James Baranski said that despite the weather “the big lake” “starting to pop” last week for smallmouth bass. | Provided

The arrival of fall and its change in feeding patterns brings the time for crappie, steelhead, muskie, and perch (on southern Lake Michigan); those threads headline this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

The arrival of fall and its change in feeding patterns brings the time for crappie, steelhead, muskie, and perch (on southern Lake Michigan); those threads headline this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

James Baranski messaged the photo at the top and this Saturday afternoon:

Smallies were starting to pop last week on the big lake dale. Only managed 5 in the churned water but got 3 x 4lb, 1 x 3lb and a 2

I should say so.

You know what, the smallmouth is worth a full-length view.

Provided
James Baranski said that despite the weather “the big lake” “starting to pop” last week for smallmouth bass; and this one is worth a full-length view.

LAKEFRONT PERCH

Repots pickup on perch on southern Lake Michigan.

Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports and Bait texted on Tuesday:

Lake perch reports picking up significantly on south side. 87th

Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:

Perch in the cal park area and up into the river will start real soon fisherman be ready.

The time is near.

Navy Pier COO Brian Murphy emailed last week that the north side of Navy Pier is open for fishing, good news for when the perch arrive.

Bob Jurgeto messaged some details on Monday:

Hi Dale,

The other day in a post you mentioned whether or not Navy Pier would be open for perch. I went there this morning to give it a try and had no problem. The discount parking is in effect for fisherman $9.00 out by 10 AM. No fish caught but had to give it a try.

LAKEFRONT PARKING

Chicago Park District’s parking passes for the fisherman’s parking lots at DuSable and Burnham harbors are on sale at Henry’s Sports and Bait in Bridgeport and Park Bait at Montrose Harbor.

Readers suggest SpotHero app downtown. Otherwise, here are some basics: Foster (free street parking or pay lot); Montrose (now a mix of metered and free street parking); Belmont (pay lots on north and south sides); Diversey (pay lot or street parking); DuSable Harbor (pay lot or fisherman’s lot); Northerly Island/Burnham Harbor (meters, pay lot or fisherman’s lot); 31st/Burnham (meter parking between McCormick Place and 31st Street Harbor); Oakwood/39th (meters); 63rd Street/Casino Pier (pay lot); Steelworkers Park (free street parking at east end of 87th); Cal Park (free parking).

AREA LAKES

A few trout are still being caught, but we are now several weeks in.

I would expect this to be the week when the focus switches to crappie.

Provided
A big shiner Johnny Wilkins caught on a local pond.

Johnny Wilkins tweeted the photo above and this:?

@BowmanOutside

? – no trout, but 56 bluegill and a golden shiner bigger than some trout I’ve caught 13 1/2 inch beastie – released to spawn and feed the pond residents. Johnny – in Lombard…

I enjoy that catch.

Provided
Ken “Husker” O’Malley with a fall crappie, it’s that time.

Ken “Husker” O’Malley emailed the photos above and below, and this:

Hey Dale,

Here is a recap of this past weeks fishing.

Area lakes-the fall bite, while a little late starting, is on.

Crappie are very good on a variety on plastics worked under a slip float. Best colors have been chartreuse and pink. A few nice bluegill can be taken as well. Focus on outside weedlines and bays that the winds has been beating on for a few days.

Bass have been good on lipless crankbaits. With all the recent rain, work inflows with current as fish have been stacked up there.

Here is the nature pic of the week. Area colors in full bloom.

TTYL

—

Ken “Husker” O’Malley

Husker Outdoors
Waterwerks fishing team

Provided by Ken “Husker” O’Malley
Fall is here and not just color is changing.

CALUMET SYSTEM

Last week, BoRabb Williams messaged that the crappie were on fire.

CHAIN O’LAKES AREA

Arden Katz said the Chain was 52-53 degrees over the weekend with white bass (to 14 1/2 inches) and yellow bass “on fire,” plus a couple crappies and drum, in 10-14 feet on Marie and Bluff trolling small minnows at .5 to .8 mph.

Staff at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said panfish are going shallow around docks; walleye eating the minnows that are hit around the white and yellow bass; pike good everywhere; sucker bite starting for muskie.

NOTES: Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or (847) 587-8540. The Stratton Lock and Dam is closed for the season.

CHICAGO RIVER

Jeffrey Williams emailed the photo below and this last week:

this guy saved me from the skunk

Provided
Jeffrey Williams with a quality crappie from the Chicago River.

COOLING LAKES/STRIP PITS

Braidwood, Heidecke, Mazonia (except Monster stays open all year) and LaSalle are closed for the season.

DOWNSTATE

POWERTON: Fishing is closed for waterfowl season.

