to your advantage, because it happens for only four weeks each year.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Although you’re keen to talk to others, you also want to keep a low profile. Ideally, you need to use this time to plan ahead for your new year (birthday to birthday). What goals do you have in mind? (When you have goals, it makes decision making easier in the future.)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Enjoy this time of increased popularity because your interaction with others will benefit you. This is a good time to share your hopes and dreams for the future with someone to get their feedback. This is always helpful. Meanwhile, work seems to go slow. Keep on truckin’.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Right now, the sun is still at the top of your chart casting you in a flattering spotlight, which means this is a good time for you! Bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs admire you. (You don’t have to do anything special.) “Make hay while the sun shines!”
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Your daily routine has changed, which is why many aspects of your life have widened or expanded to include new faces, new ideas and new environments. Who knew? Grab every opportunity to travel or to learn new things.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
It’s appropriate to focus on shared property, inheritances, insurance issues and the wealth of your partner. These are areas that need your attention because they have to be defined or redefined. You need to know what others expect of you and what you expect of them.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Of course, with the sun opposite your sign, not only do you need more rest but you are more focused on partners and close friends. The benefit of this is that you have more objectivity, which means you can see your style of relating to others. This is helpful!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Singer, TV cook Trisha Yearwood (1964) shares your birthday. You’re sensitive and talented; however, you prefer to work alone or behind the scenes and not be bothered with hoopla. This is an exciting year of change and new opportunities! You will encounter adventure and stimulating situations. If possible), explore opportunities to travel and expand your world through learning. Welcome change! Let your personal freedom be your goal this year.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--4 shot in West Pullman

4 shot in West Pullman

Four people were wounded in a shooting Saturday in West Pullman , less than an hour after four more people were shot in West Englewood .
Someone fired shots at the group about 5:45 p.m. in the 12200 block of South May Street , according to Chicago police .
Officers were told that the shooters pulled up in two black sedans and opened fire towards people on the sidewalk , on a porch and inside a home .
One person was shot multiple times in the chest and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A 24-year-old man was stabilized at the same hospital after being shot in the foot , and a 29-year-old woman was taken there with gunshot wounds to the torso and forearm , police said .
She was also stabilized .
Another man , 50 , was shot in the ankle and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was stabilized , police said .
Just 45 minutes earlier , four people were wounded in a shooting in West Englewood .
Read more on crime , and track the city @ @ @ @

Four people were wounded in a shooting Saturday in West Pullman, less than an hour after four more people were shot in West Englewood.
Someone fired shots at the group about 5:45 p.m. in the 12200 block of South May Street, according to Chicago police. Officers were told that the shooters pulled up in two black sedans and opened fire towards people on the sidewalk, on a porch and inside a home.
One person was shot multiple times in the chest and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was in critical condition, police said.
A 24-year-old man was stabilized at the same hospital after being shot in the foot, and a 29-year-old woman was taken there with gunshot wounds to the torso and forearm, police said. She was also stabilized.
Another man, 50, was shot in the ankle and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was stabilized, police said.
Just 45 minutes earlier, four people were wounded in a shooting in West Englewood.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--4 Chicago artists, including Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa, team up to give school supplies to kid

4 Chicago artists, including Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa, team up to give school supplies to kids in need

Four Chicago rappers — Chance the Rapper , Vic Mensa , Joey Purp and G Herbo — joined forces Saturday to give back to their communities by co-sponsoring the Year of the Youth peace walk and back-to-school event in Bronzeville .
Following a pre-walk dance party , nearly 100 people chanted as they marched through the South Side neighborhood , with organizers bringing about two dozen children up front to lead the final stretch of the demonstration .
Later , the four artists , along with many volunteers from Chance ’ s SocialWorks and Mensa ’ s Save Money , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies outside the shuttered Overton Elementary School at 221 E. 49th St .
The event also had a table set up to help people register to vote and tents for free COVID-19 and HIV testing .
Chance , whose given name is Chancelor Bennett , arrived shortly after the march concluded and took selfies with masked fans before going live on a few devotees ’ Instagram accounts .
Though he ’ s been busy this week promoting “ Holy , ” the new Justin Bieber song and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chance said the event was “ definitely the most important thing ” to him to attend , adding that being with the children and interacting with fans “ means everything.
” The hip hop icon also gave major props to the other rappers who helped bring the celebration to life for their boots-on-the-ground work leading up to the event , including Mensa , who said the group felt a responsibility to use their platforms to help their communities .
“ The city doesn ’ t really fund or resource our communities and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut down , it kind of comes onto us to do the things the community needs , ” said Mensa , whose given name is Victor Mensah .
“ And it ’ s like what we ’ ve been going through , all of this s -- - surrounding police brutality and lack of accountability ; I talked to the mayor one time , and she was like , ‘ I don ’ t want to talk about police , this is about public safety , ’ so I start to look into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that really make a community safe , statistically , are education , employment [ and ] access to affordable housing , ” Mensa said .
G Herbo , whose given name is Herbert Wright , echoed Mensa and stressed the importance of making young people in the city feel they are supported .
“ This is just about being able to lead by example for the next generation , ” said Herbo , who purchased the Overton Elementary School building after it closed in 2013 , with the goal of turning it into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rappers and others to mentor youth .
Herbo said too often the focus on the city and their communities is on the negative , which the event inspired to combat .
“ We ’ re really just trying to change the narrative and lead by example ... and show the next generation that they can do what we ’ re doing even greater , ” he added .
The four artists have plans to additional community events in the future .
“ We ’ re not saying we ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we keep this up , there ’ s limitless opportunities and it ’ s limitless where we can go , ” Herbo said .

