Quarterback Cam Newton is expected to rejoin the Carolina Panthers. | Noah K. Murray/AP

Carolina agreed to a one-year contact to bring back the quarterback they drafted No. 1 overall in 2011.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have agreed to a one-year contact to bring back quarterback Cam Newton to the franchise that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2011, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal has not been announced by the team.

Carolina was light on quarterbacks after starter Sam Darnold suffered an incomplete fracture of his shoulder blade in last week’s 24-6 loss to the New England Patriots.

Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday that P.J. Walker is expected to start on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Matt Barkley, signed off the Tennessee Titans practice squad, is slated to be his backup.

It’s unclear if Newton’s return will change that.

Rhule said Wednesday the team would “continue to explore all options” at quarterback. When asked specifically at the time about Newton, Rhule said he “didn’t want to discuss hypotheticals” and said his focus is entirely on the players are on the roster.

Newton has struggled in recent years to get back to the playing level that earned him league MVP honors in 2015, in part due to shoulder and foot injuries. Newton is 7-16 in his last 23 career starts with 20 interceptions and 17 touchdown passes. He has run for 12 TDs during that span.

He spent nine seasons with the Panthers, throwing for 29,041 yards with 182 touchdown passes and 111 interceptions. He also set an NFL record for most career touchdowns rushing by a quarterback during his tenure in Carolina.

Newton’s best season came in 2015 when he combined for 45 touchdowns — 35 passing and 10 rushing — and helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl after going 15-1 during the regular season. However, Newton struggled in Super Bowl 50 and the Panthers lost 24-10 Von Miller. Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Newton was 18 of 41 for 265 yards with no touchdowns and two turnovers in that game while being sacked six times.

He also was criticized widely for his decision not to jump on a loose ball after he’d been stripped of the football.

Newton was released prior to the 2020 season in a salary cap move after losing his final eight starts for the Panthers. Newton signed with the New England Patriots last season and started in 15 games. He continued to struggle throwing the football, with 10 interceptions with only eight TDs passing. He ran for 12 scores and was 7-8 as a starter.

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“We’re just kind of finding ways to win,” the Bulls’ Alex Caruso said. “And I think that’s the sign of a good team. And I think we have a lot of ways to get better. That’s the most encouraging thing to me.” | Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Bulls have seen issues exposed on previous West Coast trips in the past, but defense and closing power each travel well. In going 8-3 this season, the Bulls have shown that they do each of those at a high level. Will that hold up? This next week will answer that.

What Alex Caruso does well fits in a suitcase neatly.

The guard is not the only Bull that is built for trips west, but he’s definitely the poster child.

On nights that the shot is not falling, an opposing player gets hot, or teammates are just out of sync, grit and hustle still travel.

That’s why this upcoming five-team west coast trip isn’t as daunting as they usually have been for the Bulls the last five years.

“We’re just kind of finding ways to win,” Caruso said. “And I think that’s the sign of a good team. And I think we have a lot of ways to get better. That’s the most encouraging thing to me.”

What is most encouraging for the Bulls on this trip? A tone that Caruso and Lonzo Ball continue setting.

In beating both the Nets and Mavericks in back-to-back games, the Bulls did find different ways as Caruso said, but there was also a common formula.

Ball harassing the opposing team’s best backcourt scorer on the defensive end, and Caruso seemingly harassing everybody else.

Caruso not only tied a career-high with six steals in the Wednesday win over Dallas, but entered Thursday leading the entire league in that category, averaging 2.6 steals per game. By the way, the key reserve was also tied for second in the league in deflections with 4.3 per game.

Both players will be tested in the next week, with the Bulls opening up the trip against the 10-1 Warriors on Friday night, playing both Los Angeles teams on back-to-back nights on Sunday and Monday, off to Portland to face their dangerous backcourt on Wednesday, and finishing up the trip in Denver.

A schedule of horror in previous years. Now? Just a measuring stick to see if the 8-3 Bulls are a serious threat in the Eastern Conference.

“You play the teams that are on your schedule,” guard Zach LaVine said of the trip. “You can’t be scared to be playing these teams because you want to be playing them later on in the season. It’s a challenge to see where you are as a group and how much you can get better. I look forward to playing these teams. I think that’s the mentality you have to have.”

A mentality the Bulls should have based on what they’ve done the last week, and how they’ve played in the fourth quarter of games throughout most of the early part of this season.