SPRING LAKE: Boat fishing is closed on the main lake; boat fishing is allowed from the Sky Ranch Road ramp to Maple Island buoy during waterfowl seasons. Bank fishing along South Lake Road is not allowed until after 1 p.m. during waterfowl season.

EMIQUON PRESERVE: During waterfowl seasons (Emiquon is in the central zone), non-waterfowl hunting boating (which includes fishing) is not allowed until noon. Access permits and liability waivers are required. They are available Tuesday to Saturday at Dickson Mounts Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing.

HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Closed for the season. Check regulations at http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-paddling-fishing.

FOX RIVER

Dicky’s Bait Shop in Montgomery reported water levels are staying up and flowing, crappie were hitting on waxworms and jigs and around bridges and brush, some smallmouth action on largemouth minnows in the same area; some walleye around Oswego.

Pete Lamar emailed:

Hi Dale,

. . .

I tried fishing a nearby lake yesterday afternoon, but the winds had built by then. Casting was difficult-and unsafe-so I pulled the plug. I did fish the Fox tribs after some of the rain we had. The rain looked to have done a lot of good: levels were up; there was some color, but not so much that the streams were unfishable; fish had returned to more typical lies than during the low water we’d had. I caught some respectable smallmouths on the edges of fast water. There are also some nice rock bass around.

. . .

Pete

GREEN LAKE AREA, WISCONSIN

Guide Mike Norris emailed:

Fishing Report – 11/01/2021

Mike Norris

Big Green Lake – As I have been predicting, the big fall bite is on with surface water temps falling into the mid to upper 50’s. My clients and I are catching smallmouth bass, northern pike and an occasional walleye while drifting with live bait. The depth we are locating fish in varies between 6 and 35 feet. With favorable weather early last week, I guided a suburban Chicago client to a chunky 6 lb. 2 oz. smallmouth bass last week that measured twenty-two inches long. Where I find one bass, there are usually more, as my clients and I are experiencing multiple double headers. I should see this bite last a couple more weeks.

I still am focusing on guiding for trophy smallmouth bass right now. To book a guide trip reach out to me via my Facebook page at mike.norris.7773 or email me through my website at www.comecatchsmallmouth.com

GREEN/STURGEON BAYS, WISCONSIN

Click here for the Wisconsin DNR weekly report.

ILLINOIS RIVER

The river is projected to fall off flood stage around Starved Rock area later this week.

KANKAKEE RIVER

River is on a steady drop at Wilmington after the high water.

George Peters emailed the photo below and this:

Happy Halloween Dale! Spent some time at the mouth of a small creek that enters the high water of the kkk. The clear creek water drew this19″ fish in close to the bank to feed on minnows. This fish of the week took a white twister tail jig in 55 degree water. G. Peters

Provided
George Peters with a good smallmouth bass from the Kankakee River.

LAKE ERIE

Click here for the Ohio DNR Report.

LAKEFRONT

See perch notes at the top.

As the lead photo from James Baranski shows, big smallmouth are going.

Weather should settle down this week and allow fishing to rebound some.

Steelhead are around the harbors, at least being seen. Darkening Chinook are around, too, especially for snaggers.

SALMON SNAGGING: Here are the details from the IDNR:

4) Snagging for chinook and coho salmon only is permitted from the following Lake Michigan shoreline areas from October 1 through December 31; however, no snagging is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a moored watercraft or as posted: A) Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the Lagoon. B) Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only). C) Winnetka Power Plant discharge area. D) Jackson Harbor (Inner and Outer Harbors).

d) Disposition of Snagged Salmon and Paddlefish. All snagged salmon and paddlefish must be removed from the area from which they are taken and disposed of properly, in accordance with Article 5, Section 5-5 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code.

MADISON LAKES, WISCONSIN

Click here for the update from D&S Bait.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN

Kurt Justice at Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua emailed:

As October exits (one of the warmest most of us can remember), and we move into November, our weather seems to be getting back on track. Saturday (10/30) was a warm (55 degrees) flat calm, sunny day – looks like about it for the rest of the week.

Musky: Good – With water temps ranging 48-55 degrees, working gliders, jerks and medium sized rubber baits moving and catching fish along first breaks in 10-14′ of water (deeper (14-24′)) on large lakes. Suckers and trout on quick strikes picking up the slack when follows don’t take.

Walleye: Good – Locations depending on lake type. Shallower lakes and mid-sized lakes with green cabbage seeing a good bite developing on windward weed lines and at dusk. Daytime concentrate on outside edges of weeds in 12-14′. On larger lakes the deep-water bite in 22-40′ using appropriate weight jigs (1/8 – 1/2 oz) to work chubs, suckers and even 1/2 crawlers, as well as, jigging Raps and Shiver Minnows to score Walleyes.