Four Chicago rappers — Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, Joey Purp and G Herbo — joined forces Saturday to give back to their communities by co-sponsoring the Year of the Youth peace walk and back-to-school event in Bronzeville.
Following a pre-walk dance party, nearly 100 people chanted as they marched through the South Side neighborhood, with organizers bringing about two dozen children up front to lead the final stretch of the demonstration.
Later, the four artists, along with many volunteers from Chance’s SocialWorks and Mensa’s Save Money, Save Life Foundation, handed out more than 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies outside the shuttered Overton Elementary School at 221 E. 49th St. The event also had a table set up to help people register to vote and tents for free COVID-19 and HIV testing.
Chance the Rapper speaks Saturday outside Overton Elementary School in Bronzeville during the Peace Walk & Community Give-Back Celebration. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Chance, whose given name is Chancelor Bennett, arrived shortly after the march concluded and took selfies with masked fans before going live on a few devotees’ Instagram accounts.
Though he’s been busy this week promoting “Holy,” the new Justin Bieber song and video he’s featured on, Chance said the event was “definitely the most important thing” to him to attend, adding that being with the children and interacting with fans “means everything.”
The hip hop icon also gave major props to the other rappers who helped bring the celebration to life for their boots-on-the-ground work leading up to the event, including Mensa, who said the group felt a responsibility to use their platforms to help their communities.
Nita Tennyson holds a collage of pictures of friends she has lost to gun violence at the Peace Walk & Community Give-Back Celebration Saturday outside Overton Elementary School in Bronzeville. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
“The city doesn’t really fund or resource our communities and our schools, and so many schools are shut down, it kind of comes onto us to do the things the community needs,” said Mensa, whose given name is Victor Mensah.
“And it’s like what we’ve been going through, all of this s--- surrounding police brutality and lack of accountability; I talked to the mayor one time, and she was like, ‘I don’t want to talk about police, this is about public safety,’ so I start to look into public safety a bit and the things that really make a community safe, statistically, are education, employment [and] access to affordable housing,” Mensa said.
G Herbo, whose given name is Herbert Wright, echoed Mensa and stressed the importance of making young people in the city feel they are supported.
“This is just about being able to lead by example for the next generation,” said Herbo, who purchased the Overton Elementary School building after it closed in 2013, with the goal of turning it into a multimedia facility to bring in producers, rappers and others to mentor youth.
Rapper G Herbo speaks Saturday outside Overton Elementary School in Bronzeville during the Peace Walk & Community Give-Back Celebration. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file photo
Herbo said too often the focus on the city and their communities is on the negative, which the event inspired to combat.
“We’re really just trying to change the narrative and lead by example ... and show the next generation that they can do what we’re doing even greater,” he added.
The four artists have plans to additional community events in the future.
“We’re not saying we’re going to see drastic change tomorrow, but if we keep this up, there’s limitless opportunities and it’s limitless where we can go,” Herbo said.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--Coronavirus live blog, Sept. 19, 2020: Illinois adds 2,529 more coronavirus cases, but statewide pos

Coronavirus live blog, Sept. 19, 2020: Illinois adds 2,529 more coronavirus cases, but statewide positivity rate falls again

