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Sports betting at arenas and stadiums would benefit ChicagoJerry Reinsdorfon December 2, 2021 at 9:00 pm

An odds board at a sports betting lounge. City Council is considering a plan to allow sportsbook betting at stadiums. | Wayne Parry/AP Photos

Professional sports venues have opened sportsbooks in Washington, D.C. and data shows that nearby casino revenue has climbed. Revenue from sportsbook licenses in Illinois already is earmarked by the state to support projects through Rebuild Illinois,

The Chicago City Council is considering an ordinance that would allow sportsbook facilities at or near the city’s five professional sports stadiums. The City Council should pass it.

A false narrative regarding the proposal has tarnished the conversation, and the record needs to be set straight. Sports betting facilities at five locations throughout Chicago will not negatively affect the success of a Chicago casino.

An independent gaming analysis commissioned by the Illinois Gaming Board to explore the feasibility of a Chicago casino also included an analysis, requested by the city, of the impact of sportsbooks. They can coexist, the examination showed, without negatively affecting revenue for the city from a Chicago casino.

Gaming analyst Grant Govertsen, whose firm conducted the study, testified to a joint City Council committee on Nov. 8 that “while sports betting has proliferated throughout the U.S. over the last few years, we have not seen any meaningful cannibalization of casino revenue as a result. We expect a similar dynamic to be seen in Chicago …”

In Washington, D.C., where professional sports venues have opened sportsbooks, data shows that nearby casino revenue has climbed. And Bally’s, a global leader in the industry that is also bidding on the Chicago casino license, has said it has no objection to the sportsbook proposal before the City Council.

So who does object? Gaming magnate Neil Bluhm, whose sportsbook at his Rivers Casino benefits from the absence of competition. The delay tactics he has employed to block sportsbook facilities in Chicago protect his highly profitable casino located just outside the city, adjacent to O’Hare International Airport. This is about money, not concern for taxpayers.

Convenience for fans

Revenue from sportsbook licenses already is earmarked by the state to support cultural, educational, arts and capital projects through Rebuild Illinois, the state’s 2019 capital plan. Approval of sportsbooks also would jump-start hundreds of construction and permanent jobs throughout the region.

Sportsbook locations would not be mini-casinos, as some have suggested. They would not offer slots, table games, roulette wheels or poker tables. They would be similar to sports-themed bars, with which fans are familiar at many stadiums. William Hill Sportsbook at Capital One Arena in D.C., for example, is an airy, multistory facility with leather furniture, an outdoor patio and retractable windows. It was the first sportsbook in the nation to open at a major sports stadium.

That’s what the state Legislature and Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who signed the bill into law, set up for Chicago when they approved sports betting in 2019. Sports betting is already here in Illinois. The last step for Chicago is approval from the City Council.

Fans attending games at Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, Guaranteed Rate Field, the United Center and Wintrust Arena would be able to stop at a sports-themed lounge to place a bet if they wish. The locations would draw visitors to stadiums during the off-season and energize communities.

Unfortunately, a misinformation campaign has clouded the truth. We hope aldermen see through it. They can sign off now on an ordinance allowing five sportsbooks and they can work toward a successful casino and entertainment center for Chicago.

Jerry Reinsdorf is chairman of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox. Tom Ricketts is chairman of the Chicago Cubs. Rocky Wirtz is chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks.

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Sports betting at arenas and stadiums would benefit ChicagoJerry Reinsdorfon December 2, 2021 at 9:00 pm Read More »

Suspect arrested in Jacqueline Avant caseAssociated Presson December 2, 2021 at 9:11 pm

Jacqueline and Clarence Avant attend the pre-Grammy gala salute honoring Sean “Diddy” Combs on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. | Getty

The Beverly Hills Police Department announced the arrest of Aariel Maynor on Thursday afternoon.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Jacqueline Avant, a philanthropist and the wife of legendary music executive Clarence Avant, killed at their home in Beverly Hills, California.

The Beverly Hills Police Department announced the arrest of Aariel Maynor on Thursday afternoon.

Maynor is currently on parole and was taken into custody early Wednesday by Los Angeles police after a burglary in a separate residence, Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook said.

