Macy’s on State Street kicks off the holiday season with
the return of its iconic holiday traditions. Beginning on November 6

Macy’s 114th Annual Great Tree

For 114 years, the Great Tree has been the centerpiece of the Chicago holiday season. This year’s Great Tree theme features a journey of discovery and triumph as a very special reindeer takes to the
sky to help Santa Claus bring joy to millions of children, all made possible when she finally believed.

Located inside the historic Walnut Room at Macy’s on State Street, the Great Tree stands 45-feet-tall and hangs from the ceiling versus sitting on its base.

Since the tree hangs from the ceiling, the very firstpiece to be installed is the star that sits on top. Section by section, the team steadily lifts, constructs
and decorates the tree from the top down until completed. Generations of families have grown up withthis holiday tradition, making a point to visit the illustrious tree.

Holiday Dining in the Walnut Room

The beloved holiday dining experience returns to the Walnut Room on a reservation-only basis throughOpen Table. The Walnut Room will feature its holiday menu, including Mrs. Hering’s beloved chickenpot pie, cider glazed turkey as well as Frango® ice cream pie and more.

Holiday dining in The Walnut Room starts today, November 6 and continue through January 9, 2022.

All customers dining in the Walnut Room will also have the opportunity to walk around the Great Tree and take a photo.

Reservations are required and must be booked exclusively on OpenTable.com.

Additional information about the holiday dining experience is available at macyswalnutroom.com.

If it’s your first time in the city, you may find yourself falling even more in love with your significant other because of these ideas.  

Couples can learn about art, history or even get outdoors to take in the beautiful views of the Windy City together.

These are just a few ideas for couples looking to enjoy the Windy City together. Hopefully, this list will provide some great suggestions to try out in order to keep your relationship strong and healthy.

The Art Institute of Chicago

While the Art Institute of Chicago is full of various sculptures and paintings, one can’t forget that it also offers many rooms where those in love can curl up on a bench or old chair with a good book to read together. 

You can also decide to play a game in these rooms. If you’d like to play with your significant other, click now to read more about some of the games you can play as a couple. 

In addition, the museum has an extensive library as well as exhibits from other museums around the world.

Garfield Park Conservatory

As the name suggests, the popular Garfield Park conservatory is located near Garfield Park, making it easily accessible by the CTA Green Line.  

The conservatory has various plants and flowers that are on display throughout the year for couples looking to get away from their everyday lives to experience something beautiful together.  

Couples can sit in one of the various corners of the conservatory with a blanket to take in the majestic beauty that it offers.

The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is a stretch on North Michigan Avenue immediately east of the Chicago River. 

It includes numerous upscale shops as well as many popular restaurants to stop for some appetizers or dinner.  

For those looking not to dine but still want to experience some fun stores, The Mag Mile offers several prime lounging examples from American Girl Place to Apple.

Chicago Architecture Foundation Tours

Although somewhat expensive, one can’t argue against the fact that these tours are often quite popular.  

The architecture foundation offers several tours of various buildings throughout downtown Chicago, including famous landmarks such as the John Hancock Center or The Rookery.  

While on tour, couples can talk about how it looks like, what they’ve done in the past, or discuss how they’ve grown.

360 Chicago Observation Deck

Located on the 94th floor of the Aon Center, one can find 360 Chicago. It’s considered the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere and it offers some fantastic views of downtown Chicago.  

While there are some great locations for couples to take pictures of the skyline together, nothing beats being up on the top of a tall building where one can look out over the entire city.

The Bristol

Built-in 1927, this bar has become a prominent location for those looking to enjoy nice drinks with good food.  

It’s located on the North Side of Chicago just off the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Clark Street.  The Bristol is known for being both classy as well as comfortable at the same time.

If you’re looking for where to laugh before visiting the bar, you can check out Chicago comedy spotlights for the upcoming events.

Tour Michigan Avenue by horse and carriage

One can’t forget that there are many tour activities where one could enjoy the Windy City with their significant other.  

For example, it’s possible to take a horse and carriage down Navy Pier, which is located on the far North Side of Chicago in Streeterville.  

As with all things in life, this tour provides both a taste of the area as well as a unique opportunity for those looking to add a little something extra into their life.

Set sail across Lake Michigan

Since the Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s best resources, Set Sail is an experience unlike any other.  

It’s known as the only company to offer overnight sails on Lake Michigan due to how they guarantee customers will catch a breathtaking sunrise or sunset on their trip.  