Not only has the Bulls defense been key in the eight victories, but so has this group’s ability to finish games. Again, a strength that will be tested on this trip, but usually travels well.

The Bulls lead the NBA in fourth-quarter field goal percentage (50.5%), plus-minus in that quarter (plus-4.2), first in free throws made (6.5 per game), second in free-throw attempts (7.5 per game), and tied for second in fourth-quarter scoring at 28.3 points per game.

Just to get a feel of what this team was last season? They were 25th in fourth-quarter plus-minus (minus-1.1) and 19th in scoring in that final stanza at 26.8 points per game.

Playing defense at a high level, and now understanding how to win games in the fourth? Two very impressive turnarounds.

“It says a lot,” veteran DeMar DeRozan said of where the Bulls sit. “Everybody wants something out of this. Everybody puts the work in. It’s just not us talking about it. It’s us doing all the physical things as well. Taking every single day serious. Understanding, whenever we get a chance to come in, if it’s to watch film, to work on our mistakes, to try to tighten up something, it’s a constant understanding of it’s bigger than just winning a game. It’s the long run.”

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Mark your calendars for November 15, check your wifi, grab your credit card, and don’t forget to follow Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Instagram. Why? Because you’re about to plan a brilliant staycation taking advantage of the 48-hr only flash rate at Blu Aqua Hotel — and you might just win one of the ten free rooms they’re giving away!

To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, the iconic Chicago hotel is offering:

A 48-hour flash rate for $10 room rates
A 10-room giveaway via Instagram
$10 menu of over 25 dishes at its new restaurant, FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar

“Since we opened in November of 2011, Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel was the first Radisson Blu in the United States, offering an innovative new standard for upscale accommodation in the city,” said Jim Marino, General Manager. “We look forward to celebrating our 10-year anniversary with both new and returning guests and can’t wait to see what the next decade brings.”

To book the $10.00 flash rate, visit Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Instagram on November 15 at 10:00 a.m. CT and click on the link provided at the top of the page. The rate will only be offered for 48 hours. To enter to win one of the 10 complimentary rooms, visit the hotel’s Instagram on November 15 and tag the person you would love to bring on the adventure with you. You both will need to follow the hotel in order to qualify.

To continue the celebration FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar located at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, will offer a special menu of $10.00 dishes or less on November 15. Known for its farm-to-table dining and wood-fired cooking, the restaurant’s $10 dishes created by Executive Chef Leonard Ventura will include the FireLake Half Rotisserie Chicken, 10oz Spit Roasted Prime Rib, Calabrian Smoked Pork Ribs and Mesquite Pork Chop.

The $10.00 flash rate is subject to availability and blackout dates apply. It cannot be combined with any other offer, can only be booked through the link on the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Instagram page and you can only book one room per person. It will be available for 48 hours beginning at 10 a.m. CT on November 15 and ending at 10 a.m CT on November 17.

The booking dates will begin November 15, 2021, and end April 30, 2022. In order to win one of the 10 complimentary rooms you and the person you tag in the entry must both be following Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Instagram, if not you will not qualify. FireLake’s $10 menu does not apply to all menu items. Only a select number of items will be available at $10.00.

Featured Image Credit: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

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Before we get too excited about Thanksgiving, don’t forget to celebrate Veteran’s Day! We’ve rounded up the best places with Veteran’s Day specials in Chicago this year, featuring delicious offers you simply cannot refuse. If you know someone who’s a veteran, take them out today for a special treat. Don’t let the rain stop your love and respect!

Image Credit: Stan’s Coffee & Donuts

All locations

This Veterans Day, Stan’s Donuts is offering any Veteran that visits a Stan’s Donuts and Coffee location on Thursday, November 11th a FREE small cup of house blend coffee. This limited-time promotion comes after Stan’s just introduced their new Wake-Up Wednesday package, welcoming workers returning downtown.

Image Credit: Buffalo Creek Brewing

360 Historical Ln, Long Grove, IL 60047

BCB is honoring America’s veterans this year with a Veteran’s Day Tour & Taste celebration. Beginning at noon until close, all veterans (with ID) will receive half-off on all BCB beers. At 6 pm, veterans and their family and friends will receive a complimentary brewery tour and beer sampling led by a BCB beer expert.

5121 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy 50% off on everything at Porkchop BBQ today when you come in with your ID or in univorm! And look at this weather. If the sky isn’t calling for delicious meat and sides today, we don’t know what is.