Police recovered an AR-15 rifle at the home where Maynor was arrested. It was believed to have been used in the shooting of Jacqueline Avant. Maynor shot himself in the foot with the gun and is being treated before he can be booked into jail.

Authorities do not believe there are any other suspects in the Avant case. It was not immediately known if Maynor had an attorney.

Police were called to the Avants’ home early Wednesday after a 2:23 a.m. call reporting a shooting. Officers found Jacqueline Avant, 81, with a gunshot wound. She was taken to the hospital but did not survive.

Jacqueline Avant was a longtime local philanthropist who led organizations that helped low-income neighborhoods including Watts and South Los Angeles, and was on the board of directors of the International Student Center at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The Avants’ daughter, Nicole Avant, is a film producer and former U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas and is married to Netflix co-CEO and Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos.

Tributes to Jacqueline Avant poured in Wednesday from across the country. She was remembered by former President Bill Clinton, basketball icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson, music star Quincy Jones and Rep. Karen Bass (D-California).

TMZ first reported Jacqueline Avant’s death.

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Suspect arrested in Jacqueline Avant caseAssociated Presson December 2, 2021 at 9:11 pm Read More »

Loyola-DePaul game puts Chicago college hoops in spotlightJeff Agreston December 2, 2021 at 8:10 pm

DePaul, celebrating a victory against Rutgers last month, is looking to stay perfect against Loyola, the current king of Chicago college basketball. | Mark Black/AP

After another tournament run, the Ramblers are 6-2. The Blue Demons are 6-0 after practically starting from scratch. Broadcasters from both sides discuss the Red Line Rivalry’s renewal.

To most Chicago sports enthusiasts, this is a professional-sports town. They’re aware of college sports, but those games don’t resonate with them. It takes a special happening for Chicago sports fans to latch onto a college game, and the area schools haven’t provided enough for decades to change the mindset.

Maybe that’s why the mindset exists.

“When college teams win in Chicago, people get into it,” said Jordan Bernfield, the regular TV voice for Loyola men’s basketball since 2011. “You can’t convince me that Loyola going to the Final Four or Northwestern going to the tournament weren’t great stories that somehow were overshadowed by the pro sports.

“The difference is that because college sports haven’t been consistently at the top for a while, it’s easier for the fans and the media to focus away from the college teams. But when they win, people love it.”

That will be put to the test Saturday, when Loyola visits DePaul at Wintrust Arena (3 p.m., FS1, 670-AM, loyolaramblers.com). The Ramblers are 6-2 and return four starters from a team that reached the Sweet 16. The Blue Demons are 6-0 and starting almost from scratch.

DePaul used to carry the mantle for Chicago college basketball, but they haven’t sniffed success since joining the Big East in 2005. Since 2017, Loyola has run the town, if not the state. Illini fans braced for the worst last year when Loyola appeared as a potential second-round opponent during the NCAA Tournament selection show. Their fears were realized a week later.

The Ramblers have picked up where they left off under new coach Drew Valentine, who was an assistant under now-Oklahoma coach Porter Moser. New Blue Demons coach Tony Stubblefield is trying to resurrect a program that has reveled in its past for far too long.

“What better way for him to start than to knock off the big dog in the city,” Bernfield said. “Loyola has been carrying the torch for the city of Chicago the last five years. If they could beat Loyola, that would be huge.

“I’ve done a bunch of these [intracity] games in the past, and they do matter to people. The better the teams get, the more attention the games will get.”

Zach Zaidman has called DePaul men’s basketball on The Score since 2005, and he has had few meaningful games. There was the Demons’ upset of No. 5 Kansas in 2006 and the overtime victory in 2019 against Texas Tech, which had reached the national title game the year before.

There might be only a handful of others, so what he’s looking forward to most Saturday shouldn’t come as a surprise.

“The atmosphere,” Zaidman said. “Everything that’s wrong with college sports generates the headlines. But at its core, why do we follow college sports? Because of the rivalries. And it is so cool you actually have a rivalry that matters. It’s the Red Line rivalry renewed.”