While on the ship, guests are able to enjoy live music as well as different activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding.  For those wanting to take their relationship to the next level, this is one romantic experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Watch a Broadway show at Chicago Theatre

Located in the Loop, Chicago Theatre is one of the most prestigious venues for watching a Broadway show.  

From classics such as Wicked or Les Miserables to newer pieces like Hamilton, there’s something at this theater for everyone.  

For those looking to experience some culture together, this venue is perfect given its beautiful architecture and history.

Tour Chicago by helicopter

One of the most romantic things to do in Chicago is to take a helicopter ride around the city.  

From beginning to end, Tour Chicago Helicopter offers an exciting trip that includes some fantastic views of downtown Chicago. 

Not only does this company provide a personalized experience, but it also offers tours for those with respiratory problems.

Conclusion

Couples in Chicago have a wide range of interesting things to do when they’re looking for something different to try out.  

While an ideal date may be dinner and a movie, there’s definitely nothing wrong with venturing off the beaten path every once in a while.  

One can find many opportunities in the Windy City to explore fresh ideas and have a great time.

I just turned 60 years old and I have the strong need to look at my life. 60 years old does not seem “old” but, let’s face it, I am fully aware that my years ahead are going to be far less than the years I lived. I do not want to be morbid, I just need to be realistic.

Looking back, I cannot believe how fast the years have flown. It’s funny, when my children were young, I could not wait for certain milestones to happen so that life would be easier. Potty training, getting their own food in the morning so I could sleep just a little longer, staying home alone, driving. The next thing I know they are suddenly old enough to go to college and move on with their own lives. At the time of each milestone it was exciting yet felt like an eternity to occur. Now I look at these milestones and they were just a small blip in my life. The hardest turning point for me was when both kids moved out and started their own lives. Do not get me wrong, I was so happy for each of them yet it was my own breakthrough that I was entering a new stage in my own life, whether I was ready for it or not.

When I was in my 20s and 30s, my priorities were to both my family and my career. The future I envisioned and worked hard to accomplish did occur, though not necessarily the way that I thought it would. Both of my children are married, live productive lives, and make me proud daily. I finally went back to school receiving my doctorate and I became a nurse practitioner. I have worked at a few practices and have finally found the one that has encouraged me and given me all the right tools to let me practice medicine to the best of my ability. When I am ready to retire, I know I will have ended my career at the practice I was destined to retire at.

Reading this you probably think my life has been perfect. It has not. I have gone through many life changing struggles. I have had numerous health issues such as kidney cancer (cancer free now for 13 years) and inflammatory arthritis which continues to affect me daily. Though these have been difficult, my son’s health crisis changed me forever.

Halloween, 2012 my son had emergency brain surgery. He had a brain tumor that turned out to be a grade 1 cancer. His recovery was complicated by seizures. I was with him when he had his grand mal seizure and the doctors had a hard time stopping it. I almost lost him. After the grand mal seizure, even on continuous IV sedation, he had 40 small seizures in only a couple of hours. Seeing all this is etched in my brain forever.

He almost died and I was helpless. Thankfully, he is doing great now. He is married and practicing law. He continues to have brain MRIs, now only twice a year, and has been cancer free. He still takes seizure medications and has not had a seizure since 11/2012. I would never want to experience anything like that again, however, being 51 years old at that time, it did make me reflect on life’s fragility, even more so than when I was 47 years old being diagnosed with kidney cancer.

My son told me during his recovery that I had changed. I first denied it but, with more reflection, I realized I did change. How can witnessing someone you love almost die not change you? The interesting thing, though, is that this experience made me a better person. I consistently let those who I care about know how important they are to me. I write letters every birthday to my kids and grandchildren telling them how proud I am of them. I make a conscious effort to be “present” with people. I am not perfect at it, but I have been much better at expressing to my family and friends that they make a difference in my life since my son’s health crisis.

After reflecting on my 60 years, I have many realizations. I have made mistakes and I do have some regrets, who does not? Overall, life has been good and I hope I have made a positive imprint in others lives as well. I do not know what tomorrow may bring but at least I know thus far that I have tried to be the best me I could be given all my life experiences. Can you say the same?

Please like my Facebook page Nancy’s World . You can also follow me on Twitter.

“Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who apologized earlier this year for comparing mask mandates to the Holocaust, ripped ‘vaccine Nazis’ on Tuesday while saying she’s not vaccinated. ‘They’re ruining our country, these vaccine Nazis,’ Greene complained in an interview with Steve Bannon’s podcast.”

To Steve Bannon, Marjorie Taylor Greene stated

That she has not been vaccinated.

Calling them “Nazis”, she ‘ripped’ mandating feds.

Of course, she’s hallucinating; it’s time for her meds.

Carjackings have become the new rage among criminals not only in the Chicago area but all across the nation. However, in the Chicago area regretfully it has become somewhat of an Olympic event. There is a multitude of reasons why Carjackings have soared almost 200% in the Windy City over the last two years, lack of arrests and failure to prosecute those who are arrested are just a few. In the past two years, there have been over 3,000 victims of armed carjackings in Chicago alone, if one added in the entire County of Cook the word epidemic would quickly to mind.

CARJACKINGS ARE OFTEN VIOLENT WHEN

One or more armed individuals approach a driver who is either in his or her car or about to enter or leave it.The Offender points a gun or other weapon at the driver and forces the driver to turn over the fob or keys to the vehicle.Often times the victim is robbed of other valuables, abducted and or raped. If at all possible, all house keys should be kept seperate from vehicle Fobs or Keys.The motives for committing the crime vary from car theft to joy riding or using the vehicle to commit other crimes. The most recent involved 3 Carjacked cars. One used to smash into a hight end Gold Coast store window,one used to store all the looted high end purses and shoes and one to flea the secene after the mid- day looting. The big surprise was the time of day. Not the middle of the night smash and loot per usual.

COMMON CARJACKING SCHEMES

Pretending to be a stranded motoristFaking a fender -bender accident or deliberetly getting involved with the victim.Approaching the victim while the victim is stopped at a traffic light.Approaching a victim while at shopping malls, grocery stores, private driveways, apartment complexes, and parking lots.

RULES TO DRIVE BY

*Enter your vehicle as quickly as possible.

*When you leave the building, have your keys or Fob in hand and be ready to make a quick entry into your vehicle.

*Upon entering the vehicle look into the rear seats for possible suspects.

If it is safe to do so, enter the vehicle and immediately lock the doors. While exiting your car look around you before turning off the ignition..ALWAYS keep your car doors and windows locked,criminals often enter through UNLOCKED windows and doors.Stay alert at RED lights-look around you-especially to the sides and rear-so you so you can be alert to anyone approaching you. Be especially aware of solicitors with what appears to be “Donation Cans”-do not roll your window down to engage anyone from the outside. When pulling up to a traffic light be alert to leave enough room between your car and the car in front of you. This will make it possible for you to drive off should anyone approach you.Minimize driving at late hours. Nationwide, most carjackings take place between 10 pm and 2am. However in the Chicago area no time of day is relatively safe. Have your cell phone readily available to call for helpDon’t assume your safe in an inexpensive car,criminals take those also.

There appears to be no pattern to Carjacking, however, most experts say that women are more likely to be targeted than men because they assume women will offer less resistance. Those driving alone are more likely to become victims, though carjackers also approach people with small children. In most cases, the Criminal does not see the small children when approaching the vehicle.

IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU.

Get your children out of the car.Trust your instincts,there are no absolute rules for what to do in a carjacking. If you think it’s feasible, accelerate and try to drive away. Remember your car is not bullet proof your life is more important than your car.Report the crtime immediately to the police.Attempt to provide as much detail as possible. It’s always smart to keep your license plate number in your notes on you cell phone. One would be surprised at how many victims do not know the License plate number of thier vehicle.Try to be prepared to provide at least the following information about the offender(s) age-race-height-and app weight. Hair color and style, beard, mustache.Any notable characteristics, acne, ,scars, glasses,mental state, etc.Clothing descriptionLocation where last seenLast known direction of travelVehicle description and distinctive marking.

It is not my intention to scare the hell out of you but the numbers are becoming more and more prevalent. Hopefully, some of these tips will come in handy- Share them with friends and acquaintances. It could become a reality. Stay safe, use common sense.

It’s harder to get an abortion in Europe than in America.

I’ve been saying this for years: America’s abortion laws are a lot more radical than Europe’s. A lot of other nations actually restrict or ban abortions after the 12th week or so.

But that true fact is ignored by an abortion industry that wants Americans to believe that moderate abortion policy that protects unborn children after then is extremist, right-wing, misogynist and hateful.