2540 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

3101 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

One of our favorite BYOB joint is offering Veteran’s Day specials this year! 90 Miles Cuban Cafe is giving a FREE CAFECITO to all service men & women! Visit their Logan Square or Roscoe Village Location to get your Cafecito today and stay warm!

2548 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, Broken Barrel Bar challenges you to drink a Modelo and give a vet a Modelo at a $5 special price. Meanwhile, you’ll be automatically entered to win a Modelo cooler!

7036 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626

Know a sweet tooth veteran? Join Honeybear Cafe for a Veteran’s Day breakfast or lunch and enjoy 25% off with proof of military status. Honeybear is open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm today!

1 W. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60654

16156 S. La Grange Rd. Orland Park, IL 60467

Come for a drink at Rock Bottom today because all active and retired military members get 10% off any order. This Veteran’s Day tradition has been going on every year at all Rock Bottom locations across the nation!

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

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Actress Shailene Woodley came to the defense of her fiance Aaron Rodgers. | Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP

She told the media to “calm the (expletive) down. News outlets STILL grasping at straws to disparage Aaron.”

While Aaron Rodgers continues to talk about his decision to be unvaccinated and the fallout from those comments, we haven’t heard too much about what’s he’s been saying from his fiancee, actress Shailene Woodley.

But on Tuesday, she focused on something involving Rodgers (sort of): A Daily Mail story claimed it had pictures of a masked man who was Rodgers getting coffee.

Woodley claimed in a series of Instagram stories that it was definitely not Rodgers, who’s still quarantining as he recovers from COVID-19. She did a serious breakdown pointing out that she knew “Aaron’s body VERY well” and that his feet are bigger. She noted that he has “the hairiest hands on the (expletive) planet” and that “this oblivious homie, clearly, does not.”

She also told the media to “calm the (expletive) down. News outlets STILL grasping at straws to disparage Aaron.”

Woodley confirmed her engagement to the NFL star in February. In June she said the couple “immediately” moved in together when they first started dating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She has said she isn’t a huge football fan and only started watching games on TV after meeting Rodgers.

“We met during this whacky, whacky time and all the stadiums were closed that he was playing in, so I have yet to go to a football game,” she said. “I didn’t really grow up with sports, especially American sports. It was never really on my radar. When we met, also, I knew he was a football guy, but I didn’t know like what kind of a football guy he was. And I’m still constantly learning.”

Read more at usatoday.com

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People visit loved ones who have been laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day. | Samuel Corum/Getty Images

Here’s where veterans and active-duty military personnel can get deals Thursday.

Restaurants are saluting veterans and active-duty military personnel Thursday by offering free meals, treats and special discounts on Veterans Day to show appreciation for those who have sacrificed for the country.

Proof of service such as a military ID is typically required, and a few businesses will allow dressing in uniform as a form of identification. Discharge papers, VA cards and veteran organization membership cards also can be used to prove service at most businesses.

Veterans Day marks the date when Germany and the Allies signed a 1918 agreement to end World War I hostilities. The fighting ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. It was first recognized as Armistice Day in 1919.

The majority of discounts are valid only on the federal holiday at participating locations nationwide, with most applying to veterans and active-duty military.

But some exclusions apply and offers can vary by location. Check with your closest location to confirm participation as not all restaurants will have specials.

Outback Veterans Day deal: Free Bloomin’ Onion and more

Outback Steakhouse is giving military veterans and active personnel a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola product Thursday.

Also, the chain has a “daily heroes discount” offering 10% off entire checks to service members, police officers, firefighters and first responders with a valid state or federal service ID.

Olive Garden Veterans Day: Free meal

Olive Garden told USA TODAY that it is providing veterans and active-duty military a free entree from a select menu Thursday. This offer is dine-in only.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, proof of military service is needed and entrees include breadsticks and choice of soup or house salad.

Buffalo Wild Wings Veterans Day 2021: Free wings and fries

Buffalo Wild Wings is giving past and present armed service members a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries.

This deal is for dine-in or takeout and proof of service is required. The deal is limited to one per person.

Texas Roadhouse Veterans Day: Free dinner vouchers

Texas Roadhouse will hand out dinner vouchers at the restaurant parking lots Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to the Veterans Affairs website, which notes veterans and active-duty military “can redeem their dinner vouchers when the restaurant opens for dinner, through May 30, 2022.”