The state has averaged almost 2,000 new cases added per day this month .
This is comparable to the peak month of May , but positivity rates have sunk across most of the state thanks to booming testing numbers .
Chicago is at 4.9 % positivity and all its surrounding regions are below 6 % .
People are still angry at Gov .
Pritzker about his prohibitions of high school sports this fall and are protesting in the city and suburbs .
Here ’ s what happened today in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago , the state and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,529 more coronavirus cases , but statewide positivity rate falls again Public health officials on Saturday announced 2,529 more people have tested positive for COVID-19 across Illinois as the state ’ s average testing positivity rate took another encouraging step downward .
The latest daily caseload is the 12th highest reported throughout the six-month pandemic , but the positives were confirmed among what ’ s likely the biggest number of tests ever submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health in a single day : 74,286 .
As a result , the statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number experts use to gauge how rapidly the virus is spreading — dipped to 3.5 % , the lowest it ’ s been since July 24 .
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here .
4:15 p.m .
Delayed by the coronavirus , Big Ten announces third football schedule : Illini to open at Wisconsin , NU to host Maryland The Big Ten ’ s third football schedule of the 2020 season is highlighted by Michigan-Ohio State on Dec. 12 , the final day of the conference ’ s regular-season and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played .
The Big Ten released an eight-games-in-eight-weeks schedule on Saturday that will start the weekend of Oct. 24 .
Just three days ago , the conference reversed course and decided to play a fall football season after postponing on Aug. 11 because of concerns about COVID-19 .
2:45 p.m .
Suburban athletes show up for Let Us Play protest , but city turnout is small Saturday ’ s Let Us Play protest at the Thompson Center was designed to be a show of force and numbers to put pressure on Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow all fall sports , especially football , to be played now instead of in the spring .
That isn ’ t how it turned out .
An estimated 400-500 people showed up , the overwhelming majority wearing apparel from Lincoln-Way East , Loyola and Batavia .
There wasn ’ t a single Chicago school with a significant presence .
Brother Rice coach Brian Badke was on hand with three players and there was a coach or two in attendance from about 10 Public League teams .
Read the full story by Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats face quandary on coronavirus vaccine support as election nears President Donald Trump is escalating his promise for a coronavirus vaccine before Election Day .
But across America , Democrats , independents and even some Republicans do not trust his administration to produce a safe and effective vaccine on such an aggressive timeline .
Such hesitancy threatens to exacerbate the public health risk for millions of Americans whenever a vaccine is released .
Should they attack Trump ’ s vaccine claims too aggressively , Democrats risk further undermining public confidence in a possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are rooting against a potential cure .
But if they don ’ t push back , it makes it easier for Trump to use the real or imagined prospect of a vaccine to boost his reelection campaign .
10:05 a.m. Surge keeps going in RVs and camping during the coronavirus pandemic There ’ s a campground , rather peculiarly , in downtown Gibson City in Ford County along Route 9 .
We pass it several times a year on our way to the whimsical Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In .
The campground has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our daughter thought it was packed to capacity .
This year , this 2020 , is different .
Something is happening with people , camping and RVs during the pandemic .
Part is related to schooling and working remotely , part to staycations and part to safety .
Read the full story by Dale Bowman here .
8:15 a.m. ‘ I guess they ’ re waiting for us to die ’ Nearly 7,000 Chicago hotel workers who remain laid off due to the pandemic are at risk of losing their health insurance at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday rally , which lasted roughly two hours , began at Daley Plaza before participants marched through downtown streets , then returned to the plaza .
Chicago police officers blocked intersections for the parade of protesters as they paraded through the streets .
It ’ s difficult for workers to pay medical bills when it ’ s unclear when or if their jobs will return , said Sarah Lyons , spokeswoman for Unite Here Local 1 .
A recent study by the Economic Policy Institute found that up to 12 million Americans may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
And almost half of the 16.9 million jobs in the U.S. hospitality sector were lost in March and April .
As of September , more than a quarter of workers in that sector remain unemployed .
The hotels have not been paying their share of employees ’ health care premiums since March , Lyons said — a position disputed by a Hyatt official .
Read more about how hotel workers are fighting for their health insurance .
• 2,120 more residents were confirmed to carry the coronavirus on Friday among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results .
The virus also killed 20 more Illinoisans , raising the state ’ s pandemic death toll to 8,411 since March .
• Public health officials on Thursday announced Illinois logged more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases for the third time in a week , but the state ’ s high testing capacity suggests that apparently high number isn ’ t cause for alarm .
Sometimes it ’ s difficult to consider being bilingual an advantage .
The road to achieving what is seen as a powerful skill leaves a mark .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s imposter syndrome .
Picture laughter erupting from a second grade class after a non-English speaker can ’ t respond to a question like , “ Is your birthday coming up ?
” Or a 9-year-old practicing the word “ world ” for two weeks because it will come up in conversation some way or another .
Seriously .
Try it .
Your tongue does about four movements for a word with one syllable .
Read the full column by Ismael Perez here .
The Jewish year of ... checking ... 5781 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reminder that the Chosen People are not newcomers at celebrating holidays during hard times .
As grim as the COVID pandemic has been , it doesn ’ t hold a candle to Babylonian captivity or Roman persecution , the Inquisition or the Holocaust .
Not yet , anyway .
The business of maintaining Jewish identity , already under siege by modern life , is complicated in the Plague Year of 2020 as Judaism celebrates Rosh Hashanah — literally , “ head of the year ” — and then atones for sins in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine days later .
“ This is an interesting year , unlike any other , ” said Rabbi Steven Lowenstein , whom I called because his synagogue , Am Shalom of Glencoe , is one of many streaming high holiday services .
Read the full column by Neil Steinberg here .