Crappies: Good-Fair – Best over deep wood and along coontail edges of 14-18′. Medium fatheads under slip-floats best. A few reports early in week of Crappies holding over cabbage flats in 8-12′.

Northern Pike: Good-Fair – Most anglers targeting using jig and chubs as water cools. A few incidentals by Musky anglers.

Bluegills, Yellow Perch – Few reports, most from anglers Walleye or Crappie fishing.

Angler participation has been dropping off, as expected. With the warm October, expect open water to remain for a while. This week’s temps, lows forecasted for low to mid-20’s with mid-week highs in mid-30’s turning to mid to upper 40’s by weekend. Still, plenty of open water opportunities.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop – Like us on Facebook

NORTHWEST INDIANA

Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:

Lake trout and whitefish starting to be caught off Michigan city peir. Blade baits,spoons and bait fished on bottom best.

Perch in the cal park area and up into the river will start real soon fisherman be ready.

Crappie in lake George in Hobart around the bridges and log jams using minnows

ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN

Click here for the Wisconsin DNR’s report, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday.

SHABBONA LAKE

Concessions are closed for the season. Site hours through Jan. 31 are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN LAKEFRONT

Click here for the southern Lake Michigan reports from the Wisconsin DNR.

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said river is high and muddy and, with north winds, the pier and Lake Michigan are slow. New Buffalo has some lake trout action on jigging for boaters nearshore.

Paddle and Pole hosts the Berrien Springs Fish Ladder Camera.

WISCONSIN RIVER

Provided
Rob Abouchar with his biggest smallmouth bass of the season on the Wisconsin River.

Rob Abouchar emailed the photo above and this:

Hi Dale,

With low temps in the teens and highs in the 30’s predicted for the Northwoods in Merrill Wisconsin we hit the river one more time in the boat with Joe The Grasseater Schatz. The balmy almost 60 degree dead calm day belied the forcast to come but made for a fantastic day. The sunrise was spectacular and the conditions were perfect for one more day of fishing and trying to get the elusive Musky on a senko. The Smallmout bass were hitting in the perfect conditions and I landed my biggest bass of the season, a 21 inch beast that gave me a run for my money as it took drag and went airborne in the low 50 degree water. The bass hit a green pumkin senko with purple and green flake dipped in Chartreuse Garlic Dip n glow. Joe had some beautiful bass also on a new color Senko called Mowed Grass. Very appropriate for a guy known as the Grasseater. I caught a nice Pike on a white and red Mepps musky killer on a mid river hump. I had a vicious follow and assault of my senko by a good sized Musky as I retrieved it back to make another cast after flipping a dock. Unfortunately the fish missed the hook. The musky on a Senko will have to come from the shoreline as the boat is pulled and back in Island lake. There were a couple boats fishing for Musky but the anglers were outnumbered by the nimrods. We knew it was just about time when a hunter let loose with some shots near one of our favorite honey holes. We returned later to the same spot and landed some big bass…The big Possums walk late.

On the reggae front our Polish bass player T.V. Newscaster, real estate agent Sergius Zagrebski has a studio and producer lined up to do some recording of my original reggae music. Also looking for more gigs as the previous three were met with great approval. Big Up!!! Also had a nice session with the old Brain Massage band for some rock/reggae/blues /psychedelic jams. It was kinda like riding a bike. The boys wanna get the band back together.

Tight Lines and Good Health Rob

That just makes me happy, one several levels: fishing, seasons, outdoors and musical.

WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN

Guide Bill Stoeger in Fremont texted:

Water temperature has dropping into the low 40’s with nighttime temps in the 20’s. Water levels are down, keeping crappie biting in the trees along deeper water. Walleye action is a bit slow, but improving.

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Englewood Arts Collective artist Jerrold “Just Flo” Anderson stands in front of his mural after its unveiling outside Planned Parenthood’s Englewood Health Center at 6059 S. Ashland Ave. in the Englewood neighborhood, Tuesday morning, November 2, 2021. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Englewood artist Jerrold “Just Flo” Anderson wants his new mural to start to change the perception of the neighborhood. Among those depicted are two-parent families and essential workers.

Jerrold Anderson always thought of himself as an artist.

From sketching to rapping, creativity has always been among his strengths. It helped give him his street name — Just Flo. And now, that creativity is on display across the South Side.

Anderson’s newest piece, unveiled Tuesday, is splashed across Englewood’s Planned Parenthood, 6059 S. Ashland Ave.

“There’s so much good in Englewood that goes unseen,” said Anderson, 41, to a crowd gathered for the festivities. “I wanted to try to show our community coming together. Englewood has had a lot of ups and downs through the years, it’s no secret. But I don’t want us to forget the light that shines in all of us that this community is reflecting.”