Dunkin’ Veterans Day deal: Free donut

Dunkin’ is giving veterans and active military a free donut of their choice Thursday at participating restaurants nationwide. No purchase is necessary and the freebie is available in-store only.

There’s a limit of one per guest while supplies last. According to the fine print, no ID is required.

IHOP Veterans Day: Free pancakes

IHOP is giving away free pancakes Thursday to all military veterans with a choice of two limited-time menu items.

Veterans can choose to get free Red, White and Blue Pancakes or a Pancake Combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday when dining in. Military ID or proof of service is required.

Starbucks Veterans Day: Free coffee

Starbucks will offer its annual Veterans Day special Thursday for veterans, military service members and military spouses. They can get a free tall 12-ounce hot brewed coffee at participating U.S. locations.

The promotion is for cafe and drive-thru orders and is limited to one per customer.

The coffee giant says it will donate 25 cents for every cup of hot brewed coffee sold nationwide Thursday to military nonprofits Team Red, White & Blue and Headstrong to support military communities’ mental health and the wellbeing of military communities.

Krispy Kreme Veterans Day deal: Free doughnut and coffee

Krispy Kreme has two freebies for veterans Thursday. They can get a free doughnut of their choice and a free small brewed coffee, iced or hot.

There’s a limit of one and this promotion is available in shops and the drive-thru.

Not a veteran? It’s still possible to get a freebie. With a valid COVID-19 vaccination card, get a free glazed doughnut through Dec. 31 for showing the card.

Wawa: Free coffee for Veterans Day

Wawa’s annual Veterans Day freebie is for veterans, active military members and their families Thursday: A free hot coffee in any size.

The convenience store chain has more than 940 locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, DC.

Every Tuesday through the end of the year, Wawa also is giving away free coffee to its rewards members. New members can sign up at Wawarewards.com.

More Veterans Day free coffee for vets, active military

Biggby Coffee: Free 16-ounce beverage of choice for all active and retired military personnel with ID.

Caribou Coffee: Free small cup of hot brewed coffee for veterans, active military members and their spouses Thursday. To get the deal, ask when ordering.

Casey’s General Store: All service members, past and present, get a free cup of coffee Thursday. No proof of service is required and Casey’s told USA TODAY this deal will be given on the honor system.

EG America: Free coffee any size (hot or iced) for active military and veterans at all locations, including Cumberland Farms, Tom Thumb, Turkey Hill, Quik Stop, Kwik Stop, Minit Mart, Certified Oil, Fastrac Cafe and Loaf N Jug. No purchase is necessary.

PJ’s Coffee: Free 12-ounce cold brew or hot drip coffee Thursday.

Scooter’s Coffee: Free hot, iced or blended drink for veterans Thursday.

Denny’s Veterans Day 2021: Free Grand Slam

Denny’s Veterans Day offer is from 5 a.m. to noon Thursday. Active and inactive military personnel can get a free “Build Your Own Grand Slam” meal for dine-in only with a valid military ID or DD 214. Hours can vary.

Denny’s also said it will have its second annual “Heroes Tour” to deliver free, hot meals to veterans and active military through its Mobile Relief Diner. Dates and locations are being announced on Twitter @DennysMRD.

Applebee’s: Free meals for Veterans Day

For the 14th year, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar is giving active military, veterans, Reserves and National Guard a free meal Thursday from a special menu with proof of military service. This offer is dine-in only at more than 1,500 restaurants nationwide and hours vary by location.

The chain said in a news release that it will also give “these special guests” a $5 bounce back card to redeem for dine-in, To Go or delivery within three weeks.

According to the promotion’s fine print, beverage and gratuity are not included and there’s a limit of one meal per U.S. veteran or active duty military.

Wendy’s: Free breakfast for Veterans Day

Wendy’s is offering veterans and active-duty military a free breakfast combo from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, but hours can vary by location.

A valid military ID or a Veterans Advantage card is required. The offer can be redeemed in restaurants or at the drive-thru.

Sheetz Veterans Day deals: Free sub, drink and car wash

Sheetz has a few Veterans Day deals for veterans and active-duty military personnel Thursday. They can get a free half turkey or ham sub and a regular-size fountain drink at any of the chain’s 633 locations with military ID or proof of service.

Sheetz stores that have car washes will also provide a free car wash to veterans and active-duty military.

Do Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Chipotle and Chick-fil-A have Veterans Day deals?