The state has averaged almost 2,000 new cases added per day this month. This is comparable to the peak month of May, but positivity rates have sunk across most of the state thanks to booming testing numbers. Chicago is at 4.9% positivity and all its surrounding regions are below 6%.
People are still angry at Gov. Pritzker about his prohibitions of high school sports this fall and are protesting in the city and suburbs.
Here’s what happened today in the fight against the coronavirus in Chicago, the state and the nation.
News
6:30 p.m. Illinois adds 2,529 more coronavirus cases, but statewide positivity rate falls again
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Public health officials on Saturday announced 2,529 more people have tested positive for COVID-19 across Illinois as the state’s average testing positivity rate took another encouraging step downward.
The latest daily caseload is the 12th highest reported throughout the six-month pandemic, but the positives were confirmed among what’s likely the biggest number of tests ever submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health in a single day: 74,286.
As a result, the statewide testing positivity rate over the last week— the number experts use to gauge how rapidly the virus is spreading — dipped to 3.5%, the lowest it’s been since July 24.
Read the full story by Mitchell Armentrout here.
4:15 p.m. Delayed by the coronavirus, Big Ten announces third football schedule: Illini to open at Wisconsin, NU to host Maryland
The Big Ten’s third football schedule of the 2020 season is highlighted by Michigan-Ohio State on Dec. 12, the final day of the conference’s regular-season and the latest date the rivals have ever played.
The Big Ten released an eight-games-in-eight-weeks schedule on Saturday that will start the weekend of Oct. 24. Just three days ago, the conference reversed course and decided to play a fall football season after postponing on Aug. 11 because of concerns about COVID-19.
Read the full story here.
2:45 p.m. Suburban athletes show up for Let Us Play protest, but city turnout is small
Saturday’s Let Us Play protest at the Thompson Center was designed to be a show of force and numbers to put pressure on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to change his mind and allow all fall sports, especially football, to be played now instead of in the spring.
That isn’t how it turned out. An estimated 400-500 people showed up, the overwhelming majority wearing apparel from Lincoln-Way East, Loyola and Batavia. There wasn’t a single Chicago school with a significant presence. Brother Rice coach Brian Badke was on hand with three players and there was a coach or two in attendance from about 10 Public League teams.
Read the full story by Michael O’Brien here.
11 a.m. Democrats face quandary on coronavirus vaccine support as election nears
President Donald Trump is escalating his promise for a coronavirus vaccine before Election Day.
But across America, Democrats, independents and even some Republicans do not trust his administration to produce a safe and effective vaccine on such an aggressive timeline. Such hesitancy threatens to exacerbate the public health risk for millions of Americans whenever a vaccine is released.
With the Nov. 3 election fast approaching, Democratic officials face a delicate political challenge.
Should they attack Trump’s vaccine claims too aggressively, Democrats risk further undermining public confidence in a possible lifesaving medicine while looking as though they are rooting against a potential cure. But if they don’t push back, it makes it easier for Trump to use the real or imagined prospect of a vaccine to boost his reelection campaign.
Read the full story here.
10:05 a.m. Surge keeps going in RVs and camping during the coronavirus pandemic
There’s a campground, rather peculiarly, in downtown Gibson City in Ford County along Route 9. We pass it several times a year on our way to the whimsical Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In.
The campground has been busy. One night my wife and our daughter thought it was packed to capacity.
This year, this 2020, is different.
Something is happening with people, camping and RVs during the pandemic. Part is related to schooling and working remotely, part to staycations and part to safety.
Read the full story by Dale Bowman here.
8:15 a.m. ‘I guess they’re waiting for us to die’
Nearly 7,000 Chicago hotel workers who remain laid off due to the pandemic are at risk of losing their health insurance at the end of the month.
The Friday rally, which lasted roughly two hours, began at Daley Plaza before participants marched through downtown streets, then returned to the plaza. Chicago police officers blocked intersections for the parade of protesters as they paraded through the streets.
It’s difficult for workers to pay medical bills when it’s unclear when or if their jobs will return, said Sarah Lyons, spokeswoman for Unite Here Local 1.
A recent study by the Economic Policy Institute found that up to 12 million Americans may have lost their employer-sponsored health insurance during the pandemic. And almost half of the 16.9 million jobs in the U.S. hospitality sector were lost in March and April. As of September, more than a quarter of workers in that sector remain unemployed.
The hotels have not been paying their share of employees’ health care premiums since March, Lyons said — a position disputed by a Hyatt official.
Read more about how hotel workers are fighting for their health insurance.
New Cases
2,120 more residents were confirmed to carry the coronavirus on Friday among the latest batch of nearly 62,000 test results. The virus also killed 20 more Illinoisans, raising the state’s pandemic death toll to 8,411 since March.
Public health officials on Thursday announced Illinois logged more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases for the third time in a week, but the state’s high testing capacity suggests that apparently high number isn’t cause for alarm.
Analysis & Commentary
2:30 p.m. Remote learning compounds longstanding challenges facing bilingual students like me
Sometimes it’s difficult to consider being bilingual an advantage.
The road to achieving what is seen as a powerful skill leaves a mark. For a Mexican like me, it’s imposter syndrome.
Picture laughter erupting from a second grade class after a non-English speaker can’t respond to a question like, “Is your birthday coming up?” Or a 9-year-old practicing the word “world” for two weeks because it will come up in conversation some way or another. Seriously. Try it. Your tongue does about four movements for a word with one syllable.
Read the full column by Ismael Perez here.
7:47 a.m. Rosh Hashanah livestreamed in COVID-19 era
The Jewish year of ... checking ... 5781 begins at sundown Friday, and is a reminder that the Chosen People are not newcomers at celebrating holidays during hard times. As grim as the COVID pandemic has been, it doesn’t hold a candle to Babylonian captivity or Roman persecution, the Inquisition or the Holocaust.
Not yet, anyway.
The business of maintaining Jewish identity, already under siege by modern life, is complicated in the Plague Year of 2020 as Judaism celebrates Rosh Hashanah — literally, “head of the year” — and then atones for sins in the year to come at Yom Kippur nine days later.
“This is an interesting year, unlike any other,” said Rabbi Steven Lowenstein, whom I called because his synagogue, Am Shalom of Glencoe, is one of many streaming high holiday services.
Read the full column by Neil Steinberg here.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--Federal appeals judge in Chicago may be front-runner for Supreme Court