In the mural, a police officer, construction worker and firefighter wave and smile. On opposite ends of the painting, two families stand, the parents embracing their children.

In one corner, a woman’s face is upturned, her hands pressed together. In the other, a man’s blue eyes are filled with emotion.

And above it all, in scrawling calligraphy: “Englewood.”

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
“I wanted to show a representation of young people, parents, essential care workers and everyone else who make up the pieces of an ever-growing and evolving neighborhood,” said artist Jerrold “Just Flo” Anderson. “I am showing how we are striving to be the change we all need to see.”

“The artwork that Just Flo created captures a snapshot of the community that we’re showcasing,” said Deonn Strathman, director of community engagement for Planned Parenthood of Illinois. “This mural will serve as a welcoming beacon for years for patients and visitors in the Englewood community.”

Anderson’s mural, commissioned by Planned Parenthood through the Englewood Arts Collective, is part of the #GoodInEnglewood campaign, started by Rashanah Baldwin 12 years ago to change public perception of the neighborhood.

“We are not dodging bullets. We are not on welfare. We are not hanging out on the corners,” Baldwin said Tuesday. “This shows good in Englewood. Seeing the two-parent family household, that image is so beautiful. I love it … and hope to see more of our spaces reclaimed.”

It took a month of sketching, revising and listening to community input to complete the mural.

Anderson, who’s lived in Englewood for 10 years, said it was a “humble blessing … to see so many different people — young, old — driving past and showing love” as the mural came together. It showed him people in Englewood just want “an opportunity to communicate.”

Anderson’s other artwork can be found under the name Just Flo at Whole Foods on 63rd Street and Halsted, under the viaduct on 58th Street and Halsted, at 63rd and Morgan and at a new grocery store to open soon on 63rd Street.

Cheyanne M. Daniels is a staff reporter for the Sun-Times via Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster the paper’s coverage of communities on the South Side and West Side.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A new mural by Jerrold “Just Flo” Anderson was unveiled Tuesday. It’s painted on the side of Planned Parenthood’s Englewood Health Center, 6059 S. Ashland Ave.Read More

Every estate sale tells a story, says “estate sale goddess” Lynn Rousseau McDaniel — and the story of Etta Moten Barnett and Claude A. Barnett is a great one.Read More

We need more than National Vegan Day to celebrate the delicious vegan dishes! That’s why we rounded up some of the best vegan restaurants in Chicago for you. Additionally, you’ll also find our editor’s pick of vegan dishes at other restaurants and a secret honorable mention.

Image Credit: IM Vegan

2907 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

It’s rare you find somewhere with delicious vegan curry. And once you find them, you stay with them. We think IM Vegan Restaurant probably has the best vegan curry in town. Come try it and let us know what you think!

3315 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

GROUND CONTROL! is a cozy vegan restaurant featuring a wide variety of dishes from different cuisines. During the summer days, we love having their cold sesame noodles after work. They also have some hearty options for the cold weather.

Image Credit: Amitabul

6207 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

From bowls to street food, to sushi and full-size entrees, Amitabul brings vegan Korean cuisine to a peak not many can surpass. We love everything from their menu, but if we have to choose, we’d say go with the dumplings, Jade Maki Sushi, and the Spicy Kimchi Bi Bi Bop.

1401 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

Uncommon Ground is where the real vegans go for not only great food but an amazing experience. Besides their impeccable menu, they also feature open mic night and a ton of other fun activities. Plus, the sidewalk cafe at their Lakeview location and the beer garden in Edgewater are both officially open!

700 N Michigan Ave 7th floor, Chicago, IL 60611

Althea is definitely one of the best vegan restaurants in Chicago, hands down. If you have a small appetite like us, go with multiple appetizers. Or, if you’re feeling hungry, dive in with their full-size entrees! Also, don’t forget to try their organic beer selection.

613 W Briar Pl, Chicago, IL 60657

Fancy Plants is the perfect vegan spot for brunch. Located in the heart of Chicago, they also sell Dark Matter Coffee — speaking of two birds with one stone, right? We love their bagels to the bottom of our hearts, but they also have other pastries to satisfy your sweet tooth.

They’ve opened a new establishment called Fancy Plants Kitchen recently. Make sure you check it out!

Best Vegan Dishes Around the Town

While these restaurants are not vegan-only, they’re no short of delicious vegan dishes for your indulgence! From appetizers to full entrees, your vegan needs are satisfied at these places.