“I would imagine that there’s going to be enough maroon and gold scarfs at that game,” Bernfield said.

The schools haven’t met since Dec. 29, 2012, when Loyola won 69-61 at Allstate Arena, snapping an 11-game skid in the series (DePaul leads 30-9). The Ramblers improved to 9-3 and the Demons fell to 9-4, but the Ramblers would win only six more games that season and the Demons just two.

The current teams figure to have more staying power, particularly Loyola, which is overcoming the loss of center Cameron Krutwig with a committee approach. Sophomore center Jacob Hutson scored 26 points last Friday against Arizona State, and senior forwards Chris Knight and Ryan Schwieger have made big contributions off the bench. Valentine also is putting his own stamp on the team.

“They’re a little more free offensively,” Bernfield said. “Porter is like a surgical coach when it comes to offense and trying to get the best shot possible within the shot clock. Drew is a little more willing to let guys feel free to take a shot if they get a look early in the clock.”

“But what makes Loyola so tough to play against is that they can dictate what you do because they’re so tenacious defensively and so efficient on offense. If you want to change their tempo, it’s very hard to do.”

DePaul will give it a shot. Through Wednesday, the Demons ranked fifth in the nation in points per game (88.5) and were tied for 14th in rebounds per game (43), led by senior Javon Freeman-Liberty, who’s averaging nearly a double-double (23.5, 9.2). Granted, they’ve played a soft schedule, but unlike previous versions, they don’t fold. A few of their victories easily could have gone the other way.

“For a team that won five games all of last season, the fact that they’ve got six victories, psychologically that’s a big deal,” Zaidman said. “They play hard all the time. They never allow bad things to keep them down. And they share the basketball. It’s an entertaining style of play.”

By the sound of it, this could be the kind of game that boosts the profile of college hoops in Chicago.

“It’s gonna be interesting because city teams don’t want to lose to other city teams,” Bernfield said.

Remote patrol

Play-by-play voice Bob Brainerd and analyst Jess Settles will call the Loyola-DePaul game on FS1. Zach Zaidman and Dave Corzine will have it on The Score, and Jeff Hagedorn and Chris Sparks will call it at loyolaramblers.com.
It’s another NFL Sunday at home for Adam Amin, who will call Cardinals-Bears on Fox with Mark Schlereth and sideline reporter Shannon Spake. Mike Monaco will fill in for Amin alongside Stacey King on the Bulls-Nets broadcast Saturday on NBC Sports Chicago.
Regular Bulls fill-in Jason Benetti will be in Detroit for the MAC football championship between Northern Illinois and Kent State at 11 a.m. Saturday on ESPN. He’ll be joined by analyst Andre Ware and reporter Paul Carcaterra.

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Loyola-DePaul game puts Chicago college hoops in spotlightJeff Agreston December 2, 2021 at 8:10 pm Read More »

Bottleneck Management Launches Rebel’s Hot Chicken Virtual KitchenXiao Faria daCunhaon December 2, 2021 at 7:56 pm

Bottleneck Management announces today the launch of its brand-new virtual kitchen concept, Rebel’s Hot Chicken, presenting a bold and playful take on the fiery Nashville-style chicken that continues to reign as a sought-after flavor for foodies and spice-lovers alike. Operating out of the group’s Wells Street location of Old Town Pour House, the menu will be available daily for carryout and delivery.

Bottleneck, which operates a variety of premier restaurants and bars throughout Chicagoland and across the U.S. including Old Town Pour House, Sweetwater Tavern & Grille, South Branch, City Works, and a previously launched barbeque-centric virtual kitchen coined Secret Sauce, among others, enthusiastically introduces Rebel’s Hot Chicken as its second dynamic virtual kitchen concept.

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Image Credit: Rebel’s Hot Chicken

New Concept, New Menu

“We’re excited to present a new menu that celebrates the fiery flavors of Nashville hot chicken that people love in a playful and creative way,” says Bottleneck Chief Marketing Officer Angela Zoiss. “Rebel’s Hot Chicken is the new stand-alone choice for guests who are looking for high-quality, flavorful, and affordable hot chicken dishes that are hard to come by.”