A federal appeals court judge sitting in Chicago appeared to skyrocket to front-runner status Saturday as President Donald Trump considered who he will nominate to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
It ’ s not the first time Amy Coney Barrett seemed on the cusp of ascending to the high court .
The one-time law clerk for the late Justice Antonin Scalia was among those considered to be favored by conservatives after Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement in 2018 .
But multiple news outlets reported Saturday that Barrett was among those being seriously considered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at age 87 .
Republicans have vowed to move forward with a nomination .
Democrats said Republicans should follow the precedent they set in 2016 by not considering a Supreme Court choice in the run-up to an election .
U.S. District Judge Martha Pacold is another Chicago-based judge that has previously been mentioned by Trump for a possible Supreme Court nomination .
Barrett spent most of her career as a law professor at Notre Dame Law School in Indiana , home state of Vice President Mike Pence .
She graduated Rhodes College in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1997 .
She worked for a week on Bush v. Gore , doing research and briefing for a firm that represented George W. Bush .
Her judicial career began in May 2017 , when Trump picked her for the 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago , where she now sits .
The Senate confirmed her for the position in October 2017 .
Now in her late 40s , she could remain on the Supreme Court for decades if confirmed .
Earlier this month Barrett joined two of her colleagues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in shooting down a challenge brought by Illinois ’ Republican Party against Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s COVID-19 orders .
The GOP challenged an exception Pritzker carved into his orders for the exercise of religion , insisting it was unconstitutional for Pritzker to not offer the same exception to other types of speech .
Barrett and St. Eve signed on to an opinion by Wood that batted down the Republicans ’ arguments .
It said “ there can be no doubt that the First Amendment singles out the free exercise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected an argument that Pritzker , through his actions , had carved out an additional exception for Black Lives Matter protesters .
Though Barrett ’ s confirmation to the 7th Circuit generated some controversy , she managed to attract the votes of some Democratic senators .
Among those critical of Barrett was the progressive Alliance for Justice , which called her “ a judicial nominee the likes of which we have rarely seen : a person who believes and has stated that judges can and should put their personal beliefs ahead of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties.
” When asked during her confirmation hearing how judges should weigh their faith against the law , Barrett said , “ It ’ s never appropriate for a judge to impose that judge ’ s personal convictions , whether they derive from faith or anywhere else , on the law.
” In the most memorable moment of her confirmation , Sen. Dianne Feinstein , D-California , told Barrett , a Catholic , that , “ dogma lives loudly within you.
” A Notre Dame University publication in 2013 cited Barrett ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” That same article also quotes Barrett saying it is “ very unlikely ” the court would ever overturn Roe v. Wade ’ s core protection of abortion rights .
In a 2013 Texas Law Review article , Barrett wrote about “ superprecedents , ” — “ cases that no justice would overrule.
” Barrett ’ s list of examples “ on most hit lists ” included Marbury v. Madison and Brown v. Board of Education , but not Roe v. Wade .
In a footnote , she explained that scholars “ do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the public controversy about Roe has never abated.
” A 1998 Marquette Law Review article Barrett co-authored argued that “ Catholic judges ( if they are faithful to the teaching of their church ) are morally precluded from enforcing the death penalty.
” Still , the article said a judge ’ s mere identification as a Catholic is not sufficient for recusal .
Feinstein took heavy criticism for her “ dogma ” comment from people who took the senator ’ s remark as evidence of anti-Catholic bigotry .
When the Senate finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators voted in her favor : Joe Donnelly of Indiana , Tim Kaine of Virginia and Joe Manchin of West Virginia .

A federal appeals court judge sitting in Chicago appeared to skyrocket to front-runner status Saturday as President Donald Trump considered who he will nominate to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
It’s not the first time Amy Coney Barrett seemed on the cusp of ascending to the high court. The one-time law clerk for the late Justice Antonin Scalia was among those considered to be favored by conservatives after Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement in 2018.
But multiple news outlets reported Saturday that Barrett was among those being seriously considered by Trump after Ginsburg’s death Friday at age 87. Republicans have vowed to move forward with a nomination. Democrats said Republicans should follow the precedent they set in 2016 by not considering a Supreme Court choice in the run-up to an election.
U.S. District Judge Martha Pacold is another Chicago-based judge that has previously been mentioned by Trump for a possible Supreme Court nomination.
Barrett spent most of her career as a law professor at Notre Dame Law School in Indiana, home state of Vice President Mike Pence. She graduated Rhodes College in 1994 and Notre Dame Law School in 1997. She worked for a week on Bush v. Gore, doing research and briefing for a firm that represented George W. Bush.
Her judicial career began in May 2017, when Trump picked her for the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, where she now sits. The Senate confirmed her for the position in October 2017. Now in her late 40s, she could remain on the Supreme Court for decades if confirmed.
Earlier this month Barrett joined two of her colleagues, Judges Diane Wood and Amy St. Eve, in shooting down a challenge brought by Illinois’ Republican Party against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s COVID-19 orders. The GOP challenged an exception Pritzker carved into his orders for the exercise of religion, insisting it was unconstitutional for Pritzker to not offer the same exception to other types of speech.
Barrett and St. Eve signed on to an opinion by Wood that batted down the Republicans’ arguments. It said “there can be no doubt that the First Amendment singles out the free exercise of religion for special treatment.” It also rejected an argument that Pritzker, through his actions, had carved out an additional exception for Black Lives Matter protesters.
Though Barrett’s confirmation to the 7th Circuit generated some controversy, she managed to attract the votes of some Democratic senators.
Among those critical of Barrett was the progressive Alliance for Justice, which called her “a judicial nominee the likes of which we have rarely seen: a person who believes and has stated that judges can and should put their personal beliefs ahead of the law and Constitution when carrying out their duties.”
When asked during her confirmation hearing how judges should weigh their faith against the law, Barrett said, “It’s never appropriate for a judge to impose that judge’s personal convictions, whether they derive from faith or anywhere else, on the law.”
In the most memorable moment of her confirmation, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, told Barrett, a Catholic, that, “dogma lives loudly within you.”
A Notre Dame University publication in 2013 cited Barrett’s belief that “life begins at conception.” That same article also quotes Barrett saying it is “very unlikely” the court would ever overturn Roe v. Wade’s core protection of abortion rights.
In a 2013 Texas Law Review article, Barrett wrote about “superprecedents,” — “cases that no justice would overrule.” Barrett’s list of examples “on most hit lists” included Marbury v. Madison and Brown v. Board of Education, but not Roe v. Wade.
In a footnote, she explained that scholars “do not put Roe on the superprecedent list because the public controversy about Roe has never abated.”
A 1998 Marquette Law Review article Barrett co-authored argued that “Catholic judges (if they are faithful to the teaching of their church) are morally precluded from enforcing the death penalty.” Still, the article said a judge’s mere identification as a Catholic is not sufficient for recusal.
Feinstein took heavy criticism for her “dogma” comment from people who took the senator’s remark as evidence of anti-Catholic bigotry.
When the Senate finally voted to confirm Barrett, three Democratic senators voted in her favor: Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Tim Kaine of Virginia and Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
Contributing: AP