Below is a great explanation of how Europe’s abortion restrictions are basically the same as the Missouri and other state laws that the hard left describe as “extreme anti-choice.” The ones that the abortion industry demands that the U.S. Supreme Court overturn because they are so out of step with reason.

I challenge pro-choicers to watch to this entire video and respond as best that you can. If you do, you’ll do more than most pro-choicers who refuse even to address the issue.

Here’s the link to the video:

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The magic mystery is back in the Windy City with the Chicago Magic Lounge featured act, Nick Diffatte. Dedicated to the art of sleight-of-hand magical arts, CML is purposely tucked far away from the tourist-heavy- River North area and conveniently located south of the Andersonville high-rent district. This unassuming building, located at 5050 North Clark, magically transforms into a mini bar where the first magician greets the guest; however, to get there, you will have to go through the secret entrance of the fake laundry room.

The illusion of the building is just a part of the delight audiences receive once they enter. With libations, laughter, and a quick sleight of hand, the fun is endless. The former commercial laundry space has another trick up its sleeves as the audience proceeds to the main stage, which we will not divulge.

Co-Owner, CEO Joseph (Joey) Cranford has a plethora of knowledge regarding the history of magic and Chicago. We also had the pleasure to see once again the beautiful, charming, and gracious Cyndi Cranford, who greeted and escorted us to the main show.

The featured magician is Nick Diffatte. Offbeat is a comedic magic performance filled with dry humor, quick wit, and Nick’s eccentric talents. Nick is a naturally funny guy, and his humor on stage is contagious. The night we were there, he was battling a tooth issue but still had the crowd laughing and amazed with his magic. One trick involving a ring from an audience seems to find its way on one of Nick’s toes, thrilled the guest but not some much the young lady sitting next to us; who wasn’t too excited about putting it back on her finger.

Nick was a little off that night but bravely followed the performer’s idiom of the show must go on, so we gave him a pass with the tooth pain he was experiencing. Unfortunately, his comic relief guest, wearing a Chicago Magic Lounge t-shirt, almost ruined
the night with his desire to be more than a typical audience on stage.

The comedy and magic that Nick Diffatte performs aren’t new, being mastered by greats like Penn & Teller, but he has perfected a unique style that has landed him awards and comedy ventures across the world. His combination of comedy and magic is a treat that we believe you and your friends will enjoy.

Let’s Play Recommends Nick Diffatte, Offbeat at the Chicago Magic Lounge.

Chicago Magic Lounge
5050 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640
312-366-4500
www.chicagomagiclounge.com

If you expected to find out why Kushner is still free, I apologize. I did not mean to imply that the answers you seek are here.

I’m still trying to figure out how Jared and Ivanka managed to make over $600 Million as public servants working in the White House.

Jared and Ivanka had a unique vision of themselves and, depending on whose memoir your read, they either considered themselves America’s version of the Royal Family or some sort of shadow president and vice president.

It’s not clear who would have been the president and who the vice president, but if the top job goes to the one with the bigger balls, that would have been Ivanka.

From the inauguration to a state dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping to a trip to London to meet the Queen, Ivanka managed to stick herself in the middle of the best photo ops and pick up a few trademarks along the way.

Ivanka sat next to Chinese President Xi Jinping at a state dinner at Mar-a-Lago and was rewarded with a few brand trademarks in China.

Shortly after getting a half dozen more trademarks in China, her father, Donnie Trump reversed his position on Chinese communications company ZTE and said that he was working with President (for life) Xi Jinping to save jobs at the financially troubled Chinese company.

That’s probably why he called himself the jobs president.

ZTE was repeatedly cited for violating American rules about supplying technology to our enemies, but Donnie’s concept of which countries posed a threat to America was ever fluid and in line only with his own personal interests.

Jared, however, grabbed the golden ring and never let go. He turned influence peddling into a cottage industry and traded the cupboards bare.

The pandemic proved very profitable to young Kushner and his cronies as contracts were handed out for goods and services that recipients – Kushner cronies – could scarcely produce.

Jared’s big coup – a word we have heard quite often these past several months, has more than one meaning as you can read HERE – had to do with a convoluted plot to save himself in a way that is not available to you or me.

We – you and I – can rob a gas station or steal money in a variety of mundane and archaic ways. We can even perpetrate one of a number of tried and true online scams; there’s always a few suckers out there who will fall for just about anything.