Available for carryout from Old Town Pour House (1419 N. Wells Street) and delivery direct from the group’s online ordering platform, the Bottleneck Rewards App (available through the App Store or Google Play), or via online delivery platforms including Doordash, Uber Eats and Grubhub, the menu is centered around Rebel’s Hot Chicken’s very own hot chicken sauce that delights taste buds with a super-flavorful, multi-dimensional spice that’s synonymous with the beloved Nashville classic.

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Image Credit: Rebel’s Hot Chicken

Featured Items

While customers are sure to enjoy signature creations like Rebel’s Inferno Fried Chicken Sandwich ($14) featuring delectable buttermilk-breaded crispy chicken topped with a spicy combo of Nashville hot sauce, scorpion slaw, and pickled jalapeno on a brioche bun, the rest of the menu features a variety of craveable dishes created to celebrate this hot and spicy recipe including:

Rebel’s Hot Chicken Nachos ($14) – Crispy popcorn chicken, Nashville hot sauce, pepper jack cheese sauce, pickled jalapenos, pico de gallo, white beans, avocado, cilantro lime cream, tortilla chips, micro cilantro
Spicy Mac N’ Cheese ($16) – Crispy popcorn chicken, Nashville hot sauce, bacon lardons, IPA cheese sauce, cavatappi pasta
Spicy Cauliflower ($12) – Crispy cauliflower, Nashville hot sauce, ranch dressing
Rebel’s Hot Chicken Chopped Salad ($14) – Crispy popcorn chicken, Nashville hot sauce, romaine, iceberg, red leaf, tomatoes, cucumbers, black beans, roasted corn, jicama, crispy buttermilk onion strings, ranch dressing
Image Credit: Rebel’s Hot Chicken

Head to the Virtual Kitchen

“We’re looking forward to being a new favorite for fans looking for an exceptional way to enjoy Nashville hot chicken and we’re especially happy to introduce Rebel’s using the virtual kitchen format,” says Bottleneck Management Chief Operating Officer Mark Gray.

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“The COVID-19 pandemic was an enlightening and challenging experience for everyone in the hospitality industry, but one silver lining that came from it was the abundant opportunities we had to learn from our guests. The continued success of our very first virtual kitchen, Secret Sauce, reminds us that diners continue to search for and appreciate new options for approachable, affordable and really delicious food that they can enjoy in the comfort of their homes.”

Rebel’s Hot Chicken will be available for carryout and delivery Monday – Thursday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information, visit Bottleneck’s website!

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Bottleneck Management Launches Rebel’s Hot Chicken Virtual KitchenXiao Faria daCunhaon December 2, 2021 at 7:56 pm Read More »

Blackhawks trade Malcolm Subban to Sabres, freeing goalie logjamBen Popeon December 2, 2021 at 7:03 pm

Malcolm Subban’s time in the Blackhawks organization ended Thursday. | AP Photos

Subban had been stuck in the AHL so far this season and will be able to stick in the NHL with the Sabres.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Interim general manager Kyle Davidson has made it a priority to give players the Blackhawks aren’t using fresh opportunities elsewhere.

Davidson did so earlier this week with Adam Gaudette, placing him on waivers after weeks of healthy scratches. Gaudette landed with the rebuilding Senators and scored in his debut Wednesday.

And Davidson did so again Thursday, sending goalie Malcolm Subban to the even-more-rebuilding Sabres for future considerations — his first official trade as GM.

The move gets Subban, an NHL-caliber goalie, back in the NHL after he’d been stuck with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs up to this point this season. He went 2-2-1 with an .893 save percentage with the IceHogs after going 6-8-1 with a .900 save percentage in 16 appearances for the Hawks last season.

“Malcolm has been fantastic,” IceHogs interim coach Anders Sorensen said in November. “He’s been really good in the locker room, but also his last couple outings in net have been really good.”

The Sabres have desperately needed a new backup to Dustin Tokarski with Craig Anderson injured and Aaron Dell struggling mightily.