Image Credit: Sunda New Asian

110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654

Sunda has a variety of vegan and vegetarian sushi options that are just equally delicious as their regular menu items. Our personal favorite is the sweet potato caterpillar, featuring roasted sweet potatoes, asian pear, avocado, black garlic teriyaki, and roasted red pepper puree.

Multiple Locations

If you’re looking for treats at our beloved The Goddess and Grocer, don’t miss out on their salad options. We highly recommend the detox salad, featuring kale, spinach, quinoa, avocado, beets, red onion, edamame, broccoli, grape tomatoes, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and the signature Goddess house dressing made with honey.

Image Credit: Eric Kleinberg

954 W Fulton Market St, Chicago, IL 60607

Marvin’s Food & Fuel has an incredible vegan Pulled Mushroom Sandwich (Jax’s House-made BBQ Sauce, Pickled Red Cabbage) for $14. In honor of National Vegan Day, Marvin’s will be featuring this delicious burger for the rest of the week!

Vegan Veggie Bowl at Gemini

2075 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Gemini seriously has a specialty dish for everyone! The Vegan Veggie Bowl is made of Fregola (pasta), Piperade, Asparagus, Mushroom Medley, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, Roasted Corn and a Petit Salad that is sure to be guilt-free. This is definitely one of our favorite vegan dishes in Chicago.

Wild Mushroom Teriyaki Bowl at Beatrix

Multiple Locations

Are you a regular at Beatrix Restaurants and Cafes? Then you know they’ve got an awesome selection of Vegan dishes and snacks. Our personal favorite is the Wild Mushroom Teriyaki Bowl, available for lunch and dinner.

Looking to have a vegan fiesta at home? Check out ZENB pasta, who is also partnering with various local eateries at the moment. ZENB prides itself on unveiling how delicious plants can taste with their all-vegan pasta and sauces. You’ll also find plenty of amazing recipes to try at home on their website.

Featured Image Credit: Uncommon Ground

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Kristen Stewart, the star of “Spencer,” is interviewed at the October premiere of the film at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles. | Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

The two started dating in 2019 after they met at a mutual friends’ party and bonded over having grown up in Los Angeles.

Kristen Stewart is engaged to screenwriter Dylan Meyer. The 31-year-old actor announced the news The Howard Stern Show Tuesday.

“We’re marrying, it’s happening,” Stewart said.

She also revealed that Meyer did the proposing.

“I wanted to be proposed to, so I think I very distinctly carved out what I wanted and she nailed it,” Stewart said.

The two started dating in 2019 after they met at a mutual friends’ party and bonded over having grown up in Los Angeles. Meyer a week ago on Instagram posted a photo of them laying on the floor in each other’s arms with the caption “Awful proud of this hard-working princess.”

According to a report in USA Today, Stewart said the wedding will be low-key. “I want to stay home. I want to be in L.A. so everyone can come and … I want it to be pretty chill. I don’t want anyone walking anyone down any aisles like we’re just gonna stand, do vows,” she said, and of course “party after.”

Stewart is currently promoting the Princess Diana film “Spencer,” which comes out in theaters on Friday.

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Kyle Rittenhouse, center, is accused of killing two people and wounding a third during a protest over police brutality in Kenosha in August 2020. | Sean Krajacic/The Kenosha News via AP pool

But Rittenhouse’s attorney told the jury that his client acted in self-defense.

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kyle Rittenhouse instigated the confrontation that led him to shoot three men on the streets of Kenosha during a turbulent protest against racial injustice, and he killed one of the victims with a bullet to the back, a prosecutor said in opening statements Tuesday at Rittenhouse’s murder trial.

But Rittenhouse’s attorney told the jury that his client acted in self-defense after one of the men dove for his gun and others kicked him in the face and clubbed him in the head with a skateboard.

“You as jurors will end up looking at it from the standpoint of a 17-year-old under the circumstances as they existed,” defense attorney Mark Richards said.

Rittenhouse, now 18, is charged with killing two men and wounding a third with an assault-style rifle during the summer of 2020. He could get life in prison if convicted.

The one-time aspiring police officer traveled to Kenosha from his home in Illinois, just across the Wisconsin state line, after protests broke out over the shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake, by a white Kenosha police officer. Rittenhouse said he went there to protect property after two nights in which rioters set fires and ransacked businesses.

In his opening statement, prosecutor Thomas Binger described the unrest as “two of the roughest nights that our community has ever seen,” and said outsiders were drawn to Kenosha “like moths to a flame.”

Yet Binger repeatedly stressed that amid the hundreds of people in Kenosha and the anger and chaos in the streets, “the only person who killed anyone is the defendant, Kyle Rittenhouse.”

Binger told the jury that self-defense can be a valid claim only if Rittenhouse reasonably believed he was using deadly force to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.