What we can’t do, you or I, is to get a foreign government to flex its military might in the furtherance of our devious schemes.

That’s because we’re not Jared, crown prince of America (or shadow vice-president, if you prefer).

Jared, who seems to have the business acumen of his perpetually bankrupt father-in-law overpaid for and was deeply in debt on his property at 666 Fifth Avenue in New York to the tune of more than $1 Billion.

I know, a billion dollars ain’t what it used to be, but still…

So Jared gets his buddy, MSB, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia – the guy who had a dissident journalist for the Washington Post murdered and dismembered with zero consequences – to use his naval ships to blockade Qatar, a place where the U.S. had a base with 10,000 troops, a fact which escaped the U.S. President.

Where’s all this going? Where it went is that a Qatar supported company bailed out Jared, took over his billion dollar debt and the blockade was lifted.

Netflix air a show with that kind of plot because it’s too incredible.

Shocked, you say? Don’t be. This is the kind of corruption and self-interest that was rampant throughout the ENTIRE Trump administration.

Betsy DeVoss, Scott Pruitt, Wilbur Ross, Rick Perry, Ben Carson, Steve Mnuchin; a virtual Ocean’s 11 of crooked.

Don’t forget that Louis DeJoy is still Postmaster General.

And like insurrectionists, QAnoners and other misinformed, misguided miscreants, Jared still walks among us, free as a bird.

For more insight, try Kushner, Inc.: Greed. Ambition. Corruption. by Vicky Ward

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Fleurotica returned to Garfield Park Conservatory November 5.

Fleurotica, Chicago’s only floral fashion show, returned to the Garfield Park Conservatory in grand style on November 4. The show featured 15 local floral designers who created runway looks made entirely from plants, flowers and natural materials. Over $150,000 was raised to support the programs of the 113-year-old Conservatory.

Following check-in, guests meandered through rooms of lush plants uplit with dramatic lighting. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were presented by Heritage Restaurant and Caviar Bar and DJ All the Way Kay provided the beats. The event opened with a performance by The Joffrey Community Engagement Exelon Strobel Dancers.

A’Vents by August design.

Like most every other event of late, Covid caused changes. Fleurotica went virtual in 2020 and, even this year, supporters could watch from home if they chose this option.

Samantha Chatman (ABC-7) served as the emcee with Jennifer Van Valkenburg, president/CEO of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, welcoming the crowd. Valkenburg became emotional talking about the impact of Covid and congratulated her staff, who never missed a day, and her gardeners who have maintained the grounds to perfection in spite of the pandemic. She shared some stats about the “Chicago treasure” that was recently voted the #1 Garden in North America. The Conservatory features14 acres of gardens, 8 indoor display houses under glass and is home to two plants that are over 350-years-old!

Pinky Swear Studio design.

Participating floral designers were A. Hunt Design, Amy Crum Designs, A’vents by August, Blumgarten, Brittney Kee Floral Design, Chalet Nursery, Dominque Struck, Flower Child, Luz Cardenas, Noble Terraria, Pinky Swear Studio, Planks & Pistils, Sprout Home and Vitruvian Fine Art Studio. Sprout Home’s presentation brought the crowd to its feel as the model unsnapped her “short” floral dress and it fell to the floor in a riot of fall colors. A’vents by August’s high-low dress design was made up of brightly colored tropical flowers set against a backdrop of hanging ferns. A dramatic floral headpiece finished the look. Glamorous hair and make-up was provided by the Tricoci Salon/Spa.

Sprout Home design team.

Fleurotica was co-chaired by Julie Sacks and Erika Summers. The Sacks Family Foundation was the presenting sponsor. Funds raised supported the Conservatory’s nature education. (Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Avenue, garfieldconservatory.org) (First published in Chicago Star Media)

Fleurotica 2021 finale.

You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, , Candid Candace TV , Instagram, LinkedIn, my blog at CandidCandace.com and NOW in the Chicago Star Media newspaper group! (Please subscribe here and enjoy my Candid Candace column, online and in the paper!)

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Illinois State linebacker Zeke Vandenburgh had a career-best 14 tackles and two sacks in the Redbirds’ 17-10 overtime upset against Northern Iowa. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)

Beating No. 13 Northern Iowa, 17-10, in overtime Saturday wasn’t exactly a work of art for Illinois State.