The Hawks, meanwhile, obviously received no tangible return for Subban, but released their Rockford goalie logjam to let prospect Arvid Soderblom and veteran Collin Delia split the starts in normal fashion. Soderblom, 22, sports a .917 save percentage through his first eight career AHL starts and the team is intrigued about his future potential.

Seabrook steps into coaching

Brent Seabrook’s post-playing-career plans appear likely headed into coaching.

Seabrook has landed his first role an assistant coach — albeit as a volunteer and only on an interim basis — for the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League.

The legendary former Hawks defenseman, who unofficially retired in March but is still technically under contract with the Lightning through 2024, debuted behind the bench Wednesday during the Giants’ 5-3 win over the Kelowna Rockets.

“I’m grateful to the Vancouver Giants ownership, management staff, and the Tampa Bay Lightning for allowing me this opportunity to give back to the game,” Seabrook said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to being part of the great culture the Giants have created and I can’t wait to get started.”

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Blackhawks trade Malcolm Subban to Sabres, freeing goalie logjamBen Popeon December 2, 2021 at 7:03 pm Read More »

Best Holiday Concerts in Chicago this DecemberXiao Faria daCunhaon December 2, 2021 at 7:30 pm

Speaking of holiday, how can we miss out on the amazing live music scene in Chicago? This article will cover the best holiday concerts, including seasonal live music, happening in Chicago. And make sure you also check out our roundup on the best holiday shows and plays to watch this year!

10 Marriott Dr, Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Is Christmas carol your family tradition? Then, you cannot miss out on The Twelve Dames of Christmas happening at our beloved Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire. Running from Dec 06 – Dec 07, 2021, Dames will feature Emmy nominee Angela Ingersoll and her amazing vocal variety as she captures the voices of a dozen divas in a hilarious and heartwarming holiday romp.

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1354 W Wabansia Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

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Come out to get your Christmas Spirit up and going at A Christmas Spectacular on Dec. 10th as Anthony Bruno, dubbed the “Viceroy of Vibrato”, sings and swings with holiday charm. The artist and his band will perform your favorite yuletide carols including White Christmas, Let It Snow, Winter Wonderland, and so many more including a special version of the Dreidel Song!

5400 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018

Come jam with Mannheim Streamroller this year for Christmas. Founded by percussionist Chip Davis, this neo-classical music group blend classical music with new age and rock elements. If you’re looking for something other than classic carols this year for Christmas, mark your calendar for Dec. 10 and 11!

1134 W. Washington Blvd. Lower Level Chicago, IL 60607

This holiday season, The Press Room is bringing diners the ultimate speakeasy experience and re-launching their weekly live music performances. Join the Press Room with live music from some of Chicago’s best — Jon Allegretto, Toronzo Cannon and Nick Moss — while enjoying food from their menu, cocktail, and wine list selected specifically for the live music events.

Show times:

December 12: Toronzo Cannon at 7:00pm
December 19: Nick Moss at 7:00pm

1821 W Hubbard St UNIT 307, Chicago, IL 60622

On Dec 17, come to one of the coolest local artist collectives and listen to one of the most iconic Christmas soundtracks played live in person.  For this special one-night holiday concert, FSC will present Michael Nearpass Large Ensemble performing Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretations of “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky.

1200 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Known for his robust swing and poetic insight, Grammy winner Kurt Elling brings you one of the most spectacular holiday concerts in Chicago on Dec 19. See for yourself how the artist embraces the meaning and spirit of Christmas as he explores the universal themes such as hope, love, and light on stage.

6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018

What are the most anticipated holiday concerts in Chicago this year? Trans-Siberian Orchestra is definitely on the list. With the theme of Christmas Eve & Other Stories, the Orchestra is bringing back their holiday tradition to Chicago for its 25th anniversary. No more words needed. If you know, you know. 

Featured Image Credit: The Press Room

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Best Holiday Concerts in Chicago this DecemberXiao Faria daCunhaon December 2, 2021 at 7:30 pm Read More »

Man shot dead by Buffalo Grove police after he called 911, fired off guns and then refused to drop them when officers arrivedDavid Struetton December 2, 2021 at 6:34 pm

Adobe Stock Photo

Two officers arrived to the call of a person with a gun and found the man in his 20s alone in a lot at Radcliffe Road and Boxwood Lane, police said.