Some of the nation’s largest chains told USA TODAY that they don’t have nationwide deals planned for Veterans Day. However, some Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s locations might have discounts.

Taco Bell told USA TODAY that customers should call local restaurants to ask if they have a deal. Chick-fil-A also said some operators may have specials. In past years, participating McDonald’s in Ohio are among the restaurants that offered veterans a free meal on the holiday.

Chipotle, Burger King and Subway are also among major chains that did not share nationwide Veterans Day deals with USA TODAY.

More Veterans Day free food and deals

The following offers are available Thursday unless otherwise noted. Most are for dine-in only and some require a mobile app. Almost all require proof of military service and are while supplies last.

Arby’s RBA locations: Free classic roast beef sandwich for veterans and active-duty military at Arby’s largest franchisee, RB American (RBA), a subsidiary of Flynn Restaurant Group. Find locations at Rbamerican.com.

Au Bon Pain: Free small cup of soup of choice for veterans and active-duty military.

Bertucci’s: Free entree for veterans and active-duty U.S. military members. Dine-in only.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free meal from a select menu and a Dr Pepper beverage to all current and former military personnel.

Bob Evans: Free meal from a special menu.

Bonefish Grill: Ongoing 10% discount daily for service members, veterans and first responders.

California Pizza Kitchen: Free meal and drink from a special menu for dine-in only for veterans. Plus, veterans who dine-in Thursday will receive a BOGO offer to redeem Nov. 12-20.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Ongoing 10% discount daily for service members, veterans and first responders.

Chicken Salad Chick: Free Chick Special and drink for veterans and active-duty.

Chili’s Grill & Bar: Free meal from a special menu for veterans and active military.

Cicis Pizza: Free adult buffet for veterans.

Cotton Patch Cafe: Free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken with proof of military service at all locations.

Cracker Barrel: Free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake for veterans Thursday with a purchase in-store or online. For online orders, use promo code VETSDAY21.

D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches: 50% off the entire order Thursday for retired and active military for dine-in and carry-out orders.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Free Pulled Pork Sandwich for veterans with the code VETFREE for in-store and online orders for carryout and pickup.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Free hot or iced coffee of any size with purchase for veterans. License stores inside colleges, hospitals, airports and hotels are excluded.

Famous Dave’s: Free Lunch Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich with side for active, inactive and retired military personnel.

Farmer Boys: Free Big Cheese for active, former or retired military members.

Fazoli’s: Free regular spaghetti with meat or marinara on Wednesday and Thursday.

Fogo de Chao: 50% off meals for veterans and active-duty personnel plus 10% off for up to three guests’ meals.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Free combo meal cards for veterans and active-duty military who visit Freddy’s Thursday. The cards are good through Nov. 30 and no purchase is “necessary to receive or redeem the card,” the chain said.

Friendly’s: Free cheeseburger, fries and soft drink “to those who have honorably served.”

Golden Chick: Ongoing 10% discount for veterans and active-duty military with ID.

Golden Corral: Free dinner buffets and drinks from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday for “active duty, military personnel, retirees, National Guard, reserves and veterans of all branches of service.”

Graeter’s Ice Cream: Free sundae for veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. military.

Hard Rock Cafe: Free original Legendary Steak Burger for active or retired military members. Military members can also use the chain’s 15% off military discount on other items.

Hooters: Free meal from a special menu with proof of service and purchase of a drink for dining in.

Huddle House: Free MVP Breakfast Platter for active-duty military members and veterans.

Insomnia Cookies: Free six-pack of cookies for active military and veterans with a purchase.

Juice It Up!: Free 20-ounce classic smoothie for veterans and active-duty military.

Kolache Factory: Free kolache and a cup of coffee for veterans and active military .

Ledo Pizza: Active military and veterans get $5 off orders more than $20 with a valid ID.

Little Caesars: Free lunch combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday for veterans and active military members.

Logan’s Roadhouse: Free American Roadhouse meal between 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday.

Love’s Travel Stops: With the purchase of one roller grill item, veterans and active-duty military get an additional roller grill item along with a free fountain drink or hot coffee.

Metro Diner: 50% off for active and retired military with valid military ID and 10% off year-round.

Mission BBQ: Free sandwich for veterans.

Nekter Juice Bar: Free 16-ounce Fresh Juice or Superfood Smoothie.

Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub: Free meal from a special Veterans Day menu with the purchase of another meal and proof of service from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday.

O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar: Free meal from special menu for veterans and active-duty personnel.

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom: Free starter up to $11.99 with the purchase of an entree for veterans.

On The Border: Free Pick 2 Combo for veterans.

Papa Gino’s: 50% off whole pizzas for dine-in and carry-out orders for retired and active military. Not valid for online orders.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Free Magnificent Seven breakfast meal for active-duty military members and veterans.

Pilot Flying J: All active-duty and retired military members can get a $10 free meal credit at more than 750 participating U.S. travel centers that include Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network centers. To get this deal, veterans need to be verified with ID.me in the myRewards PlusTM app.

Pollo Tropical: Free Quarter Chicken Meal with two side dishes for all veterans and active-duty military.

Qdoba Mexican Eats: 50% off any entree in-store for active military and veterans.

Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert for veterans, active-duty military and reservists.

Red Robin: Through Nov. 14, Red Robin Military Royalty members get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger, available for dining in or to go. To get this deal, veterans and active military had to register for the loyalty program with a military designation by Nov. 1.

Ruby Tuesday: Free Garden Bar Entree for active military and veterans.

Schlotzsky’s: Free small drink and chips with entree purchase for veterans and active-duty military. The first 50 to redeem the deal at participating locations will get a $5 off reward coupon to use for a future purchase.

Shoney’s: Free breakfast bar from open to 11 a.m. local time.

Smashburger: Free Single Classic for veterans.

Smoothie King: Free 20-ounce smoothie of choice for all veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Sonny’s BBQ: Free Pork Big Deal combo for veterans and active military when dining in or takeout.

Stewart’s Shops: The chain will have 50 cent ice cream cones for everyone Thursday.

Taco John’s: Free Small Beef Combo meal when veterans use the code VETERAN in the mobile app.

TGI Fridays: Free select meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Torchy’s Tacos: Free taco and non-alcoholic beverage for veterans for dine-in and pickup orders.

TravelCenters of America: Free meals for veterans at participating restaurants inside TA, Petro and TA Express.

Twin Peaks: Free meal from a special menu when dining in for active and retired military.

WaBa Grill: The chain has a buy-one-get-one deal on all WaBa Bowls for veterans and active-duty military Thursday online and in-store.

Wienerschnitzel: Free Chili Dog, small fries and small Pepsi for veterans and active-duty military for showing U.S. military ID or wearing their uniform.

Yard House: Free appetizer.

Read more at usatoday.com

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Five people were shot, two fatally, November 10, 2021 in Chicago. | Sun-Times file photo

The fatal attacks happened in Lakeview and South Chicago.

Two people were killed and three others were wounded in shootings across Chicago Wednesday.

A man was found shot to death Wednesday night in South Chicago. The 50-year-old was discovered on the ground in the 2800 block of East 81st Street about 9:35 p.m., Chicago police said. He suffered gunshot wounds to the head and was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
In Lakeview, a man shot and killed one of two gunmen during a confrontation outside his home. The man, 44, was sitting on the steps of his home in the 2900 block of North Wolcott Avenue when he heard a loud noise from the street about 11:15 p.m., police said. The man walked toward the noise and saw two people under a car, police said. The two crawled out and pulled out handguns and fired. The man pulled out his own gun and fired back, according to police. He struck one of the gunmen, 25, in the neck, police said. He was pronounced dead at Illinois Masonic Medical Center. His name hasn’t been released. The other gunman fled and has not been arrested, police said. The 44-year-old man, who has a concealed carry license, wasn’t injured and refused help from paramedics, according to police.
A 34-year-old man was critically hurt in a shooting Wednesday afternoon in Little Village. He was standing outside in the 2200 block of South Homan Avenue when someone riding a bicycle fired shots at him about 5:45 p.m., police said. He was struck in the thigh and shoulder and was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.
Hours later, a man was seriously hurt in a shooting in Ashburn on the South Side. The 40-year-old was shot in the head about 8:30 p.m. in the 7900 block of South Western Avenue, police said. He was taken in serious condition to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
A man was shot while walking home in East Garfield Park. The man, 37, heard shots in the 3500 block of West Lake Street about 10:30 p.m. and fell to the ground to avoid being hit, police said. He suffered a gunshot wound to the elbow and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital.

Eight people were shot, three fatally, Tuesday in Chicago.

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