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--The absence of Rowan Wick poses challenge for Cubs as postseason looms

Rowan Wick has the kind of power arm teams need to get through the postseason .
Unfortunately for the Cubs , his season might be over prior to the playoffs .
Before Saturday ’ s game with the Twins , Wick was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Thursday with a left oblique strain .
In a corresponding move , left-hander Andrew Chafin was activated from the 10-day IL .
Cubs manager David Ross said Wick ’ s injury is “ pretty bad , ” and that he will be gone much longer than 10 days and may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run .
“ Yes it could ( mean that ) , ” Ross said .
If Wick is gone , that would be bad news for the Cubs , who have seen Wick develop into one of their most trusted late-inning arms over the past season and a half .
He is 0-1 with a 3.12 earned-run average and has 20 strikeouts to just six walks in 19 outings , and possesses the stuff of a future closer .
His role this season has included some closing with four saves , but regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figured to be a prominent part of Ross ’ October bullpen .
It doesn ’ t seem like that ’ s going to happen this year for Wick , who was acquired from the Padres on Nov. 20 , 2018 , for infielder Jason Vosler .
He made his Cubs debut on May 23 of last year and by the end of the season emerged as a prominent part of the bullpen , finishing with a 2.43 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings pitched .
That carried over to this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be done prematurely .
“ ( Wick ) has been a big part of that bullpen for the second half of last year and then what he ’ s done for us this year , ” Ross said .
“ He ’ s been a lock-down guy in any part of the back end of games , and throwing really well .
Yes , it ’ s a huge loss.
” The loss came Wednesday when Wick threw a scoreless inning against Cleveland .
During the top of the seventh of that game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stretch his side before he got the last out .
Ross recalled that when he was walking off the field , Wick was talking to Willson Contreras about the issue .
Ross said he was actually going to send Wick back out to begin the eighth , but the reliever said he felt a burning sensation and cramping in his side .
The Cubs ’ trainers didn ’ t think it would be smart for Wick to continue that game , and Ross agreed .
Now with Wick gone , the Cubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the bullpen other than veterans Jeremy Jeffress and Craig Kimbrel .
That means guys like Duane Underwood Jr. , Jason Adam , Ryan Tepera or somebody else could get the chance for a bigger role , but it ’ s clear that Wick ’ s absence will throw up another hurdle for Ross as he enters his first postseason as a manager .
It also poses a significant challenge to the depth of a relief corps that ’ s found its stride in September .
“ Somebody will have to step up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is , ” Ross said .
“ Those names can come and go , whoever ’ s hot pitching .
I ’ ve got a lot of confidence in a lot of guys down there .
I ’ ve definitely , throughout this short season , put guys in different scenarios that I feel like they ’ ve kind of answered the call and pitched well .
It ’ s just another time .
That ’ s the great thing about baseball : it ’ s just another opportunity for somebody else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re a consistent big-leaguer .
”

Right-hander Rowan Wick has the kind of power arm teams need to get through the postseason.
Unfortunately for the Cubs, his season might be over before the playoffs.
Before the game Saturday against the Twins, Wick was put on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Thursday with a strained left oblique. In a corresponding move, left-hander Andrew Chafin was activated from the 10-day IL.
Manager David Ross said Wick’s injury is “pretty bad” and that he’ll be gone much longer than 10 days and might not be a part of any playoff run.
“Yes, it could [mean that],” Ross said.
If Wick is gone, that would be bad news for the Cubs, who have seen him develop into one of their most trusted late-inning arms over the last two seasons. Wick is 0-1 with a 3.12 ERA and has 20 strikeouts to only six walks in 19 outings. And he has the stuff of a future closer.
He has done some closing (four saves) this season, but regardless of role, he figured to be a prominent part of Ross’ October bullpen.
Wick was acquired from the Padres on Nov. 20, 2018, for infielder Jason Vosler. He made his Cubs debut on May 23, 2019, and by the end of the season had emerged as an important member of the bullpen, finishing with a 2.43 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 33⅓ innings. That level carried over to this year.
“[Wick] had been a big part of that bullpen for the second half of last year and then what he’s done for us this year,” Ross said. “He’s been a lock-down guy in any part of the back end of games and throwing really well. Yes, it’s a huge loss.’’
The problem flared up Wednesday, when Wick threw a scoreless inning against the Indians. In the seventh, Ross said he saw Wick trying to stretch his side before he got the last out. Ross recalled that when he was walking off the field, Wick was talking to Willson Contreras about the issue.
Ross said he was going to send him back out to begin the eighth, but Wick said he felt a burning sensation and cramping in his side.
The Cubs’ trainers deemed it unwise for Wick to continue, and Ross agreed.
With Wick gone, the Cubs will try to find another right-handed answer in the bullpen other than veterans Jeremy Jeffress and Craig Kimbrel. That means Duane Underwood Jr., Jason Adam, Ryan Tepera or someone else could get the chance for a bigger role, but it’s clear that Wick’s absence will throw up another hurdle for Ross as he enters his first postseason as a manager.
It also poses a significant challenge to the depth of a relief corps that has found its stride in September.
“Somebody will have to step up; we’ll find out who that is,” Ross said. “Those names can come and go, whoever’s hot pitching. I’ve got a lot of confidence in a lot of guys down there. I’ve definitely, throughout this short season, put guys in different scenarios that I feel like they’ve kind of answered the call and pitched well. It’s just another time. That’s the great thing about baseball: It’s just another opportunity for somebody else to step up and prove they’re a consistent big-leaguer.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--Bears’ Josh Woods to miss Giants game for personal reasons