A man was shot and killed by Buffalo Grove police early Thursday after he called 911, fired off two guns and then refused to drop them when officers arrived, officials said.

This was believed to be the first police shooting on record in Buffalo Grove.

Two officers had arrived to the call of a person with a gun and found the man in his 20s alone in a lot at Radcliffe Road and Boxwood Lane, Buffalo Grove Deputy Police Chief Mike Szos told reporters at the scene.

The man fired two handguns and then walked toward the officers around 12:30 a.m., Szos said. It was unclear if the man fired at the officers or into the air.

The officers ordered the man to stop and, when he continued toward them, the officers opened fire, Szos said.

The officers gave the man first aid but he was pronounced dead at the scene, he said. The man’s name hasn’t been released, but the Cook County medical examiner’s office said he was a 25-year-old Elgin resident.

The officers were uninjured but were taken to a hospital for evaluation, Szos said.

Szos said investigators were probing if the man’s death was a case of “suicide by cop,” since he called police himself and then refused to drop his guns.

Later Thursday morning, Police Chief Steven Casstevens elaborated on the 911 call allegedly placed by the man shot by police.

The caller told the dispatcher, “There’s a dude standing out there and he’s all crazy,” Casstevens told reporters. The caller claimed to see a man with two guns who fired two rounds.

The dispatcher asked him to identify the gunman, and the caller replied, “Well, that would be me,” according to Casstevens.

Casstevens said he reviewed dashboard video of the shooting and said he believes his officers did everything in their power to stop the man. He said video of the shooting would be released publicly later.

There is no body camera video of the incident because bodycams haven’t been adopted by the department, which has until 2025 under state law to adopt them, Casstevens said.

Casstevens said the man’s last known address was in Buffalo Grove. His only previous interaction with police there was a 2017 impaired driving arrest, he said.

The Lake County Major Crimes Task Force was investigating the officers’ use of force.

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Man shot dead by Buffalo Grove police after he called 911, fired off guns and then refused to drop them when officers arrivedDavid Struetton December 2, 2021 at 6:34 pm Read More »

Photos from Chicago’s Secret Supper at Alla VitaChicago Magazineon December 2, 2021 at 6:30 pm

On October 18, Chicago magazine hosted its second Secret Supper of 2021 at Boka Restaurant Group’s newly opened and buzzed about West Loop restaurant, Alla Vita. Diners enjoyed a four-course Italian dinner by Executive Chef Lee Wolen. The menu included house favorites such as the Alla Vita chopped salad, spicy rigatoni, and tiramisu. Guests enjoyed three specialty cocktails by The House of … Read moreRead More

Photos from Chicago’s Secret Supper at Alla VitaChicago Magazineon December 2, 2021 at 6:30 pm Read More »

Bears predictions: Week 13 vs CardinalsPatrick Finleyon December 2, 2021 at 5:42 pm

Matt Nagy looks on as the Bears play the Cardinals in 2018. | Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images

The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals:

The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals:

Rick Morrissey

Cardinals 27-17

The Cardinals have yet to lose on the road this season, and it’s hard to see them dropping their first one to a below-average team like the Bears. The score is predicated on Kyler Murray returning from an ankle injury, but, given the opportunity, the Bears could lose to backup Colt McCoy. The “Fire Nagy!” crowd won’t care which quarterback delivers the coach’s head. Season: 9-2.

Rick Telander

Cardinals 31-17

The Bears could go 10-7 this year. Or they could go 4-13. I’m not a betting man, but I’d take the under on this one, gang. How can they win against the league-leading Cardinals? Got a reason? No? Me, neither. Season: 8-3.

Patrick Finley

Cardinals 23-14

The Bears’ best defense against Murray and his sprained left ankle is a rainstorm and the ensuing sloppy surface at Soldier Field. If that happens — and it might — they’ve got a shot. But it’s never good when you look to the skies for help. Season: 9-2.