The prosecutor said that it is not known exactly what words were said, but it is clear that Rittenhouse started a confrontation that caused the first person shot that night, Joseph Rosenbaum, to begin chasing Rittenhouse across a parking lot.

Binger emphasized, too, that Rosenbaum, 36, was killed by a shot to the back after he threw a plastic bag. The prosecutor noted that the first two bullets hit Rosenbaum in the lower extremities, causing him to fall forward.

Richards, the defense attorney, said Rosenbaum yelled an expletive at Rittenhouse and lunged for his gun before Rittenhouse fired at him. It was Rosenbaum who “lit the fuse that night,” he said.

Richards said Rittenhouse fired four shots at Rosenbaum in less than a second “as he’s trying to take Kyle’s weapon from him to use against him.”

Binger, the prosecutor, said that after shooting Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse fled the scene instead of rendering aid, despite portraying himself as a medic earlier in the night. But Richards said Rittenhouse didn’t stop to help because the crowd wanted to “kill him,” and instead ran toward police.

The crowd at that point clearly believed Rittenhouse was an active shooter, according to the prosecutor.

Moments after shooting Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse shot and killed Anthony Huber, 26, a protester from Silver Lake, Wisconsin, who was seen on bystander video hitting Rittenhouse with a skateboard. He wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, 27, a protester from West Allis, Wisconsin, who had a gun in his hand as he stepped toward Rittenhouse.

The defense also apparently pushed back against the notion that Rittenhouse was an outsider drawn to Kenosha by a call to arms on right-wing social media. Richards said Rittenhouse had strong ties to Kenosha — his father lived there and Rittenhouse worked in Kenosha County as a lifeguard — and had seen livestreams of what was happening.

The prosecutor said there was nothing wrong with Rittenhouse offering to protect Car Source, the used car dealership where the first shooting occurred. But he repeated that amid all the chaos, only one person killed anyone.

“When we consider the reasonableness of the defendant’s actions, I ask you to keep this in mind,” Binger said.

As his attorney displayed photos and video clips from the night of the shootings, Rittenhouse, wearing a dark pinstriped suit and tie, leaned on his elbows to view the images on a desktop monitor. He sat ramrod straight as audio of gunfire was played, and occasionally turned toward jurors, seeming to scrutinize their reactions.

His mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, sat behind him.

The jury was selected with remarkable speed in just one day Monday, considering how politically polarizing the case has proved. The most serious count against Rittenhouse, first-degree intentional homicide, is Wisconsin’s top murder charge.

Twenty people in all were selected to hear the case: 12 jurors and eight alternates. Eleven are women and nine are men. The court did not immediately provide a racial breakdown of the group, but it appeared to be overwhelmingly white.

Rittenhouse has been painted by supporters on the right — including foes of the Black Lives Matter movement — as a patriot who took a stand against lawlessness by demonstrators and exercised his Second Amendment gun rights. Others see him as a vigilante and police wannabe.

He is white, as were those he shot, but many activists see an undercurrent of race in the case, in part because the protesters were on the streets to decry police violence against Black people.

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The Chicago Park District voted Tuesday to release a special counsel report on the “management response” to the burgeoning lifeguard scandal. | Getty

Park Board President Avis LaVelle did not disclose any contents of the report, only that it would be made available later Tuesday. A press conference also is planned.

The Chicago Park District voted Tuesday to release a special counsel report on the “management response” to the burgeoning lifeguard scandal.

The unanimous vote came during a special board meeting dominated by nearly three hours of closed door deliberations.

After those deliberations, Park Board President Avis LaVelle reconvened in public and announced the decision to make a report by attorney Valarie Hays public, with the board voting unanimously to release the report.

LaVelle did not disclose any contents of the report, only that it would be made available — both online and in hard copy — in “an hour or two.” She also planned a press conference for later Tuesday afternoon.

Hays is a former federal prosecutor-turned private attorney hired at $325 an hour to investigate the lifeguard scandal after Park District Inspector Elaine Little was forced to resign in the middle of her internal investigation.

Little, the ex-wife of state Rep. Curtis Tarver, D-Chicago, resigned just hours after a WBEZ investigation showed that while overseeing investigations at the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center, she had an extramarital affair and a child with a colleague. That triggered a conflict of interest probe cut short when she resigned in 2018.

Park District Supt. Mike Kelly also resigned from his $230,000-a-year job last month for mishandling the lifeguard scandal rather than face a public firing. In a brief resignation letter he submitted on a Saturday night, he wrote: “I have always had the best interests of our patrons and our employees at heart.”

Kelly was replaced by City Hall veteran Rosa Escareno, the city’s newly-retired commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, who’s working under a 90-day contract. Escareno has promised a thorough housecleaning in the Beaches and Pools Division, calling the culture there “disgusting.”