But the Redbirds’ second win over a ranked Missouri Valley Football Conference team in the past three weeks was the result of a beautiful defensive effort and a timely throw from a young quarterback.

“It never felt like it was under control, believe me,” ISU head coach Brock Spack told WJBC radio after the game. “It just goes to show what we can do. We just made a few more plays than they did.”

After the Redbirds surrendered a 10-0 lead in the fourth quarter, freshman quarterback Jackson Waring connected with junior receiver Austin Nagel in the corner of the end zone from 27 yards out on the second play of overtime to provide the winning score.

From there, as was the case all day long, ISU leaned on its defense.

The Redbirds (4-5 overall, 2-4 MVFC) forced incompletions on third and fourth downs by the Panthers (5-4, 3-3) in overtime and completed the upset with an on-field celebration. On Oct. 23, the Redbirds beat then-No. 15 South Dakota, 20-14.

Saturday’s defensive effort was highlighted by sophomore safety Clayton Isbell of St. Charles, who returned a first-quarter interception against UNI’s Theo Day 40 yards for a touchdown, and junior linebacker Zeke Vandenburgh of Freeport, who had a career-high 14 tackles and two sacks.

Isbell and the secondary had a tough day, according to Spack, in last weekend’s 38-31 loss to in-state rival Western Illinois.

“You like to see guys that can learn from their mistakes and move on,” Spack said. “Clayton did not play well last week. He’s a tremendous athlete, and that (interception) was a great play.”

Vandenburgh had a career-high three tackles for loss for the Redbirds, who had nine total for the game. He also had two of the team’s six sacks.

Waring started at quarterback and was 9-for-22 passing for 87 yards. Spack’s favorite stat about Waring, however, was simple.

“No turnovers,” he said. “That was the key. I didn’t think he threw anything up for grabs. There wasn’t anything close to a turnover for him. Their quarterback made a mistake (on the interception) and our freshman didn’t.”

Here are three things Prairie State Pigskin learned about the Illinois State victory:

Defense rules the day

The day was all about pressure for the Redbirds, who consistently hassled Day, a Michigan State transfer. ISU’s six sacks and nine tackles for loss was the team’s output of the season.

Entering the game, the Redbirds had 10 sacks and 31 tackles for loss in eight games combined. UNI converted only five of 17 third-down conversions, three of which came in the fourth quarter.

Through three quarters, the Panthers had 130 total yards. While desperately trying to get back in the game in the final period, UNI gained 127 yards on two scoring drives. The Panthers rushed for only 1.5 yards a carry on the day, gaining 63 yards on 42 carries.

2. Offense sputters once again

Six first downs, 164 total yards, 2.2 yards per rush and 3-for-17 on third downs.

Those numbers won’t win many football games, but provided just enough in Saturday’s win.

Leading rusher Cole Mueller, a freshman, had 51 yards on 27 carries against the stingy Panthers, who entered the game ranked 24th in FCS in total defense, led by a stout defensive front.

Winning consistently will take more production from ISU’s offense, which ranked 116th nationally in passing (among 123 teams) and 112th in total offense entering Saturday’s game.

3. Special teams studs

Junior kicker Aidan Bresnahan nailed a 44-yard field goal just before halftime to give ISU a 10-0 lead. The kick was his sixth made field goal of the season in nine attempts.

Senior punter J.T. Bohlken has a busy day with a career-high 12 punts for a 43-yard average. He help ISU win the field goal position battle as UNI’s average drive started on its own 27.

Bohlken had four punts downed inside the UNI 20 and two over 50 yards.

News and notes

A laundry list of plays had career days on defense, including Vandenburgh, sophomore defensive back Iverson Brown (nine tackles) and sophomore cornerback Franky West (eight tackles). … Redshirt freshman linebacker Jeremiah Jordan had two sacks in the game for the Redbirds. … UNI’s Day finished 15 of 30 passes for 252 yards. Of that total, 60 yards came on one deep pass to wide receiver Isaiah Weston in the fourth quarter that set up the game-tying TD with 2:35 remaining in the game. … A block in the back call negated a long punt return by UNI with less than 2 minutes left in the game. Deion McShane returned the ball inside the ISU 5-yard line, but the penalty took the ball all the way back to UNI’s 20.

What’s next?

The Redbirds travel to Grand Forks, N.D., for a 2 p.m. kickoff against North Dakota on Saturday, Nov. 13.