Jason Lieser

Cardinals 26-19

If the Bears needed a last-second field goal to beat the worst team in the NFL last week, how do you think they’ll do against the league-best Cardinals? Even if they bring their A-game, they’re not winning this one. Season: 9-2.

Mark Potash

Cardinals 27-17

Ther Bears are not out of the playoff picture yet, and will be motivated to mute the “Fire Nagy” chants at Soldier Field. Cardinals are good but not flop-proof. Still, the Bears are too beat up to pull off the upset. Season: 8-3.

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Bears predictions: Week 13 vs CardinalsPatrick Finleyon December 2, 2021 at 5:42 pm Read More »

White Ohio sheriff’s deputy charged in fatal shooting of Casey Goodson Jr.Associated Presson December 2, 2021 at 4:33 pm

Tamala Payne, center, with attorney Sean Walton, participate during a protest march for the shooting of her son, Casey Goodson Jr., by a Franklin County deputy sheriff in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. Jason Meade, the former Ohio deputy who fatally shot Casey Goodson Jr. in the back five times was charged Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, with murder in Goodson’s death in an encounter that is still largely unexplained and involved no body camera or dashcam footage. | Doral Chenoweth

The shooting of Goodson, who was Black, took place in Columbus on Dec. 4 while Jason Meade, a white 17-year member of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, was finishing an unsuccessful search for a fugitive as part of his work for a U.S. Marshals Service task force.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot Casey Goodson Jr. in the back five times was charged Thursday with murder in an encounter that led to racial justice protests, yet is still largely unexplained and involved no body camera or dash cam footage.

The fatal shooting of Goodson, who was Black, took place in Columbus on Dec. 4 while Jason Meade, a white 17-year member of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, was finishing an unsuccessful search for a fugitive as part of his work for a U.S. Marshals Service task force.

Goodson was not the subject of the fugitive search. U.S. Marshal Peter Tobin initially said Meade, who has since retired, confronted Goodson after Goodson drove by and waved a gun at the deputy, but he later withdrew those comments, saying they’d been based on “insufficient information.”

Tobin also said Meade was “not performing a mission” for the marshals at the time of the shooting.

Relatives say Goodson was opening the door to his grandmother’s house at the time he was shot. Officials said that a gun was recovered from the scene but have not provided further details.

The family has said Goodson had a sandwich, not a gun, in his hand. But even if Goodson had been carrying a gun, the family has reiterated, he had a license to do so. The family planned a news conference Thursday.

The Franklin County coroner said in March that Goodson had been shot five times in the back.

A judge scheduled an initial hearing Friday for Meade. A message was left seeking comment from Meade’s attorney, who has previously said the coroner’s report has no bearing on what actually happened that day.

The case remains under criminal investigation by the U.S. attorney’s office with help from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

Although the shooting did not involve Columbus police, it came at a time of heightened tension over previous shootings of Black people by officers in Ohio’s capital, a situation made worse less than three weeks later when a white Columbus police officer shot and killed 47-year-old Andre Hill as he emerged from a garage holding a cellphone.

That officer, Adam Coy, who was subsequently fired, has pleaded not guilty to murder and is scheduled for trial next year.

Large protests followed Goodson’s shooting, with people shouting “Justice for Casey” as they blocked downtown streets.

Meade retired July 2 on disability. The deputy had been on administrative leave from the sheriff’s office since the shooting.

Sheriff Dallas Baldwin had previously said that the autopsy did not “provide all of the facts needed,” and that he will wait until the criminal investigation is complete before pursuing any disciplinary action against Meade.

Baldwin said Thursday that he has asked his staff to review the investigation when possible, to see what the agency can learn.

“This office has a professional obligation to do everything in its power to ensure the community and our deputies are kept safe,” he said in a statement. “As I’ve said from the very beginning, I pray for everyone involved in this tragedy.”

In June, Franklin County Prosecutor Gary Tyack appointed two outside prosecutors to investigate, since the county prosecutor’s office serves as legal counsel to the sheriff’s office and anticipates having to defend the county and the law enforcement agency in this case.

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White Ohio sheriff’s deputy charged in fatal shooting of Casey Goodson Jr.Associated Presson December 2, 2021 at 4:33 pm Read More »