Among the evidence piling up against Kelly was his failure in February 2020 to immediately refer complaints to the Park District’s inspector general, as the Sun-Times reported in August. Instead, he gave first crack at investigating them to his top aides, including one manager whose daughter had been named among the alleged hazers.

One Oak Street Beach lifeguard had emailed 11 pages of heartbreaking, detailed allegations to Kelly about lifeguards’ conduct during the summer of 2019. She said she’d been pushed into a wall, called sexually degrading names by fellow guards and abandoned for hours at her post for refusing to take part in their drinking parties, on-the-job drug use and other frat house-like activities.

Kelly even praised the young woman for her courage in coming forward. But he didn’t forward her complaint to the inspector general — as required by park district rules — until about six weeks later when a second lifeguard’s more graphic complaint of more serious allegations was forwarded to him by Lightfoot’s office.

The investigation also was complicated by the abrupt suspension then firing of Deputy Inspector General Nathan Kipp, who until August led the day-to-day investigation into the lifeguards’ toxic conduct. Kipp has called his ouster a “concerted effort” to prevent him from “continuing to investigate criminal activity and employee misconduct that seemingly pervade” the Beaches and Pools Unit.

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In honor of the fifth anniversary of the Cubs’ World Series title the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled limited-edition World Series bobbleheads. | National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum/FOCO

The bobbleheads feature each player holding a replica World Series trophy.

It’s been five years since the Cubs won the 2016 World Series. To commemorate that long-awaited championship, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled limited-edition World Series bobbleheads of Albert Almora, Carl Edwards Jr., Chris Coghlan, Hector Rondon, Jorge Soler, Justin Grimm, and Pedro Strop. These seven players were the only players from the 2016 team to not have a bobblehead produced following the World Series title.

The bobbleheads, which are manufactured by FOCO and feature each player holding a replica World Series trophy, are $45 each plus an $8 flat-rate shipping charge per order. A set of seven is available for $300.

“We’re excited to release the bobbleheads of these seven players who were important members of the Chicago Cubs’ World Series championship in 2016,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “We’re even more excited that this makes the 2016 Cubs the first team to have its entire 25-man roster commemorated with World Series Champions Bobbleheads.”

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Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields (1) leaves the 49ers defense in his wake on a spectacular 22-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter Sunday. | David Banks/AP

The rookie quarterback’s instincts were largely responsible for his 103-yard rushing game. Now it’s up to the coaching staff to put Fields in position to take the offense to another level.

Justin Fields finding his comfort zone could be a watershed moment for the Bears.

Now what?

“He was very comfortable,” Bears quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo said of Fields’ performance in a 33-22 loss to the 49ers on Sunday at Soldier Field. “I thought that was by far his best game in terms of his footwork, his rhythm and he got the ball out on time. That was our best game, by far.”

Fields’ breakthrough-looking performance didn’t exactly lift the Bears’ offense to a new level — they scored 22 points against a team allowing 24.5 per game going in. Even with Fields’ monumental rushing game — 10 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown — the Bears still only had 148 net passing yards, tied for the 24th lowest in the NFL this season. Their 324 total yards was the fourth most against the 49ers this season and 164th out of 244 in the NFL.

What it did, though, was confirm how much the Bears have to work with in Fields, which now puts the onus on the coaching staff to parlay Fields’ talents into better offensive production. Fields’ “breakthrough” was largely done on instinct, not design.

As Fields progresses, that’s what this season becomes more and more about: Is this the coaching staff to turn him into the next big thing?

We’ll see about that. The Bears have been unable to turn their recent run-game success into an improved passing game. They’re still 32nd and last in the NFL in passing by a wide margin — more than 50 yards fewer than the 31st-ranked Saints. That’s a bit of a red flag. Now, with Fields presumably unleashed, coach Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and DeFilippo have their best opportunity to show us what they can do.

“Huge. Huge,” DeFilippo said when asked about the impact of having Fields’ breakthrough rushing game on tape for opponents to figure out. “The No. 1 impact is you can’t just tee off on the o-line. You’re going to have to be disciplined in your rush lanes, which means that you just can’t run up the field on this guy. He’s going to get up and out on you.

“I think it’s going to slow down the pass rush a little bit. That’d be my guess. Whether it does or not, we’ll see.”

What we’ll see most is if the Bears’ coaching staff can zig when defenses zag. As DeFilippo pointed out, the Steelers, seeing Fields run wild on film, can take that away on Monday night. But that should open up something else in Fields’ game. A player who can make them look like geniuses gives the coaching staff options.