Bears inside linebacker Josh Woods has been ruled out for Sunday ’ s game with what the team called a @ @ @ @ @ his place , the Bears promoted linebacker Devante Bond , who was signed to the @ @ @ @ @ did not play a single down for the Bears on defense in Week 1 , @ @ @ @ @ teams plays .
His absence Sunday leaves the Bears perilously thin at inside linebacker behind @ @ @ @ @ Smith .
Joel Iyiegbuniwe is the team ’ s only proven backup at the spot @ @ @ @ @ , he ’ s primarily a special teamer .
Iyiegbuniwe didn ’ t play a @ @ @ @ @ Lions , either .
He played only three defensive snaps for the Bears last year @ @ @ @ @ home slate Sunday against the Giants at noon .
Their defense will try to bounce @ @ @ @ @ 1 effort against the Lions , particularly against the run .

Bears inside linebacker Josh Woods has been ruled out for Sunday’s game with what the team called a personal reason.
To take his place, the Bears promoted linebacker Devante Bond, who was signed to the team only Friday.
Woods did not play a single down for the Bears on defense in Week 1, but appeared on 19 special teams plays. His absence Sunday leaves the Bears perilously thin at inside linebacker behind starters Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith.
Joel Iyiegbuniwe is the team’s only proven backup at the spot, but, like Woods, he’s primarily a special teamer. Iyiegbuniwe didn’t play a single defensive snap against the Lions, either. He played only three defensive snaps for the Bears last year.
The Bears open their home slate Sunday against the Giants at noon. Their defense will try to bounce back from a lackluster Week 1 effort against the Lions, particularly against the run.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--White Sox postseason bullpen would have nastier look with Crochet, Bummer

On Friday afternoon , White Sox general manager Rick Hahn made a surprise announcement : Left-hander Garrett Crochet , the 11th player selected in the draft only three months ago , had joined the team in Cincinnati for a look-see .
On Friday night , Crochet looked good .
Really good , in fact .
Like , 101 mph with command good .
Like , three-up , three-down with two strikeouts good .
Crochet pitched a 1-2-3 sixth inning against the lower third of the Reds ’ lineup in the Sox ’ 7-1 loss .
Brian Goodwin ( strikeout looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Tyler Barnhart ( grounder to first ) went down quickly on a night the Reds slugged four home runs — including one by Barnhart — against Sox prospect Jonathan Stiever .
With no minor-league games to prepare for the majors , Crochet got his prep work done in bullpen sessions and simulated games at the Sox ’ training facility in Schaumburg .
His confidence grew by the day .
‘ ‘ After [ Friday night ] , it ’ s still going up , ’ ’ he said .
Crochet made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were put in place to call him up to the majors with the goal of adding a potentially lethal arm in the bullpen for the postseason .
‘ ‘ Obviously very impressive , ’ ’ manager Rick Renteria said .
‘ ‘ We just keep moving forward and see where it takes us.
’ ’ Crochet won ’ t pitch perfectly every night , of course , but his debut was something else .
Thirteen pitches , nine strikes and six offerings at 100 or 101 mph .
One of his pitches was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a Sox player in the pitch-tracking era .
And to think his last real game was with Tennessee , where he pitched only 3 „ innings as a junior this spring .
Now if the Sox can get reliever Aaron Bummer ( 1.23 ERA ) healthy for the playoffs , they could be well-fortified from the left side .
Bummer hasn ’ t pitched since Aug. 7 because of a biceps issue , but he looked good throwing a 20-pitch simulated game Saturday in Cincinnati , Renteria said .
‘ ‘ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
‘ ‘ We ’ re very positive about how he ’ s progressing.
’ ’ The Sox ’ bullpen entered the game Saturday ranked sixth in the majors with a 3.58 ERA , and it was 1.68 in the last 13 games .
Hahn said he expects right-hander Evan Marshall ( shoulder inflammation ) to return from the injured list by the end of the week .
Marshall and rookies Codi Heuer and Matt Foster have been the most effective right-handers out of the pen in front of closer Alex Colome .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ roster for the postseason , which begins with a best-of-three wild-card series Sept. 29 , they also have right-handers Reynaldo Lopez and Jimmy Cordero and left-handers Gio Gonzalez , Jace Fry and Ross Detwiler in the mix .
And left-hander Carlos Rodon , who is on the IL with a sore shoulder , hasn ’ t been ruled out .
Nor has Crochet , the first pitcher to go straight to the majors in his draft year since Mike Morgan and Tim Conroy in 1978 .
‘ ‘ We do think he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the next several weeks , ’ ’ Hahn said .