“Without a doubt,” DeFilippo said. “I hate to put it all on the player, but things aren’t always perfect in the way you draw things up. And whenever the player has that ability to take off and go on third-and-six or whatever, and you get a first down, you’re like, ‘Have at it, man. Have at it, brother. Just take it.’ That adds a huge dynamic to our offense. Absolutely.”

It’s the Steelers’ move vs. Fields. Let’s see if the Bears are a thinking a few moves ahead.

2. Sean Desai and the defensive coaching staff are on the spot as well after a meltdown against the 49ers that spoiled Fields’ encouraging performance. The 49ers’ 467 yards were the most against the Bears’ defense in regulation since 2016 — 478 yards in a 41-21 loss to Kirk Cousins and the Redskins.

How bad was it? The Bears never forced the 49ers to punt — most noticeably when they allowed an 83-yard pass play to Deebo Samuel on a wide receiver screen on third-and-19 in the third quarter.

It was only the second time in the last 75 years the Bears have neither forced a punt nor gotten a takeaway in the same game. The only other time was in 2014 in a 38-17 loss to the Packers.

3. The return of nose tackle Eddie Goldman providing a lift to the Bears’ run defense was one of those offseason narratives that sounded right. But it hasn’t come to fruition. With Goldman getting more and more comfortable, the run game has diminished, dropping to 25th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and yards per carry.

The Bears have allowed 154, 182 and 145 rushing yards in their last three games against the Packers, Buccaneers and 49ers — an average of 160.3 yards. That’s the worst three-game stretch since 2016 under John Fox, when the Bears allowed 558 yards (186.0 avg.) in the final three games of a 3-13 season.

4. Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor’s stint as head coach was only one game, in an acting capacity and in a loss. But even in a small way it nonetheless helped the cause of every special teams coach trying to get a head coaching job in the NFL — including Tabor, and perhaps his mentor, Dave Toub, the former Bears special teams coordinator now with the Chiefs, who has been passed over for too many head coaching jobs.

During the week, Tabor was a special teams coordinator with head coaching responsibilities. But on game day, he was a head coach first and a special teams coordinator second. You noticed the difference.

“I thought he did a helluva job,” Nagy said. “[We were] able to communicate all week long –talking through things he might have questions about or some things that I might have suggestions with. But then you get to game day … you have to have a sense of how the game’s going and there’s a feel to it.

“That’s where I think coach Tabor did a wonderful job. There was no hesitation in his decision-making and sometimes that’s what can get you as a head coach or a decision-maker — if there’s hesitation. He went with full conviction on all his decisions and I was really, really impressed with him and very appreciative.”

5. Cairo Santos had a streak of 50 consecutive place-kicks (22 field goals, 28 PATs) snapped when he missed a PAT after Fields’ spectacular 22-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

But he was 3-for-3 on field goals against the 49ers (39, 40 and 25 yards), extending his franchise-record streak to 37 — fourth-best on the NFL’s all-time list for consecutive field. Adam Vinatieri holds the record with 44 for the Colts in 2015-16.

6. Never underestimate the mediocrity of the NFL.

7. Bits & Pieces: NFL teams were 9-0 this season with 37 minutes of possession or more in games decided in regulation until the Bears dominated time-of-possession 37:11 to 22:49 against the 49ers and lost. … Fields’ 103 rushing yards were the most against the 49ers by a quarterback since 2000, when the Saints’ Aaron Brooks had 108 on 11 carries. … Kyler Murray had seven carries for one yard against the 49ers in Week 5. … Fields’ deep-ball interception on his final pass dropped his passer rating from 103.8 to 84.6. … The Bears scored on their first three possessions against the 49ers (two fields goals and a touchdown) — the first time they’ve done that against an opponent other than the Lions since 2016 (Week 11 against the Giants, a 22-16 loss).

8. Josh McCown Ex-Bears Player of the Week: Rams linebacker Leonard Floyd had two sacks and a tackle-for-loss in a 38-22 blowout of the Texans. Floyd had 4.5 sacks this season and 17 sacks in 24 games with the Rams since leaving the Bears after the 2019 season.

9. Bear-ometer: 6-11 — at Steelers (L); vs. Ravens (L); at Lions (W); vs. Cardinals (L); at Packers (L); vs. Vikings (W); at Seahawks (L); vs. Giants (W); at Vikings (L).

10. A personal note: This edition of 1st-and-10 is dedicated to my father, Melvin Potash, who died Monday night at 92. A loyal Sun-Times subscriber virtually from the inception of the paper, my dad was my biggest fan and instilled in me a work ethic that has been invaluable. I have had no greater satisfaction in my career than making my dad proud. And he will always be a part of everything I write, and everything I do. He was the best!

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