On Friday afternoon, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn made a surprise announcement: Left-hander Garrett Crochet, the 11th player selected in the draft only three months ago, had joined the team in Cincinnati for a look-see.
On Friday night, Crochet looked good. Really good, in fact. Like, 101 mph with command good. Like, three-up, three-down with two strikeouts good.
Crochet pitched a 1-2-3 sixth inning against the lower third of the Reds’ lineup in the Sox’ 7-1 loss. Brian Goodwin (strikeout looking), Jose Garcia (strikeout swinging) and Tyler Barnhart (grounder to first) went down quickly on a night the Reds slugged four home runs — including one by Barnhart — against Sox prospect Jonathan Stiever.
With no minor-league games to prepare for the majors, Crochet got his prep work done in bullpen sessions and simulated games at the Sox’ training facility in Schaumburg. His confidence grew by the day.
‘‘After [Friday night], it’s still going up,’’ he said.
Crochet made such an impression at Schaumburg that plans were put in place to call him up to the majors with the goal of adding a potentially lethal arm in the bullpen for the postseason.
‘‘Obviously very impressive,’’ manager Rick Renteria said. ‘‘We just keep moving forward and see where it takes us.’’
Crochet won’t pitch perfectly every night, of course, but his debut was something else. Thirteen pitches, nine strikes and six offerings at 100 or 101 mph. One of his pitches was clocked at 101.5 mph, the fastest by a Sox player in the pitch-tracking era. And to think his last real game was with Tennessee, where he pitched only 3„ innings as a junior this spring.
Now if the Sox can get reliever Aaron Bummer (1.23 ERA) healthy for the playoffs, they could be well-fortified from the left side. Bummer hasn’t pitched since Aug. 7 because of a biceps issue, but he looked good throwing a 20-pitch simulated game Saturday in Cincinnati, Renteria said.
‘‘He feels good,’’ Renteria said. ‘‘We’re very positive about how he’s progressing.’’
The Sox’ bullpen entered the game Saturday ranked sixth in the majors with a 3.58 ERA, and it was 1.68 in the last 13 games. Hahn said he expects right-hander Evan Marshall (shoulder inflammation) to return from the injured list by the end of the week. Marshall and rookies Codi Heuer and Matt Foster have been the most effective right-handers out of the pen in front of closer Alex Colome.
As the Sox sort out their 28-man roster for the postseason, which begins with a best-of-three wild-card series Sept. 29, they also have right-handers Reynaldo Lopez and Jimmy Cordero and left-handers Gio Gonzalez, Jace Fry and Ross Detwiler in the mix. And left-hander Carlos Rodon, who is on the IL with a sore shoulder, hasn’t been ruled out.
Nor has Crochet, the first pitcher to go straight to the majors in his draft year since Mike Morgan and Tim Conroy in 1978.
‘‘We do think he has the potential to make us stronger here over the next several weeks,’’ Hahn said.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-19--Big Ten announces third football schedule: Illini to open at Wisconsin, NU to host Maryland

The Big Ten ’ s third football schedule of the 2020 season is highlighted by Michigan-Ohio State on Dec. 12 , the final day of the conference ’ s regular-season and the latest date the rivals have ever played .
The Big Ten released an eight-games-in-eight-weeks schedule on Saturday that will start the weekend of Oct. 24 .
Just three days ago , the conference reversed course and decided to play a fall football season after postponing on Aug. 11 because of concerns about COVID-19 .
Week 1 features Nebraska at Ohio State , two teams that were at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall ball in the Big Ten .
Michigan will play at Minnesota in the Little Brown Jug rivalry to open the season .
In Week 2 , Ohio State will play at Penn State on Halloween .
The Buckeyes at No .
2 and Penn State at No .
7 were the highest ranked Big Ten teams in the preseason AP Top 25 .
The regular season concludes as usual with the Buckeyes and Wolverines facing off .
Michigan and Ohio State have played 103 times , but never later than November .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ played Dec. 19 in Indianapolis , matching the East and West Division champions .
The conference has said it will give all its teams the opportunity to play on Dec. 19 .
The tentative plan is to match teams with similar finishes in the respective division standings .

The Big Ten’s third football schedule of the 2020 season is highlighted by Michigan-Ohio State on Dec. 12, the final day of the conference’s regular-season and the latest date the rivals have ever played.
The Big Ten released an eight-games-in-eight-weeks schedule on Saturday that will start the weekend of Oct. 24. Just three days ago, the conference reversed course and decided to play a fall football season after postponing on Aug. 11 because of concerns about COVID-19.
Week 1 features Nebraska at Ohio State, two teams that were at the forefront of the grassroots push to play fall ball in the Big Ten. Michigan will play at Minnesota in the Little Brown Jug rivalry to open the season.
In Week 2, Ohio State will play at Penn State on Halloween. The Buckeyes at No. 2 and Penn State at No. 7 were the highest ranked Big Ten teams in the preseason AP Top 25.
The regular season concludes as usual with the Buckeyes and Wolverines facing off. Michigan and Ohio State have played 103 times, but never later than November.
The Big Ten championship game will be played Dec. 19 in Indianapolis, matching the East and West Division champions. The conference has said it will give all its teams the opportunity to play on Dec. 19. The tentative plan is to match teams with similar finishes in the respective division standings.
2020 Northwestern football schedule
Oct. 24 vs. Maryland
Oct. 31 at Iowa
Nov. 7 vs. Nebraska
Nov. 14 at Purdue
Nov. 21 vs. Wisconsin
Nov. 28 at Michigan State
Dec. 5 at Minnesota
Dec. 12 vs. Illinois
2020 Illinois football schedule